SANA SURMA | Molecular Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Plant Scientist

Best Researcher Award

SANA SURMA – Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir

SANA SURMA
Affiliation Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir
Country India
Scopus ID 57915335600
Documents 10
Citations 13
h-index 3
Subject Area Molecular Plant Pathology
Event International Plant Scientist Awards

SANA SURMA is a researcher affiliated with Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, India. Her scholarly activities are primarily associated with molecular plant pathology, disease surveillance, and fungal pathogen studies affecting economically important temperate fruit crops. Her research contributions have enhanced understanding of powdery mildew occurrence, host-pathogen relationships, and disease management strategies within horticultural systems.[1][2]

Abstract

This article evaluates the academic profile of SANA SURMA in the context of the Best Researcher Award under the International Plant Scientist Awards. The assessment highlights contributions to molecular plant pathology, powdery mildew epidemiology, fungal biodiversity documentation, and disease monitoring in temperate fruit crops. Published research demonstrates engagement with plant disease diagnostics and agricultural sustainability initiatives.[1][2]

Keywords

Molecular Plant Pathology, Powdery Mildew, Temperate Fruit Crops, Plant Disease Epidemiology, Fungal Biodiversity, Disease Surveillance, Horticultural Research, Plant Protection, Agricultural Science, Best Researcher Award.

Introduction

Molecular plant pathology plays an important role in identifying plant diseases, understanding pathogen diversity, and improving crop protection strategies. Research focusing on powdery mildew diseases contributes significantly to horticultural productivity and sustainable agriculture. Such investigations provide essential scientific evidence for disease monitoring, diagnosis, and management programs across fruit-growing regions.[1]

Research Profile

SANA SURMA’s academic profile reflects research interests centered on fungal plant pathogens affecting temperate fruit crops. Her work includes disease occurrence studies, pathogen identification, and documentation of powdery mildew species. Through scientific publications, she has contributed to expanding regional knowledge regarding economically important plant diseases and their distribution.[1][2]

Research Contributions

Her contributions include investigations into powdery mildew prevalence on temperate fruit crops and reporting new records of powdery mildew fungi affecting stone fruits in India. These findings support plant disease surveillance efforts and provide valuable baseline information for future epidemiological, taxonomic, and disease management research activities.[1][2]

Publications

The publication record includes studies addressing disease occurrence, pathogen status assessments, and fungal biodiversity associated with fruit crops. Research outputs demonstrate scholarly engagement with applied plant pathology and agricultural science. Published findings contribute to scientific literature relevant to disease diagnostics, crop health, and sustainable horticulture.[1][2]

Research Impact

The documented studies contribute to understanding disease prevalence and pathogen diversity in horticultural ecosystems. Such information assists researchers, extension specialists, and growers in developing informed disease management approaches. The work supports broader objectives of crop protection, agricultural productivity, and evidence-based plant health monitoring programs.[1][2]

Award Suitability

The research achievements, publication record, and specialized expertise in molecular plant pathology indicate alignment with the objectives of the International Plant Scientist Awards. Contributions to disease documentation and pathogen research demonstrate scientific relevance, making the researcher a suitable candidate for recognition within the plant science research community.[3]

Conclusion

SANA SURMA has contributed to plant pathology research through studies focused on powdery mildew diseases and fungal biodiversity affecting temperate fruit crops. Her publications support scientific understanding of plant health challenges and disease management. These achievements provide a credible foundation for consideration under the Best Researcher Award category.[1][2][3]

References

  1. OCCURRENCE AND STATUS OF POWDERY MILDEW DISEASE ON MAJOR TEMPERATE FRUIT CROPS IN NORTH-WESTERN HIMALAYAN STATE OF JAMMU & KASHMIR (INDIA)
    https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57915335600
  2. Surma, S., Bhat, Z. A., & collaborators. (2023). New records of powdery mildew fungi on stone fruits from India
    https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sana-Surma
  3. International Plant Scientist Awards. (n.d.). International Plant Scientist Awards: Award categories, eligibility, and recognition programs.
    https://plantscientist.org/

Lakha Salaipeth | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Plant Scientist

Dr. Lakha Salaipeth | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi | Thailand

Dr. Lakha Salaipeth is a dedicated researcher and academic in the field of natural resource management, specializing in mycoviruses, microbial biotechnology, and sustainable bioresource utilization. As a lecturer at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, she combines her expertise in microbiology, biotechnology, and food science to advance scientific knowledge and practical applications in agriculture, aquaculture, and environmental management. Her research spans fungal virology, microbial pigments, enzymatic biomass conversion, and waste valorization. With international research collaborations and contributions to peer-reviewed journals, she is recognized for her role in bridging fundamental science and applied biotechnology, fostering innovations that support sustainable development goals.

Author Profile

Orcid 

Education 

Dr. Salaipeth earned her Ph.D. in Agriculture from Okayama University, Japan, focusing on the biological and molecular characterization of mycoviruses, with significant insights into genome rearrangements and gene expression strategies. She obtained her M.Sc. in Biotechnology from Prince of Songkla University, Thailand, where her thesis centered on developing probiotic products for white shrimp aquaculture. Her academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Food Science and Nutrition from the same university, laying the foundation for her multidisciplinary expertise. This diverse educational background has enabled her to integrate molecular biology, microbial biotechnology, and food science in her research and teaching.

Professional Experience

Dr. Salaipeth is currently a full-time lecturer at King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, where she teaches and conducts research in natural resource management and microbial biotechnology. She previously worked as a researcher in the Plant Microbe Interaction Group at Okayama University, contributing to projects in fungal virology. Her industry experience includes serving as Production Executive at Matterhorn Lin Foong, Malaysia, and Production Supervisor at Pacific Fish Processing, Thailand. This blend of academic and industrial expertise enables her to link theoretical research with real-world applications, particularly in sustainable agriculture, aquaculture biotechnology, and microbial resource utilization.

Awards and Recognition 

Dr. Salaipeth’s career reflects recognition through her contributions to both research and education in microbial biotechnology and natural resource management. Her work has been published in reputable international journals and book chapters, highlighting her expertise in mycoviruses, microbial pigments, and enzymatic biomass degradation. She has been acknowledged for fostering international research collaborations and contributing to sustainable solutions in agriculture and aquaculture. Her participation in multidisciplinary projects and her role in academic mentorship underscore her standing in the scientific community. Through her publications and conference contributions, she has gained respect among peers as an innovator in bioresource technology.

Research Skills

Dr. Salaipeth’s research skills span mycovirus characterization, microbial pigment production, enzymatic biomass degradation, and waste-to-resource bioconversion. She is adept in molecular biology techniques, microbial isolation and screening, protein purification, and structural biology approaches. Her expertise includes studying plant–microbe interactions, hypovirulence mechanisms, and developing biotechnological applications in agriculture, aquaculture, and environmental remediation. She has experience in industrial fermentation processes, enzymatic pretreatment strategies, and microbial metabolite characterization. Her interdisciplinary skill set enables her to address challenges in sustainable resource use, linking fundamental microbial science with applied innovations in food, feed, and environmental biotechnology.

Publications

Hassan, M.K., Sun, L., Jirakkakul, J., Saithong, T., Kalapanulak, S., Krobthong, S., Maiuthed, A., Yodying, Y., Permana, B.H., & Salaipeth, L. (2025). “Hypovirulence Induced by Mycovirus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides RNA virus 1 strain Ssa-44.1 in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides: Insights from a multi-Omics Analysis of Host-Virus Interactions” in Microbiological Research .

Moktip, T., Salaipeth, L., Cope, A.E., Taherzadeh, M.J., Watanabe, T., Phitsuwan, P., & Mohamed, S.A. (2025). “Current Understanding of Feather Keratin and Keratinase and Their Applications in Biotechnology” in Biochemistry Research International.

Pundee, K., Akeprathumchai, S., Tripetchkul, S., & Salaipeth, L. (2023). “Unveiling the microbial dynamics in vermicomposting with coir pith as earthworm substrate” in Heliyon.

So, L.-H., Jirakkakul, J., Salaipeth, L., Toopaang, W., & Amnuaykanjanasin, A. (2023). “TOR Signaling Tightly Regulated Vegetative Growth, Conidiation, Oxidative Stress Tolerance, and Entomopathogenicity in the Fungus Beauveria bassiana” in Microorganisms.

Suharto, A.R., Jirakkakul, J., Eusebio-Cope, A., & Salaipeth, L. (2022). “Hypovirulence of Colletotrichum gloesporioides Associated with dsRNA Mycovirus Isolated from a Mango Orchard in Thailand” in Viruses.

Conclusion

Dr. Lakha Salaipeth stands out as a scientist whose career bridges academic research, industrial application, and sustainable development. Her multidisciplinary expertise enables her to integrate microbiology, biotechnology, and food science into innovative solutions for agriculture, aquaculture, and environmental challenges. Through her teaching, she inspires future scientists, while her research continues to contribute valuable insights into fungal virology, microbial metabolites, and bioconversion technologies. Her collaborative spirit and commitment to knowledge dissemination have expanded the reach and impact of her work internationally. With a balance of scholarly excellence and practical innovation, she plays a pivotal role in advancing bioresource technology.