Shafeeq Rahman | Plant Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Plant Scientist

Dr. Shafeeq Rahman | Plant Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

United Arab Emirates University | United Arab Emirates

Shafeeq Rahman is a peer-reviewed researcher in molecular biology and plant biotechnology, with significant metrics to his name: an h-index of 6, more than 187 citations, and numerous published documents as indexed in Google Scholar. With a PhD in Biosciences and advanced studies from the University of Abertay (UK) and ICAR-CPC Research Institute, he has built over a decade of expertise in plant tissue culture, plant-microbe interactions, functional genomics, epigenetics, abiotic stress responses, and space biology. In his postdoctoral role at the ASPIRE Research Institute of Food Security in Drylands (UAE University), Shafeeq has led projects isolating native growth-promoting endophytes, characterizing stress regulatory genes in date palm, and evaluating biochemical, transcriptomic and epigenetic alterations in seeds/seedlings exposed to microgravity aboard the ISS. He has also contributed to work on gut microbiota and pathogen prevalence in ruminants. His peer-reviewed articles in journals such as BMC Plant Biology, Scientific Reports, and Phytobiomes demonstrate both depth and impact. His current research interests encompass sustainable agriculture, microbiome engineering, plant adaptation under abiotic stress, and space biology, with the goal of developing strategies to enhance plant resilience in challenging environments.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

A Pangenomic Analysis of the Diversity and Biological Functioning of the Genus Azotobacter

The Enterobacter sp. SA187 stimulates stress-responsive genes and promotes salt and heat stress tolerance in tomato plants

Colonization and endophytic establishment of diazotrophic Lysinibacillus sphaericus in Oryza sativa and its efficacy in plant growth promotion

Host Genotype and Compartment Regulate Bacterial Microbiome Composition, Assembly Pattern and Network Complexity in Three Salt Tolerant Date Palm Cultivars

Identification of Endophytic Bacterial Community Associated With Roots of Desert Vegetation.

Duggireddy Mahesh Reddy | Plant Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Plant Scientist

Mr. Duggireddy Mahesh Reddy | Plant Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University | India

D. Mahesh Reddy is a passionate researcher specializing in horticulture, with a strong focus on floriculture and landscaping. With extensive experience in biotechnology-based crop genetics, he has worked on genetic diversity, crop improvement, and sustainable cultivation practices, particularly in ornamental and medicinal plants. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Horticulture from Dr. YSR Horticultural University and has actively contributed to research, publications, and academic events. His expertise is demonstrated in molecular characterization, plant tissue culture, and SSR marker analysis. Mahesh aims to serve in academia as an Assistant Professor, contributing to education, innovation, and scientific excellence in horticulture.

Author Profile

Scopus

Education 

D. Mahesh Reddy is pursuing a Ph.D. in Horticulture (Floriculture and Landscaping) at Dr. YSR Horticultural University, expected to submit his thesis in 2025. He completed his M.Sc. in Horticulture from Central Agricultural University, Imphal, and his B.Sc. (Horticulture) from Dr. YSRHU. He also completed intermediate and SSC education in Andhra Pradesh with distinction. His academic projects have focused on morphological and molecular characterization of orchids and genetic diversity studies in Crossandra species. He has hands-on experience in nursery management, ELP projects, RHWEP, and various cultivation techniques including protected cultivation of floricultural crops.

Professional Experience

Mahesh Reddy served as a Consultant at the A.P. Medicinal & Aromatic Plants Board, Vijayawada, for three months, supporting technical research and outreach for medicinal plant cultivation. He contributed to planning awareness programs and technical documentation. He has qualified the ASRB National Eligibility Test (NET) in 2023 for Assistant Professor roles. His research training includes experimental work at ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, and academic institutions in Arunachal Pradesh. Mahesh also gained practical exposure through hands-on training programs, workshops, and internships, particularly in molecular biology, biotechnology, and nursery and field-level horticultural practices.

Awards and Recognition 

D. Mahesh Reddy received the Best Oral Presentation Award at the International Conference on Ornamental Horticulture (TNAU, 2025) for his work on SSR-based diversity in Crossandra. He has been invited to present in national and international seminars and conferences, including ICAR-IIHR and DFR, Pune. His research presentations and poster displays at national symposiums and webinars highlight his active academic engagement. His qualification in the ASRB-NET exam (2023) adds to his academic credentials. Additionally, he has co-authored multiple high-impact journal publications, five book chapters, and four popular articles, showcasing consistent scholarly contribution in horticultural science.

Research Skills 

Mahesh possesses strong expertise in molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and DNA fingerprinting using SSR markers. He is proficient in using bioinformatics tools like NTSYS, MEGA, GeneAlex, and STRUCTURE for genetic analysis. His research integrates morphological and molecular approaches to assess genetic diversity in ornamental crops like Dendrobium and Crossandra. He has experience in nursery techniques, protected cultivation, vermicomposting, and field experimentation including trait analysis and statistical interpretation. His understanding of horticultural biotechnology is supported by trainings from IARI, ICAR-IIHR, and CAU, making him adept at both lab-based and field-oriented research activities.

Publications

Reddy, D. M., Safeena, S. A., Chandrashekar, N., Srinivas, P. T., Kumar, P. N., Arivalagan, M., & Sonavane, P. (2025). Deciphering genetic diversity and population structure in Crossandra (Crossandra infundibuliformis L.) genotypes based on SSR markers. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution.
Reddy, D. M., Momin, K. C., Singh, A. K., Kumar, S., Wangchu, L., & Bhargav, V. (2024). Genetic diversity of Dendrobium species revealed by simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution
Reddy, D. M., Momin, K. C., Bhargav, V., Kumar, S., Singh, A. K., & Arun Kumar, P. (2025). Phenotyping and diversity assessment of Dendrobium species by using DUS guidelines. Plant Science Today
Reddy, D. M., Momin, K. C., Bhargav, V., Kumar, S., Singh, A., & Phurailatpam, A. (2024). Morphological characterization of Dendrobium orchid species of East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. Journal of Horticultural Sciences
Reddy, D. M., Momin, K. C., Bhargav, V., Lego, N., Chakradhar, P., Siva Teja, V., & Mahesh, U. (2025). Genetic variability and character association analysis of various quantitative traits of orchids (Dendrobium spp.) from the East Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh. Journal of Applied Horticulture