Duggireddy Mahesh Reddy | Plant Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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

 

Hemen Dave | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Hemen Dave | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

National Forensic Sciences University | India

Author Profile

Orcid ID

🏠 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Hemen Dave’s academic foundation is rooted in Environmental and Biological Sciences. He completed his B.Sc. in Biochemistry (2006) and M.Sc. in Environmental Science (2008) from Gujarat University with a strong academic record. Further elevating his academic trajectory, he earned a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Manipal University, Jaipur, in October 2014. His doctoral research, titled “Study of Plasma for Surface Modification of Polymers, Biomaterial and Their Characterization”, was jointly guided by Dr. Lalita Ledwani and Dr. S.K. Nema, focusing on plasma applications in material science—an area now pivotal to eco-friendly industrial processes.

🧑‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Dave’s career began at IIM Ahmedabad (2008–2009), where he contributed to India’s Second National Communication to UNFCCC. He then transitioned into academia and research, taking up roles at Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (2009–2012), Institute for Plasma Research (2012–2014), and environmental consultancy firms like Vasudev Associates and Envisafe. These positions showcased his adaptability in both research and applied environmental science. From 2015 to 2018, he served as an Assistant Professor at The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, actively contributing to curriculum development, laboratory enhancement, and student mentorship. Since March 2018, he has been a part of National Forensic Sciences University, Government of India, where he also fulfills administrative roles including Coordinator of the University Placement Cell and Member of the Board of Studies.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Dave’s interdisciplinary research bridges plasma chemistry, environmental sustainability, textile science, and materials characterization. His work explores plasma surface modification for enhancing dye uptake in polymers and natural fibers, and has expanded into eco-friendly dyeing processes for both textiles and leather. His research also extends into water treatment, notably using green oxidants like Ferrate for CETP effluent treatment. His keen focus on green chemistry and sustainable industrial practices aligns closely with global environmental objectives.

🌍 Impact and Influence

The real-world impact of Dr. Dave’s work is evident in multiple domains—industrial applications, environmental policy input (e.g., UNFCCC reports), and sustainable textile processing. His studies have improved industrial dyeing efficiency, encouraged the adoption of plasma technologies, and contributed to low-emission practices in textile and leather sectors. As a faculty and mentor, he has shaped numerous young minds in environmental sciences, instilling values of ecological responsibility and scientific rigor.

🛠️ Technical Skills

Dr. Dave brings a strong arsenal of technical expertise, including:

  • Plasma Diagnostics (Optical Emission Spectroscopy)

  • Material Characterization Techniques (ATR-FTIR, XPS, SEM)

  • Water and Waste Analysis

  • Environmental Compliance Documentation (EC applications, EMS reports)

  • Data handling for greenhouse gas inventories

  • Curriculum Development and Lab Setup

These skills are applied both in field consultancy and academic instruction.

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience

Dr. Dave has rich teaching experience, having served at Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, MSU Baroda, and now at NFSU. He has taught both undergraduate and postgraduate programs in Environmental Studies, covering theory and lab work. His teaching style emphasizes hands-on learning, industry-relevant training, and research-driven education. He has guided student projects, coordinated field visits, and developed course content for air quality monitoring and wastewater treatment.

🏆 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Hemen Dave is a scholar-practitioner, seamlessly integrating academic research with industrial solutions. His legacy lies in promoting green technologies in environmental sciences and shaping policies through his early association with IIM and MoEF projects. Looking ahead, Dr. Dave is well-positioned to drive policy-oriented research, foster industry-academia collaborations, and mentor the next generation of sustainability-focused professionals. His future work is expected to delve deeper into advanced environmental materials, clean energy, and sustainable development strategies aligned with India’s and global goals.

📖Publications

rsenite and arsenate ions adsorption onto a biogenic nano-iron entrapped dual network Fe@alginate-κ-carrageenan hydrogel beads
  • Authors: Srivastava, A.; Azad, S.K.; Singh, K.; Prasad, B.; Kumari, M.; Nandan; Sahoo, A.K.; Dave, H.; Maurya, D.M.; Singh, D. et al.
    Journal: Nanotechnology for Environmental Engineering
    Year: 2023
Effective removal of Cr(VI) ions from the aqueous solution by agro-waste-based biochar: an exploration of batch and column studies
  • Authors: Singh, K.; Azad, S.K.; Dave, H.; Prasad, B.; Maurya, D.M.; Kumari, M.; Dubey, D.; Rai, A.K.; Sillanpää, M.; Sah, M.P. et al.
    Journal: Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery
    Year: 2023
Enzymatic surface modification of banana fabric with cellulase: Characterization and antimicrobial finishing with plant extracts
  • Authors: Vajpayee, M.; Singh, M.; Dave, H.; Ledwani, L.
    Journal: Industrial Crops and Products
    Year: 2023
Study of physico-chemical and antibacterial properties of DBD plasma treated ahimsa silk coated with natural active agent
  • Authors: Singh, M.; Vajpayee, M.; Ledwani, L.; Dave, H.; Nema, S.K.
    Journal: Physica Scripta
    Year: 2023
A mechanistic insight into chromium (VI) ion adsorption onto pristine, UCB as well as Al-modified Neolamarckia cadamba wood biochar, MCB
  • Authors: Singh, K.; Azad, S.K.; Dave, H.; Prasad, B.; Maurya, D.M.; Kumari, M.; Dubey, D.; Rai, A.K.; Singh, D.; Sillanpää, M. et al.
    Journal: Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery
    Year: 2022

Hakan Kibar | Horticultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Hakan Kibar | Horticultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University | Turkey

Author Profile

Scopus
Orcid ID
Google Scholar

🌟  Suitable for this Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Hakan Kibar is a distinguished figure in horticultural science, renowned for his innovative research in seed technology and post-harvest storage. His work has significantly advanced sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in seed preservation and storage optimization. Prof. Dr. Hakan Kibar is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. His contributions significantly impact agricultural engineering, postharvest seed preservation, and food security. His consistent research output, mentorship of graduate students, and leadership in national-level projects reflect a strong, sustained commitment to advancing agricultural science and technology.

🎓 Education 

Prof. Dr. Hakan Kibar’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Technology from Ondokuz Mayıs University in 2003. He pursued a Master’s degree, completing a thesis on the relationship between moisture content and storage characteristics in hazelnut varieties in 2006. His doctoral research, finalized in 2011, focused on optimizing silo design based on grain properties using ANSYS software. This solid educational foundation has been pivotal in his contributions to agricultural structures and irrigation.

 💼  Professional Experience

Prof. Dr. Kibar’s professional trajectory includes roles as a Research Assistant at Ondokuz Mayıs University (2004-2011), Assistant Professor at Iğdır University (2012-2014), and subsequent positions at Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, where he advanced from Assistant Professor to Professor by 2022. His leadership roles encompass Head of the Seed Science and Technology Department and membership in various academic boards, reflecting his commitment to academic excellence and research innovation.

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

Throughout his career, Prof. Dr. Kibar has received numerous accolades for his contributions to horticultural science. His research projects, often supported by national institutions, have addressed critical areas such as seed storage optimization and the effects of ultraviolet treatments on seed quality. His mentorship has guided several graduate students, further amplifying his impact on the field.

🌍Research skills On Horticultural Science

Prof. Dr. Kibar’s research expertise encompasses seed technology, post-harvest storage, and the application of ultraviolet treatments to enhance seed quality. His interdisciplinary approach combines engineering principles with agricultural science, leading to innovations in storage solutions and seed preservation techniques. His work is characterized by a commitment to sustainability and practical applications in horticulture.

📖Publications

Investigating UV-C radiation as a non-chemical method to prevent quality loss in the pea seed during storage
  • Authors: Yasemin Tekin Kumaş, Hakan Kibar, Hakkı Ekrem Soydemir

  • Journal: Journal of Stored Products Research

  • Year: 2025

Storage-induced changes in soybean seeds: Germination, nutritional value, and bioactive compounds
  • Authors: Hakan Kibar, Hakkı Ekrem Soydemir

  • Journal: Journal of Stored Products Research

  • Year: 2025

Comparison of Ultraviolet A, B and C Treatments in Preserving the Quality and Nutritional Integrity of Fresh-Cut Spinach
  • Authors: Hakan Kibar, Beyhan Kibar

  • Journal: Foods

  • Year: 2025

Ameliorative effects of humic acid and L‐tryptophan on enzyme activity, mineral content, biochemical properties, and plant growth of spinach cultivated in saline conditions
  • Authors: Nezahat Turfan, Beyhan Kibar, Nazakat Davletova, Hakan Kibar

  • Journal: Food Science & Nutrition

  • Year: 2024

Preservation of Postharvest Quality of Fresh-Cut Cauliflower through Exogenous Putrescine, Citric Acid and Salicylic Acid Treatments
  • Authors: Beyhan Kibar, Hakan Kibar, Emine Gündebahar

  • Journal: Uluslararası Tarım ve Yaban Hayatı Bilimleri Dergisi

  • Year: 2024