Forouzandeh Soltani | Plant Stress | Women Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Forouzandeh Soltani | Plant Stress | Women Researcher Award

Associate professor, University of Tehran, Iran

Dr. Forouzandeh Soltani Salehabadi is an Associate Professor of Vegetable Genetics and Breeding at the University of Tehran, Iran. She is also currently a Research Associate at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. With expertise in vegetable crop physiology and breeding, Dr. Soltani has an exceptional academic and research career. She has contributed significantly to agricultural science through international collaborations and cutting-edge research. As a recognized leader, Dr. Soltani has held prominent roles, including Deputy of the Horticultural Science Department at the University of Tehran, where she mentored numerous students. Her work is focused on improving the genetic quality and stress tolerance of crops, especially melon and cucumber varieties. She has extensive international collaborations with institutions in Germany, France, Japan, and other countries. Dr. Soltani has earned recognition in the form of prestigious awards, grants, and high-impact publications.

Profile

Education

Dr. Forouzandeh Soltani Salehabadi holds a Ph.D. in Horticultural Science, specializing in the physiology and breeding of vegetable crops, which she completed in 2010 at the University of Tehran, Iran. Before that, she earned a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Horticultural Science from the same university in 2003, and a Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc.) in Horticultural Science from Valiasr University, Iran, in 2001. Her education provided her with a strong foundation in plant science, focusing on vegetable crops’ breeding, physiology, and genetic improvement. Through her academic journey, Dr. Soltani has developed expertise in vegetable breeding, crop stress physiology, and biotechnology, making substantial contributions to both her home country and internationally. Her academic path has supported her later research career, where she has pushed boundaries in the genetic improvement of crops, particularly under stress conditions like drought and salinity.

Experience

Dr. Forouzandeh Soltani Salehabadi has over a decade of experience in academia and research. She is currently an Associate Professor in the Horticultural Science Department at the University of Tehran, where she has made significant contributions to research and teaching. Prior to this, she served as an Assistant Professor from 2011 to 2022 and also held the role of Graduate and Undergraduate Program Director at the university. Between 2022 and 2023, Dr. Soltani was the Deputy of the Horticultural Science Department. In addition to her position in Tehran, Dr. Soltani is currently a Research Associate at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, where she continues her international collaborations. Over her career, Dr. Soltani has worked extensively with international research teams from Germany, France, Japan, and more, engaging in projects that advance crop breeding, stress tolerance, and genetics, particularly in melons, cucumbers, and aubergines.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Forouzandeh Soltani Salehabadi has received numerous grants and awards for her groundbreaking research in vegetable breeding and genetics. She has been awarded fully funded grants for her greenhouse cucumber inbred lines breeding program and has received recognition from the University of Tehran and the Seed and Plant Certification and Registration Institute for the registration and commercialization of Cantaloup hybrid varieties. Her work on the genetic improvement of melon and other vegetable crops has earned her recognition in the scientific community, with high citation rates for her publications. The international recognition of her research and contributions to global agricultural science further exemplifies her excellence in the field. Dr. Soltani’s leadership and mentorship in academia have also garnered accolades, highlighting her influence on shaping the next generation of scientists and researchers, particularly women, in agricultural science.

Research Focus

Dr. Forouzandeh Soltani Salehabadi focuses on vegetable genetics and breeding, particularly on improving drought and salinity stress tolerance in vegetable crops. Her research aims to enhance the nutritional quality, yield, and resilience of crops such as melon, cucumber, and aubergine. A significant part of her work involves understanding and regulating the carotenoid metabolism in colored vegetables like cauliflower, which impacts their nutritional value. Additionally, her work on the genetic diversity of melons and other crops using molecular markers is pivotal in developing superior breeding lines. Dr. Soltani’s studies on magnetic fields and their impact on seed germination, along with the application of biofertilizers to improve crop yields, have contributed to sustainable agriculture practices. By collaborating internationally with renowned institutions in Germany, France, and Japan, Dr. Soltani is advancing global efforts in the genetic improvement of vegetable crops under environmental stress.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Characterization of Iranian melon landraces of Cucumis melo L. Groups Flexuosus and Dudaim by analysis of morphological characters and random amplified polymorphic DNA (Breeding Science, 2010) 🌱
  2. Effect of magnetic field on Asparagus officinalis L. seed germination and seedling growth (Seed Science and Technology, 2006) 🌾
  3. Evaluation of combining ability in Cucurbita pepo L. and Cucurbita moschata Duchesne accessions for fruit and seed quantitative traits (Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, 2018) 🍉
  4. Genetic diversity of Cucurbita pepo L. and Cucurbita moschata Duchesne accessions using fruit and seed quantitative traits (Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, 2018) 🍈
  5. The effect of nitrogen fixation and phosphorus solvent bacteria on growth physiology and vitamin C content of Capsicum annum L. (Iranian Journal of Plant Physiology, 2013) 🌶️
  6. Morphological and Physio-Biochemical Responses of Watermelon Grafted onto Rootstocks of Wild Watermelon (Horticulturae, 2021) 🍉
  7. Selenium Fortification Alters the Growth, Antioxidant Characteristics and Secondary Metabolite Profiles of Cauliflower (Plants, 2021) 🥦
  8. Effect of magnetic field on Ocimum basilicum seed germination and seedling growth (International Symposium on the Labiatae, 2006) 🌿
  9. Growth, yield and enzyme activity response of watermelon accessions exposed to irrigation water deficit (International Journal of Vegetable Science, 2018) 🍉
  10. Analysis of general and specific combining ability of postharvest attributes in melon (Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology, 2020) 🍈

 

 

Viktoriya Kryuchkova | Horticultural | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Viktoriya Kryuchkova | Horticultural | Best Researcher Award

leading scientific researcher, N.V. Tsitsin Main Botanical Garden of Russian Academy of Science, Russia

Dr. Viktoriya Kryuchkova, born in 1978, is a highly regarded Russian scientist and educator in horticulture, specializing in fruit and vegetable growing, ornamental horticulture, and biotechnology. She graduated from the Moscow Agricultural Academy in 2000, and since then, has worked in various academic and research roles, primarily focusing on plant breeding and micropropagation. Her significant contributions to the study of ornamental plants, including lilacs, have earned her recognition in the scientific community. Dr. Kryuchkova has supervised over 120 undergraduate and postgraduate students, and her work in biotechnological plant techniques has led to multiple patents. With over 20 years of experience in scientific and pedagogical fields, Dr. Kryuchkova currently serves as the Deputy Director for Scientific Work at the N.V. Tsitsin Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Profile

Education

Dr. Kryuchkova’s academic journey began with her graduation from the Moscow Agricultural Academy (now the Russian State Agrarian University) in 2000. She obtained her degree in agronomy, specializing in fruit and vegetable growing and viticulture. In the following year, she joined the Department of Breeding and Seed Production of Fruit and Vegetable Crops as a research intern. Continuing her pursuit of academic excellence, she entered postgraduate studies in 2001. Her research led to a PhD (Candidate of Biological Sciences) in 2005, where she focused on the biotechnological optimization of microclonal reproduction and adaptation of lilac genotypes. Dr. Kryuchkova’s robust academic background also includes the title of Associate Professor, which she earned in 2011. She has collaborated in publishing two textbooks, further demonstrating her commitment to advancing education in horticulture and landscape design.

Experience 

Dr. Kryuchkova boasts over 22 years of scientific and pedagogical experience. Her career in the academic world began in 2000, when she started as a research intern and progressed through roles such as assistant and associate professor. From 2004 to 2006, she led the Botanical Garden of the Russian State Agricultural Academy, enhancing her managerial and leadership skills. In 2011, she was awarded the title of Associate Professor at the Department of Ornamental Horticulture and Lawn Science. Her expertise extends to serving as the head of the laboratory at the N.V. Tsitsin Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences, where she has been a leading researcher since 2013. Dr. Kryuchkova also currently holds the position of Deputy Director for Scientific Work at the same botanical garden, focusing on advancing scientific initiatives. Her extensive experience includes mentoring students, publishing research, and innovating in plant breeding and biotechnology.

Research Focus 

Dr. Kryuchkova’s research focus centers on the intersection of plant biotechnology and horticulture, particularly in the areas of micropropagation, ornamental plant breeding, and biotechnological improvements in fruit and vegetable crops. She is renowned for her work on optimizing clonal reproduction of plants, specifically common lilacs (Syringa vulgaris), using biotechnological techniques. Her studies have expanded into the breeding of blackberry varieties, focusing on their growth, development, and adaptability to various environments. Additionally, Dr. Kryuchkova investigates the genetic diversity and symmetries in plant traits to improve cultivation methods. Her work is critical for advancing agricultural and horticultural practices, especially in enhancing the resilience and productivity of garden plants. Her research collaborations with other institutions have led to the development of two patents and various publications, strengthening her position as a leading researcher in the field of ornamental horticulture and plant biotechnology.

Publication

  1. Comparison of Fruit Parameters and Elemental Composition of Commercial Varieties of Blackberries 🍇📊
  2. Clonal Micropropagation of Cymbidium erythrostylum Rolfe 🌸🔬
  3. Unexpected Effects of Sulfate and Sodium Chloride Application on Wheat Kernels 🌾⚡
  4. Evaluation of the Heterogeneity of Wheat Kernels 📉🌾
  5. Correlations of Traits of the Flower, Leaf, and Fruit of Sargent’s Apple Tree 🍏🌿
  6. Polymorphism of Leaf and Fruit of the Sargent’s Apple Tree 🌳🍎
  7. Variability and Correlations of Traits of Malus zumi 🌳🍒
  8. Analysis of the Contingency of Traits in Rubus L. 🍇🔍
  9. Analysis of the Influence of Varietal Characteristics of Blackberries 🍇🔬
  10. Elements of Container Technology for Growing Blackberry Varieties Ouachita 🍇🏺

 

 

Yasser Shabana | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Yasser Shabana | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Emeritus Professor,Mansoura University,Egypt

Yasser M. Shabana is an esteemed Emeritus Professor at the Plant Pathology Department, Mansoura University, Egypt. Born in Damietta, Egypt, in 1960, he is internationally recognized for his expertise in plant pathology, especially in biological control of plant diseases and invasive weeds. He has received numerous awards, including the prestigious State Pioneers Award in Agricultural Sciences (2022). His career spans several continents, with research and teaching positions in the USA, Europe, and Africa. Shabana has contributed significantly to the field through his work on bioherbicides, plant pathogens, and disease management. He is also known for developing a bioherbicide for controlling the crenate broomrape. As an author and researcher, he has collaborated extensively, leaving a significant mark on the agricultural sciences. He has also served as a visiting professor, sharing his knowledge and innovations with global academic communities.

Profile 

Orchid 

Google Scholar

Education 

Yasser M. Shabana earned his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from Mansoura University, Egypt, in 1992, through a joint supervision program with the University of Florida, USA. His doctoral thesis focused on the biological control of water hyacinths using plant pathogens. Prior to that, he completed his M.Sc. in Plant Pathology at Mansoura University in 1987, specializing in the biological control of water weeds. Shabana holds a B.Sc. in Agricultural Sciences, with a focus on Plant Production, from Mansoura University (1981). His academic journey reflects his deep commitment to understanding plant diseases and seeking sustainable agricultural solutions. His doctoral and master’s theses laid the foundation for his career in biological control, while his collaborations with international institutions and scholars have enriched his expertise. These experiences helped him become a global leader in his field, with ongoing contributions to agricultural science.

Experience 

Yasser M. Shabana has over 30 years of academic and research experience in the field of plant pathology. He is currently an Emeritus Professor at Mansoura University, where he also served as Chairman of the Plant Pathology Department (2017-2020) and Vice-Dean for Graduate Studies (2013-2017). Throughout his career, he has held various teaching and leadership positions, advancing the university’s academic reputation. His research includes work on biological control of invasive plants, plant diseases, and microbial pesticides. Shabana has had several scientific missions, including visits to universities and research centers in the USA, Europe, and Africa. He has been a visiting scientist and professor at the University of Florida, Purdue University, and several other institutions. His roles as a program manager and international trainer by FAO have helped in shaping global practices for controlling invasive species. Shabana’s leadership in the field has made him a renowned expert in the international scientific community.

Awards and Honors

Yasser M. Shabana has received several prestigious awards throughout his career, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to agricultural sciences. These include the 2022 State Pioneers Award in Agricultural Sciences and the 2020 Egypt Award for Governmental Excellence, awarded by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers. He was honored for his role in developing a bioherbicide to combat crenate broomrape, among the top innovations in Egypt. Shabana has also received the Mansoura University Award for Academic Excellence in 2022 and the Lifetime Achievement Award in the 9th International Scientist Awards on Engineering, Science, and Medicine in 2020. His accolades extend internationally, such as the Shoman Prize for Young Arab Scientists (1998) and the Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship (1999). Additionally, he has been recognized in the Marquis Who’s Who in the World® and Who’s Who in America®, reinforcing his stature as an outstanding global researcher.

Research Focus 

Yasser M. Shabana’s research focuses on the biological control of plant diseases and invasive weeds, with a particular emphasis on utilizing plant pathogens and microbial agents to control agricultural pests and enhance plant health. His work on waterhyacinth biological control, including the development of bioherbicides, is particularly noteworthy. Shabana is a pioneer in using fungi and bacteria for biological control, investigating their impact on invasive plant species like broomrape and waterhyacinth. He is also interested in plant disease management, exploring innovative methods to protect crops from fungal, bacterial, and viral pathogens. Furthermore, his research delves into the development of microbial pesticides, offering sustainable alternatives to chemical treatments. Shabana’s extensive contributions to understanding and mitigating the impacts of invasive species and plant diseases make him a leader in plant pathology. His expertise is sought globally, as evidenced by his international collaborations and training sessions for scientists.

Publications Titles 

  • Trichoderma harzianum: a biocontrol agent against Bipolaris oryzae 🍄
  • Silicon nanoparticles mitigate oxidative stress of in vitro-derived banana (Musa acuminata ‘Grand Nain’) under simulated water deficit or salinity stress 🌱
  • Efficacy of plant extracts in controlling wheat leaf rust disease caused by Puccinia triticina 🌾
  • Control of brown spot pathogen of rice (Bipolaris oryzae) using some phenolic antioxidants 🍚
  • Granular Pesta formulation of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. orthoceras for biological control of sunflower broomrape: efficacy and shelf-life 🌻
  • Efficacy of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus clarum in protection of cowpea plants against root rot pathogen Rhizoctonia solani 🌾
  • Identification, pathogenicity, and safety of Alternaria eichhorniae from Egypt as a bioherbicide agent for waterhyacinth 💧
  • Alternaria eichhorniae, a biological control agent for waterhyacinth: mycoherbicidal formulation and physiological and ultrastructural host responses 🌿
  • Evaluation of hydrophilic polymers for formulating the bioherbicide agents Alternaria cassiae and A. eichhorniae 🧪
  • Phomopsis amaranthicola, a new species from Amaranthus sp. 🌾
  • Occurrence and distribution of tomato seed‐borne mycoflora in Saudi Arabia and its correlation with the climatic variables 🍅