Mehrdad Alizadeh | Plant Pathology | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Mehrdad Alizadeh | Plant Pathology | Young Scientist Award

Researcher at Tarbiat Modares University | Iran

Dr. Mehrdad Alizadeh is a distinguished early-career researcher in Plant Pathology at Tarbiat Modares University, Iran, recognized for his multidisciplinary work on forest disease epidemiology, plant–microbe interactions, and microbial ecology. He holds a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from Tarbiat Modares University, following his M.Sc. and B.Sc. degrees in Plant Pathology and Plant Protection from the University of Tabriz. Dr. Alizadeh’s professional experience includes extensive teaching and mentoring of postgraduate students, participation in national and international research collaborations, and authorship of 31 scientific documents that have garnered 517 citations from 478 sources, reflecting his growing global impact and an h-index of 8. His research interests encompass mycology, bacteriology, microbiome analysis, forest pathology, and biocontrol strategies, with recent explorations into nanotechnology and artificial intelligence applications in plant health. Skilled in molecular techniques, microbiome sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, and bioinformatics tools, he integrates advanced methodologies to address complex ecological and pathological questions. Among his honors are multiple exceptional talent recognitions, research presentation awards, and elite student fellowships. In conclusion, Dr. Alizadeh exemplifies an innovative young scientist whose integrated approach to plant disease management and ecosystem health positions him as a promising leader in sustainable agricultural and environmental research.

Profile : Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

Alizadeh, M., Khoshru, B., Mitra, D., Khoshmanzar, E., Myo, E. M., Uniyal, N., Mahakur, B., et al. (2020). Current scenario and future prospects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria: An economic valuable resource for the agriculture revival under stressful conditions. Journal of Plant Nutrition, 43(20), 3062–3092.
Cited by: 180

Hyde, K. D., Noorabadi, M. T., Thiyagaraja, V., He, M. Q., Johnston, P. R., … Alizadeh, M. (2024). The 2024 Outline of Fungi and fungus-like taxa. Mycosphere, 15, 5146–6239.
Cited by: 99

Marooufpour, N., Alizadeh, M., Hatami, M., & Asgari Lajayer, B. (2019). Biological synthesis of nanoparticles by different groups of bacteria. In Microbial Nanobionics: Volume 1, State-of-the-art, pp. 63–85.
Cited by: 79

Alizadeh, M., Vasebi, Y., & Safaie, N. (2020). Microbial antagonists against plant pathogens in Iran: A review. Open Agriculture, 5(1), 404–440.
Cited by: 68

Khoshru, B., Mitra, D., Joshi, K., Adhikari, P., Rion, M. S. I., Fadiji, A. E., Alizadeh, M., et al. (2023). RETRACTED: Decrypting the multi-functional biological activators and inducers of defense responses against biotic stresses in plants. Heliyon, 9(3).
Cited by: 66

Manoj Semwal | Crop Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Manoj Semwal | Crop Science | Best Researcher Award

Chief Scientist at Council of Scientific and Industrial Research | India

Dr. Manoj Semwal is a highly accomplished scientist specializing in Precision Agriculture, Remote Sensing, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Machine Learning, and ICT applications in crop science. He holds degrees including B.Sc. (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), PGDCSA, MCA, M.Tech in Remote Sensing and GIS from the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (ISRO), and a Ph.D. in Precision Agriculture from the Academy of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. With over two decades of professional experience, he has served in progressive scientific roles at CSIR-CIMAP, culminating in his current position as Chief Scientist at CSIR Headquarters. His research interests span drone-based agri-technologies, smart farming systems, hyperspectral imaging, and data-driven decision tools for crop management. Demonstrating advanced research skills in remote sensing analytics, GIS modeling, and machine learning applications, he has led several national and international projects, including the Aroma Mission and a major Haleon UK-funded initiative on sustainable mint-based agro-technologies. His achievements have been recognized through numerous awards such as the CSIR Technology Award for Life Science, CAIRD Award for Rural Development, and the National Geomatics Award (ISRO, 2024). With over 40 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and innovative technology developments, Dr. Semwal’s work embodies scientific excellence and transformative innovation in modern agricultural research.

Profile : Scopus | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Bisht, D., Chanotiya, C. S., Rana, M., & Semwal, M. (2009). Variability in essential oil and bioactive chiral monoterpenoid compositions of Indian oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) populations from northwestern Himalaya and their chemotaxonomy. Industrial Crops and Products, 30(3), 422–426.

Kumar, Y., Prakash, O., Tripathi, H., Tandon, S., Gupta, M. M., Rahman, L. U., … (2018). AromaDb: A database of medicinal and aromatic plants’ aroma molecules with phytochemistry and therapeutic potentials. Frontiers in Plant Science, 9, 1081.

Khan, M. S., Semwal, M., Sharma, A., & Verma, R. K. (2020). An artificial neural network model for estimating Mentha crop biomass yield using Landsat 8 OLI. Precision Agriculture, 21, 18–33.

Prasad, N., Semwal, M., & Roy, P. S. (2015). Remote sensing and GIS for biodiversity conservation. In Recent Advances in Lichenology: Modern Methods and Approaches in Lichen Systematics and Culture Techniques (pp. 123–140). Springer.

Lothe, N. B., Mazeed, A., Pandey, J., Patairiya, V., Verma, K., Semwal, M., … (2021). Maximizing yields and economics by supplementing additional nutrients for commercially grown Menthol mint (Mentha arvensis L.) cultivars. Industrial Crops and Products, 160, 113110.

Cristina Oliveira | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Cristina Oliveira | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Instituto Supeior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa | Portugal

Prof. Dr. Cristina Oliveira is a distinguished horticultural scientist whose academic excellence and research leadership have significantly advanced agricultural innovation and sustainability. With 76 publications, an h-index of 20, and 1,821 citations from 1,580 documents, her scholarly impact is widely recognized. She holds a professorship at the Instituto Superior de Agronomia, University of Lisbon, where she teaches and coordinates key courses in olive cultivation, fruit production, and horticultural systems. Her educational background and career reflect a strong integration of scientific inquiry with practical agricultural solutions. Prof. Oliveira’s professional experience includes coordinating national and international R&D projects, supervising over 100 master’s and six doctoral theses, and serving on the scientific committees of major international congresses. Her research interests span fruit tree physiology, irrigation management, crop water use efficiency, and post-harvest fruit quality under changing climate conditions. Skilled in experimental design, data interpretation, and multidisciplinary collaboration, she effectively bridges academic research with industry application. Recognized for her contributions, she has served as President of ADISA and a board member of the Operational and Technological Center for Fruit and Vegetables (COTHN). Prof. Oliveira’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and academic mentorship firmly establishes her as a leading figure in horticultural research and education.

Profile : Scopus 

Featured Publications

Oliveira, C. M., et al. (2025). Single and basal crop coefficients for temperate climate fruit trees, vines, and shrubs with consideration of fraction of ground cover, height, and training system. Plant Stress.  (Cited by 4).

Oliveira, C. M., et al. (2025). Single and basal crop coefficients for estimation of water requirements of subtropical and tropical orchards and plantations with consideration of fraction of ground cover, height, and training system. Plant Stress. (Cited by 7).

Oliveira, C. M., et al. (2025). Single and basal crop coefficients for estimation of water use of tree and vine woody crops with consideration of fraction of ground cover, height, and training system for Mediterranean and warm temperate fruit and leaf crops. Plant Stress. (Cited by 15).

Oliveira, C. M., et al. (2025). Effect of heading cuts on branch growth of ‘Encore’ mandarin. Plant Stress. (Cited by 2).

Oliveira, C. M., et al. (2024). Analysis of petiole sap nutrients using rapid and standard methods and its relation to leaf analysis of fertilized Malus domestica cv. Gala. Horticulturae.

Jianxiu Hao | Plant Pathology | Women Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jianxiu Hao | Plant Pathology | Women Researcher Award

Senior Agronomist at College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jianxiu Hao is a dedicated scholar in the field of plant pathology, with a focus on the biological control of plant diseases and the application of beneficial microorganisms in agriculture. Her professional journey reflects a strong blend of academic excellence, research leadership, and practical innovation aimed at sustainable plant protection. She has contributed to advancing knowledge through impactful publications, books, and patents while playing an important role in the development of green agricultural practices. Her research addresses critical challenges in managing soil-borne plant diseases, particularly in economically important crops such as potatoes and strawberries. By integrating multidisciplinary approaches, she has developed solutions that combine molecular biology, microbiology, and applied agricultural sciences. Recognized for her contributions through various scientific awards and honors, Dr. Hao continues to lead research initiatives that not only expand academic understanding but also offer tangible benefits to agricultural productivity and food security.

Professional Profile 

Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jianxiu Hao completed her doctoral studies in plant pathology, establishing a strong academic foundation in the study of plant diseases and their management. Her doctoral research focused on the mechanisms of biological control and the role of functional microorganisms in enhancing plant resistance. This advanced training allowed her to explore innovative techniques for combating soil-borne pathogens, providing both theoretical insights and practical methods for disease management. Throughout her education, she developed expertise in molecular techniques, microbial screening, and pathogen interaction analysis. Her academic training was complemented by active involvement in collaborative projects, academic writing, and contributions to textbooks and teaching materials, enhancing her profile as both a researcher and an educator. The educational journey of Dr. Hao has been distinguished by a consistent emphasis on excellence, innovation, and the pursuit of knowledge that directly contributes to solving real-world challenges in sustainable agriculture and plant health management.

Professional Experience

Over the course of her professional career, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jianxiu Hao has established herself as a respected academic and researcher in plant pathology. As an associate professor and senior agronomist, she has successfully combined teaching, research, and project leadership roles. She has published widely in international journals and contributed as deputy editor-in-chief to academic monographs, reflecting her strong commitment to scholarly communication. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she has led multiple scientific research projects and participated in several others, contributing significantly to advancements in her field. Her professional experience also includes the application of research outcomes to industry, with patents that demonstrate innovation in agricultural biotechnology. She has been recognized with prestigious awards for her contributions to science and technology, highlighting her role as both a thought leader and practitioner. Her professional career reflects a balance of academic scholarship, applied research, and service to the scientific and farming communities.

Research Interests

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jianxiu Hao primary research interests center on the biological control of plant diseases and the discovery and application of beneficial microorganisms and their metabolites. She is particularly interested in developing innovative strategies to manage soil-borne diseases that pose major threats to crops such as potatoes and strawberries. Her research integrates molecular biology, microbial ecology, and agricultural biotechnology to identify effective microbial strains and their active compounds. She also explores the structural and functional mechanisms of microbial metabolites, aiming to understand their role in inducing plant resistance and suppressing pathogens. Another area of her research involves the concept of “plant vaccines,” where beneficial microorganisms are utilized to stimulate plant immune responses. Her work is highly interdisciplinary, involving plant science, microbiology, and biochemistry, and it seeks to provide sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides. This research not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also addresses global agricultural challenges related to food security and sustainability.

Research Skills

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jianxiu Hao possesses extensive research skills that span both fundamental and applied plant sciences. She is adept at designing and conducting experiments on pathogen–host interactions, microbial screening, and metabolite analysis. Her expertise includes molecular biology techniques for identifying target genes, bioassays for evaluating plant resistance, and advanced analytical methods for studying the structural properties of microbial metabolites. She has strong skills in project management, demonstrated by her ability to lead large-scale research projects and coordinate multidisciplinary teams. Her capacity to translate scientific findings into practical applications is evident from her patents and technology transfers in biological control. Additionally, she has contributed to scientific writing, textbook preparation, and the supervision of research students, enhancing her role as an academic mentor. Dr. Hao’s research skills are complemented by her ability to apply innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture, making her a versatile scientist capable of bridging the gap between laboratory research and field application.

Awards and Honors

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jianxiu Hao has received multiple awards and honors in recognition of her outstanding contributions to plant pathology and agricultural science. Her achievements have been acknowledged through scientific and technological awards at institutional and regional levels, including recognition for her innovative work in guiding student research and entrepreneurship. She has been honored for her contributions to advancing green and sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in developing biological control methods that reduce reliance on chemical pesticides. These honors not only highlight her scientific excellence but also her impact on agricultural innovation and rural development. She is an active member of professional societies, which further acknowledges her influence and leadership within the scientific community. Her role as president of a science and technology service association underscores her commitment to applying research outcomes for the benefit of farmers and herdsmen. Collectively, these recognitions affirm her position as a leading researcher and educator in plant science.

Publications Top Noted

Title: Genome Sequencing and Comparative Genomic Analysis of Attenuated Strain Gibellulopsis nigrescens GnVn.1 Causing Mild Wilt in Sunflower
Year: 2024

Title: Protein elicitor PeVn1 induces resistance to Botrytis cinerea in strawberry and differential transcriptomic analysis
Year: 2025

Title: Mechanism of N-Acetyl-D-alloisoleucine in Controlling Strawberry Black Root Rot
Year: 2024

Title: A protein elicitor PeVn1 from Verticillium nonalfalfae HW recognized as a MAMP triggers plant immunity response
Year: 2024

Title: Potential Candidate Molecule of Photosystem II Inhibitor Herbicide—Brassicanate A Sulfoxide
Year: 2024

Conclusion

Overall, the nominee presents a strong case for the Women Researcher Award through her impactful contributions in plant disease management, innovative research on beneficial microorganisms, and active role in academic and professional societies. With her proven record of scientific achievements and leadership, she stands as a deserving candidate for recognition. By expanding her international collaborations and increasing visibility in global research forums, her future contributions have the potential to make an even greater impact on sustainable agriculture and plant sciences.