Fishua Dango | Plant Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Fishua Dango | Plant Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Estudante Doutorado at Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences | Brazil

Ms. Fishua Dango Upuere Dango is a dedicated PhD student in Genetics and Plant Breeding at São Paulo State University, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Brazil, whose academic foundation and professional journey reflect a strong commitment to advancing agricultural research, particularly in the genetic improvement of biofortified sweet potato varieties. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture with specialization in Agricultural Extension and a Master’s degree in Agronomy focusing on Genetics and Plant Breeding, with a thesis centered on genotype-by-environment interaction, adaptability, and stability in biofortified sweet potato genotypes. His research emphasizes sustainable agricultural development, crop adaptability, and genetic enhancement for nutritional quality improvement. Over the course of eight years, he worked as a technician at the International Potato Center in Mozambique, where he played an instrumental role in the genetic improvement of sweet potato cultivars biofortified with beta-carotene, anthocyanin, iron, and zinc. His work contributed significantly to food security and nutritional enrichment efforts, leading to the official approval of several drought-tolerant and biofortified sweet potato cultivars by the Ministry of Agriculture. Beyond laboratory and field research, he has been actively engaged in community-oriented extension programs, including “Productive Backyards of Family Farming and Female Leadership in the Terra Rica Settlement, Córrego Rico, São Paulo” and “Cultivaeco,” an initiative promoting environmental education, sustainable agriculture, and food security in basic education. His published works, including contributions to scientific journals such as Agriculture and Open Agriculture, demonstrate a consistent focus on plant breeding strategies, environmental adaptation, and biofortification. Through his research and outreach, Fishua José Upuere Dango continues to contribute to global efforts in crop improvement, sustainability, and the empowerment of rural and farming communities, embodying a forward-looking vision for resilient and nutritionally enriched agricultural systems.

Profile : ORCID

Featured Publications

Dango, F. J. U., Oliveira, D. J. L. S. F., Otoboni, M. E. F., Pavan, B. E., Andrade, M. I. V., & Vargas, P. F. (n.d.). New sweet potato genotypes: Analysis of agronomic potential. Agriculture.

Mossad Maamoun | Plant Genetics | International Botanical Research Award

Dr. Mossad Maamoun | Plant Genetics | International Botanical Research Award

Horticulture Research Institute at Researcher | Egypt

Dr. Mossad Khairy Mohamed Zaky Maamoun is a researcher at the Horticultural Research Station in Nubaria, affiliated with Egypt’s Agricultural Research Center, Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation. He earned his B.Sc. in Agricultural Sciences (2008) with honors in Floriculture and Medicinal Plants, his M.Sc. (2015) on genetic studies of Nigella sativa using radiation and chemical mutagens, and his Ph.D. (2019) in Agricultural Sciences from Kafrelsheikh University, focusing on biotechnology and polyploidization in medicinal plants. With extensive professional experience ranging from agricultural engineer to research leadership, he has played a vital role as General Supervisor in the National Program for Vegetable Seed Production in Nubaria and in supervising postgraduate theses on medicinal plant breeding. His research interests include agriculture, horticulture, plant genetics, biotechnology, tissue culture, seed technology, plant breeding, and oil extraction, with notable emphasis on improving black cumin (Nigella sativa). Dr. Maamoun’s research skills span tissue culture, molecular characterization, mutation breeding, polyploidization, and somatic embryogenesis, supported by publications in reputed journals such as HortScience, HortTechnology, and Agronomy. He has authored 4 documents, cited by 9 documents, with an h-index of 1, reflecting growing academic impact. Among his honors is the 2024 registration of a new Nigella sativa variety, “Black Diamond,” recognized for high yield and oil content. In conclusion, Dr. Mossad Maamoun stands out as an innovative agricultural scientist whose expertise, leadership in seed production, and contributions to medicinal plant breeding position him as a rising figure in international botanical research with promising future potential.

Profile : Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

Maamoun, M. K. M., El-Mahrouk, M. E., Dewir, Y. H., & Omran, S. A. (2014). Effect of radiation and chemical mutagens on seeds germination of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.). Journal of Agricultural Technology, 10(5), 1183–1199.

El-Mahrouk, M. E., Maamoun, M. K., El-Banna, A. N., Omran, S. A., & Dewir, Y. H. (2018). In vitro gynogenesis and flow cytometry analysis of the regenerated haploids of black cumin (Nigella sativa). HortScience, 53(5), 681–686.

El-Mahrouk, M. E., Maamoun, M. K., Dewir, Y. H., Omran, S. A., & El-Banna, A. N. (2015). Morphological and molecular characterization of induced mutants in Nigella sativa L. using irradiation and chemical mutagens. Egyptian Journal of Plant Breeding, 19(5), 257–272.

El-Mahrouk, M. E., Maamoun, M. K., Dewir, Y. H., El-Banna, A. N., Rihan, H. Z., Salamh, A., Al-Aizari, A. A., & Fuller, M. P. (2022). Synchronized seed germination and seedling growth of black cumin. HortTechnology, 32(2), 182–190.

El-Mahrouk, M. E., Maamoun, M. K., Abu El-Leel, O. F., Dewir, Y. H., El-Banna, A. N., Naidoo, Y., & Datta, S. K. (2020). Morpho-agronomical and biochemical traits screening and genetic variability in selected black cumin (Nigella sativa) mutant lines. Sains Malaysiana, 49(3), 503–515.