Sushil Grewal | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Sushil Grewal | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

Graduate Research Assistant at Michigan State University, Department of Horticulture | United States

Ms. Sushil Grewal is a distinguished horticulture researcher at Michigan State University whose academic journey and professional dedication reflect her commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and innovative plant science solutions. She earned her Ph.D. in Horticulture from Michigan State University, where her doctoral research emphasized optimizing crop growth and yield under controlled environments with a focus on precision agriculture, complementing her earlier academic training in plant sciences and agronomy. Professionally, she has accumulated valuable experience through her roles as a researcher and collaborator in national and international projects dealing with climate-resilient horticultural systems, controlled-environment agriculture, and sustainable crop production. Her research interests span crop physiology, horticultural technologies, stress biology, and plant–environment interactions, areas that are increasingly relevant in addressing global food security and climate change challenges. In terms of research skills, she is proficient in experimental design, statistical analysis, controlled-environment cultivation techniques, plant tissue culture, and advanced horticultural management tools, while also demonstrating strong competencies in mentoring students and leading collaborative research teams. She has contributed to multiple high-impact publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, presented her work at reputed horticulture and agriculture conferences, and actively engages in knowledge-sharing platforms. Recognized for her excellence, she has received awards and honors for her academic performance and research contributions, including recognition from the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) and institutional accolades at Michigan State University. These achievements highlight her growing influence as both a researcher and mentor. In conclusion, Ms. Grewal’s strong academic foundation, practical research experience, and leadership in sustainable horticulture position her as an emerging leader in the field, with the potential to shape future agricultural practices, enhance scientific collaborations, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of global horticultural research.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Grewal, S., & Saha, D. (2025). Emerging perspectives on chemical weed management tactics in container ornamental production in the United States. Horticulturae, 11(8), 926.

Suganya, S., Grewal, S., & Baldaniya, A. (2025). Rooftop floriculture: An overview. The Agriculture Magazine, 4(7), 206–209.

Shah, A., Kumar, M., & Grewal, S. (2024). Soil science and sustainable farming: Paving the way for food security. The Agriculture Magazine, 3(3).

Dan Ioan Avasiloaiei | Horticulture | Eco-Friendly Plant Science Award

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Dr. Dan Ioan Avasiloaiei | Horticulture | Eco-Friendly Plant Science Award

IIIrd Grade Research Scientist at Vegetable Research and Development Station Bacaun Bacău | Romania

Dr. Dan Ioan Avasiloaiei is a Romanian researcher in horticultural sciences with expertise in organic vegetable cultivation, sustainable farming systems, and ecological plant protection. His professional career spans both academic and applied research roles, including leadership in experimental and demonstrative agricultural projects. With a strong background in horticultural engineering and advanced studies in vegetable growing, he has dedicated his career to developing innovative eco-friendly solutions in agriculture. His contributions include project management, scientific publications in high-impact journals, and active participation in professional societies. His research addresses pressing challenges such as climate change adaptation, resource optimization, and reducing chemical input in agriculture. Through both national and international collaborations, Dr. Avasiloaiei has established himself as a committed scientist focused on promoting environmentally sustainable and resilient agricultural practices, while also contributing to the broader scientific understanding of plant science and organic production systems.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Dan Ioan Avasiloaiei holds a Ph.D. in Sciences from the Ion Ionescu de la Brad University of Life Sciences in Iasi, where his research centered on improving technologies for organic vegetable cultivation in greenhouses and polytunnels. His doctoral work focused on advancing methods that reduce chemical input while maintaining high crop productivity under ecological farming conditions. He also completed a Master’s degree in Vegetable Growing at the same institution, with research examining planting schemes, crop density, and their effects on tomato cultivation under organic practices. Earlier, he earned his degree in Horticultural Engineering from the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine in Bucharest, which provided a broad technical foundation in crop production and horticultural systems. This solid academic progression reflects his dedication to advancing both theoretical and applied aspects of sustainable horticulture and highlights his long-standing commitment to eco-friendly agricultural innovation.

Professional Experience

Dr. Dan Ioan Avasiloaiei professional journey combines scientific research, agricultural practice, and international industry exposure. He currently serves as a Grade III Research Scientist at the Vegetable Research and Development Station (VRDS) in Bacau, Romania, where he leads activities in organic agriculture, ecological plant protection, and sustainable vegetable cultivation. His earlier roles include research scientist positions at VRDS Bacau, where he was actively involved in projects on organic farming and crop management, as well as experience in farm management through self-employment. Internationally, he worked in the United Kingdom as a tomato crop manager and packhouse manager, gaining valuable insights into advanced cultivation and production systems. These diverse experiences, spanning academia, commercial farming, and research management, have equipped him with both scientific expertise and practical skills in developing eco-friendly, resource-efficient agricultural technologies adaptable to both local and global contexts.

Research Interests

Dr. Dan Ioan Avasiloaiei research interests lie in sustainable agriculture, organic vegetable cultivation, and climate-resilient farming systems. He is particularly focused on intercropping strategies, allelopathic interactions, regenerative agriculture, and carbon farming as mechanisms for reducing chemical input and enhancing crop productivity. His studies explore how natural plant interactions and innovative cultivation techniques can be harnessed to strengthen ecological farming systems. He has also investigated the role of medicinal and minor crop species in diversifying food systems and improving resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses. Another significant area of his interest is optimizing greenhouse and protected cultivation technologies for organic production. By combining traditional horticultural knowledge with modern sustainability principles, his research aims to develop environmentally responsible approaches to farming that contribute to food security, biodiversity conservation, and reduced environmental impact in line with European and global sustainability goals.

Research Skills

Dr. Dan Ioan Avasiloaiei has developed advanced research skills in organic crop management, ecological experimentation, and sustainable technology development. He is proficient in designing and conducting field trials, evaluating intercropping and crop rotation systems, and studying allelopathic plant interactions for natural weed and pest management. His expertise extends to carbon farming strategies, regenerative agriculture, and the application of bioregulatory substances in organic crop production. He has strong skills in project design and coordination, having managed multi-institutional projects addressing climate change and eco-friendly agricultural practices. His ability to integrate laboratory research with field-based experiments demonstrates versatility in both theoretical and applied science. He is also experienced in scientific publishing, literature synthesis, and international collaboration. These skills make him a well-rounded researcher, capable of addressing critical challenges in sustainable agriculture and contributing both scientifically and practically to the advancement of eco-friendly plant science.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Dan Ioan Avasiloaiei has earned recognition for his contributions to horticultural science and sustainable agriculture. He has been actively involved in national and international research collaborations, receiving roles of responsibility such as project manager and head of research activities in organic agriculture. His published works in reputed international journals, including Agronomy and Genes, highlight the scientific value and impact of his research in areas such as carbon farming and medicinal plants. He has also been invited as a member of professional horticultural societies, including the International Society for Horticultural Science and the Romanian Society of Horticulturists, where he currently serves in leadership at the county division level. His participation in European networking projects for organic agriculture further reflects his standing in the field. These honors and memberships underscore his contributions as both a researcher and a promoter of sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices.

Publications Top Noted

Title: On the Future Perspectives of Some Medicinal Plants within Lamiaceae Botanic Family Regarding Their Comprehensive Properties and Resistance against Biotic and Abiotic Stresses
Year: 2023
Citation: 31

Title: The Evaluation of Carbon Farming Strategies in Organic Vegetable Cultivation
Year: 2023
Citation: 28

Title: Heavy Metals Contamination of Soil and Vegetables in Three Regions from Romania: A Review
Year: 2020
Citation: 4

Title: Drought Stress and the Role of Salicylic Acid in Relieving the Oxidative Damage at Tomato Plants
Year: 2023
Citation: 2

Title: Study on the Application of Bioregulatory Substances in Organic Tomato Crop
Year: 2014
Citation: 2

Conclusion

Based on his strong foundation in organic horticulture, sustainable cultivation systems, and climate-conscious agricultural innovations, Dr. Dan Ioan Avasiloaiei is highly suitable for the Eco-Friendly Plant Science Award. His research aligns directly with the award’s focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility, and with continued international engagement and technological integration, he is well-positioned to make even greater contributions to eco-friendly plant science in the future.