Luan dos Santos Silva | Horticulture | Innovative Research Award

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Innovative Research Award

Luan dos Santos Silva
Federal University of the São Francisco Valley (UNIVASF), Brazil

Luan dos Santos Silva
Affiliation Federal University of the São Francisco Valley (UNIVASF)
Country Brazil
Scopus ID 57216927990
Documents 19
Citations 132
h-index 6
Subject Area Horticulture
Event Botany Scientist Awards
ORCID 0000-0003-4419-6669
Google Scholar 8WLqDDwBY6IC

Luan dos Santos Silva is a Brazilian agronomist and plant production researcher whose academic work is centered on horticulture, particularly fruit production, plant nutrition, plant ecophysiology, growth regulation and approaches for mitigating abiotic stress. He holds a PhD in Plant Production from the State University of Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), a master’s degree in Agricultural Sciences from the Federal University of Piauí (UFPI), and a degree in Agronomic Engineering from UFPI. His professional activities include research, university teaching, technical training and scientific peer review.[1] [2]

Abstract

Luan dos Santos Silva’s academic profile combines training in agronomy with research and teaching in plant production and horticulture. His doctoral research examined molybdenum nutrition and nitrate-mediated floral induction in mango trees, extending earlier work on paclobutrazol, fulvic acids and free amino acids in ‘Keitt’ mango. His research portfolio also encompasses plant nutrition, physiological responses, growth regulators, fruit production and abiotic-stress mitigation. His documented activities include university teaching, postgraduate and undergraduate examination committees, scientific peer review, technical training and participation in agricultural research events. [1] [2]

Keywords

Horticulture; fruit production; mango; plant nutrition; plant physiology; plant ecophysiology; growth regulators; molybdenum; paclobutrazol; abiotic stress; irrigated agriculture; São Francisco Valley; Plant Production; Agronomy.

Introduction

Luan dos Santos Silva’s academic trajectory developed through successive technical, undergraduate, master’s and doctoral training in agricultural sciences. His education includes an Agricultural Technician qualification from Colégio Agrícola de Bom Jesus, an Environmental Technician qualification from the Federal Institute of Piauí, an Agronomic Engineering degree from UFPI, a master’s degree in Agricultural Sciences from UFPI, and a PhD in Plant Production from UENF, completed in 2025. The doctoral thesis addressed molybdenum nutrition in relation to floral induction in mango trees. [3]

His professional record includes agricultural internships, technical consulting, rural education and university teaching. In 2026, he began serving as a substitute professor at the Federal University of the São Francisco Valley and undertook postdoctoral research at the same university with a CNPq scholarship, according to the supplied academic record. Earlier activities included work with agricultural defense, commercial crop production, irrigation planning, soil analysis and fruit-growing instruction.

Research Profile

The research profile is situated within Agricultural Sciences and Agronomy, with particular emphasis on Plant Science and Fruit Growing. The supplied record identifies plant management and nutrition, plant physiology, growth regulators and mitigation of abiotic stresses as principal areas of activity. Research settings described in the record include the Gurguéia Valley, the Cerrado of Piauí, the São Francisco River Valley and northern Rio de Janeiro, providing a geographic context for studies involving tropical and irrigated production systems.

  • Plant management and cultural practices in horticultural systems.
  • Mineral nutrition and nutritional management of fruit crops.
  • Plant physiological responses and ecophysiology.
  • Use of growth regulators in fruit production.
  • Strategies for mitigating environmental and abiotic stresses.
  • Propagation of vegetables using regional substrates and production practices for annual and fruit crops.

Research Contributions

A recurring theme in Luan dos Santos Silva’s research is the management of mango production through nutritional and physiological interventions. His master’s research investigated fulvic acids and free amino acids in relation to the absorption and effects of paclobutrazol in ‘Keitt’ mango. A subsequent publication reported interactions between paclobutrazol and these compounds in the production system of ‘Keitt’ mango. [4]

Doctoral research subsequently examined molybdenum nutrition as a factor associated with nitrate-mediated floral induction in mango trees. The research direction connects mineral nutrition with reproductive physiology and crop management, reflecting an applied approach to fruit production under tropical conditions. The supplied academic record also documents studies concerning biostimulants, gas exchange, propagation substrates, nutrient solutions and responses to environmental stress. [5]

Another research component concerns vegetable production and plant propagation. Earlier studies included the use of regional substrates such as decomposed buriti stem in seedling development and investigations of substrate effects on germination. These activities complement the later emphasis on fruit crops and plant nutritional management.

Publications

The supplied academic record reports 21 full journal articles, one published book chapter and 50 papers published in event proceedings. Among the cited publications, work in Scientia Horticulturae examined the interaction of paclobutrazol with fulvic acids and free amino acids in ‘Keitt’ mango, while research in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Research examined how electrical conductivity of nutrient solutions affected growth, nutritional characteristics and essential-oil attributes of Acmella oleracea. [4] [6]

A further publication in Revista Caatinga investigated leaf gas exchange and flowering of mango plants treated with a biostimulant under semiarid conditions. Together, these publications illustrate research spanning fruit physiology, crop management, plant nutrition and responses to production conditions. [5]

Reported publication category Total
Full articles published in journals 21
Published book chapters 1
Papers published in event proceedings 50
Paper presentations 1

Research Impact

The supplied bibliometric information reports 19 Scopus-indexed documents, 132 citations and an h-index of 6. The supplied Google Scholar information reports 35 documents, 181 citations and an h-index of 8. Bibliometric indicators vary according to database coverage, indexing, document type and update date; therefore, these values should be interpreted as database-specific indicators rather than interchangeable measures. [1] [2]

The academic record also documents peer-review activity for Brazilian and international scientific journals, including journals in agricultural engineering, fruit science, horticulture and applied science. Additional academic service includes participation in examination boards, supervision of undergraduate completion projects, conference participation and short-course teaching.

Award Suitability

The article title identifies the recognition context as the Innovative Research Award associated with the Botany Scientist Awards. The supplied record documents several distinctions relevant to an academic recognition profile, including Best Paper of the Mango Symposium in 2025, first-place recognition in MANGA TEC AGROBUSINESS 2024, first-place recognition in UVA TEC AGROBUSINESS 2024, a Certificate of Excellence in Reviewing in 2020, an Honorable Mention in the Young Scientist Award in Fruit Growing in 2019, and Honor to Merit at the 72nd SOEA–CONTECC in 2015.

These documented recognitions cover research communication, agricultural innovation, peer review and scientific participation. The relevance of any particular award to a candidate should be determined from the official eligibility requirements and evaluation criteria of the organizing body rather than inferred solely from academic indicators or previous distinctions.[1] [2]

Conclusion

Luan dos Santos Silva’s documented academic profile encompasses advanced training in plant production, research in horticulture and agronomy, university teaching, technical education, scientific peer review and participation in agricultural research activities. His research has included mango production, plant nutrition, growth regulation, plant physiology, abiotic-stress responses and propagation systems. His current academic activities at UNIVASF and his postdoctoral work provide a continuing institutional context for research and teaching in the agrarian sciences.[1] [2]

References

  1. Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Luan dos Santos Silva, Author ID 57216927990. Scopus. https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57216927990
  2. Google Scholar. (n.d.). Luan dos Santos Silva — Google Scholar profile. https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8WLqDDwBY6IC&hl=en&oi=sra
  3. Silva, L. S. (2025). MOLÍBDICA NUTRITION OPTIMIZES NITRATE-MEDIATED FLORAL INDUCTION IN MANGO TREES. Doctoral thesis, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENF), Campos dos Goytacazes, Brazil.
  4. Silva, L. S., de Sousa, K. Â. O., Pereira, E. C. V., Rolim, L. A., da Cunha, J. G., et al. (2021). Advances in mango ‘Keitt’ production system: PBZ interaction with fulvic acids and free amino acids. Scientia Horticulturae. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2020.109787
  5. Mudo, L. E. D., Lobo, J. T., Carreiro, D. A., Cavacini, J. A., Silva, L. S., & Cavalcante, Í. H. L. (2020). Leaf gas exchange and flowering of mango sprayed with biostimulant in semi-arid region. Revista Caatinga, 33(2), 332–340. https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-21252020v33n206rc
  6. do Carmo, A. P. M., Freitas, M. S. M., Machado, L. C., dos Santos Silva, L., Petri, D. J. C., et al. (2024). Electrical conductivity of nutrient solutions affects the growth, nutrient levels, and content and composition of essential oils of Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen from southeastern Brazil. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 15, 100968. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2024.100968
  7. Federal University of the São Francisco Valley (UNIVASF). (2026). Institutional academic and personnel information concerning the substitute professorship and postdoctoral activities described in the supplied academic record.
  8. ORCID. (n.d.). Luan dos Santos Silva — ORCID record. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4419-6669
  9. Botany Scientist Awards. (n.d.). Official award website. https://botanyscientist.com/

Rashad Mukhtar Balal | Horticulture | Excellence in Innovation Award

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Prof. Dr. Rashad Mukhtar Balal | Horticulture | Excellence in Innovation Award

Chairman / Professor at Department of Horticulture, University of Sargodha | Pakistan

Prof. Dr. Rashad Mukhtar Balal is a distinguished horticultural scientist and academic leader known for his outstanding contributions to citrus biotechnology, pomology, and stress physiology. He earned his Ph.D. in Horticultural Sciences from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, specializing in pomology, biotechnology, and horticultural stress physiology, with earlier degrees in M.Phil. and B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture from the same institution. With over two decades of professional experience, he has served as Professor and Chairman of the Department of Horticulture at the University of Sargodha and held visiting research and teaching positions at Cornell University, USA, and Harper Adams University, UK. His research interests encompass citrus rootstock improvement, nursery management, protected horticulture, and the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of crop tolerance under salt, drought, and heavy metal stress. Skilled in experimental design, plant tissue culture, stress physiology, and biotechnology applications, he has led and completed numerous national and international research projects. Dr. Balal’s achievements include establishing Pakistan’s first certified disease-free and seedless citrus nursery and introducing seedless Kinnow mandarins. His excellence has been recognized through awards such as the International Outstanding Research Publication Award (ASHS-USA) and the National Innovation Award. His continued dedication promotes sustainable horticultural development and agricultural innovation globally.

Profile : Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

Shahid, M. A., Sarkhosh, A., Khan, N., Balal, R. M., Ali, S., Rossi, L., Gómez, C., et al. (2020). Insights into the physiological and biochemical impacts of salt stress on plant growth and development. Agronomy, 10(7), 938.

Abbas, T., Balal, R. M., Shahid, M. A., Pervez, M. A., Ayyub, C. M., Aqueel, M. A., et al. (2015). Silicon-induced alleviation of NaCl toxicity in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is associated with enhanced photosynthesis, osmoprotectants and antioxidant defense. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 37(2), 6.

Khan, H. A., Ayub, C. M., Pervez, M. A., Bilal, R. M., Shahid, M. A., & Ziaf, K. (2009). Effect of seed priming with NaCl on salinity tolerance of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) at seedling stage. Soil and Environment, 28(1), 81–87.

Shahid, M. A., Pervez, M. A., Balal, R. M., Mattson, N. S., Rashid, A., Ahmad, R., et al. (2011). Brassinosteroid (24-epibrassinolide) enhances growth and alleviates the deleterious effects induced by salt stress in pea (Pisum sativum L.). Australian Journal of Crop Science, 5(5), 500–510.

Shahid, M. A., Balal, R. M., Khan, N., Zotarelli, L., Liu, G. D., Sarkhosh, A., et al. (2019). Selenium impedes cadmium and arsenic toxicity in potato by modulating carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 180, 588–599.

Sushil Grewal | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Sushil Grewal | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

Masters Student 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.