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.

Mukesh Kumar | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mukesh Kumar | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Govt. College Bahadurgarh | India

Dr. Mukesh Kumar is a dedicated researcher and academician in the field of Botany with expertise spanning ecology, environment conservation, crop modeling, irrigation management, and drought monitoring. Over his career, he has made substantial contributions to addressing pressing agricultural and ecological challenges, particularly within the Indo-Gangetic Plains. His research blends theoretical knowledge with applied innovations, focusing on food security, sustainable agriculture, and climate change adaptation. Dr. Kumar has been actively involved in teaching, research, and extension activities, ensuring that his scientific insights reach both students and farming communities. His professional journey is marked by the publication of numerous high-quality research papers, books, book chapters, and conference proceedings. He has also developed practical technologies to address agricultural stress conditions, benefiting farmers and policymakers alike. Through his work, Dr. Kumar has demonstrated a commitment to linking ecological sustainability with socio-economic benefits, positioning himself as an influential figure in applied plant sciences.

Professional Profile 

Education

Dr. Mukesh Kumar pursued his higher education in Botany, beginning with a bachelor’s degree in medical sciences, followed by a master’s degree in botany, and later advancing to research-oriented degrees. He obtained his M.Phil. with a focus on plant science, which laid the foundation for deeper explorations into ecological and environmental issues. His academic journey culminated in a doctoral degree in Botany, where he specialized in ecology and environmental conservation, with additional expertise in crop modeling and irrigation management. Throughout his academic path, he acquired a comprehensive understanding of plant sciences, environmental systems, and climate change impacts on agriculture. His educational background not only provided him with a strong theoretical framework but also fostered practical competencies in applied research. This foundation has enabled him to contribute meaningfully to both academia and society, developing innovative solutions to agricultural problems and enhancing the resilience of farming systems against climate variability.

Professional Experience

Dr. Mukesh Kumar has built a diverse professional career combining teaching, research, and extension education. He has over a decade of experience as a lecturer in botany, where he has guided undergraduate students with dedication and academic rigor. His role as a Research Associate at a premier agricultural research institute provided him with six years of intensive research exposure in the fields of climate change, water management, and agroforestry. This phase of his career allowed him to integrate field-based observations with advanced modeling techniques, producing work of high academic and practical value. Additionally, he has contributed to farmer training programs, workshops, and extension services, bridging the gap between scientific research and rural communities. His professional journey is also marked by leadership roles in research training and collaborative projects. Through these experiences, Dr. Kumar has built an impressive portfolio of academic service, research innovations, and practical knowledge dissemination.

Research Interests

Dr. Mukesh Kumar’s research interests lie in the areas of ecology, environmental conservation, and sustainable agriculture. He is particularly focused on crop modeling, irrigation management, and drought monitoring, with an emphasis on mitigating the impacts of climate change on agriculture. His work explores the development of agroforestry systems for saline soils, bio-drainage methods for combating waterlogging, and composite drought indices for drought-prone regions. He is also deeply engaged in analyzing water resource availability, streamflow trends, and the socio-economic implications of climate variability on farming communities. A central theme in his research is the integration of scientific innovation with real-world applications, ensuring that his findings are relevant and accessible to farmers and policymakers. His interests extend to developing resource conservation technologies and enhancing food security through sustainable agricultural practices. By addressing ecological challenges with practical solutions, Dr. Kumar’s research contributes to both environmental resilience and socio-economic development.

Research Skills

Dr. Mukesh Kumar possesses a wide range of research skills encompassing field experimentation, data analysis, and advanced modeling techniques. He is proficient in using crop simulation and water management models such as CROPWAT, INFOCROP, and SWAT, along with statistical software like SPSS, XL-STAT, and M-STAT. His technical expertise also includes the use of instruments such as atomic absorption spectrophotometers, CHNS analyzers, neutron probes, and sap flow meters, allowing him to conduct in-depth plant and soil analysis. Additionally, he has extensive experience in remote sensing and GIS applications for ecological and agricultural studies. His capacity to design and evaluate innovative technologies, such as automated drip irrigation systems and agroforestry models, highlights his applied research capabilities. These skills enable him to address challenges in water use efficiency, climate change impact assessment, and sustainable farming systems. Dr. Kumar’s technical proficiency ensures a strong blend of academic research and practical problem-solving.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Mukesh Kumar has received multiple recognitions for his academic and research contributions. He has been honored with certificates of excellence in reviewing from numerous reputed international journals, reflecting his scholarly reputation and contributions to the peer-review process. His achievements also include the qualification of national-level competitive examinations in plant genetic resources, further demonstrating his subject expertise. In addition to these accolades, he has served as an editorial board member and active reviewer for various journals in the fields of ecology, agriculture, and environmental sciences, which highlights his standing within the academic community. His invited lectures, training sessions for farmers, and special assignments on water and climate change for international organizations illustrate his influence beyond conventional academia. These honors underscore his dedication not only to advancing scientific knowledge but also to ensuring its application for societal benefit. Collectively, these achievements strengthen his profile as a recognized researcher and educator.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: Crop water demand estimation and irrigation scheduling for sustainable water management and crop planning in selected watersheds of Meghalaya, India

  • Year: 2025

  • Citation: 1

Conclusion

Dr. Mukesh Kumar is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions to ecology, climate change adaptation, irrigation management, and sustainable agriculture highlight both scientific excellence and socio-economic impact. His research achievements, coupled with technology development and knowledge transfer to farmers, make his work both academically valuable and socially relevant. With greater emphasis on international collaborations, high-impact publications, and innovation, his profile will continue to strengthen, making him not only suitable but also highly competitive for this award.