Dr. Mostafa Sagharyan | Plant Physiology | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Mostafa Sagharyan | Plant Physiology | Editorial Board Member

Postodoc at Tarbiat Modares University | Iran

Dr. Mostafa Sagharyan is an accomplished plant physiologist whose academic journey spans advanced training from leading Iranian universities, culminating in a doctorate focused on microRNA-mediated regulation of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis in Linum album cell cultures under elicitor treatments such as methyl jasmonate and phenylalanine. His academic foundation began with undergraduate studies in plant biology, followed by a master’s specialization in plant physiology, where he optimized callus induction and plant regeneration protocols in Nepeta binaloudensis, achieving distinguished academic performance at both graduate levels and earning top ranking in doctoral program entrance examinations. His research portfolio reflects deep expertise in plant biochemistry, molecular signaling pathways, metabolic engineering, and plant stress resilience, with notable contributions to understanding how regulatory molecules, elicitors, and environmental factors modulate phenolic compound production, lignan biosynthesis, carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, nitric-oxide-mediated signaling, and defensive responses in various plant systems. As the primary designer, performer, data analyst, and lead author of multiple impactful publications in international journals, his work has explored hydrogen sulfide interaction mechanisms in plants, microRNA expression dynamics influencing secondary metabolite pathways, metabolic shifts triggered by exogenous amino acids, the biochemical consequences of melatonin application, and pollution-responsive phenolic enhancement in medicinal species. His experience includes operating advanced analytical platforms such as HPLC and preparative-HPLC, conducting enzyme assays, spectrophotometric and fluorometric analyses, and applying molecular techniques ranging from nucleic acid extraction and PCR-based quantification to gene cloning, Western blotting, and flow cytometry. Mostafa is also proficient in bioinformatic and statistical analysis using R, SPSS, Prism, FlowJo, MetaboAnalyst, and primer design tools, complementing his strong background in plant tissue culture, hairy root transformation, and metabolite assessment. Alongside his research activities, he has contributed to teaching biostatistics, SPSS analysis, and plant physiology for Olympiad students, demonstrating a commitment to scientific training and academic mentorship. His scholarly achievements, research excellence, and technical versatility position him as a dynamic and innovative researcher in modern plant science.

Profile : Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications : 

Sagharyan, M., & Sharifi, M. (2024). Metabolic and physiological changes induced by exogenous phenylalanine in Linum album cells. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation.

Esmaeili, S., Sharifi, M., Ghanati, F., Soltani, B. M., Samari, E., & Sagharyan, M. (2023). Exogenous melatonin induces phenolic compounds production in Linum album cells by altering nitric oxide and salicylic acid. Scientific Reports.

Sagharyan, M., Sharifi, M., & Samari, E. (2023). Methyl jasmonate redirects the dynamics of carbohydrates and amino acids toward lignans accumulation in Linum album cells. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry.

Khodamoradi, S., Sagharyan, M., Samari, E., & Sharifi, M. (2022). Changes in phenolic compounds production as a defensive mechanism against hydrogen sulfide pollution in Scrophularia striata. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry.

Tashackori, H., Sharifi, M., Ahmadian Chashmi, N., Behmanesh, M., Safaie, N., & Sagharyan, M. (2021). Physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of Linum album to digested cell wall of Piriformospora indica. Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants.

Kuna Karthik | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Kuna Karthik | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

PhD at Dr YSR Horticulturual University | India

Mr. Kuna Karthik is a dedicated horticultural researcher and floriculture specialist whose academic journey and professional pursuits reflect a deep commitment to advancing ornamental crop science, plant propagation, and sustainable landscape practices, having cultivated strong expertise in floriculture, landscaping, plant tissue culture, nursery management, crop production, and ornamental plant physiology, with his scholarly interests shaped through extensive research on Ixora floral enhancement, micronutrient optimization, Spathiphyllum micropropagation, and innovative horticultural technologies, and supported by strong academic training in horticulture and floriculture and landscape architecture, where he has contributed significantly to scientific literature through research papers, conference presentations, book authorship, and editorial work, focusing on themes such as in vitro propagation, ex vitro hardening techniques, micronutrient dynamics, postharvest improvement, nursery industry development, nanotechnology applications in floriculture, bioluminescent ornamentals, and sustainable growing media, while also enriching the academic community through multiple book chapters addressing topics including tissue culture of ornamentals, protected cultivation of high-value floricultural crops, biophilic architecture, phytoremediation, urban horticulture, landscape maintenance, integrated nutrient management, soil health, and the sustainable management of horticultural stresses, and further demonstrating leadership and academic engagement through oral and poster presentations at national and international platforms, with recognition for outstanding research communication, along with strong technical proficiency in experimental design, scientific writing, molecular analysis, and plant tissue culture protocols, combined with effective communication skills, attention to detail, multilingual abilities, and a passion for continuous learning, making Mr. Kuna Karthik a promising horticultural professional committed to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in the fields of floriculture and landscaping.

Profile : ORCID

Featured Publications : 

Kuna, K. (2025, November 10). The orchid-pollinator connection: Biology and ecological adaptations. Just Agriculture Magazine.

Kuna, K. (2025, November 7). Role of micronutrients in enhancing floral quality and postharvest shelf life in Ixora. In 2nd International Electronic Conference on Horticulturae (Conference proceedings).

Kuna, K., Ganga, M., & Visalakshi, M. (2025, August 18). Impact of micronutrients on floral quality, plant physiology and shelf life of Ixora coccinea. Journal of Experimental Agriculture International.

Kuna, K. (2025, August 18). Impact of micronutrients on floral quality, plant physiology and shelf life of Ixora coccinea. Journal of Experimental Agriculture International.

Kuna, K. (2025, August 9). Optimizing in vitro callus induction from Spathiphyllum leaf and petiole explants. Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology.

Mossad Maamoun | Plant Genetics | International Botanical Research Award

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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.