Amit Gautam | Plant Stress Physiology | Innovative Research Award

Published on by Botany Scientist

Innovative Research Award

Amit Gautam
International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, India

Amit Gautam
Affiliation International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas
Country India
Scopus ID 60861152100
Document 1
Subject Area Plant Stress Physiology
Event Botany Scientist Awards

Amit Gautam is a National Associate Scientist at the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA–FLRP), India, specializing in durum wheat improvement, plant breeding, stress physiology, and genomics. He has over fifteen years of research experience in abiotic-stress physiology, DUS characterization, and genome-wide association studies. His work has contributed to national germplasm advancement and the ICARDA–India wheat network. [1] [3]

Abstract

This article presents the academic and research profile of Dr. Amit Gautam, a National Associate Scientist at ICARDA–FLRP, India, whose work focuses on durum wheat improvement, terminal heat and drought tolerance, genome-wide association studies, and grain quality enhancement. Over a career exceeding fifteen years, he has contributed to DUS characterization, multilocation national trials, and genomic-enhanced allele pyramiding for climate resilience. His research supports national germplasm advancement and capacity building within the ICARDA–India wheat network. [1] [3]

Keywords

  • Durum wheat breeding
  • Plant stress physiology
  • Terminal heat tolerance
  • Drought tolerance
  • Genome-wide association studies
  • DUS characterization
  • Grain quality improvement

Introduction

Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum) is a commercially and nutritionally significant cereal cultivated primarily under rainfed and terminal heat-prone environments. Climate variability has intensified the frequency of combined drought and heat stress events, reducing yield stability across South Asia. Physiological screening tools such as canopy temperature depression and chlorophyll fluorescence have emerged as practical selection criteria for identifying resilient genotypes. Dr. Amit Gautam’s research integrates these tools with genomic approaches to accelerate genetic gain in durum wheat. [1] [3]

Research Profile

Dr. Amit Gautam serves as a National Associate Scientist specializing in durum wheat improvement at ICARDA–FLRP, Amlaha, India. He holds a Ph.D. in Life Sciences from Devi Ahilya University, an M.Sc. in Biotechnology, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Technology Management in Agriculture (PGDTMA) from ICAR–NAARM. Previously, he served as a Senior Research Fellow at the ICAR–IARI Regional Wheat Research Centre, Indore, for nine years, contributing to DUS characterization, germplasm evaluation, and multi-environment stress tolerance testing across national agricultural research networks. [1]

His professional memberships include collaborator roles across ICARDA, ICAR-IIWBR, SAWAR, and state agricultural research networks. He maintains extensive scientific collaborations with ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities, SHUATS (Prayagraj), UPCAR (Lucknow), and the University of Bologna (Italy). His editorial service includes peer review for the African Journal of Biotechnology & Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. [1]

Research Contributions

Dr. Amit Gautam has advanced durum wheat breeding by integrating physiological screening tools, including canopy temperature and chlorophyll fluorescence, for identifying terminal heat and drought-tolerant genotypes. He coordinates multilocation national trials, leads DUS characterization, and applies genomic-enhanced pyramiding of alleles for climate resilience. His work directly supports national germplasm advancement, strengthens the ICARDA–India wheat network, and fosters capacity building through co-advising Ph.D. and M.Sc. scholars and conducting regional field training. [1] [3]

Completed and ongoing research includes one collaborative project on genome-wide association mapping for dissecting genomic regions conferring drought tolerance in durum wheat germplasm, funded by UPCAR in collaboration with SHUATS. He also manages the ICARDA–India Durum Wheat Improvement Program. A consultancy project on forensic DNA profiling and timber tracing was undertaken at the State Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur. [1]

Publications

Dr. Amit Gautam has authored more than ten selected peer-reviewed scientific journal articles and conference proceedings indexed in SCI and Scopus databases, including contributions to Crop Breeding, Genetics and Genomics, Agricultural Research, and Physiologia and Molecular Biology of Plants. One book chapter has been published in The Durum Wheat Genome: Sequencing, Mining and Leveraging the Tetraploid Wheat Genome (2026). [1] [3]

  • Yadav, S., Tiwari, M., Singh, N. K., Jaiswal, J. P., Singh, A., Khan, R., Vikram, P., Singh, A., & Gautam, A. (2026). Molecular and genomics-assisted breeding strategies for enhancing abiotic stress resilience in major cereals. Plant Stress.[3]
  • Book chapter in The Durum Wheat Genome: Sequencing, Mining and Leveraging the Tetraploid Wheat Genome (2026, Springer/Elsevier platform). [1]

Research Impact

The citation index of Dr. Amit Gautam’s work reflects multiple high-impact papers in indexed databases, with contributions spanning crop breeding, genetics, genomics, and plant stress physiology. His research on physiological screening and genomic selection has informed germplasm evaluation protocols and supported the development of climate-resilient durum wheat lines. The integration of canopy temperature and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements into national trials has improved the precision of genotype selection under terminal heat and drought stress. [1] [3]

Award Suitability

Dr. Amit Gautam’s research profile aligns with the scope of the Botany Scientist Awards, which recognize contributions to plant science, stress physiology, and crop improvement. His sustained output in durum wheat breeding, genome-wide association studies, and DUS characterization, together with his role in managing the ICARDA–India Durum Wheat Improvement Program and mentoring research scholars, supports consideration for this recognition. His collaborative network across ICAR institutes, SAUs, and international partners further demonstrates the broader impact of his work. [1] [2]

Conclusion

Dr. Amit Gautam’s research career reflects a sustained commitment to durum wheat improvement, abiotic-stress physiology, and genomic resource development. His integration of physiological screening with genomic tools, coordination of national multilocation trials, and contributions to capacity building collectively support climate-resilient wheat production in India. His publication record, collaborative engagements, and editorial service indicate a profile consistent with the objectives of the Botany Scientist Awards. [1] [3]

References

  1. Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Amit Gautam, Author ID 60861152100. Scopus.
    https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=60861152100
  2. Botany Scientist Awards. (n.d.). Award website and nomination details.
    https://botanyscientist.com/
  3. Yadav, S., Tiwari, M., Singh, N. K., Jaiswal, J. P., Singh, A., Khan, R., Vikram, P., Singh, A., & Gautam, A. (2026). Molecular and genomics-assisted breeding strategies for enhancing abiotic stress resilience in major cereals. Plant Stress.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stress.2026.101562

Ekta Pandey | Plant Stress Physiology | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Ekta Pandey | Plant Stress Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar at Aligarh Muslim University | India

Ms. Ekta Pandey is a dedicated research scholar at Aligarh Muslim University specializing in Environmental Stress Plant Physiology with a strong focus on salinity tolerance, plant–microbe interactions and sustainable crop improvement approaches, recognized for her emerging contributions to abiotic stress biology through influential publications including Potential Uses of Nanotechnology in Agriculture Sustainability: Concerns Now Raised, Salinity: Its Influence on the Environment and Sustainable Agriculture and the Strategies Involving Phytoprotectants Against It, Prospects for the Use of Metabolomics Engineering in Exploring and Harnessing Chemical Signaling in Root Galls, Plant Metabolomics Based on Single-Cell Technology, Dissecting Stress-Tolerant Traits of CRISPR-Edited Crops by High-Throughput Omics Technologies, and Resilient Capacity Against Rising Temperature Gained by Coordinated Approaches of CRISPR/Cas with Functional Genomics, along with impactful journal contributions such as AMF-Mediated Mitigation of Cd-Induced Toxicity in Cicer arietinum, Application of Rhizobium Alleviates Cadmium Stress-Induced Damage to Growth and Yield, Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Induced Protection: A Plant Immunity Perspective, Morphological and Biochemical Responses of Vicia faba Grown on Fly Ash Amended Soil, Mitigating Salt Stress in Lens culinaris Through Rhizobium-Enhanced Photosynthesis and Antioxidant Defense, From Stress to Strength: Improving Fenugreek Seed Germination Under Saline Conditions with Moringa Leaf Extract Priming, and Linking the Interaction of Salicylates and Jasmonates for Stress Resilience in Plants, reflecting her expertise in physiological, biochemical and molecular strategies that strengthen plant adaptation under harsh environments; her academic journey is further distinguished by multiple book chapters, collaborative research works, peer-review service for reputed international journals, and ongoing scientific contributions that aim to advance climate-resilient agriculture, enhance crop productivity under salinity stress, and develop innovative biostimulant-based and microbe-assisted solutions for future sustainable farming systems.

Profile : Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications : 

Kumari, R., Pandey, E., Bushra, S., Faizan, S., & Pandey, S. (2024). Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) induced protection: A plant immunity perspective. Physiologia Plantarum, 176(5), e14495.

Bushra, S., Faizan, S., Badar, A., Pandey, E., Kumari, R., & Akhtar, M. S. (2024). AMF-mediated mitigation of Cd-induced toxicity in Cicer arietinum and their influence on growth, photosynthesis efficiency, cell viability, antioxidants and yield attributes. South African Journal of Botany, 164, 9–22.

Bushra, S., Faizan, S., Badar, A., Kumari, R., & Pandey, E. (2024). Application of rhizobium alleviates the cadmium stress-induced damage to growth, photosynthetic efficiency, cell viability and yield by up-regulating antioxidants in Cicer arietinum L. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 43(6), 2014–2026.

Khan, F., Pandey, E., Fatima, S., Khan, A., Zeb, S. Z., & Ahmad, F. (2023). Prospects for the use of metabolomics engineering in exploring and harnessing chemical signaling in root galls. In Root-Galling Disease of Vegetable Plants (pp. 309–338). Springer.

Hussain, A., Faizan, S., Kumari, R., & Pandey, E. (2024). Morphological and biochemical responses of Vicia faba grown on fly ash amended soil in the presence of Rhizobium leguminosarum and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 31(31), 44361–44373.

 

Trevor Penning | Plant Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Trevor Penning | Plant Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Professor at University of Pennsylvania | United States

Professor Trevor Penning, a distinguished biochemist, earned his B.Sc. with First Class Honors and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Southampton, UK. With a career spanning over four decades, he has served in leading academic and administrative roles at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, including Director of the Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology and the Translational Research Training Program. His professional experience bridges pharmacology, biochemistry, and environmental health sciences, focusing on aldo-keto reductases (AKRs), hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, and quinone metabolism. His research interests center on steroid biochemistry, endocrine disruptors, carcinogen activation, and the molecular mechanisms underlying redox biology and disease. Renowned for his scientific rigor, he possesses advanced research skills in enzymology, molecular pharmacology, toxicology, and translational biochemistry. Professor Penning’s prolific research output includes over 1,451 publications with 25,299 citations across 14,355 documents and an impressive h-index of 80, reflecting his global impact. His numerous awards and honors include the Founders Award from the American Chemical Society and the Molinoff Endowed Professorship. As Editor-in-Chief of Steroids and Fellow of the American Chemical Society, he continues to shape biochemical and toxicological research worldwide. His lifelong contributions exemplify excellence in scientific innovation, mentorship, and leadership in environmental and biochemical sciences.

Profile : Scopus | Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

Bolton, J. L., Trush, M. A., Penning, T. M., Dryhurst, G., & Monks, T. J. (2000). Role of quinones in toxicology. Chemical Research in Toxicology, 13(3), 135–160.

Stanbrough, M., Bubley, G. J., Ross, K., Golub, T. R., Rubin, M. A., Penning, T. M., et al. (2006). Increased expression of genes converting adrenal androgens to testosterone in androgen-independent prostate cancer. Cancer Research, 66(5), 2815–2825.

Tebay, L. E., Robertson, H., Durant, S. T., Vitale, S. R., Penning, T. M., et al. (2015). Mechanisms of activation of the transcription factor Nrf2 by redox stressors, nutrient cues, and energy status and the pathways through which it attenuates degenerative disease. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 88, 108–146.

Penning, T. M., Burczynski, M. E., Jez, J. M., Hung, C. F., Lin, H. K., Ma, H., Moore, M., et al. (2000). Human 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase isoforms (AKR1C1–AKR1C4) of the aldo-keto reductase superfamily: functional plasticity and tissue distribution reveals roles in the metabolism of androgens, estrogens, and bile acids. Biochemical Journal, 351(1), 67–77.

Jez, J. M., Bennett, M. J., Schlegel, B. P., Lewis, M., & Penning, T. M. (1997). Comparative anatomy of the aldo–keto reductase superfamily. Biochemical Journal, 326(3), 625–636.

Syeda Hijab Zehra | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Syeda Hijab Zehra | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

Junior Researcher, Ph.D Reseracher at Lithuanian Research centre For agriculture And forestry, Lithuania

Ms. Syeda Hijab Zehra is a highly accomplished researcher and scholar in the field of environmental sciences, with a focus on sustainable development, green chemistry, and material science. She completed her Master’s in Environmental Sciences from Bahria University Islamabad with a CGPA of 3.73 (Cum Laude), and her research on the removal of Cr6+ from polluted water was published in the Journal of Chemistry and Environment. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, her research is centered on the valorisation of food processing by-products for green nanoparticle synthesis and biodegradable composites. Ms. Zehra has published several research articles and reviews and has presented her work at numerous international conferences, earning accolades such as the “Best Presentation” award at AGRISCI 2024. Her dedication to both academic excellence and practical industry experience, along with her strong networking and collaboration skills, make her a rising star in her field.

Professional Profile 

Education 🎓 

Ms. Syeda Hijab Zehra has a strong academic background in environmental sciences and chemistry. She completed her Master of Science in Environmental Sciences from Bahria University Islamabad (BUIC), where she graduated with a remarkable CGPA of 3.73 (Cum Laude) in September 2022. During her master’s, her research focused on the removal of Cr6+ from synthetic polluted water using Fe-modified sugarcane bagasse and peanut shell powder, which was later published in the Journal of Chemistry and Environment. Prior to this, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Wah, Islamabad, in 2020, with a CGPA of 2.93. Currently, Ms. Zehra is pursuing her Ph.D. at the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC) in Lithuania, where her research explores the valorisation of food processing by-products for green metal nanoparticle biosynthesis and the development of biodegradable micro/nano polymer composites.

Professional Experience 💼

Ms. Syeda Hijab Zehra has gained significant professional experience through both academic research and industry exposure. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (LAMMC), where her research focuses on the valorisation of food processing by-products for green nanoparticle biosynthesis and the development of biodegradable composites. This work reflects her expertise in sustainable materials and environmental solutions. Previously, she worked on several research projects during her Master’s at Bahria University Islamabad, including a notable study on the removal of Cr6+ from synthetic polluted water, which was published in the Journal of Chemistry and Environment. In addition to her research roles, Ms. Zehra completed an internship at Wah Nobel Chemicals LTD, a leading producer of industrial chemicals, where she gained practical experience in the chemical industry. Her strong academic background, coupled with her hands-on industry experience, showcases her well-rounded professional capabilities in environmental sciences and green chemistry.

Research Interest 🔬

Ms. Syeda Hijab Zehra’s research interests are centered around sustainable development, green chemistry, and the development of environmentally friendly materials. She is particularly focused on the green synthesis of nanoparticles, exploring the potential of using natural, renewable resources to create eco-friendly materials with applications in various fields. Her current research, as part of her Ph.D. at the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, is centered on the valorisation of food processing by-products for the biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles and the development of biodegradable micro/nano polymer composites. Additionally, she is interested in the use of green synthesis methods to create silver-based nanoparticles with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Ms. Zehra is also passionate about addressing environmental pollution, particularly in water treatment, through innovative methods such as the removal of heavy metals using modified natural materials like sugarcane bagasse and peanut shell powder. Her work aims to bridge sustainability with practical environmental solutions.

Research Skill🔎

Ms. Syeda Hijab Zehra possesses a diverse set of research skills that are pivotal to her work in environmental sciences and green chemistry. She has expertise in green synthesis techniques, particularly in the production of nanoparticles from natural, renewable sources, which is central to her research on sustainable materials. Her technical skills include proficiency in various analytical methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and UV-visible spectroscopy, all of which she applies in her studies on materials characterization. Ms. Zehra is also skilled in conducting environmental analyses, particularly in water treatment, where she has worked on the removal of heavy metals from polluted water using modified natural adsorbents. Additionally, she demonstrates strong abilities in scientific writing, having published multiple research articles and reviews in reputable journals. Her capacity to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams further enhances her research skills.

Award and Honor🏆

Ms. Syeda Hijab Zehra has earned several prestigious awards and honors throughout her academic and research career. During her Master’s program at Bahria University Islamabad, she was awarded a scholarship and graduated with the distinction of “Cum Laude,” highlighting her exceptional academic performance. Her research and presentation skills have been widely recognized, earning her the “Best Presentation” award at the 13th International Conference of Young Scientists, AGRISCI 2024, in Vilnius, Lithuania, for her work on sustainable green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Additionally, she has received accolades for her pitch presentations at prominent international events, such as the Green Horizon’s Summit 2024 in Vilnius, where she presented on functional gels from natural renewable sources. Her research contributions have also earned her recognition in various scientific forums, including the 20th International Conference of Young Scientists on Energy and Natural Sciences Issues (CYSENI) and the Advance Material and Technologies 2024 conference, further underscoring her standing in the global research community.

Conclusion📝

Syeda Hijab Zehra shows immense promise as a researcher, excelling academically and making significant contributions to the fields of sustainable development, green chemistry, and environmental sciences. Her publications, awards, and ongoing research in the valorization of food processing by-products and the synthesis of biodegradable materials demonstrate her leadership in emerging scientific fields. While her work is already highly impactful, enhancing the practical implementation and expanding her outreach could position her as a more influential researcher in the long run. Based on her current achievements and potential for future impact, she is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award.

Publications Top Noted📚

  • Title: Removal of Cr6+ from Synthetic Polluted Water using Fe Modified Sugarcane Bagasse & Peanut Shell Powder
    Year: 2023
    Cited by: 6

  • Title: Phenol–Furfural Resin/Graphite/Ag-Based Electrically Conductive Adhesive Composites from Waste Bagasse with Enhanced Thermo-Electric Properties
    Year: 2023
    Cited by: 5

  • Title: Advancements in Green Synthesis of Silver-Based Nanoparticles: Antimicrobial and Antifungal Properties in Various Films
    Year: 2025
    Cited by: 3

  • Title: Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles via Medusomyces gisevii Fermentation with Origanum vulgare L. Extract: Antimicrobial Properties, Antioxidant Properties, and Phytochemical …
    Year: 2025
    Cited by: Not available yet

  • Title: Appraisement and Categorization of Compostable and Non-Compostable Plastic Bags Using HHXRF Spectrophotometer, A Study on Brands in Islamabad
    Year: 2024
    Cited by: Not available yet

  • Title: Assessment of Produced Water from Oil and Gas Field Gujar Khan, Punjab, Pakistan
    Year: 2024
    Cited by: Not available yet

  • Title: Heavy Metals Assessment in Different Fresh and Processed Tuber Crops Grown with Fresh and Sewage Water
    Year: 2024
    Cited by: Not available yet