André Silva | Agronomy | Innovative Research Award

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Innovative Research Award

André Silva

Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

André Silva
Affiliation Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
Country Brazil
Scopus ID 53984012900
Documents 29
Citations 341
h-index 12
Subject Area Agronomy
Event Botany Scientist Awards
ORCID 0000-0001-5505-7678

André Silva is an agricultural engineer and Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Protection at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil. His research addresses the control of plant pathogens, epidemiology, induced resistance in plants, seed pathology, and electron microscopy, with additional postdoctoral experience in forest pathology at the Federal University of Viçosa. He is a member of the International Society for Pest Information and serves as Professor and Advisor in the Graduate Program in Crop Science at UFRGS [1]. According to Scopus, his scholarly record includes 29 documents, 341 citations, and an h-index of 12 [2].

Abstract

This article presents an academic profile of André Silva, an agricultural engineer whose research focuses on plant pathology, with emphasis on the control of plant pathogens, epidemiology, induced resistance, seed pathology, and electron microscopy. His postdoctoral work in forest pathology examined plant–pathogen interactions using green fluorescent protein, histopathology, gene expression, and genetic resistance, while also supporting diagnostic activities in a forest pathology laboratory [1]. Bibliometric data from Scopus indicate 29 documents, 341 citations, and an h-index of 12, confirming a consistent scholarly record in agronomy and plant protection [2].

Keywords

  • Plant pathology
  • Epidemiology
  • Induced resistance
  • Seed pathology
  • Forest pathology
  • Biological control
  • Agronomy

Introduction

André Silva is an agricultural engineer and plant pathologist affiliated with the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. His academic training includes a bachelor’s degree in agronomy from the Federal University of Minas Gerais, a master’s degree and doctorate in plant pathology from the Federal University of Lavras, and postdoctoral research in forest pathology at the Federal University of Viçosa [1]. His research program addresses plant disease control, epidemiology, induced resistance, seed pathology, and the application of microscopy to plant–pathogen interactions. He currently serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Protection at UFRGS and as Professor and Advisor in the Graduate Program in Crop Science [1]. His Scopus record reports 29 documents, 341 citations, and an h-index of 12 [2].

Research Profile

André Silva’s research profile combines applied plant pathology with molecular and microscopic approaches to plant disease. His work has covered the control of pathogens affecting soybean and eucalyptus, including Asian soybean rust and powdery mildew, as well as seed pathology and the evaluation of induced resistance [3]. Postdoctoral research at the Federal University of Viçosa involved plant–pathogen interactions using green fluorescent protein, histopathology, gene expression, and genetic resistance, alongside technical responsibility for diagnoses in the Forest Pathology Laboratory [1]. He is a member of the International Society for Pest Information and contributes to editorial and peer-review activities in plant science [4].

Research Contributions

André Silva’s contributions include studies on the physiological and metabolic effects of Ceratocystis fimbriata infection in eucalypt plants, the responses of resistant and susceptible Eucalyptus hybrid clones to infection, and the role of limonene in resistance to Austropuccinia psidii [5]. Additional work has examined pre-infection stages of Austropuccinia psidii in Eucalyptus leaves, morphoanatomical changes associated with resistance, and the nutrition-dependent severity of Calonectria leaf blight [6]. His applied research also addresses biological control and seed treatment, including the use of Trichoderma species and Bacillus velezensis against Macrophomina phaseolina in soybean and maize [7].

Publications

André Silva has published full-length articles in journals including Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology, European Journal of Plant Pathology, Annals of Forest Science, Plant Disease, Forests, Plants, and Plant Physiology and Biochemistry [3]. Representative recent publications include studies on Trichoderma-based seed treatment against charcoal rot in soybean and maize, a new species of Ceratobasidium causing sheath blight on rice in Brazil, and phosphite compounds suppressing soybean anthracnose while stimulating defense mechanisms [7]. Earlier work reported Ceratocystis wilt on Caryocar brasiliense and the effects of temperature and leaf wetness on Phoma tarda in coffee seedlings [8].

Research Impact

According to Scopus, André Silva’s work has received 341 citations across 29 documents, with an h-index of 12 [2]. Highly cited contributions include the 2020 study in Annals of Forest Science on responses of Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis hybrids to Ceratocystis fimbriata, which has accumulated citations in subsequent literature [5]. Additional cited work addresses limonene-related resistance in Eucalyptus and the physiological and metabolic effects of Ceratocystis fimbriata infection [6]. This citation record supports an assessment of sustained research influence in agronomy and plant protection.

Award Suitability

The Botany Scientist Awards recognize contributions in plant science, and André Silva’s profile aligns with the event’s scope through research on plant–pathogen interactions, disease control, and crop protection [4]. His combination of applied plant pathology, molecular and microscopic analysis, and teaching in graduate programs supports consideration for recognition in agronomy and plant protection [1]. Bibliometric indicators, including 29 documents, 341 citations, and an h-index of 12, provide objective support for award suitability [2].

Conclusion

André Silva’s academic profile reflects a sustained contribution to plant pathology and agronomy through research on disease control, epidemiology, induced resistance, seed pathology, and forest pathology [1]. His publication record and citation metrics indicate a consistent scholarly presence, while his teaching and advisory roles support the training of future researchers [2]. Considered together, these elements make his work relevant to the objectives of the Botany Scientist Awards and to broader developments in crop protection [4].

References

  1. Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: André Silva, Author ID 53984012900. Scopus.
    https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=53984012900
  2. Scopus. (2026). Scholarly metrics: 341 citations, 29 documents, h-index 12. Scopus.
    https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=53984012900
  3. da Silva, A. C., de Oliveira Silva, F. M., Milagre, J. C., Omena-Garcia, R. P., Abreu, M. C., Mafia, R. G., Nunes-Nesi, A., & Alfenas, A. C. (2018). Eucalypt plants are physiologically and metabolically affected by infection with Ceratocystis fimbriata. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 123, 170–179.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2017.12.015
  4. Botany Scientist Awards. (n.d.). Award website and event information. Botany Scientist.
    https://botanyscientist.com/
  5. Silva, A. C., Betancourth, B. M. L., Ferreira, D. C., Elerati, T. L., Rodrigues, F. Á., & Alfenas, A. C. (2020). Responses of resistant and susceptible hybrid clones of Eucalyptus urophylla × Eucalyptus grandis to infection by Ceratocystis fimbriata. Annals of Forest Science, 77, 1–19.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s13595-020-00951-3
  6. Silva, R. R., Silva, A. C., Rodella, R. A., Marques, M. O. M., Zanuncio, A. J. V., Soares, M. A., Serrão, J. E., Zanuncio, J. C., & Furtado, E. L. (2019). Limonene, a chemical compound related to the resistance of Eucalyptus to Austropuccinia psidii. Plant Disease, 104, 414–422.
    https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-05-19-0943-RE
  7. da Veiga, J. D., Bristot, G., de Oliveira, A. M. R., Radunz, L. L., & da Silva, A. C. (2026). Seed treatment with Trichoderma asperelloides, alone or in combination with Bacillus velezensis, attenuates Macrophomina phaseolina-induced physiological stress and promotes maize growth. Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology, 147, 103539.
    https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmpp.2026.103539
  8. da Veiga, J. D., Ludwig, J., Chitolina, S. F., et al. (2026). Trichoderma endophyticum, T. asperellum, and T. harzianum suppress charcoal rot in soybean seeds infected by Macrophomina phaseolina. European Journal of Plant Pathology.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-026-03192-8

Guoping Zhang | Agronomy | Editorial Board Member

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Prof. Guoping Zhang | Agronomy | Editorial Board Member

Professor at Zhejiang University | China

Prof. Guoping Zhang is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Agronomy at Zhejiang University, China, recognized internationally for his extensive contributions to crop stress physiology, barley germplasm improvement, and molecular mechanisms underlying plant responses to abiotic and heavy metal stresses. After obtaining his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from Zhejiang Agricultural University and Zhejiang University, he advanced through academic positions from Assistant Lecturer to full Professor, establishing a strong research legacy in plant molecular physiology and genetic improvement. His primary research areas encompass the identification and development of barley germplasm tolerant to salinity, drought, and acid soils, alongside investigations into nutrient-use efficiency and the molecular and physiological determinants of heavy metal accumulation and phytoremediation in crops. Over his career, he has completed more than thirty competitive research projects, including multiple national natural science foundation grants, and has authored over three hundred sixty publications in leading peer-reviewed journals such as Nature, Plant Physiology, Environmental and Experimental Botany, Advanced Science, and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, accumulating over fifteen thousand citations and a highly influential h-index above sixty. He has contributed seminal findings on sodium transporters, microRNA regulation under salt stress, transcriptomic and alternative splicing responses during salinity adaptation, trypsin-family gene control of tillering and leaf morphology, negative regulatory roles of HKT and calmodulin-related genes in salt tolerance, and multi-omics insights into wild barley adaptation mechanisms. Beyond research, he has served in major international academic roles, including chairing the International Barley Genetics Symposium organizing committee and holding editorial responsibilities for key journals in agronomy, plant physiology, and integrated agricultural sciences, solidifying his standing as a global leader in stress biology and barley genetics.

Profile : Scopus 

Featured Publications : 

An integrated analysis of transcriptome and metabolome reveals aerenchyma-mediated antioxidant defense and energy metabolism conferring high waterlogging tolerance in sea barley. (Open access). Plant Stress.

Interactions of arsenic and phosphorus in their uptake and transportation in plants: Advances and prospective research on the mechanisms and approaches for alleviating arsenic stress. (Review, Open access).

Plant secondary metabolites—Central regulators against abiotic and biotic stresses. (Review, Open access).

Utilization of antagonistic interactions between micronutrients and cadmium (Cd) to alleviate Cd toxicity and accumulation in crops. (Review, Open access).

A comprehensive analytical method ‘Regulatome’ revealed a novel pathway for aerenchyma formation under waterlogging in wheat. Physiologia Plantarum.

A barley pan-transcriptome reveals layers of genotype-dependent transcriptional complexity. Nature Genetics.

 

Peter Makieu | Crop Science | Editorial Board Member

Published on by Botany Scientist

Mr. Peter Makieu | Crop Science | Editorial Board Member

Research Teaching Assistant at Njala University | Sierra Leone

Mr. Peter Makieu is an emerging multidisciplinary researcher whose academic and professional journey spans agribusiness management, computer science, data analytics, and machine learning applications in agriculture, reflecting a unique blend of scientific rigor and technological innovation. He holds advanced degrees in Agribusiness Management and Computer Science and Engineering, complemented by strong foundations in research methodology, statistical analysis, manuscript preparation, and publication ethics. His scholarly pursuits focus on agribusiness development, food and nutrition systems, crop science improvement, and the integration of intelligent technologies such as predictive analytics, precision agriculture tools, and AI-driven automation to enhance agricultural productivity, sustainability, and decision-making. Peter’s research contributions include peer-reviewed works on nutritional assessment of indigenous crops, financial access challenges among farming communities, and the performance analysis of AI models and minimalist neural network architectures, demonstrating both scientific depth and interdisciplinary versatility. Professionally, he has served as a Research Teaching Assistant in agribusiness, a Data Analyst for national value-chain assessments, an Acting Principal and Lecturer contributing to academic governance and curriculum leadership, and a facilitator of training programs for farmers, students, and professionals. His roles have encompassed research design, data interpretation, academic mentorship, statistical modeling, administrative leadership, and community engagement. Peter has also gained hands-on experience in plantation management, market linkages, production planning, and quality control through internships and development collaborations. Known for his strong communication skills, academic leadership, and commitment to sustainable development, he continues to pursue impactful research at the intersection of agriculture, technology, and socio-economic transformation, contributing to knowledge advancement and capacity building across diverse sectors.

Profile : Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications : 

Makieu, P., Yansaneh, M., Tunkara, I., & Newah, S. S. (2025). Assessing the effectiveness of government policies on youth employment in Sierra Leone. Asian Journal of Advanced Research and Reports.

Makieu, P., Kanu, M. S., Sillah, A., & Sheriff, A. (2025). Nutritional values of cassava leaves in three districts, Kenema, Kailahun, and Bo, Sierra Leone. Food and Humanity.

Afsaneh Heydari | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Afsaneh Heydari | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at Shiraz University | Iran

Dr. Afsaneh Heydari is a dedicated researcher at Shiraz University whose work focuses on agricultural meteorology, climate variability, and the hydro-environmental systems of arid and semi-arid regions. Her research explores the interconnections between the Middle East and the West Indian Subcontinent in the context of climate change, particularly examining the modulation roles of the Atlantic Meridional Oscillation (AMO) and monsoon cloud dynamics. Through advanced statistical and computational modeling, she has provided valuable insights into spatial disparities in climate trends and their implications for regional agriculture and water management. Her collaborative research, published in high-impact journals such as Climate (MDPI), demonstrates strong analytical rigor and contributes meaningfully to understanding climate-driven challenges affecting food and water security. Dr. Heydari’s work bridges hydrology, climatology, and sustainable resource management—making her a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award for her innovative contributions to advancing scientific knowledge in climate change impacts and adaptation strategies within horticultural and agricultural ecosystems.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

All-optical XOR, XNOR, NAND and OR logic gates based on photonic crystal 3-DB coupler for BPSK signals. Journal of Optical Communications.

Application of UV/Vis spectrophotometry based on using least squares support vector machine and continuous wavelet transform methods for the simultaneous analysis of antibiotics drugs in tablet formulation: Comparison with HPLC method.

Heydari, A., Nazemosadat, M. J., & Hosseinzadehtalaei, P. Climate change in the Middle East and the West Indian Subcontinent: Geographic interconnections and the modulation roles of the extreme phases of the Atlantic Meridional Oscillation (AMO) and the monsoon cloudiness. Climate.