The University of Swabi | Pakistan

Author Profile

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Hidayat Ullah embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in agricultural sciences. He completed his Ph.D. in Agriculture (Plant Breeding & Genetics) from The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan, where he specialized in genotype × environment interaction, heritability, and selection response for morpho-physiological and yield traits in mungbean. His dissertation, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Iftikhar Hussain Khalil (Ph.D., Oklahoma State University, USA), laid the groundwork for his future research endeavors. His academic progression includes an M.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture (Plant Breeding & Genetics), where he focused on developing and characterizing elite local and exotic maize inbred lines. His early research contributions extended to tissue culture techniques for callus induction in rice, showcasing his deep-rooted interest in plant genetics and breeding.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Dr. Ullah has held several prestigious academic and administrative positions at The University of Swabi, Pakistan. As an Associate Professor of Plant Breeding & Genetics since 2015, he has been actively involved in teaching, research supervision, and curriculum development. His leadership extends to multiple administrative roles, including Chairperson of the Department of Agriculture, Director of Academics, Director of the Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC), and Chief Proctor. Beyond academia, he has contributed to agricultural policy and extension services in Pakistan, having served as an Agriculture Officer and Subject Matter Specialist for the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. His efforts have focused on training local farmers, monitoring field crops, and implementing best agricultural practices.

🌾 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Ullah's research is centered on cereal and legume breeding, tissue culture, hybridization, and sustainable agriculture. He has played a crucial role in the development of high-yielding wheat varieties, Tarnab Rehbar and Tarnab Gandum-1, known for their zinc-enriched properties. His work also extends to transcriptomics, proteomics, and the biological control of pests, addressing both biotic and abiotic stresses in crop production. His international collaborations have enriched his research portfolio, particularly through his fellowship experiences in Australia, China, and the USA. His projects in fababean breeding, soybean genomics, and pest management strategies have contributed to the global discourse on crop resilience and sustainable farming.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Ullah’s contributions have earned him multiple prestigious awards and fellowships:
Executive Endeavour Fellow (Australia) – Recognized for his outstanding research contributions in plant breeding.
Talented Young Scientist Fellow (China) – Acknowledged for his work in pest management and sustainable agriculture.
Visiting Scholar (USA, IRSIP HEC Fellow) – Selected for advanced research in legume genomics.
University Best Research Award – Honored for his impactful research and scholarly contributions.

His participation in the 2024 International CBEC Summer School in China highlights his commitment to integrating AI and e-commerce in agriculture, expanding his expertise beyond traditional plant breeding methodologies.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Ullah has made a lasting impact on agricultural research, academic leadership, and community outreach. His dedication to teaching and mentoring students has produced a new generation of agricultural scientists and plant breeders. His research has enhanced wheat and legume productivity, providing nutritionally enriched and high-yielding crop varieties that support food security efforts. His administrative leadership has strengthened the academic infrastructure of The University of Swabi, shaping policies, enhancing research facilities, and fostering an environment of excellence in agricultural education.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Ullah’s legacy is defined by his commitment to sustainable agriculture, crop resilience, and academic excellence. Looking ahead, he aims to:
Advance genomic research in plant breeding, focusing on climate-resilient crops.
Expand collaborations with international agricultural research institutes.
Enhance agricultural education by integrating AI, machine learning, and precision farming techniques.
Promote sustainable farming practices to combat the challenges of climate change and food security.

His work continues to inspire future scientists, policymakers, and farmers, ensuring a more resilient and productive agricultural future.

Publications

📄 Utilizing Target Sequences with Multiple Flanking Protospacer Adjacent Motif (PAM) Sites Reduces Off-Target Effects of the Cas9 Enzyme in Pineapple
Author(s): Haiyan Shu, Aiping Luan, Hidayat Ullah, Junhu He, You Wang, Chengjie Chen, Qing Wei, Rulin Zhan, Shenghe Chang
Journal: Genes
Year: 2025

📄 Aphid-resistant alfalfa cultivar minimizes the survival of spotted alfalfa aphid through upregulating plant defense compounds
Author(s): Kaihui Zhu, Neng Zhang, Daogang Zhang, Cai Ni, Rong Liu, Wunan Che, Ullah Hidayat, Xiongbing Tu
Journal: Crop Protection
Year: 2025

📄 Growth, Biomass Partitioning and Chlorophyll Fluorescence Response to Drought Stress: A Comparative Study of Commelina Communis L. Biotypes
Author(s): Hidayat Ullah
Journal: Pakistan Journal of Botany (Pak. J. Bot)
Year: 2023

📄 Biochemical Response of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) to Selenium (Se) under Drought Stress
Author(s): Jawad Ali, Ibadullah Jan, Hidayat Ullah, Shah Fahad, Shah Saud, Muhammad Adnan, Baber Ali, Ke Liu, Matthew Tom Harrison, Shah Hassan et al.
Journal: Sustainability
Year: 2023

📄 Preference and Performance of Peach Fruit Fly (Bactrocera zonata) and Melon Fruit Fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae) under Laboratory Conditions
Author(s): Saeed M., Ahmad T., Alam M., Al-Shuraym L.A., Ahmed N., Ali Alshehri M., Ullah H., Sayed S.M.
Journal: Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences
Year: 2022

Danela Murariu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Excellence in Research Award

Posted on 03/10/202403/10/2024 by Book of Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Danela Murariu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Excellence in Research Award

Suceava Genebank | Romania

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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Danela Murariu's academic journey began at the Agronomic Institute "Ion Ionescu de la Brad" in Iași, Romania, where she pursued a Bachelor's Degree in Agronomy. With a keen interest in plant physiology, genetics, and breeding, she furthered her education by earning a Doctor's Degree in Agronomy from the Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences “Gheorghe Ionescu Șișești” in Bucharest. Her doctoral research focused on seed viability in plant species preserved at the Suceava Gene Bank, laying the foundation for her long-standing career in plant genetics.

Professional Endeavors 🌱

Dr. Murariu's professional path has been closely tied to the Suceava Genebank, where she has made significant contributions over the years. Starting as a research assistant in 1987, she gradually rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the Head of the Evaluation Section and, later, the Scientific Secretary. In these roles, she has been instrumental in coordinating research, managing collections of maize and oat germplasm, and promoting national and international collaborations. Her work also includes managing regeneration and multiplication of plant genetic resources, ensuring the longevity of Romania's agricultural heritage.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Murariu’s research spans various aspects of plant genetics, with a strong emphasis on maize and oat collections. She has curated and evaluated local plant populations, focusing on factors such as seed viability and cold resistance in maize germplasm. Her expertise extends to organizing the preservation and use of plant genetic resources, both in situ and on farms. Her efforts also encompass promoting traditional agricultural varieties and securing funding for critical research projects. Internationally, she played a pivotal role in SEEDNet, helping conserve plant genetic resources across Southeast Europe.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Murariu has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious “Constantin Sandu Aldea” Prize in 2017 and 2018 for her contributions to agricultural literature. Her project leadership in conserving local maize landraces from the Carpathian Mountains also earned her an Award of Excellence. These recognitions underscore her profound impact on agricultural science and genetic conservation, both nationally and internationally.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Beyond her scientific contributions, Dr. Murariu’s influence extends to her roles as a mentor and educator. Since 2021, she has been coordinating PhD students in the field of Agronomy at the University of Life Sciences Iași. Her work has also earned her a place on the editorial board of the International Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry. She is a well-regarded expert and speaker at numerous international scientific events and workshops, contributing to global discussions on plant genetic conservation and breeding.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

With over 131 scientific publications to her name, including books, journal articles, and conference papers, Dr. Murariu’s legacy in plant genetics is substantial. Her vision for the future, reflected in the Suceava Genebank’s strategy extending to 2045, demonstrates her commitment to agricultural sustainability and food security. Through her research, teaching, and leadership, she continues to inspire future generations of agronomists and geneticists.

Publications

📓 Some Nutritional Value Aspects of Barley and Oat and Their Impact in Human Nutrition and Healthy Life
Authors: Diana Camelia Batîr Rusu, Danela Murariu, Roxana Gheorghita, Mariana Graur
Journal: Plants
Year: 2024

📓 Genetic and Phenotypic Evaluation of European Maize Landraces as a Tool for Conservation and Valorization of Agrobiodiversity
Authors: Carlotta Balconi, Agustin Oscar Galaretto, Rosa Ana Malvar, Stéphane D. Nicolas, Rita Redaelli, Violeta Andjelkovic, Pedro Revilla, Cyril Bauland, Brigitte Gouesnard, Ana Butron et al.
Journal: Biology
Year: 2024

📓 Study of Phenotypic Variability of Vicia faba Germplasm by Using of Varietal Diversity in Mono-Cropping and Intercropping Systems
Author: Danela Murariu
Journal: Romanian Agricultural Research
Year: 2022

📓 Macroelement and Nitrate Contents in Maize Leaves Under Different Nitrogen Fertilization
Author: Danela Murariu
Journal: Maydica
Year: 2021

📓 Assessing of Genetic Variability of Avena Accessions Artificially Inoculated with Fusarium spp
Authors: Domnica Daniela Placinta, Danela Murariu, Catalin Enea
Journal: Romanian Agricultural Research
Year: 2020

📓 Assessing Genetic Diversity in Romanian Maize Landraces, Using Molecular Markers
Authors: Danela Murariu, Domnica Daniela Placinta, Violeta Simioniuc
Journal: Romanian Agricultural Research
Year: 2019

Lavanya Nallasamy | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Scholar Award

Posted on 27/04/202429/04/2024 by Book of Award

Ms. Lavanya Nallasamy | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Scholar Award

Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women | India

Author Profile

Scopus

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Early Academic Pursuits

Lavanya Nallasamy embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Botany from Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, where she displayed exceptional diligence and academic prowess. Building upon this foundation, she pursued a Master's degree in Botany, further honing her skills in plant biotechnology. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Botany, her research focuses on in vitro plant regeneration from the valuable medicinal plant Rauvolfia tetraphylla L., under the guidance of Dr. Amutha Swaminathan.

Professional Endeavors

As a dedicated researcher, Lavanya Nallasamy has been instrumental in various academic and research roles. She has served as a Researcher in the Department of Botany at Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women since 2019, where she continues to contribute significantly to the field of life sciences.

Contributions and Research Focus

Lavanya Nallasamy's research primarily revolves around plant biotechnology, with a specific focus on plant tissue culture, molecular biology, and phytochemistry. Her work on in vitro plant regeneration from Rauvolfia tetraphylla L. showcases her expertise in this domain. Additionally, her contributions to various publications underscore her commitment to advancing knowledge in her field.

Accolades and Recognition

Nallasamy's academic excellence and research contributions have garnered recognition from peers and institutions alike. Her publications in reputed journals and her ongoing research projects highlight her significant contributions to the scientific community.

Impact and Influence

Through her meticulous research and dedication, Lavanya Nallasamy has made a tangible impact on the field of plant biotechnology. Her work not only contributes to the academic discourse but also holds promise for practical applications in areas such as medicine and agriculture.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Lavanya Nallasamy continues her academic journey and research endeavors, her legacy of excellence and dedication is poised to inspire future generations of scholars. With a keen interest in pursuing a postdoctoral position and exploring diverse research roles, she remains committed to making meaningful contributions to the field of life sciences.

Notable Publications

Green Nanotechnology Revolution in Biomedical Application and Treatments 2023

In vitro seed culture optimization of Cynanchum tunicatum (Retz.) Alston using Response Surface Methodology 2023

Qualitative Phytochemical Analysis, Antimicrobial Activity, In Vitro Antioxidant Potential and Anticancer Activities of Euphorbia Hirta (L.) 2020

Furqan Ahmad | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 06/02/202406/02/2024 by Book of Award

Mr. Furqan Ahmad | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

MNS University of Agriculture Multan | Pakistan

Author Profile

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

Furqan Ahmad commenced his academic journey with a focus on Plant Breeding and Genetics, earning an M.Sc. (Hons.) from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad in 2012. His dedication to agricultural sciences started during his B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture, majoring in PBG, at BZU Multan (2006-2010). He laid the foundation for his educational pursuits with Intermediate studies at BISE Multan (2003-2005) and Matriculation at BISE Multan (1999-2001).

Professional Endeavors

Furqan Ahmad has contributed significantly to the field of agriculture through diverse roles. His journey began at the Central Cotton Research Institute, Multan, as a Research Associate under a contract. Subsequently, he embarked on a scholarly path at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, working as a PhD Scholar/Research Associate under contract terms. His commitment to education led him to become a Lecturer at MNS University of Agriculture Multan, initially on a contract and later as a regular faculty member (BPS). Further, he pursued his PhD at Zhejiang University as a dedicated scholar under a student scholarship.

Contributions and Research Focus

Furqan Ahmad's contributions extend to various research and development projects. Noteworthy among them are projects like "Vegetable Nursery Production and Supply System for Kitchen Gardening," "Commissioned Research for Development of Cotton Seed," and his involvement in the "Crop Genomics and Speed Breeding Centre for Agriculture Sustainability."

Accolades and Recognition

Furqan Ahmad's dedication to research and development has earned him recognition, setting a foundation for his academic and professional journey. His commitment to commissioned research and contributions to sustainable agriculture has not gone unnoticed.

Impact and Influence

Through his roles in academia and research, Furqan Ahmad has left a lasting impact on the fields of Plant Breeding and Genetics. His work in seed development and sustainable agriculture showcases his influence on the agricultural landscape.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Furqan Ahmad's legacy lies in his commitment to advancing agricultural practices. As a researcher and educator, he has laid the groundwork for future advancements in crop genomics and sustainable agriculture. His continued contributions are anticipated to shape the future of agricultural sciences positively.

Notable Publications

HEAT-RESPONSIVE PROTEIN regulates heat stress via fine-tuning ethylene/auxin signaling pathways in cotton 2022 (1)

Characterization of salt tolerant wheat genotypes by using morpho-physiological, biochemical, and molecular analysis 2022 (9)

Effect of Drought on Trichome Density and Length in Cotton (Gossypium Hirsutum) 2021 (6)