Fang Geng | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fang Geng | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Southwest Forestry University | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fang Geng is an accomplished scholar in horticulture and landscape sciences with significant contributions to the study of ornamental plants, floriculture, and plant physiology. With an academic foundation that includes a Ph.D. in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Plants from the University of Maine, a Master’s in Horticulture, and a Bachelor’s in Forestry from Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Dr. Geng has built an impressive career in both teaching and research. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at Southwest Forestry University, he has led and participated in multiple prestigious research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and provincial initiatives, particularly focusing on the genetic and physiological mechanisms of flower color formation in Camellia species. His work has been published in respected journals such as Scientific Data, HortScience, Frontiers in Genetics, and Ornamental Plant Research. With 6 publications, 27 citations across 25 documents, and an h-index of 3, he demonstrates both productivity and growing research impact. In addition to journal articles, he has authored academic monographs, registered new Camellia cultivars, and contributed to patents in plant propagation and breeding. Dr. Geng’s ongoing work highlights strong future potential in advancing horticultural science and biodiversity conservation.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Xiao, H.-X., Wu, X.-Q., Yan, F.-J., Zeng, Y.-J., Jia, K.-H., Zhang, G.-L., Ping, Y.-M., Cai, L., & Geng, F. (2025). High quality chromosure level genome assembly of Camellia fascicularis, an endangered plant in China. Scientific Data, 12, 1573.

Xiao, H., Rie, R., Zeng, Y., Chen, S., Yan, F., Wu, X., Wang, Z., & Geng, F. (2025). The physiological mechanism of the flower color formation of Camellia reticulata ‘Tongzimian’. Ornamental Plant Research, 5, e024.

Zhang, N., Wu, G., Wang, Z., Huo, X., Chen, L., & Geng, F. (2024). Phenotypic trait analysis for registered cultivars of Camellia sasanqua. HortScience, 59(7), 925–933.

Geng, F., Nie, R., Yang, N., Cai, L., Hu, Y., Chen, S., Cheng, X., Wang, Z., & Chen, L. (2022). Integrated transcriptome and metabolome profiling of Camellia reticulata reveal mechanisms of flower color differentiation. Frontiers in Genetics, 11(13), 1–15.

Geng, F., Moran, R., Day, M., Halteman, W., & Zhang, D. (2016). Increasing in vitro shoot elongation and proliferation of ‘G.30’ and ‘G.41’ apple by chilling explants and plant growth regulators. HortScience, 51(7), 899–904.

Geng, F., Moran, R., Day, M., Halteman, W., & Zhang, D. (2015). In vitro shoot proliferation of apple rootstocks ‘B.9’, ‘G.30’, and ‘G.41’ grown under red and blue light. HortScience, 50(3), 430–433.

Ma, Y., Wang, J., Zhong, Y., Geng, F., Cramer, G. R., & Cheng, Z.-M. (2015). Subfunctionalization of cation/proton antiporter 1 genes in grapevine in response to salt stress in different organisms. Horticulture Research, 2, 15031.

Milene Praça-Fontes | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Milene Praça-Fontes | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

UFES | Brazil 

Author Profile

Orcid

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Mrs. Milene Miranda Praça-Fontes began her journey in biological sciences at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, completing her Bachelor's and Licentiate degrees in Biological Sciences in 2003. Her early academic work focused on meiotic characterization and pollen viability in plant species, laying a foundation for her future research in cytogenetics. She further pursued a Master's and Doctorate in Genetics and Plant Breeding at the Federal University of Viçosa, specializing in cytogenetics, chromosomal characterization, and genomic quantification.

Professional Endeavors 🌟

As a professor at the Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Mrs. Praça-Fontes has been instrumental in teaching, research, and administration. She has served as Coordinator of the Graduate Program in Genetics and Plant Breeding (2015–2019) and continues to mentor Master's and Ph.D. students. Her work extends to leading the Cytogenetics and Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory and participating in interdisciplinary research initiatives.

Contributions and Research Focus 🧬

Mrs. Praça-Fontes’ research focuses on:

  • Plant Cytogenetics: Investigating chromosomal behavior and DNA content.
  • Tissue Culture: Developing protocols for plant micropropagation and somatic embryogenesis.
  • Mutagenesis and Toxicity: Analyzing genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of chemical compounds and plant metabolites using bioassays.
    Her contributions have practical implications for plant breeding, ecological conservation, and environmental toxicity assessments.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Mrs. Praça-Fontes has received funding from prestigious organizations such as CNPq and FAPES for her groundbreaking research. She serves as an editorial member for international journals like Frontiers in Plant Science and Frontiers in Genetics and is a sought-after reviewer for numerous scientific publications.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Her work has influenced both academia and practical applications in plant science. Mrs. Praça-Fontes has made significant contributions to the development of sustainable agricultural practices, biodiversity conservation, and innovative methodologies in plant cytogenetics.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌱

Mrs. Praça-Fontes is dedicated to advancing plant genetic research and training the next generation of scientists. Her ongoing projects aim to bridge gaps in sustainable agriculture and ecological restoration, ensuring her work leaves a lasting legacy in the field of plant science.

 

Publications


  • 📝 Phytotoxic and Cytogenetic Assessment of Glycerol Triazole Derivatives in Model Plants and Weeds
    Author(s): Thayllon de Assis Alves, Thammyres de Assis Alves, Poliana Aparecida Rodrigues Gazolla, Ângela Maria Almeida Lima, Mariana Belizario de Oliveira, Danilo Aniceto da Silva, Vagner Tebaldi de Queiroz, Róbson Ricardo Teixeira, Adilson Vidal Costa, Milene Miranda Praça‐Fontes
    Journal: Chemistry & Biodiversity
    Year: 2024

  • 📝 Chemical Composition, Phytotoxic, and Cytogenotoxic Properties of Essential Oils from Psidium cauliflorum and P. acidum (Myrtaceae)
    Author(s): Thammyres de Assis Alves, Aldino Neto Venancio, Thayllon de Assis Alves, Loren Cristina Vasconcelos, Amélia Carlos Tuler, Matheus Alves Silva, Lara Aparecida Nazareth Radael, Luciano Menini, Marcia Flores da Silva Ferreira, Milene Miranda Praça-Fontes
    Journal: Bragantia
    Year: 2024

  • 📝 Drying Temperature Affects the Quantity and Quality of the Essential Oil of Psidium Species and Contributes to Phytotoxicity in Model Plants
    Author(s): Aline dos Santos Bergamin, Isabelly da Silva Izidio, Loren Cristina Vasconcelos, Gustavo Fernandes Mariano, Luiza Alves Mendes, Milene Miranda Praça-Fontes
    Journal: Ciência e Agrotecnologia
    Year: 2024

  • 📝 Influence of Seasonal Variation on the Chemical Composition of Piper amalago Essential Oils and Their Phytocytogenotoxic Activity in Model Plants and Weeds
    Author(s): Loren Cristina Vasconcelos, Aline dos Santos Bergamim, Geisiele Silva Martins, Gustavo Fernandes Mariano, Luiza Alves Mendes, Tatiana Tavares Carrijo, Milene Miranda Praça-Fontes
    Journal: Bragantia
    Year: 2024

  • 📝 Investigation of Cytotoxic Activity and the Chemical Composition by Mass Spectrometry of Polar Extracts from Cissus verticillata Leaves
    Author(s): Augusto Cesar Santos Oliveira, Iasmini Nicoli Galter, Suiany Vitorino Gervasio, Maria do Carmo Pimentel Batitucci, Milene Praca Fontes, Silvia Tamie Matsumoto, Hildegardo Seibert Franca
    Journal: Revista Virtual de Quimica
    Year: 2024