Prathibha MD | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Prathibha MD | Plant Physiology | Best Researcher Award

ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Prathibha’s journey in agriculture began with a B.Sc. in Agriculture (2010) from the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bengaluru, where she graduated with a commendable OGPA of 8.01. Her passion for plant science deepened during her M.Sc. in Agriculture, specializing in Crop Physiology (2012) from the same institution, where she maintained an exceptional OPA score of 9.22. Continuing her academic excellence, she completed her Ph.D. in Agriculture in 2016 from UAS, with a focus on crop physiology and an impressive OGPA of 9.22.Her pre-university education at Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti in Hassan, Karnataka, gave her a solid foundation, securing 79%, which was a precursor to her exceptional academic performance throughout her higher studies. This strong academic background set the stage for her to become a well-rounded scientist with deep expertise in crop stress physiology and plant improvement strategies.


Professional Endeavors and Research Focus 🔬

In her professional career, Dr. Prathibha has become known for her comprehensive work in germplasm collection and evaluation, with a focus on abiotic stress management in crops. As a scientist at the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) in Bengaluru, she is involved in phenotyping for stress resistance using modern techniques such as digital phenotyping, Free Air CO₂ Enrichment (FACE), and Open Top Chambers (OTC) to study the impact of climate change on crop growth.Her research on abiotic stress tolerance focuses on factors like drought, salinity, and high temperatures, helping to develop crops that can withstand extreme environmental conditions. This is particularly critical in the context of climate change, where food security is increasingly threatened. One of her most notable achievements is the development of the “Daksha” variety, an aerobic rice variety, which shows improved water-use efficiency—an outcome of her doctoral research involving QTL mapping and marker-assisted selection (MAS). 🌾


Key Contributions and Breakthroughs 🌍

Dr. Prathibha has been instrumental in introducing innovative techniques in crop improvement. Her expertise in molecular marker development, QTL mapping, and candidate gene identification has paved the way for breakthroughs in crop resilience.

Among her remarkable achievements are:

  • Development of over 15 tomato and hot pepper hybrids for improved abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, including popular varieties like Kaustubh, Aryaman, Ashutosh, and SVHA786. 🍅🌶️
  • Pioneering a rapid generation protocol for crops like tomato and pepper, allowing breeders to conduct four to five breeding cycles in a year, drastically accelerating the breeding process.
  • Mapping QTLs for cellular level tolerance, water-use efficiency, and root development, which has revolutionized breeding programs for drought-tolerant crops.
  • Intrageneric grafting techniques between wild Solanum species and cultivated crops like brinjal, which have opened new avenues for developing rootstocks resistant to root-knot nematodes and moisture stress.

Her contributions have extended to commercializing wild Solanum rootstocks that can survive in high-stress environments, providing a much-needed solution to soil temperature challenges in Indian agriculture.


Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Prathibha’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. Her research on plant stress physiology has earned her recognition in the form of awards, project funding, and industry collaborations. Her role in the development of crops with enhanced resistance to environmental stresses has had a lasting impact on agriculture in India and beyond.She has authored several peer-reviewed papers and has been an invited speaker at national and international conferences. Her work continues to influence policymakers and scientists working on climate change adaptation and agricultural sustainability.


Impact and Influence on Global Agriculture 🌾🌍

The real-world impact of Dr. Prathibha’s research can be seen in the widespread cultivation of the varieties she has helped develop. Farmers in India and other South Asian countries have adopted these improved crops, enhancing food security and reducing losses due to environmental stresses.Her ability to bridge the gap between molecular genetics and field-level crop improvement has made her a leading figure in sustainable agriculture. The Daksha rice variety, for instance, is a testament to her innovative approach to water-use efficiency, helping farmers cultivate rice with lower water requirements, a critical innovation in water-scarce regions.


Legacy and Future Contributions: Shaping the Future of Agriculture 🌱✨

Looking to the future, Dr. Prathibha aims to continue pushing the boundaries of crop physiology and abiotic stress management. She is particularly focused on climate change adaptation strategies and biotechnological advancements to enhance crop resilience. Her work on nutrient profiling through advanced analytical tools such as GC-MS/MS and HPLC is expected to yield further breakthroughs in understanding the nutritional and metabolic shifts in plants under stress.Her ongoing commitment to teaching and training young scientists, technicians, and farmers ensures that her knowledge and experience will continue to shape the future of agriculture for generations to come.

Citations

A total of 144 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations         144
  • h-index           15
  • i10-index        05

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Decoding Nature’s Defense Dance: Mechanistic Insights into Biochemical and Metabolic Shifts in Cajanus cajan and Cajanus platycarpus during Combat with the Lepidopteran Pest Helicoverpa armigera Provide Evidence for Non-Host Plant Immunity
    Authors: Dokka, N., Bagri, J., Rathinam, M., Pareek, A., Sreevathsa, R.
    Journal: Plant Stress
    Year: 2024.
  • Title: A Comprehensive Approach for Evaluating Salinity Stress Tolerance in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) Germplasm Using Membership Function Value
    Authors: Gyanagoudar, H.S., Hatiya, S.T., Guhey, A., Dharmappa, P.M., Seetharamaiah, S.K.
    Journal: Physiologia Plantarum
    Year: 2024.
  • Title: Sweet Success: Unraveling the Role of Root and Shoot Sugar Dynamics in Brinjal’s Short-Term Salinity Stress Resilience
    Authors: Harsha, S.G., Girish, B., Sheela, H.S., Singh, T.H., Prathibha, M.D.
    Journal: Journal of Plant Growth Regulation
    Year: 2024.
  • Title: Comparative Study on Physiological Intricacies and Sugar Accumulation Dynamics in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) under Drought Stress
    Authors: Harsha, S.G., B, G., G, B.S.M., S, S.K., Prathibha, M.D.
    Journal: Scientia Horticulturae
    Year: 2024.
  • Title: Focused Identification of Germplasm Strategy (FIGS): A Strategic Approach for Trait-Enhanced Pre-Breeding
    Authors: Sunitha, N.C., Prathibha, M.D., Thribhuvan, R., Lohithaswa, H.C., Anilkumar, C.
    Journal: Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution
    Year: 2024.

Deblina Roy | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Deblina Roy | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Deblina Roy embarked on her academic journey with a strong foundation in agricultural sciences. Born on March 8, 1998, in Balichak, West Bengal, she has consistently excelled in her studies. She completed her 10th grade from Balichak Girls’ High School in 2013 with an impressive score of 88.57%. In 2015, she graduated from the same school with a Higher Secondary (HS) score of 88.40%. Her passion for agriculture was clear, and she pursued a B.Sc. (Honors) in Agricultural Sciences from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya (BCKV), where she graduated with a stellar OGPA of 8.28/10 in 2019. This was followed by her M.Sc. in Agronomy from the same institution, where she continued to demonstrate academic excellence with a 9.27/10 OGPA in 2021. Currently, Deblina is pursuing her Ph.D. in Agronomy at BCKV, further deepening her knowledge and expertise in this field. 🌾

Professional Endeavors 🔬

Deblina has a rich blend of academic and research experience. After completing her M.Sc., she began working as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) under the prestigious DST INSPIRE Fellowship, and as of April 2024, she transitioned to a Senior Research Fellow (SRF). Her fellowship under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, showcases her dedication to advancing agricultural research. Her primary research focus during this tenure revolves around plant-microbe interactions, nutrient management, and organic waste recycling, specifically through microbial-assisted composting techniques.Additionally, Deblina gained invaluable hands-on experience during her Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) program in 2019, where she worked on Agro-Ecology, Crop Protection, and Soil and Water Quality management. This six-month program gave her a solid understanding of the socio-economic and environmental dynamics of rural agriculture. 🌍

Contributions and Research Focus 🌾🧪

Deblina’s contributions to agronomy and agricultural science have been substantial. She is deeply involved in the isolation, screening, and molecular identification of cellulose-degrading fungi and bacteria, a crucial area of study for enhancing sustainable farming practices. Her work focuses on the recycling of organic wastes through microbial-assisted composting, an innovative and environmentally friendly method for waste management. She has developed a “Cellulose Decomposer” liquid microbial consortium using three fungal and two bacterial strains, which plays a critical role in breaking down cellulose-rich crop residues like groundnut stalks. This method improves soil health and fertility, allowing farmers to recycle their waste effectively.Her work doesn’t stop there. Deblina is also working on optimizing nutrient management in crops, with a particular emphasis on nano-fertilizers and their effect on crop yield and soil health. Her Ph.D. thesis, titled “Microbial-assisted rapid composting of groundnut residues through cellulolytic fungi and bacteria consortium and its effect on maize (Zea mays L.) – groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cropping sequence,” is a testament to her commitment to sustainable agriculture.Furthermore, she has conducted pioneering research on mycorrhizal interactions (particularly with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi – AMF) to enhance nutrient uptake, especially phosphorous, in maize-groundnut cropping systems. Her research aims to provide practical, field-based solutions that are scalable and beneficial for both small and large-scale farmers. 👩‍🌾

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Deblina has not only excelled academically but has also gained recognition for her research. In 2024, she received four GenBank Accession Numbers from NCBI for isolating and registering efficient cellulose-degrading microbial strains. These strains, including Priestia megaterium (DBJ6) and Micrococcus yunnanensis (DMB9), are critical in advancing the field of microbial decomposition of organic matter. She also secured four Repository Accession Numbers from NAIMCC, ICAR-NBAIM for depositing these microbial strains, further solidifying her contributions to the field of agriculture microbiology.Her accolades include not only her research achievements but also her ability to effectively apply them in real-world agricultural practices. This recognition from national and international scientific communities highlights her standing as a rising star in agricultural research. 🌟

Impact and Influence 🌍

Deblina’s work has far-reaching implications. Her research on sustainable agriculture and crop residue management contributes to addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by the agricultural sector today, including the need for eco-friendly practices that increase productivity without harming the environment. Her development of the “Cellulose Decomposer” consortium has the potential to revolutionize the way farmers manage waste and improve soil health, providing a significant boost to sustainable farming practices.Through her work on plant-microbe interactions and nutrient management, Deblina is also helping to improve crop yields in a sustainable manner, contributing to food security and the well-being of farming communities. Her emphasis on nano-fertilizers and mycorrhizal fungi showcases her ability to integrate advanced scientific techniques with traditional farming practices.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🧑‍🔬🌱

Deblina’s dedication to agricultural science and her innovative approach to solving practical problems will leave a lasting legacy. Her research is setting the stage for future advancements in organic waste recycling, microbial composting, and sustainable crop management. She aims to continue her research and bring her findings to the forefront of agricultural innovation, potentially impacting policies related to organic farming and environmental sustainability.In the coming years, Deblina plans to focus on expanding her research in cellulose-degrading microbes and nano-fertilizer applications. Her goal is to create more sustainable, eco-friendly farming techniques that can be easily adopted by farmers across India and globally. Through her research, she envisions transforming the way organic farming is practiced, contributing to a greener, more sustainable world. 🌎In conclusion, Deblina Roy’s journey is a remarkable example of how passion, dedication, and scientific curiosity can lead to significant contributions in the field of agronomy. Her work is not just about academic success but also about making a tangible impact on sustainable agriculture and improving the lives of farmers. 🌾

Notable Publications 

  • Effect of Microbes in Enhancing the Composting Process: A Review
    Authors: Deblina Roy, Sunil Kumar Gunri, Suchandra Neogi, Osman Ali, Jyoti Sharma
    Journal: International Journal of Plant & Soil Science (ISSN: 2320–7035)
    Year: 2022.
  • Modern Approaches in Aflatoxin Free Groundnut Production
    Authors: P Bishnu, P De, A Hayat, D Roy, S Das, MK Mahato
    Journal: Advances in Agriculture Sciences (ISBN: 978-93-5570-299-9), Chapter: 3
    Year: 2022.
  • Isolation, Screening and Characterization of Efficient Cellulose-Degrading Fungal and Bacterial Strains and Preparation of Their Consortium under In Vitro Studies
    Authors: D Roy, SK Gunri, KK Pal
    Journal: 3 Biotech (ISSN: 2190–5738)
    Year: 2024.
  • Effect of Various Doses of Basal and Foliar Application of Nitrogen and Potassium with Trace Elements on Summer Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea)
    Authors: Madhu HS, Sunil Kumar Gunri, Deblina Roy, Osman Ali, Prateem Bishnu
    Journal: The Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences (ISSN: 2394–3319)
    Year: 2023.
  • Role of Microorganisms in Crop Residue Management
    Author: D Roy
    Journal: Agri Meet Multidisciplinary e-Magazine
    Year: 2022.

Urooj Hassan Bhat | Plant Physiology | Young Scientist Award

Ms. Urooj Hassan Bhat - Plant Physiology - Young Scientist Award 🏆

Aligarh Muslim University - India

Professional Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

She embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Botany from Aligarh Muslim University, where she demonstrated a strong passion for plant science. Her academic excellence continued as she pursued a Master's degree in Botany from the same institution, specializing in Plant Physiology. During her academic tenure, she engaged in research projects focusing on the alleviation of phytotoxicity induced by nanoparticles in Brassica juncea, showcasing her commitment to understanding the complexities of plant interactions with environmental stressors.

Professional Endeavors

After completing her postgraduate studies, she actively participated in workshops and webinars focusing on statistics, optimization techniques, and emerging technologies in plant sciences. These experiences enriched her knowledge and skill set, enhancing her proficiency in research methodologies and analytical techniques. Additionally, her engagement in webinars addressing the impact of COVID-19 on environmental health highlights her dedication to staying updated on current issues and trends in the field.

Contributions and Research Focus in Plant Physiology

Her research endeavors have primarily revolved around the field of Plant Physiology, with a specific focus on understanding plant responses to environmental stressors. Her postgraduate dissertation on the alleviation of zinc oxide nanoparticles-induced phytotoxicity in Brassica juncea reflects her dedication to exploring innovative solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of environmental pollutants on plant growth and development. Through her research, she aims to contribute to the broader understanding of plant stress physiology and pave the way for sustainable agricultural practices.

Accolades and Recognition

Her academic achievements and research contributions have earned her recognition and accolades in the scientific community. Her commitment to excellence in the field of Plant Physiology was acknowledged through her participation in workshops and webinars, where she actively engaged with experts and peers to exchange knowledge and ideas. Additionally, her postgraduate dissertation showcased her ability to conduct independent research and generate valuable insights into plant-environment interactions.

Impact and Influence

Her research in Plant Physiology holds significant implications for agriculture, environmental sustainability, and ecosystem health. By investigating the mechanisms underlying plant responses to environmental stressors, such as nanoparticles, she contributes to the development of strategies to enhance plant resilience and productivity in the face of changing environmental conditions. Her work has the potential to inform agricultural practices and policies aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of environmental pollutants on crop yields and food security.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As she continues her academic and professional journey, her legacy in Plant Physiology is poised to endure. With a strong foundation in Botany and Plant Science, she is well-equipped to address pressing challenges in agriculture and environmental conservation. Through her ongoing research and engagement in interdisciplinary collaborations, she aims to make enduring contributions to the advancement of plant science and its applications in addressing global challenges related to food security, environmental sustainability, and climate change mitigation.

Notable Publications