Jayateertha Diwan | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Popular Scientist

Prof. Dr. Jayateertha Diwan | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka | India

Prof. Dr. Jayateertha Diwan is a distinguished agricultural scientist recognized for his extensive contributions to plant breeding, genetics, and crop improvement, with a strong focus on rice and other major field crops. His research integrates classical breeding, molecular biology, and biotechnology to enhance crop performance, develop stress-tolerant varieties, and improve resource-use efficiency. He has led and contributed to innovative studies on early vigor traits, yield-enhancing QTLs, nutrient-use efficiency, salinity tolerance, and direct-seeded rice systems, employing advanced tools such as SSR markers, MAS, genomic resources, and next-generation sequencing. His work spans germplasm characterization, multi-location trials, A/B/R line development, trait-specific molecular analysis, and breeding strategy design aligned with farmer and market needs. Professionally, he has held progressive leadership roles involving teaching, research, extension, academic management, and guidance of postgraduate and doctoral scholars across plant breeding, molecular breeding, crop genomics, and biotechnology. His experience also includes collaborative research in national and international programs, participation in multi-institutional projects, and contributions to genome sequencing initiatives involving wild rice and microbial species. He has served as a breeder, scheme head, research project investigator, and expert trainer in various advanced workshops and capacity-building programs, contributing to the scientific community through high-impact publications, project leadership, academic services, and active involvement in research on integrated farming systems, stress physiology, molecular diagnostics, and precision crop improvement. His professional journey reflects a deep commitment to advancing agricultural science, improving crop productivity, and translating research innovations for sustainable farming and societal benefit.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Diwan, J. R., Mahadevaswamy,., Patil, S., Bhanu, D., Devi, K. L., Hegde, S. N., Krishnaraj, P. U., Namitha, R., Pradhan, B. B., & Vashisht, D. (2025). Genome characterization of Acinetobacter species from the rice rhizosphere: A potential plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Current Genetics.

Kavyashree, N. M., Diwan, J. R., Mahantashivayogayya, K., Lokesha, R., & Naik, N. M. (2022). Micro-morphological diversity of rice (Oryza sativa L.) as seen under foldscope. Environment Conservation Journal.

Kariyanna, B., Prabhuraj, A., Mohan, M., Bheemanna, M., Kalmath, B., Pampanna, Y., & Diwan, J. R. (2020). Insecticide usage pattern and evolution of resistance in eggplant shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in India. Plant Archives. (EID: 2-s2.0-85090445715)

Umar Farooq, M. S., Diwan, J. R., Mahantashivayogayya, K., Kulkarni, V. V., & Shakuntala, N. M. (2019). Genetic evaluation of rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes for yield and nutritional quality traits. Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences, 7(2), 117–127.

Muniswamy, S., Lokesha, R., Yamanura, R., Ramesh,., & Diwan, J. R. (2017). Stability for disease, genotype × environment interaction for yield and its components in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]. Legume Research.

SHAFQUAT FAKHRAH | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Popular Scientist

Ms. SHAFQUAT FAKHRAH | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Women Researcher Award

Ph.D scholar CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute India

Shafquat Fakhrah is a passionate and meticulous PhD scholar in Botany at Lucknow University, currently working at CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), India. With a rich background in metabolomics, transcriptomics, and plant molecular biology, she focuses on unraveling biosynthetic pathways of plant-derived compounds using cutting-edge techniques. Her research contributions and leadership reflect a commitment to innovation in sustainable agriculture and plant-based therapeutics. She has successfully mentored graduate students and contributed to impactful scientific collaborations, showcasing her aptitude in both lab-based research and academic mentorship. 🌱🔬

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Shafquat holds a Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Botany (expected 2025) from Lucknow University, where her thesis explores “Comparative phenological, metabolite and molecular profiling of day and night jasmine.” 🌼🌙 She is affiliated with the CSIR-NBRI, a premier research institute.
Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Science (Zoology) from Patna Science College (2014), followed by a Master’s in Biotechnology from Patna University (2017), where she investigated the molecular genetics of Gossypium hirsutum under the guidance of Prof. Birendra Singh. 🧪📘

🧪 Experience

Over her research career, Shafquat has held several key roles:

  • Senior Research Fellow (ICMR) (2021–2025) under Dr. Chandra Sekhar Mohanty at NBRI, working on sustainable plant-based Vitamin D3 biosynthesis in Cestrum diurnum. 🧫💊
  • Project Fellow (2021–2022) with Dr. Satya Narayan Jena, where she led metabolomic profiling and gene expression analysis of Cannabis sativa and Papaver somniferum for cannabinoid and oripavin improvement. 🌿🧬
  • Project Fellow (2018–2021) under Dr. Chandra Sekhar Mohanty, where she investigated underutilized legumes of Northeast India for food and nutrition security, contributing to crop improvement strategies and conservation. 🌾📈
    Her contributions include spectral analysis, chromatography, RNA-Seq, qRT-PCR, HPLC, LC-MS/MS, and advanced bioinformatics. She has also supervised and mentored students and played a pivotal role in grant writing. 👩‍🔬👥

🔬 Research Interest

Her research interests lie at the intersection of plant metabolomics, functional genomics, and natural product biosynthesis, with a particular focus on underutilized and medicinal plants like Cestrum diurnum, Cannabis sativa, and Parkia timoriana. She is passionate about decoding molecular pathways involved in secondary metabolite production, especially for sustainable health and agricultural solutions. She also explores vitamin biosynthesis, trichome development, and stress-response mechanisms in plants. 🌿🧠🌡️

🏅 Awards

Shafquat has been recognized for her academic excellence and scientific outreach:

  • 🎯 Qualified GATE (Life Sciences) – 2020 (IIT-conducted national-level exam)
  • 🏆 Best Poster Award – India International Science Festival (IISF) 2020
  • 💼 Senior Research Fellowship (ICMR) – 2021
  • 🌟 InRes Young Fellow Award – 2024
    These accolades reflect her deep commitment to research, presentation skills, and leadership in the scientific community.

📚 Publications Top Notes: 

Here is a list of her peer-reviewed publications with journal name, year, DOI link, and citations (where available):

Fakhrah Shafquat, Nasreen Bano, Kunwar Sarvendra, Rayees Ahmad Lone, Sagar Prasad Nayak, Alka Kumari, Prashant Kumar Rout, Chandra Sekhar Mohanty (2025).
“Elucidating the Secondary Metabolite Biosynthesis Networks in Underutilized Tree Bean (Parkia timoriana) Through Integrated Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Approaches.”
Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology.
🔗 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-025-05199-z
📖 Cited by: [To be updated upon indexing]

Fakhrah Shafquat, Nasreen Bano, Soumit Kumar Behera, Krishna Kumar Rawat, Alka Kumari, Chandra Sekhar Mohanty (2024).
“Decoding the Flower-Anthesis Mechanism in Cestrum nocturnum and Cestrum diurnum“
Journal of Plant Growth Regulation.
🔗 DOI: 10.1007/s00344-024-11369-w
📖 Cited by: 1 article (Google Scholar)

Fakhrah Shafquat, Chandra Sekhar Mohanty, Alka Kumari (2024).
“The Current Status and Challenges of Two Overlooked Medicinal Plants Cestrum diurnum and Cestrum nocturnum: A Review.”
Pharmacognosy Reviews, 18(36), pp. 101-110.
🔗 [Link to be updated upon indexing]
📖 Cited by: [To be indexed]

Differential miRNA expression and regulatory mechanisms in pigmentation and fiber development of white and brown cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)

The Root-Tuber Trypsin Inhibitor of Winged Bean and Its Anti-cancerous Activity Against Osteosarcoma Cell-Line

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the HD2 protein family and its response to drought and salt stress in Gossypium species

Transcriptome Meta-Analysis Associated Targeting Hub Genes and Pathways of Drought and Salt Stress Responses in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum): A Network Biology Approach

Athar Mahmood | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Popular Scientist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Athar Mahmood | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor University of Agriculture Faisalabad Pakistan

Dr. Athar Mahmood is a seasoned agronomist and Associate Professor at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), Pakistan 🇵🇰. With a robust academic and research background spanning over 15 years, he has made substantial contributions in the domains of sustainable agriculture, biofertilizers, and bioenergy. Dr. Mahmood’s dedication to improving crop productivity under climate-stressed conditions has earned him national and international recognition, fellowships, and project funding. 🌱 His scholarly work bridges traditional agricultural practices with modern biotechnology, reflecting a commitment to sustainable food systems and environmental resilience. 🌍

Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

🎓 Education

Dr. Mahmood earned his Ph.D. in Agronomy from Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Germany (2007–2012), where he focused on sorghum as an energy crop. He completed his M.Sc. in Agronomy (2005–2007) and B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture (2001–2005) at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Earlier, he pursued intermediate (pre-medical) at Government Science College, Faisalabad (1999–2001) and matriculation in science from Government High School Salarwala (1996–1998). 📚

👨‍🏫 Experience

Currently serving as an Associate Professor at UAF, Dr. Mahmood has previously worked as an Assistant Professor at University of Sargodha (2012–2013). He undertook postdoctoral research at Southern University of Queensland (SUQ), Australia, supported by the Endeavor Fellowship (2016–2017), where he also held a visiting academic position. 🌏 His career also includes mentoring students, curriculum development, and active involvement in campus leadership and scientific committees.

🔬 Research Interests

Dr. Mahmood’s research focuses on sustainable agriculture, biofertilizer development, biogas production, and climate-smart farming. 🌾 He is particularly interested in biosaline agriculture, organic waste management, and the physiological response of crops under abiotic stresses. His multidisciplinary approach bridges agronomy, environmental sciences, and renewable energy, aiming to build more resilient agricultural systems.

🏆 Awards

Dr. Athar Mahmood has received numerous accolades including:

  • 🥇 Talented Young Scientist Program Award for Postdoctoral Study in China (2018–2019)
  • 🥈 Endeavor Fellowship (Australia) for postdoctoral studies at SUQ (2016–2017)
  • 🎓 HEC-DAAD Ph.D. Scholarship in Germany (2007–2012)
  • 🎖️ Visiting Academic position at University of Southern Queensland
  • ✅ Recognized as an HEC Approved Supervisor in Pakistan

📚 Publications Top Notes: 

Here are his recent impactful publications with links, publication years, journal names, and citations:

Mahmood, A. et al. (2025). Transforming field crops with CRISPR/Cas: a new era in genome editing. Rendiconti Lincei: Scienze Fisiche e Naturali.
Cited by: 5

Mahmood, A. et al. (2025). Impact of nitrogen, sulphur, and foliar applied thiourea on growth, oil yield, and fatty acid profile of canola. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 34(3), 2337–2347.
Cited by: 2

Mahmood, A. et al. (2025). Silicon-mediated modulation of maize growth, metabolic responses, and antioxidant mechanisms under saline conditions. BMC Plant Biology, 25(1), 3.
Cited by: 3

Mahmood, A. et al. (2024). Morphophysiological and biochemical assessment of cotton germplasm under salt stress. Cogent Food & Agriculture, 10(1).
Cited by: 4

Mahmood, A. et al. (2024). Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and salinity stress in Citrus limon. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 62.
Cited by: 1

Mahmood, A. et al. (2024). Salicylic acid improves salinity tolerance in barley. BMC Plant Biology, 24(1), 1–16.
Cited by: 6

Mahmood, A. et al. (2024). Thiourea boosts tomato yield under salt stress. Plants, 13(23), 3318.
Cited by: 2

Trehalose: A promising osmo-protectant against salinity stress—physiological and molecular mechanisms and future prospective

Mahmood, A. et al. (2024). Glutathione and zinc improve maize photosynthesis under water stress. Brazilian Journal of Botany, 47(3), 795–808.
Cited by: 1

Mahmood, A. et al. (2024). Heat stress responses and mitigation strategies in crops [link pending publication].