William Mbasa | Agronomy | Young scientist Award

Mr. William Mbasa | Agronomy | Young scientist Award

 

Mr at University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

William Valerian Mbasa is a dedicated microbiologist/pathologist with a strong background in agricultural research, specializing in cashew crops and microbiology. He holds a PhD and Master’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Dar es Salaam, complemented by a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from Sokoine University of Agriculture. Currently serving at Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)-Naliendele Centre, William has authored several influential research articles and played pivotal roles in projects focusing on cashew crop protection and organic-based nutrient management. His leadership experience includes coordinating research and innovation efforts, contributing significantly to the agricultural research landscape in Tanzania.

profile

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Ā Personal Profile

I am a microbiologist/pathologist with self-motivation, goal-oriented, well-organized, hardworking, and attentive to details. I can work efficiently both in a team and individually. Moreover, I am eager to effectively contribute to research and development in solving community challenges.

šŸŽ“Academic Qualification

Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Microbiology (By Thesis) University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 2022 to Date, Master of Science in Microbiology (By Thesis) University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 2018 – 2020, Bachelor Degree of Science in Agriculture General Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania 2012 ā€“ 2015, National Form Six Examination Certificate ā€œAdvance levelā€ Kwiro High School, Morogoro, Tanzania, 2010 – 2012, National Form Four Examination Certificate ā€œOrdinary Levelā€ Naliendele Secondary School, Mtwara, Tanzania 2006 – 2009, Primary School Examination Certificate Naliendele Primary School, Mtwara, Tanzania 1999 ā€“ 2005

šŸ’¼Professional/ Work Experience

Research Officer Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)-Naliendele Centre 1st November 2022 ā€“ Present. Agricultural Research Officer Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)-Naliendele Centre under Temporary Terms 25th January 2021 ā€“ 31st October 2022. Agricultural Research Officer. Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)-Naliendele Centre under Cashew Research Program (CRP) September 2016 – 24th January 2021

šŸŒŸLeadership Experience

Assistant of Coordinator of Research and Innovation (CRI) Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)-Naliendele Centre 1st January 2024 ā€“ Present Assistant of Coordinator of Cashew Research Program (CRP) Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)-Naliendele Centre 1st January 2024 ā€“ Present Head of Crop Protection Section Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)-Naliendele Centre under Cashew Research Program (CRP)-Cashew Crop Protection December 2022 ā€“ Present Acting Head of Cashew Agronomy Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)-Naliendele Centre under Cashew Research Program (CRP)-Agronomy section March 2017 – March 2018

šŸ”¬Research Involved

Cashew Apple Organic-Based Nutrient Management Practice: Potential for Improved Productivity of Cashew in Southeastern Tanzania Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)-Naliendele Centre, 2019 – 2022, šŸŒ± One (1) cashew apple organic-based fertilizer was recommended., šŸ“š One (1) research article was published in a reputable journal.. Investigations of Cashew Wilt Disease: An Emerging Threat Caused by Fusarium oxysporum in Tanzania Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI)-Naliendele Centre 2018 ā€“ 2020 (Phase I), 2022 – To Date (Phase II)Ā Three (3)

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Distribution, characterization and chemical management of noxious shrub weed (Dichapetalum stuhlmannii Engl) in cashew in southeastern Tanzania
    Authors: Mbasa, W.V., Kapinga, F.A., Nene, W.A., Ngiha, K.N., Bashiru, R.A.
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Heliyon
    DOI: e28207

 

  • Title: Influence of cashew apple utilization on soil nutrient replenishment and performance of cashew seedlings
    Authors: Valerian Mbasa, W., Kapinga, F.A., Nene, W.A., Merengo, M.J., Lilai, S.A.
    Year: 2024
    Journal: Journal of Plant Nutrition
    Volume and Issue: 47(4)
    Pages: 595ā€“614

 

  • Title: The efficacy of biofungicides on cashew wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum
    Authors: Lilai, S.A., Kapinga, F.A., Nene, W.A., Mbasa, W.V., Tibuhwa, D.D.
    Year: 2022
    Journal: European Journal of Plant Pathology
    Volume and Issue: 163(2)
    Pages: 453ā€“465

 

  • Title: Ecological factors influencing severity of cashew fusarium wilt disease in Tanzania
    Authors: Lilai, S.A., Kapinga, F.A., Nene, W.A., Mbasa, W.V., Tibuhwa, D.D.
    Year: 2021
    Journal: Research in Plant Disease
    Volume and Issue: 27(2)
    Pages: 49ā€“60

 

  • Title: In vitro efficacy of botanical leaf extracts on Fusarium oxysporum causing cashew wilt disease in Tanzania
    Authors: Mbasa, W.V.
    Year: 2021
    Journal: Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection
    Volume and Issue: 54(19-20)
    Pages: 2397ā€“2406

 

  • Title: Characterization and chemical management of Cashew Fusarium Wilt Disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum in Tanzania
    Authors: Mbasa, W.V., Nene, W.A., Kapinga, F.A., Lilai, S.A., Tibuhwa, D.D.
    Year: 2021
    Journal: Crop Protection
    Volume: 139
    DOI: 105379

 

Charul Chaudhary | Agronomy | Women Researcher Award

Ā  Dr. Charul Chaudhary| Agronomy | Women Researcher Award

Charul Chaudhary is a dedicated agronomist with expertise in crop production, cropping systems, conservation agriculture, and soil management. Holding a Ph.D. in Agronomy from COA, CCS HAU, Hisar, she excels in research focused on weed control, crop diversification, and improving soil health for enhanced productivity. Currently serving as a Young Professional-II at ICAR, Charul previously contributed significantly as a Senior Research Fellow at ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute. She is a recipient of prestigious awards including the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fellowship and has authored multiple impactful publications in renowned journals.

Profile

Scopus

  • ā€¢ Influence of crop residue and nitrogen management on nutrient uptake, yield and economics of Rice-Wheat
    Cropping system. 2023. Journal of Plant Nutrition, pp-376-391. DOI- 10.1080/01904167.2023.2277399

 

  • ā€¢ Standardization of spraying technique for pre-emergence herbicides in zero-tillage wheat with surface residue
    cover. 2023. Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences (IJAS), 92 (11): 1358ā€“1363

 

  • ā€¢ Effect of herbicidal treatments on the seed quality parameters and yield of Pearl millet. 2022. Agricultural
    Mechanization in Asia, Africa and Latin America, 53(5): 8085-8093

 

  • ā€¢ Impact of Integrated weed management practices on growth parameters, yield attributes and yield of pearl
    millet (Pennisetum glaucum L. Br. Emend. Stuntz.). 2022. The Pharma Innovation, 11(4): 687-692.

 

  • ā€¢ Impact of Integrated weed management practices on weed parameters and yield of pearl millet (Pennisetum
    glaucum L. Br. Emend. Stuntz.). 2022. The Pharma Innovation, 11(4): 693-700.

 

  • ā€¢ Lodging: significance and preventive measures for increasing crop production, International Journal of
    Chemical Studies, IJCS 2018; 6(1): 700-705.

Nyasha Chiuraise | Crop protection | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nyasha Chiuraise | Crop protection | Best Researcher Award

Doctoreta at Seed Co Ltd Zimbabwe

Summary:

Dr. Nyasha Chiuraise, a 39-year-old plant pathologist from Harare, Zimbabwe, has over nine years of experience in crop protection within the private sector. He currently works with SeedCo Group, a leading seed company operating across 17 African countries. Dr. Chiuraise’s expertise includes breeding for disease resistance and integrated pest, weed, and disease management. His work is instrumental in improving crop resilience and supporting sustainable agricultural practices in Africa.

Profile:

Scopus

šŸŽ“Education:

  • Ph.D. in Plant Pathology
    University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa, 2023
  • M.Sc. in Plant Breeding, cum laude
    University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, 2015
  • B.Sc. Honours in Plant Pathology
    University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, 2012
  • B.Sc. Honours in Biological Sciences
    Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe, 2007

šŸ„šŸ‘Øā€šŸ«Professional Experience:

Plant Pathologist SeedCo Group, Harare, Zimbabwe June 2015 ā€“ Present Responsible for diagnosing fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases of cereals and vegetables through morphological, serological, and molecular techniques. Applies KASP SNP genotyping for plant disease resistance breeding and collaborates with global breeding teams. Develops strategies for field and controlled environment research on various crops, conducts fungicide and insecticide field trials, and provides technical expertise in plant health to seed producers and farmers. Maintains relationships with academia and the agricultural industry globally. Field Plant Pathologist Plant Health Products, Nottingham Road, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa January 2015 ā€“ June 2015 Developed, tested, and commercialized biocontrol products for field crops and pasture species. Conducted insect rearing and pathogen culturing for bioassays, tested biocontrol product compatibility with pesticides, and isolated and identified plant pathogens using various techniques.

Research Interests:

Dr. Chiuraise’s research focuses on breeding for disease resistance and integrated management of pests, weeds, and diseases in wheat and maize. He is particularly interested in the application of advanced genotyping techniques for plant disease resistance and the development of biocontrol strategies for sustainable agriculture.

Publications Top Notes šŸ“:

1. Occurrence and characterization of Puccinia triticina in Zimbabwe

  • Journal: Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology
  • Year: 2024 (In Press)
  • Contributors: N. Chiuraise, B. Visser, A. MarĆ©, W. Boshoff

2. First Report of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, Causing Stripe Rust of Wheat, in Zimbabwe

  • Journal: Plant Disease
  • Year: 2020
  • Volume: 104
  • Issue: 1
  • Contributors: W.H.P. Boshoff, B. Visser, C.M. Lewis, N. Chiuraise, Z.A. Pretorius
  • Citations: 11

3. Comparative evaluation of commercial rhizobial inoculants of soybean

  • Journal: South African Journal of Plant and Soil
  • Year: 2016
  • Volume: 33
  • Issue: 2
  • Pages: 157ā€“160
  • Contributors: B.J. Sivparsad, N. Chiuraise, M.D. Laing
  • Citations: 3

4. Progress in stacking aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination resistance genes in maize hybrids

  • Journal: Euphytica
  • Year: 2016
  • Volume: 207
  • Issue: 1
  • Pages: 49ā€“67
  • Contributors: N. Chiuraise, J. Derera, K.S. Yobo, A. Nunkumar, N.F.P. Qwabe
  • Citations: 7

5. Seed treatment with Trichoderma harzianum strain kd formulation reduced aflatoxin contamination in groundnuts

  • Journal: Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection
  • Year: 2015
  • Volume: 122
  • Issue: 2
  • Pages: 74ā€“80
  • Contributors: N. Chiuraise, K.S. Yobo, M.D. Laing
  • Citations: 11

 

Zekeria Yusuf | Plant Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Ā Dr. Zekeria Yusuf | Plant Biotechnology| Best Researcher Award

Zekeria Yusuf Habib is an accomplished Associate Professor and Biological Science Program Head at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. With a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and a background in Applied Genetics, he specializes in genetic variability and performance of agricultural crops, notably groundnut and citrus. His research, published in reputable journals, focuses on plant biotechnology, enzymatic properties, and phyto-fabrication of nanoparticles. Zekeria is dedicated to enhancing research activities and educational quality, serving as a subtheme leader and coordinator at his institution. Fluent in Oromo, Amharic, and English, he actively contributes to academia through curriculum development, manuscript reviews, and training programs in biotechnology and molecular biology.

Profile

Scopus

šŸŽ“ Education

Ph.D. in Plant Breeding Haramaya University, Maya, Ethiopia October 2011 to August 2018 Dissertation Title: Genetic Variability, Inter-Relationship and Performance of Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) varieties for Yield and Oil Traits in Ethiopia. M.Sc. in Applied Genetics Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia September 2005 to March 2008
Thesis Title: Study of chromosomes of snail spp in Bulinus truncatus/tropicus complex collected from various localities in Ethiopia. B.Ed. in Biology Haramaya University, Maya, Ethiopia October 1998 to July 2001

šŸ«šŸ§ŖExperiences in Academic, Research, and Community Activities

  1. Subtheme Leader of Bioscience Research

Position: Subtheme Leader (equivalent to headship position), Institution: Basic Science Research (Theme VI), Duration: Since December 15, 2018, Responsibilities: Actively participated in improving research activities, identifying research priority areas, and encouraging young staff in research activities.

  1. Biological Science Program Coordinator

Position: Coordinator (equivalent to headship position), Institution: School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Haramaya University, Duration: Since June 28, 2022, Responsibilities: Contributing to the reorganization of laboratory resources within the School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology (SBBT) and ensuring fair and equitable treatment of all staff members.

  1. Training Participation: Frontiers in Flow Cytometryā„¢ 2023

Event: 24 Hour Virtual Event, Details: Training in cellular laboratory analysis

  1. Capacity Building Training

Topic: Enhancing the Quality of Education at Higher Education Institutions, Audience: Middle-level Institutional Leaders

  1. Curriculum Review Committee Member

Programs: M.Sc Genetics and Biotechnology,Institution: School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Haramaya University, Role: Ad hoc committee member

  1. Ad Hoc Committee Member

Activities: Staff promotion committee member, Facilitating national exit exams

  1. External Examiner

Institutions: Madda Walabu University, Dire Dawa University, Salale University, Role: External examiner for M.Sc theses

  1. Manuscript Reviewer

Journals: Reviewed manuscript titled “Physicochemical properties and bioactive compounds of three varieties of melon (Cucumis melo) seed oils” in Food Science and Nutrition (Wiley journal). Reviewed manuscript titled “White Clover Components as an Effective Biosorbent for the Elimination of Toxic Malachite Green from Wastewater” in Natural Product Communications (SAGE journal)

  1. R Software Training Facilitator

Collaboration: Haramaya University Research Office and CNCS. Role: Involved in the facilitation of R software training sessions

  1. Laboratory Manual Preparation

Courses: Genetics, Cytogenetics, Enzymology, and Enzyme Technology, Program: Undergraduate Molecular Biology and Biotechnology program, Responsibility: Preparing laboratory manuals for specified courses

 

Publications Top Notes šŸ“

  • Article 1

    • Title: Characterization of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles for extraction of harar coffee (coffea arabica L.) genomic DNA
    • Authors: T. Beyene, Z. Yusuf, E. Teju
    • Journal: Vegetos
    • Year: 2024 (Article in Press)

    Article 2

    • Title: On farm diversity and genetic erosion of sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.]
    • Authors: I. Adem, Z. Yusuf, M. Chimdesa
    • Journal: International Journal of Vegetable Science
    • Year: 2024 (Article in Press)

    Article 3

    • Title: Direct Organogenesis of Citrus Cultivars from Shoot Tip Nodal Segments
    • Authors: Z. Yusuf, M. Desta, W. Mohammed
    • Journal: Recent Patents on Biotechnology
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 18
    • Issue: 1
    • Pages: 63ā€“70

    Article 4

    • Title: Phyto-fabrication of Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles from Ocimum Gratissimum L. Leaf and Flower Extracts and their Antimicrobial Activities
    • Authors: M. Abdi, Z. Yusuf, J.M. Sasikumar
    • Journal: Open Biotechnology Journal
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 17
    • Article Number: e18740707261876

    Article 5

    • Title: Biological Activities of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Seed, Rind and Pulp Oil Extracts
    • Authors: A. Getahun, Z. Yusuf, M. Desta
    • Journal: Anti-Infective Agents
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 21
    • Issue: 4
    • Pages: 1ā€“5, e310323215317

    Article 6

    • Title: Optimization of Hormonal Compositions of Media in In Vitro Propagation of Orange Cultivars from Shoot Tip Nodal Segments
    • Authors: F. Abdi, Z. Yusuf, Y. Petros, M. Desta
    • Journal: International Journal of Agronomy
    • Year: 2023
    • Article ID: 3581881

    Article 7

    • Title: Enzymatic Properties of Red Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Leaf, Root Pulp and Peel
    • Authors: T. Sileshi, Z. Yusuf, M. Desta
    • Journal: Recent Patents on Biotechnology
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 17
    • Issue: 4
    • Pages: 395ā€“404

    Article 8

    • Title: Optimization of Hormonal Compositions of Media for In vitro Propagation of Apple (Malus Ɨ domestica Borkh.) Cultivars
    • Authors: B. Abdella, Z. Yusuf, Y. Petros
    • Journal: Open Biotechnology Journal
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 17
    • Issue: 1
    • Article Number: e187407072301240

    Article 9

    • Title: Physicochemical Properties and Biological Activities of Koseret (Lippia adoensis Hochst. Var. Koseret) Seed and Leaf Oil Extracts
    • Authors: M. Shiferaw, Z. Yusuf, M. Desta
    • Journal: Recent Patents on Biotechnology
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 17
    • Issue: 2
    • Pages: 142ā€“150

    Article 10

    • Title: Effects of Indigenous and Commercial Rhizobia on Growth and Nodulation of Soybean (Glycine max L) under Greenhouse Condition
    • Authors: M. Desta, A. Akuma, M. Minay, Z. Yusuf, K. Baye
    • Journal: Open Biotechnology Journal
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 17
    • Issue: 1
    • Article Number: e187407072302070