Romit Seth | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Romit Seth | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Editorial Board Member

North Carolina State University | United States

Dr. Romit Seth contributions span advanced plant physiology, stress biology, functional genomics, and transcriptome-driven discovery aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying plant defense, metabolic biosynthesis, and trait evolution. Investigations into Camellia sinensis have revealed candidate genes associated with blister blight resistance, providing insights into pathogen perception, defense signaling, and transcriptional reprogramming using high-resolution RNA-seq approaches. Spatial transcriptomic analysis in Trillium govanianum identified key regulatory genes involved in the biosynthesis of steroidal saponins, offering a systems-level view of tissue-specific metabolic pathway organization and potential targets for metabolic engineering of high-value phytocompounds. Population genomics studies in carrot uncovered genetic signatures of domestication and improvement, clarifying the evolutionary origin of high-carotenoid orange carrot varieties through genome-wide analyses of selection sweeps, allele diversification, and structural variations linked to pigmentation. Additional transcriptional profiling in purple tea has illuminated the seasonal dynamics of anthocyanin degradation and leaf color transitions, demonstrating how environmental cues modulate pigment biosynthesis, transport, and stabilization pathways. Collectively, this body of research advances the understanding of plant metabolic networks, defense responses, and developmental regulation, while integrating genomics and bioinformatics to support crop improvement, stress resilience, and functional characterization of agriculturally and medicinally important species.

Featured Publications

Jayaswall, K., Mahajan, P., Singh, G., Parmar, R., Seth, R., Raina, A., et al. (2016). Transcriptome analysis reveals candidate genes involved in blister blight defense in tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze). Scientific Reports, 6, 30412. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep30412

Singh, P., Singh, G., Bhandawat, A., Singh, G., Parmar, R., Seth, R., & Sharma, R. K. (2017). Spatial transcriptome analysis provides insights of key gene(s) involved in steroidal saponin biosynthesis in medicinally important herb Trillium govanianum. Scientific Reports, 7, 45295. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep45295

Coe, K., Bostan, H., Rolling, W., Turner-Hissong, S., Macko-Podgórni, A., et al. (2023). Population genomics identifies genetic signatures of carrot domestication and improvement and uncovers the origin of high-carotenoid orange carrots. Nature Plants. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-023-01489-y

Kiran Mawale | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Kiran Mawale | Agricultural and Biological Sciences
| Young Scientist Award

CSIR Central Food Technological Research Institute Mysore | India

Dr. Kiran Mawale’s research focuses on the development, characterization, and application of nanoparticles in plant systems, particularly in enhancing growth, metabolite production, and pest management in Capsicum species. His work integrates nanotechnology with plant biotechnology to explore the modulation of phenylpropanoid pathway metabolites and antioxidant responses using metallic, chitosan-based, and biogenic nanoparticles. He has systematically studied the phytostimulatory and biochemical impacts of nanoparticle formulations on in vitro and ex vitro chilli cultures, demonstrating significant improvements in plant growth, bioactive yield, and resistance to thrips infestation. His research extends to molecular biology through the differential expression analysis of genes associated with pungency and antioxidant activity. By employing advanced characterization techniques such as DLS, Zeta potential, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TEM, he established structure–function relationships between nanoparticle properties and their biological effects. His interdisciplinary contributions encompass nanoscience, plant cell culture, and metabolite profiling, with a strong emphasis on sustainable, nano-enabled strategies for crop protection and quality enhancement. Collectively, his findings advance the field of agri-nanobiotechnology, offering eco-friendly approaches for improving plant health, productivity, and biochemical fortification.

Featured Publications

Mawale, K. S., Kaila, N. H. J., Halami, P. M., Ramakrishna, C., Singanahalli Shivaramu, M., & Serva Peddha, M. (2025, October 10). Physicochemical and functional characterization of pearl millet-based probiotic beverage for antiaging potential in Caenorhabditis elegans. Foods, 14(20), 3460. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14203460

Raphel, S., & Halami, P. M. (2025, June). Bioactive compounds from food-grade Bacillus. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.13935

Goel, A., & Halami, P. M. (2024, September). Safety assessment of probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MCC5231 and its persistence in gastrointestinal tract. Microbial Pathogenesis, 186, 106824. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2024.106824

Peerzade, I. J., Mutturi, S., & Halami, P. M. (2024, May). Improved production of RNA-inhibiting antimicrobial peptide by Bacillus licheniformis MCC 2514 facilitated by a genetic algorithm optimized medium. Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00449-024-02998-2

Goel, A., Chauhan, A. S., & Halami, P. M. (2023, December). Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MCC5231 enriched carrot (Daucus carota) nectar: A value-added beverage with enhanced vitamin A. Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization, 17(12), 10205–10216. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11694-023-02104-2

Archer, A. C., Muthukumar, S. P., & Halami, P. M. (2023, October). Correction to: Lactobacillus fermentum MCC2759 and MCC2760 alleviate inflammation and intestinal function in high-fat diet-fed and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins, 15(5), 1271–1272. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-023-10122-1

Prarthana Sharma | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Prarthana Sharma l Agricultural and Biological Sciences
| Best Researcher Award

University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn | Poland

Dr. Prarthana Sharma’s research focuses on molecular mechanisms regulating hepatic function, gene expression, and hepatoprotection using animal models. Her work integrates cell culture, molecular biology, and pharmacological approaches to understand the interaction between dietary compounds and cellular signaling in liver physiology. She has contributed to advanced investigations on the hepatoprotective effects of medicinal plant extracts such as Silybum marianum (silymarin) and Curcuma longa (turmeric) in mitigating aflatoxin B1-induced liver toxicity, employing both in vivo porcine models and in vitro hepatocyte culture systems. Her research involves microRNA profiling, transcriptomic analysis, and molecular pathway mapping to identify gene regulatory networks responsible for liver protection and regeneration. With expertise in gene expression studies, RNA and DNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, PCR, and real-time PCR, she explores molecular responses to dietary interventions at cellular and systemic levels. Her scientific contributions also include comparative gene expression studies in granulosa cells, linking molecular genetics to reproductive physiology. She actively participates in preclinical research, focusing on toxicokinetics, pharmacokinetics, and drug delivery, contributing to translational approaches in veterinary and biomedical sciences. Through multidisciplinary collaborations, her research aims to advance understanding of nutrigenomics, toxicogenomics, and molecular pharmacology for improving animal and human health.

Featured Publication

Sharma, P., Asediya, V., Kalra, G., Sultana, S., Purohit, N., Kibitlewska, K., Kozera, W., Czarnik, U., Karpiesiuk, K., & Lecewicz, M. (2025). Hepatoprotective effect of Silymarin herb in prevention of liver dysfunction using pig as animal model. Nutrients, 17(20), 3278. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17203278

Gidado M. J | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Gidado M. J. l Agricultura l and Biological Sciences
| Young Scientist Award

University Malaysia Perlis | Nigeria

Dr. Gidado M. J. is a distinguished researcher in postharvest technology, food innovation, and nanotechnology, with a focus on developing sustainable solutions for fruit quality preservation and food safety. His work integrates green chemistry, biopolymer-based coatings, and hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent nanoemulsions to extend shelf life, control postharvest pathogens, and improve the physiological and biochemical quality of horticultural produce. By combining experimental, computational, and AI-driven approaches, he has advanced understanding of fruit physiology, microbial inhibition, and smart packaging systems. His research contributions include the design of nanobiocomposite films, edible coatings functionalized with bioactive compounds, and intelligent sensing platforms for real-time monitoring of postharvest quality. With over 20 publications in high-impact journals, one patent, and multiple awards for scientific excellence, Dr. Gidado has demonstrated significant impact on sustainable agriculture, circular food systems, and postharvest innovation. His interdisciplinary work bridges academia and industry, fostering eco-friendly technologies, digital biotechnology integration, and knowledge transfer for enhanced food security and preservation practices worldwide.

Profile:  Google Scholar  | Scopus | Orcid | Researchgate | LinkedIn 

Featured Publications

Gidado, M. J., Gunny, A. A. N., Gopinath, S. C. B., Ali, A., Wongs-Aree, C., … (2024). Challenges of postharvest water loss in fruits: Mechanisms, influencing factors, and effective control strategies–A comprehensive review. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 101249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101249

Gidado, M. J., Gunny, A. A. N., Gopinath, S. C. B., Wongs-Aree, C., Yusoff, N. H. A., … (2024). Effect of hydrophobic deep eutectic oil-in-water nano coating on the quality preservation of postharvest ‘Harumanis’ mango. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 691, 133818. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2024.133818

Gidado, M. J., Gunny, A. A. N., Gopinath, S. C. B., Wongs-Aree, C., Makhtar, M. M. Z., … (2023). Formulation of selective hydrophobic deep eutectic oil-in-water nanoemulsion as green fungicides for mitigating anthracnose fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Process Biochemistry, 135, 40–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procbio.2023.01.010

Gidado, M. J., Gunny, A. A. N., Sankari, R. S. A., Gopinath, S. C. B., … (2023). Delaying the ripening of banana fruit and increased storage shelf-life using hydrophobic deep eutectic oil (Menthol–Thymol)-In-Water nanoemulsion coating. International Conference on Biomass Utilization and Sustainable Energy, 13–22.

Gidado, M. J., Gunny, A. A. N., Gopinath, S. C. B., Devi, M., Jayavalli, R., Ilyas, R. A. (2025). Challenges in selecting edible coating materials for fruit postharvest preservation and recent advances in edible coating techniques: A review. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-025-07015-4

Angelica Hipatia Delgado | Agronomía | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Angelica Hipatia Delgado | Agronomía | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Angelica Hipatia Delgado at Spain

Dr. Angelica Hipatia Delgado Pilla is a biotechnology and genetics researcher specializing in agrobiodiversity conservation. She holds a PhD in Biotechnology and Genetic Resources from the Polytechnic University of Madrid  and has extensive experience in ex situ and in situ germplasm conservation. She has collaborated with global organizations like the FAO and UNDP, focusing on Andean crop diversity 🌾. Her expertise includes genetic analysis, PCR techniques, and agro-morphological characterization. A multi-award-winning researcher , she has presented at international conferences and published extensively on quinoa and amaranth genetics. She is passionate about sustainability, environmental education, and biodiversity conservation.

Publication Profile

Orcid

Academic Background

Dr. Angelica Hipatia Delgado Pilla is a distinguished researcher in biotechnology and genetic resources 🌱. She earned her PhD in Biotechnology and Genetic Resources of Plants and Associated Microorganisms from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, Spain (2023) , following a Master’s in Plant Genetic Resources from the same institution in 2014. She holds an Engineering degree in Agriculture from the University of the Armed Forces, Ecuador (2011) . Her practical experience includes research at the Experimental Station of Pastures and Forages “Indio Hatuey” in Cuba (2009)  and the Experimental Station “PICHILINGUE” in Ecuador, focusing on seed production and cocoa programs .

Professional Experience

Dr. Angelica Hipatia Delgado Pilla has a diverse background in agriculture, environmental education, and genetic resources. She is currently a collaborator in the ‘Smart Agro 5G’ project (2024-2025) 📡 at the Polytechnic University of Madrid, Spain, focusing on grape image processing and harvest prediction 🍇. Previously, she worked at Heliconia (2023-2024) 🌱, promoting school gardens and environmental education. She served as a consultant for the United Nations Development Programme (2018) 🌍, evaluating scientific proposals. At FAO (2015-2018), she contributed to the Agrobiodiversity Project, conducting germplasm collection, crop characterization, and farmer training to support biodiversity conservation 🌾.

Research Focus Areas

Dr. Hipatia Delgado Pilla specializes in plant genetic resources, agrobiodiversity, and crop phenotypic diversity 🌿. Her research focuses on genetic diversity assessment in quinoa and amaranth landraces 🌾, exploring their breeding potential and conservation in the Ecuadorian highlands. She contributes to in situ conservation and agricultural biodiversity management 🌎. Her work also includes farmers’ role in biodiversity preservation and the impact of improved varieties on native crops. Dr. Delgado utilizes bioinformatics tools 🖥️ such as SPSS, ArcGIS, and MATLAB for data analysis and genetic modeling, supporting sustainable agriculture and food security.

Publication Top Notes

1️⃣ Assessment of Genetic Diversity in Quinoa Landraces Cultivated in the Ecuadorian Highlands Since the Early 1980s 🌾
Year: 2025 | Cited by: – | DOI: 10.3390/plants14050635

2️⃣ Phenotypic Diversity of Quinoa Landraces Cultivated in the Ecuadorian Andean Region: In Situ Conservation and Detection of Promising Accessions for Breeding Programs 🌱
Year: 2024 | Cited by: – | DOI: 10.3390/agriculture14030336

3️⃣ Genetic Diversity of Black Amaranth (Amaranthus quitensis Kunth) Landraces of Ecuadorian Highlands: Association Genotypes—Color Morphotypes 🌿
Year: 2023 | Cited by: – | DOI: 10.3390/agriculture13010034

4️⃣ Phenotypic Diversity of Amaranthus quitensis Kunth Landraces: A Millenary Crop of Ecuadorian Andean Region 
Year: 2022 | Cited by: – | DOI: 10.17268/sci.agropecu.2022.035

Conclusion

Angelica Hipatia Delgado Pilla is a distinguished researcher in biotechnology and plant genetic resources, with a strong focus on genetic diversity, agrobiodiversity, and conservation. Her extensive scientific contributions include molecular characterization, germplasm conservation, and plant breeding, playing a crucial role in biodiversity preservation and food security. With a PhD and multiple high-impact publications, she has gained international recognition, receiving awards for her research excellence. Her leadership in projects with FAO, UNDP, and universities highlights her expertise in scientific evaluation, policy implementation, and education. Through her prolific publications, book contributions, and conference presentations, she has established herself as a thought leader in her field, making her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. 🚀

Alain Kangela | Agriculture | Young Scientist Award

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Mr. Alain Kangela | Agriculture | Young Scientist Award

Mr at Université Catholique de Bukavu Congo, Democratic Republic of the

DR Congolese, postgraduated in Biomathmatics and Applied statistics (major Biostatistics) from the University of Abomey – Calavi (UAC/Benin – 2022). Affiliated at the Faculty of Agronomy/Université Catholique de Bukavu (UCB) as Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant at the Centre de Recherche Interdisciplinaire Appliquée pour le Développement (CEREIAD – UCB). Experienced in statistics, conducting research in pedometrics, spatio-temporal modelling of environmental variables using Bayesian and classical inferences, and AI-based modeling. Interested in ecological and Disease modeling. Proactive and results-oriented, with strong skills in communication and scientific collaboration.🌟

profile:

 

Scopus

Scholar

Field of Expertise and Interests 📊

Data Science: Machine Learning (AI-based modeling), Bayesian statistics, Biostatistics, Disease modeling, Multivariate methods. Agronomy: Soil fertility management, spatio-temporal modelling of soil properties distribution, pedometrics, Ecological modeling, Climate change and Environment

Some Experiences 🌍

Assistant of Teaching & Researcher Since 2021, Faculty of Agronomy, UCB, Research Action: Urban Waste flow mapping and scenario modeling, CEREIAD, UCB Since August 2023, Consultancy – Biometrician (Data Analyst) Since August 2023, IITA – Kalambo, DR Congo, Monitoring and Evaluation Consultancy June 2023, Collectif SIMAMA CONGO (COSIC), DR Congo, Lecturer in Descriptive statistics, agricultural experiment designs, and Pedology 2019, UCU – Uvira, DR Congo

Technical and Personal Skills 🛠️

Data collection, data analysis, reports writing, Building capacity, technical assistance, IT skills, Proactive and results-oriented, punctuality and precision

Workshops and Post-graduate Training 📚

Farmer segmentation Methodology training, ILRI Campus – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Autumn School on “Biodiversity past, present and future”, Grenoble, France Intelligence artificielle et agriculture de précision, UAC/LABEF – Benin Summer school on Climate Change Adaptation, University of Applied Sciences, Cologne, Germany

Degree Dissertations 📝

Kangela M.A. 2022. On the relative performance of five spatial predictive models in Digital Soil Mapping (DSM). M.Sc. dissertation in Biostatistics, LABEF, UAC, Benin. Kangela M.A. 2018. Caractérisation du phénomène d’adsorption du phosphore pour une meilleure gestion de la fertilité du sol dans les conditions de Walungu. Science du sol, UCB, Bukavu, DRC.

Publication:📝

  • Title: Digital soil mapping: a predictive performance assessment of spatial linear regression, Bayesian and ML-based models
    Authors: AK Matazi, EE Gognet, RG Kakaï
    Journal: Modeling Earth Systems and Environment
    Year: 2024
    Volume: 10
    Issue: 1
    Pages: 595-618
    Citations: 1

 

  • Title: Adsorption du phosphore dans les sols plus exploités dans le territoire de Walungu à l’Est de la République Démocratique du Congo
    Authors: M Kangela, WZ Munyahali, N Cizungu, Landry, B Rukiranuka
    Journal: Afrique SCIENCE
    Year: 2021
    Volume: 18
    Issue: 3
    Pages: 155-170
    Citations: 1

 

  • Title: Rapid screening for resistance of maize inbred and hybrid lines against southern corn leaf blight
    Authors: BN Shukuru, TS Archana, AM Kangela
    Journal: Journal of Phytopathology
    Year: 2023
    Volume: 171
    Issue: 9
    Pages: 452-469
    Citations: Not available

 

  • Title: Does Eucalyptus determine agricultural soil quality?
    Authors: AK Matazi, EK Luganda, SM Mukotanyi
    Journal: Cogent Food & Agriculture
    Year: 2023
    Volume: 9
    Issue: 1
    Article Number: 2157115
    Citations: Not available