Rahul Kumar | Genetics and Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rahul Kumar | Genetics and Plant Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Dr atĀ ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Tripura Centre, Lembucherra India

Dr. Rahul Kumar is a researcher at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Tripura Centre, specializing in Genetics and Plant Breeding. He earned his Ph.D. (2023) and M.Sc. (2018) from ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, securing first-class honors. His research focuses on molecular mapping of seed traits in soybean, with 12 research publications. Rahul has filed patents on software innovations like “SEEDFIG” and actively engages in seminars and workshops on genomics and biotechnology. A recipient of multiple awards, including the IARI Ph.D. Best Student Award and Young Scientist Award, he also holds leadership roles in professional societies.

 

Publication profile

Scholar

Education

PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding (ICAR-IARI, 2023). MSc in Genetics and Plant Breeding (ICAR-IARI, 2018). BSc in Agriculture (GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, 2016)

Achievements & Awards:

Best Ph.D. Student Award at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi (2022). Young Scientist Award (2023, APSR & AEEFWS). Best Paper & Poster Awards at national and international conferences

Research Contributions:

  • 12 Research Papers published, with a focus on seed traits in Soybean
  • 2 Patents filed (Software: ‘SEEDFIG’ and Entrepreneurial Climate Estimation)

Professional Involvement:

  • Former President of Post Graduate School Student Union, ICAR-IARI
  • Life member of various scientific societies, including APSR and ISGPB

Extracurricular Achievements:

  • Winner of singing and badminton competitions at ICAR

Trainings & Workshops:

  • Attended numerous seminars and training programs, including intellectual property rights and advanced agricultural techniques.

Publication

  1. Breeding for herbicide tolerance in crops: a review
    PN Ranjan, CJ Ram, T Anurag, J Nilesh, PB Kumar, Y Suresh, K Rahul
    2020

 

  1. Identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and candidate genes for seed shape and 100-seed weight in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]
    R Kumar, M Saini, M Taku, P Debbarma, RK Mahto, A Ramlal, D Sharma, et al.
    2023

 

  1. Accelerated ageing test reveals quantitative nature of inheritance of seed viability in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]
    M Saini, RR Yadav, S Chandra, A Kumar, R Kumar, S Sheoran, et al.
    2022

 

  1. An insight into the nitrogen use efficiency and its importance in crop production
    R Kumar, NR Prakash, BK Padhan
    2019

 

  1. Meta-QTLs linked to nitrogen use efficiency are randomly distributed in Indian rice germplasm
    R Kumar, M Nagarajan, H Bollinedi, PK Bhowmick, AK Singh, RK Ellur, et al.
    2022

 

  1. Development of seed shape software ā€˜SEEDFIGā€™ and study of seed size and seed shape traits in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.)
    R Kumar, RK Mahto, R Kumar, M Saini, A Talukdar
    2022

 

  1. Genetic studies and mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for yield and yield-related traits in vegetable and seed soybean (Glycine max L.)-derived populations
    R Kumar, M Saini, M Taku, P Debbarma, D Sharma, R Pandey, et al.
    2023

 

  1. Autophagy: an important proteolytic process for the enhancement of post-anthesis nitrogen remobilization in food crops
    BK Padhan, PR Divte, N Sharma, R Kumar, S Nayak
    2020

 

  1. Exploration of miRNA diversity for nutrient use efficiency
    R Kumar, NR Prakash, RR Yadav, KK Rathore, M Saini
    2020

 

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