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

🎓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

🏥👨‍🏫Professional Experience:

Plant Pathologist SeedCo Group, Harare, Zimbabwe June 2015 – 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 – 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 📝:

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. Maré, 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: 157–160
  • 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: 49–67
  • 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: 74–80
  • Contributors: N. Chiuraise, K.S. Yobo, M.D. Laing
  • Citations: 11

 

Zeinab Bolboli | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

 Dr. Zeinab Bolboli | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shiraz University Iran

👩‍🔬

Zeinab Bolboli is a distinguished researcher specializing in Plant Pathology, with a Ph.D. from Shiraz University. Their expertise encompasses mycology, plant virology, and advanced research methods. Zeinab’s innovative work includes identifying causal agents of plant diseases and evaluating crop susceptibility, earning recognition as the top Ph.D. student and for their dissertation. They’ve demonstrated excellence in teaching and have conducted various workshops, showcasing proficiency in bioinformatics and scientific photography. With a comprehensive skill set in microscopy, bioinformatics, and molecular characterization, Zeinab is poised to continue making significant contributions to the field of plant pathology.🌟

 

Profile

Scopus

 

 

Orcid

 

Education and Academic Achievements 🎓

📚 Postdoctoral Researcher: Shiraz University, INSF (4016120)

  • PhD: Plant Pathology (Mycology), Department of Plant Protection, Shiraz University, Iran (2016-Present)
    • Dissertation: Identification of the Causal Agent of Fig Canker and Evaluation of Susceptibility of Iranian Fig Cultivars to the Disease.
    • Main courses: Advanced Mycology II, Advanced Applied Mycology, Genetics of Plant Pathogens, and more.
  • MSc: Plant Pathology (Mycology), Department of Plant Protection, Shiraz University, Iran (2013-2016)
    • Thesis: Phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic characteristics of Pythium spp. isolates in cereal fields of Fars Province.
    • Main courses: Advanced Mycology I, Plant Virology, Plant Disease Management, and more.
  • BSc: Plant Protection, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran (2007-2011)
    • Main courses: General and Advanced Plant Pathology, Mycology, Nematology, and more.
  • Diploma: Science, Alzahra High School, Kermanshah, Iran (2003-2006)

Teaching and Awards 🏆

Received Top Student awards for both PhD and BSc.Recognized for having the top PhD dissertation at Shiraz University in 2023.Served as a Teaching Assistant for various courses including Advanced Mycology and General Plant Pathology.Supervised graduate theses and conducted workshops on scientific topics.

Workshops Attended and Skills 💼

Participated in workshops on RNA-Seq data analysis, Real-time PCR, Primer Designing, and more.Held workshops on Scientific Digital Photography and Diagnosis of Plant Disease.Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Bioinformatics tools, and scientific photography.

Publications Top Notes 📝

  1. Title: Development of PCR-based assays for the detection of the evident and latent infection with Stilbocrea banihashemiana, the causal agent of fruit tree cankers
    • Journal: Crop Protection
    • Year: 2024
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.cropro.2024.106677
    • Contributors: Hamed Negahban; Zeinab Bolboli; Reza Mostowfizadeh-Ghalamfarsa

 

  1. Title: First report of Peroneutypa scoparia associated with canker disease on Ficus carica in northern Iran
    • Journal: New Disease Reports
    • Year: 2023
    • DOI: 10.1002/ndr2.12201
    • Contributors: M. Ghaedi; Z. Bolboli; Reza Mostowfizadeh-Ghalamfarsa

 

  1. Title: Susceptibility of fig cultivars to Diaporthe canker in Iran
    • Journal: Plant Pathology
    • Year: 2023
    • DOI: 10.1111/ppa.13687
    • Contributors: Zeinab Bolboli; Reza Mostowfizadeh-Ghalamfarsa; Moslem Jafari; Ali Sarkhosh

 

  1. Title: Neocosmospora caricae sp. nov. and N. metavorans, two new stem and trunk canker pathogens on Ficus carica in Iran
    • Journal: Mycological Progress
    • Year: 2022
    • DOI: 10.1007/s11557-022-01834-9
    • Contributors: Zeinab Bolboli; Reza Mostowfizadeh-Ghalamfarsa; Marcelo Sandoval-Denis; Moslem Jafari; Pedro W. Crous

 

  1. Title: Stilbocrea banihashemiana sp. nov. a New Fungal Pathogen Causing Stem Cankers and Twig Dieback of Fruit Trees
    • Journal: Journal of Fungi
    • Year: 2022
    • DOI: 10.3390/jof8070694
    • Contributors: Zeinab Bolboli; Behnaz Tavakolian; Reza Mostowfizadeh-Ghalamfarsa; Moslem Jafari; Santa Olga Cacciola

 

Zahrabeigom Moradi Shakoorian | Agriculture sustainability | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zahrabeigom Moradi Shakoorian | Agriculture sustainability | Best Researcher Award

👨‍🏫Profile Summary

An innovative and forward-thinking expert with a passion for sustainable food production. Offering over 7 years of specialized experience in indoor farms and vertical farming systems. Proficient in leveraging cutting-edge technology and automation to optimize crop yield, conserve resources, and reduce environmental impact. Skilled in plant physiology, hydroponics, aeroponics, and controlled environment agriculture techniques. Demonstrated strong project management abilities, evidenced by successful execution of vertical farming projects from conception to completion. Additionally, possess a history of presenting scientific articles in reputable journals. Seeking opportunities to apply expertise and spearhead advancements in vertical farming for a greener and more efficient future of agriculture. 🌿🌍

🌐 Professional Profiles

🌱Work History:

Scientist, Aerofarms, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (03/2023 – 09/2023) Conducted research to improve the characteristics of specialty crops in controlled environment agriculture. Experimented with plant responses to environmental stress to enhance quality and yield. Collaborated with team members and departments to stay updated on research developments. Presented research findings internally and to partners. Grower, FKP Group, Tehran, Iran (01/2015 – 02/2023) Managed technical procedures and controlled environmental factors to optimize crop growth. Conducted physiological research and implemented horticultural methods to improve crop characteristics. Directed research and development projects focusing on crop enhancement techniques. Advisor, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran (01/2022 – 01/2023) Advised master’s thesis on investigating the morphological response of ornamental plants to drought stress. Research Scholarship, Georgia University, Georgia State, USA (09/2017 – 01/2018) Investigated onion seed priming techniques and enzymatic changes during seed priming. Explored modeling of seed germination and the effects of abiotic stress on germination. Deputy Botanic Products Improvement, Agriculture Organization of Tehran, Baharestan, Iran (01/2007 – 12/2014) Managed horticulture department and led projects related to greenhouses and mushrooms. Effectively managed projects from planning to implementation, ensuring successful outcomes. Established collaborative networks with academia and research institutions.

 

Achievements: 🏆

Identified methodologies for seed priming and evaluated their impact on onion seed quality. Disseminated research findings in authentic journals. Managed critical projects and established academic collaborations resulting in meaningful research outcomes.

Skills:

  • Project management
  • Experimental design
  • Analytical thinking
  • Research and analysis (SAS, SPSS, Sigma plot)
  • Techniques for working with HPLC, Spectrophotometer, Plate reader
  • Microsoft Office proficiency
  • GPS mapping expertise

🎓Education:

Doctor’s Degree: Postharvest Physiology and Technology of Horticultural Crops, University of Tehran Master’s Degree: Horticulture, University of Bu Ali Sina, Bachelor’s Degree: Horticulture, University of Bu Ali Sina

 

📚Top Noted Publication

  1. Moradi Shakoorian, Z., Delshad, M., Diaz-Perez, JC., Askari-Sarcheshmeh, M.-A., Nambeesan, S., Mamedi, A. (2023). Onion (Allium cepa L.) seed germination affected by temperature and water potential: hydrothermal time model. Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, 35, 100495. DOI: 10.1016/j.jarmap.2023.100495

 

  1. García-Gaytán, V., Bojórquez-Quintal, E., Hernández-Mendoza, F., Tiwari, D.K., Corona-Morales, N., Moradi Shakoorian, Z. (2019). Polymerized silicon (SiO2· nH2O) in equisetum arvense: potential nanoparticle in crops. Journal of the Chilean Chemical Society, 64(1), 4298-4302. DOI: 10.4067/s0717-97072019000104298

 

  1. Sarcheshmeh, A., Moradi Shakoorian, Z., Delshad, M., Tavakkol, A.R. (2018). Determination of the cardinal temperatures and studying the effect of temperature on the efficiency of priming on onion seed (Allium cepa cv, Zargan). Iranian Journal of Seed Science and Technology, 8(1), 265-277.