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

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

Zahoor Ahmad | Crop Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zahoor Ahmad | Crop Physiology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor, University of Central Punjab , Pakistan

Dr. Zahoor Ahmad is an Associate Professor and Campus Coordinator at the University of Central Punjab, Bahawalpur. With a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, he specializes in crop productivity under abiotic stresses. He also completed post-doctorate research at Cukurova University, Turkey. Dr. Ahmad’s primary focus is improving crop resilience to environmental stressors such as drought, salinity, and heat. His career spans various prestigious institutions, contributing significantly to agricultural sciences.

Publication Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

Dr. Zahoor Ahmad holds a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, completed in 2015, where his thesis focused on maize responses to phosphorus under drought stress. He also completed an M.Sc. (Hons.) in Agronomy/Crop Physiology in 2011, and a B.Sc. (Hons.) in the same field in 2009, both from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad. His post-doctorate research took place at Cukurova University, Turkey, in 2020, focusing on crop stress physiology.

💼 Experience

Dr. Zahoor Ahmad’s academic career includes serving as an Assistant Professor and Head of the Botany Department at the University of Central Punjab, Bahawalpur, since 2020. He also conducted post-doctoral research at Cukurova University, Turkey. He has taught at institutions like The Islamia University of Bahawalpur and Allama Iqbal College, Bahawalpur. Previously, he worked as Assistant Professor at the Cholistan Institute of Desert Studies, enhancing his expertise in crop stress research.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Dr. Zahoor Ahmad has earned recognition for his contributions to crop physiology and agricultural research. His work has garnered attention in various journals, leading to multiple invitations for collaborations and international conferences. His innovative approaches to improving crop resilience under abiotic stress conditions have been appreciated by academic peers, making him a notable figure in his field. His research has been widely cited, reflecting his significant impact in agricultural sciences.

🔍 Research Focus

Dr. Zahoor Ahmad’s research aims to understand the physiological limitations to crop productivity under abiotic stresses. His work explores the use of macro and micronutrients to improve crop resilience. Focused on identifying key morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits for stress tolerance, he examines the potential of foliar applications in alleviating drought, salinity, and heavy metal stresses in crops. His research contributes to advancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in challenging environments.

Publication Top Notes

  • Enhancing the Physiological and Biochemical Potential of Praecitrullus fistulosus L. through Synergistic Action of Biochar and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

    • Authors: S., Sana, A., Binyamin, M., Ramzan, G.D., Ávila-Quezada, E.F., Abd-Allah
    • Year: 2024
  • Modulating Physiological and Antioxidant Responses in Wheat Cultivars via Foliar Application of Silicon Nanoparticles (SiNPs) Under Arsenic Stress Conditions

    • Authors: Z.A., Ahmad, R., Younis, T., Ahmad, H.F., Alharby, H., Alsamadany
    • Citations: 1
    • Year: 2024
  • Silicon-Mediated Improvement in Maize (Zea mays L.) Resilience: Unrevealing Morpho-Physiological, Biochemical, and Root Attributes Against Cadmium and Drought Stress

    • Authors: A., Sabir, E.A., Waraich, M.S.A., Ahmad, Z.A., Ahmad, S., Bibi
    • Citations: 4
    • Year: 2024
  • Improving Alkaline Stress Tolerance in Maize through Seed Priming with Silicon Nanoparticles: A Comprehensive Investigation of Growth, Photosynthetic Pigments, Antioxidants, and Ion Balance

    • Authors: H., Alsamadany, H.F., Alharby, Z.A., Ahmad, Y.M., Alzahrani, A.A., Almaghams
    • Year: 2024
  • Integration of Plant Hormones in the Biological System as an Opportunity for Sustainable Crop Production (Book Chapter)

    • Authors: F., Karabulut, M., Faizan, D., Rasheed, G., Unnisa, A., Faraz
    • Year: No specific year mentioned
  • Perspectives of Nanoparticles as Priming Agents for Amelioration of Abiotic Stresses in Crops (Book Chapter)

    • Authors: Z.A., Ahmad, E.A., Waraich, M.A., Iqbal, S., Ahmed, S., Bano
    • Year: No specific year mentioned
  • Prospects of Nanotechnology for Abiotic and Biotic Stresses Amelioration in Field Crops (Book Chapter)

    • Authors: Z.A., Ahmad, E.A., Waraich, C., Barutçular, M.S.A., Ahmad, S., Bano
    • Year: No specific year mentioned
  • Effect of Form of Silicon and the Timing of a Single Foliar Application on Sugar Beet Yield

    • Authors: A., Siuda, A., Artyszak, D., Gozdowski, Z.A., Ahmad
    • Year: 2024
  • Ecofriendly Management of Insect Pests for Sustainable Agriculture (Book Chapter)

    • Authors: A., Abbasi, A., Asif, Z.A., Ahmad, A., Saleha, Z., Zafar
    • Citations: 2
    • Year: No specific year mentioned