Dr Dinesh Singh | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Dr Dinesh Singh | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Head & Principal Scientist at ICAR- Indian Institue of Sugarcane Research, Lucknow,India

Dr. Dinesh Singh is an accomplished plant pathologist specializing in post-harvest diseases of fruits and vegetables. His extensive research addresses various agricultural challenges, including bacterial diseases, disease management strategies, and the development of molecular markers for plant protection. His expertise spans the use of physical, chemical, and biological control methods to reduce post-harvest losses in crops like Kinnow, peach, pear, apple, strawberry, and sugarcane. Dr. Singh is deeply engaged in research related to bacterial wilt, black rot, and citrus canker, using advanced techniques such as molecular characterization, microbial antagonism, and genetic resistance.

Profile

Scopus

πŸŽ“ Education

Dr. Singh holds advanced degrees in Plant Pathology, with a deep academic foundation in microbiology and plant disease management. His education equips him with a solid understanding of molecular biology and microbial ecology, which he applies to both research and practical solutions in plant health management.

πŸ”¬ Professional Experience

Dr. Singh has years of experience in academia, industry, and research institutions, with a focus on post-harvest disease management. He has successfully implemented numerous experiments aimed at improving harvesting techniques, storage conditions, and disease resistance in key fruit and vegetable crops. His research contributions have been pivotal in advancing plant disease diagnostics, bioagent applications, and sustainable agricultural practices.

πŸ§‘β€πŸ”¬ Research Interests

  • Post-harvest disease management in fruits and vegetables
  • Bacterial diseases, especially black rot of crucifers and citrus canker
  • Development of molecular markers for disease diagnostics
  • Application of bioagents, fungicides, and physical treatments for disease control
  • Microbial ecology and genetic diversity in plant pathogens
  • Climate change and its impact on plant-disease interactions

πŸ… Awards and Honors

Dr. Singh has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including:

  • SPPS Fellow (2007) from the Society of Plant Protection Sciences, New Delhi
  • Dr. M. M. Alam Medal (2008) from Bioved Research & Communication Centre
  • Young Scientist Associate Award (2010)
  • Fellow of Indian Phytopathological Society (FIPS)
  • Reviewer Excellence Award (2016)
  • Distinguished Scientist in Plant Pathology Award (2017)
  • Bioved Fellowship Award (2019)
  • NESA Green Technology Innovative Award (2020)
  • Best Scientist Award (2020) from NABS

πŸ† Achievements

Dr. Singh has published over 30 peer-reviewed papers, presented numerous conference papers, and has contributed to several advancements in molecular diagnostics for plant diseases. He is recognized globally for his work in plant disease management, especially his efforts in developing rapid detection protocols and biocontrol methods. His research on the bacterial wilt of tomatoes and the genetic variability of Xanthomonas campestris is particularly notable.

πŸ“… Upcoming Projects

Dr. Singh is currently involved in research to develop sustainable plant health management strategies under climate change scenarios. He is also exploring the role of AI and machine learning in diagnosing plant diseases. His upcoming projects include improving the resilience of crops to bacterial and fungal infections using integrated pest management strategies.

πŸ“š Publications

Dr. Singh has authored numerous influential research papers in top-tier journals. Below are some notable publications:

  1. Singh, D., et al. (2012). Utilization of plant growth promoting Bacillus subtilis isolates for the management of bacterial wilt in tomato caused by Ralstonia solanacearum. Indian Phytopathology, 65(1): 18-24.
    • Cited by: 50+ articles in related research on microbial biocontrol and plant disease management.
  2. Rathour, P. S., Singh, D., & Raghuwanshi, R. (2016). Characterization and genetic diversity of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris causing black rot disease in crucifers in North India. Indian Phytopathology, 69(2): 114-118.
    • Cited by: 70+ articles in studies related to bacterial genetics and plant pathogen variability.
  3. Gajanan, A. G., Rudra, S., Kaur, C., Singh, D., & Yadav, R. K. (2016). Effect of basil oil-based nanoemulsion coating on postharvest diseases of okra. Indian Phytopathological Society Conference Proceedings.
    • Cited by: 20+ articles in post-harvest disease management and nano-biotechnology.
  4. Singh, D., Chaudhary, G., & Yadav, D. K. (2017). Induction of defense-related enzymes in tomato cultivars by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens DSBA-11 against bacterial wilt. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 123(5): 1234-1245.
    • Cited by: 45+ articles on plant pathogen interactions and biocontrol methods.
  5. Kiran, R., Kandan, R., Kumar, P., Singh, D., Akhtar, J., & Dubey, S. C. (2017). Development of a rapid diagnostic protocol for detection of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris causing black rot of crucifers using specific primers from rpf gene sequences. Journal of Microbiological Methods, 143: 79-85.
    • Cited by: 30+ articles in plant disease diagnostics.
  6. Chaudhary, G., Tomar, S., & Singh, D. (2018). Biodegradation of pesticides using Pseudomonas fluorescens DTPF-3. Microbial Biotechnology, 11(2): 341-349.
    • Cited by: 25+ articles on microbial bioremediation.

 

 

Prof Dr Yonas Bahta | Agricultural Economics | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr Yonas Bahta | Agricultural Economics | Best Researcher Award

Professor at University of the Free state; Department of Agricultural Economics, South Africa

Full Professor Yonas Tesfamariam Bahta, born on June 28, 1972, in Eritrea, is an esteemed researcher and educator in Agricultural Economics at the University of the Free State, South Africa. With over 28 years of experience in academia and international organizations, he specializes in economic analysis, modeling, and food security. He is dedicated to mentoring future leaders in the field.

Profile

Orcid

Scopus

Google Scholar

Academic BackgroundπŸŽ“

  • PhD in Agricultural Economics
    University of the Free State, South Africa (2007)
  • MSc with Distinction in Agricultural Economics
    University of the Free State, South Africa (2004)
  • BSc in Agricultural Economics
    Alemya University of Agriculture, Ethiopia (1994)

Professional Experience🏒

  • Full Professor (2024 – Present)
    Department of Agricultural Economics, University of the Free State

    • Responsibilities include teaching, mentoring, and conducting research.
  • Associate Professor (2021 – 2023)
    Department of Agricultural Economics, University of the Free State
  • Senior Researcher/Lecturer (2018 – 2020)
    Department of Agricultural Economics, University of the Free State
  • Researcher (2014 – 2017)
    Department of Agricultural Economics, University of the Free State
  • Consultant (2009 – 2011)
    Various organizations, focusing on agricultural performance analysis

Research InterestsπŸ”

  • Applied development economics
  • Economic modeling (SAM-CGE, I-O models)
  • Food security and saving mobilization
  • Trade analysis and policy evaluation
  • Socioeconomic analysis and forecasting

Β AchievementsπŸ†

  • NRF C2 rating and ranked in the top 2% of researchers globally (2024).
  • Published over 82 peer-reviewed articles and received multiple awards for research output.
  • Supervised over 35 postgraduate students, with numerous accolades for student performance.

SkillsπŸ“ˆ

  • Proficient in econometric software (GAMS, Stata, SPSS).
  • Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills.
  • Expertise in research methodology and proposal writing.

Publication Top NotesπŸ“

  • Musara, J.P., Bahta, Y.T., Mapuranga, R., Musiniwa, F., Abu Hatab, A., & Owusu‑Sekyere, E. (2024). Agriculture and Food Security.
  • Bahta, Y.T., & Nyaki, S.A. (2024). Hydrology.
  • Pfunzo, R., Bahta, Y.T., & Jordaan, H. (2024). Data.
  • Pfunzo, R., Bahta, Y.T., & Jordaan, H. (2024). Agriculture.
  • Monteiro, M.A., Bahta, Y.T., & Jordaan, H. (2024). Water.
  • Kotze, H.C., Qotoyi, M.S.M.A., Bahta, Y.T., Jordaan, H., & Monteiro, M.A. (2024). Resources.
  • Pilane, P.M., Jordaan, H., & Bahta, Y.T. (2024). Hydrology.
  • Ume, C., & Bahta, Y.T. (2024). Organic Agriculture.
  • von Maltitz, L., & Bahta, Y.T. (2024). Frontiers in Public Health.
  • Mokati, J.T.W., Ncube, A., & Bahta, Y.T. (2024). Journal of Asian and African Studies.
  • Marais, M., Jordaan, H., Lombard, W.A., & Bahta, Y.T. (2024). AIMS Agriculture and Food.
  • Muhame, C., Ncube, A., & Bahta, Y.T. (2024). JΓ mbΓ‘: Journal of Disaster Risk Studies.
  • Muhame, C., Ncube, A., & Bahta, Y.T. (2023). Journal of Sustainability Research.
  • von Maltitz, L., & Bahta, Y.T. (2023). Data in Brief.
  • Bahta, Y.T., & Lombard, W.A. (2023). Atmosphere.
  • Bahta, Y.T., & Mbai, S. (2023). Resources.
  • Bahta, Y.T., & Musara, J.P. (2023). Climate.
  • van den Heever, M.J.J., Lombard, W.A., Bahta, Y.T., & MarΓ©, F.A. (2023). Agriculture.
  • Myeki, L.W., Matthews, N., & Bahta, Y.T. (2023). Sustainability.
  • Mare, F., & Bahta, Y.T. (2023). AIMS Agriculture and Food.
  • Nohamba, S., Musara, J.P., Bahta, Y.T., & Ogundeji, A.A. (2022). Agriculture.
  • Bahta, Y.T., & Musara, J.P. (2022). Land.
  • Abafe, E.A., Bahta, Y.T., & Jordaan, H. (2022). Sustainability.
  • Myeki, L.W., Bahta, Y.T., & Matthews, N. (2022). Agriculture.
  • Bahta, Y.T. (2022). Scientific African.
  • Ncube, A., & Bahta, Y.T. (2022). Journal of International Migration and Integration.

 

 

Mr Stephen Prah | Agricultural Economics | Best Researcher Award

Mr Stephen Prah | Agricultural Economics | Best Researcher Award

Graduate Teaching Assistant at North Carolina A&T State University , United States

Stephen Prah is a passionate researcher and educator specializing in agribusiness and applied economics. Currently pursuing a PhD at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, he has garnered extensive experience in teaching, research, and project management across multiple continents. With a strong commitment to sustainable agriculture and community development, Stephen aims to leverage his skills in data analysis and policy evaluation to enhance food security and agricultural practices.

Profile

google scholar

Education

Stephen holds a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management (First Class Honours) and a Master of Philosophy in Agricultural Economics from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana. He is currently working towards a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Agribusiness and Applied Economics at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, with an expected completion date in 2028. He has also completed various certifications, including a Certificate in First Aid from the Technical University of Berlin.

Experience

Stephen has served in various academic and research roles, including as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and a Graduate Research Assistant at KNUST. His practical experience includes project management roles at Holland Greentech Company Limited, where he successfully trained over 1,000 farmers in sustainable horticulture practices. He has also been involved in numerous community projects focused on renewable energy and agricultural innovation.

Professional Experience

  • Regional Operations Manager (2023)
    Holland Greentech Company Limited, Ghana

    • Developed sales strategies and maintained customer relations.
  • Agronomist (2021-2022)
    Holland Greentech Company Limited, Ghana

    • Conducted training for farmers on sustainable practices.

Awards

Stephen has received several accolades for his academic and professional contributions, including the Graduate Teaching Assistantship Award at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Award for a fully funded internship in Germany. He was also honored with the Best Graduate Student Award from the International Association of Agriculture Students (IAAS) at KNUST in 2023.

Publication Top Notes : Agricultural Economics

  • Hand pollination, mass spraying, and hybrid seedlings: Examines how these technologies influence the welfare of smallholder cocoa farmers, highlighting both economic and social impacts.
  • Impact of women groundnut farmers’ participation in VSLA: Investigates how involvement in Village Savings and Loans Associations enhances financial security and empowerment among women farmers in Northern Ghana.
  • Agricultural policy intervention on maize farmers: Analyzes the effects of the Planting for Food and Jobs program on yield and profitability, providing insights into policy effectiveness.
  • Gender differences in rice value chain: Explores how gender influences trait preferences among stakeholders in Ghana’s rice sector, emphasizing the need for inclusive approaches.
  • Adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies: Identifies determinants affecting farmers’ adoption of technologies and their subsequent impact on maize yields and income.
  • Input credit scheme and food security: Evaluates the relationship between credit access, farm productivity, and food security among smallholder rice farmers in Northeast Ghana.
  • Access to resources in rice-breeding activities: Investigates the role of gender in resource access and participation in rice-breeding, suggesting avenues for enhancing women’s involvement.
  • Promoting climate-smart technologies using digital services: Discusses the role of digital advisory services in encouraging the adoption of climate-smart practices among maize farmers.
  • Cocoa hand pollination and farmer welfare: Assesses whether adopting cocoa hand pollination practices improves farmers’ welfare, offering evidence from smallholders.
  • Drivers of agricultural land shift to mining: Explores factors leading farmers to shift from crop production to mining, highlighting challenges to sustainable agriculture in Ghana.