Masoud Sultan | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Article Award

Masoud Sultan | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Article Award

Mr Masoud Sultan, Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute, TARI, Tanzani

Mr. Masoud Salehe Sultan is a Tanzanian agricultural scientist specializing in plant breeding and agronomy. Born on August 15, 1984, he currently serves at the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) as the Center Coordinator of Research and Innovation at the Kihinga Center in Kigoma. With a strong background in agronomic research, Masoud has contributed to several national and regional projects focused on improving oil palm production, drought tolerance in groundnut, and sustainable agricultural practices. His scholarly contributions include peer-reviewed publications and participation in numerous international conferences and study tours across Africa. He is currently pursuing his PhD at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, further expanding his expertise in plant science. His leadership in research coordination, proposal writing, and technology dissemination demonstrates his dedication to advancing food security and agricultural innovation in Tanzania and beyond. Mr. Sultan is married and reachable.

Publication Profile

orcid

Education

Mr. Masoud Sultan’s educational journey reflects a steady progression in the agricultural sciences. He is currently a PhD student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, where he also earned his Master of Science in Plant Breeding (2016–2018). His undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy, was obtained from the Sokoine University of Agriculture in Morogoro, Tanzania (2010–2013). Prior to his university education, he completed his Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education (ACSEE) at Karatu Boys Secondary School in Arusha (2008–2010) and the Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (CSEE) at Kanadi Secondary School in Simiyu (2004–2007). His foundational education began at Halawa Primary School in Simiyu (1995–2002). This academic path equipped him with a strong scientific foundation, leading to specialization in plant breeding, genetics, and sustainable agriculture—skills he has effectively applied in both national and international research initiatives.

Experience

Mr. Masoud Sultan has over a decade of progressive experience in agricultural research and management. He began his career in 2013 as a Farm Manager at African Plantation Kilimanjaro Ltd (APKL), where he was responsible for planning and managing farm operations. In 2014, he joined the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) as an Agricultural Research Officer at Tumbi Center, Tabora. There, and later at Kihinga Center in Kigoma, he led research initiatives, analyzed data, and disseminated technologies. From 2020 to 2023, he served as the Center Coordinator of Research and Innovation at TARI-Kihinga, overseeing all research activities, coordinating projects, writing proposals and reports. His contributions span multiple funded projects focusing on oil palm development, nutrient management, and sustainable agriculture, backed by hands-on participation in international consultancies and study tours. His leadership and field expertise have significantly advanced research outputs within Tanzania’s agricultural landscape.

Awards and Honors

Mr. Masoud Salehe Sultan has gained significant recognition for his contributions to agricultural research and innovation in Tanzania. He has been entrusted with leadership roles such as the Center Coordinator of Research and Innovation at TARI-Kihinga, highlighting institutional confidence in his abilities. His selection to participate in prestigious international workshops and study tours—such as the Oil Palm Development Tours in Uganda, Ghana, and Benin—demonstrates his regional impact and expertise. Additionally, Mr. Sultan has collaborated on major research projects funded by esteemed organizations like FAO, COSTECH, APNI, and ICRAF, often serving as either a coordinator or key contributor. These roles reflect his proven track record in developing sustainable agricultural models and advancing plant breeding in East Africa. His ability to bridge research with actionable field solutions continues to earn him professional respect and opportunities in the plant breeding and agronomy sectors.

Research Focus

Mr. Masoud Sultan’s research focuses on crop improvement, sustainable agriculture, and resilience building through genetic enhancement. His primary interest lies in plant breeding, particularly in oil palm and groundnut crops, where he studies genetic variability, drought tolerance, and farmer-preferred traits. He emphasizes the integration of classical and modern breeding tools, including genomics, to enhance crop productivity and climate adaptability. His work extends to soil fertility management through Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) frameworks, targeting increased profitability and food security. Additionally, Masoud is deeply engaged in developing sustainable palm oil models by strengthening seedling production and local distribution systems. He has conducted needs assessments and farmer participatory research, ensuring that innovations are aligned with community needs. His collaborative approach and leadership in multi-stakeholder projects have significantly contributed to agricultural transformation in Kigoma and other regions, promoting both scientific advancement and community impact.

Publication Top Notes

📘 An Appraisal of the Constraints, Opportunities, and Farmers’ Needs and Preferences of Oil Palm for Sustainable Production and Improvement in Tanzania (2025) – Sustainability, 17(8): 3546 🌴🌱📊

📗 The Effects of Midseason and Terminal Drought Stress on Morphological, Physiological and Seed Yield Attributes in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) for Malawian Genotypes (2024) – IJRESM, 7(7): 74–85 🌾💧🧪

📙 Genetic Variability and Association Studies for Drought Tolerance in Groundnut (2020) – Journal of Genetics, Genomics and Plant Breeding, 4(4): 159–170 🌿🧬📈

Wieslaw Oleszek | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Wieslaw Oleszek | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof Wieslaw Oleszek, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation, State Research Institute, Poland

Wiesław Oleszek, born on February 27, 1948, in Bełżyce, Poland, is a distinguished agricultural biochemist and professor. He serves as the Director of the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation, State Research Institute in Pulawy, Poland. With extensive expertise in plant glycosides, allelopathy, and natural antioxidants, he has significantly contributed to agricultural biochemistry. Throughout his career, he has held key positions in professional societies, including the Phytochemical Society of Europe and the Polish Phytochemical Society. He has been a visiting researcher at Cornell University, the Food Research Institute in the UK, and INRA in France. A member of the Polish Academy of Sciences, his research focuses on natural bioactive compounds in plants, food quality, and functional foods. With over 8,450 citations and an H-index of 50 (Scopus), his work has greatly influenced the fields of biochemistry and agricultural sciences.

Publication Profile

google scholar

Education

Wiesław Oleszek earned his Master of Science (MS) in 1975 from Maria Curie-Sklodowska University in Lublin, Poland. He pursued a PhD in Agricultural Sciences with a specialization in Biochemistry at the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation (IUNG) in Pulawy, completing it in 1985. His research focused on plant biochemistry, particularly the study of glycosides and their agricultural applications. In 1992, he obtained his Habilitation in Biochemistry from IUNG Pulawy, marking his advancement as an independent researcher in the field. His academic excellence led to his appointment as a Full Professor in 1998, a title conferred by the President of Poland. His education laid a strong foundation for his pioneering work in plant biochemistry, natural toxicants, and bioactive compounds in agriculture, making him a globally recognized expert in his field.

Experience

Wiesław Oleszek has had a prolific career in plant biochemistry. He worked as a Visiting Fellow at Cornell University (1979–1980, 1987), researching glycoalkaloids in tomatoes and phenolic compounds in apples. In 1989, he was a Visiting Scientist at the Food Research Institute in Norwich, UK, focusing on alfalfa saponins and NMR techniques. In 1992, he was a Postdoctoral Trainee at INRA, Avignon, France, studying pear phenolics. That same year, he became Head of the Biochemistry and Crop Quality Department at IUNG Pulawy, Poland. In 2010, he was appointed Director of IUNG Pulawy, where he leads groundbreaking research on plant-based bioactive compounds. His expertise spans allelopathy, natural pesticides, and functional foods, shaping advancements in agricultural sciences worldwide.

Awards & Honors

  • Full Professor Title (1998) – Awarded by the President of Poland 🇵🇱
  • Committee Member, Phytochemical Society of Europe (1994–1998) 🌿
  • General Secretary, Phytochemical Society of Europe (2002–2007) ✉️
  • Vice-Chairman, Phytochemical Society of Europe (2008–2010) 🔬
  • Chairman, Phytochemical Society of Europe (2010–2012) 🏅
  • Secretary, Polish Phytochemical Society (1995–Present) 📖
  • Member, Polish Academy of Sciences 🧬
  • Editorial Board Member, Allelopathy Journal 📑
  • Founding Member, International Allelopathy Society 🌾
  • Member, COST Domain Committee “Food and Agriculture,” Brussels 🌍

Research Focus

Wiesław Oleszek specializes in the isolation, purification, and structural analysis of plant glycosides, including saponins, phenolics, glycoalkaloids, glucosinolates, and cyanogenic glucosides. His research explores the role of natural toxicants in plant allelopathy, the development of natural pesticides, and the enhancement of post-harvest agricultural product quality. He investigates bioactive compounds for their antioxidant, anticancer, and nutraceutical properties, contributing to functional food and feed additive development. His work bridges agricultural biochemistry and human health by identifying plant-derived compounds with potential applications in medicine, food safety, and sustainable agriculture. His expertise in secondary metabolite biosynthesis has positioned him as a global leader in plant biochemistry and natural product research.

Publications

  • Glycoalkaloid content in wild Solanum species and its effect on enzymatic browning of fruits 🍅
  • Phenolic compounds from apples and their influence on fruit browning 🍏
  • Membrane activity of alfalfa saponins and their structural characterization using NMR techniques 🌿
  • Pear phenolics and their impact on post-harvest quality and nutrition 🍐
  • Natural toxicants in plants: Implications for food safety and agriculture 🌾
  • Allelopathic effects of plant-derived bioactive compounds on weed suppression 🌱
  • Saponins as natural pesticides: A sustainable approach for crop protection 🛡️
  • Antioxidant and anticancer properties of plant-derived secondary metabolites 🧪
  • Nutraceutical potential of glucosinolates in functional food applications 🍽️
  • Biosynthesis of resorcinols and their role in plant defense mechanisms 🌎

Carlos Copatti | Agricultural | Most Cited Article Award

Dr. Carlos Copatti | Agricultural | Most Cited Article Award

Dr. Carlos Copatti, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Brazil

Dr. Carlos Copatti is an Associate Professor at the Universidade Federal da Bahia, Brazil. He holds a degree in Biological Sciences from the Universidade Regional Integrada do Alto Uruguai e das Missões (2002), a Master’s in Biological Sciences – Animal Biodiversity from the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (2005), and a Ph.D. in Animal Science from the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (2008). With expertise in Animal Ecophysiology, he teaches undergraduate courses in Biology and Oceanography and is involved in the Aquaculture Research Group. Dr. Copatti supervises students in the graduate programs in Biodiversity and Evolution (PPGBioEvo) and Animal Science at UFBA. He was Vice-Coordinator (2013-2015) and Coordinator (2015-2016) of PPGBioEvo. A reviewer for over 30 scientific journals, he is also an associate editor for Ciência Rural and holds a CNPq PQ2 productivity fellowship.

Education:

Doctorate in Animal Science (Zootecnia)

Universidade Federal da Bahia, Brazil (2005 – 2008)

Thesis: “Efeito do NaCl na dieta, dureza e pH da água na sobrevivência, crescimento e fluxo iônico de juvenis de jundiá (Rhamdia quelen)”

Advisor: Bernardo Baldisserotto

Year of completion: 2008

Master’s in Biological Sciences – Animal Biodiversity

Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Brazil (2003 – 2005)

Thesis: “Efeito do cálcio na dieta sobre o crescimento e a sobrevivência de juvenis de jundiá Rhamdia quelen (Heptapteridae) em diferentes pH da água”

Advisor: Bernardo Baldisserotto

Year of completion: 2005

Scholarship: Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), Brazil

Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences

Universidade Regional Integrada do Alto Uruguai e das Missões (URI), Santo Angelo, Brazil (1998 – 2002)

Thesis: “Estudo da ação do óleo de nim (Azadirachta indica) em ninhos de formigas mordedeiras”

Advisor: Mário José Junges

Postdoctoral Research

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande (FURG), Rio Grande, Brazil (2017)

Field: Agricultural Sciences / Area: Animal Science

Professional Profile:

Scopus Profile

ORCID Profile

Professional Experience:

Universidade Federal da Bahia (Salvador, BA, Brazil)

Position: Professor (Biologia)

Tenure: January 30, 2012 – Present

Dr. Copatti currently serves as a professor in the Department of Biology at Universidade Federal da Bahia, where he is involved in both undergraduate and graduate-level instruction, as well as research in various areas of biology.

Universidade de Cruz Alta (Cruz Alta, RS, Brazil)

Position: Professor (Biologia)

Tenure: July 1, 2006 – January 12, 2012

Prior to his tenure at Universidade Federal da Bahia, Dr. Copatti taught at Universidade de Cruz Alta, where he focused on biology education and contributed to the development of academic programs in the biological sciences.

Universidade Regional Integrada do Alto Uruguai e das Missões (Santiago, RS, Brazil)

Position: Professor (Biologia)

Tenure: March 1, 2005 – July 31, 2007

Dr. Copatti began his academic career at Universidade Regional Integrada, contributing to teaching biology courses and engaging with students in research-related activities in the biological sciences.

Research Interests:

Animal Physiology (Fisiologia Animal)

Ecology (Ecologia)

Limnology (Limnologia)

Top Notable Publications:

Physiological and growth responses of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) fed Croton conduplicatus essential oil and challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila

Authors: Pereira, G.A., Copatti, C.E., Rocha, A.D.S., de Souza, A.M., Melo, J.F.B.

Year: 2025

Zinc-L-Selenomethionine Improves Growth and Hemato-Biochemical Parameters at Low but not at High Stocking Density for Nile Tilapia Males

Authors: Lemos, C.H.D.P., Santos, A.D.A., de Oliveira, C.P.B., Vidal, L.V.O., Copatti, C.E.

Year: 2025

Mango (Mangifera indica) meal can partially replace corn meal in diets for piava (Megaleporinus obtusidens)

Authors: Marchão, R.S., Copatti, C.E., Rocha, A.D.S., Rocha, D.R.D., Melo, J.F.B.

Year: 2025

Chromium-methionine chelate can reduce protein content in Nile tilapia diets: an analysis of growth, carcass, biochemical and hematological parameters, and economic return

Authors: de Oliveira, C.P.B., Copatti, C.E., da Paixão Lemos, C.H., da Silva, J.F., Vidal, L.V.O.

Year: 2024

Common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) juveniles maintained at high temperature and brackish water improve growth, osmoregulation, and antioxidant responses

Authors: de Mello, G.L., Copatti, C.E., Toni, C., Tsuzuki, M.Y., Baldisserotto, B.

Year: 2024

Use of Bacillus subtilis multiplicate in the water used for biofloc formation: Growth, hemato-biochemistry, intestinal bacteria colonies, and bacterial resistance evaluations of Nile tilapia

Authors: Costa, T.S., Copatti, C.E., da Silva, J.J., Moreira, J.F., Melo, J.F.B.

Year: 2024

Can photoperiod improve growth performance and antioxidant responses of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) reared in recirculation aquaculture systems?

Authors: Presa, L.S., Copatti, C.E., Pinto, D.S.B., Monserrat, J.M., Garcia, L.

Year: 2024

Effects of Croton sonderianus essential oil in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) feeds on growth, hematology, blood chemistry, and resistance of the fish to infection with Aeromonas hydrophila

Authors: Pereira, G.A., Copatti, C.E., Marchão, R.S., da Silva Camargo, A.C., Melo, J.F.B.

Year: 2024

Responses to graded levels of zinc amino acid complex in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Authors: Lemos, C.H.D.P., de Oliveira, C.P.B., de Oliveira, I.C., Vidal, L.V.O., Copatti, C.E.

Year: 2024

Evaluation of dietary tryptophan requirement on growth, whole-body composition, and hematobiochemical parameters of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) in the fattening phase

Authors: Marchão, R.S., Copatti, C.E., Ribeiro, F.B., Vidal, L.V.O., Melo, J.F.B.

Year: 2024

Conclusion:

Dr. Carlos Copatti has significant potential for the Research for Most Cited Article Award, thanks to his solid research output, interdisciplinary collaborations, and focus on impactful, applied science in aquaculture. His research on fish nutrition, disease resistance, and environmental factors in aquaculture is both timely and highly relevant.

Mozhgan Gholizadeh Vazvani | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mozhgan Gholizadeh Vazvani | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mozhgan Gholizadeh Vazvani, Vali -e- Asr University of Rafsanjan, Iran

Dr. Mozhgan Gholizadeh Vazvani is a dedicated plant pathologist with a Ph.D. from Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Iran. Her doctoral research focused on the “Identification of QTLs associated with resistance to take-all disease and yield components using different molecular markers in elite genotypes of bread wheat.” Dr. Gholizadeh Vazvani’s academic pursuits revolve around enhancing wheat’s resistance to take-all disease, improving yield in bread wheat, identifying resistance genes, studying wheat grain storage proteins, and advancing plant disease resistance mechanisms.

Professional Profile:

Scopus Profile

 

Professional Experience:

Dr. Mozhgan Gholizadeh Vazvani holds a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Iran. Her doctoral thesis, “Identification of QTLs associated with resistance to take-all disease and yield components using different molecular markers in elite genotypes of bread wheat,” reflects her commitment to addressing critical challenges in wheat production and plant pathology. Her research provides significant insights into genetic resistance to take-all disease, a major agricultural concern.

Research Interests:

Dr. Vazvani’s research interests span wheat improvement, resistance to take-all disease, identification of resistance genes, and the study of storage proteins in wheat grain. Her innovative focus on increasing yield and combating plant diseases positions her as a leading expert in the field of agricultural biotechnology. These efforts directly contribute to global food security.

 

Publications:

1. Unveiling Methods to Stimulate Plant Resistance against Pathogens

Authors: Saberi Riseh, R., Gholizadeh Vazvani, M.

Journal: Frontiers in Bioscience – Landmark Edition, 2024, 29(5), p. 188

Citations: 1

2. Chitin-Induced Disease Resistance in Plants: A Review

Authors: Saberi Riseh, R., Gholizadeh Vazvani, M., Vatankhah, M., Kennedy, J.F.

Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024, 266, 131105

Citations: 4

3. Agricultural Wastes: A Practical and Potential Source for the Isolation and Preparation of Cellulose and Application in Agriculture and Different Industries

Authors: Riseh, R.S., Vazvani, M.G., Hassanisaadi, M., Thakur, V.K.

Journal: Industrial Crops and Products, 2024, 208, 117904

Citations: 25

4. β–Glucan-Induced Disease Resistance in Plants: A Review

Authors: Riseh, R.S., Vazvani, M.G., Kennedy, J.F.

Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2023, 253, 127043

Citations: 24

5. The Application of Chitosan as a Carrier for Fertilizer: A Review

Authors: Riseh, R.S., Vazvani, M.G., Kennedy, J.F.

Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2023, 252, 126483

Citations: 38

6. Bioremediation of Heavy Metals by Rhizobacteria

Authors: Riseh, R.S., Vazvani, M.G., Hajabdollahi, N., Thakur, V.K.

Journal: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 2023, 195(8), pp. 4689–4711

Citations: 23

7. Use of Whey Protein as a Natural Polymer for the Encapsulation of Plant Biocontrol Bacteria: A Review

Authors: Saberi Riseh, R., Gholizadeh Vazvani, M., Hassanisaadi, M., Thakur, V.K., Kennedy, J.F.

Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2023, 234, 123708

Citations: 28

Conclusion:

Dr. Mozhgan Gholizadeh Vazvani exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional researcher through her groundbreaking work in wheat disease resistance, sustainable agricultural practices, and molecular biology. Her strong publication record, innovative approaches, and dedication to practical solutions make her highly deserving of a Best Researcher Award. While broader collaborations and incorporation of emerging technologies could further enhance her impact, her current achievements already demonstrate a significant and lasting contribution to the field of agricultural sciences.