Hajar Pakyari | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Research Article Award

Hajar Pakyari | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Research Article Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Hajar Pakyari, Islamic Azad University, Iran

Dr. Hajar Pakyari, born on September 16, 1981, in Shiraz, Iran, is an esteemed Associate Professor of Agricultural Entomology at the Islamic Azad University, Takestan Branch. With a dedicated career spanning over 18 years, she specializes in the biological control of agricultural pests, particularly focusing on the predatory thrips Scolothrips longicornis and its role in managing spider mite populations. As a pioneer female scientist in her field, she has been recognized as the youngest female Associate Professor in Iran and the first in Qazvin Province. Dr. Pakyari has contributed substantially through her research publications, book authorship, international conference presentations, and leadership roles, including heading the Department of Plant Protection. Her scientific excellence is acknowledged worldwide through various editorial responsibilities, such as her position as a Subject Editor for the Bulletin of Entomological Research. She continues to inspire through her impactful work in sustainable pest management and applied entomology.

Publication Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Hajar Pakyari holds a robust academic background in Plant Protection and Entomology. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Plant Protection from the Islamic Azad University, Shiraz Branch (1999–2002). Subsequently, she pursued her Master of Science in Entomology at the Islamic Azad University, Tehran Branch (2003–2005), where her thesis focused on the species diversity of soil mites in Sorkheh Hesar Forest Park. Driven by her passion for integrated pest management, she advanced to obtain her Ph.D. in Entomology from the same institution (2005–2008), where she investigated the efficiency of the predatory thrips Scolothrips longicornis in controlling Tetranychus urticae under controlled conditions. Her academic journey laid a strong foundation for her expertise in pest control, biological diversity, and ecological studies of beneficial arthropods, establishing her as a specialist in agricultural entomology.

💼 Experience

Dr. Pakyari began her professional career as a full-time Faculty Member at the Department of Plant Protection, Islamic Azad University, Takestan Branch in 2006, where she currently serves as an Associate Professor and Head of Department. From 2006 to 2008, she was also a Visiting Lecturer at the Science & Research Branch in Tehran. Her professional engagements include leadership as the Deputy of the Islamic World Women Scientists Network (2009–2024) and editorial duties as Subject Editor of the Bulletin of Entomological Research. She has managed several research projects on biological control, pest management, and pesticide effects on beneficial insects. Dr. Pakyari’s extensive peer-reviewing activity for renowned journals demonstrates her influence in the global entomological community. Additionally, she has shared her findings at key international congresses in countries such as the Netherlands, Tunisia, Thailand, and the USA, reinforcing her status as a leader in agricultural pest control research.

🏆 Honors and Awards

Dr. Hajar Pakyari’s outstanding scientific contributions have earned her multiple prestigious recognitions. She was honored as the Youngest Female Associate Professor in Iran and the first in Qazvin Province. Her pioneering research efforts led to her selection as Top Researcher of the Year at the Takestan Branch and the Young Researchers Club (2009), along with repeated recognitions in 2011, 2012, 2018, and 2024 at her university. As a long-standing member of the Elite Club of Young Researchers since 2001, Dr. Pakyari exemplifies academic excellence and leadership. Furthermore, she was acclaimed as the Provincial Top Researcher in Qazvin in 2020, underscoring her significant impact on regional agricultural advancements. These awards reflect her deep commitment to entomological science, particularly in biological pest management, making her a role model for aspiring researchers in Iran and globally.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Hajar Pakyari’s research primarily revolves around biological pest control, with an emphasis on the predatory efficiency of thrips (Scolothrips longicornis) against spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) under varied environmental conditions. Her studies investigate factors such as temperature, photoperiod, and pesticide impacts on the life cycle, fecundity, and predatory behavior of beneficial arthropods. She has also contributed to understanding functional response models, development thresholds, and sublethal pesticide effects on beneficial mites and insects, aiming to enhance integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Additionally, Dr. Pakyari’s research extends to evaluating the influence of abiotic factors such as light wavelengths and heat stress on predator-prey dynamics. Her work bridges the gap between theoretical models and applied agricultural practices, ensuring ecological safety and sustainability. Through national and international collaborations, she continues to pioneer innovative approaches for pest management in crop protection systems.

📚 Publications

1️⃣ Effect of temperature on life-table parameters of Scolothrips longicornis fed on Tetranychus urticae 🌿
2️⃣ Estimating Development and Temperature Thresholds of Scolothrips longicornis Using Models 🔬
3️⃣ Effect of temperature on consumption of Tetranychus urticae eggs by Scolothrips longicornis 🥚
4️⃣ Temperature-dependent functional response of Scolothrips longicornis preying on Tetranychus urticae 🌱
5️⃣ Prey stage preference of Scolothrips longicornis on Tetranychus urticae 🍃
6️⃣ Mutual interference of Scolothrips longicornis on Tetranychus urticae 🕷️
7️⃣ No choice prey stage preference and functional response of Scolothrips longicornis 🧩
8️⃣ Development Rate of Scolothrips longicornis at Various Temperatures 🌡️
9️⃣ The biology, life table and predation of Scolothrips longicornis fed on Tetranychus urticae 🦟
🔟 Spatial distribution pattern of Tetranychus urticae and its predator Scolothrips longicornis 🗺️
1️⃣1️⃣ Species diversity of soil mites in Sorkheh Hesar Forest Park 🌳
1️⃣2️⃣ First report of genus Evimirus for Iran 🇮🇷
1️⃣3️⃣ Oviposition model of Scolothrips longicornis on Tetranychus urticae 🐣
1️⃣4️⃣ Development and Life Table of Tyrophagus putrescentiae on Mushroom 🍄
1️⃣5️⃣ Influence of temperature and host plant on Tetranychus urticae development 🌾
1️⃣6️⃣ Effect of temperature on reproduction of Scolothrips longicornis 🥚
1️⃣7️⃣ Development time and fecundity of Two-Spotted Spider Mite 🍃
1️⃣8️⃣ Functional response of predatory thrips under pesticide influence ☠️
1️⃣9️⃣ Lethal and sublethal effects of Fenpropathrin on Scolothrips longicornis 💀
2️⃣0️⃣ Sublethal and transgenerational effects of Abamectin on Scolothrips longicornis 🧬
2️⃣1️⃣ Temperature effects on Eotetranychus hirsti development on fig leaves 🍂
2️⃣2️⃣ Cannibalism in phytoseiid mites 🕸️
2️⃣3️⃣ Sublethal pesticide effects on Scolothrips longicornis feeding behavior ⚠️
2️⃣4️⃣ Sublethal pesticide effects on Cryptolaemus montrouzieri 🐞
2️⃣5️⃣ Spirodiclofen effects on Scolothrips longicornis 🧪
2️⃣6️⃣ Oviposition model of Ephestia kuehniella 🦋
2️⃣7️⃣ Development of pale damsel bug under temperature variations 🔥❄️
2️⃣8️⃣ Repellency of plant extracts on storage pests 🌿
2️⃣9️⃣ Mealybug avoidance of ladybird semiochemicals 🐞
3️⃣0️⃣ Development thresholds of Ephestia kuehniella for mass production 🏭
3️⃣1️⃣ Light cycle effects on Ephestia kuehniella in the lab 💡
3️⃣2️⃣ Photoperiod effects on Scolothrips longicornis life table 🌙
3️⃣3️⃣ Life table of Ephestia kuehniella at constant temperatures 📊
3️⃣4️⃣ Cold storage effects on Scolothrips longicornis 🧊
3️⃣5️⃣ Wavelength impact on Scolothrips longicornis development 🌈
3️⃣6️⃣ Predation rate of Scolothrips longicornis on Tetranychus urticae 🐜
3️⃣7️⃣ Light wavelength effects on Phytoseiulus persimilis 🌓
3️⃣8️⃣ Photoperiod effects on Phytoseiulus persimilis population growth 🌞
3️⃣9️⃣ Fenpyroximate effects on Scolothrips longicornis toxicity evaluation ⚠️
4️⃣0️⃣ Temperature impact on mass production of Scolothrips longicornis 🌡️
4️⃣1️⃣ Light cycles affecting predation of Phytoseiulus persimilis 🌅
4️⃣2️⃣ Heat stress effects on Phytoseiulus persimilis demographics 🔥

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.