Gayatri Sahu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Young Scientist Award

Gayatri Sahu | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Young Scientist Award

Assist. Prof. Dr Gayatri Sahu, Siksha O Anusandhan University, India

Dr. Gayatri Sahu is an accomplished academician and researcher serving as an Assistant Professor in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar. Born on 27th March 1992, she holds a strong foundation in agricultural sciences and specializes in soil health and nutrient management. Dr. Sahu has actively contributed to the academic and research ecosystem with more than 20 research publications in reputed journals, several book chapters, and a published book. Her dedication to sustainable agriculture, environmental health, and innovative soil management practices reflects in her extensive participation in national and international seminars, webinars, and training programs. She is also a life member of reputed societies and a recognized ICAR-NET qualifier. Passionate about promoting soil sustainability and climate-resilient agriculture, she continues to shape the next generation of agricultural scientists through her teaching and research initiatives.

Publication Profile

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🎓 Education

Dr. Gayatri Sahu’s academic journey is rooted in excellence across premier Indian institutions. She completed her 10th from B.S.E, Odisha in 2007 with 91.86% and her 12th from C.H.S.E, Odisha in 2009 with 68.66%. Her undergraduate degree, B.Sc. (Ag.) Hons., was earned at OUAT in 2014 with a score of 76.6%. She pursued her Master’s in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at Visva-Bharati University, achieving the highest rank with 90.01% in 2016. She further attained her Ph.D. from Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya in Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science in 2019 with 81.6%. Her research focused on nutrient management and organic carbon dynamics. Through specialized courses during her B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D., she built a strong foundation in microbiology, soil biochemistry, agrochemicals, pollution management, and microbial diversity. She also completed various certified training and workshops in GIS, biotechnology, and soil health, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and academic development.

💼 Experience

Dr. Gayatri Sahu has accumulated comprehensive teaching and field research experience in soil science and agricultural chemistry. She began with six months of rural agricultural work during her B.Sc. (Agri) Hons. at OUAT, followed by one year of field and lab research under the ICAR-NIRJAFT project titled “Performance analysis of Crop Specific Agro-textiles” (2015–2016). Since May 2019, she has been serving as an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar. Over the past five years, she has been actively involved in undergraduate teaching, curriculum development, mentoring students, and research supervision. Dr. Sahu has organized and participated in more than 40 webinars, national and international conferences, and training programs, and attended specialized winter schools and workshops. Her blend of practical experience, research engagement, and academic instruction has made her a valuable contributor to agricultural education and soil sustainability research in India.

🏆 Honors and Awards

Dr. Gayatri Sahu has received several awards and recognitions for her academic and research excellence. She secured the First Position in M.Sc. (Ag.) from the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry at Visva-Bharati University. Her scientific writing excellence was acknowledged when she received the Best Article Award for her publication titled “Implication of Greenhouse Gas Cycling Towards Nutrient Transformation in Agricultural Soil Ecosystem” in the Agriculture and Food E-Newsletter. She has also successfully qualified the ICAR-NET examination held on 19th May 2017, an esteemed credential in Indian agricultural academia. During her undergraduate studies, she was a recipient of the Odisha Merit Scholarship, reflecting consistent academic brilliance. Dr. Sahu is a registered life member of the Indian Academic Researchers Association, Society for Advancement of Human and Nature, and an annual member of the Indian Society of Soil Science, further underscoring her active participation and recognition in the academic research community.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Gayatri Sahu’s research primarily focuses on soil health management, integrated nutrient management (INM), climate-smart agriculture, soil organic carbon dynamics, and sustainable farming systems. Her M.Sc. thesis explored INM in lentil-sesame-rice cropping systems on red and lateritic soils, while her Ph.D. research delved into organic carbon pools and saturation deficits in long-term experimental soils. Her scholarly work addresses challenges related to soil degradation, nutrient imbalance, and environmental impacts of agrochemicals. She has authored multiple SCOPUS-indexed articles on balanced nutrient management, conservation agriculture, nanofertilizers, and acid soil amelioration. Her contributions span emerging technologies like biofortification, nano-nutrition, soil carbon sequestration, and regenerative agriculture, aiming to enhance nutrient use efficiency and soil sustainability. Through her active participation in training programs, workshops, and collaborative projects, she continues to contribute significantly to the field of soil science and agro-environmental research, supporting India’s goal of sustainable agricultural intensification and improved food security.

📚 Publications

  • 📄 Integrated Nutrient Management in Lentil in Red and Lateritic Soils of West Bengal

  • 📄 Effect of INM on Yield and Microbial Population of Sesame

  • 📄 Integrated Nutrient Management in Rice in Red and Lateritic Soils

  • 📄 INM in Lentil-Sesame-Rice System in Red and Lateritic Soils

  • 📄 Potential Use of Flyash in Agriculture for Soil Health Improvement

  • 📄 Balanced Nutrient Management on Niger in West Bengal

  • 📄 Extractability and Availability of Sulphur in Long-term Rice Soils

  • 📄 Role of Fluoride on Soil, Plant, and Human Health: A Review

  • 📄 Nutrient Budgeting of Primary Nutrients and Use Efficiency in India

  • 📄 Climate Smart Agriculture: A New Approach for Sustainable Intensification

  • 📄 Conservation Agriculture: A Way to Improve Soil Health

  • 📄 Integrated Nitrogen Management in Yield and Quality of Chilli

  • 📄 Organochlorine Pesticides’ Impact on Organisms and Environment

  • 📄 INM in Growth and Yield of Chilli in Odisha

  • 📄 Balanced Nutrient Management in Blackgram in Red and Lateritic Soils

  • 📄 Balanced Nutrient Management in Rice in Lateritic Soils

  • 📄 Silicon Nutrition on Paddy in Acid Lateritic Soils

  • 📄 Evaluation of Silicon on Paddy in Coastal Odisha

  • 📄 INM on Groundnut in Acidic Upland of Odisha

  • 📄 Nano Nitrogen and Nano Zinc Effects on Sweetcorn

  • 📄 Irrigation and PK Application on Root Traits of Green Gram

  • 📄 Cultivars and Manures Influence Soil & Yield in Organic Rice

  • 📄 Yield & Quality of Aromatic Rice under Organic Nutrient Management

  • 📄 Lime Effect on Soil Acidity and Phosphorus in Acid Soil

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 🔥