Sajad Un Nabi | Plant Pathology | Excellence in Research

Dr. Sajad Un Nabi | Plant Pathology | Excellence in Research

Dr. Sajad Un Nabi, Central institute of Temperate Horticulture, India

Dr. Sajad Un Nabi is a Scientist in Plant Pathology at ICAR-Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. With a specialization in molecular diagnostics, pathogenomics, and virome analysis of fruit crops, he has made significant contributions to the detection and management of plant pathogens. He has developed several innovative technologies and diagnostic tools in horticulture. Widely recognized for his academic and research excellence, Dr. Sajad is an award-winning scientist committed to improving plant health and sustainable agriculture in the temperate regions of India. ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿงฌ

Publication Profile

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๐ŸŽ“ Education

Dr. Sajad earned his B.Sc. in Agriculture from SKUAST-K in 2012 with 85%, followed by an M.Sc. in Plant Pathology from ICAR-IARI in 2014 with 88.9%, supported by ICAR’s JRF. He later completed his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the same institute in 2020, again with 85%, earning the ICAR SRF and IARI Merit Scholarship. His academic journey is marked by top ranks in national-level competitive exams including 1st in IARI PhD entrance and 2nd in ARS Plant Pathology. His strong academic foundation has been pivotal in shaping his impactful research career. ๐Ÿ“š๐Ÿ”ฌ

๐Ÿ’ผ Experience

Dr. Sajad Un Nabi currently serves as a Scientist at ICAR-CITH, Srinagar. With over a decade of experience in plant pathology, he specializes in molecular diagnostics, phytoplasma research, virome analysis, and pathogenomics of fruit crops. His work encompasses developing novel disease management technologies, rapid detection tools for viruses, and bioformulations for disease suppression. Dr. Sajad has played a key role in identifying pathogen spectra in temperate fruits and developing user-friendly apps and biotechnological tools. His career reflects a strong integration of lab research with field applications aimed at sustainable horticultural improvement. ๐Ÿงช๐ŸŒฑ

๐Ÿ… Awards and Honors

Dr. Sajad has been recognized with numerous national and international awards, including the IARI Gold Medal, M.J. Narshiman Medal, Young Achiever Award, Young Scientist Award, and Excellence in Plant Pathology Award. He has also received multiple Best Oral and Poster Presentation Awards in prestigious plant pathology conferences. His academic distinction is further evidenced by scholarships from ICAR and the J&K Police Department. These honors celebrate his contributions to diagnostics, disease management, and scientific innovation in Indian horticulture. ๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ

๐Ÿ”ฌ Research Focus

Dr. Sajadโ€™s research revolves around molecular diagnostics of phytoplasmas, viruses, and fungi; development of multiplex RT-PCR assays; virome analysis in fruit crops; and plant disease epidemiology in temperate horticulture. He focuses on innovative, field-applicable detection systems, scab-resistant apple hybridization, bioformulation of vermicompost, and real-time virus detection in crops like apple and saffron. His work supports sustainable horticulture and early pathogen management through cutting-edge molecular tools and AI-based nutrient diagnostics. His research continues to address critical challenges in fruit crop health management. ๐Ÿงซ๐Ÿงช๐Ÿ“ฑ

Publication Top Notes

  • ๐Ÿ“š Mixed infection of plant viruses: diagnostics, interactions and impact on host โ€“ 70 citations (2021)

  • ๐ŸŒฟ Molecular characterization of โ€˜Candidatus Phytoplasma asterisโ€™ in sesame phyllody โ€“ 52 citations (2015)

  • ๐Ÿฆ  Ralstonia solanacearum: Global plant wilt pathogen โ€“ 48 citations (2018)

  • ๐Ÿ„ Trichoderma harzianum chitinase production & antifungal behavior โ€“ 41 citations (2021)

  • ๐ŸŽ Post-harvest diseases of temperate fruits: Review โ€“ 40 citations (2017)

  • ๐ŸŒพ Overview on a century progress in sesame phyllody disease (Madhupriya 2015) โ€“ 36 citations (2015)

  • ๐Ÿงฌ Characterization of phytoplasmas in sesame phyllody in North India โ€“ 29 citations (2015)

  • ๐Ÿ“ Effect of substrates on strawberry cv. chandler in soilless culture โ€“ 27 citations (2018)

  • ๐ŸŒฝ Resistance of insect pests against Bt-Crops: An overview โ€“ 27 citations (2017)

  • ๐ŸŒผ Overview on century of research in sesame phyllody disease โ€“ 27 citations (2015)

Ashish Kumar Singh | Crop Protection | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ashish Kumar Singh | Crop Protection | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ashish Kumar Singh, ICAR-VPKAS, India

Dr. Ashish Kumar Singh, a distinguished Scientist (Senior Scale) at ICAR-VPKAS, Almora, India, specializes in nematology and crop protection. Born on May 5, 1991, Dr. Singh earned his PhD in Nematology from ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. With expertise in nematode biodiversity, integrated pest management, and molecular microbiology, he has significantly advanced agricultural science through numerous research projects and publications. Dr. Singh has received multiple accolades, including the “Best Oral Presentation” award and has contributed to sustainable agricultural practices in the Indian Himalayas. He actively engages in professional training and capacity-building initiatives. ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ“š

Publication profile

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Professional Journey

Dr. Singh embarked on his professional journey by attending the 108th Foundation Course for Agricultural Research Service at ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad, in July 2018. He progressed from an ARS trainee to a Scientist and, eventually, to a Scientist (Senior Scale) at ICAR-VPKAS. His expertise spans nematode biodiversity assessment, nematode management under protected cultivation, entomopathogenic nematodes, and white grub gut bacterial metagenomics. Dr. Singh has also delved into the long-term impact of fertilization on soil nematode fauna and the role of nematodes in soil health.

Educational Background and Awards ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ†

Dr. Singhโ€™s educational journey began with a B.Sc. in Agriculture from UPAC, Varanasi, followed by an M.Sc. in Nematology and a Ph.D. in Nematology from ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. His academic excellence has been recognized with several awards, including the Junior and Senior Research Fellowships from ICAR and the IARI Meritorious Scholarship. He has also been honored with the Best Oral Presentation award from the Phytopathological Society of India and the Best Trainee award at a capacity-building workshop in nematode taxonomy.

Research Focus

Dr. Ashish Kumar Singh is a prominent researcher in the field of nematology and plant pathology. His work primarily revolves around understanding and combating plant parasitic nematodes, such as the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) and the seed gall nematode (Anguina tritici) ๐ŸŒพ๐Ÿฆ . He employs various biotechnological tools, including RNA interference (RNAi) and genomics, to develop resistance strategies in plants against these pests ๐Ÿงฌ๐ŸŒฑ. Additionally, Dr. Singh’s research extends to exploring eco-friendly pest management solutions, such as the use of microbial biofertilizers and entomopathogenic fungi ๐ŸŒ๐Ÿ„. His contributions are significant in promoting sustainable agricultural practices ๐ŸŒฟ๐ŸŒป.

Publication Top Notes

Pramod Prasad | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Pramod Prasad | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Pramod Prasad, ICAR- Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, India

Dr. Pramod Prasad, a distinguished plant pathologist, earned his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from GBPUAT, Pantnagar, India, in 2011, after completing his M.Sc. in the same field and a B.Sc. in Zoology, Botany, and Chemistry. He has been serving at ICAR-IIWBR, Shimla, since 2011, where he has played a crucial role in genome sequencing and surveillance of wheat and barley rusts. His significant contributions include identifying rust resistance genes and developing resistant genetic stocks. Dr. Prasad’s current research focuses on the population biology and genetics of rust resistance in cereals ๐ŸŒพ๐Ÿ”ฌ.

 

Publication profile

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Academic Qualification ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ“š

Dr. Pramod Prasad holds a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology with minors in Biotechnology and Entomology from GBPUAT, Pantnagar, obtained in 2011. He also completed his M.Sc. in Plant Pathology from the same institution in 2006 and a B.Sc. in Zoology, Botany, and Chemistry from HNBGU, Srinagar, in 2003 ๐ŸŒฟ๐Ÿฆ .

Work Experience ๐Ÿข๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ

Dr. Prasad has been a Senior Scientist at ICAR-IIWBR, Shimla, since September 2023, focusing on genome sequencing of Puccinia species, rust surveillance, and developing rust-resistant genetic stocks ๐ŸŒพ๐Ÿ”ฌ. Previously, he held similar roles at the same institute, progressively advancing his expertise in cereal crop pathology from 2011 onward ๐ŸŒŸ๐Ÿ“ˆ.

 

Research Focus

The research focus of this individual falls under the category of Plant Pathology, with a specific emphasis on wheat rust research ๐ŸŒพ๐Ÿ”ฌ. Their work includes exploring the genetic and molecular aspects of rust pathogens like Puccinia triticina and Puccinia striiformis. The key areas of their research are genome sequencing, pathogen population biology, and the development of rust-resistant wheat varieties ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿ”. They have made significant contributions to understanding pathogen evolution, rust management strategies, and the identification of resistance genes, which are crucial for enhancing wheat crop resilience and ensuring global food security ๐Ÿž๐ŸŒ. Their efforts in this field are not only scientifically impactful but also vital for sustainable agriculture and disease control.

 

Publication Top Notes