YN. Venkatesh | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. YN. Venkatesh | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Scientist | ICAR-IIHR | India

Dr. Y. N. Venkatesh, an accomplished researcher from the ICAR–Central Agroforestry Research Institute (CAFRI), Jhansi, India, is recognized for his valuable contributions to the fields of agroforestry, entomology, and sustainable pest management. With 32 citations, 11 research documents, and an h-index of 3 as listed in Scopus, his work integrates ecological insights with advanced molecular tools to develop effective and sustainable agricultural solutions. Dr. Venkatesh holds a strong academic background in agricultural and biological sciences, with specialized training in entomology, molecular taxonomy, and agroecology, which forms the foundation of his multidisciplinary research. His professional experience at ICAR–CAFRI has allowed him to contribute extensively to national research programs focusing on pest–host interactions, biodiversity conservation, and integrated pest management within agroforestry systems. His recent publication on the morpho-molecular identification of Barioscapus cordiae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)—a significant pest of Cordia myxa—demonstrates his expertise in combining morphological and genetic techniques for pest identification and management. Dr. Venkatesh’s research interests encompass agroforestry-based pest ecology, sustainable farming systems, insect biodiversity, and the application of molecular tools in crop protection. His research skills include molecular diagnostics, insect taxonomy, field survey methodologies, and the design of pest control frameworks suited to India’s diverse agro-climatic zones. He has also actively collaborated with scientists across various ICAR institutes and academic organizations, contributing to knowledge exchange and applied agricultural innovation. Throughout his career, Dr. Venkatesh has received recognition for his dedication to sustainable agriculture and research excellence, participating in scientific conferences and contributing to institutional capacity-building initiatives. In conclusion, Dr. Y. N. Venkatesh’s growing body of work and commitment to environmentally sound pest management highlight his role as a promising researcher driving forward sustainable agroforestry and integrated pest control strategies for resilient agricultural ecosystems in India.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

  1. Venkatesh, Y. N., Ashajyothi, M., Uma, G. S., Rajarajan, K., & Handa, A. K. (2023). Diseases and insect pests challenge to meet wood production demand of Tectona grandis (L.), a high-value tropical tree species. Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection, 130(5), 929–945. Citations: 11

  2. Saini, V., Singh, S., Rawal, R., & Venkatesh, Y. N. (2017). Species diversity and distribution of Cnaphalocrocis and Scirpophaga (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) species complex in rice in Tamil Nadu, India. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies, 5(4), 1308–1313. Citations: 11

  3. Ashajyothi, M., Mahadevakumar, S., Venkatesh, Y. N., Sarma, P. V., & others. (2024). Comprehensive genomic analysis of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus paralicheniformis associated with the pearl millet panicle reveals their antimicrobial potential. BMC Plant Biology, 24(1), 197. Citations: 9

  4. Srinivasa, N., Chander, S., Sagar, D., & Venkatesh, Y. N. (2020). Rice brown planthopper prediction model with sweepnet catches. Indian Journal of Entomology, 82(3), 568–571. Citations: 9

  5. Venkatesh, Y. N., Neethu, T., Ashajyothi, M., Kumar, V., & Hiremath, C. (2024). Pollinator activity and their role on seed set of medicinal and aromatic Lamiaceae plants. Journal of Apicultural Research, 63(5), 1136–1144. Citations: 8

 

Batool Mahdavi | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Batool Mahdavi | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan | Iran

Dr. Batool Mahdavi is an accomplished Associate Professor in the Department of Genetics and Plant Production at Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Iran, specializing in agronomy, plant physiology, and crop ecology. She earned her Ph.D. in Agronomy (Crop Ecology) from Tarbiat Modares University in 2012, where she developed strong expertise in understanding crop responses to abiotic stress and strategies for sustainable agricultural productivity. With over a decade of academic and research experience, Dr. Mahdavi has actively contributed to international scientific exchange, including a research period in Sweden, and has led several national and institutional projects focusing on water stress mitigation, crop improvement, and the role of medicinal plants in sustainable farming systems. Her research interests lie in plant stress physiology, crop-environment interactions, resource-efficient agriculture, and ecological approaches to improving yield and resilience. She possesses strong research skills in experimental design, crop modeling, data analysis, and sustainable field practices, which she has applied in both academic investigations and applied agricultural solutions. Dr. Mahdavi has a growing body of publications in peer-reviewed journals indexed in Scopus, with 12 Scopus-indexed documents, 228 citations, and an h-index of 6, reflecting her contribution to advancing agricultural science and her increasing scholarly impact. She has also been an active mentor, guiding postgraduate students and young researchers, thereby extending her influence beyond her own work to the development of future scientists. Her professional recognition includes participation in international projects, conference presentations, and collaborative networks that highlight her role as both a researcher and an academic leader. Dr. Mahdavi’s awards and honors underscore her commitment to excellence in research and teaching, positioning her as a rising leader in her field. In conclusion, Dr. Batool Mahdavi demonstrates a remarkable combination of academic achievement, impactful research, international collaboration, and mentorship, making her a highly deserving candidate for recognition in agricultural science.

Featured Publications

Alasvandyari, F., & Mahdavi, B. (2024). Application of Sargassum boveanum extract under water deficit conditions to investigate its effects on the relative water content, photosynthetic pigments and mineral elements of corn (Zea mays). Russian Journal of Plant Physiology.

Alasvandyari, F., Mahdavi, B., & Rahimi, A. (2024, July 5). Alleviating the water deficit stress effect on Zea mays L. using an extract of the seaweed Sargassum boveanum. Journal of Applied Phycology.

Dehghan-Harati, Z., Mahdavi, B., & Hashemi, S.-E. (2022, September). Ion contents, physiological characteristics and growth of Carum copticum as influenced by salinity and alkalinity stresses. Biologia Futura.

Zaferanieh, M., Mahdavi, B., & Torabi, B. (2020). Effect of temperature and water potential on Alyssum homolocarpum seed germination: Quantification of the cardinal temperatures and using hydro thermal time. South African Journal of Botany.

Alasvandyari, F., Mahdavi, B., & Hosseini, S. M. (2017). Glycine betaine affects the antioxidant system and ion accumulation and reduces salinity-induced damage in safflower seedlings. Archives of Biological Sciences.