Rebecca Zengeni | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rebecca Zengeni | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Senior lecturer | University of KwaZulu-Natal | South Africa

Dr. Rebecca Zengeni is a distinguished soil scientist and lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, with a strong academic background including a BSc and MPhil in Soil Science from the University of Zimbabwe and a PhD from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, where her research focused on soil carbon dynamics and carbon dioxide efflux under different vegetation environments. She began her professional career as a researcher at the Ministry of Agriculture in Zimbabwe and later served as a lecturer at Bindura University of Science Education before joining UKZN. At UKZN, she teaches courses in soil science, waste management, and indigenous knowledge systems, while her research interests encompass soil fertility, soil and water conservation, field experiments, soil analysis, waste management, and nutrient management. Dr. Zengeni has authored 32 documents indexed in Scopus, with her work cited 454 times and an h-index of 10, reflecting her significant scholarly impact. Her research skills include expertise in soil analysis, experimental design, soil fertility assessment, and sustainable waste management. She has received recognition for her contributions to soil science through awards and professional acknowledgments, demonstrating her commitment to advancing knowledge in agricultural and environmental sciences. Overall, Dr. Zengeni’s career represents a blend of rigorous research, effective teaching, and meaningful contributions to sustainable soil and environmental management.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

  1. Mbava, N., Zengeni, R., & Muchaonyerwa, P. (2025). Carbon dioxide emissions and nitrogen and phosphorus mineralization patterns from soil amended with shoot and root residues of different wheat genotypes. Frontiers in Agronomy, 7, 1576878.

  2. Vambe, M., Zengeni, R., Arthur, G., Singh, K., Amoo, S., Naidoo, K., & Coopoosamy, R. M. (2024). Moringa oleifera leaf powder influenced the chemical profile of Leonotis leonurus essential oils. Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 5(6).

  3. Vambe, M., Singh, K., Coopoosamy, R. M., Naidoo, K., & Zengeni, R. (2024). Vermicompost leachates enhance morpho-physiological properties in Pelargonium sidoides DC. Journal of Medicinal Plants for Economic Development, 8(1), a256. https://doi.org/10.4102/jomped.v8i1.256

  4. Ntonta, S., Zengeni, R., Muchaonyerwa, P., & Chaplot, V. (2024). Variability in decomposition rate of sorghum cultivar residues linked to lignin content. Rhizosphere, 29, 100850.

  5. Zengeni, R., & Hlatshwayo, N. (2023). Non-agricultural soil uses by communities in uMgungundlovu District and their safety for use. Inkanyiso, 15(1), a70.

 

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