Maria Esmeralda Cuzco Cruz | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Maria Esmeralda Cuzco Cruz | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Maria Esmeralda Cuzco Cruz | Agriculture | Master at University of Guayaquil | Ecuador

Prof. Maria Esmeralda Cuzco Cruz is a distinguished scholar and researcher in the field of Agricultural Sciences, with a particular focus on Plant Protection, Entomology, Agroecology, and Sustainable Crop Systems. She earned her Ph.D. in Protected Agriculture (Plant Protection) from the University of Almería, Spain, where her doctoral research centered on biological pest control and greenhouse crop management. Prof. Cuzco Cruz also holds master’s degrees in Sanitation and Plant Production from the Polytechnic University of Valencia and in Geomatics, Remote Sensing, and Spatial Models for Forest Management from the University of Córdoba, Spain, complementing her undergraduate degree in Agronomic Engineering from the Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil, Ecuador. Professionally, she has served as a Professor and Researcher at leading institutions such as the University of Guayaquil, University Agraria del Ecuador, and Technological University ECOTEC, where she has contributed to both academic instruction and research leadership. Her research interests include biological control of insect pests, pest ecology in greenhouse systems, biodiversity assessment, and the integration of IoT and remote sensing technologies in sustainable agriculture. She is proficient in molecular and morphological pest identification, experimental design, statistical analysis, and spatial modeling techniques. Throughout her career, Prof. Cuzco Cruz has received multiple academic honors, including recognition for Outstanding Research in Agricultural Innovation and leadership in Sustainable Agroecological Development Projects. Her scholarly contributions are reflected in numerous peer-reviewed journal articles indexed in Scopus and Google Scholar, which address emerging challenges in pest management, biodiversity conservation, and climate-resilient agriculture. Prof. Maria Esmeralda Cuzco Cruz continues to promote scientific excellence through interdisciplinary collaborations and innovative approaches that strengthen sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship for future generations.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

  1. Cuzco Cruz, M. E., Bustos, J. P. Q., Cabrera, W. G. M., & Sánchez, A. J. L. (2022). Molecular and morphological characterization of the genus Pythium from forest species. RECIAMUC, 6(2), 375–387. 

  2. Cuzco Cruz, M. E. (2014). Development of rearing methods for Hambletonia pseudococcina (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and its efficacy in the biological control of Dysmicoccus texensis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae).

  3. Sánchez, A. J. L., Sornoza, J. S. V., Cruz, M. E. C., & Bustos, J. P. Q. (2022). Evaluation of zootechnical parameters of Oreochromis spp fed with 8% corn FVH and ascorbic acid in earthen ponds. Ciencia Latina Revista Científica Multidisciplinar, 6(5), 5056–5070.

  4. Cuzco, M. E., Vera, A. M., Quiñonez, J. P., Mera, L. F., & Lao, M. T. (2025). Influence of a greenhouse adapted to the Ecuadorian coastal climate on pest dynamics in tomato crops. Horticulturae, 11(11), 1279. 

  5. Cuzco, M., Santos, D., Vivas, M., Cotto, M., Vera, A., & Quito, E. (2024). Identification, spatial distribution and report of new records of pest and beneficial insect species in Ecuador from Samanea saman trees. African Journal of Biological Sciences, 6(Si4), 5458–5469.

  6. Rolando, L., Paulino, M. P., Astudillo-Astudillo, E. A., Cruz, M. E. C., et al. (2023). The impact of agroecological practices on biodiversity and agricultural productivity. Migration Letters, 20(S3), 1282–1294. 

  7. Prada Herrera, J. C., Bolaños Contreras, C. C., Cano Legua, F. E., & Cruz, M. E. C. (2023). Strategies for microbiological control in food: Microbiological control, agronomy, and environmental conservation. Journal of Namibian Studies, 33. 

 

Prince Emmanuel Norman | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Prince Emmanuel Norman | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Prince Emmanuel Norman | Agricultural – Chief Research Officer at Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute, Sierra Leone

Dr. Prince Emmanuel Norman is a seasoned agricultural scientist with extensive experience in plant breeding, genetics, and agronomic research. Over the past decade, he has significantly contributed to food security and crop productivity in sub-Saharan Africa through research focused on cassava, yam, maize, and rice. His scholarly work spans both basic and applied sciences, aimed at improving crop resilience and performance. He is recognized for his dedication to sustainable agriculture, knowledge dissemination, and cross-border scientific collaborations. His professional integrity and consistent publication record have earned him a respected reputation within the global research community.

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ORCID

Education:

Dr. Norman holds a strong academic background in Agricultural Sciences, with advanced specialization in Plant Breeding and Genetics. His education included training in molecular biology, quantitative genetics, and biotechnology, equipping him with a balanced perspective of both field-based and lab-based methodologies. His qualifications have empowered him to effectively apply genomic tools, conduct genetic diversity analyses, and design breeding strategies that address local and regional agricultural challenges.

Experience:

Dr. Norman has held various roles as a researcher, lecturer, and project collaborator. He has led national and international field trials, coordinated crop germplasm assessments, and participated in research networks across West Africa. His experience spans across crop improvement programs, integrated pest management projects, and soil fertility trials. In addition to his research activities, he has peer-reviewed over 100 articles across more than 30 scientific journals, reflecting his expertise and credibility as a thought leader in the agricultural sciences.

Research Interests:

His research interests are primarily centered around crop improvement through genetic and agronomic approaches. This includes breeding for high yield, disease resistance, drought tolerance, and post-harvest quality in root and tuber crops like cassava and yam, as well as cereals such as maize and rice. He is also deeply interested in understanding genotype × environment interactions, farmer varietal preferences, and the role of sustainable farming inputs such as biochar and green manure. His work integrates molecular markers, phenotypic screening, and socio-economic insights for holistic agricultural development.

Awards:

While no individual award is explicitly documented, Dr. Norman’s peer recognition is evident through his prolific publication and review records. He has served as a reviewer for over 100 articles in reputable journals, including Heliyon, African Journal of Agricultural Research, Frontiers in Horticulture, and BMC Plant Biology. His research has been cited in numerous peer-reviewed articles, demonstrating significant impact in the scientific community. His collaborative roles in multi-institutional projects also reflect trust and recognition from fellow researchers and institutions.

Selected Publications:

📘 Detection of Cassava Mosaic Disease and Assessment of Selected Agronomic Traits of Cassava – Horticulturae (2025) – Cited by 9
🌾 Genetic and Agronomic Parameter Estimates of Maize under Different Rates of Nitrogen Fertilization – American Journal of Plant Sciences (2024) – Cited by 6
🧬 Genetic Structure and Diversity Study of Cassava for Mosaic Disease and Root Yield – Open Journal of Genetics (2023) – Cited by 12
🌱 Impact of Green Manure on Pests and Yield Parameters of Maize – Heliyon (2023) – Cited by 10
🍠 Molecular and Phenotypic Profiling of White Guinea Yam Breeding Lines – Frontiers in Horticulture (2023) – Cited by 5
🌿 Multiple-Traits Selection in White Guinea Yam Genotypes – Plants (2022) – Cited by 11
🌻 Gene Action Analysis for Agronomic Traits in Cassava Genotypes – African Journal of Agricultural Research (2020) – Cited by 14

Conclusion:

Dr. Prince Emmanuel Norman stands out as a passionate and productive researcher whose contributions have advanced agricultural science and improved food systems in Africa. With a strong foundation in genetics and agronomy, a solid publication track record, and broad peer-review engagement, he embodies the values and excellence required for the “Best Researcher Award.” His efforts in crop improvement and his commitment to collaborative science make him an outstanding nominee for this prestigious recognition.