Fereshteh Abbasi | Horticulture | Research Excellence Award

Published on by Academic Achievements

Dr. Fereshteh Abbasi | Horticulture | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Fereshteh Abbasi | Horticulture | Researcher at University of Tehran | Iran

Horticulture Dr. Fereshteh Abbasi is a dedicated horticultural scientist whose academic journey and professional career reflect her deep commitment to advancing greenhouse and ornamental-plant cultivation. Dr. Fereshteh Abbasi earned her PhD in Horticultural Sciences (specializing in physiology of production and post-harvest horticultural plants) from the University of Tehran, Department of Horticultural Sciences and Landscape Engineering, Karaj, Iran, where she completed a doctoral thesis titled “Optimization of Soilless Culture Systems and Nutritional Demand to Improve Morph-Physiological Parameters of Lilium OT Hybrid cv. ‘Zambesi’” with a high GPA of 18.60 and full top-grades in all courses including Flowering Physiology, Growth and Function Physiology, Physiology of Absorption and Transmission, Biotechnology, Modeling in Horticulture, Advanced Statistical Methods, and Quality in Horticultural Products. Prior to that, she completed a Master’s in Horticultural Sciences (Physiology and Breeding of Flowers and Ornamental Plants) at Arak University, graduating first in her department with GPA 18.22, for her thesis on the “Effect of foliar application of salicylic acid and benzyl adenine on some physiological and biochemical traits of Lilium cultivar ‘Navona’.” Her foundational education began with a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Engineering (Agriculture and Plant Breeding) from Zanjan University, where she also achieved top grades including for her Agricultural pilot projects. Professionally, Dr. Fereshteh Abbasi serves as a visiting lecturer at Qom Scientific-Applied University, bringing her expertise to higher-education teaching. She has been a distinguished consultant for greenhouse cultivation of ornamental plants and cut flowers, helping growers optimize flower production, especially lilies and other ornamental species. She has also operated as a greenhouse products manufacturer—producing cut lilies and greenhouse vegetables (tomato, cucumber, and other vegetables); earlier in her career she worked as a cotton farm supervisor and was employed by the Natural Resources Department of Qom Province, Iran. Her core research interests span greenhouse horticulture, ornamental and flowering plants, controlled-environment agriculture, plant physiology, plant nutrition, agricultural systems, and tissue culture/biotechnology. She is proficient in analytical and research tools such as SAS, SPSS, Microsoft Office, and has passed the UTEPT (University of Tehran English-language exam) with a score of 60. Over her academic career, Dr. Fereshteh Abbasi has received multiple recognitions: during her PhD she ranked among the top national candidates in entrance examinations (top half percent), secured first or second rank within her department, and was awarded a full scholarship (tuition waiver) from University of Tehran; in her Master’s she also held first rank in her department; additionally she has been honored as an acclaimed female entrepreneur in her province for her successful greenhouse and cut-flower business. Dr. Fereshteh Abbasi’s work demonstrates a robust integration of academic excellence, practical horticultural production, and applied research—particularly in soilless and controlled-environment systems for ornamental and horticultural crops. Her education and hands-on experience combine to create a professional profile deeply rooted in both theory and practice, making her a valuable researcher, educator, consultant and practitioner in modern horticulture.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Abbasi, F., Khandan-Mirkohi, A., Ahmad, A. H., Kafi, M., & Shokrpour, M. (2024). Optimization of Aeroponic and Ultrasonic Soilless Culture Systems in Terms of Timing and Growth Characteristics of Lilium OT Hybrid. International Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology, 11(2), 269–284.
Abbasi, F., Khandan-Mirkohi, A., Hajiahmad, A., Kafi, M., Shokrpour, M., Nicola, S., & Devecchi, M. (2025). Evaluation of Lily Response to Different Proportions of Calcium and Ammonium in Nutrient Solutions of Soilless Culture Systems. Horticulturae, 11(12), 1460.

Sundeep Kumar | Molecular Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Academic Achievements

Dr. Sundeep Kumar | Molecular Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sundeep Kumar | Molecular Breeding | Principal Scientist at ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources | India

Dr. Sundeep Kumar is a highly accomplished Principal Scientist in the field of plant biotechnology, with a career dedicated to advancing genetic improvement and sustainability in cereal crops. His expertise spans wheat genomics, molecular breeding, and plant biotechnology, where he has contributed to solving critical challenges such as heat tolerance, disease resistance, and grain quality. Through his pioneering work, he has become widely recognized as a leading researcher whose scientific output has bridged the gap between fundamental plant biology and applied crop improvement. His professional journey reflects continuous growth, dedication, and impact in global agricultural research.

Academic Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Sundeep Kumar pursued his academic foundation in plant sciences with a specialization in molecular biology and biotechnology. His advanced training enabled him to acquire in-depth knowledge of genetics, genomics, and breeding strategies, which later became the cornerstone of his research career. He further enhanced his expertise through research fellowships and international exposure, gaining proficiency in advanced technologies such as genome-wide association studies, quantitative trait nucleotide mapping, and KASP marker validation. His education not only prepared him for an academic and research career but also gave him the skills to address emerging agricultural challenges through molecular innovation.

Experience

Dr. Sundeep Kumar has served in a senior scientific capacity at a premier national research institution, where he has led projects in genomic resources, plant biotechnology, and molecular breeding. His leadership in multi-institutional and international collaborations has brought forward solutions for wheat improvement under climate stress conditions. He has overseen large-scale projects funded by leading scientific agencies, successfully integrating genomic discoveries into applied breeding programs. His experience is not limited to research but also extends to mentoring young scientists, guiding doctoral students, and contributing to the global research community through editorial and advisory roles. His professional experience reflects both scientific excellence and leadership in agricultural biotechnology.

Research Interest

The research interests of Dr. Sundeep Kumar lie in deciphering the genetic and molecular basis of complex traits in wheat and other cereals. He has extensively focused on identifying genomic regions associated with heat tolerance, disease resistance, grain quality, and yield stability. His work emphasizes the use of cutting-edge tools such as GWAS, high-throughput genotyping, and functional genomics for crop improvement. Another key area of his interest is understanding the role of plant defense mechanisms, including thermoregulation and hormone-mediated responses, in adaptive immunity. His research has strong translational value, directly contributing to sustainable food security by providing insights into climate-resilient agriculture.

Award

Dr. Sundeep Kumar has been recognized with several prestigious awards and honors for his outstanding contributions to plant biotechnology and crop improvement. His recognition by leading national and international organizations demonstrates the scientific and societal impact of his work. His contributions to wheat genomics, molecular breeding, and sustainable agricultural practices have not only advanced scientific knowledge but also influenced agricultural strategies at broader levels. His awards reflect his leadership, innovation, and dedication to addressing global challenges in agriculture.

Selected Publication

  • Unraveling the genetic basis of heat tolerance and yield in bread wheat: QTN discovery and Its KASP-assisted validation, BMC Plant Biology, 2025, 1 Citation.

  • Identification of quantitative trait nucleotides for grain quality in bread wheat under heat stress, Scientific Reports, 2025, 2 Citations.

  • Genetic dissection of leaf rust resistance in a diversity panel of tetraploid wheat (Triticum turgidum), BMC Plant Biology, 2025, 2 Citations.

  • Plant Defense Hormones: Thermoregulation and Their Role in Plant Adaptive Immunity, Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 2025, 2 Citations.

Conclusion

Dr. Sundeep Kumar is an eminent researcher whose career reflects a blend of innovation, leadership, and societal relevance. His expertise in wheat genomics and plant biotechnology has generated significant advancements in crop science, especially in developing strategies for heat tolerance, disease resistance, and yield improvement. His numerous publications, high-level collaborations, and recognition through awards place him among the leading scientists shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. With a strong commitment to addressing global food security challenges, Dr. Sundeep Kumar continues to be a driving force in advancing plant biotechnology and molecular breeding.