Fereshteh Abbasi | Horticulture | Research Excellence Award

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.

Masoumeh Vakili-Ghartavol | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Masoumeh Vakili-Ghartavol | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

research, Ferdowsi university of Mashhad, Iran

🌿 Dr. Masoumeh Vakili Qartavol is an accomplished researcher and scholar in Horticultural Sciences with a specialization in medicinal plants, spices, and beverages. Her innovative work focuses on extending the shelf life of agricultural products using nanotechnology and essential oils. Dr. Qartavol has made significant contributions to the field through her research on antifungal activities and secondary metabolites, earning numerous awards and recognitions throughout her academic journey.

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Education

🎓 Dr. Qartavol holds a Doctorate in Horticultural Sciences – Medicinal Plants, Spices, and Beverages from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (7987-7047). She earned her Master’s Degree in Horticultural Sciences – Fruit Tree Improvement from Tabriz University (7989-7987) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Horticultural Sciences and Green Space Engineering from Maragheh University.

Experience

🔬 Dr. Qartavol has extensive research experience, including a meta-analysis study on the antifungal activity of essential oils extracted from medicinal plants and a doctoral dissertation on solid lipid nanoparticles containing peppermint essential oil. She has collaborated with several universities and research institutions, contributing to significant projects and publications in the field of horticultural sciences and postharvest technology.

Research Interests

🌱 Dr. Qartavol’s research interests include the development of medicinal plant science, extraction of secondary metabolites for treating incurable diseases, studying morphological and genetic diversity of indigenous medicinal plants, and applying solid lipid nanoparticles for postharvest protection. She is also focused on targeted delivery of useful metabolites using nanotechnology and maintaining safe agricultural products post-harvest.

Awards

🏆 Dr. Qartavol has been recognized for her academic excellence with several awards, including the first rank in the national entrance examination for a specialized doctorate in horticultural sciences and the first place in the educational centers section of the 9th National Nano Competition. She has also received financial support from the Fund for the Support of Researchers and Technologists of the Country (INSF) for her research projects.

Publications

Comparison of the effective compounds and the amount of antioxidant activity of saffron produced in the cities of Kashmir and MarandSaffron Agriculture and Technology Scientific Research Journal, 9(0), 671-660 (2016)

Determination of RNase-S gene allotype and promoter region of 10MdMYB gene in Some genotypes of apple (Malus spp)Iran Journal of Plant and Biotechnology, 79-17 (2022)

The effect of biofertilizers on some vegetative traits and yield of tomatoes – Applied Plant Ecophysiology Research (7046)

Optimal methods for the preparation of fungal mycelium for examination with the scanning electron microscopePlant Pathology Science, 11(2), 42-51 (2022)

Antifungal activity of Mentha× Piperita L. essential oilActa Scientiarum Polonorum Hortorum Cultus, 21(1) (2022)