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. 

 

Ahmed Soliman Mohamed El-Nuby | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmed Soliman Mohamed El-Nuby | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | Desert Research Center | Egypt

Ahmed Soliman Mohamed Mohamed El-Nuby, an Associate Professor at the Desert Research Center (DRC) in Cairo, Egypt, specializes in Nematology with a focus on plant pathology and sustainable agricultural management. With extensive experience in the isolation and identification of plant pathogens, including fungi, nematodes, and soil bacteria, Dr. El-Nuby has significantly contributed to advancements in agricultural research. His expertise extends to farm management, aquaculture consultancy, and the establishment of mushroom farms, demonstrating a multidisciplinary approach to agricultural challenges.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. El-Nuby’s academic foundation is deeply rooted in plant pathology and nematology. He earned his Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences in Plant Pathology from Zagazig University in 1995, graduating with distinction. He pursued his Master of Sciences in 2003 at Cairo University’s Department of Zoology and Agricultural Nematology, focusing on the biodiversity and ecological management of plant-parasitic nematodes in citrus trees. In 2014, Dr. El-Nuby completed his PhD at Cairo University, where he investigated innovative resistance inducers against root-knot disease, integrating chemical, microbial, and growth regulator treatments.

Professional Experience

Dr. El-Nuby’s career spans over two decades, encompassing diverse roles in plant pathology and nematology. His Master’s research emphasized the use of organic materials and bioagents for nematode control, while his doctoral work explored resistance induction strategies in crops. Additionally, he has collaborated on numerous agricultural projects, including improving saline agriculture and optimizing nitrogen fertilizer use. Currently, as the head of a research program on microbial formulations to combat plant pathogens, Dr. El-Nuby leads initiatives that blend scientific innovation with practical agricultural solutions.

Research Interests

Dr. El-Nuby’s research interests include sustainable plant pathogen management, nematode biodiversity, and the development of microbial and nanoscale technologies for agricultural applications. His work on biosynthesized nanoparticles, resistance inducers, and nematicidal plant extracts underscores his commitment to eco-friendly pest control methods. Furthermore, he is actively involved in exploring phytochemical solutions and integrating traditional practices with cutting-edge science to enhance crop resilience and productivity.

Awards and Recognitions

Dr. El-Nuby has been recognized for his contributions to agricultural science with multiple nominations and accolades. His innovative research on microbial and nanoscale solutions for nematode control has garnered international attention, establishing him as a thought leader in sustainable plant pathology.

Selected Publications

  1. Evaluation of Microbially Synthesized Iron Nanoparticles Against Root-Gall Nematode – Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection, 2025.
    • This study explores the effectiveness of iron nanoparticles in controlling nematodes, highlighting their potential as eco-friendly pest control agents.
    • Cited by: 20 articles.
  2. Susceptibility of Sugar Beet Genotypes to Root-Knot Nematode – Egyptian Journal of Agronematology, 2024.
    • Investigates sugar beet genotypes’ resistance to nematodes, contributing to the breeding of resilient crops.
    • Cited by: 15 articles.
  3. First Report of Asphodelus microcarpus as a New Host for Stunt Nematode – Egyptian Journal of Agronematology, 2023.
    • Documents a novel host-pathogen relationship, enriching knowledge on nematode ecology.
    • Cited by: 10 articles.
  4. Effect of Biosynthesized Nanoselenium on Controlling Tomato Root-Knot Nematode – Agronomy, 2023.
    • Evaluates the potential of nanoselenium for integrated pest management.
    • Cited by: 25 articles.
  5. Phytochemical and Nematicidal Screening of Egyptian Moringa Oleifera Extracts – Pakistan Journal of Phytopathology, 2022.
    • Explores plant extracts as natural nematode inhibitors.
    • Cited by: 18 articles.
  6. In Vitro Evaluation of Marine Algae Extracts Against Root-Knot Nematode – Pakistan Journal of Phytopathology, 2021.
    • Highlights the role of marine resources in nematode management.
    • Cited by: 12 articles.
  7. Control of Root-Knot Nematodes Using Wild Plants from Sinai – Pakistan Journal of Nematology, 2020.
    • Demonstrates the utility of native plants in sustainable pest control.
    • Cited by: 22 articles.

Conclusion

Dr. Ahmed El-Nuby’s prolific career integrates academic rigor with practical applications, addressing pressing agricultural challenges through innovative research. His work in plant pathology and sustainable nematode management reflects a commitment to enhancing food security and environmental sustainability. As a mentor, researcher, and practitioner, Dr. El-Nuby continues to shape the future of agriculture, inspiring collaborations across disciplines and borders.