Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Naeem Sattar | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Naeem Sattar | Agricultural – Associate Professor at King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Muhammad Naeem Sattar is a distinguished researcher in the field of molecular biology with a focus on virology and genomics. He holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology with a specialization in Molecular Virology from Sweden. His post-doctoral research in fungal genomics further strengthened his expertise. Dr. Sattar has contributed significantly to the understanding of plant viruses, particularly Begomoviruses, and their associated DNA satellites, impacting crop health globally. He has actively worked on various molecular tools to study the diversity, interaction, and evolution of plant viruses.

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Education:

Dr. Sattar’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. (Hons) in Agriculture from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan, where he graduated with distinction. He then pursued an M.Sc. (Hons) in Plant Breeding & Genetics at the same institution, completing his studies with a strong academic record. His Ph.D. at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) focused on the diversity and interactions of Begomoviruses and their associated DNA-satellites, which set the stage for his groundbreaking research in plant virology. His postdoctoral research in fungal genomics was carried out in Sweden, further solidifying his position in molecular biology.

Experience:

Dr. Sattar has an extensive career in both academic and research environments. He has supervised and co-supervised numerous Ph.D. and M.Sc./M.Phil. students, fostering the next generation of plant biotechnologists. His research spans molecular detection, characterization, and management of plant viruses, particularly those causing diseases like Cotton Leaf Curl Disease (CLCuD). He has worked internationally, contributing to projects in Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Pakistan, and Nicaragua. His collaborative research has made a significant impact on understanding viral diseases and has led to the development of disease management strategies using biotechnological advancements such as CRISPR/Cas9.

Research Interests:

Dr. Sattar’s primary research interests revolve around developing genetic resistance in crops to combat biotic and abiotic stresses such as salinity and drought. His work on the molecular epidemiology of Begomoviruses, using next-generation sequencing (NGS), is particularly notable. Additionally, his efforts in improving plant-microbial interactions and understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes have led to potential biotechnological solutions for plant protection. His work on using CRISPR/Cas9 for genome editing to protect crops from viral infections has been particularly influential in the field.

Awards:

Dr. Sattar has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including multiple research grants from prestigious foundations such as the Nilsson-Ehle Foundation and the Magn. Bergvall’s Foundation in Sweden. He has been awarded several travel and research grants, including from the Overseas Scholarship Scheme (HEC) in Pakistan and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). Additionally, he was a recipient of the Fouji Foundation Scholarship during his undergraduate studies. These awards reflect his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and his commitment to promoting international collaboration in plant virology.

Publications:

Sattar, M.N., et al. (2024). Sublethal effect of emamectin benzoate on age-stage, two-sex life table and population projection of red palm weevil. Scientific Reports, 14(1):22565. 🐞
Sattar, M.N., et al. (2024). Sprayable RNAi for silencing of important genes to manage red palm weevil. PLOS One, 19(10):e0308613. 🌿
Sattar, M.N., et al. (2024). High-Throughput Sequencing Discovered Diverse Begomoviruses Infecting Cucumbers in Saudi Arabia. Frontiers in Plant Science, 15:1375405. 🌱
Sattar, M.N. (2024). Identification and molecular analysis of watermelon chlorotic stunt virus infecting snake gourd. Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca, 52(3):13857. 🍉
Ghafoor, A., et al. (2024). Exploring Metal-Based Nanoparticles for Boosting Plant Tolerance to Heavy Metals and Trace Element Contamination. Phyton, 93 (11):2683-2705. ⚙️
Hanif, A., et al. (2024). Morpho-Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Cymbopogan citratus and Asparagus officinalis L. to Waterlogging and Salinity Stress. Journal of Ecological Engineering, 25(2):115-125. 🌾
Wang, L.H., et al. (2024). The role of remote sensing, geophysics, and crop modeling in irrigation management: review and future perspective. Applied Ecology & Environmental Research, 22(1):373-394. 🌍

Conclusion:

Dr. Muhammad Naeem Sattar’s career exemplifies dedication to scientific research and practical applications of molecular biology in plant protection. His innovative work on virus detection, characterization, and genetic resistance has contributed significantly to the global fight against plant diseases. With a deep commitment to education, he has mentored numerous students who are now making their own contributions to the field. His contributions to plant virology, molecular genetics, and crop protection have established him as a leader in his field, and his ongoing research continues to shape the future of agricultural biotechnology.

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Lakhmi Nandan Kakati embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science degree in English Zoology (Honors), Botany, and Chemistry from Darrang College in 1977. He further pursued his passion for life sciences by obtaining a Master's degree in Zoology from Jawaharlal Nehru University, followed by a Ph.D. in Ecology from Manipur University in 1986.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Kakati's professional journey spans over several decades, marked by his dedicated contributions to academia and research. He commenced his career at the Central Silk Board, Government of India, serving in various capacities as Senior Research Assistant and Senior Research Officer from 1984 to 1999. Subsequently, he joined Nagaland University, where he held positions ranging from Lecturer to Professor over a span of 22 years, actively contributing to teaching and research. Currently, Dr. Kakati serves as Professor and Chairperson of the Faculty of Science at Assam down town University, where he continues to inspire students and lead research initiatives.

Contributions and Research Focus On Agricultural

Dr. Kakati's expertise lies in the field of Ecology and Environmental Biology, with a primary focus on biodiversity conservation and sustainable ecosystems. His research interests encompass the biodiversity and ecology of wild silk moths, sericulture, edible insects, and soil biology. Through his extensive research endeavors, Dr. Kakati has made significant contributions to understanding and conserving natural ecosystems, particularly in the context of Northeast India's rich biodiversity.

Accolades and Recognition In Agricultural

Dr. Kakati's contributions to ecological research have earned him several prestigious honors and awards. He was conferred the Honorary Fellowship of the International Society of Ecological Communication (FISEC) and awarded the Prof. E. P. Odum Gold Medal by the International Society for Ecological Communication for his outstanding contributions to the field of ecological research. Additionally, he received the Prof. B. N. Pandey Gold Medal from the Zoological Society of India in recognition of his achievements in applied zoology.

Dr. Lakhmi Nandan Kakati epitomizes Agricultural Research Excellence with pioneering contributions in biodiversity, sericulture, and soil biology. His extensive work on wild silk moths and edible insects has significantly advanced ecological understanding. As a distinguished researcher, Kakati has garnered acclaim for his innovative approaches, earning prestigious awards such as the Prof. E. P. Odum Gold Medal and the Prof. B. N. Pandey Gold Medal. With over 38 years of research experience and numerous accolades, including an Honorary Fellowship from the International Society of Ecological Communication, Kakati continues to lead the field with his impactful research endeavors and unwavering commitment to agricultural excellence.

Impact and Influence

Throughout his career, Dr. Kakati has left a profound impact on the academic community and the field of ecology. His research has not only contributed to scientific knowledge but has also informed conservation efforts and policy decisions aimed at preserving biodiversity and ecological balance. Dr. Kakati's mentorship and leadership have inspired countless students and researchers to pursue careers in environmental science and contribute to the protection of our natural world.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Dr. Kakati continues his academic journey, his legacy is characterized by his unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and biodiversity conservation. Through his research, teaching, and mentorship, he seeks to instill a sense of responsibility and passion for environmental conservation in future generations of scientists. Dr. Kakati's ongoing efforts are poised to further advance ecological research and contribute to sustainable development initiatives aimed at protecting our planet for future generations.