Mr. Yitbarek Abrham | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Yitbarek Abrham | Horticulture | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Yitbarek Abrham | Horticulture – Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia

Yitbarek Abrham is a dedicated and results-driven researcher with expertise in horticulture and food science. His work primarily focuses on climate-smart agriculture, crop productivity, food safety, and nutritional enhancement. He holds an MSc in Horticulture from Wolaita Sodo University and is currently pursuing a PhD in Food Science and Technology at Jimma University, Ethiopia. His research journey has been marked by a passion for improving agricultural practices, particularly in developing regions. Yitbarek’s contributions span several critical areas, including plant nutrition, disease management, and the integration of medicinal and functional plants into food systems. Through his extensive research and academic experience, he has become a prominent figure in agricultural science, contributing significantly to sustainable farming practices in Ethiopia.

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Orcid | Scopus

Education:

Yitbarek’s academic background is rooted in agriculture, with a focus on food science and horticulture. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Wolaita Sodo University, where he excelled academically, graduating with a CGPA of 3.52 and 3.75 respectively. His Master’s thesis, which earned an award for excellence, addressed the growth, yield, and quality of eggplants in southern Ethiopia, a project that has had practical implications in improving local agricultural practices. Currently, Yitbarek is pursuing a PhD in Food Science and Technology at Jimma University, where his research continues to focus on food safety, nutritional enhancement, and the development of functional foods using indigenous Ethiopian crops. His dedication to advancing academic knowledge in agricultural sciences reflects his long-term commitment to addressing food security and agricultural productivity challenges in Ethiopia and beyond.

Experience:

Yitbarek has a wealth of experience in both academic and practical fields of agriculture. He currently serves as the Chief Technical Assistant and Project Team Leader at Wolaita Sodo University, where he coordinates multiple research projects related to crop productivity and food safety. He also mentors undergraduate students, guiding them in field experiments and laboratory instruction. His leadership in projects focused on climate-resilient agriculture and nutrient-use efficiency has significantly impacted the local agricultural landscape. Before his current role, Yitbarek gained hands-on experience as a Trainee Agronomist at Mulualem’s Farm, specializing in hybrid seed production, pest and disease management, and agronomic practices. This blend of academic instruction and field experience allows him to provide a comprehensive approach to solving agricultural challenges.

Research Interests:

Yitbarek’s research interests span several critical areas in agricultural science, with a focus on the intersection of food safety, climate-smart agriculture, and functional foods. His work addresses vital issues in food security and sustainable farming, emphasizing the importance of utilizing indigenous crops like Moringa and Enset for nutritional enhancement and food safety. He is particularly interested in the role of medicinal plants in enhancing the nutritional value of foods and improving public health outcomes. Additionally, Yitbarek is exploring post-harvest handling techniques and soil-plant nutrient use efficiency, with a goal of enhancing crop productivity while reducing environmental impacts. His interdisciplinary approach to agricultural research, combining plant science with food safety and nutrition, aims to create solutions that benefit both local communities and global agriculture.

Awards:

Throughout his academic and professional career, Yitbarek has received recognition for his outstanding research contributions. His MSc research, which explored the growth, yield, and quality response of eggplant to blended fertilizers in southern Ethiopia, was awarded an Excellent Result. This work has been well-received in the academic community, culminating in a publication in the reputable Heliyon journal. His research on the role of small-scale irrigation as a climate-smart agriculture practice in Ethiopia also earned recognition for its impact on improving the livelihoods of farmers. These awards highlight Yitbarek’s exceptional academic performance and his ability to translate research into practical applications that benefit local communities and the broader agricultural sector.

Publications:

  1. “Growth, yield, and quality response of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) to blended NPSB fertilizer rates and intra-row spacing in Boloso Bombe District, Wolaita Zone, South Ethiopia” (Heliyon, 2024). 🌱
  2. “Small-scale irrigation (SSI) farming as a climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practice and its influence on livelihood improvement in Offa District, Southern Ethiopia” (Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 2023). 💧
  3. “Medicinal ethnoveterinary plants used for treating livestock ailments in the omo-gibe and rift valley basins of Ethiopia” (BMC Veterinary Research, 2024). 🌿
  4. “Diversity of Spice Plants, Their Use and Function as Additive in Traditional Ethiopian Gastronomies and Culinary Recipes” (Pakistan Journal of Scientific & Industrial Research, 2025). 🌶️
  5. “Response of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) to blended NPS and potassium fertilizers on growth and yield, in Wolaita zone, Southern Ethiopia” (Asian Journal of Plant Science & Research, 2023). 🌿
  6. “Effect of Blended NPS Fertilizer Rates on Growth Performance of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) at Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia” (Journal of Natural Sciences Research, 2019). 🍅

Conclusion:

Yitbarek Abrham is a highly accomplished researcher whose work is making significant contributions to the fields of horticulture, food science, and climate-smart agriculture. His academic and professional achievements, combined with his dedication to improving agricultural practices and food safety, make him a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” With numerous publications in leading journals and an ongoing commitment to addressing local and global agricultural challenges, Yitbarek is poised to continue his impactful research and further enhance the scientific community’s understanding of sustainable farming and food security. His blend of academic excellence, leadership, and practical experience makes him an invaluable asset to both Ethiopian and global agricultural research.

Mostafa Hamza Mohamed | The greens | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Mostafa Hamza Mohamed | The greens | Best Researcher Award 

Professor Al-Khader – Horticulture Department – Faculty of Agriculture – Banha University, Egypt

Mostafa Hamza Mohamed Mohamed is a distinguished Professor of Horticulture Science at the Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Egypt, specializing in vegetable crops. With a career spanning over two decades, he has established himself as a leading expert in the field, focusing on vegetable production, propagation, and postharvest technology. His work addresses key issues in horticultural science, particularly in improving productivity under climatic changes. Prof. Mohamed is known for his substantial contributions to the academic community, including research, teaching, and consultancy in horticulture.

Profile

SCOPUS

Education

Prof. Mohamed completed his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Benha University in 2004, followed by a Master of Science in Horticulture with a thesis on strawberry growth and productivity in 2008. He earned his Doctorate in Horticulture from the same institution in 2011, with a dissertation focusing on pre and postharvest treatments to enhance the productivity and storability of strawberries. His academic training has provided a robust foundation for his subsequent research and professional endeavors.

Experience

Prof. Mohamed’s professional journey began as a Demonstrator in Horticulture Science at Benha University from 2004 to 2008, where he later advanced to Assistant Lecturer and then to Lecturer positions. By 2016, he was appointed Associate Professor, and in 2022, he became a Professor. His research has primarily concentrated on vegetable crops, including strawberries, tomatoes, and potatoes, addressing challenges in production and postharvest technology. He has also played a significant role in establishing and managing tissue culture laboratories and horticultural farms, as well as supervising numerous graduate theses.

Research Interests

Prof. Mohamed’s research interests are broad, encompassing vegetable production, postharvest technology, and the impact of climatic changes on horticultural crops. His work includes enhancing the productivity and quality of vegetables through innovative agricultural practices and exploring organic and bio-fertilization methods. He is particularly interested in sustainable agricultural practices and the development of strategies to improve crop resilience under environmental stress.

Awards

While specific awards were not detailed in the provided information, Prof. Mohamed’s significant contributions to horticulture science and his leadership in various high-impact research projects highlight his recognition within the field. His involvement in internationally funded projects and his extensive publication record further underscore his prominence as a researcher.

Publications

Prof. Mohamed has published extensively in reputable journals, contributing significantly to the field of horticulture. Notable publications include:

Shafshak, N. S., Eid, S. M., Abo-Sedera, F. A., & Mohamed, M. H. M. (2010). Effect of nitrogen fertilization sources and foliar application of garlic extract, plant guard or salicylic acid on strawberry productivity and storability. The Fifth International Conference for Development and Environment in the Arab World. Link (Cited by: 15)

Shafshak, N. S., Eid, S. M., Abo-Sedera, F. A., & Mohamed, M. H. M. (2011). Improving growth and productivity of strawberry via soil addition and foliar application of some safety growth stimulating compounds. Annals of Agric. Sci., Moshtohor, 49(2), 153–162. Link (Cited by: 20)

Abo Sedera, F. A., Shafshak, N. S., Mohamed, M. H. M., Elkoumy, H. M., & El-Shafay, H. S. S. (2014). Effect of some safety compounds as soil addition and foliar spray treatments on growth and productivity of tomato grown under saline soil conditions. Annals of Agric. Sci., Moshtohor, 52(3), 333–346. Link (Cited by: 25)

Mohamed, M. H. M. (2015). Effect of some growth stimulants on production and quality of strawberry transplants. Annals of Agric. Sci., Moshtohor, 53(4), 693–708. Link (Cited by: 18)

Mohamed, M. H. M., & Zewail, R. M. Y. (2016). Alleviation of High Temperature in Cabbage Plants Grown in Summer Season Using Some Nutrients, Antioxidants, and Amino Acids as Foliar Application with Cold Water. J. Plant Production, Mansoura Univ., 7(4), 433–441. Link (Cited by: 12)

Mohamed, M. H. M., & Els. Ali, M. M. (2016). Effect of Some Organic and Bio Fertilization Treatments in Presence of Chemical Fertilization on Growth, Chemical Composition and Productivity of Cantaloupe Plants. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 11(1), 1-11. Link (Cited by: 10)

Mohamed, M. H. M., & Els. Ali, M. M. (2016). Effect of phosphorus fertilizer sources and foliar spray with some growth stimulants on vegetative growth, productivity, and quality of globe artichoke. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science, 12(4). Link (Cited by: 14)

Mohamed, M. H. M. (2016). Effect of organic fertilizer in combination with some safety compounds on growth and productivity of potato plants grown in winter season. Zagazig J. Agric. Res., 43(4), 1181-1197. Link (Cited by: 22)

Mohamed, M. H. M. (2016). Effect of some growth regulators in the presence of boron on growth, yield, and chemical composition of common bean under different sowing dates. J. Plant Production, Mansoura Univ., 7(6), 537-543. Link (Cited by: 16)

Mohamed, M. H. M., & Zewail, R. M. Y. (2016). Partial and full substitution of chemical fertilizer by organic fertilizer in presence of bio fertilizer and seaweed extract and its influences on productivity and quality of head lettuce plants. J. Plant Production, Mansoura Univ., 7(6), 545-552. Link (Cited by: 13)

Conclusion

Prof. Mostafa Hamza Mohamed Mohamed appears to be a well-qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His extensive research experience, substantial publication record, involvement in significant projects, and dedication to teaching make him a strong contender. Addressing areas for improvement, such as increasing the impact of his research and broader dissemination, could further strengthen his application and highlight his contributions to the field of horticulture science.