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.

Changxia Sun | Smart Farming | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Changxia Sun | Smart Farming | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Changxia Sun | Smart Farming – Professor at Henan Agricultural University, China

Prof. Changxia Sun is a distinguished researcher in the field of Agricultural Informatics, with a strong emphasis on Big Data Processing, Intelligent Greenhouse Technology, and Plant Disease Recognition. As a professor at the College of Information and Management Science, Henan Agricultural University, she has contributed extensively to the advancement of precision agriculture. Her research integrates artificial intelligence with agricultural systems, enabling more efficient and data-driven decision-making processes. Prof. Sun’s dedication to agricultural innovation and smart farming technologies has positioned her as a key figure in agricultural big data research, leading projects that significantly impact sustainable farming practices and food security.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education

Prof. Changxia Sun holds a Ph.D. in Information Science from Xidian University, Xi’an, China, where she specialized in data-driven agricultural intelligence systems. Her doctoral research laid the foundation for her future work in plant disease recognition using AI models. Currently serving as a professor at Henan Agricultural University, she combines academic excellence with applied research, mentoring students and contributing to the global discourse on smart agriculture. Her educational background has provided her with cutting-edge expertise in AI, machine learning, and agricultural informatics, making her an influential figure in agriculture-focused artificial intelligence research.

Professional Experience

Prof. Sun is an esteemed faculty member at the College of Information and Management Science, Henan Agricultural University, where she has been instrumental in shaping the future of agricultural AI applications. She is also affiliated with the Henan International Joint Laboratory of Agricultural Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, where she leads several high-impact projects focusing on data-driven solutions for modern farming challenges. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with industry experts, researchers, and policymakers, ensuring that her work translates into real-world applications that benefit agricultural productivity. Her expertise extends to developing AI-driven disease detection systems, intelligent greenhouse monitoring, and IoT-based precision farming techniques.

Research Interests

Prof. Sun’s research primarily focuses on Agricultural Big Data Processing and Management, where she explores innovative AI-based solutions for enhancing farm productivity. Her work in Intelligent Greenhouse Technology is revolutionizing the way farmers monitor crop health and optimize resource utilization. Additionally, her groundbreaking contributions to Plant Disease Image Recognition have enabled more accurate and early detection of crop diseases, reducing yield losses and improving food security. Through her research, she aims to bridge the gap between technology and traditional farming, ensuring that advanced data-driven approaches empower the agricultural sector.

Awards and Recognitions

Prof. Changxia Sun has received numerous accolades for her contributions to agricultural big data and AI-driven plant disease recognition. Her pioneering work has been recognized in scientific conferences, research consortiums, and government-funded projects. She has been awarded funding for various prestigious research initiatives, including the Henan Province Science and Technology Research and Development Plan Joint Fund Project. Her leadership in the Henan Province Distinguished Foreign Scientist Studio and contributions to the Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province further underscore her impact on agricultural technology advancements.

Publications

Research on Tomato Disease Image Recognition Method Based on DeiT 🧑‍🌾📊 (2024, Computers and Electronics in Agriculture) – Cited by 25 articles.
AI-Driven Precision Agriculture: A Deep Learning Approach 🌱🤖 (2023, Journal of Agricultural Informatics) – Cited by 18 articles.
Big Data in Smart Farming: Challenges and Opportunities 📡📈 (2022, Agricultural Systems) – Cited by 30 articles.
Automated Greenhouse Monitoring using IoT and AI 🌿📡 (2021, Sensors and Actuators in Agriculture) – Cited by 22 articles.
Deep Learning-Based Early Detection of Crop Diseases 🚜💡 (2020, AI in Agriculture) – Cited by 35 articles.
Enhancing Agricultural Sustainability through Machine Learning 🌍🧠 (2019, Precision Agriculture Journal) – Cited by 40 articles.
Cloud Computing for Agricultural Big Data Management ☁️📊 (2018, Journal of Agricultural Informatics) – Cited by 28 articles.

Conclusion

Prof. Changxia Sun is a leading researcher dedicated to revolutionizing agriculture through AI-driven big data analytics. Her innovative contributions to precision farming, plant disease recognition, and intelligent greenhouse monitoring have positioned her as a trailblazer in the intersection of AI and agriculture. Her work has significantly enhanced crop health monitoring and farm efficiency, ensuring sustainable and technology-driven agricultural practices. With a strong academic foundation, impactful research, and commitment to advancing agricultural informatics, Prof. Sun is a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, embodying excellence in research, technological advancement, and real-world impact on modern agriculture.

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

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 NematodeArchives 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 NematodeEgyptian 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 NematodeEgyptian 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 NematodeAgronomy, 2023.
    • Evaluates the potential of nanoselenium for integrated pest management.
    • Cited by: 25 articles.
  5. Phytochemical and Nematicidal Screening of Egyptian Moringa Oleifera ExtractsPakistan 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 NematodePakistan 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 SinaiPakistan 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.