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Title : Multi-Layer Feature Engineering for the Identification of Pigment-Associated Genes in Sweet Potato via Integrated Multi-Omics and Phenotypic Data
Name : Chung-Feng Kao
University : Department of Agronomy, National Chung Hsing University
Country : Taiwan
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Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a nutritionally and economically valuable crop in Taiwan, known for its vivid pigmentation traits across leaves, stems, skin, and storage root flesh. These visual traits, primarily governed by anthocyanins and carotenoids, are not only attractive to consumers but are also important indicators of antioxidant content and nutritional quality. Despite their significance, the genetic regulation underlying pigment biosynthesis in sweet potato remains insufficiently characterized, largely due to the absence of an integrative genetic resource that connects multi-layered molecular data with phenotypic traits. To address this gap, we developed a comprehensive systems biology pipeline that integrates omics and non-omics data through a multi-layer feature engineering approach. Specifically, we collected and harmonized a dataset comprising 104,533 entries, including 95 genomic variants (e.g., SNPs, SSRs, QTLs), 103,561 transcriptomic profiles (including 3 RNA-level omics data), 175 protein-level data, and 702 functional annotations related to pigment biosynthesis. These molecular features were further linked to phenotypic observations and experimental metadata from diverse sweet potato accessions. Comparative annotation using Arabidopsis thaliana and other model plants enabled cross-species functional inference and ontology mapping, strengthening the interpretability of the integrated dataset. To prioritize candidate genes, we implemented a random forest algorithm for trait-associated feature selection. This non-parametric model ranked features based on
their relevance to pigment traits such as flesh and skin coloration. Pathways related to anthocyanin and carotenoid metabolism were consistently enriched among top-ranked genes, indicating their potential regulatory role in pigment differentiation. Ultimately, this study presents a scalable and interpretable feature-ranking framework for the discovery of pigment-related genes in sweet potato. The platform serves as a valuable reference for breeders seeking to enhance color traits via molecular-assisted selection, and sets the stage for future work on integrating additional omics layers such as metabolomics or epigenomics. This pipeline also supports broader applications in trait dissection and candidate gene discovery for other complex traits in polyploid crops.
Biography
Dr. Chung-Feng Kao received his Ph.D. in Mathematics and Statistics from Lancaster University, United Kingdom, at the age of 36, and subsequently completed his postdoctoral training at National Taiwan University. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Agronomy at National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan. Dr. Kao’s research expertise spans biostatistics, multi-omics data integration, feature engineering, systems biology, genetic and genomic analyses, germplasm core collection construction, and web- based application development for digital agriculture. His interdisciplinary approach bridges computational biology and applied crop science, with a strong focus on the genetic improvement of complex traits in crops such as soybean, rice, sweet potato, and papaya. He has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications in reputable international journals and serves on the editorial and review boards of several journals, including Plants, Behavioural Neurology, Frontiers, G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics, and the Journal of Computer Languages and Applications (JCLA). In addition, he contributes as a reviewer for Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council (NSTC). Dr. Kao has been invited to speak at numerous international conferences, including the 12th Annual International Symposium on Agricultural Research, the 7th International Conference on Big Data Analysis and Data Mining, the 16th International Symposium on Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, International Conference on Agricultural, Biotechnology, Biological and Biosystems Engineering (ICABBB), and the WRFASE Research Forum for Advances in Science and Engineering. His presentations have covered a wide array of topics, including multi-omics integration and gene prioritization in soybean, pathway and network analysis in papaya, genetic diversity assessment and core collection design in vegetable soybean, and intelligent nitrogen fertilization strategies and decision support systems in rice
Title : Genome-wide SNP Analysis and Optimized Core Collection Construction in Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) Germplasm
Name : Xin-Yu Lee
University : Department of Agronomy, National Chung Hsing University
Country : Taiwan
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Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is a genetically complex hexaploid crop with rich phenotypic and nutritional diversity, making the development and utilization of genomic resources essential for modern breeding. In this study, we assembled and analyzed a large-scale SNP dataset consisting of 1,502 accessions genotyped at 11,184 loci to investigate population structure, assess genomic diversity, and construct an optimized core germplasm collection. To ensure high data quality, stringent filtering procedures were applied to remove SNP markers with more than 5% missingness, abnormal minor allele frequency values, or heterozygosity rates outside biologically plausible bounds. After quality control, a final dataset of 9715 high-confidence SNPs was retained for downstream analyses. Principal component analysis revealed a highly complex and continuous pattern of genomic variation, with the first 15 principal components each explaining less than 1% of total variance. More than 500 principal components were required to capture 75% of the cumulative variance, indicating the absence of sharply defined subpopulations and suggesting extensive admixture and long-term gene flow within the germplasm collection. This multidimensional diversity highlights both the breeding potential and the challenges
associated with managing large sweet potato genetic repositories. Leveraging this genomic dataset, we constructed a core collection using a modified GenoCore algorithm to maximize allelic coverage while minimizing sample number. The resulting core set consists of 33 accessions, representing only 2.2% of the total collection yet capturing 95.06% of overall genomic diversity. Notably, the six most informative accessions alone represent over 78% of cumulative allelic variation, underscoring their importance as genetic reservoirs. The established core collection provides a powerful, resource-efficient subset for germplasm conservation, trait dissection, GWAS, genomic selection, and breeding program design. Overall, this work delivers the first large-scale, genomics-driven core germplasm framework for sweet potato, offering a strategic foundation for accelerating genetic research, enhancing breeding efficiency, and supporting long-term conservation of this globally important crop.
Biography
Miss Xin-Yu Lee is an undergraduate student, under Dr. Chung-Feng Kao’s supervised, in the Department of Agronomy of National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan. She is currently a junior student doing a research project (germplasm core collection and genetic diversity) in Dr. Kao’s lab. She has strong knowledge background in agronomy and biostatistics. Her research interest spans germplasm core collection, population structure exploration, data mining, multi-omics data integration, and genetic and genomic analyses. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges computational biology and applied crop science, with a strong focus on the genetic improvement of complex traits in crops such as sweet potato, soybean, banana, and sweet corn. Miss Xin-Yu Lee has been invited to speak (topic: Investigation of streptomyces secondary metabolites in banana soil: Metabolic differences and potential to inhibit Foc TR4 infection) at the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center in the Academia Sinica.
Title : Holistic Development of Agricultural community through Universal Human Values and AI practices
Name : Ashok Kumar
University : G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India
Country : India
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Agriculture communities are the backbone of the nation’s economy and food security. Yet, they continue to face multiple challenges not only related to income, productivity, and market access, but also concerning their mental health, emotional strength, and social well-being. While government policies and modern technology have tried to address their material and economic needs, it is now widely recognized that true, sustainable development must also focus on the inner well-being of farmers. This is where Universal Human Values (UHV) such as trust, respect, cooperation, compassion, harmony, and the ability to make decisions with Right Understanding play a crucial role. These values can empower farmers to live with dignity, make ethical choices, build supportive communities, and lead a life of balance and meaning. At the same time, Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers powerful tools that can complement this value-based approach. AI can help farmers by predicting weather, improving crop yield, detecting pests and diseases early, managing resources efficiently, and connecting them to the right markets. AI-powered platforms can also support personalized guidance, mental health services, and access to educational content on values and sustainability, even in remote areas. The aim of this concept is to combine the power of AI with Universal Human Values in agricultural development. This integrated approach will enable material progress, emotional resilience, social harmony, environmental care, and wise decision-making. Together, AI and UHV can lead to the holistic development of the agricultural community, improving the lives of farmers in a truly meaningful and lasting way economically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
Keywords: Agriculture Community, AI, UHV
Biography
Dr. Ashok Kumar currently working as an Assistant Professor in Department of Information Technology, College of Technology, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India. He obtained his B.Tech (CS&E), M. Tech (IT) and PhD degree in Machine Learning from reputed university in India. His area of interest is Machine Learning, Software engineering, e-commerce, Computer Networking, IT and computer applications. He has more than 15 years of experience in the field of teaching, research and administration. He has one Patent and more than 30 research publications in National/ International Conferences /UGC Care
/Web of Science indexing journal and worked as a reviewer of various IEEE International Conference. He also served the government organization ICT application Related work as an IT Expert and Nodal Officer- Electronic Media Monitoring Center in Election process of Uttarakhand.
Title : Deciphering the Early Responses for the Cross Talk between Primary and Secondary Stressor in Diazotrophic Cyanobacteria Anabaena sp. PCC 7120
Name : Dr. Antra Chatterjee
University : Department of Botany, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India 221005
Country : India
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The present study aims to unlock the cross-protection mechanism of the diazotrophic cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120. Heat pre-treatment elicited a beneficial response against subsequent cadmium stress as revealed by integrated morphological, physiological, biochemical, transcript, and proteomics analyses under four sets of experimental conditions: control (C), heat (HS), cadmium (Cd), and heat + cadmium (HS + Cd). Outcomes of the present study suggested a better survival strategy shown by Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 under HS + Cd compared to Cd. According to comparative proteomics, protochlorophyllide reductase, CO 2 hydration protein, and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase work in concert to support the light and dark reactions of photosynthesis. Furthermore, in cross protection involvement of enzymes from pentose phosphate pathway and glycolysis for fulfilling cellular energy demand; antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes in scavenging ROS, cellular detoxification, and Cd che lation, chaperons and proteases in proper protein folding and synthesis; signaling and transporters to generate cross talk and Cd efflux were found. Increased accumulation of vegetative to heterocyst connection protein (FraH) in HS + Cd compared to Cd may be envisioned to manage better nitrogen fixation.
Biography
Dr. Antra Chatterjee has pursued her PhD from Banaras Hindu University and is currently working as assistant professor in Department of Botany, University of Allahabad. She has won several national and international fellowships. She has visited Spain with prestigious European Molecular Biology Organization fellowship to learn protein crystallography. She has qualified DST- Women Scientist -C fellowship and gained training in Intellectual Property Rights from IIT Kharagpur. She has worked as IP analyst in service providing industry. She has won several prizes in poster and oral presentations in national and international seminars. She has gained research experience from Institute of Environmental Studies and Wetland Management, and Indian institute of Vegetable Research. She is a life member of Indian Science Congress, Indian Society of Vegetable Science, Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (International society), The Biotech Research Society, and The Association of Microbiologists of India. She has bagged several research and review articles in reputed peer reviewed journals, chapters and book of international publication houses. She has teaching experience in degree college and Universities. In extracurricular activities she is NCC and Yoga diploma certificate holder and won prizes in classical dance, sports, etc.
Title : Increased attractiveness but reduced host suitability of Aristolochia contorta to hervivores under elevated CO
Name : Si-Hyun Park
University : Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
Country : Korea
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Elevated atmospheric CO₂can alter plant-insect interactions by influencing plant physiology and chemical signaling. This study investigated how increased CO₂levels affect the oviposition behavior of Sericinus montela and the subsequent growth of its larvae on Aristolochia contorta. Under elevated
CO₂ conditions (670 ppm), A. contorta exhibited an increase in the emission of specific signaling compounds, such as (6E)-nerolidol, linalool, and TMTT, while reducing overall VOC emissions, which resulted in increased attractiveness for oviposition. However, larvae feeding on leaves grown in elevated CO2 conditions experienced reduced growth efficiency, indicated by lower efficiency of conversion of digested food and a reduced relative growth rate. Despite increased oviposition on these plants, larval performance was compromised, suggesting an ecological mismatch between host plant preference and nutritional suitability. These findings highlight potential disruptions in plant-herbivore interactions under climate change scenarios, with implications for insect population dynamics and ecosystem stability.
Biography
Si-Hyun Park is a Postdoctoral researcher at Seoul National University Research focus: plant-insect coevolution, chemical ecology, and climate change impacts Expertise in mesocosm experiments, molecular ecology, and ecological trait analysis Principal investigator of the Sejong Science Fellowship Project Published in peer-reviewed journals on Aristolochia contorta and its ecological interactions Committed to integrating field research, experimental approaches, and conservation applications.
Title : Extraction of Cell Wall Pectins and Hemicellulose from Agro-Industrial Wastes: A Sustainable Alternative Source
Name : Dr. Cristine Soares Vidal de Menezes
University : Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza - CE, Brazil.
Country : Brazil
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The efficient repurposing of agro-industrial waste has significantly enhanced the utilization of food resources. This study aims to propose a methodology for extracting cell wall polysaccharides from residues of mango (Mangifera indica), passion fruit (Passiflora edulis), and cashew (Anacardium occidentale). Polysaccharide fractions were obtained through sequential extraction protocols involving water, cyclohexane-trans-1,2-diamine tetracetate (CDTA), sodium carbonate:CDTA, and potassium hydroxide. These fractions were categorized as water-soluble pectin (WSP), CDTA-soluble pectin (CSP), sodium carbonate-soluble pectin (SSP), and hemicellulose (HC), respectively. Each polysaccharide fraction was characterized by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC). Monosaccharide composition was determined using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). NMR spectra of WSP, CSP, and SSP fractions exhibited characteristic pectin features, while the HC fraction primarily comprised hemicellulose. Consequently, the proposed methodology demonstrates potential as a standardized protocol for the extraction of pectin and hemicellulose from various food sources.
Biography
She is a PhD student in Chemistry at the Federal University of Ceará, having completed a nine-month sandwich period at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany. She holds a Master’s degree (2020) and a Bachelor’s degree (2017) in Chemistry, both from the Federal University of Ceará. Her experience lies in the field of chemistry, with a focus on the following topics: nanoemulsions, cell wall polysaccharides, agro-industrial residues, biolubricants, catalysis and hydrophobic drugs.
Title : Response of Jatropha zeyheri Indigenous Tea to NPK Fertilization: Impact on Antioxidants and Phytochemicals
Name : Dr. Happy Bango
University : University of Limpopo, South Africa
Country : South Africa
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Tea fertilization plays a crucial role in influencing the quality of tea. However, limited research exists on how NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) fertilizer affects the phytochemical and antioxidant properties of Jatropha zeyheri, an indigenous tea plant. This greenhouse study evaluated the impact of six NPK application rates (0, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 g/plant) on phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activity. Using a randomized complete block design with five replications, tea leaves were harvested after 130 days, oven-dried, ground, and analyzed with a UV-visible spectrophotometer. ANOVA (Statistix 10.0) revealed:
- Highly significant effects (P ≤ 0.01) of treatments on antioxidant activity (46% of total treatment variation) and total flavonoids (73%).
- Significant effects (P ≤ 0.05) on total phenols (71%) and total tannins (59%).
- Phytochemical and antioxidant responses followed positive quadratic trends, peaking at 3.97 g NPK/plant.
The study concludes that NPK fertilization significantly influences the antioxidant and phytochemical profiles of J. zeyheri tea, with optimal benefits observed at approximately 4 g/plant. These findings provide a basis for optimizing nutrient management in indigenous tea cultivation to enhance health-promoting properties.
Biography
Dr. Happy Bango is an experienced agricultural scientist with a strong academic and professional background in Horticultural Sciences and Agronomy (Field Crops). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Plant Production), Master of Science in Agriculture, specializing in Horticultural Sciences, and Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture (Plant Production) both obtained from the University of Limpopo in the years 2016, 2019 and 2024, respectively.
In 2021, Dr. Bango further enhanced his leadership and project planning capabilities by completing a Certificate in Project Management: Principles and Practices at the University of Stellenbosch Business School – Executive Development.
Professionally, he brings valuable experience from multiple roles within academia and industry:
- In 2019, he began his professional journey as an intern at the Limpopo Agro-Food Technology Station (LATS) at the University of Limpopo.
- He later joined the DST-NRF Internship Programme, where he was placed at the University of Venda.
- Bango also served as a Research Assistant at Westfalia Fruit Estate’s Technological Research Unit, contributing to fruit production research for one year.
Currently, Dr. Bango is based at the University of Limpopo, where he works as an Operational Officer at LATS, a Centre of Excellence dedicated to supporting agro-food innovation and technology development.
He is also a published author, with several peer-reviewed journal articles to his name. He is also a supervisor for Honours, Masters and PhD students. His research excellence has earned him notable recognition, including the NRF Scarce Skills Bursary in 2021 and the TIA SAB Seed Fund Award in 2023. Dr. Bango is deeply committed to advancing sustainable agriculture and agro-processing in South Africa through research, innovation, and enterprise development.
Title : Dynamic Control of Respiration in Light through the G6P Shunt: Implications for Crop Resilience and
Name : Dr. Yuan Xu
University : MSU DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University
Country : USA
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Improving carbon-use efficiency in crops is a critical goal for climate-smart agriculture. Respiration in the light (RL)— the release of CO₂ in photosynthesizing leaves independently of photorespiration—represents a major, yet underexplored, carbon loss that limits productivity. Despite its discovery over 75 years ago, the biochemical origins and regulatory mechanisms of RL remain poorly understood. Here, we used 13CO₂ isotopic labeling, gas exchange, and metabolic flux analysis to map RL pathways in three agriculturally relevant species: Camelina sativa (a sustainable oilseed crop), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), and soybean (Glycine max).
Our results show that RL is dominated by the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (OPPP), with over 90% of RL- derived CO₂ arising from the glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) shunt via 6-phosphogluconate. Under non-stressed conditions, RL remains stable across CO₂ levels and light intensities. However, abiotic stress—such as wounding or heat—triggers a rapid metabolic shift: RL increases substantially, Rubisco activity declines, and G6P shunt activity is enhanced. Flux analysis further reveals a stress-dependent relocation of G6P oxidation from the cytosol to plastids, potentially driven by hydrogen peroxide signaling and redox-regulated activation of plastidic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH). These findings demonstrate that RL is not a static process but a dynamic, stress-responsive feature of plant metabolism. By identifying the G6P/OPPP shunt as a central control point for both carbon loss and redox adjustment, our work offers new strategies for engineering crops with improved resilience and resource-use efficiency under climate stress. This work contributes to the foundation for developing climate-smart agricultural systems that sustain productivity while reducing carbon losses in a changing environment.
Biography
Yuan Xu works at Michigan State University as an Academic Specialist in plant physiology and metabolism. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota and did her postdoctoral research at Michigan State University, where she focused on plant carbon metabolism under environmental stress. Her research explores how crops reprogram metabolic pathways in response to stress signals. She applies isotopic labeling, metabolomics, and metabolic flux analysis to improve crop resilience and carbon-use efficiency, contributing to the advancement of climate-smart agriculture.
Title : Development of RTS beverage from underutilized fruit (Dillenia indica L.) and herbs
Name : Dr. Anil Kumar
University : GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology
Country : India
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With increasing health consciousness and busy lifestyles, consumer demand for nutritious and convenient food options has risen. Ready-to-serve (RTS) beverages meet this need by offering ease of consumption and portability. This study aimed to develop a functional RTS beverage using whey and extract of Dillenia indica L. (chalta), along with health-promoting herbs like lemongrass and ginger. The process involved optimizing lactose hydrolysis in milk followed by formulation of a paneer whey-based beverage enriched with chalta and herbal extracts. Ginger extract (GE) was kept constant at 0.5%, while variables for milk hydrolysis—enzyme concentration (2000–6000 NLU/L), incubation temperature (25–45°C), and incubation time (2–6 hours)—were optimized. Beverage formulation was further refined by adjusting whey replacement with chalta extract (WRCE; 20–40%), sugar replacement with honey (SRH; 30–50%), and lemongrass extract (LE; 0.5–1.5%).
Statistical analysis revealed that enzyme concentration, temperature, and time had highly significant effects (p < 0.01) on lactose hydrolysis. WRCE significantly (p < 0.01) influenced TSS, acidity, pH, DPPH activity, ascorbic acid, total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC). SRH had a significant impact on TSS, reducing sugars, and TPC. Sensory evaluation showed WRCE and SRH significantly affected color, consistency, aroma, taste, and sweetness. Interactions between WRCE and SRH were significant (p < 0.05) for TPC, and SRH–LE interaction influenced aroma (p < 0.01). Chalta extract and honey positively correlated with most quality attributes, except TSS and pH.
The optimized lactose hydrolysis conditions were: 5152.00 NLU/L enzyme, 34.4°C temperature, and 4.25 hours, achieving 81.87% hydrolysis. The final beverage formulation (WRCE 35%, SRH 43%, LE 1.2%, GE 0.5%) produced a healthy, refreshing, and acceptable functional drink.
Biography
Dr. Anil Kumar has worked as JRO in AICRP on PHT for ‘Enlarged mandate on Dairying’ at Pantnagar (Jan., 2006 to March, 2014). And since April, 2014 to February, 2018 working as JRO in AICRP on Agro-Forestry at Pantnagar and from February, 2018 to till date working as Senior Research Officer in AICRP on Women in Agriculture, looking after Foods and Nutrition component of the project. He guided 18 M.Sc. students as Advisor and more than 60 M.Sc. & Ph.D. students as Co-advisor. He has published more than 45 research and review papers in national and international journals and presented 23 research papers in national and international conferences/seminars/workshops/symposia. Written 4 book chapter, 3 popular articles, two laboratory manuals and delivered a radio talk at Pantnagar Jan Vani Kendra.
Dr. Anil has been awarded with CSIR (2003-2005) and ICAR (2001-2003) SRF fellowships for Ph.D. and ICAR JRF fellowship for M. Tech. work. His significant research achievements include two awarded patents, six filed patents in his field of specialization. As PI and Co-PI he handled research projects on milk and milk products and other food products. Recently, Dr. Anil is selected as member for Scientific Panel on ‘Milk and Milk Products’ for national level committee by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). He developed technologies to store paneer for about 4 months at refrigeration temperature, to prepare milkcake with shelf life of about 2 months at room temperature and to reduce splitting in kidney beans meant for the preparation of ready-to-cook product. He has also developed processes for prevention of liquefaction of jaggery during rainy season, utilization of whey to develop herbal beverages, dietary-fibre supplemented low-fat paneer, and improvement of fatty acid profile of edible oil as per WHO recommendations. He has been Editorial Board member and peer reviewer for various Journals of National and International repute (Food Biosciences, Journal of Food Processing and Dairy Technology, International J Basic and Applied Agri Res, Journal of Hill Agriculture, etc.). He has been member of various professional societies (Dairy Technology Society of Indian, NDRI Graduate Association, Indian Dairyman Association, Association of Food Scientists and Technologists of India, Indian Society of Hill Agriculture, Red Cross Society, Uttarakhand etc.) and Journals of National and International repute. His significant contributions to student related activities include holding the responsibility of Programme Officer, NSS (2007-2014) and Co-Staff Counsellor (2008 and 2009). He also worked as a resource person in various training programmes of the university. He has also made significant contributions to academics by teaching 10 UG and 7 PG courses of the department.
Title : Assessment of Climate Resilience Index: Insight from Murrah Buffalo-based Livestock Production System of western India
Name : Ruchi Singh
University :
Country : India
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India dominant in milk production from decades and out of total milk production in country, 44.81 percent milk solely produced by buffalos’ species as per Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics, 2023 report. System based analysis provide important guide to policy makers and other stakeholders to gain a comprehensive understanding of the system and develop targeted climate actions to enhance its resilience, and contribution to India’s position as a global leader in milk production. Hence, the present study used a system-based strategic approach to identify critical indicators of the Murrah Buffalo-based Livestock Production System (MBLPS) functions under changing environmental conditions. A sample of 320 farmers, who were involved in the Murrah buffalo-based production system and its connected components was selected from breeding tracts of the breed. Resilience capacity describe as its three dimensions i.e., absorptive, adaptive, and transformative capacity was represented by eleven indicators and 37 sub indicators. In addition, the climate resilience index (CRI)’ of MBLPS in their breeding tract was developed. The determinants and indicators of household resilience were identified via principal component analysis (PCA) and multiple regression analysis, respectively. The findings indicate that absorptive capacity (0.60) had the greatest impact on resilience, followed by adaptive (0.38) and transformative (0.31) capacity. The majority of farmers 43.31 percent have a medium level of resilience capacity. This indicates that while there is some level of resilience within the system, there is also room for improvement to strengthen resilience. In this research, resilience indicators of the MBLPS were identified. Hence, indicators such as access to information about climate change, health, social contact, and the availability of basic services, must be thoroughly considered for the dissemination of Murrah buffaloes in other parts of the country. Since Murrah buffalo rearers lack strong transformative abilities, plans for climate adaptation should be developed specifically with their long-term goals in mind, with an emphasis on strengthening their transformative powers. To address this, plans for climate adaptation should indeed be tailored to the long term goals and aspirations of Murrah buffalo rearers. This might involve promotion of sustainable practices, diversifying income group, improving access to market and resources and knowledge sharing within community.
Keywords: Climate Resilience Index – Murrah Buffalo – Climate change – Livestock Production System-Breeding Tract-India
Title : E-Seed Skin: a Carbohydrate–Protein Hybrid Nanostructure for Delayed Germination and Accelerated Growth
Name : Parul Sharma
University : Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Tirupati, India
Country : India
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The main aim of the seed industry is to provide seeds with the desired viability and mechanical strength, for which seed coating has become one of the essential requirements. Herein, we have developed a hybrid coating of an electrosprayed protein (collagen- a waste product obtained from the leather industry) on electrospun nanofibers having a multidentate zinc-reinforced carbohydrate (pectin)/PVA composite (PVA/Pec/Zn/Col-NF) nanostructure for seed. The presence of zinc ions in the coating formulation ensured strong covalent binding with the hydroxyl (–OH) groups present in pectin/PVA in addition to the native galvanic binding between the pectin and PVA. In addition to this, hydrogen bonding interactions between the amine (–NH2) groups of electrosprayed protein collagen and the –OH groups present in PVA and pectin further enabled the formation of a highly stable nanostructure with Young’s modulus of approximately, 3MPa. Controlled electrodeposition of collagen nanoparticles using electrospinning on the surface of PVA/Pec/Zn-NF nanofibers led to a decrease in surface roughness with increased moisture resistance. The humidity resistance of the coating and the participation of zinc ions as a micronutrient delayed the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seed germination by 8 days and also accelerated the growth of tomato seedlings by approximately two times, respectively. The presence of zinc in the coating formulation also enabled oxidative stress protection during seed germination (oxidative stress originated as a result of free radical production during the energetically active mitochondrial respiration process) by boosting the activity of the superoxide dismutase (the first antioxidant enzyme in the detoxification pathway of free radicals). Moreover, the fungal resistance of the coating enabled the seeds to germinate even in the presence of harmful phytopathogens (Colletotrichum capsici) capable of affecting seed viability under high humid conditions. Thus, the approach of using the developed PVA/Pec/Zn/Col-NF coating material to construct a tight packing without affecting the viability of the seed demonstrates a pioneering, highly advanced, and eco-friendly seed coating technique for increasing food security across the globe amidst global warming and climate change.
Biography
Ms. Parul Sharma is currently a PhD candidate at the Institute of Nanoscience and Technology, Mohali, India. She has obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biotechnology from Panjab University, Chandigarh. Currently, her research interests focus on agriculture nanotechnology and using sustainable and eco-friendly nanomaterials for seed coating in agri-sector.
Title : Intercropping as a Tool for Enhancing Biodiversity and Soil Health: A Case Study on Paulownia–Buckwheat System
Name : Anna Jama-Rodzeńska
University : Institute of Agroecology and Plant Production, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 24A Grunwaldzki Square, 50-363 Wroclaw, Poland
Country : Poland
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Intercropping is an agricultural practice involving the simultaneous cultivation of multiple crop species on the same land area. This approach is gaining increasing recognition for its potential to enhance productivity in both food and forage systems, while also delivering important environmental benefits. By strategically combining high-yielding crops with less profitable or cover crops, intercropping creates mutual synergies that improve overall system performance. It is particularly valuable in optimizing crop yields, reducing dependency on synthetic chemical inputs, and improving water-use efficiency—especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Moreover, intercropping contributes to restoring biodiversity that has been degraded by monoculture practices and agricultural intensification.
Paulownia, a fast-growing tree species, is particularly well-suited to tree-based intercropping systems (TBI) due to its high biomass production and exceptional capacity for carbon dioxide absorption. Its inclusion in agroforestry systems offers promising prospects for reforestation and the development of more sustainable agroecosystems. Buckwheat, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for cultivation between trees in agroforestry systems because it can improve soil quality and is a highly nectar plant
The aim of the present study was to assess biodiversity at three ecological levels—arthropods, weeds, and microorganisms—within a Paulownia–buckwheat intercropping system established on arable land in southwestern Poland. The results demonstrate that intercropping these two melliferous species enhances soil biodiversity and ecological functioning. Specifically, this cultivation model fosters beneficial changes in soil microbial communities and mesofauna structure, contributing to improved soil quality under local conditions.
Importantly, the intercropping of buckwheat with paulownia did not result in any deterioration of the biometric traits or yield of buckwheat. On the contrary, the system supports sustainable production while simultaneously enhancing ecological value. Given these outcomes, Paulownia–buckwheat intercropping appears to be a promising approach for integrated biodiversity conservation and agricultural sustainability in temperate European climates.
Biography
Anna Jama-Rodzeńska. She work at the Institute of Agroecology and Plant Production at the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, where she hold the position of university professor. Her research focuses on assessing the impact of abiotic factors and selected agronomic practices on the yield and quality of various crops, as well as their effects on the chemical and microbiological properties of soil.
Title : Can Cylicomorpha Solmsii (Urb.) Urb. (Caricaceae) Help Overcome Carica Papaya Production Limits?
Name : Tonfack Libert Brice
University : Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I
Country : Ethiopia
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Cylicomorpha solmsii (Urb.) Urb. (Caricaceae) is a wild species that could serve as an essential genetic resource for improving the quality and quantity of production in its close domesticated relative, Carica papaya. Unfortunately, research on this species remains limited. Our work aimed to initiate the process of conserving, restoring, and enhancing this neglected, underexploited, and endangered genetic resource in Cameroon. Our investigations concentrated on the ecological, anatomical, physiological, and genomic aspects of C. solmsii. Our results illuminated the phenology of the fruits, updated the morphological description of the species, and defined certain conditions for seed germination. Additionally, we assembled a female diploid reference genome and a male genome of C. solmsii de novo using HiFi PacBio long reads. Consequently, we identified the sex chromosome, the non-recombining region, and the sex-determining region. Two candidate sex-determining genes were identified, featuring protein domains that suggest carpel suppression and stamen promotion. This study offers valuable insights for the conservation and restoration of C. solmsii, providing essential genomic and ecological data for its utilization in Carica papaya breeding programs.
Keywords: C. solmsii, plant development, fruit phenology, de novo genome assembly, sex determination
Biography
Dr TONFACK Libert Brice, Associate Professor in Plant Biotechnologies in the Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Science at the University of Yaoundé I. His research is focused on environmental and plant improvement associated with crop production, genomics, plant molecular engineering, plant regeneration, and soil fertility. He has a broad background in fruit biotechnology related to soil and/or climate conditions, cell wall engineering, climate-related crop regeneration and production, and environmental management. In 2011, He defended his Ph.D. in Plant Biotechnology after spending eighteen months at UMR991-INRA/INP-ENSAT, Toulouse, France, under a scholarship supported by the French government. From January 2014 to November 2015, He did his postdoctoral research at the Forest Molecular Genetics (FMG) laboratory, University of Pretoria, South Africa. he has supervised several professional and research-oriented master students in environmental sciences and Plant Biotechnologies. He is currently co-supervising many master’s and Ph.D. students in Plant Biotechnologies. As of March 2024, His google Scholar indicates 791 citations, an h-index of 12, and an i10-index of 16. He co-authored over fifty papers published in international high-impact peer-reviewed journals. He is a member of several African and global science societies.
Title : Leaf HydrogenPeroxide Concentration as an Indicator of Colonizable Areasin Riparian Zones in Response to Soil Moisture Levels
Name : Takashi Asaeda
University : Saitama University, Sakura Saitama
Country : Japan
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The identification of colonizable species is a critical component of riparian zone management. Plant species require specific environmental conditions to successfully establish themselves in a given area. In riparian zones, variations in soil moisture create a distinct gradient that influences vegetation establishment at species-specific elevations. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in leaves may serve as a reliable indicator of suitable conditions for colonization.
To investigate this hypothesis, leaf samples from various riparian plant species were collected from multiple riverine environments across different seasons, specifically on cloudless days with moderate temperatures. In addition to measuring H₂O₂ concentration in the leaves, environmental factors such as soil moisture, solar radiation, and temperature were recorded. The data were then analyzed to assess the relationship between H₂O₂ levels, soil moisture, and other influencing factors.
The results revealed that H₂O₂ concentration exhibited species-specific trends in response to soil moisture, regardless of seasonal variations. Generally, H₂O₂ levels were highest under low soil moisture conditions but gradually declined as soil moisture increased. In species capable of colonizing
inundated zones, such as Phragmites australis, H₂O₂ levels continuously decreased and remained relatively constant. However, in species typically found in elevated zones, H₂O₂ concentration increased sharply under near-saturated soil moisture conditions.
H₂O₂ is primarily generated by surplus electrons during photosynthesis. It forms when there is an imbalance between the electrons produced by absorbed solar energy at Photosystem II (PSII) and those consumed during carbohydrate synthesis in the Calvin cycle. Additionally, H₂O₂ is produced during respiration when carbohydrates are broken down.
At low soil moisture levels, stomatal closure restricts carbon dioxide (CO₂) intake, leading to excess electron accumulation and increased H₂O₂ production. As soil moisture levels rise, stomata open, allowing greater CO₂ uptake, which facilitates carbohydrate synthesis and reduces H₂O₂ concentration. Species adapted to inundated zones maintain an efficient oxygen transport system, enabling them to balance electron generation and consumption, thereby keeping H₂O₂ levels consistently low, even in near-saturated conditions. In contrast, species that typically colonize elevated zones lack tolerance for anoxic conditions. Consequently, although electrons are consumed during photosynthesis, reduced carbohydrate decomposition results in electron accumulation and increased H₂O₂ generation.
These findings suggest that leaf H₂O₂ concentration can serve as an integrated indicator of drought or
flood stress, providing valuable insights into the environmental feasibility of plant colonization.
Biography
Takashi Asaeda Professor Emeritus at Saitama University, Japan. Research field: aquatic ecology of rivers and lakes, including aquatic plants, as well as river management and restoration. Earned a Ph.D. from the University of Tokyo. Currently serving as Editor-in-Chief of Wetlands Ecology and Management (Springer Nature) and the Journal of Ecohydraulics (International Association for Hydro- Environment Engineering and Research).
Title : AI-Powered Phenomics: Transforming Crop Science for a Climate-Resilient Future
Name : Michael Gomez Selvaraj
University : International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Cali
Country : Colombia
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In the face of climate change and food security challenges, harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) in plant phenomics is revolutionizing how we breed, manage, and improve crops. This keynote will showcase the pioneering work of the Phenomics Platform at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, CGIAR, demonstrating how AI-driven phenotyping, advanced imaging, and remote sensing are unlocking new frontiers in crop improvement and climate adaptation.
By leveraging high-throughput phenotyping tools, we capture vast datasets across multiple growth stages and stress scenarios. AI-powered analytics uncover predictive traits, genotype-environment interactions, and stress resilience mechanisms, accelerating data-driven breeding strategies for climate-smart agriculture. Cutting-edge advancements now allow scalable phenotyping, bridging the gap between genomics and real-world crop performance to develop high-yielding, resilient, and nutrient-rich crops.
This keynote will also highlight real-world field-testing methodologies, designed to simulate diverse environmental conditions, ensuring scalability and applicability in breeding programs. Our research provides breeders with precise insights into stress responses, drought tolerance, and crop adaptation, empowering them to make informed, impact-driven decisions.
Collaboration is central to our vision. By fostering open data initiatives, interdisciplinary partnerships, and technology transfer, we aim to democratize AI-driven phenomics, making cutting-edge solutions accessible to researchers, breeders, and farmers worldwide. This session will illustrate how AI-enhanced phenomics is reshaping the future of crop science, complementing genomics and accelerating sustainable agricultural innovation.
Biography
I am Michael Gomez Selvaraj, a visionary leader in agricultural research, with a specific focus on harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) to revolutionize cropping system agronomy. As the Leader of the Phenomics platform at the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT within CGIAR, my goal is to envision a world where regenerative agriculture and data-driven innovation converge to create sustainable solutions.
Passionate about addressing the most pressing challenges in agriculture, I envision a future where the information revolution brought about by A.I. transforms the agricultural research landscape. Recognizing agriculture as one of the world’s largest industries, sustaining billions of people and employing a significant portion of the global workforce, I strive to bridge the gap between modern technological advancements and the traditional farming practices of small-scale farmers.
My mission extends beyond technological advancement; I aim to cultivate a symbiotic relationship between technology and humanity, ensuring that agricultural innovations benefit communities at the grassroots level. My commitment to inclusive digital technologies underscores my dedication to promoting sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. Throughout my career, I have made significant contributions to cropping system agronomy, genetic innovation, and digital inclusion. My work has not only enhanced the prosperity and resilience of vulnerable populations but has also facilitated greater nutritional security worldwide.
As a digital agriculture scientist, I lead pioneering research initiatives that leverage remote sensing and A.I. technologies to generate valuable insights for agricultural sustainability. My multidisciplinary approach, combined with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, positions me at the forefront of precision agriculture.
Title : Women in Agriculture and Plant Research: Russian Historical Perspective
Name : Olga Elina
University : Institute for the History of Science and Technology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow
Country : Russia
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The contemporary agenda of historical science reveals a growing interest in the issue of women in agriculture and plant research. This interest coincides with and perhaps is caused by today’s growing presence of women in ensuring global food security, especially in the realm of developing countries. The history of women’s entry into agriculture and plant research is generally well documented and includes both the study of national characteristics of higher education, industries, and professions related to agriculture and horticulture and individual cases of women’s impute to plant research. In this presentation, I will contribute to comparative international and national historical research by uncovering the still little-known case of Russia. My research focuses on motivations and obstacles for women’s coming into agriculture and horticulture in Russia at the beginning of the 20th century. Despite the prevailing model of higher education in the Russian Empire being a predominantly state institution, I argue the impact of the scientific societies on actualizing the discourse of female education and launching a chain of non-governmental schools for women. My primary target is to identify the key actors that took part in transforming of traditional understanding of women’s “subordinate” role in agriculture, and the mechanisms through which it was accomplished. I will particularly explore yearly educational institutions for women in terms of teaching ideology, curricula, and practical training courses. Finally, I will trace the professional trajectories of the first women agronomists and plant scientists, including their career choice motivations, political positions, scientific accomplishments, and personal lives.
Biography
Olga Elina, PhD, is Chief Research Fellow at the Institute for the History of Science and Technology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow. Her research interests are in the history of agricultural science and gardening, science patronage, visualization in science, gender and science, and science in imperial and socialist culture. Her most critically acclaimed book is the two-volume “From the Tsar’s Gardens to Soviet Fields: A History of Agricultural Experimental Institutions, XVIII c. to the 1920s” (2008). Her articles appeared in Ambix, Annals of History and Phylosopy of Biology, Centaurus, Endeavour, History of Gardens and Designed Landscapes, Osiris, Science in Context, and others.
Title : Efforts of Vegetable Crop Improvement
Name : Balappa B Madalage
University : University of Agricultural Sciences Dharwad 580005. INDIA
Country : India
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The opportunity to work on under exploited native vegetables alongside many need based vegetable species of the region at the University and off the University enabled to develop improved varieties / hybrids:
‘Suwasini’ in Murraya koenigii, ‘Dhanraj’ in Moringa oleifera, ‘Vikram’ in Ipomoea batatas, and ‘DWD3’ in Coriandrum sativum, ‘Megha’ a bacterial wilt resistant Solanum lycopersicum and ‘COMP1’ and ‘COMP2’ of Solanum melongena at the university for 20 years of service. Working in corporate companies for over 25 years concentrated mainly on Onion (Allium cepa) improvement programme at IAHS developed a first ever four parent synthetic named as ‘Marshel’ followed F1 hybrids ‘Indam4’ in red and ‘Indam25’ in white. where as at I&B Seeds a high yielding open pollinated variety ‘Virat’ and a six parent synthetic ‘Vega’ were commercialised. The F1 hybrids like ‘PyareLal’ and ‘ShigraLal’ in red and ‘WH8’ (Gori Deri) in white are being commercialised. Being Fusarium Basal Rot (FBR) in Onion occurring due to climate change in recent years, the collaborative work with Pathology group resulted to identify Spp of Fusarium and breeding efforts to resistance to this malady identified the source of resistance. Screening the germplasm in wilt sick blocks and the Laboratory inoculation test conformed the resistance of WH8, a highly resistant to F.falciforme.
Biography
Balappa B Madalage : Hailing from the farmer’s family in a village called Benahal. (Dist: Gadag, Karnataka INDIA) got M.Sc (Agri) and Ph.D in Horticulture availing Jr. and Sr. Research Fellowship of ICAR New Delhi. Got higher training at USDA Beltsville (USA) for disease resistance breeding in vegetable crops under FAO/UNDP fellowship programme. Served the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) Bangalore and UAS Dharwad at various positions for 20 years engaging in Post-Graduate teaching and Research. Guided 5 Ph.Ds and 30 M.Sc in Vegetable Crops. Later, shifted to corporate companies engaged in Vegetable Seeds for nearly 25 years. At present I am with Unisem Agritech as a Non-Executive Director.
Title : Potential Pesticidal Activities in Lamiaceae herbs: A Linkage Through Phytochemical Analysis
Name : Om Prakash
University : G.B. pant University of Agriculture and Technology
Country : India
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There is a growing demand of alternatives in pest management for sustainable agriculture as a result of awareness about the environmental and health risks associated with synthetic pesticides. Biopesticides, derived from plants, microbes, and minerals, have emerged as a promising solution to address and mitigate these concerns. The natural pesticides are eco-friendly and leverage the natural properties of living organisms or their byproducts to manage pests. Unlike synthetic chemical pesticides, biopesticides have minimal risks to non-target organisms, including humans, beneficial insects, and the environment. They posses several advantages, viz; high specificity, biodegradability, low persistence, and reduced development of resistance in target pests. The biopesticides can be integrated with other pest management strategies, such as cultural practices and biological control, to establish comprehensive and sustainable pest management programs. The potential applications of biopesticidal span across various sectors of agriculture, like crop protection, horticulture, forestry, and stored product management. The biopesticides have efficacy against a wide range of pests, including insects, mites, nematodes, plant pathogens and weeds, particularly important in organic farming systems, where their use aligns with the principles of ecological sustainability and reduced chemical inputs. The compatibility of biopesticides with integrated pest management (IPM) approach also allows for effective pest control. The unique characteristics, like high specificity, low toxicity, and eco-friendly profiles, make them valuable tools in modern pest management strategies. As research and development in this field continue to advance, biopesticides hold the potential to revolutionize agriculture through promoting sustainable practices, safeguarding human health, and conserving biodiversity. Further exploration, innovation, and adoption of biopesticides are crucial to foster a resilient and sustainable future for pest management. In view of these facts and in continuation to our research programme we are working on the pesticidal activities of essential oils/extracts/pure compounds against root knot nematodes like Meloidogyne incognita insects like Spilosoma obliqua, Lipaphis erysimi, etc. In present deliberation emphasis will be given to taxonomic identification pescticidal applications, chemical diversity, of some important Lamiaceae herbs growing in Uttarakhand Himalaya of India.
Keywords: Lamiaceae, essential oil, Phytochemical, Spilosoma obliqua, Lipaphis erysimi, Meloidogyne incognita
Biography
Prof. Om Prakash has experience of 24 years in the field of natural products chemistry which can be evidenced with more than 200 research publication in international and nation journals of reputes with more than 2470 citation, 23,h-index and 62 i-10 index and he has presented about 35 papers in the international and national conferences. Dr. Prakash has guided 12 Ph. D. students and 25 students as Major guide for the M.Sc. students. Dr Prakash has explored investigations on the chemical composition of medicinal plants with the help of chromatographic and spectral techniques such as HPLC, GC, GC/MS, LC-MS, IR, UV and NMR and therapeutic potential of various aromatic and medicinal plants along with the effect of the environment on the quality of phytochemicals (secondary metabolites). The medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) have potential to biosynthesize the chemicals which can be either directly used or can be a model for synthesizing natural products based synthetic alternatives. At present, the Dr Prakash is engaged in the investigations of MAPs with exploration of natural bioactive components. Secondary metabolites have tremendous potential in the field of bioprospecting and pharmaceutical industry.
Title : Unravelling the mechanisms of salt stress tolerance in mycorrhizal plants
Name : Bhoopander Giri
University : Swami Shraddhanand College (University of Delhi)
Country : India
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Due to extensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, low rainfall, increased evaporation, weathering and suboptimal irrigation practices, the accumulation of soluble salts in agricultural fields is increasing gradually, making the soil saline. Increasing soil salinity drastically influences growth and productivity of plants. Mycorrhizal fungi (MF) form symbiotic relationships and play a crucial role in enhancing plant growth by promoting nutrient uptake under saline conditions. They help their partner plants in mitigating injurious effects of soluble salts, prevalent in a saline habitat. MF alter morphological, physiological, biochemical attributes of plants and also help in upholding cell ultra structures remain intact under saline conditions. In our studies, the mycorrhiza-inoculated plants exhibited increased photosynthetic and transpiration rates, internal CO2 and stomatal conductance. They increased the accumulation of glycine betaine, total sugars, trehalose, proline, putrescine, spermidine, carotenoids, proteins and α-tocopherols and decreased lipid peroxidation and lipoxygenase activity, thus validating the increased stress tolerance in mycorrhizal plants. Besides, MF also helped the host plant to overcome salinity-induced nutrient deficiency along with reduced Na+ accumulation, which is an indicative of enhanced nutrient status, and reduced damage to cell structures, particularly plasma membrane and chloroplasts. The ultrastructural analysis of chloroplast revealed preserved thylakoids and grana in MF-inoculated plants in contrast to uninoculated plants under saline conditions. The cell membrane of MF-inoculated plants displayed reduced detachment from the cell wall, representing improved membrane integrity. Our results emphasize the significant roles of MF in mitigating salinity stress and the practical application of MF to improve plant’s tolerance to salt stress and also to promote sustainable agriculture in salt affected areas.
Biography
Prof. Bhoopander Giri has pursued Ph.D in the area of Mycorrhizal Research from the University of Delhi, Delhi, India, and is currently working as a Professor in the Department of Botany, Swami Shraddhanand College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India. Prof. Giri has worked as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology and also as a Raman Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Department of Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, USA. He has also served as an Associate Fellow at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi. He is a recipient of CSIR Research Associateship and DST Young Scientist Fellowship. Prof. Giri has supervised several Ph.D. students and has published more than 60 papers in the national and international peer-reviewed journals, and books with more than 7000 citations. He has edited three books, Root Biology (2018), Biofertilizers for Sustainable Agriculture and Environment (2019), Microorganisms in Saline Environments: Strategies and Functions (2019), Soil Health (2020), Plant Stress Biology: Strategies and Trends (2021), Pedosphere: Structure and Functions which are published by Springer Nature, Germany. Prof. Giri is a life-member of many prestigious academic societies. He has served as a General Secretary for International Symbiosis Society (ISS), USA. Prof. Giri is serving as reviewers for several international and national journals. He has served as a Member of the Jury constituted by the Director, Consortium for Educational Communication (An Inter University Centre of University Grant Commission) for the award under Best Research category and is a member of preview subject expert committee. He has presented research papers in several international conferences (United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada and USA) and act as a key note speaker and organizing secretary. He chaired a Session in the 5th Annual Congress on Plant & Soil Science held (2019) London, UK. Instead, he has received best paper presentation award during 98th Indian Science Congress, SRM University, Chennai, India and in the National Conference on Plant Science Research: looking beyond 21st Century, organized by the Society of Plant Science Research & Department of Botany, University of Delhi, India.
Title : Mangrove-Associated Halotolerant Bacteria Augments Salinity Stress Tolerance in Solanum lycopersicum
Name : Mayank Gururani
University : College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE
Country : UAE
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Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) can mitigate the detrimental impacts of salt stress on plants. The current research reports the isolation of PGPRs from high-saline mangrove environments. These isolates exhibited ACC deaminase action to alleviate the stress ethylene, along with additional plant growth-accelerating characteristics such as phosphate dissolution and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) biosynthesis. The molecular profiling of PGPRs revealed that the isolates Bacillus subtilis (isolate B1) and Bacillus siamensis (isolate B3) could alleviate salt stress-induced injury and create tolerance in the tomato plants. Inoculation of isolates B1 and B3 protected the tomato plants in the greenhouse, from the detrimental effects of NaCl and significantly boosted the shoot length, shoot dry weight (DW), shoot fresh weight (FW), root DW, root FW, and flowers count per tomato plant cultivated in saline conditions.
Further, chlorophyll-a fluorescence studies displayed that the plants inoculated with isolates B1 and B3 demonstrated higher efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) than control plants, in NaCl-triggered salinity stress conditions.
Additionally, leaf spectral reflectance showed improved stomatal conductance-associated spectral signatures in tomato plants inoculated with B1 and B3 isolates. Overall, the study findings suggested that isolates B1 and B3 could be utilized to develop biofertilizers to improve the production of tomato grown under saline conditions.
Biography
Dr. Mayank Gururani, is a plant biologist with specialization in Molecular Physiology, currently working as an Associate Professor at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, UAE. He obtained his PhD in 2013 in Molecular Biotechnology from Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea. He later worked as a postdoctoral fellow at Jeju National University, Jeju, Korea and Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Korea before moving to the UAE. His research areas broadly include abiotic stress physiology and its influence on photosynthetic machinery.
Title : Tropical Tidal Wetland Vegetation Mosaics: Relationships with Micro-Topography and Tidal Hydroperiod
Name : Cecile Vulliet
University : College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University
Country : Australia
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Saltmarshes are critical ecosystems that play key roles in biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration, providing multiple ecological and economic values essential for sustainable development. Yet, saltmarshes are threatened by human activities and sea-level rise (SLR). Long-term restoration and management strategies are necessary but often hindered by an insufficient understanding of the past, present, and future processes that influence tidal wetland functionality and change. Since understanding vegetation distribution in relation to elevation and tidal hydroperiod generally forms the basis of tidal wetland restoration strategies, this research investigated the relationships between micro-topography, tidal hydroperiod, and the distribution of saltmarshes, mangroves, and unvegetated flats in a tropical estuary situated within a Great Barrier Reef Catchment in North Queensland, Australia. We used a combination of high-resolution unattended-aerial-vehicle (UAV)- derived digital elevation model (DEM) and land cover coupled with 2D hydrodynamic modelling to investigate these aspects. We found overlapping distribution across elevation, highlighting that zonation was more complex than strict zonation patterns generally recognised in restoration and legislation. In addition, although each type of tidal wetland cover had distinct mean hydroperiods, and elevation and hydroperiods were strongly correlated, elevation explained only 15% of the variability in tidal wetland cover distribution. This finding implies that additional factors likely play a role in shaping tidal wetland cover zonation patterns in tropical tidal wetlands. These results hold significance as they underscore the need to exercise caution when applying oversimplistic explanations for the causality of tidal wetlands. The suitability of applying simplistic rules in management and restoration is likely to be context-dependent, as demonstrated in our study site. Contextual variabiltiy in environmental and biological factors may lead to different distribution patterns of tidal wetland components, and hence varying restoration and management success. This research also explored the potential effects of sea-level rise (SLR) on the tidal hydroperiods and connectivity of the study site. Our results showed that the inundation experienced by each tidal wetland cover may increase importantly if vegetation does not keep up with SLR. This underlines the importance of acquiring detailed spatio-temporally resolved data to enable the development of robust long-term and adaptive saltmarsh management strategies. This research highlights the uncertainties and complexities in understanding the processes influencing tropical tidal wetland functionality. Recognising these complexities is paramount for effectively managing and restoring tidal wetland ecosystems and, hence, maintaining their critical ecological and economic values.
Biography
I am a PhD candidate at James Cook University, Australia, and I have recently submitted my PhD on the eco-hydrological aspects of saltmarshes connectivity in tropical seascapes under the supervision of Assoc. Prof Nathan Waltham, Dr Jack Koci, and Dist. Prof Marcus Sheaves. Before doing a PhD, I completed my Bachelor of Marine Biology at James Cook University and in Hawaii at the University of Hilo. I then conducted my honours at James Cook University on the ecological connectivity of dry tropical freshwater streams under the supervision of Assoc. Prof Nathan Waltham and Dist. Prof Marcus Sheaves. During my studies, I have volunteered in Asia and Oceania while giving guest lectures and tutoring Bachelor and Master students. I am also supervising masters and honours theses. Overall, I have broad interests in tidal and freshwater aquatic ecosystem functioning, ecology and hydrology, as well as terrestrial and coastal ecosystem management, conservation, and restoration. I believe that multi-disciplinary collaboration and establishing strong links with communities and stakeholders are critical for successful long-term ecosystem management and restoration.
Title : Role of Tyrosine Phosphorylation in PEP1 Receptor 1(PEPR1) in Arabidopsis thaliana
Name : Man-Ho Oh
University : Chungnam National University
Country : Korea
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Leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases (LRR-RLKs) have evolved to perceive environmental changes. Among LRR-RLKs, PEPR1 perceives the pep1 peptide and triggers defense signal transduction in Arabidopsis thaliana. In the present study, we focused on PEPR1 and PEPR2, which are the receptors of pep1, to understand the role of tyrosine phosphorylation. PEPR1-CD (cytoplasmic domain) recombinant protein exhibited strong tyrosine autophosphorylation, including threonine autophosphorylation. We subjected all tyrosine residues in PEPR1-CD to site-directed mutagenesis. The recombinant proteins were purified along with PEPR1-CD, and Western blotting was performed using a tyrosine-specific antibody. Among the 13 tyrosine residues in PEPR1-CD, the PEPR1(Y995F)-CD recombinant protein showed significantly reduced tyrosine autophosphorylation intensity compared to PEPR1-CD and other tyrosine mutants, despite little change in threonine autophosphorylation. To confirm the autophosphorylation site, we generated a phospho-specific peptide Ab, pY995. As a result, Tyr-995 of PEPR1-CD was a major tyrosine autophosphorylation site in vitro. To understand the function of tyrosine phosphorylation in vivo, we generated transgenic plants, expressing PEPR1-Flag, PEPR1(Y995F)-Flag, and PEPR1(Y995D)-Flag in a pepr1/2 double mutant background. Interestingly, the root growths of PEPR1(Y995F)-Flag and PEPR1(Y995D)-Flag were not inhibited by pep1 peptide treatment, compared to Col-0 and PEPR1-Flag (pepr1/2) transgenic plants. Also, we analyzed downstream components, which included PROPEP1, MPK3, WRKY33, and RBOHD gene expressions in four different genotypes (Col-0, PEPR1-Flag, PEPR1(Y995F)-Flag, and PEPR1(Y995D)-Flag) of plants in the presence of the pep1 peptide. Interestingly, the expressions of PROPEP1, MPK3, WRKY33, and RBOHD were not regulated by pep1 peptide treatment in PEPR1(Y995F)-Flag and PEPR1(Y995D)-Flag transgenic plants, in contrast to Col-0 and PEPR1-Flag. These results suggest that specific tyrosine residues play an important role in vivo.
Keywords: leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases; PEPR1 and PEPR2; pep1 peptide; tyrosine phosphorylation; Arabidopsis thaliana