Lei Zhao | Plant Protection Science | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Lei Zhao  –  Plant Protection Science  –  Best Researcher Award

Alignment with Award Category

Professor Lei Zhao’s research perfectly aligns with the objectives of the Best Researcher Award. His innovative approaches, such as utilizing cutting-edge molecular biology techniques and collaborating on national and international research projects, underscore his dedication to pushing the boundaries of plant virology. His contributions are not only academically significant but also hold immense practical value for the global agricultural industry.

Northwest A&F University | China

Scopus

🎓Early Academic Pursuits 

Education and Training

Dr. Lei Zhao’s academic journey reflects a deep commitment to plant virology. Holding advanced degrees in plant science, Lei Zhao demonstrated early interest and expertise in virology and its implications on global agriculture. Equipped with a robust educational foundation, Lei Zhao embarked on a mission to unravel the complexities of plant viruses and their interactions with crops. His academic milestones prepared him for a career marked by groundbreaking research, impactful collaborations, and the mentorship of future scientists

💼Professional Endeavors 

Academic Positions

As a Professor at the College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Lei Zhao is at the forefront of teaching and scientific discovery. His role as a Ph.D. supervisor has enabled him to mentor aspiring researchers, further enriching the field of plant virology. Lei Zhao has led several significant projects, including initiatives funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Postdoctoral Innovation Talent Support Program, and the National Key R&D Program. His dedication to both academia and applied research has established him as a leader in plant protection science.

📚Contributions and Research Focus on Plant Protection Science

Dr. Lei Zhao’s research primarily focuses on:

  • Identification of Crop Viruses: Enhancing the detection and understanding of viruses affecting crops like wheat, kiwifruit, and strawberry.
  • Pathogenic Mechanisms: Deciphering how viruses infect plants and interact with host systems.
  • Detoxification Techniques: Developing advanced methods to mitigate the impact of plant viruses.
  • Green Prevention and Control Technologies: Innovating sustainable approaches to combat plant diseases.

Lei Zhao’s representative works, published in high-impact journals like Molecular Plant and PLoS Pathogens, highlight his significant breakthroughs. For example, his recent study revealed how viral proteins interact with host catalases to promote viral infections in wheat. These insights have shaped the understanding of plant-pathogen dynamics and informed sustainable agricultural practices.

🏆Accolades and Recognition 

Dr. Lei Zhao’s outstanding contributions to plant virology have earned him multiple accolades. His achievements include: Publishing 15+ SCI-indexed papers in prestigious journals. Securing 6 patents, reflecting his innovative approach to crop protection. Serving on the Youth Editorial Board of the New Plant Protection Journal. Holding leadership roles as a Director of the Kiwi Branch of the Chinese Horticultural Society and the Shaanxi Plant Protection Society. These accomplishments underscore his expertise and leadership in the field.

🌍 Impact and Influence 

Community Impact

Lei Zhao’s research has far-reaching implications for global agriculture. By addressing critical issues such as virus-induced crop losses, he has contributed to enhancing food security and sustainability. His green prevention technologies are particularly valuable in reducing reliance on chemical pesticides, thereby promoting environmentally friendly practices. Furthermore, his mentorship of young researchers has amplified his influence, ensuring that the next generation of scientists continues to advance plant virology.

🔮Legacy and Future Contributions 

Dr. Lei Zhao’s legacy lies in his unwavering dedication to solving agricultural challenges through innovative research. His ongoing collaborations with national and international partners position him to make even greater strides in the field. Future contributions may include the development of more resilient crop varieties, advanced diagnostic tools, and holistic approaches to managing plant diseases.

Conclusion

Lei Zhao’s career exemplifies the impact of focused scientific inquiry on global challenges. As a leader in plant virology, he has not only advanced the understanding of crop diseases but also developed practical solutions to mitigate their effects. His work serves as a beacon for researchers worldwide, inspiring a collective effort toward sustainable agriculture and food security.

📚Publications

  •  viral p3a protein targets and inhibits TaDOF transcription factors to promote the expression of susceptibility genes and facilitate viral infection

    Authors: Tian, S., Song, Q., Cheng, Y., Wu, Y., Zhao, L.

    Journals: PLoS Pathogens

  • Polysaccharide Peptide Treatment Eliminates Strawberry Viruses and Promotes Strawberry Plant Growth and Rooting in Tissue Culture Media

    Authors: Li, D., Sujata, S., Kang, K., Wu, Y., Zhao, L.

    Journals: Plant Disease

  • A viral movement protein targets host catalases for 26S proteasome-mediated degradation to facilitate viral infection and aphid transmission in wheat

    Authors: Tian, S., Song, Q., Zhou, W., Wu, Y., Zhao, L.

    Journals: Molecular Plant

  • Phytoplasma: A plant pathogen that cannot be ignored in agricultural production—Research progress and outlook

    Authors: Wang, R., Bai, B., Li, D., Wu, Y., Zhao, L.

    Journals: Molecular Plant Pathology

  • Physiological response to drought stress and drought resistance of six Helleborus orientlis cultivars | 六个东方铁筷子品种对干旱胁迫的生理响应及抗旱性评价

    Authors: Zhao, L., Jin, H., Cao, X., Deng, W., Du, L.

    Journals: Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology

Jorge Chalco Vera | Agricultural science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jorge Chalco Vera – Agricultural science- Best Researcher Award 

Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas | Argentina

Author Profile 

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

He embarked on his academic journey at the Facultad de Agronomía y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Argentina, where he earned his degree as an Agricultural Engineer on October 31, 2012. His academic pursuits were characterized by a strong focus on agronomy and zootecnia, laying a solid foundation for his future research endeavors. His early academic years were marked by a keen interest in plant ecophysiology and sustainable agricultural practices, which would later define his career trajectory.

 Professional Endeavors 💼

Following his graduation,His professional journey began with an advanced internship in the Section of Sugarcane Breeding at EEAOC Experimental Station in Tucumán, Argentina, from 2012 to 2013. This experience provided him with hands-on expertise in sugarcane breeding, a critical crop for Argentina’s agricultural sector.

In 2014, he expanded his horizons internationally as a graduate intern at CIFOR (Center for International Forestry Research) in Nairobi and Kisumu, Kenya. This role involved extensive fieldwork and research, enriching his understanding of global forestry practices and environmental sustainability.

he continued to diversify his professional experience by working as a technical assistant on the project “Plan for the Sustainable Use of Sugarcane Straw” under FOAR (Argentine Fund for International Cooperation) and AECID (Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation) in Bermejo, Bolivia, during 2017-2018. This project focused on sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in the sugarcane industry, further honing his expertise in this field.

Contributions and Research Focus on Agricultural science📚

His research has been pivotal in addressing key issues in agricultural science, particularly in the context of sugarcane cultivation. His significant publications reflect his deep engagement with topics such as nitrogen use efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable soil management.

Noteworthy publications include:

  • Increases in nitrogen use efficiency decrease nitrous oxide emissions but can penalize yield in sugarcane (Nutr Cycl Agroecosystems, 2022): This study highlights the trade-offs between enhancing nitrogen use efficiency and maintaining crop yields in sugarcane production.
  • Drivers of N2O Emissions from Natural Forests and Grasslands Differ in Space and Time (Ecosystems, 2020): This paper examines the spatial and temporal variations in nitrous oxide emissions from natural ecosystems.
  • Integrating critical values of soil drivers for mitigating GHGs: an assessment in a sugarcane cropping system (Sci Total Environ, 2020): This research focuses on mitigating greenhouse gas emissions through improved soil management practices in sugarcane cultivation.
  • To burn or not to burn: The question of straw burning and nitrogen fertilization effect on nitrous oxide emissions in sugarcane (Sci Total Environ, 2017): This study investigates the environmental impacts of straw burning and nitrogen fertilization in sugarcane fields.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

His contributions to agricultural science have not gone unnoticed. His research has garnered significant citations, and he holds a Hirsch index (Scopus) of six, underscoring the impact and relevance of his work within the scientific community. His role as a CONICET assistant researcher at the Plant Ecophysiology Lab, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA) in Salta, Argentina, further cements his reputation as a leading researcher in his field.

 Impact and Influence 🌍

His work has had a profound impact on both the scientific community and agricultural practices. His research on nitrogen use efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions has provided valuable insights for sustainable agriculture, particularly in sugarcane production. By addressing critical environmental challenges, his work contributes to global efforts in combating climate change and promoting sustainable farming practices.

 Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

Looking forward, He aims to continue his research on sustainable agricultural practices and their environmental implications. His future work will likely focus on developing innovative solutions to enhance crop yields while minimizing environmental impacts. As a member of the scientific community, he is committed to mentoring young researchers and contributing to the advancement of agricultural science.

Notable Publications