Rudo Musango | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Rudo Musango | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

Haramaya University | Zimbabwe

Mrs. Rudo Musango is an accomplished agricultural researcher with over two decades of experience advancing climate-smart agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable food systems in Zimbabwe and beyond. Her expertise lies in agronomy, plant genetic resource management, and community-based conservation of climate-resilient crops such as sorghum, pearl millet, cowpea, and Bambara groundnut. Throughout her career, she has contributed to projects funded by international organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), focusing on the conservation, utilization, and management of indigenous and underutilized crop species. Mrs. Rudo Musango has played a key role in the Genetic Resources and Biotechnology Institute, where she led molecular and field-based research on germplasm characterization, seed systems, and biodiversity strategies. Her scholarly contributions include publications in international journals like Heliyon, Cogent Food & Agriculture, and Agriculture (MDPI), addressing themes such as crop–parasite interactions, genetic diversity, and sustainable biotechnology applications. A recipient of prestigious scholarships from the World Bank and the Italian government, she exemplifies leadership in agricultural innovation, gender-inclusive research, and rural development. As a member of professional scientific networks, she continues to drive research that strengthens food security, enhances ecosystem resilience, and supports climate adaptation in smallholder farming systems across Sub-Saharan Africa. Her multidisciplinary approach, combining molecular biology, field agronomy, and community engagement, positions her as a leading advocate for integrating science-based solutions with local agricultural practices.

Profiles: Orcid | LinkedIn | Researchgate

Featured Publications

Musango, R., Tana, T., Mabasa, S., Gasura, E., Pasipanodya, J. T., Mandumbu, R., & Tauro, T. P. (2024). Influence of Alectra vogelii inoculation and phosphorus fertilizer application on phenology, yield components and grain yield of Bambara groundnut genotypes. Heliyon, 10, e40973.

Musango, R., Tana, T., Mabasa, S., Gasura, E., Pasipanodya, J. T., Mandumbu, R., & Tauro, T. P. (2024). Interactions of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc) genotypes and phosphorus fertilizer rates in controlling Alectra vogelii. Cogent Food & Agriculture, Soil & Crop Science Journal, 0(1), 2416499.

Musango, R., Pasipanodya, J. T., Tamado, T., Mabasa, S., & Makaza, W. (2022). Alectra vogelii: A threat to Bambara groundnut production under climate change: A review paper. Journal of Agricultural Chemistry and Environment, 11, 83–105.

Pasipanodya, J. T., Horn, L. N., Achigan-Dako, E. G., Musango, R., & Sibiya, J. (2022). Utilization of plant genetic resources of Bambara groundnut conserved ex situ and genetic diversification of its primary genepool for semi-arid production. Agriculture, 12, 492.

Chinasho, A., & Musango, R. (2019). Synergies and trade-offs of biotechnology and climate smart agriculture: Review. Biodiversity International Journal, 3(6).

Revappa Mohan Kumar | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Revappa Mohan Kumar | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

Scientist | University of Agricultural Sciences | India

Dr. Revappa Mohan Kumar is a dedicated Scientist in Agronomy at the Zonal Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences. With expertise in agronomy, agroecology, and natural resource management, he has established himself as a strong advocate of sustainable agricultural practices. His research emphasizes climate-resilient farming, crop productivity optimization, and ecosystem sustainability. Dr. Revappa Mohan Kumar professional journey reflects a balance of teaching, research, and extension activities aimed at improving farming systems. His contribution to agronomic science has been recognized through several prestigious awards and publications, reflecting his commitment to advancing agricultural sustainability and farmer livelihood security.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Orcid

Google Scholar

Education

Dr. Revappa Mohan Kumar pursued his B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Agriculture and Agronomy from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, followed by a Ph.D. in Agronomy from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. His academic journey was further enriched through multiple postgraduate diplomas including Rural Development from IGNOU, Intellectual Property Rights from Annamalai University, and Marketing Management from Annamalai University. These multidisciplinary qualifications have equipped him with comprehensive knowledge blending agricultural sciences, resource management, policy understanding, and rural development. His academic path highlights his commitment to expanding expertise beyond core agronomy, strengthening his holistic approach to solving agricultural and ecological challenges.

Experience

Dr. Revappa Mohan Kumar professional career began as a Research Associate at Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shimoga, where he contributed significantly to agronomy research. Currently, he serves as Scientist in Agronomy at the Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Bengaluru, under the University of Agricultural Sciences. His role involves research, extension, and technology dissemination in areas such as crop nutrition, sustainable land-use systems, invasive species management, and carbon footprint reduction. With extensive years of academic and field-based research, he has been instrumental in implementing innovative agronomic strategies and bridging scientific research with farmer-oriented agricultural practices.

Research Interests

Dr. Revappa Mohan Kumar research interests lie in agronomy, agroecology, and natural resource management, with a special focus on enhancing crop productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. His work explores integrated nutrient management, energy-efficient crop systems, biocontrol strategies, and carbon footprint reduction in rainfed agriculture. He is particularly engaged in optimizing castor-based cropping systems, evaluating forage land-use practices, and studying the impact of mineral nutrition and biopriming on crop performance. By adopting a systems-based approach, his research aims to build climate resilience, improve soil health, and promote eco-friendly farming practices to ensure long-term sustainability in semi-arid agricultural regions.

Awards

Dr. Revappa Mohan Kumar has been honored with several awards that acknowledge his excellence in agronomic research and technology dissemination. His accolades include multiple Best Oral Presentation Awards from national and international conferences, highlighting innovative studies on crop productivity, sex expression in castor, and forage land-use systems. He has received the prestigious Prof. B.V. Venkatarao Best Scientific Article Award, Young Scientist Award, and multiple recognitions for excellence in research and technology demonstrations at Krishimelas. His awards also include merit-based recognitions for externally funded projects. These honors reflect his outstanding contribution to sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and community-focused agronomic innovations.

Top Noted Publications

Title: Sustainable Management of Invasive Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda
Year: 2022
Cited by: 98

Title: Integrated farming system approaches to achieve food and nutritional security for enhancing profitability, employment, and climate resilience in India
Year: 2022
Cited by: 86

Title: Integrated nutrient management for improving crop yields, soil properties, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Year: 2023
Cited by: 72

Title: Effect of single-cross hybrids, plant population and fertility levels on productivity and economics of maize (Zea mays)
Year: 2015
Cited by: 34

Title: Influence of balanced nutrition on productivity, economics and nutrient uptake of hybrid maize (Zea mays)–chickpea (Cicer arietinum) cropping sequence under irrigated ecosystem
Year: 2016
Cited by: 27

Conclusion

Dr. Revappa Mohan Kumar achievements in agronomy and sustainable farming systems clearly position him as a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His impactful publications, recognized innovations, and dedication to eco-friendly agriculture highlight his commitment to advancing knowledge and solving real-world agricultural challenges. With his balance of scientific excellence, community engagement, and future potential for broader international influence, he embodies the qualities of an outstanding researcher whose contributions are making a meaningful difference in both science and society.