Rudo Musango | Agronomy | Best Researcher Award

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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).

Abdul Hafeez | Agronomy | Best Review Paper Award

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Dr. Abdul Hafeez | Agronomy | Best Review Paper Award

Post doctoral Researcher, Yunnan University, China.                    

Dr. Abdul Hafeez is an accomplished agronomist specializing in sustainable agriculture and efficient farming systems. With a Ph.D. and postdoctoral experience from leading Chinese institutions, he has published 34 research papers with a cumulative impact factor of 142.6 and over 1,970 citations. His work focuses on enhancing crop productivity through balanced nutrient management, biochar innovations, and disease suppression. He is currently a Post-Doctoral Researcher at Yunnan University, China, and continues to contribute to agricultural science through international collaborations, mentoring, and policy-relevant research. 🌾🌿

Professional Profile

Scopus

Google Scholar

Orcid

🎓 Education

Dr. Hafeez earned his Ph.D. in Agronomy from Huazhong Agricultural University, China (2015–2019), focusing on potassium-nitrogen interactions in cotton physiology. He previously completed M.Sc. (Hons.) and B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture from PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Pakistan, both with distinction. His academic background is firmly rooted in agronomic sciences, soil fertility, and sustainable crop production. 📘👨‍🎓

💼 Experience

Dr. Hafeez has held multiple academic and research positions globally. He is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at Yunnan University, China (2023–Present), and previously served at South China Agricultural University and as Assistant Professor at PMAS-AAUR (2022–2023). His journey began as a Research Fellow in seed technology, contributing to research, education, and field applications for over a decade. 🌍🔬

🔬 Research Interests

His research centers on plant nutrition, soil quality, biochar modifications, and sustainable intensification of agriculture. He investigates nutrient dynamics in cropping systems, genetic variability in crops, disease suppression via biochar, and climate-smart agriculture. His interdisciplinary work integrates field trials, lab analysis, and data modeling. 🌾🧪

🏆 Awards

Dr. Hafeez has received several accolades, including the prestigious National Foreign Experts Program Funding (2024-25) from the Chinese government. He also earned the Lab Contribution Award at Huazhong Agricultural University, a Chinese Government Scholarship, and national scholarships such as the Punjab Educational Endowment Fund and Shaheen Foundation Award. 🥇🎖️

📚 Top Noted Publications

Photosynthetic characteristics of boll subtending leaves under K:N ratio – Field Crops Res., 2019; Cited by 240+

K:N ratio favors photosynthesis in late-planted cotton – Industrial Crops Prod., 2018; Cited by 210+

Silicon-modified biochar improves soil quality – Biochar, 2025; Cited by 10+

Suppression of tomato wilt via soil disinfestation – Plant and Soil, 2022; Cited by 50+

Sucrose metabolism in cotton leaves affected by K:N – Nutr. Cycl. Agroecosyst., 2019; Cited by 60+

Modified biochars and soil quality – Environments, 2022; Cited by 30+

Genetic variability in Brassica genotypes – Applied Ecol. Environ. Res., 2025; Cited by 5+

Conclusion

Based on his excellent publication record, impactful review paper, and sustained research in sustainable agriculture and soil sciences, Dr. Abdul Hafeez is highly suitable for the Best Review Paper Award. His review paper on modified biochars demonstrates academic excellence, relevance to global agricultural challenges, and strong citation potential. He clearly meets the award criteria, and further contributions in broader topics can elevate his future prospects even more.