Selin Ceren Balsak | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr Selin Ceren Balsak: Sustainable Agriculture
Dr at Kahramanmaraş Sütçü Imam University, Turkey

Dr. Selin Ceren Balsak is a plant virologist with a rich academic background. She earned her PhD in Virology from Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, focusing on the population structure of Tomato spotted wilt virus and the resistance response of pepper genotypes to reassortant isolates. Prior to her doctoral studies, she completed a Master’s degree in Virology, conducting research on the genetic diversity of grape viruses in autochthonous grape varieties. Dr. Balsak’s academic journey began at Çukurova University, where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Plant Protection. She further enriched her education through Erasmus exchanges, spending time at the Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection in Italy and Warsaw University of Life Sciences in Poland.

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓
Education

🌿 Dr. Selin Ceren Balsak, a passionate scholar in the realm of plant protection and virology, completed her academic journey with flying colors. She obtained her PhD from Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, specializing in Virology within the Faculty of Agriculture (2016-2020). Her groundbreaking thesis delved into the intricate world of the population structure of the Tomato spotted wilt virus, exploring the resilience of pepper genotypes against reassortant isolates.

🔬 Building on this foundation, Ceren pursued a Master’s degree in Virology at the same institution from 2014 to 2016. Her research during this period focused on unraveling the genetic diversity of viruses in the genus vitivirus (GVA, GVB) and nepovirus (GVFL). Her investigations took her to the vineyards of the eastern Mediterranean and southeast Anatolia regions, contributing valuable insights to the understanding of autochthonous grape varieties.

🎓 Ceren embarked on her academic journey at Çukurova University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Plant Protection from the Faculty of Agriculture (2008-2013). Her commitment to scholarly pursuits and her invaluable contributions to the field showcase her dedication to advancing our understanding of plant health and protection. 🌱💡

Projects:

🔍 Dr. Selin Ceren Balsak has been actively involved in cutting-edge research projects, contributing her expertise to advance the understanding of plant diseases. In the TÜBİTAK-1001 project (Project Number: 221O411), she played a crucial role as a researcher. Her focus was on the molecular and biological characterization of Citrus bark cracking viroid (CBCVd) in pistachio trees. Additionally, she was instrumental in developing a pioneering one tube-one step multiplex RT-qPCR protocol for the detection of two viroids in two genera (Cocadviroid, Hostuviroid), showcasing her commitment to innovative methodologies in plant virology.

🌱 Another noteworthy project, PIA-Bosphorus-France (221N050), saw Dr. Balsak taking on the role of a researcher in exploring a novel approach to screen pepper resistance to Beet western yellows virus (BWYV). Her involvement in this project highlights her dedication to finding innovative solutions for enhancing pepper plant resilience against viral threats.

Through her active participation in these projects, Dr. Selin Ceren Balsak continues to contribute significantly to the field of plant protection and virology, pushing the boundaries of scientific understanding. 🌿🔬 #ResearchProjects #PlantVirology #InnovationInScience

 

🍇 Research Focus:

🌱 Dr. Selin Ceren Balsak is a distinguished researcher with a multifaceted focus on plant virology, evident in her diverse body of work. Her research spans the detection of emerging threats, such as the first report of Kyuri green mottle mosaic virus in Turkey, showcased in Australasian Plant Disease Notes. With a keen eye on pepper crops, she explores the distribution and phylogenetic analysis of Broad bean wilt virus-2, as seen in Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology.

🔬 Dr. Balsak delves into the intricate world of molecular and biological characterization, evident in her work on Tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus isolates and the first report of apple dimple fruit viroid in fig trees in Turkey. She extends her expertise to grapevines, uncovering the prevalence and genetic variability of Grapevine virus A in Turkish autochthonous grapevine varieties.

🌿 In the realm of tree crops, she contributes to the understanding of viroids affecting Pistachio and explores the genetic diversity of Hop stunt viroid in Pistachio trees. Additionally, her work encompasses the detection of Cucumber mosaic virus in cyclamen, marking a first report in Turkey.

🍇 Dr. Balsak’s contributions extend globally, with studies on the distribution and population diversity of Australian grapevine viroid in Turkish autochthonous grapevine varieties, as well as the occurrence of Beet western yellows virus in spinach in Turkey. Her dedication to advancing knowledge is evident in her exploration of Grapevine virus D in autochthonous grapevine varieties.

👩‍🔬 Overall, Dr. Selin Ceren Balsak’s research reflects a holistic approach to plant virology, covering a wide spectrum of plant species and viruses, contributing significantly to the field. #PlantVirology #ResearchDiversity #ScientificExploration

 

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Kmar M’barek | Crop Production Systems

Dr  Kmar M’barek: Leading Researcher in Crop Production Systems
Higher Institute of Agronomy of Chott Meriem, University of Sousse, Tunisia.

🌱🍲 Dr. Kmar M’Barek is a Tunisian scientist born on March 10, 1966, in Mahdia. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematical Sciences from Taher Sfar High School (1987) and a Master’s Degree in Natural Sciences from the Faculty of Sciences, Sfax (1995). Her academic journey continued with a Master of Research in Industrial Biotechnology from INSAT, Tunis (2007) and culminated in a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences and Biotechnology from the Institute of Agronomy of Chott Meriam, Sousse (2017). Currently residing in Mahdia, Tunisia, Dr. M’Barek is married and has been a dedicated Life and Earth Sciences Teacher at the secondary school level since 1995. She has been actively involved in research, serving as the primary author of four scientific publications. Her work explores the effects of allelochemicals on the germination and growth of agricultural crops.📘

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓

 

📚 Educational Journey:

1987: Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematical Sciences from Taher Sfar High School, Mahdia, Tunisia. 1995: Master’s Degree in Natural Sciences from the Faculty of Sciences, Sfax, Tunisia. 2007: Master of Research in Industrial Biotechnology from INSAT, Tunis, Tunisia. 2017: PhD in Biological Sciences and Biotechnology from the Institute of Agronomy of Chott Meriam, Sousse, Tunisia.

📝 Scientific Contributions:

Primary author of four impactful publications in 2023, focusing on the allelopathic effects of various plant species on agricultural crops. Effects of allelochemicals from Juniperus phoenicea L. needles on the germination and growth of chosen agricultural crops. The mode of action of allelochemicals aqueous leaf extracts of some Cupressaceae species on lettuce. Allelopathic effects of Tetraclinis articulata on barley, lettuce, radish, and tomato. Chemical composition and phytotoxicity of Cupressus sempervirens leaves against crops.

🏆 Achievements and Certificates:

Received a Certificate and Medal for Cultural Creativity in 2007 from the Ministry of Education. Active participant in cultural events and recognized for contributions to “THE LIGHT OF LETTERS” in 2016.

🎓 Training and Continuous Learning:

Completed Creativity and Innovation Training from the BRITISH COUNCIL in March 2020. Engaged in English Language Training (July-September 2018) and Computer Training (2011/2012) under the Ministry of Education. Committed to continuous pedagogical training from 1995 to 2020.

🌐 Congress Participation:

Active involvement in international congresses, including the 2nd International Allelopathy Congress (2016) and the 4th International Scientific Days on Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Chronic Diseases (2018).

🌱 Research Focus:

Kmar M’Barek’s research primarily revolves around allelopathy, studying the interactions between plants and their biochemical compounds. 🌱 Her work investigates the impact of allelochemicals from Juniperus phoenicea L. needles on the germination and growth of agricultural crops, as published in the South African Journal of Botany (164: 100-110). She delves into the mode of action of allelochemicals from Cupressaceae species on lettuce, detailed in Scientia Horticulturae (252: 29-37). Additionally, her research explores the allelopathic effects of Tetraclinis articulata on barley, lettuce, radish, and tomato (Allelopathy Journal; 43 (2): 187-202) and investigates the chemical composition and phytotoxicity of Cupressus sempervirens leaves against crops (Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plant; 19:7, 1582-1599). 🌿🔬 #AllelopathyResearch #PlantInteractions #BotanicalStudies

 

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