Science Associates / Specialization:
Biofertilizers
Aditi Pandit
Aditi Pandit
Affiliation
University of Georgia
Location
Athens, Georgia, USA
Research Description
My research focuses on plant-microbe interactions, particularly arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Currently, I am studying AMF-Sorghum-*Trichoderma* interactions. My prior research explored orchid-mycorrhizal relationships for conservation, while my Ph.D. focused on studying the diversity and functional roles of AMF-associated bacterial biofilms, which ultimately led to the development of a commercially available biofertilizer.
specializations
biomes
Ana L. Bravo-Cazar
Ana L. Bravo-Cazar
Affiliation
Universidad Regional Amazonica Ikiam
Location
Ecuador
Research Description
Microbial communities are key to plant health and sustainable agriculture. My research explores plant-microbe interactions, focusing on disease management, soil health, and crop resilience. By studying microbial biodiversity, I aim to support ecosystem restoration and sustainable cultivation through integrated microbial diversity research.
specializations
biomes
Antonio Marcos Miranda Silva
Antonio Marcos Miranda Silva
Affiliation
University of Southern Denmark
Location
Denmark
Research Description
I am a postdoctoral researcher in Denmark working on a project aimed at promoting lake restoration across Europe. My research focuses on utilising microbes, including bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi, to enhance the recycling of nutrients, particularly phosphorus, from nutrient-rich sediments dredged from lakes. I am eager to expand my professional network and collaborate with researchers worldwide to further explore these microbial interactions and their potential applications.
specializations
biomes
Anukool Vaishnav
Anukool Vaishnav
Affiliation
Laboratory of Fungal Biology, Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences
Location
Czechia
Research Description
His research focuses on utilizing arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and other beneficial soil microbes to enhance plant growth under stress conditions. Currently, Dr. Vaishnav is dedicated to working on multi-kingdom interactions in soil for the recycling of organic nutrients, as well as how AMF may influence these interactions.
specializations
biomes
anukoolv7@gmail.com
Dora Chao Kilalo
Dora Chao Kilalo
Affiliation
University of Nairobi
Location
Kenya
Research Description
I am a lecturer in Crop Protection at the University of Nairobi, specializing in plant pathology, biological pest control, and sustainable agriculture. My work includes supervising research on fungal diseases in sorghum, exploring the use of Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana to manage storage and field pests, and studying arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in relation to crop health and agricultural practices. I also support community efforts to promote mushroom cultivation as an alternative protein source in dryland regions.
specializations
biomes
dchao@uonbi.ac.ke
Dr. Krishna Saharan
Dr. Krishna Saharan
Affiliation
Agriculture University Jodhpur
Location
Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Research Description
At the Agriculture University of Jodhpur India, Krishna Saharan holds a dual role as an Assistant Professor and a Soil Microbiologist. Her studies are primarily concerned with the interactions between plant microorganisms (mycorrhiza fungi and plant growth-promoting rhizobacterua), the functional variety of PGPRs and AM fungi, and their field applications. Her research has shown important connections between the functions of agroforestry, soil biogeochemical cycle, mycorrhizae, mycology, bioinoculants, soil microbial ecology, fungal ecology, plant-microbe interactions, and agroforestry agriculture microbiology.
specializations
biomes
Dushyant Dudhagara
Dushyant Dudhagara
Affiliation
Bhakta Kavi Narsinh Mehta University
Location
Dungarpur, India
Research Description
Working in the field of the marine and terrestrial fungus
specializations
biomes
Esther Kanduma
Esther Kanduma
Affiliation
University of Nairobi
Location
Kenya
Research Description
Genetic characterization and population structure of mycorrhizal species in drylands savannah in Kenya
specializations
biomes
ekanduma@uonbi.ac.ke
FAGNIBO Adélaïde Hinhami
FAGNIBO Adélaïde Hinhami
Affiliation
PhD at National University of Agriculture and affiliated with the laboratory of Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Water and Soil Conservation
Location
Abomey-Calavi/ Benin
Research Description
This study will focus on understanding the microbial fauna of the lower mycorrhizal fungi species colonising the rhizosphere of market garden crops in Benin. Mapping them will enable us not only to assess their diversity but also to conserve them for sustainable production.
specializations
biomes
fagniboad@gmail.com
Felipe Gainza
Felipe Gainza
Affiliation
Viña Concha y Toro
Location
Talca, Chile
Research Description
Plant molecular biology, use of beneficial microorganisms for mitigate grapevine diseases. Plant genetic engeneering.
specializations
biomes
Juliana Silva Rodrigues Cabral
Juliana Silva Rodrigues Cabral
Affiliation
Universidade de Rio Verde
Location
Rio Verde - Goiás - Brasil
Research Description
I work with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from the Brazilian Cerrado, evaluating their biodiversity in the Biome and application in large crops and fruit trees. In addition to research focusing on the physiological and biochemical traits of plants when in the presence of these organisms in the face of climate change.
specializations
biomes
jsrcabral@gmail.com
Manuela Giovannetti
Manuela Giovannetti
Affiliation
University of Pisa
Location
Pisa, Italy
Research Description
Structure and function of mycorrhizal networks and their role in soil carbon sequestration. Anastomosis formation, nuclear exchange and nutrient flows in mycorrhizal networks. Ex-situ and in-situ conservation of mycorrhizal fungi. Vegetative compatibility and genetic diversity in mycorrhizal networks. Survival strategies of mycorrhizal fungi in agroecosystems.
specializations
biomes
Maria Victoria Vignale
Maria Victoria Vignale
Affiliation
Universidad Nacional de Misiones - InBioMis e Instituto Misionero de Biodiversidad
Location
Puerto Iguazu, Misiones, Argentina
Research Description
Caracterización y comparación entre poblaciones de hongos micorrícicos arbusculares asociados a yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis). Promoción del crecimiento vegetal.
specializations
biomes
Marlon Oswaldo Pineda Escobar
Marlon Oswaldo Pineda Escobar
Affiliation
Universidad Nacional de Loja
Location
Loja, Ecuador
Research Description
My research aims to diagnose and identify plant pathogens such as bacteria, fungi and nematodes in the crops of small and large farmers. I am also investigating the potential of beneficial microorganisms to control economic diseases affecting crops in sourthern Ecuador.
specializations
biomes
Melina Rodríguez Badillo
Melina Rodríguez Badillo
Affiliation
Universidad Regional Amazónica IKIAM
Location
Tena, Ecuador
Research Description
I am a microbiologist and university researcher specializing in microbial diversity in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, emerging pathogens, and natural extracts with therapeutic potential. My focus is on the impact of microorganisms on health, biotechnology, agriculture, and the environment, combining applied research with innovative teaching.
specializations
biomes
Mohamed Hijri
Mohamed Hijri
Affiliation
University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P)
Location
Morocco
Research Description
My research interests encompass plant-microbiome interaction, environmental microbiology, and mycology. My research program focuses on understanding mycorrhizal symbiosis, particularly the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. My attention is specifically centered towards the fungus side of this symbiosis, known as AM fungi, which play a vital role in terrestrial ecosystems.
specializations
biomes
Momnjoh Edna kindzeka
Momnjoh Edna kindzeka
Affiliation
The University of Bamenda
Location
Bamenda
Research Description
specializations
biomes
Nishank Reddy
Nishank Reddy
Affiliation
Mahatma Gandhi university
Location
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Research Description
Involved in Reclamation of saline and sodic soils through use of diverse mycorrhizal spores as per Agro-ecosystems.
specializations
biomes
Obaiya Utoblo
Obaiya Utoblo
Affiliation
University of Jos
Location
Nigeria
Research Description
My research focuses on improving crops by studying their relationship with the environment, the role of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in crop productivity under optimal and stressed conditions, and exploring ecosystems to identify AMF communities, analyze their diversity, and the effects of climate change on them.
specializations
biomes
Patricia Vaz Jauri
Patricia Vaz Jauri
Affiliation
Universidad de la República, Uruguay
Location
Montevideo, Uruguay
Research Description
I work on microbial ecology, particularly in soils and plants. I am fascinated by how interactions between microorganisms that may be phylogenetically close or quite distant, may participate in shaping the overall health status of a system.
specializations
biomes
Premsagar Korripally
Premsagar Korripally
Affiliation
Mahatma Gandhi University
Location
Telangana, India
Research Description
Dr. K. Premsagar research expertise lies in Characterization of metal ion transporters from Neurospora crassa and their role in life cycle development and fungal biodegradation of lignocellulose. Currently working on Trichoderma metal ion transporters, isolation of fungal biofertilizers from hill and mountain areas in Nalgonda region.
specializations
biomes
korripally@gmail.com
Rafael Morales Astudillo
Rafael Morales Astudillo
Affiliation
Raymi Llacta
Location
Loja Loja Ecuador
Research Description
La investigación esta basada en todos los componentes de la agricultura regenerativa, no solamente las alternativas para recuperar los suelos, si no también las selección de nuevas variedades de plantas adaptadas a estas técnicas, estamos comparando las diferentes técnicas: aplicación de abonos orgánicos, sobretodo basados en bioles, compost y y con microorganismos enriquecedores del suelo: microorganismos de montaña, controladores biológicos: Trichoderma, Bauberia bassiana, Bacillus thuringiensis, micorrizas. Las investigaciones se realizan en terrenos de los campesinos y en terrenos experimentales de Raymi Llacta, sostenida mente estamos realizando cursos de capacitación para agricultores en toda la provincia de Loja, además los resultados están publicados en la revista "Naturaleza" de la casa de la Cultura ecuatoriana núcleo de Loja, así como son expuestos en los "Martes de Naturaleza" de la misma casa de la cultura a donde asisten autoridades, estudiantes y profesores de universidades y colegios así como periodistas. En mi tesis de doctorado de estado trabajamos sobre el poder patógeno de Helminthosporium maydis y las relaciones huesped parásito.
specializations
biomes
Ramona Marasco
Ramona Marasco
Affiliation
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Location
Saudi Arabia, Thuwal
Research Description
With 15 years of research experience in environmental microbiology and microbial ecology, I study microbial communities across the globe to unveil their diversity and functional roles in diverse terrestrial and marine habitats, investigating microbial hotspots and exploring host-microbial interactions in soil, plants and arthropods.
specializations
biomes
Romuald Oba
Romuald Oba
Affiliation
University of Yaoundé I
Location
Yaoundé, Cameroon
Research Description
Investigation of soil fungi diversity and its impact in plants resilience mechanisms towards climate change.
specializations
biomes
Sadhana Shukla
Sadhana Shukla
Affiliation
Manav Rachna International Institute of Research & Studies
Location
India
Research Description
My research focuses on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in soil carbon sequestration, plant growth, and ecosystem balance. I study fungal diversity in soil and air, with interests in medicinal plant pathology. I investigate mycorrhizal influence on soil biota, plant health, and immunity via elicitors and nutrient signaling.
specializations
biomes
Santiago Perez-Bernal
Santiago Perez-Bernal
Affiliation
FiBL
Location
Switzerland
Research Description
I'm a microbiologist working at the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) in Switzerland, focusing on biodiversity in urban environments. My background is in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as biofertilizers within different cropping systems. I'm now exploring how fungi can support biodiversity and sustainable agriculture in urban areas.
specializations
biomes
Sarah Symanczik
Sarah Symanczik
Affiliation
Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL)
Location
Frick, Switzerland
Research Description
Scientists work in the Nutrient Management and Symbiosis group within the Soil Science Department at FiBL. My work focuses on understanding the effects of agricultural management practices and climate change on the structure and functioning of the soil microbiome and the use of biofertilizers in agriculture.
specializations
biomes
Shaylan Kolodney
Shaylan Kolodney
Affiliation
University of Maryland
Location
Maryland, USA
Research Description
I am a PhD student of agroecology, particularly interested in the relationship between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, switchgrass cultivation practices, and soil carbon sequestration. My research focuses on how we can manage agroecosystems in the face of climate change symptoms, such as saltwater intrusion.
specializations
biomes
Silvia Natal David Mausse-Sitoe
Silvia Natal David Mausse-Sitoe
Affiliation
Eduardo Mondlane University
Location
Mozambique
Research Description
My research primarily focuses on understanding the interactions between soil microorganisms and their environment. This includes studying how microbial communities contribute to soil health, nutrient cycling, and plant growth. My work also explores how environmental factors, such as climate change, land management practices, and soil contamination, affect microbial populations and ecosystem services. By examining these interactions, I aim to develop sustainable agricultural practices and environmental management strategies to improve soil health and promote biodiversity.
specializations
biomes
Yamunasri Palanisamy
Yamunasri Palanisamy
Affiliation
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
Location
India
Research Description
I am currently working on the soil microorganisms which influence plant growth and promotion
