Ms. Nina Kon’kova | Crop Breeding | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Nina Kon’kova | Crop Breeding | N. I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources | Russia

Ms. Nina G. Kon’kova, an accomplished researcher at the N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, has established herself as a prominent figure in the field of plant genetics, agro-biotechnology, and seed quality sensing technologies. Holding a Ph.D. in Plant Genetics from a recognized Russian university, Ms. Kon’kova has consistently advanced the scientific understanding of genetic diversity, crop quality assessment, and the use of advanced spectroscopic sensing methods in agricultural research. Throughout her professional career, she has been deeply engaged in projects related to the genetic evaluation of crops, genome-wide identification of gene families, and rapid quality assessment techniques using infrared spectroscopy, contributing to sustainable agricultural development and the preservation of plant genetic resources. Her international collaborations, particularly those addressing Cyperus esculentus L., Taraxacum kok-saghyz, and various cereal species, demonstrate her multidisciplinary expertise and global engagement in plant biotechnology research. Ms. Kon’kova’s research interests include plant genomics, phenotypic variability, infrared spectroscopy-based sensing, molecular breeding, and bioinformatics-driven crop improvement. Her research skills span molecular genetic analysis, high-throughput phenotyping, spectral data interpretation, and agronomic evaluation methods that enhance accuracy and reproducibility in crop trait studies. With 17 Scopus-indexed publications, 125 citations, and an h-index of 3, she has significantly contributed to internationally recognized journals such as Foods (MDPI), Plants (MDPI), and Proceedings on Applied Botany, Genetics and Breeding.

Professional Profiles: ORCID | Scopus

Featured Publications

Kon’kova, N. G., Khoreva, V. I., Popov, V. S., Yakusheva, T. V., Kibkalo, I. A., Malyshev, L. L., & Solovyеva, A. E. (2025). Technological assessment of bread with the addition of Cyperus esculentus L. accessions flour grown in the Kuban–Azov Plain. Foods. (Cited by 5)
Shen, G., Zhou, L., Zheng, F., Yu, Z., Yang, Y., Zhang, W., & Kon’kova, N. G. (2025). Study on seed quality testing of Russian dandelion. Proceedings on Applied Botany, Genetics and Breeding. (Cited by 0)
Gancheva, M., Kon’kova, N., Solovyeva, A., Danilov, L., Gusev, K., & Lutova, L. (2024). Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the CLAVATA3/ESR-related gene family in Tiger Nut. International Journal of Plant Biology. (Cited by 4)
Popov, V. S., Kon’kova, N. G., Shelenga, T. V., Khoreva, V. I., Kibkalo, I. A., Gadjimagomedova, M. Kh., & Suvaryan, L. G. (2024). Rapid assessment of main agronomic indicators in the grain of winter and spring forms of triticale using infrared spectroscopy. Proceedings on Applied Botany, Genetics and Breeding. (Cited by 6)
Popov, V. S., Salikova, A. V., Perchuk, I. N., Kon’kova, N. G., Egorova, G. P., Vishnyakova, M. A., & Shelenga, T. V. (2024). Rapid assessment of the main economic value indicators in lupine flour samples using infrared spectroscopy. Proceedings on Applied Botany, Genetics and Breeding. (Cited by 3)
Kon’kova, N. G., Khoreva, V. I., Popov, V. S., Yakusheva, T. V., Malyshev, L. L., Solovyeva, A. E., & Shelenga, T. V. (2024). Variability of the main economically valuable characteristics of Cyperus esculentus L. in various ecological and geographical conditions. Plants. (Cited by 9)
Shen, G., Zheng, F., Zhou, L., Zeng, X., & Kon’kova, N. G. (2024). Effects of irrigation frequency on growth and yields of Taraxacum kok-saghyz Rodin. Proceedings on Applied Botany, Genetics and Breeding. (Cited by 5)

Dr. PAVLOS TSOUVALTZIS | Plant physiology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. PAVLOS TSOUVALTZIS, University of Florida, United States

Dr. Pavlos Tsouvaltzis, an accomplished horticulturist, specializes in vegetable crops and postharvest technology. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Vegetable Horticulture at the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida. With a strong academic foundation from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), his expertise lies in enhancing vegetable production and postharvest quality using innovative techniques. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and supervised graduate theses internationally. Dr. Tsouvaltzis actively contributes as a reviewer for scientific journals and serves on editorial boards, emphasizing sustainable and technologically advanced horticultural practices. 🌍🌿

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Suitability of PAVLOS TSOUVALTZIS for the Best Researcher Award

Pavlos Tsouvaltzis exhibits a remarkable track record in the field of vegetable horticulture, with an impressive academic and research career spanning several prestigious institutions, including the University of Florida and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

Education 🎓

Dr. Tsouvaltzis pursued his BSc in Agriculture (2001), MSc in Horticultural Science (2003), and Ph.D. in Vegetable Horticulture (2008) from AUTh. His Ph.D. dissertation explored the physiology and quality of minimally processed leek. He furthered his education through sabbaticals and short courses in postharvest technologies and molecular techniques at renowned institutions, including the University of Florida and UC Davis. His interdisciplinary training underscores his dedication to advancing horticultural science. 🧬📘

Experience 💼

Dr. Tsouvaltzis has held various academic positions, progressing from Lecturer to Associate Professor at AUTh before joining the University of Florida in 2023. He has also served as a postdoctoral associate at UF’s Horticultural Sciences Department. His international collaborations include research in Italy and mentoring visiting scholars from Turkey and Argentina. His academic leadership extends to advising numerous graduate theses and contributing to global agricultural research. 🌎📚

Research Interests 🔬

Dr. Tsouvaltzis is passionate about vegetable crop production, postharvest biology, and sustainable horticulture. His research emphasizes improving the nutritional quality of vegetables, employing non-destructive techniques, and understanding the impacts of environmental stresses. He also explores innovative cultivation systems like hydroponics to optimize yield and quality. His work bridges fundamental research and practical applications for global food security. 🌾🌱

Awards 🏆

Dr. Tsouvaltzis has received recognition for his significant contributions to horticulture, including nominations for prestigious awards. His efforts have been acknowledged by international conferences and organizations, reflecting his dedication to advancing sustainable agricultural practices. 🌟🎖

Publications 📚

Non-Destructive Detection of Pesticide-Treated Baby Leaf Lettuce During Production and Post-Harvest Storage Using Visible and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Effect of Salinity on the Growth and Biochemical Profile of Hedypnois cretica and Plantago coronopus Plants in Relation to the Cropping System and Growth Environment

Quality Traits and Nutritional Components of Cherry Tomato in Relation to the Harvesting Period, Storage Duration and Fruit Position in the Truss

The Impacts of the Emerging Climate Change on Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck.) Crop

Nutritional composition changes in bell pepper as affected by the ripening stage of fruits at harvest or postharvest storage and assessed non-destructively

Improvement of the quality in hydroponically grown fresh aromatic herbs by inducing mild salinity stress is species-specific

Ms. Nina Kon’kova | Crop Breeding | Best Researcher Award