Adnan Lahuf | Plant Viruses | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Adnan Lahuf | Plant Viruses | Best Researcher Award

Academic Professor | University of Kerbala | Iraq

Professor Dr. Adnan A. Lahuf, an esteemed scholar and researcher in Plant Virology, serves in the Plant Protection Department at the College of Agriculture, University of Kerbala. He holds a BSc in Plant Protection Sciences and an MSc in Plant Pathology from the University of Kufa, Iraq, and earned his PhD in Plant Virology from the University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom. With a distinguished academic and professional career, Dr. Lahuf has contributed extensively to plant disease diagnostics, molecular virology, and biocontrol methods, holding leadership roles such as Registration Manager of the College of Agriculture and Editor-in-Chief of the Kerbala Journal for Agricultural Sciences. His professional service includes membership in the American Society of Plant Pathology and the Arab Plant Protection Society, as well as participation in multiple national scientific and agricultural conferences. Dr. Lahuf’s research primarily focuses on plant viruses, fungal pathogens, and nanotechnology-based plant disease management. He has authored numerous publications in international journals, reporting several first records of plant diseases and developing innovative, cost-effective diagnostic techniques. As a dedicated mentor, he has supervised doctoral and master’s students, conducted workshops and training programs, and received multiple commendations for his academic excellence and institutional service. His scholarly impact is reflected through 251 Citations, 38 Documents, 11 h-index.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

1. Lahuf, A. A., & Kareem, A. A. (2019). Evaluation the potential of indigenous biocontrol agent Trichoderma harzianum and its interactive effect with nanosized ZnO particles against the sunflower damping-off pathogen. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 365, 012033.

2. Lahuf, A. A., Jaafar, O. H., Al-Mosoy, M., & Hameed, Z. L. (2018). First record of the crown rot fungus Fusarium equiseti affecting Triticum aestivum L. and Aptenia cordifolia in Iraq. Asian Journal of Agriculture and Biology, 6(4), 543–548.

3. Abdulmoohsin, R. G., & Lahuf, A. A. (2019). Bioefficiency of some indigenous biocontrol agents against Rhizoctonia solani causing cowpea seed rot and preemergence damping-off. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science: 4th International Conference.

4. Al-Tememe, Z. A. M., & Lahuf, A. A. (2019). Occurrence, identification, pathogenicity and control of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum fungus, the causal agent of sooty canker on Eucalyptus camaldulensis in Kerbala province of Iraq. Plant Archives, 19(1), 31–38.

5. Lahuf, A. A. (2019). First report of Fusarium proliferatum causing stem and root rot on lucky bamboo (Dracaena braunii) in Iraq. Hellenic Plant Protection Journal, 12, 1.

Dr. Yaakoub Gharbi | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yaakoub Gharbi | Plant Pathology | Best Researcher Award

The Olive Tree Institute |Tunisia.

Author Profile

Scopus

🎓EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Yaakoub Gharbi began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences from the University of Sfax in 2008, laying the foundation for his specialization in molecular and cellular biology. In 2010, he completed a Master’s degree focused on the genetic diversity of Leishmania parasites infecting humans in Tunisia, a crucial early step in his foray into infectious diseases and molecular parasitology. His PhD in Biological Sciences (2015) from the University of Sfax honed his focus on Mycology and Plant Pathology, particularly investigating the genetic diversity of Verticillium dahliae—a major fungal pathogen threatening olive trees.

💼PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Currently serving as a Research Assistant at the Olive Tree Institute of Tunisia (since 2017), Dr. Gharbi is a dedicated professional in the field of plant pathology. His work integrates:

  1. The development of molecular tools for pathogen detection
  2. Field surveys across Tunisia to monitor and identify emerging plant diseases
  3. Research into biological control compounds for fungal diseases in olive cultivation
  4. Offering technical support and outreach to farmers and agricultural professionals

His professional portfolio also includes postdoctoral research in Canada, where he worked at the University of Manitoba on Fusarium species impacting soybean and wheat crops, adding international scope to his expertise.

🔬CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON PLANT PATHOLOGY

Dr. Gharbi has extensive experience in the field of fungal pathogens, particularly in:

  • Verticillium wilt of olive trees
  • Root rot and head blight caused by Fusarium spp. in legumes and cereals
  • The molecular identification of entomopathogenic fungi and bacteria
  • Research into pathogen genetic structure, virulence factors, and host-pathogen dynamics

His research contributes to the sustainable protection of high-value crops, especially olives, a cultural and economic cornerstone of the Mediterranean region.

🌍IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

  • Dr. Gharbi’s work has had a tangible impact on disease management in olive cultivation, improving agricultural resilience in Tunisia and the broader Mediterranean.
  • Through projects like “PESTOLIVE” and “BiOlive”, he has helped shape regional plant protection strategies and offered innovative, eco-friendly approaches to pest and disease control.
  • His collaborative projects have led to international cooperation, especially between Tunisia and countries like Germany and Canada.

🏆RESEARCH GRANTS AND FUNDING

Throughout his career, Dr. Gharbi has contributed to internationally funded research projects, including:

  • The German-Tunisian “BiOlive” Project, which received support for studying biocontrol agents and entomopathogenic microorganisms
  • The Mediterranean “PESTOLIVE” project, aimed at understanding Verticillium wilt epidemiology and control
  • Research collaboration grants during his postdoctoral work in Canada, focusing on cross-pathogenicity and mycotoxins

These programs highlight his role as a valuable asset in multidisciplinary and multinational research initiatives.

🌟A VISIONARY IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Dr. Yaakoub Gharbi’s visionary approach in plant infectious diseases reflects a commitment to early detection, genomic surveillance, and sustainable control strategies. His work underscores the interconnection between plant health, food security, and ecosystem resilience.

📑NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS

Isolation and characterization of Erwinia amylovora-specific phages for biocontrol of fire blight disease in Tunisia

  • Authors: E. Bouazizi, Y. Gharbi (Yâakoub), H. Hfayeth, M.A. Triki
  • Year: 2025
  • Journal: Journal of Agriculture and Food Research

First report of Neofusicoccum australe causing branch die-back of apple trees in Tunisia

  • Authors: E. Bouazizi, Y. Gharbi (Yâakoub), H. Hfayeth, S. Gharbi, M.A. Triki
  • Year: 2025
  • Journal: Journal of Plant Pathology

Comparing Fusarium inoculation protocols for soybean root rot infection

  • Authors: N. Garma, M. El-Shetehy, M. Sayari, D.L. McLaren, F. Daayf
  • Year: 2025
  • Journal: Journal of Plant Pathology