Rystay Kushanova | Plant Genetic Resources | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Dr. Rystay Kushanova | Plant Genetic Resources | Best Academic Researcher Award

Senior Researcher at Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Plant Growing, Kazakhstan.

Dr. Kushanova Rystay Zharmagalievna is a seasoned Senior Researcher with a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences and over 25 years of experience in the field of crop science and genetic conservation. Based at the Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Plant Growing, she has led numerous scientific expeditions to collect and conserve wild relatives of staple crops, playing a pivotal role in genetic resource management in Kazakhstan. Her expertise spans plant breeding, elite seed production, and agricultural biodiversity, with over 50 scientific publications to her name. Dr. Kushanova’s work supports sustainable agricultural innovation and crop improvement efforts critical to the region’s food security.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Agricultural Sciences

  • Specialized in Plant Genetics and Breeding

  • Advanced training in genetic resource conservation, elite seed production, and agronomic research methodologies

  • Over 25 years of continuous academic and field research experience in Kazakhstan’s leading agricultural research institutions

Professional Experience

Senior Researcher – Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Plant Growing

  • Department of Gene Pool of Agricultural Crops

    • Spearheaded scientific expeditions across Kazakhstan to collect and conserve wild relatives of major crops such as wheat, barley, oats, and alfalfa

    • Managed the long-term storage, study, and cataloguing of genetic resources crucial for future crop improvement

  • Plant Breeding & Seed Production

    • Engaged in breeding programs for wheat, barley, oats, and oilseed crops

    • Contributed to the development and scaling of elite seed production systems

    • Supported national agricultural development goals through innovation in crop selection and seed quality improvement

Research Interest 

  • Genetic resource conservation of wild and cultivated agricultural species

  • Plant breeding and cultivar development of cereals and oilseeds

  • Seed technology and elite seed production systems

  • Adaptation strategies for crops in arid and semi-arid regions

  • Agrobiodiversity and gene pool management

Author Metrics:

  • Total Publications: 50+

    • RINZ-indexed: 15

    • KOKSON-indexed: 20

    • Scopus-indexed: 5

  • Contributed to international conferences, research collaborations, and national scientific development initiatives

Top Noted Publication

Photosynthetic Activity of Spring Wheat on Chernozem Soil under Diverse Mineral Nutrition in Northern Kazakhstan

Authors:

  • T.Z. Aidarbekova

  • T. Zh. Aidarbekova

  • Abilzhan A. Khussainov

  • Gulsum T. Syzdykova

  • I. A. Nurpeissov

  • R. Zh. Kushanova

Published In:
Sabrao Journal of Breeding and Genetics, 2024

Main Focus:
This study investigates the photosynthetic performance of spring wheat cultivated on chernozem (black soil) under varying mineral nutrition regimes in Northern Kazakhstan. The goal is to determine how different fertilizer treatments influence the photosynthetic efficiency, growth dynamics, and overall productivity of spring wheat—an essential cereal crop for the region.

Conclusion

Dr. Rystay Kushanova is highly suitable for the Best Academic Researcher Award, especially given her pioneering contributions to plant genetic resource conservation, elite seed systems, and national agricultural development in Kazakhstan. Her decades-long career, impact on crop sustainability, and leadership in field research exemplify academic excellence rooted in applied science.

While increasing her international collaborations and Scopus-indexed output would elevate her profile further, her current achievements are already compelling and deserving of high recognition.