HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-FARM2FORK-01-two-stage: Plant Genomics and Molecular Biotechnology for Emerging Plant Pest Risks and Crop Resistance

Research expertise and potential contribution

I am Assoc. Prof. Muhammad Azhar Nadeem, Associate Professor of Plant Biotechnology at Mersin University, Türkiye, and Adjunct Professor at Samarkand State University, Uzbekistan. My research focuses on plant genomics, molecular biotechnology, genetic diversity, germplasm characterization, and the application of genomic approaches to crop improvement.

My expertise includes next-generation sequencing (NGS), DNA molecular markers, genetic diversity and population structure analysis, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), identification of marker–trait associations (MTAs), and development and validation of molecular markers for marker-assisted selection (MAS), particularly in cereals and legumes.

Within the Horizon Europe topic HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-FARM2FORK-01-two-stage, I am interested in contributing molecular and genomic approaches to strengthen plant health research, investigate emerging plant pest risks, and support the identification and utilization of genetic resources with improved resistance to economically important plant pests and diseases.

Potential contributions to the project include:

• Molecular characterization and genetic assessment of crop germplasm to identify genetic resources with potential resistance or tolerance to emerging plant pests and diseases.

• Application of DNA molecular markers and next-generation sequencing technologies to investigate genetic variation associated with host resistance.

• Identification of genomic regions and marker–trait associations underlying resistance to economically important pathogens and pests through GWAS and related genomic approaches.

• Development and validation of molecular markers, including KASP assays, for the selection of resistant genotypes and integration into marker-assisted breeding programmes.

• Genetic characterization of crop populations and germplasm to identify valuable sources of resistance for sustainable crop improvement.

• Investigation of genotype-by-environment interactions (G×E) to assess the stability of resistance and crop performance under different environmental conditions.

• Integration of molecular, genomic, and field-based phenotypic information to support the identification and development of resistant and resilient crop varieties.

• Contribution to interdisciplinary research connecting plant genomics, molecular diagnostics, host resistance, and sustainable plant health management.

Research experience and collaboration capacity

I have participated in several national and international research projects, including ERA-NET SusCrop, COST Actions, TÜBİTAK 1001, 1003 and 1007 programmes, TAGEM-funded projects, and university-funded research projects.

My scientific contributions include more than 100 SCI/SCIE-indexed publications, over 4,700 citations, an h-index of 34, and seven edited books published by Springer. I have also been recognized among the World's Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier (2023–2026).

My research experience in plant genomics, molecular marker development, germplasm evaluation, and genomic data analysis provides a strong foundation for collaborative research on host genetic resistance and molecular approaches to sustainable plant health.

Expected collaboration

I am interested in joining an international Horizon Europe consortium as a research partner, particularly in work packages involving host plant genetics, molecular characterization, genomic analysis, resistance screening, molecular marker development, and genomics-assisted breeding for plant health improvement.

I welcome collaboration with universities, plant protection research institutes, plant pathology laboratories, entomology groups, plant health authorities, diagnostic technology developers, and agricultural biotechnology companies.

I am particularly interested in interdisciplinary collaborations connecting plant genomics and molecular breeding with plant pathology, entomology, pest surveillance, molecular diagnostics, and integrated pest management.

My objective is to contribute advanced plant genomic and molecular biotechnology approaches to support the identification of resistance sources, improve crop resilience, and strengthen sustainable strategies for addressing emerging plant pest risks.