I am a dedicated and committed Postdoctoral Research Fellow specializing in Forest Ecology and Botany. My career objective is to "Discover Nature and Oblige Humanity" , a principle that guides my research into the critical ecosystems of Southern China. Currently affiliated with the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , my work focuses on the leaf physiological mechanisms that drive forest productivity, particularly in response to nutrient additions like phosphorus and potassium. This research is vital for understanding ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change.
My academic journey has taken me from foundational work on wheat and oats genetics in Pakistan to advanced ecological studies in subtropical forests. In addition to my research, I have extensive experience in academia as a Lecturer and Head of the Department of Botany at PIAST College Khanewal , where I also served as an Academic Manager. These roles have honed my leadership, communication, and organizational
EDUCATION
Post Doctoral Research - University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing (Expected 2026)
Ph.D. Forest Ecology
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing (2024)
Dissertation Title: Leaf physiological mechanisms underlying the response of net primary productivity to phosphorus and potassium additions in forest Ecosystem in Southern China
M. Phil Botany
- University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan (2018)
Dissertation Title: Genetic analysis of fodder yield and quality attributes in fodder oats (Avena sativa L.)
M. Sc Botany
- GC University Faisalabad, Pakistan (2016)
Dissertation Title: Effect of alpha-tocopherol and sowing dates on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Plant Science, Forestry, Agronomy and Crop Science, Soil Science
Magnesium-doped biochars increase soil phosphorus availability by regulating phosphorus retention, microbial solubilization and mineralization Muhammed Mustapha Ibrahim, Huiying Lin, Zhaofeng Chang, Zhimin Li, Asif Riaz, Enqing Hou Biochar, 2024 Despite fertilization efforts, phosphorus (P) availability in soils remains a major constraint to global plant productivity. Soil incorporation of biochar could promote soil P availability but its effects remain uncertain. To attain further improvements in soil P availability with biochar, we developed, characterized, and evaluated magnesium-oxide (MgO) and sepiolite (Mg4Si6O15(OH)2·6H2O)-functionalized biochars with optimized P retention/release capacity. Field-based application of these biochars for improving P availability and their mechanisms during three growth stages of maize was investigated. We further leveraged next-generation sequencing to unravel their impacts on the plant growth-stage shifts in soil functional genes regulating P availability. Results showed insignificant variation in P availability between single super phosphate fertilization (F) and its combination with raw biochar (BF). However, the occurrence of Mg-bound minerals on the optimized biochars’ surface adjusted its surface charges and properties and improved the retention and slow release of inorganic P. Compared to BF, available P (AP) was 26.5% and 19.1% higher during the 12-leaf stage and blister stage, respectively, under MgO-optimized biochar + F treatment (MgOBF), and 15.5% higher under sepiolite-biochar + F (SBF) during maize physiological maturity. Cumulatively, AP was 15.6% and 13.2% higher in MgOBF and SBF relative to BF. Hence, plant biomass, grain yield, and P uptake were highest in MgOBF and SBF, respectively at harvest. Optimized-biochar amendment stimulated microbial 16SrRNA gene diversity and suppressed the expression of P starvation response and P uptake and transport-related genes while stimulating P solubilization and mineralization genes. Thus, the optimized biochars promoted P availability via the combined processes of slow-release of retained phosphates, while inducing the microbial solubilization and mineralization of inorganic and organic P, respectively. Our study advances strategies for reducing cropland P limitation and reveals the potential of optimized biochars for improving P availability on the field scale. Graphical Abstract
Role of PGPR on the physiology of sunflower irrigated with produced water containing high total dissolved solids (TDS) and its residual effects on soil fertility Neelam Urooj, Asghari Bano, Asif Riaz International Journal of Phytoremediation, 2022 The present study was conducted to evaluate the bioremediation potential of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) PGPR isolates from high total dissolved solids (TDS) bearing produced water on the water quality, soil physicochemical properties and growth and physiology of sunflower irrigated with high TDS bearing produced water having salinity level 130 times higher above seawater and also containing traces of oil and grease. Seeds of sunflower hybrid Parsun 3 were soaked for 3–4 h prior to sowing in 72 h old culture of PGPR strains W1 and W2 isolated from high TDS bearing polluted water. The control plants were irrigated with 90% diluted TDS water supplemented with 5 ml LB media. Whereas, the inoculated plants were irrigated with 90% diluted TDS water supplemented with 5 ml PGPR inocula.in LB media. The plants were grown under natural conditions. The 16S rRNA sequence analyses identified the isolate W1 bearing 100% similarity with the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) Ralstonia pickettii and W2 bearing 99.7% similarity with Brevibacillus invocatus. Both the isolate were catalase and oxidase positive. The Ralstonia pickettii and Brevibacillus invocatus treatments decreased the EC and TDS values significantly such that the EC and TDS values of 90% diluted TDS water were 29 times and 19 times higher than tap water. Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), organic matter, nitrogen, potassium, magnesium and carbon content were 1.96, 1.10, 2.28 1.20, 6.63 and 1.00 times greater than control in the rhizosphere soil of Ralstonia pickettii inoculated plants irrigated with high TDS bearing water There were significant increases in plant growth, sugar, flavonoids and phenolics, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids content and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase in plants inoculated with Ralstonia pickettii and Brevibacillus invocatus. The flavonoids, phenolics and proline contents were 0.54, 0.72 and 0.30 times higher in Ralstonia pickettii inoculated plants. Shoot/root dry weight ratio was about (50%) lower than control in Ralstonia pickettii and Brevibacillus invocatus treatments. Ralstonia pickettii was more effective than Brevibacillus invocatus to combat oxidative and osmotic stresses. It is inferred that the high TDS bearing produced water from oil factory harbor Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) having the potential to combat high salinity stress in plants when used as bioinoculant. The broth culture containing the bacteria may be supplemented with the saline water used for irrigation as it provides nutrients for the growth and proliferation of bacteria present in the saline water and hence the synergistic action of bacterial inocula with the indigenous bacteria present in saline water may better alleviate osmotic and oxidative stresses of plants encountered under salinity stress. The residual effect of Ralstonia pickettii on organic matter and Ca, Mg, K and P content of the rhizosphere soil was notably higher for succeeding crops. Novelty statement This is the first report demonstrating that rhizobacteria can proliferate in water containing salinity higher above seawater in addition to oil grease and TSS. Their efficiency to reduce TDS can be augmented by an exogenous supply of LB broth culture of PGPR isolated from the polluted water. These indigenous rhizobacteria when used as bioinoculant on the plant can act as plant growth promoters as well as bioremediation of salinity effects.
Efficacy of different weeds and agricultural substrates for cultivation of pleurotus ostreatus (JACQ. FR.) Asian Journal of Agriculture and Biology, 2016
Publications
Evolution of Nutrient limitation from Liebig to modern times in changing climate, Journal of Advanced Research: In review (IF:11.4)
Magnesium-doped biochars increase soil phosphorus availability by regulating phosphorus retention, microbial solubilization and mineralization, Biochar, 6 (1), 1-17 (IF:14.4)
Effects of drought and moisture stress on the growth and ecophysiological traits of Schima superba seedlings, Photosynthesis Research, (IF:3.7)
Venom Derived Nerve Growth Factors and Their Potential Therapeutic Applications, Am J Biomed Sci & Res. 2022 - 15(5). (IF:2.4)
Allelopathic potential of tamarix aphylla on seedling growth of chickpea and wheat: In Review, Abasyn J Life Sci.
Industry, Institute, or Organisation Collaboration
Inter-University Collaboration: Progression of academic work and qualification across multiple institutions, including the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, and GC University Faisalabad.
Funded Research Collaboration: The projects listed are funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, indicating a significant collaboration between the researcher's institute and a national scientific organization.
Professional Development Participation: Participation in courses and workshops presented or authorized by international organizations and universities, such as the World Health Organization, the Royal College of Pathologists, London, and Duke University.
