Prof. Dr. Soner Soylu, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Turkey
Prof. Dr. Soner Soylu is a Professor of Plant Pathology at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Turkey. His research focuses on fungal and bacterial plant diseases, including pathogen identification, biological control, and antimicrobial activity of natural products. With a Ph.D. from Imperial College London, he has led numerous national and international research projects and published extensively in top-tier journals. Prof. Soylu is recognized for his contributions to plant disease management and serves on editorial boards of several scientific journals.
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Summary:
Prof. Dr. Soner Soylu is a distinguished academic whose work is rooted in rigorous scientific research and meaningful contributions to plant pathology and crop protection. His career reflects dedication to high-quality research, mentorship, and international collaboration. He is recognized both for foundational work in disease identification and for applied studies targeting sustainable solutions to plant health challenges.
🎓 Education
Prof. Dr. Soner Soylu earned his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from Imperial College London in 1998. His academic foundation in plant protection and pathology was further strengthened by rigorous research training and international exposure during his doctoral studies. This educational background laid the groundwork for his specialization in fungal and bacterial plant diseases.
💼Experience
Prof. Soylu is a full-time Professor at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Protection. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has led and contributed to 85 research projects funded by universities, government agencies, the European Union, and private organizations. In addition to academic research, he has also been involved in six consultancy and industry-sponsored projects. He has played a crucial role in supervising numerous MSc and Ph.D. theses and serves as Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board Member for various prestigious scientific journals.
🔬Research Focus
Prof. Soylu’s primary research areas include plant fungal and bacterial diseases, focusing particularly on the identification and control of soilborne and seedborne pathogens. He investigates the use of natural substances and beneficial microorganisms to manage plant diseases, with a strong emphasis on environmentally sustainable solutions. His work contributes to the understanding of host-pathogen interactions and plant immune responses, especially through the molecular identification of obligate pathogens and post-harvest diseases. His contributions to mycology and bacteriology are recognized for their practical implications and scientific excellence.
🛠️Skills
Prof. Soylu possesses extensive expertise in molecular and morphological identification of plant pathogens, evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of natural products including essential oils and nanoparticles, and the study of induced resistance mechanisms in plants. He is skilled in applying biological control methods using beneficial microorganisms such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and antagonistic fungi. His proficiency extends to research design, data analysis, publication, and collaborative scientific leadership across interdisciplinary teams.
🏆Awards
Prof. Soylu’s research has earned him national and international recognition, with 135 publications in SCI and Scopus-indexed journals. His citation metrics are notable, with an H-index of 20 on Web of Science/Scopus and 32 on Google Scholar, totaling over 5,025 citations. His work has led to numerous first reports of plant diseases in Turkey, contributing significantly to the country’s agricultural biosecurity. His contributions to plant pathology and biological control have made him a highly respected figure in the scientific community.
📚 Publications
Title: Molecular identification and pathogenicity of Botryosphaeriaceae species associated with citrus wood diseases in the eastern Mediterranean region of Türkiye
Authors: Kurt, Ş., Uysal, A., Guarnaccia, V., Soylu, S., Oğuz, M.
Year: 2025
Journal: Journal of Plant Pathology
Title: Disease prevalence, incidence, morphological and molecular characterisation of Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae causing collar rot disease on peanut plants in Turkey
Authors: Özkaya, S., Soylu, S., Kara, M., Bilaloğlu, İ., Lavkor, I.
Year: 2024
Journal: Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection
Title: Morphological and molecular characterization of Fusarium incarnatum as a causal disease agent of pepper (Capsicum annuum) fruit rot
Authors: Soylu, S., Atay, M., Kara, M., Soylu, E.M., Kurt, Ş.
Year: 2023
Journal: Journal of Phytopathology
Title: First report of powdery mildew caused by Podosphaera xanthii on okra in Türkiye
Authors: Soylu, S., Kara, M., Soylu, E.M., Uysal, A., Kurt, Ş.
Year: 2023 (assumed)
Title: Molecular characterization of stem gall disease caused by Agrobacterium tumefaciens (= Agrobacterium biovar 1) on Citrus trees as a new host, in the Eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey
Authors: Bozkurt, İ.A., Soylu, S., Kara, M., Altan, B., Çarpar, H.
Year: 2023
Journal: Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection
Title: Determination of the chemical composition and antifungal activity of wood vinegar (pyroligneous acid) against the onion bulb rot disease caused by Fusarium proliferatum
Authors: Kara, M., Soylu, S., Soylu, E.M., Kurt, Ş., Türkmen, M.
Year: 2023
Journal: Gesunde Pflanzen
Conclusion:
Prof. Dr. Soner Soylu is an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His research track record, leadership in academic publishing, and impact on sustainable agricultural practices strongly align with the values and criteria of this award. With further engagement in innovation and global visibility, his contributions will continue to inspire and advance the field significantly.