Academic Background

Degree Discipline University/Country Year
Post Doctorate Agriculture (Resistance through RNAi) University of Toronto, Canada 2008
PhD Agriculture (Molecular Plant Virology) University of London, Imperial College, UK 1997
DIC Agriculture (Plant Virology) University of London, Imperial College, UK 2003
M.Sc. (Hons.) Agri. Agriculture (Plant Pathology) University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 1991
B.Sc. (Hons.) Agri. Agriculture (Plant Pathology) University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 1989

Academic and Research Experience

Position Institution Period
Dean, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences University of the Punjab, Lahore 06.05.2021 - To date
Incharge, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences University of the Punjab, Lahore 10.03.2021 - To date
Director Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore 14.03.2011 - 09.03.2021
Professor Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore 07.03.2010 - To date
Assistant Professor School of Biological Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore 26.04.2003 - 06.03.2010
Assistant Research Officer Plant Virology Section, AARI, Faisalabad 28.07.2002 –25.04.2003
Agriculture Officer Pest Warning and Quality Control of Pesticides, Punjab, Lodhran 19.09.1998 –27.07.2002
Senior Scientific Officer Central Cotton Research Institute, Multan 01.10.1997 – 18.09.1998
Research Officer Centre for Advanced Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore 21.01.1997 – 20.7.1997

Research Interests

My research interest focuses on the control of plant diseases caused by whitefly-transmitted geminivirus pathogens (begomoviruses), based on an understanding of the mechanisms underlying the successful interactions between the components of these virus-vector-host complexes.

Current studies involve:

  • Begomovirus diversity, with respect to viral genotype and phenotype
  • The Bemisia tabaci species complex: variability within populations using molecular markers
  • The molecular basis for the specificity of whitefly-mediated transmission of begomoviruses
  • Development of diagnostic tests for unidentified or new viruses and virus-like diseases
  • Use of fungus Aspergillus sp. for the cloning, expression and purification of amylases enzymes
  • Exploiting viral coat protein gene for vaccine production against animal and human viruses

Research Projects

Project Title Duration Total amount of grant Funding Agency
Effect of exogenous application of leaf extract of bio stimulant Moringa oleifera and plant growth promoting bacteria on the growth and productivity of cotton. 2022-23 Rs. 3.0 million University of the Punjab
Effect of indigenously produced bio char on the induction of Cotton defense response against wilt inducing pathogens 2021-22 Rs. 3 million University of the Punjab
Occurrence Diversity of Wheat Associated Microbiome and their Impact on Production. 2020-21 Rs.0.250 University of the Punjab
Evaluation of biochar produced from indigenous organic waste in priming plant defense and growth stimulation. 2019 Rs.0.250 University of the Punjab.
Awareness of climate smart agriculture practices among the agri communities for sustainable environment development (under Social Integration Outreach Program (SIOP) of HEC). 2018 Rs.1.0 million Jointly funded by HEC and PU
Functional characterization of Mastrevirus promoter – An alternative of CaMV 35S Promoter. 1 year (2017-2018) Functional characterization of Mastrevirus promoter – An alternative of CaMV 35S Promoter
Development of bio-pesticide for the control of soil-borne diseases of tomatoes and chilies caused by Pythium and Phytophthora spp. 4 years (01.02.2015 to 31.01.2019) 29.9157 Million Punjab Agriculture Research Board (PARB)
Biochemical remodulation mechanisms underlying effects of chickpea chlorotic dwarf virus on tomato plant that mediate transmission by leafhopper vectors. 1 year (2015-2016) Biochemical remodulation mechanisms underlying effects of chickpea chlorotic dwarf virus on tomato plant that mediate transmission by leafhopper vectors
Investigation of in planta accumulation and localization of cotton leaf curl Kokhran virus (CLCuKoV) at tissue and cellular level. 1 year (2014-2015) Completed Rs.0.250 Million University of the Punjab, Lahore (PI)
The studies to control Jassid (Amrsca spp.) on the Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) through bio-pesticides and habitat management in Lahore Division. 9 months Completed Rs.0.50 million Higher Education Commission, Islamabad (As Co-PI)
Molecular and biological characterization of begomoviruses and/or associated DNA-satellites from the vicinity of University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. 1 year (2013-2014) Molecular and biological characterization of begomoviruses and/or associated DNA-satellites from the vicinity of University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Diversity of endosymbiotic bacteria associated with Bemisia tabaci from Pakistan (awarded vide Notification No. D/5227/Est.I dated 13.02.2013). 1 year (2012-2013) Diversity of endosymbiotic bacteria associated with Bemisia tabaci from Pakistan (awarded vide Notification No. D/5227/Est.I dated 13.02.2013)
Enhancing Cotton Germplasm, Improving Resistance to Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCV) Disease and Supporting Cotton Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Small Farmers (ID-1198) – Virology Component. 6 years (2011-2017) Completed US $ Enhancing Cotton Germplasm, Improving Resistance to Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCV) Disease and Supporting Cotton Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Small Farmers (ID-1198) – Virology Component
Screening of diverse germplasm for the genetic studies of drought tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L). 9 months Rs. 3.0 million Screening of diverse germplasm for the genetic studies of drought tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L)
Impact assessment of water conservation and productivity enhancement through high efficiency irrigation system among vegetable growers of distt. Sheikhupura. 9 months Impact assessment of water conservation and productivity enhancement through high efficiency irrigation system among vegetable growers of distt. Sheikhupura
Genetic diversity of Entomopathogenic Fungi Metarhizium and Beauveria spp. isolated from the Soils of different Ecosystems (awarded vide Notification No. D/473/Est.I dated 25.01.2012). 1 year (2011-2012) Completed Rs 0.25 Million University of the Punjab, Lahore (As PI)
Molecular analyses of Potato virus Y infecting potato crop in different regions of Punjab. 1 years (2010-2011) Completed Rs 0.25 Million University of the Punjab, Lahore (As PI)
Novel approach to generate wide spectrum virus resistance to all cotton infecting begomoviruses infecting cotton and other cultivated crops. 3 years completed (2006-2009) Rs. 3.0 million Novel approach to generate wide spectrum virus resistance to all cotton infecting begomoviruses infecting cotton and other cultivated crops.
Development of Biosorption-Biodegradation System for the Removal of Dyes from Textile and Printing Industry Effluents by Saprophytic Fungi, White Rot Basidiomycetes and Plant Residues. 3 years completed (2006-2009) Rs. 4.3 Million Higher Education Commission, Islamabad, Pakistan (As Co-PI)

Research Publications

219
Research Papers
10
Books & Chapters
19+
Research Projects

Books, Articles, Chapters and Annual Reports

1. Abbas, M. T., Shafiq, M., Arshad, H., Haroon, R., Maqsood, H., & Haider, M. S. (2022). Viral Diseases of Maize. In Cereal Diseases: Nanobiotechnological Approaches for Diagnosis and Management (pp. 83-96). Springer, Singapore.
2. Abbas, M. T., Shafiq, M., Khaliq, R., Arshad, H., Haroon, R., & Haider, M. S. (2022). Viral Diseases of Rice. In Cereal Diseases: Nanobiotechnological Approaches for Diagnosis and Management (pp. 31-51). Springer, Singapore.
3. Anwar, W., Shahid, A.A. and Haider, M.S. (2017). Entomopathogenic fungi: Introduction, history, classification, infection mechanism, enzymes and toxins. Chapter in book: Biopesticides and Bioagents Novel Tools for Pest Management, 1st Edn, pp.51. Apple Academic Press, USA.
4. Shahid, A.A., Yasin, S., Inam-ul-Haq, M., Ali, M. and Haider, M.S. (2013). Use of rhizobacteria for the management of soft rot disease of potato. ATINER CONFERENCE PAPER SERIES No: AGR2013-0770 5.
5. Saeed F., Haider M. S. and Shafiq M. (2012) Biotypes of Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) in Pakistan. LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, ISBN 978-3-8484-1231-0, paperback, 56 Pages
6. Qureshi F., Haider M. S. and Shafiq M. (2012) Molecular Characterization of Begomoviruses isolated from a Weed. LAP Lambert Academic Publishing ISBN 978-3-8484-9934-2, paperback, 68 Pages
7. Javed S, Ahmad R, and Haider MS (2012) Phytochemical Investigation of Citrus limetta Peel Oil. 978-3-8484-9789-8, 89 pages VMD Verlag Dr Muller and the German National Library and Online at www.amazon.com
8. Ashfaq, M., Khan A. S. and Haider M. S. (2012) Genetics of rice under normal and water stress conditions. LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, ISBN 978-3-8473-2955-8, paperback, 184 Pages
9. Haider, MS (1999) Characterization of whitefly-transmitted geminiviruses from Pakistan In “Research on Plant Viral Diseases in Pakistan” (1999) ed. Khalid, S., pp 197-199. Agha Jee Printers, Islamabad, Pakistan
10. Markham, P. G., Bedford, I. D., Pinner, M., Liu, S. and Haider, M. S. (1993) Variation within the whitefly-transmitted geminiviruses and vector Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). Annual Report 1993, AFRC Institute of Plant Science Research, John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK. p38.
1. Asif, M.; Haider, M.S.; Akhter, A. Impact of Biochar on Fusarium Wilt of Cotton and the Dynamics of Soil Microbial Community. Sustainability 2023, 15, 12936. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151712936 (Impact factor: 3.9)
2. Bahar, T., Rauf, M., Muqeet, S., Haider M.S. (2023) Farmers' Perception and Knowledge in Begomovirus Epidemiology and Control in Pakistan. Int. Journal of Phytopathology 12(1):37-47. (Impact factor 3.4)
3. Mushtaq, R., Khan, M., Manzoor, M., Shafiq, M., Chattha., M.B., Manzoor., M.T., Ali, M., Mazhar., H.S.U.D., Hashmi, M., Anees, M., Tariq., M.R. and Haider, M.S. (2023) Genome-Wide Analysis of the Ethylene-Insensitive3-Like Gene Family in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) Journal of Applied Research in Plant Sciences 4(2):702-710 (HEC recognized "Y" category)
4. Ahmad C.A, Haider MS, AkhterA. 2023 Physiological and biochemical characterization of biochar-induced resistance against bacterial wilt of eggplants. R. Soc. OpenSci. 10:230442. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.230442 (Impact factor: 3.653)
5. Malik, M. A. M., Haider, M. S., Zhai, Y., Khan, M. A. U., & Pappu, H. R. (2023). Towards developing resistance to chickpea chlorotic dwarf virus through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing using multiplexed gRNAs. Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection, 130(1), 23-33. (Impact Factor 2.00)
6. Shakeel, M., Shafiq, M., Abbas, S. A. A. A., Haseeb, M., Ali, N., Batool, A., ... & Haider, M. S. (2023). GENOME-WIDE IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PLANT-SPECIFIC DOF TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR GENE FAMILY IN CASHEW (ANACARDIUM OCCIDENTALE). Agricultural Sciences Journal, 5(1), 83-107. (HEC recognized "Y" category)
7. Ishfaqe, Q., Shafiq, M., Ali, M. R., & Haider, M. S. (2023). Is the best resistance strategy against begomoviruses yet to come? A Comprehensive Review. Summa Phytopathologica, 48, 151-157. (Impact factor: 0.40)
8. Malik, M. A. M., Haider, M. S., Zhai, Y., Khan, M. A. U., & Pappu, H. R. (2023). Towards developing resistance to chickpea chlorotic dwarf virus through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing using multiplexed gRNAs. Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection, 130(1), 23-33. (Impact Factor 2.00)
9. Bahar, T., Qurashi, F., Haider, M. S., Rahat, M. A., Akbar, F., Israr, M., ... & Elansary, H. O. (2023). Unveiling Lathyrus aphaca L. as a Newly Identified Host for Begomovirus Infection: A Comprehensive Study. Genes, 14(6), 1221. (Impact Factor 4.141)
10. Iqbal, M. J., Zia-Ur-Rehman, M., Ilyas, M., Hameed, U., Herrmann, H. W., Chingandu, N., Manzoor, M.T., Haider., M.S., & Brown, J. K. Sentinel plot surveillance of cotton leaf curl disease in Pakistan-a case study at the cultivated cotton-wild host plant interface. Virus research, 199144. (Impact Factor 6.286)