Farhan Ali, PhD

Molecular Plant Biologist (PhD) with 5+ years’ R&D experience in microbial biocontrol, molecular diagnostics, and applied genomics. Proven record of developing scalable lab workflows (phenotypic, NGS, SEM, EPS quantification) and leading cross-functional teams to reduce costs and accelerate product development. Skilled in assay design, data analysis (R, GraphPad, IGV), GMP-compliant and QA/QC workflows (development, validation, monitoring), and translating research into operational solutions for agri-biotech and food-safety applications.

PhD Research - University of Molise (2020-2025)

• Reduced reagent costs 60% via pooled NGS and multiplex bioassays
• Generated ~700 AMT transformants; mapped EPS gene insertions (NGS/IGV)
• Trained 4 interns on lab workflows, NGS analysis, and equipment operation

M.Sc (Hons) Research - CEMB (2018-2019)

• Streamlined bacterial biocontrol strain preservation (saved time/resources)
• Identified synergistic BCA-Alternaria solani interactions

B.Sc (Hons) Research - Citrus Research Institute (2017)

• Identified top-performing tomato variety (Sahel) via disease analysis
• Coordinated field management: 20% yield increase (45t/acre)

2023

Title: Mycotoxin production by Fusarium species and a recent deep insight into management through biocontrol approaches

Peer-reviewed research article
Authors: Amjad Ali, Fatih Ölmez, Muhammed Tatar, Irum Tabbasum, Hajra Azeem, Rabia Sarwar, Farhan Ali | 

Journal Name:Journal of Global Innovations in Agricultural Sciences  

Volume, Issue and Pages: 11, 455–480 | Publisher: GIAS Publishers

2023

Title: Title: Efficacy of Azadirachta indica and Datura stramonium Extract with Ethanol against Different Life Stages of Tribolium castaneum

Peer-reviewed research article
Authors: Naeem, H., Ali, F., Sarfaraz, S., Sharif, U., Hussain, S. G., Ameer, F., ... & Kanwal, H. | 

Journal Name: Asian Journal ofAdvanced Agricultural Research | 

Volume, Issue and Pages: 23(1), 59–65 | Publisher: Science Domain International

2023

Title: Review on Biological Management of Bactrocera zonata through Pathogenic Activity of Beauveria bassiana

Peer-reviewed research article

Authors: Ali, H. M. S., Naqvi, S. H. K., Ullah, M. Z., Ali, F., Sarfaraz, S., Fawaz, M. S. Mushtaq, I. | 

Journal Name: Asian Journal of Research in Crop Science

Volume, Issue and Pages: 8(4), 543–550 | Publisher: Science Domain International

2023

Title: Phytoremediation of copper and arsenic contaminated soil using Gladiolus grandiflorus and Chrysanthemum morifolium plants

Peer-reviewed research article
Authors: Amjad, N., Akhtar, I., Hameed, A., Ahmad, F., Ali, F., Ahmad, M., & Ahmad, U. I.  

Journal Name: Asian Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 

Volume, Issue and Pages: 9(2), 36–42 | Publisher: Science Domain International

2023

Title: Extraction and Characterization of Cuticle Degrading Enzymes of Beauveria bassiana for Enhanced Pathogenicity against Bactrocera dorsalis

Peer-reviewed research article

Authors: Ullah, S., Naeem, H., Murtaza, A., Sharif, U., Sarfaraz, S., Ali, F., Sumbal, G. A. K., Ullah, U., & Kanwal, M.

Journal Name: Asian Journal of Advances in Agricultural Research

Volume, Issue and Pages: 23(2), 225–235 | Publisher: Science Domain International

2022

Title: Isolation, Characterization and Management of Alternaria solani causing Early Blight in Tomato through different Bacterial strains

Peer-reviewed research article
Authors: Subhani, M. N., Ali, F., Nasir, S., & Shahid, A. A. 

Journal Name: Plant Cell Biotechnology and Molecular Biology

Volume, Issue and Pages: 23(31–32), 78–88 | Publisher: International Knowledge Press

2023

Title: AMT-mediated insertional mutagenesis in Papiliotrema terrestris PT22AV for assessing the role of extracellular polysaccharide (biofilm) production in biocontrol activity

Authors: F. Ali, R. Castoria, D. Palmieri, G. Ianiri | 

Publisher: EcoSET International PhD Conference, University of Molise

Abstract included in Book of Abstracts, EcoSET International PhD Conference (6/6/2023). 

Available on request from the University of Molise archives.

2022

Title: AMT-mediated insertional mutagenesis in Papiliotrema terrestris PT22AV for assessing the role of extracellular polysaccharide (biofilm) production in biocontrol activity

Authors: Farhan Ali, Raffaello Castoria, Giuseppe Ianiri | 

Publisher: UNIMOL PhD Expo, 1st Edition, University of Molise

Abstract published in the E-book of Abstracts, UNIMOL PhD Expo 2022. Available on request from the University of Molise archives.

01/11/2020 – 31/01/2024

AMT-mediated insertional mutagenesis in the biocontrol agent Papiliotrema terrestris PT22AV for assessing the role of Exopolysaccharides (EPS) production in biocontrol activity, University of Molise, Italy

This project (Prot: 2022TPZW3) aims to investigate the role of exopolysaccharides (EPS) in the biocontrol yeast Papiliotrema terrestris strain PT22AV and identify genes involved in EPS production. Funded by Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR)

30/11/2018 – 14/09/2019

Molecular Characterization of Alternaria solani and its Biological Management, University of the Punjab, Pakistan

This project focused on the molecular characterization of Alternaria solani and its biological management through the application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted at the Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology to assess genetic homology.

09/02/2017 – 09/08/2017

Effect of ToMV on physiology of tomato plants & its management, Citrus Research Institute, Pakistan

The objective of this project is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of several eco-friendly chemicals—milk, eggplant extract, NPK solution, and boron solution—in controlling Tomato Mosaic Virus (ToMV). Additionally, the study examines the incidence and severity of ToMV on the Sahal tomato variety.

[The Energy for Growth (Erasmus + Youth Exchange)], [ Academy of Growth e.V., Germany] - [21/08/23-01/09/23]

The ten-day project facilitated participants' engagement with sustainable agriculture, organic food practices, and permaculture.

Mode of learning: Project-based
Link: https://www.youthpass.eu/en/verify/XSYZ-LWVM-ESDC-8T8R/Farhan Ali

[PRAXIS (Erasmus + Youth Exchange], [ Sustech Ability (SuA), Portugal] - [07/10/24-15/10/24]

Youth exchange focused on democracy, communication, and inclusion, utilizing debates, collaborative teamwork, and digital platforms.

Mode of learning: Project-based

• University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan.
• Centre for Excellence in Molecular Biology, Lahore, Pakistan.
• University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
• University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy.
• Citrus Research institute, Sargodha, Pakistan.
• AgroVentures, EU.

Book reading, swimming, cycling, jogging, travelling, movies, cooking, political documentaries.