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Asgar Ali

Associate Professor and Director Post-graduate Research, School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science

Contact

  • workRoom BA 34 Block B
    Malaysia Campus
    Jalan Broga
    43500 Semenyih
    Selangor Darul Ehsan
    Malaysia
  • work+6 (03) 8924 8219
  • fax+6 (03) 8924 8018

Biography

Currently an Associate Professor in Postharvest Physiology and Technology at the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Dr. Asgar is also the Director of Postgraduate Research at UNMC since 2010. Moreover, Dr. Asgar, is the founding director of the 'Centre of Excellence for Postharvest Biotechnology' at the University of Nottingham, a research group deemed for great success in its field and great impact beyond. With a range of postharvest students under his guidance and supervision, Dr. Asgar has set the grounds for pioneering and innovative research in the field of edible coatings and films for postharvest biology. Additionally, he is constantly involved in the progress of science within postharvest biology as a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences as well as the International Journal of Ecology, Environment and Conservation.

Expertise Summary

Experiences span across knowledge of the physiology and biochemistry of fruits and vegetables to the field of post-harvest technology. Primarily the isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds extracted from fruits and vegetables as well as their effect on human health and well-being is a subject of great experience. Additionally, the analysis of physico-chemical and sensory characteristics of fruits, vegetables and flowers is another area of in-depth understanding. Moreover, an elaborate level of expertise has also been acquired in the field of post-harvest quality and shelf-life of fruits and vegetables. This field also includes thorough knowledge of postharvest technologies to extend the shelf life of perishable fruits and vegetables, with particular emphasis on modified atmosphere techniques and edible coatings and films.

Teaching Summary

The fields of postharvest biology and technology, horticulture and plant physiology are key areas of teaching interests. Ranging from undergraduate to postgraduate modules, a variety of modules have… read more

Research Summary

Currently, strategies are being developed towards gaining a deeper understanding of the pre-harvest and post-harvest factors that control fruit quality and storage life. This will allow further… read more

Selected Publications

The fields of postharvest biology and technology, horticulture and plant physiology are key areas of teaching interests. Ranging from undergraduate to postgraduate modules, a variety of modules have been taught and are currently being taught by Dr. Asgar. These modules cover vast topics including plant biochemistry, physiology, microbiology and pathology as well as more specific fields such as plant cell signaling and the responses of crops to environmental stresses.

"All men by nature desire to know" Aristotle. The learning interests of Dr. Asgar are even vaster than the teaching interests. Starting from the postharvest biology of fruits and vegetables to elucidating the phytochemical content of exotic fruits and vegetables; from the impact of climate change as a stress on horticulture to the impact postharvest losses on global food security, no interest is too global nor too local.

Current Research

Currently, strategies are being developed towards gaining a deeper understanding of the pre-harvest and post-harvest factors that control fruit quality and storage life. This will allow further development of suitable technologies to overcome post-harvest issues that are encountered by the food industry, which is another fundamental research area. Great emphasis is currently placed on the phytochemical properties of exotic fruits and vegetables and the use of post-harvest technologies to maintain these desirable properties. Furthermore, this involves the development of edible coatings based on natural products such as chitosan, gum Arabic and propolis, as well the use of the patented CerafusionTM Ion Technology, a process used by Medklinn ozone chambers, for the extension of shelf-life of fruits and vegetables. Dr. Asgar is the principal investigator for a number of projects, funded by governmental bodies as well as by private organizations.

Currently on-going projects include:

  1. Physiological and biochemical attributes for yield determinants in rice (Oryza sativa) - LRGS grant funded by Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) Malaysia (2011 - 2016).
  2. Development of chitosan-based nanoemulsion biofungicides for the control of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, causal agent of anthracnose in dragon fruit plants- funded by Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) Malaysia (2010 - 2012).
  3. Cerafusion technology for physico-chemical responses and decay of selected tropical fruits and vegetables- funded by MedKlinn International Sdn Bhd Malaysia (2010 - 2012).
  4. Development of novel edible coatings from natural products for enhancing the storage life of tropical fruits- funded by Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) Malaysia (2008 - 2011).

Past Research

Previous research focused on the post-harvest life of fruits and vegetables, with specific interest on the control of microorganisms using different tactics. These projects included:

  1. Efficacy of chitosan for the suppression of growth and production of ligninolytic enzymes by Ganoderma boninense in vitro- funded by Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) Malaysia (2008 - 2010).
  2. Estimation of postharvest losses at various stages of the supply chain for cabbage, chilli, cucumber and long bean- funded by Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) Malaysia (2009 - 2010).
  3. Postharvest bio control of anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) of papaya using antagonistic bacteria- funded by Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Malaysia (2009 - 2010).

Future Research

Establishment of a leading research center in the field of post-harvest technology, benefiting tropical fruits and vegetables, particularly the underutilized, in areas such as value addition and nutritional enhancement. Such a research center will require support from a multitude of reputable personalities, some of which have already been achieved such as the Ministry of Agriculture in terms of financial support. However, cooperation and collaboration from interested private organizations for collaboration is currently being sought.

  • MEHDI MAQBOOL, ASGAR ALI, PETER G. ALDERSON, N. ZAHID AND Y. SIDDIQUI, 2011. Effect of a novel edible composite coating based on gum arabic and chitosan on biochemical and physiological responses of banana fruits during cold storage Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 59(10), 5474-5482
  • MEHDI MAQBOOL, ASGAR ALI, PETER G. ALDERSON, MAHMUD, T.M.M and Y. SIDDIQUI AND N. ZAHID, 2011. Postharvest application of gum arabic and essential oils for controlling anthracnose and quality of banana and papaya during cold storage Postharvest Biology and Technology. 62, 71-76
  • ASGAR ALI, MAHMUD, T.M.M, KAMARUZAMAN, S and YASMEEN SIDDIQUI., 2011. Effect of chitosan coatings on the physico-chemical characteristics of Eksotika II papaya (Carica papaya L.) fruit during cold storage. Food Chemistry. 124, 620-626
  • MEHDI MAQBOOL, ASGAR ALI, PETER G. ALDERSON AND NOOSHEEN ZAHID, 2011. Exploring the new applications of gum Arabic obtained from Acacia species to preserve fresh fruits and vegetables Acta Horticulturae. (In Press.)
  • ASGAR ALI, MEHDI MAQBOOL, PETER G. ALDERSON AND NOOSHEEN ZAHID, 2011. Efficacy of biodegradable edible coatings to control postharvest anthracnose and maintain quality of fresh horticultural produce Acta Horticulturae. (In Press.)
  • NOOSHEEN ZAHID AND ASGAR ALI, 2011. Chitosan based nanoemulsions act as a green fungicide against C. gloeosporioides of dragon fruit In: Universitas 21 Graduate Research Conference on Food, The Graduate School, The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus. 168 - 172
  • MEHDI MAQBOOL, ASGAR ALI AND PETER G. ALDERSON, 2011. A novel composite edible coating as a biofungicide to control postharvest anthracnose of banana and papaya In: Universitas 21 Graduate Research Conference on Food, The Graduate School, The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus. 182 - 187
  • MEHDI MAQBOOL, ASGAR ALI, 2011. Edible coatings: A green alternative of conventional packaging to ensure quality and safety of fresh fruits and vegetables In: Postgraduate Research Showcase, The Graduate School, The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Malaysia. (Poster).
  • ASGAR ALI, 2010. Coating tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) fruit with gum arabic increases postharvest quality and shelf-life In: 9th Int. Ann. Symp. ‘Towards a Healthier and Sustainable Future’, organized by Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. 8-11 May, 2010, (Oral Presentation).
  • SOO MING SHEN, ASGAR ALI., 2010. Effects of chitosan in controlling anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and physiological responses of dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) In: Proceedings 9th International Annual Symposium on Sustainability Science and Management (UMTAS 2010), ‘Towards a Healthier and Sustainable Future’, 8-11 May, 2010, organized by Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. (Poster). 363-368
  • MEHDI MAQBOOL, ASGAR ALI, PETER G. ALDERSON., 2010. Effect of cinnamon oil on the incidence of anthracnose and postharvest quality of bananas during storage International Journal of Agriculture & Biology. 12(4), 516-520
  • ASGAR ALI, 2010. Novel Techniques to Reduce Postharvest Losses of Fresh Horticultural Produce In: “Global Food Security”, Shanghai Expo 2010, China, 15th July, 2010. (Invited speaker).
  • MEHDI MAQBOOL, ASGAR ALI, PETER G. ALDERSON., 2010. Effect of lemongrass oil on incidence of anthracnose disease and postharvest quality of banana fruits. In: Proceedings 9th International Annual Symposium on Sustainability Science and Management (UMTAS 2010), ‘Towards a Healthier and Sustainable Future’, 8-11 May, 2010, organized by Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. (Poster). 430-434
  • ASGAR ALI, MAHMUD, T.M.M, KAMARUZAMAN, S and YASMEEN SIDDIQUI., 2010. Potential of chitosan coating in delaying the postharvest anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz.) of Eksotika II papaya International Journal of Food Science & Technology. 2134-2140
  • ASGAR ALI, MEHDI MAQBOOL, SENTHIL RAMACHANDRAN, PETER G. ALDERSON., 2010. Gum arabic as a novel edible coating for enhancing shelf-life and improving postharvest quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit Postharvest Biology & Technology. 58, 42-47
  • MEHDI MAQBOOL, ASGAR ALI, SENTHIL RAMACHANDRAN, DANIEL R. SMITH, PETER G. ALDERSON., 2010. Control of postharvest anthracnose of banana using a new edible composite coating. Crop Protection. 29, 1136-1141
  • MEHDI MAQBOOL, ASGAR ALI, PETER G. ALDERSON, 2010. Coating tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) fruit with gum arabic increases postharvest quality and shelf-life In: Proceedings 9th International Annual Symposium on Sustainability Science and Management (UMTAS 2010), ‘Towards a Healthier and Sustainable Future’, 8-11 May, 2010, organized by Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. (Poster). 92-96
  • MEHDI MAQBOOL, ASGAR ALI, PETER G. ALDERSON., 2010. A combination of gum arabic and chitosan can control anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum musae and enhances the shelf-life of banana fruit. Journal of Horticultural Science & Biotechnology. 85(5), 432-436
  • ASGAR ALI, MEHDI MAQBOOL AND PETER G. ALDERSON, 2010. Novel Biodegradable edible coatings for fresh horticultural produce In: BioMalaysia Conference and Exhibition, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), organized by PROTEMP Exhibitions Sdn. Bhd. Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. (Poster).
  • ASGAR ALI, 2009. Chitosan A Green Edible Coating: The Packaging of the Future for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. In: School of Biosciences, The University of Nottingham UK, July 08, 2009. (Invited Speaker).
  • YASMEEN SIDDIQUI, SARIAH MEON, MOHD. RAZI ISMAIL, MAWARDI RAHMANI, ASGAR ALI., 2009. In vitro fungicidal activity of humic acid fraction from oil palm compost International Journal of Agriculture and Biology. 11(4), 448-452
  • MEHDI MAQBOOL, SENTHIL RAMACHANDRAN, ASGAR ALI, PETER G. ALDERSON, 2009. In vitro antifungal activity of essential oils for the management of anthracnose disease of banana and papaya In: Proceedings Agriculture Congress 2009, “Tropical Agriculture in a Changing Climate and Energy Scenario”, October 27-29, 2009, organized by Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia. (Poster). 234-237
  • KHIM PHIN , NOOR FAZILA, M.Y and ASGAR ALI., 2009. The Potential antagonist organisms against Poria hypolateritia of red root disease Asian Journal of Microbiology Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences. 11(1), 98-103
  • YASMEEN SIDDIQUI, SARIAH MEON, MOHD. RAZI ISMAIL, MAWARDI RAHMANI, ASGAR ALI, 2009. Efficient conversion of empty fruit bunch of oil palm into fertilizer enriched compost. Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences. 11(2), 247-252
  • ASGAR ALI, 2009. Researching in External Environment. In: Graduate School, The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, August 06, 2009. (Invited Speaker).
  • ASGAR ALI, 2008. Novel Edible Coating for Tropical Fruits as an Alternative to Synthetic Fungicide In: International Seminar on Consumer Trends and Export of Tropical and Subtropical Fruits, Bangkok, Thailand, July 14-16, 2008. (Keynote Speaker).
  • ASGAR ALI, MAHMUD, T.M.M., 2008. The potential use of locally prepared chitosan to control in vitro growth of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides isolated from papaya fruits. Acta Horticulturae. 804, 177-182
  • YASMEEN SIDDIQUI, SARIAH MEON, MOHD. RAZI ISMAIL, MAWARDI RAHMANI, ASGAR ALI., 2008. Bio-efficiency of compost extracts on the wet rot incidence, morphological and physiological growth of okra. Scientia Horticulturae. 117(1), 9-14
  • YASMEEN SIDDIQUI, SARIAH MEON, MOHD. RAZI ISMAIL, ASGAR ALI., 2008. Trichoderma-fortified compost extracts for the control of Choanephora wet rot in okra production. Crop Protection. 27(3), 385-390
  • CHRISTINA, V.S and ASGAR ALI., 2007. Preliminary study to determine the efficacy of chitosan as an antifungal agent against mycelial growth of Ganoderma boninense In: Asian Mycology Congress and 10th International Marine and Freshwater Mycology Symposium, 2-6 December, Penang, Malaysia. (Poster). (In Press.)
  • ASGAR ALI, 2007. The Potential Use of Locally Prepared Chitosan to Control In vitro Growth of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Isolated from Papaya Fruits In: Europe- Asia Symposium on Quality Management in Postharvest Systems, King Mongkut University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok, Thailand, December 3-6, 2007. (Oral Presentation).
  • ASGAR ALI., 2007. The potential use of locally prepared chitosan to control anthracnose disease of papaya during storage In: Europe-Asia Symposium on Quality Management in Postharvest Systems. December 3-6, 2007. Bangkok, Thailand. (Oral).
  • ASGAR ALI, 2006. Anthracnose Incidence, Biochemical Changes, Gaseous Exchange and Postharvest quality of Chitosan Coated Papaya. PhD Thesis. At: Universiti Putra Malaysia
  • HASSAN, M.M, HALIM, R.A and ASGAR ALI., 2006. Potential of fibrous by-products as feedstuffs: An alternative approaches of using rice straw. Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences. 8(3), 399-403
  • ASGAR ALI, MAHMUD, T.M.M, KAMARUZAMAN, S and MOHAMED ZAKI AB. RAHMAN., 2005. Use of chitosan coating to delay loss of firmness and maintain water loss of papaya fruits during storage. In: , ed., Teknologi Memangkin Pemodenan Pertanian’: Research and Invention University Putra Malaysia, (Bulletin). 28
  • ASGAR ALI, MAHMUD T.M.M, KAMARUZAMAN, S and MOHAMAD ZAKI ABD.RAHMAN., 2005. Effect of chitosan coating on the retention of colour development and firmness of papaya fruits during storage In: First International Symposium on Papaya, Genting Highlands Malaysia, Organized by ISHS. (Poster).
  • ASGAR ALI, MAHMUD, T.M.M., KAMARUZAMAN, S. AND MOHAMED ZAKI AB. RAHMAN, 2005. Use of chitosan coating to delay loss of firmness and maintain water loss of papaya fruits during storage
  • ASGAR ALI, MAHMUD, T.M.M, KAMARUZAMAN, S. AND MOHAMED ZAKI AB. RAHMAN, 2004. Effect of Chitosan on Mycelial Growth and Conidial Germination of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Isolated from Papaya Fruit In: Proceedings Microbes: The gateway to biotechnology, 26th symposium of the Malaysian Society of Microbiology.. 82-85 (In Press.)
  • ASGAR ALI, MAHMUD, T.M.M, KAMARUZAMAN, S and MOHAMED ZAKI AB. RAHMAN., 2004. Effect of chitosan on mycelial growth and conidial germination of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides isolated from papaya fruit. In: Proceedings “The Gateway to Biotechnology”, 26th Symposium of the Malaysian Society of Microbiology. 82-85
  • ASGAR ALI, MAHMUD, T.M.M, KAMARUZAMAN, S and MOHAMED ZAKI AB. RAHMAN, 2004. Chitosan based postharvest treatments for extending storage life of papaya and cut chrysanthemum Synthesis. 4(7),
  • SILIP, JAMES, S.H. AHMAD, A.R. RUSSLY, W.A. WAN, ASGAR ALI, 2003. Response of Guava Kampuchea (Psidium guajava.L) to hydro cooling time, storage temperature and storage duration Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Science. 5(3), 303-306 (In Press.)
  • ASGAR ALI, MAHMUD, T.M.M, KAMARUZAMAN, S and MOHAMED ZAKI AB.RAHMAN, 2003. Chitosan in extending the vase life of cut chrysanthemum and in vitro effect on Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, the causal agent of anthracnose diseases of papaya. R & D at UPM: Creating New Frontiers of Innovative Research First edition. Part-I, Research Management Centre UPM. Malaysia. 105-108
  • ASGAR ALI, MAHMUD, T.M.M, KAMARUZAMAN, S and MOHAMED ZAKI AB. RAHMAN, 2002. Fungi associated with post harvest rots of papaya (Carica papaya L) In: Proceedings: Towards Commercialization of Microbiology Research. 25th Malaysian Microbiology Symposium..
  • ASGAR ALI, MAHMUD, T.M.M, KAMARUZAMAN, S and MOHAMED ZAKI AB. RAHMAN., 2002. The use of chitosan in extending the vase life of cut chrysanthemum and in vitro effect on Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, the causal agent of anthracnose disease of papaya. In: Proceedings “Inventions and Research”, Faculty of Agriculture, UPM, Malaysia. 97-101
  • ASGAR ALI, MAHMUD, T.M.M, KAMARUZAMAN, S AND MOHAMED ZAKI AB. RAHMAN, 2002. The use of chitosan in extending the vase life of cut chrysanthemum and in vitro effect on Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, the causal agent of anthracnose disease of papaya In: Proceeding Inventions and Research, Faculty of Agriculture, UPM, Malaysia. 97-101 (In Press.)

School of Biosciences

University of Nottingham
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