Masratul Hawa Mohd, Associate Professor

Research background

Dr. Masratul Hawa Mohd specializes in Plant Pathology and Mycology, focusing on fungal pathogens in crops such as cocoa, figs, tea, dragon fruit, coffee, and paddy. She explores natural antifungal agents to promote sustainable agriculture and reduce pesticide use. Her research on fungal and mycotoxin contamination in cocoa and coffee beans ensures food safety and quality. Dr. Masratul's work supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), contributing significantly to agricultural sustainability, food security, and public health. Her innovative approaches benefit both the environment and society.

Research focus

Plant disease diagnosis, food safety and security, sustainable agriculture, fungal systematics

Selected publications

1. Nur-Shakirah AO, Mohd MH (2025). Unveiling three Diaporthe species associated with diseased figs (Ficus carica L.) in Malaysia. Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology 136: 102554. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmpp.2024.102554
2. Mohd-Hafifi AB, Mohamed Nor NMI, Zakaria L, Mohd MH (2024). Molecular phylogeny and genetic diversity of Fusarium oxysporum from various hosts in Malaysia. Scientific Reports 14(1): 29708. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-78195-8
3. Huda-Shakirah AR, Zakaria L, Mohd MH (2024). Morphology, phylogeny and pathogenicity of fungal species associated with leaf blight and stem canker of Theobroma cacao in Malaysia. Plant Pathology 73: 1382–1399. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppa.13900
4. Huda-Shakirah AR, Mohamed Nor NMI, Zakaria L, Leong YH, Mohd MH (2022). Lasiodiplodia theobromae as a causal pathogen of leaf blight, stem canker, and pod rot of Theobroma cacao in Malaysia. Scientific Reports 12: 8966. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-13057-9