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Since 2023, graduate student Sudip Poudel has been conducting multiple studies to understand soybean pod and seed growth and composition dynamics under different assimilate availability. For his master’s thesis research, he executed a field study where he tested the effect of increased assimilate supply during different seed filling stages in soybean. This was the first study of its kind, marking the first time that the final seed size determination stage in soybean under the field conditions were identified.

Based on this finding, Poudel published a peer reviewed paper titled, “Final Seed Size in Soybean is Determined During Mid-seed Filling Stage,” as the first author in the academic journal, Agronomy. The paper can be accessed following the link: https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14040763.

“This publication makes a notable contribution to crop science highlighting the practical implication and potential benefits of increased assimilate supply during early seed filling phase in soybean to improve its seed size and productivity”, said Poudel.

Poudel, a graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Environmental Studies at Kentucky State University (KSU), joined Dr. Anuj Chiluwal’s Agronomy and Crop Physiology Lab in Fall 2023.

Since then, he has also conducted several other research projects at KSU. From this work, he has already co-authored another peer-reviewed publication and has submitted one more manuscript as the first author, which is currently under review in a peer-reviewed journal. These studies are supported by the USDA NIFA’s Evans- Allen Grant and 1890 Capacity Building Grant.

In addition to the publication, Mr. Poudel has been recognized with multiple prestigious awards:

• He received the outstanding master’s Student Award from the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources at KSU.
• He won second place in graduate student oral competitions in Plant Health, Production and Plant Products session at the Association of 1890 Research Directors, Inc. (ARD) Symposium, and at the 4^th Association of Nepalese Agricultural Professionals of Americas (NAPA) Biennial International Scientific conference.
• He was also honored with a recognition award during the 8^th Annual Harold R. Benson Agricultural Luncheon Program in 2024 for his achievement in the ARD competition.

“These multiple publications and honors are a testament to the scientific merit of his work and his ability to effectively communicate complex plant physiological processes to a professional audience,” said Dr. Chiluwal.

“My research experience at KSU has inspired me to explore more deeply—not only within agronomy and crop physiology but also at the intersection of crop physiology and agricultural technology, as modern farming continues to evolve in response to societal needs,” said Poudel.

“After spending months conducting rigorous field trials on source-sink manipulations experiments to investigate how assimilate availability affects soybean productivity, Mr. Poudel uncovered important findings to improve soybean yield and overall productivity. His achievements underscore the critical role of focused physiological research in enhancing crop performance and addressing global agricultural challenges,” said Dr. Chiluwal.

Mr. Poudel believes, “Even when you know nothing, if you can sense something within it, you’re already at the doorstep of discovery– surrounded by opportunities, if only you are willing to find out.”