معرفی
Prof. Kenan Turgut is a faculty member at Akdeniz University, serving in the Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Field Crops. He has held the academic rank of Professor since 2002 and has previously served as Associate Professor and Assistant Professor in the same department.
- University: Akdeniz University
- School: Faculty of Agriculture
- Department: Department of Field Crops
- Email: kturgut@akdeniz.edu.tr
- Office: Ziraat Fakültesi I. Blok, Antalya, Turkey
His educational background includes:
- PhD in Botany, University of Leicester, UK (1989–1993)
- Postgraduate in Field Crops, Ankara University, Turkey (1985–1988)
- BSc in Field Crops, Çukurova University, Turkey (1980–1984)
Prof. Turgut’s research is centered on medicinal and aromatic plants, with a strong emphasis on plant biotechnology, agronomy, and genetics. His work explores the cultivation, genetic improvement, and phytochemical analysis of species such as Stevia rebaudiana, Salvia fruticosa, Origanum, Thymus, and Sideritis. He investigates essential oil composition, stress responses, in vitro propagation, and molecular markers for breeding. His research integrates field trials with laboratory-based biotechnological methods, aiming at sustainable agricultural practices and value-added crop development.
The most recent publications highlight a consistent focus on Stevia—particularly steviol glycoside optimization, nitrogen and harvest timing effects, and micropropagation—and on essential oil profiling in Lamiaceae species. His work also extends to sustainable cultivation techniques, salt stress responses, and natural product applications in agriculture and health.
He has supervised over a dozen graduate students, primarily at the doctoral level, in areas related to plant tissue culture, breeding, and phytochemistry. He has led multiple funded research projects from TÜBİTAK and higher education institutions, focusing on crop improvement, sustainable propagation, and adaptation of aromatic plants to Mediterranean conditions. He serves on the board of the Turkey Stevia Association and is a member of EUSTAS (European Stevia Association), reflecting his leadership in this niche field.
Prof. Turgut has contributed to several books, including co-editing the 2023 Springer volume Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of Turkey, and has authored chapters on plant biotechnology and genetic engineering. He has also served as a peer reviewer for high-impact journals such as Industrial Crops and Products and South African Journal of Botany.
He has held significant administrative roles, including Head of Department (twice), Vice Dean, and Director of the Center at the Faculty of Agriculture, demonstrating leadership beyond research and teaching.
