Assist. Prof. Dr. Lilya Boucelha | Biology | Women Researcher Award
University Of Science And Technology Houari Boumediene | Algeria
Assist. Prof. Dr. Lilya Boucelha is a plant physiologist and academic researcher specializing in seed priming, abiotic stress tolerance, and plant physiological adaptation to water deficit conditions. Her scientific contributions focus on understanding the molecular, biochemical, and physiological mechanisms underlying seed vigor, aging, and germination responses in legume species, particularly Vigna unguiculata (cowpea) and Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek). Through her innovative studies, Dr. Boucelha has advanced the field of seed physiology by exploring redox regulation, antioxidant defense systems, and the signaling role of molecules such as silicon, proline, and ascorbate in improving plant resilience under drought and oxidative stress. Her work integrates biochemical assays, molecular markers, and eco-physiological analyses to link laboratory findings with agronomic improvement strategies, contributing to sustainable crop productivity and food security. She has actively collaborated on national and international research projects, including programs focusing on the enhancement of drought tolerance and physiological responses through priming and silicon treatments. Dr. Boucelha’s scientific productivity is reflected in her growing research impact, with 16 peer-reviewed international publications, including several in high-impact journals such as Functional Plant Biology, Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, and Plants. According to Google Scholar, her work has been cited over 80 times, with an h-index of 5 and an i10-index of 3, while her Scopus profile records comparable citation metrics, underscoring the scientific visibility and influence of her studies in plant physiology and seed science. Recognized for her excellence as a woman researcher, she was honored with a Women Researcher Award, acknowledging her sustained contribution to advancing knowledge in plant stress physiology and her leadership in promoting women in science. Her publications consistently address the biochemical and physiological determinants of seed vigor, aiming to improve germination performance and stress tolerance—crucial for crop adaptation to climate change and arid environments.
Publication Profile
Orcid | Google Scholar
Featured Publications
Boucelha, L., Djebbar, R., & Abrous-Belbachir, O. (2021). Is protein carbonylation a biomarker of seed priming and ageing? Functional Plant Biology, 48(6), 611–623.
Boucelha, L., Djebbar, R., & Abrous-Belbachir, O. (2019). Vigna unguiculata seed priming is related to redox status of plumule, radicle and cotyledons. Functional Plant Biology, 46(6), 584–594.
Boucelha, L., Djebbar, R., & Benlahrech, S. (2025). The ambiguous role of silicon in the pregermination treatment of Vigna unguiculata seeds. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation.
Boucelha, L., Djebbar, R., Gueridi, S., & Merah, O. (2025). Modifications in carbon and nitrogen metabolites of Vigna unguiculata L. seed organs induced by different priming treatments. Plants, 14, 3218.
Beggah, S., Ellouzi, H., Boucelha, L., Zorrig, W., Djebbar, R., & Abrous-Belbachir, O. (2023). Ascorbate attenuates damages caused by paraquat-induced oxidative stress in fenugreek seedlings. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 23(1), 1185–1199.