Mrs. Prishanthini Pushpakanth
Lecturer (Confirmed)
B.Sc. (Hons.) Special degree in Zoology Eastern University, Sri Lanka.
M.Sc. in Biotechnology PGIA, Peradeniya
M.Phil in Zoology.Eastern University, Sri Lanka
Ph.D. in Food Technology (Reading), Massey University, New Zealand.
Tel: +94 77 917 4796
E-mail:prishanthinip@esn.ac.lk
Biography
Educational Qualifications:
Qualification |
Specialization |
Awarding institution |
Year |
PhD |
Food Technology |
Massey University, New Zealand |
Reading |
Certificate |
Teaching in Higher education |
Staff Development Center, EUSL |
2017 |
M.Phil |
Zoology |
Eastern University, Sri Lanka |
2017 |
M.Sc. |
Biotechnology |
Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya |
2012 |
B.Sc. |
Zoology |
Eastern University, Sri Lanka |
2009 |
Working Experience:
- Lecturer (confirmed) – from 09/10/2020
- Lecturer (Probationary) – From 09/10/2017 to 08/10/2020
- Scientific Officer- Science National Foundation, Sri Lanka – from 01/09/2015 to 04/10/2017
- Temporary Assistant Lecturer- Department of Zoology, Eastern University, Sri Lanka- from 26/02/2015 to 30/08/2015
- Temporary Lecturer- Faculty of Applied Science, Vavuniya Campus of the University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka- from 05/05/2014 to 23/02/2015
- Research Assistant- Department of Zoology, Eastern University, Sri Lanka- from 01/01/2012 to 31/12/2013
- Temporary Assistant Lecturer-Department of Zoology, Eastern University, Sri Lanka- from 01/10/2009 to 31/03/2011
- Temporary Demonstrator- Department of Zoology, Eastern University, Sri Lanka- from 01/09/2009 to 30/09/2009
Memberships
- Member of Sri Lanka Association of Advancement of Science (SLAAS)
- Registered Scientist at the Science and Technology Management Information System (STMIS), established at the NSF
- Member of Eco friendly Volunteers EcoV
- Member of International organization of Biological Control-IOBC-APRS
- Member of V force of UNDP
Links to Publications
Publications
Publications in the refereed Journals & Proceedings (Full papers)
- Prishanthini, M. and Vinobaba, M. (2009), First record of new exotic Mealybug species, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), its Host range and abundance in Eastern Sri Lanka, Journal of Science 6(1),88-100
- Vinobaba, P and Prishanthini, M. (2009) Crab fattening in wooden cages and the enhancement of the economic status of the fishermen from Palameenmadu, Batticaloa. In: Workshop Proceedings Rebuilding of Tsunami Affected Areas in the Southern and the Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka. CIDA Restore Project, 215-224
- Prishanthini, M. and M. Vinobaba (2011), A survey of mealybugs and their natural enemies in home gardens of Batticaloa, Sri Lanka, Proceedings of 10th Annual Research Session.2011, Eastern University, Sri Lanka, 1-2 December 2011. 202-208.
- Prishanthini, M. and M. Vinobaba (2013), Life cycle of the mealybug Phenacoccus Solenopsis in shoe flower plants under the Laboratory conditions. Proceedings of the 3rd International Symposium of South Eastern University of Sri Lanka 2013.6th & & 7th July 2013, 57-62
- Prishanthini, M., M. Vinobaba and R. Gnaneswaran (2013), Survey on the incidences of mealybugs from the Banana and plantain crops (Musa sp) in the Jaffna District, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of. International Conference for Agriculture and Animal Sciences (AgriAnimal 2013), pp 278-291
- Prishanthini, M. and Vinobaba, M (2014), Efficacy of some selected botanicals against the Cotton mealybug Phenacoccus Solenopsis Tinsley, ( Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), International Journal of Scientific Research Publications, 4(3). 118-128.
- G.Tharani, M.S.R.Akther, M. Prishanthini (2018), Assessment of awareness on the alien invasive species Parthenium hysterophorus in Vavuniya district of Northern Sri Lanka, International Journal of Research Publication 17 (1), http://ijrp.org/paper-detail/435 DOI: 100171112018434
- Prishanthini Muthulingam, Muthuladchumy Vinobaba (2021), Survey of Papaya Mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus and its Introduced Parasitoids on Papaya Plants in the Low Country Dry Zone of Sri Lanka, American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences (ASRJETS),75 (1), 29-35.
- Muthulingam, Prishanthini, and Buddhi Marambe. (2022). “The Invasive Weed Gorse (Ulex Europaeus L.) in Sri Lanka: Implications of Naturalization over a Century.” Weeds - Journal of the Asian-Pacific Weed Science Society 4 (1): 21–35.
Published Abstracts
- Vinobaba, P and Prishanthini, M. Crab fattening in wooden cages and the enhancement of the economic status of the fishermen from Palameenmadu, Batticaloa. Wrap up conference of CIDA Restore Project, Hotel Tourmaline, Kandy. 27th to 28th March 2009.
- Vinobaba, P; Prishanthini, M; Dharshini, S and Harris, J. M (2009). Alternative livelihood for lagoon fishermen from Batticaloa, Sri Lanka – Crab fattening, Milkfish and Gracilaria sp farming. Satellite Symposium on Global University Extension Net Work, University of Allahabad, India, P 2.
- M. Prishanthini and M. Vinobaba (2010), Host Range and the natural enemies of the newly reported mealybug Phenacoccus Solenopsis (Tinsley, 1898) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in the Batticaloa District, Proceedings of the Uva Symposium 2010, Uva Wellassa University, Sri Lanka. p. 165
- M. Prishanthini and M. Vinobaba (2011), A survey of mealybugs and their natural enemies in home gardens of Batticaloa, Sri Lanka, 10th Annual Research Session.2011, Eastern University, Sri Lanka, 1-2 December 2011, p 233
- M. Prishanthini and M. Vinobaba (2012), Evaluation on the efficacy of some selected botanicals in controlling cotton mealybug Phenacoccus Solenopsis (Tinsley) (2012) 2nd International Symposium 2012, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, 25th -27th May 2012. pp 84-92
- M. Prishanthini and M. Vinobaba (2012), Diversity of Mealybugs in home gardens of the Eastern Province, Sri Lanka: Implications of the threat of invasive pests, Proceedings of the symposium, Conservation Sri Lanka 2012, Institute of Biology, Biodiversity Secretariat, Ministry of Environment, Sausiripaya, Colombo, 6th July 2012. P 57
- M. Prishanthini and M. Vinobaba (2012), Host range and distribution of the papaya mealybug Paracoccus marginatus in the Batticaloa District, Research Symposium of The Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2012, 22nd & 23rd July 2012.
- M. Prishanthini, M. Vinobaba and R. Gnaneswaran (2013), Survey on the incidences of mealybugs from the Banana and plantain crops (Musa sp) in the Jaffna District, Sri Lanka. International Conference for Agriculture and Animal Sciences (AgriAnimal 2013)
- M. Prishanthini, M. Vinobaba and R. Gnaneswaran (2013), Diversity and distribution of mealybug pests (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) affecting fruit and vegetable crops in the Northern and Eastern parts of Sri Lanka. International Conference on Bio-Diversity 2013
- M.Prishanthini, M.Vinobaba, R.Gnaneswaran, and J.Poorani (2014), Diversity of Hymenopteran Parasitoids attacking on mealybugs from low country dry zone of Sri Lanka (2014), World Biodiversity Congress (WBC 2014), Colombo.
- M.Prishanthini, M.Vinobaba and R.Gnaneswaran (2015), Association of ants and the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis (Tinsley) population and its influence on the spread of mealybugs in the home gardens, ANet International Conference. University of Kelaniya, Sri lanka
Research
Research interests:
- Crop Protection
- Biotechnology
- Metabolomics
- Food Technology
Research projects
- Bio-Ecology of Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) of the Low Country Dry Zone, Sri Lanka and their potential threats to Agriculture (2012-2017)
- Morphological and Molecular characterization of Indigenous Chicken of Eastern Sri Lanka.(2011-2012)
- Mealybugs (Pseudococcidae-hemiptera) of home gardens of Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka. (2007-2009)
Teaching
- General biology
- Introduction to Aquaculture
- Fundamentals of Molecular biology
- Environmental Biotechnology
- Aquaculture Production Systems
- Productive insects, algal, and fungal Technology
- Production Technology of Biocontrol Agents
Awards
- Karunainayagam memorial award for the best research conducted in the special degree of Zoology (2002/03) Batch.
Positions Held
- Academic Career Guidance Advisor and co-ordinator for the Faculty Career Development Programmes and Courses- November 2019 to September 2020
- Academic Coordinator for the Undergraduates (2017/18 batch)- July 2019 to September 2020
- Member of Sports Advisory Board ( Faculty Representative)- Jan 2019 to September 2020
- Student Counsellor- June 2018 to September 2020
- Member of team of Proposal Writers (AHEAD Grants)- April- May 2018
- Member of the Curriculum Revision Committee- April – May 2018
- Member of Faculty Board- Jan 2019 to September 2020