Education

1. PhD in Plant Protection (Nematology)- Lincoln University, New Zealand-[2024]
2. Phil. in Agricultural Biology [Plant Protection]- University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka [2018]
3. Sc. [Hons] in Agriculture -University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka [2011]

Academic positions held

1. Senior Lecturer Gr-II in Agric. Biology, University of Jaffna [2024 August to date]
2. Lecturer (Probationary) in Agric. Biology, University of Jaffna [2018 July to 2024 August]
3. Lecturer (Prob.) in Post-Harvest Technology at University College of Anuradhapura, University of Vocational Technology [2014 November to 2018 July]
4. Research Assistant at the University of Jaffna [2014 May- 2014 October]
5. Demonstrator (Temporary) at Dept. of Agric. Biology, University of Jaffna, [2011 November to 2014 April]

Research Interests

Major: Plant Protection [Nematology – Entomology – Mycology]

1. Plant Parasitic Nematodes [PPNs] and Management
2. Biological Control
3. Entomopathogenic Nematodes [EPNs] (Biology and Applications)
4. Insect and Nematode Associations
5. Fungal Disease and Management

Faculty Level

1. Deputy Proctor- Faculty of Agriculture- from October 2024
2. Coordinator- BSc in Agriculture (External general degree) Curriculum Development- 2024
3. Coordinator – Orientation Programme for the New Entrants -2024
4. Joint Secretary/ Fifth International Conference on Dry Zone Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, UoJ-2019
5. Member/SER Writing Team [Criteria 2: Human and Physical Resources]-2018/2020

Positions @ University College of Anuradhapura [2014-2018]

1. Board of Management member (2015 September-2017 November)
2. Board of Studies member (2014 November to 2018 June)
3. Board of Discipline committee member (2015-2018 June)
4. Course coordinator for the Department of Post-Harvest Technology
5. Research Committee member (2017-2018)

Regional/ National Level

1. Consultant/Tree and Mind Project, Sri Lankan Key Foundation [2017 onward]
2. Event Coordinator/Tree and Mind Project, Sri Lankan Key Foundation [2017 onward]
3. Life member/Sri Lankan Association for Advancement Science [SLAAS] [10624/B]
4. Life member/Sri Lankan Academy of Young Scientist
5. Life member/ Young Scientist Forum [YSF], NASTEC. [ Y/T/15]
6. Life member/Jaffna Science Association
7. Executive Committee member/Jaffna Science Association JSA – Section B [2012-2013]

International Level

1. 1. 1. Student member/Australasian Plant Pathology Society (2022-2025)
      2. Student member/New Zealand Plant Protection Society (2022-2023)
      3. Regular Member/Society of Nematology (USA)-(2018-2019)
      4. Life member/Asian PGPR Society-Sri Lanka Chapter

Undergraduate Teaching

@ UoJ [2018 -]

1. AGB 21012: Economic Entomology
2. AGB 22023: Basic Microbiology and Phytopathology
3. AGB 31013: Plant Protection
4. AGBS 32012: Agricultural Acarology
5. AGBS 32022: Nematology

Teaching in other Institutions (NVQ Level 5 and 6 – National Diploma in post-harvest technology)

@UCA [2014-2018]

Major modules

1. Chemistry for Technology
2. Biology for Technology
3. Fruit and vegetable processor [Introduction of entomology]
4. Post-harvest activities related to fruits and vegetables
5. Post-harvest activities related to legumes and oil-seed crops
6. Post-harvest machinery and equipment
7. Post-harvest crop protection and sanitation
8. Packaging, storage, and transportation of crop produce
9. Basic food science and technology
10. Secondary food processing and value addition
11. Extension Education
12. Scientific writing
13. Research methodology
14. Basics of biostatistics and Computer application

Employability module

1. Workplace information management
2. Workplace communication management
3. Problem-solving and decision making
4. Teamwork and Leadership
5. Creating and maintaining a learning culture in the workplace

Undergraduate Supervision

1. Title: Management of cabbage lepidopteran pest, Plutella xylostella using entomopathogenic nematode

Candidate: Ms. V.Nivethini

Supervisor: Prof. G. Mikunthan              Co-Supervisor(s): Mr. N. Thiruchchelvan

Place of the Research (Institute): Department of Agricultural Biology, UoJ

2. Title: Eco-friendly Management of Anthracnose (Colletotrichum capsici) in chilli by using botanicals and bioagents

Candidate: Ms. T.Karthika

Supervisor: Prof. G. Mikunthan           Co-Supervisor(s): Mr. N. Thiruchchelvan

Place of the Research (Institute): Department of Agricultural Biology, UoJ

3. Title: Mass production of the blue-green algae Spirulina platensis and formulation of dry powder

Candidate: Ms. V. Jerentulina

Chief Supervisor: Prof. G. Mikunthan                    Co-Supervisor(s): Mr. N. Thiruchchelvan

Place of the Research (Institute): Department of Agricultural Biology, UoJ

• Full Papers in Peer Reviewed Journals

1. N Thiruchchelvan S Casonato G Mikunthan L Condron R Moukarzel M Kularathna, 2024. Prevalence and abundance of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with corn (Zea mays) in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka, 52 (3): 299-309. DOI: 10.4038/jnsfsr.v52i3.11729

2. N Thiruchchelvan S Casonato R Moukarzel L Condron M Kularathna, 2024. Root-lesion nematode (Pratylenchus) extraction from maize roots: a comparison of three methods. New Zealand Plant Protection, 77: 36–42. DOI: 10.30843/nzpp.2024.77.11782

3. J Vijayarasa K Pakeerathan N Thiruchchelvan G Mikunthan. 2021. Bio-remediation of agro-based industries’ wastewater and mass production of spirulina (Spirulina platensis(Gomont) Geitler 1925). Biology and Life Sciences Forum, 3(1):24. DOI: 3390/IECAG2021-09716

4. N Thiruchchelvan G Thirukkumaran G Mikunthan, 2021. Mass production of the nematode Acrobeloides longiuterus using Tribolium castaneum and artificial solid media. Ruhuna Journal of Science, 12 (1): 14-25. DOI: 10.4038/rjs.v12i1.96

5. N Thiruchchelvan G Thirukkumaran S Edgington A Buddie G Mikunthan, 2021. Morphological characteristics and insect killing potential of a soil dwelling nematode, Acrobeloides cf. longiuterus from Sri Lanka. Plant Protection, 5 (1): 1-11. DOI: 10.33804/pp.005.01.3512

6. K Kasthuri S Anjali  N Thiruchchelvan  UM Aruna Kumara, 2021. Use of maturity traits to identify optimal harvestable maturity of banana Musa AAB cv. “Embul” in dry zone of Sri Lanka. Open Agriculture, 6(1): 143-151. DOI:10.1515/opag-2021-0015

7. HMTP Herath UMA Kumara KGLR Jayathunge and N Thiruchchelvan, 2020. Development of a mango pulp and the acceptability and storability of the product, International Journal of Horticulture and Floriculture, 8 (9): 001-009. DOI: 10.46882/IJHF/1134

8. A Piratheepan S Sasikaran P Thanushkanth S Tharsika M Nathiya C Sivakaran N Thiruchchelvan and K Thiruthanigesan, 2017. Fingerprint Voting System Using Arduino, Middle-East Journal of Scientific Research, 25 (8): 1793-1802.

9. N Niranjani B Tharmila C Sukirtha K Kamalraj S Thanujan P Janarthanan N Thiruchchelvan and K Thiruthanigesan, 2017. The Real Time Face Detection and Recognition System. International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science & Technology, 5 (4): 51-58.

10. T Jeyaperatha K Thiruthanigesan and N Thiruchchelvan, 2017. Analysing Efficiency and Effectiveness of Clap Switch Mechanism Based on the NE 555 Clap Switch and Arduino Clap Switch. International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science & Technology, 5 (4): 27-31.

11. K Thiruthanigesan and N Thiruchchelvan, 2017. Data verification and validation process in the management system development. Middle-East Journal of Scientific Research, 25(5):902-911.

12. V Balalojanan T Jeyaperatha K Thiruthanigesan and N Thiruchchelvan, 2017. Secure login using Encrypted password and email based login approach. International journal of advanced research in computer science & technology, 5(2):44-48.

13. V Balalojanan T Jeyaperatha K Thiruthanigesan WMPP Wanninayake and N Thiruchchelvan, 2016. Secured Library management System (LMS) for public Library of Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Middle-East Journal of Scientific Research, 24 (7): 2209-2215.

14. V Thushyanthy K Thiruthanigesan WMPP Wanninayake and N Thiruchchelvan, 2016. Automated Certificate Issuing and Students’ Management System for College of Technology, Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Middle-East Journal of Scientific Research, 24 (7): 2204-2208.

15. K Thiruthanigesan N Thiruchchelvan AM Vinitha, and JJ Inico, 2016. Zoo Information Management System (ZIMS) for Anna Zoological Park, Chennai, India. Advances in Biological Research, 10(1): 10-14.

16. G Krishanthan N Thiruchchelvan and G Mikunthan, 2015. Pedestal Study for Diversity of Fishes, Crabs and Shrimps in Kokkilai Lagoon of Sri Lanka. Advances in Biological Research, 9 (1): 49-52

17. N Thiruchchelvan G Mikunthan G Thirukkumaran K Pakeerathan, 2013. Effect of insecticides on bio-agent Trichoderma harzianum Rifai under in vitro condition. American-Eurasian Journal of Agriculture & Environmental Science, 13 (10): 1357-1360

18. N Thiruchchelvan G Thirukkumaran G Mikunthan, 2013. Banana stem rot disease; causal agent (Marasmiellus sp.), host range and selection of low-cost media for its cultivation. Journal of Natural Products and Plant Resources, 3 (2): 97-104.

19. N Thiruchchelvan G Thirukkumaran G Mikunthan, 2013. In vitro assessment of fungicides against banana stem rot fungus, Marasmiellus sp. Annals of Biological Research, 4 (2):115-118.

20. N Thiruchchelvan G Thirukkumaran G Mikunthan, 2012. In vitro Biological Control of Marasmiellus sp. The Causal of Stem Rot of Banana Grown in Jaffna Peninsula, Sri Lanka. Academic Journal of Plant Sciences, 5 (3): 94-101.

Books

1. N Thiruchchelvan G Thirukkumaran G Mikunthan, 2013. Marasmiellus stem rot on Banana and its management. LAP: LAMBERT Academic Publishing, Germany. pages.69.

Book Chapters

1. Kumara, U.M.A., Jayaprada, N.V.T., Thiruchchelvan, N. (2023). Bioremediation of Polluted Water. In: Soni, R., Suyal, D.C., Morales-Oyervides, L., Sungh Chauhan, J. (eds) Current Status of Fresh Water Microbiology. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-5018-8_14

2. Aruna Kumara, U. M. and Thiruchchelvan, N. “Chapter 14 Biotechnological approaches for plant stress management”. Plant Protection: From Chemicals to Biologicals, edited by Ravindra Soni, Deep Chandra Suyal and Reeta Goel, Berlin, Boston: De Gruyter, 2022, pp. 353-394. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110771558-014

3. Aruna Kumara U.M., Cooray P.L.V.N., Ambanpola, N., Thiruchchelvan N. (2022.) Plant-pathogen interaction: Mechanisms and evolution, In Soni R., Suyal D.C., Bhargava P., Goel R. (eds) Trends of Applied Microbiology for Sustainable Economy. Academic Press, Elsevier https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91595-3.00025-2

Aruna Kumara U.M., Thiruchchelvan N. (2021) Omics Technology for Plant Stress Management. In: Soni R., Suyal D.C., Bhargava P., Goel R. (eds) Microbiological Activity for Soil and Plant Health Management. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-2922-8_16

Extended Abstracts

1. J Vijayarasa K Pakeerathan N Thiruchchelvan G Mikunthan, 2021. Bio-remediation agro-based industry’s wastewater and mass production of Spirulina (Spirulina platensis (Gomont) Geitler 1925), Proceedings of the First International Electronic Conference on Agronomy, 3–17 May, MDPI: Basel, Switzerland, doi:10.3390/IECAG2021-09716

2. N Thiruchchelvan G Thirukkumaran G Mikunthan, 2019. Production of an entomopathogenic nematode, Acrobeloides longiuterus using artificial solid media, Proceeding of 8th Young Scientist Forum Symposium, National Science and Technology Commission. 8 (1): 208-211.

3. N Thiruchchelvan G Thirukkumaran G Mikunthan, 2018. Distribution of entomopathogens in northern Sri Lanka and their potential as bio-agents, Proceeding of 7th Young Scientist Forum Symposium, National Science and Technology Commission, 7 (1): 162-166.

4. WG Sunethra UM Aruna Kumara N Thiruchchelvan, 2018. Evaluation of traditional practices to manage Callosobruches (pulse beetle) in black grams’ storage, Proceeding of 7th Young Scientist Forum Symposium, National Science and Technology Commission, 7 (1): 149-151.

5. JMAM Sewwandi N Thiruchchelvan UM Aruna Kumara, 2018. Acceptability and proximate evaluation of a new biscuit developed using Pouteria campechina [Lavulu] fruit flour, Proceeding of 7th Young Scientist Forum Symposium, National Science and Technology Commission, 7 (1): 133-135.

N Thiruchchelvan K Pakeerathan G Thirukkumaran G Mikunthan, 2012. Evaluation and selection of the most cost-effective media for in vitro cultivation of banana stem rot fungus, Marasmiellus sp., Proceeding of International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment (ISAE 2012), 5 (1): 119-121

Abstracts Presented at Conferences

1. Thiruchchelvan Nagarathnam, Seona Casonato, Leo Condron, Romy Moukarzel and Manjula Kularathna. 2024. Impact of Plant-parasitic nematodes on maize production in New Zealand. Proceedings of the Australasian Soilborne Diseases Symposium, 26-30 of August 2024. New South Wales, Australia.
2. Thiruchchelvan Nagarathnam, Seona Casonato, Leo Condron, Romy Moukarzel and Manjula Kularathna. 2023. Plant-parasitic nematodes associated with Maize (Zea mays L.) in New Zealand. Proceeding of NZPPS Conference 2023, 8-10 of August 2023, Rotorua, New Zealand.
3. DMD Dissanayeka UM Aruna Kumara WLN Wasana N Thiruchchelvan, 2021. Morphological characterization of local banana cultivars (Musa spp.) grown in the north central province of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of 2021 AUA and 5th ICGSC Academic Conference on Global Strategies for a Resilient and Sustainable Post-Pandemic World Towards a Better Future for All. 26-27 October 2021, Asian Universities Alliance and School of Strategic and Global Studies, Universitas Indonesia.

4. EAM Jayasinghe UMA Kumara KMDN Rodrigo N Thiruchchelvan, 2021. Isolation and identification of native antagonistic yeasts as biocontrol agents of postharvest fungal pathogens. Proceedings of the Annual Research Symposium-2021, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 407.

5. E Vinobia N Thiruchchelvan K Pakeerathan G Mikunthan, 2021. Screening of plant extracts and oils against soft rot bacterium, Pectobacterium carotovorum. Proceedings of the fourth National Symposium on Agriculture (NSA 2021), Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka

6. N Thiruchchelvan G Thirukkumaran G Mikunthan, 2019. Production of an insect killing Nematode, Acrobeloides cf longiuterus; using insect host and artificial media, Proceeding of the International Conference on Agriculture and Food Security 2019, AGROFOOD 2019, 17.

7. N Thiruchchelvan G Thirukkumaran G Mikunthan, 2018. The potential of an insect-killing nematode, Acrobeloides cf longiuterus against crop pests, Proceeding of the SLAYS open forum 2018, “Research for Impact: March of the Sri Lankan Young Scientists”, 14.

8. N Thiruchchelvan G Thirukkumaran G Mikunthan, 2018. Bio-efficacy of entomopathogenic nematode, Acrobeloides longiuterus against spotted beetle (Epilachna vigintioctopunctata), Proceeding of the SLCARP international agricultural research symposium, 46.

9. WGSK Rathnayake UM Aruna Kumara N Thiruchchelvan, 2017. Evaluation of traditional storage practices to manage the black gram storage pests. Research Symposium Proceedings, University of Vocational Technology, 38.

10. JMAM Sewwandi RMNA Wijewardhana UM Aruna Kumara N Thiruchchelvan, 2017. Acceptability valuation of the newly developed biscuits, using an underutilized fruit yellow sapote (Pouteria campechina (Kunth) Baehni.), Research Symposium Proceedings, University of Vocational Technology, 11.

11. JI Ketipe Arachchi N Thiruchchelvan UM Aruna Kumara, 2017. Sensory Evaluation and acceptability of newly developed cake using jack fruit seed flour, Research Symposium Proceedings, University of Vocational Technology, 10.

12. HMTP Herath N Thiruchchelvan UM Aruna Kumara KGLR Jayathunge, 2017. Sensory evaluation of the jam produced from the Karuththakolumban mango paste. Research Symposium Proceedings, University of Vocational Technology, 8.

13. N Thiruchchelvan K Pakeerathan G Thirukkumaran G Mikunthan, 2013. Emerging of pests: the key threat to plant biodiversity in Northern Sri Lanka. Proceeding of the National Symposium on the Biodiversity of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, 1 (1): 7-8.

14. N Thiruchchelvan K Pakeerathan G Thirukkumaran G Mikunthan 2012. Evaluation of fungicides against banana stem rot fungus, Marasmiellus under In-vitro condition, Proceeding of Jaffna University International Research Conference (JUICE 2012), 1(1): 24.

15. N Thiruchchelvan G Thirukkumaran G Mikunthan, 2012. Occurrence and Biocontrol of Marasmiellus Stem Rot On Banana Grown in Northern Sri Lanka, Proceeding of India – Sri Lanka International Conference on Agro-biotechnology for sustainable development (ABSD 2012), 1 (1): 39.

Magazines/ Newsletters

1. Writing Agricultural and science-based article in the national newspaper “THAMILTHANTHI” (தமிழ்த்தந்தி) to disseminate knowledge to the farmers and public in local language (Tamil)

These Articles were published every weekend from the August 2013-2016.

Some of the key titles are,

• Over usage of pesticides and the significance of biological control in Jaffna” (யாழ்ப்பாணத்தில் பீடைநாசினிகளின் ஆட்சியும் உயிரியல் கட்டுப்பாட்டின் தேவையும்)
• Step up towards the sustainable agriculture (நிலைபேறான விவசாயத்தை நோக்கி)
• Importance of organic farming to our village (நம்மூர் வேளாண்மையில் சேதன விவசாயத்தின் தேவை)
• Nature farming (இயற்கை வேளாண்மை)
• Biodynamic farming (உயிர்ச்சக்தி வேளாண்மை)

2. Nagarathnam Thiruchchelvan, 2013. Animal biotechnology in Agricultural sector. PirayogaVingnana Sudar: a collection of scientific essays, 06 (01): 12-21. (Tamil article)

3. Local magazine publication, Published by: Section B/ Jaffna Science Association

4. Nagarathnam Thiruchchelvan, 2015. Importance of Vocational education and technology in Sri Lanka, Silver Jubilee felicity number (1990-2015) -Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna, 117-120.

Scholarship/ Fellowship

1. AHEAD Scholarship for the University Academics for PhD program 2020-2023 at Lincoln University New Zealand.
2. Chinese government sponsorship for the Training Course on Rice Yield Increasing Technology for Sri Lanka, at Yuan LongPing High-tech Agriculture Co, Ltd, Changsha, Hunan Province, Peoples’ Republic of China, 9th August to 19th September 2019

Medals

1. Silver Medal Winning Invention- Category University and Tertiary Educational Institute- Field of Food Technology

Title of Invention: A new biscuit developed using Lavulu fruit [Pouteria campechina]

Award from the Sri Lanka Inventors Commission [National Exhibition for Inventions and Innovations- October 2018]

Research Awards

i. Certificate of Merit Award for Best Research Paper and Oral Presentation [Microbiology]

Paper Title: Production of an entomopathogenic nematode, Acrobeloides longiuterus using artificial solid media

Award from the Young Scientist Forum (YSF), National Science and Technology Commission [8th YSF Symposium, @ Construction Industry Development Authority, CIDA]- January 2019.

ii.Semi Finalist Award for the Three Minutes Thesis Presentation [3MT]

Title: Potential of an insect killing nematode, Acrobeloides cf longiuterus against crop pests

Award from the Sri Lankan Academics of Young Scientist [SLAYS] and National Science Foundation [NSF] of Sri Lanka-October-2018

iii. Certificate of Merit Award for Best Research Paper and Oral Presentation [Plant Protection]

Paper Title: Distribution of entomo-pathogens in Northern Sri Lanka and their potential as bioagents

Award from the Young Scientist Forum (YSF), National Science and Technology Commission [7th YSF Symposium, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka]- January 2018.

iv. Certificate of Merit Award for Best Research Paper and Oral Presentation [Food Technology]

Paper Title: Acceptability and proximate valuation on a new biscuit by an underutilized fruit, Pouteria campechina (Lavulu)

Award from the Young Scientist Forum (YSF), National Science and Technology Commission [7th YSF Symposium, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka]-January-2018.

Travel Awards

Conference Travel Grants (NZPPS and APPS) for Students – to attend the New Zealand Plant Protection Society Conference-2023 at Rotorua, New Zealand

Editor

1. 5th International Conference on Dry zone Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna-2019
2.  National Symposium on the Biodiversity of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka- 2013

Presenting Author

1. 8th Young Scientist Forum Symposium, National Science and Technology Commission (January 2019)
2. SLAYS open forum 2018 (3MT thesis Presentation)
3. SLCARP International Agricultural Research Symposium (August 2018)
4. 7th Young Scientist Forum Symposium, National Science and Technology Commission (January 2018) (3 Papers)
5. National Symposium on the Biodiversity of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka- 2013 (NSBNPS-2013 April)
6. International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment (ISAE 2012 November)
7. Jaffna University International Research Conference (JUICE 2012 July)
8. India–Sri Lanka International Conference on Agro-Biotechnology for Sustainable Development (ABSD 2012 March).

Conferences Attended

1. APQN Annual Academic Conference (AAC) on Quality Assurance in the Asia-Pacific region Insight into the Future-2019 @ BMICH,Colombo
2. Jaffna University International Research Conference JUICe- 2018 by University of Jaffna
3. Presenting an e-poster, Distribution entomopathoges in Northern Sri Lanka and their potential as bio control agents, on First National Conference on Bio-fertilizer and Bio pesticides- 2017
4. International Conference on Dry-zone Agriculture [ICDA] 2015- by FAG, University of Jaffna
5. National conference on Biotechnology “BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR WEALTH CREATION”- 2014. organized by COSTI and Ministry of Science and technology
6. e-conference of Jaffna University International Research Conference, JUICE 2014

Resource person

1. Professionals’ development workshop for Agriculture Teachers’ in Thenmaraadchy Zone of Department of Education-2013 Seminar to G.C.E. O/L Students 
2. Announcer and participated of (ITHU PASUMAIYIM NERAM) Agriculture related radio program on Ceylon radio cooperation (YAARL FM) – 2012-2013
3. Resource person for many farmer training programs related to Agriculture, Vermi technology, Mushroom cultivation, Bio agents for biological control, etc.