Prof. G. Thirukkumaran
Ph.D in Plant Biotechnology (Chiba University, Japan), M.Phil in Bioresources Science (Chiba University, Japan), B.Sc (Hons) in Agriculture (University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka)
Professor in Agricultural Biology
- +94 0777910654
- thirug@univ.jfn.ac.lk
- Website
Academic Profile
Admin Positions
Teaching
Research
Publications
Awards
CPD
Outreach Activities
Academic Profile
Education
- Professor in Agricultural Biology from 2017 April
- Ph.D, Plant Biotechnology, 2010
Thesis on: Generation of genetically engineered marker-free disease resistant plants
Chiba University, Japan
- M.Phil, Bioresources Science, 2007
Thesis: In-vitro regeneration and Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation
Chiba University, Japan
- B.Sc (Hons) in Agriculture, (Batch Top) 1998
Thesis : In-vitro germination and storage of tea pollen
University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka
Major: Genetics and Plant Breeding
- Academic positions held
Professor in Agricultural Biology from 2017
Head of the Department 2013 – 2019
2. Research Interests
Plant Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Plant Breeding and Plant protection
Admin Positions
a. Faculty Level
Coordinator for Common Courses
Experiential Learning for 3 years
Industrial Training for 10 years
Social Harmony for 3 years
Laboratory Techniques for 10 years
b. University Level
c. Regional/ National Level
d. International Level
Teaching
Undergraduate Teaching
- Plant Biotechnology
- Genetic Engineering
- Agricultural Biotechnology
- Genetics and Plant Breeding
- Plant Tissue Culture
- Transgenics in Crop Improvement
- Cell Biology and Crop Botany
- Plant Physiology
- Environmental biology
- Social Harmony
- Laboratory Techniques
- Bioethics
VISITING LECTURER, MODERATOR AND SECOND EXAMINER
- Environmental Biotechnology – Faculty of Applied Science, University of Vavuniya
Basic Biology – Faculty of Technology, University of Jaffna from 2018
Biotechnology
Bioethics
Postgraduate Teaching
Teaching in other Institutions
Diploma/ Certificate Programs
Research
Postgraduate Supervision
Undergraduate Supervision
- Every year supervision for 4 Students
Research Grants Received
Consultancy Services
Publications
Full Papers in Peer Reviewed Journals
PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS IN RECOGNIZED INDEXED JOURNALS
- Thirukkumaran G, Ntui VO, Khan RS, Nakamura I, Mii M (2010) Generation of phenotypically normal marker-free transgenic plants of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana through hairy root induction. Plant Biotechnology 27:147–153
- Thirukkumaran G, Khan RS, Chin DP, Nakamura I, Mii M (2009) Isopentenyl transferase gene expression offers the positive selection of marker-free transgenic plant of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana. Plant Cell Tiss Organ Cult 97:237–242
- Thirukkumaran G, Ntui VO, Khan RS, Mii M (2009) Thidiazuron: an efficient plant growth regulator for enhancing Agrobacterium-mediated transformation in Petunia hybrida. Plant Cell Tiss Organ Cult. 99:109–115
- Ntui VO, Thirukkumaran G, Iioka S, Mii M (2009) Efficient plant regeneration via organogenesis in ‘‘Egusi’’melon (Colocynthis citrullus L.). Scientia Horticulturae 119:397–402
- Ntui VO, Thirukkumaran G, Azadi P, Khan RS, Nakamura I, Mii M (2010) Stable integration and expression of wasabi defensin gene in ‘‘Egusi’’ melon (Colocynthis citrullus L.) confers resistance to Fusarium wilt and Alternaria leaf spot. Plant Cell Rep 29:943-954
- Khan RS, Thirukkumaran G, Nakamura I (2010) Rol (root loci) gene as a positive selection marker to produce marker-free Petunia hybrid. Plant Cell Tiss Organ Cult 101:279-285
- Ntui VO, Azadi P, Thirukkumaran G, Khan RS, Chin DP, Nakamura I, Mii M (2011) Increased resistance to fusarium wilt in transgenic tobacco lines co-expressing chitinase and wasabi defensin genes. Plant Pathology 60:221-231
- 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,
- Nagarathnam Thiruchchelvan1, Gunaratnam Thirukkumaran1, Steve Edgington2, Alan Buddie2, Gunasingham Mikunthan1 2021. MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND INSECT KILLING POTENTIAL OF A SOIL DWELLING NEMATODE, ACROBELOIDES CF. LONGIUTERUS FROM SRI LANKA. Plant Protection, 05 (01): 1-11
PEER REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS IN RECOGNIZED REFREED JOURNALS
- Suvanthini,T. Priyatharsan,U. Thirukkumaran,G. 2017. Handpicking Is an Efficient Practice for Blister Beetle Mylabris Pustulata (Meloidae: Coleoptera) In Garden. International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research. 6 (8):125-127
- Thanachseyan,P. Samarasinghe,W.L.G.and Thirukkumaran, G. 2017. Diversity Assessment of Annona muricata L. Through Molecular Characterization using SSR Markers. International Journal of New Technology and Research (IJNTR), 3(9):57-62
- Suvanthini,T. and Thirukkumaran,G. 2016. Evaluation of information and advisory support received by the farmers in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research, 8 (5):33-37
- Sujeevan R, Pushpanjie K, and Thirukkumaran, G. 2016. Synthetic seeds of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cv “Granola” as an effective biocontrol system to control Erwinia carotovora. International Journal of Scholars Research Library , 6 (4): 14-22
- Thiruchchelvan N. Thirukkumaran G. Mikunthan G. 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.
- Thiruchchelvan N. Thirukkumaran G. Mikunthan G Pakeerathan K, 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.
- Thiruchchelvan N. Thirukkumaran G. Mikunthan G, 2013. In vitro assessment of fungicides against banana stem rot fungus, Marasmiellus sp. Annals of Biological Research, 4 (2):115-118.
- Thiruchchelvan N. Thirukkumaran G. Mikunthan G, 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.
- Piragalathan A, Pakeerathan K, Thirukkumaran, G Mikunthan G 2014 Efficacy of Different Insecticides and Bio-Rationals Against Papaya Mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus (Hemiptera: Pseudococidae) Infestation in Home Gardens. Middle-East Journal of Scientific Research 21 (10), 1689-1693
- Suvanthini ST, Thirkkumaran G 2016 Evaluation of information and advisory support received by the farmers in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Archives of Applied Science Research, 8 (5): 33-37
- Rajendran S, Kalupahana P, Thirukkumaran G 2016 Synthetic seeds of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cv “Granola” as an effective biological system to control Erwinia carotovora. Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology Research, 6 (4): 14-22
- Thillainathan T, Suvanthini ST, Thirukkumaran G 2016 In-vitro of salinity tolerant rice cultivars at seedling stage and assessment of growth parameters. Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology Research, 6 (5): 1-5
PRESENTATION IN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES
- AM Dinithi Charini Aththanayake, J.P.Eswara and G. Thirukkumaran. 2025. Effect of Methyl Jasmonate on Agarwood Production from Shoot Culture of Gyrinops walla. International Symbosium on Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka.
- DRN Abeysinghe, SJ Arasakesary, G Thirukkumaran 2024. Influence of vernalization in bolting and bulb production of cluster onion (Allium cepa l.) germplasm during yala season in Kilinochchi. International Symbosium on Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka.
- M Aradana, SJ Arasakesary, G Thirukkumaran 2023. Study on Seed Setting Performance of Selected Cluster Onion (Allium Cepa L.) Cultivars Under Vernalization And Non-Vernalization Conditions. International Symbosium on Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka.
- V Tharsika, SJ Arasakesary, G Thirukkumaran 2022. Methods to Improve Seed Sets in Cluster Onion Hybridization. Proceeding of the International Conferrence on Dry zone Agriculture, University of Jaffna.
- S Senaweera, G Thirukkumaran, SJ Arasakesary, R Balasooriya. 2021. Principal Component and Correlation Analysis of Groundnut Germplasm (Arachis hypogaea. L.) towards Pod Filling Ability. Proceeding of the International Conferrence on Dry zone Agriculture, University of Jaffna.
- Dilhani, R.M.T. Ranatunga, M.A.B. Thirukkumaran, G. 2020. Seasonal variations of plant pigments in new hybrid tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] population. Proceeding of the 6th International Conference on Dry zone Agriculture
- Jayasinghe. H.A.C.S.H. , Perera. A.M.M.S., Thirukkumaran. G. 2019. Screening of sugarcane germplasm and quarantine station for sugarcane streak mosaic virus in Sri Lanka. Proceeding of the 5th International Conference on Dry zone Agriculture
- G.Mikunthan N. Thiruchchelvan, G.Thirukkumaran 2019. Production of Entomopathogenic Nematode Acrobeloides longluterus Using Artifial Solid Media. YSF Symposium 8: 208-211
- Sukirtharuban, S., Thirukkumaran, G., Ranaweera, K.K., Ranathunga, M.A.B., 2018. In vitro callusing from Ex vitro leaf segments of Tea [Camellia sinensis (L.)O. Kuntze] an important aromatic medicinal plant. Proceeding of the 1st International conference and Exhibition on Siddha medicine 2018.
- Sukirtharuban, S., Thirukkumaran, G., Ranaweera, K.K., and Ranathunga, M.A.B., 2018. Development of an efficient protocol for Somatic Embryogenesis from Different Explants of Tea [Camellia sinensis (L.)O. Kuntze]. Proceeding of the International Symbosium on Agriculture and Environment 2018.
- Sukirtharuban, S., Thirukkumaran, G., Ranaweera, K.K., and Ranathunga, M.A.B., 2018. Somatic Embryo Induction from in vitro Leaf callus of Tea [Camellia sinensis (L.)O. Kuntze] Cultivars, ‘TRI2024 and TRI2043’. Proceeding of the 2nd International Research Symbosium.
- Thiruchchelvan, N., Thirukkumaran, G. and Mikunthan, G., 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.
- Thiruchchelvan, N., Thirukkumaran, G. andMikunthan, G., 2018. Bio-efficacy of entomopathogenic nematode, Acrobeloides longiuterus against spotted beetle (Epilachna vigintioctopunctata), Proceeding of the SLCARP international agricultural research symposium, 46
- G.Mikunthan N. Thiruchchelvan, G.Thirukkumaran 2018. Distribution of Entomopathogens in Northern Sri Lanka and their Potential as Bio-Agents. YSF Symbosium 7: 162-166
- Sukirtharuban, S.Ranaweera, K. K. Ranatunga, M. A. B. and Thirukkumaran, G. 2017. The Preliminary Investigation of Somatic Embryo Induction from Stem Cuttings through Direct Somatic Embryogenesis in Tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] Cultivar, ‘TRI2024’. Proceeding of the 3rd international conference on Dry Zone Agriculture, 3(1):82
- Thirukkumaran G. Mii M. 2012. Rol Gene Expression Offers the Positive Selection of Marker- free Transgenic Solanum melongena. Proceedings of Jaffna University International Research Conference (JUICE), 25.
- Thiruchchelvan N. Pakeerathan K. Thirukkumaran G. Mikunthan G. 2012. Evaluation and Selection of the Most Cost Effective Media for In Vitro Cultivation of Banana Stem Rot Fungus, Marasmiellus sp. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment (ISAE), 119-121
- Vasanthakumar S, Thirukkumaran G, Arulnandhy V. 2013. Association analysis of different carpel types of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) on length and width of Capsulesand seed number. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment (ISAE), 448-450
- Amirthaveni V. Pakeerathan K. Thirukkumaran G. Mikunthan G. 2012. Parasitic potential -Host Range of Cuscuta sp. and its Impact on Allium cepa (L) Grown in Jaffna. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment (ISAE), 130-133.
- Thiruchchelvan N. Pakeerathan K. Thirukkumaran G. Mikunthan G. 2012. Evaluation of fungicides against Banana Stem Rot Fungus, Marasmiellus sp. Under In Vitro Condition. Proceedings of Jaffna University International Research Conference 24
- Thiruchchelvan N. Mikunthan G. Thirukkumaran G. 2012. Occurrence and biocontrol of Marasmiellus stem rot on banana grown in northern Sri Lanka. Proceedings of Sri Lanka- India Conference on Agro Biotechnology for Sustainable Development (ABSD), 39.
- Thirukkumaran G, Nakamura I, Mii M (2007) In-vitro plant regeneration and Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of Petunia hybrida on medium containing only thidiazuron as a plant growth regulator. Japanese Society for Plant Cell and Molecular Biology 25: 105
- Thirukkumaran G, Nakamura I, Mii M (2009) Generation of marker-free transgenic plant of Kalanchoe blossfeldiana using MAT (Multi-Auto-Transformation) vector system. International Plant Molecular Biology 9
PRESENTATION IN NATIONAL CONFERENCES
- Thiruchchelvan N, Pakeerathan K, Thirukkumaran G, Mikunthan G. 2013. Emerging of pests: key threat to plant bio-diversity in Northern Sri Lanka. Proceeding of the National Symposium on the Biodiversity of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, 1: 7-8.
- Pakeerathan K, Mikunthan G, Thirukkumaran G. 2013 Preliminary study on the Influence of palmyrah distillery spent wash on Root-Knot nematode Meloidigyne incognita, infestation and growth of tomato. Proceeding of the Jaffna Science Association, 20(1): 11
- Thirukkumaran G. Mii M. 2012. Use of oncogene as selectable marker for the production of transgenic marker- free plant Kalanchoe spathulata. Proceedings of Vavuniya Campus Annual Research Session (VCARS)
- Thirukkumaran G. Mii M. 2012. Efficient In-Vitro Plant Regeneration in Solanum fiebrigii Using Thidiazuron. Proceedings of Jaffna Science Association, 19(1): 31
- Thirukkumaran G, Gunasekare MTK (2001) Use of pollen morphology and physiology to differentiate the ploidy level of tea (Camellia sinensis L.) clones. Proceedings of Jaffna Science Association 9:1 6-8
- Thirukkumaran G, Gunasekare MTK (2000) Effect of storage condition of tea (Camellia sinensis L.) pollen viability. Proceedings of Jaffna Science Association 8:1 38-39
- Thirukkumaran G, Gunasekare MTK (2000) Nutrient medium for in-vitro germination of tea (Camellia sinensis L.) pollen. Proceedings of Jaffna Science Association 8:1 36-37
Extended Abstracts
Books
Book Chapters
Abstracts Presented at Conferences
Magazines/ Newsletters
Awards
- Ratnam Reginold Dharmaratnam Memorial prize for the best performance in the Final examination in Agriculture 1996.
- University prize (Thamiah Mudaliyar Chatram Trust) for the best performance in the third examination in Agriculture 1995.
SCHOLARSHIP
- The Monbukagakusho (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Government of Japan: MEXT) scholarship (04/2004 – 03/2007)
- The Monbukagakusho (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Government of Japan: MEXT) scholarship (04/2007 – 03/2010)
Scholarship/ Fellowship
Medals
Research Awards
Travel Awards
Other Awards
CPD
- Trainings on University Teaching
- Trainings on Research
- Other Professional Trainings Attended
Outreach Activities