Crop Protection Division

1. Dr. A. D. N. T Kumara reserved the best poster presentation award in the national meeting on new /safer molecules and biocontrol technologies for interested pest Management in crops organized by Society for Biocontrol advancement in India

1. Dr N.S. Aratchige reserved the Presidential Award for contribution to the research and development of coconut mite management

2. Dr. H.T.R Wijesekara received National Award for Excellence in Agricultural Research for the “Identification of the causal agent of the WCLWD” awarded by Council for Agricultural Research Policy, Sri Lanka (SLCARP)-2014

3. Mr. P.H.P.R. De Silva received two Presidential Awards for the scientific publications awarded by National Research Council (NRC) of Sri Lanka

1. Dr N.S. Aratchige reserved the National Research Council of Sri Lanka merit award for scientific publications

2. Dr. N.S. Aratchige received the Presidential award for research

3. Ms. P.H.A.P. Siriwardene received the Presidential award for research

4. Dr A.D.N.T. Kumara reserved the President’s award for Scientific Publication

2. Dr. (Mrs.) N.S. Aratchige received the award, the most outstanding postgraduate research in Agriculture from the Hiran Thillakeratne Research Fund, University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka

2. Dr. N.S. Aratchige received the certificate of recognition for scientific research under the Presidential Awards Scheme (NRC)

3. Ms. P.H.A.P. Siriwardene received the certificate of recognition for scientific research under the Presidential Awards Scheme (NRC)

2. Kumara, A. D. N. T., · Chandrashekharaiah, M., · Subaharan, K., · Chakravarthy, A. K., (2015) Periodicity of adult emergence and sexual behaviour of coconut black headed caterpillar, Opisina arenosella Walker (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae) Phytoparasitica, 43(5):701-712. DOI 10.1007/s12600-015-0481-2

3. Kumara, A. D. N. T., Chakravarthy, A. K., and Subaharan, K., (2015) Role of Kairomones in Ovipositional Preference of Coconut Black-headed Caterpillar Opisina arenosella Walker (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae) Mysore J. Agric. Sci., 49 (2): 314-317.

4. Kumara, A. D. N. T., Chandrashekharaiah, M., Kandakoor S. B. and Chakravarthy, A. K., (2015) Status and Management of Three Major Insect Pests of Coconut in the Tropics and Subtropics, A. K. Chakravarthy (ed.), New Horizons in Insect Science: Towards Sustainable Pest Management, © Springer India 2015, pp 359-381.DOI 10.1007/978-81-322-2089-3_32

1. Aratchige N.S. (2014). Mite management of coconut in Sri Lanka. In: N. Akter, A.K. Azad and M.N. Alam (Eds.) Proceedings of the Workshop on Mite management of coconut in SAARC member countries. SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Pp. 87-104.

2. Fernando L.C.P. and Aratchige N.S. (2014). Pest management in organic coconut production. In: Gunasena H.P.M., Gunethillake H.A.J. and Everard J.M.D.T. (Eds). Organic coconut production in Sri Lanka. Pp. 85-118.

3. Kumara A.D.N.T., Fernando L.C.P., Suwandharathne N.I and Aratchige N.S. (2014). Use of polypropylene bags for mass rearing Neoseiulus baraki. (Acari: Phytoseiidae), a predatory mite of Aceria guerreronis Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae). Biocontrol Science and Technology. DOI:10.1080/0958307.2014.918245.

4. Suwandarathna, N.I., Jayawardana ,S.P, Fernando, L.C.P., Perera, K.F.G., and De Silva P.H.P.R.(2014). Use of Oryctes Virus in the management of black beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros). In: A. P Keerthipala (Ed.) Proceedings of the 5th Symposium on Plantation Crop Research –“Towards a Green Plantation Economy”. Sugarcane Research Institute. 15-17 October 2014 at BMICH Colombo. Pp 111

2. Gunathilaka G.L.B.E., Aratchige N.S. and De Costa D.M. (2013). Optimizing Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) conditions for detection of Weligama Coconut leaf Wilt Disease – phytoplasma in Proutista moesta. In: Porceedings of the undergraduate research. Department of agricultural Biology. University of Peradeniya. Sri Lanka. Pp 152-155.

3. Kumara A.D.N.T, Perera A.A.F.L.K., Meegahakumbura M.K., Aratchige N.S. and Fernando L. C P. (2013). Identification of putative vectors of Weligama coconut leaf wilt disease in Sri Lanka. (Abstract). Proceedings of the International conference on Insect Science. 14th-17th, 2013. Bangalore, India.

4. Navia D., Gondim Jr., M.G.C., Aratchige, N.S., Moraes, G.J. de. (2013). A review of the status of the coconut mite Aceria guerreronis (Acari: Eriophyidae), a major tropical mite pest. Experimental and Applied Acarology. 59 (1-2): 67-94

5. Pushpakumara J., Gunasena H.P.M., Aratchige N.S. and Appuhamy H.N. (2013). Development of the coconut industry in Tanzania. Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka

6. Saliya H.A.S., Aratchige N.S. and Hemachandra K.S. (2013). Identification of planhoppers and leafhoppers on coconut palms affected by Weligama Coconut leaf Wilt Disease in Matara district. In: Porceedings of the undergraduate research. Department of agricultural Biology. University of Peradeniya. Sri Lanka. Pp 15-18.

2. Aratchige N.S., Fernando L.C.P., Waidyarathne K.P. and Chandrasiri K.A.S. (2012). Population dynamics of Aceria guerreronis (Acari: Eriophyidae) and its predatory mite, Neoseiulus baraki (Acari: Phytoseiidae) in two coconut growing areas in Sri Lanka. Experimental and Applied Acarology. 56:319-325. ISSN 0168-8162. DOI: 10.1007/s10493-012-9519-z

3. Bentharage B.D.C.D., Aratchige N.S., Suwandarathne N.I. and Wijayaratne L.K.W. (2012). Development and leaf area consumption rate of two-colour coconut leaf beetle, Plesispa reichei on selected coconut leaf stages In: Proceedings of the Research Symposium of Uva Wellassa University. November 22-23, pp. pp106-109.

4. Kaushala E.A.N., Aratchige N.S. and Wijayaratne L.K.W. (2012). Comparison of two species of Ascid Mites as a food source for Neoseiulus baraki: A Predatory mite of coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis. In: Proceedings of the Research Symposium of uva Wellassa University. November 22-23, pp. 137-140.

5. Kumara A.D.N.T., Aratchige N.S. and Fernando L.C.P. (2012). Vectors of Weligama coconut leaf wilt disease. In: H.P.M. Gunasena, H.A.J. Gunathilake, L.C.P. Fernando, J.M.D.T. Everard and P.A.H. Nimal (Eds). Weligama Coconut Leaf Wilt Disease: Six years after. Technology Transfer Division, Coconut Research Institute, Lunuwila, Sri Lanka. pp.41-45.

6. Perera, L, Meegahakumbura, M.K., Wijesekara, H.T.R., Fernando, W.B.S. and Dickinson, M.J. (2012) A Phytoplasma is associated with the Weligama coconut leaf wilt disease in Sri Lanka. Plant Pathology 94 (1): 205-209.

7. Suwandarathne N.I., Kumara A.D.N.T., Aratchige N.S. and Fernando L.C.P. (2012). Staining Technniques. In: H.P.M. Gunasena, H.A.J. Gunathilake, L.C.P. Fernando, J.M.D.T. Everard and P.A.H. Nimal (Eds). Weligama Coconut Leaf Wilt Disease: Six years after. Technology Transfer Division, Coconut Research Institute, Lunuwila, Sri Lanka. pp.73-74

1. Fernando, L.C.P., Hapuarachchi, D.C.L. and Waidyarathne, K.P. (2011). Effect of application frequency of the entomopathogenic fungus Hirsutella thompsoni (Fisher) on damage levels of coconut mite Aceria guerreronis (Keifer), CORD, 27 (2): Pp 35-45.

2. Joao, P.Z. Narita, Gilberto J. De Moraes and Liyanage, C.P. (2011). Two species of Neocypholaelaps from Sri lanka (Acari:Ameroseiidae), with description of a new species, Zootaxa, 2741: Pp. 59-65.

2. Fernando, L.C.P. and Chandrasiri, K.A.S.(2010). Effectiveness of spraying vegetable oil sulphur emulsion to manage coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis, in proceedings of the third symposium on plantation crop research- stakeholder empowerment through technological advances, R.S. Dharmakeerthi and A.M.W.K. Senevirathna (Eds.), Rubber Research Institute of Sri lanka, Dartonfield, Agalawatta, Sri Lanka, Pp. 241-250.

3. Fernando, L.C.P., Aratchige, N.S. and Kumara, A.D.N.T. (2010). Approaches and advances in eriophyid mite management in coconut, In: abstracts of the international conference in coconut biodiversity and prosperity, 25-28 October 2010, Central Plantation Crops research Institute, India.

4. Fernando, L.C.P. and Aratchige, N.S. (2010). Status of coconut mite and biological control research in Sri Lanka, In: sabelis M.W. and Bruin J. (Eds.), Trends in Acarology, Springer, Amsterdam. Proceedings of the 12th International Congress of Acarology, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Pp. 379-384.

2. Fernando, L.C.P., et al. (2009). Evidence for suppressing coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis by inundative release of the predatory mite, Neoseiulus baraki, Biological Control, doi:10.1016/j.biocontrol.2009.11.003.

3. Siriwardhana, P.H.A.P., Fernando, L.C.P. and Jayasundara, J.M.M.A. (2009). Toxins produced by Fusarium species in Leaf scorch decline affected coconut palms (Cocos nucifera L.): Quantitative analysis of Fusaric acid, Zearalenone and T-2, CORD, 25(1): Pp. 69-77.

4. Harshanie, S.D.K., Aratchige, N.S. and Gunathilake, H.A.W.S. (2009). Distribution pattern of Neoseiulus baraki released on to coconut mite infested palms, In: Proceedings of the 9th Agricultural research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, 11-12 August, 2009, Pp. 210-213.

5. Kumari, A.M.M.T., Suwandharathne, N.I. and Fernandopulle, M.N.D. (2009). Determination of larval and pupal development of the Two colour Leaf Beetle Plesispa reichei (Chapuis) under three different temperatures, In: Proceedings of the 9th Agricultural research Symposium, Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, 11-12 August, 2009, Pp. 177-180.

2. Aratchige, N.S., Sabelis, M.W. and Lesna, I. (2008). Effect of coconut mite-induced changes in coconuts on the searching behaviour of predatory mites, Neoseiulus baraki, In: Proceedings of the Second Symposium on Plantation Crop Research – Export competitiveness through quality improvements, N.P.A.D. Nainanayake and J.M.D.T. Everard (Eds.), Coconut Research Institute, Lunuwila, Sri Lanka. Pp. 187-198.

3. Wijesekara, H.T.R., Perera, L., Wickramananda, I.W., Herath, I., Meegahakumbura, M.K., Fernando, W.B.S. and De Silva, P.H.P.R. (2008). Preliminary investigation on Weligama Coconut Leaf Wilt Disease: A new disease in Southern Sri Lanka, In: Proceedings of the Second Symposium on Plantation Crop Research – Export competitiveness through quality improvements. (Eds. N.P.A.D. Nainanayake and J.M.D.T. Everard). Coconut Research Institute, Lunuwila, Sri Lanka, Pp. 336-341.

4. De Silva, P.H.P.R. and Fernando, L.C.P. (2008). Rearing of coconut mite Aceria guerreronis and the predatory mite Neoseiulus baraki in the laboratory, Experimental and Applied Acarology, 44: Pp. 37-42.

5. Edgington, S., Fernando, L.C.P. and Jones, K. (2008). Natural incidence and environmental profiling of the mite-pathogenic fungus Hirsutella thompsonii Fisher for control of coconut mite in Sri Lanka, International Journal of Pest Management, 54(2): Pp. 123-127.

6. Sabelis, M.W., Janssen, A., Lesna, I., Aratchige, N.S., Nomikou, M. and van Rijn, P.C.J. (2008). Developments in the use of predatory mites for biological pest control, IOBC/WPRS Bulletin 12: Pp. 187-199.

2. Fernando, L.C.P. Manoj, P. Hapuarachchi, D.C.L. and Edgington, E. (2007). Evaluation of four isolates of Hirsutella thompsonii against coconut mite (Aceria guerreronis) in Sri Lanka, Crop Protection, 26: Pp.1062-1066.

3. Sabelis, M W, Lesna, I and Aratchige, N S (2007). A tritrophic perspective to the biological control of eriophyoid mites, Paper presented at the IOBC meeting held in Jerusalem, Israel

4. Suwandarathna, N.I. and Kumara, A.D.N.T. (2007). On Farm Production of Green Muscardine Fungus to Combat Rhinoceros Beetle, In. COCOINFO International bulletin of Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC), Volume 14 (January 2007): Pp. 26-28.

5. Wickramananda, I.R., Peiris, T.S.G., Fernando, M.T.N., Fernando, L.C. P. and Edgington, S. (2007). Impact of the coconut mite (Aceria guerreronis Keifer) on coconut industry in Sri Lanka, CORD 23 (1): Pp.1-16.

2. Wijebandara, K.M.N., Fernando, L.C.P., Fernandopulle, M.N.D. & Suwadharathna, N.I. (2006). Natural incidence of Baculovirus disease of Oryctes rhinoceros in Kurunegala district, In: Proceedings of 5th Agricultural Research Symposium, Part II.- Makandura: Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, 2006, Pp. 371-373.

3. Wijesekara, H.T.R. and Aggrawal, D.K. (2006). Taxonomic studies on five species of the genus Colletotrichum, Indian Phytopathology, 59(2): Pp. 203- 209.

3. Sabelis, M W, Lesna, I and Aratchige, N S (2007). A tritrophic perspective to the biological control of eriophyoid mites, Paper presented at the IOBC meeting held in Jerusalem, Israel

4. Suwandarathna, N.I. and Kumara, A.D.N.T. (2007). On Farm Production of Green Muscardine Fungus to Combat Rhinoceros Beetle, In. COCOINFO International bulletin of Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC), Volume 14 (January 2007): Pp. 26-28.

5. Wickramananda, I.R., Peiris, T.S.G., Fernando, M.T.N., Fernando, L.C. P. and Edgington, S. (2007). Impact of the coconut mite (Aceria guerreronis Keifer) on coconut industry in Sri Lanka, CORD 23 (1): Pp.1-16.

2. Kumara, A.D.N.T. Sarathchandra, S.R., Wickramananda, I.R., Rajapakse, R.H.S. (2005). The efficacy of Carbosulfan 20 SC in the management of coconut mite (Aceria guerreronis), In :proceedings of the International Conference of the Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka. Part II Review Papers and Guest Presentation, (Contributed papers), (T.S.G.Peiris and C.S.Ranasinghe Eds.). Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Lunuwila 61150, Sri Lanka, Pp. 219-228.

3. Mayooran, P. Fernando, L.C.P. and Fernandopulle, M.N.D. (2005). Increase rate of the predatory mite Neoseiulus baraki of coconut mite. In Proceedings of 5th Agricultural Research Symposium, Part II.- Makandura: Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, 2005, Pp. 124-125.

4. Sanjeewa, R.P.N. Fernando, L.C.P. and Fernandopulle, M.N.D. (2005). Some aspects of biology of predatory mite (Proctolalaeps bickleyii) of coconut mite, In: Proceedings of 5th Agricultural Research Symposium, Part II.- Makandura: Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, 2005. Pp. 113-115.

5. Siriwardena, P.H.A.P. Fernando, L.C.P. and Peiris, T.S.G. (2005). A new method to estimate the population size of coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis, on a coconut, Experimental and Applied Acarlogy, 37: Pp. 123-129.

6. Wickramananda, I.R. De Silva, P.H.P.R., Sarathchandra, S.R., Kumara, A.D.N.T and Rajapakse, R.H.S. (2005). A method for in vitro culture of coconut mite, (Aceria guerreronis) in immature leaf tissues of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), In: proceedings of International Conference of the Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka. Part II Review Papers and Guest Presentation, (Contributed papers), (T.S.G. Peiris and C.S. Ranasinghe Eds.). Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka, Lunuwila 61150, Sri Lanka, Pp 229-236.

7. Wijesekara, H.T.R. (2005). Studies on the genus Colletotrichum and its molecular characterization. PhD Thesis. Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012, India.

8. Wijesekara, H.T.R., Aggrawal, R, and Agarwal, D.K (2005). Morphological and molecular characterization of five Colletotrichum species from India, Indian Phytopathology, 58(4): Pp. 448 – 453.

9. Siriwardena, P.H.A.P., Fernando, L.C.P. and Peiris, T.S.G. (2005). A new method to estimate the population size of coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis, on a coconut, Experimental and Applied Acaralogy, 37: Pp. 123-129.