Dr. Kandeeparoopan Prasannath

Educational Qualification:

• Ph.D. at University of Queensland, Australia (2022)
• M.Phil. in Plant Protection – University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (2015)
• B.Sc. Agric. (Hons), Eastern University, Sri Lanka (2007)
• Certificate in Teaching Methodology, Eastern University, Sri Lanka (2012)

Work Experience:

• 2021.06.29 to present: Senior Lecturer Gr. I, Department of Agricultural Biology, EUSL
• 2015.06.29 – 2021.06.28: Senior Lecturer Gr. II, Department of Agricultural Biology, EUSL
• 2010.06.01 – 2015.06.28: Lecturer, Department of Agricultural Biology, EUSL
• 2008 -2009: Assistant Lecturer, Department of Agricultural Chemistry, EUSL

• Google Scholar
  https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=nK8BargAAAAJ&hl=en
• Scopus
  http://www.scopus.com/inward/authorDetails.url?authorID=57212469753&partnerID=MN8TOARS
• Web of Science
  https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/M-4266-2014
• ResearchGate
  https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kandeeparoopan_Prasannath2
• ORCiD
  https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4588-1983

Journal Papers

1. Thibisha, R. and Prasannath, K. (2023). Effectiveness of GRAS substances for managing leaf diseases in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.). Journal of Dry Zone Agriculture, 9(2):23–35. https://doi.org/10.4038/jdza.v9i2.75

2. Prasannath, K., Galea, V.J. and Akinsanmi, O.A. (2023). Diversity and pathogenicity of species of Botrytis, Cladosporium, Neopestalotiopsis and Pestalotiopsis causing flower diseases of macadamia in Australia. Plant Pathology. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppa.13707

3. Prasannath, K., Galea, V.J. and Akinsanmi, O.A. (2022). Sources, detection and inoculum quantification of flower blight pathogens in macadamia. Phytopathology (In Press). https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-08-21-0365-R
4. Prasannath, K., Galea, V.J. and Akinsanmi, O.A. (2022). Influence of climatic factors on dry flower, grey and green mould diseases of macadamia flowers in Australia. Journal of Applied Microbiology. 132:1291–1306. https://doi.org/10.1111/jam.15241
5. Hariharan, G. and Prasannath, K. (2021) Recent advances in molecular diagnostics of fungal plant pathogens: A mini review. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. 10:600234. http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2020.600234
6. Prasannath, K., Shivas, R.G., Galea, V.J., and Akinsanmi, O.A. (2021). Novel Botrytis and Cladosporium species associated with flower diseases of macadamia in Australia. Journal of Fungi. 7:898. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7110898
7. Prasannath, K., Shivas, R.G., and Galea, V.J. and Akinsanmi, O.A. (2021). Neopestalotiopsis species associated with flower diseases of Macadamia integrifolia in Australia. Journal of Fungi. 7:771. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jof7090771
8. De Costa, D.M., De Costa, J.M., Weerathunga, M.T., Prasannath, K. and Bulathsinhalage,V.N. (2021). Assessment of management practices, awareness on safe use of pesticides and perception on integrated management of pests and diseases of chilli and tomato grown by small-scale farmers in selected districts of Sri Lanka. Pest Management Science. 77:5001-5020. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.6542
9. Prasannath, K., Galea, V.J. and Akinsanmi, O.A. (2021). Molecular methods for the detection and quantification of Pestalotiopsis and Neopestalotiopsis inoculum associated with macadamia. Plant Pathology. 70:1209-1218. https://doi.org/10.1111/ppa.13371
10. Prasannath, K., Galea, V.J. and Akinsanmi, O.A. (2020). Characterisation of leaf spots caused by Neopestalotiopsis clavispora and Colletotrichum siamense in macadamia in Australia. European Journal of Plant Pathology. 156:1219–1225. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-020-01962-6
11. Prasannath, K., Dharmadasa, N., Menike, N. and De Costa, D.M. (2020). Evaluation of the effects of an eco-friendly crop protection system on management of whitefly-vectored chilli leaf curl virus disease in Sri Lanka. Phytoparasitica. 48:117–129. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12600-019-00773-8
12. Sinthuja, S. and Prasannath, K. (2020). Management of postharvest anthracnose of banana using inorganic salts alone and in combination with hot water. Plant Pathology and Quarantine. 10(1):44-52. https://doi.org/10.5943/ppq/10/1/5
13. Prasannath, K. (2017). Plant defense-related enzymes against pathogens: A Review.Journal of Agricultural Sciences. 11: 38–48. http://doi.org/10.4038/agrieast.v11i1.33
14. Prasannath, K., Dharmadasa, K.N.P., De Costa, D.M. and Hemachandra, K.S. (2014). Variations of Incidence, Types of Virus Diseases and Insect Vector Populations of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), Grown in Different Agro-ecological Regions of Sri Lanka under Two Crop Management Systems. Tropical Agricultural Research. 25(3): 376-395. http://doi.org/10.4038/tar.v25i3.8046
15. Abhayapala, K.M.R.D., De Costa, W.A.J.M., Fonseka, R.M., Prasannath, K., De Costa, D.M., Suriyagoda, L.D.B., Abeytilakarathna, P.D. and Nugaliyadda, M.M. (2014). Response of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) to Increasing Growing Season Temperature under Different Soil Management and Crop Protection Regimes in the Upcountry of Sri Lanka. Tropical Agricultural Research. 25(4): 555-569. http://doi.org/10.4038/tar.v25i4.8061

Full papers published in Research Conference Proceedings

1. Satheer, S. and Prasannath, K. (2023). Integration of fungicides and cultivars for the management of cowpea root rot in Batticaloa. Proceedings of the 3rd International Symposium on Agriculture (ISA 2023). Eastern University, Sri Lanka. 09 March 2023. pp. 88–92. 
2. Thibisha, R. and Prasannath, K. (2023). Efficacy of GRAS compounds in controlling foliar diseases in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). Proceedings of the 3rd International Symposium on Agriculture (ISA 2023). Eastern University, Sri Lanka. 09 March 2023. pp. 62–66.
3. Samudhika, W.D., Prasannath, K. and Hariharan, G. (2020). Biotic risks, pesticide usage and awareness on IPM techniques in paddy cultivation in Polonnaruwa district of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 9th YSF Symposium. Colombo, Sri Lanka. 13 November 2020. pp. 169-173.
4. Prasannath, K., Karunakaran, S. and Mahendran, S. (2011). Control of Fusarium wilt of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) by crude plant extracts. Proceedings of the Tenth Annual Research Session. Eastern University, Sri Lanka. 1st – 2nd December 2011. pp. 291-294.

Extension Publications

1. Akinsanmi, O., Jeff-Ego, O., Prasannath, K., and Mohankumar, V. (2020). Macadamia integrated disease management (IDM). Pages 18–21 in: Macadamia plant protection guide 2020/21. NSW, Australia.
2. Akinsanmi, F., and Prasannath, K. (2019). Flower blight complex. News Bulletin of Australian Macadamia Society 47(3):36–37.

Abstracts published in Research Conference Proceedings

1. Wickramasingha, W.M.K.T.K. and Prasannath, K. (2024). Preparation of alternative culture media from natural plant sources for cultivation of Botrytis cinerea. Proceedings of the 6th National Symposium on Agriculture 2024. Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka. 6 March 2024. p. 17.
2. Lufna, F. and Prasannath, K. (2024). Evaluation of in vitro antifungal activity of different plant extracts for the inhibition of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, causing banana anthracnose. Proceedings of the 6th National Symposium on Agriculture 2024. Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka. 6 March 2024. p. 16.
3. Suriyapperuma, S.V.E.D.P., Prasannath, K. and Keerthika, S. (2024). Impact of different pre-weeding control methods on Centella asiatica L. (Gotu kola) cultivation. Proceedings of the 6th National Symposium on Agriculture 2024. Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka. 6 March 2024. p. 22,
4. Weerasena, K.A.A.R., Prasannath, K. and Shiromiya, P.A. (2024). In vitro screening of selected fungicides against black leaf spot pathogen of okra. Proceedings of the 6th National Symposium on Agriculture 2024. Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka. 6 March 2024. p. 21.
5. Rajapaksha, R.A.L.B., Prasannath, K. and Thibisha, R. (2024). Efficacy of selected plant extracts on the control of leaf curl in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). Proceedings of the 6th National Symposium on Agriculture 2024. Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka. 6 March 2024. p. 23.
6. Senadeera, M.W.T.M., Prasannath, K. and Thibisha, R. (2024). Evaluation of different nutrient media for cultivation of carrot dry rot fungus (Fusarium sp.) and screening of fungicides against the pathogen (Fusarium sp.) under in vitro condition. Proceedings of International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research 2024. Eastern University, Sri Lanka. 23 January 2024. p. 29-30.
7. Akinsanmi, O., Prasannath, K., Jeff-Ego, O., Mohankumar, V., Zakeel, M., Twiddy, D., Schoeman, M., Fourie, G., McLeod, A. and Rincon-Florez, V. (2023). Emerging diseases in macadamia: A growing concern. Proceedings of Australasian Plant Pathology Society Conference 2023. Adelaide, Australia. 20–24 November 2023. p. 198.
8. Yoniska, S. and Prasannath, K. (2023). Effect of Salicylic Acid Application on Management of Chilli Leaf Curl Complex (Capsicum annuum L.). Proceedings of 1st International Conference on Technological Research and Innovation. Faculty of Technology, Eastern University, Sri Lanka. 27 September 2023. p. 22.
9. Prasannath, K., and Akinsanmi, O.A. (2022). Diagnostics of flower blight complex with increasing heterogeneity in macadamia. Plant Health 2022 Conference, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. 6–10 August 2022.
10. Prasannath, K., Galea, V.J. and Akinsanmi, O.A. (2021). Effects of vapour pressure deficit on flower blight pathogens and disease incidence in macadamia. Proceedings of Australasian Plant Pathology Society Conference 2021. Tasmania, Australia. 23–26 November 2021. p. 78.
11. Malsha, D.G B., Prasannath, K. and Sivasubramaniam, N. (2020). Effect of Clorox as a seed treatment in nonfungicidal approach on germination of chilli seeds. Proceedings of the 1st National Symposium on Agro-Technology and Rural Sciences. Hambantota, Sri Lanka. 15 December 2020. p. 11.
12. Wickramasinghe, K.Y., Rajapakshe, P., Prasannath, K. and Sivasubramaniam, N. (2020). Evaluation of different casing mixtures for" Makandura White" mushroom production in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 3rd National Symposium on Agriculture (NSA 2020). Eastern University, Sri Lanka. 15 July 2020. p. 11.
13. Prasannath, K., Galea, V.J. and Akinsanmi, O.A. (2019). Air temperature an influential climatic factor for growth and reproduction of dry flower pathogens of macadamia. Proceedings of TropAg Conference. Brisbane, Australia, 11–13 November 2019. p. 81.
14. Prasannath, K., Galea, V.J. and Akinsanmi, O.A. (2019). Leaf spot a possible source of inoculum of dry flower disease in macadamia. Proceedings of Australasian Plant Pathology Society Conference. Melbourne, Australia. 26–28 November 2019. p. 241.
15. Malsha, D.B. and Prasannath, K. (2019). Alternative options for synthetic fungicide for treating seeds of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). Proceedings of the International Symposium on Agriculture 2019. Eastern University, Sri Lanka. p.211.
16. Prasannath, K. and Nasla, M.F.F. (2018). Determination of pesticide usage and its environmental impact quotient in vegetable cultivation in Kalpitiya Divisional Secretariat Division of Puttalam district of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the International Research Symposium of Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka. Badulla, Sri Lanka. 1-2 February 2018.
17. K. Prasannath, De Costa, D.M. and Dharmadasa, K.N.P. (2018). Determination of relationships among chilli leaf curl virus disease incidence, population of beneficial insects and climatic parameters present in chilli growing areas of different agroecological regions of Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Climate Change - 2018 (ICCC 2018). 15-16 February 2018. Colombo, Sri Lanka. p. 81.
18. Prasannath, K., Prasannath, V. and Sinthuja, S. (2017). Study on Risk Identification and Pesticide Usage in Paddy Cultivation in Alayadivembu Divisional Secretariat Division of Ampara District, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Agriculture and Forestry 2017. The International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM), Sri Lanka. 24–25 August 2017. p. 20.
19. Prasannath, K. and Karunakaran, S. (2017). Fungal Pathogen Associated with Yam (Dioscorea esculenta) Rot in Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 10th International Research Conference. General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka. 3–4 August 2017. p. 42.
20. Prasannath, K. and Costa, D.M. (2015). Induction of peroxidase activity in tomato leaf tissues treated with two crop management systems across a temperature gradient. Proceedings of the International Conference on Dry Zone Agriculture 2015. Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka. 15–16 October 2015. pp. 34-35.
21. Prasannath, K., Prasannath, V. and Mahendran S. (2015). Trends in Use and Import of Agricultural Synthetic Pesticides in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the National Symposium on Agriculture 2015. Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka. 5 August 2015. pp. 8-10.
22. Seneviratne, D. M. A. S., Prasannath, K. and De Costa, D. M. (2014). Quantification of Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase Activity in Tomato and Chilli Tissues Grown under Different Crop Management Practices and Agro-Ecological Regions in Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the 1st Faculty of Agriculture Undergraduate Research Symposium. University of Peradeniya. 23 December 2014. p. 3.
23. Gajanayaka, G. M. D. R., Prasannath, K. and De Costa, D. M. (2014). Variation of chitinase and -1,3-glucanase activities in tomato and chilli tissues grown under different crop management practices and agroecological regions. Proceedings of the Peradeniya University International Research Sessions. University of Peradeniya. 4–5 July 2014. 18: 519.
24. Prasannath, K., De Costa, D. M. and Hemachandra, K. S. (2014). Quantification of Peroxidase activity in Chilli tissues Grown under Two Crop Protection Systems across a Temperature Gradient. Proceedings of the HETC Symposium 2014. 7–8 July 2014. p. 102.
25. Prasannath, K. and Mahendran, S. (2013). In vitro inhibition of tomato early blight pathogen in response to application of selected inorganic salts. Proceedings of the Young Scientists Forum Symposium 2013. National Science and Technology Commission. 7 February 2014. pp. 143-146.
26. Prasannath, V. and Prasannath, K. (2013). Assessment on the Agrochemical Usage of Vegetable Farmers in Kaluthavalai, Batticaloa District. Proceedings of the Seventh Annual Research Forum. Sri Lanka Agricultural Economics Association (SAEA). 20 December, 2013. p. 12.
27. Prasannath, K. and Mahendran, S. (2013). Efficacy of botanicals on the control of cowpea pests. Proceedings of the International Conference of Eastern University, Sri Lanka. 12–13 September, 2013. p. 15.

Book Publications

1. De Costa, D.M. and Prasannath, K. (2022). Integrated Plant Disease Management. ISBN 978- 624-99135-1-6. Author Publication, Funded by National Research Council, Sri Lanka.
2. Prasannath, K., Rameskaran, M. and Mahendran, S. (2011). Low External Input Sustainable Agriculture. ISBN 978-955-53493-0-7. Author Publication, Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka.

Book Chapter Publications

1. Hariharan, G., Rifnas, L.M. and Prasannath, K. (2021). Role of Trichoderma spp. in biocontrol of plant diseases. In: Microbial Biocontrol: Food Security and Post Harvest Management, A. Kumar (ed.). Springer, Cham. pp. 39-78.
2. Hariharan, G., Sivasubramaniam, N. and Prasannath, K. (2020). RNA interference as a promising strategy for plant disease management. In: Food Security and Plant Disease Management, A. Kumar and S. Droby (eds.). Elsevier. pp. 95-126.
3. Prasannath, K. (2011). Management of Living Soil. Felicitating a Great Teacher, Special Souvenir published on the occasion of the retirement of Bambalapitiya Hindu College Principal K. T. Rajaratnam. Kumaran Press (Pvt) Ltd., Colombo, Sri Lanka. pp. 245-254.

• Molecular plant pathology
• Fungal taxonomy
• Plant disease management
• Plant defense-related enzymes

1. Cell Biology
2. Plant Pathology and Techniques
3. Agricultural Microbiology
4. Clinical Plant Pathology
5. Advanced Plant Pathology
6. Plant Virology
7. Applied Soil-Plant-Microbe Interaction

1. Allen Kerr Postgraduate Prize awarded by the Australasian Plant Pathology Society in 2023 for the best piece of original research relevant to Australasia by a postgraduate
2. Dean’s Award for Outstanding Higher Degree by Research Theses 2022 by The University of Queensland, Australia 
3. Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Output Based Research for the year 2022
4. Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Output Based Research for the year 2021
5. Bursary to attend the Australasian Plant Pathology Society Conference in Australia in 2019 and 2021
6. The University of Queensland Research Training Scholarship for PhD programme in Australia in 2018
7. Research grant (Grant No. 17-010) awarded by the National Research Council of Sri Lanka for the project entitled “Analyses of pesticide residues and evaluation of some selected beneficial effects along with farmer perception of an eco-friendly crop management package for chilli and tomato in comparison to existing commercial cultivation practices conducted in Sri Lanka” in 2017
8. MPhil studentship awarded by the HETC-QIG-3 project, Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya – 2012
9. Best presenter award for the poster presentation made at the Young Scientists Forum Symposium 2013 held on 7th February 2014 at the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute, Colombo
10. Best presenter award for the oral presentation made at the Young Scientists Forum Symposium 2011 held on 27th January 2012 at the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute, Colombo

1. President-Elect, Eastern Chapter of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (From June 2023 to date)
2. Council Member, Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (From December 2023 to date)
3. Secretary of the 6th National Symposium on Agriculture 2024, Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka held on 6th March 2024
4. Faculty Representative for the University Research Council (From December 2023 to date)
5. Coordinator for Students Learning Centre, Faculty of Agriculture (From November 2023 to date)
6. Faculty Coordinator for the STHRD Project of the University Grants Commission funded by the Asian Development Bank (From August 2023 to date)
7. Faculty Coordinator for Management Information System (MIS) (January 2023 to present)
8. Editorial Assistant, Sri Lanka Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, EUSL (October 2022 to present)
9. Faculty Representative for the Library Committee, EUSL (October 2022 to present)
10. Representative of the Faculty of Agriculture to the Senate (October 2022 to present)
11. Academic Advisor, Faculty of Agriculture (August 2022 to present)
12. Student Counsellor, Faculty of Agriculture (2010 to 2012, 2016 to 2018 and May 2022 to present)
13. Coordinator for External degree and Extension Courses, Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka (From May 2017 to September 2018)
14. Senior Treasurer, Students’ Union, Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka (2016 to September 2018)
15. Secretary of the 2nd National Symposium on Agriculture 2016, Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka held on 30th August 2016
16. Coordinator for the Career Guidance Programme for the Undergraduate students, Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka (From November 2015 to March 2016)
17. Member of the Farm Development Committee, Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka (From September 2015 to September 2018)
18. Co-controlling examiner for the practical examination of the subject Biosystems Technology in General Certificate Examination (Advanced Level) 2016 and 2021
19. Visiting Lecturer for the Master of Science in Agriculture programme and Diploma in Sustainable Agriculture programme conducted by the Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka
20. Resource person for the workshop on “Disease management in paddy cultivation” for Agriculture Instructors organized the Department of Agriculture, Eastern Province held at In-service Training Institute, Karadiyanaru on 6th December 2017
21. Resource person for the workshops on “Crop Protection” for the Farmers of Batticaloa district organized by the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture and Resource Management (CENSARM), Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka in 2016
22. Resource person for a workshop on “Effects of Poisoned Agriculture” organized by the Batticaloa Farmers’ Forum, Sri Lanka to the farmers of Eastern region of Sri Lanka on 26th & 27th of November, 2015
23. Reviewer of many high-impact scientific journals and conferences and a review editor of Frontiers in Microbiology since 2021
24. Evaluation panel member of the technical session themed “Crop Production and Protection” of the 1st International Symposium on Agriculture 2017 of Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka
25. Supervisor and Examiner for the research projects of the undergraduate students and M.Sc. in Agriculture graduate students, Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka
26. Participant to finalize the National Priorities in Plant Protection for incorporating into the National Agricultural Research Plan 2017-2021 conducted by the Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy in 2017
27. Resource person for the workshops conducted for the Advanced Level Technology stream students held at the Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka in 2015 & 2016
28. Resource person for a workshop on “Climate change and Plant diseases” organized by the World Vision, Sri Lanka to the farmers of Eastern region of Sri Lanka on 27th of June, 2012
29. Field Supervisor, Baseline Survey in Batticaloa and Trincomalee Districts conducted by Malteser International in collaboration with Faculty of Agriculture (2011-2012)