K. Srinivasa Murthy

Biography

Crocidolmia binotalis) and the parthemium beetle Zygogramma bicolorata. Artificial diets would substitute the necessity to rear the insects on natural host plants and provide continuous availability of the host for mass multiplication of their natural enemies Temperature tolerant strain of Goniozus nephantidis(>38oC) and pesticide tolerant strain of Cotesia flavipes were developed. Genetic variability among the populations was detected and the role of endosymbionts in the fitness attributes of the parasitoids was established. Embryonic cell lines of H. armigera and S. litura were established for in-vitro cloning of NPV for genetic improvement Detection of Genetic variations in the parasitoid Cotesia vestalis Established the role of endosymbionts (Wolbachia) in the fitness attributes of the parasitoid (progeny production, parasitisam and altered sex ratio) Horizontal transfer of Wolbachia in Trichogramma chilonis. Mechanism of tolerance to high temperatures and inheritance of the trait. Temperature tolerant strain of Goniozus nephantidis Muesebeck Cost Effective semi-synthetic diet for the following insect pests was developed (Opisina arenosella ,Plutella xylostella, Spodoptera exiguam Crococidolomia binotalis and Zygogramma bicolorata ) (As PI)

Research Interest

Integrated Pest Management of cotton insect pests. Formulation and Synthesis of semi-synthetic diets for lepidopterous insect pests. Selection of superior strains of parasitioids and their molecular characterization. Insect cell lines