CURRICULAM VITAE - Australasian Plant Pathology Society

Dr. K. SRINIVASAN, M.Sc., Ph.D., 

CURRICULAM VITAE 

IRCSET Postdoctoral Research Scientist 

Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre 

Institute of Technology, Tralee, Kerry, Ireland 

E-mail: seenu.cas@gmail.com/srinivasan.krishnamoorthy@staff.ittralee.ie 

Mobile no. 00353863291293 

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Research Experience Summary: 

I have completed my Ph.D., degree in Applied Microbiology - Botany (Specialization in 

Plant Pathology) from July 2003 to November 2007 at Centre for Advance Studies in Botany, 

University of Madras, India. After that, I have worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Agroinnova, 

University of Torino, Italy from October 2007 to September 2008. I have worked as a Postdoctoral 

Molecular Plant Biologist at same Centre in Italy from January 2009 to September 2009. 

Currently, I am working as a Senior Postdoctoral Molecular Plant Biologist at Shannon Applied 

Biotechnology Centre, Institute of Technology, Ireland from March 2010 to June 2012. 

I am an expert (from 2002 to 2012) in the emerging fields of plant protection and 

production, plant molecular biology, plant biochemistry, plant physiology, agronomy, induced 

systemic resistance, plant microbial/fungal genetics, plant biotechnology and plant-microbe 

interactions and also with good hands-on experience in both classical and molecular techniques 

with bioinformatics tools. 

Based on my research experience, I have used more than 20 biological control agents and 

several commercial fungicides/pesticides to control the plant pathogens/diseases. I have handled 

more than 11 different crops with 10 various plant fungal and plant viral pathogens. I have good 

experiences in glasshouse and field based research in plant pathology including diagnosis. I have 

conducted 3 different field trials in India and Ireland using biocontrol agents and commercial 

fungicides against natural fungal and viral diseases. I have published 21 research articles in 

international and national journals, 21 abstracts published in national and international 

conferences proceedings, 2 book chapters, 8 manuscripts are in review, 89 bacterial and fungal 

gene sequences submitted to NCBI-USA, 11 conferences attended, 3 training programmes, 2 years’ 

teaching experience in graduate and post-graduate levels, 6 invited lectures in different countries 

and received the best oral presentation award. 

Professional experience 

Awards/Scholarships/Fellowships/Membership 

(I) 

Received the IRCSET Postdoctoral Research Award (http://www.shannonabc.ie/staff.php) 

from Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre, Institute of Technology, Tralee, Ireland 

(September 2011 to September 2012). 

(1) IRCSET- EMPOWER Postdoctoral Fellowship Enterprise Partnership Scheme - 'Natural 

Bioresources for Induction of Plant Disease Resistance', [€118,920, 

(http://ldrive.ittralee.ie/Research_Tab/Research_And_Enterprise/funding/successfulgrants. 

html) collaborated with Department of Botany and Plant Science, National University of 

Ireland, Galway, Ireland (www.nuigalway.ie/botany/botany_staff.html) and Brandon 

Products Ltd., (Collaborative Company), Tralee, Co.Kerry, Ireland, 

www.brandonproducts.com.index.html]. 

(2) Enterprise Ireland - Innovation Voucher - 'Development of natural bioresources consortia 

for crop protection' [€6050, www.itt.ie].

(II) 

(III) 

(IV) 

(V) 

(VI) 

Received the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship from Shannon Applied Biotechnology 

Centre, Institute of Technology, Tralee, Ireland (March 2010 to August 2011). 

Research titles: 

(1): Seaweed extracts and their refined fractions, shellfish waste chitin evaluated in 

tomato plants against fungal diseases; 

(2): Investigation of defence related gene expressions on Arabidopsis thaliana using 

seaweed extracts; 

(3): Seaweed extracts and their refined fraction improves barley’s germination, 

growth and yield parameters. 

Received the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship from Agroinnova, University of Torino, 

Turin, Italy www.agroinnova.org. Research title: “Molecular characterization of formae 

speciales differentiation of pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum on vegetable crops in Italy”. 

Received the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship under the mutual cooperation agreement 

between Italian Ministry of University and Research (MIUR) and the Indian Ministry of Science 

and Technology (October 2007 to September 2008), Agroinnova, University of Torino, 

Turin, Italy www.agroinnova.org. Research title: “Biological control of Fusarium wilt on 

vegetable crops using different bacterial strains”. 

Won the Best Oral Presentation (Title: ISR mediated biological control of Sunflower 

Necrosis Virus Disease by using consortium of biocontrol agents) at the National Symposium 

on Biotechnological Methods for Crop Disease Management. Annamalai University, Annamalai 

Nagar, India, March 3 - 4, 2006. 

Member of European Plant Science Organization (EPSO), Europe from May 2010 to till date 

(www.epsoweb.org/membership). 

(VII) Member of American Phytopathological Society, USA - from August 2008 to August 2009. 

(VIII) Life time member of Chennai Science Club Organization, India. 

In Ireland: 

Postdoctoral Research Summary: (March 2010 – September 2012) 

(1): Seaweed extracts and their refined fractions, shellfish waste chitin evaluated against 

Fusarium wilt on tomato plants under glasshouse conditions 

In the present study, seaweed extracts (SEs A and B) and their refined fraction(s) (RFs I to VI), 

shellfish waste chitin, spent-dairy yeast β-glucans, along with their suitable commercial 

fungicides, pathogen treated and healthy control were used in three different inoculation methods 

(pre-, co- and post-inoculations) to control the Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. 

lycopersici under glasshouse conditions. Six RFs (RFS I to VI) were extracted and quantified from 

seaweed extracts A and B. Results of this study, % increases of disease reduction from 7.7 to 

38.5%, 8.6 to 40.0% and 8.3 to 33.3% and % increases of plant height up to 1.7 to 15.7%, 0.3 to 

16.7% and 8.4 to 25.6% were recorded in pre-, co- and post-inoculated plants, respectively when 

compared to control (pathogen treated) plants. Similarly, the % increases of plant biomass up to 

12.7 to 81.6% and 3.6 to 31.5% were recorded in pre- and post-inoculated plants whereas there 

was no significant % increase of plant biomass recorded in co-inoculated plants. Among the 

inoculation methods tested, pre-inoculation are superior to co- and post-inoculation trials. Among 

the treatments evaluated, significant disease reduction were recorded by the treatments of RF I in 

pre-inoculation, RF I, II and IV in co-inoculation and RF I and IV in post-inoculation. RF V and SE B 

significantly improved the plant height in all the inoculation methods. Highest plant biomass was 

recorded in the treatments of SEs A and B in pre-inoculated trial. Similarly, RF III enhanced the

plant biomass in post-inoculated trial and there was no significant plant biomass recorded in coinoculated 

trial. Treatment of SE A significantly induced the systemic disease resistance 

components (peroxidise, polyphenol oxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, total phenol and total 

protein) when challenged with inoculation of pathogen. In qRT-PCR assay, >20 to 50 fold increases 

of pathogen related protein (PR1) expression was observed in the RF I, SEs A and B treated plants 

whereas there was no pathogen related protein (PR5) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) 

genes expression recorded in this study. 

Seaweed extracts (SEs) and their refined fractions (RFs), shellfish waste chitin and spent-dairy 

yeast β-glucans along with their suitable commercial fungicides against various tomato diseases 

such as Damping-off and Verticillium Wilt under glasshouse conditions. Some of them have shown 

effective disease(s) protection on tomato plants than commercial fungicide(s). The plant disease 

incidence and plant growth parameters like plant height and total biomass were measured. The 

potential SEs, RF(s) and chitin were screened for induction of systemic resistance (ISR) activity 

against tomato diseases. The pathogenesis related proteins (PR1, PR5 and PAL) expressions were 

characterized on potential SEs, RF(s) and chitin treated and control plants using qRT-PCR assay. 

The potential treatments of SEs, RF(s) and chitin were developed as consortia (combination of 

treatments) and evaluated against tomato diseases under glasshouse condition. 

The SEs and their RF(s) were applied as seed treatment with different concentrations in eight 

various vegetable seeds (i.e., barley, carrot, cucumber, grass, lettuce, potato, strawberry, 

tomato) to improve seed germination and plant growth promotion. Some of them have shown very 

effective to improve the seed germination and plant growth promotion. In addition, the seaweed 

extracts have evaluated against salinity and drought tolerance in barley under glasshouse 

conditions. 

(2): Investigation of defence related gene expressions on Arabidopsis thaliana using 

seaweed extracts 

In the present study, we investigated the expression of pathogenesis related protein(s) on 

Arabidopsis thaliana which was induced by Ascophyllum nodosum extracts (ANEs) A and B under 

controlled growth chamber conditions. The ANEs A and B (1:500 v/v) were applied as foliar spray 

to 4 weeks old A. thaliana plants (Col-6). Shellfish waste chitin applied as soil application. The 

sterile water treated plants served as a control. Total RNA was extracted from all the collected 

samples following standard methods. The RNA samples were quantified and purified for cDNA 

synthesis. The cDNA synthesized samples amplified with Arabidopsis specific primers such as PR1, 

PR5 and PDF.1 using qRT-PCR to check the defence related gene expression. The Universal 

primers, Actin and UBQTIN were used as a control in this study. Additionally, the micro-array 

analysis was carried out for all the extracted samples. Results of the present study suggested that 

the ANEs A and B significantly improved the growth of A. thaliana especially enhanced the leaf 

size, improved the number of leaves, plant height and flowering than control plants. In qRT-PCR 

assay, PR5 gene were expressed up to 100 fold in ANE A treated plants and >20 fold increase of 

PR5 gene was observed in ANE B treated plants. >50 fold increases of PR1 and PDF1 genes 

expression were observed in ANE A treated plants. There was no induction of PR1 and PDF1 genes 

observed in ANE B treated plants. In micro-array analysis, 245 and 13 genes were up regulated on 

A. thaliana plants by ANE A and B treatments, respectively whereas 5 similar genes are present in 

both treatments for up-regulation. In down regulation, 156 and 11 genes were down regulated on 

A. thaliana plants by ANE A and B treatments, respectively whereas 51 similar genes are 

commonly present in both treatments. The individual analysis of the data showed that the 250 

genes and 207 genes were up and down-regulated, respectively by the treatment of ANE A vs 

control plants. Similarly, 18 and 62 genes were up and down regulated, respectively by the 

treatment of ANE B vs control plants.

(3): Seaweed extracts and their refined fraction improves barley’s germination, growth 

and yield parameters 

In the present study, different concentrations of seaweed extracts (SEs) A and B and 

refined fractions (RFs), rich in bioactive molecules, were applied as seed treatment on barley to 

improve the germination and promote plant growth. Results of this study showed significant 

difference in seed germination and plant growth promotion in all the treatments. The highest seed 

germination, shoot length, root length and total biomass were recorded in the treatments of 2.5% 

RF III/kg of seed, 3.2% SE A/kg of seed, 2.5% RF I/kg of seed and 2.5% SE B/kg of seed. In field 

experiment study, seven different treatments such as 2.5 and 5.0 L/ha of SE A and B, 2.5 L/ha of 

RF III, farmer’s conventional practice and control were evaluated on growth and yield 

improvements. Treatment with SE A @ 5 L/ha improved the maximum shoot length. SE B @ 2.5 

L/ha significantly enhanced the plant biomass and total grain yield, respectively. Application of RF 

III @ 2.5 L/ha improved the 1000 seed weight, grain yield, total grain yield, additional yield 

(1887.1 kg/ha), additional income (311.4 €/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.3). This study concluded 

that the seaweed extracts A @ 5 L/ha and B @ 2.5 L/ha and refined fractions III @ 2.5 L/ha were 

superior in seed germination, plant growth promotion and yield improvements. 

Manuscript under review from current research work 

1. Srinivasan, K., and O’Connell, S. 2012. Induction of systemic resistance against Fusarium 

Wilt on tomato plants. Phytopathology. 

2. Srinivasan, K., Peter, M., Antonie, F., O’Connell, S. and Spillane, C. 2012. Micro-array 

analysis of seaweed extracts induced gene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana. Molecular 

plant-microbes Interaction. 

3. Srinivasan, K. and O’Connell, S. 2012. Commercial seaweeds accelerate the barley growth 

and yield improvements in Ireland under natural field conditions. Crop Protection. 

4. Srinivasan, K. and O’Connell, S. 2012. Tomato disease protection using Nocardia composta 

SABC012. Phytopathology. 

5. Antonie, F., Peter, M., Srinivasan, K., O’Connell, S. and Spillane, C. 2012. Study the gene 

expression and regulation of Arabidopsis thaliana. Molecular plant-microbes Interaction. 

In Italy: 

Molecular characterization of formae speciales differentiation of pathogenic Fusarium 

oxysporum on vegetable crops in Italy (January 2009 to September 2009) 

Sixty-eight strains of Fusarium oxysporum isolated from wilted lamb’s lettuce and rocket 

plants along with eight different ATCC reference strains were examined for differences in the 

nucleotide sequences of the ribosomal DNA intergenic spacer (IGS) region, about 2.5 kb long in the 

strains analyzed. A phylogenetic (neighbour-joining) analysis was performed on the strains and 

permitted to identify six different phylogenetic groups, named I to VI. Most of the F. oxysporum 

isolates collected from wilted plants cultivated in northern Italy clustered under group I and were 

very similar to F. oxysporum f. sp. raphani. All the isolates, including 8 control strains, were 

tested for pathogenicity on lamb’s lettuce and rocket cultivated in glasshouse. Most of the isolates 

from northern Italy were pathogenic on lamb’s lettuce and rocket plants displayed varying degrees 

of virulence, and their IGS sequence showed similarity to the forma specialis raphani. In 

conclusion, the analysis of the IGS sequences revealed that the isolates studied had different 

origins and that phylogeny and pathogenicity were related; non-pathogenic isolates differed 

genetically from those poorly, moderately and highly virulent. This is the first report of 

differentiation of formae speciales of F. oxysporum on lamb’s lettuce and rocket plants by IGS 

sequence analysis.

Biological control of Fusarium wilt on vegetable crops using different bacterial 

strains (October 2007 to September 2008) 

The efficient plant growth promoting bacteria were isolated from disease suppressive soils 

and soilless crops systems. The isolated strains were screened to select the potential biocontrol 

agents against Fusarium wilt under greenhouse conditions. Besides, the selected biocontrol agents 

were identified with specific molecular tools (16S r RNA) and the classification of microbial strains 

(16S rRNA gene sequence of the efficient antagonistic bacterial strains was submitted in Genbank, 

NCBI, USA). Finally, the effective bacterial mediated biological of Fusarium wilt in different crops 

such as tomato, lamb’s lettuce and rocket with four different pathogenic Fusarium spp. under 

greenhouse conditions was achieved first time in the European continent. Five bacterial strains 

(FC6B, FC7B, FC8B, FC9B and FC24B) isolated from used rockwool soilless substrates were 

identified using 16S ribosomal DNA sequence analysis as belonging to the Pseudomonas genus. 

Seven glasshouse trials (Soil application: Trial I to VI; Root dipping: Trial VII) were conducted in 

order to evaluate the efficacy of these bacteria strains (Pseudomonas putida FC6B, Pseudomonas 

sp. FC7B, Pseudomonas putida FC8B, Pseudomonas sp. FC9B and Pseudomonas sp. FC24B) together 

with Achromobacter sp. AM1 and Serratia sp. DM1 obtained from suppressive soil, against 

Fusarium wilt of tomato (experiment I) and rocket (experiment II) plants. Two commercial 

bioproducts, Trichoderma harzianum T22 and Pseudomonas chlororaphis MA342 were also 

evaluated. In experiment I, the lowest disease incidence was recorded with a single application of 

P. putida FC6B. Similar results were obtained with the same bacteria when the concentration was 

decreased but an increasing number of applications were required. The highest plant biomass was 

recorded in the P. putida FC8B treatment. In experiment II, the lowest disease incidence was 

observed with the application of Achromobacter sp., Serratia sp. and Pseudomonas sp. FC9B 

against Fusairum wilt. Maximum plant biomass was recorded in Serratia sp. treated plants. In 

conclusion, the study showed the potential biocontrol activity of bacterial strains (FC6B, FC8B, 

Achromobacter sp. AM1, Serratia sp. DM1 and FC9B) against Fusarium wilt on tomato and rocket 

plants 

Outline of the Ph. D., thesis 

In India: 

Induced systemic resistance mediated biological control of sunflower necrosis virus 

disease using plant growth promoting microbial consortia (December 2002 to November 

2007) 

The research work was mainly focused on biological control of sunflower necrosis virus 

(SNV) using plant growth promoting microbial consortia. SNV was maintained in sunflower callus 

by the method of direct initiation and soak prick culture. SNV was purified by sucrose density 

gradient centrifugation and the SNV were maintained in pure form. The successful maintenance of 

SNV in tissue culture calli has been demonstrated for the first time. Purified SNV particles were 

visualized by Transmission Electron Microscopy. Besides, the polyclonal antibody against SNV was 

raised for serological diagnosis such as Ouchterlony double immuno diffusion, Enzyme Linked 

ImmunoSorbant Assay (ELISA) and western blot analysis. 

Six different BCAs (Streptomyces sp. PM5, Trichothecium roseum MML003, Bacillus 

licheniformis MML2501, Streptomyces fradiae MML1042, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MML2212 and 

Bacillus sp. MML2551) were evaluated with seed and foliar applications in this study along with 

Morinda pubescens fruit extract against sunflower necrosis virus disease (SNVD). Among different 

treatments tested, four BCAs (Bacillus sp. MML2551, P. aeruginosa MML2212, B. licheniformis 

MML2501 and S. fradiae MML1042) performed well against SNVD and enhancing plant growth. 

Therefore, they were used to develop all the possible combination of two, three and four culture 

consortia (11 different consortia) for further evaluation against SNVD with the ultimate goal of 

identifying an efficient consortium of BCAs, which would provide high level disease protection

against SNVD. In addition, Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR) following the application of BCAs 

with seed and soil treatments in sunflower were investigated. The components of ISR such as plant 

defense related enzymes viz., salicylic acid, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, phenylalanine 

ammonia lyase, tyrosine ammonia lyase, total proteins, total phenol, protease and catalase and 

also other parameters like reducing sugars and chlorophylls were estimated in different days 

intervals in three and four culture consortia of BCAs treated and control sunflower plants. This is 

the first report on ISR due to application of BCAs in sunflower against SNVD. 

The effective BCAs formulated (powder & liquid) individually with talc powder were mixed 

prior to application in the field experiments. These bio-formulations were evaluated as three and 

four culture consortia with Bl + Pa + Bsp and Bl + Sf + Pa + Bsp, respectively against SNVD in two 

different field experiments. The highest reduction of SNVD up to 40.9% and 51.4%, respectively 

were recorded due to treatment of the powder and liquid formulation of consortia (Bl + Sf + Pa + 

Bsp) as compared to control. In addition, The seed yield and income were increased due to 

treatment of four culture consortium, which registered an additional seed yield of 840 kg/ha 

(powder formulations) and 936 kg/ha (liquid formulations) with the profit of Rs. 10920/ha and Rs. 

12168/ha and an additional income of Rs.7865 and Rs.8164/ha compared to control. 

Education 

In 2007: Ph.D., Applied Microbiology - Botany (Specialization in Plant Pathology), Centre for 

Advanced Studies in Botany, University of Madras, Chennai, India 

In 2002: M. Sc., Applied Microbiology, K. K. College, Periyar University, Velur (Namakkal), India 

In 2000: B. Sc., Biochemistry, K. K. College, University of Madras, Velur (Namakkal), India 

In 2000: Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application, Manipal University, India 

Publications 

1. Srinivasan, K. Gilardi,G. Davide, S. Gullino, M.L. and Garibaldi, A. 2012. Genetic diversity 

and pathogenicity of Fusarium oxysporum isolated from wilted rocket plants in Italy – 

Phytoparasitica, 40(2): 157-170 (IF: 0.621). 

2. Srinivasan, K. and Mathivanan, N. 2011. Establishment and maintenance of Sunflower 

Necrosis Virus (SNV) in tissue culture calli and its isolation, purification and serological 

diagnosis. Phytoparasitica, 39(5): 509-515 (IF: 0.621). 

3. Srinivasan, K. and Mathivanan, N. 2011. Liquid formulation of plant growth promoting 

microbial consortia evaluated against sunflower necrosis virus disease under field 

conditions. Journal of Biopesticides 4(1): 65-72 (IC value 9.0 in 2010 - India rating is 3.2 in 

2011 – ISSn (print) 0974-391X; Online 2230-8385). 

4. Srinivasan K., Gilardi G., Spadaro D., Garibaldi A., Gullino M.L. 2010. Molecular 

characterization through IGS sequencing of formae speciales of Fusarium 

oxysporum pathogenic on lamb’s lettuce. Phytopathologia Mediterranea 49: 309-320 (IF: 

1.117). 

5. Srinivasan, K. and S. Visalakchi. 2010. First report of Rhizoctonia solani SV001 attacking 

sunflower in India. Plant Disease 94(4): 488 (IF: 2.387). 

6. Jayaprakashvel, M., Selvakumar, M., Srinivasan, K., Ramesh, S. and Mathivanan, N. 2010. 

Control of sheath blight disease in rice by thermo-stable secondary metabolites of 

Trichothecium roseum MML003. European Journal of Plant Pathology 126(2): 229-239 (IF: 

2.054).

7. Srinivasan, K. and Mathivanan, N. 2009. Biological control of sunflower necrosis virus 

disease using powder and liquid formulations of plant growth promoting microbial consortia 

in field conditions. Biological Control 51(3): 395-402 (IF: 2.164). 

8. Srinivasan, K. Gilardi, G. Garibaldi, A. and Gullino, M.L. 2009. Bacterial antagonists from 

recycled soilless substrates suppress Fusarium wilt on tomato. Journal of Plant Pathology 

91(1): 145-152 (IF: 1.054). 

9. Srinivasan, K. Gilardi, G. Garibaldi, A. and Gullino, M.L. 2009. Efficacy of bacterial 

antagonists and different commercial products against Fusarium wilt on rocket. 

Phytoparasitica 37(2): 179-188 (IF: 0.621). 

10. Srinivasan, K., Krishanraj, M. and Mathivanan, N. 2009. Plant growth promotion and the 

control of sunflower necrosis virus disease by the application of biocontrol agents in 

sunflower. Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection 42(2): 160-172 (IF: 0.717). 

11. Mathivanan, N., Surendiran, G., Srinivasan, K. and Malarvizhi, K. 2006. Morinda pubescens 

J.E. Smith (Morinda tinctoria Roxb.) fruit extract accelerates wound healing in rats. Journal 

of Medicinal Foods. 9: 591-593 (IF: 1.461). 

12. Srinivasan, K., Selvankumar, T. and Mathivanan, N. 2005. Isolation and characterization of 

M-antigen from Streptococcus pyogenes. Indian Journal of Applied Microbiology 1: 1-6. 

13. Mathivanan, N., Surendiran, G., Srinivasan, K., Sagadevan, E. and Malarvizhi, K. 2005. 

Review on the current scenario of Noni research: Taxonomy, distribution, chemistry, 

medicinal and therapeutic values of Morinda cotrifolia. International Journal of Noni 

Research 1: 1-16. 

Conference proceedings published in peer-reviewed journals 

1. Visalakchi, S., Srinivasan K. and Muthumary J. 2011. Taxol producing endophytic fungus 

Fusarium culmorum SVJM072 from medicinal plant of Tinospora cordifolia – a first report. 

Journal of Biotechnology 150S (2010) S1–S576 [P-I.222] (IF: 2.950). 

2. Visalakchi, S., Srinivasan K. and Muthumary J. 2011. Optimization of process parameters for 

improved production of Taxol by a novel endophytic fungus Pestalotiopsis oxyanthi SVJM060 

isolated from Taxus baccta. Journal of Biotechnology 150S (2010) S1–S576 [P-M.116] (IF: 

2.950). 

3. Spadaro D., Srinivasan K., Gilardi G., Gullino M.L., Garibaldi A. 2010. Molecular 

characterization through IGS sequencing of formae speciales of Fusarium 

oxysporum pathogenic on lamb’s lettuce and rocket. Journal of Plant Pathology 92 (4, 

Supplement) S4.71-S4-105 In press (IF: 1.054). 

4. Srinivasan K., Gilardi G., Spadaro D., Gullino M.L. Garibaldi A. 2010. Caratterizzazione 

molecolare di Fusarium oxysporum agenti di tracheofusariosi su valerianella. Protezione 

delle Colture, 3 (2), 127-128. 

5. Srinivasan K., Gilardi G., Spadaro D., Gullino M.L. Garibaldi A. 2010 - Diversità genetica e 

patogenicità di isolati di Fusarium oxysporum agenti di fusariosi su rucola in Italia. 

Protezione delle Colture, 3 (2), 128-129. 

6. Garibaldi A., Srinivasan K., Gilardi G., Gullino M.L. (2009) Effi cacia di antagonisti batterici 

contro la fusariosi della rucola. Protezione delle Colture, 2 (2), 64 

7. Srinivasan, K, Gilardi, G, Garibaldi, A. and Gullino, ML. 2008. Efficacy of various bacterial 

biocontrol organisms and commercial biocontrol products for control of Fusarium wilt of 

tomato. Journal of Plant pathology 90(3): 591 (IF: 1.054).

8. Srinivasan, K., Jayaprakshvel, M. and Mathivanan, N. 2008. Biological control of sunflower 

necrosis virus disease using two different formulations of plant growth promoting microbial 

mixtures. Journal of Plant pathology 90(2): S2.129 (IF: 1.054). 

Book Chapters 

1. Prashanth, S., Prabavathy, V.R., Malarvizhi, K., Srinivasan, K. and Mathivanan, N. 2006. 

Biocontrol potential of a growth promoting soil bacterium against phytopathogenic fungi. 

Mitt. Biol. Bundesanst-Land-Forstwirtsch. 408: 325-329. 

2. Gilardi, G., Srinivasan, K., Garibaldi, A. and Gullino, M.L. 2011. Efficacy of bacterial 

antagonists from used rockwool soilless substrates and different commercial products 

against Fusarium wilt on tomato. Acta Hort. (ISHS) 914:357-360. 

Abstracts published in Conferences/Symposiums/Seminars 

International 

1. Srinivasan, K and O’Connell, S. 2012. Seaweed extracts and their refined fractions, shellfish 

waste chitin evaluated against Fusarium wilt on tomato plants under glasshouse conditions. 

The 1 st World Congress on the use of Biostimulants in Agriculture, 26-29 November 2012. 

Strasbourg Congress, France (submitted). 

2. Srinivasan, K and O’Connell, S. 2012. Investigation of defence related gene expressions on 

Arabidopsis thaliana using seaweed extracts. The 1st World Congress on the use of 

Biostimulants in Agriculture, 26-29 November 2012. Strasbourg Congress, France 

(submitted). 

3. Sonaimuthu, V., Krishnamoorthy, S., Johnpaul, M. and Negi, AS. 2012. In Vitro assays of 

tenuazonic acid produced by endophytic fungus, Alternaria alternata SVJM015. Open 

Innovation Conference, Limerick Institute of Technology, Limerick, Ireland, 4 - 5 April 2012. 

4. Murphy, E., Jones, P., O’Connell, S. and Krishnamoorthy, S. 2012. Designer seaweed 

extracts: study of how variation in processing conditions, can effect chemical composition 

and bioactivity. The 10 th New Ag International Conference & Exhibition, Bangkok, Thiland, 

28-30 March 2012. 

5. Visalakchi, S., Srinivasan, K., Arvind Singh N. and Johnpaul, M. 2010. Isolation and 

molecular identification of novel endophytic taxol producing fungus, Pestalotiopsis oxyanthi 

SVJM060 from Taxus baccata. IMC9, The Biology of Fungi, Edinburgh, UK, 1 - 6 August 2010. 

6. Srinivasan, K, Gilardi, G, Garibaldi, A. and Gullino, ML. 2010. Efficacy of bacterial 

antagonists from reused rockwool soilless substrates and different commercial products 

against Fusarium wilt on tomato. III International Symposium on Tomato Diseases. July 25 - 

30, 2010, Ischia, Naples, Italy. 

7. Srinivasan, K., and Mathivanan, N. 2009. Plant growth promoting microbial consortia 

mediated biological control of sunflower necrosis virus disease under field conditions. 1 st 

Asian PGPR Congress, Hyderabad, India. June 21-24, 2009. 

8. Prashanth, S., Prabhavathy, V.R., Malarvizhi, K., Srinivasan, K. and Mathivanan, N. 2005. 

Biocontrol potential of a growth promoting soil bacterium against phytopathogenic fungi. 

First International Symposium on Biological Control of Bacterial Diseases, Darmstadt 

University of Technology, Darmstadt, Germany, October 23-26, 2005. 

9. Srinivasan, K., Surendiran, G. and Mathivanan, N. 2005. Pathological, molecular biological 

and biocontrol studies on sunflower necrosis virus disease by consortium of biocontrol 

agents. Asian Conference on Plant-Microbe Interactions, University of Madras, Chennai, 

India, December 8-10, 2005.

10. Surendiran, G., Srinivasan, K., Ramesh, S., Malarvizhi, K and Mathivanan, N. 2005. 

Antifungal activity of Morinda tinctoria against some plant pathogens. International 

Symposium on Integrated Management of Fungal Diseases: Technology Development and 

Application. Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India, February 24-27, 2005. 

11. Srinivasan, K., Peter, J. and Jayakumar, K. 2001. Impact of dual inoculation of Azospirillum 

sp. and Rhizobium sp. on the growth of Arachis hypogeae. Linn. International symposium on 

Recent Advances in Biological Sciences. Held at K.S.R. Centre for Biological Sciences K. S. 

Rangasamy College of Arts and Science, Tiruchengode, Tamilnadu, India, October 11-12, 

2001. 

National 

1. Srinivasan, K., and Mathivanan, N. 2010. Biological control of sunflower necrosis virus 

disease by plant growth promoting microbial consortia under field conditions. National 

Conference on Frontiers in Advance Plant Pathology, (March 11-12, 2010) organized by CAS 

in Botany, University of Madras, Chennai, TamilNadu, India. 

2. Srinivasan, K., Gilardi, G., Spadaro, D., Gullino, M.L., and Garibaldi, A. 2010. Genetic 

diversity and pathogenicity of Fusarium oxysporum isolated from vegetable crops in Italy. 

National Conference on Frontiers in Advance Plant Pathology, (March 11-12, 2010) organized 

by CAS in Botany, University of Madras, Chennai, TamilNadu, India. 

3. Srinivasan, K., and Mathivanan, N. 2010. Efficacy of plant growth promoting microbial 

consortia against sunflower necrosis virus disease under field conditions. National 

Conference on Frontiers in Plant Molecular Biology, (February 18-20, 2010) organized by 

Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Bharathidasan, Triuchirapalli, 

TamilNadu, India. 

4. Srinivasan, K., Gilardi, G., Spadaro, D., Gullino, M.L., and Garibaldi, A. 2010. Genetic 

diversity and pathogenicity of Fusarium oxysporum isolated from wilted rocket plants in 

Italy. National Conference on Frontiers in Plant Molecular Biology, (February 18-20, 2010) 

organized by Department of Plant Molecular Biology, University of Bharathidasan, 

Triuchirapalli, TamilNadu, India. 

5. Srinivasan, K., and Mathivanan, N. 2008. Biological Control of Sunflower Necrosis Virus 

Disease using Liquid Formulations of Plant Growth Promoting Microbial Consortia 363p. AMI 

Association of Microbiologists of India, 49th Annual conference International symposium on 

Microbial Biotechnology: Diversity, Genomics and Metagenomics (November 18-20, 2008) 

organized by Department of Zoology, North campus, AM 557. 

6. Srinivasan, K., Jayaprakshvel, M. and Mathivanan, N. 2007. Biological control of sunflower 

necrosis virus disease by using Plant growth promoting microbial consortia. 8 th Agricultural 

Science Congress, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, India, February 

15-17, 2007. 

7. Surendiran, G., Srinivasan, K., Sagadevan, E. and Mathivanan, N. 2007. Antidiabetic, 

hepatoprotective and cardioprotective properties of Morinda pubescens J.E. Smith. National 

Conference on Recent trends on Medicinal Plants Research. University of Madras, Chennai, 

India. January 24-25, 2007. 

8. Mathivanan, N., Selvakumar, M., Jayaprakashvel, M., Ramesh, S. and Srinivasan, K. 2006. 

Biological control of sheath blight disease in rice by Trichothecium roseum. Plant Disease 

Management Conference, Kerala, India, November 27-28, 2006. 

9. Srinivasan, K. and Mathivanan, N. 2006. ISR mediated biological control of sunflower 

necrosis virus disease by using consortium of biocontrol agents. National Symposium on

Biotechnological Methods for Crop Disease Management. Annamalai University, Annamali 

Nagar, India, March 3-4, 2006. 

10. Surendiran, G., Srinivasan, K. and Mathivanan, N. 2006. Antioxidant activity of Morinda 

pubescens. National Symposium on Molecular Basis of Disease Management. University of 

Madras, Chennai, India. March 13-14, 2006. 

Technical proficiency in 

Microbiological skills - Isolation, identification and maintenance of microorganisms (Enrichment 

culture technique) and Electron microscopical analysis. 

Analytical technical skills - Enzyme assay (Quantitative & Plate assay), Extraction of bioactive 

compounds from microorganisms, Purification of secondary metabolites from microbial strains by 

chromatographic techniques (Column, Thin layer, HPLC FPLC and Gas chromatographic 

techniques) and Estimation of growth hormones from plants. 

Plant pathology technical skills - Biological control of plant pathogens e.g., bacteria, fungi and 

virus, Induced systemic resistance enzyme assays, Systemic acquired resistance enzyme assays, 

Formulation of biocontrol agents (powder and liquid formulations), Pathogenicity assay, 

Glasshouse and Field trials, Plant tissue culture, Plant transformation and plant regeneration, 

Virus maintenance in tissue culture calli, Protoplast isolation, regeneration and fusion - fungi & 

plants. 

Serological diagnostic methods - Antibody production, Double immuno diffusion test, Enzyme 

linked immune sorbent assay and Western blotting. 

Molecular biological techniques - Isolation and purification of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA from 

bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes and plants), Agarose gel electrophoresis, Polymerase chain 

reaction and Reverse transcriptase PCR techniques, DNA restriction analysis, Ligation, Cloning, 

Real time PCR, RAPD and RFLP analyses, Transformation and Electroporation, Gene expression, 

cDNA systhesis, qRT-PCR, Micro-array analysis, Sequencing analysis and Poly acryl amide gel 

electrophoresis (Native and SDS-PAGE). 

Bioinformatics tools - NCBI database, RASMOL, DNA Baser, MEGA, UPGMA, Phylogenetic analysis 

(neighbour joining and Maximum Parasimony), Nucleic acid and Protein sequencing (proteins and 

nucleic acids BLAST, pair wise and multiple sequence alignments), Clustawl analysis and TAIR. 

Statistical knowledge - AGRES, ANOVA & SPSS statistical analysis for biological data. 

Computer knowledge - Basic, Microsoft Office (MS-word, power point, excel), photo shop & 

AGRES AND SPSS Statistical analysis for biological data. 

Submitted the following gene sequences to National Center for Biotechnology 

Information (NCBI), USA 

Fungi – Inter Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequence: 18S ribosomal RNA gene, partial sequence; 

internal transcribed spacer 1, 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene and internal transcribed spacer 2, 

complete sequence; and 28S ribosomal RNA gene, partial sequence (500 to 800 bp lengths) 

1. Visalakchi, S., Srinivasan, K. and Muthumary. 2010. Screening of taxol producing endophytic 

fungus, Alternaria alternata SVJM015 from medicinal plant, Indigofera enneaphylla 

(Accession Number: HM003680). 


fungus, Pestalotiopsis oxyanthi SVJM060 from medicinal plant, Taxus baccta (Accession 

Number: HM003681).


fungus, Curvularia lunata SVJM008 from medicinal plant, Clerodendrum inerme (Accession 

Number: HM003682). 


fungus, Fusarium culmorum SVJM072 from medicinal plant, Tinospora cordifolia (Accession 



fungus, Fusarium sp. SVJM035 from medicinal plant, Magnolia grandiflora (Accession 



fungus, Curvularia sp. SVJM019 from medicinal plant, Indigofera enneaphylla (Accession 



fungus, Pestalotiopsis oxyanthi SVJM005 from medicinal plant, Alstonia scholaris (Accession 



fungus, Alternaria arborescens SVJM 042 from medicinal plant, Sterculia foetida (Accession 


Fungi - Intergenic spacer (IGS) sequence: 28S ribosomal RNA gene, partial sequence; 28S-18S 

ribosomal RNA intergenic spacer, complete sequence; and 18S ribosomal RNA gene, partial 

sequence (2500 to 2600 bp lengths) – totally 76 gene sequences 

1. Srinivasan, K., Gilardi, G., Gullino, M.L. and Garibaldi, A. 2009. Molecular characterization 

of pathogenic formae speciales differentiation in Fusarium oxysporum on lamb’s lettuce (37 

gene sequences Accession Numbers from GQ914734 to GQ914770). 

2. Srinivasan, K., Gilardi, G., Spadaro, D., Gullino, M.L. and Garibaldi, A. 2009. Genetic 

diversity and pathogenicity of Fusarium oxysporum isolated from wilted rocket plants in 

Italy (39 gene sequences Accession Numbers from GU001824 to GU001862). 

Bacteria – 16s rDNA: 

1. Srinivasan, K. Saravanakumar, D., Garibaldi, A and Gullino, M.L. 2008. Identification and 

characterization of bacterial biocontrol agents (Pseudomonas putida strain FC6B 16S rRNA 

gene, partial sequence) against plant pathogens (Accession Number: EU836170). 


characterization of bacterial biocontrol agents (Pseudomonas sp. FC9B 16S rRNA gene, 

partial sequence) against plant pathogens (Accession Number: EU836171). 








characterization of bacterial biocontrol agents (Pseudomonas putida strain FC8B 16S rRNA 

gene, partial sequence) against plant pathogens (Accession Number: EU836174). 

Conference/Symposium/Seminar/Workshop 

1. Attended the International conference on Plant pathology, Incontri Fitoiatrici 2009, Italy.

2. Problemi fitosantari delle colture ortoflorofrutticole ed evoluzione delle strategie di difesa, 

. Incontri Fitoiatrici 2008, Italy 

3. National Conference on Agro biodiversity. NIOT, Chennai, India, February 12-15, 2006. 

4. National Conference on Emerging Trends in Mycology, Plant Pathology and Microbial 

Biotechnology. Osmania University, Hyderabad, India, December 29-31, 2004. 

5. Indo-UK workshop, “Ethics in Medical Research”. University of Madras, Guindy Campus, 

Chennai, India, 11 th October 2004. 

6. Awareness programme on applications of radioisotopes and radiation technology for societal 

development (ARRTS-2004), Anna University. Chennai, India, July 13-14, 2004. 

7. National Symposium on Recent trends in Biology, Biodiversity and Biotechnology of Fungi 

(NSBBBF) and 30 th annual meeting of the mycological society of India (MSI), CAS in Botany, 

University of Madras, Chennai, India, Feb 5-6, 2004. 

8. International Symposium on “Milestones in the development of Mycology and Plant 

Pathology” organized by CAS in Botany, University of Madras, Chennai, March 28-30, 2003. 

9. National Seminar on “Microbes in Peace and War” held at Sengunthar Institute of Post 

Graduate Study and Research in Microbiology, Tiruchengode, Feb 21-22, 2002. 

10. National Seminar on “Biotechnology in the New Millennium” organized by the Institute of 

Bioscience, Vivekanandha College of Arts and Science for Women, Tiruchengode, Feb 15-16, 

2002. 

11. National level Seminar on “Current Trends and Future Directions in Life Science” conducted 

by Muthayammal College of Arts and Science, Rasipuram, Jan 4-5, 2002. 

Training program attended 

1. Training program on “Diploma in Computer Applications” conducted by Manipal Institute of 

Computer Education (MICE), Franchise Centre – Velur, Tamilnadu, India. (Dec 1999- 

June2000). 

2. A training course in “Various Procedure of Production and Quality Control of Rabies Vaccine 

and DTP group of vaccines” at Pasteur Institute of India, Coonoor, Nilgiris. India. (Sep 2001). 

3. State level “Training on RasMol” at Bioinformatics Cell Dr. G. R. Damodaran College of 

Science, Coimbatore, India. (Mar 2002). 

Guest and Invited Lecture/Teaching/Research supervising experience 

1. Invited Guest Lecture on Natural Bioresources for Plant Protection at National University of 

Ireland, Galway, Ireland on 15 th March 2012. 

2. Delivered a Guest lecture on Screening of commercial seaweed extracts and their bioactive(s) 

for induction of systemic resistance at Shannon Applied Biotechnology Center, Institute of 

Technology, Tralee, Ireland on 28 nd April 2011 

3. Invited lecture on Molecular characterization of induced systemic resistance components by 

natural bioresources for plant protection at National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland on 

25 th Janyary 2011 

4. Presented the invited guest lecture on My experience in Plant Pathology in Shannon Applied 

Biotechnology Center, Institute of Technology, Tralee, Ireland on 22 nd April 2010. 

5. Presented the invited guest lecture on Genetic diversity and pathogenicity of Fusarium 

oxysporum isolated from wilted vegetable crops in Italy in Department of Microbiology, K. K. 

College, Velur, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India on 31 st December 2009.

6. Presented the invited lecture on Biotechnological applications of human welfare in Inter 

departmental seminar competition in CAS in Botany, conducted by Botany club, CAS in 

Botany, University of Madras on 24 th March 2004. 

7. Teaching Assistant for M. Sc., students in the Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany under 

the “Earn While Learn Scheme” of the UGC programme. 

8. As a Co-Supervisor, I guided for four M. Sc., students for their dissertation research work. 

Details of M. Sc., dissertation supervised 

Title of the M. Sc. Dissertation 

1. Morinda pubescens J.E. Smith (Morinda tinctoria Roxb.) fruit extract accelerates wound 

healing in rats. 

2. Keratin degradation by keratinolytic fungi Penicillium fellutanam. 

3. Metabolites mediated biological control of sheath blight disease in rice by Trichothecium 

roseum. 

4. Degradation of pharmaceutical effluent by plasmid transferred Pseudomonas pudita. 

REFERENCES 

1. Dr. Shane O’Connell M.Sc. Ph.D. 

Strand Leader, 

Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre, 

Institute of Technology, 

Tralee, Co-Kerry, Ireland 

Email: shane.oconnell@staff.ittralee.ie 

Mob: 00353863571394 

2. Professor Charles Spillane 

Head of Botany and Plant Science Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Principal Investigator 

Botany and Plant Science, C311 Aras de Brun, 

National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland 

Email: charles.spillane@nuigalway.ie 

Mob: 00353867963624 

3. Dr. Michael C. Hall M.Sc. Ph.D. 

Registrar, 

Institute of Technology, 

Tralee, County Kerry, Ireland 

Tel: 00353872795648 

Email: Michael.Hall@staff.ittralee.ie 

4. Dr. Davide Spadaro 

Assistant Professor 

AGROINNOVA 

DiVaPRA - Plant Pathology 

University of Torino 

Via L. da Vinci 44 - 10095 Grugliasco (TO) – Italy 

E-mail: davide.spadaro@unito.it 

Tel.: 00390116708942

5. Dr. P. Palani 

Assistant Professor 

Center for Advanced Studies in Botany 

University of Madras, Guindy campus 

Chennai- 600 025, India 

E mail: palanii7@yahoo.com 

Tel: 00919789063823

CURRICULAM VITAE - Australasian Plant Pathology Society

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