Dr. Vanitha K
Senior Scientist (Agri. Entomology)
Leading research in agricultural entomology with a focus on sustainable management of cashew insect pests, pollinator conservation, biodiversity, and eco-friendly integrated pest management strategies for resilient cashew production.
Qualification
Ph.D. (Agricultural Entomology)
Year of Birth
1982
Present Position
Senior Scientist
Discipline
Agricultural Entomology
Mobile
Not Available
15+
Years of Research57
Research Articles17
Book Chapters8+
Major AwardsAbout the Scientist
Brief Work Experience
Professional Summary
Dr. K. Vanitha obtained her M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Agricultural Entomology from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. She joined the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in 2009 and began her scientific career at the ICAR–National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, Odisha.
Since 2011, she has been serving as a Senior Scientist at the ICAR–Directorate of Cashew Research, Puttur, Karnataka, where she has been actively engaged in research on agricultural entomology with special emphasis on cashew.
Her research focuses on the biodiversity of cashew insect pests, pollinators and natural enemies, conservation of beneficial insects, and the development of eco-friendly integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for sustainable cashew production.
She has made significant contributions to chemical ecology, pollinator biology, biological control, and environmentally sustainable pest management, while also supporting research, extension, and capacity-building activities for the cashew farming community.
Projects & Scientific Contributions
Current Projects
Institute Research Projects
- Species complex of thrips infesting cashew, their role and management measures.
- Development of an eco-friendly and cost-effective pest management strategy for cashew using plant and microbial-based pesticides.
- Establishment of state-of-the-art facilities for chemical ecology studies targeting eco-friendly pest management and demonstration in cashew.
Publication Summary
Representative Research Papers
The first record of conopid fly Zodiomyia sumbaensis as a parasitoid of a reed bee Braunsapis mixta.
Kaliaperumal Vanitha, David Karamankodu Jacob, Shivaji Thube, R. Thava Prakasa Pandian, Thippagonahally Nagaiya Raviprasad and Hosahatti Rajashekara. (2024).
Do ants pollinate cashew flowers? An observation on flower damage and nectar thieving by Crematogaster subnuda Mayr.
K. Vanitha, Himender Bharti, T.N. Raviprasad, H. Rajashekara and G.L. Veena. (2024).
Biological notes on nesting biology, development and natural enemies of Braunsapis mixta, a pollinator of cashew.
Vanitha Kaliaperumal, Ankita Gupta, Venkatesan Thiruvengadam, Arati Pannure and Ashika Thotambailu Raghavendra. (2022).
Artificial nests conserve important native bees, Braunsapis spp. pollinating cashew.
Vanitha, K. and T.N. Raviprasad. (2021).
Flower pests of cashew, their seasonal incidence, damage and natural enemies.
Vanitha, K. and T.N. Raviprasad. (2021).
Awards, Achievements & Professional Recognition
Best Oral Presentation Award
Awarded during the International Conference on "One Health Perspectives in Global Plant Protection Research – 2025 (OHPGPR-2025)" held at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
Best Oral Award
National Conference on "New Frontiers in Apiculture" held at GKVK, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, during 6–7 March 2025.
Best Researcher Award
Conferred by the Society of Agricultural Research and Social Development (SARSD), New Delhi during the 7th International Conference on Advances in Agriculture Technology and Allied Sciences (ICAATAS 2024).
Women Scientist Award
Conferred during the 2nd International Conference on Prospects and Challenges of Environment and Biological Sciences in Food Production Systems for Livelihood Security of Farmers (ICFPLS–2023) held at ICAR-CIARI, Port Blair.
Best Oral Presentation Award
National Web Symposium on Recent Advances in Beneficial Insects and Natural Resins & Gums, organized by ICAR–Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums (IINRG), Ranchi.
Prof. P. Kameswara Rao Award
Awarded for the Best Research Paper Oral Presentation during the XV AZRA International Conference on Recent Advances in Life Sciences.
Laboratory Members
Entomology Laboratory & Field Research Gallery
Showcasing laboratory studies, insect biodiversity surveys, pollinator conservation, pest monitoring, eco-friendly pest management research, and field demonstrations supporting sustainable cashew production.
Contact Information
For scientific collaboration, research partnerships, technical consultation, pest management strategies, pollinator conservation, integrated pest management, or sustainable cashew entomology research, feel free to get in touch.
Office
ICAR – Directorate of Cashew Research
Puttur, Dakshina Kannada,
Karnataka – 574202