Department of Botany

Senior Prof. Saman Abeysinghe

Senior Professor

B.Sc. (Special) (Ruhuna, SL)
M.Sc. (Wageningen, The Netherlands)
Ph.D. (Brussels, Belgium)
Visiting Scientist University of Manitoba, Canada 2007
Commonwealth Research Fellow, Nottingham, UK 2011
Endeavour Research Fellow, Queensland, Australia 2015

Email - saman@bot.ruh.ac.lk

Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Microbial Ecology, Plant Virology

1. Biological control of soil-borne and selected aerial fungal pathogens

2. Mechanisms involved in plant disease resistance

3. Identification and characterization of plant viruses & Phytoplasma

4. Screening of antimicrobial compounds from plants

5. Phytoplasmas diagnostics and phylogeny

6. Large-scale production and formulation technology of biocontrol & plant growth promoting microorganisms

Full Papers in peer reviewed indexed journals

(1) Use of nonpathogenic Fusarium oxysporum and rhizobacteria for suppression of Fusarium root and stem rot of Cucumis sativus caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-cucumerinum. Abeysinghe, S. Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection 2009 42: (1) 73-82.

(2) Efficacy of Combine Use of Biocontrol Agents on Control of Sclerotium rolfsii and Rhizoctonia solani on Capsicum annuum. Abeysinghe, S. Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection 2009 42: (3) 221-227.

(3) Effect of combine use of Bacillus subtilis CA32 and Trichoderma harzianum RU01 on biological control of Rhizoctonia solani on Solanum melongena and Capsicum annuum. Abeysinghe, S. Plant Pathology Journal 2009 8 (1): 9-16.

(4) The effect of mode of application of Bacillus subtilis CA32r on control of Sclerotium rolfsii on Capsicum annuum. Abeysinghe, S. Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection 2009; 42(9):825-846.

(5) Induced systemic resistance (ISR) in bean mediated by rhizobacteria against rust caused by Uromyces appendiculatus under glasshouse and field conditions. Abeysinghe, S. Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection 2009; 42:1079-1087.

(6) Induced systemic resistance by Trichoderma harzianum RU01 in bean against bean rust caused by Uromyces appendiculatus. Abeysinghe, S. Journal of National Science Foundation 2009; 37(3):203-207.

(7) Development of specific secA-based diagnostics for the 16SrXI and 16SrXIV phytoplasmas of the Gramineae. Bekele B., Abeysinghe, S., Hoat, T. X., Hodgetts, J., & Dickinson, M. Bulletin of Insectology 2011; 64; 15-16.

(8) First report on molecular identification of a phytoplasma associated with papaya dieback disease in Sri Lanka. Abeysinghe, S. Kumari, W.G.M., Arachchi, I.M.M. & Dickinson, M. New Disease Report 2014; 29:13-13.

(9) Occurrence of phytoplasma diseases of papaya in Sri Lanka. Abeysinghe, S. Kumari, W.G.M., Arachchi, I.M.M. & Dickinson, M. Acta Hortic 2016; 1111: 25- 29. ISHS 2016 DOI 10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1111.4

(10) Refinement of the taxonomic structure of 16SrXI and 16SrXIV phytoplasmas of Gramineous plants using multilocus sequence typing. Abeysinghe, S. Katanwila de Silva, C., Abeysinghe, P. D., Udagama, P., Warawichance, K., Aljafar, N., Kawicha, P., & Dickinson, M. Plant Disease 2016; 100: 2001-2010.

Chapters in Books:

(1) Advanced level text book published by the Education Publication Department ï¿½ Sri

Lanka ï¿½Continuation of lifeï¿½ 2005 125pp (in sinhala)

Editor: Prof. W. D. Ratnasooriya

Writers: Prof. Sirisena Dassanayake

Dr. Nilakariyawasam

Dr. S. Abeysinghe

(2) Ecological friendly pest control in agriculture (in sinhala)

Publisher: Southern Province Planning Secretariat (2002)

Writers: Prof. R. Rajapakse

Dr. L. A. Samyawardhana

Dr. M.G. V. Wickramasinghe

Dr. S. Abeysinghe

Prof. G. Senananayake

Dr. H. E. Wegiriya

Editor: Prof. R. Rajapakse ISBN: 955-8869-00-7

Editing of books:

(1) Identification and control of pathogens associated in low-country vegetable crops

ISBN: 955-8187-02X

Publisher: Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka.

Writers: Dr. C. Kudagamage

Dr. I. J. de Zoysa

Editors: Prof. R. Rajapakse

Dr. S. Abeysinghe

128 pages (2003)

Text Books:

Plant Virology

S. Abeysinghe (2007) 75pp ISBN: 978-955-50295-0-6

Molecular Biology I

S. Abeysinghe & P. D. Abeysinghe (2007) 96pp ISBN: 978-955-1582-01-2

Genetic engineering

S. Abeysinghe & P. D. Abeysinghe (2010) 120pp ISBN: 978-955-30-2416-9

Fungicides

S. Abeysinghe (2007) 86pp ISBN: 978-955-50295-1-3

Biopesticides Research: current status and future trends in Sri Lanka

Ratnasekara D., Abeysinghe S. & Rajapakse RHS (2016) Springer

link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-10-2576-1_13/fulltext.html

Abstract form:

(1) Direct and indirect effects of phenazine compounds in plant protection. Abeysinghe, S.,De Mayer, G. Hofte, M., Cornelis, P., and Koedam, N. 48th International Sympopsium on Crop Protection, Ghent, Belgium, 1996.

(2) Responses of antioxydative systems to redox-active pyocyanine in plants. Abeysinghe, S., De Mayer, G. Hofte, M., Cornelis, P., and Koedam, N. 4th International symposium of Plant Peroxydases, Biochemistry and Physiology, Vienna, Austria, 1996.

(3) Involvement of redox-active pyocyanine in elicitation of phytoalexins in Phasiolus vulgaris leaves. Abeysinghe, S., Cornelis, P. and Koedam, N. 3rd International Conference â€œoxygen free radicals and environmental stress in plantsâ€, Pisa, Italy, 1997.

(4) Induced resistance in bean against Botrytis cinerea by P. aeruginosa: role of pyocyanine. Abeysinghe, S., Cornelis, P. and Koedam, N. Symposium on molecular aspects of plantmicrobe interactions, Bilzen, Belgium, 1998.

(5) Involvement of redox-active pyocyanine in elicitation of phytoalexins in Phasiolus vulgaris leaves. Abeysinghe, S., Cornelis, P. and Koedam, N. Symposium on molecular aspects of plant-microbe interactions, Antwerp, Belgium, 1997.

(6) The effect of redox-active pyocyanine on Botrytis infection of bean leaves; a possible bacterial determinant of induced systemic resistance. Abeysinghe, S., De Mayer, G. Hofte, M., Cornelis, P., and Koedam, N. 50th International Sympopsium on Crop Protection, Ghent, Belgium, 1998.

(7) Preliminary characterization of antagonistic bacterial strains isolated from Hibiscus esculanta rhizosphere. Zoysa, GPNM and Abeysinghe, S. SLASS Proceedings, 57th Annual Session â€“ 2001.

(8) Isolation and in vitro screening of antagonistic rhizosheric bacteria as biological control agents of soil-borne phytopathogens. Zoysa, GPNM and Abeysinghe, S. SLASS Proceedings, 57th Annual Session â€“ 2001.

(9) Preliminary in vitro screening of some mangrove plant extracts for antibacterial compounds against clinical bacterial isolates from different sources. Abeysinghe, PD, Vithanavasam, M., Pathirana, RN., and Abeysinghe, S. First Science Symposium, University of Ruhuna, December 2002.

(10) Pseudomonas fluorescens enhances growth of Capsicum annuum in Sclerotium spp. Infected soil. Abeysinghe, S. 8th International Congress of Plant Pathology (ICPP 2003), Christchurch, New Zealand.

(11) Induced systemic resistance in Phasiolus vulgaris against Uromyces appendiculatus induced by P. fluorescens. Abeysinghe, S. 8th International Congress of Plant Pathology (ICPP 2003), Christchurch, New Zealand.

(12) Induction of systemic resistance in bean against Uromyces appendiculatus by different rhizobacteria. Abeysinghe, S. 6th International PGPR workshop, Kerala, India, 2003.

(13) Biopesticides from rhizobacteria â€“ a potential source for managing plant pathogens. Abeysinghe, S. Regional workshop on biopesticides; current status and future trends, University of Kelaniya and University of Peradeniya,Sri Lanka 2003.

(14) Suppression of collar-rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. in chilli by antagonistic bacterial treatments. Abeysinghe, S. Second Science Symposium, University of Ruhuna, 2004.

(15) Biological control of bean rust of Phaseolus vulgaris by different rhizobacteria under greenhouse conditions. Abeysinghe, S. Annual Symposium Sri Lanka Association of Advancement of Science (2006).

(16) Pseudomonas fluorescens isolated from Capsicum annuum rhizosphere produces multiple antibiotics and exerts a broad spectrum of activity against different phytopathogens in vitro. Abeysinghe, S. Annual Symposium Sri Lanka Association of Advancement of Science (2006).

(17) Introduction to virus: Abeysinghe, S. Workshop on HIV/AIDS organized by Bandaranayake Memorial Ayurvedic Research Institute Nawinna on 04.04.2007.

(18) Trichoderma harzianum mediated induced systemic resistance (ISR) in bean against bean rust. Abeysinghe, S. Annual Symposium Sri Lanka Association of Advancement of Science (2007).

(19) Management of collar-rot of Capsicum annuum caused by Sclerotium rolfsii through Trichoderma harzianum under greenhouse conditions. Abeysinghe, S. Annual Symposium Sri Lanka Association of Advancement of Science (2007).

(20) Identification of yeast strains in three different Arishta using molecular techniques. Bandara, MMNDM, Abeysinghe, S., Hettiarachchi, S., and Premakumara, GAS. 6th Academic Sessions, University of Ruhuna, (2009).

(21) Pseudomonas chlororahpis (PA-23) and its transposon derived mutants differentially displayed antagonism against Rhizoctonia solani. Abeysinghe, S. & Bandara, M. M. N. D. M. 65th Annual Sessions of Sri Lanka Association of Advancement of Science (2009).

(22) Screening of spore-forming bacteria from sesame roots for plant growth promotion and plant protection properties. Abeysinghe, S. 65th Annual Sessions of Sri Lanka Association of Advancement of Science (2009).

(23) Screening of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) varieties resistant to anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum coccodes. Rathnaweera, C., Abeysinghe, S., Rajapakse, R.G.A.S., and Sakalasooriya, S.M.I.S.K. Proceedings of 6th Academic Sessions, University of Ruhuna, Matara, Sri Lanka. 2009; 63-66.

(24) Fungal contamination of raw materials of selected herbal drugs available in retail shops in Matara area. Ransara, GBM, Dilrukshi, KGG., Daladawatta, ND., and Abeysinghe, S. 8th Academic Sessions, University of Ruhuna, (2011).

(25) Evaluation of Trichoderma isolates and Zinc sulfate for the control of Panama wilt disease of banana. Hemapala, MMMU, Ariyarathna, JBAD, and Abeysinghe, S.10th Academic Sessions, University of Ruhuna, (2013).

(26) Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris (group 16Srl) associated with diseases in papaya in Sri Lanka. Kumari, WGSM, Abeysinghe, S. and Dickinson, M. 6th Annual Scientific Sessions, IBMBB, University of Colombo, (2013).

(27) Improved phylogenetics for the Weligama Coconut Leaf Wilt Phytoplasma found in Sri Lanka, Abeysinghe, S., Abeysinghe, PD., & Dickinson, M. 10th International Congress of Plant Pathology, Beijing, China, (2013).

(28) Preliminary evidence for Bermuda Grass White Leaf (BGWL) phytoplasma associated with rice yellow dwarf disease (RYD) in Sri Lanka. Abeysinghe, S., Kumari, W. G. S. M. kumari, Dickinson, M. 1st Ruhuna International Science & Technology Conference, (2014).

(29) Molecular identification of Ã‡andidatus phytoplasma cynodontis associated with Bermuda grass white leaf disease in Sri Lanka. Dickinson, M. & Abeysinghe, S. 3rd Ruhuna International Science & Technology Conference, (2016).

(30) Screening of Trichoderma isolates as biocontrol agents against banana wilt pathogen and evaluating organic biomass wastes for mass production of conidia. Chathuranga, T. C., Masakorala, K. and Abeysinghe, S. 4th Ruhuna International Science & Technology Conference (2017).

(31) Detection of novel psychotropic substances on blotter papers. Abeysinghe, S., S. Aloka Bandara, Wickramasinghe, D. P. P. & Muthumala, K. M. Annual Scientific Sessions of the Medico-Legal Society of Sri Lanka (2019).

(32) Drug trafficking through social media and the need for scientific intelligence collection to strengthen drug law enforcement capacities. Abeynayake, M. W. N. M., Wickramasinghe, D. P., S. Aloka Bandara, & Abeysinghe, S. Annual Scientific Sessions of the Medico-Legal Society of Sri Lanka (2019).

(33) Scientific intelligence and digital evidences on medico-legal cases: an effective way to counter drug related organized crime and illicit drug trafficking through internet and social media. Anushan, K., Wickramasinghe, D. P., S. Aloka Bandara, & Abeysinghe, S. Annual Scientific Sessions of the Medico-Legal Society of Sri Lanka (2019).

(34) Scientific expert witness on drug related criminal cases: an effective way to strengthen the peace, justice and strong institutions. Anushan, K., Wickramasinghe, D. P., S. Aloka Bandara, & Abeysinghe, S. Annual Scientific Sessions of the Medico-Legal Society of Sri Lanka (2019).

(35) Biocontrol of Panama wilt disease by Trichoderma isolates in Sri Lanka; Characterization and antagonist-pathogen interaction in greenhouse conditions. Abeysinghe, S. and Chathuranga, H. L. T. S. International conference climate change, precision agriculture and innovative disease control strategies for sustainable agriculture (2020), T. M. Bhagalpur University, Bihar, India.

Full Papers in peer reviewed indexed journals;

(6) Induced systemic resistance by Trichoderma harzianum RU01 in bean against bean rust caused by Uromyces appendiculatus. Abeysinghe, S. Journal of National Science Foundation 2009; 37(3):203-207. http://doi.org/10.4038/jnsfsr.v37i3.1214

Books & Book Chapters;

(1) Advanced level text book published by the Education Publication Department â€“ Sri Lanka, Continuation of life. 2005 125pp (in sinhala)

Editor: Prof. W. D. Ratnasooriya

Writers: Prof. Sirisena Dassanayake, Dr. Nilakariyawasam, Dr. S. Abeysinghe

(2) Ecological friendly pest control in agriculture (in sinhala)

Publisher: Southern Province Planning Secretariat (2002)

Writers: Prof. R. Rajapakse

Dr. L. A. Samyawardhana, Dr. M.G. V. Wickramasinghe, Dr. S. Abeysinghe, Prof. G. Senananayake, Dr. H. E. Wegiriya

Editor: Prof. R. Rajapakse ISBN: 955-8869-00-7

(3) Identification and control of pathogens associated in low-country vegetable crops ISBN: 955-8187-02X Publisher: Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka.

Writers: Dr. C. Kudagamage, Dr. I. J. de Zoysa

Editors: Prof. R. Rajapakse, Dr. S. Abeysinghe 128 pages (2003)

Text Books:

Plant Virology

S. Abeysinghe (2007) 75pp ISBN: 978-955-50295-0-6

Molecular Biology I

S. Abeysinghe & P. D. Abeysinghe (2007) 96pp ISBN: 978-955-1582-01-2

Genetic engineering

S. Abeysinghe & P. D. Abeysinghe (2010) 120pp ISBN: 978-955-30-2416-9

Fungicides

S. Abeysinghe (2007) 86pp ISBN: 978-955-50295-1-3

Chapters in Books of Internationally recognised Publishers;

Biopesticides Research: current status and future trends in Sri Lanka. Ratnasekara D., Abeysinghe S. & Rajapakse RHS (2016) Springer link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-10-2576-1_13/fulltext.html

Buddhika U.V.A., Abeysinghe S. (2021) Secondary Metabolites from Microbes for Plant Disease Management. In: Singh K.P., Jahagirdar S., Sarma B.K. (eds) Emerging Trends in Plant Pathology. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-6275-4_15

Plant endophytic microorganisms enhancing crop productivity and yield. U. V. Aruni Buddhika & Saman Abeysinghe (2021) in; New and Future Developments in Microbial Biotechnology and Bioengineering: Phytomicrobiome for Sustainable Agriculture (ISBN: 9780444643254) Elsevier publisher. https://www.elsevier.com/books/new-and-future-developments-in-microbial-biotechnology-and-bioengineering/verma/978-0-444-64325-4

NRC Merit Research Award 2016

Vice-Chancellors Commendations on TURIST grant - University of Ruhuna

Research grants;

NSF grant Rs.550,000.00 (2007)

CARP grant Rs.5,300,000.00 (2010)

World Bank QIG grant - UGC - Rs.2,000,000.00 (2014)

TURIS grant - University of Ruhuna - Rs.2,000,000.00 (2012)

India-Sri Lanka Foundation grant - Rs.550,000.00 (2017)

India-Sri Lanka Science & Technology grant - Rs.5,300,000.00 (2020)

Positions in the University & other National Institutes

Head, Department of Botany 2009-2010, 2012-2014 and 2015-2018

Director, Quality Assurance Unit, University of Ruhuna 2014-2015

Standing Committee Member, for Technology Stream, University Grant Commission, 2013-2015

Chairman, National Transport Medical Institute (NTMI), Sri Lanka 2015

Senate nominee of the Council, University of Ruhuna 2016-2019

Member of Board of Management, UCIARS, University of Colombo 2017-2020

Member of Board of Management PGIA, University of Peradeniya 2017-2020

Working Committee Member for Biotechnology, NSF Sri Lanka 2017-2020

Chairman, National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) 2018-2020

Chairman, Precursor Control Authority of Sri Lanka, 2018-2020

Member of Board of Management, National Alcohol & Tobacco Control Authority (NATA) 2018-2020

Vice-President, Asia Pacific Office for UN - Dangerous Drugs 2019-2020

Commissioner for Colombo Plan in Sri Lanka 2018-2020.

Other positions in the University

Member of the Sports Advisory Board during 2000-2003.

Served as a visiting lecturer in the Faculty of Agriculture during 2000-2003.

Coordinator of foundation course offered to the first year students, Faculty of Science.

Senior Treasure Student Council, Faculty of Science 2003-2005.

Deputy Proctor, Faculty of Science 2002-2007.

Coordinator M.Sc. in Crop Protection 2003-2007.

Module coordinator of Plant Virology and resource person in Plant Pathology, Biotechnology in Crop Protection in the M.Sc. program.

Senior Treasure Arts Circle, Faculty of Science, 2006-2008.

Visiting Lecturer in Plant Pathology at the Open University since 2002.

Resource person in A/L Biology curriculum and resource book, NIE

Member of the setter panel - A/L Biology, DoE

Member of programme and institutional review team - UGC since 2015

Senior Prof. Saman Abeysinghe

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