Nalika Priyanwada Ranathunge

Doctor of Philosophy Student    

g.rangathunge@pgrad.unimelb.edu.au

Current Research 

Genetic variation and pathogenicity studies of Colletotrichum capsici in Capsicum species

The project objectives are:

1. Validation of taxonomy of Australian isolates of C. capsici using specific gene sequences e.g. β-tubulin, and pathogenicity bioassays

2. Construction of a microsatellite library and development of STMS markers specific to the C. capsici genome

3. Determination of the genetic diversity, allele flow and adaptive potential between individuals within and between populations of C. capsici using STMS marker analysis

4. Elucidation of the disease cycle of C. capsici on chilli using bioassay and microscopy techniques to study host pathogen relationship

Qualifications

Master of Science (Biotechnology)

Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. 2002.

Bachelor of Science (Honours - Agriculture)

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka . 1999.

Scholarships and Awards

• Postgraduate Overseas Research Experience Scholarship. The University of Melbourne. 2007
• R.W.S. Nicholas Agricultural Science Scholarship. The University of Melbourne. 2006
• Mary Solanace Traveling Scholarship. The University of Melbourne. 2006
• IPRS and MIRS awards. The University of Melbourne. 2005
• A.W.R. Joachim Memorial Prize (for highest GPA). University of Peradeniya, Shri Lanka. 2002
• A.D.B Scholarship for Master of Science in Biotechnology. Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, Sri Lanka. 2000

Publications

Theses

Ranathunge, G. N. P. (2002) Isoenzyme analysis for the characterization of potato and sweet potato accessions by PAGE. Masters Thesis. Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Ranathunge, G. N. P. (1999) Baseline tissue culture studies in Capsicum. Honours Thesis. Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Conference Abstracts

Poster

Ranathunge, N. P., Ford, R. and Taylor, P.W.J. (2006) Infection of chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants by Colletotrichum capsici at early stages of growth. Proceedings of the 8th International Mycology Congress, 21-25 August, 2006, Cairns, Queensland, Australia

Oral

Ranathunge, N.P., Ford, R. andTaylor, P.W.J. (2006) Differential infection processes of two pathotypes of Colletotrichum capsici on resistant and susceptible chilli genotypes (Capsicum spp.). Melbourne School of Land and Environment, University of Melbourne, Proceedings of the Annual Postgraduate Conference, 8TH-9TH November, 2006

Other Publications

Ranathunge, G. N. P., Bandara, D C. and Premathilake, D. (2000) Callusing responses and plant regeneration capacity of Capsicum varieties. Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science. Proceedings of the Annual Session - 56 (27 November - 01 December, 2000)