Media Coverage
Dr. M. Mohan
Staff Image
Division
Designation
Discipline
Agrl. Entomology
Email
Mohan.M@icar.org.in
mohan_iari@yahoo.com
Phone Number
080-2351-1982
Professional Experience
25 years
Qualification
Ph.D (Entomology)
Specilization
Insect genomics and transcriptomics, genome editing, and functional validation of genes of economic importance using qRT-PCR, RNAi, and CRISPR techniques.
Molecular analysis of insecticide resistance mechanisms in insect pests.
Biological control, with specialization in Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
Molecular analysis of insecticide resistance mechanisms in insect pests.
Biological control, with specialization in Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
Training
Training on “Vigilance Perspectives”, 17-19 Nov 2025, ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (ICAR-NAARM), Hyderabad.
Hand on training on "Genome Editing - Basic Principles and Practices", 2 - 6 Dec 2024, ICAR IARI, New Delhi
MDP training on “Priority Setting, Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) of Agricultural Research Projects”, 12-17 Oct 2020, ICAR-NAARM, Hyderabad.
Training on “Agrobiodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Livelihoods and need for Climate Change Adaptation”, 21-25 Sept 2015, MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai.
Advanced training on “Expression analysis of genes involved in insecticide resistance”, 16 Sept- 20 Dec 2013, University of Kentucky, USA
Training on “Data Analysis Using SAS”, 13-18 Dec 2010, ICAR-NAARM, Hyderabad
Training on “Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures and Risk Analysis to Promote Agricultural Trade in India”, 27-30 July 2009, ANGRAU Hyderabad, India in association with Tuskegee University, Alabama, USA.
Winter school training (ICAR) on “Biosecurity and Biosafety: Policies, Procedures and Issues”, 14 Jan - 3 Feb, 2009, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi.
ICAR training-cum workshop on “IP and Technology Management, Theme: Genetic Engineering”, 23-25 April, 2008,ICAR-IARI, New Delhi.
Hands on training on "Insecticidal Proteins: Application and Regulatory Issues”, 12-23 Nov. 2007, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi.
Hands on training on “Recent Advances in Microbial Control of Crop Pests”, 20 Feb-12 Mar, 2006, Department of Entomology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore
Hands on training on “Mass Production Technology of Biological Control Agents”, 18-26 Feb 2004, ICAR-National Research Institute for Integrated Pest Management, New Delhi
Foundation Training for “Agricultural Research Service", 16 Apr-14 Aug, 2003, ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad.
Awards and Honours
2023. Best Research Scientist award by ICAR-NBAIR, Bangalore, India
2020. SBA - Dr T.M. Manjunath award for outstanding contribution to biological control research by Society for Biocontrol Advancement, Bangalore, India
2019. Outstanding contribution to Science , Dr. B. Vasantharaj David Foundation, Chennai, India
2018. Republic Day Award and Gold medal for meritorious Service rendered in farmers welfare by District Collector of Krishnagiri Dt, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, India
2017. Best Research worker award, ICAR-NBAIR
2017. Bio innovations team award , DBT - BIRAC, Govt. of India
2017.Patent award No. 290170, An Insect Trapping Device, Indian patent Office, New Delhi
2013.International Training (Under open competition Selection mode), ICAR- NAIP, Min. of Agriculture, Govt. of India
2009. WIPO meritorious award and Gold medal by World Intellectual Property Organization, UN, Geneva
2009. Best Innovation award and Gold Medal by DST-LockHeed Martin India innovation Growth Programme, DST, Govt of India
2008, Societal Innovation Award by National Research and Development Corporation (NRDC), Govt of India
2002. Jawaharlal Nehru Award and Gold Medal for outstanding Ph.D. thesis research by ICAR, Govt. of India
2001. Fast Track Project award for Young Scientists by DST, Min. of Science & Technology, Govt. of India
2001.DBT-Post Doctoral Fellowship , DBT, Min. of Science & Technology, Govt. of India
1998. ICAR-Senior Research Fellowship, ICAR, New Delhi
1996.ICAR-Junior Research Fellowship, ICAR, New Delhi
Brief Achievements
Made substantial contributions to advancing molecular entomology and sustainable pest management through an integrated research approach. He has generated de novo whole genome sequences for seven agriculturally important insect species and carried out in- depth genome analyses to mine and functionally characterize key genes associated with pest biology and management. His work extends to cutting-edge applications of RNA interference and genome editing, with successful interventions initiated in four major insect pests. As a Principal Investigator, he has led more than 13 in-house and externally funded research projects. He has also worked extensively on the characterization and utilization of Bacillus thuringiensis for biocontrol applications. Dr. Mohan has played a key role in the development and commercialization of 11 technologies, holds two patents, and has an impressive academic output of over 103 research publications and two books. In addition, he has contributed significantly to capacity building by organizing and delivering more than 13 training programmes, including ICAR winter and summer schools and specialized short courses, thereby strengthening human resource development in agricultural biotechnology and insect pest management.
Publications
Total Number of Publication = 103
Selected Publications
Pathak J, Chandrashekara ST, Selvamani SB, Nayyar, Selvam, S, Reddy, NV, Ramasamy GR, Venkatesan T, Mohan M, Subaharan K, Jha GK, Sushil SN, 2026. Molecular and functional characterization of pheromone–binding proteins in Leucinodes orbonalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 356, 151399. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.151399
Jambagi SR, Mohan M, Venkatesan T, Muralimohan K, Kambrekar DN, Mallapur CP, Augustine N, 2026. High levels of Bt cry toxin resistant allele frequency in South Indian populations of cotton pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella Saunders (Gelechiidae: Lepidoptera), Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 214: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2025.108452
Mohan M, Basavaarya BR, Ashok K, Malarvizhi S, Aneesha PJ, Gracy GR, Venkatesan T, Ramya RS, Sushil SN, 2025. Investigating imidacloprid resistance in Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae): Insights from RNA-Seq and functional validation using RT qPCR. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part D: Genomics and Proteomics, 56: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbd.2025.101630
Gautam V, Jambagi SR, Mohan M, 2025. Genome editing of detoxification gene repertoires in insects using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR): A systematic review and meta-analysis, Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, 215: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106687
Mahesh Y, Yalashetti S, Mohan M, Sivakumar G, Manjunatha BS, Sushil SN, 2025. Insecticide degradation potential of aphid associated bacteria. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 68: 103703
Sunil K, Sotelo-Cardona P, Kalenahalli Y, Shivanna A, Mohan M, Srinivasan R, 2025. Non targeted metabolomics reveals fatty acid and associated pathways driving resistance to whitefly and tomato leafminer in wild tomato accession. Scientific Reports 15, 3754: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-86191-9
Subaharan K, Rajendran S, Sowmya M, Geetha G, Thimmegowda, Pragadheesh VS, Bakthavatsalam N, Mohan M, Sengottayan SN, David KJ, Basavarajappa S, Ballal C., 2021. Toxicity, behavioural and biochemical effect of Piper betle L. essential oil and its constituents against housefly, Musca domestica L., Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, doi.org/10.1016/j.pestbp.2021.104804
Nayyar N, Gracy RG, Ashika TR, Mohan G, Swathi RS, Mohan M, Chaudhary M, Bakthavatsalam N, Venkatesan T, 2021. Population structure and genetic diversity of invasive fall armyworm after 2 years of introduction in India. Sci. Rep. 11: 7760
Gupta A, Sampathkumar M, Mohan M*, Shylesha AN, Venkatesan T, Shashank PR, Dhanyakumar O, Ramkumar P, Sakthivel N, Geetha B, 2021. Assessing adverse impact of the native biological control disruptors in the colonies of the recent invasive pest Phenacoccus manihoti Matile-Ferrero (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in India. Glob. Ecol. Conserv. 32: e01878
Malathi VM, Jalali SK, Gowda DK, Mohan M, Venkatesan T, 2015. Establishing the role of detoxifying enzymes in field-evolved resistance to various insecticides in the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) in South India. Insect Sci. doi: 10.1111/1744-7917.12254.
Kumara GT, Navik O, Venkatesan T, Hosamani A, Patil J, Mohan M, Jalali SK, 2022. Performance and field efficacy of indigenous egg parasitoid Trichogrammatoidea bactrae (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) against the cotton pink bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in transgenic Bt cotton. Biological Control, 170: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2022.104902
Onkarappa D, Pandi RK, Gopal A, Venkatesan T, Mohan M, Nayyar N, Sivakumar G, 2023. Sub lethal effects of indigenous isolate of Spodoptera frugiperda nucleopolyhedrovirus on fall armyworm growth and reproduction in India. Egypt J Biol Pest Control 33, https://doi.org/10.1186/s41938-023-00651-w
Negi N, Selvamani SB, Ramasamy GG, Reddy KN, Pathak J, Venkatesan T, Mohan M, Dubey VK, Sushil SN, 2024. Identification and expression dynamics of CYPome across different developmental stages of Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part D: Genomics and Proteomics, 52: 101305
Yandigeri MS, Solanki MK, Yalashetti S, Sampada N, Mohan M, Sivakumar G, Joshi S, Sushil SN, 2024. Diversity of culturable gut bacteria in natural aphid populations and their contribution to insecticide degradation. Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 58: 103208
Kumaraswamy S, Sotelo-Cardona P, Shivanna A, Mohan M, Srinivasan R, 2024. Evaluation of resistance in wild tomato accessions to the whitefly Bemisia tabaci and the invasive tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta. Entomologia Generalis, 44: 307-314
Jyoti P., Selva Babu Selvamani, Subhi Srivastava, Ashwitha G., T.C. Suman, Gandhi GR, Venkatesan T, Mohan M, Anu S, Sanjeev K, Sudhir S, Jha GK, Sushil SN, 2024. miR-92a-3p regulates egg fertilization through ribogenesis in the invasive fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.139637
Manjunatha C, Naditha S, Shivakumara KT, Nishtha N, Mohan M, Gracy RG et al., 2025. Recombinase polymerase amplification assay for sensitive and rapid detection of invasive fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. Scientific Reports 15, 18026: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-02399-9
Mohan M*, Venkatesan T, Upasna S. et al., 2025. High-quality genome assembly of a cosmopolitan insect predator, Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Petersen). Sci. Data 12, 281: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-025-04571-2
Jambagi SR, Mohan M*, Muralimohan K, et al., 2024. Biological performance of Bollgard II® Bt resistant vs susceptible population of pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) on non-toxic diet. J. Cotton. Res. 7, 36: https://doi.org/10.1186/s42397-024-00198-7
Singamshetty S, Selvapandian U, Selvamani SB, Chandrashekara ST, Pathak J, Agarwal A, Venkatesan T, Gracy RG, Sushil SN, Kamanur M, Nara N, Mohan M*, 2024. Transcriptome mining and expression analysis of ABC transporter genes in a monophagous herbivore, Leucinodes orbonalis (Crambidae: Lepidoptera). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part D: Genomics and Proteomics, 52: 101316
Mohan M, Augustine N, Selvamani SB, Aneesha PJ, Selvapandian U, Pathak J, Gracy RG, Thiruvengadam V, Sushil SN, 2024. The miniature genome of broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Tarsonemidae: Acari). Scientific Data, 11(1), p.748
Augustine N, Upasna S, Chethan BR, Suresh J, Venkatesan T, Mohan M*, 2023. Resistance to fenazaquin in broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) (Acari: Tarsonemidae): Realized heritability, risk assessment and cross-resistance. Journal of Applied Entomology, 10.1111/jen.13187
Augustine N, Selvapandian U, Venkatesan T, Srinivasa N, Saraswathy BP, Mohan M*, 2023. Evaluation of reference genes for expression studies in the broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Acari: Tarsonemidae). Applied Entomology and Zoology, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13355 023-00848-3
Kariyanna B, Prabhuraj A, Asokan R, Agrawal A, Gandhi Gracy R, Jyoti P, Venkatesan T, Bheemanna M, Kalmath B, Diwan JR, Pampanna Y, Mohan M*, 2020. Genome mining and expression analysis of carboxylesterase and glutathione s-transferase genes involved in insecticide resistance in eggplant shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Frontiers in Physiology doi: 10.3389/fphys.2020.594845
Kariyanna B, Prabhuraj A, Asokan R, Ramkumar G, Venkatesan T, Gracy RG, Mohan M*, 2020. Genome mining and functional analysis of cytochrome p450 genes involved in insecticide resistance in Leucinodes orbonalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry, doi: 10.1002/bab.1997
Kariyanna B, Prabhuraj A, Asokan R, Babu P, Jalali SK, Venkatesan T, Gracy RG, Mohan M*, 2020. Identification of suitable reference genes for normalization of RT-qPCR data in eggplant fruit and shoot borer (Leucinodes orbonalis Guenée). Biologia (DOI:10.2478/s11756-019 00346-4)
Sampathkumar M, Mohan M*, Shylesha AN, Joshi S, Venkatesan T, Gupta A, Vennila S, Venkatachalam SR, Vijayakumar M, Subramanian M, Yoganayagi M, Ashika TR, Bakthavatsalam N, 2020. Occurrence of cassava mealybug, Phenacoccus manihoti Matile-Ferrero (Pseudococcidae: Hemiptera), a new invasive pest on cassava in India and prospects for its classical biological control. Curr. Sci., 120: 432-435, doi: 10.18520/cs/v120/i2/432-435
Malathi VM, More RP, Anandham R, Gracy RG, Mohan M, Venkatesan T, Samaddar S, Jalali SK, Sa T, 2018. Gut bacterial diversity of insecticide-susceptible and -resistant nymphs of the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) and elucidation of their putative functional roles. J. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 28: 976–986
Benoit J, Adelman BZN, Reinhardt K, Dolan A, Poelchau M, Jennings EC, Szuter EM, Hagan RW, Gujar H, Shukla J, Zhu F, Mohan M, et al., 2015. Unique features of the bed bug, a global human ectoparasite, identified through genome sequencing. Nature Communications, 7: doi:10.1038/ncomms10165
Malathi VM, Jalali SK, Gowda DK, Mohan M, Venkatesan T, 2015. Establishing the role of detoxifying enzymes in field-evolved resistance to various insecticides in the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) in South India. Insect Sci. 24: 35-46
Nanthakumar M, Lakshmi VJ, Shashi Bhushan V, Balachandran SM, Mohan M, 2012. Decrease of rice plant resistance and induction of hormesis and carboxylesterase titre in brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) by xenobiotics. Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology 102: 146–152
Sushil SN, Mohan M, Singh KP, Stanley J, Bhatt JC, Gupta HS, 2011. Designing an efficient scarab beetle trap and its field evaluation for mass trapping in north west Himalayan hills of India (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). Entomologia Generalis 33: 199-206
Mohan M, Selvakumar G, Sushil SN, Bhatt JC, Gupta HS, 2011. Entomopathogenicity of endophytic Serratia marcescens strain SRM against larvae of Helicoverpa armigera (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera). World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology 27: 2545–2551
Mohan M, Sushil SN, Selvakumar G, Bhatt JC, Gujar GT, Gupta HS, 2009. Differential toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis strains and their crystal toxins against high-altitude Himalayan populations of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L. Pest Management Science 65: 27-33
Sivakumar S, Mohan M, Franco OL, Thayumanavan B, 2006. Inhibition of insect pest α amylases by little and finger millet inhibitors. Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology 85: 155 160
Mohan M, Sushil SN, Bhatt JC, Gupta HS, 2007. Synergistic interaction between sublethal doses of Bacillus thuringiensis and Campoletis chlorideae in managing Helicoverpa armigera. Biocontrol 53: 375-386
Gujar GT, Kalia V, Kumari A, Singh BP, Mittal A, Nai R, Mohan M, 2007. Helicoverpa armigera baseline susceptibilities to Bacillus thuringiensis Cry toxins and resistance management for Bt cotton in India. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 95: 215-219
Mohan M, Gujar GT, 2003. Characterization and comparison of midgut proteases of Bacillus thuringiensis resistant and susceptible diamondback moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 82: 1-11
Mohan M, Gujar GT, 2003. Local variation in susceptibility of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) to insecticides and role of detoxification enzymes. Crop Protection 22: 495-504
Mohan M, Gujar GT, 2002. Geographical variation in larval susceptibility of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) to Bacillus thuringiensis spore-crystal mixtures and purified crystal proteins and associated resistance development in India. Bulletin of Entomological Research 92: 489-498
Mohan M, Gujar GT, 2001. Toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis strains and commercial formulations to Plutella xylostella (L.). Crop Protection 20: 311-316
Mohan M, Gujar GT, 2000. Susceptibility pattern and development of resistance in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L to Bacillus thuringiensis Berl var kurstaki in India. Pest Management Science 56: 189-194
