Ms. komala Gudla | Agricultural Entomology | Best Researcher Award

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University | India

Ms. Komala Gudla is a passionate and results-driven Doctoral Candidate in Agricultural Entomology at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, specializing in novel botanical formulations, nanomaterial synthesis, and sustainable pest management strategies. With a strong foundation in phytochemistry, bioactive compound analysis, and advanced pest control techniques, she combines research expertise with teaching, extension, and advisory services to bridge the gap between laboratory research and field-level applications. Her professional journey includes roles as Assistant Professor and Field Support Advisory Manager, where she actively contributed to academic training, content development, and farmer-centric advisory programs. Skilled in advanced analytical instrumentation like GC-MS, HPLC, and LC-MS, she has published extensively in reputed journals, authored book chapters, and co-edited academic resources on entomology and sustainable agriculture. She is deeply engaged in conferences, workshops, and collaborative research while mentoring students and farmers alike. Her work reflects dedication to sustainable agriculture, innovation in pest control, and impactful community outreach.

Profile:

Orcid

Education:

Ms. Komala Gudla is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Agricultural Entomology at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, where her doctoral research focuses on developing a Simarouba glauca-based formulation against the invasive pest Spodoptera frugiperda (Fall Armyworm). She earned her M.Sc. in Agricultural Entomology from Lovely Professional University, Punjab, where she conducted pioneering studies on the management of the Greater Wax Moth, Galleria mellonella, in collaboration with the National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM), Hyderabad. Prior to this, she completed a Post-Graduate Diploma in Plant Health Management at NIPHM , undertaking extensive research on shelf-life studies of Trichoderma harzianum formulations. She holds a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture from Lovely Professional University with a strong academic record. Additionally, she cleared the ICAR ASRB NET, demonstrating academic excellence. Her education integrates theory, practical training, and applied research for sustainable crop protection.

Experience:

Ms. Komala Gudla has gained diverse professional experience in academia, research, and agricultural advisory roles. As an Assistant Professor at Aravindhar Agriculture Institute of Technology (affiliated with TNAU), she delivered lectures, coordinated examinations, mentored undergraduate students, and supervised laboratory research, contributing to curriculum development and academic excellence. She also served as a Field Support Advisory Manager and Content Writer at Ananth Agri Services LLP, where she provided expert pest management advisory services to farmers, authored technical content, and supported digital extension platforms, ensuring technology transfer and effective outreach. Her participation in the Rural Agricultural Work Experience Program (RAWEP) provided intensive field-level exposure to farmer challenges, extension programs, and rural community engagement. In addition, she has presented her research at national and international conferences, served as an editorial board member and peer reviewer, and coordinated webinars, workshops, and student activities. Her multifaceted experience reflects her ability to integrate teaching, research, and extension.

Awards and Honors:

Ms. Komala Gudla has received recognition for her active participation in academic and professional platforms. She has presented her innovative research on botanicals, biopesticides, and nanomaterials for pest management at leading conferences such as the International Conference on One Health Perspectives in Global Plant Protection Research (OHPGPR) and Agricultural Graduate Students Conferences at TNAU. She has been invited as a guest lecturer and webinar coordinator, contributing to knowledge-sharing in beekeeping, terrace gardening, and sustainable pest management. Her role as Editorial Board Member of Just Agriculture e-Magazine reflects her professional engagement with agricultural education and outreach. She has also contributed as a peer reviewer for multiple international journals with NASS  Recognition of her leadership includes coordination roles in workshops, seminars, and academic organizations during her student and professional career. These awards and honors highlight her commitment to advancing agricultural entomology and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Research Focus:

Ms. Komala Gudla’s research primarily focuses on sustainable pest management through botanical, biochemical, and nanotechnological interventions. Her doctoral work explores the insecticidal potential of Simarouba glauca extracts and nano-based formulations for managing the invasive Fall Armyworm, a major global pest. She integrates phytochemical profiling, metabolomics, and molecular docking to identify novel bioactive principles with potential as eco-friendly pesticides. Her research also extends to nanomaterial synthesis, biopesticide development, shelf-life improvement of microbial formulations, and insect neurobiology, all contributing to next-generation Integrated Pest Management (IPM). By employing advanced analytical tools such as GC-MS, HPLC, and LC-MS, she ensures precise identification of active compounds and efficacy validation through bioassays. She has authored and co-authored research papers, reviews, book chapters, and a book on agricultural robotics, showcasing her interdisciplinary approach. Her work emphasizes reducing chemical pesticide dependence, enhancing farmer adoption of sustainable solutions, and advancing science-based strategies for global agricultural sustainability.

Publication:

Title: Multi-modal nanoformulation for insect pest control: Engineering precision strategies for next-generation management
Year: 2025

Title: Harnessing advanced extraction and profiling technologies for sustainable phytomolecule-based pest management
Year: 2025

Title: Insect protein: the next frontier in bodybuilding nutrition
Year: 2025

Title: Dissipation Kinetics, Residue Modeling and Human Intake of Endosulfan Applied to Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus) [SSRN]
Year: 2022

Title: Dissipation kinetics, residue modeling and human intake of endosulfan applied to okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) [Science of The Total Environment]
Year: 2022

Conclusion:

Ms. Komala Gudla stands out as a highly promising researcher with strong academic credentials, innovative research contributions, and a clear vision for sustainable agriculture. Her dedication to advancing eco-friendly pest management strategies and her active role in publications, teaching, and extension make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With continued focus on international collaborations, interdisciplinary innovation, and translational research, she has the potential to emerge as a global leader in Agricultural Entomology and contribute significantly to sustainable food security.