# Rameswor Maharjan, Ph.D. - Senior Research Scientist | Insect Ecologist & Integrated Pest Management Specialist
Source: https://hello.cv/drmaharjan
Miryang

## Links
- LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rameswor-maharjan-3859b336
- Email
- Phone

## About
Highly accomplished Ph.D. in Insect Ecology with over 15 years of progressive experience in integrated pest management and crop science research. Proven expertise in designing and executing complex experiments, advanced data analysis, and developing innovative pest control technologies, including pheromone traps and biological control agents. Adept at publishing high-impact research in peer-reviewed journals and presenting findings at international conferences, consistently contributing to enhanced crop protection and sustainable agricultural practices.

## Work
### Postdoctoral Research Associate | National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), Rural Development Administration (RDA)
Led advanced research projects focused on developing innovative technologies to enhance the control efficiency of major moth and bug pests in soybean crops.
- Designed and executed comprehensive experiments to estimate thermal requirements of *Dolycoris baccarum*, crucial for developing precise pest forecasting models.
- Evaluated the efficacy of various insecticides on the ovipositional behavior and mortality of *Spodoptera* species (*S. exigua* and *S. litura*), optimizing chemical control strategies.
- Investigated the interactive effects of insecticides and relative humidity on *Spodoptera* species mortality, providing critical insights for integrated pest management.
- Conducted nationwide monitoring of soybean pests, including insects and diseases, to inform regional pest management strategies and farmer advisories.
### Postdoctoral Research Associate | National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), Rural Development Administration (RDA)
Spearheaded research initiatives focused on improving pest control technologies and understanding the ecological dynamics of major moth species affecting soybean crops.
- Developed and evaluated improved pheromone traps (Rocket traps and modified traps) for effective stink bug monitoring in soybean and orchard fields, enhancing early detection capabilities.
- Designed and conducted experiments to assess the interactive effects of temperature and plant hosts on the development of *Spodoptera exigua* and *S. litura*, leading to multiple publications in *Insects Journal* and *Korean Journal of Crop Science*.
- Evaluated the population dynamics of *Spodoptera frugiperda* and *Mythimna loreyi* using commercial pheromones, contributing to targeted pest management strategies.
- Collected, analyzed, and presented research findings at scientific forums and farmer meetings, facilitating knowledge transfer and practical application.
### Postdoctoral Research Associate | National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), Rural Development Administration (RDA)
Conducted ecological studies on Perilla seed bugs and their impact on Perilla seeds, alongside developing and evaluating innovative pheromone traps for stink bug control in soybean.
- Surveyed and analyzed the species composition, abundance, and seasonal dynamics of Perilla seed bugs in Korea, resulting in a publication in *Environmental Entomology*.
- Identified and reported new *Nysius* species, including *N. inconspicuus*, in Korea, depositing DNA sequences in GenBank (Accession Nos. MT602549, MN599979) to expand entomological knowledge.
- Studied oviposition, development, and feeding impacts of Perilla seed bugs (*N. plebeius* and *N. hidakai*) on various crop seeds, with findings published in *Journal of Applied Entomology* and *International Journal of Tropical Insect Science*.
- Developed and evaluated modified rocket traps for effective stink bug control in soybean and orchard fields, enhancing pest management efficacy.
### Postdoctoral Research Associate | National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), Rural Development Administration (RDA)
Investigated the ecology and developed management models for the Soybean pod borer (*Maruca vitrata*) through experimental design and pheromone trap evaluation.
- Assessed the oviposition preference and development of *Maruca vitrata* under various radiofrequency levels, with findings published in *Entomological Research*.
- Studied the survival and life-table parameters of *Maruca vitrata* on different leguminous crop cultivars, contributing to publications in *Entomological Research*.
- Evaluated improved traps for monitoring *R. pedestris* in soybean fields, leading to a publication in *Formosan Entomologist*.
### Postdoctoral Research Associate | National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), Rural Development Administration (RDA)
Researched the damage mechanisms of azuki bean weevil (*Callosobruchus chinensis*) on azuki bean seeds and developed pheromone traps for pest monitoring.
- Designed and conducted experiments to understand damage control mechanisms of *Callosobruchus chinensis* on azuki bean seeds.
- Compared the effects of different radiofrequency levels on the development and performance of *C. chinensis* on leguminous seeds, published in *Applied Entomology and Zoology*.
- Studied the impact of constant and low temperatures on the survival and development of *C. chinensis* under various storage durations, published in *Journal of Stored Product Research* and *Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomological*.
- Developed and evaluated a novel 'Rocket trap' pheromone system for monitoring hemipteran bugs in soybean and grass fields, published in *Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomological*.
### Research Associate | National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), Highland Agricultural Research Institute, Rural Development Administration (RDA)
Developed control mechanisms for potato pests, particularly the potato leafminer (*Liriomyza huidobrensis*), within highland ecosystems.
- Evaluated *L. huidobrensis* infestation levels, foliar damage, and yield loss in potato, establishing pest thresholds and publishing findings in *Applied Entomology and Zoology*.
- Conducted field surveys to identify abundant leafminer species and recovered several parasitoid species of *L. huidobrensis* in Korea.
- Assessed the life-table of *L. huidobrensis* on different potato varieties, screening for resistant and susceptible cultivars, published in *Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology*.
- Developed a mass rearing and production protocol for the biological control agent *Diglyphus isaea* on potato leafminer, published in *Entomological Research*.
### Postdoctoral Research Associate | Andong National University (ANU)
Explored and identified parasitoid species of Aphid in greenhouse environments, contributing to biological control research.
- Designed and executed experiments to explore parasitoids of Aphid species in greenhouse settings.
- Identified and recovered several parasitoid species of Aphid, depositing specimens in the Ecology Laboratory at ANU for future research and reference.
### Graduate Research Assistant (Ph. D.) | Andong National University (ANU)
Conducted doctoral research on the ecology of Potato leafminer (*Liriomyza huidobrensis*), focusing on bottom-up interactions on potato plants.
- Designed and executed field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments to investigate leafminer ecology and control mechanisms.
- Surveyed species composition, occurrence, and seasonal dynamics of leafminer and parasitoid species, leading to publications in *Environmental Entomology* and *Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology*.
- Identified and reported *L. huidobrensis* and its parasitoids infesting potato crops in Korea, enhancing regional pest surveillance.
- Developed a forecasting model for adult emergence of *L. huidobrensis* in potato fields, providing a critical tool for proactive pest management.
### Scientist, Entomology Division | Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Nepal
Conducted research on the integrated management of vegetable and grain legume pests, contributing to national agricultural development.
- Developed and executed entomological research projects focused on insect pest management for major vegetables and crops.
- Authored and contributed to scientific publications, disseminating research findings to the broader agricultural community.
- Participated in and presented at various national and international scientific forums, workshops, and farmer meetings.
### Graduate Research (M.Sc.) | Andong National University (ANU)
Conducted master's research on the ecology and flight behavior of the bean bug (*Riptortus clavatus*) and its soybean variety choice.
- Designed and executed field and laboratory experiments to study the flight behavior and measure flight distance of *R. clavatus*.
- Performed insecticide bioassays to assess avoidance behavior of *R. clavatus*, informing chemical control strategies.
- Evaluated the feeding preference of *R. clavatus* on various soybean cultivars, identifying potential resistance mechanisms.
- Published research findings in *Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology* and *Entomological Research*, contributing to entomological knowledge.
### Resource Person | Department of Agriculture, Government of Nepal
Provided expert training and lectures on plant protection and insect pest diagnosis to various agricultural stakeholders.
- Delivered specialized trainings to Subject Matter Specialists (SMSs) on "Plant Protection Laboratory Handling and Insect Pest Diagnosis Training," enhancing national capacity.
- Conducted numerous lectures for farmers and junior technicians on IPM activities and technologies, directly supporting agricultural extension efforts.
### Technical Officer, Entomology Division | Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Nepal
Managed entomological research activities, developed scientific proposals, and contributed to pest management strategies for major crops.
- Developed and produced scientific publications related to Insect Pest Management for major vegetables and crops, enhancing knowledge dissemination.
- Prepared annual technical reports for research projects and updated the Reference Insect Museum of Entomology Division, improving data management and preservation.
- Organized and participated in numerous seminars and workshops, including Village Level Planning and Review, and Program Planning and Budget workshops, fostering stakeholder engagement.

## Education
### Andong National University | Insect Ecology
- Thesis: "Bottom-up Interaction of Pea Leafminer Fly, Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard) (Diptera: Agromyzidae) on Potato (Solanum tuberosum)."
### Andong National University | Insect Ecology
- Thesis: "Flight Behavior of Bean bug, Riptortus clavatus (Thunberg) (Heteroptera: Alydidae) and its Soybean Variety Choice."
### Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus (Tribhuvan University) | Sociology
- Thesis: "Indigenous Knowledge System in Agriculture: A Case Study of Jyapus of Kathmandu Valley."

## Awards
### Award for Outstanding Performance in Scientific Research
National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), Rural Development Administration (RDA) | 2020-01-01
Recognized for exceptional contributions to scientific research at a national level.
### Award for Outstanding Performance in Scientific Research
National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), Rural Development Administration (RDA) | 2019-01-01
Recognized for outstanding scientific research performance.
### Award for Best Poster Presentation
Korean Society of Applied Entomology | 2019-01-01
Awarded for presenting a highly impactful and well-received research poster.
### Award for Outstanding Performance in Scientific Research
Department of Southern Area Crop Science, NICS, RDA | 2017-01-01
Acknowledged for significant contributions and performance in scientific research.
### Award for Best Oral Presentation
Korean Society of Applied Entomology | 2014-01-01
Recognized for delivering an exceptional oral presentation at a scientific conference.
### Award for Scientific Achievement
International Symposium on Soil Biodiversity for ABS, Korean Society of Soil and Zoology | 2012-01-01
Honored for significant scientific achievements in soil biodiversity research.
### Brain Korea - 21 Plus Scholarship
Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Republic of Korea | 2011-01-01
Awarded a prestigious scholarship for Ph.D. degree studies at Andong National University.
### Brain Korea - 21 Scholarship
Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Republic of Korea | 2005-01-01
Awarded a prestigious scholarship for M.Sc. degree studies at Andong National University.

## Publications
### The developmental processes of Dolycoris baccarum (L.) (Hemiptera : Pentatomidae) under differernt temperature regimes.
Insects | https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16121245
Research on temperature regimes affecting Dolycoris baccarum development.
### Temperature and relative humidity mediated life processes of Spodoptera species (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).
Bulletin of Entomological Research | https://doi.org/10.1017/S000748532400035X
Study on environmental factors influencing Spodoptera species life processes.
### The complete mitochondrial genome of Nysius plebeius Distant, 1883 (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae) from Korea.
Korean Journal of Applied Entomology | https://doi.org/10.5656/KSAE.2023.05.0.008
Analysis of the mitochondrial genome of a Nysius plebeius species found in Korea.
### Temperature and host plant impacts on the development of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): Linear and nonlinear modeling.
Insects | https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14050412
Modeling the impact of temperature and host plants on Spodoptera litura development.
### First Report of Pseudomonas cichorii causing bacterial vein necrosis on Perilla plants [Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton.] in South Korea.
Plant Disease | https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-01-22-0143-PDN
First report of a bacterial disease affecting Perilla plants in South Korea.
### Evaluation of commercial pheromones on the population dynamics of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E Smith) and Mythimna loreyi (Duponchel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).
Korean Journal of Crop Science | https://doi.org/10.7740/kjcs.2022.67.4.285
Evaluation of commercial pheromones for managing Spodoptera frugiperda and Mythimna loreyi.
### Interactive effects of temperature and plant host on the development of parameters of Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).
Insects | https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13080747
Analysis of environmental factors influencing Spodoptera exigua development.
### Species composition, abundance, and seasonal dynamics of perilla seed bugs (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae) in weeds and perilla fields in Korea.
Environmental Entomology | https://doi.org/10.1093/ee/nvab114
Ecological study of perilla seed bugs in Korean agricultural landscapes.

## Languages
- Nepali
- English
- Hindi
- Korean

## Skills
### Pest Management
- Insect Ecology
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Pheromone Trap Design & Development
- Biological Control
- Pest Forecasting Models
- Insecticide Evaluation
- Sustainable Agriculture
### Research & Development
- Research Design & Execution
- Experimental Design
- Data Collection & Analysis
- Scientific Writing
- Peer-Reviewed Publications
- Scientific Presentations
- Project Monitoring & Evaluation
### Data Analysis & Tools
- SAS
- SPSS
- IRRISAT
- MS-Office (Excel)
- Statistical Analysis
- Linear & Nonlinear Modeling
### Laboratory & Field Techniques
- Radiofrequency Generator
- Olfactometer (Y and multiple arms)
- Sprayers
- DNA Sequencing (NCBI)
- Molecular Identification
- Mass Rearing Protocols
- Life-Table Parameters
### Crop Science
- Soybean
- Perilla
- Potato
- Azuki Bean
- Leguminous Crops
- Crop Protection Technology
- Plant Host Interactions

## References
### Prof. Dr. Chuleui Jung
Insect Ecology Laboratory, Department of Bioresources Science, Andong National University, 1375, Gyeongdong-ro (SongCheon-dong), Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 36729, Republic of Korea. Email: cjung@andong.ac.kr, Phone: +82-54-820-6191 (O); +82-10-8181-0202 (Mob.)
### Prof. Dr. Un Taek Lim
Insect Bio-control Laboratory, Department of Bioresources Science, Andong National University, 1375, Gyeongdong-ro (SongCheon-dong), Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, 36729, Republic of Korea. Email: utlim@andong.ac.kr, Phone: +82-54-820-5510 (O); +82-10-3186-7593 (Mob.)
### Prof. Dr. Juil Kim
Division of Bio-resource Science, Kangwon National University, 1 Gangwondaehakgil, Chuncheon-si, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, 24341, Republic of Korea. Email: forweek@kangwon.ac.kr, Phone: +82-33-250-6438 (O); +82-10-3176-2756 (Mob.)
### Prof. Dr. Peter Shearer
Cal Poly College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences, CA, USA. Email: Pshearer1@icloud.com; Shearpw@gmail.com, Phone: +1-805-756-2150

## Projects
### Development of technology to improve the control efficiency of major moths in soybean (phase-2)
A project funded by the National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), Rural Development Administration (RDA), Republic of Korea, focusing on advanced pest control technologies.
### Development of technology to improve the control efficiency of major moths in soybean (phase-1)
A project funded by the National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), Rural Development Administration (RDA), Republic of Korea, aimed at enhancing moth control in soybean.
### Ecological study of the Perilla seed bugs (Nysius Sp.) and their impacts on the Perilla seeds
A project funded by the National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), Rural Development Administration (RDA), Republic of Korea, focusing on Perilla seed bug ecology.
### Study on the management model of soybean pod borer, Maruca vitrata
A project funded by the National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), Rural Development Administration (RDA), Republic of Korea, for managing soybean pod borer.
### Study on the damage mechanism of azuki bean seed by azuki bean weevil, Callosobruchus chinensis L.
A project funded by the National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), Rural Development Administration (RDA), Republic of Korea, investigating azuki bean weevil damage.
### Survey of local distribution, and development of management model of potato leafminer, Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard)
A project funded by the National Institute of Crop Science (NICS), Rural Development Administration (RDA), Republic of Korea, focused on potato leafminer management.
### Exploration of parasitoids of aphid species in greenhouses in Korea
A project funded by the Rural Development Administration (RDA), Republic of Korea, focusing on aphid parasitoids.
### Ecological Pest Management of Potato Pests in Hindu Kush-Himalaya (HKH) Region of Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan and India
A project funded by the International Potato Center (CIP), Lima, Peru, addressing potato pest management in the HKH region.
### Biological Control of Weeds in Nepal
A project funded by Agricultural Research Station (ARS)/USDA, USA, focused on biological control of weeds.

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