Professor in Botany
B.Sc. (University of Peradeniya), Ph.D (University of Peradeniya )Botany
Faculty of Natural Sciences
Contact:
Select, 3rd floor, Science and Technology building, Room No : 153
Office: 112881134, Ext: 634 Mobile: 071 8293206
E-mail: hlwee@ou.ac.lk weerahewa@gmail.com
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Last Updated on 3 years
Areas of Specialization:Postharvest physiologyFloriculture
Research interests:Postharvest physiology, Postharvest pathology, Floriculture, Plant tissue culture
Contributions:NATIONAL THEMATIC RESEARCH PROGRAM ON FOOD SAFETY:
Project leader
Food Security through Adoption of Pre-harvest Technologies: Improving Quality of Fresh Produce by soil application of potassium and Silicon
Funds: National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka (NSF)
[NTRP/2013/FS/PG-02/P-02] (2013 – 2016)
Programme Coordination:Horticulture – BOU3209, Ethics in Science and Technology – PCU1102
Awards:Presidential Awards for Research 2005
OUSL Research Award 2015
OUSL Research Award 2016
Researches:1.Thrikawala, S Weerahewa, H.L.D (2018). Cost effectiveness of Preharvest Technologies and and their adaptability among small hoder vegetable farmers in Sri Lanka. Asia Pacific journal of Advanced Business and Social Studies,Vol 04, Issue02,130-137pgs.
2.Sandani, H.B.P. & Weerahewa, H.L.D., (2018). Wilt diseases of tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) and chilli (Capsium annum) and their management strategies: Emphasis on the strategies employed in Sri Lanka: A review. Sri Lankan Journal of Biology. 3(2), pp.24–43. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/sljb.v3i2.24
3.Perera, ODAN ., Weerahewa, H L D and Vidanagamage, S.(2017). Rokle and current trends of developing fruit vegetable and cereal based probiotic foods: A review. International Journal of Fermented food 6(2), 85-93.
4.Wijayawardene NN, Hyde KD, Divakar PK, Rajeshkumar KC, Weerahewa D, Delgado G, Wang Y, Fu L (2018) Notes for genera update – Ascomycota: 6616-6821. Mycosphere 9(1), 115–140, Doi 10.5943/mycosphere/9/1/2
5..Nalin N. Wijayawardene, Kevin D. Hyde,., Kunhiraman C. Rajeshkumar., David L. Hawksworth., Hugo Madrid., Paul M. Kirk., Uwe Braun., Rajshree V. Singh., Pedro W. Crous., Martin Kukwa., Robert Lu ¨cking., Cletus P. Kurtzman., Andrey Yurkov., Danny Haelewaters., Andre ´ Aptroot.,H. Thorsten Lumbsch.,Einar Timdal., Damien Ertz., Javier Etayo., Alan J. L. Phillips., Johannes Z. Groenewald., Moslem Papizadeh., Laura Selbmann., Monika C. Dayarathne., Gothamie Weerakoon., E. B. Gareth Jones., Satinee Suetrong., Qing Tian., Rafael F. Castan ˜eda-Ruiz., Ali H. Bahkali., Ka-Lai Pang., Kazuaki Tanaka., Dong Qin Dai., Jariya Sakayaroj., Martina Hujslova., Lorenzo Lombard., Belle D. Shenoy., Ave Suija., Sajeewa S. N. Maharachchikumbura., Kasun M. Thambugala., Dhanushka N. Wanasinghe., Bharati O. Sharma., Subhash Gaikwad., Gargee Pandit., Laura Zucconi., Silvano Onofri., Eleonora Egidi., Huzefa A. Raja., Rampai Kodsueb., Marcela E. S. Ca ´ceres., Sergio Pe ´rez-Ortega., PatrŽñ ´cia O. Fiuza., Josiane Santana Monteiro., Larissa N. Vasilyeva., Roger G. Shivas., Maria Prieto., Mats Wedin., Ibai Olariaga., Adebola Azeez Lateef.,Yamini Agrawal., Seyed Abolhassan Shahzadeh Fazeli., Mohammad Ali Amoozegar., Guo Zhu Zhao., Walter P. P‹ª?iegler., Gunjan Sharma., Magdalena Oset., Mohamed A. Abdel-Wahab., Susumu Takamatsu., Konstanze Bensch., Nimali Indeewari de Silva., Andre ´ De Kesel., Anuruddha Karunarathna., Saranyaphat Boonmee., Donald H. P‹ª�ster., Yong-Zhong Lu., Zong-Long Luo., Nattawut Boonyuen., Dinushani A. Daranagama., Indunil C. Senanayake., Subashini C. Jayasiri., Milan C. Samarakoon., Xiang-Yu Zeng., Mingkwan Doilom., Luis Quijada., Sillma Rampadarath., Gabriela Heredia., Asha J. Dissanayake., Ruvishika S. Jayawardana., Rekhani H. Perera., Li Zhou Tang., Chayanard Phukhamsakda., Margarita Herna ´ndez-Restrepo., Xiaoya Ma., Saowaluck Tibpromma., Luis F. P. Gusmao., Darshani Weerahewa., Samantha C. Karunarathna., Notes for genera: Ascomycota (2017)Fungal Diversity DOI 10.1007/s13225-017-0386-0, 594 pgs
6. Karunarathna A, Papizadeh M, Senanayake IC, Jeewon R, Phookamsak R, Goonasekara ID, Wanasinghe DN, Wijayawardene NN, Amoozegar MA, Shahzadeh Fazeli SA, Camporesi E, Hyde KD, Weerahewa HLD, Lumyong S, McKenzie EHC(2017).Novel fungal species of Phaeosphaeriaceae with an asexual/sexual morph connection.Mycosphere 8(10): 1818-1834.ISSN20777019
7.Karunarathna A, Phookamsak R, Wanasinghe DN, Wijayawardene NN, Weerahewa HLD, Khan S, Wang Y (2017). Taxonomy and phylogeny of Sparticola muriformis sp. nov. on decaying grass. Mycosphere 8(4), 603–614, Doi 10.5943/mycosphere/8/4/9
8.Nalin N. Wijayawardene, Moslem Papizadeh, Alan J.L. Phillips, Dhanushka N. Wanasinghe, D. Jayarama Bhat, H.L.Darshani Weerahewa, B.D. Shenoy, Yong Wang Mycosphere Essays 19: Recent advances and future challenges in taxonomy of coelomycetous fungi. Mycosphere Vol 08,Issue 07, pgs 934-950.
9. Fasreen, M.M.F., Perera, O.D.A.N. and Weerahewa, H.L.D., (2017). Development of Finger Millet Based Probiotic Beverage Using Lactobacillus casei431®. OUSL Journal. 12(1), pp.128–138. DOI:http://doi.org/10.4038/ouslj.v12i1.7384
10.Mihirani, M K S, Gamage., Perera, ODAN and Weerahewa, H.L.D. (2016). Development of synbiotic beverage from beet root juice using beneficial probiotic Lactobacillus Casei 431 Ruhuna Journal of Science, Vol 07, Issue 02, 70-75 pgs
11.Jayawardana, H A R K and Weerahewa H L D (2016). Improving resistance to anthracnose disease in chillie pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) grown in soil amended with raw rice hull as a source of silicon. Ruhuna Journal of Science Vol 07, Issue 02, 64-69 pgs
12.Samanthika R. Hettiarachchi and Darshani Weerahewa (2016). Effect of Na2SiO3 on heavy metal uptake by field grown Basella alba L. in Matara, Sri Lanka. Ruhuna Journal of Science,Vol 07, Issue 02, 21-31pgs.
13. Darshani Weerahewa and Kosala Somapala (2016) Role of silicon on enhancing disease resistance in tropical fruits and vegetables: A Review.OUSL Journal Vol 10., Issue, 135-162 pgs
14. Alwis ADPA, Perera ODAN., Weerahewa, HLD ( 2016). Development of novel carrot-based symbiotic beverage using lactobacillus casiei 431. Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Sabaragamuwa University, Vol 11, (3), pp.178–185. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jas.v11i3.8171
15. Darshani Weerahewa (2016). Floricultural quality traits and probing mechanisms of silicon mediated disease resistance of Dendrobium. OUSL Journal Vol 10, Issue, 23-43pages
16..Jayawardana, H A R K ., Weerahewa H L D and Saparamadu, M D J S (2016)..The mechanisms underlying the anthracnose disease reduction by rice hull as a silicon source in capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) grown in simplified hydroponics. Proceedia Food Science 6: 147-150. DOI:10.1016/j.profoo.2016.02.035
17.Somapala, K.S., Weerahewa, H L D and Thrikawala, S (2016). Silicon rich rice hull amended soil enhances anthracnose resistance in tomato.Proceedia Food Science 6:190-193. DOI:10.1016/j.profoo.2016.02.046
18.Jayawardana, H A R K ., Weerahewa H L D and Saparamadu, M D J S (2016).Rice hull as a silicon source in simplified hydroponic system to enhance anthracnose disease resistance and some growth and fruit parameters of capsicum. International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture 5:9-15 DOI:10.1007/s40093-015-0112-4.
19.Somapala, K.S ., Weerahewa, H L D and Thrikawala, S.(2016). Enhanced resistance against anthracnose disease in chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) by soil application of potassium International Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and plantation. Vol 2 ISSN-2462-1757.
20.Somapala, K.S ., Weerahewa, H L D and Thrikawala, S.(2015). Preharvest application of potassium on enhancing resistance to anthracnose in tomato(Lycopersicon esculentum L.) International Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and plantation .Vol 1.ISSN 2462-1757.Vol 1,29-31.
21.Bandara W M K L ., Perera O D A N., Weerahewa, H L D.(2015). Enhancing disease resistance and improving quality of papaya( Carica papaya L.) by postharvest application of silicon International Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and plantation .Vol 1.ISSN 2462-1757.Vol 1, 24-28.
22.Jayawardana, H A R K ., Weerahewa H L D and Saparamadu, M D J S (2015).Enhanced resistance against anthracnose disease in Capsicum annum by amendment of nutrient solution with silicon. Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology. 90 (5) 557–562
23.Weerahewa Darshani and David Dishan (2015) Effect of Silicon and potassium on tomato anthracnose and on postharvest quality of tomato fruit (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Journal of National Science Foundation. 43 (3):273-280.DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jnsffr.v4313.7959
24.Jayawardana H.A.R.K., Weerahewa H.L.D. and Saparamadu M.D.J.S. (2014), Effect of root and foliar application of soluble silicon on anthracnose disease, plant growth and some fruit quality parameters of Capsicum, Tropical Agricultural Research Journal, PGIA, Peradeniya.
25.Somapala, K.S ., Weerahewa, H L D and Thrikawala, S.(2015).Effect of potassium on growth, fruit quality improvements and resistance to anthracnose in field grown capsicum (Capsicum annum L. cv. ‘Hungarian Yellow Wax’) International Journal of Multidisciplinary studies, Issue 02,Volume 02
26.Jayawardana H.A.R.K., Weerahewa H.L.D. and Saparamadu M.D.J.S. (2014), Silicon supplementation by rice hull leachate on the growth, yield, fruit parameters and anthracnose disease resistance of capsicum ‘Muria F1’, International Journal of Multidisciplinary studies, Volume 1 , 33-36 .
27.Weerahewa, H L D and Adikaram, N.K.B. (2011) Enhanced cold tolerance in pineapple(Ananas comosus ‘Mauritius’) by combined cold- and heat shock treastments or intermittent warming. Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology, 86 (1)13-18.
28.Weerahewa, D and Adikaram, N.K.B. (2005). Heat induced tolerance to internal browning of pineapple (Ananas comosus cv.Mauritius) under cold storage. Journal of Horticultural Science and Biotechnology 80(4) 503-509
29.Weerahewa, D and Adikaram, N.K.B. (2005).Some biochemical factors underlying the differential susceptibility two cultivars to internal browning disorder. Ceylon Journal of Science, Vol 34, 7-20.
30.Adikaram, N.K.B, Mailewa, G and Weerahewa, D. (2002).Changes in pigment composition acid metabolism etc in Pedilanthus tithymaloides leaf following powdery mildew infection. Journal of National Science of Sri Lanka 30(1&2), 1-11.
Research Communications
1.Sunil Thrikawala and Darshani Weerahewa. (2018).Adoption of technologies by vegetable farmers in Sri Lanka: A binomial logit regression analysis Accepted for publishing at 6th Asia Pacific Conference on Advanced Research (APCAR -2018)”. The conference will be held at the hotel ‘Rydges on Swanston’, Melbourne, Australia on 2nd –4th March, 2018.
2.Karunarathna A, Phookamsak R, Wanasinghe DN, Wijayawardene NN, Weerahewa HLD. (2017). A novel member to Sporormiaceae from grass. Center of Excellence in Fungal Research Conference, Thailand. PP 83.
3.Chiranthika, N N G, Perera, O D A N and Weerahewa H L D. (2017).Air frying as a way of producing snacks with desired quality attributes, Undergraduate Research symposium 2017, Faculty of Livestock fisheries and Nutrition, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Page 89.
4.Darshani Weerahewa and Sakalya Rajapaksha. (2017).Cytological changes and some postharvest quality traits of leeks grown in soil incorporated with partially burnt rice hull as a low-cost silicon source.Proceedings of the iv International conferences on postharvest and quality management of interest for tropical regions (PQMHP), 6-8 April 2017, Kandy,Sri Lanka, 33 page
5.Darshani Weerahewa and Indika Wicramasekara.(2017). Preharvest application of Silicon reduces internal Browning development of pineapple(Ananas comosus cv.Mauritius)during cold storage:A noval approach .Proceedings of the iv International conferences on postharvest and quality management of interest for tropical regions (PQMHP),6-8 April 2017, Kandy,Sri Lanka. 47 page
6. Darshani Weerahewa, Sunil Thrikawala, Niranjala Perera and Prasad Dias (2016) Effect of soil application of potassium and silicon on pre and post harvest qualities of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.), capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) and leeks (Allium porrum L.) Proceedings of NSF Research Summit held on 7-8 July 2016. pg 78
7.Darshani Weerahewa, Janakie Saparamadu and Ruwani Kalpana Jayawardana (2016).Effect of silicon on postharvest quality of hydroponically grown chillie pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Proceedings of NSF Research Summit 2016 held on 7-8 July 2016. pg 79
8.Weerahewa, HLD and Rajapakse, RPSS (2016).A new record on Silicon bodies (Phytoliths) from silicon treated leeks (Allium porrum). 2nd International Wayamba Conference, 2016 August 19-20 , pg 310
9. Weerahewa. HLD; Rajapakse, RPSS; Rajakaruna, S; Dias, P Perera, ODAN (2016Enhancing Postharvest quality of field grown leeks (Allium porrum) by Incorporating partially-burnt rice hull as a low cost silicon source. 2nd International Wayamba Conference 2016 August 19-20 , pg 309.
10. Anurudhdha Karunarathna, Nalin N. Wijayawardene, Weerahewa, H L D.,Kevin D. Hyde (2016).Preliminary survey of conidial fungi in Weligama mangrove forest indicates higher micro-flora diversity. 21st International Forestry and Environment Symposium, Sri Lanka (accepted)
11. Fasreen, M.M. F., Perera, O.D.A.N and Weerahewa, H L D. ( 2016). Development of Finger Millet based Probiotic Beverage using Lacto bacillus casei 431® Undergraduate Research Symposium, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Makandura.
12.Somapala, K.S ., Weerahewa, H L D and Thrikawala, S.(2016). Enhanced resistance against anthracnose disease in chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) by soil application of potassium. Proceedings of the 2nd Kuala Lumpur International Agriculture, Forestry and Plantation Conference. abstract
13. Somapala, K.S ., Thrikawala, S. and Weerahewa, H L D (2015). Potassium enhanced growth, fruit quality improvements and resistance to anthracnose in field grown capsicum (Capsicum annum L. cv. ‘Hungarian Yellow Wax’). International Conference on Multidisciplinary Approaches, University of Sri Jayawardanapura.
14.Jayawardana, H A R K ., Weerahewa H L D and Saparamadu, M D J S (2015)..The mechansims underlying the anthracnose disease reduction by ricehull as a silicon source in capsicum capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) grown in simplified hydroponics. Proceedings of the International Conference of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka 2015 (ICSUSL 2015)
15.Somapala, K.S ., Weerahewa, H L D and Thrikawala, S (2015). Silcon rich rice hull amended soil enhances anthracnose resistance in tomato Proceedings of the International Conference of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka 2015 (ICSUSL 2015), (In Press).
16. Bandara W M K L ., Perera O D A N., Weerahewa, H L D.(2015). Enhancing disease resistance and improving quality of papaya( Carica papaya L.) by postharvest application of silicon Undergraduate Research Symposium, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Makandura, Pg 53.
17.Alwis ADPS., Perera, ODAN and Weerahewa, H.L.D. (2014) Development of noval carrot-based synbiotic beverage.Undergraduate Research Symposium,Wayamba University of Sri Lanka,Makandura, Pg 50.
18.Jayawardana H.A.R.K., Weerahewa H.L.D., Saparamadu M.D.J.S. and Rathnayaka R.M.A.C. (2014), Effect of Silicon on anthracnose disease in hydroponically grown Capsicum annum L. cv. Awlegama, Proceedings of the Peradeniya univ. International Research Sessions, Sri Lanka, 18: pg 543
19.Jayawardana H.A.R.K., Weerahewa H.L.D., Saparamadu M.D.J.S. and Rathnayaka R.M.A.C. (2014), A Novel Approach for growing Capsicum: A hydroponic system treated with rice hull leachate for enhanced performance of Capsicum annum L., Proceedings of the Peradeniya univ. International Research Sessions, Sri Lanka, 18: pg 544
20.Jayawardana H.A.R.K., Weerahewa H.L.D. and Saparamadu M.D.J.S. (2014), Silicon supplementation by rice hull leachate on the growth, yield, fruit parameters and anthracnose disease resistance of capsicum ‘Muria F1’, International Conference on Multidisciplinary Approaches, University of Sri Jayawardanapura. pg 132
21.Jayawardana H.A.R.K., Weerahewa H.L.D. and Saparamadu M.D.J.S. (2014), Effect of root and foliar application of soluble silicon on anthracnose disease, plant growth and some fruit quality parameters of Capsicum, Proceedings of 26th of Annual Research Sessions, Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, Peradeniya, pg 27 (Awarded Best presentation in the Agonomy and plant protection session).
22.Alwis ADPS., Perera, ODAN and Weerahewa, H.L.D .(2014) Development of noval carrot-based synbiotic beverage.Undergraduate Research Symposium,Wayamba University of Sri Lanka,Makandura, Pg 50.
23..Weerahewa, H. L. D. (2013).Applicability of the use of aeroponics system and silicon supplementation on growth and floricultural quality traits of Dendrobium sp. Proceedings of Annual Research Sessions, The Open University of Sri Lanka 2013, 431-435.
24.Weerahewa, H.L.D. Jayakody, L.K.R.R Perera S.A.T.A and. Somarathne, S. (2013). Enhanced disease resistance and quality of hydroponically grown tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L) tomato though silicon supplementation. Proceedings of 33rd Annual Sessions, The Institute of Biology, pg 40.
25.David D and Weerahewa, H. L. D. (2012).silicon suppress anthracnose disease in tomato by enhancing natural diseases resistance. Proceedings of Annual Research Sessions 2012, The Open University of Sri Lanka. 210-214.
26. Weerahewa H. L. D and Nelum Peris (2012). A novel approach for reducing diseases and improving the some floricultural quality traits of Dendrobium Orchids. National Symposium on Floricultural Research (Accepted)
27.Jayasinghe, A P., Weerahewa, H. L. D and Dassanayake E.M. (2012). Optimization of the conditions for acclimatization of micropropagated pineapple propagules. International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment, University of Ruhuna Sri Lanka, 306-308.
28.Weerahewa, H. L. D and Somaratne, S. (2011) Effect of some Vase water additives on vase life of Cordyline terminalis ‘red’foliage. Proceedings of 26th Annual Research Sessions, The Open University of Sri Lanka. Pgs 257-261.
29.Amarasinghe I., De Silva T, Weerahewa Darshani (2011).In-vitro propagation of Gymnema sylvestre– An important medicinal plant. Proceedings of 26th Annual Research Sessions, The Open University of Sri Lanka. Pgs 245-248.
30.Weerahewa, D and Adikaram, N K B (2009) Intermittent Warming: A new technique for reducing internal browning of harvested pineapples cv.Mauritius .Proceedings of 25th Annual Research Sessions, The Open University of Sri Lanka
31.Weerahewa, D and Adikaram, N.K.B. (2007).Resistance of banana cv.Seeni to anthracnose disease.1st Annual Research Sessions, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale.
32.Weerahewa, D and Adikaram, N.K.B. (2005). Heat treatment induces tolerance in pineapple(Ananas comosus) to internal browning during cold storage.The Second Asian Conference on Plant Pathology,25-28 June,2005,National university of Singapore,113 Pg. Abs
33.Weerahewa, D and Adikaram, N.K.B. (2002). Induction of cold tolerance of pineapple (Ananas comosus cv.Mauritius) heat shock treatment followed by MA storage Proceedings of Annual Research Sessions of, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Vol.7, 117.
34.Weerahewa, D and Adikaram, N.K.B. (2000).Heat treatment followed by modified atmosphere storage reduces internal browning of pineapple during cold storage. Proceedings of 56th of Annual Research Sessions of Sri Lanka Advancement of Science, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.70
35.Weerahewa, D and Adikaram, N.K.B. (1999).Postharvest heat shock reduces internal browning of pineapple cv.Mauritius and Kew during cold storage. Proceedings of Annual Research Sessions, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.29
36. Darshani Weerahewa, Sunethra Dharmasiri and Adikaram, N.K.B. (1998). Study of internal browning and some associated physicochemical and biochemical parameters in two cultivars of pineapple during cold storage.Proceedings of Annual Research Sessions, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.30
Ongoing Research:
NATIONAL THEMATIC RESEARCH PROGRAM ON FOOD SAFETY:
Project leader
Food Security through Adoption of Pre-harvest Technologies: Improving Quality of Fresh Produce by soil application of potassium and Silicon
Funds: National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka (NSF)
[NTRP/2013/FS/PG-02/P-02] (2014 – 2017)
NSF Research grant (RG/2012/AG/04)
Principal Investigator
Determination the effect of silicon on natural defense system against anthracnose disease and some pre and postharvest qualities in Capsicum annum and investigating the possibility of using rice hull as a low cost silicon source (Rs.
Faculty Research Grant 2015
– Effect of pre harvest application of ‘silicon’ on pests, diseases and internal browning disorder of pineapple (Annanas comosus cv. Mauritius) fruit
-Effect of silicon mediated alleviation on heavy metal uptake of Basella alba (spinach)
Research Supervisions:M.Phill
H A R K Jayawardana (The Open University of Sri Lanka)
Title: Investigation of the low cost silicon source and optimization of silicon application to improve pre and postharvest qualities for hydroponically grown Capsicum annuum L
Reg No VV/DR/M.Phill/2013/163
Publications:
- Text Books
- Mineral nutrition and diseases of fruits and vegetables-2017
- ISBN 978-955-30-8424-8 , S.Godage & Publishers (Pvt) Ltd.,661/665/675,P.de S Kularatne Mawatha, Colombo 10, Sri Lanka
- Fundamentals of Plant Tissue Culture- 2018
- ISBN 978-955-30-8884-0, S.Godage & Publishers (Pvt) Ltd.,661/665/675,P.de S Kularatne Mawatha, Colombo 10, Sri Lanka
- Mineral nutrition and diseases of fruits and vegetables-2017