Skip to main content

About Me

Professional 1:1 corporate headshot of Anka Pujitha Suddapalli wearing a navy blue blazer and white button-down shirt, featuring round glasses, long dark hair, and a confident expression against a neutral dark grey background.

         My name is Anka Pujitha, and I am an agricultural entomologist dedicated to exploring sustainable solutions for pest management. Welcome to EntoSphere, my digital notebook where I share insights from my research, break down complex topics in insect science, and document my journey as a PhD researcher.

        My research is focused on a critical area of biological control: 'Studies on the effectiveness of indigenous Entomopathogenic Fungi as endophytes against sorghum stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe).' "In essence, I'm investigating how we can use beneficial, naturally occurring fungi that live inside sorghum plants to protect them from harmful pests.


I believe in the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing in science. You can connect with me and follow my work on:

Comments

Post a Comment

Thanks for reading! Drop your thoughts or questions below.

Popular posts from this blog

Small Wings, Big Shield: Why Peru Just Gave Stingless Bees Legal Rights !

   Small Wings, Big Shield: Why Peru Just Gave Stingless Bees Legal Rights ! For the first time ever, an insect has been granted legal rights. In a historic move, the Peruvian Amazon has recognized the stingless bee ( Melipona ) as a rights-bearing entity. This isn't just about protection; it’s a total shift in how we view the living world. Stingless Bees on Trial: Peru’s Historic Move to Grant Legal Rights to an Insect Until now, when nature received legal rights, it was usually tied to a place—a river, a mountain, or an entire ecosystem. But what happened in Peru is different. Here, a biological species itself has been recognized with the legal right to exist, thrive, and be protected from the forces pushing it toward extinction. Why the Stingless Bee? These tiny pollinators are the invisible heartbeat of the rainforest. They support cacao, coffee, fruits, medicinal plants, and entire food webs. When they disappear, the ecosystem doesn't just change; it unravels. The move to...
Post a Comment
Read more

Beyond Bt Cotton: What's Holding Back India's GM Crop Revolution?

 " India ranks 4th in the world for GM crop cultivation, yet only grows one. The question is: what’s holding us back?” This is one of the biggest paradoxes in modern Indian agriculture. Beyond Bt Cotton: What's Holding Back India's GM Crop Revolution?      It has been nearly three decades since the first major genetically modified (GM) crops were commercially cultivated worldwide. Yet, as of today, only one GM crop is approved for commercial cultivation in India: Bt Cotton . The Case of GM Mustard (DMH-11): So Close, Yet So Far The most prominent example of this stagnation is GM Mustard (DMH-11). Despite being approved for environmental release by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) back in October 2022, it is still not being commercially cultivated. Developed by the University of Delhi’s Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP ) , DMH-11 contains genes from a soil bacterium that enable more efficient hybridization, boosting potential ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Integrated Pest Management: A Smarter Way to Protect Our Crops

  Hello readers! 👋 Welcome to my very first post on this blog dedicated to the fascinating world of insects, pests, and the science that protects our crops! I’m Anka Pujitha, an entomology enthusiast passionate about sustainable agriculture. Today, let’s explore an approach that’s changing the way we manage pests — Integrated Pest Management (IPM). 🌿 What is IPM? Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a science-based, eco-friendly method that combines different strategies to control pests effectively — while minimizing risks to farmers, consumers, and the environment. Instead of relying only on chemical pesticides, IPM uses a smart combination of methods : Cultural (e.g., crop rotation) Biological (e.g., using beneficial insects) Mechanical (e.g., traps, barriers) Chemical (only when absolutely needed, and in a targeted way) 🐛 Why is IPM important? Reduces pesticide use Protects beneficial insects like pollinators Prevents pest resistance Ens...
1 comment
Read more

GST Rate Cuts: A Big Win for India's Farmers

The government has recently rolled out new GST reforms for the agriculture sector, and it’s good news for farmers. Many essential agricultural goods and inputs now have lower tax rates, with some dropping to just 5% or even becoming tax-free. Let's break down what's changed and what it means for the farming community. GST Reforms Benefit Indian Farmer Cheaper Farming Equipment and Machinery One of the biggest changes is the GST reduction on farm machinery. The tax on a wide range of equipment has been cut from 12% to 5% . This includes: Tractors (with engines under 1800 cc) Machines for soil preparation, cultivation, harvesting, and threshing Parts for tractors, like tyres and tubes, which saw a significant drop from 18% to 5% This makes it more affordable for farmers to invest in the tools they need to improve efficiency. Lower Costs for Fertilizers and Inputs The GST on key raw materials used to produce fertilizers—like Sulphuric acid, Nitric acid, and Ammonia—has been slash...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Golden Assassin: Can This Tiger Beetle Stop the Red Fire Ant Invasion?

“To fight one of the world’s worst invasive species, scientists are now deploying a beautiful, ravenous assassin: the Golden-Spotted Tiger Beetle.” Golden-Spotted Assassin Tiger Beetle vs. Red Fire Ant The Red Imported Fire Ant ( Solenopsis invicta ), a global menace since its accidental voyage from South America, has been wreaking havoc across Asia and the world. Since its arrival, it has spread aggressively, stinging ecosystems, farmers, and local economies. But now, nature's own army is fighting back. In a recent study from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , scientists have turned to a fierce native predator to control this invasive pest, adding a new chapter to the story of biological control. The Native Champion vs. The Invasive Menace Meet the golden-spotted tiger beetle ( Cosmodela aurulenta ). It's fast, heat-tolerant, and has a voracious appetite for fire ants, with a single beetle capable of devouring up to 29 small ants per day. However, this isn't a ...
Post a Comment
Read more