Dr. R. K. Gokulakrishnaa is an Agricultural Entomologist specializing in ericulture, insect pest management, integrated pest management (IPM), sericulture, insect nutrition, and sustainable agricultural technologies. He is currently serving as Assistant Professor in Agricultural Entomology at MIT College of Agriculture and Technology, Musiri, Tamil Nadu, affiliated with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), since January 2024.

With around five years of professional experience encompassing teaching, research, and project implementation, he has previously worked as a Junior Research Fellow at the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Dindigul, and as a Teaching Associate in the Department of Entomology, Annamalai University, where he taught undergraduate courses in Fundamentals of Entomology, Beneficial Insect Management, and Introductory Nematology.

Research Contributions

Dr. Gokulakrishnaa has made noteworthy contributions to ericulture and insect-based sustainable agriculture, particularly through his doctoral research on the evaluation of castor genotypes for eri silkworm rearing and by-product utilization, and his master's research on tapioca cultivars as host plants for eri silkworm.

His research extends to:

• Sustainable sericulture and ericulture technologies.
• Alternative protein sources for aquaculture and poultry nutrition using eri silkworm pupae.
• Bio-efficacy evaluation of insecticides for rice and maize pests.
• Industry 4.0 applications in insect pest management.
• Bioassay techniques and biological pest management.

His work bridges entomology, animal nutrition, aquaculture, and sustainable agricultural production, providing innovative solutions for environmentally friendly farming systems.

Publications and Scholarly Achievements

Dr. Gokulakrishnaa has authored more than 13 research papers published in reputed national and international journals indexed in Web of Science, Scopus, CABI, and NAAS-rated journals, including publications in Discover Applied Sciences, Journal of Entomological Research, Entomon, and Plant Science Today.

He has also contributed:

• 4 Book Chapters
• 1 Edited Book
• 7 Popular Scientific Articles

His publications focus on ericulture, integrated pest management, biological control, insect nutrition, precision agriculture, IoT-based pest management, and sustainable crop protection.

Innovation, Patent and Technology Development

Demonstrating a strong commitment to translational research, Dr. Gokulakrishnaa has filed an Indian Patent titled:

"Eri Silkworm Pupae-Based Fish Feed" (Application No. 202341086345)

This innovation promotes sustainable aquaculture by replacing conventional fish meal with insect-derived protein, supporting circular agriculture and eco-friendly livestock nutrition.

Research Projects

He has actively participated in several sponsored research projects involving:

• Bio-efficacy evaluation of novel insecticides in rice.
• Management of Fall Armyworm in maize.
• Assessment of phytotoxicity and impact on natural enemies.
• Development of sustainable crop protection technologies.

These projects have strengthened integrated pest management practices and contributed to improved agricultural productivity.

Conference Presentations and Academic Engagement

Dr. Gokulakrishnaa has presented numerous research papers in international and national conferences organized by institutions including:

• ICAR
• Indian Institute of Rice Research
• Banaras Hindu University
• Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
• Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University
• Annamalai University

He has also participated in numerous international workshops, faculty development programmes, specialized trainings, and online certification courses related to pest management, sericulture, research methodology, and sustainable agriculture.

Awards and Recognitions

His academic excellence has been recognized through several prestigious honours, including:

• Outstanding Ph.D. Thesis Award (2026) by the Indian Society of Agriculture & Horticulture Research Development (ISAHRD).
• Young Entomologist Award (2024).
• Outstanding Student Award (2024).

These recognitions acknowledge his significant research contributions and academic excellence in agricultural entomology.

Eligibility for Best Scientist Award

Dr. R. K. Gokulakrishnaa is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Scientist Award under the Scientific Laurels category owing to his outstanding achievements in agricultural entomology, sustainable pest management, and applied sericultural research. His scholarly profile demonstrates excellence through impactful research publications in internationally indexed journals, an Indian patent on innovative insect-based fish feed technology, multiple authored book chapters, edited academic books, and consistent presentations at national and international scientific conferences. His research has significantly contributed to sustainable agriculture, integrated pest management, insect nutrition, and eco-friendly farming practices while addressing contemporary challenges in food security and environmental conservation. His recognition through the Outstanding Ph.D. Thesis Award, Young Entomologist Award, and Outstanding Student Award, together with his active role as an educator, researcher, and innovator, reflects sustained scientific excellence, originality, and societal impact. These accomplishments make Dr. R. K. Gokulakrishnaa exceptionally well qualified for the Best Scientist Award – Scientific Laurels in recognition of his valuable contributions to agricultural science and research.