I am interested in studying the molluscicidal effect of the nematodes (Phasmarhabditis) to determine their potential to be used as a bio-control agent against pest gastropods in agricultural practices, as an alternative to the chemical control of pest snails and slugs.
Publications:
1. D.B.M. Patuwatha Withanage, and Luong, L.T. 2024. Phasmarhabditis californica (Nematoda: Rhabditidae) has reduced establishment success and progeny production in the presence of Pristionchus entomophagus (Nematoda: Diplogastridae). Journal of Parasitology, accepted April 16, 2024.
2. D.B.M. Patuwatha Withanage and Luong, L.T. 2024. Chemotaxis response of Phasmarhabditis californica (Family: Rhabditidae) and Pristionchus entomophagus (Family: Neodiplogasteridae) to the mucus of four slug species. Journal of Parasitology 110: 59-65. doi: 10.1645/23-61.
3. D.B.M. Patuwatha Withanage, Howe, D.K., Richart C., Mc Donnell R.J., Denver, D. and Luong, L.T. 2023. Pestiferous slugs and their associated nematodes in agricultural fields, greenhouses, and nurseries in Alberta, Canada. Journal of Helminthology. 97:e41. doi: 10.1017/S0022149X23000226.
4. Maheshini, P.W.D.B., Thilakarathne, K.G.D.D., Hirimuthugoda, G.N., Ranawana, K.B. and Kumburegama, S. 2019. The distribution of terrestrial pest gastropods and their damage to agricultural crops in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts in Sri Lanka. Ceylon Journal of Science 48: 177–184. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v48i2.7622
5. Maheshini, P.W. D.B., Hirimuthugoda, G.N. and Kumburegama, S. 2017. A short survey of pest gastropods and their potential threats to local agriculture in the Kandy District. Proceedings of the National Symposium on Invasive Alien Species 2017. Pg.30
Email: patuwath@ualberta.ca