Dr. M. K. Reddy Mudiam
Director, IPFT & Head, Formulation Development Group
Research Areas
Halloysite Clay Nanotube (HNT) Stabilized Botanical Pickering Emulsion
In this work, we are developing a surfactant-free Halloysite Clay Nanotube (HNT) stabilized botanical Pickering emulsion for enhanced biopesticide delivery. The formulation was optimized by standardizing HNT concentration, oil phase fraction, and botanical-to-carrier oil ratio, along with evaluation of particle wettability (contact angle studies). Stability was validated under stress conditions including pH variation, salinity, and temperature storage. The optimized system exhibits improved emulsion stability, enhanced surface retention, and potential for sustained bio-efficacy with reduced environmental impact.
We are working on advanced formulation development
Strategies for the effective management of parasitic weeds in Indian mustard. Novel combinations of synthetic herbicides and botanical actives have been designed to enhance efficacy, stability, and environmental safety. These optimized delivery systems contribute to improved weed control, higher yield potential, and sustainable agricultural practices.
We compared conventional Imidacloprid SC formulation with an Imidacloprid + Pepper
Oleoresin nanosuspension formulation for improved foliar application efficiency. The nanosuspension enhances leaf surface spreading, increases contact area, improves penetration and systemic translocation, resulting in higher whitefly mortality (82%) compared to the standard SC formulation (75%). The improved formulation also supports better plant growth with reduced environmental losses.
DBT Biofoundry for Biopesticides and Their Formulations
The DBT Biofoundry Facility at IPFT is an advanced research platform dedicated to developing next-generation biopesticides and sustainable crop protection technologies. The facility integrates microbial biotechnology, plant-derived bioactives, formulation science, analytical validation, and pilot-scale processing to accelerate the translation of biological discoveries into scalable agricultural products.
Research focuses on identifying bioactive compounds from plant extracts, microbial cultures, and fermentation-derived metabolites, followed by the development of innovative biopesticide based formulations. The facility aims to deliver industry-ready biopesticide technologies that promote eco-friendly pest management and sustainable agriculture.
Group Head
Dr. M. K. Reddy Mudiam
Dr. Mohana Krishna Reddy Mudiam’s research focuses on pesticide formulation science, advanced analytical characterization, regulatory science, and sustainable crop protection technologies. He specializes in mass spectrometry–based methodologies, metabolomics, impurity profiling, resistance mechanisms, and environmental monitoring.
His work integrates formulation development with regulatory-ready data generation, GLP compliance, and quality assurance frameworks to advance agrochemical and biopesticide innovation. He has guided 18 Ph.D. scholars and published over 130 peer-reviewed research articles (h-index > 42), contributing significantly to India’s agri-biomanufacturing and regulatory ecosystem.
Scientific Staff
Ms. Nusrat, Scientist
Landline/Intercom: 0124-2455406
Email ID: nusrat@ipft.gov.in
Scopus ID: NA
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=1TUZHf0AAAAJ&hl=en
Research areas
Colloids, Formulation, Biopesticide, Environmental Science, Agrochemicals, Chemical Engineering.
Mr. Mangesh A. Pande, Scientist (Pilot-Plant)
Landline/Intercom: 0124-2455410
Email ID: mangesh.pande@ipft.gov.in
LinkedIn ID: www.linkedin.com/in/mangesh-pande-48643520/
Scopus ID: NA
Google scholar: NA
ORCID ID: NA
Research Areas: Formulation Scaleup, Agrochemical Formulations, Biopesticides
Dr. Amit Kumar Specialist (Formulation)
Landline/Intercom: 0124-2455412
Email Id: amitkumar.ipft@gov.in
LinkedIn ID: https://www.linkedin.com/in/banyal007/
Scopus ID: 57307684200
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=B5HsqIAAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID ID: 0000-0002-3671-5601
Research Areas
Nano-colloids, Advanced Agrochemical formulations, Biopesticide Formulations, Nanopesticides, Essential Oils, Emulsions (Micro/nano/Pickering)
Ph.D Students
Project Personnel
Dr. Priyanka Bhattacharyya
Project Scientist-II (DBT-BIRAC Project)
Email: priyanka08bhattacharyya@gmail .com
LinkedIn: https://in.linkedin.com/in/dr-priyanka-bhattacharyya-2309b038
Scopus ID: NA
Google Scholar: NA
ORCID ID: 0000-0002-9346-0422
Ms. Ruchita Chowdhury
Young Professional II (NASF Project)
Email: chowdhuryruchita475@gmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ruchita-chowdhury-8279241b0
Scopus ID: 57703239100
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=1bYroOoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID ID: 0000-0002-9361-0558
Ms. Reetika Sharma
Young Professional II (NASF Project)
Email: reetika9948@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reetikasharma123/
Scopus ID: NA
Google Scholar: NA
ORCID ID: NA
Google Scholar: NA
Dr. Komal Rathi
Project Associate (DBT-BIRAC Project)
Email: komalrathee8977@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/komal-rathi-37004713a/
Scopus ID: NA
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=xOy4rMEAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID ID:0000-0003-0597-5301
Interns / Trainees
Alumni
Pratip Ghosh
Lab Assistant (Outsource)
Ichha Dutta
Lab Assistant (Outsource)
Best Presentation Award (2026)
Ms. Nusrat and her team received the Best Presentation Award at the National Conference on Innovations in Plant Health Management for Resilient Agriculture and Agri-Export Promotion (NIPHM, Hyderabad) for developing a novel oil-dispersible formulation of a potential bio-herbicide.
Technology Transfer
Developed and transferred Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate 23.99% SC formulation to M/s Shyam Chemical Ltd., Mumbai, providing a stable water-based formulation with improved bio-efficacy and a safer alternative to wettable powder formulations.
Formulation Innovation
Developed a Benzoyl Sulphonamide-based Suspension Concentrate (SC) insecticide formulation with optimized physico-chemical properties for improved stability and spray performance. Technology transferred to CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad.
Completed
Augmentation of Existing bio-botanical pesticides and their formulation facility as Biofoundry at IPFT
Project code: BT/TEMP23773/BMH-01/24
Funding Agency:
DBT-BIRAC
Duration:
Month Year – Month Year
Project Description:
The project aims to establish a state-of-the-art biofoundry for process development and pilot-scale production of biopesticides from plant and microbial sources. It focuses on developing cost-effective, eco-friendly formulations, process scale-up, quality assurance, and evaluation of bioefficacy and phytotoxicity, while supporting start-ups, MSMEs, and industry in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.
Ongoing
Development, standardization, and optimization of microbial and botanical pesticides and their formulations as efficient delivery systems for the management of agricultural, stored grain pests, nemato
Project Code: NASF/ABS10001/2023-24
Funding Agency:
ICAR – National Agricultural Science Fund
Duration:
March 2024 - February 2027
Project Description:
The project focuses on the development and standardization of microbial and botanical pesticide formulations for sustainable pest management. Formulation strategies include granules, microemulsions, wettable powders, suspension concentrates, and impregnated tablets based on botanical actives and beneficial microbes for the management of agricultural pests, nematodes, stored grain insects, fungal pathogens, and veterinary tick parasites.
Deployment of Genetic and Chemical options for the management of major biotic (Orobanche and Alternaria) in Indian mustard.
Project Code: NASF/ABS10001/2023-24
Funding Agency:
ICAR – National Agricultural Science Fund
Duration:
March 2024 - February 2027
Project Description:
This project focuses on the development of synthetic and bio-botanical herbicide formulations for the effective management of Orobanche parasitic weeds in mustard crops. The work involves designing advanced agrochemical formulation systems such as SC, ZC, and botanical-based concentrated emulsions for improved weed control in agricultural systems.
Selected Publications
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Mohapatra, S., Behera, D.J., Naik, S., Mahanty, A., Patil, N.B., Iqbal, N., Agrawal, A., Mohapatra, S.D. and Adak, T., 2026. Spatial variation of chemical composition of Callistemon citrinus essential oils, and integrating multivariate analysis and molecular docking to identify bioactive compounds for fumigation efficacy against stored grain pests. Bioresource Technology Reports, 33, 102582. IF: 4.3
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Aalam, G., Amir, M., Iqbal, N., Alam, M.I., Haider, M.A. and Ali, S.W., 2025. Development of Sustainable Multifunctional Cotton Fabric Using Bioderived Coumalic Acid via a Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembly Technique without Compromising the Comfort Properties of the Fabric. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 13(18), 6577-6588. IF: 7.3
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Kumar, A., & Mehta, S. Advancements in essential oil-based emulsions: Eco-friendly alternatives to conventional agrochemicals. Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science, 80, 101964. IF: 7.0
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Iqbal, N., Hazra, D. K., Jawale, C., Alam, S., Yadav, S., Agrawal, A., Anil, A. S., & Kumar, J. Biofabrication of Microbeads Infused with Acorus calamus Oil and Eucalyptus Extract for Sustainable Stored Grain Pest Management. ACS Applied Polymer Materials, 6(3), 1599–1610. IF: 4.8
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Kala, S., Sogan, N., Jawle, C., Bista, S., Hazara, D. K., Roy, K., Nautiyal, A., Sengar, A. S., Singh, M. K., Agarwal, A., Takhur, L. K., & Kumar, J. Valorization of Grape Pomace-Derived Bio-Pesticide via Yeast Capsules- Nano Carriers with Entomotoxic Potential. Waste and Biomass Valorization, 15(9), 5349–5367. IF: 2.8
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Kala, S., Agarwal, A., Kant, K., Mishra, B., Sogan, N., Kumar, N., Jawle, C. K., Hazara, D. K., & Kumar, J. (2023). An environmentally benign oil dispersion/phytoextract system for improved retention upon foliage and control of aphids in spice crops. Journal of Cleaner Production, 414, 137449. IF: 9.4
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Kala, S., Jawle, C. K. D., Singh, M. K., Sogan, N., Singh, H., Shukla, G., Agarwal, A., Takhur, L. K., & Kumar, J. (2022). Pomegranate resembling design of starch Sago beads encapsulates nanopyriproxyfen, enabling slow release and improved bioactivity. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 15(1), 1843–1858. IF: 8.2
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Sogan, N., Kala, S., Kapoor, N., Nagpal, B. N., Ramlal, A., & Nautiyal, A. (2023). Novel development of Lecanicillium lecanii-based granules as a platform against malarial vector Anopheles culicifacies. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 39(6), 142.IF: 4.2
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Sogan, N., Kala, S., Kapoor, N., Singh, H., Verma, P., Nautiyal, A., & Nagpal, B. N. (2023). Utilization and re-use of orange peel derived oil by formulating nanoemulsion for efficient vector control application. Waste and Biomass Valorization, 14(10), 3415–3427. IF: 2.8
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Iqbal, N., Thirunavukkarasu, S., Krishna, R., Hazra, D. K., Jawale, C., Yadav, S., Alam, S., Ghosh, S., Agrawal, A., & Kumar, J. (2023). Environmentally benign design of renewable Oleoresin-Bioenergized Imidacloprid nanohydrocolloids for improved activity, lower toxicity, and agroecological sustainability. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 11(42), 15480–15491. IF: 7.3
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Iqbal, N., Hazra, D. K., Purkait, A., Agrawal, A., Saini, M. K., & Kumar, J. (2023). Eco-Oriented Formulation and Stabilization of Oil–Colloidal Biodelivery Systems Based on GC-MS/MS-Profiled Phytochemicals from Wild Tomato for Long-Term Retention and Penetration on Applied Surfaces for Effective Crop Protection. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 71(8), 3719–3731. IF: 6.2
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Kala, S., Jawle, C. K., Sogan, N., Agarwal, A., Kant, K., Mishra, B., & Kumar, J. (2022). Analogous foliar uptake and leaf-to-root translocation of micelle nanoparticles in two dicot plants of diverse families. NanoImpact, 28, 100431.
Opportunities
Students having an interest in research and training opportunities in our laboratory are encouraged to send their CV to:
Dr. M. K. Reddy Mudiam (mkr.mudiam@gov.in)
Dr. Amit Kumar (amitkumar.ipft@gov.in)
Ms. Nusrat Iqbal (nusrat@ipft.gov.in