Sandeep Singh is working on eco-friendly management of insect pests of fruit crops since 21 years and has more than 125 recommendations included in the Package of Practices of PAU, Ludhiana, the prominent being the PAU fruit fly trap. He has 29 national recommendations under AICRP on Fruits. Dr Singh has more than 550 publications and has taught 37 courses to B.Sc./M.Sc. classes and farmers. Dr Singh has organized TAAO international symposia on fruit flies in Malaysia (2016) and China (2024). He has handled/handling projects funded by ICAR, DST, DBT, UGC, NABARD, MIDH, UGC, Govt. of Haryana, Revolving Fund scheme and a number of industry sponsored projects.  Dr Singh has visited USA, Italy, Australia (2014 and 2022), Thailand (2014 and 2023), China (2017 and 2024), Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal, on official assignments. He is the editor of the prestigious journal “Pest Management in Horticultural Ecosystems”. 

Education: B.Sc. Agri (Hons), PAU, Ludhiana (1997); M.Sc. Entomology, PAU, Ludhiana (1999); Ph.D. Entomology, PAU, Ludhiana (2012)

Positions held: Assistant Entomologist, Entomologist, Senior Entomologist (Fruits), PAU Ludhiana, Principal Entomologist (Fruits) 

Research Interests: (Maximum upto three areas of interest)

1. Working on eco-friendly approaches in the management of insect pests of fruits crops, IPM, pheromones traps, biological control. 
2. Additional responsibility of insect-pests of flowering plants.

Projects accomplished

1. Climate Resilience-based Production Management of Citrus” under National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project
2. Consortium Research Platform on Borers in Network Mode, funded by ICAR, New Delhi
3. Sub-project: Borers of temperate fruits, vegetables and ornamentals-HP, funded by ICAR, New Delhi
4. Biosystematic studies and effect of weather parameters on fruit flies (Diptera) from guava and cucurbits in Punjab, funded by UGC
5.  DST-STUTI Project in collaboration with Panjab University, Chandigarh.
6.  Front Line Demonstration on PAU fruit fly trap in citrus, guava, pear and peach, funded by MIDH, New Delhi.
7.  Technology transfer for PAU fruit fly traps among fruit growers of Fatehgarh Sahib through on farm demonstrations-KVK Fatehgarh Sahib, funded by NABARD
8. Front Line Demonstrations of Eco-friendly Termite Traps in Orchards, funded by MIDH, New Delhi
9. Evaluation of the efficacy of Adjuvant MAK Adjuvol  on Kinnow, funded by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd., Mumbai

Ongoing Projects

1. Co-PI, “RNA interference technology for insect resistance and genomics assisted improvement of shelf life in guava” under DBT Centre of Excellence project entitled “Development and Integration of Advanced Genomic Technologies for targeted breeding” 
2. Co-PI, “Identification of genes/QTLs for resistance to citrus greening and Xcc-mediated agroinfilteration for juvenility reduction in citrus” under DBT Centre of excellence project “Development and Integration of Advanced Genomic Technologies for targeted breeding”
3. PI, Front Line Demonstrations on IPM of Fruit Sucking Moths in Citrus, funded by MIDH, New Delhi.

4. PI, Front Line Demonstrations on PAU fruit fly traps in mango and plum, funded by MIDH, New Delh
5. Scheme Incharge, Revolving fund scheme on Sale of PAU fruit fly trap, funded by PAU, Ludhiana
6. PI, Front Line Demonstrations of Eco-friendly Termite Traps in Orchards, funded by MIDH, New Delhi
7. PI, Company sponsored project on “Evaluation of world class Arbofine HMO against insect-pests of citrus”
8. PI, company sponsored project on “Testing of HP HMO against insect-pests of citrus”, funded by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd, Mumbai.
9. Co-PI, ICT based E-Pest Surveillance and advisory Services for Horticultural Crops in Haryana, funded by Govt. of Haryana.
10. Co-PI, Integrated Management of fruit flies in vegetable crops in Haryana, funded by Govt. of Haryana.
11. Co-PI, Company sponsored project on “Evaluation of Servo HMO against insect-pests of citrus, funded by Servo India.
12. Co-PI. Front Line Demonstrations on rejuvenation of senile orchards to restore productivity potential, funded by MIDH, New Delhi.
13. Associated Scientist, Company sponsored project “PAU-Arisudana CARM Project”, funded by Arisudana Industries, Ludhiana.
14. Co-PI, Developing controlled release formulations for major pests, in collaboration with ICAR-NBAIR, Bengaluru.
15. Co-PI, Development of low cost fruit fly traps for cucurbit vegetables and its demonstration at farmers’ field in border areas of District Tarn Taran, funded by NABARD, in collaboration with KVK Booh, Tarn Taran of GADVASU.
16. PI, Evaluation of the bio-efficacy and phytotoxicity of ‘Flonicamid 50% (Ulala)’ against insect pests of Citrus (Kinnow) funded by UPL Sustainable Agri Solutions Limited, Mumbai.
17. Co-PI, Frontline Demonstration (FLDs) for popularization of Dragon Fruit in Punjab, funded by MIDH, New Delh.
18. PI, PAU, Artificial Intelligence Project on Fruit Pests, funded by Govt. of Haryana & ICAR-NCIPM, New Delhi.
19. PI, Evaluation of the bio-efficacy of Spinetoram 11.7% w/w SC (12% w/v) against thrips, psyllids and leaf miners in citrus, funded by Corteva Agriscience Services India Pvt. Ltd, Hyderabad.
20. PI, Bio efficacy evaluation of Spirotetramat 15.31% w/w OD against mealybugs and mites in grapes, funded by Tagros Chemicals India Pvt. Ltd, Chennai

Selected Research Publications (maximum upto 5):

Yue Zhang, S Liu, Marc De Meyer, Liao Z, Zhao Y, Massimiliano V, Feng S, Qin Y, Singh Sandeep; Wee SL, Jiang F, Guo S, Hu Li; Deschepper P, Vanbergen S,  Hélène D, Alies van Sauers-Muller; Syamsudin TS; Kawi AP, Kasina M, Badji K, Said F, Liu L, Zhao Z and Li Z (2023). Genomes of the cosmopolitan fruit pest Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) reveal its global invasion history and thermal adaptation. Journal of Advanced Research. 53: 61-74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jare.2022.12.012. (NAAS: 18.82).

Yue Zhang, Li Hu, Feng S, Qin Y, Meyer MD, Virgilio M, Singh Sandeep, Jiang F, Priscilla Kawi A,  Susanto A, Martinez-Sanudo I, Wu J, Badji K, Davaasambuu U and Zhihong Li. (2023) Mitochondrial phylogenomics reveals the evolutionary and biogeographical history of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae). Entomologia Generalis. (SOI:10.127/entomologia/2022/1594) (NAAS: 12.61).

Pablo D, Sam V, Yue Z, Li Z, Hassani I, Patel N, Rasolofoarivao H, Singh Sandeep, Lee WS, De Meyer M, Massimiliano V and Hélène D (2022) Bactrocera dorsalis in the Indian Ocean: A tale of two invasions. Evolutionary Applications.  Online published on December 1, 2022. DOI: 10.1111/eva.13507. (NAAS: 11.18).

Yue Zhang, Li Hu, Feng S, Qin Y, Meyer MD, Virgilio M, Singh Sandeep, Jiang F, Priscilla Kawi A,  Susanto A, Martinez-Sanudo I, Wu J, Badji K, Davaasambuu U and Zhihong Li. (2022) Mitochondrial phylogenomics reveals the evolutionary and biogeographical history of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae). Entomologia Generalis (SOI:10.127/entomologia/2022/1594) (NAAS 11.63).

Singh Sandeep, Singh V, Shera PS, Siraj M, Sandhu RK and Maredia K (2023) Evaluation of augmentative biological control options against fruit and shoot borer, Conogethes punctiferalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in guava. Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control. 33: 115. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41938-023-00762-4 (NAAS: 8.08).

Awards/Honours/Distinctions: 

1. Awardee of Dr M.S. Randhawa Medal-2001.
2. Awardee of Dr M.S. Randhawa Medal-2009
3. Adjudged as Best Trainee during training on “Pest Surveillance” at National Institute of Plant Health Management, Hyderabad from August 16-23, 2012.
4. Served as OSD to the Vice Chancellor, Dr BS Dhillon during 2013-14.
5. Member, International Steering Committee, Tephritid Workers of Asia, Australia and Oceania, Australia from 2014 till date.
6. Member, Steering Committee, International Conference on Citriculture: Challenges and Management, Multan, Pakistan (February 11-13, 2015)
7. Received Certificate of Appreciation from Deputy Director General (Horticulture) for developing and popularizing PAU Fruit Fly Trap (March 5, 2016).
8. Received University Appreciation Certificate from Dr BS Dhillon, Vice Chancellor, PAU, Ludhiana for developing PAU fruit fly trap (March 18, 2016)
9. Adjudged as Outstanding Participant of ICAR-sponsored Short course on “Techniques in Insect Molecular Biology and Toxicology”, held at ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Research Institute, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu from September 7-16, 2016
10. Awarded BEST LEAD PRESENTER AWARD of ICAR-AICRP on Fruits during 4th Group Discussion of AICRP on Fruits, held at IIHR, Bangalore from January 4-7, 2017.
11. Visiting Scientist, China: Visited China Agricultural University, Beijing (China) as Visiting Scientist to conduct research work on fruit flies from March 20-29, 2017.
12. Received BEST LEAD LECTURE AWARD during National Conference on Perspective of Challenges and Options in Litchi Production and Utilization. 6-7 June 2017, ICAR-NRC Litchi, Muzaffarpur, Bihar
13. Visiting Scientist: Michigan State University, USA for Advance training on “Spotted Wing Drosophila Trapping and Attract and Kill Technology” from June 6, 2018 to September 5, 2018 under the scheme Misc. 1.
14. Member, Think-Tank of Vice Chancellor, PAU, Ludhiana
15. Nodal Member for Citrus, Govt. of Punjab.
16. Received OUTSTANDING ACHIEVERS AWARD-2019 from The Society of Tropical Agriculture, New Delhi.
17. Received Best Innovation Award for developing PAU Fruit Fly Traps” from Pear Growers Association, District Tarn Taran, Punjab on October 14, 2019.
18. Received “FELLOW AWARD” from Association for Advancement of Pest Management in Horticultural Ecosystem, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru on July 24, 2019.
19. Given additional responsibility as Officer on Special Duty with Estate Officer, PAU, Ludhiana by worthy Vice Chancellor w.e.f. January 23, 2019, vide Endst. No. Admn.III.AU.2019./1175-79 dated January 23, 2019 (till January 3, 2024).
20. Received “Award of Excellence: Linking Technology Development and Transfer“ under ‘ICAR-AICRP on Fruit’ for developing and popularizing PAU Fruit Fly Trap, during VII Group Discussion of ICAR-AICRP on Fruits held at PAU, Ludhiana on January 18, 2020.
21. Received “Best Lead Presenter Award-2019” in Plant Protection during VII Group Discussion of ICAR-AICRP on Fruits held at PAU, Ludhiana from January 16-19, 2020.
22. Received “Fellow Award” from The Society for Horticultural Research and Development, Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) on February 14, 2020 at Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh.
23. Received “Certificate of Appreciation” from DDG Horticulture for organizing VII Group Discussion of ICAR-AICRP on Fruits at PAU, Ludhiana from January 16-19, 2020.
24. Received “BEST PRESENTER AWARD” as a Team member during Third International Summer School on “The Effect of Climate Change on Living Organisms” held online on 17-18 December 2020, at University of Padjadjaran, Bandung (Indonesia). 
25. Convener, Think Tank of the Vice Chancellor for Associate Professor level teachers (w.e.f. July 30, 2020)
26. Life Fellow, Entomological Society of India, IARI, New Delhi (September 30, 2020).
27. Received “Swaran Singh Virk Memorial Award-2021” for services to the fruit growers of Punjab in the field of plant protection in fruit crops from progressive Citrus Growers of Punjab at Kotkapoora, Punjab (On March 28, 2021)
28. Received University Team Award for rejuvenation of historical trees from honorable Chief Minister of Punjab (September 23, 2022)
29. Received Farm Literature Popularization Award, PAU, Ludhiana (September 24, 2022)
30. Received Appreciation Award for sale of PAU literature, PAU, Ludhiana (September 24, 2022)
31. Received “SILVER AWARD” for best oral paper award paper presentation during “The Conference of Agricultural Innovation and Natural Resources” organized by The Prince of Songkhla University, Hat Yai Campus, Thailand on August 3-4, 2023.
32. Received “Fellowship” of Indian Society of Citriculture, Nagpur from Sh. Nitin Gadkari, Union Transport Minister, in recognition of significant achievements in field of Citriculture (October 28, 2023)
33. Received “CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION” as Visiting Professor from The Prince of Songkhla University, HatYai Campus, Thailand (August 2023).
34. Received “CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION” as Visiting Professor from Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh (December 2023).
35. Panelist during Workshop on Vector Borne Diseases at Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh on December 3, 2023. 
36. Received AWARD OF HONOUR during 1st Alumni Function, College of Hort. &  Forestry, PAU from Dr SS Gosal, Vice Chancellor, PAU, Ludhiana (Jan. 27, 2024).
37. Received APPRECIATION LETTER from Registrar, PAU, dated 16/4/2024 No. 4249 for role in organizing 37th Inter-University National Youth Festival 2023-24 hosted by PAU. 
38. Received “CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION” as Visiting Professor from China Agricultural University, Beijing, China (May 17, 2024).
39. Certificate of Appreciation from China Agricultural University, Beijing, China for organizing “The Second International Symposium on Management of Tephritid Fruit Flies in Current Globalization Era”, May 6-10, 2024, Beijing, China.
40. Certificate of Appreciation from China Agricultural University, Beijing, China for organizing “The Second International Fruit Fly Photography Contest” as Chief Judge, during The Second International Symposium on Management of Tephritid Fruit Flies in Current Globalization Era, May 6-10, 2024, Beijing, China.
41. Chairman, Session on Species Complex and Species Diagnosis. The Second International Symposium on Management of Tephritid Fruit Flies in Current Globalization Era, May 6-10, 2024, Beijing, China.
42. Selected again as member, Editorial Committee of Tephritid Workers of Asia, Australia and Oceania (TAAO) Newsletter, Australia as well as Admin, Social Media of TAAO from 2024 to 2028.
43. Received Best Centre Award for SCSP Component during XII Group Discussion of Scientists of AICRP on Fruits, held at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bihar from February 11-14, 2025.
44. Received Award of Plaque and Merit Certificate of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana from Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Punjab (February 8, 2025).
45. Received Award of Honour from Dr SS Gosal, Vice Chancellor, PAU, Ludhiana during 2nd Alumni Meet of College of Horticulture and Forestry, PAU, Ludhiana (February 27, 2025).
46. Received 3rd prize in poster presentation during International Conference on ‘Transforming Agri-Food Systems in the face of climate changes and energy transitions’, November 12-15, 2024, PAU, Ludhiana.

AWARDS received in National Service Scheme (NSS)

• Recipient of National level Indira Gandhi NSS Award 2000-2001 from Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Govt. of India, New Delhi (2002)

1. Recipient of State level Governor of Punjab Award for NSS (1997)