Dr. Parminder Singh Shera joined PAU as Assistant Professor of Plant Protection (Entomology) at KVK, Bathinda in 9.5.2003 after completing B.Sc. Agriculture (Hons. in Plant Protection) in 1997 and M.Sc. (Entomology) from PAU in 2000. He did his Ph.D (Entomology) from PAU, Ludhiana in 2012. He joined as Senior Entomologist on 1.1.2017 and Principal Entomologist on 1.1.2020 (till date). He has handled 22 projects as PI, Co-PI and Associated Scientist. Dr. Shera has played a key role in the development of 60 pest management technologies included into the University’s Package of Practices. His scholarly output includes 85 research papers (28 in international journals), 77 conference presentations, and earned recognitions through multiple best paper awards. An accomplished academic, he has taught over 18 courses at UG and PG levels and has successfully guided 3 Ph.D. and 4 M.Sc. students as Major Advisor, several of whom have received national-level honours for their research and academic excellence. He has published 91 extension publications, and actively conducted farmer-centric programs including trainings, field demonstrations, and mass media outreach. His commendable contributions have led PAU to earn national recognition, including awards for the best AICRP centre and the best Lac project centre.

Professional Accomplishments Research Projects completed

1. Bio-intensive pest management strategies in important vegetable under protected cultivation in Punjab funded by NHM in 2022 as Co-PI

2. Validation and dissemination of biocontrol based integrated pest management technology in sugarcane funded by NABARD in 2022 as collaborating scientist

Research Publications:

• Sharma S Shera P S, Kaur R and Sangha K S (2020) Evaluation of augmentative biological control strategy against major borer insect pests of sugarcane – a large scale field appraisal. Egyptian J Biol Pest Control 30:127 https://doi.org/10.1186/s41938-020- 00330-0 (NAAS rating 8.10)

• Sharma T and Shera P S (2021) Biological anomalies in the sugarcane leafhopper, Pyrilla perpusilla (Walker) due to parasitism by Fulgoraecia melanoleuca (Fletcher) (Lepidoptera : Epipyropidae). Egyptian J Biol Pest Control 31: 137 https://doi.org/10.1186/s41938-021-00486-3 (NAAS rating 8.10)

• Priya, Kumar R, Bhatt R, Kashyap L and Shera P S (2023) Silicon retention in soil and sugarcane cultivar and its impact on stalk borer (Chilo auricilius Dudgeon), yield and quality indices in Northwest India. Silicon https://doi.org/10.1007/s12633-023- 02508-1 (NAAS rating 8.80)

• Singh S, Singh V, Shera P S, Siraj M, Sandhu R K and Karim M (2023) Evaluation of augmentative biological control options against fruit and shoot borer, Conogethes punctiferalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in guava. Egyptian J Biol Pest Control 33: 115 https://doi.org/10.1186/s41938-023-00762-4 (NAAS rating 8.10)

• Augustine N M, Shera P S, Kumar R and Sharma S (2024) Evaluation of Fulgoraecia melanoleuca (Fletcher) (Lepidoptera: Epipyropidae) releases for the management of Pyrilla perpusilla (Walker) (Hemiptera: Lophopidae) on sugarcane in Punjab, India. Sugar Tech. https://doi.org/ 10.1007/s12355-024-01474-1 (NAAS rating 7.80)

• Sharma T and Shera P S (2025) Lethal and sublethal effects of insecticides on different life stages of Fulgoraecia melanoleuca (Fletcher), a key parasitoid of Pyrilla perpusilla (Walker) in sugarcane. Phytoparasitica 53: 65 https://doi.org/10.1007/s12600-025- 01286-3 (NAAS rating 7.50)

Awards and Recognitions:

1. Fellow, Society for Biocontrol Advancement, ICAR-NBAIR, Bengaluru

2. Fellow, Entomological Society of India, IARI, New Delhi

3. Fellow, Entomological Science Academy, SKUAST, Jammu

4. Best All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Biological Control of Crop Pests centre Award

5. Best Network Project on Conservation of Lac Insect Genetic Resources (NPCLIGR) centre award

6. Institutional Team Award (Biocontrol) from Entomological Science Academy (ESA), SKUAST, Jammu

7. Senior Scientist Award from Entomological Science Academy, SKUAST, Jammu

8. Scientist Award from Dr. B. Vasantharaj David Foundation, Chennai