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Faculty - Botany

Dr. M.G. Sanilkumar

Assistant Professor and Head

M.Sc., PhD

(Head of the Department & Member of Senate, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottatyam, Kerala)

Education:

  • Ph.D  in Marine Sciences : Cochin University of Science & Technology
  • M.Sc Botany :  SNM College Maliankara (MG  University)
  • B.Sc Botany :  Sree Sankara College Kalady, (MG  University)

Teaching Experience:

  • Working as Assistant Professor in the Department of Botany, SNM College, Kerala, Maliankara, Ernakulam  since 2012.

Academic Position

Name of Academic BodyName of InstitutionPositionPeriod
UG Board of StudiesMahatma Gandhi  UniversityChairperson2020-23
PG Board of StudiesMahatma Gandhi  UniversityMember2016-19
College Development CouncilMahatma Gandhi  UniversityMember2020-23

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Principal Investigator: Investigations on Algal Blooms in Central Kerala, Major Research Project funded by KSCSTE, 2016-19. (Total outlay: Rs. 26,11,672/-)

Publications:

  1. Ratheesh Narayanan, C.N. Sunil., Shaju, T., Sanilkumar, MG., Rijuraj, M.P. & Simi, M.S. 2023. Fimbristylis jaleeliana, a new species of Cyperaceae from Kerala, India. Phytotaxa, 626:3; https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.626.3.7
  2. Divya P V and Sanilkumar M.G., 2021. Phytoplankton diversity and its environmental drivers in a backwater inlet of central Kerala, southwest India, Inland Water Biology, (Springerlink), 14: 691–698. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1995082921110018
  3. Sanilkumar M.G, Nithya M.V., Divya P.V and Baiju E.C, 2021. Fimbristylis sunilii (Cyperaceae): A new species from Southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India. Phytotaxa, 527 (1): 083–088, https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.527.1.9.
  4. N. Sunil., Salim P.M., Ratheesh Narayanan, Nithya V.M., Sanilkumar M.G and Anilkumar N, 2021. Neanotis prabhuii, a new species of Rubiaceae from Western Ghats, India. Phytotaxa, 527 (3): 234–238 https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.527.3.8
  5. Sanilkumar M.G, Akshath S, Nithish T.R, Divya P.V, Roshni T.R, Priyanka M.V and Lidiya V.S, The impact of floods on phytoplankton assemblages along the downstream waters of Periyar and Chalakkudy rivers, central Kerala. Book of abstracts, Prof. TV Desikachary Birth Centenary International Symposium on Biodiversity, Biology and Biotechnology of Algae, held at CAS in Botany, University of Madras, Chennai
  6. Krishna Geethu MG and Sanilkumar, MG, 2019. Indigenous knowledge of coastline sacred groves in Central Kerala, India. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge (CSIR), 18:541-546. http://nopr.niscair.res.in/ handle/ 123456789/ 49370
  7. Sanilkumar, M. G*., Akshath Shenoy., Nitheesh T.N, Divya P.V and Roshni T.R.2019. The Impact Of Flood On Microalgae Along The Lower Reaches Of Periyar And Chalakkudy Rivers’ Proceedings in 31st Kerala Science Congress, held at Fatima Matha college, Kollam.
  8. Akshath Shenoy*, Nitheesh T.N Divya P.V and Sanilkumar M.G.
  9. Effect of Flood on Microalgae Diversity In Edamalayar Reservoir Of Central Kerala.  Published in book of abstract In International Seminar On Recent Advances In Plant Sciences organized by PG Department Of Botany, St Alberts College, Ernakulam.
  10. Roshni T.R. Sanilkumar, M.G and Sreejit, C. M. The phyto chemical analysis of some selected seaweeds of Malabar Coast, Kerala. Published in book of abstract In International Seminar on Recent Advances in Plant Sciences organized by PG Department Of Botany, St Alberts College, Ernakulam.
  11. Sanilkumar, M. G*., Akshath Shenoy., Nitheesh T.N, Divya P.V and Roshni T.R. 2018. ‘Physico-chemical characteristics and phytoplankton diversity of selected fresh water bodies of central Kerala in light of Microcystis bloom’. Published in book of abstract in International Biodiversity Congress, FRI, Dehradun,
  12. Divya, P.V.* & Sanilkumar, M.G. 2018. Phytoplankton Dynamics And Productivity Of Estuarine And Inland Water Bodies Of Central Kerala. Published in book of abstract in International Biodiversity Congress, FRI, Dehradun.
  13. Prince, T. R., Akshath Shenoy, Divya, P.V & Sanilkumar,M.G. Phytoplankton biomass and primary productivity in the selected freshwater systems of central Kerala. Proceedings in 30th Kerala Science Congress, held at Govt. Brennen College, Thalassery.
  14. Akshath Shenoy, Prince, T.R., Divya, P.V & Sanilkumar M.G. 2017. Microalgae in Edamalayar reservoir of Central Kerala: A preliminary study. Seaweed Research Utilization association (SRUA). Vol 39(2): 35-38.
  15. Divya, P.V., Prince, T.R, Viswam Murali & Sanilkumar,G. 2017. Distribution of microalgae in Azhikkode and Chettuva estuaries of Central Kerala. Proceedings of the UGC National seminar on Marine Ecosystem Health- MEH 2017, organized by Dept. Of Marine biology Microbiology and Biochemistry CUSAT Cochin.
  16. Divya, P .V ., Prince, T.R., Akshath shenoy & Sanilkumar,M.G. 2017 Seasonal distribution of microalgae in selected estuaries of Central Kerala. Proceedings in National symposium on Algal diversity and resource status organised by Seaweed research and utilization association, and Krishnamurthy institute of Algology at VOC college Tuticorin.
  17. Divya, P.V., Prince, T.R., Akshath shenoy & Sanilkumar,M.G 2017. A comparative investigation on phytoplankton diversity and a bloom event in Chimmony reservoir, Central Kerala. Proceedings in 10th NABS National conference on Recent trends in Life science at Bharathiyar university Coimbatore,
  18. Prince, T. R., Akshath shenoy, Divya, P.V & Sanilkumar,M.G. 2017. Cyanophycean algal bloom dominated by Microcystis aeruginosa in Chimmony Reservoir, Central Kerala. Proceedings in National symposium on Algal diversity and resource status organised by Seaweed research and utilization association, and Krishnamurthy institute of Algology at VOC college Tuticorin.
  19. V. V. Naveen Kumar, C. N. Sunil, C. R. Remya Krishnan, M. G. Sanilkumar & E.C. Baiju, 2017.  A new species of Eriocaulon (Eriocaulaceae) from Southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India. Webbia: Journal of Plant Taxonomy & Geography, https://doi.org/10.1080/00837792.2017.1369690.
  20. V. Naveen Kumar,  M.K., Ratheesh Narayanan , C.N. Sunil, M.G. Sanilkumar &  E.C. Baiju , 2016. Isodon purpurescence (Lamiaceae), a new species from Western Ghats, Kerala, India. Taiwania: International Journal of Life Sciences,61:13-15.
  21. N. Sunil, V.V. Naveen Kumar K.H. Amita Bachan and M.G. Sanilkumar, 2015. Anisochilus shoolamudianus (Lamiaceae). a new species from Western Ghats, India. Webbia: Journal of Plant Taxonomy and Geography http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00837792.2015.1053178.
  22. Saramma A.V., Anit M Thomas, Sanilkumar M.G, Vijayalakshmi K.C, and Mohamed Hatha A.A, 2014. Monitoring of algal blooms along the southwest coast of India during 2008 to 2012, In Marine and fresh-water Harmful algae, Proceedings of the 16th international Conference on harmful algae. A. Lincoln MacKenzie (Ed.) 278-281, Wellington, New Zealand.
  23. N. Sunil, V.V. Naveen Kumar and M.G. Sanilkumar, 2014. A new species of Garnotia (Poaceae) from Kerala, India. J.Bot. Res.Inst.Texas, 8:517-521.
  24. Anit M. Thomas, Sanilkumar, M.G., Vijayalakshmi, K.C., Mohamed Hatha A.A. and Saramma A.V. Proboscia alata (Brightwell) Sandström bloom in the coastal waters off Bekal, southwest India. Current Science, 106:1643-1646.
  25. M. Thomas, M. G. Sanilkumar, K. C. Vijayalakshmi, A. A. Mohamed Hatha and A. V. Saramma 2014. Dynamic Changes in Bacterial Population and Corresponding Exoenzyme Activity in Response to a Tropical Phytoplankton Bloom Chattonella marina. Journal of Marine Biology, Article ID 918614, 6 pages http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/918614
  26. Sanilkumar, M.G, J. Joseph and A.V. Saramma 2013. Distribution of planktonic microalgae along the estuarine and coastal regions of Kerala. In:“Estuaries of India: Biodiversity, Ecology, Conservation and Management, D.V. Rao (Ed.) (ISBN: 978 93 82258 05 6, NBI, Kolkatta) pp 241-270.
  27. Sanilkumar, M.G., Anit M. Thomas, Vijayalakshmi, K.C., Mohamed Hatha A.A. and Saramma A.V. 2012. Chattonella marina bloom in the coastal Sea off Mahe, Southwest India. Current Science, 103:624-626.
  28. Sanilkumar, M.G, V. Saramma K.J. Joseph and L.B. Cahoon 2011. Monsoon effects on biomass and composition of microphytobenthic diatoms in Cochin Estuary, Southwest India. Journal of North Carolina Academy of Sciences, (NCAS, USA), 127:1-12.
  29. Sanilkumar M.G., Anit M. Thomas, Padmakumar, K.B, Shyam Kumar S., Mohamed Hatha A.A., Sanjeevan V.N and  V. Saramma 2010. Blooms of phytoplankton along the near-shore waters of SW India. Paper presented at the National seminar on Indian Ocean Marine Living Resources (INDOMLR) organized by CMLRE, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Kochi. Book of abstracts, pp. 36-37.
  30. Sanilkumar, M.G, J. Joseph and A.V. Saramma 2010. Diversity of phytoplankton along the Southwest coast of India. Paper presented at the 1st Indian Biodiversity Congress (IBC), Thiruvananthapuram, Book of abstracts, p.150.
  31. Anit M. Thomas, Sanilkumar M.G. and A.V. Saramma 2010. Bacteria associated with Protoperidinium Paper presented at the National seminar on Indian Ocean Marine Living Resources (INDOMLR) organized by CMLRE, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Kochi. Book of abstracts, pp. 36-37.
  32. K.C, Shyam Kumar. S, Sanilkumar. M. G, Anit. M. Thomas, A.V. Saramma and V.N. Sanjeevan 2010. Optimization of culture conditions of Prymnesium parvum Carter. Paper presented at the National seminar on Indian Ocean Marine Living Resources (INDOMLR) organized by CMLRE, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Kochi. Book of abstracts, pp. 36-37.
  33. Sanilkumar, M.G, V. Saramma and K.J. Joseph. Vertical distribution of microphytobenthos in Cochin estuary, 2009. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India, 51:61-68.
  34. Sanilkumar, G, K.B. Padmakumar, N.R. Menon, V.N. Sanjeevan K.J. Joseph and A.V. Saramma 2009. Algal Blooms along the coastal waters of southwest India during 2005-08. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India, 51:69-74.
  35. Sanilkumar, G, Anit M. Thomas, S. Syamkumar, Rosamma Philip, V.N. Sanjeevan and A.V. Saramma 2009. First report of Protoperidinium bloom from Indian waters. Harmful Algae News, published by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), UNESCO, Vol.39.
  36. Jithesh Krishnan, R and Sanilkumar, M.G, 2009. Microcystis aeruginosa bloom in a high altitude lake in the Western Ghats of India. Harmful Algae News, published by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), UNESCO, Paris 40.
  37. Sanilkumar, G, K.B. Padmakumar, N.R. Menon, V.N. Joseph K.J. and A.V. Saramma 2009. Distribution of toxic microalgae along the Kerala coast, paper presented at the National conference on recent developments in cultured algae, organized by OASTC, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam. Book of abstracts, pp. 36-37.
  38. Sanilkumar, M.G and K.J. Joseph. Benthic microalgae in Southeast coast of India 2012. In, ‘Marine benthic microalgae of India – A monograph’ (published by Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India).
  39. Padmakumar, K.B., Sanilkumar, G., Saramma A. V. Sanjeevan V. N and N. R. Menon 2008. Microcystis eruginosa bloom on Southwest coast of India. Harmful Algae News, published by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), UNESCO, Paris, vol. 37.
  40. Padmakumar, K. B. Sanilkumar, G. Saramma, A. V., Sanjeevan V. N. and N. R. Menon 2008. “Green tide” of Noctiluca miliaris in the Northern Arabian sea. Harmful Algae News, Published by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), UNESCO, Paris vol. 36.
  41. Padmakumar, K.B., Sanilkumar, G., Saramma A. V. and N. R. Menon 2007. A ‘Red tide’ caused by the diatom Coscinodiscus along the Southwest coast of India. Harmful Algae News, published by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), UNESCO, Paris, vol. 35.
  42. Sanilkumar, M.G and K. John Thomas Macrophytes of Muriyad wetland and Implications of the Recent Invasion of Limnocharis flava, (L), Buch. 3rd Kerala Environment Congress, held at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Book of Abstracts.
  43. Sanilkumar, M.G and K. John Thomas Indigenous medicinal usages of some wetland/wetland associated macrophytes of the Muriyad wetland, in Vembanad-Kol, Ramsar site, Kerala. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge (CSIR), 6:365-367
  44. Padmakumar, K.B. Sanilkumar, G., Saramma A. V. and N. R. Menon 2007. Harmful microalgae of the Indian EEZ. 8th Asian Fisheries Forum, Book of Abstracts, pp: 270.
  45. Sanilkumar, M.G and K. John Thomas, Fringe plants of Muriyad wetlands (Part of Vembanad-Kol Ramsar site) and its economic importance. Journal of Economic and Taxonomic Botany, 31: 123-132.
  46. Sanilkumar, M.G and K. John Thomas, Diversity and seasonal variation of algae in Muriyad wetland. (Part of Vembanad- Kol wetlands – Ramsar Site). Journal of Economic and Taxonomic Botany, 30: 656-666.
  47. Sanilkumar, M.G. and K. John Thomas, 2005. Macrophytes of Muriyad wetlands: Ecological role in relation to rice cultivation and fishing. In: Aquatic Ecosystems- Conservation, Restoration and Management. T.V. Ramachandra, N., Ahalya and C. Rajasekharamurthy (Eds.) Capital Publishers, New Delhi174-177.
  48. Sanilkumar, M.G. and K. John Thomas, 2005. Traditional medicinal usages of some macrophytes of the Muriyad wetland system, in Vembanad-Kol, Ramsar site, Kerala. Proceedings of the National seminar on Wetland Resources of India. Organized by LAK.
  49. Harikrishnan, E., Sanilkumar, M.G., Rejil, T., Sivadasan, K.K., Saramma, A.V. and K.J Joseph, Marine Microphytobenthos from Southern Coast of India. Presented at the International Conference on Science & Technology for Sustainable Development, SB College, Changanassery, Kerala. (Abstracts) p.47.
  50. John Thomas K., S. Sreekumar, K.K Subhash Babu,G. Sanilkumar and Raju Varghese, 2003. Emerging trends of land use practices and its implications on the ecology and species diversity of Muriyad wetlands within the Vembanad-kol, Ramsar Site. Regional seminar on the Ramsar Site wetlands of Kerala, CWRDM, Kozhikode (Abstracts) p.61
  51. Sanilkumar, M.G. and K. John Thomas 2002. Species diversity of Desmids in Muriyad wetlands. Proceedings of the National seminar on Ecology and Conservation of Wetlands, organized by LAK, pp 89-91.
  52. Sanilkumar, M.G. and T.V. Ramachandra, 2002. Riparian vegetation of Saravathi River, Shimoga district, Karnataka (selected sites). Proceedings of the National seminar on Current Environmental Problems and Management, organized by Christ College, Irinjalakkuda, pp 43-47.

Presentations

  • Participated as Resource Person and delivered a talk on ‘Basic Morphology of Diatoms’ in the 3rd National workshop on Algal Taxonomy and culturing” sponsored by Directorate of Environment & Climate Change, of Kerala held at Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta, October, 2022.
  • Participated as Resource Person and delivered a talk on “Significance of Wetlands” in a Seminar in connection with the world wetland day celebration conducted by Department of Botany, Scott Christian college, Nagercoil, Tamilnadu, 2021
  • Participated as Resource Person and delivered an talk on “ Wetlands: Supporting life, sustaining livelihoods” in a Seminar, connection with the world environment day celebration conducted by Department of Zoology, Mar Ivanios College Thiruvananthapuram, 2021
  • Participated as Resource Person and delivered a talk on “ Wetlands: Sustaining life, supporting livelihoods” in a Seminar in connection with the world wetland day celebration conducted by Department of Zoology, Sri Bhuvanedra College, Karkala, Karnataka, 2020.
  • Participated as Resource Person and delivered a talk on ‘Fundamentals of Diatom Analysis’ in the “2nd National workshop on Algal Taxonomy and culturing” sponsored by KSCSTE, held at Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta, September,
  • Participated as Resource Person and delivered a talk on “Wetlands and water” in a Seminar in connection with the world wetland day celebration conducted by Department of Botany, Bharatmata college, Thrikkakkara, 2019
  • Participated as Resource Person and delivered a talk on “Caring of Wetlands: an Answer to Climate Change” in a Seminar in connection with the world wetland day celebration conducted by Nature club, Al-Ameen College, Edathala, in collaboration with KSCSTE,
  • Participated as Resource Person and delivered a talk on in the six-day workshop “Coastal and Estuarine Ecosystem Conservation And Management” as a part of environmental management training 2018 sponsored by KSCSTE and conducted by Department of Botany, Maharajas College, Ernakulam, Kerala,
  • Participated as Resource Person and delivered a talk on ‘Climate change and Ecosystems: with special reference to Harmful Algal Blooms’, in the National Seminar on Recent advances in Science & Technology, at NSS College Ottapalam, 2018.
  • Participated as Resource Person and delivered a talk on ‘Wetlands for Sustainable development’, in the National Seminar on Wetland resources of Kerala at NSS College Ottapalam, 2018.
  • Participated as Resource Person and delivered a talk on ‘Conservation of Natural Resources with Emphasis on Wetland Ecosystems’, in the National Seminar on Conservation of Natural Resources at Michael’s College, Cherthala, Kerala, 2017”.
  • Participated as Resource Person and delivered a talk on ‘Wetlands: Supporting Life, Sustaining livelihoods, in the National Seminar Wetlands resources at MES College, Kodungallur, Kerala, 2017
  • Participated as Resource Person and delivered a talk on ‘Wetlands: for sustaining livelihoods, in the National Seminar Wetlands resources at MES Kalladi College, Mannarkkad, Kerala, 2017.
  • Participated as Resource Person and delivered a talk on ‘Marine Algae with Special Reference to Algal Blooms in the National seminar on Glimpses in to the diversity of lower group of plants, Organized by PG Department of Botany, Maharajas College, Ernakulam, Kerala,
  • Participated as Resource Person and delivered a talk on ‘Importance of Algae: A Special Reference to the Seaweeds of South India’ in the National Seminar on taxonomy, diversity and ecology of lesser known algae and fungi ‘Organized by department of Botany, Government College Chittur, Kerala, 2015.
  • Participated as Resource Person and delivered a talk on ‘Investigations on the recent algal blooms of Kerala’ in the National seminar on Taxonomy and Ecology of Freshwater Algae, Organized by Research department of Botany, St. Alberts College, Ernakulam, Kerala, 2014.
  • Participated as Resource Person and delivered a talk on ‘Algae along the Kerala coast’ in the National seminar on Biodiversity Conservation with Special Emphasis on Lower group of Plants, Organized by PG department of Botany, Govt. Brennen College, Dharmadam, Kerala, 2013.

Participation in Seminar, Conference and Workshop

International
  • Participated presented a paper in Prof. TV Desikachary Birth Centenary International Symposium on Biodiversity, Biology and Biotechnology of Algae, held at CAS in Botany, University of Madras, 2020.
  • Participated in the International Conference on Benthos, held at Cochin University of Science & Technology, Kochi March, 2019.
  • Participated and presented a paper on Microcystis bloom at the International Biodiversity Congress, held at Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, October, 2018.
  • Participated and presented a paper on Microalgae along the Southwest coast of India at the European Union sponsored International workshop on Marine Primary Productivity, Kochi, May, 2013.
  • Participated and presented a paper in “MECOS”, International Symposium on Marine Ecosystems; Opportunities and Challenges, organized by Marine Biological Association of India, held at Kochi, February 2009.
  • Participated and presented a poster in the 8th Asian Fisheries Forum, organized by Asian Fisheries Society, held at Kochi, November 2007.
  • Participated in the International Conference on Science & Technology for Sustainable Development, at SB College, Changanassery, Kerala, 2005.
  • Participated and presented a paper in International Symposium on Conservation, Restoration and Management of Aquatic Ecosystems, ‘Lake 2002’, organized by KERF and CES, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, December 2002.
  • Participated in ‘LIMGIS’, a winter school on Essentials in Limnology and GIS, organized by Karnataka Environment Research Foundation and Centre for Ecological Sciences, IISc, Bangalore, December 2001.
National
  • Participated and presented a paper entitled ‘The Impact Of Flood On Microalgae Along The Lower Reaches Of Periyar And Chalakkudy Rivers’ at 31st Kerala Science Congress, held at Fatima matha college, Kollam, 2019.
  • Participated and presented a paper entitled ‘First report of potential toxic Cyanophycean bloom Microcystis aeruginosa in the reservoir of Chimmony Wild Life Sanctuary’ at 30th Kerala Science Congress, held at Govt. Brennen College, Thalassery, 2018.
  • Participated and presented a paper on Algal blooms along the near shore waters of Kerala: An evidence of rising sea surface temperature along Kerala coast in the National Seminar on Climate Change and Marine Ecosystems. Organized by Department of Marine Biology, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Cochin, 2014.

Ph.D Details

  • Received PhD from Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi, in 2009, for the thesis entitled “ Microalgae in the Southwest coast of India”.

Guide ship Details:

  • Recognized as Research Guide of Mahatma Gandhi, in December, 2015