Research Projects

Research

The Dept. of Agronomy the research is oriented towards crops and cropping system based agronomic research for sustainable crop production, to develop contingent crop plan / alternate cropping pattern / diversified farm activities and problem solving agronomic research and cost effective agro-techniques for higher benefits.

The Agro Climate Research Centre (ACRC) is doing basic and applied meteorological research viz., crop – weather – weed – pest & disease interactions, climate change and climate variability, mitigation and adaption option for climate change, micrometeorology, crop weather modeling and numerical weather models, astrometeorology and ITKs in weather forecast, GHG emission and GIS and remote sensing. 

The Department of Crop Physiology, with its advanced laboratory and infrastructure facilities, works on basic, applied and molecular physiology research to create excellent human resources and develop innovative technologies to farming community. Major research areas are viz., developing nutrient and PGR based consortia to enhance the productivity and quality of major crops, exploiting the physiological traits for improving photosynthetic efficiency in crops, abiotic stress management, postharvest physiological studies for enhancing the shelf life and quality.

The Sustainable Organic Agriculture (SOA) is doing basic and applied research on organic agriculture viz., study, analysis and validation of organic agricultural practices, eco-friendly management of on-farm resources, maintenance of soil health and ecosystem, non-chemical pest and disease management.

The Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry is involved in research on integrated farming system, fodder production and processing, economics, etc.

Ongoing Research Project at Directorate of Crop Management

  1. Climate Change Adaptations and Mitigation: Technology outreach through collaborations and capacity building (ClimaAdapt-IC) sponsored by Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway
  2. Collaborative adaptation pathways for agricultural water management in Bhavani basin, India sponsored by NAS, USA under PEER program.
  3. Enhancing climate change adaptive capacity and agriculture productivity in Parambikulam Aliyar Basin (PAP) area through ICTs and other technological interventions sponsored by GOI-DST-WOS-B/KIRAN
  4. Neem seed yield prediction exploring weather and physiological interactions sponsored by M/s. Coromandal International Ltd.Chennai
  5. Enhancing soil health and crop productivity under warmer climate using value added agro-waste from sugar industry sponsored by M/s. E.I.D. Parry (India) Ltd., Chennai
Name of the scientist Name of the scheme, sponsor Years & Budget (Rs. In Lakhs)
Dr. P. Jeyakumar – PI

 

 

 

 

 

 

Physiological studies using lipo-chito oligosaccharides in maize and soybean.

Sponsor: Novozymes South Asia

2011- 2013

& 10.24

Nutriophysiological changes during growth and postharvest behavior of leguminous vegetables. Sponsor: Novozymes South Asia 2013-2014

& 8.68

Shelf life and quality improvement in banana and mango fruits using 1- MCP technology.

Sponsor: UGC, New Delhi

2013-2017

& 11.26

Physiological changes due to Nativo 75WG (Trifloxystrobin 25% +Tebuconazole 50%) in onion, cotton, ground nut and chillies.

Sponsor: Bayer Crop Science

2014 – 2015

& 15.09

Postharvest physiological changes in tomato, banana and papaya due to Fluopyram and Tebuconazole. Sponsor: Bayer CropScience 2014 – 2016

& 8.26

Physiological evaluation of Green Miracle (anti-transpirant) in tomato and onion.

Sponsor: T.Stanes

2016 – 2017

& 6.06

Studies on physiological and molecular basis for action of bio-stimulant, Vasicine in tomato.

Sponsor: EID Parry (India)

2017 – 2019

& 20.12

Physiological characterization and approaches for yield and quality improvement of  TCH 1819 Cotton and evaluation under water deficit.  Sponsor: GOTAG Phase II 2018 – 2020

4.00

PI

Dr P Jeyakumar

Co-PI

Dr.C.N. Chandrasekhar,

Dr.T.Sivakumar,

Dr.S.Srinivasan,

Dr.N.Sritharan

Development of crop specific foliar formulations for yield enhancement in selected crops (rice, red gram, sesame and finger millet) under normal & water deficit environments.

Sponsor: GOTAG Phase I

 

& 4.00
Dr.P Jeyakumar PI/

Dr.N.Sritharan-Co-PI

Production of TNAU Coconut Tonic & Crop Boosters (Coimbatore) Sponsor: TNAU-VCS. 2014 onwards

150.00 per year approx.

Dr. P Jeyakumar Co-PI M-Velanmai: Agricultural Extension Advisory System. Sponsor: TN-IAMP (NADP) 2017- 2023

& 125.00

Research on Sustainable cocoa production in Tamil Nadu. Sponsor: India- Mondelez, UK 2013- 2018

& 449

 

Dr.P Jeyakumar Co-PI

UGC- SAP Departmental Research Support Level 1. Sponsor: UGC,  New Delhi 2012- 2017

& 48.50

DST-FIST Programme for Science and Technology. Sponsor: DST, New Delhi 2011- 2016

& 57.00

Dr .P Jeyakumar-Co-PI Root zone technology for bioremoval of heavy metals. Sponsor: UGC,  New Delhi 2012- 2015

& 8.27

Dr. A. Senthil – PI Evaluation of rice hybrids for high yield under drought condition.

Sponsor:  Bayer BioScience, Hyderabad

2014 –2017

& 4.25

Mitigation of drought using a new growth regulating compound Melatonin in pulses

Sponsor: GOTAG Phase IV

2018-19

& 1.5

Dr.D. Vijayalakshmi- PI

 

Marker Assisted Introgression of QTLs controlling heat tolerance related traits into elite rice genotypes of Tamil Nadu for adaptation to climate change. Sponsor:DBT, New Delhi 2015 – 2018

& 37.09

Marker assisted introgression of Sub1 locus conferring tolerance to flooding into elite rice varieties of Tamil Nadu. Sponsor:DBT,New Delhi 2010 – 2014

& 15.26

Multi- site monitoring network of canopy micrometeorology and heat stresses of rice under the climate change. Sponsor: NIAES, Japan. 2016 – 2019

& 6.66.

D. Vijayalakshmi –

Co-PI

Programme Support for developing resilient rice through genomics: Ensuring rice productivity under warming climate and molecular dissection of heat tolerance related traits. Sponsor:DBT, New Delhi 2016 to 2021

& 86.85

Molecular breeding for developing drought tolerant Ahu rice cultivars suitable for upland ecosystem.  Sponsor:DBT, New Delhi 2012 to 2015

& 19.00.

D. Vijayalakshmi –

Co-PI

Safeguarding Asian Rice Production From a Rapidly Warming Climate.

Sponsor: IRRI, Philippines & BMZ, Germany

2012-2014

& 30.87.

Development of heat tolerant rice.

Sponsor: IRRI, Philippines

2014 –2015

& 4.88.

Development of salinity stress resistance in rice varieties. Sponsor: IRRI, Philippines 2009- 2014

& 76.59.

Dr.V.Ravichandran as CO PI Oxidative stress tolerance to develop saline tolerant lines through screening of EMS rice mutants Sponsor: UGC 2013 to 2016 & 10.87
Dr.V.Ravichandran as PI Field Evaluation of JUMP START ( Pencillium Bilaii, a Phosphate solubilizing  fungus)  in Rice Sponsor: M/s. Novozymes South Asia PVT. LTD. Bangalore 2013 to 2015

& 4.60

Dr. S. Srinivasan – PI Studies on the impact of foliar spray of different silicon sources on growth ,  productivity and quality of  tomato (Lycopersicon  esculentum L.)

Sponsor: GOTAG Phase IV

2018-19

& 1.5

Dr. M. Djanaguiraman – PI Targeting activated oxygen quenching in plants using nanometals to increase crop yield under abiotic stress conditions.

Sponsor: ICAR, India

2015 –2016

& 8.7.

 

 

2018-2019

& 2.0

Improving drought and high temperature tolerance of greengram through application of nanoparticles mimicking antioxidant activity.

Sponsor: GOTAG Phase IV

Dr. M. Djanaguiraman

Co-PI

Enhanced preservation of fruits using nanotechnology, IDRC, Canada 2014 –2018

& 665.

Nano-based smart delivery of agri-inputs to promote pulses productivity.

Sponsor: DST, Govt. of India

2017 -2020

& 163.

Dr. N. Sritharan PI Physiological evaluation of Bio-yield enhancing products (LCO and bio-stimulants) on tomato, hot pepper and potato.

Sponsor: Novozyme South Asia Private Limited, Bangalore

2016-18

& 11.00

Dr. N. Sritharan                         Co-PI

 

 

Water harvesting technology to cope with climate variability in dryland agriculture in Tamil Nadu.

Sponsor: ICAR-NICRA, Hyderabad

2011-2014

& 125.0

TFL Seed Production in CO 6 Green gram at ARS, Kovilpatti. Sponsor: RKVY Scheme. 2012-14

& 1.0

Seed production in chillies at ARS, Kovilpatti. Sponsor: National Horticultural Mission. 2013-2015

& 1.0

Dr. M.Rajavel

 

 

 

 

 

 

Development of Agro Advisory Services using Automatic Weather Station data at block level in Tamil Nadu. Sponsor: Govt.  of Tamil Nadu under NADP 2012 – 2014 &

350

Expansion of Automatic Weather Station Network in 88 Blocks of Tamil Nadu. Sponsor: Govt.  of Tamil Nadu under NADP 2011- 2014 & 717.60
Expansion of Automatic Weather Station Network in 73 Blocks of Tamil Nadu. Sponsor: Govt.  of Tamil Nadu under NADP 2011 -2014 & 576.35
Yield forecasting for Rice, Maize and Groundnut in western zones of Tamil Nadu using space, Agro meteorology and land based observations. Sponsor: India Meteorological Department
(IMD), New Delhi
2011 – 2018 & 9.03
TNIAMP – Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernization Project – Phase I for the year 2018-2019 (TNAU Component for the 2017 to 2023). Sponsor: World Bank through Govt. of Tamil Nadu 2017 -2023

2018-2019 &

32.31

Revolving fund for the Seed Production in Horticultural Crops RF/ARS-BSR/003. Sponsor: ICAR Mega Seed Project 2017 -2018 & 15
TNIAMP – Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernization Project – Phase I.  for the year 2017-2018 (TNAU Component  for the 2017 to 2023). Sponsor: World Bank through Govt. of Tamil Nadu 2017 -2023

(For the year 2017-2018) & 35.15

Empowerment of Farmers through special programme on the market-led precision farming system. Sponsor: NADP (RKVY) 2013 -2015 & 98.40
Maintenance of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) through sale of data. Sponsor: TNAU 2011   – 2014 &

Dr.V.Babu Rajendra Prasad -PI

Dr. A. Senthil – Co-PI

Physiological and Molecular dissection of Greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) genotypes for Drought and High Temperature Stress Tolerance. Sponsor: DST-SERB. 2017 – 2020

& 46.02

Dr.V.Babu Rajendra Prasad –  PI Screening, evaluation and identification of suitable blackgarm varieties for coastal saline areas. Sponsor: GOTAG Phase IV 2018-2019

& 1.5

Externally funded project

S. No. Title of the Project PI / Co-PI Budget (Rs.in lakhs) Duration Sponsor
1. Marker Assisted Introgression of QTLs controlling heat tolerance related traits into elite rice genotypes of Tamil Nadu for adaptation to climate change Dr. D. Vijayalakshmi, Associate Professor 37.09 2015 – 2018

 

DBT, New Delhi
2. Physiological evaluation of rice genotypes for multiple stress tolerance Dr. K. Vanitha

Assistant Professor

24.7 2016-2019 GOI-DST-SERB
3.  Physiological and Molecular dissection of Greengram (Vigna radiate (L) Wilezek) genotypes for Drought and High Temperature Stress Tolerance Dr.V. Babu Rajendraprasad Assistant Professor 10.40 2017 – 2020 GOI-DST-SERB
4. Physiological assessment of bio-stimulants mediated crop yield and quality improvement PI:  Dr. P. Jeyakumar, Professor and Head

Co-PI: Dr. V.Ravichandran, Associate Professor

57.00 2019 – 2021 Valagro SpA, Italy
5. Canopy micro metrology and heat stresses of rice for evaluating the adaption strategies under climate change Dr. D. Vijayalakshmi, Associate Professor 2.22

 

2019-2022 NIAES Japan

URPs/Core projects

S. No. Title of the Project PI / Co-PI Budget (Rs.) Duration
1. DCM/CBE/CRP/CSF/2018/CP009
Development of Crop Specific foliar formulations for yield enhancement in selected crops (rice, red gram, sesame and finger millet) under normal and water deficit conditions  
Dr. P. Jeyakumar,

Professor and Head ,

Department of Crop Physiology

4,00,000 2018-2020
2. DCM/CBE/CRP/COT2018/CP128
Physiological dissection of defoliation at boll maturity in cotton
Dr. V.Ravichandran 1,50,000 2018-2020
3. DCM/ CBE/ CRP/ COT/ 2018/ CP061 Physiological characterization and approaches for yield  and quality improvement of  TCH 1819 Cotton and evaluation under water deficit Dr.P.Jeyakumar, Professor & Head (Crop Physiology)

 

4,00,000 2018-2020
4. DCM/CBE/CRP/VEG/2018/CP131

Studies on the impact of foliar spray of different silicon sources on growth, productivity and quality of tomato (Lycopersicon  esculentum L.)

Dr.S. Srinivasn 1,50,000 2018-2020
5. DCM/CBE/CRP/GGR/2018/CP129 Improving Drought Tolerance of Greengram Through Application of Nanoparticles Mimicking Antioxidant Activity Dr. M. Djanaguiraman

 

2,00,000 2019 – 2021
6. DCM/CBE/CRP/BGR/2018/CP130  Screening, evaluation and identification of suitable blackgram varieties for saline areas Dr.V. Babu Rajendra Prasad

 

1,50,000/- 2019 – 2021
7. DCM/CBE/CRP/CGR/2018/CP127 Mitigation of drought using a new growth regulating compound Melatonin in greengram Dr. A. Senthil 1,50,000 2019 – 2020
8. DCM/CBE/CRP/SOR/2019/001

Assessment of  Nanoceria Toxicity at different trophic levels and its influence on sorghum yield under terminal drought stress

Dr. M.Djanaguiraman, Asst. Prof. (Crop Physiology)

Dr.R.Raghu, Asst. Prof. (AGM)

2019-2021

Bioefficacy study

S. No. Title of the Project PI / Co-PI Budget (Rs.) Duration Sponsor
1. Evaluation of Bioefficacy and phytotoxicity of Bayer Crop Science Plant

Growth Regulator ambition in grape

Dr.A.Senthil 3,31,108 2019 –  2020 M/s.Bayer Crop Science Ltd, Coimbatore
2. Evaluating the efficacy of BOOM FOL, on growth attributes physiological and yield parameters in Tomato and Bhendi Dr.V. Babu Rajendra Prasad

 

3,31,108 2019 – 2020 M/s. Devi Crop science

Chennai

3. Evaluating the efficacy of Amaze XL and Biozyme Fruit Plus on grape crop health and yield Dr. M. Djanaguiraman

 

3,31,108 2019 – 2020 M/s Biostadt India Limited, Mumbai