Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Multidisciplinary, General Agricultural and Biological Sciences
20
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Optimizing Growth and Yield of Cotton: Exploring Pruning and Drip Fertigation Techniques on ELS Cotton CO14 N. Vijayaragavan, K. Vaiyapuri, N. Thavaprakash, A. Kamalakannan, V. Balasubramani Agricultural Science Digest, 2025 Background: Cotton, a perennial crop, can greatly benefit from pruning, which assists in rejuvenating aged plants and enhancing yields comparable to those of the primary crop. However, research on pruning (ratooning) cotton remains limited. In this study, we investigated the effects of pruning and drip fertigation on yield and yield characteristics of ELS cotton CO14. Methods: The study was conducted in a farmer's field in Nallur village, Bhavanisagar block, Erode district, Tamil Nadu, India, using a split-plot design replicated thrice. Main plots received fertigation treatments (M1-75% NPK, M2-100% NPK, M3-125% NPK, M4-STCR), while subplots were designated for different pruning techniques (S1-15 cm, S2-30 cm, S3-45 cm). Result: Findings showed that drip fertigation with M3-125% NPK resulted in highest plant height (109.35 and 113.06), LAI (4.06 and 4.02), higher counts of sympodial branches plant-1 (19.73 and14.46), squares plant-1 (128.00 and108.27), bolls plant-1 (59.44 and 45.98), boll setting percentage (46.66 and 42.51), yield (28.56 and 19.34 q/ha) and HI (0.46 and 0.43) in main crop and pruned crop. Concerning pruning techniques, cotton pruned at S3-45 cm height exhibited significantly greater counts of sympodial branches plant-1 (13.76), squares plant-1 (103.44), flowers plant-1 (16.66), bolls plant-1 (36.88), boll setting percentage (35.35), yield (16.87 q/ha) and HI (0.40). Interaction analysis between main and subplot treatments revealed that 125% fertigation with 45 cm pruning height led to significantly higher counts of sympodial branches plant-1 (15.60) and flowers plant-1 (18.58). Thus, it is recommended to implement fertigation at 125% NPK+pruning at a 45 cm cut height to attain superior yields and yield characteristics.
Advances in zinc and silicon applications for maize yield enhancement: A review on nutrient efficiency and stress tolerance Maydica, 2025
Smart water management in agroecosystems: innovations and challenges in a changing climate- A review S Gourav, K Vaiyapuri, S Selvakumar, M Raju, R Jagadeeswaran Plant Science Today, 2025 Over the decade, rapid climatic changes threaten agroecosystem stability and food security. The rapid transition from natural vegetation to agricultural land results to alteration of surface energy balance. Numerous interactions occur within the agroecosystem among its diverse components. Properly understanding these interactions helps mitigate environmental impact through modern climate-smart technologies and sustainable crop water management based on unique needs. Smart water management paves the pathway, particularly in water crises phase through the use of numerous contemporary artificial intelligences, machine learning tools, agrometeorological models and Internet of Things based modern watering devices aid in the efficient use of resources both on and off farm to improve agricultural output and quality. The study's objective is reviewing core technologies including advanced sensors, internet of things, remote sensing and agrometeorological models. The highlights of this study to investigate SWM systems. A comparative analysis of existing technologies identifies challenges such as high cost, data privacy concerns and policy gap. To address these gaps, this study proposes an integrated approach that combines artificial intelligence, remote sensing and IoT framework as most effective approach, enabling real time monitoring, precise irrigation scheduling and adaptive response to climate variability. Advancing these technologies with suitable, cost effective solutions, and policy interventions is crucial for ensuring climate resilient, increasing the efficiency of the smart management system and sustainable agricultural water management.
Assessing reference evapotranspiration trends in the Amaravathi river basin Sabharwal Gourav, K Vaiyapuri, S Selvakumar, M Raju, R Jagadeeswaran, P Pavithran, S Sakthivel Plant Science Today, 2025 Evapotranspiration (ET) is a key component of the hydrological cycle and climate change has impacted its patterns, potentially leading to abnormal weather conditions. This study investigates the trends in reference evapotranspiration (ET0) over the Amaravathi river basin using monthly ET0 of AgERA5 dataset from 1979 to 2022. The result revealed that the mean annual ET0 was 1909.79 mm with a low coefficient of variation (CV) of 3.14 %, indicating stability despite seasonal fluctuations. The Southwest Monsoon (SWM) accounted for the largest share (36.20 %) of annual ETo, followed by summer (30.30 %), Northeast Monsoon (NEM) (18.48 %) and winter (15.02 %). Trend analysis using the Mann-Kendall test and Sen's slope estimation showed a significant decreasing trend in annual ET0 at a rate of 2.35 mm per year (p < 0.05), suggesting a long-term decline in evapotranspiration potential. Pettitt’s test identified a significant change point in the ET0 series, with a shift around 2003, indicating a change in the climatic regime. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) further corroborated these trends, with the first principal component (PC1) explaining 63.24 % of the variance, strongly correlating with ET0, solar radiation and mean temperature. The significant drop in ET0 over the previous few decades is highlighted in this study, highlighting the necessity of adaptive water management techniques considering shifting climatic conditions.
Assessing the genetic landscape of Kapok (Ceiba pentandra L. Gaertn) progeny trial: a cluster analysis for sustainable natural fibre resources Raziya Banoo, M Murugesh, K Vaiyapuri, B Rajagopal, K B Sujatha, J Balamurugan, P S Devanand Plant Science Today, 2025 Ceiba pentandra, commonly known as the kapok tree or silk-cotton tree, exhibits diverse ecological roles, medicinal properties, economic value, and cultural significance. In this context, thirty-plus C. pentandra (kapok) trees were selected from various locations in the Theni and Dindigul districts of Southern Tamil Nadu based on superior traits by using the comparison tree method. Harvested pods provided seeds for establishing a progeny trial to evaluate seed source variation and other associated studies. Eleven traits were examined, including pod length, pod diameter, pod weight, shell weight, lint weight, floss weight, seed weight, number of seeds, tree height, girth at breast height, and number of branches. After two years and seven months, significant variations were observed among the genotypes in terms of biometric parameters and pod attributes of C. pentandra. Most characters, including pod weight, pod length, pod diameter, and floss weight, exhibited high heritability values and substantial genetic advances as a percentage of the mean. Cluster analysis categorized the thirty genotypes into four clusters. Notably, considering floss weight as a pivotal trait due to its significance as an alternate source of natural fibres, genotypes g28, g29, and g30 (originating from Sirumalai, Dindigul) were identified as superior to other genotypes. These genotypes can be utilized for further research programs to study genetic diversity at the genome level using advanced molecular tools.
Soil-driven physiological and biometric traits in Ceiba pentandra (L. Gaertn) via cleft grafting and seed propagation in Southern India R Banoo, M Murugesh, K Vaiyapuri, B Rajagopal, J Balamurugan, I Sekar, K B Sujatha, N Yadav Plant Science Today, 2025 Ceiba pentandra, a multipurpose tree species, is widely utilized in agroforestry and afforestation projects. Evaluating its growth in diverse soil types via sexual and asexual propagation is essential for its promotion in various ecological regions. Thus, the current study was carried out to assess the growth of kapok in Tamil Nadu black soil and red laterite soil. Seeds for sexual propagation and scion wood for asexual propagation (cleft grafting) of Ceiba pentandra were obtained from four superior trees in Coimbatore and Theni districts. Six-month-old nursery-raised seedlings were used as rootstock. Seeds were sown and cleft grafting was conducted in February 2023. Both seedlings and grafts were transplanted to two study locations in September 2023. Significant variations in biometric parameters among different sources, soil types and propagation techniques were observed. CP-29 ramet recorded maximum height, volume index, greater photosynthetic rate and relative water content. Significant correlations between growth attributes and physiological traits were documented in the current study. Positive correlation between photosynthetic rate, number of leaves and stomatal conductance were noted. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that principal component 1 (PC1) accounted for 59.7% of the total variability and PC2 accounted for 35.1%. Ramets established through cleft grafting in black soil have shown favourable growth. Thus, the CP29 and MTP01 exhibited superior performances based on growth traits.
Performance of drip irrigation and fertigation levels on productivity and water requirement of aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.) under rice-chia cropping system Nunavath Umilsingh, K Vaiyapuri, Surla Pradeepkumar, Yerradoddi Sindhu Sree, Sivakumar Bobbe, Jakku Prasanna, V Venkatachalapathi, H S Latha, Narayanaswamy Jeevan, Ponna Ashwini Reddy Plant Science Today, 2025 Improving crop development and output requires efficient nutrient management, mainly when growing rice in an aerobic system using drip. Conventional rice farming and incorrect fertilizer delivery frequently result in a number of losses, including water loss, denitrification and volatilization. Split application of soluble fertilizers under drip irrigation techniques has become viable, increasing production while reducing water consumption. To address the problem, the trial was planned to find the optimum level of drip irrigation and fertigation for maximum productivity and water-use efficacy of aerobic rice. A study was conducted in the summer of 2022 and 2023 wetland farm Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The trial was operationalized using a randomized complete block design comprising 13 treatments, each duplicated thrice. Supplement of drip fertigation at the rate of 100% pan evaporation till 30 days after sowing (DAS), 150% pan evaporation till 60 DAS, 200% pan evaporation till 90 DAS with 125% recommended dose of fertilizer (25% as normal fertilizers + 75% as water-soluble fertilizers) exhibited notably greater number of productive tillers (416 and 434 m-2) and increased panicle weight (2.07 and 2.08 g) respectively in summer 2022 and 2023 as related to other treatments. The similar treatment demonstrated enhanced water-use efficacy (5.12 and 5.17 kg ha-mm-1), higher grain (4316 and 4446 kg/ha) and biological yield (9844 and 10221 kg/ha). Thus, it managed to conserve 25% and 24% of irrigation water compared to surface irrigation during both the years of the experimentations. Hence, adopting rice under the drip method in areas where water is scarce benefits the farmers.
Influence of Drip Irrigation and Fertigation Levels on Physiological Characters and Yield of Aerobic Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Nunavath Umilsingh, K. Vaiyapuri, N. Thavaprakaash, S. Selvakumar, K. Vanitha Agricultural Science Digest, 2024 Background: Water shortage is becoming severe in many rice growing areas in the world. Conventional method of irrigation, which not only consumes huge water, but also causes severe water and nutrient losses under anaerobic condition. Introduction of aerobic rice, growing high yielding rice in non-puddled and non-flooded aerobic soil with the support of external inputs like supplementary irrigation, manures and fertilizers can reduced water use and increase rice production. Methods: Study on different levels of drip irrigation and fertigation on physiological characters and yield of aerobic rice was conducted during summer 2022 and 2023 at research farm of wetland in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with thirteen treatments, replicated thrice. Result: The findings revealed that drip fertigation @ 100% PE up to 30 DAS+150% PE up to 60 DAS+200% PE up to 90 DAS with 125% RDF (25% through NF+75% through WSF) resulted significantly higher leaf area index (5.84 and 5.95), chlorophyll index (SPAD) (41.5 and 42.3) and grain yield (4315.9 and 4446.1 kg ha-1) respectively than all other treatments during both summer 2022 and 2023. However, significantly lower leaf area index (2.70 and 2.91), chlorophyll content (31.9 and 32.2) and yield (2301.0 and 2364.8 kg ha-1) observed with fertigation at 50% PE up to 30 DAS+100% PE up to 60 DAS+150% PE up to 90 DAS with 75% RDF (75% through NF+25% through WSF), respectively in summer 2022 and 2023.
Impact of Irrigation and Fertigation Levels on Growth, Yield Components and Yield of Aerobic Rice (Oryza sativa L.) under Drip System Nunavath Umil Singh, K. Vaiyapuri, N. Thavaprakaash, S. Selvakumar, K. Vanitha Indian Journal of Agricultural Research, 2023 Back ground: More than half of the world’s population depends on rice, which is grown in transplanting conditions. Due to the global water crisis, irrigated rice systems are no longer sustainable. Therefore, cultivating aerobic rice with drip irrigation and fertigation meets the crop water and nutrient requirements, results in the optimal yield. Method: A field experiment was conducted during summer 2022 and 2023 at Research Farm of Wetland in Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, to evaluate the performance of aerobic rice under drip irrigation and fertigation levels on growth and yield of Co-51 variety. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with combination of thirteen treatments, replicated thrice. Results: Among different treatments, drip fertigation @ 100% PE up to 30 DAS+150% PE up to 60 DAS+ 200% PE up to 90 DAS with 125% RDF (25% through NF+75% through WSF) resulted significantly superior growth characters viz., higher plant height (92.54 and 95.95 cm), no. of tiller m-2(469.78 and 478.42), total drymatter production m-2 (988.21 and 1025.42 g m-2), no. of filled grains panicle-1 (107.5 and 114.5), total no. of grains panicle-1 (122.6 and 127.1), fertility percentage (87.7% and 90.1%) and lower no. of ill filled grains panicle-1 (15.1 and 12.6), grain yield (4316 and 4446 kg ha-1) and straw yield (5528 and 5775 kg ha-1) as compared to others, during summer 2022 and 2023, respectively.
