A new cultivation technique of growing cotton under poly ethylene mulching followed by sowing of zero tilled rotation maize after cotton harvest without disturbing the lay out has been standardized . In this new technique, no need for weed control as the opaque mulch film do not allow the weeds to grow and water saving is 40 - % due to complete control of evaporative loss of water. The productivity of cotton as well as succeeding maize was enhanced up to 2.4 fold and 1.8 fold respectively due to favourable microclimate under poly ethylene mulching.

A paired row technique of growing cotton to accommodate 2-3 rows of intercrop ( cowpea) has been standardized. In this technique, lateral cost is reduced to 50 % for hybrid and in addition 50 % reduction of dripper cost for variety beside water saving, fertilizer saving, weed control by smothering effect of cowpea and a bonus crop of cowpea in 90 DAS without any additional input cost.

As a high tech agriculture for ELS cotton, combining drip with poly ethylene mulching resulted in significant water saving as evidenced from irrigation at 0.4 Etc was found significantly superior to 0.8 Etc through drip alone without poly mulch.

New bio inoculants strains were isolated from cotton ecosystem viz., Azospirillum ,PSB , Sulfur Oxidising Bacteria,Facultative Methlotrophs and Burkholderia The Zinc and P solubilization by CICR isolates of PSB and sulfur oxidation by CICR isolates of PPFM and compatibility of these cultures were confirmed under lab condition indicating the potential of these cultures to be used as bio inoculants consortia for N ,P,Zn and S nutrition of cotton.

Mathematical simulation models were fitted to predict the most critical stage as well as the yield loss due to weeds.

Projects Handled:

Poly Mulching for Water, Weed and Nutrient Management in Cotton based cropping system ( PI)

Investigation on the economics and efficiency of drip irrigation as compared to the conventional irrigation ( PI)

Studies on management of phosphorus for cotton based double cropping systems on long term basis ( Co PI)

Effect of VAM and enriched FYM in solubilizing water insoluble phosphorus and their residual effect on succeeding soybean ( PI for one year and Co PI on subsequent years)

Studies on the influence of micronutrients in the presence or absence of FYM/compost under varying levels of NPK application on the yield and quality of cotton under irrigated conditions ( Co PI)

Studies on the long term effect of continues application of NPK and FYM on physiological properties of soil and its relation to nutrient uptake by cotton in a fixed crop rotation ( PI for one year)

Evaluation of Cotton Based Cropping System for higher economic return ( Co PI)

Water management in barbadence cotton ( Co PI )

Influence of secondary and micronutrients on quality parameters of Cotton ( Co PI)

Exploring suitable Agro techniques for Bt cotton genotypes ( co PI )

Paid up trials:

Testing of new herbicides for bio efficacy ( PI)

Agronomic evaluation of Bt cotton genotypes (PI)

AICCIP Trials:

Testing of new molecules of herbicides ( PI)

• Nalayini , P., Raja, R and Anderson A. Kumar. 2006. Evapo-transpiration based Scheduling of Irrigation through Drip for cotton( Gossypium hirsutum ) .Indian Journal of Agronomy 51 (3) : 232-235.
• Anandham, R.,Sridar, R.., Nalayini., P., Poonguzhali., S., Madhaiyan., M and Tongmin Sa. 2006.Potential for plant growth promotion in groundnut( Arachis hypogea L.)Cv.ALR -2 by Co-inoculation of sulphur - oxidising bacteria and Rhizobium . Microbiological Research 162 , 139-153.
• Anandham,R, Sridar,R,Nalayini,P, Madhaiyan,M, Indira Gandhi,P, Kwan- Ho choi and Tong-min Sa.2005. Isolation of Sulfur- Oxidising Bacteria from Different Ecological Niches .Korean J.Soil Sci.Fert. 38(4),180-187.
• Nalayini,P., Kandasamy, O.S. and Balasubramaniayn, A. 2003. Classical growth analysis for cotton hybrids as influenced by N levels and weed control methods. Indian Journal of Agricultural Research 37( 4) :269-273
• Nalayini,P., Kandasamy, O.S. and Kailasam,C. 2002. Watkinson's Weed model for the weeds grown under inter specific cotton hybrids-TCHB-213. Res. On Crops 3(2) : 335-337.
• Nalayini,P., Kandasamy, O.S. and Balasubramaniayn, A. 2001. Studies on production potential and N use efficiency of inter specific and intra-hirsutum cotton hybrids under graded N levels and weed control methods. Indian Journal of Agronomy 46 (3) : 557-562.
• Nalayini,P., Kandasamy, O.S. and Balasubramaniayn, A. 2001. Richards growth model for the interspecific cotton hybrids-TCHB-213 as influenced by N levels and weed control methods. Crop Research 22 (3): 370-374.
• Nalayini,P., Kandasamy, O.S. and Balasubramaniayn, A. 2001. Seed Cotton Yield and monetary economics of hybrids as influenced by N levels and weed control methods. Pestology. XXV ( 7) : 14-16.
• Nalayini,P.,and Kandasamy, O.S. 2001.Weed management in cotton -a review. Indian Journal for cotton Improvement 26 ( 3 ) : 109-116.
• Nalayini,P., Kandasamy, O.S. and Balasubramaniayn, A. 2000. Effect of pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides on soil microflora, Pestology. Xxiv (10): 22-23
• Nalayini,P., Kandasamy, O.S. and Balasubramaniayn, A.1999. Density and dry matter production of weeds as influenced by cotton hybrids, N levels and weed control methods. The World Weeds 6 (1-2) :37- 45
• Nalayini,P., Kandasamy, O.S. and Balasubramaniayn, A.1999. Influence of cotton Hybrids, N levels and weed control methods in nutrients depletion by weeds.The World Weeds 6 (3-4) ; 179-184
• Nalayini, P., Velusamy, R., Umapathi., K., Kumaresan, M., Naik, K.V., Solaimalai, A., Ramanna, K.N., and T.N. Balasubramanian, 1998. Computation of effective rainy period or growing period for dry land tract of Coimbatore. Madras Agric.J., 85(1): 58-61.
• Solaimalai, A., Velusamy, R., Umapathi, K., Kumaresan, M., Nalayini,P., Ramanna,K.N., Naik,K.V., and Balasubramanian, T.N., 1998. Identification of efficient cropping zones for important crops of Tamil Nadu. Madras Agric.J., 85(1): 61-63.
• Jayakumar, R., Nalayini, P. and Sankaran, S. 1994. Bioefficacy of anilofos 50 EC in transplanted rice. Pestology XVIII (8): 29-35.
• Nalayini, P and Sankaran, S. 1993. Effect of irrigation regimes and weed control treatments on nutrient uptake and quality of sunflower. J. Oilseeds Res. 10(2): 223-229.
• Asokaraja, N., Jeyaraman, S., Nalayini, P. and Sheik Dawood. 1993. Studies on weed management in Roselle ( Hibiscus sabdariffa ). Pestology XVII (9): 51-52.
• Asokaraja, N., Jeyaraman, S., Nalayini, P. and Sheik Dawood. 1993. Studies on weed management practices in olitorius jute. Pestology XVII (3): 46-48.
• Nalayini, P. and Sankaran, S. 1992. Effect of moisture regimes and weed control treatments on sunflower ( Helianthus annus L.). Indian J.Weed Sci.24 (3 & 4 ) 1-5.
• Nalayini, P and Sankaaran, S., 1992. Residual effects of Pendimethalin and flurochloridone applied to sunflower on the succeeding crops. Indian J.Weed Sci. 24(3 &4): 34-37.
• Nalayini, P and Sankaran,S. 1992. Effect of Pre-emergence herbicides on soil micro-organisms. Indian J. Agron. 37(3): 625-626.
• Nalayini, P., Sankaran, S. and Jayakumar, R.,1991. Persistence of Pendimethalin under different moisture regimes in sunflower. Pestology XV (7): 19-23.

• Nalayini.P.2006. Improved Production Technologies for Cotton. In : Training Manual on Farmers Field School, prepared by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore.
• Jayaraman , S., Nalayini, P., Sheik Dawood, A., and Abdulkareem, A. 1992. Prospects of Jute cultivation in Cauvery Delta. Tamil Arasu (Journal of Governmenr of Tamil Nadu ) August 1- 15, page: 21 - 22.
• Ramanathan, SP., Nalayini , P., Sheik Dawood, A., and Abdulkareem. A. 1992. Introducing oil palm cultivation in Cauvery Delta. Tamil Arasu ( Journal of Government of Tamil Nadu ) Septemper 1 - 15, page: 30-32.

• Nalayini,P.,Raja, R and Anderson A. Kumar. 2007. ET Based Irrigation Scheduling and Drip Fertigation for Cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.,) In: 3 rd International Ground Water Conference ( IGC - 2007 on Water, environment and Agriculture- present problems and future Challenges organized by TNAU during February 7 th - 10 th , pp 236-237 ( full papers in CD)
• Nalayini,P, S. Paul raj, T.P. Rajendran, K.Sankaranarayanan and R. Anandham. 2007. Evaluation of Drip, Poly mulching and Drip + Poly mulching for Enhanced Water Use Efficiency and Crop Productivity of Cotton - Maize Cropping System In: 3 rd International Ground Water Conference ( IGC - 2007 on Water, environment and Agriculture- present problems and future Challenges organized by TNAU during February 7 th - 10 th , pp 238 ( full papers in CD)
• Nalayini,P., Anandham, R, Paul Raj, S and P. Chidambaram.2007. on Bio inoculants on growth, nutrient uptake, seed cotton yield and fiber quality of cotton under irrigated condition In : Proceedings of 8 th Agricultural Science Congress during 15 th 17 th February organized By National Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, pp, 55-56.
• Sankaranarayanan, K., Praharaj, C.S, Nalayini, P and Anderson A. Kumar. 2007.Evaluation of suitability and economic feasibility of using micro tubes for water delivery in drip irrigation system in cotton. In: 3 rd International Ground Water Conference ( IGC - 2007 on Water, environment and Agriculture- present problems and future Challenges organized by TNAU during February 7 th - 10 th , pp 242-243 ( full papers in CD)
• Sankaranarayanan, K., Praharaj, C.S, Nalayini, P and Anderson A. Kumar. 2007. Augmenting economic return and enhanced resource use efficiency in cotton through cotton based multitier inter cropping system. In : Proceedings of 8 th Agricultural Science Congress during 15 th 17 th February organized By National Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, pp,67-68..
• Sankaranarayanan,K,Praharaj,C.S, Anderson A Kumar and P.Nalayini.2006. Evaluation of Cotton based multi-tier vegetables intercropping system for higher production and economic return. In : Abstracts of Papers on National Seminar on Changing Global Scenario - A paradigm Shift,p : 67,Organized by Society of Agronomists ( ANGRAU), Regional Agricultural Research Station, Nandyal, Kurnool
• Nalayini,P. Anandham,R and P.Chidambaram.2005. Bioinoculants for Sustainable Cotton Production . Proceedings of the National Symposium on Microbial Technology for Productive Agriculture pp 110-111,held during October 7-8,2005 , Organized by the Department of Agricultural Microbiology ,Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore.
• Nalayini,P. Rajendran,T.P, Anandham,R, Sankaranarayanan,K and Anderson A.Kumar.2005.Polymulch technology for cotton based cropping system. In:Proceedings of International seminar on Global business opportunities in plastics, held during 26-27 th February,2005, organized by Le Meridian organized by Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and technology ,Chennai, Pp137-144.
• Nalayini,P, Anandham,R, Rajendran,T.P and K. Sankaranarayanan.2005. UV Stabilized, Differently Coloured Poly Ethylene Mulching for Cotton -Maize Cropping System . Proceedings of the International Conference on Plasticulture and Precision Farming, Organized by National Commission on Plasticulture Application in Horticulture (NCPAH) and Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, held during November 17-21, 2005 at The Ashok, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
• Anandham,R, Sridar,R,Chungwoo kim and P.Nalayini 2005. Effects of co-inoculation of Thiobacillus with Rhizobium on nodulation , growth and yield of groundnut Arachis hypogea)67 th annual meeting and spring symposium by Korean society of soil science and fertilizer, 12-13 may, Ganguon-pyung-chang- republic of korea.pp204-205.
• Nalayini,P, Rajendran, T.P, Anandham,R, Sankaranarayanan,K and Anderson A. Kumar, 2004. Polyethylene Mulching-A new cultivation Technique for Better Water Management and Efficient Weed Control in Cotton, International symposium on Strategies for sustainable cotton production-A global Vision,23-25, November,2004,Dharwad (Oral presentation) pp: 75-77
• K. Sankaranarayanan,. Nalayini,P and B. Dhara jothi, 2004. Effects of dates of Sowing in the productivity of Bt cotton hybrid. International symposium on Strateies for sustainable cotton production -A global Vision, 23-25, November, 2004, Dharwad, pp: 103-104.
• K. Sankaranarayanan,. Nalayini,P and C.S. Praharaj. 2004. Agronomic requirements of Bt cotton hybrid in relation to plant density and fertilizer requirements, International symposium on Strategies for sustainable cotton production -A global Vision, 23-25, November, 2004, Dharwad, pp: 248
• Nalayini P, Anandham,R, Chidambaram, P and T.P. Rajendran 2004. Isolation of Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotrophic Bacteria (PPFMB) from phyllosphere of Cotton, its compatibility with bioinoculants/bioagents and scope for cotton nutrition. In: National Symposium on Changing World Order - Cotton research, Development and Policy in Context, August 10-12 th , 2004 , Hyderabad. P. 59 (Awarded first Prize in crop production).
• K. Sankaranarayanan,. Nalayini,P and C.S. Praharaj. 2004. Agronomic requirements of pre released cultures trial. In: National Symposium on Changing world OrderCotton research, Development and Policy in Context, August 10-12 th , 2004 , Hyderabad, pp. 55-56.
• K. Sankaranarayanan,. Nalayini,P and B. Dharajothi, 2004. Studies on intercropping in Bt cotton hybrids. In: National Symposium on Changing World Order - Cotton research, Development and Policy in Context, August 10-12 th . 2004, Hyderabad, p. 57
• Nalayini,P, Rajendran, T.P, Anandham, R, and Gunasekharan. 2004. Polyethylene mulch - a new cultivation technique for better water Management and efficient weed control in cotton. CICR Newsletter (Jan-Apr) 2004, XX(1), P:3
• Nalayini,P, Anandham, R. and Chidambaram. 2003. Isolation of Pink Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotrophs (PPFM) from cotton phyllosphere. CICR, Newsletter, XIV (1), P: 9
• Nalayini ,P. and Shanmugham,K.2002. Efficacy of drip irrigation for Summer cotton. Presented as poster in Second International Agronomy Congress on Balancing Food and Environmental Security- A Continuing Challenge held at IARI, New Delhi (Extented summaries),November 26-30, held at New Delhi:p 1143-1144.
• Nalayini,P., Raja,R.and Venugapoal,K.2002. Technologies for Increasing Cotton Production , Presented as a Theme paper in GOI Sponsored Workshop on Research Extension Linkages, February2-13,2002, organized by TNAU, Coimbatore.p: 38-45
• Venugopal,K., Nalayini,P., and Raja,R.2002. Water management for cotton, Training on Recent Advances in Irrigation Management for Field Crops held at TNAU,p.193-200.
• Venugopal,K., Nalayini,P., and Gopalakrishnan,N.2002. Cyclone Disaster Management related to Cotton, National Interactive Workshop on Cyclone Disaster Management, February,25-26,held at TNAU, Coimbatore.p.104-106.
• Venugopal,K., and Nalayini,P.2001. Integrated Nutrient Management in Cotton and Cotton based cropping systems. Training Programme on Advances in Integrated Nutrient Management System for Sustaining Crop Productivity and Soil Fertility,held at TNAU,p.231-234.
• Nalayini, P. and Kandasamy,O.S and Kailasam, C.2001. Watkinson weed model for the weeds grown under Inter specific Cotton hybrid 'TCHB-213'. Proc.88 th Science Congress, Part III ( Abstracts Supplement) I, page 70, Published by Indian Science Congress Association, Calcuta.
• Shanmugham, K., Venugopal,K and Nalayini,P.2001. Comparative Studies on the Efficacy of Drip and Furrow Irrigation in Cotton. Proc. 88 th Science Congress, Part III ( Abstracts Supplement) I, page 70, Published by Indian Science Congress Association, Calcuta.
• Usharani,S.,Nalayini,P., and Kalaivani,S.2001. Influence of Integrated Cotton Crop Management Interventions through Institute Village Linkage Programme on Farm Women, National Seminar on Gender Issues, Women in agriculture and Management, August,20-22,held at TNAU, Coimbatore, p-147-148.
• Nalayini, P., Sankaran, S., and N. Kempuchetty. 1992. Evaluation of herbicides in Sunflower( Helianthus annus ) under different moisture regimes. Annual Weed Science Conference ( Abstracts), March 3 - 4, 1992 held at Hisar, page: 71.
• Nalayini, P., Sankaran, S. and Jayakumar, R. 1992. Herbicide residue studies in Sunflower ( Helianthus annus ) under different moisture regimes. Annual Weed Science Conference ( Abstracts ), March 3 - 4, 1992 , held at Hisar, page :149

1. Organic Cotton ( Tamil Bulletin) pp.18, published under TAR/IVLP/NATP, CICR Regional Station, Coimbatore-641003.
2. Integrated Cotton Crop Management ( Tamil Bulletin) pp.32, Published under TAR/IVLP/NATP, CICR Regional Station, Coimbatore-641003.