DIVISION OF CROP IMPROVEMENT AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

1. Conservation and characterization of Piper germplasm (2008- 2025) [Dr. Muhammed Azharudheen T.P, Dr. M.S. Shivakumar, Dr. Honnappa Asangi, Dr. R. Sivaranjani & Dr. Maneesha S.R.]
2. Conservation, characterization, evaluation and improvement of Zingiber and Curcuma sp. (2007-2026) [Dr. S. Aarthi, Dr. V. Vinu, Dr. H. J. Akshitha, Dr. D. Prasath, Dr. Anees K & Mr. V. A. Muhammmed Nissar] (External support: Dr. C. N. Biju)
3. Identification of core collection, characterization, and maintenance of cardamom germplasm (2012- 2025) [Dr. Honnappa Asangi, Dr. S. J. Ankegowda, Dr.H. J. Akshitha, Dr. Mohammed Faisal Peeran, Dr. M. Balaji Rajkumar & Ms Sivaranjani R]
4. Genetic resources management in tree spices and vanilla (2018- 2028) [Mr. V. A. Muhammed Nissar, Dr. Sharon Aravind, Dr. Honnappa Asangi, Dr. Muhammed Azharudheen T.P, Dr. Maneesha S.R. Dr. Aarthi S, Dr. Sivaranjani R, Dr. Mohammed Faisal Peeran][External support: Dr. Shivakumar M.S., & Dr. Anees K]
5. Breeding black pepper for high yield, quality, and resistance to stresses (2012-2025) [Dr. M.S. Shivakumar, Dr. K.S. Krishnamurthy, Dr. Muhammed Azharudheen T. P. & Mr. Mukesh Sankar S.] [External support: Dr. S. J. Ankegowda, Dr. Biju]
6. Evolving high yielding, biotic and abiotic stress resistant cardamom lines through selection and hybridization (2018 - 2029) [Dr. H. J. Akshitha, Dr. S. J. Ankegowda, Dr. M. Balaji Rajkumar, Dr. M. S. Shivakumar, Dr. Mohammed Faisal Peeran & Dr. Honappa Asangi]
7. Screening and evaluation of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) genotypes for nutrient use efficiency (2023-2028) (Dr. Maneesha S.R., Dr. M. S. Shivakumar, Dr. V. Srinivasan, Dr. T. E. Sheeja, Dr. K. S. Krishnamurthy & Dr. Shamsudheen. M)
8. Rootstock breeding in nutmeg and black pepper for enhanced yield, tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses (2023- 2028) (Dr. Sharon Aravind, Dr. Maneesha S. R., Mr. V A Muhammad Nissar, Dr. K. S. Krishnamurthy & Dr. C N. Biju)
9. Development and evaluation of chemically induced ginger mutants for Pythium tolerance (2025-2030) [Dr Vinu V, Dr. S. Aarthi, Dr. Dr. T.E. Sheeja, Dr. Praveena R.]
10. Development of doubled haploid production in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) (2025-2030) [Dr. Mukesh Sankar S, Dr. Sharon Aravind, Dr. TE Sheeja, Dr. M.S. Shivakumar]
11. DNA fingerprinting and barcoding in spices (2018 - 2026) (Dr. T.E. Sheeja, Mr. Mukesh Sankar S, Dr. Muhammed Azharudheen T.P. & Dr. Maneesha S.R.)
12. Identification and characterization of gene editing targets for disease resistance in ginger (2021-2026) (Dr. P. S. Divya, & Dr. C.N. Biju) (External support: Dr. T.E. Sheeja & Dr. D. Prasath)
13. Development of data-driven pipelines and tools for multiple high throughput sequencing data from spices (2022-2026) (Dr. Sona Charles & Dr. T. E Sheeja)
14. Genomics-assisted identification of trait-specific markers for major biotic and abiotic stresses and development of core collections of black pepper (2021- 2026) (Dr. T. E. Sheeja, Dr. K.S. Krishnamurthy, Dr. M.S. Shivakumar, Dr. Sona Charles, Dr. Muhammed Azharudheen T.P, Dr. U.B.Angadi & Dr. Sunil Kumar)
15. DUS project (2010-2025) [Dr. Sharon Aravind, Dr. Vinu V, Dr. S. Aarthi, Dr.H. J. Akshitha, Dr. Maneesha S.R. & Dr. Muhammed Azharudheen T.P] (External support: Dr. M. S. Shivakumar & Dr. Honnappa Asangi)
16. Enabling climate resilience and ensuring food and nutritional security through genome editing in horticultural crops (2024-2026)
    1. Sub project: Application of genome editing to develop trait-specific varieties/hybrids in ginger crops [Dr. Divya P. S., Dr. T.E. Sheeja, Dr. Biju C. N., Dr. Praveena R.]
    2. Sub project: Application of genome editing to develop trait-specific varieties/hybrids in black pepper [Dr. Mohammed Faisal Peeran & Dr. Sharon Aravind]
17. Integrating whole genome resequencing transcriptome sequencing and genome wide association analysis for allele mining of yield and quality traits in black pepper and cardamom (2024-2027) [Dr.T.E. Sheeja, Dr.M.S. Shivakumar, Dr.S. Mukesh Sankar, Dr. Muhammed Azharudheen T.P., Dr. Sona Charles, Dr. Akshitha H.J., Dr. Honnappa Asangi]
18. National Network Project on Crop Bioinformatics (2024-2029) [Dr. D. Prasath, Dr. Sona Charles, Dr Anees K]
19. Establishment of efficient in vitro techniques for the production of amide alkaloids from Piper longum L. (2024-2027) [Dr. Sharon Aravind, Dr. R. Sivaranjani)

DIVISION OF CROP PRODUCTION AND PHT

1. Evaluation of black pepper and cardamom elite lines for yield and quality under moisture stress (2010–2025) [Dr. S.J. Ankegowda, Dr. K.S. Krishnamurthy) (External support: Dr. H. J. Akshitha and Dr. M.S. Shivakumar]
2. Production of nucleus planting materials of improved varieties of spice crops (2006-2025) [Dr. V. Srinivasan, Dr. P. Rajeev, Dr. Sharon Aravind, Dr. Lijo Thomas, Dr. Honnappa Asangi & Dr. H. J. Akshitha] (External support: Dr. S.J. Ankegowda, Dr. D. Prasath, Dr. R. Praveena, Mr. V. A. Muhammad Nissar)
3. Study on spike abscission: Developing chemically induced method for harvesting black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) (2018-2026) [Dr. Anees, K., Dr. K.S. Krishnamurthy & Dr. C. N. Biju]
4. Network project on organic farming (2014-2025) [Dr. V. Srinivasan, Dr. Shamsudheen, Dr. R. Praveena, Dr. C. Sarathambal, Dr C Sellaperumal & Dr. B. Pradeep]
5. NICRA Strategic Component Project: Climate change impact, mitigation and climate resilience studies in black pepper, ginger and turmeric (2021- 2026) [Dr K.S. Krishnamurthy, Dr U. Surendran, Dr V. Srinivasan, Dr. R. Sivaranjani, Dr. Ankegowda, S.J. and Dr. Mukesh Sankar S]
6. Standardization of UAV-assisted precision spraying for enhanced nutrient and pesticide management in ginger and turmeric (2024-2027) [Dr. Shamsudheen. M, Dr. Srinivasan. V, Dr. C.M. Senthil Kumar, Dr. Praveena. R, Dr. Manimaran.B, Dr. B. Honnappa Asangi & Dr. Manjunatha. K]
7. Non-conventional approaches for spice processing, preservation and packaging (2023- 2026) (Dr. Alfiya P V, Dr. E Jayasree & Dr. Anees K) (External Support: Dr. C Sarathambal)
8. Development of secondary and tertiary processed products from spices (2025-2030) [Dr. E Jayashree, Dr. Alfiya P V and Dr. Anees K]
9. Novel protocol development for quality evaluation and extracting phytochemicals from spices (2024-2027) [Dr. K Anees., Dr. E Jayashree, Dr. R Sivaranjani, Dr. Alfiya P V, Dr. Sarathjith MC, Scientist B, CWRDM, Kozhikode]
10. Pre and post-harvest interventions for quality improvement in major spices (2025-2030) [Dr. Sivaranjani. R, Dr. Anees K, Dr.Krishnamurthy KS and Dr. Akshitha HJ]
11. Development of sensitive and robust analytical methods for determination of pesticide residues and assessment of decontamination strategies in major spices (December 2025- 2028) (Dr. Pritam Ganguly, Dr. Madhu T, Dr. Anees K. ) (Dr. CM Senthil Kumar (Ext. support))
12. Integrated resource management for mitigating drought stress and enhancing productivity in Spice crops ((December 2025-2030) (Dr. Rajanna GA, Dr. Ankegowda SJ, Dr. Akshitha HJ, Dr. Honnappa Asangi, Dr. Shivakumar MS, Dr. Srinivasan V, Dr. Praveena R)
13. Valorization of Spice-Byproducts for Developing Functional Food Ingredients and Probiotic Beverages (December 2025 – 2028) ( Dr. Shameena Beegum P.P, Dr. Alfiya P.V., Dr. E. Jayashree, Dr. Anees K., Dr. C. Sarathambal, Dr. R. Sivaranjini, Dr. Pritam Ganguly)

DIVISION OF CROP PROTECTION

1. Development of an integrated deep learning and molecular tool-based automated expert system for early detection and identification of major insect pests and vector-transmitted viruses of spice crops (2024-2027) [Dr. C. M. Senthil Kumar, Dr. A. Ishwara Bhat Dr. M. Balaji Rajkumar; Inter-Institutional Co-PI: Dr. Gopi Krishna Saramekala, NIT-C]
2. Evaluation of new generation insecticides against major pests of spices for registration and label claim expansion (2025 -2028) [C. M. Senthil Kumar, M. Balaji Rajkumar, S. Mukesh Sankar] [External support: M. A. Ansar Ali, P. Thiyagarajan, Spices Board]
3. Characterization and evaluation of Entomopathogenic Fungi for biological control of cardamom root grub, Basilepta fulvicornis (2025-2028) [M Balaji Rajkumar, C M Senthilkumar]
4. Multimodal approach to manage nematode pests infesting Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) (2023-2028) [Dr. Manimaran, B., Dr. C. Sellaperumal & Dr. Vinu V] (External support: Dr. D. Prasath, Dr. A. Ishwara Bhat, Dr. C.N. Biju, Dr. R. Praveena & Dr. C. Sarathambal)
5. Multipronged management approaches for the major nematode problems in black pepper and turmeric cultivation (2024-28) [Dr. C. Sellaperumal, Dr. B Manimaran, Dr. S. Aarthi & Dr. T. P. Muhammed Azharudheen)
6. Novel strategies for managing bacterial wilt and soft rot diseases of ginger (2018-2025) [Dr. C. N. Biju, Dr. Mohammed Faizal Peeran & Dr. Divya P.S.]
7. Development and formulation of Plant Beneficial Rhizosphere Microorganisms (PBRMs) for disease antagonism, soil nutrient solubilization and plant growth promotion (2020-2025) [Dr. R. Praveena, Dr R Dinesh & Dr. C. Sarathambal] (External support: Dr. V. Srinivasan)
8. Development of off- and on-site detection techniques for major pathogens of spice crops. (2020-2025) [Dr. A. Ishwara Bhat, Dr. C. N. Biju & Dr. Mohammed Faisal Peeran]
9. Diversity analysis, survival studies and management of Pythium spp. infecting ginger (2023-2026) [Dr. R. Praveena, Dr. C.N. Biju & Dr. C. Sarathambal]
10. Development of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi based bioinoculant formulation for growth promotion and disease tolerance in major spices (2024-28) [Dr.C. Sarathambal, Dr.V Srinivasan, Dr. R. Praveena, Dr.H.J. Akshitha & Dr. B. Manimaran]
11. Developing a weather-based prediction model and exploring new generation anti-oomycete fungicides to manage foot rot of black pepper (2024-28) [Dr.CN Biju, Dr. S. J. Ankegowda, Dr. T. P. Muhammed Azharudheen & Dr.Mohammed Faisal Peeran]

SOCIAL SCIENCES SECTION

1. Capacity building and front-line intervention programmes for (spice sector development in NE states and tribal empowerment (2014-25) (Dr. P. Rajeev, Dr. Lijo Thomas & Dr Sajesh V.K.)
2. Developing models for enhancing technology and policy impact in spices sector (2020-2025) (Dr. Lijo Thomas, Dr. P. Rajeev, Dr. Sajesh V.K.)
3. Pan India action research project on the improvement of spice value chains (2023-2026) (Dr. R. Dinesh, Dr Lijo Thomas, Dr. D Prasath, Dr. Sharon Aravind, Dr. Maneesha S R, Mr Muhammed Nissar V A, Dr. Shivakumar M S, Dr. V Srinivasan, Dr. Anees K, Ms Sivaranjani R, Dr. Biju C N, Dr. C Sellaperumal, Dr Mohammed Faisal Peeran, Dr. M Balaji Rajkumar, Dr. P Rajeev, Dr. Sajesh V K, Dr. Vinu V )
4. Entrepreneurship development in agriculture: A multi-dimensional study with special reference to spices (2023-27) (Dr. Sajesh V.K., Dr. P. Rajeev, Dr. Lijo Thomas, Dr. Maneesha S.R. & Dr. Sheeja T. E.)

Other Externally Funded Projects

1. An advanced centre for mass production of beneficial microflora for sustainable agriculture (2021 – 2024) [Dr. R. Praveena, Dr. C. M. Senthil Kumar & Dr. C. Sarathambal]
2. Establishment of Mini Honey Testing Laboratory (2024 – 2025) [Dr. Sivaranjani. R, Dr. Shamsudheen M & Dr. Aiswariya KK]
3. Enhancing Production of Quality Planting Material in Cardamom and Black Pepper with Nursery Entrepreneurship Training (2025-2027) (Dr. Akshitha HJ, Dr. Ankegowda SJ, Dr. Shivakumar MS, Dr. Honnappa Asangi and Dr. Balaji Rajkumar M)
4. Establishment of a centre of excellence for spice biotechnology with advanced molecular facilities (Dr. Shivakumar (20205-2027) (Dr. Shivakumar MS, Dr. Akshitha HJ, Dr. Honnappa Asangi, Dr. Balaji Rajkumar M. and Dr. Ankegowda SJ)