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Project Coordinator

Project Coordinator’s Cell, ICAR-CPCRI, Kasaragod 671 124, Kerala

(Ph: 04994-232733; Fax: 04994232614; (M) 09495103236)

Awards and Honours:

  • As a Project Coordinator (Palms), instrumental in bagging “Chaudhary Devi Lal Outstanding All India Coordinated Research Project Award 2014” for the Research outputs of AICRP on Palms.
  • Research outputs from the projects contributed towards bagging Sardar Patel outstanding ICAR Institute Award by CPCRI during 2002 from ICAR.
  • Best publications award “Krishi Sahithya Sree Prashasthi” for the book ‘Dryland Horticulture’ from Kannada Sangha of UAS, Dharwad, Karnataka.
  • Best Research Paper Award: one in journal and three oral presentation
  • Best Poster Award for the papers: Three numbers

Fellow :

  1. CHAI: Confederation of Horticulture Association of India, New Delhi
  2. ISPC: Indian Society for Plantation Crops, Kasaragod
  3. ISA: Indian Society of Agronomy, IARI, New Delhi

MEMBERSHIP IN SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES:
Life member in the following Societies,

  1. Indian Society of Weed Science
  2. Indian Society of Agronomy
  3. Indian Society for Plantation crops
  4. The Horticulture Society of India
  5. Vignan Bharati, Trivandrum

SIGNIFICANT RESEARCH CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE FIELD OF AGRONOMY:

Basic Research –

  • Root distribution pattern of coconut in littoral sandy soil has been studied for pre-bearing and adult palm for effective agronomic management of applied inputs.
  • Recorded the vertical and horizontal movement of water and volume of active root zone wetted in littoral sandy soil for coconut for developing optimum drip irrigation regimen.
  • Studied the impact of organic manures (farmyard manure, vermicompost, composted coir pith) application on quality, yield of intercrops and their effect on soil properties.
  • Studied phenology and growth of two common weeds (Knoxia wightiana and Cleome burmanni) of cassava crop.

Applied Research -

Coconut/Arecanutbased cropping/ farming system

  • Intercropping of fodder crops in coconut and integration with animal (dairy, rabbitry), poultry, fishery, mulberry cultivation and sericulture, Azolla as a supplementary feed for dairy animals was studied for a decade and its sustainability and socio-economic viability was established indicating its advantage compared with coconut monocrop. The system provided 175 man days employment, a net income of Rs.120,000/- (per ha per year), higher B:C ratio (1.4), Net Present Worth of 306,770 and Internal Rate of Return of 27.5%.
  • Identified Guinea grass and Hybrid Napier (NB-21 var) to be ideally suited for mixed farming
  • Agro-techniques have been standardized for growing mulberry as mixed crop in coconut garden along with silkworm rearing.
  • Standardized agro-techniques for growing kacholam and arrowroot crops when grown as intercrops in coconut garden.
  • Studied the impact of coconut based high density multi-species cropping system (banana, pineapple, clove as component crops) at different levels of fertilizers on sustainability of the system.
  • Screened black pepper varieties as intercrops in coconut garden.
  • Established successful coconut based cropping system models with horticultural crops such as medicinal plants, vegetables, fruit crops, and spices as inter/mixed crops in coconut garden which enhanced productivity by 50 to 75 % and net income by Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 150,000/- per ha per year.
  • Integrated nutrient management package (2/3rd of recommended NPK and recycling biomass in the form of vermicompost) for coconut based high density multispecies cropping system (HDMSCS) with black pepper, clove, banana, pineapple, vegetables, turmeric and ginger resulted in increasing in yield by 80% and net income by Rs.85,000/- to Rs.1,25,000/- per ha/year and improvement in soil fertility.
  • Established arecanut based cropping system models with vegetables and flower crops resulting in additional net income of Rs.75,000/- per ha. Integrated nutrient management package (2/3rd of recommended NPK and recycling biomass in the form of vermicompost) for arecanut based high density multispecies cropping system with lemon, black pepper, banana for NE region resulted in generation of 450 to 475 man days, net income of Rs.1,50,000/- to Rs.2,10,000/- per ha per year

Drip irrigation and water conservation regimen for coconut and arecanut

  • Drip irrigation requirement along with mulching (with coconut leaves) has been standardized for coconut growing in littoral sandy soil,
  • In laterite soil also water requirement through drip irrigation for WCT and DXT coconut cultivars has been standardized.
  • Rooting behaviour of coconut palm to irrigation has been studied in littoral sandy soil.
  • Soil conservation measures have been developed for arecanut in sloppy condition of Assam.

Nutrient management in coconut/arecanut based cropping system

  • Levels and methods of fertilization on growth and recovery of vigorous seedlings in WCT coconut nursery have been standardized.
  • Substitution of Gliricidia green manure for inorganic nitrogen (50% of N) for coconut under littoral sandy soil has been recommended for higher productivity.
  • Substitution of chemical fertilizers with composted coir pith (50% of N) on the nutrition and productivity of coconut and arecanut has been studied and recommendation has been released.
  • Use of coconut leaves as mulch and recycling available wastes in the cropping system by converting it into suitable vemicompost with earthworm Eudrillus sp. has been studied.
  • Recycling of organic matter in the arecanut based cropping system resulted in higher yield and economics at CPCRI, Kahikuch.

Integrated approach for managing root (wilt) affected coconut garden:

  • Studied and standardized the impact of integrated management practices and High Density Multi-Species Cropping System (with component crops like, pepper, nutmeg, banana, pineapple, colocasia, dioscorea, amorphophallus) under root (wilt) affected coconut garden at CPCRI (Regional Station), Kayangulam and established that this approach provided additional employment and income to marginal farmers.
  • Growing Cowpea as low cost green manure crop in the basins of root (wilt) affected coconut and its nutrient contribution and organic matter has been studied.
  • Mixed farming system for root (wilt) affected coconut garden has been established with fodder grass (Hybrid napier,CO3 var.), dairy and azolla cultivation as a feed for cattle at CPCRI, RS, Kayamkulam.

Location specific varieties/hybrids and crop management technologies for coconut

  • Coconut hybrids viz., GBGDxLCOT and GBGDxPHOT have been recommended for commercial cultivation in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka for their higher nut yield (125 to 135 nuts/palm/year), copra out turn (21 kg to 22 kg/palm) and good tender nut qualities. GBGDxFJT hybrid has been recommended for Karnataka for its higher nut yield (121 nuts/palm/year) during XXII annual group meeting held at IGKV, Raipur.
  • Dwarf varieties like Kalpa Jyothi and Kalpa Surya have been recommended for release as tendernut purpose and the proposal has been submitted to Central Variety Release Committee for notification.
  • Higher fertilizer use efficiency with a saving 25% to 50% of recommended fertilizers in coconut was achieved through standardization of drip-fertigation in coconut in different regions. Medicinal and aromatic crops performing better under coconut gardens as intercrops in different regions were identified and recommended for adoption to enhance the income. Location specific integrated technologies for managing insect pests and diseases have been standardized for different regions.

Publications:

a) Research papers : 115 Nos.
b) Books Authored : 7 Nos.
c) Papers presented in Symposia/Conference : 33 Nos.
d) Technical/Popular articles : 150 Nos.
e) Chapters in Books : 25 Nos.
f) Technical Bulletins : 13 Nos.
g) Extension pamphlets : 16 Nos.
h) Contributions made in compilation/documentation : 40 Nos.

Field of Specialisation:

Agronomy
Weed Management
Cropping System Research
Farming System Research
Integrated Nutrient Management
Organic Nutrient Management
Plantation Crops Management

Books Edited:

  1. Maheswarappa, H.P. and Chowdappa, P. 2017. Soil Health Management in Plantation Crops. Today and Tomorrow’s printers and publishers. New Delhi. 226p.
  2. Sumathi, T., Gangeshmurthy, Rajendran and Maheswarappa, H.P. 2015. Oil palm cultivation in Cauvery delta region. Oil palm Research Station, Pattukottai. pp. 90 (In Tamil).
  3. Rajkumar, Geethanjali, Johnson, Srinivasan, Subramanian, A., Ramjegathesan, R., Shobha, N., Rajamanikam, K. and Maheswarappa, H.P. 2015. Let us know coconut cultivation. Agricultural Research Station, Aliyarnagar. pp. 73 (In Tamil).
  4. Arun Kumar Sit, Gobinda Ch. Acharya, and H.P. Maheswarappa. 2014. 50 Years' of Research Achievements (1958-2008), CPCRI, Research Centre, Mohitnagar. CPCRI, Kasaragod.63 p.
  5. George V. Thomas, V. Krishnakumar, H.P. Maheswarappa, Ravi Bhat and D. Balasimha. 2011. Arecanut based cropping/farming systems. Central Plantation Crops Research Institute. 138 p.
  6. George V. Thomas, V. Krishnakumar, H. P. Maheswarappa and C. Palaniswami. 2010. Coconut based cropping/farming systems. Central Plantation Crops Research Institute. 231 p.

Research Review Articles:

  1. Malhotra, S.K., Maheswarappa, H.P., Selvamani, V. and Chowdappa, P. 2017. Diagnosis and management of soil fertility constraints in coconut (Cocos nucifera): A review. Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 87(6):711-26.
  2. Snehalatharani, A., Maheswarappa, H.P., Devappa, V. and Malhotra, S.K. 2016. Status of Coconut Basal Stem Rot disease in India – A Review. Indian Journal of Agricultural Research 86 (12): 1519–29.

Best Research Papers:

Vengaiah, P.C., Murthy, G.N. and Maheswarappa, H.P. 2018. Studies on suitability of existing climbing devices for palmyrah palm (Borassus flabellifer L.). Journal of Plantation Crops, 46(2): 147-150.

Chalapathi Rao, N.B.V., Snehalatharani, A., Nischala, A., Ramanandam, G. and Maheswarappa, H.P. 2018. Management of rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros L.) by biological suppression with Oryctes baculovirus in Andhra Pradesh. Journal of Plantation Crops, 46(2): 124-127.

Rani, S., Rajakumar, D., Shoba, N. and Maheswarappa, H.P. 2018. Productivity and economic advantages of flower crops in coconut based intercropping system. Indian J. Hort., 75 (2): 279-282.

Chalapathirao, N.B.V., Snehalatha Rani, A., Emmanuel, N., Ramanandam, G. and Maheswarappa, H.P. 2018. Impact of innundative release of bio agents in the management of coconut black headed caterpillar Opisina arenosella in Andhra Pradesh under outbreak conditions. International Journal of Pure & Applied Bioscience, 6(2): 427-433.

Padma, E., Ramanadam, G., Dorajee Rao, A.V.D., Kalpana, M. and Maheswarappa, H.P. 2018. Performance of medicinal and aromatic crops as intercrops in coconut garden under East Coast of Andhra Pradesh. International Journal of Pure & Applied Bioscience, 62): 421-426.

Basavaraju T.B., Prashanth, M. and Maheswarappa, H.P. 2018. Performance of flower crops as intercrops in coconut garden in southern dry region of Karnataka. Journal of Plantation Crops, 46(1):52-56.

Srinivasan, T., Rajamanickam, K., Chandrika Mohan, Maheswarappa, H.P. 2018. Validation of integrated pest management strategy against coconut rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros L. (Scarabaeidae: Coleoptera). Journal of Plantation Crops, 46(1):8-11.

Lincy Davis, P. , Panneerselvam,S., Subramanian, K.S. , Sandeep, S., Balaji Kannan, Shoba, N. and Maheswarappa, H.P. 2017. The CENTURY Model as a Tool to Study Soil Carbon Dynamics of Coconut Ecosystem in the Western Zone of Tamil Nadu, India. Int. J. Curr. Microbiol. App. Sci., 6 (12): 3467-3476.

Lincy Davis, P., Panneerselvam, S., Balaji Kannan, Subramanian, K.S., Shobha, N. and Maheswarappa, H.P. 2017. Study on the characteristics of coconut plantation in Western Zone of Tamil Nadu – as a source of carbon sink to mitigate climate change. Int. J. Curr. Microbiol. App. Sci., 6 (12): 3477-3483.

Maheswarappa, H. P., Subramanian, P and Geetha Kumari, A. 2017. Influence of organic nutrient management practices for noni (Morinda citrifolia) when grown as an intercrop in coconut garden. Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 87(9): 1155-7.

Nath, J.C., Deka, K.K., Saud, B.K. and Maheswarappa, H.P. 2017. Performance of coconut hybrid MYDxWCT in the Brahmaputra valley region of Assam. Indian J. Hort., 74(2): 173-177. DOI: 10.5958/0974-0112.2017.00038.X.

Ramanandam, G., Ravindra Kumar, K., Padma, E., Kapana, M and Maheswarappa, H. P. 2017. Potential coconut (Cocos nucifera) hybrids for yield and quality for coastal region of Andra Pradesh (India). Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 87 (8): 1073-6.

Bhagya, H.P., Maheswarappa, H.P., Surekha and Ravi Bhat. 2017. Carbon sequestration potential in coconut-based cropping systems. Indian J. Hort., 74(1): 1-5. DOI: 10.5958/0974-0112.2017.00004.4.

Naveen Kumar, K.S., Maheswarappa, H.P. and Basavaraju, T.B. 2017. Productivity and economic benefits of coconut based vegetable cropping systems under central dry zone of Karnataka. Journal of Plantation Crops, 45 (1): 49-56. doi:10.19071/jpc.2017.v45.i1.3237.

Vijay S. K, Rajendran. R, Saraladevi. T and Maheswarappa. H.P. 2017. Evaluation of Coconut Hybrids Developed for High Nut and Copra. Agri Res & Tech: Open Access J., 5(4): DOI: 10.19080/ARTOAJ.2017.05.555667.

Nath, J.C., Deka, K.K. and Maheswarappa, H.P. 2016. Effect of fertigation on the productivity of coconut (Cocos nucifera) in Brahmaputra valley region of Asom. Indian Journal of Agronomy, 61 (4):501-505.

Murthy, G. N., Vengaiah, P.C. and Maheswarappa, H. P. 2016. Root distribution pattern of palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer L.) in red sandy soils of Easwt Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh. Progressive Research-An International Journal Vol 11(IX): 6093-6095.

Sumathi, T., Rajendran, R., Mathur, R. K. and Maheswarappa, H. P. 2016. Comparative performance of different oil palm hybrid combinations in Cauvery delta region of Tamil Nadu. Journal of Plantation Crops, 44(3): 180-182.

Sanjeevraddi G Reddi, Gawankar, M.S, Maheswarappa, H. P. and Madhavi, P Latha. 2016. Initial performance of ten oil palm cross combinations under three agro-climatic conditions in India. Journal of Plantation Crops 44(3): 141-146.

Sanjeevreddi, G Reddi., Maheswarappa, H.P., Chandravathi, B. and Patil, D.R. 2016. Effect of fertigation on yield and economics of oil palm. J. Farm Sci., 29(2):200-202.

Padma, E., Ramanandam,G., Ravindra kumar, K., Chalapathi Rao, N.B.V. and Maheswarappa, H.P. 2016. Performance of coconut-based high density multispecies cropping system under East Godavari Dist. of Andhra Pradesh. Green Farming Vol. (6) : 1431-1435.

Naveen Kumar, K. S., Maheswarappa, H. P. and Basavaraju, T. B. 2016. Effect of integrated nutrient management practices on growth and yield of vegetable crops grown as intercrops in coconut garden. Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 86 (10): 1361-5.

Bhalerao, P.P., Maheswarappa, H.P. and Patil, S.J. 2016. Evaluation of noni (Morinda citrifolia) as a mixed crop in coconut garden under south Gujarat condition. Current Horticulture 4 (1): 52-54.

Subramanian, P., Maheshwarappa, H.P., Zachariah, T.J., Surekha, R. and Selvamani, V. 2016. Performance of balck pepper in coconut based high density multi-species cropping system under different nutrient managements. Journal of Plantation Crops 44(2): 90-95. doi:10.19071/jpc.2016.v44.i2.3103.

Maheshwarappa, H.P., Krishnakumar, V., Alka Gupta and Geetha Kumari, A. 2016. Influence of organic sources of nutrients on vanilla (Vanilla planifolia) as an intercrop in coconut garden. Journal of Plantation Crops 44(2): 85-89. doi:10.19071/jpc.2016.v44.i2.3102.

Vijay Selvaraj, K.S., and Maheswarappa, H.P. 2016. Variability and correlation in coconut germplasm for morphologial and fruit characters. Advances in Crop Science and Technology, 4:3: 221. doi: 10.4172/2329-8863.1000221.

Snehalatharani, A., Chalapathi Rao, N.B.V. , Ramanandam, G., and Maheswarappa, H.P., Jose,C.T. and Padma, E. 2016. Bio-control based integrated disease management of basal stem rot disease of coconut. Journal of Plantation Crops, 44(1):62-66.

Chalapathi Rao, N.B.V., Snehalatharani, Ramanandam, G., and Maheswarappa, H.P. 2016. Management of coconut slug caterpillar (Macroplectra nararia) with light traps. Journal of Plantation Crops, 44 (1):57-61.

Maheswararappa, H.P., Dhanapal, R., Subramanian, P. and Palaniswami, C. 2013. Evaluation of coconut based high density multi-species cropping system under organic and integrated nutrient management. Journal of Plantation Crops, 41 (2): 130-135.

Srinivasan, V., Maheswarappa, H.P. and Rattan Lal. 2012. Long term effects of toposoil depth and amendments on particulate and non particulate carbon fractions in a Miamian soil of Central Ohio. Soil and Tillage Research, 121: 10

Maheswarappa, H.P., Krishna Kumar, V., Srinivasa Reddy, D.V., Dhanapal, R. and Zachariah, John, T. 2012. Performance of different varieties/hybrids of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) as mixed crop in coconut garden. Journal of Plantation Crops 40 (2): 82

Nath, J.C., Arulraj, S. and Maheswarappa, H.P. 2012. Integrated nutrient management of CODxWCT hybrid coconut under alluvial clay-loam soil of Assam. Journal of Plantation Crops 40 (2): 105-110.

Maheswarappa, H.P., Srinivasan, V. and Rattan Lal. 2011. Carbon Footprint and Sustainability of Agricultural Production Systems in India. Journal of Crop Improvement 25 (4): 303

Maheswarappa, H.P., George V. Thomas, Ravi Bhat, Palaniswami, C. and Jayasekhar, S. 2011. Impact of inorganic fertilizer substitutions by vermicomposted coconut leaves on productivity and economics of coconut. Journal of Plantation Crops 39 (1) 30-34.

Hussaain, M., Ray, A.K., Maheswarappa, H.P., Subramanian, P., Ravi Bhat, Krishnakumar, V. and Acharya, G. C. 2011. Sustainable productivity and economics of arecanut based high density multi-species cropping system under Brahmaputra valley region of Assam. Journal of Plantation Crops 39 (1) 68-72.

Krishnakumar, V., Maheswarappa, H.P., Jayasekhar, S. and Shanavas, M. 2011. Economic evaluation of high density multispecies cropping system in root (wilt) disease affected coconut (Cocos nucifera) area in Kerala. Journal of Plantation Crops 39 (1) 125-130.

Maheswarappa, H.P., Srinivasan, V. and Rattan Lal. 2011. Carbon Footprint and Sustainability of Agricultural Production Systems in India. Journal of Crop Improvement 25 (4): 303-322.

Krishnakumar, V. and Maheswarappa, H. P. 2010. Integrated nutrient management for root (wilt) diseased coconut (Cocos nucifera) palms. Indian J. agri. Sci. 80 (5): 394-398.

Maheswarappa, H. P. 2008. In situ waste management in integrated nutrient management system under coconut (Cocos nucifera) – based high density multi-species cropping system in tropical soils of India. Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 78 (11): 924-8.

Hussain, M., Ray, A. K., Maheswarappa, H.P., Krishnakumar, V., Ravi Bhat, Subramanian, P. and George V. Thomas. 2008. Recycling of organic biomass from arecanut based high density multi-species cropping system models under Assam condition. Journal of Plantation Crops, 36 (1): 53-57.

Ray, A. K., Borah, A. S., Ananda, K. S. and Maheswarappa, H.P. 2008. Performance of different varieties of arecanut in Assam. Journal of Plantation Crops, 36 (1): 73-74.

Ray, A. K., Borah, A. S., Maheswarappa, H. P. and Acharya, G. C. 2007. Economics of intercropping vegetables and flowering crops in pre-bearing arecanut garden under Assam condition. Journal of Plantation Crops, 35 (2): 84-87.

Palaniswami, C., Upadhyay, A. K. and Maheswarappa, H. P. 2006. Spectral mixture analysis for subpixel classification of coconut. Current Science, 91 (12): 1706-1711.

Maheswarappa H. P., Anitha Kumari P, Kamalakshyamma P G and Shanavas M. 2005. Influence of integrated nutrient management and high density multi-species cropping system on soil properties, plant nutrition and yield in root (wilt) affected coconut palms. Cord 21 (2): 18-29.

Subramanian, P, Dhanapal, R., Sanil, P., Palaniswami, C., Sairam, C.V. and Maheswarappa, H. P. 2005. Glyricidia (Gliricidia sepium) as green manure in improving soil fertility and productivity of coconut under coastal littoral sandy soil. Journal of Plantation Crops, 33 (3): 185-189.

Dhanapal, R., Maheswarappa, H.P., Subramanian P. 2004. Influence of drip irrigation on nut characters and yield of coconut (Cocos nucifera) in laterite soil. Indian Journal of Agronomy, 49(1): 68-70.

Dhanapal, R., Maheswarappa, H.P., Sairam, C.V. Subramanian P. and Ajay Kumar Upadhyay. 2004. Influence of drip irrigation on growth and yield of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) in laterite soil. Journal of Plantation Crops, 32(3):26-30.

Maheswarappa, H. P., Anithakumari, P and Sairam, C.V. 2003. High density multi species cropping system for root (wilt) affected coconut gardens – Its impact on productivity and economic viability.Journal of Plantation Crops, 31(1):23-27.

Maheswarappa, H. P., Hegde, M.R., Dhanapal, R., Sairam, C.V. and Vidhan Singh, T. 2001. Impact of integrated mixed farming system in coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) garden on coconut yield and economic analysis. Indian Journal of Agronomy, 46 (1): 56-63.

Maheswarappa, H. P., Nanjappa, H. V. and Hegde, M. R. 2001. Effect of planting material, plant population and organic manures on growth components and yield of galangal (Kaempferia galanga) when grown as intercrop in coconut garden. Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 71(3):183-186.

Maheswarappa, H. P., Nanjappa, H. V. and Hegde, M. R. 2000. Dry-matter production and accumulation in different parts of galangal (Kaempferia galanga) as influenced by agronomic practices when grown as an intercrop in coconut garden. Indian Journal of Agronomy, 45 (4): 698-706.

Maheswarappa, H. P., Nanjappa, H. V. and Hegde, M. R. 2000. Influence of agronomic practices on growth, productivity and quality of galangal (Kaempferia galanga L.) grown as intercrop in coconut garden. Journal of Plantation Crops, 28(1): 72-81.

Maheswarappa, H. P., Nanjappa, H.V., Hegde, M.R. and Biddappa, C.C. 2000. Nutrient content and uptake by arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) as influenced by agronomic practices when grown as intercrop in coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) garden. Indian Journal of Agronomy, 45 (1): 86-91.