Team Leader
Varnika Kalaichelvan
Texas A&M University
Soil and Crop Sciences
varnika.kalaichelvan@tamu.edu
Project Type
Research
Who Can Join
Undergraduate Students
Project Description
Cotton production worldwide faces increasing challenges due to herbicide-resistant weeds, soil degradation, and the environmental consequences of conventional farming practices. Weeds, particularly in the early stages of crop development, severely compete with cotton for light, water, and nutrients, resulting in reduced yield and fiber quality. The overreliance on herbicides, especially glyphosate, has led to the emergence of resistant weed species like Amaranthus palmeri, creating an urgent need for alternative, sustainable weed management strategies. One promising approach is to harness the genetic potential of cotton for natural weed suppression. Certain cotton genotypes exhibit early vigor, rapid canopy closure, and high biomass accumulation, which enables them to outcompete weeds naturally. Simultaneously, the root system plays a crucial but often overlooked role in determining a plant’s ability to access water and nutrients and establish dominance in the soil profile. Traits such as root depth, lateral spread, biomass, and density directly impact a plant’s competitive ability and overall sustainability.
This project focuses on evaluating a diverse set of cotton germplasm for their ability to suppress weeds and exhibit favorable root traits. Through a combination of field trials and controlled environment studies, we aim to identify cotton genotypes that demonstrate strong weed suppression potential and possess deep, expansive root systems. Field trials will assess traits like early vigor, canopy cover, and weed biomass reduction, while root systems will be studied using root imaging tools and excavation methods to characterize architectural traits such as root length, angle, and density. By analyzing correlations between above-ground and below-ground traits, we aim to understand the physiological basis for weed competitiveness and sustainability. Ultimately, the project seeks to identify elite germplasm lines that can be integrated into breeding programs.
Team Needs
For this interdisciplinary project, we are seeking team members who demonstrate a strong interest in sustainable agriculture, particularly in cotton production, weed science, and root phenotyping. Members should be reliable, detail-oriented, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively in field and laboratory environments. Since this project involves a combination of field trials, root trait analysis, and data management, team members should be physically able to assist with outdoor fieldwork (such as planting, sampling, and collecting weed/crop data) and be comfortable working in varying weather conditions.
Team members must have a basic understanding of agronomy, plant physiology, or related disciplines. Familiarity with tools and techniques like biomass measurement, root imaging, or statistical software (e.g., R or Excel) would be a plus. However, I am equally looking for individuals who are enthusiastic and willing to learn. Good communication skills, punctuality, and a collaborative attitude are essential, as we will need to coordinate tasks efficiently and adapt to changing field conditions. Most importantly, team members should be committed to contributing meaningfully to a research project that addresses real-world challenges in sustainable crop production.
Special Opportunities
Joining this project offers valuable hands-on experience in cutting-edge agricultural research focused on sustainable cotton production. Team members will have the unique opportunity to work with a diverse set of cotton germplasm, gaining practical skills in field trial management, weed suppression assessments, and root trait phenotyping using both traditional and modern tools. This experience is ideal for students or early-career researchers interested in crop improvement, plant physiology, or integrated weed management.
Team members will also benefit from close mentorship and training in research methodologies, data collection, statistical analysis, and scientific communication. Opportunities may include contributing to presentations at research meetings or student symposia, co-authoring publications, and networking with faculty and researchers across departments such as Agronomy, Soil and Crop Sciences, and Weed Science. This project not only builds technical expertise but also strengthens problem-solving, teamwork, and project coordination skills—highly valued in both academic and industry careers. For motivated students, this project can be a strong foundation for graduate school applications or future independent research.