Chinna Durai

Dedicated and research-driven Agricultural Entomologist with 6th years of academic and field experience, specializing in integrated pest management (IPM), host plant resistance (HPR), biological control systems, and invasive pest diagnostics. Proven ability to design and execute large-scale field trials, laboratory experiments, and ecological pest management strategies with measurable outcomes. Recognized for multiple national-level scientific presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and research excellence.

Adept at applying data analytics, innovative methodologies, and cross-functional collaboration to improve crop protection systems and agricultural sustainability.

Research Associate - Sathyam Kissan Care

(2024-04 - 2026-03)

Reporting To: Mr. D. Thilagaraj, Research Scientist

• Designed and executed comprehensive research programs integrating modern pest management approaches and product development strategies
• Conducted 25+ large-scale field trials to evaluate the bioefficacy of crop protection products, improving validation accuracy and product reliability
• Performed data collection, statistical analysis, and interpretation, ensuring high-quality research outputs and actionable insights
• Collaborated with production, marketing, and quality control teams, ensuring seamless integration of research findings into product development
• Contributed to forecasting models for pest outbreaks, enhancing decision-making, and crop protection planning
• Supported the development of innovative agricultural solutions, improving product effectiveness and farmer adoption rate

Senior Research Fellow - TNAU – Department of Agricultural Entomology

(2020-09 - 2021-02)

Project: Developing an Integrated Pest Management Module for Maize Fall Armyworm. Principal Investigator: Dr. N. Muthukrishnan

• Developed and validated Integrated Pest Management (IPM) modules targeting fall armyworm in maize cropping systems
• Designed ecological engineering strategies (push-pull approach) to repel pests and attract natural enemies
• Implemented intercropping systems to enhance biodiversity and improve natural pest suppression
• Conducted field-based validation studies, demonstrating improved pest control efficiency
• Improved soil fertility management practices, increasing crop tolerance against pest infestation
• Contributed to area-wide pest management programs, supporting sustainable agriculture initiatives

Senior Research Fellow - TNAU – Coconut Research Station

(2019-10 - 2020-07)

Project: Biological Control of Rugose Spiralling Whitefly. Principal Investigator: Dr. M. Alagar

• Conducted extensive field surveys across major coconut-growing districts to assess pest incidence and distribution
• Collected, identified, and documented rugose spiralling whitefly and associated natural enemies
• Studied biology and lifecycle patterns of invasive pests, supporting effective control strategies
• Standardized mass production techniques for parasitoid, Encarsia guadeloupae
• Led large-scale field validation programs, improving biological control adoption and effectiveness
• Promoted eco-friendly pest management practices, reducing resilience on chemical pesticides

Ph.D. - Agricultural Entomology - Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore (2025)

M.Sc. - Agricultural Entomology - TNAU – ADAC & RI, Tiruchirappalli (2019)

B.Sc. - Agriculture - Annamalai University, Chidambaram (2016)