Department of Horticulture
145 Horticulture Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1100
Phone: 515-294-7080
Fax: 515-294-0730
Email: nairajay@iastate.edu
http://www.iowavegetables.blogspot.com/
Education
- Doctor of Philosophy, Michigan State University, 2011
- Master of Science, University of Maine, 2006
- Bachelor of Science, Kerala Agricultural University, India, 2002
Research Focus
One of the primary goals of Dr. Nair’s research program is to develop sustainable vegetable production systems with emphasis on strategies that enhance vegetable production and cropping system sustainability. His broad research interests include topics such as transplant production, season extension, cover cropping, soil biology & nutrient management, and food quality aspects. Research on such topics are critical as they create opportunities to lower input costs, improve crop and soil health, and influence cropping system efficiency.
Teaching/Advising Responsibilities
Dr. Nair teaches the course of Vegetable Production & Management (HORT 471). He also serves as a graduate and undergraduate advisor in Horticulture.
Extension Program
Dr. Nair serves as an extension specialist for vegetable production. His extension programs include on-farm research and demonstration trials, field days, and other educational activities through partnerships and collaborations with researchers, growers, extension specialists, and horticultural commodity groups & organizations.
Selected Publications
- Nair, A., M. Ngouajio, and J. A. Biernbaum. 2011. Alfalfa-based organic amendment in peat-compost growing medium for organic tomato transplant production. HortScience 46(2):253-259.
- Nair, A. and M. Ngouajio. 2010. Integrating row covers and soil amendments for organic cucumber production: implications on crop growth, yield, and microclimate. HortScience 45(4):1-9.
- Nair, A. and D. Zhang. 2010. 2010. Propagation and commercial availability of Stewartia spp.: past research endeavors and current status. HortTechnology 20(2):277-282.
- Mulabagal, V., M. Ngouajio, A. Nair, Y. Zhang, A. Gottumukkala, and M. G. Nair. 2010. In vitro evaluation of red and green lettuce (Lactuca sativa) for functional food properties. Food Chemistry 118:300-306.
- Nair, A., D. Zhang, J. Smagula, and D. Hu. 2008. Rooting and overwintering stem cuttings of Stewartia pseudocamellia Maxim. relevant to hormone, media, and temperature. HortScience 43(7):2124-2128.
- Nair, A. and M. Ngouajio. 2010. Sanitation is the key to successful transplant production: Greenhouse Insider. American Vegetable Grower April:31-32.
- Nair, A. and M. Ngouajio. 2009. The organic report: Compost as an organic amendment. American Vegetable Grower June:24-25.
