Global Plant Protection News

Prof. Dr. S. Chelliah, Former Director of Research and Professor of Entomology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, India

              Prof. Dr.S. Chelliah, Former Director of Research and Professor of Entomology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, India has been adjudged as a ‘Distinguished Scientist’ of the University and his portrait is to be displayed in the ‘Hall of Fame’, on the eve of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of TNAU, which is a leading Agricultural University in India. This is a unique honor for an Entomologist.

Prof. Chelliah is a Senior Entomologist whose contribution in Rice Entomology, especially in Pest Resistance in Rice is substantial. He was a Post-doctoral  Research Fellow in Entomology at the International Rice Research Instt. (IRRI), Philippines and his research on ‘Insecticide-induced resurgence of the Brown Plant hopper (BPH)’ was acclaimed by all rice growing countries in Asia.

During 2013, Prof. Chelliah was conferred the Doctor of Science (HC) degree by TNAU for his outstanding Scientific contribution and he is the only retired Scientist to receive this honor. He won several awards and published over 250 research papers and 7 books.

IPPC takes pleasure in congratulating Prof. Chelliah on the special honor conferred on him.

Editor’s note: Dr. Chelliah was my post-doc at IRRI during the 1980s. His research on the causal agents involved in the brown planthopper resurgence phenomenon was groundbreaking and led to numerous publications. It is interesting to note that Dr. Chelliah will be honored at the Golden Jubilee celebration. I was present at the 50 year celebration of the founding of TNAU in Coimbatore during the time that I served as USAID/Tennessee Plant Protection Advisor in Mysore State,, 1970-1972. My most vivid memory of the occasion was sitting on the ground with my legs crossed eating rice from off of a banana leaf. I truly enjoyed my time in India and my association with Indian scientists during the last 50 years. I am proud of Dr. Chelliah and his achievements and proud of all the Indian scientists that I have been associated with during my international agricultural career.

E.A. Heinrichs

IAPPS Secretary General