Browsing by Author "Lila Mathew, K"
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ArticleItem Open Access Dormancy and storage of seeds in Garcinia Cambogia Desr. (Kodampuli)(Kerala Agricultural University, 1995) Lila Mathew, K; Sarah George, T; KAUThesisItem Open Access Effect of bioregulators on growth, flowering and postharvest life of crossandra (Crossandra infundibuliformis (L.) Nees.)(Department Of Pomology And Floriculture, College Of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1997) Sreekala, C; KAU; Lila Mathew, KStudies were carried out at College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala from June 1996 to June 1997- to know the effect of bioregulators on growth, flowering and postharvest life of crossandra (Crossandra infundibuliformis (L.) Nees.). All the GA containing treatments (GA 100 ppm, 200 ppm either alone or in combination with 1 % urea) caused a significant increase in height, the most conspicuous one being GA 200 ppm. All the other vegetative growth parameters, viz., spreading habit, number of leaves, leaf area and number of branches were significantly increased by BA 200 ppm + 1 % urea, followed by GA 200 ppm treatment. Spike emergence after spray was earliest in CCC 500 ppm treated ones followed by paclobutrazol 1000 ppm + 1 % urea treatments. Month var variation was found to be prominent in most of the flowering and floral characters, along with their interaction with field treatments. In general GA containing treatments (GA l00 ppm + 1 % urea) caused quickest floret appearance after spike emergence while this treatment and BA 200 ppm + 1 % urea took maximum time for floret opening. Paclobutrazol 250 ppm + 1 % urea showed maximum delay in floret appearance while paclobutrazol 500 ppm + urea caused quickest opening of florets. BA 200 ppm + 1 % urea and GA 200 ppm treatments were found to have maximum desirable influence on number of spikes produced, number of florets per plant, number of florets in a spike, length of spike and stalk length of spike. Even though not much consistent and significant, CCC 500 ppm during October to January increased spike and floret yield. Weight of florets had a slight positive influence by GA treatments, while length and diameter of the florets had no significant consistent variation among treatments . Paclobutrazol containing treatments envisaged almost complete suppression of growth and flowering. Chlorophyll 'a' content was maximum in CCC 500 ppm while chlorophyll 'b' and total of chlorophyll 'a' and chlorophyll 'b' were maximum in paclobutrazol 500 ppm + 1 % urea treatment. CCC 500 ppm resulted in maximum carotene content of flowers. Pulsing, precooling and storage behaviour was not influenced by field treatments, while pulsing with 15% sucrose + 500 ppm 8-HQ and storage under refrigerated conditions in 200 and 300 guage polythene covers was found superior for extending the storage life and other postharvest characters of crossandra spike. Vase life without storage was maximum for BA 100 ppm treatment and 3% sucrose + 100 ppm CoCl2 was found to be the best vase solution, while interac- tion effect causes ZnS04 0.25% with and without urea to have the maximum vase life in the above solution.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of time of planting and growth regulators on flowering and vase life of Gerbera jamesonii(Department of Pomology and floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture,Vellanikara, 1993) Suma, P; KAU; Lila Mathew, KStudies were carried out in the Department of pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, during 1991 – 93 to examine the effect of time of planting and growth regulators on flowering and vase life of gerbera. Four varieties, namely , Eoliet, Presley, Pritty and Sunbird and five treatments, viz., GA 50 ppm, GA 100 ppm, CCC 500 ppm, CCC 750 ppm and control, were tried. Varieties were found to have significant influence on both vegetative as well as the floral characters whereas the treatments did not have any significant effect on vegetative characters of the Gerbera cultivars in general, when evaluated in the first season. In the second season both varietal and treatment effects were not consistent. Variety Presley was found to be early flowering while Eoliet was late flowering. GA 50 ppm and GA 100 ppm hastened flowering whereas CCC 500 ppm and CCC 750 ppm delayed it. In general the longevity of flowers was maximum in varieties Eoliet and Sunbird. Variety Presley had the least longevity. Among the treatments, CCC 750 ppm and GA 50 ppm increased the longevity of flowers in field. Maximum number of blooms was produce by Presley and the minimum by Eoliet. In general GA 100 ppm and CCC 750 ppm increased the number of blooms. In general CCC 750 ppm, GA 50 ppm and GA 100 ppm had a significant positive influence on flower diameter. In general variety sunbird had the maximum stalk length and diameter, while Pritty produced the shorest stalks. CCC 500 ppm and CCC 750 ppm had the best effect on stalk length. Vase life was found to be significantly increased by GA 100 ppm and CCC 750 ppm treatments given to the plants. Five per cent sucrose + 20 ppm AgNO3 significantly increased the longevity of flowers in vase. Planting in June was found to be better than October planting with respect to vegetative as well as floral characters, especially for number of flowers and flower diameter. Among the varieties, with respect to growth and number of flowers, Presley was found to be superior. In the correlation studies flower number was found to have positive and highly significant correlation with plant height and leaf area whereas flower diameter had significant negative correlation with leaf area and stalk length. Petiole length, stalk diameter and leaf number had positive correlation with this character. Vase life had significantly positive correlation with fresh weight of flowers.ArticleItem Open Access Floral biology, fruitset and fruit development in sweet lovi-lovi (Flacourtia Cataphracta Roxb.)(Kerala Agricultural University, 1999) Sarah T George; Lila Mathew, K; Mridula, K R; KAUSweet lovi-lovi, f'lacourtia cataphracta Roxb., is dioecious with male and female flowers borne on separate trees. The male tree flowers two weeks earlier than the female during October and the female in mid November. The flowers in male appear as axillary or terminal cymose clusters while those in female trees are in fascicles. In the male trees, 25 days are required for the complete flower development and in the female it takes 18-20 days. About 19 percent of pollen are viable with a maximum pollen germination of (80.7%) with pollen tube length of (132.6 jim) in 4 per cent sucrose + 0.25 per cent agar media. The fruit development from fruitsct requires 78-80 days. The fruits are harvested in February taking 98-100 days from flower initiation. The shelf life of the fruit is very low and proper harvesting methods and storage devices are required to prolong the shelflifeofihe fruits.ArticleItem Open Access Malformation in kodampuli (Garcinia Cambogia desr.)(Kerala Agricultural University, 1994) Sarah T George; Lila Mathew, K; Kesavachandran, R; Rajeevan, P K; KAUArticleItem Open Access Morphological and biochemical variations in different sex forms of kodampuli (.)(Kerala Agricultural University, 1999) Muthulakshmi, P; Sarah T George; Lila Mathew, K; KAUKodampuli seedlings segregate into males and bisexuals at flowering. A study has been carried Out to differentiate the sex by morphological and biochemical characters. The results indicated that there is no significant differences between male and bisexual plants in terms oCniorphological characters except the colour of emerging flush in which pink and pinkish shades were more prevalent in biscxuals than in male Significant differences between male and bisexual trees were noticed with respect to total phenol of young (208.60 nijj/IQOg and 118.10 mg/IOOy respectively) and mature (I397.H2 mg/IOO!> and 794.53 mg/IOOg respectively) leaves. The thin layer chromaiographic profile of phenolics showed one additional spot in male than in bisexual plants, electrophoresis revealed similar banifmy pattern for peraxidase enzymes in both male and bisexual plants.ThesisItem Open Access Propagation studies in nutmeg(Department of Horticulture (Pomology & Floriculture and Landscaping), College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1979) Lila Mathew, K; KAU; Damodaran, V KThe studies on the propagation of nutmeg (MYRISTICA fragrans Houtt) were carried out at the Instructional Farm of the College of Horticulture, and at the District Agricultural Farm, Mannuthy during the period from April 1978 to July 1979. The studies consisted of two methods - namely, the seed propagation and vegetative propagation. The seed propagation studies included viability studies and the effect of growth regulators on germination and the subsequent growth of the seedlings. Under vegetative propagation, the main objective was to standardise an economical and effective method of vegetative propagation of nutmeg. The studies revealed that maximum per cent and quicker germination was obtained by sowing the seeds during the month of June and there was significant difference between the heavy and light group of seeds. Seeds stored in moist sand remained viable for a longer period than those stored in metalic containers. Gibberllic acid treatment had significant effect on the germination of seeds and the subsequent growth of the seedlings. Seeds treated with 200 ppm GA for 24 hours gave good results as compared to other treatments. Among the different methods of vegetative propagation tried, inarch grafting gave the highest per cent of sucess - about 95 per cent during the month of June. The growth of the grafts was poor when compared to the seedlings of same age during the initial stages, but the growth was progressive and satisfactory after two months (of seperation). Other methods of vegetative propagation viz., side-grafting, veneer grafting and wedge grafting were also successful up to 40 per cent, but the growth of the grafts was less than that of the seedlings. However, these methods need standardisation for use on a large scale programme of propagation of nutmeg.ThesisItem Open Access Response of papaya to organic manures, plant growth promoting microorganisms and mulching(Department of Pomology and Floriculture,College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2010) Shijini, E M; KAU; Lila Mathew, KA research project entitled “Response of papaya to organic manures, plant growth promoting microorganisms and mulching” was conducted in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2008-2010. Major objectives were to study the response of organic manures, plant growth promoting microorganisms on growth, yield and quality of papaya, under humid tropical climate. Selection of ecofriendly mulch for papaya was also aimed as it saves water and reduces weed growth. Papaya variety CO 7 was used for the investigation. The study consisted of two field experiments, laid out in RBD with three replications in each experiment. Experiment I included 12 treatments which were combinations of organic manures and plant growth promoting microorganisms along with inorganic fertilizers. In Experiment II effect of different mulches on growth, yield and quality of papaya, soil moisture retention and weed growth was studied. There were seven treatments in experiment II which included six types of mulches. The study revealed that application of RDF (240:240:480 g NPK/plant/year) + vermicompost (13 kg) + plant growth promoting microorganisms, viz; Trichoderma and Pseudomonas (5 g and 10 g/plant respectively) exhibited superiority in terms of vegetative and floral characters and recorded highest fruit yield (42.59 kg/plant). Application of RDF + poultry manure (10 kg/plant) + plant growth promoting microorganisms were also found superior with respect to growth and yield attributes. Quality of the fruits in terms of TSS, total sugars, acidity, overall acceptability and shelf life was highest in organic treatments where as fruit yield per plant was found lowest in these treatments. Soil properties like pH, organic matter, available N, P and K were found to be improved by application of organic manures. Application of plant growth promoting microorganisms enhanced the microbial population (bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes) in the soil. Population of Trichoderma spp. and Pseudomonas fluorescens was also increased. Regarding the cost of cultivation, application of biovermi incurred highest cost per ha. In Experiment II, plants mulched with biodegradable polythene and black polythene mulches showed positive response with regard to vegetative and floral characters and recorded highest fruit yield (40.99 and 40.76 kg/plant respectively). Quality attributes of the fruits were also found to improve in these treatments. The polythene mulches showed superiority in terms of soil moisture retention and it reduced the number of irrigation. Significant reduction in weed growth was also noticed in the plots mulched with polythene mulches. Soil nutrient status was improved and was superior in the treatments mulched with organic mulches. With respect to cost of cultivation also treatments T6 and T7 were superior. Over all assessment indicated that application of RDF (240:240:480 g of NPK) + vermicompost (13 kg) + Trichoderma (5 g) + Pseudomonas (10 g) was highly beneficial for growth, yield and quality improvement in papaya. Similarly mulching with biodegradable polythene was proved to be good as it was effective in weed control, soil moisture retention, thereby improving the growth, yield and quality of papaya and it is also ecofriendly.ThesisItem Open Access Standardisation of softwood and epicotyl grafting in Garcinia. cambogia Desr.(Department of Pomology & Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1992) Nazeema, K K; KAU; Lila Mathew, KThe investigations on standardisation of softwood and epicotyl grafting in Garcinia cambogia was carried out in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Trichur during the period, 1990-92. The studies revealed that seed coat removal or seed treatment with growth regulators increased the final percentage of seed germination compared to control though there was no significant difference between the treatments. Seed coat removal could enhance the seed germination remarkably. After the beginning of germination seeds with intact seed coat completed germination within seven weeks while those seeds without seed coat required only five weeks for the same. In order to obtain an early and higher germination, seed coat removal along with seed soaking with 500 ppm GA for 12 h could be adopted. This treatment registered 90.667 per cent germination. Softwood grafting on 18 months old G. cambogia rootstock was found to be the best method of vegetative propagation compared to epicotyl grafting (using G. tinctoria rootstocks) and double grafting (using different combinationsThesisItem Open Access Variability and propagation studies in pummelo (Citrus grandis(L.) osbeck)(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2006) Anupama, T V; KAU; Lila Mathew, KThe present entitled “Variability and propagation studies in pummelo (Citrus grandis (L.). Osbeck.)” was conducted at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2003-2005. The objectives of the study were to explore the variability in vegetative, flowering, fruiting characters of pummelo through a comprehensive survey in Thrissur, Ernakulam and Kottayam districts of Kerala and to standardize vegetative propagation techniques in pummelo. Variations were noticed in tree habit (upright, spreading and drooping), tree shape (ellipsoid, spheroid and ellipsoid-oblate), branch density (sparse, medium and high) among the 40 accessions surveyed. Leaf shape, length, width, length/width ratio, petiole wing shape, margin and aroma of crushed leaves showed variations. Flowering season started by March-April. Late flowering types (November- December) were also observed. AC. 16, 29 and 31 exhibited perpetual flowering habit. Flowers were both solitary and crowded. Variations were observed in number of flowers per inflorescence (four-12), flower length (1.40-3.37 cm), breadth (1.10-1.98 cm), pollen fertility (78-90 %) and pollen diameter (32.22-37.10 microns). The fruiting period was from September - February, with the peak in November- December. Variations were noticed in fruit shape (spheroid, pyriform, oblate and oblique), colour (yellow and greenish yellow), base shape (concave- collared, concave, truncate and convex), apex shape (depressed, truncate and convex) fruit skin surface (smooth and pitted), presence of oil glands (conspicuous and very conspicuous), mesocarp colour (white and light pink), carpel colour (pale yellow to red), juice colour (pale yellow to reddish), juice taste (poor and very poor) and juice flavour (moderate and strong). Biometric characters viz., fruit length (10.2 - 21.2 cm), width (9.8 - 24.8 cm), fruit weight (193.00 -1960.00 g), rind weight (50.00 - 997.00 g), number of segments (9.0 - 16.0), segment length (5.02 - 14.12 cm), segment width (2.54 - 5.20 cm), segment weight (12.00 - 78.00 g), juice content (18.1 - 75.3%), total segment weight- rind ratio (0.43 - 3.53) and yield of fruits per tree (48.25 - 255.00 kg) were varied widely. Significant correlation was observed between yield, fruit length, width, weight, rind weight, segment length, width and weight. Significant variations were noticed for bio chemical characters like TSS (5-110 brix), acidity (0.41-1.74 %), TSS/acidity ratio (3.86 to 22.22), total sugars (3.35- 6.73 %), reducing sugars (0.81- 3.09 %), non-reducing sugars (1.77 - 5.17 %) and ascorbic acid (16.0 - 95.0 mg per 100 g fruit). TSS was significantly correlated with total sugar and reducing sugar content. Sensory attributes viz., appearance, colour, taste, flavour, sweetness, juiciness and overall acceptability of fruits, showed wide variations. AC.11 and AC.12 excelled in sensory qualities. Seeded and seedless types were noticed among the collections. Seed characters varied with respect to the shape, number of seeds per fruit, length, width, weight, days for germination and germination percentage. Seeds had white cotyledons and exhibited monoembryony. Cluster analysis yielded three clusters and showed the existence of genetic divergence in pummelo. Principal component analysis was done using ten fruit parameters and a selection index was worked out. Sixteen accessions had selection index value greater than the standard. AC.2, 9, 11, 12, 14 and 26 can be selected for further evaluation and multiplication. Propagation methods viz., cutting, layering and budding were investigated in pummelo. Highest rooting percentage was obtained in cuttings treated with NAA at 1000 mg l-1 followed by NAA at 2000 mg l-1 and IBA at 1000 mg l-1 in the month of September. Soft wood cuttings showed lesser days for rooting and semi hard wood cuttings gave significantly higher number of roots, treated with NAA at 1000 mg l-1 treatment followed by NAA at 2000 mg l-1. The best medium for layering was sphagnum moss with more number of roots per layer and with lesser days for rooting. Second best medium was coconut fibre and saw dust was inferior to sphagnum moss and coconut fibre. August was the best month with lesser days for rooting and more number of roots per layer, followed by July, which showed the highest percentage of rooting. Patch budding and modified forkert budding, tried on pummelo and acid lime rootstocks, resulted in no bud take despite the different seasons.