Browsing by Author "Rajeevan, P K"
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ThesisItem Open Access Effect of growth regulators and nutrients on spike qualities of gladiolus(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1991) Leena Ravidas; KAU; Rajeevan, P KStudies were carried out at the College of Horticulture , Vellanikkara during 1988-89 to examine the effect of growth regulators and nutrients on the growth parameters and spike qualities of five varieties of gladiolus, in two seasons. The treatments significantly influenced all the vegetative characters, duration , most of the spike characters as well as corm and cormel yield in one variety or other. Growth retardants TIBA and CCC and salts of Ca recorded least height. TIBA 300 ppm and CCC 250 ppm produced the maximum number of leaves, followed by GA 100 ppm and salts of Ca and K. In leaf area, K2SO4 causes a significant increase. TIBA 300 ppm, NAA 100 ppm, GA 100 ppm and salts of Ca were the other superior treatments. While K2SO4 and GA 100 ppm reduced the duration till the appearance of flower spike , that from spike emergence to opening was the shortest with salts of Ca and K, in general. GA and Ca(N03 ) 2 lengthened the blooming period , whereas and GA 100 ppm reduced the total duration . In general, K2SO4 0.5%, CaSO4 0.5% and GA 50 ppm were superior in increasing the spike length . Diameter of spike was the maximum with growth inhibitors , in most of the varieties . GA and salts of Ca were also superior. Ga 50 ppm as well assalts of Caa nd K helped in producing the longest rachis . Salts of Ca at 1.0% level and GA produced the highest number of florets . However, the length and size of the florets were not affected by the treatments. CCC, Ca (N03)2 1.0% and KNO3 0.5% recorded the maximum fresh weight of the spike . TIBA 150 ppm , CCC, GA, Ca(NO3) 1.0% and CaSO4 lengthened the vase life . GA, NAA 100 ppm, CCC 500 ppm and Ca(NO3)2 were superior with respect to the opening behaviour of the florets . Longevity of individual floret was improved by GA 100 ppm , K2SO4 and Ca (NO3)2. Salts of K and Ca(NO3)2 1-0% enhanced the number of florets opened at a time . NAA 100 ppm and GA 50 ppm exhibited maximum water uptake. However, the treatments could not influence the nature of bending. NAA, GA and salts of Ca and K increased the corm yield . Number of cormels was mostly affected by the nutrients . K improved the weight of cormels too. In general, floral characters were superior in the varieties American Beauty and Friendship , whereas vase life was the maximum in Agnirekha and Mansoer Red. True Yellow produced heavy corms. Weight of cormels was the maximum in Agnirekha and Mansoer Red. November planting was found to be better than April planting, in order to obtain quality spikes as weII as good cormel yield in gladiolus under Vellanikkara conditions.ThesisItem Open Access Endogenous and exogenous regulation of growth and development in dendrobium var.Sonia 17 and Sonia 28(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2001) Sanjeev Nair, U; KAU; Rajeevan, P Ketc. Studies on “Endogenous and exogenous regulation of growth and development in Dendrobium var. Sonia 17 and Sonia 28” were conducted in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during the period from June 1999 to November 2000. The main objectives of the trial were to study the factors responsible for changes in growth and development of Dendrobium var. Sonia 17 and Sonia 28 with a view to solve field problems and to enhance production. The influence of endogenous factors indicated that the variety Sonia 17 was superior to Sonia 28 with respect to the number of shoots, number of leaves, total leaf area and number of florests, while the internodal length was more in Sonia 28. The stomatal frequency was higher in Sonia 28 whereas the stomatal size was more in Sonia 17. Increased dry weight was recorded in the third stage (keiki formation) in Sonia 17. Leaf area index, specific leaf weight and relative growth rate did not differ significantly. The chlorophyll (a, b and total) content did not show any significant differences between Sonia 17 and 28. The total phenolic content was significantly higher in Sonia 28 during the fourth stage (senescence of spike). The Concentration and uptake of all the nutrients were at par during all the stages of growth, between Sonia 17 and Sonia 28. Studies on exogenous factors revealed that Greencare (13:27:27) at 0.2 per cent level improved the in number of leaves in Sonia 28. The stomatal density and size were significantly influenced by the treatments in both the varieties. Leaf area index, relative growth rate and total dry matter production did not vary significantly, either at the emergence of shoot or at the emergence of spike. However, specific leaf weight varied significantly during Stage I (emergence of the shoot) in both the varieties. The concentration of nitrogen was significantly influenced by the treatments at the shoot emergence stage, in Sonia 17. In Sonia 28, significant differences were not observed among the treatments during both the stages of growth. Though the concentration of phosphorus was not influenced by the treatments that of potassium differed significantly among the treatments during both the stages in Sonia 17 and Sonia 28. The highest uptake of nitrogen was recorded in the treatment involving 1:10 groundnut oilcake during shoot emergence stage, in both the varieties. During spike emergence, the highest uptake was caused by 500 mg 1-1 BA in Sonia 17 and 1:10 groundnut oilcake in Sonia 28. With respect to phosphorus, in Sonia 17, the highest value during both the stages was recorded in plants treated with 0.1 per cent Greencare. In Sonia 28 the highest uptake of P at both the stages was with the treatment 1:10 groundnut oilcake. In Sonia 17 the highest K uptake was with 1:20 groundnut oilcake during the emergence of shoot while during the emergence of spike the highest uptake was with 0.1 per cent Greencare. In Sonia 28, during the emergence of shoot, the highest uptake of K was with a combination of 0.1 per cent Greencare + 1:10 groundnut oilcake whereas during the emergence of spike the highest value was recorded in plants receiving 1:10 groundnut oilcake alone. The chlorophyll and total phenolic content differed significantly in the two varieties during both the stages of growth. In Sonia 17, Greencare significantly improved the chlorophyll content at both the stages. In Sonia 28, maximum chlorophyll content during the emergence of shoot, was recorded in plants receiving 0.1 per cent Greencare, whereas, during the emergence of spike 1:20 groundnut oilcake recorded the highest value. In sonia 17, the total phenolic content at the emergence of shoot was produced by 1:10 groundnut oil cake + 0.1 per cent greencare + 250 mg I-1 BA and during spike emergence, by a combination of 0.1 per cent Greencare + 250 mg I-1 BA. In Sonia 28, at the emergence of shoot, the highest phenolic content was recorded by 500 mg I-1 BA and during the emergence of spike, by 1:10 groundnut oil cake. Studies conducted using 32 P revealed that translocation of 32 P occurred from the backbulb to the younger shoots.ArticleItem Open Access Estimation of leaf area in banana var. nendran (Musa aab group) using linear parameters(Kerala Agricultural University, 1984) Rajeevan, P K; Unnithan, V K G; Geetha, C K; KAUArticleItem Open Access Evaluation of some culinary varieties of banana(Kerala Agricultural University, 1988) Rajeevan, P K; Indira, V; Geetha, C K; Varkey, P AThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of tropical plant species for use as cut foliage(Department Of Pomology And Floriculture, College Of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Sindhu M, Eapen; KAU; Rajeevan, P KThe investigations on the evaluation of tropical foliage plant species for use as cut foliage was conducted in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, during 2001-2003, with the main objectives of evaluating the performance of the foliage species under field conditions together with their post harvest performance. Twenty-seven foliage plant species belonging to ten different families were selected for the present study. They were evaluated for their height, spread, leaf characters (length, breadth, area, longevity, interval of production, leaf yield per month) and petiole characters (length, girth) under field conditions. The post harvest performance of the cut foliage of these species was evaluated by various pulsing and holding treatments. The best of the treatments were combined and the selected species were evaluated in the combinations, also estimating the catalase activity at different stages of treatment. Cut foliages of the different species were also held at different temperatures to evaluate the influence of the temperature on the vaselife. They were packed in cartons using different lining materials (both dry and wet) and the effect of the lining materials were also evaluated. In the field conditions the species exhibited wide variation 111 their growth pattern and leaf characters. Maximu~ plant height was observed In Asparagus setaceus, a twiner, while the maximum spread was recorded 111 SchefJlera arboricola, a shrub and Nephrolepis cordifolia, a fern. Leaf length was maximum in Nephrolepis exaltata while the leaf breadth and petiole length were maximum in Cyperus alternifolius. Philodendron wendlandii recorded maximum petiole girth. Maximum leaf production was in Scirpus cernnus. Leaf area' recorded was maximum in Monstera deliciosa while SchejJl.era arboricola and Nephrolepis exaltata recorded the maximum longevity and maximum interval of leaf production, respectively. The qualitative characters of the species differed in all respects and a wide range of shape, texture, margin and pigmentation could be observed. In the post harvest evaluation for use as cut foliage, the pulsing treatments were on par and among the holding solutions, distilled water and acidified water proved to the best, thus eliminating the use of chemicals. Scoring of .foliage projected Asparagus setaceus to be the best in terms of all the characters of colour/pigmentation, shape/pattern, size and texture. The combinations indicated a significantly higher vase life of the different species in a combination of any pulsing treatment with a holding solution of either tap water or distilled water. Catalase activity reduced in the foliage when treated with hot water and increased when treated with tap water. Foliage kept in aoidified water after hot water dip showed an increase in the activity. pH in the best treatment showed a lesser increase whereas EC increased to a greater extent in the most inferior treatment. Storing at a lower temperature of 17°C proved to be better for prolonging the vase life of the foliage species, compared to ambient temperature. Packing with a wet cotton plug at the petiole end increased the vase life of the foliage although lining materials showed rio significant effect on the vase life.ArticleItem Open Access Influence of corm size, depth of planting and division of corms on propagule production in gladiolus(Kerala Agricultural University, 1995) Geetha, C K; Valsalakumari, P K; Rajeevan, P K; Sakeer Hussain, C T; KAUArticleItem Open Access Influence on the performance of selected gladiolus varieties(Kerala Agricultural University, 1993) Leena Ravidas; Rajeevan, P K; Aravindakshan, M; KAUThe performance of five varieties of gladiolus was evaluated in two seasons. The varieties differed significantly with respect to the vegetal!ve characters, duration, spike characters, vase characters as well as corm and cormel yield in both the seasons. American Beauty excelled the other varieties in all the vegetative characters studied, in both the seasons. Blooming period was also more in this variety. In general, American Beauty and Friendship were superior in floral characters whereas Agnirekha and Mansoer Red exhibited the longest vase life. True Yellow, produced heavy comns. November planting was found to be better than April planting, in order to obtain quality spikes as well as good corm and cormel yield in gladiolus, under Kerala conditions.ThesisItem Open Access Intraclonal variations and nutritional studies in banana cv. Palayankodan(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1985) Rajeevan, P K; KAU; Mohanakumaran, NThe investigations were carried out at the Banana Research Station, Kannara, during 1981-84 in the banana cv. 'Palayankodan'. Twenty four accessions were subjected to detailed analysis with respect to growth, yield and quality. The plants of the accessions differed significantly with regard to height and girth of pseudostem during the later stages of growth , both in the plant crop and in ratoon 1. Significant differences observed in the number of functional leaves were not consistent. Area of the third leaf at shooting varied significantly in all the three crops. The trend in variation between the crops, however, was not consistent. Interval of leaf production, total number of leaves produced and the density of stomata in the upper surface of the leaf lamina showed significant differences. The duration from planting to shooting in ratoon 1 alone varied significantly. The plant crop took more time than ratoon 1 and ratoon 2 to come to harvest. The content of nutrient elements in the index leaf did not exhibit significant variations. The reactionof the accessions to the important pest (rhizome weevil) and diseases (bunchytop and Sigatoke) varied considerably.ArticleItem Open Access Malformation in kodampuli (Garcinia Cambogia desr.)(Kerala Agricultural University, 1994) Sarah T George; Lila Mathew, K; Kesavachandran, R; Rajeevan, P K; KAUThesisItem Open Access Micropropagation and crop improvement of Cordyline (Cordyline terminalis (L.) Kunth)(Department of pomology and floriculture, College of horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2000) Lavanya, R; KAU; Rajeevan, P KInvestigations on micropropagation and crop improvement of cordyline were carried out in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1998-2000. The main objectives were to study the response of various explants and to identify the most suitable explant and media combination for in vitro propagation. Attempts were also made to find out the optimum dose of y - irradiation, for inducing variation. The shoot tips and nodal segments of cordyline were found to be ideal explants for the enhanced release of axillary buds and for indirect organogenesis. The best sterilization treatment was wiping with 70 per cent ethyl alcohol, followed by a dip in 0.1 per cent mercuric chloride for 18 min. for shoots, nodal segments and axillary buds. For leaf segments, treatment with 0.1 per cent mercuric chloride for ten minutes alone was enough. The nodal segment explants collected in the drier months, namely; January, March, November and December showed no contamination. Survival percentage was the highest in the months of November and December. The shoot tip explants showed least contamination when collected during August to April. Early release of buds (4.4 days after inoculation) and further growth of buds was better in MS medium supplemented with BAP 3.0 mg r'. Maximum shoot proliferation was observed in MS medium with 2.0 mg rI BAP. In the case of shoot tips MS medium having Kin 3.0 mg r' showed less time (5.5 days) for bud emergence. Maximum number of shoots (2.5) was also obtained when MS medium was supplemented with 3.0 mg rl KIN. MS medium supplemented with BAP in combination with NAA also proved better for culture establishment of nodal segments and shoot tips. Maximum number of shoots was observed in MS medium with NAA 0.5 mg r' + BAP 1.0 mg l". Of the different media tried, MS medium was found to be the best for early release of buds in nodal segments and shoot tips. Number of shoots produced did not differ significantly in all the three media. The elongated buds from Stage 1 showed very high rate of axillary bud production when inoculated in MS medium containing BAP 1.0 mg r' + NAA 0.5 mg r' and BAP 2.0 mg r' + NAA 0.5 mg r'. Among MS, SH and WPM media, full strength MS medium gave very high rate of axillary bud production within a short time (12.2 days). High rate of callus production was observed in MS medium having 1.0 mg r' BAP + 1.0 mg rl NAA and 2.0 mg rl BAP + 1.0 mg rl NAA. The rate of axillary bud production and callusing was less with KIN in combination with NAA. Irrespective of the media, rhizogenesis was observed when higher levels of 2ip was incorporated in to the media. Elongation of the multiple axillary buds with normal shoot and root growth was recorded in full strength MS medium devoid of growth regulators. None of the media supplements (activated charcoal, adenine sulphate, coconut water and casein hydrolysate) induced multiple axillary bud elongation. Among the three basal media tried, MS medium was superior with respect to the number of lengthy roots and the time taken for root initiation. Among the auxins, iliA was superior for root induction. Callus formation was observed at the base when NAA was incorporated in the media. Maximum percentage of rooting, early rooting and more number of lengthy roots were obtained in full strength MS basal medium. Addition of activated charcoal in the medium did not affect root number and root length, but reduced the number of days taken for root initiation. Triadimefon in the rooting medium slightly increased the number of days taken for root initiation and decreased the number of roots/culture and length of roots. It also increased the survival percentage during hardening. Maximum survival percentage of the plantlets was obtained when the plantlets rooted in the medium containing Triadimefon 1.0 mg r' + iliA 5.0 mg l' were treated with 0.1 per cent Bavistin for 30 minutes soon after removal from the culture vessels and subjected to a post planting treatment with triadimefon (20 mg rl) drenching at weekly intervals and kept in a net house having 50 per cent shade. Plant height was the maximum when the plantlets after planting out were supplied with 0.75 g 17: 17: 17 NPK mixture per week as soil drench. Among the various explants tried for somatic organogenesis, nodal segments and shoot tips were the most ideal for callus initiation, growth and differentiation. Callus intensity was maximum in the leaf segments when bottom portions of the immature leaves with midrib were cultured. Best response to callusing and callus intensity was obtained with the adaxial surface of the leaf touching the medium. Direct organogenesis could not be obtained in different treatment combinations or explants. Shoot tips and nodal segments produced higher percentage of callus and showed maximum callus index when MS medium was supplemented with lower levels of 2, 4 D (0.5 mg rl) and BAP (0.5 mg r'j, both in 12 h photoperiod. No positive response was observed with the addition of coconut water on callus induction and differentiation. Earliest differentiation of callus derived from nodal segment and shoot tip explants was possible in MS medium supplemented with BAP 1.0 mg r' + KIN 2.0 mg r': Very high rate of shoot production was observed in the medium supplemented with BAP 1.0 mg rl + KIN 2.0 mg r'. A combination of BAP + KIN gave high rate of shoot production, compared to BAP + 2ip combination. Various treatment combinations failed to induce morphogenesis in leaf derived callus, but additon of activated charcoal prevented browning of callus upon subculturing. Higher concentration of cytokinins prevented rhizogenesis. In vitro mutagenesis was attempted to know the optimum dose and correct stage for induction of variation. Of all the doses of y-irradiation, a dose of 10 Gy at culture establishment stage produced plants having narrow yellow leaves with green line at the centre, but after planting out the plantlets reverted to normal behaviour.ThesisItem Open Access Micropropagation of phalaenopsis(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1996) Jyothi, Bhaskar; KAU; Rajeevan, P KInvestigations were carried out at the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory attached to the All India Co-ordinated Floriculture Improvement Project (AICFIP), College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, during 1993-96 to standardise the micropropagation technique in Phalaenopsis. Out of the different explants tried, response was shown by inflorescene stalk node, inflorescence stalk tip and pollinia collected from the field grown plants and apical bud, shoot node, basal portion, leaf and root of plantlets grown in vitro. Maximum survival (40%) of nodal explants was recorded at the sterilant combination involving mercuric chloride (0.01%) for 30 min., streptomycin + pencillin (0.01%) for 90min., followed by final sterilization using mercuric chloride (0.10%) for 10 min. For flower bud, the combination involving emisan (1.00%) for 30 min. followed by alcohol (50%) for 1 min. recorded the maximum survival percentage (55). The ½ MS liquid medium containing BA 5 ppm+ NAA 2ppm + 2, 4-D ppm + CW 15 percent recorded the minimum number of days for nodal swelling and bud development (6 and 14 days, respectively). Basal portion was found to be the best explants with respect to rate of increase in shoot number (8.00) and leaf number (7.67), followed by shoot node. The latter recorded the highest root number (7.67) at the end of 12 weeks of culturing. As to the position of explant, highest increase in the length of the buds was recorded for first node, followed by second, third and fourth. Full strength MS and KC media were far inferior to ¼ MS, ½ MS, ¾ MS and VW media, for culturing. Maximum number of shoots (5.00) and leaves (7.67) were recorded for ¼ ms AND ½ ms media after 8 weeks of culturing. Physical state of the medium, viz. liquid and semi –solid did not show any significant difference. Sucrose at 1.5 percent level recorded the maximum number of shoots and leaves after 8 weeks of culturing. Thiamine – HCL increased the shoot and leaf number at 20ppm level at the end of 8 weeks, whereas the presence did not favour the production of roots. The time taken for callusing in pollinia was minimum (2.0 days) at BA 5 ppm + NAA 2 ppm + 2, 4-D 2ppm in ½ MS medium containing 3 percent sucrose. When 90 day old pod was used, protocorm formation was observed in ½ MS medium containing BA 10ppm + NAA 1 ppm and KIN 5 ppm +2, 4-D 2ppm. When the effect of NAA was considered root production was increased at the combination NAA 5 ppm + BA 10ppm + adenine 10 ppm. With regard to the effect of BA, that at 25ppm in combination with adenine 10 ppm + NAA 1 ppm recorded maximum number of shoots and leaves. Shoot and leaf number was maximum at ¼ MS medium containing BA 20 ppm+ 2, 4-D 2.5ppm, whereas root production was maximum at BA 20ppm + 2, 4-D 5 ppm. As to the combined effect of BA, NAA and 2,4-D in ¼ MS medium, the combination BA 5ppm + NAA 2 ppm + 2,4-D 2 ppm recorded the maximum number of shoots and leaves. Different levels of KIN, was found to have no significant influence on the production of shoots, leaves and roots. When the combined effect f KIN, NAA and 2, 4-D was considered ¼ MS medium containing KIN 20ppm + NAA 2 ppm + 2, 4-D 2 ppm recorded maximum number of shoots and leaves. The apical bud did not show any multiple shoot production during the 12 weeks culture period as influenced by coconut water, whereas first node at CW 10 percent, shoot node at CW 10 per cent, shoot node at CW 15 percent, and basal portion at CW 25 percent recorded the highest number of shoots.Maximum number of leaves was produced by apical bud at CW 20 percent , first node and shoot node at CW 10 percent, and basal portion at CW 25 percent. Both tender and mature coconut water were equally effective. Fresh and upto 6 days old coconut water could also be used with similar effect. Peptone at 1000 ppm was found to influence favourably the induction of multiple shoots from in vitro shoots. Culturing the nodal explants in liquid media with filter paper bridge or keeping in the dark were found to reduce phenolic blackening. With the increase in the concentration of antioxidants, there was a proportionate reduction in media discolouration. Activated charcoal and triadimefon added in the media were found to influence the root production from shoots. Length of the root was maximum at triadimefon 20 ppm. Sucrose at 1.5 percent level recorded the minimum number of days for PLB development and the maximum number of PLB’s developed. Thiamine – HCL, coconut water, tomato juice and peptone did not significantly influence the time taken for PLB formation, but favoured the number of PLB’s developed. With regard to PLB formation from shoot node, ½ MS medium containing BA 5 ppm + NAA 2 ppm + 2, 4-D 2 ppm recorded the minimum number of days for PLB development and maximum number of PLB’s. When PLB formation from in vitro leaf was considered, cent percent of the leaf cultures developed PLB’s at the combination BA 25 ppm + adenine 10 ppm + NAA 1 ppm and the time taken for PLB formation was minimum. Cent percent of the cultures developed PLB’s from in vitro roots at BA 25 ppm + adenine 10 ppm + NAA 1 ppm and the time taken for PLB formation was minimum. Further growth of PLB’s and Plantlet development was the best in ¼ MS medium containing BA 15 ppm +NAA 1 ppm followed by adenine 8 ppm + BA 16 ppm. Regarding the effect of coconut water, PLB growth at CW 15 percent and plantlet development at CW 25 percent recorded the best results. Light favoured plantlet development, multiple shoot formation and PLB formation from shoot node and in vitro root, whereas dark period favoured early development of PLB’s from in vitro root, whereas dark period favoured early development of PLB’s from in vitro leaf, callusing and PLB proliferation. Healthy, large and robust plants were produced when plantlets were grown in 250 ml conical flask, followed by large test tubes. When the plantlets grown previously in medium triadimefon 20 ppm were hardened by spreading over sterile charcoal pieces for two weeks, planted in coconut husk and were hung in the orchidarium with high humidity, cent percent survival was recorded even after 8 weeks of planting out. The nutrient solution 30:10:10(0.50%) and 17:17:17 (0.10%) recorded the highest survival percentage after 12 weeks of planting out. The growth characters of the plants. Viz., plant height, leaf number, leaf length and width, root number and root length were found to be maximum for the plants sprayed with 17:17:17 at 0.10 percent level. The survival percentage of plants showed a slight decrease with time and all the plant characters increased with time except the number of leaves.ThesisItem Open Access Performance evaluation of anthurium (anthurium andreanum linden) under two climatic regimes(College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2008) Gayathri, M N; KAU; Rajeevan, P KInvestigations on the “Performance evaluation of anthurium (Anthurium andreanum Lind) under two climate regimes” were conducted at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Trichur district and at the Orange and Vegetable Farm, Department of Agriculture, Nelliampathy, Palakkad district. The objectives of the experiment were to compare the growth, flower yield and quality of selected cut flower and pot plant varieties at two agro climatic locations and to recommend suitable varieties for the anthurium growing tracts of Kerala. Ten, each, of the globally important cut flower and pot plant varieties of anthurium were chosen. They were grown under suitably designed greenhouses at both the locations. Observations were recorded on the vegetative and floral characters as well as post harvest behaviour of the flowers and foliage. Weather parameters were recorded daily, both inside and outside the growing structures. Results of the studies showed that, among cut flowers, at Vellanikkara, plant height, leaf breadth and leaf area were the highest in the variety Aymara. Leaf length was the highest in Caesar. Highest leaf longevity was recorded for Chichas and lowest leaf production interval for Lucia. At Nelliampathy, plant height, leaf length and leaf area were the highest in Salasaga. Leaf breadth and petiole length were the highest in Esmeralda. Highest leaf number and longevity were in Aymara and lowest leaf production interval was in Lucia. Differences between the locations were significant for plant height, leaf length, leaf breadth, leaf area, petiole length and leaf longevity. All these values were higher at Nelliampathy. Among pot plants, at Vellanikkara, plant height and leaf area were the highest in variety Condor. Leaf length was highest in Trampolino. Inti recorded maximum number of leaves and leaf longevity. Highest petiole length was recorded in Pumasillo. Lowest leaf production interval was in Mia. At Nelliampathy, plant height, leaf length, leaf breadth, leaf area and petiole length were the highest in Mia. Lowest leaf production interval was in Condor. Bonina recorded maximum number of leaves and leaf longevity. Difference between the locations was significant for number of leaves, leaf breadth, leaf area and petiole length. All these values were higher at Nelliampathy. Among cut flower varieties, Esmeralda, Titicaca, Salasaga, Aymara, Akapana and Jewel produced cut foliage of acceptable quality. Among pot plant varieties Patino, Pumasillo and Trampolino were superior. Time taken for flowering was significantly lesser at Vellanikkara. It was the lowest in the cut flower variety Lucia, at Vellanikkara. Caesar was the earliest to flower at Nelliampathy. Among pot plants, Condor was the earliest to flower at Vellanikkara as well as at Nelliampathy. The duration was significantly lesser at Vellanikkara. Varieties and locations differed significantly with respect to floral parameters also. Among cut flowers, at Vellanikkara, peduncle length, spathe length and spathe breadth were the highest in Titicaca. Spike longevity was the highest in Esmeralda. Lowest flower production interval was in Chichas. At Nelliampathy, peduncle length, spathe breadth and spike longevity were the highest in Caesar. Maximum spathe length and lowest flower production interval were in Esmeralda. Differences between the locations were significant for peduncle length and spathe breadth. These values were higher at Nelliampathy. Among pot plants, at Vellanikkara, peduncle length was the highest in Mia. Spike longevity was the highest in Bonina. Spathe length was the highest in Trampolino and breadth in Excellent. Lowest flower production interval was in Diablada. At Nelliampathy, peduncle length was the highest in Mia. Highest spathe length and spathe breadth were in Condor. Spike longevity was the highest in Bonina and lowest flower production interval was in Diablada. Differences between the locations were significant for peduncle length, spathe length, spathe breadth and spadix length. These values were higher at Nelliampathy. Angle of orientation of spathe was highest in Titicaca among cut flowers, at Vellanikkara. At Nelliampathy, Esmeralda was the topper. Among pot plants, the highest angle was recorded in Inti and Pumasillo, at Vellanikkara and Nelliampathy, respectively. Angle of orientation of spadix was lowest in Titicaca among cut flowers at Vellanikkara. At Nelliampathy, variety Aymara was the lowest. Among pot plants the lowest angle was recorded in Inti and Patino at Vellanikkara and Nelliampathy respectively. At Vellanikkara, among cut flowers, maximum number of days for loss of glossiness was recorded in Esmeralda. Days for spathe necrosis and spadix necrosis were the highest in Benicito. At Nelliampathy, maximum number of days for loss of glossiness was in Esmeralda. Days for spathe necrosis and spadix necrosis were the highest in Benicito. Among pot plants, at Vellanikkara, maximum number of days for loss of glossiness was in Diablada. Days for spathe necrosis and spadix necrosis were the highest in Pumasillo and Coralis, respectively. At Nelliampathy, maximum number of days for loss of glossiness was recorded in Diablada. Number of days for spathe necrosis and spadix necrosis were the highest in Excellent. Among cut flowers, maximum temperature was significantly and positively correlated with plant height in Akapana and Jewel and with number of leaves in Salsaga and Akapana. Among pot plants, maximum temperature was significantly and positively correlated with plant height, petiole length and leaf length in Diablada and Inti; with leaf breadth in Inti, Pumasillo and Trampolino and with leaf area in Inti. Among cut flowers, relative humidity was significantly and negatively correlated with plant height in Akapana and Jewel; with petiole length in Akapana and with number of leaves in Salsaga, Caesar and Akapana. In all other cases, correlation was not significant.ThesisItem Open Access Regulation of flowering in phalaenopsis orchids(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2012) Kaveriamma, M M; KAU; Rajeevan, P KThesisItem Open Access Standardisation of explant for In vitro propagation in Dendrobium spp .(Department of Horticulture (Pomology, Floriculture and Landscaping) , College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1992) Lakshmi Devi, S; KAU; Rajeevan, P KInvestigations were carried out at the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory attached to All India Co-ordinated Floriculture Improvement Project (AICFIP), College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, during 1990-91 to standardise the explants for in vitro propagation in Dendrobium spp. The explants used for the study were shoot tip, axillary bud, inflorescence stalk, leaf segments and root segments. The species of ' Dendrobium used were D. fimbriatum, D. moschatum and D. nobile. For culture establishment, proliferation of shoot/callus and _in vitro rooting studies, different sources of auxins (NAA, IBA, 2,4-D) and cytokinins (BA, KIN) were used with KC, MS and/or VW media. In all the explants, surface sterilization using 0.1 per cent mercuric chloride for 10 minutes was found to be the best. The explants collected during April recorded the minimum rate of contamination and the maximum survival percentage. Axillary bud was found to be the ideal explant for enhanced release of axillary buds. For Dendrobium moschatum, MS medium with the treatment combination of NAA 1.5 ppm + BA 1.0 ppm was found to be effective in influencing early bud initiation and elongation, but for D. fimbriatum and D. nobile, VW medium containing NAA 1.5 ppm +' BA 1.0 ppm was found to be the best. When the cultures were subjected to shoot . proliferation, VW medium containing NAA 2 ppm + BA 3 ppm gave maximum number of shoots in D. fimbriatum (18.8), D. moschatum (10.8) and D. nobile (7.6). The shoots produced at this level were well elongated and healthy. The proliferation of shoots also increased when NAA 2 ppm + KIN 3 ppm were used in VW ‘medium, but the number of shoots produced was: low, compared to NAA 2 ppm + BA 3 ppm. BA was found to be more efficient than KIN for the induction of axillary shoots. Addition of CW (15%) into the basal proliferation medium increased the number of shoots in all the three species of Dendrobium. Axillary shoots produced per culture vessel increased at a mean rate of 8.3, 7.7 and 6.6 shoots per subculture in D. fimbriatum, D. moschatum and D. nobile, respectively. For in vitro rooting, MS (half strength) medium containing IBA 4 ppm was found to be the best. Addition of sucrose at 1.5 per cent and AC at 0.10 per cent enhanced the rooting' of the shoots produced in vitro . Of the various ex plants tried for somatic organogenesis (callus mediated), root segments (aerial as well as from culture) was found to be the best explant in initiating callus. In the culture establishment, swelling of the explant was observed in modified VW medium containing NAA 4 ppm + BA 1 ppm. As regards callus induction, 2,4-D at 2,0 ppm in modified VW medium was found to be better for all the explants. Maximum callusing (Cl = 240) was observed in root from culture. Efforts to induce organogenesis were not successful.ThesisItem Open Access Standardisation of medium supplements for shoot proliferation in dendrobium(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1994) Sudeep, R; KAU; Rajeevan, P KInvestigations were carried out at the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory attached to the All India Co-ordinated Floriculture Improvement Project (AICFIP), College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, during 1991 – 1993 to study the effect of various medium supplements on shoot proliferation in Dendrobium. Axillary buds of Dentrobium nobile were used explants for inoculation. The explants were surface sterilized with 0.1 % mercuric chloride for 10 minutes. Half strength MS medium and VW medium were employed for culture establishment and shoot proliferation. The addition of cytokinin related substances, viz., adenine and adenine sulphate did not have any significant influence on shoot proliferation in either of the media. However, adenine influenced the production of leaves and length of shoots in MS medium, in combination with NAA 2.0 ppm and BA 5.0 ppm. Among the amino acid supplements tried, casein hydrolysate influenced multiple shoot production and leaf production in half strength MS medium. In VW media, peptone enhanced the production of multiple shoots whereas shoot length and leaf production were promoted by casein hydrolysate. Coconut water increased the number of shoots in both half strength MS medium and VW medium. In VW medium length of shoot and number of leaves also were influenced. Tomato juice in combination with NAA and BA produced the maximum number of shoots and leaves in half strength MS medium. It also influenced the shoot production, shoot length and leaf production in VW medium. Spathodea bud liquid influenced shoot elongation and flower extract, the number of leaves, in VW media. Banana pulp could significantly influence the shoot length and leaf number in VW medium alone. Potato extract could not significantly influence shoot production in ½ MS medium, but in VW medium it significantly influenced shoot production, shoot length and leaf number. The shoots produced in media with potato extract was healthier when compared with others. Oscimum leaf extract was found to have no significant influence in either of the media for any of the characters studied. In half strength MS medium, sucrose 3 per cent + NAA 2.0 ppm + BA 5.0 ppm and in VW media glucose 3 per cent + NAA 2.0 ppm + BA 5.0 ppm or sucrose 5 per cent was the best for producing multiple shoots. The shoots were the longest in ½ MS medium with sucrose but in VW medium, glucose was better. For in vitro rooting, KC medium with 3 per cent glucose was the best. The maximum survival percentage of the in vitro plantlets occurred when coconut husk was used as the potting media and when the plantlets were kept in the open. Among all the treatments tried, the best treatment for multiple shoot production was peptone 40 ppm + NAA 2.0 ppm + BA 5.0 ppm in VW medium which produced 16.67 shoots on an average. The longest shoot (5.53 cm) was produced by the combination of tomato juice 10 per cent + NAA 2.0 ppm + BA 5.0 ppm in VW media. The treatment that produced the maximum leaves (6.33) was tomato juice 5 per cent in VW media.ThesisItem Open Access Standardization of growing media for dendrobiums (Dendrobium spp.)(Department of Horticulture (Pomology & Floriculture and Landscaping), College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1989) Anitha Paul, C; KAU; Rajeevan, P KThe study was conducted at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, during 1988-89. The object of the study was to examine the effect of different growing media on the vegetative parameters of epiphytic orchids. Four species of Dendrobium, viz., D. farmeri, D. fimbriatum D. moschatum and D. mobile, selected based on their general performance at Vellanikkara conditions , were utilized for conducting the study. As the components of the media, five materials, viz., charcoal, brick, gravel, coconut fibre and husk, which were available locally, cheap and satisfying the growth requirements of epiphytic orchids were selected. All the possible combinations of these media, excluding their straight use , as well as the combination of all the five , were tried, thus consulting 25 treatments . The plant growth was observed based on five salient parameters recorded at monthly intervals, for seven months. There were ten plants in each treatment, from which five plants were randomly selected for taking the observations. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomised design. The result revealed that the media could significantly influence all the five vegetative characters, viz., number of new shoots, height, leaves, leaf area and number of pseudobulbs of the new shoots. In one species or other.ThesisItem Open Access Standardization of growing media for dendrobiums (Qendkobium dpp.)(Department of Horticulture, Pomology & Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1989) Anitha, Paul C; Rajeevan, P K