Browsing by Author "Sujatha, V S"
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ThesisItem Open Access Agrotechniques for including plagiotrops in black pepper (piper nigrum L)(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2014) Ramnarace, Sukhna; KAU; Sujatha, V SThe investigations on “Agrotechniques for inducing plagiotrops in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)” were conducted under three experiments at the pepper research unit attached to the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University Main Campus, Vellanikkara during 2012-2014. The first experiment was carried out with an objective to elucidate the effects of treatments T1 - IBA 1000 ppm, T2 - cow dung slurry, T3 - tender coconut water, T4 - two per cent sugar and T5 - charcoal paste in enhancing sprouting and root characters in two to three node semi hard wood orthotropic and runner shoots. The effect of different treatments on sprouting was varying in different months. The minimum time recorded from planting to initiation of sprouting in orthotrops and runners was 17 days. Maximum sprouting was observed on 21 and 28 days after planting in runners and orthotrops respectively. There was no significant difference among the treatments with respect to the length of primary roots, number of secondary roots/ plant, weight of roots (g), volume of roots (ml) and number of leaves/ plant in runners and orthotrops. The second experiment was aimed at evaluating rooted orthotrops and runners in the field. Three months old rooted orthotrops and runners planted in the field showed that the height at which first lateral was produced was much lowered in orthotrops than runners. However plant spread was better in runners. The third experiment was conducted to study the influence of pruning, tipping and lowering on the growth of black pepper. Pruning carried out six months after planting showed that unpruned plants produced more number of orthotropic shoots in both Panniyur 1 and 2. Pruning at ten months after planting did not have significant effect on the number of orthotropic shoots produced both in Panniyur 1 and Panniyur 2. When pruning was done six months and ten months after planting, the height at which first lateral was produced was much lower in pruned plants compared to the unpruned plants. Tipping immediately after planting had a negative effect on the number of orthotropic shoot produced and plant spread. However, the height at which first lateral was produced was lower in tipped plants compared to the untipped plants but the difference was not significant. When tipping was carried out three months after planting there was significant lowering of height at production of first lateral but plant spread was more in untipped plants. Lowering had significant positive effect on number of orthotropic shoots produced and plant spread in both Panniyur 1 and Panniyur 2.ThesisItem Open Access Analysis of the processing practices of rubber latex by the small holders in Alathur taluk(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1994) Sasi, M K; KAU; Sujatha, V SA study was conducted among small holders of Alathur taluk to understand the extent of adoption of scientific processing techniques by the rubber growers. One hundred holdings, representing different geographical regions in the taluk and different size groups were selected and the farmers as well as the tappers were interviewed with the help of a questionnaire. The study revealed that the most popular planting material among small growers was RRII 105. Preference for the planting material RRII 105 was maximum (95.65%) among the smallest group of planters who own less than 0.50 hectare. It was noted that there was a tendency for mixed planting with different clones among large growers. Alternate daily tapping was more prevalent among the holdings surveyed. S/2 d/3 system hasto be popularized especially for clones like RRII 105 which is susceptible to brown bast. From the study it was found that farmers have a preference to sell latex as such because it is more economical and convenient than the preparation of sheets. The majority of small rubber growers were not aware of the use of chemicals like sodium sulphite to prevent pre-coagulation, parantitrophenol to control surface blackening and sodium bisulphieto improve the colour of sheets. The use of these chemicals have to be popularized among small rubber growers. From the study it has been observed that 13 percent small growers did not sieve their latex before coagulation. Even when sieving was done, the mesh size of the sieve used was below standard. In the case of coagulant, only 36 percent farmers were using coagulants near to the recommended dose. In the case of dilution, only 2.04 percent farmers were following the recommended extent of dilution of latex, while 60.20 percent farmers were following very near to the recommended ratio. Fifty percent growers owned their own rollers. Others were using hired rollers for sheeting their coagulum. Seventeen farmers had their own smoke house for smoking the sheets where as 23 percent growers were drying their sheets completely in sun and remaining partial sun drying followed by smoking in kitchen hearth. Seventy seven percent growers sold their produce as ungraded sheet at a lower price. Only 31.63 percent farmers got price as published in newspapers while 68.37 percent got price at a rate less than that published in newspapers. Engagement of hired labour for tapping and processing were more in the larger size group of holdings. The study showed that good quality sheets could be produced by the farmers by maintain cleanliness at all stages of processing and drying of sheets. In the present condition, a small quantity of higher grade rubber produced by the small farmers goes to the dealers who in turn sell it gradewise to the large dealers. The resons for lowering the quality of sheets produced by the small growers of Alathur taluk are listed below: 1. Lack of proper cleanliness at all stages of processing 2. Lack of technical know how in the case of farmers as well as tappers for producing good quality sheets. 3. Lack of proper marketing system which ensures grade wise purchase of sheets produced by the small farmers at village level Rubber Board has been conducting village level compaign during May-June. In every year from 1991, to train small growers and tappers on correct techniques of production of quality rubber sheets. The education given to small growers on quality improvement of sheets will have no meaning if gradewise purchase of sheets at the grassroot level in all the rubber growing centres is not ensured.ThesisItem Open Access Crop-standard interactions in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)(Department of plantation crops and spices, College of horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2007) Manjusha, C M; KAU; Sujatha, V SBlack pepper, known as the King of Spices, is the most widely used spice in the world. Providing ideal support plays an important role in successful establishment of black pepper plantation. A study was carried out at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture to unravel the interaction patterns of the Black pepper vines with different standards (supports) and to select the standard(s) ideal for trailing pepper. Black pepper var. Panniyur 1 trailed on 17 different standards (16 live + one dead) served as the experimental material. Characterisation of rhizosphere soil of pepper and root and shoot level interactions between pepper and standards were studied. Marked variations in the soil chemical and biological properties were noticed among the rhizosphere soil of different pepper-standard combinations. Significant variation was observed for pH, available Na, Mn, Cu and Zn in surface soil and available Na, Ca, Fe and Cu in subsurface soil. Available Mn and Cu had a significant negative influence on the dry yield of pepper. The rhizosphere region from which plants derive most of their nutrients are considered to be the seat of intense microbial activity. Variation in the microbial population of fungi, bacteria especially nitrogen fixing bacteria (NFB) and phosphate solubilising bacteria (PSB) and actinomycetes was significant in the rhizosphere soil of pepper trailed on different standards. Population of NFB and PSB was higher in the rhizosphere soil of pepper vines trailed on Artocarpus and Garuga and lower in Ailanthus and Erythrina. No significant variation was observed among various treatments with regard to dehydrogenase and phosphatase activities of rhizosphere soil. To assess the extent of root competition between black pepper and standards on which they are trailed, 32P soil injection technique was employed. Procedure involved applying 32P at the effective foraging space (EFS) of black pepper followed by quantification of radioactivity absorbed by pepper and standards. The standards viz. Ailanthus, arecanut, coconut and Grevillea had a complementary interaction with the pepper vine associated with them with respect to 32P uptake. Artocarpus, Azadirachta, Bombax and Pajanelia also exerted a similar effect but to a lesser extent. The other standards had a competitive influence on pepper based on the uptake pattern of 32P. For example, Erythrina had a more extensive root system than pepper and that pepper and Erythrina explore same extent of soil surface (Sankar et al., 1988). The effect of different standards on growth, yield and quality attributes of pepper was found to vary significantly in most of the characters studied. Coconut was superior to all other standards for growth characters of pepper like height of bearing column, number of laterals per 0.25 m2, number of berries per spike and spike compactness and expressed higher values for spread at chest height, number of spikes per 0.25 m2 and spike length. All these characters had a positive correlation with yield. Pepper gave high yield when trailed on coconut, Ailanthus and Artocarpus and medium yield when trailed on Acacia, Azadirachta, Bombax, Caesalpinia, Erythrina, Garuga, Grevillea, Gliricidia, Pajanelia, Thespesia and teak pole. Foliar nutrient content of pepper was influenced by the standards used but had no significant correlation with yield of pepper. But the foliar nutrient status of standards had significant correlation with yield of pepper. Phosphorus, iron and copper had recorded a negative effect and Mn, a positive effect on yield. Based on the present study, it could be concluded that the pepper production can be raised substantially by trailing it on suitable supports like coconut, jack and Ailanthus. For quick establishment of pepper gardens using standards propagated through stem cuttings, Garuga was found better compared to other standards propagated in a similar way.ThesisItem Open Access Cyto-morphological investigations in piper spp.(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1997) Ambili, Anand; KAU; Sujatha, V SThe study 'Cyto-morphological investigations in Piper spp.' was conducted in the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during the period from October 1994 to December 1996. The major objectives were to prepare morphological descriptors for the eight Piper spp. collected from different geographical areas and to conduct cytological investigations in these species. To prepare morphological descriptors for the eight species studied detailed morphological observations were recorded. Based on the salient observations on morphology brief descriptions of the eight Piper spp. were made. The eight species of Piper studied were analysed for the similarities and differences in their morphological characters to find out the relationship among the species. Based on morphological comparisons, a key for identification of species has been proposed. The procedure for mitotic studies in Piper spp. was standardised. The roots were collected between 11.15 a.m. and 12.15 p.m. and pre-treated in 8- hydroxyquinoline for two to three hours at 40 C. The pre-treated roots were fixed in Carnoy's A or Carnoy's B for one or two days. The material was then hydrolysed in 1 N hydrochloric acid in a water bath maintained at a temperature of 600C for fifteen minutes. The roots were then stained in 0.5% acetoorcein for 45 minutes. After that slide preparations were made and examined for the presence of mitotic chromosomes. Microphotographs were taken and good slides were made permanent. Chromosome number of 32, 52, 32, 32, 24, 26, 32, 52 and 52 were observed in P. argyrophyllum, P. attenuatum, P. bababudani, P. betle, P. chaba, P. colubrinum, P. longum, P. nigrum (Panniyur-I) and P. nigrum (wild) respectively: Except for the South American species, P. colubrinum, all the species studied possessed chromosomes in multiples of four suggesting a basic number of four for the Indian Piper.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation and characterisation of promising hybrids of long pepper (Piper longum L.)(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Sruthy, K; KAU; Sujatha, V SPiper longum L., commonly known as long pepper, belongs to family Piperaceae. The species has originated in South Asia. Piper longum is an important medicinal plant used in more than 300 ayurvedic preparations. Inspite of the importance of the species, „Viswam‟ is the only variety released so far. As a part of a KSCSTE funded project, hybridization studies were carried out at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara to develop high yielding types in Piper longum. In the preliminary evaluation trials, four hybrids were found promising. The present study entitled „evaluation and characterisation of promising hybrids of long pepper (Piper longum L.)‟ was conducted with the objective of evaluating these promising hybrids at different shade levels for growth, yield and quality and also to characterise them using molecular markers. The research was conducted in three experiments viz., evaluation of hybrids in pots at different shade levels, field evaluation of selected hybrids and molecular characterisation of promising hybrids and parents. Morphological characterisation of the accessions was done using IPGRI descriptor for Piper nigrum with necessary modifications. Variations were observed among accessions in shape of leaf, immature and mature spike color as well as shape of spike. Characters like plant height, number of primary branches per plant and time taken for production of first lateral were significantly different among hybrids. Flowering and fruit set were higher at zero per cent and 25 per cent shade compared to 50 per cent shade level. Field planted genotypes of P. longum showed significant difference in number of primary branches, internodal length of orthotropic as well as plagiotropic shoots and leaf area. Characters like pedicel length, spike length, spike girth and yield in terms of number of spikes per plant, fresh weight of spikes per plant and dry spike yield per plant also differed significantly. Among the hybrids evaluated in the field, Pl 9 followed by Pl 63 were found to be promising. They were significantly higher yielders compared to other hybrids, female parent and Viswam. Essential oil content was found to be uniform (0.8 per cent) in all the accessions except Pl 141 (0.83 per cent). Pl 9 showed maximum oleoresin (15.2 per cent) and piperine (3.47 per cent) content than other genotypes. For molecular characterisation using RAPD, 30 decamer primers were screened. From these ten best primers were selected. Six primers showed polymorphism between the male and female parents. The hybrids Pl 9 and Pl 63 were closely related with 92 per cent similarity. Pl 140 was found different from the rest of the three hybrids and it was grouped along with the parents. Among the accessions studied, Viswam showed highest variability from others. Among the hybrids evaluated, Pl 9 and Pl 63 were found to be promising in terms of yield. Pl 9 was superior in quality. These hybrids could be further evaluated in multi-location trials to explore the possibility of releasing as high yielding hybrids in future.ThesisItem Open Access Evolving superior types in thippali (piper longum L) utilising bisexual variants(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2012) Anjana, Chandran; KAU; Sujatha, V SThe study on “Evolving superior types in thippali (Piper longum L.) utilising bisexual variants” was carried out at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during the period 2010 to 2012. The objective of the programme was production of Piper longum hybrids and back crosses and their evaluation for growth, yield and quality. The investigations consisted of three experiments viz., developing hybrids and back crosses, evaluation of hybrids in pots and preliminary evaluation of selected female and bisexual types in the field. To induce bisexual flowers using growth regulators, NAA 50 mg l-1, NAA 100 mg l-1 and BA 500 mg l-1 were applied. Vegetative growth and spike production were adversely affected by both concentrations of NAA and there was no inflorescence production in NAA treated plants. In BA 500 mg l-1 treated plants, there was a marginal increase in bisexual flowers. Utilising bisexual type as one of the parents, spike set and seed set could be obtained only in crosses involving bisexual types as male parent and pure female type as female parent. Maximum per cent of spike set was obtained during October followed by November and maximum seed set during July followed by September when bisexual type I was used as male parent. When bisexual type II was used as male parent, per cent spike set was maximum during December followed by October. However, seeds obtained were maximum during September followed by October. Back crossing was attempted using predominantly bisexual hybrids either as male parent or as female parent. Even though spike set was obtained, when predominantly bisexual hybrids were used as male parent and pure female as female parent, no seed set could be obtained. Detailed observations on vegetative characters were recorded in the hybrids produced under earlier projects (Kanimozhi, 2010; Sujatha, 2011). Leaf lamina was codrate, ovate-elliptic or elliptic-lanceolate. Variation was also observed for shape of leaf base like cordate or oblique. Margins of leaves were either wavy or entire. Venation was acrodromous in all hybrids, which is typical of Piper longum. Colour of immature leaves varied from light green to green and mature leaves from green to dark green. Hybrids showed high amount of variability for reproductive characters like sex form, spike shape, size, colour and per cent of flowers of different sex forms in a spike. Shape of spikes varied from filiform, cylindrical or globular. Colour of immature spikes were green, light green or yellow. Mature spike colour also ranged from light green, green, and dark green or yellow. During the present study, 169 seeds were produced, of which 32 seeds germinated. Observations on germination and early growth characteristics of seedlings were taken. Number of days taken for germination of seeds varied from 33 to 71 days. Number of days taken from germination to opening of cotyledonary leaf varied from 4 to 21. The first true leaf appeared in 10 to 33 days. Ten hybrids, either female or bisexual were selected for preliminary evaluation in the field. Two check varieties, pure female type and the variety Viswam were also planted. The design adopted was CRD with four replications. Even though, the key morphological characters were same for all the accessions, which were typical for Piper longum, high amount of variability was observed for quantitative characters like number of main branches, length of longest stem, length and width of leaves, length of petiole, number of spike bearing branches per stem, spike and pedicel length, fresh and dry weight of spike, yield and driage. Per plant yield was highest for Viswam followed by Acc. no. 9. Spike characters of Acc. no. 9 were comparable to Viswam. Oleoresin content of Acc. no. 9 was superior to Viswam but oil and piperine contents were lower. Pests and diseases scoring were also done. The main disease noticed was leaf spot caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and pests were not severe. Further detailed studies involving more promising hybrids are required to evolve superior varieties with high yield and quality.ThesisItem Open Access Exploitation of bisexual varient in developing high yielding types of piper longum L.(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2010) Kanimozhi, K; KAU; KAU; Sujatha, V SPiper longum L. is a dioecious medicinal species. Mature female spike is the officinal part. However, female spikes are small (2.0 - 3.0 cm) compared to male (6.0 - 7.5 cm). A bisexual variant (Acc.P25) was identified in P. longum (Sujatha and Nybe, 2007) with spikes as long as male spikes. The present investigation was undertaken with the objective of studying the reproductive biology of Piper longum L. and for developing long spiked high yielding varieties of Piper longum L. Reproductive biology Spikes were cylindrical and creamy white in female. In male and bisexual types, immature spikes were green, changing to dull yellow on maturity. Time taken for attaining full length of spike was 22 days in female, 43 days in male and 46 days in bisexual types. Anthesis and anther dehiscence were between 7.30 am and 4.30 pm with a peak between 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. Pollen fertility was maximum at 9.30 am (42.54 per cent). Complete opening of flowers in an inflorescence took seven days in male, female and bisexual types. Complete dehiscence of anthers also took one week in male and bisexual inflorescences. Developing bisexual types Effect of growth regulators in developing fully bisexual inflorescences in Acc.P25 indicated that GA3 (5 ppm, 10 ppm and 50 ppm), BA (100 ppm and 500 ppm) and Boron 3 ppm could induce fully bisexual spikes. Different methods of pollination showed that dry method was the most effective for getting seed set in P. longum L. In selfing and crossing experiments, seed set could be obtained only in crosses involving female type as female parent and bisexual type as male parent. Maximum seed set was obtained during September, under dry method of pollination. Seeds germinated in 21- 69 days. Cotyledonary leaves opened in 2 to31 days. The first true leaves opened in 2 to 41 days.ThesisItem Open Access Influence of tribal development rubber planting project on the socio-economic status of the kani tribes of Nedumangad taluk, Thiruvananthapuram(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1997) Harikumar, K; KAU; Sujatha, V SThe study was conducted among the beneficiaries of Tribal Development Rubber Planting Project, a collaborative project of Rubber Board and Department of Scheduled Tribe Development, Government of Kerala, implemented in the seven tribal settlements of Nedumangad taluk of Thiruvananthapuram district for a period of five year from 1989 to 1993. The study was aimed at assessing the extent of increase in the economic condition of the tribals. The impact of the project on the socio – economic progress of the settlement and the extent of adoption of scientific rubber planting and maintenance techniques by the tribal were also studied. One hundred and five beneficiaries inhabiting the different TDRPP implemented settlements were interviewed with the help of a pre tested questionnaire. The study revealed that the project was able to bring 16.8 per cent of the total tribal families in the district and 66.05 per cent of the Kani families in the TDRPP implemented settlement in to rubber cultivation. This was a great achievement in a short span of five years. The target area envisaged in the project was also achieved. There was improvement in the soil conservation measures adopted also. Ninety five per cent of the tribals adopted soil conservation measures in their plantation after implementation of the project. One of the objectives of the project was to improve the economic status of the tribes. The study revealed that eventhough the plantations have not reached the yielding stage, the economic status of the tribes have shown improvement. This indicates that the implementation of TDRPP has not affected their daily income earning works and cultivations. Moreover, they got income from additional labour obtained and also from sale of cover crop seeds, rubber seeds and intercrops. The average per hectare production of cover crop seeds was found to be a little higher than the average quantity projected by the Rubber Board. The collection of rubber seeds seems to be unimpressive. As against 250 kg/ha production of rubber seeds from normal healthy rubber plantations, the production in the TDRPP implemented settlements was ranging from 6.54 kg to 38.94 kg per hecter per year. The study revealed that only 83 beneficiaries carried out intercropping during the first year of plantation. The number reduced to 44 and 10 in the second and third year of planting, respectively. This indicated that the area in the rubber plantation has not been properly utilized for earning incomes from intercrop. From the study it was found that the tribals were not getting the actual market price for their produce. The majority of the tribal beneficiaries were casual labourers on daily wages or forest produce gatherers. The employment potential generated by the project has been utilized by the tribals significantly. They have obtained 34 to 46 mandays of additional labour per year without any suffering to their routine works. This has produced an additional income of Rs.2550 to 3450 in a year. The most significant advantage of the project was the skill acquired by the tribals on different aspects of maintenance of rubber plantation. The study showed that 73.2 per cent of the beneficiaries learned the pitting and refilling techniques for planting polybag plants. The skill of planting of polybag plants was acquired by 81.2 per cent of the beneficiaries. Skills for terracing work in rubber plantation, branches induction in the young plants, manuring and operation were acquired by the tribal beneficiaries by 77.6, 81.9 and 79.7 per cent, respectively. Another significant observation obtained during this study was that the educational status of the tribal beneficiaries has inversely proportional to the skill acquired. Majority of the tribals approved the mode of implementation of the scheme. The results also showed that implementing developmental projects in the same lines will provide over all benefits to the tribals. The majority of the beneficiaries strongly refuted the statement of decrease in the area for the cultivation of annual crop due to the implementation of the project. The implementation of the project has provided a feeling on the tribal sect that they are one among the rubber cultivaters in the locality which tempt to discard the social insecurity feeling among them. Due to this feeling, majority of the tribals agreed to change their life style according to the additional income they got from this scheme. The level of aspiration (future) also confirm this aspect. Conclusion The study lead to the following conclusions. 1. The socio-economic condition of tribal beneficiaries in the Tribal Development Rubber Planting Project implemented settlements showed improvements. Thus the main objective of the project was successfully achieved. 2. In contrast to the previous development programmes in the tribal areas, the extent of rubber cultivation in the country has been physically enhanced. 3. The mode of implementation was found to be very effective and in addition to uplifting the tribals economically, the procedure has helped them to acquire various skills. 4. Guidance should be provided for maximum utilization of area in the plantation for raising intercrops in the first three years as recommended by the Rubber Board. 5. Infrastructure facilities should be provided by the Governmental or voluntary organisations to the tribals to get the maximum available market price for their produce. Rubber processing facilities should be immediately provided in project area as envisaged in the programme. 6. Proper training should be imparted to higher education categories to develop skill in various works.ThesisItem Open Access Investigations on yellowing of black pepper (piper nigrum L.)(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Maddirala Surendra, Babu; KAU; Sujatha, V SBlack pepper, popularly known as King of Spices or Black gold is one of the important and earliest known spices produced and exported from India. After foot rot disease, the major constraint in black pepper cultivation is the incidence of yellowing, leading to decline in production year after year. Yellowing is reported to be caused by many abiotic and biotic factors. Symptomatological studies on yellowing showed that per cent severity of yellowing was significantly higher during October-November and was on par during summer. During July-August, yellowing was significantly low. There was no definite pattern in the development and spread of the disease. In case of mild yellowing, there was recovery during July-August. Yellowing gradually increased and severely affected plants failed to recover. There was no flushing or flowering in plants. Such plants died in 2-3 years. All varieties studied were found to be susceptible to yellowing. Yellowing was observed either at the top of pepper column or (and) the bottom of the column. Sometimes yellowing appeared in a group of leaves together. In some aged plants older leaves at terminal portion of plant were yellow. In some leaves the base of lamina near petiole was yellow. This yellowing faded to tip of lamina and margins. Yield and yield contributing characters in healthy, apparently healthy and yellowing affected black pepper plants showed that all the characters of healthy plants showed a higher positive value compared to yellowing affected plants. In the case of yield per plant, there was significant reduction in yield in yellowing affected plants compared to healthy in all varieties except Vijay. In the study on rhizosphere soil nutrient status there was no apparent role of soil pH, OC, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and B in causing yellowing in the experimental plots in the present study. All the nutrient elements were in the optimum or high range. There was no significant difference among yellowing affected, apparently healthy and healthy plants in case of N and S where DRIS norms were not available. Among the rhizosphere soil parameters, pH, EC and organic carbon were significantly and positively correlated with yellowing. There was no significant correlation of N, P, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and B content of rhizosphere soil with yellowing in black pepper. K, Ca and Al content of rhizosphere soils showed significant negative correlation with yellowing. Analysis of nutrient status in the plant tissues of yellowing affected, apparently healthy and healthy plants based on DRIS norms suggested by Hamza et al. (2007) indicated that there was deficiency of N in the yellowing affected plants, K content and S content was also low in yellowing affected plants, all other nutrients were not deficient in the yellowing affected plants. Study on soil micro flora (cfu g-1) showed that mean value of fungal population was significantly highest (18.78 ×10 3cfu g-1) in rhizosphere soils of healthy plants compared to apparently healthy and yellowing affected plants. Healthy plants showed significantly low (27.55 ×10 3cfu g-1) population count of actinomycetes in the rhizosphere soil, whereas apparently healthy and yellowing affected plants were statistically on par. Yellowing affected plants showed significantly highest population count of bacteria (25.53 ×10 8cfu g-1) followed by apparently healthy. Healthy plants showed significantly lowest bacterial population. No soil borne pathogens including Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia or Fusarium was found associated with yellowing Nematode population in the rhizosphere soils of healthy plants was significantly lowest compared to apparently healthy and yellowing affected plants. Yellowing affected plants showed significantly highest population of Meloidogyne incognita, Radopholus similis, Pratylenchus sp, Helicotylenchus sp, Dorylaimid sp, and Trophotylenchulus sp, in the rhizosphere soil when compared with apparently healthy and healthy plants. In case of root, number of galls on the roots was significantly highest in yellowing affected plants. Considering different categories of nematodes, Meloidogyne incognita followed by Radopholus similis were predominant in the roots of yellowing affected plants. In roots as well as rhizospere soil, significantly highest population of nematodes was observed during October – November followed by February – March. Examination of roots of experimental plants and rhizosphere soil did not show the presence of root mealy bugs or any other insect, which can cause damage to root or yellowing in the plant. There was significant positive correlation of yellowing with maximum temperature. However minimum temperature showed significant negative correlation with yellowing. Relative humidity and rainfall also were significantly and negatively correlated with yellowing. A definite association of plant parasitic nematodes was seen in the plants as well as rhizosphere soils of yellowing affected plants in the present study. Meloidogyne incognita followed by Radopholous similis population was significantly highest in yellowing affected plants indicating their role clearly in causing yellowing. In the present study on the analysis of different factors like soil nutrients, plant pathogenic micro-organisms, soil borne insects, nematodes etc, in causing yellowing gives a clear indication of role of nematodes in causing yellowing in black pepper in the experimental plot in Thrissur district. Even though the nutrient status in the rhizosphere soil of experimental plants was satisfactory, absorption of nutrients was low due to damage of roots caused by nematodes. There was deficiency of nitrogen and low potassium and sulphur levels in the leaves of yellowing affected plants. The yellowing expressed must be due to multiple factors and combined effect of multiple nutrient deficiencies in plant tissue and damage due to nematodesArticleItem Open Access Isoenzyme variation and species relationship in genus piper(Kerala Agricultural University, 1996) Abraham Sebastian; Sujatha, V S; Nybe, E V; Sreekandan Nair, G; Augustine, A; KAUEleven species of Piper including Piper rugrum were studied for variations in isoenzymes of three enzymes viz., peroxidase, esterase and glutaraate oxaloacetate transaminase. On grouping based on isoenzyme similarity, P. nigrum Linn.. P. pseudonigrum Velayudhan and Amalraj, P. bababudani Rahirnan and P. galeatum DC formed one group while P. argyrophyllum Miq. and P. attenuatum Buch-Hara constituted the second group and P. chaha Hunter, P. hapnium Miq. and P. colubrinum Link emerged as the third group. P. betle Linn, and P. longum Linn, showed their distinctness from the rest of the species. Least similarity was observed between P. colubrinum on one side and P. pseudonigrum and P. bahabudani on the other side.ThesisItem Open Access Isoenzyme variation in curcuma with special reference to Curcuma longa L.(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices,College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1999) Renu, Joseph; KAU; Sujatha, V SThe study on 'Isoenzyme variation in Curcuma with special reference to C. longa was conducted in the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices and Biochemistry laboratory at College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur from October 1997 to June 1999. Eighteen species of genus Curcuma, including C. longa were included in the study. Thirty three accessions of C. longa were selected to represent 21 morphotypes of Velayudhan et al. (1994). Six released varieties were also studied. These were analysed for three enzymes viz. peroxidase, esterase and GOT using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The selection of ideal part for electrophoresis for each enzyme was done based on observations of banding pattern of root, rhizome, sprout and different maturity stages of leaf. Sampling and analysis was done during three weeks after sprouting and just before senescence of leaf to standardise the stage of growth of plant. Mature leaf just before its senescence was selected for peroxidase and GOT analysis. Tender leaf three weeks after sprouting was found to be ideal for esterase. lsoenzyrne banding pattern of 39 genotypes of C. longa were studied for esterase, peroxidase and GOT. The similarity index among the genotypes ranged from 0.39 to one. The genotypes were classified into 21 groups with similarity index one among the members. Morphotypes M-I, M-2 and r'A-3 ofVelayudhan et 01 (1994) formed one group with similarity index one. M-7 and M-8 were also grouped into one. Released varieties under study showed more similarity with first group of morphotypes. On grouping the [8 species of Curcuma based on isoenzyme similarity C zedoaria, C. aeruginosa, C. malabarica, C. comosa and C. cacsia formed one group, C. amada, C. syivatica, C. aromatica and C. liarita the second group and C. soloensis, C. brog and C montana the third group. Cultivated type C longo and other sessile tuberising species C. latifolia and C. raktakanta showed variable similarity with other species and stood independently. Stoloniferous type C. vamana showed more similarity with sessile tuberising species than with non-sessile tuberising species, Non-sessile tuberising species C. aurantiaca and C. pseudomontana stood individually showing their distinctness from rest of the species.ArticleItem Open Access Isoenzyme variation in different plant parts and at different stages of leaf development in piper nigrum L.(Kerala Agricultural University, 1996) Abraham Sebastian; Sujatha, V S; KAUArticleItem Open Access Isoenzyme variation in Piper nigrum L.(Kerala Agricultural University, 2000) Abraham Sebastian; Sujatha, V S; Nybe, E V; Sreekandan Nair, G; KAUIsoenzyme patterns of 26 varieties of P. nigrum were compared for three enzymes viz., csterase, peroxidase and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase. Similarity among the varieties ranged from 0.40 1.00. Wide variation was observed among the cultivated types of P. iiignini for the three enzymes analysed.ThesisItem Open Access Isoenzyme variation in Piper spp.(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1995) Abraham, Sebastian; KAU; Sujatha, V SThe study on “Isoenyme variation in piper spp. Was conducted in the Department of plantation Crops and Spices , college of Horticulture , Vellanikkara , Thrissur from June 1993 to December 1994. Material included 11 species of the genus piper including piper nigrum linn . Maximum accessions available in each species were analysed for three enzymes viz., peroxidase, esterase and GOT using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis The selection of ideal part for electrophoresis for each enzyme was done based on observations of banding pattern of stem, root and different maturity stages of leaf. Root was selected for peroxidase and tender leaf was selected for esterase and GOT in all species except in p.attenuatum Buch –Ham and P.betle Linn. Where for GOT root was selected. Isoenzyme pattern of 26 varieties of p.nigrum were compared for peroxidase esterase and GOT. When all the three enzymes are taken in to account maximum similarity of ‘one’ was observed between Kottanadan and Ceylon and also among Perumunda, Malligesera and Nilgiri-4. On grouping the 11 species of piper based on isoenzyme similarity p. nigrumLinn., p. pseudonigrum Velayudhan and Amalraj, p. bababudani Rahiman and p.galeatum DC formed one group, p.argyrophyllum Mig. And p.attenuatum Buch-Ham second group and p. chaba Hunter, p. hapnium Miq. And p.colubrinum Link . third group.p. betle Linn. And p.longrum Linn. Showed their distrinctiness from the rest of the species. Least similarity was observed between p.colubrinum on one side and p.pseudonigrum and p.bababudani on the other side (similarity index 0.0512)ThesisItem Open Access Molecular characterization of piper species usiing RAPD technique(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2002) Murugan, C; KAU; Sujatha, V SThe study on "Molecular characterization of Piper species using RAPD techniques" was conducted in the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices and CPBMB, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur from December, 1999 to August, 2001. Material included 13 species/accessions of the genus Piper including Piper nigrutn Linn. These were analysed with 20 selected oligomer decamer primers using PCR technique and agarose gel electrophoresis. The selection of ideal DNA isolation technique was done based on observations of purity of bands, quality of the DNA bands and quantity of DNA recovered. The protocol of Edwards et al. (1991) was selected for DNA isolation with additional step of chloroform-isoamyl alcohol treatment. Fifty decamer primers were screened using DNA. of P. nigrum and 20 were selected based on the number of bands produced, reproducibility of the bands and distinctness of the RAPD profile. RAPD profile of the 13 species of Piper were compared for genetic similarity index (using Jaccard's coefficient), with all 20 selected primers separately. Pooled similarity of the twenty primers put together was found out for 9 species which gave amplification for all the 20 selected primers. The results of pooled analysis was subjected to cluster analysis (SAl-IN) and phenetic dcndrogram was constructed employing UPGMA. Four clusters were obtained, comprising of two accessions of P. nigrum In the first, two accessions of P. longum in the second, P. colubrinutn and P. attenuatum forming the third cluster and P. chaba, P. belle and P. arboreum forming the fourth.ThesisItem Open Access Stock scion interaction in Piper nigrum L. grafts(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Sarga George; KAU; Sujatha, V SBlack Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) also called ‘King of Spices’ and ‘Black Gold’, is one of the most widely used spices in the world, occupying a position that is supreme and unique. India is one among the countries where black pepper is being widely cultivated. However our productivity is low compared to other pepper producing countries in the world. Among the various factors limiting the productivity of Indian pepper, a soil borne disease called foot rot caused by Phytophthora is of prime importance. Piper nigrum is highly susceptible to Phytophthora foot rot. It has been reported that some South American Piper spp. are immune to Phytophthora. Interspecific crossing between Piper nigrum and immune species has not been successful so far. Grafting on resistant rootstock is a method to escape soil borne inoculum. The present study was conducted to assess the stock and scion interaction in grafts of Piper nigrum L. on different South American species of Piper immune to Phytophthora foot rot and to standardize the best time of grafting. The study was carried out as three experiments, viz., grafting studies, anatomical studies on Piper species and anatomical studies on graft union at different stages of development. Orthotropic as well as plageotropic shoots of P. nigrum, variety Panniyur 1 was grafted on three South American Piper species viz., P. colubrinum, P. auduncum and P. arboreum. Grafting of Piper nigrum on the same species was also done to study the feasibility of such grafting. The trial was laid out in completely randomized design. When orthotropic shoot of P. nigrum was used as scion, highest grafting success was recorded by the grafts of P. nigrum on the same species (100%) followed by the grafts on P. colubrinum (96.66%), P. auduncum (66.66%) and P. arboreum (46.66%). Graft survival after one year of grafting was 90.00, 83.33 and 33.33 per cent for P. nigrum/P. nigrum, P. nigrum/ P. colubrinum and P. nigrum/ P. auduncum grafts respectively. Survival of P. nigrum grafts on P. arboreum was very limited. None of these grafts survived for more than three months after grafting. Irrespective of rootstocks, the best month identified for grafting orthotropic shoot of P. nigrum was March. Although, self grafts showed highest per cent success in grafting, based on the growth of grafted plants (six month old), grafts on P. colubrinum was found to be the best with highest plant height (120.55 cm), number of nodes (18.91) and internodal length (6.32 cm). The graft recovery was less when plageotropic shoot of P. nigrum was used as scion. The highest per cent success was recorded by the grafts of P. nigrum on the same species (93.33%) followed by the grafts on P. colubrinum (66.66%), P. auduncum (36.66%) and P. arboreum (26.66%). March was identified as the best month for grafting plageotropic shoot of P. nigrum on P. nigrum, P. auduncum and P. arboreum. However, grafts on P. colubrinum performed best when grafted during June. Graft survival after one year of grafting was 66.66, 30 and 16.66 per cent for P. nigrum/P. nigrum, P. nigrum/ P. colubrinum and P. nigrum/ P. auduncum grafts respectively. Survival of P. nigrum grafts on P. arboreum was very limited. As far as the growth of grafted plants was concerned, highest growth was shown by the grafts of P. nigrum on the same species. In the anatomical studies of Piper spp. it was observed that, Piper species exhibited a peculiar arrangement of vascular bundles. Two rings of vascular bundles comprising of an outer, cortical and an inner, medullary bundles were observed in all the four Piper species examined. Mucilage canal was present only in P. nigrum while an additional medullary bundle was observed in P. colubrinum. Large pith region was the characteristic feature of P. auduncum and P. arboreum. Examination of graft union at three, six and twelve months after grafting revealed that, graft union formation was completed by six months after grafting. One year old P. nigrum/ P. colubrinum grafts and P. nigrum/ P. auduncum grafts exhibited the formation of a dense necrotic area at the graft interface. Based on the observations, it can be concluded that, due to the peculiar arrangement of vascular bundles in Piper species, matching of all the vascular bundles of stock and scion is difficult. However, complete union of parenchymatous tissues of stock and scion was formed within six months after grafting. But, a proper cambial connection between the grafting partners was not evident. Further studies need to be conducted to find out the reasons for the development of dense necrotic area at the graft interface.ArticleItem Open Access Survey, evaluation and identification of black pepper cultivars(Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikara, 2001) Prasannakumari Amma, S; Nybe, E V; Sujatha, V S; Prabhakaran, P V; KAUA survey was conducted in the traditional pepper growing tracts of Thodupuzha and Meenachil taluks of Kerala during 1995. Thirty holdings per each taluk were selected. The pepper cultivars grown in these selected homesteads were evaluated for yield and yield contributing characters for the two years. Results showed that in Thodupuzha taluk, Neelamundi, Kaniyakkadan and Mundi performed best. In Meenachil taluk, Karimunda was the best during the first year. However, during 1997, Jeerakamunda was the highest yielder. Karimunda, the most popular cultivar in these areas recorded relatively poor performance