Thumbnail Image

Theses

Browse

20055
Reset filters
Subject: Agriculture × Author: KAU × End date: 2005 × Start date: 2005 × Type: Thesis × Thesis Type: M.Sc ×
Reset filters

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 5 of 5
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Morphological and cyto-molecular characterisation of Dendrobium Sw.cultivars
    (Department of Pomology and Floriculture,College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2005) Krishnapriya, M; KAU; Sabina George, T
    The research project “Morphological and cyto-molecular characterization of Dendrobium Sw. cultivars” was carried out at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture and the Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2003-2004. The objective of the study was to evaluate the growth and inflorescence production in Dendrobium varieties to carry out cyto-molecular characterization of Dendrobium varieties. Twelve varieties of Dendrobium of near flowering size plants were evaluated for their morphological and cyto-molecular characterization. The twelve Dendrobium varieties differed significantly for the morphological characters viz., shoot length, number of offshoots, shoot girth, leaf area, rate of shoot elongation, internodal length, flower colour, length of inflorescence, number of flowers per inflorescence, length of flower column and pedicel, thickness of inflorescence and leaf orientation. Significant varietal difference were observed among the twelve Dendrobium varieties for shoot length, shoot girth, internodal length of shoots, number of flowers, number of stomata on the adaxial and abaxial surface of the leaves, vase life, fresh and dry weight of inflorescence. High GCV and PCV were observed for shoot length, followed by leaf area, internodal length, length of inflorescence and number of flowers per inflorescence. The stomata on the surface of the leaf recorded ever highest GCV and PCV among all the characters. The shape of stomata ranged from oval shape to perfect round shape. Highest heritability values were recorded for number of stomata on the upper surface of the leaf. The genetic advance percentage was found highest for length of flowers column. In correlation studies, high positive phenotypic correlation was observed between number of flowers per inflorescence and length of inflorescence. The length of column had significant positive correlation with number of leaves, length of inflorescence, thickness of inflorescences and length of flower pedicel. Ranking of the varieties were done based on the value of selection indices. The variety V8 ranked first among the 12 Dendrobium varieties used in the experiment. The second and third ranks were gained by the varieties V4 and V1 respectively. The lowest rank i.e., the 12th rank was obtained by the variety V6. So from the selection index values, the variety V8 is the best one. DNA isolated from 12 varieties of Dendrobium was subjected to RAPD analysis. Among the 31 decamer primers, 24 yielded amplification products. By characterizing the 12 varieties of Dendrobium using morphological and cyto-molecular methods revealed that morphologically distinct and superior lines were genetically differentiable. Also the RAPD analysis gave a perfect differentiation of the varieties which is in line with morphological characterization.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Organic nutrient management in chethikkoduveli (Plumbago rosea L.)
    (Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2005) Nihad, K; KAU; Jessykutty, P C
    A field experiment was conducted at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2004-05 to study the effect of organic manures and microbial inoculants on growth, yield and quality of chethikkoduveli (Plumbago rosea L.), so as to formulate an organic manurial schedule for chethikkoduveli in a coconut based cropping system. The experiment was laid out in RBD with three replications and the treatments included three different combinations of organic manures (FYM, NC and VC), three microbial inoculants (AMF, Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria) and one control (package of practice recommendation of Kerala Agricultural University, 2002). The treatment supplied with FYM (75 % N of POP) and microbial inoculants (T3) recorded highest plant height, leaf area, CGR, specific leaf weight, LAI and HI. Highest HI was recorded by the treatments supplied with FYM and NC supplying 50% N of POP and microbial inoculants (T7), which also had the highest leaf count, fresh weight of plants, total dry matter production and highest fresh and dry root yield per plant. The treatments supplied with organic manures and microbial inoculants recorded better dry root yield. The fresh root yield was the highest for the treatment T7 followed by T3. The highest root length and root girth were recorded by T7 and T3 plants respectively. T3 (FYM supplying 75 % N + mi) plants recorded the highest alcohol soluble extracts and plumbagin content. The application of organic manures and mi at different combinations significantly increased the nutrient uptake of P. rosea. Analysis of the soil samples before and after the experiment revealed that the nutrient supplying capacity of soil and the microbial population had a direct correlation. Soil microbial population was the highest for plots with better yield. From the results it can be concluded that microbial inoculants can be effectively used as nutrient substitutes. In the above treatments 25 % and 50 % of N is substituted by microbial inoculants in T3 and T7 plants respectively. In conclusion, the study revealed that treatments T7 {FYM + NC + mi (50 % N)} and T3 {FYM + mi (75 % N)} had significant effect in enhancing growth, yield and quality of chethikkoduveli (P. rosea). From the point of view of quality (plumbagin content) FYM + mi (75 % N) is found to be the best treatment. Based on the benefit cost ratio, the treatment supplying only 50 % N of POP recommendation through FYM and neem cake along with microbial inoculants can be considered as the best for better root yield, quality and profit in P. rosea when grown as an intercrop in coconut plantations.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Rooting of microshoots and ex vitro establishment of plantlets of bael (Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr.
    (Department of Plantation Cropsand Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2005) Surya D, Aniyan; KAU; Sulekha, G R
    Studies were conducted on “Rooting of microshoots and ex vitro establishment of plantlets of bael (Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr.)” for evolving techniques for in vitro rooting, ex vitro rooting and ex vitro establishment of plantlets of bael during 2003-2005 in the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices and Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram. The in vitro propagation techniques in bael have already been standardised. The microshoots 3.00 to 5.00 cm long with 3.00 to 4.00 leaves were taken from the cultures of previous study maintained in the Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram. The highest rooting of the microshoots (50.00 per cent) occurred in two treatments namely, MS basal medium supplemented with IBA 2.50 mg l-1, sucrose 30.00 g l-1 and agar 6.00 g l-1 and on the same basal medium supplemented with NAA 1.00 mg l-1, sucrose 30.00 g l-1 and agar 6.00 g l -1. The microshoots took the least number of days (8.00) for root initiation in full strength MS basal medium supplemented with IBA 0.50 mg l-1, sucrose 30.00 g l-1 and agar 6.00 g l-1. The highest number of roots (2.67) was obtained in full strength MS basal medium supplemented with IBA 2.50 mg l-1, sucrose 30.00 g l-1 and agar 6.00 g l-1. The best pre-treatment identified for ex vitro rooting was IBA 1000.00 mg l-1 for 20 s (quick dip) which gave the highest survival rate (50.00 per cent), number of roots (1.67) and length of roots (0.63 cm), compared with IBA 50.00 mg l-1 (slow dip). Different potting media like sand, soilrite, sand and soil (1:1), sand, soil and coirpith (1:1:1) and sand, soil and leafmould (1:1:1) were compared to study their effect on ex vitro establishment.. Sand was found to be the ideal potting media for ex vitro establishment. The highest survival rate (50.00 per cent), leaf number (4.67), plant height (3.67 cm), fresh weight (0.6501 g), dry weight (0.25 g), stomatal conductance (0.1165 cm S-1), leaf area index (0.1370) and crop growth rate (0.0291 mg cm-2 day-1) were obtained when planted out in sand than in other potting media. The effect of VAM (Glomus etunicatum and Glomus fasciculatum) in different potting media were also studied in the ex vitro establishment of plantlets. It was observed that mycorrhiza inoculated plants in a potting media of sand showed higher survival rate (66.67 per cent) than control (50.00 per cent). The highest values for number of leaves (6.00), plant height (4.30 cm), number of roots (2.33), fresh weight (0.6908 g), dry weight (0.2847 g), stomatal conductance (0.0383 cm S-1), leaf area index (0.1478) and crop growth rate (0.9921 mg cm-2 day-1) were obtained for the mycorrhiza treated plantlets in sand, compared to other mycorrhizal treated potting media. In the present investigation, protocols were evolved for the in vitro rooting of microshoots of bael (Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr.). But ex vitro rooting and ex vitro establishment gave only limited success. However, few plantlets could be acclimatized and were transferred to mud pots containing sand, soil and cowdung in the ratio 1:1:1 for observing further growth and establishment.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Productivity management in yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata var. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdcourt) through crop geometry and nutrition
    (Department Of Olericulture, College Of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2005) Preetha, M D; KAU; Narayanankutty, C
    The present investigation entitled "Productivity management in yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata var. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdcourt) through crop geometry and nutrition" was carried out during 2002-2004 at Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. The field experiment was undertaken at Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy. The experiment was aimed to standardize the optimum spacing and nutrient requirements of the crop. Green pod yield per plant was maximum (435.66 g) with the wider spacing M3 (1.5 m x 0.75m) compared to closer spacings. Application of increased doses of fertilizers significantly increased the yield of yard long bean. Eventhough the package of practices recommendation for vegetable cowpea is 20: 30: 10 kg NPK ha" (KAU, 1996), in the present study, maximum yield (385.96 g) was obtained when 40: 60: 20 kg NPK ha-I (T3) was applied. This was further supported by the superior vegetative growth characters and nutrient content of the plants. Though split application of fertilizers showed comparable nutrient contents in the plant parts this was not reflected in the yield of the crop. Organic treatments in general reduced the yield of yard long bean. The vegetative growth and nutrient contents of the plants were also low. The interaction effects were also significant for the pod yield and the treatment combination M3 T 3 recorded maximum green pod yield per plant (480.68 g). Productivity of yard long bean-was highest (6.73 t ha-I) in closer spacing of 1.5 m x 0.25 m (MI). With a three fold increase in plant population the yield per plant was reduced only by 42%. The combination MI T 3 (closer spacing with 100% increase in fertilizers over standard recommendation applied in two splits) resulted in significantly higher productivity (7.33 t ha-I). However highest net returns (Rs 33030 ha-I) and B:C ratio (1.82) were realized in the treatment combination MI T 2 with closer spacing and 50% increase over POP recommendation applied in two splits. Organic fanning was not economically viable in yard long bean. The quality of green pods was supenor In organic treatments on account of significantly lesser crude fibre and higher moisture, carbohydrate and phosphorus contents. Organic treatments were also superior when storability and palatability of pods were considered. Zero energy cool chamber was not found suitable for cowpea storage as there was fungal attack to pods due to high humidity inside storage chamber. Hence the recommendation of20 t FYM ha" as basal and NPK 30: 45: 15 kg ha" applied in two splits - half N, full P and full K as basal and remaining half N 20 DAS and a spacing of 1.5 m x 0.25 m can be recommended for yard long bean to get economic returns.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Characterisation of kasthuri turmeric (curcuma aromatica salisb)
    (Department of Plantation Crops & Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2005) Manuel, Alex; KAU; Jayachandran, B K
    The study entitled “Characterization of kasthuri turmeric (Curcuma aromatica Salisib.)” was conducted at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices and Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period 2003-'04. The objective of the study was to characterize kasthuri turmeric in comparison with ordinary turmeric (C. longa L.) and zedoary (C. zedoaria Rosc.). Studies were carried out using eleven accessions of kasthuri turmeric and two accessions each of ordinary turmeric and zedoary. Characterization in terms of morphological, biochemical, physiological, anatomical and yield characters were carried out. Molecular characterization using RAPD technique was also used in this study. Analysis of variance of the observations showed significant difference among the accessions for most of the characters. Growth characters like plant height, leaf area, rhizome spread, root spread and rhizome thickness showed that zedoary is more vigorous and superior in above growth characters compared to kasthuri turmeric and ordinary turmeric. Most of the kasthuri turmeric accessions performed in between the zedoary and ordinary turmeric accessions for most of the growth characters analysed. Biochemical studies revealed that the three accessions of kasthuri turmeric, T3 (IISR accession), T8 (Pala wild) and T11 (Kozhikode accession) performed uniquely and was superior in terms of essential oil content, crude fibre, protein and chlorophyll content. But the curcumin content was less than one per cent in these accessions. The zedoary and ordinary turmeric accessions used for comparative study recorded a higher curcumin content, less essential oil and crude fibre contents. A clear difference was established between these three accessions of kasthuri turmeric, ordinary turmeric and the zedoary. Analysis of yield characters revealed that zedoary accessions are superior in rhizome yield and kasthuri turmeric accessions yielded higher compared to ordinary turmeric accessions. Physiological characters like dry matter production, lead are index, leaf area duration and harvest index were found higher in the zedoary accessions differentiating them from kasthuri turmeric and ordinary turmeric accessions. The anatomical characters studied were found to be similar and did not show any significant variations among various accessions. Variability study showed high genotypic coefficient of variance and phenotypic coefficient of variance for most of the characters, revealing great extent of variability for these characters, suggesting good scope for improvement through selection. Correlation studies showed that genotypic correlation is higher than the phenotypic correlation and the environmental correlation was less, revealing strong association at genotypic level between the characters. For the molecular characterization of kasthuri turmeric, DNA was isolated from young leaves of various accessions using Murray and Thompson method. The yield of DNA ranged from 1.26 to 6.39 ng l-1. The purity of DNA estimated using the O.D. ratio (A260/A280) ranged from 1.52 to 1.92. PCR amplification was carried out using 40 decamer primers (Operon Inc., CA, USA) of Kit A and Kit B and a total of 59 RAPDs were generated. Of these, 56 bands were polymorphic. Out of the 40 primers screened, three primers (OPA-04, OPB-17 and OPB-18) were selected for amplifying DNA from all the Curcuma accessions. The estimation of similarity coefficient and construction of dendrogram revealed the presence and extent of genetic similarity among the 15 Curcuma accessions examined. The similarity coefficient values ranged from 0.25 and 1.00. At 63 per cent similarity, the 15 accessions got divided into four clusters. First cluster consisted of only one accession, T15 which is the black zedoary accession. The accessions T7 and T10 together formed the second cluster. The third cluster included the three accessions T3, T8 and T11. The fourth cluster consisted of nine accessions at 63 per cent similarity. At 69 per cent similarity this cluster again got divided into two sub clusters. One sub cluster consisted of four accessions i.e., T4, T6, T9 and T5. Second cluster consisted of five accessions, i.e., T14, T1, T2, T12 and T13 are coming under this cluster. The various accessions of kasthuri turmeric are spread under different clusters. The accessions T3, T¬8 and T11 having cent per cent similarity formed a single cluster. These three accessions are found to have dense pubescence under the leaf surface and had exactly similar plant habit. By considering the high essential oil content, camphoraceous aroma of the rhizomes, low curcumin content and the cent per cent similarity obtained from the molecular characterization studies, these three accessions can be concluded as the true kasthuri turmeric.