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2011 - 20127
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Subject: Agriculture × End date: 2012 × Start date: 2010 ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Standardization of processing methods for production of quality white pepper.
    (Department of Processing Technology,College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2011) Shameena Beegum, P P; KAU; Vasanthakumar, K
    The research entitled “Standardization of processing methods for production of quality white pepper”was conducted at the Department of Processing Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani . The study was undertaken with the objective of producing good quality white pepper using improved processing methods. The experiment was divided into three parts viz., chemical method of white pepper production, microbial fermentation method and organoleptic evaluation of the resultant products. The experiment was laid out in CRD with three replications. Seven promising bleaching agents were selected for the chemical experiment. Berries with calcium hypochlorite, calcium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, benzoyl peroxide and the conventional retting (control) constituted the eight treatments. Effects of these treatments on the physical and chemical properties of white pepper berries were analysed. All the physical properties except sizes of berries were significantly influenced by the treatments. Treatment with sodium perborate recorded maximum specific gravity followed by sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide. The highest value for 1000 berry weight was reported from berries treated with sodium hypochlorite. Treatment with calcium hypochlorite and sodium hypochlorite had registered a significantly higher value for 1000 berry volume. Calcium hypochlorite treated berries were having the highest yield. Berries produced by conventional retting process (control) found to be superior in volatile oil, oleoresin, piperine and non volatile ether extract and treatment with calcium hypochlorite was on par with control in all chemical parameters. Residual level of bleaching agents was found to be in a safe range for consumption. The microbial fermentation work was consisted of, isolation of organisms through enrichment culture technique, evaluation of available cultures and standardization of retting process for white pepper production. Seven isolates of bacteria IsB1 to IsB7 and eight fungal isolates IsF1 to IsF6 were obtained. Evaluation of isolates was done by assessing the pectinolytic and cellulolytic activities. The isolates IsF1 and IsF3 were also capable for degrading pectin. Degradation of cellulose was maximum in IsF3, Ay1 and Mycophyta. Bacterial isolates did not produce any zone for both asparagine and MP-5 media. Compared to bacterial isolates fungal isolates was faster in retting. Isolate IsF3, Ay1and Mycophyta were the most promising and recorded 100 percentage retting without any damage by third day itself. Amongst all the isolates, considering the retting process and quality of the product, the isolates IsF3 and Ay1 were found to be the most superior. Berries treated with sodium perborate recorded maximum over all acceptability for Organoleptic qualities eventhough it resulted poor chemical qualities. Amongst all the eight treatments, considering quality parameters and quality of developed product, treatment with calcium hypochlorite was found to be the most superior. The above study could be concluded with the findings that, prolonged retting period can be shortened to three to four days using microbial fermentation method with promising isolates IsF3 and Ay1. While opting for a better colour, bleaching with a promising chemical bleaching agent like calcium hypochlorite (0.2%) can be recommended.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Standardization of organic manuring in kasthuri turmeric (Curcuma aromatica salisb)
    (Department of Plantation Crops and Spices,College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2012) Bhende Siddhesh, Shamrao; KAU; Jessykutty, P C
    A study entitled "Standardization of organic manuring in kasthuri turmeric (Curcuma aromatica Salisb.)" was carried out at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, during 2010-2011 to formulate a cost effective organic manurial recommendation for commercial cultivation of kasthuri turmeric. The experiment was laid out in RBD with nine treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of different doses and combinations of three organic manures viz., FYM, vermicompost and neemcake plus a combination of microbial inoculants viz., Azospirillum, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Trichoderma and Pseudomonas. The treatments were M1 d (T1) - FYM 40.0 t ha-1 + mi, M2 d (T2) - Vermicompost (VC) 25.0 t ha-1 + mi, M3 d (T3) - Neemcake (NC) 6.0 t ha-1 + mi, M1 d/2 (T4) - FYM 20.0 t ha-1 + mi, M2 d/2 (T5) -Vermicompost 12.5 t ha-1 + mi, M3 d/2 (T6) - Neemcake 3.0 t ha-1 + mi, M4 d (T7) - FYM 20.0 t ha-1 + VC 6.25 t ha-1 + NC 1.5 t ha-1 + mi, M4 d/2 (T8) - FYM 20.0 t ha-1 + VC 3.125 t ha-1 + NC 0.75 t ha-1 + mi and M0 d0 (T9) - Absolute control with no organic manures and microbial inoculants. The results revealed that application of different organic manures along with microbial inoculants significantly influenced the morphological characters, biochemical and physiological parameters, nutrient uptake, dry matter production and ultimately the yield and yield attributes in kasthuri turmeric. A general improvement in the soil physical, chemical and biological properties was noticed in the experimental plots, after the experiment. Treatment M2 d recorded significantly superior values for plant height, leaf area, rhizome and root characters followed by M3 d and M4 d and M1 d. No significant difference in tiller production was noticed by the treatments but highest number of leaves was recorded in M3 d/2. Highest fresh and dry rhizome yield was produced by M2 d. Equivalent yield was also obtained from M3 d. Significantly superior yields compared to control were also registered by M4 d, M1 d, M2 d/2 and M4 d/2. All these treatments recorded significantly lesser crop duration than control. All treatments except M3 d/2 and M1 d/2 were equally effective in giving better dry matter production than control. M2 d affected the biomass accumulation most favourably, followed by M3 d, and M4 d.In the case of leaf area index, M4 d was found to have the most significant influence throughout the crop growth period followed by M2 d. In all other treatments also significant increase in the leaf area index over control (M0 d0) was noticed. All treatments recorded significantly superior harvest index than control. In the case of biochemical characters like volatile oil, non volatile ether extract and starch M2 drecorded the highest values followed by M3 d and M4 d and same treatments recorded lower crude fibre content also. However, no significant difference in leaf chlorophyll and rhizome curcumin content was noticed among the treatments. After the experiment an improvement in the soil physical and chemical properties was recorded in all plots. A general reduction in soil bulk density and an increase in the water holding capacity of the soil was recorded in all plots after the experiment. However, a significant difference among the treatments was not noticed. Soil pH range of the experimental field remained same after the experiment (6.38-6.59), while an increase in the electrical conductivity was noticed in all the treatments.An increase in organic carbon was noticed in all treatments including control (M0 d0) after the experiment. General increase in available N, P and K was noticed in all plots with highest values in higher doses of organic manures (M3 d, M2 d, M1d and M4 d) applied plots. Highest N uptake was observed with full dose application of vermicompost, neem cake and combination application (M2 d, M3 d and M4 d). Significantly superior P uptake was noticed with full dose application of organic manures (M1 d, M2 d and M3 d) with the combined application recording the highest value (M4 d). Lower dose of organic manures though with microbial inoculants, recorded lower uptake of P. Application of organic manures like neemcake and vermicompost along with microbial inoculants either singly or in combination (M1 d, M2 d, M3 d and M4 d) had significant influence on the uptake of K, as observed from the present study. Pest and disease incidence was observed very less in present experiment. The treatment M3 d was found the best treatment for reducing the phytopathogenic bacterial population in the soil. Maximum reduction of pathogenic fungal population was found in the treatment M3 d/2 whereas, in the case of actinomycetes it was observed in the treatment M2 d/2. Throughout the growth stages, all treatments recorded significantly superior root colonization than control. At 2 and 4 MAP, M1 d recorded significantly superior root colonization, but at 6 MAP, M3 d/2 recorded significantly superior value. In the cost benefit analysis, highest net income was obtained from M3 d (Rs. 4, 67,935 /-) followed by M2 d (Rs. 4, 16,796 /-) and M4 d (Rs. 4, 05,390 /-). Treatment M3 d recorded the highest B: C ratio (3.05) followed by M3 d/2 (2.92). Better B: C ratios were also observed with treatments M4 d/2, M1 d/2, M4 d, M1 d and M2 d/2 (2.57, 2.55, 2.53, 2.49 and 2.43 respectively). M2 d recorded a B: C ratio of 2.37. Economic analysis revealed that, treatments M3 d, M3 d/2 and M4 d/2 recorded the higher B: C ratios. Hence, treatment M3 d (Neemcake 6.0 t ha-1 + mi) can be considered as the best cost effective organic manurial recommendation for kasthuri turmeric cultivation.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    In vitro production of microrhizomes in curcuma aromatica salisb
    (Department of Plantation Crops and Spices,College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2012) Shameena, S; KAU; Reghunath, B R
    Investigations on “In vitro production of microrhizomes in Curcuma aromatica Salisb.” was carried out at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices and Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during 2009-2011. The objective of the study was to standardize the method(s) for in vitro production of microrhizomes in Curcuma aromatica Salisb. so as to utilize them for rapid propagation and conservation of germplasm. The investigations were carried out in two phases viz., (i) In vitro shoot multiplication and (ii) Microrhizome production. IISR accession of Curcuma aromatica from the germplasm collection of the Department of Plantation crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani was used for the study. For in vitro shoot multiplication rhizome bud sprouts was used as explants. Sprouted rhizhome bud of C. aromatica treated with Bavistin 0.2 per cent for 30 minutes and mercuric chloride 0.1 per cent for 12 minutes registered the highest survival percentage (87%). Murashige and Skoog’s medium supplemented with BA and NAA and agar 6.5 per cent was optimum for shoot multiplication. Maximum number of multiple shoots (12.4), and the longest shoot (6.03 cm) was obtained in 5 mgl-1 BA and 0.10 mg l-1 NAA. For in vitro rooting, the shootlets produced in vitro were transferred to rooting media where half strength MS medium with IBA 0.2 mg l-1 favoured best rooting with regard to percent of cultures initiating roots (100%), number of roots (15.4) and root length (6.4 cm). Mixture of coir pith compost and vermi compost (1:1 v/v) was identified to be the best potting medium for planting out and acclimatization, registering 100 per cent survival rate. The in vitro multiplied tissue cultured plants were successfully established in the field. The plants were healthy and vigorous with cent per cent field survival and were morphologically uniform. 85 For microrhizome induction, three to four cm long shoots generated from in vitro shoot multiplication cultures were used as explants. Microrhizome formation was found to be controlled by the concentrations of cytokinins and sucrose as well as photoperiod during the culture. BA 5.0 mg l-1 was identified as the best hormone for microrhizome induction with regard to number of microrhizome per culture vessel (4.8), fresh weight (247 mg) and dry weight (65 mg) of microrhizomes produced. Different concentration of growth regulators on microrhizome production showed that the number of shoots producing microrhizomes range between two to five. Among the different levels of sucrose, 70 g l-1 was most effective for microrhizome induction as indicated by earliness in induction (37 days), maximum percentage (92 %) of cultures with microrhizome and highest number (5.5) of microrhizome per culture vessel. But maximum fresh weight (260 mg) and dry weight (70 mg) microrhizome was noticed at higher concentration of 80 g l-1. With regard to various durations of photo period used for microrhizome induction, eight hours light was found better than others with respect to percentage (92 %) of cultures with microrhizome, number (5.5) of microrhizome per culture and fresh (220 mg) and dry weight (56 mg) of microrhizome. Harvested microrhizomes from in vitro culture were germinated both in vitro and ex vitro. During in vitro germination, regeneration of microrhizomes was independent of size and weight and registered 83.3 per cent regeneration and survival. But in ex vitro germination, regeneration of microrhizomes was dependent of size and weight and larger microrhizomes (>150 mg) registered highest regeneration percentage (91.6 %) and survival percentage (75 %). With regard to growth parameters larger microrhizomes (>150 mg) performed better both under in vitro as well as ex vitro conditions. They recorded maximum shoot length (30 mm), highest rate of shoot growth (10 mm week-1), maximum fresh weight (160 mg) of shoot and dry weight (40 mg) of shoot during in vitro germination and highest rate of shoot growth (10 mm week-1), maximum shoot number (20 mm), maximum root number (4.0), maximum shoot length (39 mm), maximum root length (4.1 cm), maximum fresh weight (200 mg) of shoot and dry weight (50 mg) of shoot during ex vitro germination.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Production and evaluation of proteinaceous earthworm meal
    (College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2012) Fasila, E K; KAU; Sushama, P K
    The study on the “Production and evaluation of proteinaceous earthworm meal” was conducted at College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during the period of 2011-2012. The experiment was done to compare the efficiency of different substrates on the mass multiplication of exotic earthworms, to formulate viable techniques for the collection and multiplication of native worms, to develop a protocol for the preparation of worm meal using exotic and native earthworms and to evaluate the nutritive content of different worm meal preparations. In order to attain the objectives three separate experiments were conducted. The first experiment included the comparative evaluation of different substrates for the mass multiplication of exotic earthworm Eisenia foetida. In order to study the influence of different substrates on the mass multiplication of exotic earthworms, three different substrates like silkworm waste, banana pseudostem and azolla were used along with cow dung in 1:1 ratio by volume. The results revealed that the best substrate for the multiplication of exotic worm was azolla. The contents of crude protein, carbon and nitrogen were higher in silkworm waste as compared to azolla and banana pseudostem. The compost matured within 12 weeks for the treatment with silkworm waste as the main substrate, where as it attained maturity within six weeks with azolla and banana pseudostem. Among the worm casts from different treatments, the worm cast produced from azolla as the main substrate, recorded the contents as 1.43% N, 0.91% P, 1.29% K, 0.79% Ca and 0.83% Mg. The second experiment mainly included the viable techniques for culturing native earthworms. For collecting the native worms, a hand full of cow dung with leaf litter was spread in the surface of soil and covered with wet jute bag. Moisten the bag without flooding. After a fortnight interval worms were found to be at the surface and were collected by digging and hand sorting. The collected worms were identified and cultured for the multiplication with different substrates like silkworm waste, banana pseudostem and azolla along with cow dung and soil in the ratio 1:1:1 by volume. Among the three treatments, the treatment with azolla as main substrate was the most efficient one. However a mortality of native worms was recorded in all the three treatments within a period of 30 days of vermicomposting. Considering the manurial value of native worm cast, the treatment with azolla as the main substrate was found to be better than other treatments (0.78% N, 0.39% P, 0.59% K, 0.17% Ca and 0.47% Mg). Irrespective of the substrates and types of worms, the worm cast maintained a pH range of 6.5 to 7.8. The third experiment, the preparation of earthworm meal and comparative evaluation of nutritive contents of different earthworm meals, was done to identify the best feed material in terms of protein, along with readymade and locally prepared feeds. A simple and cost effective method was proposed for the preparation of worm meal with the clearing of earthworm’s gut using cellulose material. The crude protein (46.37%), crude fibre (1.00%) and crude fat (10.33%) were found to be comparatively rich in exotic worm meal. The total protein content was also higher in exotic (43.45%) than native worm meal (41.61%), but the total carbohydrate was low in both cases with the values 15.03 and 19.06% (as compared to FAO specifications for fish feed) respectively. All the essential and non essential amino acids except proline, tryptophan, cystine and cystine hydrochloromonohydrate were qualitatively detected in all the feeds including worm meals. There is no appreciable change in pH and EC of aquarium water with the continuous use of worm meal as a feed for the ornamental fish, Red Oscar.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Quality evaluation of parboiled rice and rice products from germinated rice.
    (College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Lakshmy, A S; KAU; Suman, K T
    The study entitled “Quality evaluation of parboiled rice and rice products from germinated rice” was undertaken to evaluate the physical, cooking, biochemical, nutritional, organoleptic and keeping qualities of parboiled rice from germinated paddy. The study also aimed to evaluate the physical and keeping qualities of roasted rice flour and to assess the acceptability of the products prepared with rice flour. Paddy variety Jyothi was selected for the study. After soaking for 12 hours, the paddy was germinated at laboratory level. Paddy soaked for 12 hours (T1), germinated for 3 days (T2) and 6 days (T3) were selected as treatments. Ungerminated paddy (T0) was the control. Parboiling of the selected treatments was carried by hot soaking process. Milling recovery was found to be very low in germinated samples, compared to control, which in turn resulted in higher milling loss. Milling recovery of germinated samples decreased significantly during storage whereas, in control an increase was noticed. Significant variation among treatments was observed with respect to thousand grain weight and thousand grain volume. To obtain optimum cooked rice, a cooking time of 37.66 to 44.67 minutes was noticed among different treatments and it increased significantly during storage. A positive correlation between water uptake, volume expansion and grain elongation was noticed in all the treatments. Germination decreased the amylose content by 4 to 14 per cent in different treatments there by affecting the gel consistency. Intermediate gelatinisation temperature was noticed in all the treatments. Moisture content of parboiled rice from four treatments varied from 11.02 to 12.10 per cent which increased significantly during storage. A significant increase in total and reducing sugar was observed as a result of starch degradation during germination. Variation was noticed in the protein, fat and fibre content among treatments. Progressive increase in the thiamine content was noticed with advancement in the days of germination. Compared to control, significant decrease in the calcium, iron and phosphorus content of germinated samples was noticed. During germination, in vitro starch digestibility of parboiled rice increased by 3 to 14 per cent. Significant increase in in vitro mineral availability was also noticed. Bulk density of roasted rice flour from different treatments varied from 0.78 to 0.84 g/ml. Lower water absorption and water solubility indices were noticed in rice flour from germinated samples compared to control. The evaluation of retrogradation property in roasted rice flour from treatments revealed that syneresis per cent increased with advancement in days of observation. Maximum syneresis was noticed in germinated samples. The products prepared using rice (cooked rice, iddli and Kozhukatta) and rice flour (idiyappam and puttu) from germinated paddy had better taste. But germination influenced the texture of the products except in puttu. Mean scores for various quality attributes increased when the products were prepared from stored rice and rice flour. The rice and roasted rice flour were evaluated for bacteria, fungi and yeast initially and after three months of storage. Presence of bacteria was detected in both and the count increased during storage. Fungal and yeast growth were not detected in rice and rice flour initially and after three months of storage. Insect infestation was not noticed in rice and rice flour from different treatments.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Evaluation of promising hybrid napier cultivars under varying plant population
    (College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Soumya, P; KAU; Jagadeesh, Kumar T N
    Hybrid Napier grass, an interspecific cross between Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) and bajra (Pennisetum glaucum L.) is a popular fodder grass grown in many parts of Kerala. The present investigation was undertaken to have an understanding on the growth characteristics, fodder production potential and nutritive value of some popular cultivars of hybrid Napier grass and also to find out the effect of plant population on their performance. The experiment was conducted at the Agronomy research farm of College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara during 2009-2010. Eight popular cultivars, namely, CO2, CO3, CO(CN)4, KKM-1, Suguna, Supriya, IGFRI-3 and DHN-6 were planted under three different spacing of 60cm x 60cm, 90cm x 60cm, and 90cm x 90cm. Observations were taken during the period of one year on growth and fodder production potential. The nutrient composition of different cultivars of hybrid Napier grass was also analysed. Among the cultivars evaluated, the growth was comparatively fast in KKM-1 followed by CO(CN)4 with respect to plant height, number of tillers, leaf length, leaf area index, relative growth rate and net assimilation rate. The fodder production potential of the cultivars was assessed by harvesting the herbage at 50- 55 days interval. The green and dry matter yields indicated a clear yield advantage for KKM-1 and CO(CN)4, which were on par and hence can be ranked first. The cultivars CO2 and DHN-6 can be ranked second based on yield. Suguna, CO3 and Supriya came third in fodder production and IGFRI-3, fourth with the lowest yield. Regarding spacing, number of tillers per plant was comparatively higher at wider spacing of 90cm x 90cm. Leaf area ratio and relative growth rate were also higher under lower plant densities. At the same time, leaf area index was found to be higher at closer spacing of 60cm x 60cm. Other parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, leaf: stem ratio etc. were found to be non significant with respect to spacing. Considering annual fodder production, herbage and dry matter yields were higher at closer spacing of 60cm x 60cm. Nutritional attributes like crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, nitrogen free extract, total ash, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and oxalate content of all the cultivars were assessed. Nutritionally, the cultivars differed with respect to crude protein and oxalate content. All the cultivars except CO2 had higher crude protein content. Oxalate content which is an anti nutritional factor, was higher in CO2 and IGFRI-3 while, the least oxalate content was recorded in DHN-6. From nutrient point of view, the cultivar DHN-6 was found to be superior. Regarding the nutrient uptake from soil, KKM-1, CO(CN)4 and CO2 had higher rate of removal. Among the three spacings, nutrient uptake by plants was higher under closer spacing of 60cm x 60cm compared to wider spacings. Among the cultivars, B:C ratio was maximum for KKM-1 and among the spacings, closer spacing of 60cm x 60cm was found to be more profitable. Among the cultivars evaluated, KKM-1 and CO(CN)4 ranked first with respect to high fresh and dry fodder yield. Although the cultivars DHN-6 and CO2 were comparable in yield and ranked second, quality wise DHN-6 was better with the least oxalate content, better leaf: stem ratio and crude protein content. Therefore, along with KKM-1 and CO(CN)4, DHN-6 can also be recommended for Kerala under irrigated conditions. The spacing of 60cm x 60cm was the ideal spacing for hybrid Napier cultivation in Kerala condition for maximum yield
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Performance analysis of tropical cabbage (brassica oleracea var capitata L.) hybrids under open and protected conditions
    (College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Malu, K; KAU; Indira, P
    The present study entitled “Performance analysis of tropical cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var capitata) hybrids under open and protected conditions.” was undertaken in the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2010- 2011. The objectives of the study were to identify an ideal hybrid of tropical cabbage for plains and also to study the feasibility of cabbage cultivation in protected and open field conditions during on and off- seasons. The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Block Design with four replications. Four F1 hybrids namely NS 183, NS 43, NS 35 (Namdhari Seeds Pvt. Ltd.) and Disha (Seminis India Ltd.) were used for the study during off- season (July- Oct) and on- season (Oct- Jan). Protected condition was provided using a rain shelter of 100m2 floor area. Observations on growth and yield attributes were recorded during the course of investigation. The daily weather parameters recorded inside and outside the polyhouse were used to compute the crop weather relationship Non wrapping leaves were less inside polyhouse during both seasons. During off- season maximum plant spread was observed inside the rain shelter for the hybrid NS 43 (48.20cm) which was on par with the other varieties and during on- season, inside the rain shelter plant spread was more in NS 35 (65.41cm) which was on par with NS 43 (61.91cm). NS 35 recorded maximum plant spread in open field (67.66cm) followed by NS 43 (59.25cm). NS 43 was the earliest to achieve 50% head formation during both seasons and growing conditions. It also recorded 50% maturity during both seasons inside polyhouse. During on- season, NS 183 was to mature early in open field. During off- season fifty percent head formation was not observed in open field in any of the hybrids. Net head weight was maximum for NS 43 inside polyhouse (off- season) and during on- season it was maximum for NS 35 under both growing conditions. Head shape of all the hybrids except NS 43 was found to be conical during off- season inside rain shelter. But NS 43 formed drum head shaped heads. NS 183, NS 35 and Disha formed round shaped heads under both growing conditions while NS 43 formed drum head shaped heads during on- season. During off- season, inside the rain shelter maximum head length was observed for the hybrid Disha (14.26cm) and it was on par with NS 183 (13.93cm).Disha recorded maximum head length inside the rain shelter during on- season also (16.25cm) and it was on par with NS 183 (15.91cm) and NS 35 (15.54cm). Core length inside the rain shelter during on- season was minimum for NS 43 (7.87cm) and it was on par with NS 183 (8.79cm) and NS 35 (7.87cm). During off- season, inside the rain shelter harvest index was found to be maximum for NS 43 (67.70) which was on par with NS 183 (60.46). Pest and disease incidence was more in open field crop during both seasons. The daily weather parameters recorded inside and outside the polyhouse were used to compute the crop weather relationship. There was significant correlation between the weather parameters and characters like days to fifty percent head formation and days to fifty percent head maturity. Benefit –cost ratio was maximum for open field crop (2.66) during on- season. It can be concluded that NS 43 is ideal for protected cultivation during off- season, while NS 35 is suitable for on- season cultivation under both growing conditions. Further, off- season cultivation of cabbage in rain shelter offer much scope for self employment generation for the unemployed youth.