Loading...
Theses
Browse
28 results
Search Results
ThesisItem Open 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, KThe 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.ThesisItem Open Access Development of nendran banana chips with enhanced shelf life and quality(Department of Processing Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2014) Sonia, N S; KAU; Mini, CThe present investigation entitled “Development of Nendran banana chips with enhanced shelf life and quality” was conducted at Department of Processing Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, with the objective to evaluate and compare the effect of natural antioxidants in delaying rancidity of banana chips during storage and to explore the possibility of developing flavoured chips. Nendran banana chips were prepared in unrefined coconut oil by incorporating two types of antioxidants viz., processing waste and flavour imparting substances in fresh and dried forms at 0.01 and 0.02 % concentrations, either by presoaking slices in antioxidant solution before frying or by directly adding to frying oil. The prepared chips were analysed for physical, chemical and sensory quality parameters. Banana chips prepared by addition of 0.02% fresh banana peel to frying oil recorded the least moisture (6.45%), oil uptake (30.65%), peroxide value (4.70 meq. O2/ kg) and free fatty acid (FFA) value (3.08 mg KOH/ g) along with highest integrity (84.45%) and iodine value (8.76) indicating superior quality. Of all the flavor imparting substances tried, chips prepared by adding 0.02% dried curry leaf powder to frying oil had lowest moisture (5.30%), oil uptake (31.40%) peroxide (6.50 meq. O2/ kg) and FFA value (3.02 mg KOH/ g) along with highest integrity (85.90%) and iodine value (6.73). Both these treatments recorded highest sensory parameters too, hence selected for further storage study. Banana chips prepared using fresh banana peel and dried curry leaf powder were stored in low density polyethylene pouches, tri-layered laminated pouches and under modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) in laminated pouches for three months to evaluate the shelf stability. Chips prepared with 0.02% dried curry leaf powder and packed under MAP in laminated pouches showed low moisture (6.90%), least hardness (4.86 N), toughness (1.90 Ns), FFA value (5.24 mg KOH/g), peroxide value (7.87 meq. O2/ kg), highest iodine value (10.27), yellowness index (109.86), crispness (5.12) and higher mean rank value for sensory parameters throughout storage period. Highest antioxidant activity (12.61 ± 1.31 %) was also recorded by this treatment. When the possibility of development of flavoured banana chips was explored, chips prepared by addition of 2% dried garlic powder was acceptable to the sensory panel. The study revealed that preparation of Nendran banana chips by addition of 0.02% dried curry leaf powder into frying oil and storing under modified atmospheric packaging system in laminated pouches can ensure a shelf life of three months.ThesisItem Open Access Hybridization using promising second generation inbred and molecular characterization of a the third generation inbreds of WCT coconut(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Hassain, N; KAU; Sujatha, RThe research project entitled “Hybridization using promising second generation inbred and molecular characterization of the third generation inbreds of WCT coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)” was carried out in the Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad during the year 2016-2018. The major objectives of this study include development of D x T hybrids using promising palms in second generation (S2) inbreds of West Coast Tall (WCT) as male parent and Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD) as female parent and characterization of third generation (S3) inbred seedlings of superior S2 palms of WCT using RAPD analysis. For hybridisation, the male parent was selected from the superior inbred family based on the reports on morphological evaluation and estimation of inbreeding depression during the period 2013-2015 (Chethana, 2016). The family IIIS2-1 showed lowest inbreeding depression for yield related traits among 12 families followed by VS2-2. The palm 313 (IIIS2-1) and 225 (VS2-2) were selected as male parents. Superior MYD palm to be used as the female parent was selected from among the MYD palms available at CoA, Padannakkad based on the general features of mother palm selection (Nair et al., 2008). Observations were recorded from these parental palms which included 24 morphological characters. The male parents showed inbreeding depression for several vegetative characters such as stem girth, functional leaves etc and reproductive characters such as number of female flowers per inflorescence, setting percent and nut yield per palm per year, compared to WCT. The results showed that inbreeding depression for these characters was more in palm 313 (developed by selfing) than palm 225 (developed by sibmating). Total five nuts were harvested from MYD (two nuts by using pollen from palm 313 and three nuts using pollen from palm 225) during May 2018 and were sown in the nursery. Molecular characterization of the 15nos of S3 inbred seedlings of IIIS2 family planted in the field in replicated plots were done using RAPD. Genomic DNA was isolated from 15 seedlings of IIIS3 family among which 10 were produced by selfing the S2 palms (IIIS3-1) and 5 were produced by sibmating the S2 palms (IIIS3-2) along with COD, CGD and WCT. After DNA isolation, samples were subjected to RAPD analysis using 10 decamer primers namely OPAU02, OPBA3, OPAW14, OPAW19, OPAW12, OPAW13, OPAW13, OPAW09, OPAU03, OPAW08 and OPAW15 selected based on screening 30 primers. Using primer OPAW08, a band of size of ~400bp was specifically found in inbreds alone while it was absent in dwarfs and WCT seedlings. In OPAU 03 primer, band size of ~1200bp was absent in WCT but present in all inbreds and CGD. The sibmated inbred NL1 showed a distict pattern when amplified with OPAW 09 compared to all other inbreds. The primer produced a specific band of size ~1050bp only in the sibmated inbred CL1 and was absent in all other samples. Amplification with OPAW19 primer produced a banding pattern in which it mainly distinguished CGD from all other seedlings where there were only two bands while others were having six bands. Primer OPAU 02 produced two unique amplicons: 1100bp present in selfed inbred I1M1 TH2 and MYD; 1000bp present in COD and MYD. Genetic similarity among the 15 IIIS3 seedlings, CGD, COD, MYD and WCT was estimated by using of software DARwin (Darwin 6.Ink). The dendrogram indicated three major clusters in which the grouping of several inbreds along with WCT, COD and CGD may be an indication supporting the hypothesis that the dwarfs might have been originated from the talls during the course of evolution followed by selection. The two dwarfs present in the group are COD and CGD which are from Chavakkad area in Kerala and WCT is the most common cultivar of Kerala. As a future line of study, further evaluation of these S3 inbreds regarding the flowering time and yield characters has to be carried out to find out the genetic potential of these inbreds as breeding lines for producing superior hybrids. The seedlings to be emerged from the hybrid nuts produced in the present study, though limited in number, needs to be evaluated for important traits and the hybridisation programme using superior palms in S2 generation needs to be continued for production of more number of hybrid nuts.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of seed treatment on growth, seed yield and quality in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench(Department of Seed Science and Technology College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Adersh, S; KAU; Dijee BastianThe research work 'Effect of seed treatments on growth, seed yield and quality in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)', was conducted in the Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, during 2017-18 with an objective to find the effect of seed treatmentwith growth regulators on growth, seed yield and quality in okra and to delineate their effect on seed quality and longevity. Two separate experiments were conducted. Freshly harvested okra seeds of variety Arka Anamika, were treated with different concentrations of growth regulators namely GA3, IAA, NAA, Cycocel, Maleic hydrazide and Thiourea for two different time period (12 hours and 24 hours) and used to conduct the field experiment (Experiment 1) immediately. The experiment uses the treated seeds was laid out in Randomised Block Design with three replication and twenty five treatments including control. Observations on growth and yield parameters were recorded at appropriate stages. The results revealed that seed treatment with different plant growth regulators exhibited significant differences for all the characters studied. Growth characters like plant height, internode length, number of fruits per plant and seed yield per plant were found to be high in T24 (Thiourea 1000 ppm for 24 hours), while T16 (CCC at 150 ppm for 24 hours) and T14 (CCC at l50ppm for 12 hours) registered higher values for nodes per plant and branches per plant respectively. Among the treatments T3 (GA3 50 ppm for 24 hours) flowered early at 36.26 days. Higher values for fruit length and seeds per fruit were recorded in GA3 100 ppm for 24 hours (T4) and fruit weight was found to be higher in NAA 100 ppm for 24 hours (Tu). The seeds obtained under the field experiment were used to conduct the seed storage studies (Experiment II). The seeds from each treatment of experiment I were dried separately to a moisture content of less than 8 per cent and packed in 700G polythene covers and sealed. Seeds were stored under ambient conditions and seed quality parameters evaluated at monthly intervals for a period of seven months. Experiment II was laid out following a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with twenty five treatments (To to TZ5) as in experiment I and three replications. Significant differences existed among the treatments for all seed quality parameters studied except time taken for 50% germination, seed moisture and seed microflora. It was clearly evident from the storage study that, as storage period increases the seed quality decreases irrespective of the treatments. In case of germination, all treatments including the control maintained the Minimum Seed Certification Standard (MSCS) of 65 percent up to fifth month of storage. At the end of the storage period (7 MAS) only two treatments (T11-NAA 50ppm for 24 hours and T3-GA3 50ppm for 24 hours) retained MSCS (65%). Vigour index I and II had higher values in Til which was statistically on par with TIZ, TlO, T3 and T4. Seed quality parameters such as germination, vigour indices and seedling dry weight decreased with the advancement of storage period, whereas EC of seed leachate, germination time, time taken for 50% germination increases over the storage period. The effect of growth regulators on seed microflora was found to be non-significant at the start and the end of the storage period. But the per cent of seed infection by seed microflora increased at the end of storage period, irrespective of the treatments. Ranking of characters in experiment I along with germination percent and vigour index I of experiment II was undertaken to identify the superior treatments. Based on the total score obtained GA3 at 50 ppm for 24 hours (T3) was adjudged as the best treatment followed by NAA at 50 ppm for 24 hours (T11). Hence it is concluded that soaking seeds with GA3 at 50 ppm and NAA at 50 ppm effectively enhances the growth, fruit and seed yield, seed quality and longevity in okra.ThesisItem Open Access Breeding for shattering resistance in rice (Oryza sativa L.)(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Anju, M Job; KAU; Biju, SThe research work 'Breeding for shattering resistance in rice (Oryza sativa L.)' was conducted in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture (COH), Vellanikkara, during the academic year 2017-2018. The research work was mainly divided into three experiments. Experiment 1 consisted of screening of rice genotypes for shattering resistance which was conducted at Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Mannuthy. After screening, four selected shattering resistant rice genotypes were crossed in Line x Tester pattern with three shattering prone high yielding varieties in experiment 2. In experiment 3 progenies were evaluated along with parents for shattering resistance. Shattering was measured based on Induced Random Impact method using a force gauge apparatus. Wide variability was found to exist among twenty five genotypes for yield and most yield attributes studied indicating ample scope for improvement through selection. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean indicating the influence of additive gene action in the expression of trait were observed for days to fifty per cent flowering, flag leaf width, flag leaf length, panicle per plant, seed yield per plant and shattering per cent. Substantial improvement in the expression of these characters over base population can be expected through simple selection. Tillers per plant showed moderate heritability along with high genetic gain implying influence of both additive and non additive gene action in the expression of these characters. Improvement of these traits could be attained by following recurrent or reciprocal recurrent selection to exploit both additive and non-additive genetic components. Seed yield per plant recorded high significant correlation with number of tillers per plant, flag leaf width, number of panicles per plant and seeds per panicle and significant correlation with test weight. Shattering per cent recorded a high significant inter correlation with panicle length and significant inter correlation with kernel length. High estimates of general combining ability (OCA) over specific combining ability (SCA) is indicative of preponderance of additive gene action and it was evident in the case of days to maturity, flag leaf width, seeds per panicle and kernel width. Prevalence of non-additive gene action i.e., dominance and epistatic gene action in trait expression indicated by high SCA over OCA was registered for the remaining characters. When parents were evaluated on the basis of mean performance, it was evident that for seed yield per plant L2, L3 and T1 recorded a high response. The response recorded for panicle length and shattering per cent were exactly similar. When all the fourteen characters for the seven parents considered together, L2, L3 and T2 represented as best parents for yield and yield attributes and T1 recorded to be a moderate response. Evaluation of hybrids based on mean performance revealed that out of the twelve hybrids, H1, H2, H3, H4, H6 and H11 recorded a high response towards reduced shattering and H5 reported moderate response. Among the twelve hybrids H1 (L1 x T1), H2 (L1 x T2), H3 (L1 x T3), H5 (L2 x T1), H6 (L2 x T2) and H11 (L3 x T3) showed a high total response compared to the rest. Results from gca effects of parents indicated that L1 and T3 to be better combiner for reduced seed shattering indicating a scope for further utilization of these lines in plant breeding programmes for reduced shattering. When all the fourteen characters were considered, L2, T1, T2 and T3 recorded as better combiner. All the seven parents recorded to be moderate combiner for tillers per plant and flag leaf width. Scoring based on mean performance and combining ability effects for seed yield per plant revealed that, L2, L3 and T2 proved to be promising. T1, T2 and T3 proved to be promising parents for reduced seed shattering and T4 and Ll with a moderate response. When all the fourteen characters considered together L2, T1 and T2 were recorded as most promising parents.Specific combining ability studied among the cross combinations indicated that out of the twelve hybrids, H4, H5, H6 and H11 recorded high response and HI exhibited a moderate response for seed shattering. When the fourteen characters considered together, H3, H4, H5, H6, H8, H10 and H11 recorded to be better cross combination among the twelve characters. When mean performance and sea effect for all the fourteen characters for hybrids considered, the hybrids H1, H2, H3, H5, H6, and H11 reported high scores and H8 recorded moderate response. All the twelve hybrids recorded high significant heterobeltiosis for plant height, flag leaf width, panicles per plant, panicle length, test weight, kernel width, kernel length and shattering per cent. Based on the scoring for both mean performance and heterotic effect revealed that hybrids H5 recorded highest score followed by H3, H9, H11, and H1. Evaluation of hybrids based on mean performance, sea effects and heterosis revealed that hybrids H5, H6 and H3 recorded the first three positions among the twelve hybrids evaluated. Among this H5 and H6 have both the parents as better combiners. The remaining cross combination involving different combinations of parents viz., good x good, average x average, average x poor, poor x good, poor x average and poor x poor etc., can be used for transgressive breeding since there will be better recombinations in segregating generation.ThesisItem Open Access Management of soil salinity with calcium salts in rice-prawn farming system in pokkali lands(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Divya, P V; Sreelatha, A KPokkali is the unique system of rice cultivation in the water-logged coastal saline acid soils of Kerala. These are tidal wetlands characterized by multi stressed conditions such as acidity, salinity and waterlogging. Pokkali soils are the major salt affected soils in Kerala. Plant growth is affected by salinity at all stages of development resulting in reduced grain yield, dry matter production and total decrease in productivity. Excess sodium present in the saline environment creates adverse conditions for plant growth. High salinity in the root zone results in osmotic imbalance and ionic toxicity and thereby modifies nutritional status in soil and plant. In this context, the present study entitled “Management of soil salinity with calcium salts in rice–prawn farming system in Pokkali lands”, was conducted with the following objectives (i) to manage the soil salinity by application of calcium salts in pokkali lands (ii) to assess the effect of calcium salts on the growth and nutrition of rice, yield of prawn and soil properties. The experiment was conducted in the Thathapilli padasekharam (10º12’N, 76º26’ E) of Kottuvally Panchayath in Ernakulam district, during June 2017 to April 2018. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with six treatments and four replications having plot size of 100 m². The treatments consisted of absolute control, calcium nitrate, calcium chloride, calcium sulphate, rock phosphate and dolomite at the rate of 45, 30, 34, 27 and 25 kg per plot so as to adjust the ratio of 1:5 for Na : Ca in the exchange complex on the basis of content of Na and Ca in soils. The Ca salts were applied before the rice crop only. Rice variety, Vyttila 6 was raised in the first crop season. Soil samples were collected from the treatment plots during three stages; before the sowing of crop, after the harvest of rice and after the harvest of prawn and analyzed for various physical (soil texture, bulk density), chemical (pH, EC, organic carbon, available N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, B and exchangeable Na and Al) and biological parameters (microbial biomass carbon). Plant samples were collected at the time of harvest and analyzed for N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Na separately for shoot and root so as to assess the source sink relationship. Initial soil analysis revealed that texture of soil was sandy loam with a bulk density of 1.25 Mg m־³. Initial soil pH was 6.74 and electrical conductivity was 1.51 dSm¹־. Soil was deficient in available N, Ca, Mg and Cu and all other nutrients were in sufficiency level. Data on analysis of soil samples after the harvest of rice revealed that, all the treatments showed a superiority over control with respect to chemical parameters and biological parameter. The EC values ranged from 1.59 dSm־¹ to 1.75 dSm־¹. Exchangeable Na and Al content were highest in control. Among the different treatments, calcium nitrate registered peak values of organic carbon and available nutrients especially nitrogen and it reduced the available Fe content to an extent. Application of calcium nitrate significantly increased the grain yield (3300 kg ha־¹) and dry matter content and plant nutrient uptake. Increased shoot and root N content was also recorded and increment was reflected in the case of other plant nutrients also. Consequent reduction in the shoot Na content was observed as a result of reduced salinity. Highest Ca:Mg and K:Na ratio observed in plant samples of calcium nitrate treatment revealed better plant survival rate under salt stress. Next to calcium nitrate treatment, calcium chloride and dolomite treatments recorded higher in grain yield of 2192 kg ha־¹ and 2098 kg ha־¹ respectively and also the nutrient uptake. Soil analysis after the harvest of prawn recorded an increase in available major and secondary nutrients and reduced the Fe and Mn content in all the treatment with slight variation from control. Yield of prawn was highest in calcium treated plots as a whole than control plot and these variations in the productivity was a result of calcium salt treatments during rice cultivation and its residual effect retained in soil. Thus it can be concluded that application of calcium salts in pokkali soils increased the yield of rice and prawns, improved the soil properties and nutrient uptake by plants. Increase in grain yield was higher in calcium nitrate followed by calcium chloride and dolomite treatments. The highest B:C ratio was recorded in dolomite treatment because of the less input cost.ThesisItem Open Access Developing dwarf specific scar markers from WCT inbreds of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)(Department of Plant Biotechnology, Vellanikkara, 2018) Anto, Varghese; KAU; Sujatha, RCoconut is an important subsistence and cash crop in the humid tropical regions of the world. The coconut palm is often called “the tree of life” because of its numerous uses as food, drink, fuel, building materials and so on. Coconut cultivars are mainly classified into two: tall and dwarf. West Coast Tall (WCT) is the most common and superior tall cultivar extensively cultivated all over the west coast region, especially in Kerala. One of the main methods of crop improvement in coconut is hybridization between tall and dwarf types. However the heterozygous nature of tall types is a hurdle in selection of mother palms and seedlings. Efforts to develop homozygous inbreds of WCT were started as early as 1924. Chethana (2016) studied the extent of inbreeding depression in second generation (S2) inbred palms and recorded morphological observations of one year old third generation (S3) inbred seedlings. Based on height, she classified the S3 seedlings into Low, Medium and High, before planting in the field. She also carried out the characterization of selected third generation (S3) inbreds using RAPD marker system along with tall (WCT) and dwarf palms (COD, CGD). The results revealed two dwarf specific RAPD bands in two of the S3 seedlings belonging to IAS3-1 and IBS3-1 family, when amplified with primers OPAU03 and OPAW15. However, as RAPD markers have low specificity and sometimes lack repeatability, converting them into Sequence Characterized Amplified Region (SCAR) markers is more advantageous. A tall specific SCAR marker was reported in coconut using primer OPA 09 (Rajesh et al., 2013). The present investigation was carried out in the departments of Plant Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad and College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during the period 2016-2018 was undertaken with an objective of developing SCAR markers from dwarf specific RAPD marker for screening superior inbreds with dwarfing nature. DNA samples were extracted from total 54 genotypes, 22 seedlings belonging to the inbred families IAS3-1and IBS3-1, 10 seedlings from other three families viz, IIS3, IIIS3 and VS3, 14 dwarf seedlings (including COD, CGD and MYD) and 8 tall seedlings (WCT). These were subjected to RAPD analysis using the 3 reported primers viz, OPAU 03, OPAW 15 and OPA 09. Though OPAU03 showed polymorphism between tall and dwarfs, the bands lacked repeatability and hence this was not included in further analysis. OPA 09, which was reported to produce a tall specific band (Rajesh et al., 2013), confirmed the result in the present study also. Primer OPAW15 was successful in amplifying a polymorphic band of size around 320 base pair specifically in dwarf seedlings and it was not present in the tall cultivar (WCT). The polymorphic dwarf specific band produced by primer OPAW 15 was eluted and cloned in pTZ57R/T vector and transformed into E. coli DH5 alpha cells. Cloned cells were subjected to blue white screening and transformed ones were selected, the plasmid was isolated and sequenced. The sequence after vector screening was subjected to homology search using BLASTn. The DNA sequence of polymorphic band showed similarity with chromosome 2 of Solanum lycopersicum. Based on the sequence, one pair of SCAR primer was designed and tested for dwarf specific band. Dwarf specific amplicon was found in all the dwarfs but absent in the tall WCT seedlings. Hence, this was used to screen the S3 inbred seedlings which were classified as Low, Medium, and High based on their height at the time of planting, to confirm the effectiveness of this classification based on morphology. The result showed that the dwarf specific marker is present in S3 inbreds belonging to Low and Medium types but absent in all those seedlings classified as ‘High’ based on height. This shows that the classification based on height in the one year old seedlings is effective to some extent. However, some of the seedlings in ‘Low’ and ‘Medium’ category lack the marker, which indicate that a classification based on morphological and molecular marker is more effective than classification based on morphology alone. The dwarf specific SCAR marker developed in the present study after validation using other tall and dwarf cultivars, along with the earlier reported tall specific SCAR marker can be successfully employed in breeding experiments for marker assisted selection. The SCAR markers which distinguish tall and dwarf coconut cultivars can be used in screening seedlings at an early stage which would be of immense importance to nurseries and growers while establishing coconut plantations.ThesisItem Open Access Phosphorous and boron interactions in black cotton soils of kerala with respect to groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea L.)(Soil science and agricultural chemistry, Vellanikkara, 2018) Shaniba, M; KAU; Beena, VBalanced supply of nutrients is one of the most important factors determining crop yield. Sometimes the applied nutrients may not be available for plant use, as their availability depends on interaction between nutrients. When the supply of one nutrient element affects the absorption and utilization of other nutrient element, the elements are said to be in interaction and interactions may be negative or positive. In Kerala, black cotton soils are seen in Chittur taluk of Palakkad district occupying an area of approximately 2000 ha. These soils are sandy clay loam, dark, calcareous, neutral to alkaline (pH 7.0 to 8.5), high in clay content and CEC. These soils are sufficient in all nutrients except phosphorus (P) and boron (B). Finding the interaction between Band P in black soils will help to understand the factors determining the availability of these nutrients to crops. The present study was carried out in College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2016-18. The objectives of the study were to find out the interactions of boron and phosphorus in black cotton soils of Palakkad and to assess the treatment level of boron (B) and phosphorus (P) for maximizing the yield. The study consisted of a field experiment with groundnut variety, K-6 in black cotton soils of Chittur, Palakkad followed by analysis of soil, plant and pod samples taken from the experimental field. Soil samples were collected from different locations of Chittur and analyzed for available P and B. Field experiment was carried out where deficiency of both P and B was noticed. Experiment was laid out in factorial RBD with 17 treatments and 4 replications. Treatment combinations were made with four levels of P and four levels of B with soil test based recommendations as control. N and K levels are kept same (based on POP recommendations of KAU) for all treatments except for the first treatment where soil test based recommendations was given. P0 - 0 kg ha-1, P1 - 60 kg ha-1, P2 -75 kg ha-1 and P3 -90 kg ha-1 were the four levels of P and B0 - 0 kg ha-1, B1 - 5 kg ha-1, B2 - 10 kg ha-1 and B3- 15 kg ha-1 were the four levels of borax. super phosphate (SSP) was used as source of P and borax was used as source of B. Physical characteristics of soil viz., texture and bulk density were analyzed before experiment and chemical characteristics viz., pH, EC, organic carbon, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and B were analyzed before and after the experiment. parameters like plant height and number of leaves per plant were recorded at flowering, pegging, pod setting and harvest stages and yield parameters like number of pods per plant and yield were recorded at harvest stage. Plant nutrient content was analyzed and uptake was computed at different stages viz., flowering, pegging, pod setting and harvest stages whereas pod nutrient content and uptake was computed only at harvest stage. Soil nutrient status, plant nutrient content and uptake of nutrients were affected by main effect and interaction effect of P and B. Application of P at 90 kg ha-1 and B at 0 kg ha-1 resulted in highest plant height and number of leaves per plant. Application of P at 90 kg ha-1 and B at 5 kg ha-1 resulted in highest number of pods per plant and yield. Application of P at 90 kg ha-1 and B 0 kg ha-1 resulted in highest protein content in groundnut. Application of increased dose of P reduced availability of B due to anionic competition. Application of P reduced the availability of Fe, Mn and Zn in soil due to the formation of insoluble compounds like Fe-P, Mn-P and Zn-P. Application of P enhanced the availability of N. K content in soil was reduced with increased dose of P application. Ca and S were increased due to its supply through fertilizer in soil. Plant nutrient content showed a decreasing trend from flowering to harvest stage. Application of P enhanced plant and pod P content and application of B reduced plant and pod P content. Content of N, P, K, Ca and S was increased with increased levels of P and content of Fe, Mn, Zn and B was reduced with increased dose of P. Content of N, P, S, Zn and B were higher in pod than plant. Uptake of nutrient followed an increasing trend from flowering to harvest due to increased dry matter production. The uptake of N, P, S, Zn and B by pod was higher compared to plant uptake.ThesisItem Open Access Nutrient budgeting in rice based farming system(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Reshma, M R; Shalini Pillai, PThe study entitled “Nutrient budgeting in rice based farming system” was undertaken at College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2015 –’17.The main objectives were to study the effect of component crops on soil nutrient status, to characterize and study the effect of trench silt on the performance of rice and to work out the nutrient balance sheet of the rice based farming systems. The field experiment was conducted as a part of an ongoing experiment under the AICRP on Integrated Farming Systems (ICAR), at the Integrated Farming System Research Station (IFSRS), Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram. The experiment was laid out in randomised block design with seven treatments, replicated thrice. The treatments comprised seven rice [T1 : rice-rice-fallow; T2 : rice-rice-amaranthus; based farming systems T3 : rice-rice-culinary melon; T4 : rice-rice-fodder cowpea; T5 : (rice + fish)-(rice + fish)-(amaranthus + fish); T6 : (rice + fish)-(rice + fish)-(culinary melon + fish); T7 : (rice + fish)-(rice + fish)- (fodder cowpea + fish). The present study was undertaken during the summer 2015- ’16 (February to May) and Virippu 2016-’17 (June to October) seasons. The varieties of rice, amaranthus, culinary melon and fodder cowpea were Uma, Arun, Vellayani local and Aiswarya respectively. The fishes viz., catla (Catla catla) and rohu (Labio rohita) were introduced into the trenches(6m x 3m x 1m) after transplanting Virippu crop and were harvested after the summer crop. After summer season, the trenches were desilted and the silt was added to the respective plots, before raising Virippu rice. The soil nutrient status of Mundakan season 2015-‘16 was also taken into account for working out the nutrient balance sheet of the systems. In summer, fodder cowpea grown as a sole crop recorded the highest yield (23703 kg ha-1) and total dry matter production. Among the treatments integrated with fish, culinary melon + fish (T6) gave higher yield compared to amaranthus and fodder cowpea. The productivity of amaranthus and culinary melon was found to increase to the tune of 208.80 per cent and 256.43 per cent respectively,with fish integration. Rice equivalent yield was significantly higher (13.57 t ha-1) for culinary melon + fish (T6). After the summer season, the trench water and trench silt were analysed. The trench water had near neutral pH (7.18) and had higher contents of N, P and K. Substantial quantity of trench silt (20.93 t per 0.5 ha on dry weight basis) was added to the plots with fish integration and incorporated, before raising the Virippu rice. Trench silt was found to be clayey in texture with lower bulk density (0.78 Mg m-3), higher water holding capacity (47.38 %) and rich in N, K, S and Zn. In Virippu rice,grain weight panicle-1(4.08 g), total number of grains panicle-1 (159.80), filled grains panicle-1 (144.35) and grain yield (6.62 t ha-1) were significantly higher in T7 (rice + fish succeeding fodder cowpea + fish). It was on a par with T5 (rice + fish succeeding amaranthus + fish) and T6(rice + fish succeeding culinary melon + fish). Sterility percentage decreased with fish integration and it was the lowest (5.69 %) in T5and remained at par with T6.In general, productivity of rice was 15.56 per cent higher with fish integration. Among the summer crops, the uptake of N, P, K, Mg, S, B and Zn was significantly higher in amaranthus and culinary melon integrated with fish as compared to the respective sole crops. While, fodder cowpea grown as sole crop recorded the highest content and uptake of Ca. In Virippu rice, significantly higher uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus was observed in T7 (rice+fish succeeding fodder cowpea+fish). Soil chemical properties were analysed before and after each component crop. Soil reaction (pH) was significantly higher (less acidic) in T5 (rice+fish)-(rice+fish)- (amaranthus+fish). In general, treatments with fish integration recorded higher soil pH compared to treatments without fish. The treatment T1 (rice-rice-fallow) recorded the highest electrical conductivity after Mundakan and summer seasons and T2 (rice- rice-amaranthus) recorded the same after Virippu season. Organic carbon content of soil was higher in T1 (rice-rice-fallow) before and after summer season. The highest soil available N was recorded in T2 (rice-rice-amaranthus) before and after summer and in T5after Virippu seasons. Available P was the highest in T5 before and after summer crop. Significantly higher available K content was observed in T5 before summer crop. Exchangeable Ca, exchangeable Mg, S and Zn were found highest in T5. Rice + fish integration (T5, T6and T7) resulted in significantly higher B content in soil. In general, fish integration was observed to improve the soil nutrient status. Nitrogen balance was positive after summer with fodder cowpea irrespective of fish integration. A positive N balance was recorded in T1 (rice-rice-fallow) after the Virippu season. The P balance was observed to be negative in all the treatments after summer and Virippu seasons, except in T1 (rice-rice-fallow) after summer. Fish integration resulted in a positive balance for K after summer in T5, T6 and T7. All the treatments recorded a positive balance for K and Mg after the Virippu season. After summer, T1, T4 and T7 recorded positive balance, while after Virippu all the treatments except T2recorded positive balance for Ca. Balance sheet was negative for S and Zn. A varying trend was observed for B. The present study revealed that integrating fish in rice based farming systems resulted in higher soil residual nutrient status (P, Ca, Mg, S and Zn). The trench silt had low bulk density, high water holding capacity and was rich in N, K, S and Zn. Fish integration and consequent trench silt incorporation increased the rice yield by 15.56 per cent as compared to sole crop of rice. Fodder cowpea grown as component crop in rice based farming system resulted in positive balance for N, K and Ca. Integration of fish resulted in positive balance for K. The balance sheet of P, Mg, S and Zn was observed to be negative. സംഗ്രഹം നെല്ലധിഷ്ടിത ബജറ്റിങ്എന്ന കൃഷി സമ്പ്രദായങ്ങളില് വിഷയനെ സർവകൊാാെയുന സംബന്ധിച്ച ധധനെതയില് മണ്ണിനെ ഒരു ഠെം തിരുവെന്ത ുരം പ ാഷക പകരള മൂെക The study entitled “Nutrient budgeting in rice based farming system” was undertaken at College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2015 –’17.The main objectives were to study the effect of component crops on soil nutrient status, to characterize and study the effect of trench silt on the performance of rice and to work out the nutrient balance sheet of the rice based farming systems. The field experiment was conducted as a part of an ongoing experiment under the AICRP on Integrated Farming Systems (ICAR), at the Integrated Farming System Research Station (IFSRS), Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram. The experiment was laid out in randomised block design with seven treatments, replicated thrice. The treatments comprised seven rice [T1 : rice-rice-fallow; T2 : rice-rice-amaranthus; based farming systems T3 : rice-rice-culinary melon; T4 : rice-rice-fodder cowpea; T5 : (rice + fish)-(rice + fish)-(amaranthus + fish); T6 : (rice + fish)-(rice + fish)-(culinary melon + fish); T7 : (rice + fish)-(rice + fish)- (fodder cowpea + fish). The present study was undertaken during the summer 2015- ’16 (February to May) and Virippu 2016-’17 (June to October) seasons. The varieties of rice, amaranthus, culinary melon and fodder cowpea were Uma, Arun, Vellayani local and Aiswarya respectively. The fishes viz., catla (Catla catla) and rohu (Labio rohita) were introduced into the trenches(6m x 3m x 1m) after transplanting Virippu crop and were harvested after the summer crop. After summer season, the trenches were desilted and the silt was added to the respective plots, before raising Virippu rice. The soil nutrient status of Mundakan season 2015-‘16 was also taken into account for working out the nutrient balance sheet of the systems. In summer, fodder cowpea grown as a sole crop recorded the highest yield (23703 kg ha-1) and total dry matter production. Among the treatments integrated with fish, culinary melon + fish (T6) gave higher yield compared to amaranthus and fodder cowpea. The productivity of amaranthus and culinary melon was found to increase to the tune of 208.80 per cent and 256.43 per cent respectively,with fish integration. Rice equivalent yield was significantly higher (13.57 t ha-1) for culinary melon + fish (T6). After the summer season, the trench water and trench silt were analysed. The trench water had near neutral pH (7.18) and had higher contents of N, P and K. Substantial quantity of trench silt (20.93 t per 0.5 ha on dry weight basis) was added to the plots with fish integration and incorporated, before raising the Virippu rice. Trench silt was found to be clayey in texture with lower bulk density (0.78 Mg m-3), higher water holding capacity (47.38 %) and rich in N, K, S and Zn. In Virippu rice,grain weight panicle-1(4.08 g), total number of grains panicle-1 (159.80), filled grains panicle-1 (144.35) and grain yield (6.62 t ha-1) were significantly higher in T7 (rice + fish succeeding fodder cowpea + fish). It was on a par with T5 (rice + fish succeeding amaranthus + fish) and T6(rice + fish succeeding culinary melon + fish). Sterility percentage decreased with fish integration and it was the lowest (5.69 %) in T5and remained at par with T6.In general, productivity of rice was 15.56 per cent higher with fish integration. Among the summer crops, the uptake of N, P, K, Mg, S, B and Zn was significantly higher in amaranthus and culinary melon integrated with fish as compared to the respective sole crops. While, fodder cowpea grown as sole crop recorded the highest content and uptake of Ca. In Virippu rice, significantly higher uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus was observed in T7 (rice+fish succeeding fodder cowpea+fish). Soil chemical properties were analysed before and after each component crop. Soil reaction (pH) was significantly higher (less acidic) in T5 (rice+fish)-(rice+fish)- (amaranthus+fish). In general, treatments with fish integration recorded higher soil pH compared to treatments without fish. The treatment T1 (rice-rice-fallow) recorded the highest electrical conductivity after Mundakan and summer seasons and T2 (rice- rice-amaranthus) recorded the same after Virippu season. Organic carbon content of soil was higher in T1 (rice-rice-fallow) before and after summer season. The highest soil available N was recorded in T2 (rice-rice-amaranthus) before and after summer and in T5after Virippu seasons. Available P was the highest in T5 before and after summer crop. Significantly higher available K content was observed in T5 before summer crop. Exchangeable Ca, exchangeable Mg, S and Zn were found highest in T5. Rice + fish integration (T5, T6and T7) resulted in significantly higher B content in soil. In general, fish integration was observed to improve the soil nutrient status. Nitrogen balance was positive after summer with fodder cowpea irrespective of fish integration. A positive N balance was recorded in T1 (rice-rice-fallow) after the Virippu season. The P balance was observed to be negative in all the treatments after summer and Virippu seasons, except in T1 (rice-rice-fallow) after summer. Fish integration resulted in a positive balance for K after summer in T5, T6 and T7. All the treatments recorded a positive balance for K and Mg after the Virippu season. After summer, T1, T4 and T7 recorded positive balance, while after Virippu all the treatments except T2recorded positive balance for Ca. Balance sheet was negative for S and Zn. A varying trend was observed for B. The present study revealed that integrating fish in rice based farming systems resulted in higher soil residual nutrient status (P, Ca, Mg, S and Zn). The trench silt had low bulk density, high water holding capacity and was rich in N, K, S and Zn. Fish integration and consequent trench silt incorporation increased the rice yield by 15.56 per cent as compared to sole crop of rice. Fodder cowpea grown as component crop in rice based farming system resulted in positive balance for N, K and Ca. Integration of fish resulted in positive balance for K. The balance sheet of P, Mg, S and Zn was observed to be negative.