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2001 - 2009272010 - 201944
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Subject: Agriculture × End date: 2019 × Start date: 2000 × Type: Thesis ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Enhancement of propagation efficiency in exotic varities of heliconia
    (Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2008) Reshmi, C R; KAU; Sheela, V L
    Heliconias are among the most popular garden plants, both for the ease with which they can be grown and the sheer magnificence of the blooms. Studies were conducted to standardize rapid propagation techniques under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Three heliconia varieties belonging to three distinct groups viz., St. Vincent Red (small erect type), Golden Torch Adrian (hybrid) and Sexy Pink (large pendent type) were selected for the study. For in vitro culture establishment, shoot tip explants were effective. The treatment of shoot tips with 0.10 per cent mercuric chloride for ten minutes followed by dipping in 0.05 per cent mercuric chloride for five minutes (after trimming) resulted in better surface sterilization. Longitudinal cutting of the in vitro established shoot tip with apical dome into two halves and culturing them separately produced the highest number of axillary buds. Addition of 0.05 per cent activated charcoal to the establishment media reduced the media browning and hastened shoot initiation. For culture establishment of all the three varieties, MS medium supplemented with BA 5.00 mg l-1 was found to be the best. Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with BA 2.00 mg l-1 resulted in the highest shoot proliferation in the variety St. Vincent Red. In Golden Torch Adrian, BA 2.00 mg l-1 + NAA 0.20 mg l-1 gave better results. In the variety Sexy Pink, Kinetin 5.00 mg l-1 + NAA 0.20 mg l-1 was the best. For further multiplication in Sexy Pink, BA 1.00 mg l-1 was sufficient. Solid culture medium was better for shoot proliferation in the variety Sexy Pink. Higher sucrose concentration (40.00 g l-1) increased the multiplication rate, but reduced the length of shoots as well as the number of leaves. Addition of activated charcoal to the media as well as exposure of cultures to light had negative effect on shoot proliferation. Full MS medium was found to be the best for in vitro rooting of the variety Sexy Pink. Addition of NAA 0.50 mg l-1 to the MS medium gave better results for in vitro rooting in Golden Torch Adrian and Sexy Pink. Sucrose @ 30.00 g l-1 was sufficient for in vitro rooting in the variety Sexy Pink. Activated charcoal delayed root initiation and reduced the number of roots in the variety Sexy Pink. Sand recorded 90.00 per cent survival in all the three varieties after two months of planting out. At varietal level, significant difference was evident in the total number of suckers. In the first experiment, the variety St. Vincent Red (3.82) was significantly superior in terms of total number of suckers. However, in the second experiment, St. Vincent Red (4.06) was on par with Golden Torch Adrian (4.10). The variety Sexy Pink produced comparatively taller suckers in both the trials. Varietal variation in the number of leaves was observed only in the earlier stages. During the preliminary field experiment, the variety Sexy Pink excelled in leaf area at almost all stages of observation. Among the three varieties, highest collar girth was recorded by suckers of Sexy Pink variety during the first two stages of observation. However, towards the later stages, it was statistically on par with St. Vincent Red. Foliar spray was superior to rhizome dip in terms of total number of suckers, height of suckers and the number of leaves. In the case of leaf area, both the treatments were more or less on par. Application of growth regulators had pronounced effect on sucker production at all the stages during the first experiment when BA 750 mg l-1 produced the highest number (4.19) of total suckers. In the second experiment, variation was evident only in the total number of suckers. Here, BA 850 mg l-1 produced the highest number (4.33) of suckers and it was on par with BA 700 mg l-1 (4.00) and GA3 650 mg l-1 (3.79). Irrespective of the stage of plant growth, gibberellic acid produced taller suckers and BA 500 mg l-1 resulted in the shortest suckers. BA treatments recorded comparatively higher number of leaves. Growth regulator application had remarkably influenced the leaf area of suckers also. Application of BA 1000 mg l-1 (3.53 cm) and GA3 800 mg l-1 (3.33 cm) recorded higher collar girth in suckers. VG interaction exerted significant variation in the number of suckers. At varietal level, BA 750 mg l-1 produced the highest number of suckers in St. Vincent Red (4.75), GA3 500 mg l-1 in Golden Torch Adrian (4.63) and GA3 750 mg l-1 in Sexy Pink (4.00). Among VG treatment combinations in the second experiment, the highest number of suckers (4.75) in the variety St. Vincent Red was produced by BA 700 mg l-1. The varieties Golden Torch Adrian (4.88) and Sexy Pink (3.75) recorded the highest with BA 850 mg l-1. Gibberellic acid produced taller suckers. In the second experiment, VG interaction had no significant effect on the height of suckers. Regarding the number of leaves, BA resulted in comparatively higher number of leaves in both the experiments. In all the three varieties, BA 850 mg l-1 produced the highest number of leaves. Collar girth was found to increase with increase in the concentrations of BA and GA3 in all the three varieties. The economics of foliar application of growth regulators revealed that BA 850 mg l-1 significantly enhanced the profit in the varieties Golden Torch Adrian and Sexy Pink. Although negligible, BA 700 mg l-1 recorded slight positive response in the variety St. Vincent Red with respect to profit.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Development of F1 hybrids of indeterminate tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) for protected cultivation
    (Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2015) Lekshmi, S L; KAU; Celine, V A
    The present investigation entitled “Development of F1 hybrids of indeterminate tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) for protected cultivation” was conducted at the Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, from 2013 to 2015 with the objectives of identifying superior varieties and developing F1 hybrids of indeterminate tomato suited for protected cultivation. The study consisted of two experiments conducted in the naturally ventilated polyhouse of size 50 m x 20 m located at the Instructional Farm, Vellayani. In the first part of the first experiment, 40 tomato genotypes were evaluated for two consecutive years in an RBD with three replications. As the second part, 12 commercial hybrids were evaluated. The second experiment consisted of a 9 x 9 half diallel analysis laid out in an RBD with three replications. Analysis of variance showed significant differences between the genotypes for all the characters for two crops. Pooled analysis revealed that, LE 1 recorded the highest yield (2443.43 g) and fruit weight (108.13 g) followed by LE 7. LE 53 had maximum number of fruits per plant (65.00). In the present study, genotypes had wide variation for quality parameters. Fruits of LE 14 recorded highest TSS with a mean of 5.74 ºBrix. LE 7 had maximum ascorbic acid (30.13 mg/100g) and lycopene content (13.09 mg/100g). Beta carotene value was maximum in LE 16 (184.15 mg/100g). There was minimum incidence of pests, diseases and physiological disorders under protected conditions. Among the 12 hybrids evaluated, INDAM 9802 was the highest yielder (1444.40 g) followed by F1 T 30 (1412.22 g). F1 T 30 recorded maximum fruits per plant (35.66) which was on par with F1 Queen (35.55). Genetic parameters like phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation, heritability and genetic advance were studied to assess the genetic variability among the genotypes. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance were observed for characters like truss per plant, fruits per truss, fruit weight, fruits per plant, yield per plant and yield per plot. Path analysis revealed highest positive direct effect for fruit weight (0.3956), truss per plant (0.3558) and fruits per plant (0.3381). Based on D2 analysis the 40 genotypes were grouped into eight clusters. Cluster I was the largest with twenty four genotypes followed by cluster II with ten genotypes. Diallel analysis was carried out using nine parents selected based on genetic divergence and per se performance. The parents were crossed in a diallel fashion excluding reciprocals to obtain 36 F1 hybrids. The study revealed that P5 x P9 had the highest yield (3114.03 g) which was on par with P6 x P8 (3074.37 g) and P1 x P5 (3077.58 g). P1 x P5 had the maximum fruits per plant (103.93). The magnitude of relative heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis varied considerably. For yield, relative heterosis ranged from -32.40 to 92.72, heterobeltiosis from -47.14 to 89.54 and standard heterosis from 2.91 to 160.95. The σ2gca and σ2sca ratio indicated that non-additive gene action was predominant for all traits. Among the nine parents, P9 (LE 1), P5 (LE 20) P1 (LE 2), and P2 (LE 7) were superior for yield and yield attributes. The estimates of sca effects indicated that P5 x P9 (LE 20 x LE 1), P6 x P8 (LE 39 x LE 38) and P1 x P5 (LE 2 x LE 20) were the most promising hybrids for protected cultivation. The present study revealed that the genotypes LE 1 and LE 7 and the hybrids INDAM 9802 and F1 T 30 were superior for yield and yield attributes under protection. Based on the mean performance, standard heterosis and sca effects the three potential crosses viz., P5 x P9, P6 x P8 and P1 x P5 could be adjudged as suitable indeterminate tomato hybrids for protected cultivation.
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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
    In vitro propagation and rapid analysis of selected varieties of papaya (carica papaya L)
    (Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2007) Bindhu, B; KAU; Jayachandran Nair, C S
    A study was carried out at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2003-2006 for refining existing tissue culture protocol with respect to selected varieties and hybrids of papaya. Molecular characterization of papaya hybrids was also carried out using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. Papaya varieties and hybrids selected for the study were Pusa Nanha, CO-5, Washington, Pusa Nanha x Coorg Honeydew, Pusa Dwarf x Coorg Honeydew, Solo x Coorg Honeydew and Pusa Nanha x Solo. Apical buds and lateral buds from seedlings and mature plants were used as explant for in vitro propagation. The present study revealed that full strength MS medium supplemented with sucrose 30.00 g l-1 and agar 6.00 g l-1 under light condition produced highest shoot number and longest shoot in papaya varieties and hybrids. Application of BA 0.50 mg l-1 along with NAA 0.10 mgl-1 was found to be better for initial culture establishment and proliferation of papaya varieties and hybrids. Application of amino acid, arginine 50.00 mg l-1 resulted in highest shoot proliferation rate, while highest shoot length was obtained from arginine 100.00 mg l-1. Addition of activated charcoal 0.05 per cent and Cobalt chloride 10.00 mg l-1 increased shoot proliferation rate and shoot length in papaya varieties and hybrids. In vitro rooting was best in full strength MS medium supplemented with IBA 3.00 mg l-1, sucrose 30.00 g l-1and activated charcoal 0.05 per cent. Earliest planting out of in vitro propagated plants in potting media was carried out in papaya variety Pusa Nanha and late planting out in papaya hybrid Pusa Nanha x Coorg Honeydew. Highest plant height of in vitro propagated plants, at time of planting out in potting media was recorded by papaya variety Washington and lowest by papaya hybrid Pusa Nanha x Coorg Honeydew, while hsighest leaf number was reported from papaya variety CO-5 and lowest from Pusa Nanha. But longest root was noticed in papaya hybrid Pusa Nanha x Coorg Honeydew and shortest root from CO-5. No significant difference was noticed in the number of roots produced at the time of planting out in potting media. In vitro propagated plants of papaya had better establishment in the potting mixture containing sand : soil : cowdung (1 : 1 : 1) + Mycorrhiza (1.00 g plant -1). After field establishment, highest plant height and plant girth was noticed in papaya variety Washington and lowest in papaya hybrid Pusa Dwarf x Coorg Honeydew. While highest leaf number upto six weeks after planting was shown by papaya variety CO-5 and thereafter by papaya variety Washington. Lowest leaf number upto eight weeks after planting was noticed in papaya hybrid Solo x Coorg Honeydew and thereafter by papaya hybrid Pusa Dwarf x Coorg Honeydew. Early flowering was reported in papaya hybrid Pusa Dwarf x Coorg Honeydew and late flowering in papaya variety Washington. Most of the papaya varieties and hybrids selected for the present study exhibited only dioecious nature, but papaya hybrid Solo x Coorg Honeydew showed gynodioecious nature. Highest field establishment of in vitro propagated plants was shown by papaya varieties CO-5 and Washington and lowest by papaya hybrid Solo x Coorg Honeydew. Genomic DNA was successfully isolated from four papaya hybrids using CTAB method. All the ten primers (six primers from OPA and four primers from OPB series) yielded amplification products with isolated DNA. A total of 39 RAPDs were obtained from ten primers of which 36 bands were polymorphic. Primers OPA-03, OPA-04, OPA-12, OPB-04 and OPB-17 gave 40 scorable bands, with an average of 8.0 bands per primer. The largest cluster in dendrogram was formed by three hybrids - Pusa Nanha x Coorg Honeydew, Pusa Dwarf x Coorg Honeydew and Pusa Nanha x Solo. The second cluster contained only one hybrid - Solo x Coorg Honeydew. The minimum similarity coefficient detected in the present study was 0.389, suggesting a genetic differentiation among the papaya hybrids.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Divergence studies in salad cucumber (cucumis sativus L)
    (Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2006) Smitha Sara, Abraham; KAU; Gopalakrishnan, T R
    The present investigation on “ Divergence studies in salad cucumber (Cucumis sativus L)” was conducted at College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during December 2005- April 2006. Twenty-eight salad cucumber genotypes collected from different parts of India were utilized for the study. The extent of variability, correlation between yield and its component characters, path analysis and divergence among 28 genotypes were assessed. The 28 genotypes were significantly different for 15 characters studied. The genotype Phule Himangi (20.22 kg/plot) emerged as high yielder followed by AAUC 2 (15.11 kg/plot). Selection of plants based on yield/plot was observed to be efficient than selection of component characters. All the accessions were prickled on the surface. All were monoecious and produced yellow flowers. Most of the genotypes produced light green fruits whereas Phule Himangi produced white stout fruits. Genotypes CS 25 and CS 35 were comparatively free from biotic factors except mosaic and serpentine leaf miner. Total yield per plot showed positive correlation with fruits per plant, duration of crop and number of harvests. Negative correlation was observed between total yield per plot and number of branches. It is clear from the study that, for obtaining higher yield characters like fruits per plant, duration of crop, number of harvests etc should be considered in the selection programme. Fruits per plant had maximum positive direct effect on total yield per plot. Higher positive effects for days to first male flower anthesis was observed on total yield per plot. The genotypes were grouped into 5 clusters based on Mahalanobis D2 statistics. Cluster I, II, III, IV and V contained 13,8,4,2,1 genotypes respectively. Inter-cluster distance was maximum between cluster II and V (48733.77) and minimum between cluster I and III (8415.55). Cluster V showed maximum average inter-cluster distance with any another cluster.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Antioxidant and anticarcinogenic potential of jackfruit based ready-to-cook (RTC) curry mixes
    (Department of Community Science, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2019) Gayathri Mohan; KAU; Suma Divakar
    The research work entitled, “Antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic potential of jackfruit based Ready-To-Cook (RTC) curry mixes” was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2017-2019, with the objective to ascertain the antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties of the jackfruit based curry mixes (‘Avial’ mix, ‘Koottu’ mix and ‘Ularth’ mix) which were developed earlier at the Department of Community Science, using raw jackfruit (Koozha type). Methanol, ethanol, petroleum ether and acetone were used to extract the bioactive compounds of the powdered mixes for phytochemical screening, antioxidant analysis and verification of anti-carcinogenic property. The results of the phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of tannins, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, phenolic compounds, cardiac glycosides and anthraquinones in the three mixes; whereas the analyses revealed the absence of alkaloids and phlotobatinins. Quantitative analysis of antioxidants revealed that the beta carotene content of the RTC mixes was in the range of 0.07-1.16 mg/100g. Beta carotene content was found to be more in ‘Avial’ mix (1.16mg/100g). Ascorbic acid content was also found to be higher for ‘Avial’ mix (38.45 mg) and the lowest content was found for ‘Ularth’ mix (15.34 mg). The saponin content was found to be highest in ‘Avial’ mix (6.65 per cent) and lowest in ‘Ularth’ mix (5.00 per cent). The tannin content of ‘Ularth’ mix (11.57 mg) was observed to be on par with ‘Avial’ mix (11.52 mg). Total phenol content was found to be more in ‘Koottu’ mix (21.53 mg/100g) and the total flavonoid content of RTC mixes was seen to be in the range between 0.86-3.25 mg/100g. There was significant difference in the lectin content of ‘Avial’ mix (0.35%), ‘Koottu’ mix (0.56%) and ‘Ularth’ mix (0.75%). Alkaloids and selenium were found to be absent in the RTC mixes. In case of mineral analyses, Copper content was found to be higher in ‘Ularth’ mix (2.57 µg); zinc content was in the range of 4.65-6.55 µg and was found to be higher for ‘Koottu’ mix (6.55 µg) and lower for ‘Ularth’ mix (4.65 µg). Manganese content was found to be higher in ‘Koottu’ mix (5.30 µg) while, it was observed to be on par in ‘Avial’ mix (2.55 µg) and ‘Ularth’ mix (2.51 µg). The highest iron content was found in ‘Ularth’ mix (0.92 µg). Antioxidant activity in the present study revealed that ‘Avial’ mix had the highest DPPH activity with an IC50 value of 33.81 µg/ml. Total antioxidant activity was found to be more for ‘Avial’ mix (41.44 per µg/ml), followed by ‘Koottu’ mix (42.41 µg/ml) and ‘Ularth’ mix (43.45 µg/ml). ‘Avial’ mix showed more ferric reducing capacity while ‘Ularth’ mix had the least capacity in this regard. ABTS radical scavenging activities of RTC mixes ranged between 34.84-46.69 µg/ml. ABTS radical scavenging activity was observed to be higher for ‘Avial’ mix (34.84 µg/ml) and lower values were noted for ‘Ularth’ mix (40.52 µg/ml). Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of RTC mixes was found to range between 50.55-52.55 µg/ml. ‘Avial’ mix showed higher superoxide radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 48.54 µg/ml and the lowest superoxide radical scavenging activity was observed in ‘Ularth’ mix (60.73 µg/ml). However, the highest nitric oxide scavenging activity was observed for ‘Ularth’ mix (14.11 µg/ml) followed by ‘Koottu’ mix (30.92 µg/ml) and ‘Avial’ mix (36.58 µg/ml). Among the three jackfruit based Ready-To-Cook (RTC) curry mixes ‘Avial’ mix was found to have higher antioxidant property and was therefore taken up for studying the anti-cancer property. Cytotoxicity of ‘Avial’ mix was estimated by MTT assay on Human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7) and 17 per cent of loss in cell viability was observed. Findings of the present study revealed that the jackfruit based RTC mixes comprised of various health promoting components such as beta carotene, ascorbic acid, saponins, tannins, total phenols, total flavonoids and lectins they also had potent antioxidant activities. Thus the curry mixes, in particular the ‘Avial’ mix can be promoted as functional food which will help to enhance its commercialization.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Standardization of hydroponics fodder production technology
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2019) Sruthi Liz Thomas; KAU; Usha C Thomas
    The study entitled “Standardization of hydroponics fodder production technology” was undertaken during 2017-2019, at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, with the objectives to identify suitable fodder crops for hydroponics system and to standardize nutrient solution, seed rate and period for harvest. Research work comprised three experiments which was carried out in a low cost hydroponics fodder production system at the Integrated Farming System Research Station, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram. The crops were grown in a hydroponics machine made of PVC pipes with 2m x 1.3m x 1.8m length, breadth and height with four shelves and automatic sprinkler irrigation system. The first experiment was aimed to evaluate the suitability of fodder crops for hydroponics. The experiment was laid out in completely randomised design and the crops included in the trial were rice (c1), barley (c2), maize (c3), wheat (c4), sorghum (c5), bajra (c6), ragi (c7), cowpea (c8), horse gram (c9) and greengram (c10). The seeds were soaked in 0.1 per cent sodium hypochlorite solution for 12 hours, tied in gunny bag and kept for germination for 24 hours. The seeds were then transferred to trays following a seed rate of 200 g ft-2 (0.22 g cm-2). Among the crops, maize recorded the highest net income and B:C ratio. Considering yield and quality, greengram recorded significantly superior GFY (10.17 kg kg-1seed), protein content (20.97 %), the lowest values for fibre and ash, and a B:C ratio more than one. In sorghum and pearl millet, seed to green fodder yield multiplication was very poor (<3 kg). Finger millet had undesirable characters for hydroponics green fodder like lower values for shoot length, shoot weight, protein content, EE and higher values for fibre and ash. Hence, maize and greengram were identified and selected for the next experiment. The second experiment was done to standardize seed rate and period of harvest of the selected crops. Three different seed rates viz, s1 : 150 g ft-2 (1.61 kg m-2), s2: 175 gft-2 (1.88 kg m-2), s3 : 200 g ft-2 (2.15 kg cm-2) and four different period for harvest viz, t1 : 7 days, t2 : 9 days, t3 : 11 days and t4 : 13 days were adopted. But, in the case of green gram, it was observed that the crop did not survive beyond nine days in hydroponic fodder production system and hence only two periods of harvest viz, t1 and t2 were taken for green gram. Both crops were separately analysed in completely randomised design with two factors. It was observed that maize sown at 200 g ft-2 (s3) and harvested on 11th day (t3) recorded significantly higher values for GFY (6.03 kg kg-1seed) and B:C ratio. While, greengram sown at 200 g ft-2 (s3) and harvested on 7th day (t1) recorded significantly higher values for GFY (10.18 kg kg-1seed) and B:C ratio. Hence, these best combinations of seed rate and period of harvest for both the crops were selected for the next experiment. The third experiment was done to standardize nutrient solution for hydroponics fodder production. The nutrient solutions tested were n1: hoagland solution (0.25%), n2: hoagland solution (0.5%), n3: 19:19:19 (0.5%), n4 : DAP (0.5%) + KCl (0.5%), n5 : starter solution (1:2:1), n6 : vermiwash (10 times dilution), n7 : groundnut cake (supernatant solution) and n8 : water (control), which was sprayed on alternate days from 3rd day. Both crops were separately analysed in completely randomised design. In green gram, spray of hoagland solution (0.25%) (n1) resulted in higher shoot weight, root weight, root length, shoot length and GFY, but the B:C ratio was less than one. Spray of 19:19:19 (0.5%) (n3) recorded on par values with hoagland solution (0.25%) (n1) for shoot weight, root weight, root length, shoot length, GFY and a significantly higher B:C ratio. In maize, spray of hoagland solution (0.25%) (n1) resulted in higher shoot weight, root weight, root length, shoot length and GFY, but a B:C ratio of less than one. The highest B:C ratio was recorded in treatment n8 i.e, water (control). From the results, it can be concluded that both maize and greengram are suited for hydroponics fodder production. Maize grown at a seed rate of 200 g ft-2 with water and harvested on 11th day, and greengram at a seed rate of 200 g ft-2, sprayed with 19:19:19 (0.5%) and harvested on 7th day were found to give the best results considering growth parameters, yield attributes, quality and economics.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Screening of pink pigmented facultative methylotroph isolates for water stress tolerance and yield in paddy
    (Department of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2019) Riyas, N K; KAU; Meenakumari, K S
    The study entitled “Screening of Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotroph (PPFM) isolates for water stress tolerance and yield in paddy” was undertaken during 2017-2019, in the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, with the objective to screen the Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotroph (PPFM) isolates for water stress tolerance and yield in paddy. The study comprised an in vitro screening experiment and a pot culture experiment with rice variety Harsha. For in vitro screening of PPFM isolates for water stress tolerance, 20 isolates of PPFM from paddy were selected from the previous study of M.Sc. (Ag.) thesis work conducted in the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Vellayani during 2015-2017 on the basis of carotenoid pigment production, IAA production, proline content, seedling vigour index and yield. These isolates were screened by paper towel method for water stress tolerance under in vitro conditions using mannitol for inducing osmotic stress. There were 21 isolates (20 KAU isolates of PPFM and one TNAU isolate) and four water stress levels (1%, 2%, 3% mannitol and control). The experiment was laid out in completely randomized block design with two replications. Osmotic stress was higher in 3 per cent mannitol treatment. Seeds treated with PPFM 26 recorded the highest germination percentage, shoot length and seedling vigour index. The highest root length and shoot dry weight were observed with the isolate PPFM 15 whereas the highest root dry weight was recorded with PPFM 9. Scoring was done to assess the best five isolates and those with higher ranks were selected for the subsequent experiment. Consequently, PPFM 26, PPFM 15, PPFM 38, PPFM 37 and PPFM 35 which secured ranks from 1 to 5 were selected for the pot culture experiment. The pot culture experiment was undertaken to study the effect of PPFM isolates on growth and yield of paddy under water stress. The experiment was laid out in CRD with 21 treatments and three replications, during summer 2019. The treatments comprised six PPFM isolates (5 KAU isolates of PPFM and one TNAU isolate) and three moisture levels (at field capacity, 75% available water and 50% AW) and three control treatments (0.5% methanol, AMS liquid medium supplemented with 0.5% methanol and absolute control). The treatments were given as seed treatment, seedling root dip and foliar application at 15 and 30 DAT. The study revealed that PPFM isolates had significant effect on biometric parameters, physiological parameters, yield and yield attributes of paddy under water stress. Maximum plant height and leaf area index was recorded with PPFM 38 at 30 DAT and 60 DAT whereas PPFM 37 recorded maximum number of tillers per hill at 60 DAT. Leaf rolling score and leaf drying score were found to be the lowest with PPFM 37 at 30 and 60 DAT. Cell membrane integrity, relative water content, chlorophyll stability index and root dry weight were the highest with PPFM 38 at 30 and 60 DAT. Rooting depth was the highest with PPFM 38 at 30 DAT and PPFM 37 at 60 DAT. Proline content (at all the three moisture levels) and super oxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly higher with PPFM 37 at 30 and 60 DAT. While at 60 DAT, PPFM 37 recorded significantly higher catalase activity at FC and 50% AW, PPFM 38 was found to be superior at 75% AW. Both these isolates were comparable at the different moisture levels. Crop treated with PPFM 37 also recorded the lowest drought susceptibility index. However, peroxidase activity was significantly higher with PPFM 38 at all moisture levels at 30 and 60 DAT. All the PPFM isolates had significant effect on yield attributes and yield of paddy under water stress. Maximum number of panicles per hill, number of grains per panicle (at all moisture levels), grain yield and the lowest relative percentage yield reduction was recorded with PPFM 37. While, PPFM 37 recorded significantly higher number of panicles per hill at FC and 75% AW, PPFM 38 was found to be superior at 50% AW. Both these isolates were comparable at different moisture levels. Though PPFM 37 recorded higher grain yield at all the moisture levels it was on par with PPFM 38. Considering the major drought tolerance parameters such as leaf rolling score, leaf drying score, rooting depth, proline content, SOD, catalase and peroxidase, PPFM 38 was ranked first among the PPFM isolates tested in the pot culture experiment. With respect to the yield attributes and yield of rice under water stress the effect of PPFM 37 and PPFM 38 were observed to be at par. The present study revealed that the isolates PPFM 37 and PPFM 38 (seed treatment 1% PPFM broth culture + seedling dip 2% PPFM broth culture + foliar spray 1% PPFM broth culture at 15 and 30 DAT) were effective in improving the growth, yield and drought tolerance characters of rice.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Evaluation of pongamia oil soap against major pests of okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L). Moench
    (Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, 2019) Anu Thomas; KAU; Sreekumar, K M
    The proposed study entitled, Evaluation of pongamia oil soap against major pests of okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L). Moench was aimed at evaluating the efficacy of a new product made of pongamia oil - pongamia oil soap at different concentrations in combating the major pests of okra viz., shoot and fruit borer, leaf roller and leaf hopper. Laboratory bioassay of pongamia oil soap was carried out in the Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, during 2018-19 to evaluate the feeding deterrency and growth retardation properties of pongamia oil soap against fourth instar and first instar larvae of bhindi leaf roller, Sylepta derogata respectively and its insecticidal property or repellent property on bhendi leaf hopper, Amrasca biguttula biguttula. The test organisms were exposed to six treatments viz., T1: Pongamia oil soap 0.6%; T2: Pongamia oil soap 1%; T3: Pongamia oil soap 2%; T4: Neem oil soap 0.6%; T5: Soap solution 0.5%; T6: control with three replications under completely randomised design (CRD). Among the different treatments, pongamia oil 2 per cent showed the maximum antifeedent activity on fourth instar larvae and maximum growth retardation activity on first instar larvae of S. derogata. Spraying of pongamia oil soap 2 per cent showed 100 per cent mortality of leaf hoppers by 16 h after the treatment. But neem oil soap 0.6 per cent and pongamia oil soap 0.6 per cent took 24 h to attain 100 per cent mortality. Field efficacy of pongamia oil soap was evaluated by randomised block design (RBD) with seven treatments and four replications on okra variety ‘Arka Anamika’ during rabi and summer seasons at the Instructional farm in College of Agriculture, Padannakkad. The treatments applied were: T1: Pongamia oil soap 0.6%; T2: Pongamia oil soap 1%; T3: Pongamia oil soap 2%; T4: Neem oil soap 0.6%; T5: Soap solution 0.5%; T6: Quinalphos 0.05% - (Standard check); T7: Control. All treatments were applied once at vegetative stage and twice during reproductive stage. Observations were taken one day prior to treatment and 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 days after treatment (DAT) for sucking pests. Damage symptoms caused by lepidopteran pests were observed one day prior to and 7 and 14 DAT. After three sprays during the rabi season pongamia oil soap 2 per cent was superior among botanicals in reducing the leaf hopper population significantly as compared to that of control. The effectiveness against leaf hopper lasted up to seven days after treatment. By the end of the rabi season pongamia oil 2 per cent showed significant reduction in damaged leaves as compared to other botanicals whereas the damage per cent was significantly increased in control and soap solution 0.5 per cent. Damage caused by leaf roller was cut down by the treatment of pongamia oil soap 2 per cent for seven days due to its antifeedent, repellent and growth retardation activity. Mean percentage of shoots and fruits infested by okra shoot and fruit borer Earias vitella and fruit borer Helicoverpa armigera during rabi and summer season was observed lowest in pongamia oil 2 per cent among botanicals. Reduction in mean per cent of fruit and shoot damage by pongamia oil soap may be due to the feeding deterrency of pongamia oil which remained effective for seven days. However all the treatments were effective in reducing the pest infestation except soap solution 0.5 per cent. Effectiveness of pongamia oil soap was observed to decline after seven days after spray application. Higher concentration of the soap gave better results as compared to that of lower concentrations. Pongamia oil soap 2 per cent exhibited increased fruit yield and marketable yield as compared to that of control due to lower incidence of pests during both the seasons. Economics of pongamia oil soap 2 per cent in turns of cost benefit ratio was also high as compared to control in both rabi and summer seasons, making it an effective component in IPM programmes and organic farming.