Thumbnail Image

Theses

Browse

2016 - 20175
Reset filters
Subject: Floriculture and Landscaping × Author: KAU × End date: 2017 × Start date: 2016 × Thesis Type: M.Sc ×
Reset filters

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 5 of 5
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Variability studies in rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.)
    (Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Sameer Muhamed; KAU; Sajan Kurien
    Rambutan ( Nephelium lappaceum L.) or ‘hairy litchi’ is an exotic fruit crop with tremendous potential for cultivation in the whole state of Kerala. There exists great variability in rambutan because of the natural cross pollination and seed propagation, which in turn provides great scope for selection. It is in this context that the hundred variable types of rambutan collected from important rambutan growing tracts of Kerala (Pathanamthitta-40, Kottayam-37, Thrissur-18 and Idukki-5) were evaluated for various morpho-physiochemical traits in addition to sensorial perception. The study was taken up with the prime objectives of recording the existing variability and genetic wealth available in order to select and conserve the elite/promising types and thereby, to serve as a basis for promotion of cultivation of this exotic fruit crop in Kerala. The study confirmed that rambutan fruits varied widely in their morpho-physical and biochemical traits such as tree characters, inflorescence characters, fruit characters and quality parameters, which were recorded as per IPGRI crop descriptor. Flowering and fruiting were characters more observed to be a function of the location. The study on phenological growth stages of rambutan according to BBCH scale in different locations opens out a new area on the possibility of staggered fruit production of rambutan in Kerala. The fruits are available from May to October (if cultivated in the humid tropical plains as in Thrissur, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta as well as in the humid sub-tropical belts as in the high ranges of Wayanad), thus making the availability of fresh fruits for nearly half period of a calendar year. With regard to the individual fruit weight, highest fruit weight of 61.5 g was recorded in Col.052 and the lowest fruit weight of 12 g was observed in Col.012 and Col.013. The largest proportionate edible part was found in Col.072 (52%) and the lowest in Col.008 (15%). Free seed aril was found in 19.39 per cent of the collections, while the adherence of aril to seed was medium in 16.33 per cent of the collections. Only 8.16 per cent of the collections produced fruits which could be characterized as very juicy types and 47.99 per cent were grouped as juicy type. About half of the collections (48.97%) had a TSS above 20° Brix. The collections having TSS above 25° Brix (Col.015 with 26° Brix and Col.061 with 27.5° Brix) were classified under the category ‘very sweet’. The titrable acidity and total sugar content ranged from 0.12 to 1.4% and 13 to 18.4% respectively. The loading plot based on tree characters revealed significant positive correlations between rachis length and leaflet width; leaflet width and leaflet length and between tree age and number of leaflets per leaf. Strong positive associations were also observed among fruit characters such as fruit weight, fruit diameter, rind weight, aril weight, aril thickness and spine length. The principal component analysis performed based on tree characters revealed the major contribution of leaflet length, leaflet width and petiole length towards the genetic divergence in rambutan and about 75 per cent of the total variance in fruit characters was mainly determined by the traits such as fruit weight, aril weight, aril thickness, seed weight, seed width, titrable acidity, TSS and sugar content. Clustering of all the three categories of rambutan collections namely elite, export and industrial use types using score plot confirmed the superiority of six collections (Col.021, Col.022, Col.023, Col.052, Col.55 and Col.061) over others, which were selected further for developing a selection criteria in rambutan. In the sensory analysis, Col.061, Col.021 and Col.042 were most preferred/accepted by panelists because of their better fruit weight, taste, juiciness and easy detachment of aril from seed. Two new pests of economic importance (fruit borer, Conogethes punctiferalis and fruit webber, Eublemma anguilifera) have been identified from the rambutan growing tracts of Kerala from fruit set to fruit ripening stage. Their nature of damage and symptoms of infestation have been clearly studied and being reported for the first time in rambutan from India. The study revealed that rambutan selections from Kerala are not only comparable with the best known cultivars in the world, but even excell them. There is an urgent need to standardize the management practices including the varietal wealth in rambutan by using these genetic resources as this crop has already become one of the most treasured fruit particularly as a courtyard crop in Kerala.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Refinement of nutrient management practices in dendrobium orchids
    (Department of Floriculture and Landscapingp, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Shilpa, P; KAU; Mini Sankar
    Twenty five fragrant vandaceous orchids were evaluated in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping during the period from June 2016 to May 2017 with the objective of classifying them based on aesthetic and economic parameters for commercial exploitation as value added plants. The varieties exhibited wide variation in both vegetative and floral characters. Considering quantitative characters, Vasco Crownfox Red Gem recorded the maximum plant height (68.73cm), spread (52.23cm), internodal length (1.95cm) and leaf length (33.83cm). V. Pranerm Prai x V. tessellata showed maximum shoot girth (4.99cm), leaf area (105.54cm2), leaf number (37) and root length (181.75cm). The least values for all these characters were for Neostylis Lou Sneary. Duration from spike emergence to opening of florets was the maximum in Ascda Peggy Foo x Rhyn. Coelestis Blue and minimum in Neostylis Lou Sneary. Maximum spike longevity was recorded in V. Rothschildiana (29.30 days) whereas it was minimum in Rhy Sri Siam x Rhy gigantia (7.50 days). Interval of spike production was also the longest in Ascda. Peggy Foo x Rhyn. coelestis Blue and the minimum in Rhynchorides Bangkok Sunset. Spike production was the maximum in Neostylis Lou Sneary, followed by Ascda Srichai and Vasco Crownfox Red Gem. The varieties/ hybrids varied with regard to blooming period. The peak flowering was from May to July. Longer spike and rachis were noticed in Aerides quinque Vulnera Rhy. Coelestis. Vasco Blue Bay Pink had the highest number of florets/ spike and the shortest internodal length. Largest flowers were observed in V. Rothschildiana. Petal and labellum of the varieties also exhibited different colour patterns such as uniform, spotted, netted, tessellated and shaded. All the evaluated varieties were fragrant and were categorized based on different notes such as floral, fruity, spicy, green, sweet and miscellaneous. Fragrance was very faint in V. Rothschildiana whereas it was musty in Darwineria Cream Puff. With respect to the post-harvest characters longevity (vase life) was the maximum in V. JVB X Ascda Yip Sum Wah (17.30 days) and individual floret life (8.13 days) in V. Rothschildiana. Colour and pigmentation, texture, shape, pattern and size of florets as well as arrangement of florets on the spike were considered for the visual evaluation of a variety for use as cut flower. Considering the overall qualitative and quantitative attributes, Vascostylis Crownfox Red Gem, Vasco Blue Bay Blue, Rhynchorides Bangkok Sunset, V. Mimi Palmer, V. JVB X Ascda Yip Sum Wah and Vasco Blue Bay Pink were excellent for cut flower production. Plant quality evaluation was done based on fullness, growth and visual appearance, flower colour and pigmentation, spike longevity, shape and arrangement of foliage during the growth period. Fragrance scoring was also done based on intensity and diffusiveness, newness and beautifulness of fragrance. Based on the flowering phenology, four phenophases, namely, November – January, February – April, May – July and August – September were recorded and the varieties were categorized accordingly. Side-runs with different colour combinations were observed within a phenophase. The varieties were also categorized on the basis of flower colour, number of florets/ spike and floret size, longevity of spike on the plant , number of spikes produced / year and fragrance. Considering overall quantitative and qualitative characteristics, the evaluated varieties/ hybrids were categorized for cut flower, indoor and outdoor gardens for commercial exploitation as value added plants. The fragrance also makes it a novelty in landscaping to create a peaceful, relaxing environment.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Performance evaluation of ecotypes of banana (Musa AAB plantain subgroup)
    (Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Annjoe, V Joseph; KAU; Simi, S
    The study entitled “Performance evaluation of ecotypes of banana (Musa AAB Plantain subgroup)” was undertaken in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during April 2016 - May 2017 with the objective to characterize the various ecotypes of plantain with respect to clonal characteristics, biometric characters, yield potential and fruit quality. The effect of ten ecotypes of banana (Musa AAB plantain subgroup) was studied in detail and important findings are summarized below. Evaluation studies revealed that the ecotypes differed significantly in most of the biometric characters except for plant spread. Among the different ecotypes, plant height at bunch emergence was the lowest in Attunendran, Perumatti Nendran and Nedunendran, while highest value for plant height was observed in Mettupalayam Nendran followed by Zanzibar and Big Ebanga. Number of functional leaves varied significantly and the highest number of functional leaves was recorded in Changalikodan followed by Attunendran and Zanzibar. Leaf production was lowest in Myndoli followed by Kaliethan and Chenkal Local. Girth of the plant did not vary significantly at three months after planting (3 MAP), but varied significantly at bunch emergence. The ecotypes Mettupalayam Nendran followed by Big Ebanga and Zanzibar had the highest pseudostem girth. The ecotypes Kaliethan, Chenkal Local and Nedunendran had comparatively lower girth. Number of suckers produced varied significantly among the ecotypes at harvest and more number of suckers was produced by Zanzibar, Big Ebanga, Attunendran and Mettupalayam Nendran. Sucker production was less in ecotypes like Nedunendran, Myndoli and Perumatti Nendran. Duration of vegetative phase, shoot-to-harvest and total crop duration varied significantly. The longest vegetative phase, shoot-to-harvest and total crop duration was observed in Myndoli. Perumatti Nendran had the shortest vegetative phase followed by Kaliethan and Chenkal Local. Shoot-to-harvest duration was the shortest in Zanzibar followed by Big Ebanga and Changalikodan. The ecotype Perumatti Nendran had the shortest crop duration followed by Kaliethan and Chenkal Local. All the physiological attributes studied significantly varied among the ecotypes. Phyllacron at 3 month after planting (MAP) was the highest in Attunendran followed by Big Ebanga and Mettupalayam Nendran and lowest in Nedunendran followed by Chenkal Local and Zanzibar. Leaf area varied significantly both at 3 MAP and at harvest. At 3 MAP leaf area was the highest in Changalikodan followed by Mettupalayam Nendran and Chenkal Local and the lowest in Perumatti Nendran. But, at harvest Big Ebanga had the highest leaf area and Perumatti Nendran had the lowest. At harvest, Leaf Area Index (LAI) was the highest in Mettupalayam Nendran followed by Zanzibar and Big Ebanga. The ecotypes Kaliethan followed by Perumatti Nendran and Chenkal Local had the lowest LAI. The highest LAD was observed in Mettupalayam Nendran followed by Myndoli. The lowest Leaf Area Duration (LAD) was observed in Perumatti Nendran followed by Kaliethan and Changalikodan. Yield characters varied significantly among the ecotypes. The length of bunches was the highest in Mettupalayam Nendran and the lowest in Zanzibar. Mettupalayam Nendran had large bunch (17.94 kg) compared to all other clones. Kaliethan (8.13 kg) and Perumatti Nendran (8.27 kg) had the smallest bunches. Mettupalayam Nendran exhibited the largest (6.83) number of hands per bunch and Zanzibar the lowest (2.08). Number of fingers per bunch also showed the same trend. Mettupalayam Nendran had the largest number of fingers (92.92) and Zanzibar had the lowest (25.75). Finger characteristics also varied significantly among the ecotypes. Zanzibar had the highest length (37.92 cm), girth (16.63 cm) and weight (268.17 g) of fingers. Shortest finger was observed in Changalikodan (25.79 cm). Girth was the lowest in Perumatti Nendran (14.27 cm) while Nedunendran recorded the lowest finger weight (141.17 g). Peel weight was the highest in Zanzibar (64.50) and the lowest in Nedunendran (32.67 g). Changalikodan recorded the highest pulp/peel ratio (3.85), followed by Zanzibar (3.32) and Perumatti Nendran (3.30). The lowest pulp/peel ratio was found in Attunendran. All the clonal characters studied varied significantly among the ecotypes, except for number of ridges. Bunch shape index was the highest in Chenkal Local and the lowest in Zanzibar. Chenkal Local recorded the highest openness of bunch while lowest was recorded in Myndoli. Fullness index was the highest in Big Ebanga and Zanzibar, while it was the lowest in Nedunendran. Maximum fruit curvature was recorded in Big Ebanga and the minimum in Changalikodan. Pedicel strength index was the highest in Mettupalayam Nendran and the lowest in Kaliethan. Nedunendran had the highest length/weight ratio and Big Ebanga the lowest. Significant variation was observed among different accessions for qualitative parameters except for fibre content. TSS, TSS/acid ratio, reducing sugar, total sugar and total carotenoids were the highest in Changalikodan. TSS and TSS/acid ratio was the lowest in Big Ebanga. Acidity was the lowest in Changalikodan. Non-reducing sugar was the highest in Zanzibar. Zanzibar had the highest starch percentage of 24.07 and the least starch content was observed in Attunendran. Peel thickness and shelf life was the highest in Big Ebanga and lowest in Attunendran. Organoleptic analysis revealed significant differences among the various ecotypes. The highest score for appearance was obtained for Changalikodan and Chenkal Local. The mean score for flavor, taste, texture and overall acceptability was the highest for Changalikodan. Genetic parameters such as GCV (Genotypic Coefficients of Variation) and PCV (Phenotypic Coefficients of Variation) were studied for biometric and yield characteristics. The GCV and PCV were close to each other and exhibited the same trend. The highest estimate of phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were recorded for number of fingers/bunch and bunch weight. Except girth of finger, plant height, number of leaves and girth of pseudostem all the other characters studied exhibited moderate to high PCV and GCV. High to moderate heritability was exhibited by all the characters except number of leaves. All the characters other than number of leaves and girth of finger exhibited high genetic advance. Correlation analysis indicated that most of the character combinations had higher genotypic correlation coefficients than phenotypic correlation coefficients. High positive and significant correlations were found between bunch weight and number of fingers, Pedicel strength index, girth of plant, number of hands, total crop duration and plant height. Weight of finger had significant positive correlation with height and girth of plant, girth of finger, fullness index and fruit curvature.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Evaluation of differential effects of coloured shade nets on selected ornamentals
    (Department Of Pomology And Floriculture, College Of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Andrew L, Myrthong; KAU; Sudhadevi, P K
    Evaluation of differential effect of coloured shade nets on selected ornamentals was undertaken in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. Six plant species viz., Nephrolepis exaltata, Asparagus sp. (green leaf type); Spathiphyllum wallisii, Chrysothemis pulchella (flowering type); Tradescantia spathacea „Sitara‟ and Cordyline terminalis (coloured leaf type) were selected for the evaluation. The plants were grown under shade nets of five different colours viz., red, yellow, green, blue and black. Morphological data (both quantitative and qualitative), weather data including temperature, relative humidity, light intensity and PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) were recorded for a period of one year from March 2015 to February 2016. The total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were evaluated twice, at six and twelve months after planting. The plant growth in terms of height and spread was found to be greatly influenced by red and black coloured nets as the plants under these two nets were the tallest with more spread. Except for Cordyline terminalis, the growth of all plants was the least when grown under blue coloured net. Height and spread of Cordyline terminalis was the lowest under black colour net. Leaf characteristics like area, length and breadth were the highest when grown under black, followed by red coloured nets. The effect of yellow, green and blue coloured nets was not significant. Red net only significantly increased the number of leaves in all plants except Spathiphyllum wallisii, in which it was the highest under blue colour net. The internodal length was the longest in plants under red and shortest under blue coloured nets except in Cordyline terminalis which recorded shortest internodes under black net. Length and girth of petiole of all the plants were more when grown under black net except that of Cordyline terminalis in which it was the longest under red and blue nets.The floral characters of Chrysothemis pulchella were homogeneous under nets of all colours while Spathiphyllum wallisii had bigger flowers with longer stalks under black and red nets. The interval of flower production was the least in red and maximum in plants under blue nets for both the plants. Vase life was studied for those leaves that could be used as cut foliage. No detectable difference in vase life of Asparagus sp. and Spathiphyllum wallisii could be observed. But, leaves of Nephrolepis exaltata had maximum vase life under black and red; medium under yellow and green and minimum under blue nets. The vase life of Cordyline terminalis was minimum under blue net and maximum under all the other net colours which were on par with each other. A higher concentration of total chlorophyll as well as carotenoid were found under black coloured net in all plants except in Spathiphyllum wallisii, in which the maximum concentration was under blue net. The maximum and minimum temperatures and relative humidity were always higher inside the shade nets compared to the open condition. Both light intensity and PAR were reduced inside the shade nets and the reduction was in the ascending order of black, yellow, green, blue and red nets. Overall growth of all the plants was higher under red and black nets, while leaf characteristics were better under black net. Quality wise, the plants under black net overshadowed those under red, yellow, green and blue coloured nets. It was observed that all the plant parameters could not be improved by a single net colour. This study will form a base for future works through which we can draw a clear recommendation on the colour of shade net to be used for obtaining the desired plant architecture which will enhance the commercial value of ornamentals.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Performance of african marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) under different growing conditions
    (Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Nimisha, Augustine; KAU; Sobhana, A
    The experiment entitled “Performance of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) under different growing conditions” was undertaken in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during the year 2015-2016. Performance of eight African marigold cultivars viz., Sonata Orange, Sonata Yellow, Biocarve Orange, Biocarve Yellow, Local Orange, Local Yellow, Sierra Yellow and Orange Giant were evaluated under open field and rain shelter conditions during two seasons; Season I (from July – November 2015) and Season II (from January – April 2016). Observations were recorded on vegetative, floral and seed characters as well as chlorophyll content in leaves and xanthophyll and flavonoid contents in flowers. The vegetative and floral characters of African marigold cultivars were found to be greatly influenced by the growing conditions and growing seasons. The plant height, internodal length, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, flower diameter, individual flower weight, number of flowers/plant, shelf life, total flower yield and marketable flower yield were better in the rain shelter grown plants during both the seasons. Stem girth, leaf length, leaf breadth, leaf area and petiole length were the highest in plants grown in open field condition during the two seasons. The highest flower length and pedicel length were recorded in the open field condition during first season and under rain shelter condition during second season. During both the seasons, least number of days for first flowering and 50 per cent flowering were recorded in rain shelter grown plants. Highest seed yield was obtained from plants grown under rain shelter condition, whereas highest seed germination, chlorophyll, xanthophyll and flavonoid contents were recorded in plants grown in the open field condition. Among the cultivars, Orange Giant recorded highest plant height (113.00 cm), internodal length (8.02 cm), number of secondary branches (35.38), flower diameter (6.56 cm), flower weight (12.29 g), total flower yield (668.06 g/plant) and marketable flower yield (606.74 g/plant) during the first season. The cultivar Local Yellow recorded highest seed yield (1.11g) and seed germination (90.00%). Maximum shelf life (4.57 days) was noticed in Sonata Orange. The cultivar Biocarve Orange recorded least number of days for first flowering (43.92 days) and 50 per cent flowering (56.08 days). Highest chlorophyll content was recorded in cultivar Local Yellow, xanthophyll content in cultivar Orange Giant and flavonoid content in Sonata Orange. During the second season, highest plant spread, stem girth (2.47 cm), number of primary branches (8.60), leaf length (12.55 cm), leaf area (13.79 cm2) and seed yield (0.62 g) were recorded in Local Yellow. The cultivar Sonata Orange recorded highest plant height (47.97 cm) and number of secondary branches (22.93). Highest number of flowers/plant (51.27), shelf life (3.17 days), total flower yield (186.43 g/plant), marketable flower yield (182.94 g/plant) and seed germination (89.00%) were recorded in cultivar Orange Giant. The cultivar Biocarve Yellow took least number of days for first flowering and 50 per cent flowering among the cultivars. Highest chlorophyll content was recorded in cultivar Orange Giant, xanthophyll content in cultivar Local Orange and flavonoid content in Sonata Orange. Evaluation of cultivars under open field and rain shelter conditions during both the seasons revealed that, the cultivar Orange Giant was superior to all other cultivars. All the vegetative, floral and seed characters were found to be better during the first season. Even though higher concentration of total chlorophyll was recorded in plants grown during first season xanthophyll and flavonoid contents were maximum during the second season. From the study it is concluded that African marigold can be very well grown under rain shelter condition during July – November, which coincides with the rainy season in Kerala.