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2011 - 201818
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Subject: Floriculture and Landscaping × End date: 2018 × Start date: 2010 × Type: Thesis × Thesis Type: M.Sc ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Evaluation of selected underutilized flowers of Kerala for commercial exploitation
    (Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Sameera Sharief; KAU; Sudhadevi, P K
    Floriculture industry is unique among agricultural industries where novelty is an important attribute. World floriculture is expanding rapidly and new innovations and introductions are in great demand to feed the ever hungry market needs. It is in this interest that neglected or underutilized flower crop species (NUS) comes to the picture from which we could identify and develop diversified uses of floriculture. Even the present day top charactered crops of the industry are nothing but just derived and developed only from wild germplasm resourses, the most prominent among them being rose, chrysanthemum, carnation, gerbera and what not, the orchids and anthurium. Thirteen underutilized plants of Kerala were evaluated for use as cut flowers, dry flower, for essential oil extraction and pigment extraction and identification of components in their essential oils and pigments using GC-MS by conducting both field studies as well as postharvest studies. Out of the 10 plants selected for studying their use as cut flower, none were found suitable. Five plants were selected for their suitability for dry flower production. Among them, Cassia fistula got the highest cumulative score followed byAntigonon leptopus,Calicopteris floribunda and Barleria obtusa. Least cumulative score was obtained for Clerodendrum paniculatum. In Antigonon leptopus and Clerodendrum paniculatum best method of drying was microwave oven drying. Press drying was selected as the best method for Barleria obtusa and Calicopteris floribunda. Embedded drying was found the most suitable method of drying in Cassia fistula. The fragrant flowers selected for extraction of essential oils were Gardenia jasminoides, Plumeria spp and Quisqualis indica.Maximum essential oil yield was observed in Gardenia jasminoides (0.61%). The components in the essential oils were identified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. In Gardenia jasminoides the components identified were Ascalbin (0.7%), Nonadecane (0.80%), Dendaralasine (0.96%), Alpha famesene (1.12%), Linalool (1.38%), Beta famesene (2.75%), Famesene (3.04%), Henecosane (5.26 %), n-Tricosane (6.91%), n-octacosane (10.43%), Pentacosane (13.19%), Monoethylhexyl phthalate (44.74 %). The volatile components identified in Plumeria were α-Farnesene (1.08%), Benzoic acid, [(E,E)-3,7,11-trimethyl- 2,6,10-dodecatrien-1-yl] ester (1.08%), 1,6,10-Dodecatriene, 7, 11- dimethyl- 3- methylene-E(1.17%), Cyclohexasiloxane, dodeca methyl (1.92%). Phenyl ethyl alcohol (2.20%), 1,3,6,10-Dodecatetraene, 3,7,11-trimethyl-(Z,E)(2.93%), Oxalic acid, decyl 2-phenyl ethyl ester (4.3%), Triphenyl phosphare (4.3%), Heptacosane (6.32%), Nonacosane(6.40%) and Z-14-Nonacosane (6.40%) and Z-14- Nonacosane(11.65%). The components responsible for fragrance in Quisqualis indica were 2 H- Pyran-3-ol, 6-ethenyl tetra hydro-2,2,6-trimethyl(1.24%), Heptacosane (1.44%), Cyclotetra siloxane, octamethyl (1.95), Triphenyl phosphate (2.30%), Nonacosane(2.89%) and 5-Isoquinoline carbonitr (12.5%). The flowers selected for extraction of pigments were Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Cassia fistula, Clerodendrum paniculatum and Delonix regia. Two methods of extraction selected were solvent extraction after fermentation and solvent extraction after pretreatment with NaOH. In the entire species pigment yield was higher for solvent extraction after pretreatment. Highest oleoresin yield was observed in Clerodendrum paniculatum (0.60g), which was followed by Delonix regia (0.5g) and Cassia fistula(0.39). The lowest yield was observed in Caesalpinia pulcherrima (0.38g). After fermentation, Clerodendrum paniculatum gave highest oleoresin yield (0.43g). This was followed by Delonix regia(0.4g), Cassia fistula(0.3g) and Caesalpinia pulcherrima(0.28g). Highest carotenoid yield was observed in Cassia fistula (70.04mg/ 100 g) and highest anthocyanin yield was in Clerodendrum paniculatum (574.76mg/100g)). In Caesalpinia pulcherima carotenoid content was recorded as 15.35mg/100g and anthocyanin 488.75mg/100g. Anthocyanin yield of Cassia fistula was 0.35mg. Clerodendrum paniculatum recorded 2.98mg of carotenoid. Delonix regia recorded carotenoid and anthocyanin yield of 60.2 mg and 510 mg respectively. In the present study none of flowers were found suitable for use as cut flower. Out of the 5 plants selected for studying for use as dry flower, Cassia fistulawas the most suitable one. All the species selected for essential oil extraction were suitable for the purpose .In pigment extraction, highest oleoresin yield was observed in Clerodendrum paniculatum (0.60g), which is followed by Delonix regia (0.5g) and Cassia fistula(0.39). Future line of work suggested in this aspect based on the light of results are evaluation of more underutilized ornamental flowers available in our locality with a view of their commercialisation for specific traits and further evaluation of extracted pigments for their use in food industry.
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    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.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Evaluation of fragrant vandaceous orchids for ornamental traits
    (Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Deepa, T; Geetha, C K
    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.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Nutrient management in gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus.) grown under naturally ventilated polyhouse
    (Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Anaswara, S J; KAU; Sheela, V L
    The thesis work entitled “Nutrient management in gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus.) grown under naturally ventilated poly house” was carried out at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2016-2018. The study was to assess the performance of five gerbera varieties to different doses of fertilizers with a view to find out the best fertilizer dose for each variety. This study also aimed for the standardization of nutrient management schedule for Gerbera jamesoniiBolus. Five varieties were selected for the study (V1- Beaudine, V2- Double date, V3- Mammut, V4- Esmara, V5- Aquamelon). Different nutrient treatments (N1- 10:10:10 N, P2O5, K2O g m-2, N2- 15:15:15 N, P2O5, K2O g m-2, N3- 20:20:20 N, P2O5, K2O g m-2) were applied to the varieties at monthly and fortnightly interval. The experiment was laid out in completely randomised design consisting of thirty treatment combinations and three replications. The study revealed that variety Beaudine was significantly superior in terms of vegetative parameters viz., plant spread (156.19cm) at 4 MAP, number of leaves (13.31) at 8 MAP and leaf length (37.09cm) at 4MAP. Variety Mammut was significantly superior in leaf breadth (11.03cm) at 10 MAP and number of suckers plantˉ1(2.59) at 6 MAP. The nutrient treatment 10:10:10 N, P2O5, K2O g mˉ2 produced significantly higher plant spread (171.29cm) at 10 MAP, number of leaves (12.54) at 6 MAP, leaf length (34.04cm) at 4 MAP, leaf breadth (12.35cm) at 4 MAP and number of suckers plant-1 (2.97) at 6 MAP. The level of split application of nutrients s1 showed significantly superior values for plant spread (148.86cm) at 4 MAP, number of leaves (10.95) at 8MAP, leaf length (31.67cm) at 4 MAP, leaf breadth (10.79cm) at 4MAP and number of suckers plantˉ1 (2.42) at 6MAP. The variety Esmara when treated with 10:10:10 N, P2O5, K2O g mˉ2 at monthly interval of split application of nutrients recorded significantly highest value for plant spread (183.38cm) at 10 MAP. Variety Beaudine treated with 10:10:10 N, P2O5, K2O g mˉ2 (1.6: 1.6: 1.6 N, P2O5, K2O g plantˉ1)at monthly interval of split application of nutrients recorded significantly higher values for number of leaves (15.23) at 6MAP and leaf length (46cm) at 4 MAP. Variety Mammut treated with 10:10:10 N, P2O5, K2O g mˉ2 split application of nutrients at monthly intervals recorded significantly higher values for leaf breadth (15.74cm) at 4 MAP and number of suckers plantˉ1 (3.89) at 6 MAP. Regarding the flowering characters, Variety Esmara treated with 10:10:10 N, P2O5, K2O g mˉ2 of split application of nutrients at monthly intervals recorded the lowest value for number of days taken for flowering (17) and variety Double date treated with 15:15:15 N, P2O5, K2O g mˉ2 at fortnightly interval of split application of nutrients recorded lowest value for number of days taken from bud initiation to harvest (7.9) and there was no significant difference on flower longevity on the plant. In flower characters, Mammut variety supplied with a combination of 10:10:10 N, P2O5, K2O g mˉ2 fertilizers at monthly interval of split application of nutrients recorded highest flower diameter (11.24cm) and width of ray florets (1.00cm).There was no significant difference observed for flower disc diameter and length of the ray florets. Esmara variety with a combination of 10:10:10 N, P2O5, K2O g mˉ2 fertilizers at monthly interval of split application of nutrients recorded the highest number of ray florets (65.01).Beaudine variety with a combination of 10:10:10 N, P2O5, K2O g mˉ2 fertilizers at monthly interval of split application of nutrients recorded the highest stalk girth (2.39cm) and stalk length (79.34cm). In yield parameters, highest number of flowers produced plant-1year-1(25.75) and higher yield of flowers in relation to season (15.25) at rainy season was recorded for variety Esmara treated with a combination of 10:10:10 N, P2O5, and K2O g mˉ2 with a split application of nutrients at monthly intervals. The vase life of flowers and water uptake showed no significant difference among the treatment combinations All the five varieties while treated with 10:10:10 N, P2O5, K2O g mˉ2 at monthly intervals resulted high values for vegetative, flower and flowering characters. The best performance for Beaudine followed by Esmara and Aquamelon. BC ratio was highest for Beaudine. Future line of work may be standardisation of agrotechniques for gerbera under Kerala conditions.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Organic nutrient management of papaya (Carica papaya L.)
    (Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Divya Hari; KAU; Bindu, B
    The present study entitled “Organic nutrient management in papaya (Carica papaya L.)” was carried out in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2016-2018, with an objective to study the effect of organic nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of papaya. The experiment was conducted in RBD with 11 treatments and 3 replications using papaya variety Surya. The treatments included in the study are: T1-100% of recommended dose of N as organic, T2-75% of recommended dose of N as organic, T3-100% of recommended dose of N as organic + PGPR Mix-I, T4-75 % of recommended dose of N as organic + PGPR Mix-I, T5-100% of recommended dose of N as organic + AMF , T6-75% of recommended dose of N as organic + AMF, T7-100% of recommended dose of N as organic + PGPR Mix-I+ AMF , T8-75% of recommended dose of N as organic + PGPR Mix-I+ AMF, T9-Full NPK of KAU POP + Vermicompost (N equivalent to FYM of KAU POP), T10- 100% RDF (240:240:480 g NPK plant-1 year-1, FYM-10 kg plant-1 year-1 ) , T11- Absolute control. The present study revealed that, application of 100% of recommended dose of N as organic along with PGPR Mix-I and AMF increased the girth of the plant, number of leaves, fruit set percentage with lowest height for first flowering and reduced the number of days for flowering. The highest plant height was obtained by the application of 75% of recommended dose of N as organic along with AMF. With regard to the yield characters studied, highest fruit weight, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit volume, pulp percentage, flesh thickness, total yield plant-1 (39.91 kg plant-1) and minimum number of days for maturity were recorded by the application of 100% of recommended dose of N as organic along with PGPR Mix-I and AMF. Number of fruits plant-1 was found to be highest with application of 100% RDF (240:240:480 g NPK plant-1 year-1, FYM-10 kg plant-1 year-1). The study on quality parameters of fruit revealed that TSS, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, total sugar, reducing sugar and the organoleptic qualities were highest with the application of 100% of recommended dose of N as organic along with PGPR Mix-I and AMF. Analysis of soil nutrient status revealed that soil organic carbon, soil EC, nitrogen and potassium content were highest with the application of 75% recommended dose of N as organic along with AMF. Phosphorus, micronutrient content and microbial count were highest with the application of 100% recommended dose of N as organic along with AMF. The leaf petiole analysis of papaya indicated that the highest phosphorus, potassium and micronutrient content increased with the application of 100% of recommended dose of N as organic along with PGPR Mix-I and AMF. Regarding the B: C ratio and net income obtained, application of 100% of recommended dose of N as organic along with PGPR Mix-I and AMF recorded the highest. Overall assessment indicated that application of 100% of recommended dose of N as organic along with PGPR Mix-I and AMF in 6 splits at bimonthly interval improved the growth, yield, quality of papaya.
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    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.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Standardization of grafting techniques in african marigold (tagetes erecta L.) for combating bacterial wilt
    (Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Athira Baburaj; KAU; Sreelatha, U
    The present study entitled “Standardization of grafting techniques in African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) for combating bacterial wilt” was taken up in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, during the year 2017-2018. The work was carried out under three experiments viz.,standardisation of grafting techniques, assay of enzyme activity and histological studies. The rootstock used in the study was the bacterial wilt resistant local collection M- and the wilt susceptible F1hybrid Maria 91 was used as scion. Grafting was done in the month of January. Three methods of grafting viz., cleft, splice and hole insertion were tried at different ages of rootstock (4, 5, 6 and 7 weeks after sowing) and different ages of scion (3, 4 and 5 weeks after sowing). Observation of graft survival was taken at 15 DAG (Days after grafting). It was observed that cleft grafting four week old scion on to six week old rootstock was found to be the best with a graft survival of 61 percent. It was also observed that there was no survival when grafting was done on four week old rootstock irrespective of age of scion and grafting method followed. Estimation of catalase and peroxidase was carried out to study the activity of these enzymes in graft union formation. Sampling was done at 4,8 and 15DAG. It was observed that, activities of both the enzymes increased from 4DAG to 15DAG. Highest catalase activity at 4th (0.85 EU/g), 8th (1.39 EU/g) and 15th (1.60 EU/g) DAG was observed in cleft grafting of four week old scion on to six week old rootstock. Similar results were also observed in peroxidase activity. Correlation of catalase and peroxidase activity with survival of grafts indicated that both the enzymes are positively correlated with graft survival. Histological studies of the grafts consisted of both anatomical studies and histochemical staining for lignin. It was observed that there was an intensification of the stain from 4DAG to 15DAG with advancement of lignification process in graft union. Histological studies also revealed the formation of necrotic layer in the graft union, as a result of wound repair and cell proliferation. Cleft grafting of four week old scion on six week old wilt resistant rootstock is the best method in African marigold for combating bacterial wilt.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Evaluation of rose varieties for commercial cultivation under the warm humid tropics of Kerala
    (Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Priya Philip; Mini Sankar
    An investigation entitled "Evaluation of rose varieties for commercial cultivation under the warm humid tropics of Kerala "was conducted in a naturally ventilated polyhouse of Department of Floriculture and Landscaping during August 2017 to March 2018. The objective of the study was evaluate the performance of cut flower and loose flower rose varieties under polyhouse and to select suitable varieties of both types for commercial cultivation in the plains of Kerala. Ten cut flower varieties viz. Arka Ivory, Arka Pride, Arka Swadesh, Gold Strike, Noblesse, Revival, Taj Mahal, Corvette, Emma, Peach Avalanche and ten loose flower varieties viz. Arka Parimala, Sherba Gold, Mirabel, Vernish, Charisma, Jadiov, Star Light, Spray Orange, Spray Yellow and Red Varnish were evaluated for vegetative as well as floral and genetic parameters. The variety Taj Mahal was superior in plant height (52.83 cm) at peak flowering stage. Highest number of sprouts (2.83) was observed in variety Gold Strike whereas varieties Revival (5.5) and Peach Avalanche (5) had highest number of branches. Variety Arka Ivory (38.67) was found to have highest number of leaves at peak flowering stage. Stalk length, bud size, number of petals per flower and keeping quality are the important quality criteria for cut flowers in National and International markets. The highest stalk length was observed in variety Emma (30.48 cm) and Arka Pride (31.35 cm) whereas variety Taj Mahal (79.1) was superior in terms of number of petals. Length and diameter of flower bud was superior in varieties Arka Ivory (2.77 cm and 1.09 cm) and Taj Mahal (2.53 cm and 1.21 cm). Longest vase life was observed in varieties Revival (4.83 days), Noblesse (4.75 days) and Taj Mahal (4.75 days). Highest number of marketable flowers was observed in varieties Arka Ivory (8.45), Taj Mahal (8.28) and Revival (7.23). Among the loose flower varieties the variety Arka Parimala was superior with respect to plant height (59.82 cm) and number of branches (6.67). Variety Charisma had highest number of sprouts (4) whereas variety Star Light was superior with respect to number of leaves per branch (44.47). Varieties varied significantly with respect to floral characters. Highest number of petals was observed in variety Star Light (101) and variety Arka Parimala was found to have longest flower bud (2.6 cm), highest flower diameter (6.7 cm) and strong fragrance whereas this variety was inferior with respect to number of petals (15.4). Yield of marketable flowers was highest for the varieties Arka Parimala (34.33 g), Mirabel (20.83 g), Vernish (28.39 g), Charisma (28.7 g), Spray Orange (26.93 g) and Red Varnish (29.28 g). Variety Star Light was found to be superior in terms of overall performance. The marketable flower yield over the months of observation indicated that November – December is the best season for rose production after the October pruning. High temperature and low humidity along with severe incidence of thrips reduced marketable yield during Feruary – March. Dendrogram based on D2 statistics indicated that there exists much diversity among the cut flower and loose flower varieties for both quantitative and qualitative characters. The genetic estimates, GCV and PCV were found to be high for the characters viz. number of flowers per sprout (24.11 , 32.30), number of petals per flower (40.08, 43.56), yield of marketable flowers (27.71, 48.86) and fresh weight of the flower (21.19, 23.61) indicating wide variability for these characters among the ten cut flower varieties. The characters number of petals per flower (84.63,75.95), fresh weight of the flower (80.56, 39.18) and vase life (69.53, 26.96) exhibited high heritability coupled with high genetic advance indicating additive gene action in the expression of these characters and are highly inheritable while selection done based on these characters for cut flowers. Among loose flowers, the genetic estimates GCV and PCV were found to be the highest for the characters number of flowers per sprout (42.25, 52.45), number of flowers per plant (26.93,34.43), number of petals per flower (55.42,55.58), fresh weight of flower (61.69, 93.84), weight of petals per flower (83.81, 120.33) and flower diameter at fully opened stage (25.89, 28.71). High heritability coupled with high genetic advance were observed for the characters number of flowers per sprout (64.89,70.11), number of flowers per plant (61.19, 43.40), number of petals per flower (99.43, 50.12) and flower diameter at fully opened stage (81.32,48.10) indicating the existence of additive gene action and selection based on this characters will be effective. Correlation and path analysis revealed that the characters viz. length of flower bud (1.041), number of flowers per plant (0.156) and number of petals per flower (1.045) were significantly and positively correlated with marketable yield per plant along with direct effect (1.131, 0.251, 0.285 respectively). Since, the characters number of flowers per plant and number of petals per flower had high GCV (%), PCV (%), high heritability (%) coupled with genetic gain (%) along with positive significant correlation and direct positive effect on marketable yield, these characters can be fixed as the selection criteria for loose flowers.
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    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.