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ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of seed source variation and clonal propagation techniqes in Jatropha curcas linn.(Department of Tree Physiology and Forestry, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2007) Anisha Kalkoor, M; KAU; Vijayakumar, N KA study was conducted in College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, Trichur, during the period 2005-2007 to evaluate different seed sources Jatropha curcas, a potential source of producing biodiesel for their genetic variation and to standardize efficient clonal propagation techniques. The study involved the evaluation of seed sources for their seed and seedling parameters as well as field performance of the plants. Attempts were made to standardize of macro and micro propagation techniques for the multiplication of elite genotypes. The material used for the evaluation consisted of different seed sources from various parts of Kerala and Karnataka. Although the variation among the seed sources for most of the seedling characters in the nursery was found non significant, a considerable variation was observed among them in their field performance. Considerable variation was also noticed for the seed parameters such as length, width, 100 seed weight, germination percentage, kernel: seed weight ratio and seed oil content. None of the seed sources excelled for all the characters studied. Among the different seed sources three seed sources viz., Kasargod, KAU and Palakkad seed sources were found to be superior in terms of most of the characters studied. Standardization of rooting of cuttings was attempted with 10 and 20 cm cuttings taken from semi-hardwood and softwood parts of the stem. Three levels each of IAA, IBA and NAA were used for evaluating their efficiency for rooting as well as shoot formation in the stem cuttings. Effect of these hormones on the shoot parameter was found less significant. However, highest sprouting was recorded in IAA 100 ppm where as IAA 250 ppm recorded highest number of shoots. Almost all the root characters were found to be greatly influenced by growth hormones. The semi-hardwood cuttings were found superior to the soft wood cuttings while, the 20 cm cuttings were found better than 10 cm cuttings with respect to most of the characters studied. Clonal propagation of Jatropha curcas was attempted by micro propagation through tissue culture using nodal segments as explants. Among the three basal media tried viz., MS, WPM and B5 medium, MS was found to be better in terms of bud, leaf and shoot initiation. The culture establishment was greatly influenced by the season of culturing. All explants cultured during the rainy season were got contaminated. A fungicidal dip in 0.2 per cent Bavistin (Carbendazim) and Indofil M- 45 (Mancozeb) for 1 hour followed by 15 minute dip in 0.1 per cent HgCl2 was the most effective surface sterilization procedure. Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 1.0 mg l-1 kin was found to be the best medium for shoot production. Highest average number of leaves (3.47), maximum number of leaves (8.67) and maximum shoot length was observed in this medium. The synergistic effect of BA and kin in MS medium was found to be better than supplementing them individually especially for the enhanced release of axillary buds. The treatment MS+0.5 mg l-1BA+1.0 mg l-1 kin was found to be the best treatment combination to get highest shoot initiation.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of seed treatments and shade on seedling growth dynamics of pongamia pinnata (Linn.) pierre in the nursery(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2009) Gururaj Sankeshwar, B; KAU; Gopakumar, SThe present study entitled “Effect of seed treatments and shade on seedling growth dynamics of Pongamia pinnata (Linn.) Pierre in the nursery” was carried out in College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the period of 2007-2009. In the first phase, seeds were subjected to six pre-sowing treatments. GA3 treated seeds recorded highest Germination percentage, Final Mean Daily Germination (FMDG), Germination Value (GV) and Peak Value (PV). The effect of seed treatments were observed on various biometric parameters like height, collar diameter, number of leaves and primary branch. GA3 treated seeds recorded better height and collar diameter during the initial stage of seedling growth. At the end of study cold water seed treatment was found to be effective in enhancing seedling growth. However, none of the pretreatments was observed to cast a significant effect on biomass production and root growth parameters in Pongamia pinnata seedlings. In the second phase, to evaluate seedling growth under different shade conditions, seedlings were placed under 25 per cent shade, 50 per cent shade, 75 per cent shade and full sunlight situations. Shade treatments did not significantly influence height and collar diameter growth of Pongamia pinnata seedlings in the nursery. The maximum leaf production and primary branch production was observed in seedlings kept under full sunlight and 50 per cent shade respectively. Under seventy five per cent shade seedlings produce maximum shoot and root dry weight. The shoot: root ratio and total biomass was also maximum for seedlings kept under 75 per cent shade. Root length and spread were maximum under 50 per cent shade. However, shade did not significantly effect secondary root production. Shade levels also did not influence Pongamia pinnata seedlings with respect to relative growth rate and leaf area. However, Specific leaf area and Leaf area ratio was higher under 25 per cent shade. Highest Specific leaf weight was observed for seedlings under full sunlight. Shade had no significant effect on leaf weight ratio of seedlings. Maximum stomatal number was recorded under 25 per cent shade. In the nursery stage shade is casting an overriding influence with regards to various growth parameters of Pongamia pinnata.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of pre treatement on seed germination and shade on seedling growth and yiels of mucuna pruriens (L) DC(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2007) Ravindra, P C; KAU; Vidyasagaran, KThe present study entitled “Effect of pre-treatment on seed germination and shade on seedling growth and yield of Mucuna pruriens (l.) DC.” was carried out in College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Trichur during the period of 2005-2007. In the first phase, graded and selected seeds were subjected to 10 different pre-treatment methods and sown in two conditions viz, polybag and nursery bed. In both the cases scarification on dorsal surface gave highest germination per cent and germination energy. Various biometric parameters like height, collar diameter and number of leaves in various treatments under polybag and nursery bed conditions were observed. Biomass produced at nursery stage was also estimated; it is evident from the study that seedlings produced from scarification treatments was most superior for all traits in both polybag and nursery bed. In the second phase, to evaluate yield under different shade situations, selected seedlings were planted out in 25 per cent, 50 per cent, 75 per cent and open situations. Various reproductive characters, yield parameters, and nutrient status were studied, in which early flowering, more number of flower bud production, and higher pod formation was observed in full light situation. The Highest seed yield and biomass production was observed when grown under open condition followed by 25 per cent and least was in 75 per cent or highest shade condition. The nutrient accumulation under different shade was estimated. Nitrogen concentration in leaf and twig was more in case of full shade followed by seedlings grown in 50 per cent shade, whereas for roots concentration of nitrogen under 75 per cent and 50 per cent shade was observed to be non-significant. In case of leaf phosphorus content, highest concentration was seen in seedlings grown under 25 per cent shade followed by seedlings in open condition. Phosphorus content in twigs was highest in 25 per cent and least in 50 per cent. In root, maximum concentration of phosphorous was observed in open condition. Highest potassium content was in 75 per cent shade followed by 50 per cent, and there was no variation in leaf potassium content in plants grown under open condition and 25 per cent shade level. Root potassium content under 50 per cent and 75 per cent was similar and higher than other two treatments.ThesisItem Open Access Leaf litter dynamics of ornamental flowering trees(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2007) Jinsy, M Joseph; KAU; Gopikumar, KA detailed study was conducted at the College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala during 2005-2007, to compare the rate of decomposition and mineralization pattern of leaf biomass of five ornamental flowering trees viz., Bauhinia purpurea Lamk., Cassia fistula Linn., Gliricidia sepium Kunth., Lagerstroemia speciosa Auct. and Peltophorum pterocarpum Baker. The experiment was laid out in a typical homegarden. The rate of leaf biomass decomposition was generally faster for all the species studied. Of the five species studied, G. sepium and L. speciosa showed faster rates of leaf biomass decomposition while B. purpurea recorded the lowest rate. Generally, all the species followed a biphasic pattern of biomass decomposition. The initial nitrogen, C: N ratio, lignin content and lignin: nitrogen ratio of the leaf biomass influenced the decomposition rate. The fibre content of leaf biomass was also found to have significant affect on the rate of decomposition. Leaf biomass of L. speciosa and G. sepium showed rapid release of all the nutrients compared to that of B. purpurea. Among the nutrients, potassium registered a faster rate of mineralization, followed by nitrogen for all the species except L. speciosa, which showed faster mineralization for nitrogen. Lower mineralization tendency was seen for phosphorus in all the species. The influence of leaf litter decomposition on soil pH and electrical conductivity was not significant. However, content of most of the nutrient elements in the soil was significantly improved with respect to all the species particularly towards the end of the study.ThesisItem Open Access Influence of host, light and mineral nutrition on the growth of sandal seedlings ( santalum album L)(Department Of Tree physiology & Breeding,Co Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2008) Samom, Khelen Singh; KAU; Santhoshkumar, A VStudies on the effects of light quality, quantity and nutrient deficiency on the growth of sandal seedlings were conducted in College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the year 2006-2008. Radioisotopic study to understand the transfer of photosynthates from the host plants to sandal seedlings and anatomical studies of sandal haustoria were also taken up during the investigation. Sandal seedlings had better shoot growth parameters (viz. shoot length, collar diameter and leaf number), root growth parameters (viz. root length and number of secondary roots), biomass production and chlorophyll content under shaded condition and green light quality when different light qualities and quantities are taken into consideration individually. Sandal seedlings also had better rate of photosynthesis under shaded condition. As far as different light qualities are concerned, rate of photosynthesis was better under red and green light qualities. Generally, the combination of 50 per cent shade and green light quality was found to give the maximum values of different growth parameters and chlorophyll content in leaves of sandal seedlings. The combinations of 50 per cent shade and red light quality and 25 per cent shade and blue light quality were found to be the best with regard to rate of photosynthesis in sandal seedlings at the end of the study period Characteristic deficiency symptoms produced by seedlings due to deficiency of N, P and K include yellowing of older leaf tips, formation of brown spots in leaves and change in leaf colouration, curling of leaves and stunting of growth. The seedlings that received complete nutrient solution were healthy with dark green foliage. Vegetative growth of the seedlings was also found to be affected due to the nutrient stress. Nitrogen deficient seedlings showed a decline in all the fractions of chlorophyll during the study period. Visual deficiency symptoms of the nutrient elements also coincided with a corresponding reduction in foliar levels of the concerned element. Radioisotopic study showed that transfer of photosynthates takes place from the host plants to sandal seedlings and the amount of transfer varies from one host species to another host species. Anatomical studies showed that sandal roots can establish close vascular connections with host roots through haustoria.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of tree species for growth, wood properties and leaf nutrient content(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2008) Harsha, T Hegde; KAU; Gopikumar, KThe present study was conducted in the College of Forestry, Kera1a Agricultural University, Vellanikkara to evaluate the growth performance, biomass production, wood properties and leaf nutrient content of the selected tree species grown in the arboretum during the period 2006 to 2008. The species selected for the study includes Adenanthera pavonina, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Bridelia retusa, Ceiba pentandra, Hydnocarpus wightiana, Hymenodictyon excelsum, Peltophorum pterocarpum, Pterocarpus santalinus, Samadera indica and Tectona grandis. Data related to growth measurements from 1992 to 2006 have been collected from the college department. The results revealed that the species like Tectona grandis, Ceiba pentandra and Artocarpus heterophyllus were fast growing in terms of height and girth while Samadera indica as slow growing. Peltophorum pterocarpum produced highest number of branches. The spread was the maximum for Artocarpus heterophyllus followed by Adenanthera pavonina. During the end of the study in 2008, maximum volume increment was recorded by Ceiba pentandra while the lowest was for Samadera indica. The total biomass production was found to be the maximum for Ceiba pentandra in terms of fresh and Adenanthera pavonina in terms of dry weight while the lowest total biomass was produced by Pterocarpus santalinus in terms of both fresh and dry weights. Trunk accounted for maximum biomass production followed by branches. The contribution of trunk was followed by branches in all the tree species except Ceiba pentandra where the dry weight of leaves was more than that of branches. Adenanthera pavonina, Tectona grandis and Pterocarpus santalinus produced more heartwood percentage compared to other species. Sapwood percentage recorded was the maximum for Samadera indica. Pterocarpus santalinus, Hydnocarpus wightiana and Ceiba pentandra were having high calorific values and hence could be used for fuel wood purpose also. Specific gravity was found to be the maximum for Samadera indica and minimum for Pterocarpus santalinus. Leaf tissue nitrogen content was significantly highest in Adenanthera pavonina followed by Pterocarpus santalinus. The phosphorus content was found to be the maximum in Artocarpus heterophyllus while minimum in Ceiba pentandra. Leaves of Tectona grandis recorded the maximum content of potassium while the lowest was for Artocarpus heterophyllus. The present series of investigations indicate the scope of selecting fast growing tree species with high biomass production, better wood qualities and high foliage nutrient content for distribution to farmers for social/agroforestry and even for general afforestation programmes.ThesisItem Open Access Behavioural ecology of selected deer species in captivity - a case study at thrissur zoo(Department of WildlifeScience, College of Forestry, Thrissur, 2007) Prakash, R; KAU; Nameer, P OThe present study was undertaken with the main objective of generating information on behavioural pattern of selected deer species in captivity, to assess the nutritional value of feed given to the deer, to do a critical evaluation of deer enclosures, to study the texture, shape and size of the faecal matter and to analyze the behaviour and activities of visitors and zookeepers towards animals in the zoo. The study was conducted on the three deer species viz., Hog deer, Sambar and Spotted deer in captivity at Thrissur zoo during the period September 2002 to April 2003. It was observed from the study that all deer species adapted very well to changing conditions. During the study period deer spent more time for resting followed by feeding and they engaged less time in other active behaviour patterns (walking, running, playing, fighting, mating etc.). With reference to activity pattern, resting and feeding/moving showed alternative with proportional intensities. It is well established fact that the living condition of the deer in these zoos are far from comparison to their natural habitat. Food, herd size, competition, nearest neighbour relationship etc., are strikingly different from the deer which are found in natural habitat. Inspite of all adversities all deer species have learnt to adapt amazingly to changing conditions and survive fantastically. The physiological activities of their lives, such as antler casting, rutting, mating, gestation and delivery remain unchanged. The proximate analysis of the feed provided to the deer revealed that feed that is grass or leaves contain 79-82 per cent moisture, 7-9 per cent protein and 10-11 per cent ash and concentrate feed contain 11-80 per cent moisture, 14-18 per cent crude protein and 5-24 per cent ash. The area of enclosure which is provided to the deer are evaluated according to the recommendations of the CZA guidelines. The result shows that the area provided is very less and due to which it may affect the behaviour of deer in captivity. This may be the one of the reason for this Thrissur zoo not recognised by the Central Zoo Authority of India. In sambar pellets are found in groups. The sambar has the biggest sized pellets compared to other deer species in this study. The observations on defecation habits of the spotted deer and hog deer indicated that they had diffuse type of defecation spread all over the enclosure and so no quantitative data could be recorded in this study.ThesisItem Open Access Floral biology and seed technological aspects of jatropha curcas Linn.(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2008) Puttaswamy, H; KAU; Gopakumar, SThe present study entitled “Floral biology and seed technological aspects of Jatropha curcas Linn.” was carried out in College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the period of 2006-2007. The plant displayed phenological cycle twice a year for all periodical events viz., leaf shedding, leaf flushing, flowering and fruiting. However, the duration of each stage was high in second season as it coincided with rainy season. Fruiting appeared from 4th week of May to 1st week of July in first season and from 2nd week of October to 3rd week of November in second season. The inflorescence is monoecious with protandry and is racemose with dichasial cyme pattern. The average number of male flowers and female flowers per inflorescence were 136.4 ± 10.82 and 8 ± 0.71 respectively. The inflorescence is having two tiers viz., large tier and small tier. The average length and spread were recorded as 7.624 ± 0.84 cm and 6.373 ± 0.55 cm in large tier, and 6.101 ± 0.99 cm and 4.357 ± 0.36 cm in small tier respectively. In an average, inflorescence has taken 18.9 ± 0.67 days for its development from visual stage of initiation and the time taken for the full bloom of inflorescence was 14.2 ± 0.75 days. The male flower is greenish white, odourless and salvar shaped. Flower is actinomorphic and incomplete. The sepals and petals are five (pentamerous) and free. The sepals are arranged in imbricate aestivation. The petals are valvate and connitent at the flower base forming a short tube. Stamens are ten, diadelphous, arranged in two tiers of five each. The outer tier is free, while the inner tier is united. The anthers are yellow, dithecous and dorsifixed. The pollen grains are yellow, globular and inaperturate. Female flower is quite similar to the male flower in shape, color and slightly fragrant, but is relatively larger. Sepals and petals are same as male flower. The styles and stigmas are both three and free. The stigmas are green, darker than petals and are bifid. The ovary is tricarpellary, united, one ovule in each chamber arranged in axile placentation. The floral base is villose, and contains five elliptical glands under the ovary. Anthesis started from 06.50 am and lasted up to 11.50 am. Anthers dehisced at a mean time of 1.28 h after flower opening. The stigma attained receptivity between 01.20 pm to 2.25 pm and remained so for 2-3 days. The estimated average number of pollen grains per flower was 1601 ± 70. The pollen exhibited 91.06 ± 2.42 per cent fertility. In open pollination, the percentage of fruit set was 4.95 (highest among different modes) in relation to total number of flower buds established. The flowers exhibited both entomophilous way of pollination and wind pollination. Honeybees (Apis indica, A. dorsata, and A. florae) were observed as the predominant insect pollinators. The fruit attained yellow to brown colour at 16 to 19 days after fruit set. The average maximum length (33.23 mm) and diameter (29.17 mm) were recorded in greenish yellow coloured fruit followed by yellow coloured fruit with 31.97 mm length and 28.47 mm diameter. The flower drop in inflorescence was 94.01 per cent and only 3.99 per cent of flowers set in to fruits. Hundred per cent germination was obtained for the seeds collected from yellow coloured fruits, followed by 96.67 per cent germination from seeds of brown coloured fruits. The least germination percentage (80%) was obtained from seeds of black coloured fruits. The maximum seed length (21.54 mm) and diameter (10.71 mm) were recorded in greenish yellow coloured fruits. The average moisture content and density of seed were noted as 13.39 per cent and 0.814 g/cc respectively. The crude oil extracted from the seed was 37.5 per cent. The seed contained protein - 14.58 per cent (kernel-12.26%, shell-2.32%), carbohydrate - 14.58 per cent (kernel-10.43%, shell-1.95%) and free fatty acid – 9.5 per cent (kernel-8.54, shell-0.96).