Loading...
Theses
Browse
4 results
Search Results
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 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 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.
