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  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Standardisation of selection criteria for cocoa hybrids
    (Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1998) Raji Varghese; KAU; Pushkaran, K
    Investigation on standardisation of selection criteria for cocoa hybrids was conducted at Cadbury-KAU Co-operative cocoa Research Project (CC RP) Farm of Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara during 1994-96. Twenty nine hybrids grown under Progeny Trial I and their 18 parents maintained in CYT-I were used for the study. The influence of seedling height and girth on yield was more pronounced in the case of seedlings one year after sowing than with those of 4 mas, 5 mas and 6 mas. The vegetative vigour measured by the height and diameter of trunk was found to be better correlated with precocity. The correlation coefficients of pod characters viz., length, width and weight of pods, number of beans, wet bean weight and pericarp thickness and seed characters viz., length, width, thickness and dryweight worked out between hybrids and female parents showed significant relationship in the case of pod length (r = 0.649) and number of beans (r = 0.606). But with mid parental value, the hybrids showed high correlation for the characters pod length, pod weight, number of beans, seed length, seed width and seed thickness (0.65, 0.45, 0.86, 0.70, 0.76 and 0.70 respectively). Heritability estimated by regressing offspring on female parent was high for the characters pod width, seed length and seed width (0,7, 0.64 and 0.78 respectively). Among the 29 hybrids studied, the hybrid H-4 of the cross GI 10.3 x GVI 54 was found to be promising in terms of both pod and wet bean yield. With the seedling characters of hybrids taken one year after sowing, a multiple regression equation for wet bean yield was fitted as: Y = 43 + 0.195 x1 + 3.70 X2 Where, x1 and X2 are height and girth of one year old seedlings respectively. This can be taken as a seedling selection criteria for cocoa hybrids.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Genetic analysis of segregating generations of irradiated interspecific hybrids in okra (Abelmoschus spp.)
    (Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1997) Sophia John; KAU; Manju, P
    A study* was. conducted in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during l996-'97 to estimate the extent of variability generated in the f 2M? and F3M3 generations as a result of hybridisation and hybrid irradiation of the interspecific hybrids between A. s esculenins and A. manihot and also to isolate high yielding yellow vein mosaic disease resistant lines from among the segregating generations In the l-^M-, generation, the irradiated treatments were found to be late flowering and had more number of leaves per plant, flowers per plant and fruits per plant Irradiation was found to increase pollen sterility and was maximum in 10 kR However seed set was lower for the irradiated treatments. Average fruit weight and weight of fruits per plant was maximum in plants belonging to the treatment 20 kR. Fruit length and girth were found to increase with increasing radiation doses. Number of ridges per fruit, fruiting phase and plant duration were higher in the irradiated treatments when compared to 0 kR and was maximum in 40 kR Plant height was highest in the treatment 30 kR Irradiation was found to increase YVM disease incidence and fruit and shoot borer incidence and it was maximum in 30 kR among the irradiated treatments. However a few high yielding YVM disease resistant plants resembling the cultivated parent were also observed in 30 kR ■Genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance were high for number of branches per plant and number of seeds per fruit in all the irradiated treatments in F2M2. High heritability with high genetic advance were observed for leaf number, number of flowers per plant, Iruits • ' per plant and pollen sterility in 20 kR and 30 kR. Significant positive * . correlation of number of leaves per plant, flowers per plant and fruits per plant with weight of fruits per plant and also among themselves was observed in all the irradiated treatments in F2M0. Average fruit weight and fruit yield A* • 0 per plant were positively correlated in treatments 0 kR, 10 kR, 40 kR, P, and P2. % In F3M3 the irradiated treatments were found to be late flowering and had more number of leaves, branches, flowers and fruits per plant. Pollen sterility was lower for the irradiated treatments, when compared to the unirradiated treatment and was lowest in 30 kR. However the number of seeds per fruit was more in 30 kR compared to the other treatments excluding parental treatments. Irradiation was found to decrease average fruit weight but fruit yield per plant was more for the irradiated treatments due to the larger number of fruits and was maximum in 40 kR. Length of fruit increased with increasing radiation doses. Significant differences among the irradiated treatments were not observed with respect to number of ridges per fruit. Irradiation was found to increase the fruiting phase as well as plant duration. Plant height was maximum in 10 kR when compared to all the other treatments. Yellow vein mosaic disease incidence was high in the cultivated parent and the higher dose radiation treatments viz , 30 kR and 40 kR. From the present study *a few recombinants which resembled the cultivated parent, with high yield and YVM disease resistance could be isolated from 30 kR, which suggested that 30 kR could be ideal radiation dose for evolving high yielding YVM disease resistant lines in okra. Fruit and shoot borer incidence was highest in the cultivated parent and was also high in 30 kR. High to moderately high genotypic coefficient of variation was observed.lor number of branches per plant, leaves per plant, flowers per plant, fruits per plant, weight of fruits per plant and number of seeds per fruit in all irradiated treatments in F3M3. High heritability and genetic advance were observed lor number of fruits per plant, weight of fruits per plant, flowers per plant and pollen sterility in all the irradiated treatments. Number of leaves per plant, flowers per plant and fruits per plant were positively correlated with fruit yield per plant in all the treatments while average fruit weight had significant positive correlation with fruit yield per plant in 0 kR, P, and P2 in the F3M3 generation. As a future line of work, high yielding, YVM disease resistant plants assembling the cultivated parent which have been isolated from the treatment 30 kR will be further evaluated for a few more generations and if found superior and YVM disease resistant it will finally be developed into a YVM disease resistant variety.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Combining ability in bhindi (Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench)
    (Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1995) Rajani, B; KAU; Manju, P
    The study was carried out in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture , Vellayani during 1994-95 to estimate the combining ability of six genetically divergent parental strains of bhindi and their 30 F1 hybrids obtained by crossing the six parents in a diallel pattern. The magnitude of heterosis and nature of gene action governing the yield of fruits and other important yield attributes was also elicited through Hayman's numerical and graphical approach. The combinig ability analysis by the Method 1 of Griffing's (1956) approach revealed that the parent P4 (NBPGR/TCR 864) was the best general combiner for yield and a few yield related characters. Among the hybrids P1 X P4 (NBPGR/TCR 893 x NBPGR/TCR 864) exhibited outstanding s.c.a effects for yield. Non addictive gene action was found to govern days to first flowering number of flowers per plant, length of fruit, girth of fruit, weight of single fruit, weight of fruits per plant and number of seeds per fruit while the remaining characters were governed by addictive gene action.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Studies on seed dormancy in rice (Oryza sativa. L.) with special reference to short duration varieties
    (Faculty of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Agriculture College & Research Institute, Coimbatore, 1961) Gopinathan Nair, V; KAU; Ponnaiya, B W X
    Work done in cereals and other crop plants on the factors related to seed dormancy (causes, tissues involved, stage of maturity at harvest, variation in period and genetics), which are important from a practical breeding point of view, has been critically reviewed with special reference to rice. Studies were undertaken on six short duration varieties of rice and their hybrids to estimate the period of dormancy, to understand the relative roles of the hull and the embryo and also to understand the mode of inheritance of the character. A new method was adopted in the estimation of dormancy. The period required for germination from flowering, determined by germination tests at periodic intervals, rendered a reliable estimate of inter and intravarietal variability for germination and formed the criterion for comparison of varieties and hybrids.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Genetic variability and character associations in Anthurium andreanum Linden
    (Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2002) Asish, K Binodh; KAU; Mayadevi, P
    Genetic variability studies was conducted on fifty different genotypes of Anthurium andreanum Linden, generated from a previous hybridisation programme in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. The analysis of variance revealed significant variation among the fifty genotypes for all the seventeen quantitative characters studied. This reveals the high genetic potential for the improvement of this crop. Variability studies indicated that high phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation for the characters of total anthocyanin content, pollen fertility, inclination of candle to spathe and duration of interphase. Except for leaf area and number of flowers per candle, all the other characters were highly influenced by genotypic variation. High heritability with a good genetic advance was found for all characters except for suckering ability and number of spadices/plant/year which exhibited medium heritability and high genetic advance. These results indicated that selection of plants which were phenotypically superior with respect to fifteen of the characters studied will certainly result in a significant improvement in the next generations. Plant height was found to have significant positive phenotypic correlation with internode length, leaf area and days from emergence to maturity of inflorescence. Candle length showed significant positive correlation with leaf area, number of flowers per candle, life of spadix and duration of female phase. Genotypic correlations were higher and for most of the characters it showed high positive correlations. Most of the estimates of the environmental correlation coefficients for the characters are low and insignificant indicating the least effect of environment in the expression of the characters studied. Pollen fertility ranged from 7.03 per cent in PR X FR(2) to 50.80 per cent in U X MW. The protogynous nature of the flower and low pollen fertility suggests the hybrid nature of the crop. During the months from March to July, the pollen emergence pattern was less where the maximum and minimum temperatures were relatively high. Path coefficient analysis revealed that the characters leaf area and duration of female phase are more associated with number of flowers per candle and 40 per cent variation in flower production was attributed by the environment. High selection index values were recorded by the genotype LR X DT followed by FR X MW(l), PR X LR (3), MW X FRO). If parents are selected based on selection index values, 45 per cent genetic gain can be expected in the next generation.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Impact of seed deterioration on seedling vigour in mango (Mangifera indica L.)
    (Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2002) Anila, P; KAU; Girija, T
    The present study on 'Impact of seed deterioration on seedling vigour in mango' was undertaken at the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1999-2001 with the objectives of assessing the variability of seedling characters obtained fr0111 a single plant, the effect of seed deterioration on seedling characters and to ascertain the critical moisture content of the varieties. Three varieties of mango were selected for the study. Assessment of variability of seedling characters of these varieties revealed that seedling girth is the most variable character, variability within varieties and between varieties was high for this character. Moreover, the response of girth to variation in seed weight due to loss in moisture content of the seed was also high indicating that this character may be influenced by both genetic factor as well as the physiological condition of the seed. The critical, moisture content was estimated to be 24% for Chandrakkaran, 30% for Moovandan and 28% for Puliyan. Seedling characters like height, girth, internodal length, number of leaves etc. were studied. These characters were found to be highly depended upon the moisture content of seed. There was considerable reduction in these characters with loss of moisture from seed. Polyembryonic nature of these varieties were not affected by seed desiccation. Biochemical characters like chlorophyll content, phenol content and sugar content were found to decrease with seed desiccation. Electrolyte leakage was found to be high with seed desiccation leading to reduction in viability. Seedling vigour was found to be positively correlated with biochemical characters.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Legume pod borer resistance and genetic divergence in domestic germplasm of yard-long bean (Vigna unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis(L.) Verdc.)
    (Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2000) Vidya, C; KAU; Sunny Oommen, K
    The present study aimed at the evaluation of variability in domestic germplasm of yard-long bean for yield, and legume pod borer resistance was carried out at the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. Data for the investigation was collected from two field experiments conducted during the period 1998-2000. Fifty diverse genotypes of yard-long bean were evaluated for yield and related characters in a field experiment in randomised block design with three replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the varieties for all the twelve characters studied. High PCV and GCV were observed for yield of vegetable pods per plant, number of pods per plant, number of pods per inflorescence, length of main stem and pod weight. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance were also observed for these characters. Pod yield per plant showed high positive correlation with number of pods per plant, number of pods per inflorescence, pod weight and length of harvesting period. at genotypic level. Path analysis revealed that number of pods per plant and pod weight were the primary yield contributing characters owing to their high direct effect on pod yield. 2 So selection based on these characters will result in improvement of yield in yard-long bean. Based on Mahalanobis D2 statistic, the 50 cultivars were grouped into four clusters. Cluster I formed the largest cluster with 28 varieties while cluster IV had only a single cultivar. The genetic distance was maximum . ' between clusters I and IV and minimum between clusters III and IV. Cluster I had the highest intracluster distance. The single variety Vs 47 of cluster IV was identified as the highest yielder of green pods. Hybridisation of this variety with varieties having high pod number per plant or pod weight would be beneficial. The cultivars Vs 45 and Vs 49 belonging to cluster III possessed the highest pod weight and pod number per plant respectively. So hybridisation programmes utilising these varieties as parents is worthy of consideration for developing high yielding varieties in yard-long bean. In the field screening programme for legume pod borer resistance all the 50 yard-long bean cultivars were evaluated on the basis of overall plant resistance index (Ipr} computed using a combination of flower, pod and seed damage measurements viz., number of larvae in 25 flowers, percentage pod infestation and seed damage index (computed based on the number of damaged seeds in a sample of 25 pods) respectively. Cultivars showed significant differences among them for these damage . parameters as well as for resistance index computed based on them. The cultivars suffering least flower damage were Vs 5 and Vs 33. Lowest pod damage were recorded for the cultivars Vs 34, Vs 39 and Vs 42. Seed damage index value was the lowest for cultivar Vs 2. 3 Vs 34 with the lowest Ipr value was identified as the most resistant among the 50 yard-long bean varieties. The cultivars Vs 2, Vs 29, Vs 39 and Vs 42 were on par with Vs 34. Correlation analysis of the different damage parameters did not suggest any relationship between flower damage and pod damage or seed damage. However pod damage showed high positive correlation with seed damage. Cluster analysis based on the different damage parameters enabled to group varieties into seven clusters. Based on cluster means of the various damage parameters, cluster IV and I were those suffering least flower and pod damage respectively. So hybridisation programmes utilising varieties from these two clusters could lead to the production of varieties with higher level of legume pod borer resistance. Studies on relationship between pod damage and two pod characters viz., pod wall thickness and fibre content of pods indicated that these pod characters did not influence infestation and damage by legume pod borer. Based on superior yield performance and high level of resistance to legume pod borer, the cultivar Vs 42 is identified as a variety suitable for cultivation in legume pad borer endemic areas. Further, breeding programmes utilising the varieties with high yield and legume pod borer resistance identified in this study could help in evolving better yielding varieties with resistance to pod borer in yard-long bean.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    Genetics of bruchid (Callosobruchus sp.) resistance and yield in cowpea
    (Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2001) Jyothi, C; KAU; Kanakamany, M T  
    The present study 'Genetics of bruchid (Callosobruchus sp.) resistance and yield in cowpea' was undertaken in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara. The study was carried out to estimate the various genetic parameters of characters, to identify the yield components, to study association of characters related to pulse beetle resistance and to identify superior genotypes and hybrids having high yield and tolerance to pulse beetle. High variability among parents and hybrids was observed for most of the yield and bruchid resistance traits. The characters namely number of eggs laid, number of adult beetles emerged, number of bore holes produced, loss of weight per seed and tannin content exhibited higher values of heritability, genetic advance and genotypic coefficient of variation, indicating the preponderance of additive gene effects. A positive association was found to exist among yield attributes and also with yield in parents and hybrids. Genotypes having a thicker seed coat showed better resistance to pulse beetle attack and this character was found to be independent in gene action. Kanakamoni among the lines and EC 390231 among the testers were found to be the most promising genotypes for hybridization and selection since they recorded high positive gca. For heterosis breeding the crosses Kanakamoni x IC 201092 followed by C 152 x EC 390231 were found to be superior for pod yield. Kanakamoni and C 152 among the lines and EC 390231 and IC 201092 among the testers showed high tolerance to pulse beetle attack and are recommended for evolving resistant varieties using these genotypes through hybridization and selection. For evolving hybrids showing resistance to pulse beetle the crosses, C 152 x EC 367711 and V 240 x IC 201092 were rated supreme.
  • ThesisItemOpen Access
    RAPD analysis to assess the genetic stability in tissue culture derived black pepper plants
    (Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2000) Haneesh Babu, T P; KAU; Nazeem, P A
    As part of the Post Graduate programme in the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara experiments were conducted at the Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during the period from 1997 to 1999; to standardise the method of DNA isolation and the protocol for RAPD analysis in- black pepper so as to assess the genetic stability and clonal fidelity of tissue culture derived black pepper plants. Three methods described by Dellaporta et at. (1983); Doyle- and Doyle (1987) and Rogers and Bendich (1994) were tried. Modification of these methods were tried to find out the effect of grinding the tissue in liquid N2 and use of jJ- mercapto ethanol. The method suggested by Rogers and Bendich (1994) was found better in terms of yield and quality of DNA. Grinding with liquid N2 and use of jJ~ mercapto ethanol was found effective. Tender leaves were found to be the best source for recovery of quality DNA. Different levels and possible combinations of dNTPs, primer and enzyme were tried to standardise optimum levels of reaction components for RAPD analysis of black pepper. Best thermal cycle was identified for the amplification of black pepper genomic DNA. Different concentration of template DNA tried was found not influencing the amplification pattern. Sixty decarner primers were screened for amplification of black pepper genomic DNA. Ten primers selected for good amplification were used to screen five varieties of black pepper. Three primers, which showed polymorphism and stability of amplification, were used for analysis of TC plants. Tissue culture regenerants derived by bud culture were subjected to RAPD analysis using three primers (OPP-l, OPP-8, OPP-14). All the regenerants studied gave a uniform RAPD profile except in two regenerants where there was difference in expression of two non-distinct bands. The present study was effective in optimizing the protocol for RAPD analysis in black pepper and is the first of its kind reported in this valuable spice crop. The primers identified for varietal screening and the RAPD profile developed for the five important varieties can be utilised for fingerprinting of these varieties. The results also ensure the genetic stability and clonal fidelity of the TC plants and the suitability of tissue culture protocol for commercialisation.