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Open Access
Evaluation of nendran (musa aab group) ecotypem
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1996) Bindu Viveka, Devi; KAU; Jayachandran Nair, C S
The investigation "Evaluation of 'Nendran' (Musa AAB group) ecotypes" was conducted at the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, V e l l a y a n i , Thiruvananthapuram during 1994-'95 inorder to study the effect of ecotype variation on growth, yield and fruit quality of 'Nendran' banana. The results obtained are presented below : Vegetative characters like plant height, girth at later stages, number of leaves per plant, phylacron at early stages, leaf longevity, leaf area duration, leaf area index at later stages and monthly growth rate at early stages showed variation among the different ecotypes. The number of suckers per plant were almost uniform for all the ecotypes. The time taken for flowering and total crop duration varied with ecotypes but the maturity period of the bunches was uniform for all the ecotypes. Eventhough bunch yield was maximum in Kaliethan, the number of hands and fingers per bunch were the lowest in this type. Fruit characters like finger length, finger weight, peel weight and pulp weight were high in Kaliethan where as the pulp/peel ratio was high in Poovanchira. Chengazhikodan and Kothala were superior in fruit quality compared to Kaliethan. The leaf nutrient status at flowering stage varied only in the case of potassium where as both phosphorus and potassium varied at harvest stage. Poovanchira, Puthur and Kothala types had higher levels of NPK at flowering time though Chengazhikodan had the highest potassium content. During harvest stage, Kothala and Chengazhikodan had higher NPK content compared to others types. The dry matter production was higher in Kaliethan and Pandaloor in both vegetative part and fruits. The extent of sigatoka leaf spot did not differ significantly among the 'Nendran' ecotypes during the different stages of growth. There was no incidence of bunchy top in any of the treatment plants. Nematode infestation in root was low in Poovanchira, Kaliethan and Chengazhikodan and high in Muttathukonam and Kothala types where as the rhizome weevil incidence was low in Puthur, Kothala and Kaliethan an 1 high in Chengazhikodan and Pandaloor types. Correlation and path analysis studies in 'Nendran' ecotypes indicated that leaf area duration (LAD), girth • fingers, time taken for flowering, number of fingers re bunch, plant height at post floral initiation stage and g i r t h of plant at floral initiation stage had a p o s i t i v correlation with bunch weight. So these characters can 1 -? considered for selecting superior ecotypes. In general, Kaliethan can be considered as the most suitable ecotype of 'Nendran' for commercial cultivation in Thiruvananthapuram and nearby areas. However, the o'h'i types such as Kothala, Chengazhikodan and Poovanchira typos can also perform well in this tract once they become adapt '1’ to the agroclimatic conditions of the zone.
Open Access
Standardisation of in vitro techniques for rapid multiplication of holostemma annulare k schum
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1996) Sophia John, A; KAU; Kesavachandran, R
Studies were conducted on standardization of in vitro techniques for the rapid multiplication of Holostemma annulare K. Schum. At the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory of the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1993-1995. Surface sterilization was standardized for explants from different sources. For two to three month old explants from the glasshouse, treatment with 0.1 per cent mercuric chloride for 5 min or 10 min was found to be better. A combination of sterilants was necessary for mature explants taken either from the glasshouse or field. Explants collected in the months of January and February gave the lowest contamination rate. Early release of buds and further growth of nodal segments and shoot tip explants was better in MS media supplemented with BA. Cultures in medium containing KIN were short, robust, darker and with lesser number of buds and shoots than those in medium containing BA. Extremely low concentrations of TDZ could stimulate axillary bud proliferation. Additives like silver nitrate and activated charcoal could drastically reduce callus production in culture, but the shoot growth was also reduced with these additives. Nodal segments were better in respect of early release of buds, more number of longer shoots, nodes and buds than shoot tips. Higher temperature proved better than lower temperature for the growth of cultures. Also exposure to light was favourable for healthy growth of shoots. Proliferation rate was higher at higher concentrations of BA but the shoots were very swollen, weak and had to be subcultured as a clump into media containing lower concentrations of BA for healthy growth of shoots. Shoots could be proliferated at extremely low concentrations of TDZ. MS basal with full concentration of salts was better for better growth of shoots. When the best treatment in each subculture was given in sequence approximately 2 crores 37 lakh nodes could potentially be obtained over a period of 225 days. Maximum rooting, early rooting and more number of longer roots could be obtained in solid. MS basal media when shoots were kept for in vitro rooting. Ex vitro rooting of shoots was successful when they were treated with IBA 1000 mg1-1 as quick dip followed by planting in plastic pots filled with sand in the initial stages for early rooting and then transplanted to plastic or mud pots filled with cocofibe for vigorous growth of root and shoot portions. TDZ produced the highest callus index at relatively lower concentrations. The callus produced was hard, green in colour and compact. 2, 4-D proved better than NAA for obtaining more regenerative callus among the auxins tried. Leaf segments (with or without petiole attached) oriented with the abaxial surface touching the solid medium supplemented with 2,4-D and exposed to light alone produced embryoids after one or two subcultures into MS medium with lower concentrations of 2,4-D. The embryoid production could be triggered if the calli were subcultured to liquid MS basal medium and when further transferred to solid media alone produced elongation of such embryoids. But the original explants had to be raised in MS medium supplemented with either TDZ or KIN as cytokinin for the embryoids to form subsequently. Encapsulated beads were successfully formed with nodal segments using 2.5 per cent sodium alginate and 75 mM calcium chloride with a complexation time of 30 min and the beads could be stored successfully for 15 days at room temperature and upto 40 days at 40 C. The peroxidase isozyme pattern of the leaves and roots from in vitro plantlets and in vivo plantlets were similar having the same number of bands
Open Access
Environmental effects on the growth of philodendron wendlandii
(Department of Pomology & Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1996) Swapna, S; KAU; Geetha, C K
An experiment was carried out at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, to evaluate the environmental influence on the growth of Philodendron 'Wendlandii'. The effects of media, containers and fertilizer forms and doses were assessed at three levels of shade, namely, 25, 50 and 75 per cent. Results revealed that treatments could significantly influence all the vegetative parameters, viz., plant height, number of leaves, total leaf area and number of side shoots, at different stages of growth. The superiority of the combination of peat, mud pot and soluble fertilizer at its higher concentration was clearly evident with respect to plant height at 25 and 50 per cent shade levels. Controlled release fertilizer substituted in the above combination recorded plant height on par with this, at 25 and 50 per cent shade levels whereas the height was significantly superior at 75 per cent shade level. Number of leaves was higher in the case of peat + mud pot + controlled release fertilizer under all the three shade levels. The above treatment combination produced more leaf area under 50 per cent shade. This was comparable with that of the leaf area produced when soluble fertilizer was used at 75 per cent shade. Number of side shoots was also higher in a combination of peat + mud pot + controlled release fertilizer. Total biomass was a good indicator of the superiority of peat + mud pot -\- controlled release fertilizer at 25 and 50 per cent shade levels. The response in uptake was more in the case of peat supplied with controlled release fertilizer. Better plant quality was observed when grown in peat and mud pot. The shade level of 50 per cent was considerably better with respect to all the growth parameters, such as, height, number of leaves and total leaf area. Although chlorophyll content was maximum under 75 per cent shade, it was on par with that at 50 per cent shade. Overall plant quality too showed superiority of 50 per cent shade level.
Open Access
Performance of selected orchids under varying light regimes, culture methods and nutrition
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1996) Sabina George, Thekkayam; KAU; Mohanakumaran, N
The present study was undertaken to evolve agrotechniques for cut flower orchid production in Kerala. Two experiments were conducted at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani in 1991 and 1992 with two popular cut flower varieties namely Arachnis Maggie Oei ‘Red Ribbon’ and Dendrobium Sonia – 16. The effects of varying light intensities and nutrient regimes under two methods of cultivation were assessed in Arachnis Maggie Oei ‘Red Ribbon’ (Experiment 1) and in Dendrobium Sonia -16, the performance under varying light intensities and nutrient regimes was evaluated (Experiment 2) In Arachnis Maggie Oei ‘Red Ribbon’, trench culture was found to promote growth, flowering and the floral attributes. The number of leaves, aerial roots, leaf area and plant height were greater in the trench grown plants. The number of inflorescences produced, their branching, length and vase life were also enhanced under trench culture. The effect of light intensities on growth was mediated through interactions with culture methods and nutrients. The trench grown plants under 50 and 75 percent light had a greater number of leaves and leaf area. The plants receiving 500 ppm of P and K under 100 percent light had a shorter stature. The direct effect and interactions of nutrients on growth were observed at certain months during the experimental period which was indicative of differences in the requirement at different stages of growth. The dry matter content of the stem and apical shoot was greater in the plants receiving 500 ppm P. Inflorescence production and the vase life of inflorescences was greater under 100 and 75 percent light. Branching of inflorescences was greater under 75 percent light. In Dendrobium Sonia -16 the number of inflorescences produced was greatest under 75 percent light. The length of the inflorescences was greater under 75 percent light and the span area of the flowers was greater under 50 and 75 percent light. Nitrogen at 500 ppm increased the length of the inflorescences, the number of flowers in an inflorescence, and the span area of the flowers. The number of inflorescences produced was also greater in the plants receiving 400 or 500 ppm N, 400 or 500 ppm K and in those receiving 500 ppm P. Interactions between the nutrients and between light intensities and the nutrients were also observed. The nutrient composition of the leaves in both the cultivars were enhanced by the 400 and 500 ppm doses of N and P and 500ppm K. Based on the observed effects, in Arachnis Maggie Oei ‘Red Ribbon’, trench culture of plants under 75 to 100 percent light and a nutrient dosage of 300 ppm N, 400 ppm P and 300 ppm K from planting till nine MAP and thereafter a dosage of 400 to 500 ppm N, 400ppm, P and 500 ppm K can be recommended. In Dendrobium Sonia -16 growing in pots under 75 percent light with 400 to 500 ppm of N, P and K can be recommended
Open Access
Somaclonal variation in black pepper (piper nigrum L)
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1996) Shylaja, M R; KAU; Sreekandan Nair, G
Investigations on the exploitation of somaclonal variation for screening for resistance to Phytophthora foot rot disease in black pepper were carried out at the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory of the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during September 1991 to January 1995. Calliclones of different black pepper cultivars viz. Kalluvally, Cheriakanyakkadan, Balankotta, Karimunda and Panniyur – 1 were produced with and without applying in vitro selection pressure using toxic metabolite(s) of Phytophthora capsici. In vitro induction of mutation using gamma irradiation and partial purification of the toxic metabolite(s) present in the culture filtrate of P. capsici were also attempted in the present study. Leaf puncture bioassay of the concentrated culture filtrate (CCF) of P. capsici showed that toxic metabolite(s) were accumulated in the culture filtrate. The symptoms produced by CCF were quite typical of natural and artificial infection by P. capsici. Concentrated culture filtrate induced quick electrolyte leakage from leaves and calluses. Concentrated culture filtrate induced necrosis on susceptible calli. The cultivars showed significant variation in callus necrosis. Prolonged duration of selection/screening with CCF totally inhibited the regeneration potential of the calli. Concentrated culture filtrate was not found to inhibit shoot proliferation and shoot growth in already regenerated cultures but inhibited the root growth. In the three direct selection/screening methods tried for calli viz. growing in CCF incorporated MS medium (Method 1) shaking in CCF incorporated liquid MS medium (Method 2) and double layer culture technique (Method 3), cultivars showed significant differences in callus necrosis and callus growth. Direct screening of calli was not found to inhibit the regeneration of shoots, shoot proliferation and recovery of rootable shoots but affected the root growth adversely. Gamma irradiation of calli using 60Co source did not give any better response to in vitro screening. The toxic metabolite(s) present in the culture filtrate could not be separated by organic solvent fractionation. However ion exchangers like Dowex 1 and Dowex 50 could be used for separation of the toxic fraction from the filtrate. The response of five different cultivars at various stages of development of cultures when compared, it was found that the cultivars differed significantly in callusing, callus growth, regeneration of shoots, recovery of rootable shoots and root growth. The clones regenerated from screened and unscreened calli were further tested for resistance/ tolerance to P. capsici using different methods of screening viz.natural screening (keeping in infected field), screening by electrolyte leakage method and screening by artificial inoculation of culture disc of P. capsici. None of the regenerated calliclones were found to be resistant to the disease in natural screening. When the tolerance level of the regenerated calliclones was looked into, the performance of the unscreened calli derived clones was found better as compared to the screened calli derived ones. The calliclones of different cultivars differed significantly inthetolerance/susceptibility reaction to the disease. The calliclones of Cheriakanyakkadan recorded greater degree of tolerance to the disease when compared to others. Among the cultivars studied, Kalluvally exhibited high rate of somaclonal variation.
Open Access
Standardisation of in vitro techniques for the rapid clonal propagation of Mango (Mangifera indica L.)
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1996) Sulekha, G R; KAU; Rajmohan, K
Standardization of techniques for the in vitro propagation of mango (Mangifera indica L) varieties was attempted. The studies were carried out at the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 1992-96. Attempts for the in vitro propagation via somatic embryogenesis, somatic organogenesis and enhanced release of auxillary buds were made. Six monoembryonic and six polyembryonic mango varieties were subjected to the initial response studies. Neelum (monoembryonic) and Vellari Manga (polyembryonic) varieties were selected for further detailed studies. Explants like nucellus, embryo mass, segments of leaf and inflorescence were used. The effects of culture medium (basal medium, major and minor nutrients, plant growth substances, casein hydrolysate, sucrose, glutamine, coconut water, activated charcoal, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, sodium butyrate, thidiazuron, polyethylene glycol, sodium chloride, silver nitrate, cobalt chloride and agar), culture conditions (light and temperature) and frequency of subculture on the various stages of somatic embryogenesis were studied. Among the various explants tried, somatic embryogenesis could be induced only from nucellus and embryo mass. In Neelum, somatic embryogenesis could be induced in 66.67 percent cultures of nucellus and 75.00 percent cultures of embryo mass. In vellari manga 83.33 percent cultures of nucellus and 66.67 percent cultures of embryo mass responded. Somatic embryogenesis from nucellus of Neelum could be best induced on half strength MS basal medium supplemented with GA3 5.0mg/l, 2,4-D 2.0mg/l, GA3 5.0mg/l, sucrose 60.0g/l, glutamine 400.0mg/l, coconut water 200.0ml/l, activated charcoal 2.5g/l and agar 5.0g/l. The ideal treatment for inducing somatic embryogenesis from nucellus of Vellari Manga was half strength MS basal medium supplemented with 2, 4-D 2.0 mg/l, GA3 5.0mg/l, sucrose 60.0g/l, glutamine 600.0 mg/l, coconut water 200.0ml/l, activated charcoal 2.5g/l and agar 6.0g/l. Subculturing in medium of the same composition at an interval of five days increased the percentage induction in Neelum (30.0 percent) and five to ten days in Vellari Manga (40.0 percent). The best treatment identified for the initiation of somatic embryoids from nucellus of Neelum was half strength MS basal medium supplemented with 2, 4-D 2.0mg/l, GA3 5.0mg/l, BA 1.0mg/l, sucrose 60.0g/l, glutamine 400.0mg/l, casein hydrolysate 500.0mg/l, coconut water 200.0ml/l, activated charcoal 2.5g/l and agar 5.0g/l. The ideal treatment for the initiation of somaticembryoids from nucellus of Vellari Manga was half strength MS basal medium supplemented with 2, 4-D 0.5mg/l, GA3 5.0mg/l, BA 1.0mg/l, sucrose 60.0g/l, glutamine 400.0 mg/l, case in hydrolysate 600.0 mg/l, coconut water 200.0ml/l, activated charcoal 2.5g/l and agar 5.5g/l. Subculturing at an interval of ten days in Neelum and five to ten days in Vellari Manga was beneficial for the initiation of somatic embryoids. The corresponding percentage of initiation of somatic embryoids was 66.67 in Neelum and 55.56 percent in Vellari Manga. A medium containing B5 major salts and MS minor salts supplemented with abscisic acid 5.0mg/l, sucrose 40.0g/l, casein hydrolysate 100.0mg/l, coconut water 200.0ml/l, polyvinyl pyrrolidone 10.0g/l and agar 4.5g/l was the best for supporting the maturation of the somatic embryoids of Neelum. The best medium for the maturation of the somatic embryoids of Vellari Manga contained B5 major salts, MS minor salts, abscisic acid 4.22mg/l, sucrose 40.0g/l, casein hydrolysate 100.0mg/l coconut water 200.0ml/l, polyvinyl pyrrolidone 10.0g/l and agar 5.0g/l. The size of embryoids was the highest (1.0-1.5cm long) when subcultured at an interval of ten days for Neelum and fifteen days (0.5-1.5cm long) for Vellari Manga. Incubating the cultures in darkness at 26 ± 20C favoured the induction, initiation and maturation of somatic embryoids of both the varieties. Near-normal germination of the somatic embryoids of Neelum was observed when cultured on a medium containing B5 major salts and MS minor salts, BA 0.1 mg/l, sucrose 40.0g/l, sodium chloride 0.5g/l, cobalt chloride 10.0 mg/l, polyvinyl pyrrolidone 10.0g/l and agar 5.5g/l. Near-normal germination of the somatic embryoids of Vellari Manga was observed on a medium containing B5 major salts and MS minor salts, BA 1.0 mg/l, sucrose 50.0g/l, sodium chloride 0.5g/l, cobalt chloride 10.0 mg/l, polyvinyl pyrrolidone 10.0g/l and agar 5.5g/l. A few germinated embryoids were planted out. However, they did not survive. Histological and morphological studies ascertained the status of the somatic embryoids formed. Scanning electron microscope studies depicted the morphological features of the developmental stages of the somatic embryoids. Attempts to standardize in vitro propagation via somatic organogenesis and enhanced release of auxiliary buds were not successful. However, de-diffrentiation could be induced from leaf segment explants of Neelum and Mulgoa.
Open Access
Harvest and postharvest losses in mango (mangifera indica L.) and its management
(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1996) Elsamma, Alex; KAU; Narayanankutty, M C
The present investigations on Harvest and postharvest losses in mango (Mangifera indica L.) and its management were conducted in the Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala. Five mango varieties, viz; Prior, Neelum, Bangalora, Olour and Muvandan were used for the study. Harvested fruits having a specific gravity between 1.00 and 1.05 were used. The fruit weight ranged from 177 g (Muvandan) to 439 g (Bangalora). The fruit length and circumference was maximum for Bangalora).(13.3 cm and 26 cm respectively). Shape index was maximum for Bangalora (2.11) while it was minimum in Muvandan (1.16). Neelum had the thickest skin (0.94 mm). Bangalora had the thinnest skin (0.34 mm). Flesh firmness ranged from 0.58 kg/cm2 in Bangalora to 0.73 kg/cm2 in Neelum at the ripe stage. Total sugar content varied between 14.4 per cent (Neelum) and 9.5 per cent (Muvandan and Bangaloa). Neelum recorded highest reducing and non- reducing sugar content (3.3% and 11.1 % respectively). Total soluble solids ranged between 19 degree brix in Neelum and 13 degree brix in Muvandan. Acidity was the highest in Muvandan (0.24 %) and the lowest in Prior (0.11% ). Among different mango harvesters designed and fabricated, KAU mango harvester III was found superior to the traditional harvester, in terms of harvesting efficiency, retention of pedicel and collection of fruits in the net. The extent of spoilage of fruits was less when this harvester was used. The recovery of marketable fruits ranged from 68.0 per cent in Bangalora to 75.75 per cent in Neelum. Padding given for collection baskets did not influence postharvest characters. Among the different types of containers used, packing density was maximum when cardboard box was used, followed by rectangular plastic crate. Studies on the effect of containers and transportation on postharvest losses of mango showed that handling of mangoes in rectangular plastic crate was superior in terms of number of marketable fruits (89.0 %), minimum physiological loss in weight (8.6 %) and less disease incidence (3.0 %). Among various postharvest treatments, dipping of fruits in warm water (520C) containing carbendazim 0.05 per cent showed minimum PLW., less spoilage in terms of shrinkage, discolouration and disease incidence. Important casual organisms identified were colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus aculeatus, Botryodiplodia theobromae, Rhizopus sp and Penicillium sp. Postharvest treatments did not show any effect on spoilage due to fruitflies. Rate of ripening was faster when warm water treatments were used. Warm water treatments gave a better colour for the fruit. Treatment with Carbendazim left high levels of residues in the fruit pulp.
Open Access
Bacterial wilt resistance and yield in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1996) Singh, P K; KAU; Gopalakrishnan, T R
Investigations on “Bacterial wilt resistance and yield in brinjal (Solanummelongena L.)” was undertaken in the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1993 – ’96. Preliminary evaluation of seventy eight brinjal accessions during Kharif 1994 revealed considerable variation for most of the economic characters. Twenty four accessions/varieties selected based on productivity, resistance to bacterial wilt, crop duration, fruit and plant characters from the preliminary evaluation were subjected to detailed evaluation during March – November, 1995. In the long duration accessions, the non – prickly SM 141 has yielded as high as 6.4 kg/plant with maximum number of fruits (113.5) having maximum weight (128.27 g). Among short duration accessions maximum yield was recorded in white fruited Swetha (3.9 kg/plant). The study revealed the necessity for differential spacing depending on the duration and spread of the plant. In addition to the already available bacterial wilt (Pseudomonas solanacearum) resistant varieties viz., Surya, Swetha, ArkaKeshav, ArkaNidhi, BB 44 some more varieties/accessions viz., Annapurna, Composite 2, TGR, SM 71, SM 116 and SM 141 were found resistant under artificial inoculation. The contents of total phenol and O.D. Phenol was higher in the resistant varieties than the susceptible ones. The anatomical studies revealed well developed secondary xylem with small compact cortical cells in the resistant variety compared to the susceptible variety. The nine F1 hybrids differing in size, shape and colour of fruits were compared with their parents during summer 1996. Two F1 hybrids viz., the long stout and deep purple fruited ArkaKeshav x SM 71 and oval and deep purple fruited Surya x SM 116 had surpassed the standard parent by 337.62 per cent and 290.04 per cent respectively in productivity. Both the hybrids having bacterial wilt resistance, desired plant habit and attractive fruit characters can be progressed further. In general the F1 hybrids had more vigour and tolerated infestation of jassids better than the parents. In Kerala the cultivation of brinjal during summer is limited mainly due to heavy incidence of jassids. In the present study varietal variation was observed for resistance to jassids (Amrascabiguttulabiguttula). The long trichomes with high density contributing to a matting effect on the leaf surface may be responsible for the jassid tolerance in varieties like Pusa Kranti and BB 7. These jassid resistant but wilt susceptible varieties yielded 2417.2 per cent and 186.0 per cent respectively more over the intact plants after grafting onto Solanumtorvum. The present study revealed the scope of cultivating jassid resistant varieties viz., Pusa Kranti and BB 7, though highly susceptible to bacterial wilt during the summer months in the state.
Open Access
Effective methods and devices for home scale adoption of plant tissue culture
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1996) Deepa, V; KAU; Reghunath, B R
Attempts were made to develop cost-effective methods and devices for home scale adoption of plant tissue culture in the plant tissue culture laboratory of the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 1993-95. The test plant selected for the study was Anthurium andreanum Lind. (Pink). Segments of leaf were used as explant for cullus initiation. The callus so obtained was used for further regeneration studies. Various low cost equipment were fabricated and tested for their efficiency in comparison to the conventional expensive method. One-fourth strength of the major nutrients of MS medium along with full strength of micro nutrients was found good for the induction of multiple shoots. All the growth parameters were found adversely affected by the use of LR grade chemicals, when compared to AR grade chemicals. Confectionary grade sugar was found to be equally good to AR grade sucrose, while commercial grade crystal sugar was not. Rain water could be used as a substitute to double glass distilled water in the culture medium. Attempts to substitute agar-agar with less expensive playing marbles, as support matrix of the culture medium was also successful. Ordinary (gold-smith type) balance could be used to replace the expensive electronic balance in weighing chemicals for media preparation. The pH indicator paper could be effectively used instead of the pH meter, in adjusting pH of the medium. Ordinary colourless glass bottles and jam jars could be economically used, instead of expensive borosilicate glassware. The domestic pressure cooker was equally efficient as the electric autoclave in sterilising culture medium and containers. The expensive refrigerator could be effectively replaced with ice-packed thermocol boxes. Instead of the laminar airflow cabinet, the fabricated transfer hood could be effectively used. Attempts to substitute artificial flourescent light with natural light were successful. Rooted plantlets when planted out exhibited 30 per cent loss during various stages of hardening. The cost of producing a single anthurium plantlet was Rs. 5.16 in the conventional method, whereas in the cost-effective method it could be brought down to Rs. 1.82.

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