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Open Access
Standardisation of seed processing techniques in chilli (Capsicum annuumL.)
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1998) Liji, P V; KAU; Meagle Joseph, P
Studies on seed quality aspects of chilli var. Jwalasakhi and Ujwala were undertaken in the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1997-98 to fix the optimum fruit maturity stage and to standardise the best seed processing and storage methods for maintaining viability and getting maximum seed quality. Physiological maturity studies in variety Jwalasakhi indicated that fruits reached maximum size by 30 d.a.a. The fresh weight of fruits was maximum at 35 d.a.a. and it was on par with the fresh weight fruits at 30 and 40 d.a.a. So, vegetable harvest of this fruits can be extended from 30 to 40 d.a.a. In the case of variety Ujwala, both fruit length and fresh weight of fruits was maximum at 40 d.a.a. seeds of 45 days maturity recorded the highest 1000 seed weight in variety Jwalasakhi and it was at 40 d.a.a. in variety Ujwala. Seed germination studies revealed that seeds of 45 day maturity recorded the highest germination percentage. After six months storage seeds of 45 days maturity recorded the maximum germination percentage. In general, speed of germination, vigour index and seedling dry weight were maximum for seeds of 45-50 days maturity and it is the optimum stage for harvesting fruits for seed extraction. Seed quality was found to be influenced by different combinations of seed extraction and fruit drying methods. Sundrying of fruits avoiding the peak hours and hand extraction of seeds retained high viability and vigour of seeds during storage. Fruit drying in mechanical drier was deleterious to the seed quality. Both machine and hand extracted seeds of fruits-dried in mechanical drier recorded the lowest mean germination percentage, speed of germination, vigour and seedling dry weight. High value for electrical conductivity of seed leachate was recorded for the seeds from fruits dried using mechanical drier. The results of the seed storage studies indicated that seed germ inability of both varieties was greater in seeds stored in paper bags and this might be due to the escape of excess moisture released in seeds, during storage. Seed viability and storability are largely dependent on the storage conditions and the air conditioned storage of seeds recorded at the maximum germination percentage, speed of germination, seedling dry weight in both chilli varieties and it was lowest for the seeds stored under ambient conditions. From this study it can be concluded that physiological maturity of seeds in chilli var. Jwalasakhi and Ujwala is attained at 45-50 d.a.a. Hand extraction of seeds and sundrying of well ripe fruits avoiding the peak hours maintained germination and seedling vigour during storage. Air conditioned storage and paper containers were best for maintaining the seed quality upto six months.
Open Access
Nutrient requirement for bush jasmine (Jasminum sambac ait.)
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1999) Asha, Raj; KAU; Sheela, V L
The investigation "Nutrient requirement of bush jasmine, Jasminum sambac Ait." was conducted at Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during 1996-'98 inorder to standardise the requirement of major nutrients (N, P and K) for the growth of flowering of bush jasmine. The treatments consisted of factorial combinations of three levels each of nitrogen (50, 100 and 150 kg N ha"), phosphorus (50, 100 and 150 kg P20S ha-I) and potassium (50, 100 and 150 kg ~20 ha") with two controls. The experiment was laid out as 33 + 2 Factorial Randomised Block Design with three replications .. Vegetative characters like the length of main shoot, number of primary and secondary branches, length of primary and secondary branches, North-South and East-West spread of the bush, were significantly higher at the highest level of major nutrients viz., 150 kg N, 150 kg P20S and 150 kg K20 ha'. At the maximum level of major nutrients with 150 kg N : 150 kg P20S : 150 kg K20 ha'", yield of flower buds was found significantly higher. Other flowering characters like monthly yield pattern and weight of hundred flower buds were not found to be influenced by nutritive 2 treatments. However, time taken for opening of lower buds after harvest was maximum at 150 kg P20S ha'". Content of N, P and K in leaves revealed that maximum content of foliar nitrogen noticed at 150 kg N : 50 kg K20 ha! while foliar potassium content was maximum at 50 kg N : 100 kg P20S : 150 kg K20 ha'. Foliar phosphorus content was not at all influenced by nutrient application. Uptake of nutrients was not found to be influenced by applied nutrients where as DMP was maximum at the highest dose of maj or nutrients (150 kg N : 150 kg P20S 150 kg K20 ha"). Available soil nutrient status revealed that maximum content of nitrogen and phosphorus in soil was noticed at 150 kg N : 150 kg P20S and 150 kg K20 ha'". But maximum available potassium was noticed with 50 kg N : 150 kg P20S and 150 kg K20 ha'. Maximum essential oil content was obtained with 100 kg N : 100 kg P20S and 150 kg K20 ha'". Carbohydrate content of flowering shoot was found to be highest with 50 kg N : 150 kg P20S : 150 kg K20 ha-I. In general, highest dose of major nutrients, n3 (150 kg N ha-I), P3 (150 kg P20S ha! and k3 (150 kg K20 ha") was found best for cultivation of bush jasmine. However, as maximum response was shown at respective higher levels of major nutrients, higher levels of these nutrients can be tried to find out optimum nutrient combination for commercial cultivation.
Open Access
Production dynamics of ginger (zingiber officinale R.) under varying levels of shade, nutrients and triazole
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1999) Ajith Kumar, K; KAU; Jayachandran, B K
The experiments were conducted at the Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram, during 1996-97 and 1997-98 to study the production dynamics of ginger under varying levels of shade, nutrients and triazole. The specific objectives were to study the production potential of ginger under open and different shade levels, to standardise optimum dose of nutrients and mulch for ginger intercropped in coconut garden and to evaluate the efficacy of triazole in the improvement of yield and other desirable characters. The effect of shade on growth and yield contributing parameters viz., tiller number, leaf number, leaf area, leaf dry weight, root spread, root volume, rhizome spread, rhizome thickness, number of rhizomes, leaf thickness, stomatal frequency, DMP and LAI under 20 and 40 per cent shade levels exhibited significant superiority in pot culture study. In pot culture study: maximum fresh ginger yield of 450.0 and 396.3 g plant" were resulted from plants kept under 20 and 40 per cent shade levels respectively. This was 27.4 and 12.2 per cent higher compared to open- condition. The dry ginger yield of 94.5 and 89.2 g plant" were obtained from plants kept under 20 and 40 per cent shade levels respectively. This was 27.8 and 20.7 per cent higher compared to open condition. However, the dry ginger yield obtained from 60 and 80 per cent shade levels were significantly lower compared to open. The shade levels 20 and 40 per cent gave the highest shoot dry weight of 48.9 and 53.6 g plant" respectively. Volatile oil content showed an increasing trend with increasing levels of shade in pot culture study. Maximum NVEE was recorded under 20 and 40 per cent shade levels. Highest starch content was obtained from 20 per cent shade level. Crude fibre gradually reduced with increase in shade levels. The field trial on nutrient requirement of ginger as intercrop in coconut garden revealed that, NPK application at higher levels increased plant height, tillering, leaf number, leaf area, DMP and chlorophyll content. Physiological parameters like, NAR, CGR and RGR were promoted by higher rates of nitrogen application. The results revealed that, N: P, N : K and P : K ratios of l.5 : 1, l.5 : 1 and 1 : 1 respectively, were ideal to get maximum fresh ginger yield. Application of 150 kg N, 100 kg P20S and 100 kg K20 ha-l gave maximum net profit ofRs. 96605/- and Rs. 99227/- during first and second year respectively. The net profit when the existing recommendation of 75 kg N, 50 kg P20S and 50 kg K20 ha-l was Rs. 54960/- and Rs. 54730/- during first and second year respectively. Hence the study suggests that the existing recommendation (75 kg N, 50 kg P20S and 50 kg K20 ha") has to be doubled (150 kg N, 100 kg P20S and 100 kg K20 ha-l) for increasing the productivity of ginger intercropped in coconut garden. Increased rate of fertilizer application did not influence the quality of the produce. Plant uptake of NPK increased with higher levels of fertilizer application. The field experiment on mulch requirement of ginger intercropped in coconut garden showed that the rhizome yield from plots mulched with 30.0, 22.5 and 1 =r. 0 t ha' were on par. Therefore the mulch requirement of ginger intercropped in coconut garden can be reduced from 30 t ha-l to 15.0 t ha-I Application of triazole did not exhibit any beneficial effect on yield and quality of ginger.
Open Access
Improvement of Anthurium andreanum Lind. in Vitro
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1998) Mini Balachandran; KAU; Ramachandran Nair, S
For refining and establishing micropropagation system for Anthurium andreanum cv. Dragon's Tongue, studies were carried out, to solve many of the problems faced in the micropropagation of the variety, such as, improper foliage development, prolonged period for callus induction and multiplication. Investigations were conducted also to explore alternative explants for micropropagation, induction of somatic embryogenesis and development of artificial seeds, crop improvement through induction of somaclonal variation and radiation breeding in vitro. The study was carried out during 1995-98 at the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, Kerala Horticulture Development Programme (R & D), Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara. Surface disinfestation with 70 per cent ethyl alcohol wipe followed by treatment with 0.1 per cent HgCl2 for eight minutes recorded maximum survival (99.74%) of cultures in the case of leaf explants. For spadix explants, ethyl alcohol wipe (70%) + emisan (0.1 %) dip for three minutes followed by HgCI2 (0.1 %) for 10 minutes recorded maximum survival (87.56%) of the cultures. , Among the different explants tried (in vivo and in vitro derived explants) callus induction was maximum in the case of in vivo leaf explants. Callus was initiated (86.50%) within 51 days compared to 90 days reported earlier, when cultured In darkness on to the culture media, Nitsch-white (NW) + kinetin 0.5mgl-1 + 2.4-0 0.3 rngl-1 + sucrose 20 gl-1+ glucose 10 gl-1 + agar 6.0 gl-1. Spadix explants and in vitro derived explants (leaves, nodes, petiole and roots) showed good response to callus induction treatments. Among the in vitro derived explants, root explants recorded the maximum callus multiplication. Callus induction from spadix explants was better (59.85%) in half strength MS basal medium supplemented with 2,4-0 0.3 mgl-1 + kinetin 0.5 mgl-1 +Sucrose 30 gl-1 + agar 6 gl-1. Maximum shoot regeneration (92%) was observed after 46 days in Nitsch media supplemented with BAP 0.5 mgl-1 in the case of leaf callus. In the case of callus derived from spadix explants, half strength MS media supplemented with BAP 2.0 mgl-1 + kinetin 2.0 mgl-1 recorded maximum response (71.42). Multiplication rate (22 per culture vessel) of the shoots and growth and development of the leaves and shoots were better in conical flasks (200ml size). For quicker establishment of the plantlets, mud pots gave the best results (85.33%). Incorporation of vesicular -arbuscular mycorrhizae (VAM) Glomus so., into the potting mix improved the growth of the plantlets ex vitro. Among the explants tried for somatic embryogenesis, in vitro derived leaves (53%) and petiole (18.90%) and immature seeds (8.33%) showed positive response. Induction of somatic embryoids was observed in the media, Nitsch-White (NW) supplemented with 2,4-0 1.5 mgl-1 + kinetin 0.15 mgl-1 + sucrose 20 gl-1 + glucose 10 gl-1 + glutamine 200 mgl-1 + agar 6 gl-1 in explants derived from in vitro leaves and petiole. For immature seeds, response was observed in Nitsch media supplemented with 2,4-02.0 mgl-1 + kinetin 0.3 mgl-1 + sucrose 20 gl-1 + glucose10 gl-1 + glutamine 200 mgl-1. Germination of the somatic embryoids was highest in half strength MS media supplemented with BAP 0.1 mgl-1 + glutamine 200 mgl-1 . Viability of the somatic embryoids was observed to be very low (5-10 days). Encapsulation of somatic embryoids was achieved with calcium chloride at 50 ~M and sodium alginate at 3 per cent level • "j After encapsulation, somatic embryoids can be stored up to 20 days without much loss in capacity for germination (15.50%). Germination per cent of encapsulated somatic embryos was improved (39%) after a low temperature storage (4 0C) for 20 days. Rudimentary leaves were observed in plantlets regenerated from ninth and tenth subculture. The colour of the leaves in such plantlets was observed to be pale green. After transplanting also, the plants exhibited poor leaf growth. In such plants the leaf area remained smaller than other plants. But, chlorophyll development was normal. For radiation breeding using y-rays, the irradiation doses above 150 Gy were found to be lethal to callus as well as for shoot tips. Maximum response in terms of plant height, plant spread and leaf area was recorded at lower dose of 50 Gy. Most significant variation observed in in vitro regenerated plantlets compared to mother plants was the reduction in leaf area of mutants regenerated from explants irradiated with 150 Gy. Height of the plant was also less at higher doses of ƛ-irradiation. The plants obtained from the trial on induction of somaclonal variation and radiation breeding were screened for possible mutants and somacional variants using morphological characters, biochemical markers and cytological technique. Morphological characters were recorded for observing possible variability, at periodical intervals after transplanting. Dwarf mutants were observed at higher doses of y-irradiation. The biochemical studies using isozymes revealed no difference among the plants regenerated from different subcultures and different doses of irradiation. But, difference was observed between the non-irradiated and the irradiated plants for the number of bands produced. Peroxidase isoenzyme was found to be the most stable and was expressed in plants regenerated from different subcultures as well as those from irradiated cultures. Five bands were resolved in the case of plants from the repeated subculturing and two bands were resolved in the case of those regenerated from irradiated cultures. Cytological study showed no alteration in the somatic chromosome number, which remained uniform at 2n=30+2B, in all the plants regenerated from the different subcultures and the irradiated cultures.
Open Access
Growth, flowering, fruitset and fruit development in Lovi-Lovi
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1998) Arumuga, Prasad S; KAU; Lila, Mathew
Studies were carried out at College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during 1995 to 1996 to know about the growth habit, flowering pattern, floral biology, fruit set and development and storage life of sour (Flacourtia inermis Roxb.) and sweet (F cataphracta Roxb.) lovi-lovi types. There were two main seasons of shoot growth both for sweet as well as sour lovi-lovi trees. One season is from May to June and the other during August-September.
Open Access
Breeding for resistance to mosaic viruses in pumpkin (Cusurbita moschata Poir)
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1998) Jessy, M Kuriakose; KAU; George, T E
Pumpkin Mosaic Virus (PMV) and Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (YVMV) are the most devastating diseases of pumpkin in Kerala and the only way to manage this is to use virus resistant varieties. Investigations were carried out at Sugarcane Research Station, Thiruvalla, Kerala Agricultural University to identify source(s) of resistance to PMV and YVMV, to study the genetics and biochemical mechanism of mosaic virus resistance and to identify desirable segregants possessing combined resistance to PMV and YVMV. Six species of Cucurbita (103 genotypes) were used for the study. Only one accession Nigerian Local (NL), introduced from Cornell University possessed high level of resistance to both the virus. The mosaic resistance confirmation studies namely, back inoculation, grafting and multi-environment study clearly established that the reaction in NL can be considered as stable. Neither the inoculated leaves nor the uninoculated subsequent leaves of the susceptible variety Ambili showed symptoms when back inoculated with sap from NL in case of PMV. Through back inoculation, viruses could not be isolated from this genotype thereby proving that the resistance is not symptomless carrier type of tolerance. NL did not develop any disease symptom even after grafting on the YVMV infected symptomatic root stock. The environmental fluctuations also did not influence the resistance expression of NL against both PMV and YVMV. Resistance to PMV was evaluated in five parents and their F1, F2 and backcross generations of four cross combinations namely, Amb x NL, AC x NL and Co1 x NL. On an average 96.25 per cent plants in the F1 showed susceptibility. The gene for susceptibility to PMV had only 95 percent penetrance in PV x NL. Under different genetic background the role of gene modifiers in the disease susceptibility expression of the major gene in AC x NL can not be ruled out. The F2 segregation ratio in all the crosses was in agreement with the Mendelian genetic ratio of 3:1 (susceptible : resistant). The test cross (F1 back crossed to NL) confirmed this with a genetic ratio of 1:1 (resistant : susceptible) in all the four crosses studied. The inheritance studies in six generations of all the four cross combinations clearly revealed that the resistance to PMV in pumpkin is controlled basically by a single recessive gene. The role of gene modifiers affecting the expression of this major gene is to be investigated further. Reaction to YVMV in the six generations i.e., P1, P2, F1, F2, B1 and B2 of the four cross combinations under study revealed that the resistance is controlled by a single dominant gene. In the F1 on an average out of 40 plants only 32 were resistant. Hence the influence of gene modifiers in the resistant expression of this dominant gene for resistance to YVMV in heterozygous conditions can not be ruled out and is to be further analysed. The reciprocal crosses also behaved in a similar fashion. Out of 300 F2 plants in each cross, a mean number of 220 plants were resistant and 80 susceptible, fitting in a 3 : 1 ratio indicating the monogenic dominance of resistance. When F1 was back crossed to the susceptible parent, the segregation of resistance and susceptibility was in equal proportion i.e., out of a mean number of 100 B1 plants inoculated 48 were resistant. This very well fitted into 1 : 1 ratio of resistance : susceptibility. So resistance to YVMV is governed basically by a dominant gene, slightly influenced by gene modifiers. Although NL is a good source of resistance to both the viruses under study, the seed germination was as low as 19 per cent. Through seed coat removal, 62 per cent seed germination (43%increase) was noted in NL. The isozyme pattern of peroxidase and esterase enzymes in susceptible and resistant genotype of pumpkin as well as their F1 hybrids was analysed, before inoculation and after inoculation of both viruses. The resistant and susceptible genotypes showed clear cut differences in their peroxidase profile. The susceptible parents had three bands namely, PRX1, PRX3 and PRX6, while the resistant parent NL expressed only one isoform-PRX1 (0.083) before virus inoculation. The hybrid PV x NL exhibited six bands with three additional bands, PRX2, PRX3 and PRX5. The additional band PRX2 can be attributed to the earliness in growth and development of this hybrid. After inoculation of PMV, the band PRX1 expressed before inoculation was not expressed in both the resistant and susceptible parents as well as in their F1 hybrids. In the resistant parent NL an additional band, PRX5 (Rm value 0.463) was noted. This particular isoform might be responsible for resistance to PMV in NL. After infection of YVMV, the resistant parent as well as the resistant F1 hybrids had the additional band PRX4 (Rm value 0.392). There were six bands of esterase in the susceptible parents and only three in the resistant before virus inoculation. The resistant parent after inoculation of PVM, exhibited three additional bands EST1 (0.368), EST4 (0.632) and EST5 (0.721). Consequent to YVMV infection, the additional band EST 4 (Rm value 0.632) observed in NL was thick and the specific activity of this particular isoform might also be responsible for the resistance mechanism. Consequent to virus infection, the total system of esterase was affected, while peroxidase was comparatively stable. The resistant expression of NL against PMV infection can be attributed to the expression of the additional band PRX5 (0.463) and the resistant mechanism against YVMV in NL as well as in the F1 hybrids can be due to the activity of the isoform PRX4 (0.392). Sequential inoculation with PMV followed by YVMV was carried out in 25 seedlings each in the F1, F2, B1 and B2 generations of the four cross combinations namely, Amb x NL, PV x NL, AC x NL, and Co1 x NL to identify plants with combined resistance to both the viruses. In the F1s, eight plants were identified as resistant to both the viruses i.e., one in Amb x NL, two in PV x NL, three in AC x NL and two in Co1 x NL. In the F2, B1 and B2 populations, there were 17, 9 and 37 seedlings respectively, resistant to both the viruses. All the 71 seedlings possessing combined resistance to PMV and YVMV were further evaluated in the field for their biometric and horticultural characters. The studies in general indicated earliness of F1s compared to F2s, B1s and B2s. On an average, the fruit yield in terms of number and weight of fruits in all the crosses was maximum for the F1 plants. In all the crosses, the plants belonging to the F1, F2, B1 and B2 generations produced fruits with external fruit colour as well as flesh colour of either the female parent or the male parent or with a blend of these two colours. Based on resistance to PMV and YVMV, fruit smoothness, non-incidence of other mosaic viruses and yield of fruits, eight most promising superior segregants from among the four cross combinations were selected for further improvement. They included four in Amb x NL, two from Co1 x NL and one each from PV x NL and AC x NL.
Open Access
Improvement of in vitro somatic embryogenesis in cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.)
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1999) Rekha, S; KAU; Sulekha, G R
Studies were conducted for improving techniques for in vitro somatic embryogenesis in cashew during 1996-1999 in the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory of the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. Attempts were made to standardise the various stages of somatic embryogenesis, namely, induction, initiation, maturation and germination using nucellus and embryo mass as explants. Out of the two explants tried, nucellus responded better than embryo mass in initiating embryogenic callus/somatic embryoids. Induction of somatic embryogenesis from nucellus was found to occur at its maximum when cultured in darkness on MS basal medium having half strength major salts, supplemented with 2,4-D 1.0 mg/l, BA 1.0 mg/l, NAA 1.0 mg/l, sucrose 30.0 g/l, Activated charcoal 0.5 g/l and agar 6.0 g/l. The best treatment identified for the induction of embryogenic callus / somatic embryoids from embryo mass was MS basal medium supplemented with 2,4-D 4.0 mg/l, NAA 4.0 mg/l, kinetin 4.0 mg/l, adenine sulphate 40.0 mg/l, yeast extract 200.0 mg/l, PVP 250.0 mg/l, sucrose 30.0 g/l and agar 5.5 g/l, in dark culture condition at regulated temperature (26 ± 2°C). 2 Initiation of somatic embryoids from nucellus as well as embryo mass occurred at its best in darkness on MS basal medium supplemented with NAA 0.5 mg/l, kinetin 2.0 mg/l, adenine sulphate 40.0 mg/l, PVP 250.0 mg/l, yeast extract 200.0 mg/l, sucrose 30.0 g/l and agar 5.5 g/l. . Among the treatments tried for inducing proper maturation of the somatic embryoids, the maximum survival of embryoids was recorded on a combination of basal media with Bs major salts and MS minor salts supplemented with ABA 1.0 mg/l, coconut water 200.0 mlll, casein hydrolysate 100.0 mg/l, PVP 10.0 g/l, sucrose 40.'0 g/l and agar 5.0 g/l. Culture conditions did not influence the maturation process of the somatic embryoids. Maturation process was not found to be essential in inducing normal germination of the somatic embryoids. The cultures showed good response when subcultured from initiation media to germination media without a maturation phase. Germination of somatic embryoids occurred only in the presence of light, on a combination of basal media with Bs major salts and MS minor salts supplemented with BA 1.0 mg/l, PVP 10.0 g/l, coconut water 200.0 mlll, sodium chloride 0.1 per cent, cobalt chloride 10.0 g/l, sucrose 50.0 g/l and agar 6.0 g/l.
Open Access
Isoenzyme variation in curcuma with special reference to Curcuma longa L.
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices,College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1999) Renu, Joseph; KAU; Sujatha, V S
The study on 'Isoenzyme variation in Curcuma with special reference to C. longa was conducted in the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices and Biochemistry laboratory at College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur from October 1997 to June 1999. Eighteen species of genus Curcuma, including C. longa were included in the study. Thirty three accessions of C. longa were selected to represent 21 morphotypes of Velayudhan et al. (1994). Six released varieties were also studied. These were analysed for three enzymes viz. peroxidase, esterase and GOT using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The selection of ideal part for electrophoresis for each enzyme was done based on observations of banding pattern of root, rhizome, sprout and different maturity stages of leaf. Sampling and analysis was done during three weeks after sprouting and just before senescence of leaf to standardise the stage of growth of plant. Mature leaf just before its senescence was selected for peroxidase and GOT analysis. Tender leaf three weeks after sprouting was found to be ideal for esterase. lsoenzyrne banding pattern of 39 genotypes of C. longa were studied for esterase, peroxidase and GOT. The similarity index among the genotypes ranged from 0.39 to one. The genotypes were classified into 21 groups with similarity index one among the members. Morphotypes M-I, M-2 and r'A-3 ofVelayudhan et 01 (1994) formed one group with similarity index one. M-7 and M-8 were also grouped into one. Released varieties under study showed more similarity with first group of morphotypes. On grouping the [8 species of Curcuma based on isoenzyme similarity C zedoaria, C. aeruginosa, C. malabarica, C. comosa and C. cacsia formed one group, C. amada, C. syivatica, C. aromatica and C. liarita the second group and C. soloensis, C. brog and C montana the third group. Cultivated type C longo and other sessile tuberising species C. latifolia and C. raktakanta showed variable similarity with other species and stood independently. Stoloniferous type C. vamana showed more similarity with sessile tuberising species than with non-sessile tuberising species, Non-sessile tuberising species C. aurantiaca and C. pseudomontana stood individually showing their distinctness from rest of the species.
Open Access
Influence of post-bunching sprays of cytokinin, potassium and calcium on yield and shelf life of banana (Musa AAB Nendran) fruits
(Department Of Pomology And Floriculture, College Of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1999) Sindhu, T S; KAU; Sajan Kurian
The experiment entitled " Influence of post - bunching sprays of cytokinin, potassium and calcium on yield and shelf life of banana (Musa AAB Nendran) fruits" were carried out in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. The study was investigated during two seasons from 1997 to 1999 with the objective of increasing the yield and shelf life by bunch management sprays in plants which had been given bunch stalk feeding of urea, primarily by use of a nutrient viz., potassium; secondly by use of a nutrient which acts in preserving the integrity of the cell wall viz., calcium and thirdly, a plant growth regulator with known anti- senescence properties viz., cytokinin. The study emphasized the overall superiority ofMpercent.K2S04 sprays applied at third and fourth week after bunch emergence. Yield and yield components like the finger characters such as length, grade and FCr were improved by the treatments. A delay in maturity and ripening and an extended shelf life were observed. The quality of treated fruits revealed reduced acidity, increased sugar contents, higher urease activity, lower residual urea and lower levels of nitrite nitrogen. Electrolytic leakage was also less in K treated fruits. Among the cytokinin treatments 50 mg l' of kinetin and 75 mg r' of BA applied at third and fourth week after bunch emergence proved better. Yield and yield parameters i.e., bunch weight and finger characters such as length, grade and FCr were significantly improved by the bunch management practises involving post- bunching sprays of cytokinin. The. kinetin sprays delayed maturity and ripening besides, qualitatively improving the shelf life. Calcium infiltration technique could reduce the percentage reduction in finger weight significantly and qualitatively increase shelf life. Also an increase in quality by way of reduction in acidity and increase in total soluble solids, especially in calcium infiltration treatments was observed. The electrolytic leakage of fruits was found to be less in calcium infiltrated fruits and above all, the effective treatments were more acceptable in terms of taste. The calcium content in the pulp and peel were increased due to infiltration. Analysis of the calcium content in calcium treated fruits revealed that calcium content was more in the peel than in the pulp. Sensory evaluation carried out by a taste panel revealed that consumer acceptability of treated fruits was in no way reduced.

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