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Open Access
Incorporation of tomato leaf curl virus (Tolcv) resistance in bacterial wilt resistant tomato.
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Koteswararao, Yadav; KAU; Sadhankumar, P G
Investigations on “Incorporation of Tomato Leaf Curl Virus (ToLCV) resistance in bacterial wilt resistant tomato” were undertaken in the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during the period from January, 2009 to May, 2011. Eighty tomato genotypes collected from India and abroad were screened for ToLCV resistance of which 26 were found to be highly resistant under natural screening. Of these, 20 genotypes (LE-474, LE-635, LE-640, LE-658, LE-666, LE-667, Arka Ananya, IIHR-2195, IIHR-2196, IIHR-2197, IIHR-2198, IIHR-2202, IIHR-2747, TLBRH-1, TLBRH-6, Cherry Tomato, H-24, H-86, Hawaii-7998 and Rani) were highly resistant to ToLCV under both graft transmission and whitefly transmission there by confirming their resistance to ToLCV. Seventy six tomato genotypes were screened for bacterial wilt resistance in bacterial wilt sick plot. Spot planting with known suscept Pusa Ruby was done to confirm the presence of virulent bacteria in the field. Anagha, Sakthi, Mukthi, LE-1-2, LE-626 and LE-474 were resistant to bacterial wilt. Three additional sources of resistance were identified viz., LE-628, LE-640 and LE-649. Five bacterial wilt resistant genotypes (Anagha, Sakthi, Mukthi, LE-1-2 and LE-626) were crossed with seven ToLCV resistant genotypes (IIHR-2195, IIHR-2196, H-24, H-86, Hawaii-7998, LE-474 and LE-640) in a line x tester fashion. Thirty five F1 hybrids developed were screened for both ToLCV and bacterial wilt resistance. Thirty hybrids were highly resistant to tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV) among the 35 hybrids. Sixteen F1 hybrids were resistant to bacterial wilt. There were 15 F1 hybrids which were resistant to both ToLCV and bacterial wilt. Line x tester analysis was performed to derive information on general combining ability and specific combining ability effects, gene action and heterosis. Good general combiners for different characters were identified. Among the F1 hybrids Anagha x LE-640 was the earliest to flower and earliest to harvest. Sakthi x LE-640 (1.4 kg/plant) gave the maximum yield among the hybrids and parents followed by Mukthi x H-86 (1.1 kg/plant) and LE-1-2 x Hawaii-7998 (1.06 kg/plant). Maximum number of fruits were produced by LE-1-2 x Hawaii-7998 (39.67 fruits/plant). The maximum sized fruits were produced by Anagha x IIHR-2195 (55.93 g) followed by Sakthi x LE-640 (55.78 g) and Sakthi x IIHR-2196 (55.09 g). F2 segregants of 35 crosses were screened for combined resistance to bacterial wilt and ToLCV. Thirty F2 segregants were resistant to both bacterial wilt and ToLCV. Mukthi x IIHR-2195-F2-47 (1.7 kg/plant) and Mukthi x IIHR-2195- F2-34 (1.5 kg/plant) were the highest yielders among the 30 segregants. Segregation pattern in F1, F2, B1 and B2 of the cross combination Pusa Ruby x IIHR-2195 revealed that the resistance to ToLCV in IIHR-2195 is controlled by a single dominant gene.
Open Access
Characterization and in vitro multiplication of bittergourd (Momordica charantia L.) genotypes
(Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2009) Resmi, J; KAU; Sreelathakumary, I
The research project “Characterization and in vitro multiplication of bittergourd (Momordica charantia L.) genotypes” was carried out at the Department of Olericulture, the Department of Plant Biotechnology and the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2005-2008. The objective of the study was to catalogue the genotypes based on the IBPGR descriptor for cucurbits, to estimate the genetic parameters for different traits in the germplasm for identifying superior lines based on yield, quality, pest and disease resistance, to document the biochemical traits, to characterize the genotypes using molecular techniques (RAPD analysis) and to standardize the in vitro techniques for bittergourd. Thirty three genotypes of Momordica charantia collected from various sources upon cataloguing pointed out wide variation for several morphological characters. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters except fruit fly infestation (%) studied namely, days to seedling emergence, vine length, internodal length, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, days to first male flower, days to first female flower, node to first male flower, node to first female flower, sex ratio, days to first fruit harvest, fruit length, fruit girth, fruits per plant, average fruit weight, yield per plant, seeds per fruit, 100-seed weight and mosaic incidence. Among the genotypes, MC 20 (Priyanka, KAU) recorded the maximum yield (5.89 kg), average fruit weight (578.75 g), fruit length (38.83 cm) and fruit girth (25.53 cm). MC 1 was the longest in vine length (620.00 cm). MC 33 (1.25 cm) was shortest in internodal length along with least vulnerability index for mosaic (10.00). MC 10 was characterized by maximum fruits per plant (34.25). MC 16 was the earliest to flower (36.00 days for female flowering) while, MC 32 was the earliest to harvest (43.50). High phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were observed for yield per plant and average fruit weight. High heritability coupled with low genetic advance was observed for most of the characters. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for vine length and average fruit weight. Correlation studies and path coefficient analysis revealed that average fruit weight and number of fruits per plant are the primary yield components as evidenced from its high positive correlation as well as direct and indirect effects on yield. In the discriminant function analysis, the genotype MC 20 (Priyanka, KAU) ranked first, followed by MC 10 (MDU-1, TNAU), MC 26 (Thripunithara, Ernakulam), MC 22 (Chathamangalam, Kozhikode) and MC 27 (Charuplasseri, Palakkad). They were found to be promising based on their superiority in yield, fruit quality, earliness in male and female flowering, narrow sex ratio, fruit fly infestation and mosaic resistance and hence they may be utilized for further crop improvement. Based on the analysis for genetic divergence, the 33 genotypes of M. charantia were grouped into five clusters, with the highest intercluster distance observed between clusters III and IV. The keeping quality studies indicated that maximum shelf life, lower percentage loss in weight, lowest rotting percentage and slower change in colour was obtained from fruits of the genotype MC 25. The organoleptic quality evaluation revealed that all the genotypes differ significantly for attributes like appearance / colour, doneness, flavor, taste and bitterness. In general, fruits with light green skin colour had overall acceptability and were superior to others based on the score. The biochemical characterization revealed that the medium sized fruits were associated with higher β-carotene while, small sized fruits found to have higher iron content and large fruited genotypes contained higher ascorbic acid content. Genotypes with higher the chlorophyll content, greater will be the bitterness value. A distinct difference in the content of vitamins and minerals is observed in different genotypes. However, correlation between colour of fruits and their iron content is found in some of the genotypes. The DNA isolated from the 33 genotypes of M. charantia were subjected to RAPD analysis. Out of the 80 decamer primers, fifty six yielded amplification products. A total of 158 RAPDs (average 1.98 bands per primer) were generated by the 56 primers, of which 86.08 per cent were polymorphic (136 bands) and twenty two were monomorphic. Eight primers viz., 0PA-02, 0PA-18, OPB-01, OPB-06, OPB-12, OPE-14, UBC-03 and UBC-05 showed high level of polymorphism and were informative enough to analyse the genotypes The selected primers yielded 56 scorable bands (average of 7.00 bands per primer) of which 23 were monomorphic and rest, 33 were polymorphic (58.93 %). The overall Jaccard’s similarity coefficients ranged from 0.65 to 0.90. Cluster analysis revealed that at about 0.65 similarity coefficient, the thirty three genotypes of M. charantia grouped into two clusters which clearly separates genotypes based on average fruit weight and fruit skin colour. By characterizing all the thirty three genotypes of Momordica charantia using morphological (selection index and D2 analysis) and molecular (RAPD marker analysis) methods revealed that morphologically distinct and superior lines were genetically differentiable. The clustering pattern based on yield related traits and molecular variation was different. Also, the diversity based on yield related traits and molecular analysis was not in consonance with ecological distribution. The induction of potentially organogenic callus and better proliferation of callus successfully from all the explants was obtained either on the MS medium supplemented with IBA (4.00 mg l-1) + BA (0.50 mg l-1) + 2,4- D (2.00 mg l-1) or NAA (2.00 mg l-1) + BA (0.50 mg l-1) + 2,4- D (2.00 mg l-1) in combination with 30.00 g l-1 sucrose and 6.30 g l-1 agar level. The shoot tip explants were more responsive among all the explants tried in terms of callus induction and subsequent plant regeneration. Shoot regeneration response from shoot tip derived callus was best on MS medium fortified with 0.05 % AC + 1.00 mg l-1 BA with earlier regeneration, highest regeneration percentage, lengthy adventitious shoot and more number of leaves under light conditions.
Open Access
Integrated nutrient management in dendrobiums
(College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2008) Meghana, Davis; KAU; Jyothi, Bhaskar
Studies on “Integrated nutrient management in dendrobiums” were carried out in the orchidarium of All India Co-ordinated Floriculture Improvement Project in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the period from March 2005 to June 2007. The study was conducted using two Dendrobium varieties, Earsakul and Shavin White, with the main objective of determining the effect of organic manures on growth and flowering in Dendrobium in combination with inorganic fertilizers. The inorganic nutrients NPK were applied twice weekly @ 0.2 % concentration along with fermented farmyard manure (1:10) fortnightly as recommended dose for control. The organic manures like panchagavya, Manchurian tea and vermiwash were applied at fortnightly interval as treatments along with 50% of the recommended dose. Results revealed that, different treatments involving combinations of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers highly influenced the growth characters of the plant. The plant height obtained was the highest for the treatment which received 50% recommended dose along with 3 % vermiwash. This treatment also improved vegetative characters like number of leaves per plant, number of leafy shoots, girth of shoots and internodal length. Plants which received only NPK 30:10:10 @ 0.2% along with FYM (1:10) came to flowering early. Number of spikes per plant, colour, and size of the flower and longevity of spike on plant were not found to be influenced by fertilizer application. Significant incidence of pests and diseases were not noticed during the period of study. From this trial conducted, an indication was obtained that, vermiwash application increased the growth parameters in orchid plants. The treatment T8, receiving 3 % vermiwash and 3 % panchagavya along with inorganic fertilizers (0.1 %) and FYM produced more large flowers than others. Maximum numbers of flowers per spike was also obtained for T8. Longest spike (21.58 cm & 20.05 cm) were obtained for the treatment receiving 30:10:10 NPK @ 0.1 % along with 3 % vermiwash and FYM in both Earsakul and Shavin White varieties. Nutrient contents in plants were found to be influenced by organic manure application. The plants treated with 50% recommended dose + 3 % vermiwash + 3 % panchagavya recorded higher values for nutrients analysed Tags from this library:
Open Access
Response of tuberose (polianthes tuberosa L.) to organic manures and growth promoting microorganisms
(College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2008) Mini, Sankar; KAU; Radha, T
Tuberose is one of the most important bulbous plants, much adored for its colour, elegance and fragrance. Among the commercially cultivated flowers in India tuberose occupies a prime position due to its popularity as cut flower as well as loose flower. It has got great potential in perfume industry also owing to the presence of much valued essential oil. The flower spikes are largely used for vase decoration and bouquet preparation and loose flowers for making garlands and in floral ornaments. The mineral nutrition status can affect the yield and quality of any crop. Tuberose being rich in nutritional status, extracts high amount of nutrients from the soil. Application of huge quantities of fertilizers in the same field becomes essential for taking the ratoon crops and this may lead to destruction of soil properties in addition to increased cost of production. It is now imperative to find an integrated nutrient management schedule for tuberose for an optimum and economic use of plant nutrients to reduce the cost of production and to improve the yield and quality of the flowers. The study consisted of three experiments. Experiment 1 included sixteen different treatments which were the combinations of organic manures and growth promoting microorganisms along with inorganic fertilizers. In Experiment 2, effect of different organic manures alone on growth and yield of tuberose was studied. Single variety Prajwal was used for both the trials. Three superior treatments from Experiment 1 and two from Experiment 2 were selected for conducting the third experiment using single variety Prajwal and double variety Vaibhav. In Experiment 1, the treatments 100:50:50 kg ha–1 NPK + poultry manure 22.2 t ha-1 (T3), 50:50:50 kg ha–1 NPK + poultry manure 22.2 t ha-1 (T14) and 50:50:50 kg ha1 NPK+ coirpith compost 85.71 t ha-1 (T16) exhibited superiority in terms of vegetative and floral characters. In experiment with different organic manures (Experiment 2) treatment with poultry manure alone (T4) and biogas slurry alone had positive influence on both growth and yield attributes. In third experiment it could be observed that all the vegetative parameters were significantly improved by the application of 100:50:50 kg ha-1 NPK + poultry manure 22.2 t ha-1 (T1) in Prajwal and 50:50:50 kg ha-1 NPK+ poultry manure 22.2 t ha-1 (T2) in Vaibhav. Yield attributes like days to first spike emergence, field life of the spike, number of spikes per hill and quality parameters like length and girth of the spike, length of rachis and number of flowers per hill were positively influenced by treatment with poultry manure alone (29.63 t ha-1) in Prajwal. In Vaibhav also treatment with poultry manure alone (29.63 t ha-1) produced highest number of spikes per hill, where as quality parameters of the spike were improved by the application of poultry manure along with inorganic fertilizers. (100:50:50 kg ha-1 NPK + poultry manure 22.2 t ha-1). Concrete content of flowers (which indicates the percentage of essential oil) improved in T5 (biogas slurry alone) in both the varieties. The superiority of the treatment with poultry manure was also reflected in post harvest studies. From plant nutrient analysis, it could be observed that poultry manure either alone (29.63 t ha-1) or in combination with chemical fertilizers (100:50:50 kg ha-1 NPK + poultry manure 22.2 t ha-1 and 50:50:50 kg ha-1 NPK + poultry manure 22.2 t ha-1) recorded highest N and P content of leaves and tubers in both the varieties, where as treatment of coir pith compost along with inorganic fertilizers exhibited maximum K content. Soil properties like pH, organic carbon, available N, P and K were found to be improved by the treatment consisting of poultry manure. Regarding the economics of cultivation, treatment with poultry manure alone (29.63 t ha-1) recorded maximum net income and highest B/C ratio in both the varieties (3.2 in Prajwal and 2.5 in Vaibhav) followed by 100:50:50 kg ha–1 NPK + Poultry manure 22.2 t ha-1and 50:50:50 kg ha-1 NPK + poultry manure 22.2 t ha-1 . Considering overall performance, application of poultry manure at the rate of 29.63 t ha-1 as basal dose was proved to be highly beneficial for growth and yield improvement in tuberose.
Open Access
Developmental physiology of banana corm (Musa AAB nendran) in relation to phenology, yield and quality
(College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2011) Binu John, Sam; KAU; Sajan, Kurien
The study on “Developmental physiology of banana corm (Musa AAB Nendran) in relation to phenology, yield and quality” was taken up as a part of the fully funded DST project of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India at the RARS, Kumarakom from 2004 to 2008. The study was basically centered on the corm and roots. The objectives of the study were to have a basic idea of the origin and development of the secondary corm as influenced by various factors, to identify and fix the stages of corm development and rooting in relation to biotic events (bud initiation, differentiation, shooting and suckering), to establish the root production pattern (continuous or cyclic), characterize the roots (pioneers or feeders), study the relationship of carbon assimilation and nutrient uptake on corm development, to have a basic understanding on origin and development of suckers, to study the genetic differences in corm and sucker development and finally to hasten out secondary corm formation thereby reducing crop duration without affecting post-harvest quality parameters. The major findings emanating from the studies are presented aspect-wise under different paragraphs. Planting was taken up at bimonthly intervals. Each planting consisted of fifty plants and observations on all characters were taken up. The height of the plant in the June planting was the highest followed by that in April, October and August. The December and February planting recorded the least height. April followed by February and August planting had the highest girth. December, followed by October and June recorded the lowest girth in the order. The number of leaves produced by the plant was in the range of 27-28 with very minor subtle difference between months of planting. The pattern of leaf production is very explicit, an increasing number of leaves are found to produce from upto FBD stage in case of June planting and in October planting this is found to increase upto shooting whereas in December and February, leaf production is very erratic and a small fall in production is observed in April. Number of new leaves emerging in a fortnight is found to increase in June and October planting upto FBI and is at the maximum. Whereas the December, February and April planting has revealed a very low number of leaf production and the maximum number of leaves produced is found to be in between SCI and FBI which could be one of the major reason for the low productivity. A critical analysis of the data reveals that an increasing number of leaves retained is observed upto FBD stage in case of October and April planting. In April planting this trend is observed only upto FBI stage whereas in December and February the maximum number of leaves retained is seen at the SCI stage. This reveals that number of leaves retained in the critical phases of FBI and FBD have a direct impact on the yield and yield components. The length of the ‘D’ leaf is found to increase upto the last phase in all the six crops. The maximum leaf length of leaf is observed in June planting. An increase in the breadth of leaf upto shooting is observed in October and December planting but thereafter the leaf width is found to decline from FBD to shooting. However in case of leaf area the June, October and December planting showed progressive increment in area. However maximum area in case of February and April were at FBD and FBI stage. The study confirms that June planting gave the highest yield and was over 10kg. This is due to water shortage in Early Vegetative, AVS and SCI and high water table as good as flooding at the stage of FBI due to heavy South West Monsoon experienced in the area. On the contrary, June planting received showers from planting and after shooting received adequate sunshine hours. The finger characters were more or less a reflection of the bunch weight. However the finger in August planting appeared straighter on maturity than June planting. One of the major findings emanating from the study is the efficiency factor heliothermal units/ photothermal units. The factor gives the concept of efficiency as it is a function of realized sunshine duration to the potential maximum at a location. The study confirms that when this factor is very near or exceeds 0.5 the yield tends to increase with inputs not being a limiting factor. The photothermal units (PTU) and heliothermal Units (HTU) requirement were almost a reflection of the same as that of GDD. A split up of the requirement from one biotic phase to the other again revealed an identical trend. The base temperature at which growth starts in banana was identified to be 140C. Secondary corm formation is an integral part of crop cycle of banana crop raised from suckers and it is being reported for the first time. The new corm was observed to develop above the planted corm. This planted corm gradually becomes necrotic, deteriorates and falls off towards the time the crop comes to maturity. All the six plantings in the calendar year prove this beyond doubt. The crop duration in sucker planted bananas are dependent on the secondary corm formation. Secondary corm formation is found to be a factor of corm size. This has been conclusively proved by the experiment using suckers of graded corm size. The time taken from SCI to FBI, FBD and Shooting and Maturity is almost same. Hence the change in crop duration of Nendran bananas can be explained on the basis of time taken to reach SCI. A definite GDD is required for the planted sucker to reach the SCI stage depending on corm size. The thermal unit requirement is based on the corm size and this explains the reasons for early bunch production of large sized corms The study has confirmed that the root production in banana is in flushes. Five flushes of roots are observed in a crop cycle. Overlapping of successive flushes of roots is observed giving a false appearance of continuous root production. Overall, the production of a flush of root takes place in about a fortnight’s time. Qualitative & quantitative differences are observed in the production of different flushes of roots. The study has confirmed that the flushing of roots is more dependant on the biotic events of the crop. The first flush of roots is observed in the early vegetative phase (EVS), about 3-4 weeks after planting ie. up to the production of four numbers of leaves. Thereafter, the root grows. The second flush of roots coincides with the active vegetative growth and from approximately the eighth or ninth leaf onwards. The third flush of roots is observed at the secondary corm initiation phase. The first and second flushes are observed purely on the primary planted corm whereas, the third is observed partly on the newly developing corm ie: the Secondary Corm and partly on the primary corm and on the constricted interphase part. The fourth flush of roots is observed at the flower bud initiation stage and the fifth flush at shooting or early bunching phase. These two flushes of roots carry the banana bunch to maturity. In the orderly cycle of development of banana, five distinct physiological phases such as Vegetative Phase, Flower Bud Initiation (FBI), Flower Bud Differentiation (FBD), Shooting and Bunch Maturity are normally described. In no literature has the corm ever been emphasized or even mentioned in the developmental physiology. The formation of the secondary corm was studied anatomically and the physiological factors governing the secondary corm formation was also studied by analyzing the mother corm tissues. The study has conclusively proven that a new corm develops on the planted corm and it is this new corm or the Secondary Corm which further carries the plant to bunching and harvest. Another observation is that the shooting or bunching is observed to be a factor of maturity of the new corm and the crop cycle or crop span or crop duration is found to be dependant on satisfaction of three main phases a) Primary corm to early secondary corm formation b) Secondary corm formation, maturation of secondary corm to bunching c) Bunch maturity and harvest During the second year, the experiments were focused on hastening of secondary corm development and early replacement of original corm of the sucker. For this, suckers of a medium corm size were fixed based on the first year’s experiment. In the study involving hormonal application, IAA, NAA, PCBA and ABA each at 250 and 500 ppm were advocated by corm dip method and corm injection method Hormone dipping treatment of suckers prior to planting and by corm injection after establishment revealed that early growth was suppressed by PCBA with drastic reduction in internodal length. Dwarfening of plant stature could be attained by using PCBA and ABA. This would pave the way for further research to mitigate the effects of wind or avoid staking which is a costly input. SCI was observed to be earliest in treatments involving IBA. However the control treatments were the earliest to bunch. The crop is yet to be harvested. The study has proven that maturity of secondary corm can be manipulated by exogenous application of growth regulators. The studies on root activity revealed spatial distribution of root activity and differential accumulation in various tissues which could be explained at tissue level and with time The importance of secondary corm and its accumulation in tune with the development physiology. On the fifth day after application recovery of activity was observed in the primary corm only at the FBD stage. On the 10th day after application (DAA) maximum recovery of activity was obtained in the primary corm at FBI stage. Sufficiently higher amounts were observed at Early Vegetative Stage (EVS), Active Vegetative Stage (AVS) and Half Maturity stage. On the contrary at 15th DAA the relative concentration was very much high in primary corm at EVS and AVS stage. The relative concentrations were six times that observed at SCI (third highest) in the former and double in the latter. As the crop advanced the concentration has decreased with single digit recovery at Half Maturity. In case of secondary corm (SC) on the fifth day, recovery of activity was only observed at FBD stage, whereas on the 10th day it was maximum observed at FBI stage. Highest recovery in SC is observed at shooting followed by Secondary Corm Initiation (SCI) stage, Half Maturity and FBI. At all stages a fairly good concentration is observed explaining for the growth of secondary corm. The relative levels in roots in the earliest and second sampling were observed at FBI stage whereas in the final sampling it was observed to peak at half maturity and shooting stage. The maximum recovery of radioactivity in the pseudostem were observed in the early two stages in the first sampling ie. FBI & SCI and AVS in the second and in early three stages in final sampling, revealing that nutrient absorbed is the maximum utilized for structural make up. In the final sampling, recovery was observed in the pseudostem in all the stages. In the case of recovery form the ‘D’ Leaf in early sampling, maximum recovery could be traced at FBI stage followed by that at half maturity and FBD. In this sampling recovery was not observed at any other stage. On the 10th DAA maximum recovery was observed at FBI followed by SCI, FBD and half maturity. No recovery was observed at any other stage. In case of the concentration in petiole of ‘D’ leaf maximum recovery was observed at FBI, Shooting, SCI and Half maturity on the second sampling. No radioactivity was recovered at any phase on the 5th DAA. However in the final sampling maximum recovery was observed at EVS, Shooting, SCI and Half Maturity. Recovery was observed at all stages in the 15th DAA. The boot leaf which subtends the bunch showed fairly good concentration at Half Maturity on the 15 DAA emphasizing the importance of the leaf with advance in fruit maturity. Lower levels were recovered at the shooting stage. On the 5th and 10th DAA no recovery were observed. In the case of ‘D’ finger the maximum recovery was observed at shooting stage on the first, second and third sampling. The levels being fairly high in the final sampling. In case of male bud increasing levels of recovery are observed with samplings. The levels being the highest in case of last sampling and being the highest sink per unit weight of tissue. At Half Maturity no recovery was observed at 5th and 10th DAA but in the final sampling again high level of recovery is observed. The study overwhelmingly emphasizes the need to debud the male inflorescence on the one hand and on the other major and important side it highlights this part as a vegetable with high P nutrient content. The first report on Carbon assimilation and transport in banana is also from the study. For this an innovative apparatus for the dissemination of 14C was fabricated after many a trial and error method. The apparatus is simple in design but accurate in its practicality and the first of its kind to be used in banana plants. The results from the studies involving 14C showed a holistic picture on the photosynthate translocation and assimilation to the various plant parts at different stages of its growth. During the initial stages (EVS & AVS), the accumulation was found to be the maximum at the source level itself. At SCI stage it was found to be more in the leaf petiole and pseudostem with no recovery in the primary corm. At the reproductive transformation stage of the plant (FBI & FBD), the entire assimilates were found to be translocated to the SC and Ps. At the shooting stage and the half maturity stage, the finger and male bud together account for the whole photosynthates whereby giving a marked reflection and manifestation of the functional requirement of the plant with the entire shifts focused at the sink level.
Open Access
Enhancement of in vitro propagation efficiency and induction of polyploidy in orchids
(College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2009) Priyakumari, I; KAU; Sabina, George T
Studies were conducted at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture and theDepartment of Plant Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2005 - 2008 to enhance the in vitro propagation efficiency and induction of polyploidy in orchids. Commercially important Dendrobium cultivars such as Rungnappa Red, Miss Snow White and Earsakul were selected for the present study. The effects of explant, plant growth regulators, basal culture medium and media supplements during various stages of in vitro propagation were studied. The effect of colchicine in inducing polyploidy under in vitro condition was also studied. Stem nodal explants from kiekies were identified as the best explant for the initial culture establishment of the selected Dendrobium cultivars. Varietal difference in response to plant growth regulators and media supplements was significant among the three cultivars. Half MS medium was found the best basal medium with respect to earliness in bud initiation as well as maximum number of shoots produced. Half MS medium supplemented with kinetin 2.0 mg l-1 + NAA 0.1 mg l-1 gave early bud initiation in cv. Rungnappa Red where as the combination of kinetin 1.0 mg l-1 + NAA 0.1 mg l-1 gave early bud initiation in cv. Miss Snow White. In cv. Earsakul, BA at 4.0 mg l-1 gave early bud initiation. In multiple shoot production stage, in cv. Rungnappa Red, BA 1.0 mg l-1 + NAA 0.1 - 0.5 mg l-1 gave maximum number of shoots. In cv. Miss Snow White maximum number of shoots were observed in BA 0.5 mg l-1 + NAA 0.5 mg l-1 and in cv. Earsakul maximum number of shoots were observed in kinetin 2.0 mg l-1 + NAA 0.1 mg l-1. CW at 200 ml l-1 was found superior with respect to early bud initiation and maximum shoot production in all the three varieties. CH at 1000 mg l-1 gave maximum shoot production in cv. Earsakul. Sucrose at 60.0 g l-1 recorded maximum number of shoots in cv. Rungnappa Red while sucrose at 30.0 g l-1 recorded maximum number of shoots in cv. Miss Snow White. Activated charcoal at 0.5 g l-1 was found beneficial in all the three varieties. The effective concentration of polyamine, spermine for maximum shoot production was at 1.0 mM, 0.5 mM and 1.0 mM in cvs. Rungnappa Red, Miss Snow White and Earsakul respectively. The effective concentration of polyamine, spermidine for maximum shoot production was at 1.0 mM in cvs. Rungnappa Red and Miss Snow White. The optimum concentration of steroid plant growth regulator 28- HBL, that gave maximum shoot numbers in cvs. Rungnappa Red, Miss Snow White and Earsakul were 0.5 mg l-1, 2.0 mg l-1 and 4.0 mg l-1 respectively. Early root initiation in cv. Rungnappa Red as well as in cv. Miss Snow White was observed at 0.5 mg l-1 IBA, and in cv. Earsakul, at 0.5 mg l-1 NAA. The planting out media comprising charcoal and brick pieces in equal proportion gave maximum survival rate in all the three varieties. Shoots regenerated from 0.1 % colchicine treated stem nodes of Miss. Snow White for 5 days were observed to have unusual morphology characterized by slow growing shoots with reduced internodes and thicker and greener leaves.
Open Access
Stimulation of growth and induction of variability in mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.)
(College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Manoj, P S; KAU; Sarah, T George
Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) is identified as a fruit crop deserving priority attention with a potential for increased acceptability. It is recognized as the ‘queen of tropical fruits’ due to its instant visual and taste appeal and has recently been popularized for its medicinal benefits. It yields profusely and fits very well as a component in the homesteads of Kerala. Almost all trees are female and variability is meagre. Its slow growth and long gestation period limit its commercialization. The present investigation on “Stimulation of growth and induction of variability in mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.)” was undertaken in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, during 2006 - 2009 with the objective of developing techniques for accelerating seedling growth in the nursery, reducing gestation period and inducing variability through mutation and polyploidy. The studies on different growing media and growth regulators on seedling growth in the nursery revealed that potting mixture containing vermicompost as organic component was the most superior medium in terms of all the growth and physiological parameters, foliar nutrient content and uptake of nutrients, followed by coir pith, poultry manure and well rotten cow dung. Use of vermicompost medium without any additional growth regulators was sufficient to accelerate seedling growth in the nursery. When coir pith compost, poultry manure or well rotten cow dung was used in the medium, growth regulators had specific effect. Along with coir pith compost, IAA 300 ppm, BA 200 ppm and BA 300 ppm were ideal, while IAA 150 ppm, IBA 150 ppm and BA 300 ppm were superior with poultry manure medium. In normal potting mixture using cow dung, IBA 450 ppm, BA 200 ppm and IBA 300 ppm showed superiority. With the use of suitable media and growth regulators, seedling growth can be accelerated in the nursery and transplanting stage can be attained much earlier. Evaluation of different growth promoting substances in normal potting mixture showed that foliar spray of nutrient solution 3:1:1 (NPK) – 0.50 % (50 ml per plant) and Azospirillum sp. (10 g per plant) applied at fortnightly interval were the superior treatments with respect to all the growth parameters. In two year old grafted plants in the main field, a combination of GA 200 ppm + BA 100 ppm as bud application was the best with respect to majority of growth parameters, followed by GA 100 ppm + BA 100 ppm and GA 100 ppm. These growth regulators can successfully be used in early stages for promoting growth. In five year old juvenile orchard trees also GA and BA combinations, namely, GA 200 ppm + BA 100 ppm, GA 100 ppm + BA 100 ppm and GA 100 ppm + BA 200 ppm were the best treatments in accelerating growth and improving flushing. For the induction of flowering, soil drenching of paclobutrazol 2.0 g a.i. per tree, and bud application of GA 200 ppm + BA 100 ppm and GA 200 ppm + BA 200 ppm were superior and equally effective. For improving yield and yield attributes, paclobutrazol 2.0 g a.i. per tree was the most superior, followed by GA 100 ppm + BA 100 ppm and GA 200 ppm. Incidence of gamboge was minimum in paclobutrazol treatments, compared to GA, BA combinations. Among the various rootstocks tried, mangosteen was most compatible with its own rootstock where as all other rootstocks showed varying degrees of incompatibility. On comparing the growth of softwood grafts with seedlings, the latter showed faster rate of growth. Seedling growth could also be promoted by the use of nurse stocks. Large-scale multiplication of planting materials could be achieved through rooting of softwood cuttings from juvenile shoots of mangosteen. Seeds exposed to 5 Gy to 50 Gy gamma radiation showed wide variation in germination. Beyond 30 Gy, seeds failed to germinate. Seedlings from 30 Gy dose showed stunted growth indicating a possible genetic variation. Irradiation of scions with 5 Gy to 50 Gy had an adverse effect on days required for sprouting of scions, percentage of sprouting and final graft success. All the irradiated scions showed stunted growth even after one year. Two seedlings treated with colchicine at 3.0 and 3.5 per cent in the apical bud showed vigorous growth and distinct variation in growth characteristics. Five mangosteen seedlings with induced variations selected from irradiation and colchicine treatments were subjected to RAPD analysis. Clustering of five variants based on dendrogram separated the genotypes into two groups. Clustering pattern indicated that seed irradiation with 25 Gy and 30 Gy gamma rays and bud application of colchicine 3.5 per cent were effective in inducing variation in genomic DNA of mangosteen.
Open Access
Regulation of growth and flowering in dendrobium var. Sonia 17
(Kerala Agricultural University; Thrissur, 2000) Swapna, S.; KAU; Rajeevan, P.K.
Open Access
Fruit development, postharvest handling and product development studies in red banana (musa AAA group)
(Kerala Agricultural University; Thiruvananthapuram, 2005) Geetha Lakshmi, P R; KAU; Joshua, Philipose

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