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Open Access
Economising planting material in ginger (zingiber officinale R.) using mini-seed rhizome
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1995) Nizam, S R; KAU; Jayachandran, B K
An experiment was conducted at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the year 1993-1994 to explore the possibility of reducing the size of planting material in ginger using mini-seed rhizomes. The field experiments were laid out in a split plot design with four varieties (Kuruppampady, Maran, Nedumangadu and Rio-de-Janeiro) and three rhizome sizes (5,10and 15g) replicated four times both under open and intercropped conditions. The pot culture study to standardize a soaking treatment for ginger rhizomes revealed that “soaking rhizomes in water for 24 hours, 10 days prior to planting”, to be the best treatment. Increasing the size of rhizomes resulted in increased sprouting percentage. Under open and intercropped conditions, rhizomes weighing 15g recorded the highest sprouting. Size of seed rhizomes influenced the growth parameters namely, plant height, number of tillers and number of leaves per plant, LAI, DMP, NAR, CGR, BR, HI, UI and top yield. It is seen that the performance of plants raised from 10 and 15g with respect to growth parameters were not significantly different. Green ginger yield increased with increasing rhizome size both under open and intercropped condition. Plant raised from rhizomes weighing 5g recorded the smallest yield and was inferior to other treatments. Plants from rhizomes weighing 15g recorded the highest green ginger yield. The difference in yield between plants obtained from 10 and 15g was marginal and statistically insignificant. Plants raised from rhizomes weighing 10 and 15g gave higher dry ginger yields in all the four varieties compared to plants from 5g. However, the difference in yield between plants raised from 10 and 15g rhizome bits were insignificant. The size of rhizomes did not cause difference in quality components like volatile oil and starch in all varieties but it induced small variations in NVEE and crude fibre. The study suggested that the size of rhizomes, varieties and shade influenced the growth, yield and quality of ginger. Throughout the crop period the plants raised from 10 and 15g gave similar performance. Green ginger and dry ginger yield obtained from 10 and 15g rhizome bits were statistically on par under open and intercropped conditions. The study revealed the possibilities of reducing the seed size from 15 to 10g. The cost benefit analysis indicated that use of mini-seed rhizome, weighing 10g, is more profitable under shade. Using a smaller seed size will also help to contribute more produce to the market.
Open Access
Evaluation of F1 hybrids in snakegourd
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1995) Sudevkumar, V; KAU; Rajan, S
An investigation on “Evaluation of F1 hybrids in Snakegourd” was conducted at College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, during 1992 – 1994. Ten F1 hybrids were evaluated along with their parents and a standard check variety TA – 19 for two seasons. Heterosis was estimated in different seasons for different characters like days to first male flower anthesis, days to first female flower opening, days to first fruit picking maturity, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, yield per plant, fruit length, fruit girth, flesh thickness, number of seeds per fruit, hundred seed weight, seed weight/fruit, total crop duration, fruit fly incidence, crude fibre content of fruit, crude protein content of fruit and ash content of fruit. The heterotic behaviour of all the ten hybrids was studied for season 1, season 11 and pooled over seasons for each character. Heterosis was estimated in terms of relative heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard beterosis. Cost of production of F1 seeds of snakegourd was also worked out. All the ten hybrids recorded significant heterosis in terms of relative heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis for characters like days to first male flower opening, days to first female flower opening, days to first fruit picking maturity, number of fruits/plant and total yield/plant in both the seasons. The number of days taken for flower opening, fruit picking maturity as well as the total crop duration were found to be lower in second season (summer). Seasonal variation was significant in number of days taken to first fruit picking maturity, total yield, number of seeds/fruit, seed weight/fruit and total crop duration. The hybrids which exhibited high heterosis for yield in terms of relative heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis were P4 x P3 (146.05%, 128.03% and 71.00% respectively), DFH 15 x DfH 58 (124.27%, 124.24% and 67.36% respectively) and P13 x P4 (113.10%, 110.83% and 61.57% respectively). The per se performance for yield was high for P4 x P3 (13.02 kg), DFH 15 x DFH 58 (12.75 kg), P13 x P4 (12.31 kg) and P9 x P5 (12.24 kg). Earliness for 6-8 days was also manifested by P4 x P3, DFH 15 x DFH 58 and P9 x p5. The time taken for production of one kg of F1 hybrid seed was 10.29 hours for preparatory operations and crossing work and the cost incurred was Rs. 103/kg of seed.
Open Access
Regulation of leaf pruning to optimise leaf and bunch harvest in musa (AB Group) njalipoovan and (AAB Group) palayankodan
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1995) Bindu, C S; KAU; Jayachandran Nair, C S
The investigation on Regulation of leaf pruning to optimise leaf and bunch harvest in Musa (AB group) Njalipoovan and (AAB group) Palayankodan was conducted at the Department of Horticulture College of Agriculture Vellayani Thiruvananthapuram during 1993 94 in order to study the effect of leaf pruning on growth yield and fruit quality of Njalipoovan and Palayankodan bananas Studies revealed that the plant height in Njalipoovan was comparatively less affected by leaf pruning than Palayankodan Plant height in both the varieties was higher with less severe pruning treatments The plant girth total number of leaves per plant and phylachron were not influenced by the leaf pruning regimes imposed Leaf longevity increased slightly with the severity of pruning Njalipoovan responded more to leaf pruning than Palayankodan with regard to leaf longevity The functional leaf area leaf area index and leaf area duration decreased significantly with the severity of leaf pruning in both the cultivars Leaf pruning after 15 days of unfurling less adversely affected the relative growth rate in both the cultivars The time taken for bunch emergence increased and the time taken for bunch maturity decreased when the extent of lamina removed was more or the period of retention was short in both Njalipoovan and Palayankodan The crop duration in Njalipoovan decreased when the period of retention of leaves was longer The sucker production and dry matter production in both the cultivars were higher with lesser severity of pruning The bunch characters of Njalipoovan were less adversely affected by the leaf pruning treatments imposed than Palayankodan The number of hands fingers bunch weight and yield per hectare in both the cultivars decreased with the increase m the severity of pruning The finger length finger girth finger weight peel weight pulp weight and pulp/peel ratio of the fruits were also adversely affected by severe pruning treatments Abnormalities in fruit shape and fruit filling were observed as a result of the leaf pruning treatments in Palayankodan The fruit quality of cv Palayankodan was more affected by severe pruning than that of cv Njalipoovan In both the cultivars severe pruning treatments resulted in decreased quality m terms of TSS reducing sugars total sugars and sugar/acid ratio The acidity of the fruits was not significantly affected in Njalipoovan The non reducing sugar content and the green life of the fruits decreased with Increase m the extent of leaf area removed but the time of pruning had no significant influence on these characters The content of major nutrients in the plant parts decreased with the increase m the severity of leaf pruning The cost of cultivation was higher in the treated plants The returns from fruits and the total returns per hectare was highest m the control plants The net returns was higher in Njalipoovan compared to ‘Palayankodan The studies thus indicated that in general leaf pruning was not a desirable practice from the economic point of view in Njalipoovan and Palayankodan However the loss of lamina upto 50 per cent after 30 days of unfurling had less deleterious effects compared to more severe loss of leaf area Njalipoovan exhibited more ability to withstand the adverse effects of leaf pruning than Palayankodan
Open Access
Variability and hetrosis in green fruited brinjal
(Department of Olericulture, College of horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1995) Sathya Varma, P C; KAU; Nirmala Devi, S
The present investigation on “Variability and heterosis in green fruited brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)”was conducted at the Vegetable Research Farm, College of Horticulture, Thrissur during 1992 – 94. Twenty three genotypes of brinjal collected from different parts of the country were grown in a randomised block design with two replications to assess the extent of genetic variability for fifteen characters viz., plant height, plant spread, number of primary branches per plant, days to first flowering, number of flowers per cluster, days to first fruit set, days to first harvest, average fruit weight, total fruits per plant, percentage of productive flowers, fruiting period and fruit yield per plant. The genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, heritability, genetic advance and genetic gain were estimated. Correlation studies and path coefficient analysis were conducted to study the association among yield and its component characters and to estimate the direct and indirect effects of component characters on yield. Based on genetic divergence the 23 genotypes were grouped into five clusters. Seven superior genotypes were selected from these clusters based on their field performance and bacterial wilt resistance. The seven genotypes were crossed in a 7 x 7 diallel pattern to get 21 F1 hybrides. These F1 hybrids were evaluated along with their parents to derive information on general and specific combining ability and heterosis. Significant variation was observed among the genotypes for all the 12 characters studied, indicating scope for improvement. High heritability along with high genetic advance was observed for the characters fruit yield per plant, total fruits per plant, average fruit weight and percentage of productive flowers, indicating the action of additive genes. From the correlation studies, it was observed that yield had positive significant correlation with total fruits per plant, fruiting period, average fruit weight and number of flowers per cluster and negative significant correlation with days to first flowering, fruit set and harvest. Path coefficient analysis revealed that the character total fruits per plant had the maximum direct effect on yield. From the combining ability analysis it was noticed that the parental lines SM 247, SM 246 and SM 6 – 6 were good combiners for yield. The best combination for yield was SM 246 x SM 262 and that for earliness was SM 6 – 6 x SM 141. Significant heterosis was observed in many of the hybrids for most of the characters. SM 141 x SM 262 was the hybrid showing significant positive heterosis for plant height, plant spread, number of primary branches, average fruit weight and fruit yield per plant. Similarly SM 6 – 6 x SM 141 was the earliest hybrid to flower, set fruits and be harvested. This also showed the lowest percentage of bacterial wilt incidence. Another hybrid which showed significant heterosis for total fruits per plant, fruit yield and percentage of wilt incidence was SM 6 – 6 x SM 197. The study of heterosis thus revealed that the three hybrids viz., SM 141 x SM 262, SM 6 – 6 x SM 141 and SM 6 – 6 x SM 197 are promising combinations showing superiority in most of the economic characters considered for the study.
Open Access
Optimising in vitro somatic embryogenesis in polyembryonic mango (Mangifera indica L.) varieties
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1995) Bindu, C P; KAU; Rajmohan, K
Studies were conducted to optimise the in vitro propagation techniques via somatic embryogenesis in polyembryonic mango varieties (Vellari, Kalluvarikka, Thalimanga, Kilichundan, Pulichi and Varikka) of Kerala, during 1993-1994 at the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. Culture media and conditions could be standardised for the first two stages of somatic embryogenesis, namely induction and initiation. However, attempts for inducing normal maturation and germination of the embryoids were not so successfu I . Five out of the six varieties of mango (except Ki I ichundan) responded to the induct ion treatments for somatic embryogenesis. Kalluvarikka recorded the highest per cent cultures (87.50) initiating somatic embryoids from the nucellar tissue. Puliehi was observed to initiate the highest per cent eultures (91.66) initiating somatic embryoids from embryo mass cultured. Somatic embryoids were induced and initiated from nucellus as well as embryo mass. From the nucellus, the embryoids were produced directly, without any intervening callus. The embryo mass gave rise to emb r y og e n i c ca I I us, multiple embryos or zygotic embryos. The somatic embryoids from nucellar tissue were best induced when cultured in darkness on half strength Murashige and Skooge basal medium supplemented with 2,4-D 5.0 mg/l, GA3 5.0 mg/l, glutamine 400.0 mgll, sucrose 60.0 g/l, coconut water 200.0 mIll, agar 6.0 g/l and activated charcoal 2.5 g/l. Somatic embryoids from nucellar tissue were found to be initiated in 55.50 per cent cultures on half strength Murashige and Skoog basal medium supplemented with 2,4-D 5.0 mg/l, BA 0.05 mg/l, glutamine 400.0 mg/l, casein hydrolysate 500.0 mg/l, sucrose 60.0 g/l, coconut water 200.0 mill, agar 6.0 g/l and activated charcoal 2.5 g/l. Darkness was essential for the initiation. Ambient temperature and in the culture room temperature (26°C) were equally effective for the initiation. Abscisic acid was tried, among other treatments, for inducing proper maturation of the somatic embryoids initiated from nucellar tissue. The maximum size of the embryoids was observed on half strength Murashige and Skoog basal medium supplemented with ABA 16.0 uM, casein hydrolysate 100.0 mgll, sucrose 40.0 gll, coconut water 200.0 mIll, agar 6.0 g/l and activated charcoal 2.5 g/l. the embryoids was not influenced by light. Size of Attempts for inducing normal germination of the somatic embryoids from the maturation medium were made using treatments involving plant growth substances (BA, 2iP, GA 3 and NAA), factors known to impart osmotic stress (Polyethelene glycol and high concentrations of sucrose and a g a r) , sodium butyrate, known to influence histone deacetylation, and activated charcoal, capable of absorbing inhibitors. However, the treatments were not very useful in inducing normal germination of the embryoids.
Open Access
Standardization of dehydration techniques in anachunda (Solanum torvum Swartz.) black nightshade (Solanum nigrum Linn.) and lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.)
(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1995) Kuriakose, K J; KAU; Raju, V K
The present investigation on the standardization of dehydration techniques in ‘anachunda’ (Solanum torvum Swartz.) black nightshade (Solanum nigrum Linn.) and lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) was conducted in the Processing Unit and Analytical Laboratory of Department of Processing Technology and in the Laboratory of the Biochemistry Division, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala during September 1993 to February 1995. The experiments were laid out in completely randomized design with three replications. Study on standardization of dehydration technique revealed that the superior pretreatments for S.torvum were 0.5 per cent KMS at 850C for three minutes and four per cent brine at 850C for three minutes. It was followed by four per cent brine + 0.5 per cent KMS at 850C for three minutes. In S. nigrum the superior pretreatments were one per cent citric acid 850C for three minutes and four per cent brine + 0.5 per cent KMS at 850C for three minutes. It was followed by four per cent brine at 850C. The superior pretreatments for N. nucifera were four per cent brine + 0.5 per cent KMS at 850C for three minutes followed by 0.5 per cent KMS at 850C for three minutes and one per cent citric acid at 850C for three minutes. Thus the superior pretreatment was four per cent brine + 0.5 per cent KMS at 850C for three minutes on an overall basis. It was followed by 0.5 per cent KMS at 850C for three minutes, one per cent citric acid at 850C three minutes and four per cent brine at 850C for three minutes. The experiment also revealed that microwave dehydration was significantly superior to dehydration in cabinet dryer and sundrying with respect to retention of colour and nutritional qualities. Packaging and storage studies revealed that the dehydrated products with an initial moisture content of 7 + 1 per cent could be stored upto six months without significant deterioration in colour, texture and consumer acceptability. The moisture uptake was not significantly different between the four packages under study viz., polyethylene 80 gauge, polyethylene 100 gauge polyethylene, polyethylene 150 gauge, polyethylene 200 gauge. In economic terms polypropylene 80 gauge bags was found to be the cheapest. The experiment on sensory evaluation of hot oil fried products revealed that on an overall basis the treatments viz., four per cent brine + one per cent citric acid at 850C for three minutes, four per cent brine + 0.5 per cent KMS at 850C for three minutes and 0.5 per cent KMS at 850C for three minutes were significantly superior for getting products with better taste, colour and overall acceptability. It was also found that microwave oven dehydrated products scored better for taste, colour and overall acceptability. The investigations also indicated that tremendous potential exist for exploitation of microwave dehydration technology for the dehydration of vegetables.
Open Access
Isoenzyme variation in Piper spp.
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1995) Abraham, Sebastian; KAU; Sujatha, V S
The study on “Isoenyme variation in piper spp. Was conducted in the Department of plantation Crops and Spices , college of Horticulture , Vellanikkara , Thrissur from June 1993 to December 1994. Material included 11 species of the genus piper including piper nigrum linn . Maximum accessions available in each species 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 stem, root and different maturity stages of leaf. Root was selected for peroxidase and tender leaf was selected for esterase and GOT in all species except in p.attenuatum Buch –Ham and P.betle Linn. Where for GOT root was selected. Isoenzyme pattern of 26 varieties of p.nigrum were compared for peroxidase esterase and GOT. When all the three enzymes are taken in to account maximum similarity of ‘one’ was observed between Kottanadan and Ceylon and also among Perumunda, Malligesera and Nilgiri-4. On grouping the 11 species of piper based on isoenzyme similarity p. nigrumLinn., p. pseudonigrum Velayudhan and Amalraj, p. bababudani Rahiman and p.galeatum DC formed one group, p.argyrophyllum Mig. And p.attenuatum Buch-Ham second group and p. chaba Hunter, p. hapnium Miq. And p.colubrinum Link . third group.p. betle Linn. And p.longrum Linn. Showed their distrinctiness from the rest of the species. Least similarity was observed between p.colubrinum on one side and p.pseudonigrum and p.bababudani on the other side (similarity index 0.0512)
Open Access
Effect of physiological pre-conditioning of explants and explant sources of Myristica fragrans Houtt. on INVIIRO culture establishment and growth
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1995) Geetha, S; KAU; Reghunath, B R
The present study was conducted to standardise pre – treatments to induce large number of orthotropic shoots and to enhance the in vitro response of explants taken from nutmeg threes by standardising suitable basal media and by incorporating suitable growth hormones. Among the various physical methods of mother tree pre – treatments tried, pruning and pruning followed by etiolation induced four orthotropic shoots each. Pre – treating explant sources (parent trees) with BAP and kinetin each at 500 mg/1 and 1000 mg/1 induced 12 orthotropic shoots per tree. However, the in vitro response of all these newly induced shoots were more or less similar, except those taken from 50 mg/1 and 100 mg/1 of Ga3 infused parent trees. Surface sterilisation of the explants with – 0.1 per cent mercuric chloride for 10 minutes and addition of 0.01 per cent of a Carbendazim based fungicide in the culture medium helped to increase the rate of contamination free cultures. Pre – treating the shoot tips with 2 per cent sugar and 0.7 per cent PVP gave significantly superior results in eliminating phenolic interference. Pre – treating the shoot tip explants with CH at 500 mg/1 for 10 minutes gave significantly superior results in the culture establishment of nutmeg explants. The results also revealed the significantly superior influence of seedling explants over mature tree explants. Among the various basal media tried, AM at half strength of major nutrients and full strength of minor nutrients was found to be the best with a hormonal combination of BAP, NAA and 2, 4 – Dat 2 mg/1, 1 mg/1 and 0.5 mg/1 respectively, giving 67 per cent culture establishment. Phloroglucinol (40 mg/1) in combination with IBA (2 mg/1)gave significantly superior results in the induction of roots in established shoot tip cultures.
Open Access
Floral biology and compatibility studies in dendrobium
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1995) Susan, Varghese; KAU; Sadhankumar, P G
The investigation on ‘Floral biology and compatibility studies in Dendrobium’ was carried out in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, during the years 1993 to 1995. Dendrobium hybrids selected for the study included New Pink, Hieng Beauty, Emma White, Sonia 28 Mutant B, Kasem White, (Kiomi Beauty x Banyat Pink), (Hawaiian Beauty x Kasem Pink), Sonia, Sonia # 28 and White Nern. The flowers presented an array of colours, ranging from creamy white to deep purple and with a beautiful blend of the two. Anthesis occurred between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm with peaks between 9.00 and 10.00 am and also 3.00 and 4.00 pm. Maximum stigma receptivity was observed between four to six days after anthesis. Pollen grains were found agglutinated in masses called pollinia. The pollen output per pollinia ranged from 38,282 to 1,93,750 and the fertility percentage varied between 4.42 and 73.98 among the different hybrids. Best pollen germination was obtained in a medium comprising two per cent sucrose and one per cent agar. The medium supplemented with 75 ppm boric acid was the best for pollen tube elongation. Pollen viability was retained for the longest period when stored at 40 C. High rate of self and cross incompatibility is encountered in Dendrobium. Hybrids New Pink, Emma White and (Kiomi Beauty x Banyat Pink) were self compatible. From hybridization studies it was evident that Hieng Beauty, Emma White and White nern were best suited as female parents while, New Pink and (Hawaiian Beauty x Kasem Pink) were better male parents. The hybrids Kasem White and (Kiomi Beauty x Banyat Pink) were suitable as both male and female parents. In the compatible crosses ovary swelled and developed into a pod. It matured in 85-110 days after pollination. Their germination frequency and the subsequent morphogenetic changes leading to seedling development was influenced by the hybrids involved, maturity of the pod and media used. Seedlings showed the best response in ½ MS medium supplemented with 2 ppm NAA, 2 ppm 2, 4-D, 5 ppm BA and 1 g peptone. Planting out of mature well developed seedlings (270 days after in vitro planting) in coconut husk pieces was found to be for ex vitro establishment.

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