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199724
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Subject: Horticulture × End date: 1997 × Start date: 1997 × Type: Thesis × Thesis Type: M.Sc ×
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Now showing 1 - 9 of 24
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Standardisation of propagation techniques in schefflera
    (Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1997) Sunitha Anne, Mathew; KAU; Murali, T P
    The study was carried out at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, Vellanikkara and Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy from March 1994 to February 1996 to standardise the propagation techniques in schefflera arboricola). Schefflera, a member of the botanical family, Araliaceae is valued for its ornamental foliage. Not much information is available in the literature on agro techniques for the commercialization of this important foliage plant. Hence, the present study “Standardisation of propagation techniques in schefflera” has great relevance. In both ‘green’ and ‘variegated’ type of schefflera, double noded cuttings performed better than single noded cuttings. The number and quality of roots produced were improved with growth regulator treatments and the prolonged dip method was found to be the best in both ‘green’ and ‘variegated’ type of schefflera. The best growth regulator and its optimum concentration for rooting of cuttings in ‘variegated’ type was IBA at 200 mg 1-1 whereas in ‘green’ type, NAA at 50 mg 1-1 was found to be an effective treatment. Percentage success in rooting of cuttings depended on the growth regulator employed. In ‘variegated’ type of schefflera the percentage success obtained in rooting of double noded and single noded cuttings could be improved with IBA treatment and in ‘green’ type, NAA treatment was found to be beneficial. In layering also growth regulator treatment was found to be beneficial. In ‘variegated’ type NAA at 50 mg 1-1 produced maximum rooting whereas in ‘green’ type NAA at 200 mg 1-1 produced longer and stouter roots. The media used and the method of wounding adopted in layering were found to have significant influence on rooting behaviour. Girdling was found to be more effective compared to slanting slit method. The best media were sphagnum moss and sawdust in ‘variegated’ type whereas in ‘green’ type, sawdust was the best medium. Percentage success in rooting of layers depended on the growth regulator, media and type of wounding method employed. The percentage success obtained in rooting of layers (‘variegated’ and ‘green’) could be improved with an NAA treatment, using sawdust as the medium and girdling as the wounding method. A comparison of the methods of propagation revealed that in schefflera cuttings could be adopted as reliable and successful propagation method to produce large number of plants in a short time from limited amount of planting materials. In micropropagation, callus was formed from immature and young leaves and the callus production was good with 2, 4-D at 1-2 mg 1-1 and NAA at 10-12 mg 1-1 but the calli did not respond to caulogenesis. In direct organogenesis, axillary bud break from nodal explants was noticed in MS medium with BAP at 0.5 mg 1-1 and the shoot growth was the best with BAP at 5 mg 1-1. The in vitro developed shoots were rooted in the medium supplemented with NAA at 3 mg 1-1 IBA at 0.3 mg 1-1. Further studies are needed to standardise a complete protocol for micropropagation of S. arboricola.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Cyto-morphological investigations in piper spp.
    (Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1997) Ambili, Anand; KAU; Sujatha, V S
    The study 'Cyto-morphological investigations in Piper spp.' was conducted in the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during the period from October 1994 to December 1996. The major objectives were to prepare morphological descriptors for the eight Piper spp. collected from different geographical areas and to conduct cytological investigations in these species. To prepare morphological descriptors for the eight species studied detailed morphological observations were recorded. Based on the salient observations on morphology brief descriptions of the eight Piper spp. were made. The eight species of Piper studied were analysed for the similarities and differences in their morphological characters to find out the relationship among the species. Based on morphological comparisons, a key for identification of species has been proposed. The procedure for mitotic studies in Piper spp. was standardised. The roots were collected between 11.15 a.m. and 12.15 p.m. and pre-treated in 8- hydroxyquinoline for two to three hours at 40 C. The pre-treated roots were fixed in Carnoy's A or Carnoy's B for one or two days. The material was then hydrolysed in 1 N hydrochloric acid in a water bath maintained at a temperature of 600C for fifteen minutes. The roots were then stained in 0.5% acetoorcein for 45 minutes. After that slide preparations were made and examined for the presence of mitotic chromosomes. Microphotographs were taken and good slides were made permanent. Chromosome number of 32, 52, 32, 32, 24, 26, 32, 52 and 52 were observed in P. argyrophyllum, P. attenuatum, P. bababudani, P. betle, P. chaba, P. colubrinum, P. longum, P. nigrum (Panniyur-I) and P. nigrum (wild) respectively: Except for the South American species, P. colubrinum, all the species studied possessed chromosomes in multiples of four suggesting a basic number of four for the Indian Piper.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    In vitro response and cause of recalcitarancy in coconut
    (Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1997) Chandralekha, K; KAU; Rajendran, P C
    A study was undertaken in the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, during 1995 to 1997 to find out the in vitro response and causes of recalcitrancy in coconut (Cocos nucifera L.). Young palms of 0 x T parentage were used as source of explants in the present study. Direct and indirect organogenesis and embryogenesis were tried in various explants like zygotic embryo, immature inflorescence rachillae, anther and tender leaves. Coconut tissues usually turn brown under in vitro condition due to polyphenol interference. Addition of 0.25 per cent activated charcoal reduced the phenolic exudation effectively and was found superior to the addition of ascorbic acid or polyvinyl pyrrolidone. The phenolic exudation was considerably reduced under dark condition. Y 3 medium was found to be superior for zygotic embryo culture and growth of inflorescence tissues whereas, Blaydes medium was found suitable for anther culture. Y3 medium supplemented with 2.0 mg -1 NAA and 1.0 mg -1 kinetin was found the best for zygotic embryo culture. Immature zygotic embryos produced friable, nodular callus with higher embryogenic potential. White globular structures were produced when concentration of 2,4-0 was gradually reduced but regeneration was not obtained. Immature inflorescence rachillae explants produced friable callus when high levels of 2,4-0 was supplemented. Callusing was observed from microspores when L-glutamine 500 mg 1-1,2,4-02 mg l-1, coconut water 15 per cent v/v and 9 per cent sucrose were added to the Blaydes medium. But repeat- ability of callus induction was not obtained. Total phenol content, polyphenol oxidase activity and protein content were different in different plant parts and these factors indirectly affected the response of tissues under in vitro condition. Coconut is admittedly a recalcitrant material as far as tissue culture is concerned. Hence much more concerted efforts are required to develop a viable protocol for the micropropagation of coconut (Cocos nucifera) L. Nevertheless, the above mentioned observations on biochemical attributes points, in part, to the possible factors related to the recalcitrant behaviour of coconut in vitro.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Effect of NPK and frequency of cuttings on yield and quality in amaranthus tricolor L.
    (Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1997) Deepa, Sukumar; KAU; Rajan, S
    An experiment entitled "Effect of NPK and frequency of cuttings on yield and quality in Amaranthus tricolor L." was conducted at the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during the period from October, 1995 to June, 1996 to study the effect of N PK and frequency of cuttings on yield and quality in amaranth variety Arun. The experiment was laid out in a (33 + 1)3 partially confounded factorial design with two replications. The NPK levels (N 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1 ; P 50, 75 and 100 kg ha-1; K 50,75 and 100 kg ha-1) and cuttings (C0 - no vegetable harvest, C1 - one veget- able harvest and C2 - two vegetable harvests) had a significant impact on various growth, yield and quality characters. The plant height and the green yield increased with increasing levels of NPK. But the extent of increase was more with respect to nitrogen application. Application of nitrogen and phosphorus brought out significant decrease in the oxalate content (from 7.3% - 4.84%) upto the highest level tried (N 150 kg ha -1 and P 100 kg ha-I). But, potassium application increased the oxalate content significantly (from 5.7% to 6.44%). A clear cut increase in nitrate accumulation (from 0.17 % to 0.74%) was noticed with increasing levels of nitrogen. Nitrate accumulation was not significantly affected by phosphorus levels. In the case of potassium also there was a significant increase in nitrate content (from 0.17 % to 0.67%) though the extent of increase was less when compared to that of nitrogen application. The seed yield increased significantly due to increasing levels of all the three nutrients and plants with no vegetable harvest recorded the highest seed yield (1073 kg ha-1). Neither the nutrients nor the cuttings had significant effect on seed germination and seedling vigour. There was a significant increase in benefit-cost ratio with increasing levels of all the three nutrients. Plants from which one cutting was taken recorded the maximum benefit-cost ratio (2.35). So the optimum number of vegetable cuttings that can be taken from a seed crop so as to get maximum net return was found to be one. After taking one vegetable harvest (30 DAP) the crop should be left for seed production.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Bunch stalk feeding of urea in banana musa (AAB group) Nendran
    (Department of Pomology and Horticulture,College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 1997) Ancy, T K; KAU; Sajan Kurien
    The experiment entitled "Bunch stalk feeding of urea in banana Musa (AAB group) "Nendran'" was carried out at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, Vellanikkara during the period of 1996 June to 1997 June with five preliminary and two main experiments. The major objectives of this research was to study the effect of bunch management practices like male bud pruning and urea feeding in banana on yield and quality attributes and also the metabolism of urea in the fruit. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomised Design with two replications. The preliminary experiments had undoubtedly, proved the fact that, pruning the male bud at a distance of 20 cm from the last hand improve the bunch characters and yield. Urea feeding through the cut and of bunch stalk also had its impact on getting maximum return with minimum inputs. Placement of an optimum dose of 30g urea at the cut stalk end, 3 weeks after the complete emergence of the bunch by adopting the flat cut method increased yields. A higher dose, greater than 50g resulted in negative effects on the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the bunch as well as fingers. The main experiments on bunch stalk feeding, also reinforced the superiority of 30g placements at 2nd and 4th week after the emergence of bunch, after female phase recording an yield increment of 4.4 kg over the control. Urea spray, with a spray volume of 250 ml, at 5% concentration, 2 times on a bunch i.e., 3rd and 5th week and also at 3rd and 4th week recorded an yield increment of 3-3.5 kg, compared to the control. Higher doses and more frequency of urea spray resulted in a retearding effect on bunch development. Bunch feeding with urea did not reduce the quality significantly. But a slight increase in acidity and reduction in sugar content and TSS were noticed. The urease activity and molecular absorption of urea studies, to a great extent explain the metabolism of urea feeding in banana fruits. However, the rapidly expanding direct application of urea as a fertilizer and results generated in the study points to a re-evaluation of the existing methods, the role of this compound and the manner of its application and assimilation.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Selection of Superior types of Kaliethan [(Musa AAB Group) Nendran]
    (Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture,vellayani, 1997) Sunilkumar, K; Jayachandran Nair, C S
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Vegetative and floral characters of gladiolus friendship as influenced by corm size and growth substances
    (Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1997) Vidya, Gopinath; KAU; Parameswaran, N K
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Standardisation of in vitro techniques for rapid multiplication of Trichopus zeylanicus Gaertn
    (Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1997) Seema, B J; KAU; Keshavachandran, R
    Studies were conducted on standardisation of in vitro techniques for rapid multiplication of Trichopus zeylanicus Gaertn at the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory of the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1995-1997. Surface sterilization was standardised for different explants. Treatment with 0.1 per cent mercuric choloride for 5 min was found to be the best for all the explants. Explants collected during January to April showed lower contamination and maximum survival. Soaking seeds in water for one hour was found to reduce the number of days for germination but lower germination percentage. Young, purple shoots were observed to show maximum establishment and growth. Establishment percentage and maximum number of buds was observed to be highest in SH media supplemented with BA compared to 2iP and KIN. Also exposure to light was favourable for better establishment of buds. Proliferation rate was higher at higher concentration of BA but shoot development was better at lower concentration of BA. Addition of adenine sulfate increased the proliferation rate of buds and development of shoots but supplements like yeast extract and casein hydrolysate were not effective in promoting shoot growth. Tender leaf and petiole explants were found to respond better than mature explants and percentage of callus initiation and callus index was higher in combinations of NAA and 2,4-D with BA. Direct organogenesis was observed in 1/2 MS supplemented with BA and NAA. Regeneration of healthy and longer shoots were obtained in MS medium supplemented with KIN. Somatic embryogenesis was observed in media containing BA and BA + coconut water, and embryoid germination was obtained in MS medium. Maximum rooting was obtained by culturing shoots in media containing brassinolide for one week and thereafter transfer to IBA. Earlier rooting was obtained in liquid medium. Keeping in 1/2 MS with reduced sucrose and increased light intensity in the culture room for two weeks before transfer to hardening unit resulted in better survival of plantlets.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Impact of trading companies jointly sponsored by rubber board and rubber producers societies on growers in Kottayam and Thrissur districts
    (Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1997) Radhakrishnan, T P; KAU; Prasannakumari Amma, S
    The impact of trading companies on growers in Kottayam and Thrissur districts was studied. The activities of both the companies include centralised marketing of rubber sheet/ latex and centralised purchase and distribution of estate inputs in order to get maximum ben- efits to growers. . The study revealed that the performance of M/s. Manimalayar Rubbers (P) Ltd. was comparative I y better when compared to M/s. Vallathol Rubbers (P) Ltd. The growers of both companies got reasonable price for their produce (field latex or sheet). Both the companies had distributed estate inputs to growers at a reasonably lower price when compared to the open market. Both the companies could make arrangements to supply the estate inputs at the door steps of RPSs without additional charge. Both the companies participated along with Rubber Board officials in the dessemination of scientific knowledge of cultivation. The major limitations found in the functioning of the, RPSs were (1) they do not own building and (2) non co-operation among members. Major suggestions to improve the activities of the company included (1) starting sheet trading and (2) starting rubber based industry or processing unit. The studies indicated that the following suggestions are to be taken to improve the functioning of the companies (1) increasing the paid up share capital (2) taking initative to start either rubber based industry based on mother unit concept or a processing unit or making good quality sheets (3) centralized I region wise bulk purchasing of all estate inputs.