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Open Access
Optimization of shade, nutrients and growth regulators for cut-flower production in anthurium
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1997) Salvy, B R; KAU; Valsalakumari, P K
Experiments were conducted at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, during 1995-1997 to optimize the shade, nutrients and growth regulators for cut flower production in Anthurium andreanum var. 'Hawaiian Red'. The effects of three growth regulators, viz., GA, BA and Ethephon with two concentration each, 750 ppm and 1500 ppm, in combination with four nutrients, viz., 1 % fertilizer complex, Hoagland solution, Knop's solution and Ohio solution, were assessed at four levels of shade, viz., 80, 70, 60 and 50 per cent. Post harvest studies were also carried out with an objective to prolong the longevity of cut blooms, following different stage of harvest and giving different pulsing and hold- ing treatments. Results revealed that the different levels of shade and growth regulators significantly influenced all the morphological characters of the plant, viz., height, spread, number of leaves, leaf area, petiole length, number of branches and suckers. Plant height was significantly superior under 80 per cent shade (5.68 cm), 1 per cent fertilizer complex sprays (5.46 cm) and BA 750 ppm sprays (6.11 cm), were superior individually. The superior treatment combination was 70 per cent shade + Knop's solution + 750 ppm BA (7.60 cm). The maximum plant spread (EW - 20.13 cm and NS - 19.80 cm) was under 80 per cent shade. Eighty per cent shade + Ohio solution + 1500 ppm BA recorded the maximum EW spread (26 cm), while NS spread was maximum (28.70 cm) in the treatment combination involving 80 per cent shade + 1 per cent fertilizer complex + 750 ppm BA. The best values of growth parameters were recorded under 80 per cent shade and 750 ppm BA, viz., 14.03 and 14.02, respectively, for number of leaves (9.29 and 10.79 cm, respectively) for petiole length, leaf length (7.76 and 8.33 cm, respectively), leaf breadth (5.93 cm and 6.49 cm, respectively), index leaf area (50.75 cm- and 59.60 cm-, respectively). Total leaf area (423.25 cm? and 517.56 cm>, respectively) and LAI (0.43 and 0.51, respectively) were maximum under 70 per cent shade and BA 750 ppm. The superior combinations for these parameters were 80 per cent shade + Ohio solution + 750 ppm BA, for highest number of leaves (26.20); 80 per cent shade + Ohio solution + 1500 ppm BA for highest petiole length (14.00 cm); 60 per cent shade + Hoagland solution + 750 ppm BA for maximum leaf length (10.50 cm) and 60 per cent shade + 1 per cent fertilizer complex + 750 ppm BA for maximum leaf breadth (8.0 cm). The treatment combination involving 70 per cent shade + 1500 ppm BA with Hoagland solution was the best for maximum index leaf area (90.90 cm-) while same with 1 per cent fertilizer complex was the best for total leaf area (872.00 cm-) and LAl (0.89). Branching started only after 6 months from the commencement of the experiment. It was one month earlier under 80 per cent and 70 per cent shade levels. Significantly superior branching was observed under 80 per cent shade (2.29), fertilizer complex (2.13) and GA 750 ppm (2.37), individually. Treatment combination involving 80 per cent shade + 1 per cent fertilizer complex + 1500 ppm GA recorded the maximum branching (3.80). .' . Sucker production was the best under 80 per cent shade (1.35) and 750 ppm BA (1.35). Treatment combination involving 80 per cent shade + Ohio solution + 750 ppm BA produced the maximum number of suckers (2.5) per plant. Growth behaviour with respect to height, number of leaves, leaf area, number of suckers and branches showed a linear trend. The linear growth rate was consistent and positive under the treatment combination of 80 per cent shade + Ohio solution + 750 ppm BA. Dry matter production was significantly superior under higher shade intensity and lower concentration of BA. The dry weight ratio of shoot:root was the highest (2.15) under the treatment combination of 80 per cent shade + Knop's solu- tion + 750 ppm Ethephon. Leaf longevity was significantly highest (161 days) in the treatment combination, 70 per cent shade + 1 per cent fertilizer complex + 750 ppm BA. Stomatal distribution and size were not influenced significantly by the treatments. Leaf senescence, though was influenced significantly, no particular trend was observed. The aerial root production decreased significantly with decrease in shade intensity. Primary and secondary roots and root spread were the highest under 80 per cent shade and BA 1500 ppm. Maximum root length was observed under 60 per cent shade. Flowering with small stalkless flowers was first observed under 50 per cent shade with GA 750 ppm, at the age of 8 months. Inflorescence with normal size were produced at the age of 13 months, first under 80 per cent shade followed by 70 per cent, 60 per cent and 50 per cent. The time taken for various stages of flower development and the number of inflorescence produced per plant were not influenced significantly. Chlorophyll content in leaf was significantly influenced by shade levels. There was a decrease in chlorophyll content with decrease in intensity of shade. Eighty per cent shade and 1500 ppm Ethephon was superior with respect to the content of green pigments. The highest total chlorophyll content was observed in the treatment combination involving 60 per cent shade + Ohio solution + 750 ppm Ethephon (8.8 mg g -1 fresh weight). Anthocyanin content was not influenced by any of the treatments or combinations. The leaf nutrient content and uptake of nutrients was maximum under 80 per cent shade and BA 750 ppm, individually. Post harvest studies showed that the right stage of harvest of inflorescence was when 1/3 flowers were open on the spadix. Inflorescence harvested at this stage with medium to large size spathe lasted for a longer period (23.33 days). Among the pulsing treatments, BA 50 ppm for 12 hrs, recorded maximum vase life (20.00 days). Among the different holding solutions tried, 8-HQ 30 ppm, BA 20 ppm and Triadimefon 30 ppm recorded the optimum values of PL W, uptake of vase solution, change in pH and EC, and recorded late spathe blueing, late spadix necrosis and high gloss retention. Highest vase life period (27.00 days) was recorded in 8-HQ 30 ppm (25.00 days) and Triadimefon 30 ppm (25.00 days). Among the combinations tried, BA 20 ppm + Bavistin 0.1 per cent showed longest vase life (23.67 days). Maximum net profit per pot (Rs.204.60) was recorded by the treatment combination involving 80 per cent shade + Ohio solution + 750 ppm BA.
Open 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.
Open 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.
Open 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.
Open 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.
Open 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.
Open 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
Open 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
Open 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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