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Open Access
Molecular characterization of piper species usiing RAPD technique
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2002) Murugan, C; KAU; Sujatha, V S
The study on "Molecular characterization of Piper species using RAPD techniques" was conducted in the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices and CPBMB, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur from December, 1999 to August, 2001. Material included 13 species/accessions of the genus Piper including Piper nigrutn Linn. These were analysed with 20 selected oligomer decamer primers using PCR technique and agarose gel electrophoresis. The selection of ideal DNA isolation technique was done based on observations of purity of bands, quality of the DNA bands and quantity of DNA recovered. The protocol of Edwards et al. (1991) was selected for DNA isolation with additional step of chloroform-isoamyl alcohol treatment. Fifty decamer primers were screened using DNA. of P. nigrum and 20 were selected based on the number of bands produced, reproducibility of the bands and distinctness of the RAPD profile. RAPD profile of the 13 species of Piper were compared for genetic similarity index (using Jaccard's coefficient), with all 20 selected primers separately. Pooled similarity of the twenty primers put together was found out for 9 species which gave amplification for all the 20 selected primers. The results of pooled analysis was subjected to cluster analysis (SAl-IN) and phenetic dcndrogram was constructed employing UPGMA. Four clusters were obtained, comprising of two accessions of P. nigrum In the first, two accessions of P. longum in the second, P. colubrinutn and P. attenuatum forming the third cluster and P. chaba, P. belle and P. arboreum forming the fourth.
Open Access
Genetic transformation and hairy root culture in ada-kodien
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2001) Karmarkar, Shirish Hari; KAU; Keshavachandran, R
The present study was undertaken at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agriculture University, Vellanikkara during May 1999 to October 2000 The study was undertaken to standardize the procedure to genetically transform Holostemma ada-kodien and induce hairy roots it was also envisaged to standardise the biochemical techniques for the estimation of secondary metabolites in the roots of Holostemma. Hairy roots were induced by infection of Holostemma explants with a gram negative soil bacterium, Agrobacterium rhizogenes. Leaf segments, shoot buds, intermodal segments, seedling hypocotyls and callus were used as explants for hairy root induction. Among them, the seedling hypocotyls showed highest potential for hairy root induction followed by shoot buds. Leaf segments, intermodal segments and callus did not induce hairy roots. Different strains of Agrobacterium rhizogenes viz PcA4, 15834, A4, 8196 and 2659 were evaluated for their ability to induce hairy roots in Holostemma explants. The strain PcA4 showed the highest potential for hairy root induction, followed by strains 15834 and A4. The strains 8196 and 2659 did not induce hairy roots. Direct inoculation of bacteria on wounds induced hairy roots on seedling hypocotyls only. Co-culture of wounded explants with bacteria induced hairy roots on seedling hypocotyls and shoot buds. In the direct inoculation method, the nature of bacterial inoculum and the intensity of bacterial inoculum applied on wounds influenced the transformation. Bacterial cell suspensions when applied on wounds induced transformation. Less intensity of bacterial inoculum when applied on wounds gave greater transformation frequencies and vice versa. In the co-culture method, the intensity of bacteria present during co-culture, the co-culture time and the shaker speed influenced the transformation. Comparative evaluation of varying intensity of bacterial population during co-culture and the co-culture time showed that, both less intensity of bacterial inoculum with more co-culture time and vice versa showed almost similar transformation frequencies (14.40 % and 14.51 % respectively). The shaker speed of 100 rpm gave the highest transformation percentage than 50 rpm speed. Shaker speed of 150 rpm did not induce any transformation. Application of different concentration of NAA prior to direct inoculation of bacteria on wounded explants did not aid in transformation. Addition of 2 mg 1-1 NAA in the co-culture medium, however, increased the transformation frequency from 25 per cent to 75 per cent. Photoperiod influenced the transformation frequencies. A photoperiod of 16 h light was found to be the best for hairy root induction in Holostemma. Media influenced the hairy root induction. Full strength MS medium favoured hairy root induction while ½ strength MS medium did not favour hairy root induction. Hairy roots were induced in a period of one to four weeks in all the treatments. The induced hairy roots showed altered phenotypes. The hairy root obtained directly from explants without NAA treatment were whitish, hairy and showed negative geotropism. The hairy roots obtained after NAA treatment were brownish yellow and were induced from calli formed on wounds after infection. Hairy roots obtained on infection with strains PcA4, 15834 and A4 showed the presence of agropine confirming their transformed nature. Normal roots did not show presence of opine (s). Hairy roots showed greater sensitivity to lower concentrations of NAA than the normal roots. At 10-9 M concentration of NAA the hairy roots showed lateral branch formation. The tubers and in vitro induced callus of Holostemma were tested for the presence of amino acids, essential oils, triterpenoids and sterols. Six amino acids were found in the root tubers while an additional amino acid (Rf 0.48) that may be L Proline or Cysteine MHC was found in the callus. Root tubers and callus showed the presence of essential oils, triterpenoids and sterols. Root tubers showed the presence of more number of essential oils and triterpenoids than the callus. The callus showed the presence of new terpene compounds. The two sterols present in root tubers and calli were identified to be α –amyrin and β –amyrin
Open Access
Selection index and activation of seedling growth in mangosteen
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2002) Mohamed, Yosuf L; KAU; Sajan, Kurian
The experiments on "Selection index and activation of seedling growth in Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) were conducted in the central orchard attached to the Department of Pomology and Floriculture of the College of Horticulture from March 2000 to February 2002 with the broad aims of standardizing selection indices as well as activation of the seedling growth in mangosteen. Two separate experiments, one approach envisaging growth regulators and the .other involving arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Glomus mosseae and Glomus fasciculatum and Azospirillum with single super phosphate were taken up. The important results are as follows. Analysis of leaf biochemical characters of the mother plants belonging to different age groups «25, 25-50, 51-75 and >75 years) revealed that nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and crude protein, were highest in the lowest «25 years) age group and least values were in the highest (>75 years) age group, except sodium, total phenols and total carbohydrates, which were maximum in the age group of 51-75 years. The number of seedless fruits and almost all the morphological characters of the fruit were highest in the age group of 51-75 years. Number of one seeded, two seeded and three and more than three seeded fruits were also varying among the four age groups. All seed morphological characters and number of ungerrninated seeds showed maximum values in the age group of 51-75 years and >75 years. Seeds obtained from the age group of 51-75 years showed earliness in germination but the percentage of germination was highest in the age group of 25-50 years. The biochemical characters of seed revealed that nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, crude protein, total carbohydrates, total sugar and total phenols were maximum in the age group of25-50 years, whereas sodium and abscisic acid were highest in the age groups of less than 25 and more than 75 years, respectively. The morphological characters of seedling such as, height, girth, total number of leaves per seedling, total leaf area, survival rate at twelve months stage and root characters were highest in 25-50 years age group whereas the root and shoot dry weight were maximum in the less than 25 years group. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, crude protein and sodium levels in the leaves of the seedling were highest in the age group of less than 25 years. Chlorophyll a, b, total phenols, total carbohydrates and abscisic acid contents were higher in the age group of 25-50 years. Maximum fruit index was observed in the age group of 51-75 years but seed and seedling index were highest in 25-50 years age group. Most of the seed characters were positively correlated with seedling characters. Though all the fruit characters were positively correlated with seed characters they were negatively correlated with seedling characters. Fruit index, seed index and seedling index were separately predicted using the prediction models fitted by multiple regression equations of principle components one and two with corresponding adjusted R2 values. Dominant characters among the age of mother plant, fruit, seed and seedling characters separately were found out by figurative plot principal component analysis based on morphological data of the above characters individually. Using step wise regression major characters contributing to seedling index were identified as age of the mother plant, seed thickness at centre, total leaf area, survival rate, fresh weight of root and plant, root length and total number of roots, which contributed maximum variation to seedling morphological characters and prediction model for fruit index, seed index and seedling index were fitted. To establish the similarities (or dissimilarities) between the four age groups, hierarchical cluster analysis using euclidean distance was performed which revealed that the younger two age groups (less than 25 years and 25-50 years) of the mother plants were the closest groups with respect to all characters. The four using discriminant functions were fitted to discriminate the four age groups with corresponding D2 values. The criteria and criterion were determined to describe the age groups of selected fruit, seed and seedlings collectively. By giving equal importance to age of the mother plant, fruit index, seed index and seedling index the selection index was worked out and the best age group of the mother plant for obtaining maximum growth of seedlings was identified as 25-50 years. Based on the correlations between various characters and growth index, the above or below average values with respect to each of the attribute (important and visual) belonging to the fruit, seed and seedling characters were identified. The mid values of the each attribute in the best age group were fixed as the index for selection. Among the growth regulator sprays for activating the slow growth in mangosteen, the best treatments were GA 150 mg r' followed by IAA 250 mg r'. Biochemical studies on the growth regulators treated plants revealed that the treatment that showed maximum growth also recorded the highest values of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, crude protein, chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll, total phenols, total carbohydrates and abscisic acid content. The treatment, which showed intermediate growth recorded intermediate values except for sodium, where it was maximum. The least content was observed in the treatments with least growth. The control plant showed intermediate values between the. values of plant with intermediate and least growth. Best treatment for activating the seedling growth among the treatments with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Azospirillum inoculations were identified as, the combinations of Glomus Jasciculatum 5 g + Azospirillum 109 + single super phosphate 109 followed by GlomusJasciculatum 5 g + Azospirillum 20 g + single super phosphate 109. A rhythmic pattern was observed with the treatments showing best seedling growth also recording higher values of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, crude protein, chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll, total phenol total carbohydrates and the abscisic acid content, and the treatments showing in intermediate growth recording intermediate values except sodium. The least values were in treatments that showed least growth. The control plant showed intermediate values between the values of the plant with intermediately and least growth. The highest spore count was observed in the plants inoculated with Glomus Jasciculatum 20g + single super phosphate 109 followed by Glomus Jasciculatum20 g + Azospirillum 20 g + single super phosphate 10 g. With regard to the root infection, plants inoculated with Glomus Jasciculatum 5 g + Azospirillum 20 g + single super phosphate 109. and Glomus Jasciculatum 20 g + Azospirillum 109 + single super phosphate 109 revealed maximum percentage of infection. The Azospirillum population was maximum in the plants inoculated Glomus fasciculatum 5 g + Azospirillum 109 + followed by Glomus mosseae 20 g + Azospirillum 20 g + single super phosphate 109. The standard procedure for identification and quantification of abscisicacid (Little et al., 1972) was modified, as clear banding patterns were not obtained. Using the modified procedure, the characteristic-banding pattern corresponding to standard abscisic acid was obtained and confirmed when standards of abscisic acid were also simultaneously run with samples. Banding patterns and quantification of samples in each of the four age groups, the growth regulator treatments and the treatment with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Azospirillum inoculated plants were also successfully conducted.
Open Access
Development of yellow vein mosaic virus (YVMV) resistant hybrids in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)
(Department of Olericulture, College of horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2002) Ravi, Sankar J; KAU; Sureshbabu, K V
The investigations on "Development of yellow vein mosaic virus (YVMV) resistant hybrids in okra (Abelmosehus eseulentus (L.) Moench)" was undertaken at the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Thrissur during the period of 2000-2001. Fifteen lines viz., AE-198, AE-202, AE-210, AE-211, AE-214, AE-219, AE-238, AE-260, AE-264, AE-265, AE-275, AE-279, AE-280, AE-282 and AE-287 were crossed with two testers AE-285 and AE-190 (Parbhani Kranti) in line x tester mating design to produce 30 hybrids. These F I hybrids along with the parents were evaluated for several quantitative, fruit quality, qualitative characters and resistance to yellow vein mosaic virus. Among them, a parent AE-238 and two hybrids AE-238 x AE-190 and AE-265 x AE-190 were disease free in field screening, grafting and vector transmission studies. The general combining ability of the parents, specific combining ability of the hybrids and heterosis (relative heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis) were estimated. The best general combiners were AE-202, AE-264 and AE-190 which showed significant high gea effects for most of the traits among the traits studied. Based on the per se and gea effects, the parents AE-264, AE-214 and AE-190 were found as best for crossing. Based on the per se performance, sea effects and heterosis on all the three bases, the hybrids AE-264 x AE-285 for plant height, AE-279 x AE-190 for internodal length, AE-219 x AE-190 for number of primary branches, AE-219 x AE-190 for petiole length, AE-264 x AE-285 for days to flowering, AE-202 x AE-285 for durationof flowering, AE-202 x AE-285 for first fruiting node, AE-264 x AE-190 for fruit length, AE-279 x AE-285 for fruit girth, AE-219 x AE-190 for number of fruits per plant, AE-202 x AE-285 for crop duration, AE-2l9 x AE-190 for yield per plant, AE-238 x AE-190 for mucilage content, AE-238 x AE-285 for calcium content, AE-279 x AE-190 for vitamin A content and AE-214 x AE-190 for magnesium content excelled other hybrids. Based on per se performance, sea effects and heterosis, hybrids AE-219 x AE-190, AE-264 x AE-285 and AE-265 x AE-190 were selected as top ranking hybrids. Among them AE-265 x AE-190 was not shown disease symptoms in field screening, grafting and vector transmission studies. So it was to be concluded as best hybrid having YVMV resistance. Reddish green colour of leaf base, green colour of leaf vein, deeply lobed nature of leaves, purple throat on both sides of corolla, slightly prickly nature of fruit, light green colour of fruit and five ridged nature of fruit were dominant. Yellowish with red colour on both sides of corolla in flower is incompletely dominant. Resistance to YVMV may be complex in nature probably involving major and minor genes with acting modifiers. Further studies are required to confirm it.
Open Access
Evaluation of fruit wastes as sources of pectin
(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2001) Apsara, Madhav; KAU; Pushpalatha, P B
Substantial quantities of wastes are generated as part of fruit and vegetable processing. These wastes suffer from the problem of disposal on one hand, when there are lots of avenues for their utilization on the other hand. The fact that a major portion of pectin required for processing industries are derived from citrus peels, highlight the need of using certain other fruit wastes also as sources of pectin. In this context, the present investigation, 'Evaluation of fruit wastes as sources of pectin' was taken up. The study revealed that a large portion of the weight of different fruits are discarded as wastes. The pectin content in fruit wastes was found varying and the passion fruit rind was identified as the richest source of pectin (252.68 g per kg) among the different materials analysed. The ideal method for extracting pectin varied, depending upon the material However, prolonging the time of extraction (by boiling) beyond 45 minutes was not found beneficiaL Owing to its high AUA percentage, mangosteen rind pectin was identified as the purest among different samples of pectin analysed. Its sugar binding capacity was also high (gel grade 171). Passion fruit rind pectin recorded the lowest (AUA% (46.17) and gel grade (73). The rapid setting nature of passion fruit rind and lime peel pectin revealed their possibility of utilization as thickening agents. The slow setting pectins identified could be best utilized for jelly making. The major defects observed with different jellies viz., firm and syrupy consistency, syneresis, cloudiness and bitterness were removed either by changing the composition of extraction media or by blending with the pectin extracts :from other fruit wastes. During the period of storage for three months, different jellies were not undergone major changes apart :from crystallisation. It was rectified by reducing the quantity of sugar added. Extraction of pectin and preparation of jelly was found to be a profitable proposition.
Open Access
Biodiversity of medicinal plants in Vellayani
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2001) Jyothilekshmi, L; KAU; Sreekandan Nair, G
A study on 'Biodiversity of medicinal plants in Vellayani' was carried out in and around Vellayani lake of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. The objectives of the study were to identify the medicinal plants from among the existing natural flora, to study the growth behaviour of selected medicinal plants and to assess the pharmacologically active constituents of selected medicinal plants. A total of 80 sampling units were taken usmg stratified random sampling technique, the strata being dry land, garden land, paddy field and lake area. The medicinal plants in dry land, garden land and paddy field were identified and quantified by random sampling technique using 1.0 m2 frame. In the lake area as it was difficult to use the frame the plants were collected randomly giving sufficient representation. A total of 135 plant species were identified in the four different strata belonging to 120 genera and 57 families. None of the plants were endemic. There were 118 indigenous and 17 exotic or naturalized plants. Ten important medicinal plant species were selected for detailed study and their' growth behaviour was monitored for one year. They were Andrographis panieulata, Cyclea peltata, Desmodium velutinum, Eclipta alba, Gloriosa superba, Hemidesmus indieus, Phyllanthus amarus, Scoparia duleis, Sida rhombi/alia and Solanum indieum. Emilia sonchifolia dominated in dry land area with high relative density and relative frequency. Centella asiatica was the dominating species in garden land and paddy field with high relative density. Limnophila repens was the dominant species in lake area. Most frequently occurring species in dry land was Emilia sonchifolia and in garden land Scoparia dulcis and Vernonia cinerea. Centella asiatica and Eclipta alba occurred more frequently in paddy field, where as in lake area Hydrilla verticellata occurred more frequently. The rare species in dry land were Abrus precatorius, Blepharis medaraspatensis, Carissa congesta and Rauvolfia serpentina. In garden land Acalypha indica, Capparis brevispina, Cayratia pedata, Catharanthus roseus var. alba were found to be rare. In paddy field Borraria alata, Coldenia procumbens and Portulaca oleraceae were found to be the rare species. Diplocyclos palmatus was the rare species in lake area. Dry land and garden land were found to be the most similar strata with more number of species in common. Dry land and lake area were found to be the most dissimilar strata in vegetation pair wise analysis. Lake area was found to have higher concentration of dominance as expressed by Simpson's index. Shannon's index was maximum in dry land area. Abundant species occurs more in dry land area. In dry land almost all species had equal number of individuals since Evenness index was maximum. Growth characters like plant height, plant spread, height of the first branch, number of leaves, number of roots, root length were found to increase from pre-flowering to seed set stage. These characters were found to be high in garden land compared to other strata in most of the species. The fresh and dry weight of officinal part was more in garden land condition in most of the species. In the chemical analysis it was found that in Limnophila repens there was no similar chemical constituents as that of Bacopa monnieri (brahmi). There was no bacoside content in Limnophila repens, which is present in Bacopa monnieri. So Limnophila repens cannot be used as a substitute for brahrni. The andrographolide content in Andrographis paniculata was found to be slightly higher in dry land compared to garden land. The andrographolide content was higher in dry land area because of the water stress condition in dry land. The results of this study will be helpful in evolving suitable strategies for sustainable utilization of medicinal and aromatic plants, occumng as indigenous and naturalized in and around the Vellayani lake. Such an effort would also help to conserve many of the weed species which have very high medicinal values.
Open Access
Performance studies in selected varieties and hybrids of mango (Mangifera Indica L.)
(Department Of Pomology And Floriculture, College Of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2002) Anila, R; KAU; Radha, T
The study entitled "Performance studies in selected varieties and hybrids of mango (Mangifera indica L.)" was conducted at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara utilising the trees in the germplasm collection attached to the Department of Pomology and Floriculture. The objective of the experiment was to gather basic information about the morphological and biochemical aspects of flushing, flowering and fruiting in five varieties namely Alphonso, Prior, Muvandan, Neelum and Kalapady and two hybrids Ratna and H-151 under the humid tropical conditions of Kerala. The study was conducted under three heads, namely, growth characters, flowering characters and fruit set and development. . - ~ Flushing pattern in the varieties revealed that Alphonso;. Prior, H-151 and Ratna exhibited single extended flushing for a period of two to three months whereas Neelum, Kalapady and Muvandan showed two distinct flushing. About 90 per cent of the shoot growth in terms of length and leaf number occurred during the first week. The cessation in shoot growth took place by fourth week. Varieties exhibited wide variation in the physical and morphological characters ofleaf. ---" Flowering occurred during the month of December - January in all the varieties, except in Neelum, in which flowering was during April - May. The maximum hermaphrodite flowers ~ere noted in Alphonso (44.39%) and least in Muvandan (15.77%). Inflorescence characters such as length, breadth, shape, colour etc. were recorded. In all the varieties the first 15 days was found to be crucial during which fruit drop to the tune 0 r 90 per cent occurred. Retention 0 I fruits varied from 10.07 per cent in Alphonso to 20.34 per cent in H-151. Morphological, physical and biochemical characters of fruits from set to fruit ripening was recorded. Changes in length, breadth, circumference, weight, volume, specific gravity, acidity, sugar, TSS, ascorbic acid and chlorophyll content were noted. Maximum increment in length occurred between 30 and 45 days after flowering in most of the varieties. Even though other varieties were having the maximum fruit weight and volume up to 60 days after flowering Ratna was the topper towards the final stages of development. Acidity was high in the initial stages of development and later on a decrease was noted towards ripening. Alphonso had the maximum acidity and Prior had the least. Ascorbic acid content was low in the initial stages, gradually a rise was . noticed and towards ripening it exhibited a drop. H-151 had the maximum ascorbic acid content and Prior had the least content. Sugar content was found to increase towards ripening. Total chlorophyll content exhibited a progressive increase till 60 DAFS followed by a decrease. Alphonso, Prior, Muvandan and Neelum took 90 days to reach full maturity whereas Ratna and H-151 took 105 days. The time taken from full maturity to ripening ranged from four to six days in all the varieties. Ratna had superiority in TSS, reducing and total sugars and pulp content, followed by H-151. Prior had the. maximum yield followed by Ratna. The overall acceptability was also high for the variety Prior, followed by Ratna.
Open Access
Molecular characterization of banana (Musa AAB plantain subgroup) clones
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2001) Simi, S; KAU; Rajmohan, K
Attempts were made for characterizing eleven banana (Musa AAB Plantain subgroup) clones at molecular level during January 2000 to October 2001 at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture and the Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Centre, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. Tissues from fully unfurled leaves of the clones, were used for isolating DNA, using modified Walbot's method. Storage of leaves at -SYC did not affect either the DNA yield or purity ratio. Gel elctrophoresis using agarose concentrations of 0.09 per cent and 1.4 per cent were the best for visualizing the genomic DNA and RAPD pattern, respectively. The best voltage level was 75 V. TBE buffer could produce better separation of bands compared to TAE buffer. Twenty nanogram of DNA, 200 IlM each of dNTPs, 0.6 units Taq DNA polymerase and 5 pM primer in presence of the assay buffer gave good PCR amplification results. The programme consisted of an initial denaturation at 95°C for 3.0 minutes, followed by 45 cycles of denaturation at 95°C for 1.0 minute, annealing at 36°C for 1.0 minute 30 seconds and extension at 72°C for 2.0 minutes. The synthesis step of the final cycle was extended further by 6.0 minutes. The products of .ampl ification were kept at 4.0°C until attended. One hundred and six RAPDs were generated when PCR amplification was carried out using forty decamer primers (Operon Inc., CA, USA) of kit A and kit B. Of these, 100 bands were polymorphic which accounted to an average of 2.5 polymorphic bands per primer. Eight primers (OPA-OI, OPA-03, OPA-13, OPB-OI, OPB-06, OPB-lO, OPB-12 and OPB-IS) produced reproducible banding patterns on at least two runs. These primers yielded 42 scorable bands with an average of 5.25 bands per primer. The amplification products ranged in size from 400 to 1500 bp. The number of bands resolved per amplification was primer dependent and varied from a minimum of three to a maximum of nine. Reproducible bands were scored for their presence (+) or absence (-) for all the plantain clones studied. A genetic similarity matrix was constructed u~ng the Jaccard's coeffecient method. The pairwise coefficient values varied between 0.3333 and 0.9355. The least similarity coefficient values were those of Zanzibar with Changazhikodan and Manjeri Nendran (0.3333). The highest value for similarity index was obtained for Koonoor Ethan - Quintal Banana pair (0.9355), followed by Manjeri Nendran - Myndoli pair (0.8889). The next value was for the Kaliethan - Koonoor Ethan pair (0.8529). Based on the similarity coefficients, distances between the clones were computed using SYSTA T software package. The distance was the least between Koonoor Ethan and Quintal Banana (0.042), followed by Manjeri Nendran and Myndoli (0.06). Zanzibar and Mysore Ethan showed the greatest distance (0.349), followed by Mysore Ethan and Padalamurian (0.167). In the dendrogram constructed by the nearest neighbour (single-link) method (Krzanowski, 1988), all the eleven plantain clones were found grouped under five clusters. Attu Nendran, Changanasseri Nendran, Changazhikodan, Kaliethan, Koonoor Ethan and Quintal Banana formed the largest cluster. Manjeri Nendran and Myndoli formed the second cluster. Padalamurian, Mysore Ethan and Zanzibar formed three separate clusters. Zanzibar, belonging to 'Horn Plantain', was different from the rest of the clones. Quintal Banana and Myndoli, which were considered to be identical, got grouped under two different clusters.
Open Access
Standardisation of shade requirement in Dendrobium
(Department Of Pomology And Floriculture, College Of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2001) Sheron Fernandez; KAU; Sobhana, A
An experiment was carried out in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, during 2000-2001, to standardize the shade requirement for Dendrobium variety Sonia Born J 0 and Renappa. The effect of different levels of shade on the morphological characters, flower production and quality of flowers were assessed. Results revealed that the different levels of shade significantly influenced the morphological characters of the plant, viz., plant height, shoot production, internodal length, leaf production and leaf area. Maximum plant height was obtained for fifty per cent double level shading. With respect to shoot production, 25 and 35 per cent double levels of shade performed better. The length of the internode was maximum for 50 per cent double level shading. Highest leaf production was noticed in 35 per cent double level shading which was statistically on par with 50 per cent double level of shade. Flower quality and flower production were markedly influenced by shade. Earliness in flowering was observed for those treatments receiving more light condition. Twenty five per cent single level shading was the earliest to flower in the group, while the longevity of the spike on the plant was more in 50 per cent single and double levels of shade. Vase life was significantly high in 25 per cent (15.50 days) and 50 per cent (14.88 days) double levels of shade. Longest spike was obtained in 50 per cent single level shading, while the length of the rachis was maximum in 50 per cent double level shading. Fifty per cent single level shading was distinctly superior to all other treatments with respect to the number of flowers per spike. Maximum spike production was noticed in 25 per cent double level shading. Anthocyanin content in flowers was found maximum under 50 per cent double level shading. Total chlorophyll and its components 'a' and 'b' in the leaf were significantly influenced by the different shade levels. Highest content of chlorophyll 'a' was obtained in 50 per cent double level shading, while chlorophyll 'b' and total were maximum for thirty five per cent double level shading. Dry matter accumulation was maximum under 25 per cent double level shading. Nutrient content within the plant indicated an influential effect of shade. Total nitrogen and phosphorus content were maximum in fifty per cent double level shading. Thirty five per cent single level shade had maximum potassium content. A similar trend was observed in the uptake of nutrients also.

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