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Open Access
Process optimisation for production of value added products from Pummelo (Citrus grandis (L) Osbeck)
(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2006) Suja G, Nair; KAU; Pushpalatha, P B
Pummelo (Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck) is an important member of the citrus genus. The fruit is rich in vitamin C and has many medicinal properties. A major chunk of production of this fruit is being wasted due to the lack of scientific handling and processing technologies. In this context, the present investigation “Process optimisation for production of value added products from Pummelo (Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck)” was taken up to standardise technologies for processing and value addition of pummelo. The ideal stage for harvesting pummelo fruits in Kerala was found to be seventh month after fruit set. At this stage the fruits attain maximum size with high juice content, TSS and ascorbic acid content. The acidity of the fruits at this stage was low. The fallen fruits at the same stage were found to be inferior in quality. Out of 12 accessions of pummelo analysed for their processing characters, AC. 3 collected from Kottayam and AC. 11 collected from Thrissur were selected out based on their merits with respect to size, juice content, TSS and ascorbic acid content. In general, the accessions collected from Kottayam were superior to those collected from Ernakulam and Thrissur. Similarly the selections from IIHR, Bangalore were superior to those collected from Kerala. The study could bring out an ideal process for easy peeling of pummelo segments. Dipping the segments in 15 per cent brine for 15 minutes and then steaming for 15 minutes was found to be the most effective method. The quality of the juice extracted from the segments after this treatment did not vary much from that of fresh hand extracted juice. Osmo extraction (by mixing the juice vesicles with 30 per cent sugar and incubating for 3 hrs.) was found to be a better method for juice extraction from the peeled segments. The quality of the juice extracted through this method was comparatively better. Crushing in mixie and screw pressing yielded low quality juice. Addition of sucrose at 30 per cent level was found to mask the bitterness in juice. Addition of pectin and pectinase and increasing the pH of the juice did not give valuable results. Blending pummelo juice with orange juice at 70: 30 per cent level was good as this combination was scored to be highly acceptable with respect to colour, taste and overall acceptability. The sweetened juice prepared with this ideally blended juice, adding with 30 per cent sugar gained comparatively good score. The squash prepared with sweetened pummelo juice blended with orange juice at 70: 30 proportion was found to be acceptable. The pummelo based RTS was not found as a good product. The studies done on value addition have shown that it is better to prepare the beverages with pummelo juice blended with orange juice than using pummelo juice alone.
Open Access
Standardisation of minimal processing techniques for selected vegetables
(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2006) Shibi, Varghese; KAU; Sheela, K B
The study “Standardisation of minimal processing techniques for selected vegetables” was undertaken at the Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, with the objective of developing the protocol for minimal processing in seven vegetables viz, cowpea, brinjal, okra, elephant foot yam, pumpkin, ashgourd and drumstick. Shriveling, browning and rotting were the major causes of deterioration in storage of cut vegetables under ambient conditions. Surface sanitation with 30ppm sodium hypochlorite was found to be the most effective treatment for preserving visual quality, reducing microbial contamination and enhancing the shelf life of all the cut vegetables. Prestorage treatment of cut vegetables with chemical preservatives potassium metabisulphite / sodium benzoate coupled with acidulants ascorbic acid / citric acid was effective in reducing browning, retaining firmness and controlling decay in cut vegetables. The treatment combination of 0.1% each of potassium meta bisulphite and ascorbic acid was found to be superior to the other treatments in maintaining visual and keeping quality in fresh cut vegetables. The prestorage treatments brought about a four fold reduction in bacterial and a three fold reduction in fungal and yeast count as compared to control. Exposure of cut vegetables to gamma irradiation resulted in a six fold reduction in bacterial sand fungal and three fold reduction in yeast count. The optimum irradiation dose for maintaining visual quality and reducing microbial population was 200 Gy for precut okra, elephant foot yam, pumpkin, cowpea and drumstick and 100 Gy for ashgourd and brinjal. Shelf life of irradiated vegetables was not further extended when kept under refrigeration. Refrigerated storage significantly reduced the intensity of undesirable physical changes microbial deterioration and enhanced shelf life of cut vegetables. Unventilated polymeric films were found to be the ideal packaging material for cut vegetables, polypropylene for cowpea, ashgourd, elephant foot yam, pumpkin and drumstick and polyethylene for okra and brinjal in terms of visual attributes and shelf life. Packaging in polystyrene tray and wrapping with cling film can also be recommended for enhanced visual and keeping quality of minimally processed products. Shelf life obtained for pretreated and packed cut vegetables under refrigeration were nine days for cowpea, brinjal, okra, ashgourd, ten days for pumpkin, elephant foot yam and fourteen days for drumstick.
Open Access
Variability and propagation studies in pummelo (Citrus grandis(L.) osbeck)
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2006) Anupama, T V; KAU; Lila Mathew, K
The present entitled “Variability and propagation studies in pummelo (Citrus grandis (L.). Osbeck.)” was conducted at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2003-2005. The objectives of the study were to explore the variability in vegetative, flowering, fruiting characters of pummelo through a comprehensive survey in Thrissur, Ernakulam and Kottayam districts of Kerala and to standardize vegetative propagation techniques in pummelo. Variations were noticed in tree habit (upright, spreading and drooping), tree shape (ellipsoid, spheroid and ellipsoid-oblate), branch density (sparse, medium and high) among the 40 accessions surveyed. Leaf shape, length, width, length/width ratio, petiole wing shape, margin and aroma of crushed leaves showed variations. Flowering season started by March-April. Late flowering types (November- December) were also observed. AC. 16, 29 and 31 exhibited perpetual flowering habit. Flowers were both solitary and crowded. Variations were observed in number of flowers per inflorescence (four-12), flower length (1.40-3.37 cm), breadth (1.10-1.98 cm), pollen fertility (78-90 %) and pollen diameter (32.22-37.10 microns). The fruiting period was from September - February, with the peak in November- December. Variations were noticed in fruit shape (spheroid, pyriform, oblate and oblique), colour (yellow and greenish yellow), base shape (concave- collared, concave, truncate and convex), apex shape (depressed, truncate and convex) fruit skin surface (smooth and pitted), presence of oil glands (conspicuous and very conspicuous), mesocarp colour (white and light pink), carpel colour (pale yellow to red), juice colour (pale yellow to reddish), juice taste (poor and very poor) and juice flavour (moderate and strong). Biometric characters viz., fruit length (10.2 - 21.2 cm), width (9.8 - 24.8 cm), fruit weight (193.00 -1960.00 g), rind weight (50.00 - 997.00 g), number of segments (9.0 - 16.0), segment length (5.02 - 14.12 cm), segment width (2.54 - 5.20 cm), segment weight (12.00 - 78.00 g), juice content (18.1 - 75.3%), total segment weight- rind ratio (0.43 - 3.53) and yield of fruits per tree (48.25 - 255.00 kg) were varied widely. Significant correlation was observed between yield, fruit length, width, weight, rind weight, segment length, width and weight. Significant variations were noticed for bio chemical characters like TSS (5-110 brix), acidity (0.41-1.74 %), TSS/acidity ratio (3.86 to 22.22), total sugars (3.35- 6.73 %), reducing sugars (0.81- 3.09 %), non-reducing sugars (1.77 - 5.17 %) and ascorbic acid (16.0 - 95.0 mg per 100 g fruit). TSS was significantly correlated with total sugar and reducing sugar content. Sensory attributes viz., appearance, colour, taste, flavour, sweetness, juiciness and overall acceptability of fruits, showed wide variations. AC.11 and AC.12 excelled in sensory qualities. Seeded and seedless types were noticed among the collections. Seed characters varied with respect to the shape, number of seeds per fruit, length, width, weight, days for germination and germination percentage. Seeds had white cotyledons and exhibited monoembryony. Cluster analysis yielded three clusters and showed the existence of genetic divergence in pummelo. Principal component analysis was done using ten fruit parameters and a selection index was worked out. Sixteen accessions had selection index value greater than the standard. AC.2, 9, 11, 12, 14 and 26 can be selected for further evaluation and multiplication. Propagation methods viz., cutting, layering and budding were investigated in pummelo. Highest rooting percentage was obtained in cuttings treated with NAA at 1000 mg l-1 followed by NAA at 2000 mg l-1 and IBA at 1000 mg l-1 in the month of September. Soft wood cuttings showed lesser days for rooting and semi hard wood cuttings gave significantly higher number of roots, treated with NAA at 1000 mg l-1 treatment followed by NAA at 2000 mg l-1. The best medium for layering was sphagnum moss with more number of roots per layer and with lesser days for rooting. Second best medium was coconut fibre and saw dust was inferior to sphagnum moss and coconut fibre. August was the best month with lesser days for rooting and more number of roots per layer, followed by July, which showed the highest percentage of rooting. Patch budding and modified forkert budding, tried on pummelo and acid lime rootstocks, resulted in no bud take despite the different seasons.
Open Access
Characterization and evaluation of landraces of Amaranthus (Amaranthus spp.)
(Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2006) Sujata Sathy, Shankaran; KAU; Celine, V A
The research project entitled “Characterization and evaluation of landraces of amaranth (Amaranthus spp.)” was carried out at the Department of Olericulture and the Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2004-2005. The objective of the study was to morphologically catalogue the landraces using the modified descriptor developed from the standard descriptor for amaranthus by IPGRI, to estimate the genetic parameters for different traits in the germplasm for identifying superior lines based on growth, yield, quality and pest and disease resistance and to characterize the landraces using molecular techniques (RAPD analysis). Thirty four accessions for amaranthus were collected from various sources and grown in the field in RBD with three replications. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among the accessions for all the characters evaluated. The yield obtained ranged from 51.67 g (Am13) to 387.22 g (Am 91) and leaf/stem ratio varied from 0.53 (Am 22) to 2.38 (Am 77). The range of values for quality characters were 1269.94 to 4655.54 g 100 g-1 for -carotene, 54.88 to 151.22 mg 100 g-1 for vitamin C, 0.67 to 3.57 per cent for protein, 0.62 to 2.08 per cent for oxalate and 0.04 to 1.62 per cent for nitrate. Incidence of biotic stress ranged from 0 (Am 89 and Am 91) to 2.0 (Am 14 and Am 77) for leaf blight and 0.63 (Am 42) to 2.07 (Am 78) for leaf webber. High PCV and GCV values were obtained for yield characters. Heritability ranged from 38 to 97 per cent. High heritability with high genetic advance was seen for yield and quality characters. All the morphological characters except days to 50 per cent bolting had positive correlation with yield. Leaf blight and leaf webber incidence exhibited negative correlation with yield. Total leaf weight had the maximum direct effect on yield in path analysis. The 34 accessions were split into ten clusters by using D2 statistic. A maximum number of nine accessions were noted in cluster II. Four clusters (Clusters VII, VIII, IX and X) were found to have only one accession each. A maximum intercluster distance of 3097.77 was seen between clusters II and III and intracluster distance was maximum in cluster III. Morphological cataloguing of the landraces based on 20 characters using modified descriptor revealed distinct variations among the accessions for most of the characters. Out of the 34 accessions involved in the study, 27 were selected for RAPD analysis. Screening was done using 38 primers out of which 25 produced amplification. A total of 77 bands were produced out of which 40 per cent (31 bands) were polymorphic and the rest were monomorphic (46 bands). Four primers viz., UBC-17, UBC-18, UBC-23 and OPE-14 gave high level of polymorphism and were chosen for PCR amplification. Maximum polymorphism was seen in case of UBC-23 and maximum number of scorable bands were obtained for UBC-17. The primers gave 39 scorable bands (9.75 bands per primer). The overall similarity coefficients ranged from 0.07 to 0.81. The 27 accessions got divided into two main clusters. The first cluster had nine members and included the three A. hypochondriacus and five A. dubius accessions. A single A. tricolor accession, Am 47 was also seen in this cluster. The second cluster was comprised of the remaining 18 A. tricolor accessions. This distribution revealed the distinct genetic variation between the three different species of amaranthus. It was also evident that the genetic divergence was much higher in A. tricolor compared to the other two species. This higher variation should be exploited to the maximum possible extent in future crop improvement programmes. Using more number of primers for RAPD analysis will make it possible to get more accurate results and this will help in the identification of reliable markers.
Open Access
Standardization of in vitro pollination and fertilization technique for heliconia
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2006) Dhanya, A; KAU; Sheela, V L
Investigations on “Standardization of in vitro pollination and fertilization technique for heliconia” were carried out at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture utilizing the facilities available at plant tissue culture laboratory Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2005-2006 with the objective to standardize various steps of in vitro pollination technique in heliconia. Three cultivars of Heliconia psittacorum viz., Lady Di, Andromeda and Parakeet were selected for the study. The mean pollen fertility with acetocarmine stain in the selected cultivars was high ranged which from 83.61 to 93.04 per cent. Attempts to develop a medium which will support pollen germination and tube growth in heliconia resulted in the identification of ME3 medium with 12 per cent PEG. The pH reaction ranging from 4 to 8 did not influence the pollen germination. Pollen germination started within ½ h of incubation and continued upto 3 h. Regarding pollen germination, ME3 medium with 12 per cent PEG, cultivar Lady Di recorded highest germination per cent (62.08 %) followed by Andromeda (56.72 %) and Parakeet (54.37 %). Among the selected cultivars, there was no significant difference in morphological characters of gynoecium. Successful in vitro pollination was obtained when the flower buds were collected one day before anthesis and pollination done at the time of anthesis. The flower buds surface sterilized with 0.1 per cent mercuric chloride for three minutes, followed by inoculation in the medium containing 25 mg l-1 Copper Sulphate registered 100 per cent survival of the cultures. MS medium was superior to ½ MS, SH and Nitsch medium with respect to the ovule development when supplemented with growth regulators. Among the various methods of pollination, ovule development and seed set was observed in placental pollination, modified placental pollination and test-tube fertilization. In all these cases pollen grains along with pollen germination media were applied over the ovule. In the case of stigmatic pollination, stylar pollination, ovarian pollination and intra-ovarian pollination, there was ovary development, but none of them showed ovule development. Among the successful in vitro pollination techniques, modified placental pollination was found to be convenient and recorded maximum ovule development in heliconia. Studies of three different levels (3, 6 and 9 %) of sucrose showed that three per cent sucrose was superior for ovule development. Among the auxins, NAA was found to be superior to IAA. The combination treatments of auxin and cytokinin were found to be superior to their individual effect. Among these, combination of BA with NAA was seen to be better in promoting ovule development. The treatment BA 2.5 mg l-1 + NAA 2 mg l-1 was recorded highest ovule development in heliconia after in vitro pollination. Other supplements like CH (500 mg l-1) and YE (250 and 500 mg l-1) enhanced ovule development along with auxin and cytokinin. However in the present study, coconut water (5, 10, 15 and 20 % v/v) did not support the ovule development after in vitro pollination. Solid medium supported the ovule development after in vitro pollination than liquid medium. Cultures kept at 26  2C developed seeds under diffused light condition. In vitro formed seeds of heliconia were elongated oval shape. The colour of the seed was light brown in the initial 20 days, turned brown within 40-60 days and become completely black after 90 days. The seed measured 1800 m in length and 1575 m in breadth. The histological examination of ovules showed well developed endosperm and embryo. The embryo seated at chalazal end and three progressive stages of embryos were identified viz., globular, reniform and elongated shape. The embryos become dead 90 days after pollination when they were retained in the seeds. Hence attempts have been made to integrate in vitro pollination and fertilization and embryo rescue. When 40 days old embryos were cultured in MS medium with three per cent sucrose, germination indices were observed 60 days after embryo culture, kept at 26  2C in dark.
Open Access
Morphological and biochemical studies in grain amaranth (Amaranthus spp.)
(Department Of Olericulture, College Of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2006) Smitha, K S; KAU; Krishnakumari, K
The investigation on “Morphological and biochemical studies in grain amaranth” was undertaken in the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during November 2005-February 2006. The objectives of the study was to catalogue and evaluate grain amaranth accessions for assessing their variability and field performance, to analyse important nutrient factors and to identify superior genotypes for cultivation. Twenty three grain amaranth accessions collected from different parts of India were utilized for the study. The extent of variability, correlation between yield and its component characters, path coefficient analysis and divergence among twenty three accessions were assessed. The twenty three accessions were significantly different for the ten characters studied. The accession GA-25 (grain yield of 128g/plant) was emerged as high yielder followed by GA-31 (120g/plant) and GA-20 (115.6g/plant). Growth habit of all the accessions were erect. Stem pigmentation varied from purple, maroon and light green. The leaf pigmentation of twenty-three accessions came under three classes namely purple, reddish green and green colour. Most of the accessions had purple leaf pigmentation, lanceolate leaf lamina and purple inflorescence colour. Seed colour ranged from black, maroon and cream. Most of the accessions were found resistant to almost all diseases and pests. The accessions were grouped in to five clusters based on Mahalanobis D2 statistic. Among the five clusters, clusters I and II had six accessions each and cluster III and IV had three accessions each. Cluster V had five accessions in it. Out of the five clusters, cluster III had maximum mean values for plant height at flowering, number of branches, leaf width and length, leaf stem ratio, crop duration and grain yield whereas cluster I recorded lowest values for most of the characters studied. The intra cluster distance D was maximum in cluster IV (283.64) and the minimum in cluster III (55.13). The intra cluster distance for other clusters were 109.34 (cluster I), 136.45 (cluster II) and 202.41 (cluster V). Maximum inter cluster distance was found between cluster I and cluster III (3432.44) and minimum between cluster IV and cluster V (223.35) suggesting less genetic divergence among them compared to other clusters. Based on chemical constituents present in both leaves and grains, DMRT classified the different accessions into several groups. The starch content per 100g of leaf ranged from 4.95 to 7.1g and 49.75 to 67.17g in grain with the highest value in accession GA-22. The protein content ranged from 2.85 to 3.81g and 15.15 to 18.65g in 100g of leaf and grain respectively. Highest protein content of 18.65g was obtained in the grains of accession GA-15. Vitamin C content per 100g of leaf ranged from 96.7 to 500.6mg and 3.53 to 8.32mg in grains with the highest value in accession GA-36. The  carotene content ranged from 5995.70 to 10007.85µg and 134.17µg to 158.37µg in 100g of leaf and grain respectively. Highest  carotene content of 158.37µg was obtained in the grains of accession GA-23. Calcium content per 100g of leaf ranged from 199.50 to 460.67mg and 559.40 to 600.75mg in grains with the highest value in the grains of accession GA-26. Iron content per 100g of leaf ranged from 10.42 to 22.13mg and 33.78 to 44.58mg in grains with the highest value in accession GA-33. Fibre content per 100g of leaf ranged from 7.57 to 14g and 1.15 to 4.7g in grains with the highest value in the grains of accession GA-37 The accessions GA-24, GA-15 and GA-30 having high protein content and yield can be selected as the better genotypes which can be considered for recommendation for both homestead and commercial cultivation.
Open Access
Phytochemistry and anti-microbial property of panikoorka
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices,College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2006) Shankar, H R; KAU; Mini Raj
An experiment was conducted at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during 2003-2005 to study the influence of stage of harvest, drying method and method of extraction and storage on phytochemistry and antimicrobial property of Coleus amboinicus Lour. Stages of harvest did not alter the quality of the plant Coleus amboinicus to a considerable extent. All the quality parameters viz., total sugars, amino acids and crude extractables were maximum at fifth month after planting, but there was only proportionate increase. The plant also maintained the same sugar and amino acid profile through out the growth period. GC profile of the essential oil revealed that the percent concentration of individual components did not vary much, with one of the components maintaining dominance in its reserve at all stages of harvest. With these results, the study concludes that Coleus amboinicus could be harvested and used as a drug during its entire growth period. Among different methods of drying, ambient temperature drying was more efficient than sun and oven drying as it recorded more sugars and amino acids. GC profile of essential oil from dried leaves showed that the concentration of all the components except component B was very low in all the methods of drying and all the components maintained the same per cent area in samples dried at ambient temperature. When fresh and dry samples were compared, the former was superior in all the quality parameters. Among the various extracts made out of Coleus amboinicus leaves, alcohol extracts and its residues made from fresh leaves recorded highest sugar as well as amino acids contents. When the extracts were stored, the sugar content increased at a slow rate where as the amino acid content decreased at a faster rate. In the studies on microbial growth in the extracts during storage lower microbial load was assessed in alcohol extracts and its residues in comparison to water extract and its residues. Considering the above findings alcohol extracts and its residues seemed to be the best extracts for storing Coleus amboinicus for drug purpose. GC profile of the stored essential oil revealed that the percent concentrations of components did not vary considerably during storage. This may be considered as positive indication for preserving the oil for future use. Anti-microbial assay of Coleus amboinicus water extracts revealed that the extract inhibited the growth of human pathogens viz., Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus species and plant pathogens viz., Collectotrichum species and Fusariam species. Further field and clinical studies are required to confirm these findings. To conclude, the plant Coleus amboinicus was effective as a drug throughout its active growth stage, in the fresh form. Fresh sample was ideal with respect to quality. Drying at ambient temperature was found to be the best method of drying. Alcohol extract was found best for the preparation of crude drug extract of C. amboinicus. Water extract of leaves inhibited the growth of select human and plant pathogens in vitro, however this needs confirmation through massive clinical and field studies
Open Access
Morphological and biochemical characterization of coconut (Cocosnucifera L.) Germplasm
(College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2006) Sreejith, P V; KAU; Nalini, P V
The field experiment entitled ‘Morphological and biochemical characterization of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) germplasm was conducted at Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during the period from 2004 to 2005. The objectives of the study include morphological and biochemical characterization of coconut germplasm available in the college farm and to asses the variability so as to identify the superior types. Based on previous years yield data, forty palms of twenty years old were selected randomly and subjected to cluster analysis for grouping the selected palms. Karl Pearson’s coefficient of correlation and path analysis were also carried out to study the degree of association of different characters. In the present study, the palms under investigation showed high variability for all the 28 characters studied. The cluster analysis of the selected palms showed that C1 and C4 were placed distant by as compared to other clusters. Among the different morphological and biochemical characters studied, cluster C4 recorded superiority over other clusters with respect to yield and yield contributing characters like total nut yield (158 nuts palm-1 year-1), number of bunches produced (12), number of nuts bunch-1(19), stem and leaf characters like stem girth (87cm), number of leaves (37) and petiole length (121cm), followed by cluster C3 with respect to nut yield (129 nuts palm-1 year-1). The study also revealed that cluster C1 was inferior with respect to above characters such as total nut yield (30nuts palm-1 year-1), number bunches produced (6), number of nuts bunch-1(5.67), stem and leaf characters like stem girth(62cm), number of leaves (23) and petiole length (69cm). Cluster C4 included single palm (T22), C3 was comprised of five palms (T9, T10, T20, T21 and T32) and cluster C1 included single palm (T33). Biochemical characters like leaf polyphenol content and APH enzyme activity were more in the cluster C6 during summer season (April, 2005). The activity of GOT enzyme at the onset of rainy season (June, 2005) was more in C4. Characters like number of leaves on the crown showed highly significant positive correlation with nut yield, number of bunches produced year-1 and number of nuts bunch-1. Inflorescence characters like number of inflorescence produced palm-1year-1 showed highly significant positive correlation with nut yield and number of bunches palm-1. Bunch characters like number of bunches palm-1 year-1, length of bunch stalk and nuts bunch-1showed positive correlation with nut yield. Nut weight was positively correlated with copra content. However, the leaf polyphenol content was negatively correlated with nut yield. Female flowers inflorescence-1, duration of female phase, bunch stalk length, petiole length and activities of GOT enzyme during onset of rainy season had recorded positive direct effects on nut yield revealing the role of these characters in selection. Number of female flowers spikelet-1 showed direct negative effect on nut yield and leaf polyphenol content had high negative indirect effect on nut yield through number of female flowers inflorescence-1.
Open Access
Microclimatic relations on the growth, yield and quality of Anthurium (Anthurium andreanum Linden) under different growing systems
(College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2006) Femina; KAU; Valsalakumari, P K
Investigations on “Microclimatic relations on the growth, yield and quality of anthurium (Anthurium andreanum Linden) under different growing systems” were carried out at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during 2003-05. Four cut flower varieties of Anthurium andreanum were grown under four growing structures adopting three times of planting in a year, at an interval of four months. Weather parameters viz., air temperature, relative humidity and light intensity were recorded daily both inside and outside the four growing structures. The results showed that planting time, variety and growing system differed significantly with respect to growth, flowering and flower quality of anthurium. Based on the results obtained, October planting is recommended for anthurium. Varieties recommended are ‘Pistache’ and ‘Tropical’. Low cost structure with UV stabilized shade net to divert 75- 80 per cent light intensity and UV stabilized polyethylene film (120 gsm) to provide protection from rainfall on top and sides, covered with 25 per cent of shade net and with irrigation facilities at a cost of construction of Rs. 300/ m2 was found suitable for growing anthurium in tropical areas. The significant interaction effects showed that a suitable planting time – variety – growing system combination could maximize growth and production in anthurium. Pre-harvest growing conditions influenced the post harvest longevity of flower. Air temperature both inside the growing systems showed positive correlation with all plant characters except in leaf number. In all the varieties plant height and spread showed significant negative correlation with relative humidity in all the growing structures. The number of leaves in most of the cases showed significant positive correlation. Correlation studies with growth parameters and light intensity showed that in variety Tropical plant characters like height, spread, leaf area and petiole length were positively correlated with light intensity in S1 and S3. The R2 values obtained in multiple regression analysis showed that in certain characters the contribution towards variation by microclimatic factors was high. The variations controlled by meteorological factors were higher in leaf characters (79.60% in leaf length, 78.10% in leaf area) and plant height (76.20%). The treatments varied significantly showing the variations in response of different varieties and the growing systems and their interactions to microclimatic factors inside the growing system. The trend curves obtained also confirmed the correlations obtained in growth parameters with microclimatic factors. In tropical areas the best growth is obtained under 75 – 80% shade in anthurium. Under this shade level, the availability of light intensity on an average ranged from 3,953.46 lux in July to 12,318.75 lux in December; air temperature from 30.500C in July to 40.670C in March and relative humidity from 45.90% in February to 77.70% in July during the 12 month period. The study brings out the need for an integrated air temperature – relative humidity - light intensity regime to maximize growth, production and quality of anthurium. The most important requirement is to reduce air temperature by increasing relative humidity. This could be achieved by providing humidifiers in shade houses. Under hitech cultivation providing the suitable air temperature – relative humidity – light intensity regime for each variety could maximize yield. In shade houses which are used for growing anhurium in the plains of Kerala with tropical climate, the most important requirement is to reduce temperature. This can be done by using a plant spray system or a mist system, which increases humidity. An attempt to increase the availability of light in shade houses in the plains may result in increase in temperature which is not favourable for the crop. Anthurium may be a suitable crop for higher elevations in Kerala where the ambient temperature is low. The crop may receive the required light which need not be associated with an increase in temperature.

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