Theses

Browse

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 9 of 42

Open Access
Extraction and utilization of anthocyanin pigments from jamun ( Syzygium cumini L. )
(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Naresh, N; KAU; Sheela, K B
The project entitled “Extraction and utilization of anthocyanin pigments from jamun (Syzygium cumini Skeels.)” was undertaken at the Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2013-15. The objectives of the study were standardization of method of extraction of anthocyanin pigment and evaluation of pigment stability to pH, light, temperature, storage conditions and in processed products. Method for extraction of anthocyanin pigments from jamun was standardized. Among the four extraction methods compared, highest content of anthocyanin (61.07mg/100g), recovery per cent (13.75), colour hue (1.30) and colour intensity (1.13) were obtained for acidified solvent extraction method (20% ethanol + 0.5% citric acid). The effect of light and storage conditions on pigment stability was evaluated. Storage in amber coloured bottles under refrigerated conditions was found to be best for anthocyanin pigment due to lesser degradation of the pigment compared to that stored under ambient conditions. The effect of temperature on the anthocyanin content was studied at 70, 80 and 900 C and anthocyanin content was measured at intervals 30 minutes, 45 minutes and one hour of incubation at each temperature. Anthocyanin content decreased from an initial value of 61.25mg/100g to 50.24mg/100g one hour of heating at 900 C. The effect of pH on stability of anthocyanin pigment was studied at different pH ranging from 2.5 to 7 and incubating it for different intervals from one hour to 20 days at room temperature. Anthocyanin content was found to decrease with increase in pH and the least decrease was found at pH 2.5. Anthocyanin content was found to decrease from an initial value of 61.25mg/100g to 34.28mg/100g 20 days after incubation at a pH of 7. Least changes in pH were observed in RTS beverage prepared with 0.3% citric acid and 0.01% ascorbic acid and stored at refrigerated condition (T10). Acidity of the RTS beverage followed an increasing trend during storage, greatest change in acidity was observed in T8 (product coloured with synthetic colour). Ascorbic acid was found to decrease with increase in duration of storage, minimum changes in ascorbic acid was observed in RTS beverage prepared with 0.4% citric acid and 0.02% ascorbic acid and stored at refrigerated condition (T14). RTS beverage stored under refrigerated conditions retained colour throughout the storage period as compared to ambient condition where there was a greater loss of the colour. Addition of ascorbic acid was found to hasten the colour degradation of the beverage under ambient conditions, but under refrigerated conditions there was not much change in colour. Pigment stability in mixed fruit jam was also studied by storing the prepared product under ambient and refrigerated conditions for a period of three months. pH of the mixed fruit jam followed a declining trend during storage, least change in pH was observed in T1 (control under refrigerated condition) during storage. There was no significant change in the colour of the mixed fruit jam stored under refrigerated conditions. A slight darkening of the colour was seen in the bottles stored at ambient condition. Guava RTS beverage and mixed fruit jam was organoleptically evaluated by selected panel of judges. The products kept under refrigerated conditions recorded highest scores for flavour, texture, taste and overall acceptability compared to those kept at ambient conditions three months after storage.
Open Access
Seed invigoration to overcome dormancy in ash gourd (Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn.)
(Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Shobha, K V; KAU; Rose Mary, Francies
An experiment ‘Seed invigoration to overcome dormancy in ash gourd (Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn.),’ was conducted during 2014-2016 in the Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), Vellanikkara, Thrissur, following a completely randomized design with 16 treatments and three replications. The experiment aimed to elucidate the effect of seed invigoration on dormancy in ash gourd, to ascertain the anatomical changes in seed coat on seed treatment and to assess the storage potential of treated seeds under ambient conditions. Seed invigoration was resorted to by soaking seeds of variety KAU Local in water (hydro priming) for 24 hours, thiourea (0.5%) for 24 hours, KNO3 (0.4%) for 24 hours, KNO3 (0.7%) for 24 hours, KH2PO4 (10-1 M) for 24 hours, vinegar (pH 3.7) for 2 hours, polyethylene glycol 6000 (-0.5 MPa) for 24 hours, salicylic acid (60 ppm) for 12 hours, salicylic acid (60 ppm) for 24 hours, kinetin (10 ppm) for 12 hours, kinetin (10 ppm) for 24 hours, CaCl2 (50 mM) for 12 hours, CaCl2 (50 mM) for 24 hours, Psuedomonas fluorescens (1x106 cfu.ml-1) for 12 hours, Psuedomonas fluorescens (1x106 cfu.ml-1 ) for 24 hours. Untreated seeds served as control (T16). Both treated and untreated seeds, dried to < 8 per cent moisture content were packed in polythene bags (400 guage) and stored under ambient conditions upto ten months. The seed quality parameters viz., germination, germination index, coefficient of velocity of germination, energy of germination, mean time to germination, vigour indices I and II, and electrical conductivity of seed leachate were recorded at monthly intervals during storage. Seed microflora as well as histochemical studies to analyse the changes occurring in the dimensions of embryo and proportions of different fractions of seed coat were assessed at bimonthly intervals. Results pointed out the existence of significant differences in the impact of various invigoration treatments on the seed quality and histochemical parameters observed both within 35 days of invigoration as well as during storage. Majority of the seed invigoration treatments were effective in breaking dormancy in ash gourd. Dormancy was first broken in seeds treated with KH2PO4 and kinetin. In the above treatments germination reached above 60 per cent (the minimum standards for seed certification (MSCS) prescribed for ash gourd) on the 11th day after invigoration (DAI). Dormancy in untreated seed was broken only on the 35th day after extraction. However, seed invigoration with salicylic acid, vinegar and PEG 6000, proved to be detrimental. Seed invigoration also helped in extending the viability of seeds. Germination in seeds treated with CaCl2 for 24 hours, was found to be retained above MSCS for seven months during storage, whereas, in untreated seeds, germination above 60 per cent was observed for two months only. Seeds treated with salicylic acid failed to germinate by 35th DAI while those treated with vinegar and polyethylene glycol (PEG) failed to attain MSCS throughout the period of study. The viability of seeds treated with kinetin or CaCl2 for 12 hours and those treated with Pf for either 12 or 24 hours was found to be retained for six months of storage. Germination index, coefficient of velocity of germination, energy of germination, vigour indices I and II in both treated and untreated seeds, increased by 35th DAI and marginally decreased over the period of storage. In all the invigoration treatments, the above mentioned parameters were invariably higher than that of untreated control. However, the performance of seeds treated with salicylic acid, vinegar and PEG 6000 was lower than the untreated seeds. Invariably, the germination index, coefficient of velocity of germination, energy of germination, vigour indices I and II were high in seeds treated with CaCl2 for 24 hours followed by treatment with Pf for 12 hours and CaCl2 for 12 hours. The mean time to germination, electrical conductivity of seed leachate, the thickness of seed coat and its component layers as well as the microbial infection of seed was also observed to be low in these treatments. High and significant positive correlation was found to exist between germination and speed of germination, coefficient of velocity of germination, vigour indices I and II. It became evident that germination in ash gourd will be strongly affected with an increase in thickness of total seed coat or its outer layerthe testa. The thickening of seed coat owing to the thickening of testa will be accompanied with an obvious decrease in germination, germination index and coefficient of velocity of germination, vigour indices I and II. Results thus indicated that poor germination in seeds of ash gourd may be due to water impermeable seed coat (physical dormancy) mainly resulting from thickening of the outer layer (testa). Such dormancy in ash gourd can be best overcome by seed invigoration with CaCl2 (50 mM) for 24 hours. In addition, enhancement of seed viability, seed quality and seedling performance over storage was also achieved. Seed treatment with CaCl2 (50 mM) or Psuedomonas fluorescens (1x106 cfu.ml-1), for 12 hours were found to be the next best to treatment with CaCl2 (50 mM) for 24 hours. Hence, these can also be recommended for breaking dormancy and maintaining high seed quality in ash gourd.
Open Access
General combining ability of selected black pod disease resistant cocoa(Theobroma cacao L.)hybrids
(Department of Plantation Crops, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Varsha Babu; KAU; Suma, B
Cocoa originated in the Amazon riverbasin of South America. The cultivation of cocoa had extended from Mexico to Costa Rica and over the time it had spread to Caribbean and other parts of South America (Wood and Lass» 1985). It was introduced to India during 1979. The generic name Theobronia was derived from two greek words 'Theo' means god and 'hroma' means food, hence known as '"food of god". The beans are the only source for chocolate. Cocoa is affected by many biotic and abiotic stresses. Among the biotic stresses Phytophthora pod rot is the most serious one affecting cocoa, leading to a total of 64% yield loss (Adomako, 2007). Therefore the control of black pod is a major challenge for cultivation of cocoa. The farmers adopt several measures to control the disease of which the use of copper based fungicides is the most predominant one (Tan and Tan, 1990). Although it is reasonably effective, their indiscriminate use poses serious environmental issues. To overcome this situation breeding for resistance to black pod is the most economical, environmental friendly and effective control method (Iwaro et al., 2004). Hence an organized breeding progianmiewas initiated at Cocoa Research Center (CRC), KAU, Vellanikkara during 2005 for the development of varieties resistance to black pod disease and high yield. Twenty five hybrids showing considerable level of resistance after 6 years of screening were selected for the present study. The morphological evaluation ot these hybrids were earned out based on eight qualitative and eight quantitative characters.Variability was observed among the hybrids for all the qualitative characters and quantitative characters. Among the hybrids, hybrid H22 recorded the highest pod weight (724g) and total wet bean weight per pod (176.98g). Tlie husk thickness and number of ilat beans were lowest for hybrid H16 (0.86 cm) and HII (1.40). Self incompatibility was assessed by self pollinating 100 flowers per hybrids. Twenty two hybrids turned to be self incompatible, one self compatible and rest with insufficient number of flowers. Out of 22 self incompatible hybrids eleven were selected for further study based on their yield (No. ol pods/ tree/ year). They were crossed with tester (G.I 5.9) in top cross model and only four yielded fruits. Seedlings were raised in the nursery and observations were recorded in the third month. The analysis of variance of top cross showed significant variation for two characters. The characters like height, diameter, chlorophyll and number of leaves did not express any significant difference. HD2is considered as an indicator of initial vigour and it is found to be directly correlated to the final vigour.The significant value for variance (p Vs c) for HD2 indicated substantial difference between the parents as agroup and their hybrid progenies as another group. This shows that the average hetero.sis is significantly high. Seven hybrids out of selected eleven did not yield any pod on cross pollination, progenies developed from open pollinated pods of these hybrid.s were evaluated to predict the performance of the parent. Progenies expressed high HD2 value. Based on this, these parents can be considered as superior ones. However this has to be confirmed further by crossing them with another tester. Nursery screening for Phytophthora resistance of top cross progeny and open pollinated progeny of all eleven selected hybrids were done at two weeks interval for three months. Lab screening for disease resistance was carried out in semi translucent leaves from all the progenies raised through top cross and open pollinated method along with control for eight days by providing artificial inoculation and percentage of infection was calculated. No disease incidence was noticed in any progenies indicating high GCA for this character. H 17 found to be superior combiner can be evaluated in comparative yield trial. H4, HIS and H8 were selected as superior ones based on the performance of open pollinated progeny which has to be further evaluated with another tester.
Open Access
Development of tropical gynoecious lines in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, vellanikkara, 2016) Karthika, A K; KAU; Pradeepkumar, T
The present study ‘Development of tropical gynoecious lines in (Cucumber sativus L.) was carried out at Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural university, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during August - November 2014 and February - May 2015 to evaluate the F1 hybrids and their F2 population for identifying stable tropical gynoecious lines of salad cucumber. Twelve hybrids produced by crossing gynoecious line EC 709119 with selected tropical monoecious parents were evaluated for gynoecy under rainshelter. Observations on important quantitative and qualitative characters were recorded. These hybrids were selfed to generate F2 population. F2 population was evaluated for expression of gynoecious character, viz., days taken for female flower anthesis, node at which first female flower emerged and total number of female flowers. The data was subjected to analysis of variance and variability among the genotypes was calculated. Most of the characters exhibited high heritability except for fruit parameters like fruit length, fruit girth and flesh thickness. For gynoecy F2 population from the cross EC 709119 x IC 538186 was observed as the most promising one. This population took only minimum days to form female flower and took minimum number of nodes to form female flower with highest number of female flowers and minimum male flowers. Sex ratio was estimated for parents, F1 hybrids and F2 population. Some of the parents having high sex ratio failed to transmit the same to its hybrid progenies. Among the parents, IC 538186 exhibited highest sex ratio. The highest sex ratio among the F2 population was for EC 709119 x IC 538186. Two populations viz., EC 709119 x IC 527427 and EC 709119 X IC 538186 exhibited a sex ratio of more than 2. The 4 F2 population evaluated for gynoecious trait were classified into monoecious and gynoecious character and tested for goodness of fit based on chi square test with monohybrid ratio of 3:1 being monoecy dominant over gynoecy. Out of the 4 populations, 2 populations were found to express significant value and fit in 3:1 ratio for dominant monoecious trait. The other 2 populations failed to fit in the 3:1 ratio. Bitterness was an important quality character which was absent in most of the parents except three of them during initial harvest. The crosses involving parents prone to bitterness were found to be bitter during later harvest, though all crosses were free of bitterness during initial stage. During later harvests, five parents were found to be bitter. Downy mildew incidence on parents and F1 hybrids were analyzed and Percentage of Disease Intensity (PDI) was estimated. Among parents, IC 538186 exhibited minimum infection and falls under the category of moderate resistance. Hybrid, EC 709119 x IC 538186 exhibited minimum infection and falls under the category of moderate resistance. Among 12 F2 populations, EC 709119 x IC 538186 produced maximum number of true gynoecious plants whereas eight F2 populations failed to produce even one true gynoecious plant. This population also exhibited moderate resistance against downy mildew disease and could be selected for developing true breeding stable gynoecious line for future breeding programme. Present investigation proved the scope of developing tropical gynoecious line from temperate lines by crossing with potential-monoecious lines and making selection in advance segregating generations for gynoecy.
Open Access
Effect of growth retardants on growth and yield of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, 2017) Sunayana, S; KAU; Meera Manjusha, A V
The study entitled “Effect of growth retardants on growth and yield of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)” was conducted at College of Agriculture, Padannakkad during 2015-2017 with the objective to assess the response of marigold in terms of growth, yield and carotenoid content as influenced by foliar application of growth retardants Alar and Cycocel. The experiment was laid out in split plot design during two seasons viz., monsoon and pre-monsoon. The data was subjected to statistical analysis to find out the effect of growth retardants on different parameters. The experimental material comprised of Pusa Narangi Gainda and Maxima Yellow F1 varieties of African marigold and their response to growth retardants was evaluated with treatments viz., C1 : Alar 500 ppm, C2 : Alar 1000 ppm, C3 : Alar 1500 ppm, C4 : Cycocel 1000 ppm, C5 : Cycocel 1500 ppm, C6 : Cycocel 2000 ppm and C7 : Water spray (control). The analysis of data regarding different plant characters revealed that the varieties and growth retardants resulted in significant differences with vegetative, floral and yield characters and pigment contents in flowers. Growth retardants significantly influenced plant height, plant spread, number of branches, internodal length, and stem girth, number of flowers, flower yield and carotenoid content. There was no significant difference noticed on days to first flowering, days to 50 % flowering, flower length, pedicel length, flower diameter and flower weight. The effects of growth retardants on leaf area, SCMR, total biomass, crop duration, flowering duration and post-harvest longevity varied with seasons. On comparing the two varieties during two seasons, Maxima Yellow F1 performed better for most of the growth and floral characters and recorded highest flower yield in monsoon season. From economic point of view, Maxima Yellow F1 can be recommended during monsoon season in Kerala to meet the high demand of flowers during Onam. Among the growth retardants, Cycocel 1000 ppm can be recommended for better growth, higher yield and carotenoid content in Pusa Narangi Gainda and Maxima Yellow F1 varieties of African marigold during monsoon season and pre-monsoon seasons.
Open Access
Post harvest evaluation and management of cherry Tomato[Solanum lycopersicum L.var.cerasiforme (Dunal) A.Gray] Genotypes
(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture Vellanikkara, 2017) Rosemary, M Xavier; KAU; Sheela, K B
The present study entitled „Post harvest evaluation and management of cherry tomato [Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme (Dunal) A. Gray] genotypes‟ was undertaken with the objectives of evaluating quality attributes of cherry tomato under rain shelter and open field conditions, and to standardise the packaging and storage requirements. Eleven genotypes of cherry tomato raised inside rain shelter and in open field were evaluated for the quality attributes. The physico-morphological characters showed significant variation among the cherry tomato accessions inside rain shelter. The desirable attributes like high fruit length, diameter, fruit girth, rind thickness, fruit weight, and juice per cent were observed for SLc.11, under both growing conditions. Performance of most of the genotypes was superior inside the rain shelter as compared to open field condition. The highest content of TSS, reducing and total sugar, vitamin C, total carotenoids and lycopene was observed in SLc.2 grown inside rain shelter. TSS, sugars and vitamin C content was higher for most of the genotypes under open field condition. Total carotenoids and lycopene content was higher for most of the genotypes when raised inside rain shelter. Packaging and storage studies were conducted in fruits of two genotypes, SLc.10 (small fruited type) and SLc.11 (large fruited type) by subjecting to four methods of packaging viz. packing in micro ventilated polyethylene cover (200 gauge), polystyrene tray covered with cling film, polypropylene punnets and shrink wrapping in polystyrene tray. Each package was stored in ambient (28 -36°C), refrigerated (5 ± 2°C) and cold storage (12 ± 3°C) conditions. The shelf life of cherry tomato was longer under cold storage than ambient and refrigerated condition. The shelf life of cherry tomato was extended to 87 days for IIHR- 2871 and 71 days for Pusa Cherry Tomato -1 under cold storage. Fruits packed in polypropylene punnets had longer shelf life for both varieties under refrigeration and cold storage conditions. The physiological loss in weight (PLW %) was significantly higher and shelf life was lower in unwrapped fruits under the three different storage conditions. The highest content of TSS, vitamin C, and lycopene was observed at different storage periods under three different storage conditions, because of the difference in the rate of ripening in these conditions. A trend of decrease in TSS, Vitamin C and lycopene content was recorded for majority of the treatments after reaching a peak value. TSS, Vitamin C and lycopene content was comparatively higher for fruits packed in polypropylene punnets, shrink wrapped fruits in polystyrene tray and fruits in polystyrene tray overwrapped with cling film respectively under the three storage conditions. In both the varieties, titrable acidity decreased as the ripening progressed during the storage. Significant changes in the titrable acidity was found in ambient storage of fruits. Total, reducing and non reducing sugars increased after one week of storage in all the treatments in both the varieties. Microbial load of cherry tomato was analyzed by estimating the population of bacteria, yeast, and fungi. Microbial load was found to increase with the advancement of storage period. Less microbial contamination was observed for samples kept under refrigeration. Organoleptic evaluation of both varieties revealed that the mean scores for all the attributes showed an increasing trend in the initial phase of storage and declined towards the end of the storage, but still the fruits were acceptable for consumption under ambient and cold storage.
Open Access
Evaluation of yard long bean(Vigna unguiculata subsp.sesquipedalis (L.) verdcourt) hybrids under rainshelter and open conditions
(Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Feba Varghese; KAU; Sarada, S
The project entitled “Evaluation of yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdcourt) hybrids under rainshelter and open conditions” was carried out at the Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 2015-2017 to evaluate yard long bean hybrids under rainshelter and open conditions for yield and quality. The experiment was carried out in two parts. In part I, seeds of ten superior F1 hybrids of yard long bean with high yield and quality characters, selected based on specific combining ability and per se performance in the previous M. Sc programme, were produced in a crossing block during May-August 2016. In part II, the ten hybrids along with a standard check variety (NS 634) were evaluated in open field and rainshelter conditions as two separate experiments. Both the experiments were conducted in Randomized Block Design with 11 treatments and 3 replications from September 2016- February 2017. The results of the field experiment showed significant difference among the treatments for all traits studied. Highest yield plant -1 was recorded in VS 34 x VS 50 both in open field (1058.20 g plant -1) and under rainshelter (689.67 g plant -1) followed by VS 50 x VS 26 (973.27 g plant -1 and 674.00 g plant -1 respectively). VS 54 x VS 26 recorded maximum pod length and girth in open field (69.36 cm and 3.34 cm respectively) as well as under rainshelter (68.42cm and 3.24 cm respectively). Pod weight was maximum in VS 50 x VS 16 (28.69 g) and VS 54 x VS 26 (27.59 g) in open field and rainshelter respectively. VS 50 x VS 13 recorded highest pods plant - 1 , fruit set percentage and pollen viability both in open field (72.27, 66.55% and 94.35% respectively) and rainshelter (55.67, 56.80% and 90.70% respectively). Correlation studies revealed that in open field conditions, yield plant -1 was significantly and positively correlated with fruit set percentage, pods plant -1 and pollen viability and positively correlated with primary branches plant -1 and seeds pod-1. Yield plant-1 was significantly and positively correlated with fruit set percentage and seeds pod-1 and positively correlated with vine length, pods plant -1 and pollen viability under rainshelter. Under both rainshelter and open conditions, pod weight was found to be significantly and positively correlated with pod length and pod girth. Also, days to harvest was significantly and positively correlated with days to first flowering. Under both open field and rainshelter conditions, VS 34 x VS 50 and VS 50 x VS 26 were found to be the highest yielders whereas VS 54 x VS 26 exhibited maximum pod length and pod girth. Highest pods plant -1 and fruit set percentage was recorded in VS 50 x VS 13. Hybrids grown under rainshelter conditions exhibited maximum petiole length, pod weight, 100 seed weight, crop duration, keeping quality, early flowering and harvest compared to open field. Vine length, primary branches plant -1, fruit set percentage, pods plant -1 and yield plant -1 were maximum for hybrids grown under open field conditions.
Open Access
Evaluation of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) hybrids for yield and bacterial wilt resistance
(Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Shashidhar, M Sonnad; KAU; Sarada, S
The project entitled “Evaluation of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) hybrids for yield and bacterial wilt resistance” was carried out at the department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 2015-2017 to identify tomato hybrids with high yield, quality and resistance to bacterial wilt. The experiment was carried out in two parts. In part I, F1 seeds of the eight superior hybrids with respect to bacterial wilt resistance and yield selected based on specific combining ability and per se performance identified in the previous M. Sc programme were produced in a crossing block during May - August 2016. In part II, the hybrids along with two standard checks- one resistant (Jessica) and one susceptible (Naveen) were evaluated for yield and bacterial wilt resistance. Two separate experiments were conducted- one under field condition (Randomized Block Design) and another under artificial epiphytotic conditions (inoculated trial in pots) (Completely Randomized Design) from October 2016 –January 2017 with 10 treatments and 3 replications. The results of the field experiment showed significant difference among the treatments for all traits studied. Plant height was highest in Naveen (102.39 cm), while the cross LE 20 × Manulekshmi recorded highest number of primary branches plant-1 (11.60). Leaf length was highest in LE 13 × Manulekshmi (34.81 cm) and leaf width in Naveen (22.58 cm). LE 13 × Vellayani Vijai recorded lowest node to inflorescence (9.87); earliest flowering (20.33 days) was noted in LE 16 × Vellayani Vijai, while days to fruit set was lowest in LE 13 × Manulekshmi (6.67). Highest flowers cluster-1 (8.27) was recorded in LE 13 × Vellayani Vijai; inflorescence plant-1 and fruits plant-1 was maximum in LE 16 × Anagha (36.27 and 90.47 respectively) and maximum fruits truss-1 and fruit set percent was recorded by LE 16 × Vellayani Vijai (4.73 and 83.19 respectively). Jessica recorded maximum fruit length, fruit diameter and fruit weight (6.28 cm, 5.49 cm, 99.48 g respectively). Among the crosses LE 20 × Manulekshmi recorded highest fruit weight (67.82 g). Highest yield plant-1 was recorded by LE 20 × Manulekshmi (1836 g) followed by LE 16 × Manulekshmi (1773 g) and highest yield plot-1 was recorded by LE 20 × Manulekshmi (26.72 kg) followed by LE 16 × Vellayani Vijai (23.74 kg). With respect to quality characters, LE 16 × Vellayani Vijai recorded highest TSS (4.69 %) followed by LE 16 × Manulekshmi (4.03%). Lycopene was highest in LE 13 × Vellayani Vijai (12.99 μg g-1), ascorbic acid in LE 19 × Anagha (30.22 mg 100g-1). Bacterial population (Ralstonia solanacearum) in the experimental field was assessed three times. It was 1.75×105 cfu g-1 before planting, 1.17×105 cfu g-1 during crop period and 5.53×105 cfu g-1 at last harvest. None of the hybrids except Naveen exhibited the disease symptoms, which depicted the field resistance. Correlation analysis revealed that yield plant-1 was positively correlated with primary branches plant-1, inflorescence plant-1, fruit set percent, fruits plant-1 and fruits truss-1, and negatively correlated with days to first flowering, lycopene, TSS and plant height. Artificial inoculation studies revealed significant difference among treatments for percent disease incidence at a bacterial concentration of 105 cfu ml-1 as inoculum. It was lowest in LE 16 × Vellayani Vijai and resistant check (26.67%) whereas incidence was 100 per cent in the susceptible check. LE 20 × Manulekshmi was adjudged as the best hybrid considering yield plant-1, yield plot-1, fruit size and field resistance to bacterial wilt. For bacterial wilt resistance, LE 16 × Vellayani Vijai was the best based on both field trial and inoculated trial.
Open Access
Performance of cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme (Dunal) A.Gray) genotypes in rain shelter and open field
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Malavika, O; KAU; Indira, P
Cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme (Dunal) A. Gray) also known as salad tomato, is one of the emerging tropical vegetable crop under protected cultivation and is considered as an exotic vegetable bringing new taste and appearance to dishes. It has gained much popularity all over the world being a good source of vitamin A and C and having health beneficial compounds like antioxidants, phytochemicals, lycopene and beta- carotene. The present experiment entitled “Performance evaluation of cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme (Dunal) A. Gray) genotypes in rain shelter and open field” was conducted in Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during October 2016 to March 2017. The objectives of the study were to identify cherry tomato genotype (s) suitable for rain shelter and open field cultivation, and also to study the feasibility of cherry tomato cultivation inside rain shelter and open field. The experiment was laid out in Randomized block design with three replications. Ten genotypes of cherry tomato were evaluated for qualitative and quantitative characters in both growing conditions. There was no much variation among the genotypes for qualitative characters like blossom end fruit shape, fruit surface, fruit shape, immature fruit colour, mature fruit colour, locule number per fruit and presence of green shoulder under both growing conditions. However there was a slight variation with respect to fruit size under different growing conditions. Fruits of seven genotypes inside rain shelter were small sized and three were medium sized, where as in open field majority of the genotypes produced small fruits. Significant difference was observed among the genotypes with respect to plant height, days to first fruit harvest, number of flower clusters per plant, yield per plant and number of fruits per kilogram in different growing conditions. A comparative study on genotypic performance in open field and rain shelter revealed that plants in general had highest plant height, minimum days to 50 % flowering , days to first fruit set, fruits per cluster, number of fruits per plant, yield per plant and average fruit weight inside rain shelter. Genotype SLc-9 achieved 50 % flowering with in 17.7 days after transplanting and was early to first fruit set (25.20 ), early to first fruit harvest (54.33) and had highest fruit yield per plant (425.96 g) inside rain shelter. SLc-10 recorded highest plant height (295.5cm), highest number of flower clusters per plant (19.70), fruits per cluster (22.80) and maximum average fruit weight (6.24 g) inside rain shelter. In open field SLc- 2 recorded highest number of flower clusters per plant (31.20), highest fruit yield per plant (573.40 g) and high TSS content (7.5 °Brix). None of the genotypes were resistant to bacterial wilt in both the growing conditions. Bacterial wilt incidence was found lowest in SLc-9 (29.10 %) inside rain shelter and SLc-2 (57.10 %) in open field. The genotypes SLc-2, SLc-3, SLc- 7, SLc-8 and SLc-9 were free from leaf miner (Liriomyza trifolii) infestation inside rain shelter, while there was no infestation in open field. SLc-2, SLc-3, SLc-6, and SLc-9 were free from tomato leaf curl virus incidence inside rain shelter. All genotypes were free from tomato leaf curl virus incidence in open field, except SLc- 4 (12.5 %). The genotype SLc-9 had highest fruit yield per plant (425. 96 g), and lowest incidence of bacterial wilt (29.10 % ) inside rain shelter. However SLc-10 had more number of flower clusters per plant, fruits per cluster, maximum average fruit weight and highest plant height inside rain shelter. Hence these two genotypes can be recommended for cultivation inside rain shelter. Even though SLc-2 had highest fruit yield per plant (573.40g) in open field it was susceptible to bacterial wilt (57.10%). From the present study it is concluded that rain shelter cultivation of cherry tomato is more feasible than open field cultivation.

Theses

Browse

Thesis Type

Type

Author

Date

Subject

Search Results