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Open Access
Study on marketing management of Sitaram ayurveda pharmacy Ltd. for Narasimham oil
(College of Co-operation Banking and Management, Vellanikkara, 2017) Bhagyasree, K G; KAU; Smitha, Baby
Marketing management is the organizational discipline which focuses on the practical application of marketing orientation, techniques and methods inside enterprises and organizations and on the management of a firm's marketing resources and activities. Marketing management employs tools from economics and competitive strategy to analyze the industry context in which the firm operates. The scope of a business' marketing management depends on the size of the business and the industry in which the business operates. Effective marketing management will use a company's resources to increase its customer base, improve customer opinions of the company's products and services, and increase the company's perceived value. The project entitled “A study on marketing management of Sitaram Ayurveda Pharmacy Ltd. for Narasimham oil” were undertaken with the objectives vii. To understand the marketing management practices followed by Sitaram Ayurveda Pharmacy Ltd for the promotion of Sitaram Narasimham oil. viii. To evaluate consumers, retailers and dealers perception towards the maketing of Sitaram Narasimham oil. ix. To suggest improved marketing strategies for Sitaram Narasimham oil. The sample size of the study was 60 consumers, 8 distributors and 15 retailres of Sitaram Narasimham oil , in Thrissur Corporation. Consumers were selected by using convenience sampling method. The study was based on primary data and secondary data, the primary data were collected from the sample respondents through personal interview. The collected data were analyzed using percentage and ranking index method. In order to keep the company vibrant and responsive to the needs of the customers, it is vital to regularly monitor the level of consumer satisfaction and marketing management practices.
Open Access
Effect of heat stress on the expression patterns of different growth related genes in Malabari goats
(Academy of Climate Change Education and Research, Vellanikkara, 2018) Angel Sunny, P; KAU; Bagath, M
The impact of heat stress on growth performance of goats has been established fairly based on changes associated with phenotypic traits. However, not many reports are available on the genotypic traits which get altered on exposure to heat stress in livestock. Therefore, the study is an attempt to elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing growth performance during heat stress in goats. The primary objective of the study was to establish the influence of heat stress on the expression patterns of different growth related genes in Malabari goats. The study was conducted for a period of 45 days in twelve Malabari goats randomly allocated into two groups: MC (n=6; Malabari control) and MHS (n=6; Malabari Heat stress). Goats were stall-fed with a diet composed of 60% roughage and 40% concentrate. All animals had access to adlibitum feed and water and they were fed and watered individually. The MC goats were placed in the shaded pens while MHS goats were exposed to heat stress in outside environment between 10.00 h to 16.00 h. At the end of study period, all 12 animals were slaughtered and their liver tissues were collected for gene expression and histopathological studies. The temperature-humidity-index (THI) inside the shed (74.9) proved that the animals were not stressed while in the outside environment (86.5) the animals were extremely distressed. The hepatic growth hormone (GH), growth hormone receptor (GHR), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), leptin (LEP) and leptin receptor (LEPR) gene expression patterns were significantly (P<0.05) lower in heat stress group as compared to the control group animals. In addition, negative correlation (P<0.05) was also established between THI and all the growth related gene expression in the study. The hepatic histopathological section showed more fatty and degenerative changes (P<0.05) in hepatocytes in MHS group as compared to MC group. The study offers the first thorough insight into the expression patterns of different growth related genes during heat stress exposure in goats. Further, the study established GH, GHR, IGF-1, LEP, LEPR genes to be the ideal markers to reflect growth potential in Malabari goats. The findings from this study provide some crucial initial information on how different growth relatedgenes are expressed when Malabari goats are subjected to heat stress. This information might be of high value in assessing the growth performance of goats and may provide useful information pertaining to nutrient supplementation to the heat stressed goats.
Open Access
Development and quality evaluation of granular fruit bars
(Department of Community Science, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2017) Meghna, K; KAU; Nirmala, C
A study entitled “Development and quality evaluation of granular fruit bars” was conducted at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period 2015-17, with the objective to develop granular fruit bars using fruit pulp, grains, nuts and pulses and to ascertain sensorial quality, chemical and nutritional composition, shelf life and consumer acceptability. Papaya, pineapple and other ingredients such as puffed rice, oats, bengal gram dal, ground nuts, dried fruits and Jaggery were purchased from the market. Outer coat of granular fruit bars were developed using pineapple pulp (T1), papaya pulp (T2) and blended fruit pulp (T3). Food adjuncts such as sugar and pectin were added to obtain good texture. Fruit bars were dried in tray drier at 55-60°C. After the development of three fruit bars, TSS was recorded. Drying characteristics like moisture loss, drying time and yield ratio was ascertained. Moisture loss was higher in T1 (Pineapple bar) and low in T2 (Papaya bar). Drying time of T1 (Pineapple bar) was on par with T2 (Papaya bar). Drying time required for T3 (blended bar) was 10.84 hours. High yield ratio (0.81) was observed for T2. The filling for granular fruit bars were standardised using energy sources such as puffed rice, flaked rice and oats. Puffed bengal gram dhal and roasted groundnuts were serve as protein sources. Jaggery was used as the sweetening agent for the product. To standardise granular bar, different combinations of different ingredients were formulated. Sensory quality, nutritive value, chemical score and NDP Cal% of each proportion was computed to identify the best combination. Six treatments were formulated with varying amounts of ingredients ( Rice flakes, puffed rice, oats, Bengal gram dhal, ground nuts, jaggery and osmotically dehydrated jackfruits). Three treatments with appreciable nutrient content, chemical score and NDP Cal% were selected for further study. T1 obtained the highest chemical score of 109.97 followed by T3 (98.65) and T2 (93.72). T1 was observed to have the highest value of NDP Cal% (12.38%) and T2 had the lowest NDP Cal% (9.96%). Based on above parameters T1, T2 and T3 selected for further study. T1 was identified as best formulation with the highest score of 35.30 in sensory evaluation using hedonic rating scale. The formulated outer fruit bar coat was cut into pieces and filled with T1 (30:25:10:5:5:20:5) and pressed into bars and designated as A1 (pineapple coated granular fruit bar) A2 (papaya coated granular fruit bar) and A3 (blended bar coated granular fruit bar.), thus the final products were A1, A2 and A3 GFB (granular fruit bars). The products (A1, A2 and A3) were packed in laminated pouches and stored at ambient condition. Quality parameters such as sensory acceptability, chemical and shelf life of final products were ascertained initially and monthly intervals. Sensory evaluation of final products revealed highest mean rank score for A2. Polyphenol (4.21mg) was higher in A2 and all the other chemical components were higher in A1. TSS recorded for A1 was 78.2°B, reducing sugar (43.02%) and acidity (1.32%). A1 has highest fibre content of 0.46g per 100g. The other nutrients, moisture, protein, carbohydrate, energy and fat content were higher in A3 and was 20.02%, 40.16 g, 115.06 g, 461.0 KCal and 7.71g respectively. A3 had high total minerals (4.5 g) calcium, iron, sodium and potassium and the values were 2.36 mg, 2.52 mg, 635.52 mg and 45.03 mg respectively. High vitamin C content was observed for A 3 (23.38 mg) and high β carotene content was noted for A2 (269.798 μg). Changes in moisture, acidity, sensory appeal and microbial growth if any was recorded monthly. It was observed that there was a gradual increase in moisture and acidity in stored granular fruit bars. A3 showed highest moisture content and A1 showed highest per cent of acidity throughout the storage period. Stored GFB showed gradual decrease in all sensory parameters. Microbial evaluation of GFB, revealed that, no bacterial colonies were seen in (cfu 1×10-7) in dilution initially. Few colonies of bacteria and fungus were seen in first month and number of colonies exceeded the safe limit in second month. Consumer acceptance and preference study among 50 adolescents was rated high for A2. The product cost was computed and it was found to be Rs. 36.63/- for A1, Rs. 18.75/- for A2 and Rs. 31.53/- for A3. GFB were nutrient dense, ready to eat product with fruits, grains and pulses with shelf life of one month.
Open Access
Enhancement of storage life of synthetic seeds of cocoa(Theobroma Cacao L.) through germination inhibition, desiccation and low temperature treatments
(Department of Tree Physiology and breeding, College of forestry,Vellanikkara, 2014) Mobin, K M; KAU; Santhoshkumar, A V
The research work entitled “Enhancement of storage life of synthetic seeds of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) through germination inhibition, desiccation and low temperature treatments” was carried out at Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, during the period 2012-2014. The objectives of the research work were to enhance the longevity of synthetic cocoa seeds through the application of different concentrations of chemical inhibitors/osmotica, desiccation at different RH for varying durations and low temperature treatment under refrigerated conditions and hence to prepare a storage protocol for synthetic cocoa seed. Synthetic seeds using calcium alginate encapsulation technique were prepared from embryonic axes of cocoa containing ¼ cotyledon. The experiments revealed that, presence of different chemical inhibitors in storage medium significantly influenced radicle emergence of synthetic seeds of cocoa. ABA at 10 -3 M and 10 -4 M level did not inhibit the radicle emergence of synthetic cocoa seeds and seed mortality were observed by 20 th and 25 th day respectively in both the concentrations. All synthetic seeds stored in higher concentrations of coumarin (10 -2 M) and CCC (1 M) containing ½ MS basal medium were found mortal on 10 th and 15 th day respectively. The presence of lower levels of coumarin (10 -3 M) or CCC (10 -1 M) in the storage medium helped to extend the longevity of synthetic cocoa seeds for 60 days without complete loss of viability. The combination of 10 -3 M coumarin and 10 -1 M CCC in the storage medium extended the longevity of the cultures for 67 days. Low levels of osmotica in the storage medium (100 mM sorbitol and 5% PEG) did not inhibit the germination of synthetic cocoa seeds whereas, higher levels (500 mM sorbitol and 15% PEG) had a negative influence on the cultures. Among the different osmotic treatments, 250 mM sorbitol fortified medium was found to be best as it could arrest radicle emergence in 42.97 % cultures. Longevity of more than 40 days were observed for synthetic seeds subjected to desiccation treatment: 85.3% RH (36 hours), 78.6% RH (24 hours and 36 hours) and 46.6% RH (18 hours and 24 hours). A longevity of only 15 days were obtained for synthetic seeds subjected to low temperature treatment in refrigerated conditions at 4ºC. The synthetic seeds stored in 10 M CCC and 10 -3 M coumarin added storage medium, when transferred to ½ MS basal medium after 60 days showed a maximum storage life of 98 days and 92 days respectively. The study was able to enhance the storage life of synthetic cocoa seeds by 9 days compared to a previous study by Shiran, (2012). Based on the results of the experiments conducted, a protocol for short and medium term storage of cocoa seed was developed.
Open Access
Evaluation of hybrids for yield and quality in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)
(Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2016) Aiswarya, C S; KAU; Sreelathakumary, I
The research projec t entitled “Evaluation of hybrids for yield and quality in chilli ( Capsicum annuumL.)” was conducted at Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2015-16. The objective of the study was to evaluate the yield and quality characters of F1 hybrids of chilli. The experimental material consisted of five parents viz., CA 3 (P1), CA 5 (P2), CA 6 (P3), CA 8 (P4) and CA 32 (P5) and 10 F1s produced in diallel mating design excluding reciprocals. The hybrid Arka Harita and variety Vellayani Athulya were used as checks for the estimation of standard heterosis. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 17 treatments and three replications for two seasons viz., May 2015 to September 2015 and October 2015 to February 2016. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among the treatments for almost all characters studied. Among the hybrids P4 x P5 recorded the highest fruit weight (9.66 g), flesh thickness (2.81 mm), green fruit yield plant-1 (962.93 g), dry fruit yield plant-1 (144.05 g) and yield plot-1 (27.72 kg). Maximum fruits plant-1 was recorded in the hybrid P3 x P4(148.76), fruit length in P1 x P5(12.61 cm) and fruit girth in P3 x P5 (4.43 cm). Among the parents P5 recorded highest fruit weight (6.73 g), flesh thickness (2.61 111m), green fruit yield plant-1 (448.70 g), dry fruit yield plant-1 (79.98 g) and yield plot-1 (12.91 kg). The hybrid P2 x P5 had high quality parameters like oleoresin (18.90 %), ascorbic acid (122.66 mg/lOOg) and colour value (195.39 ASTA units). The check variety Vellayani Athulya was superior for characters such as days to first flower (23. 83 days), days to first harvest (42.96 days), fruit length (12.66 cm), fruit girth (6.27 cm), fruit weight (17.36 g) and flesh thickness (3.31 mm). No incidence of white fly, bacterial wilt, leaf curl, fruit rot and mosaic were observed in the field. The incidence of thrips and mites were less in the parents and hybrid combinations. The highest standard heterosis for green fruit yield plant'1 among the hybrids was recorded in P4 x P5 (177.23 %) followed by P3 x P5 (147.35 %), and P2 x P5 (127.24 %). For fruit weight highest standard heterosis was observed in P4 x P5 (191.09 %) followed by P3 x P5 (188.12 %) and P2 x P5 (170.30 %). Maximum standard heterosis for yield plot'1 was recorded in P4 x P5 (177.34 %), P3 x P5 (147.35 %) and P2 x P5 (127.31 %). Among the hybrids the highest standard heterosis for the quality characters such as oleoresin (36.59 %), ascorbic acid (6.05 %), and colour value (8.17 %) were recorded in P2 x P5. Correlation for different characters showed that green fruit yield plant"1 had positive correlation with the primary branches plant'1, fruits plant"1, fruit length, fruit weight, flesh thickness and seeds fruit'1. On the basis of the present study the hybrids CA 8 x CA 32 (P4 x P5), CA 6 x CA 32 (P3 x P5) and CA 5 x CA 32 (P2 x P5) were found promising for yield characters such as fruit weight, green fruit yield plant'1, yield plot'1 and quality. Among the parents CA 32 (P5) was found superior. The superior hybrids identified viz., CA 8 x CA 32 (P4 x P5), CA 6 x CA 32 (P3 x Ps) and CA 5 x CA 32 (P2 x Ps) can be subjected to multilocational trials and if found superior can be recommended for variety release.
Open Access
Efficiency of vermiconversion and decomposition of farm residues on soil health, yield and quality of banana (Musa spp.)
(Department of Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2016) Mayadevi, M R; KAU; Sushama
An investigation entitled “Efficiency of vermiconversion and decomposition of farm residues on soil health, yield and quality of banana (Musa spp.)” was undertaken at College of Horticulture and Banana Research Station, Kannara during 2013-2015. The objectives of the study were to compare the efficiency of native and exotic earthworms on vermiconversion of farm residues and the effects of different modes of vermicomposting on soil health, yield and quality of banana and to evaluate the in situ decomposition of banana crop residues An experiment with seven treatments and three replications was laid out in randomized block design to assess the composting efficiency of native and exotic earthworms. Seven treatments included absolute control as soil (S), ex-situ compost in silpaulin vermibed without earthworms (Ex-C), ex-situ vermicompost in silpaulin vermibed using Perionyx excavatus (Ex-P), ex-situ vermicompost in silpaulin vermibed using Eisenia foetida (Ex-E), in-situ vermicompost in banana planting pits using Perionyx excavatus (In-P), in-situ vermicompost in banana planting pits using Eisenia foetida (In-E), in-situ compost in banana planting pits without earthworms (In-C). In the next study, the prepared composts were tested along with recommended doses of fertilizers and FYM to assess their effects on growth, yield and crop quality of banana var. Nendran in RBD with seven treatments replicated thrice. The treatments were absolute control (S), 300:115:450g N:P2O5:K2O plant-1 + FYM at the rate of 20 kg plant-1 (POP) , exsitu vermicompost in silpaulin vermibeds with Perionyx excavatus at the rate of 20 kg plant -1 (Ex–P), ex-situ vermicompost in silpaulin vermibeds with Eisenia foetida at the rate of 20 kg plant -1 (Ex–E) , in-situ vermicompost in crop pits with Perionyx excavatus at the rate of 20 kg plant -1 (In-P), in-situ vermicompost in crop pits with Eisenia foetida at the rate of 20 kg plant -1 (In-E), in -situ compost at the rate of 20 kg plant -1 (In-C). After the harvest of the crop, the entire residues from each plant was incorporated in the respective crop pits and the insitu degradation of the banana residues was monitored. The salient findings are summarized as follows In the first trial, the composting efficiency of native and exotic earthworms under different modes of composting was compared. Chemical properties of compost like pH, electrical conductivity, and content of primary nutrients were significantly affected by modes of composting. Exotic earthworms like Eisenia foetida produced higher auxin content in the compost whereas Perionyx excavatus registered higher dehydrogenase activity under ex-situ mode of composting. The total microbial load was recorded in the compost prepared without earthworms under both modes of composting. Compost yield was more in ex-situ composting methods and Eisenia foetida was more efficient in composting as compared to Perionyx excavatus. Humic acid characterization by Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy revealed a similar spectra from different treatments and were found to be characterized by aromatic rings and triple bonded skeleton. Presence of relatively higher quantity of polysaccharide like substances was observed in insitu mode of composting. The spectra of humic acids for ex-situ composts prepared using Perionyx excavatus revealed a nitrate band of characteristic shape appearing prominently. Perionyx excavatus produced humic acids with high aromaticity both under ex-situ and in-situ mode of composting. Scanning electron microscopy revealed neo-formed CaCO3 nodules embedded in humic acids in the ex-situ vermicompost produced by Eisenia foetida. Transmission Electron Microscopy of humic acids indicated a globular structure for vermicompost prepared by Perionyx excavatus and a lamellar structure with voids for vermicompost prepared using Eisenia foetida. On field experimentation with different treatments using Nendran banana as the test crop, the highest yield was obtained for combined application of fertilizers and farm yard manure as per POP. Number of fingers per hand and number of functional leaves were found to influence the yield, irrespective of treatments. The number of days to bunching and harvest was significantly reduced for banana under in-situ composting. Higher content of total, reducing and non-reducing sugars were observed for in-situ composting treatments. On the contrary, higher titratable acidity was recorded for the control treatment. Both vitamin C content and sensory parameters were complimentary for POP treatment. Increased absorption and translocation of nutrients such as N, P, K and Mg in fruits were observed under organic nutrition using Perionyx excavatus. For the next study, the residues of banana were added to the respective pits for monitoring the carbon and nitrogen mineralization. The carbon mineralization with respect to time was fitted to single pool exponential model to derive the rate of mineralization and half-life. It revealed crop residues pre-treated with vermicompost using exotic earthworms had a higher rate of C cumulative mineralization. Nitrogen addition by both exotic and native species of earthworms were almost similar under in-situ conditions. The banana residue decomposition by Eisenia foetida was about 3.5 times higher than that of Perionyx excavatus. Calcium content of Perionyx excavatus pre-treated residues added the maximum calcium to the soil.
Open Access
Impact of projected climate change on cropping pattern of different agro ecological units of southern Kerala
(Acadamy of Climate Change Education and Research Vellanikkara, 2017) Sukanya, K S; KAU; Sunil, K M
Climate change poses an emerging threat to sustainability of social and economic development, livelihoods, and environmental management across the globe. Characterization of the ecosystems using the AEZ concept is a good decision making approach for variety of farming activities performed by the farmers and is a useful tool for the studying the impact of climate change. The objectives of this study are (1) to study rainfall variability and to determine water availability periods of Agro ecological units of southern Kerala under different climate change scenarios. (2) To study the impact of projected climate change on cropping pattern, crop calendar and the possible changes in the water requirements of major cropping systems prevailed in the various Agro ecological Units of southern Kerala. Daily rainfall data for the period 1991-2014 were collected from the India Meteorological Department, Thiruvananthapurm. Weather cock v.1.5 was used for converting the daily weather data into standard week, month and seasonal formats. It is also used to compute PET and Thornthwaite water balances. CROPWAT model was used for the calculations of crop evapotranspiration, crop water requirements and irrigation requirements for the development of irrigation schedules under various management conditions and scheme water supply. The annual rainfall availability in most of the AEUs of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts show a decreasing trend in the projected climate and an increasing trend in Idukki, Kottayam and Alappuzha. The number of annual rainy days generally shows a decreasing trend. The seasonal rainfall of southwest and summer monsoon will show an increase from the current situation where as northeast monsoon and winter will have a decreasing trend. In projected climate of both RCP 4.5 and 8.5 there will be high probability of having reduction in the number of months having the surplus and an increase in the number of deficit. The crop evapotranspiration values of rice based cropping system will show a tendency to increase. In perennial cropping systems of coconut based and rubber the projected crop evapotranspiration will have a reduction from the present situation whereas in coffee based cropping system the ETc will have an increasing trend. The irrigation requirement of all the major cropping systems will increase from the present situation except in the case of rice-fallow-fallow. The length of growing period of the cropping season in the major rice growing areas of different AEUs are getting shorter with slight differences among various agro-ecological units, implying a higher risk of operating under projected climate as per RCP 4.5. The sowing date will be delayed up to three to five weeks. It can be also observed that the crops will have to suffer water stress during the grain filling stage and will be under heavy rains at time of harvest in almost all the considered cases.
Open Access
Trends in India summer monsoon distribution over the western ghats
(Academy of Climate Change Education and Research Vellanikkara, 2016) Abhijit Asokan; KAU; Kurien, E K
The Western Ghats with its strategic position plays a great role in channelling the summer monsoon rain into the mainland. The natural ecosystems and human livelihoods of this region are highly dependent on the Indian Summer Monsoon rainfall and even the slightest change can trigger a change in these systems. The global climate changing scenario is having its toll in the monsoonal system over this region. The extreme events in the region have been analysed for trends using Mann Kendall method and the return periods of the one day maximum rainfall has been modelled using Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) theory. The mean annual monsoonal rainfall over the region is 1616.15 mm and the standard deviation is 242.966.It was observed that the mean annual monsoonal rainfall varied from 231.4mm in grid 117 to 3416 mm in grid 253. The one day maximum rainfall extracted from the 32 constituent grids for the entire period showed a variation from 118.63 mm in 1981 to 316.63 mm in 2005. The temporal variation in one day maximum rainfall for the time series had a significant trend. The values were seen to increase steadily and a profound increase was observed in the recent decades. When the One day maximum rainfall was analysed for different latitudes, two latitudes (14°N and 21°N) had significant positive trends in One Day Maximum Rainfall in the whole region. Out of the 32 grids, 7 grids (186, 359, 394, 428, 429, 497 and 498) showed a significant rising trend in one day maximum rainfall. It was also observed that during the recent years, the occurrence of One day maximum Rainfall has shifted to the far end of the season. The number of grids getting heavy, very heavy and extreme rainfall events was found to have increased during the later years of the study. No significant trend in the instances of occurrence of heavy rainfall over the years was observed. But a significant trend was observed in the occurrences of rainfall events of very heavy and extreme magnitudes. When Split period analysis of the contribution of moderate and high intensity rainfalls was carried out, it was observed that the share of high intensity rainfalls had increased and a decrease was observed in the share of moderate events over the years. The return period analysis of the one day maximum rainfall events was done and it was observed that the 2 year, 5 year, 10 year, 25 year, 50 year and 100 year return levels of rainfall as 186.2mm, 224.3 mm, 250.2 mm, 283.8 mm, 309.3 mm and 335.1 mm for the complete region. The return levels for the two year return period were seen to be over 100 mm for the grids of 184 (118mm), 219 (114.9mm), 253 (145.8mm), 285 (104.5mm), 357 (147.6 mm), 392 (144.2mm), 427 (129.9mm) and 462 (122.4mm). A significant rising trend in the extreme events of summer monsoon rainfall over the Western Ghats was observed. This calls for better planning in all areas of livelihoods and management strategies to contain the disasters of a changing climate.

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