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ThesisItem Open Access Effect of landslope on uniformity of water distribution of sprinklers(Department of Land and Water Resources and Conservation Engineering, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology,Thavanur, 1996) Jigimon T; Joby V PaulA study was conducted at Keleppaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur to find out the effect of land scope on sprinkler uniformity. A single nozzle sprinkler was used for the study. The study was carried out over an artificial platform. The water distribution pattern for three slopes viz; 12.5 %, 10.0 % and 7.5 % was studied for three riser positions viz; vertical, mid way and perpendicular to the land. Isohytes were drawn for the various positions in wind and no wind conditions for the three slopes. The uniformity coefficient, Cu values were evaluated and the spacing between the sprinklers for good overlap was found out. It is found that the water distribution is decreasing as the land slope is increasing. The perpendicular position was the ideal position for all the slopes. The optimum riser angles for various slopes are found to be 70 7 ‘30’ ‘for 12.5 % slope, 50 42 ‘38’ ‘for10.0 % slope and 40 17 ‘21’ ‘for 7.5 % slope with respect to the vertical position. The rpm of the sprinkler head for three riser positions was studied. In vertical position the rpm was almost same in all the slopes. It was decreasing as the riser position was changing from vertical to perpendicular in every slope. The rpm was less in wind conditions than in no wind conditions. The erosivity was also measured. The amount of soil collected for the various positions was evaluated. It was found that the amount of soil loss is increasing with the increase in land slope. It was maximum in vertical position, less in mid way position and least in perpendicular position for all the land slopes.ThesisItem Open Access Regulation of flowering and post _harvest behaviour of Anthurium andreanum Cv . Hawaiian red(Department Of Pomology And Floriculture,College Of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 1999) Abdussamed, K P; KAU; Valasalakumari, P KThesisItem Open Access Effect of depuration on the meat quality of the marine clam Sunetta scripta (Linne)(Department of Processing Technology, College of Fisheries,Panangad, 1998) Nishi Dharan, S; Damodaran Nambudiri, DSunetta Scripta harvested from Munabam area were subjected to depuration studies to find out whether purging had any effect on the meat quality of the clam. Result of biochemical analysis shows that the clam is a good source of various nutrients. Meat yield of clam was found to be 9.5%. Pathogenic bacteria was absent except E. coli ,. which is within the permissible limits. Depuration of clam did not significantly change the protein and glycogen content. But sand content was reduced to insignificant level within 24 hr depuration. When clams were exposed to a concentration of 109 ceUS/ml of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, there was progressive accumulation of the micro-organism and it accumulated on an average of 2.6xl05 cells/g within 6 hrs exposure. Though accumulated organism was not completely eliminated from the clams during purification in a laboratory depuration unit using U. V for sterilising the water, the number had reduced to more than 1000 fold during 48 hrs depuration. There was remarkable change in the sensory attributes and grittiness character of the clam after depurationThesisItem Open Access Nodulation Behaviour Of Acacia Mangium Wikd.In Response TO Rhizobium Inoculation(Department of Tree Physiology and breeding, College of forestry,Vellanikkara, 1998) Dhaneshkumar, P; KAU; Ashokan, P KAn investigation was carried out during April 1996 to December 1997 at the College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara to study the nodulation characteristics of Acacia mangium Willd. plantation and to isolate and compare the efficiency of rhizobia from different agroclimatic regions of Kerala. The efficiency of these rhizobial isolates under varying conditions of soil fertility and acidity were also evaluated. Survey conducted throughout the state showed rhizobial association and nodulation in all mangium plantations. The soil of these plantations were acidic with pH values ranging from 4.9 to 6.2. Experiments conducted to study the rhizobial characteristics indicated that, the fast growers (Rhizobium spp.) as well as the slow growers tBradyrhizobium spp.) are involved in nodulation of A. mangium in Kerala. The efficiencies of different rhizobial isolates were studied in polypots using sterilized and unsterilized soil - sand mixture. Two other polypot experiments were conducted to study the response of the rhizboial isolates to liming and Nand P application. The experiments were laid out in C.R.D with three replications. Seedlings raised in unsterilized soil performed better as compared to seedlings in sterilized soil. However, the response to inoculation was more prominent in sterilized soil. In sterilized soil, seedlings inoculated with Rhizobium isolates from mangium ;MRh-3 (Mananthavadi), MRh- 2(Perambra), MRh-13 (Trivandrum), MRh-6 (Vellanikkara) and MRh-lO (Mavelikkara) and commercial mangium culture (" Agroforester - Group A") showed superiority in nodulation and growth characteristics while the isolates from A. auriculijonnis and commercial culture of A. auriculijonnis, ("Agroforester - Group C") were not much effective. Seedling - response to inoculation varied with rhizobial isolates, and mangium showed its specificity in Rhiozbium requirement for nitrogen fixation. The application of lime adversely affected nodulation capacity of the rhizobial isolates of mangium from Kerala, indicating the adaptations of these isolates to acidic soils. The nodulation efficiency of commercial culture "Agroforester - Group A" was improved by lime application, indicating that this strain is adapted to soils of higher pH. The nodulation and nitrogen fixing efficiency of the isolates were improved by supplementating fertilized N and P. The need for a starter dose of Nand P for effective nodulation and efficient Ny-fixation in mangium seedlings. MRh-6 (Vellanikkara) performed poorly in unfertilized soil, but showed superiority when applied with N and P fertilizers, indicating the sensitivity of this isolate to site conditions. As the rhizobial isolates from different agroclimatic regions of Kerala responded differently under varying soil pH and doses of Nand P, inoculation of selected strains of rhizobia depending on site conditions may be needed for successful establishment of mangium seedlings.ThesisItem Open Access Marketing Practices of The study entitled "Marketing Practices of Fruit and Vegetable Processing Industries in Thrissur District(Department of Rural Marketing Management, College of Cooperation Banking and Management,Mannuthy, 1996) Jeeja, T V; KAU; Rajan Nair, NThe study entitled "Marketing Practices of Fruit and Vegetable Processing Industries in Thrissur District" was undertaken to examine the practices in procurement of inputs, selection of product mix and cost and to examine the marketing efficiency of the fruit and vegetable processing industries. Fruit and vegetable processing units, falling respectively in the classes of ‘oldest unit in the district', ‘excellent unit in the district’, ‘co-operative form of organisation’, and ‘a household rural unit’ were selected from the district. Farmers intermediaries in the procurement of raw materials, intermediates in the distribution network of processed products and consumers were selected randomly for gathering primary data. The data was collected during the period 1993-1995. Simple averages, percentages, tables, non-paramatric test and direct reporting comprised the methodology. The main raw materials used by the processing industry was fruits and vegetables collected from local production centres. However, raw materials were also procured from out-of-state production centres when insufficiency was felt and to improve the product range. The number of channels and intermediates in the procurement process was lengthy, but were performing certain critical functions at times. So the study suggests a revised model which combines the positive aspects of each channel and also provides satisfaction to the farmers, functionary and processing units. The product mix of the oldest unit was the highest while that of the rural household unit was the lowest. It was observed that when product mix was higher, price of products also went up. The marketing efficiency of the distribution network analysed through functional, price spread and consumer response analysis revealed that channel involving dealers was the most effective channel. Finally, a new model, from procurement of raw materials to distribution of procesed items, is suggested for improving the performance of processing industries.ThesisItem Open Access Cataloguing And Identification Of Promising Ashgourd Ecotypes In Relation TO Season And Maturity(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 1998) Mini Menon, P; KAU; Salikutty JosephAn experiment was conducted during 1995-96 in the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara to catalogue and identify promising ashgourd ecotypes in relation to season and maturity. 1birty ecotypes of ashgourd were studied for their variability. The experiment was laid out in randomised block design with three replications. High heritability along with high genetic gain was observed for the characters primary branches per plant, fruit yield per plant, seeds per fruit and average fruit weight. Yield was positively and significantly correlated with length of main vine, nodes on main vine, primary branches per plant, internodal length, leaves per plant at 30 days after sowing, male flowers per plant, female flowers per plant, per cent of female flowers, average fruit weight, fruits per plant, percent of fruit set, circumference of fruit, length of fruit, seeds per fruit and 100 seed weight. Average fruit weight exhibited the highest positive direct effect on fruit yield per plant. The ecotype BH 21 possessing highest values for characters like length of main vine, number of nodes, number of female flowers, fruit yield per plant and number of seeds per fruit was selected to study the effect of sowing time and periodicity of harvests on yield. This experiment was laid out in split plot design taking months of sowing as main plot treatments and intervals of harvesting as subplot treatments. All biometric characters were significantly influenced by the sowing time. The crop sown in October was superior to other crops with regard to number of nodes, earliest node at which the first female flower was formed and fruit retained, number of female flowers, per cent of female flowers, number of fruits per plant, number of seeds per fruit and fruit yield per plant. In general the crops sown during August, September and October performed better in yield contributing characters when compared to the crops raised during other months of the year. The plants under the harvest interval of 14 days produced the highest number of female flowers and fruits per plant. Average fruit weight, circumference, fruit shape index, flesh thickness and number of fully developed seeds were highest for fruits harvested at full maturity. Though more number of fruits were obtained from plants' under a harvest interval of 14 days the highest yield in terms of total fruit weight was realised from plants harvested at full maturity. The crop was succumbed to the attack of pests and diseases throughout the year. Fruit fly infestation was severe in April, May and June sown crop. Incidence of pumpkin beetle was severe 111 February, March, April and May sown crop. Mosaic was severe 00 crops sown in November, December, January and February. June and July sown crops exhibited downy mildew disease. The better expression of yield contributing characters and lower incidence of pests and diseases tor the crops sown during August, September and October indicated that these months are most ideal for raising a crop of ashgourd. The crop weather relationship revealed that maximum temperature during first and second weeks after anthesis had a significant positive correlation with' yield at full maturity. Minimum temperature and sunshine hours also have a positive correlation though not significant. A negative correlation exist between relative humidity and yield.ThesisItem Open Access Anti-ulcer activity of Ocimum sanctum (Thuiasi ) Musa (AAb Group,Nendran) and Withania somnifera(Amukkiram) in rats(Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,mannuthy, 1998) Sanjay, D; KAU; Venugopalan, KThe study was~conducted in adult albino rats of either sex to assess the comparative anti-ulcer effect of powder and alcoholic extract of Ocimum sanctum (leaves), Musa (AAB group, "Nendran", mature, unripe fruit) and Withania somnifera (root) with Famotidine, at different dose levels given orally for 10 days and, 20 days after induction of gastric ulcers with aspririn at the dose rate of 200 mg/kg body weight for 7 days orally. The doses of different plant preparation were fixed arbitarily (Table 1) . Table 1. Doses of oc imum sanct um leaves, Musa (AAB group •. Nendran" ) mature and unripe fruit, withania somnifera root and Famotidine (in mg/kg orally) were fixed as below Plants Alcoholic extracts 10 dayo treatment 20 days treatment Powder 10 days treatment . 20 days treatment Ocimum sanctum G( 1) G(2) G(3) G(4 ) G(5) G(6) G(7) G(8) 250 500 250 500 500 1000 500 1000 Nusa (MS group G(9) 0(10) G( 11) (3(12) G( 13) G( 14) G(15) G( 16) Nendran) 500 1000 500 1000 1000 2000 1000 2000 Withania G(l7 ) G(18) G( 19) G(20) G(21) G(22) G(23) G(24 ) somnifera 250 500 250 500 500 1000 500 1000 Famotidine 10 days treatment F(10) 20 days treatment F(20) 40 mg/kg p.o 40 mg/kg p.o Control group A (CG(A) I - Aspirin treated controls (200 mg/kg b.wt) Control group B (CG(B) I - Natural healing for 10 days Control group C (CG(C) I - Natural healing for 20 days Control group A [CG(A)] was given aspirin at the dose rate of 200 mg/kg body weight for 7 days and on the 8th day, the rats were sacrificed and number of ulcers and severity (ulcer score) were determined with the help of magnifying lens. 11 The ulcer index and healing index were calculated based on the formulae: Ulcer index = Number of ulcers + Ulcer + score % incidence Number of animal Ulcer index (control) CG(A) Healing index Ulcer index (control) CG(A) Ulcer index (drug) x 100 The control group B [CG(B)] and control group C [CG(C)] were administered aspirin orally for 7 days and they were maintained by normal feeding and watering without any treatment for 10 days and 20 days respectively to assess natural healing. Famotidine was taken as standard drug and given orally at the dose rate of 40 mg/kg body weight for 10 days and 20 days respectively. The anti-ulcer activity of plants under study was compared with Famotidine . . Haematological parameters such a erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, differential count and haemoglobin count were decermined to assess any changes in the haemogram. Histopathological study was also conducted to evaluate the severity of ulceration and healing process. The result of the present study with O. sanctum leaf powder and alcoholic extract showed that none of the experimental groups produced statistically significant healing effects comparable to Famotidine groups. Observation with Musa (AAB group, "Nendran") unripe fruit powder and alcoholic extract have indicated that all experimental group under study with the plant have better healing effect than control group for 10 days. The alcoholic extract of Musa (AAB group, "Nendran") at the dose rate of 1000 mg/kg body weight for 10 days, 500 mg/kg body weight for 20 days and 1000 mg/kg body weight for 20 days produced healing comparable to Famotidine at the dose rate of 40 mg/kg body weight for 10 days and 20 days respectively. The result of healing obtained with W. somnifera root indicate that alcoholic extracts at the dose rate of 250 mg/kg body weight for 20 days and 500 mg/kg body weight for 20 days and powder at the dose rate of 1000 mg/kg body weight for 20 days are comparable with Famotidine groups administered for 10 days and 20 days respectively. All other experimental group under study with this plant produced healing comparable to Famotidine administered for 10 days. Haematological study revealed no significant change and all values fall within the normal range of blood value for the species under study. Histopathological study revealed various ulcer lesions and healing process.
