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Open Access
Identification of paprika (Capsicum annuum L) genotype(s) for yield and quality characters
(Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2012) Lekshmi, S L; KAU; Sreelathakumary, I
The experiment entitled “Identification of paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) genotype(s) for yield and quality characters” was conducted at the Department of Olericultue, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during the period 2011-2012. The study envisaged assessment of genetic variability in paprika and to study the influence of harvest maturity on quality parameters. Fifty three accessions of paprika were collected from different parts of country and grown in the field in RBD with three replications. The analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the 53 accessions of paprika for all the characters studied viz., plant height, primary branches, days to flowering, days to maturity, node to first flower, height of node to first flower, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight, fruits per plant, yield per plant, pedicel length, fruit: pedicel ratio, flesh thickness, seeds per fruit, flesh: seed ratio, driage, oleoresin, colour, ascorbic acid, capsaicin, bacterial wilt and leaf curl virus incidence. Among the accessions CA 6 recorded highest yield per plant (776.12 g) and CA 12 recorded maximum number of fruits (265.33). Fruit weight was highest in CA 47 (13.43 g). High phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation were observed for yield per plant, fruits per plant, fruit weight and primary branches per plant. High heritability and high genetic advance also observed for these characters. The path analysis revealed that fruit weight, fruits per plant, plant height and primary branches had direct effect on yield per plant. Correlation and path analysis revealed that fruits per plant is the primary component as evident from the positive correlation as well as high direct and indirect effect on yield. Maximum oleoresin content was observed in CA 7 followed by CA 29 and CA 37. CA 2 recorded a high color value with pungency and CA 37 recorded a high colour with low pungency. CA 38 recorded maximum ascorbic acid content. CA 34 and CA 40 had the minimum pungency and CA 10 recorded the maximum pungency. Bacterial wilt and leaf curl virus incidence among the 53 accessions were studied. CA 33, CA 34, CA 35 and CA 47 recorded less incidence of both diseases. Based on Mahalanobis D2 analysis the current genotypes were grouped into four clusters. Cluster I was the largest with 34 accessions, followed by cluster IV with 15 accessions and cluster II with three accessions. Cluster III had only one accession. In the present study maximum divergence was observed between clusters II and IV as shown by their high intercluster distance. The minimum intercluster distance observed between the clusters I and II indicated a close relationship among the accessions. Based on selection index including both quantitative and qualitative characters CA 34 (Local, Dharwad) was ranked first followed by CA 7, CA 6, CA 33 and CA 35. The accessions were genetically catalogued and the result revealed distinct variations among the accessions for vegetative, inflorescence, fruit, seed and quality characters. Quality characters showed significant differences among the accessions and harvest maturity stages. Oleoresin, colour and capsaicin content in the paprika fruits were found to increase as the age of the fruits increased. Ascorbic acid content in the fruits increased from turning stage to red ripe and then declined. On the basis of the present study the high yielding accessions can be grouped into low pungent and pungent paprika. Among the low pungent, high yielding accessions CA 34, CA 33 and CA 35 recorded high colour value also. CA 6 and CA 7 are promising high yielding pungent paprika accessions. These accessions can be utilized for further crop improvement programmes.
Open Access
In vitro propagation of sandal (santalum album L)
(Department of Tree Physiology and breeding, College of forestry,Vellanikkara, 2013) Surya Soman, KAU; Santhosh Kumar, A V
The study titled “In vitro propagation of sandal (Santalum album L.)” was carried out in tissue culture lab of College of Forestry during 2011-2013. The objective of the programme was to standardize a protocol for in vitro propagation of sandal through axillary bud culture and somatic embryogenesis. Variation in fungal contamination associated with the time of collection of explants was found. Explants collected during November-April showed less contamination (<11%) compared to rainy season (>90 %). Treating with combination of Mancozeb 75 % WP (Indofil M-45) and Carbendazim 50 % WP (Bavistin) fungicides was effective to control fungal contamination. However, different combinations were effective depending on the time of collection of explants. In order to control bacterial contamination surface sterilization with 0.15 per cent HgCl2 for 10 minutes was effective. WPM medium was found to be superior over MS and ½ MS with respect to the average shoot length and average number of leaves. Moreover, cultures in WPM were found to be healthy with less leaf fall. Addition of BA or kinetin singly or in combination was effective for the production of multiple shoots than control. Higher concentrations of BA (3 mg l-1) reduced the number of multiple shoots, while in kinetin at higher concentrations increased the number of shoots per explants. There was also a considerable decrease in shoot length with the increase in concentration of BA above 0.5 mg l-1. Except for the multiple shoot production, all other growth parameters observed in cytokinins were inferior to control. Moreover, shoots of cultures in BA were stunted and were associated with heavy leaf fall and rudimentary leaves. But in kinetin, cultures are devoid of these defects. Thus the combination, 0.5 mg l-1 BA + 1 mg l-1 kinetin was found to be effective for multiple shoot induction by considering all the growth factors. Auxins in combination with cytokinins resulted in delayed bud break, leaf initiation and reduction of multiple shoot induction compared to cytokinins alone. 101 However, auxins promoted shoot elongation and leaf production in combination with cytokinins compared to cytokinins alone. Subculture using single shoots excised from the mother explants failed to develop; while, transferring of new shoots formed along with primary explants was effective. Subculture to media containing kinetin increased the shoot length, leaf area and reduced leaf fall. When media containing combination of auxins and cytokinins was used for subculture, increase in shoot length and number of leaf production was observed. However, cultures in BA containing media were noted with high leaf fall, reduced inter nodal length and rudimentary leaves towards the tip of shoot. While in media with kinetin, shoot length was increased and no leaf fall was observed. Auxins in the media did not promote new shoot formation. Root induction through incorporation of different auxins in the media and pulse treatments failed to induce rooting in the cultures. Somatic embryos failed to develop from, ex vitro explants. But from these ex vitro inter nodal explants in 0.5 and 1 mg l-1 kinetin, shoot development was observed. Direct embryogenesis could be induced from in vitro explants cultured in media containing BA 0.5 and 1 mg l-1. On inter nodal explants, globular shaped somatic embryos were formed on its surface and these were then developed to the torpedo stage. Further development of somatic embryos was arrested.
Open Access
Wood property variation in selected clones of casuarina equisetifolia L. grown in karur district;Tamil Nadu for pulp and paper making
(Department of Wood Science, College of Forestry,Vellanikkara, 2013) Vishnu, R; KAU; Anoop, E V
Variation in wood physical (specific gravity) anatomical (vessel and ray morphology) and chemical (cellulose and lignin per cent ) properties of 46 casuarina (casuarina equisetifolia L) clones grown in Karur district, Tamil Nadu was studied to assess their suitability for pulp and paper making. Transverse dics collected from billets were converted to smaller specimens for undertaking studies on wood physical, chemical and anatomical properties. Estimation of specific gravity was undertaken using a precision balance and fibre morphology was studied using an image analysis system. Cellulose and lignin were estimated using standard procedures. Nested analysis of variance was carried out to find out inter and intra clonal variation of clones. All the physical and anatomical properties except fibre lumen width, runkel ratio, rigidity coefficient , flexibility coefficient and shape factor, showed significant difference between clones. Within clone variation was also significant for all the physical and anatomical parameters except specific gravity (oven dry). In order to assess the suitability of clones for pulp and paper making, specific gravity (oven dry), fibre length, Runkel ratio, shape factor, slenderness ratio, flexibility coefficient , rigidity coefficient , and cellulose and lignin content of clones were found to be within the acceptable range for pulp and paper making , clones were grouped to four clusters by carrying out hierarchical cluster analysis on the basis of all physical, anatomical, chemical and growth parameters. Cluster 4 (one clone) and cluster 2 (11 clones) were found to be better for pulp and paper making in comparison to other clusters.
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
Sucker production and activation techniques in banana ( Musa spp. )
(Department of pomology and floriculture, College of horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2016) Bhende Siddhesh Shamrao, KAU; Sajan Kurien
The studies on “Sucker production and activation techniques in banana (Musa spp.)” taken up at the Central Orchard of the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara and at Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Kumarakom, Kottayam during January 2013 to September 2015. These studies were taken up exclusively for a basic understanding of the sucker genesis (origin), variation in sucker production of important cultivated clones with different ploidy and genomic constitution, photosynthate and nutrient allocatory pattern to different suckers using 14 C and 32 P and for probing the effects of physical and cultural methods (manurial doses) of sucker activation techniques. Among the different clones tested in the studies for sucker production, Karpooravalli (ABB) recorded the highest number of suckers followed by Njalipoovan (AB), Nendran (AAB), Kadali (AA), Robusta (AAA) and Bodles altafort (AAAA) respectively. Suckering habit was positively correlated with decreasing ploidy level and an increase in the M. balbisiana blood in the genomic constitution of the particular clone. Kadali (AA) recorded the highest sucker production followed by Robusta (AAA) and Bodles altafort (AAAA) within the M. accuminata ploidy. In diploids, Njalipoovan (AB) recorded the highest number of suckers over Kadali (AA) and in triploids, Karpooravalli (ABB) recorded the higher number of suckers followed by Nendran (AAB) and Robusta (AAA) respectively. Differences in sucker production were observed between the different clones with respect to planting seasons. Kadali (AA), Njalipoovan (AB), and Robusta (AAA) recorded the higher number of suckers in Sept-Oct planting, whereas in case of Nendran (AAB) and Karpooravalli (ABB), Feb-March planting recorded the best sucker production. Bodles altafort (AAAA) recorded almost the same number of suckers in all the three plantings. Morphological characters like plant height, collar girth and total number of leaves recorded very strong and positive correlation with sucker characters but negative correlation was observed with average leaf production interval. Bunch weight recorded strong significant negative correlation with improved sucker production and was positively correlated with number of dead suckers. Number ofdead suckers produced were found positively correlated with plant height, collar girth, ‘D’ leaf area and average leaf production interval and almost a similar correlation between these characters was observed in PCA and factor analysis. The cluster analysis of six banana varieties, planted in three different seasons (18 entries) revealed that the clones fell in four distinct clusters. NJALI-1, NJALI-2, NJALI-3, NEND-1, NEND-3, KARP-2 and KARP-3 were grouped in the first cluster. ROB-1, ROB-2, ROB-3 and KAD-1 were grouped in the second cluster. KAD-2, KAD-3 and NEND-2 formed the next cluster and BOD-1, BOD-2, BOD-3 and KARP-1 formed the last cluster. In case of cluster analysis obtained from pooled data of six banana varieties planted in three seasons (6 entries), first cluster was composed of NJALI, NEND and KARP. Cluster II, III and IV were composed of KAD, ROB, BOD respectively and almost similar grouping was obtained from PCA and factor analysis. PCA and factor analysis revealed that diversity contributed by different banana traits for sucker production in first, second and third components was 46.8, 27.0 and 12.2 per cent respectively. The first three major factors / principle components contributed total 85.9 per cent of the diversity. PCA and factor analysis revealed that average dry weight of quality suckers, average dry weight of total suckers, total number of suckers produced, number of underdeveloped suckers produced, total number of leaves produced, number of quality suckers produced, plant height and collar girth characters recorded their dominance in first component/factor and were the most important traits for deciding the diversity of banana varieties in the present study. Communality values in factor analysis clearly revealed that the collar girth was the high relative contributory trait for deciding sucker yield in banana. The origin or genesis and early development of the sucker primordia was observed in the cortex region of the mother corm and this is the first confirmatory report on this aspect. The photosynthesis partitioning from the mother plant to daughter suckers using 14 C in six sucker retention intact system revealed that the last formed suckers got maximum share of photosynthates. In case of 1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd suckerremoval as an individual treatments, more allocation of the photosynthates was observed to the immediately next sucker and when 4 th and 5 th suckers were removed 6 th and 3 rd suckers showed the highest recovery of 14 C, revealing the positional effects in garnering more photosynthate. This report on actual photosynthate translocation from the mother plant to the daughter suckers is also the first of its kind under actual field conditions. Again this is also the first report on the redistribution of photosynthates to daughter suckers as a consequence of individual sucker removal. The experiment conducted on nutrient cycling from mother plant to daughter suckers using 32 P at two different stages i.e. fortnight before harvest and at harvest again confirmed that the mother plant has a definite dominant role in the distribution of nutrients and also redistribution to the daughter suckers consequent to sucker removal that was more destructively observed when the bunch was retained or not harvested. The very high recovery of 32 P in the mother plant was due to the high recovery observed in the bunch. At a fortnight before harvest, in all the treatments the highest recoveries of 32 P was observed in the mother plants. When 1 st sucker was removed the next best recovery was observed in the 2 nd sucker followed by 4 th sucker, when 2 nd sucker was removed the next best recovery was observed in 4 th sucker, when 3 rd sucker was removed the next best recovery was seen in 1 st sucker followed by 2 nd sucker, when 4 th sucker was removed the 2 nd sucker resulted the next highest recovery followed by 5 th sucker and when 5 th sucker was removed the next highest recovery was observed in 1 st sucker. At the time of harvest the removal of 1 st sucker resulted the highest recovery of the activity in the mother plant followed by 2 nd sucker. Removal of 2 nd sucker resulted the highest recovery in the 1 st sucker and mother plant. The 3 rd sucker removal resulted the highest recovery in the 1 st sucker followed by 2 nd sucker, removal of 4 th sucker resulted the highest recovery in the 3 rd sucker followed by the mother plant. The removal of 5 th sucker resulted the highest recoveries in 2 nd and 4 th sucker.Both the studies on nutrient recycling revealed a trend of higher recovery in the immediately next sucker. The recovery was the highest in the mother plant in the studies on fortnight before harvest due to retention of the bunch. Nutrient redistribution pattern to daughter suckers as a consequence of phased removal of individual suckers is also being reported for the first time. With respect to the sucker activation techniques, the studies on physical methods revealed that replanting the entire clump in trenches in oblique manner ten days after harvest produced maximum total number as well as quality suckers which performed equally well with the next best treatment of cutting the pseudostem at half height ten days after harvest. However, the latter treatment was the most economical one. In case of cultural methods (manurial doses) of sucker activation, application of NPK mixture (17: 17: 17) @ 5 and 10 g N equivalent clump -1 yielded maximum number of total as well as quality suckers, but the lower dose was found to be more economical based on B: C ratio.
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
Marketing and credit information to farmers:
(Department of rural banking and finance management, College of cooperation, banking and management,Vellanikkara, 2014) Sruthy Madhavan, KAU; Molly Joseph
Knowledge management can play a pivotal role in enhancing agricultural productivity and addressing the problem of food insecurity. If properly managed, it enables appropriate knowledge and information to reach the knowledge intermediaries and farmers in a timely manner. ICT can play a crucial role in benefiting the resource - strapped farmers with upto date knowledge and information on agricultural technologies, best practices, markets, price trends, and weather conditions. The study on 'Marketing and credit information to farmers: Role of Information and communication Technology' has been undertaken with the objectives of identifying the information needs of farmers in Thrissur district with respect to marketing and credit; studying the extent of use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by the farmers for getting these information and analysing the constraints in the use of ICT by the farmers. Ninety respondent farmers from three panchayaths of Thrissur district viz., Pananchery, Mattathur, and Varantharapilly were selected as sample size through stratified purposive sampling method. Data were collected through pre-tested structured interview schedule. The major statistical tools used for the study were Chi- Square test, ANOVA, Pearson's Correlation Coefficient and indices such as information index, usage index, overall usage index and credibility index. The location of the selected respondents in the sample panchayats were plotted using Geographic Information System (GIS). Forty two per cent of the farmers have not taken any agricultural loans, neither from institutional or non-institutional sources and rest 58 percent of farmers have access to only institutional sources of credit. Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are the major institutional agency which provide finance support to the farmers from which more than 48 per cent of the farmers have availed loans. For input market, respondents depended on Krishi Bhavan (78%) and for selling the product major intermediary was private traders (51%), followed by SUPPLYCO (49%). The overall agriculture information needs of the farmers are identified and classified into information regarding production, post-harvest techniques, market, credit, agricultural insurance, government schemes and labour. The most needed agricultural information by the respondent farmers is about government schemes followed by market information. In agricultural operations, the information gap is zero in production and market information which indicate that these are the two important agriculture information, farmers accessing regularly. Marketing information needs of the farmers were identified and classified into nine categories, viz, information needs on input supply, market profile, grades and standards, market research studies, market trend, export market, improved marketing practices, warehouse facilities and futures trading. The most needed marketing information is about market trend and the least needed are on export markets, futures trading and market research. The market information gap is zero for input supply and market trend implying that farmers have more access to these marketing information. Access gap is high for information on improved marketing practices, futures trading and export markets since farmers rely on traditional method of marketing. Farmers have better accessibility to marketing information through newspaper, telephone and television whereas computer, radio and farm magazines have less accessibility. Poor access to farm magazines is the major cause for access gap with respect to farm magazines. Usage gap as the difference between access and actual use is zero for newspaper in the case of marketing information. But the usage gap is the highest in the case of computer and internet. Newspaper is still the main source of marketing information to the farmers. Information on current market price is the most important information for farmers since it has direct relation with profitability of farmers. Most credible source of marketing information among the ICT tools used by the farmer respondent is newspaper and the least credible ICT tool is computer and internet followed by radio. Similar to marketing information, the most popular and credible source of credit information to the farmers are newspaper whereas computer and internet are least accessed by the farmers for credit information. With regard to the usage gap, credit information through all the ICT tools are not commonly used by the farmers. For the respondent farmers, personal source of credit information is more trustworthy and reliable than credit information from ICT tools. The third and last objective of the study is to analyse the constraints in using ICT tools by the farmers so as to enable policymakers to design strategies for effective use of these tools for agricultural information dissemination. Constraints vary with media used for information and communication. Lack of time to read and comprehend is the major constraint pointed out by the farmers with respect to newspapers whereas the major constraint in the use is the availability of alternative sources like television. According to the farmers, farm magazines do not contain the information required by them and cannot improve their farming operations. Major constraint reported is the unsuitable time of telecast of television while lack of awareness is the major constraint identified by the farmers in the case of telephone. It is reported that 64 percent of the farmers are facing the constraint of lack of technical skill in the use of computer and internet. As part of the study, ICT enabled Market Information System of Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam (VFPCK) is examined. Market Information Centre (MIC) is envisaged for creating an information system that will provide vital market information to the fruit and vegetable farmers and to the horticulture sector as a whole. From farmers' point of view, farmers' market including VFPCK is actually a traders' market and it is another platform for exploitation of the farmers by the middlemen. Information and Communication Technology tools are an effective way to disseminate agricultural information particularly marketing and credit related information. Among the ICT tools, print media especially newspaper is popular among farmers whereas modern lCT tools like mobile phone, computer and internet are not trendy among farmers. Among the ICT tools, print media especially newspaper is popular among farmers whereas modern ICT tools like mobile phone, computer and internet are not trendy among farmers. A small portion of farmer community is actually using agricultural information especially about current market price and agricultural loan from ICT tools mainly newspaper. All the lCT tools are actively disseminating agricultural information. The problem is with regard to the end users. Farmers are reducing concentration on farming and move on to other occupation because of non profitability ofn this context, farmers are not requiring information disseminated through ICT tools for small scale cultivation. Also new generation who has the skill to operate modern ICT tools are keeping away from farming operations. Hence, concerned authorities should take necessary steps to make the farmers, withstand in agricultural operations and attract youth to the profession.
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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