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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
Vegetative propagation of promising jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) types
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture,Padannakkad, 2018) Ashok Madala, KAU; Rajagopalan, A
The investigation on ‘Vegetative propagation of promising jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) types’ was conducted at the College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, Kasaragod during the period 2017 - 18 to evaluate the success of epicotyl and softwood grafting in promising types of jackfruit and to examine the variation among jackfruit types with respect to grafting methods. The experiment comprised of five promising types of jackfruits viz., V1 - Varikka - early bearing (KJ 186), V2 - Gumless (KJ 397), V3 - Seedless (KJ 180), V4 - Cluster (KJ 182) and V5 - Muttam varikka (KJ 231) and two method of grafting i.e., M1 - epicotyl grafting and M2 - softwood grafting. The experiment was laid out in factorial CRD with three replications. The different jackfruit types showed significant influence for all the parameters studied except number of branches. Type V2 resulted in earliest sprouting (26.50 days) and maximum sprouting percentage of grafts (41.91 per cent) while type V3 recorded maximum survival percentage (66.94 per cent) and shoot length (8.13 cm). Maximum shoot girth (1.50 cm), number of nodes (7.50), number of leaves (7), length of leaf (12.34 cm) and breadth of leaf (5.64 cm) were observed in type V4. On the other hand, the maximum days to sprouting (30.33 days), minimum sprouting percentage (28.77 per cent), minimum shoot length (6.43 cm) and minimum number of leaves (5.17) were recorded in type V5 while type V1 showed minimum survival percentage (38.89 per cent), shoot girth (1.15 cm), leaf length (8.41 cm) and breadth of leaf (4.22 cm). Among the methods of grafting, the results on percentage of sprouting and survival as well as number of branches were not significant while all other parameters showed significant effects. Epicotyl grafts resulted in early sprouting of buds (26.00 days) and maximum shoot length (7.36 cm) whereas maximum shoot girth (1.36 cm), number of nodes (6.13), number of leaves (6.33), length of leaf (11.16 cm) and breadth of leaf (5.29 cm) were observed in softwood grafts. The interaction of varieties and methods of grafting were significant in most of the characters recorded. Interaction V2 x M1 was found better in early sprouting (24.33 days) and V2 x M2 resulted in maximum sprouting percentage (46.90 per cent) while V3 x M1 gave maximum survival of grafts (86.67 per cent). Hence, for the mass multiplication of Seedless type epicotyl grafting could be adopted and for other types like early bearing varikka, Gumless and cluster, softwood grafting could be practiced.
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
Field evaluation of stump and root trainer grown teak(Tectona grandish L.f.) plantations
(Department of Silviculture & Agroforestry, College of Forestry , Vellanikkara, 2019) Eldhose George, KAU; Kunhamu, T K
Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) stands out to be the most popular commercialtimber species in the tropics by virtue of its matchless combination of properties. Over a century, root- shoot cutting (stump) has been the common nursery productiontechnology for teak across the world. However, the recent decade has seen unprecedented decline in the productivity of teak plantations which could be attributed to diverse reasons. In this context, the efficiency of the stump based planting method for teak hence assume close scrutiny by virtue of the limitation in the root spread and consequent belowground resource acquisition. In this backdrop, a field study entitled “Field evaluation of stump and root trainer grown teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) plantations” was conducted on teak plantations established at Karakkad, Kalady range, Malayattoor forest division, Kerala during 2017-18, to evaluate the influence of planting material viz. stump and root trainer on growth aspects, soil physio-chemical properties and root distribution separately in five and seven-year-old teak plantations. The teak plantations selected for study included; five-year-old (2012 establishment) stump and root trainer grown stands at 3x3 m spacing, seven-year-old (2010 establishment) stump and root trainer based stands at 2x2 m initial spacing. Attempt were also made to study the effect of planting spacing on the growth of teak that was raised from root trainers and managed separately at 2x2 and 3x3 m spacing. Nine random plots of size 20x20 m were demarcated for each of the treatments such that there were 45 experimental plots for observation. Altogether there were three treatment combinations for comparison viz. stump vs root trainer at 3x3 m spacing and five-year-old; stump vs root trainer at 2x2 m spacing and seven-year-old; five-year-old root trainer based teak stands at 3x3 m vs at 2x2 m spacing. Each treatment combinations were analyzed separately with independent t- test. Biometric observations on teak growth showed considerable difference with variable planting material and spacing. Root trainer grown teak stands showed better performance in total tree height (6.68 m at seven-years of age), DBH (9.04 cm at seven-years of age), and mean tree volume (0.031 m3 at seven-years of age) as compared to stump origin stand both at five and seven-years of stand ages. The basal area and bole height showed marginal improvement in root trainer grown stand at five-years of age. Initial spacing showed only marginal influence on total height and bole height with an advantage for stands at 2x2 m spacing as compared to 3x3 m spaced stands. However, DBH, basal area and volume showed discernible improvement in the stands at 3x3 m spacing. Crown diameter showed a nominal increase in the root trainer grown stand than stump grown stand at both ages. However, spacing had great influence on the crown diameter with more spread (2.7 m) by widely spaced stands (3x3 m). Stand LAI also was better for root trainer stand while spacing had poor influence on LAI. Persistence of stem axis and straightness of stem showed limited advantage for stump grown teak origin stand. Also closely spaced teak stands (2x2 m) developed from root trainer stands showed slightly better performance than teak at wider spacing (3x3 m). Attempts to analyze the influence of planting material and spacing on plant leaf nitrogen and soil physio-chemical properties suggested that plant leaf nitrogen concentration was modestly better for root trainer grown trees than stump grown trees. However effect of spacing indicated that widely spaced trees (3x3m) showing significantly higher nitrogen up take than narrow spaced trees. Soil physical and chemical properties were found to be less influenced by the planting material. However, all teak stands irrespective of planting material showed considerable improvement in soil organic carbon and nitrogen concentration and reduction in soil bulk density as compared with respective treeless open plots. Also there was consistent reduction in carbon content and nitrogen with increase in soil depth up to one meter soil depth. The average soil carbon concentration values were 1.15 % and 1.55 % for the root trainer and stump grown teak stands at seven-years of stand age. The corresponding soil carbon stocks were 24.60 Mg ha-1 and 32.85 Mg ha-1 for teak stands at seven-years of stand age. Investigations on root distribution among stump and root trainer grown teak trees revealed obvious advantage in root spread and root intensity for root trainer raised teak stands. Teak trees grown from stump had smaller roots confined to the base of the tree at shallow depths which drastically reduced with increase in lateral distance of soil depth. The presence of prominent multiple tap root systems could be the reason for the high root spread observed with root trainer based teak trees. The trends were the same for small, medium and larger root intensity. Yet another noteworthy observation was that teak trees at closer spacing showed reduction of root spread and restricted the root system at proximal lateral distance while widely spaced trees showed wider root distribution.
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.

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