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Open Access
Characterization and evaluation of drumstick (Moringa oleifera Lam.) accessions for yield and quality
(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2019) Anitta Judy, Kurian; KAU; Anitha, P
Drumstick (Moringa oleifera Lam.), belonging to the family Moringaceae is one of the most useful tree with a variety of potential uses. Large variability exists in drumstick since the crop is cross pollinated and naturalized in many areas. The study entitled “Characterization and evaluation of drumstick (Moringa oleifera Lam.) accessions for yield and quality’’ was conducted during January to December 2018. Twenty five accessions were catalogued based on IPGRI minimal descriptors (2013). Data on morphological, quantitative and biochemical characters were recorded for one calendar year (2018) for further analysis. Tree shape varied from upright to spreading. Grey coloured barks were recorded in majority of accessions except in VKMo 3, VKMo 4 and VKMo 8 which had white bark colour. All accessions produced pale green coloured young shoots with purple tinge. Foliage density at flowering period varied from sparse, medium to dense. Leaflet shape varied from ovate, oblong to elliptical and leaf apex from obtuse to acute. Both secondary and tertiary flowering branchlets were observed. Flowers produced in all the accessions had triangular shaped, polysepalous nature, pale green coloured calyx; corolla having triangular shape, polypetalous nature and cream colour. Fresh fruit pulp colour was white in all accessions. Taste of fresh fruit pulp was palatable in all flowering types except VKMo 3, VKMo 6, VKMo 11, VKMo 13 and VKMo 29, which were bitter in taste. Out of twenty five accessions, three were leafy types viz. VKMo 32, VKMo 35 and VKMo 38. Two peaks of flowering viz. January- April and September- November were observed in VKMo 2, VKMo 7, VKMo 12, VKMo 15, VKMo 16 and VKMo 17. Accession VKMo 3 recorded highest tree height (7.68 m) and trunk girth (65.8 cm). Accession VKMo 10 recorded highest fruit length (89.50 cm), fruit girth (6.72 cm) and number of ridges/fruit (10.50). Highest fruit weight was recorded in VKMo 9 (160.00 g). Accession VKMo 6 recorded highest number of seeds per fruit (21.20). Highest number of fruits/tree was recorded in VKMo 2 (22.21) and total fruit yield/tree in VKMo 3 (1775.54 g/tree). Estimation of biochemical characters in leaves, flowers and fruits revealed that leaves are rich sources of these biochemical characters followed by flowers and fruits, except for iron. Highest iron content was recorded in flowers, followed by leaves and fruits. Significant, positive correlation was observed between fruit yield per tree and fruit weight (0.613); fruit yield per tree and number of fruits per tree (0.896). Significant positive correlation was recorded between protein and beta-carotene (0.424); beta-carotene and phenol (0.462); protein and phenol (0.466). Significant, positive correlation was observed for beta-carotene content with rainfall (0.640) and number of rainy days (0.603). Calcium content showed a significant, positive correlation with mean temperature (0.585). Trunk girth (0.0266), fruit length (0.029), tree height (0.074), number of seeds per fruit (0.195), fruit weight (0.639) and number of fruits per tree (0.977) exhibited direct positive effect on yield. Principal component analysis for the quantitative characters revealed that, first three principal components accounted for 88.1 per cent of the total variation and was contributed by number of seeds per fruit, fruit girth, trunk girth and tree height. Clustering of the accessions resulted in formation of five clusters. Principal component analysis on biochemical characters revealed that, first two principal components accounted for 64 per cent variance and was contributed by iron, calcium, protein and vitamin C. Clustering of the accessions resulted in formation of six clusters. Overall ranking of drumstick accessions for important quantitative and biochemical characters revealed that the performance of accession VKMo 7 (87) was superior followed by accession VKMo 9 (91). Organoleptic evaluation revealed that accession VKMo 29 ranked superior for overall acceptability. Incidence of leaf eating caterpillar (Noorda blitealis) on drumstick accessions showed that seven accessions viz. VKMo 5, VKMo 11, VKMo 17, VKMo 30, VKMo 35, VKMo 36 and VKMo 38 possess tolerance to leaf eating caterpillar.
Open Access
Evaluation of Herbicidal properties of Horticultural crop products and by-products in Organic Farming of Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L..) Moench]
(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2019) Saranya Sasikumar, KAU; Rafeekher, M
The study entitled “Evaluation of herbicidal properties of horticultural crop products and by-products in organic farming of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]” was conducted in the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2018-19. The study aims to evaluate the herbicidal properties of different horticultural crop products and by-products such as coconut vinegar, cashew nut shell liquid, lemon extract, clove leaf oil and eucalyptus oil and to study their herbicidal efficacy in organic farming of okra. The study was conducted in two parts: 1) Preliminary evaluation of horticultural crop products and by-products as herbicides and 2) Evaluation of herbicides in organic farming of okra. For preliminary evaluation of herbicides, seed beds were prepared by tilling with rotavator and weeds were allowed to grow for 45 days. The emerged weeds were smothered by herbicide preparations in randomly selected mini plots in separate experiments for each horticultural product and by product in Completely Randomised Design replicated five times. For preliminary evaluation as herbicides, acetic acid content of coconut vinegar was enhanced from 4 to 5, 7.5,10 and 12.5 percent by freeze distillation (CVH), cashew nut shell liquid was emulsified to 5, 10, 15 and 20 percent (CNSLH), citric acid in lemon extract was enhanced to 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 percent by evaporation (LEH) and sprayed on weeds @ 50mlm-2. CVH at 12.5 percent consistently reduced absolute density of grasses, sedges and broad leaved weeds at 15 and 45 days after spraying as well as lower root biomass, shoot biomass and higher weed control efficiency (70.37 and 56.3% at 15 and 45 DAS). Among CNSL emulsions 20 percent CNSLH consistently reduced absolute density of grasses, sedges and broad leaved weeds as well as recorded lower root biomass, shoot biomass and higher weed control efficiency. Among LEH though, absolute density of grasses and sedges were not significantly reduced by any of the concentrations. 10 percent lemon extract significantly reduced absolute density of broad leaved weeds at 15 DAS (32.97) at 15 and 45 DAS as well as recorded lower root biomass and shoot biomass and weed control efficiency. Enhanced weed growth at 45 days compared to 15 days after spraying warrant repeated application of herbicides for adequate control. CVH with 12.5percent acetic acid along with 1, 2, 3 and 4 percent clove leaf oil (CLOH) was sprayed on weeds @ 50mlm-2. CLOH consisting 4 percent clove leaf oil consistently reduced absolute density of grasses, sedges and broad leaved weeds at 15 and 45 DAS as well as recorded lower root biomass, shoot biomass and weed control efficiency. CVH with 12.5 percent acetic acid along with 1, 2, 3, 4 percent eucalyptus oil (EOH) was sprayed on weeds @ 50mlm-2. EOH consisting 4 percent eucalyptus oil consistently reduced absolute density of grasses, sedges and broad leaved weeds at 15 and 45 DAS as well as recorded lower root biomass, shoot biomass and weed control efficiency (96.96 and 67.46% at 15 and 45 DAS). In part II of the study 12.5 percent CVH, 20 percent CNSLH, 10 percent LEH, 4 percent CLOH and 4 percent EOH were sprayed on the 45 day old weeds on stale seed bed, repeated application thirty days after sowing of okra variety Anjitha seeds in comparison to organic mulching with mango leaves, hand weeding till 7th week and weedy check. All treatments controlled weeds compared to weedy check with regard to growth parameters and CLOH spray at 15 days before and 30 days after sowing, performed on par with hand weeded plot for higher germination of okra (90.97%), plant height (114.20cm), branches (2.87), number of leaves (20) and lower duration for 50 percent flowering (49.20 days). All treatments improved yield parameters compared to weedy check except number of flowers per plant wherein lemon extract did not differ. CLOH performed on par to hand weeding for more harvests (17), flowers per plant (10.18), fruit set (87.42%), number of fruits per plant (8.90) yield (9.89tha-1) and extended crop duration (105 days). All treatments reduced absolute density of grasses, sedges and broad leaved weeds except LEH on entire crop duration. Hand weeding reduced absolute density of grasses and sedges up to 30 days after sowing but CLOH and EOH were on par for control of broad leaved weeds only. After the second spraying at 30 days after sowing, CLOH and EOH performed on par with hand weeding for controlling grasses, sedges and broad leaved weeds. Hand weeding reduced root and shoot biomass up to 60 days after sowing but CLOH performed on par after second spray at 30 days after sowing. Hand weeding and CLOH were on par for weed control efficiency, weed index, lower nutrient uptake by weeds and higher nutrient uptake by okra. CLOH reduced pH, but on par for organic carbon content and EC of soil compared to hand weeding. CVH improved microbial population of soil, but on par with CLOH for fungi. Herbicide application did not change population of earthworms but improved dehydrogenase activity over weedy check. Single spray of CLOH 15 days before sowing recorded highest B:C ratio (1.54) In conclusion, Clove Leaf Oil Herbicide (mixture of coconut vinegar with 12.5% acetic acid and 4% clove leaf oil) performed on par with hand weeding for improving major growth and yield parameters, control of grasses, sedges and broad leaved weeds with similar weed control efficiency, weed index without adversely affecting the organic carbon content, EC, nutrient and microbial composition of soil when sprayed on stale seed bed 15 days before and 30 days after sowing but highest B:C ratio was obtained for single spray at 15 days before sowing in organic okra. Hence, strategies to flush out maximum weeds out of weed seed bank for smothering in the stale seed bed itself and technologies for reducing cost of herbicidal components are essential. Moreover, long term impact on ecosystem need to be assessed.
Open Access
Standardisation of grafting in bitter gourd (Momordica charanita L.)
(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2019) Aiswarya, V Dev K P; KAU; Rafeekher, M
The study entitled "Standardisation of grafting in bitter gourd{Momordica charantia L.)" was conducted in the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2017-2019 in order to identify suitable rootstocks, standardise grafting techniques and evaluate growth and performance of grafts in bitter gourd. The study was conducted in two parts. Standardisation of grafting in bitter gourd using four rootstocks was done in part I and evaluation ofthe grafted bitter gourd for growth, yield and quality was attempted in part II. Bitter gourd scion (Preetlii) and four rootstocks (sponge gourd, pumpkin, bottle gourd and bittCT gourd) were raised in protrays. Separate experiments for each roolstock, were laid out in CRD, replicated thrice for standardization of grafting. Growth regulators (alar and cycocel) at two different concentrations /.e.,10 mgL"' and 50 mgL*' were sprayed at second leaf stage forreducing seedling height of rootstocks and then grafted using three methods (hole insertion grafting, one cotyledon grafting and cleft grafting). Alar @10 mg L*' reduced plant height(7.50 cm) and enhanced diameter (2.97 mm) in sponge gourd rootstock. Faster graft union(4.11 days) was recorded forfiole insertion grafting withhighest success percentage (77.07 %). Spraying of cycocel @ 50 mg L ' resulted in the highest success percentage of 56.44 per cent. Combination of cycocel @ 50 mg L"'+ hole insertion grafting recorded highest success percentage of 86.67 when bitter gourd grafted onto sponge gourd. Though cycocel @ 10 mgL"'and 50 mgL"'improved the diameter of pumpkin rootstock, alar@ 10 mgL"' and 50 mgL'reduced the height ofthe rootstock. New leaf emerged faster (3.51 days) in hole insertion grafting but one cotyledon grafting recorded the highest success percentage (68.60 %). Cleft grafting not only took more days for graft union but also recorded least success percentage (11.20 %). Though alar @ 10 mgL*^ alar@50 mg L'* and cycocel @10 mg L'' were equally effective to improve success percentage but the combination of alar @ 10 mg L'^ + one cotyledon grafting recorded the highest success percentage of 81 per centwhen bitter gourd was grafted onto pumpkin. Application of alar @ 10 mg L'onto bottle gourd rootstock improved diameter (4.65 mm) and @ 50 mg L"'reduced height (12.61 cm). Among the grafting methods, graft united faster (3.69 days) in hole insertion method, while success percentage was tlie highest (86.40 %)for one cotyledon grafting. Growth regulator had no role in days taken for graft union and could not improve success percentage over distilled water. Application of alar @ lOmg L*' cycocel @ 10 mg L*' and 50 mg L*' were equally effective in reducing the height of bitter gourd rootstock. Alar @ 50 mg L"\ cycocel @ 10 mg L'and @ 50 mg L ' improved the diameter of the rootstock. Among grafting methods, hole insertion grafting exhibited faster union (3.57 days) with highest percentage of success (68.13 %). Cycocel @ 50 mg L"' recorded the highest percentage success among growth regulators. Based on the results of part I, grafts produced by cycocel @ 50 mgL*^ + hole insertion grafting in sponge gourd, alar @ 10 mgL'^ + one cotyledon grafting in pumpkin, distilled water (control) + one cotyledon grafting in bottle gourd and cycocel @ 50 mg L*^ + hole insertion grafting in bittergourd were selected and planted in main field along witli non grafted control in randomised block design replicated four times for evaluating growth, yield and quality of grafted bitter gourd. All grafts exhibited lower establishment over non grafted control.Bitter gourd grafted onsponge gourd andbottle gourd rootstocks as well asnon grafted control had similar vine length. Inlemodal length was more in non grafted control (6.00 cm). More branches were produced when bitter gourd and sponge gourd were used as rootstocks.Pumpkin rootstock produced longer primary root, higher root volume and root weight. Early appearance of first male and female flowers at lower nodes was also recorded in bitter gourd grafted on pumpkin rootstock. Though grafting did not significantly influence number of male flowers, the number of female flowers was higher in non grafted control and bitter gourd grafted on sponge gourd. Non grafted control, bitter gourd grafted on sponge gourd, bottle gourd and bitter gourd rootstock exhibited on par sex ratio.Non grafted control, bitter gourd grafted on pumpkin and bitter gourd recorded early harvest but bitter gourd grafted on sponge gourd and bottle gourd rootstock extended duration of the crop. Non grafted control and bitter gourd grafted on sponge gourd rootstock recorded more fruits per plant and yield per plant. Non grafted control, bitter gourd grafted onto bitter gourd and bitter gourd grafted on to sponge gourdexhibited on par fmit length. Bitter gourd grafted onto pumpkin, bitter gourd grafted onto sponge gourd, non grafted control and bitter gourd grafted onto bitter gourd had similar flesh thickness. Bottle gourd and bitter gourd rootstock enhanced fruit weight (181.50 g). Grafts did not differ for fruit girth, vitamin C content and organoleptic properties. Nongrafted control recorded highest B:C ratio (1.67)followed by sponge gourd (1.50). In conclusion, grafts of bitter gourd variety Treethi' can be produced with highest success percentage by cycocel @ 50 mgL'' + hole insertion graftingusing sponge gourd as rootstock, alar @ 10 mgL"' + one cotyledon grafting using pumpkin as rootstock, one cotyledon grafting without growth regulator using bottle gourd as rootstock. Among these grafts, sponge gourd as rootstock produced longest vine, more branches, longer crop duration, on par female flowers, sex ratio, fruits per plant and yield per plant compared to control. However, cultivation of non grafted plants recorded higher B:C ratio which necessitate further evaluation of biotic and abiotic tolerance of grafts for benefitting farming community.
Open Access
Rootstock evaluation and grafting studies in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)
(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Sadanand Kumabar; KAU; Narayanankutty, C
The present investigation was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy and Centre for Hi-Tech Horticulture and Precision Farming, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the year 2018-2019 with the objective to evaluate ten available rootstocks comprising of Surya, Haritha, SMI, SM2, SM3, SM116, SM398, Solanum sisymbrifolium, Sokmum torvum KAUl, Solanum torvum TNAUl for resistance to bacterial wilt in both field evaluation and artificial Inoculation and to study the field performance of grafted brinjal plants on bacterial wilt resistant rootstocks. In the field trials Solanum sisymbrifolium was highly susceptible to bacterial will with 96.6% wilt incidence whereas SM398 (40% PDI), SM2 (40% PDl), SMI (23.3% PDI), Solanum torvum KAUl (16.6% PDI) and Solanum torvum TNAUl (20% PDI) were found moderately resistant to bacterial wilt. Genotypes such as Surya, Haritha, SM3 and SM1I6 found highly resistant to bacterial wilt even when spot planted with susceptible check genotype Pusa Ruby which showed 100 percent wilt incidence. The PDI in check genotype Pusa Ruby ranged from 86.67 per cent to 100 per cent. Solanum sisymbrifolium spot planted with Pusa Ruby took minimum number of days to wilt incidence (23.40 days) whereas SM398 took maximum days to will (32.3 days). Under artificial inoculation the genotype Solanum sisymbrifolium exhibited 73.33 per cent will incidence along with the susceptible check Pusa Ruby which exhibited 86.6 per cent wilt incidence and both the genotypes were classified as susceptible to bacterial wilt. All other genotypes viz,, Surya, Haritha, SM 1, SM2, SM3, SM 116, SM398, Solanum torvum KAU1 and Solanum fon'um TNAUl did not show any wilt incidence under artificial inoculation and were resistant to bacterial wilt. Solanum sisymbrifolium took more number of days to wilt (16.81 days) when compared to the susceptible check Pusa Ruby (9.77 days). The root dip method recorded highest PDI in both susceptible genotype Solanum sisymbrifolium (86.67%) and the susceptible check Pusa Ruby (100%) when compared to media drenching and stem injection methods and the number of days to wilt incidence was also the lowest in root dip method (11.70 days) followed by stem inoculation (12.25 days) and media drenching (26.50 days). Significant differences were observed with respect to plant height, plant spread, stem girth, number of primary branches, fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit girth, average fruit weight, yield per plant, total phenolic, dry matter, number of wilted plants, root length and root spread among ail the rootstocks used when compared to non-grafted control and all the grafted plants produced significantly better performance for all the above parameters irrespective of the rootstocks used. Maximum yield per plant (6.69 kg), number of fruits per plant (94.80), plant spread, stem girth, number of primary branches, fruit lengtli (22.22 cm), root length (63.65 cm) and root spread (87.05 cm) were recorded when cullivar Haritha was used as a rootstock. The highest plant height, fruit girth (10.97 cm) and average fruit weight (78.00 g) were recorded on SMI 16 rootstock. Highest dry matter content was found in fruits of grafted plants of SM398 (11.12%) and the total phenolic content was the highest when SM3 (113.30 mg/l OOg) was used as rootstock. Maximum numbers of wilted plants were observed in non-grafted control. The perfonnance of non-grafted control plants was poor for all the above characters studied. Grafting did not significantly influence earliness, duration of the crop or number of harvests or total soluble solids content of fruits in brinjal. It had no significant effect on incidence of other pests on the crop except for bacterial wilt. From above studies it could be summarised that spot planting could be used as an effective tool for screening brinjal genotypes against bacterial wilt. Grafting technology could be successfully utilised in brinjal not only for bacterial wilt resistance but also for obtaining higher productivity. Haritha was found to be best rootstock for grafting in brinjal as it recorded significantly higher yield per plant, number of fruits per plant, plant spread, stem girth, number of primary branches, fruit length, root length and root spread followed by SMI 16 rootstock which recorded the highest plant height, fruit girth and average fruit weight.
Open Access
Standardisation of micropropagation technique in ivygourd (Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt.) variety sulabha
(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2019) Thasni, A; KAU; Sarada, S
study entitled “Standardisation of micropropagation technique in ivygourd (Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt.) variety Sulabha” was conducted at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 2017- 2019 with the objective to develop an efficient, large scale multiplication protocol for the regeneration of C. grandis var. Sulabha from shoot tips and nodal explants. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design with three replications and four cultures per replication. Culture media tried for the experiment were bud proliferation medium, shoot multiplication medium and rooting medium. Shoot tips and nodal segments from tender shoots of Coccinia grandis var. Sulabha, maintained in the experimental field of Department of Vegetable Science, were taken as the explants. The explants were surface sterilized using 0.1 % mercuric chloride for 3 minutes. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with Kinetin (Kn) and Benzyl adenine (BA) individually and in combination was used as bud proliferation medium, which consisted of eleven treatments, BP1 to BP5 [(MS + Kn (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5 and 1 mg L-1)], BP6 to BP10 [(MS + BA (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5 and 1 mg L-1)] and BP11 (MS + Kn 1 mg L-1 + BA 1 mg L-1, the best of the above two sets of treatments in combination). The treatment BP10 (MS + BA 1 mg L-1) exhibited significantly higher response for days to bud initiation (5.50), number of shoots per explant (1.75), and shoot length (5.71cm), with cent percent response. Minimum number of shoots (0.58) was observed in the treatment BP6 (MS +BA 0.1 mg L-1), which was on par with BP7 (MS + BA 0.2 mg L-1) (0.67). Minimum shoot length (0.29 cm) was observed in the treatment BP6 (MS + BA 1 mg L-1), which was on par with BP7 (MS + BA 0.2 mg L-1). Bud proliferation was not obtained, when shoot tip was used as explant. The shoots obtained from the best treatment BP10 (MS + BA 1 mg L-1) were transferred to shoot multiplication medium consisting of BP10 (MS + BA 1 mg L-1) along with different concentrations of IAA (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5 and1 mg L-1) and IBA (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5 and 1 mg L-1). The treatment SM8 (MS + BA 1 mg L-1 + IBA 0.3 mg L-1) exhibited maximum shoot length of 8.67 cm after 3 weeks of transfer from bud proliferation medium. The minimum length of shoot (1.08 cm) was obtained in SM1 (MS + BA 1 mg L-1 + IAA 0.1 mg L-1). Percentage of response was calculated for all the treatments. All the treatments containing IAA responded less than 50 %, except SM4 (MS + BA 1 mg L-1 + IAA 0.5 mg L-1), which exhibited 50 % response. All the treatments containing IBA showed 50 % or more response, except BP6 (MS + BA 1 mg L-1 + IBA 0.1 mg L-1), which showed a response of 41.67 %. Highest percentage of response for shoot multiplication was recorded in SM8 (MS + BA 1 mg L-1 + IBA 0.3 mg L-1) (83.33 %). Shoots were transferred to different rooting media i.e MS + BA 1 mg L-1 supplemented with different concentrations of IAA (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5 and 1 mg L-1) and IBA (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5 and 1 mg L-1) individually for root initiation. The treatments exhibited significant difference for days to root initiation, no. of roots per shoot, root length and rooting percent. Earliest root initiation (11.08 days), maximum number of roots per shoot (7), longest root (9.69 cm) and maximum rooting percentage (83.33 %) were recorded in SM7 (MS + BA 1 mg L-1 + IBA 0.2 mg L-1). Rooted plants were transferred to protrays containing autoclaved red soil, sand and coir pith compost in 1 : 1 : 1 ratio for hardening under high humidity and subsequently to small pots, after 15 days under greenhouse conditions for further establishment. Emergence of new leaves was observed within 6-7 days. The study revealed that bud proliferation in nodal explants of Coccinia grandis var. Sulabha was achieved in MS medium supplemented with BA 1.0 mg L-1, shoot multiplication in MS + BA 1.0 mg L-1 + IBA 0.3 mg L-1 and rooting in MS + BA 1.0 mg L-1 + IBA 0.2 mg L-1 among the different treatments tried.
Open Access
Evaluation of netted musk melon (Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis Naudin.) for growth , yield and quality
(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2019) Shivakumara, Y B; KAU; Sarada, S
The present investigation entitled "Evaluation of netted musk melon (Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis Naudin.) for growth, yield and quality" was conducted at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, from December 2018- March 2019 to evaluate netted muskmelon in Kerala for growth, yield and quality and thereby its adaptability. The experimental material consisted of 20 netted muskmelon genotypes, including seven varieties and thirteen hybrids. The experiment was laid out in RBD with two replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant difference among the twenty genotypes for all the characters studied. Avtar produced the longest vine of 1.84 m which was on par with Pahuja (1.74 m) and Gujarath muskmelon-3 (1.68 m). Airex was early in flowering, it took 34.01 days for female flower production and 27.56 days for male flower production respectively. The genotypes NS-910 (35.46 days) and Madhuras (36.53 days) were on par with Airex for female flower production. Lowest sex ratio was recorded in Kashi Madhu (5.23) which was on par with Hita (5.97) and Pusa Madhuras (6.00). Maximum fruit diameter was observed in NS-915 (11.78 cm). Maximum fi^lit weight was noticed in NS-915 (625.86 g) which was on par with Jindal (600.26 g) and NS-910 (594.73 g). Syed was the earliest to harvest (71.15 days) and NS- 910 (72.35 days) was on par with it. Highest number of finits per plant was recorded in Hita (3.66) and it was on par with NS-915 (3.64), Airex (3.15) and Novel (2.95). Maximum yield plant"^ of 1.20 kg was recorded for NS-915 which was on par with Jindal (1.10 kg), Pahuja (1.00 kg) and Hita (0.99 kg). Maximum yield plot"' of 2.14 kg was recorded in NS-915. Two genotypes, viz., Jindal (1.950 kg) and Hita (1.770 kg) were on par with it. Highest flesh cavity ratio was noticed in NS-915 (1.52) and highest total soluble solids content was recorded in NS-915 (8.07° B). Highest beta carotene content was obtained in the genotype Kashi Madhu (9.92 mg/100 g) which was on par with G-kart (9.74 mg/100 g) and NS-910 (9.30 mg/100 g). The highest total sugar content was recorded in Pusa Madhuras (4.06 %) which was on par with Syed (4.00 %). Highest reducing sugar content was noticed in the genotype Syed (3.36 %) and Sugar Summer (3.03 %) was on par with it. Pusa Madhuras recorded highest non reducing sugar content (1.53 %). Downy mildew and fruit fly were the major problems observed during the study. Sensory evaluation revealed the superiority of the hybrid NS-915 for appearance, colour, flavour, taste, texture and overall acceptability over other genotypes. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation (PCV and GCV) were noticed for most of the yield contributing characters viz., fruit weight (41.69 and 41.21), yield plant"^ (50.91 and 47.59) and fhiit diameter (27.6 and 25.55). High estimates of heritability coupled with high to moderate genetic advance as per cent of mean was recorded for all the yield components, indicating additive gene action. Yield had positive and significant correlation at both genotypic and phenotypic level for the yield contributing characters such as fruit diameter (0.988 and 0.835), fhiits plant"' (0.726 and 0.607), fruit weight (0.945 and 0.871), seeds fhiif' (0.741 and 0.694) and weight of 100 seeds (0.925 and 0.720) respectively. Path coefficient analysis revealed that average fruit weight showed the highest positive direct effect on fhiit yield followed by fimts plant"', days to first harvest, node to first female flower, fruit diameter and seeds per fhiit. The genotypes were ranked based on selection index score considering the major characters viz., vine length, days to first female flower, node to first female flower, fruit diameter, fruits plant"', fruit weight, days to first harvest, seeds fiaiit"', 100 seed weight and yield plant"'. NS-915 recorded highest selection index score of (803.04) followed by Jindal (748.25). Based on the mean performance of the genotypes for various characters and selection index score, the top ranking hybrid was NS-915 and variety Gujarat Local. The hybrids NS-915 and Jindal were foimd suitable for growing under south Kerala conditions.
Open Access
Breeding for gynoecy in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)
(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Minnu Ann, Jose; KAU; Pradeepkumar, T
Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.), is one of the most popular vegetable from cucurbitaceae family. Though monecy is the predominant sex form in bittergourd, gynoecy has been reported in bitter gourd from India. The present investigation entitled ‘Breeding for gynoecy in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) was undertaken with an objective to develop stable gynoecious inbred lines in bitter gourd through selection from sib mated and crossed population involving gynoecious female parents and maintain gynoecy through hormonal regulation and micropropagation. The study was carried out at Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, during the period of 2017-2019. The gynoecious line (KAU-MCGy-101) identified from the Kerala Agricultural University was tested for stability of the gynoecious sex expression. The sib mated gynoecious inbred along with the F1 hybrid (KAU-MCGy-101 × Preethi) developed by crossing with monoecious variety ‘Preethi’ were subjected to morphological characterization and evaluated for biometric characters and genetics of sex expression. For maintaining and fixing the gynoecious trait, micropropagation was attempted through shoot tip culture. Hormonal regulation for the maintenance of gynoecy using various concentrations of silver thiosulphate (STS) was also studied. The results revealed the stability of gynoecious sex expression in the inbred (KAU-MCGy-101), as all the plants resulted from sib mated population produced only female flowers throughout the growth phase. The gynoecious inbred exhibited early bearing of female flowers at lower nodes compared to the F1 hybrid. Moreover the inbred exhibited higher average fruit weight, fruit length and girth compared to early reported gynoecious lines. Hence the gynoecious inbred, KAU-MCGy-101 holds enormous potential for future breeding programme for earliness and yield in bitter gourd. The sib mated gynoecious inbred and F1 hybrid were evaluated for qualitative characters and they differed for colour of fruit skin and fruit bitterness. All the sib mated gynoecious plants produced dark green colour spindle shaped fruits which were strong bitter in nature, whereas, the fruits of F1 hybrid were light green in colour with spindle shape and moderate bitterness. Genetic analysis for sex expression confirmed the recessive nature of gynoecy in bitter gourd since there was no segregation for the gynoecious character in the sib mated gynoecious inbred and F1 hybrid. Micropropagation protocol for maintenance of gynoecious bitter gourd lines through in vitro shoot tip culture was standardized. Direct organogenesis was observed in the MS medium supplemented with BA alone and in combination with NAA. MS medium fortified with 2.0 mgl-1 of BA alone was found to be suitable for better and faster shoot initiation. Multiple shoot induction was observed in shoot initiation medium added with BA alone and maximum number of shoots per explant was achieved with higher concentration of BA (2 mgl-1). For in vitro shoot elongation, MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mgl-1 IAA and 0.5 mgl-1 NAA performed best. In vitro rooting response was found to be enhanced with the addition of activated charcoal in the medium along with IBA. Half strength MS medium combined with 1.0 mgl-1 IBA and 3.0 gl-1 activated charcoal exhibited early rooting, maximum rooting response (100%) and more number of roots. While evaluating the regenerated plants after hardening, 70.58 per cent survival per cent was recorded. All the regenerated plants were gynoecious in sex expression. Effect of various concentrations of STS and stage of application in inducing maleness in gynoecious bitter gourd was studied. STS in general induces male flowers in cucurbits through the activity of silver ions. However in the present study, all the treatments of STS induced hermaphrodite flowers instead of male flowers. Single spray of STS at 200 ppm after the first female flower emergence was found to be the best, as it was superior in terms of total number of hermaphrodite flowers produced. Application of STS at the later stage after the emergence of first female flower is equally effective in inducing hermaphrodite flowers when compared to double application, one at two-four leaf stage and other at later stage, which has enormous significance in the exploitation of gynoecy for crop improvement in bitter gourd
Open Access
Evaluation of varieties and standardization of planting time in onion (Allium cepa L.)
(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Aruna, S; KAU; Indira, P
Onion (Allium cepa L.) belonging to the family Alliaceae is one of the oldest vegetables in world and has been cultivated for more than 5000 years. It is an important and indispensable item in every kitchen as vegetable, spice and condiment. It is used as salad and cooked in various ways. Besides fresh consumption, onion provides a good raw material for processing industry as it can be processed in the form of dehydrated powder, rings, shreds, onion vinegar etc. The present experiment entitled “Evaluation of varieties and standardization of planting time in onion (Allium cepa L.)” was conducted at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during November-March, 2017-18. The major objectives of the study were to identify the best variety and planting time in onion for the plains of Kerala, and to study the effect of varieties, planting time and their interaction on the qualitative and quantitative traits of onion. Five onion varieties were evaluated in four different dates of planting with an interval of fifteen days which was commenced from 10 th November to 25th December 2017 in a split plot design with four replications. There were no variations among different dates of planting for qualitative traits such as bulb shape, bulb skin colour, bulb flesh color, etc. Vegetative characters such as plant height and leaf length were maximum in Arka Kalyan (50.47 cm and 46.47 cm respectively), whereas number of leaves was highest in Agrifound Dark Red (8.31). Leaf girth was maximum in Agrifound Light Red (3.35 cm). Among different dates of planting, plant height (51.05 cm) and number of leaves (8.50) were maximum in 10th December planting. Leaf length was highest in 25th November planting (46.60 cm) while leaf girth was maximum in 10th November planting (3.49 cm). Agrifound Dark Red recorded a minimum number of days (64.25) to reach 75% maturity. Among different planting dates, the plants in 10th December planting took minimum days (63.4) to reach 75% maturity. In the interactions between planting dates and varieties, Agrifound Dark Red planted on 10th December took minimum number of days (60) to reach maturity. Plant stand (39.63), neck thickness (4.16 cm) and bulbing percentage (70.76%) were highest in the variety Arka Kalyan. Average bulb weight varied significantly among different dates of planting. Highest average bulb weight was obtained when the planting was done on 25th November (66.2g). Average bulb weight ranged from 18g to 73.5g. There was no significant difference in number of scales among varieties, planting time and their interactions. Total Soluble Solids was highest in the variety, Agrifound Light Red (16.37°B). Among different planting dates, bulbs from 10th December planting recorded the highest TSS (16.92°B). Among the interactions, highest TSS was noted for Agrifound Light Red planted on 10th December (18.32°B). All the varieties were having medium to high pungency except Agrifound White in all the dates of planting. Total yield and marketable yield per plot varied significantly among different dates of planting. Among different dates of planting, marketable yield was highest in 25th November planting (0.96kg/plot). Among the interactions between varieties and planting dates, all the dates of planting except 25th Dec. were found to be statistically on par with respect to marketable yield for the varieties such as Arka Kalyan, Arka Pragati, Agrifound Dark Red and Agrifound Light Red. Planting on 25th Nov. and 10th Dec. were found to be superior and on par with respect to marketable yield in Agrifound White. All the five varieties can be recommended for commercial cultivation as they do not differ with each other with respect to marketable yield. Considering the consumer preferences, we can recommend Arka Kalyan and Agrifound Dark Red as they are having attractive dark red colour. The best time for transplantation was found to be 25th November, which was statistically on par with 10th November and 10th December. As a future line of work, more number of varieties are to be evaluated, nursery and crop management practices need to be standardised, and for conclusive results experiment has to be repeated.
Open Access
Generation mean analysis in yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdcourt) for yield and quality
(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Merin Elza, George; KAU; Sarada, S
The project entitled “Generation mean analysis in yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdcourt) for yield and quality” was carried out at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 2017-2018, to study the inheritance and gene action of yield and quality in yard long bean using generation mean analysis. The six generations (P1 , P2 , F1 , F2 , BC1 and BC2 ) of two superior crosses of yard long bean with high yield and quality characters viz. Cross 1 - VS 50 x VS 34 (Kakkamoola Local x Githika) and Cross 2 - VS 50 x VS 26 (Kakkamoola Local x Vellayani Jyothika) were used for the study. The experiment was carried out in three parts. In part I, two superior crosses of yard long bean with high yield and quality characters, selected based on specific combining ability and per se performance from the previous M.Sc. (Hort.) programme, were used. The seeds of the two hybrids were produced in a crossing block. In part II, the two F1 hybrids were selfed to produce F2 progenies. Simultaneously, the F 1 hybrids were backcrossed with the female parent to produce BC1 generation and the male parent to produce BC 2 generation. In part III, the six generations (P1 , P2 , F1 , F2 , BC1 and BC2 ) of the two hybrids were evaluated in a replicated field experiment using generation mean analysis. The six generations of the two crosses were evaluated for vegetative and flowering characters, yield and yield attributes and quality characters. Significa nt difference was observed among the generations for most of the traits studied. Earliest flowering was observed in F1 in both the crosses (50.00 days and 49.50 days in cross 1 and 2 respectively). Pod length and pod girth was maximum for P1 (65.99 cm and 3.11 cm respectively) in cross 1 and F 1 (68.56 cm and 3.57 cm respectively) in cross 2. The highest pod weight was recorded by BC1 (47.22 g) and F2 (50.89 g) in cross 1 and 2 respectively. Maximum number of pods plant-1 was recorded in F1 (84.00) in cross 1 and BC2 (74.67) in cross 2. Highest number of seeds pod-1 was observed in F1 (22.33) in cross 1 and BC 1 (20.33) in cross 2. Hundred seed weight was maximum for F1 in both the crosses (17.05 g and 21.83 g in cross 1 and 2 respectively). The highest yield was recorded by F1 in both the crosses (1210.51 g plant-1 and 1116.83 g plant-1 in cross 1 and 2 respectively). Among quality characters, highest pod protein content was recorded by BC 1 in both the crosses (6.23 % and 6.27 % in cross 1 and 2 respectively) and keeping quality by BC 2 in both the crosses (14.16 % weight loss and 16.88 % weight loss in cross 1 and 2 respectively). Predominance of dominance gene action was observed for most of the characters in cross 1 (VS 50 x VS 34) viz., vine length at final harvest, primary branches plant-1 , terminal and lateral leaf length, lateral leaf width, days to first flowering, pod length, pod weight, pods plant-1 , yield, days to harvest, crop duration, pod protein and keeping quality. Terminal leaf width and pod girth were controlled by additive gene action whereas seeds pod-1 and hundred seed weight by dominance x dominance interaction. In cross 2 (VS 50 x VS 26), characters such as terminal and lateral leaf length and width, pod length, pod girth, pod weight, hundred seed weight and yield were governed by dominance x dominance, vine length at final harvest, days to first flowering, pods plant-1 , seeds pod-1 , days to harvest, crop duration, pod protein and keeping quality by dominance and primary branches plant-1 by additive gene actions. Incidence of spotted pod borer, aphids, leaf eating caterpillar, pod bug were observed during the cropping period. Cowpea Aphid Borne Mosaic Virus (CABMV), fusarium wilt, collar rot and web blight, cercospora leaf spot and rust were the diseases observed. Predominance of dominance gene action pointed out the suitability of resorting to heterosis breeding for the improvement of the trait. Presence of dominance x dominance interaction suggested the use of hybridization followed by selection as the appropriate breeding method. Simple selection procedure would be more rewarding for improving the characters governed by additive type of gene effects. Duplicate type of epistasis was observed for most of the traits studied, as shown by the opposite signs of dominance (h) effect and dominance x dominance (l) type of interaction.

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