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ThesisItem Open Access Standardization of technology for microgreen production(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2021) Arya, K S; KAU; Sangeetha Kutty, MMicrogreens are new class of vegetables that are gaining popularity in the recent years due to their attractive appearance coupled with vivid flavors. They are young immature greens produced from seeds of vegetables or herbs which are harvested at its true leaf stage. Most of the research works in this area are carried out with temperate species of crops whose seeds are very expensive. Hence there is a need to popularize the microgreens of tropical species at an affordable price with minimum inputs, so that it is easily accessible to common people. The study entitled “Standardization of technology for microgreen production” was conducted at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara during January to October 2021. The study was experimented with wheat, ragi, green gram, horse gram, amaranthus and mustard whose seeds were collected from the local market. It was conducted as four experiments (standardization of seed treatment, standardization of media, standardization of seed density and to assess the nutritional value and yield under different growing conditions). The first experiment was to standardize seed treatment done using two chemicals hydrogen peroxide and vinegar treated at different concentrations. The observations on germination percentage, seedling vigour and yield were recorded. The seed treatment did not show any effect on growth of microgreens when compared to the control on the parameters recorded. The microscopic observation of freshly harvested microgreens for fungal contamination indicated absence of any contamination in the fresh microgreens. The experiment on standardizing growing media was carried out using five media viz, sterile sand, cocopeat, coir mat, tissue paper and newspaper. The observation on yield, seedling height, nutritional value of microgreens and microscopic observation on fungal growth were recorded. Yield was observed to be highest in microgreens grown on cocopeat media and lowest was recorded in microgreen grown on newspaper media and among the crops it was highest for green gram microgreens (1.03 to 1.49 kg/m2). The seedling height showed a slight decrease in ragi and mustard microgreens grown on newspaper and comparing the crops, it was observed to be maximum in green gram microgreens (10.23- 10.54 cm). The nutritional parameters recorded were not showing any difference when sown in different media. The wheat microgreens were observed to rich source of vitamin C, beta carotene and protein, ragi microgreens were showing more calcium and vitamin C and beta carotene content, green gram microgreen were rich in protein, vitamin C and calcium, horse gram microgreens were rich in vitamin C, chlorophyll, beta carotene and crude protein, amaranthus microgreens possess high iron, calcium, beta carotene and vitamin C content and mustard microgreens were rich in protein and beta carotene, iron and vitamin C. Microscopic observation on freshly harvested produce revealed that there is absence of fungal contamination in microgreens. The seed density for microgreen production was standardized in the third experiment. The seeds were sown at three densities viz, low, medium and high density for each crop. The observations recorded included yield, seedling height and microscopic observation on fungal growth. The yield was recorded to be highest when sown at high density for wheat (705 g seeds/m2), ragi (520g seeds/m2) and amaranthus(120g seeds/m2) microgreens and medium density planting yielded highest for green gram (850g seeds/m2), horse gram (617 g seeds/m2) and mustard (440 g seeds/m2) microgreens. The seedling height recorded was observed to be on par except for green gram and horse gram microgreens, where highest seedling height was found in medium density planting. No fungal contamination was observed in microscopic observation of fresh produce. Nutritional value and yield of microgreens grown under two conditions (room condition and rain shelter) were studied in fourth experiment. The parameters recorded were yield, seedling height, nutrient content under two conditions, organoleptic evaluation and shelf life of microgreens. The yield was observed to be significantly high when raised under rain shelter condition than room condition. Among the crops it was highest for green gram microgreens (2.261 kg/m2). The seedling height was observed to reduce under rain shelter condition. Nutritional content was also observed to be high when planted under rain shelter for all parameters viz, iron, calcium, beta carotene, vitamin C, crude protein, crude fibre, chlorophyll, oxalates and nitrates. Organoleptic evaluation revealed highest total mean rank for mustard microgreens (54.56) raised under room condition. The shelf life study revealed that the storage period of microgreens can be extended when it is stored in ziplock PPE bag under low temperature condition. In this study, several aspects of microgreens production viz, seed treatment, growing media, seed density, growth conditions and shelf life were standardized. The results indicate that microgreen cultivation can be recommended both as a commercial and household venture.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of bush dolichos bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) sweet] for yield and quality(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2021) Maneesha, P K; KAU; Sarada, SThe present investigation entitled “Evaluation of bush dolichos bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet] for yield and quality” was conducted at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, from June 2019- December 2020 to evaluate the adaptability of bush dolichos bean in Kerala based on growth, yield and quality. The experimental material consisted of 25 bush dolichos bean genotypes. The experiment was laid out in RBD with two replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the twenty five genotypes for all the characters studied. Among the genotypes, HA- 4 recorded the highest plant height of 65.75 cm. The variety HA-3 recorded the highest plant spread of 48.95 cm. The highest number of primary branches plant-1 was recorded by HA-4 (5.70), Arka Jay (5.65) and HA-3 (5.55) were on par with it. HA-4 recorded the highest leaf area of 13.35 cm2. Earliest flowering was observed in the genotype VRBSEM- 15 (22.95 days), while first flower appearance was late in HA- 4 (67.00 days). Fifty percent flowering was earliest in VRBSEM- 15 (25.95 days). The highest number of racemes plant-1 was recorded in HA-4 (6.46) and the longest raceme in the variety Arka Jay (34.35 cm). Arka Sambram was the earliest to harvest (61.30 days) followed by Arka Soumya (61.80 days), which were on par. The highest per centage of pod setting was recorded in HA-4 (14.85) followed by HA-3(14.50), which were on par. Co (Gb) 14 recorded the highest pod length (10.63 cm), pod girth (2.60 cm) and pod weight (6.75 g). Among the twenty five genotypes, nineteen genotypes exhibited light green pod colour, five dark green pod colour and one reddish green pod colour. The highest number of pods plant-1 was found in HA-4 (47.75). The seed colour of eleven genotypes was red, eight pale white, three white, two black and one light brown. The highest number of seeds pod-1 was in Co (Gb) 14 (4.35), which was on par with Arka Jay (4.25) and VRBSEM- 8 (4.25). Co (Gb) 14 recorded the highest weight of 100 seeds (35.45 g). The highest yield of 152.87 was recorded by Co (Gb) 14 which was on par with Arka Jay (148.82g) and HA-4 (148.52g). The highest yield plot-1 of 3.057 kg was recorded by Co (Gb) 14. Two genotypes, viz., Arka Jay (2.976 kg) and HA-4 (2.970 kg) were on par with it. Co (Gb) 14 recorded the highest crude protein and fibre content of 21.40 and 2.050 per cent respectively. The cooking quality of all the twenty five genotypes were found to be good. Incidence of leaf webber and anthracnose disease was noticed. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation (PCV and GCV) were observed for the characters like days to first flowering, pod setting, pod length, pods plant-1, yield plant-1, yield plot-1 and fibre content. High estimates of heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean were recorded for the yield components. Yield plant-1 had a significant positive correlation at genotypic and phenotypic level with raceme length, plant height, pod length, primary branches plant-1, number of racemes plant-1, plant spread, days to first flowering, pod girth and pod weight. Path coefficient analysis revealed that raceme length (0.9760) exerted the highest positive direct effect on yield plant-1 followed by number of racemes plant-1, primary branches plant-1, plant height, pod girth and pod weight. The genotypes were ranked based on selection index score considering the characters viz., plant height, primary branches plant-1, number of racemes plant-1, raceme length, pod girth and pod weight. HA-4 recorded the highest selection index score of 136.72. Based on the mean performance of the genotypes for various characters and selection index score, the top ranking genotypes HA-4, Co (Gb) 14 and HA-3 were found suitable for growing under Kerala conditions.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of biostimulants in growbag culture of organic Amaranthus (Amaranthus tricolor L.)(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2021) Sherinlincy, A; KAU; Refeekher, MThe study entitled “Evaluation of biostimulants in growbag culture of organic Amaranthus (Amaranthus tricolor)’’ was conducted in the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani in order to evaluate the effect of biostimulants under different application methods in growbag cultivation of organic amaranthus. Amaranthus variety Arun was raised in seed bed and transplanted 21 days after sowing to growbags. Experiments were laid out in CRD with two factors replicated thrice for evaluation of biostimulants and method of application. Foliar application and wick fertigation were the two methods of application under the study for which wick fertigation were installed using pvc pipes and glass wool wicks were used. Biostimulants such as humic acid (3%), humic acid fulvic acid mixture (3%), moringa leaf extract (3%), vermiwash (3%), cow urine (ten times diluted), salicylic acid (50 mgL-1) were compared with RDF (0.22:0.11:0.11 g/plant) and distilled water (control) at weekly intervals. Humic-fulvic acid mixture @ 3% through foliar application significantly increased the height of plant (85.83 cm), leaf length (15.08 cm) and leaf width (6.80 cm). Vermiwash @ 3% through wick fertigation exhibited the highest number of leaves per plant (118.83). Humic – fulvic acid mixture @ 3% through foliar application was also effective in increasing the branches per plant (11.66) while distilled water through wick fertigation recorded least number of branches per plant (4.66). Longest root length (34.16 cm) was recorded when humic acid @ 3% were applied through foliar application compared to control (18.66 cm). Late bolting was recorded with humic acid @ 3%, humic-fulvic acid mixture @ 3% and RDF through foliar application. Earlier bolting was recorded in salicylic acid @ 50 mgL-1 through wick fertigation. Application of salicylic acid @ 50 mgL-1 through wick fertigation significantly increased the leaf/stem ratio (0.50) which was at par with vermiwash @ 3% through wick fertigation (0.45). The total fresh weight of leaves per plant was significantly higher (225.85g) for humic – fulvic acid mixture @ 3% followed by RDF and humic acid @ 3%. At first, second and third harvest, significantly higher yield per cutting was recorded in ten times diluted cowurine (30.64g), RDF (171.62 g), humic – fulvic acid mixture @ 3 % (170.73g) through foliar application respectively while the lowest was recorded by distilled water through wick fertigation. Humic – fulvic acid mixture @ 3% through foliar application also recorded highest yield per plant (646.01 g) compared to distilled water through foliar application (180.72 g). Humic acid @ 3% through foliar application enhanced vitamin C content (98.20 mg100g-1) while ten times diluted cow urine through wick fertigation recorded the lowest vitamin C (57.14 mg100g-1). Oxalate content was observed low for moringa leaf extract @ 3% through wick fertigation with 0.69 mg. Moringa leaf extract @ 3 % through foliar application enhanced the carotenoid content (7.38 mg100-1g). Ten times diluted cow urine through foliar application produced highest calcium content (3.70 mg100-1g). Biostimulants as well as method of application had no significant effect on stem girth and soil parameters such as soil pH, EC, organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. In conclusion, biostimulants and foliar method of application was found to be effective for improving growth, yield and quality of amaranthus in growbag organic cultivation. Among the biostimulants, humic – fulvic acid mixture @ 3% produced the highest plant height, leaf length, leaf width, branches per plant, fresh weight of leaves, yield and B:C ratio (1.35) compared to control (0.22).ThesisItem Open Access Breeding hotset indeterminate tomato (Solanumlycopersicum L.) resistant to bacterial wilt suitable for protected cultivation(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2021) Archana, K A; KAU; Pradeep Kumar, TThe present investigation was undertaken to develop an indeterminate hotset tomato with bacterial wilt resistance through line × tester analysis. The experiment was conducted at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, during the year 2018- 2020. The first experiment was the performance evaluation of 35 tomato genotypes for two seasons in the year 2018, summer evaluation from January 2018 and rainy season evaluation from July 2018, in two protected structures viz., polyhouse and rainshelter. Genotypes exhibited significant variation for vegetative, flowering, fruit, yield and biochemical traits under both growing structures across season. Under polyhouse during summer the genotypes EC- 164263, EC-620387, EC-620401, EC-620406, EC-620410, and EC-620417 performed better for hotset traits (flowers with exerted stigma, pollen viability and fruit set per cent) and yield traits (average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant and yield). In rainshelter, the genotypes EC-165395, EC-165690, EC- 538153, EC-620401, EC-620406, EC-620410 were superior. During rainy season, EC-164263, EC-538153, EC-620401, EC-620406, EC-620410, EC-631369 were superior under polyhouse, and EC-620395, EC-620401, EC-620406, EC-620410, EC-631369 and EC-631379 inside rainshelter, for hotset traits and yield traits. The pooled data of flowers with exerted stigma, pollen viability, fruit set per cent, number of fruits per cluster, days to first fruit set, average fruit weight, pericarp thickness, number of fruits per plant and yield per plant were subjected to multivariate analysis for discrimination of genotypes into clusters. Under polyhouse seven clusters and inside rainshelter five clusters were observed. The selection index was also applied for ranking of genotypes based on the hotset distinctions and yield attributes. The hotset genotypes with high yield potential, identified suitable for protected cultivation were EC-164263, EC-538153, EC- 620387, EC-620389, EC-620401, EC-620406, EC-620410, EC-620417 and EC-631369. The genotypes EC-620401 (1), EC-620406 (2) and EC-620410 (3) were selected as hotset line for the line × tester analysis. In the second experiment the genotypes were tested for bacterial wilt resistance. The 35 tomato genotypes were sown in 98 well pro-trays holding sterilised soil medium. Another set of pro-trays holding the same medium were drenched with bacterial suspension with OD adjusted 0.8 to 1.3 at 600 nm and kept as the sick pro-trays. The twenty-one days old seedlings were used for inoculation through root dip method. With the help of sterilized scissors the tertiary roots of the seedlings were sectioned. The root clipped seedlings were dipped in bacterial suspension for thirty minutes. The inoculated seedlings were transplanted in the sick pro-trays. The entire experiment was conducted inside rainshelter with three replications. Each replication had five plants per genotype. Periodical observation on bacterial wilt symptom expression was taken from third day onwards. The disease index has revealed EC-620382 (0.20) and Arka Abha (0.20) as highly resistant. Nine genotypes viz: EC-165395 (0.24), EC-165700 (0.25), EC-521067 B (0.25), EC-620376 (0.30), EC-620378 (0.28), EC-620427 (0.21), EC-620429 (0.23), Akshay (0.21), Anagha (0.28) were resistant. From these EC-620382 (4), EC-620427 (5), EC-620429 (6) and Arka Abha (7) were selected as testers. In the third experiment, the identified lines and testers were crossed and seeds were collected for twelve cross combinations. The fourth experiment was the evaluation of F 1 hybrids from third experiment during summer in two protected structures viz., polyhouse and rainshelter. The cross combinations were laid along with the parents and two checks viz., one check hybrid (Abhilash) and one check variety (Akshaya). The mean performance, relative heterosis (RH), heterobeltosis (HB), standard heterosis (SH) and combining ability studies were conducted. For vegetative traits, the cross combination 3 × 7 exhibited superiority in the mean performance with significant positive sca effects in both the structures. For flowering traits, the cross 2 × 5 exhibited significant positive sca effects for pollen viability and significant negative sca effects for flowers withexerted stigma with significant RH, HB and SH in both the structures. In the case of fruit and yield traits, the cross combination 2 × 5 exhibited negative significant sca effects for days to first fruit set and positive significant sca effects for pericarp thickness, average fruit weight and yield per plant with significant RH, HB and SH. Inside rainshelter, 3 × 5 and 3 × 7 noted significant sca effects and positive significant heterosis for fruit and yield traits. For biochemical traits, the cross combination 2 × 5 exhibited positive significant sca effects and positive significant RH, HB and SH for TSS, ascorbic acid and acidity under polyhouse. In the seedling stage, all cross combinations exhibited resistance reaction to bacterial wilt in the challenge inoculation. Depending on the mean performance, heterosis and sca effects, the cross combination 2 × 5 was recommended for polyhouse and the crosses 3 × 5 and 3 × 7 were recommended for rainshelter. None of the parents revealed significant and desirable gca effect for all traits studied. The comprehensive assessment of the parents by considering gca estimates revealed that among lines EC-620406 is a good general combiner for vegetative, fruit and yield characters under polyhouse, and EC-620406 and EC- 620410 could be regarded as good general combiners for vegetative, reproductive, fruit and yield, quality characters and shelf life inside rainshelter. In the case of testers EC-620427 and Arka Abha were good combiners for vegetative, reproductive, fruit characters and shelf life in both the growing structures. Dominant gene action was observed predominantly for characters studied under both the structures. Plant height at harvest, days to 50% flowering, days to first fruit set, days to first fruit harvest, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, yield per plant, yield per plot, lycopene, ascorbic acid, shelf life, flowers with exerted stigma, pollen viability, number of flowers per cluster, number of fruits per cluster and fruit set per cent exhibited dominant gene action under both the structures. Pericarp thickness exhibited complete dominance inside rainshelter.In the fifth experiment, available SSR markers were validated for bacterial wilt resistance. Two SSR markers, SLM6124 and SLM6-110, produced polymorphism between resistant and susceptible genotypes, two distinct bands for resistant genotypes and four bands (two distinct and two fainted) for susceptible genotypes. In conclusion, the work indicates the change in the behaviour of genotypes under different protected structures in different seasons. Hence the selection of genotype and structure depending on the season is important. The heterosis breeding is effective in improving hotset traits in tomato. The hybridisation involving one resistant parent can generate bacterial wilt resistant off-springs. The application of molecular markers can effectively reduce the time and labour intensive field evaluation.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of bush dolichos bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) sweet] for yield and quality(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2020) Maneesha, P K; KAU; Sarada, SThe present investigation entitled “Evaluation of bush dolichos bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet] for yield and quality” was conducted at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, from June 2019- December 2020 to evaluate the adaptability of bush dolichos bean in Kerala based on growth, yield and quality. The experimental material consisted of 25 bush dolichos bean genotypes. The experiment was laid out in RBD with two replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the twenty five genotypes for all the characters studied. Among the genotypes, HA- 4 recorded the highest plant height of 65.75 cm. The variety HA-3 recorded the highest plant spread of 48.95 cm. The highest number of primary branches plant-1 was recorded by HA-4 (5.70), Arka Jay (5.65) and HA-3 (5.55) were on par with it. HA-4 recorded the highest leaf area of 13.35 cm2. Earliest flowering was observed in the genotype VRBSEM- 15 (22.95 days), while first flower appearance was late in HA- 4 (67.00 days). Fifty percent flowering was earliest in VRBSEM- 15 (25.95 days). The highest number of racemes plant-1 was recorded in HA-4 (6.46) and the longest raceme in the variety Arka Jay (34.35 cm). Arka Sambram was the earliest to harvest (61.30 days) followed by Arka Soumya (61.80 days), which were on par. The highest per centage of pod setting was recorded in HA-4 (14.85) followed by HA-3(14.50), which were on par. Co (Gb) 14 recorded the highest pod length (10.63 cm), pod girth (2.60 cm) and pod weight (6.75 g). Among the twenty five genotypes, nineteen genotypes exhibited light green pod colour, five dark green pod colour and one reddish green pod colour. The highest number of pods plant-1 was found in HA-4 (47.75). The seed colour of eleven genotypes was red, eight pale white, three white, two black and one light brown. The highest number of seeds pod-1 was in Co (Gb) 14 (4.35), which was on par with Arka Jay (4.25) and VRBSEM- 8 (4.25). Co (Gb) 14 recorded the highest weight of 100 seeds (35.45 g). The highest yield of 152.87 was recorded by Co (Gb) 14 which was on par with Arka Jay (148.82g) and HA-4 (148.52g). The highest yield plot-1 of 3.057 kg was recorded by Co (Gb) 14. Two genotypes, viz., Arka Jay (2.976 kg) and HA-4 (2.970 kg) were on par with it. Co (Gb) 14 recorded the highest crude protein and fibre content of 21.40 and 2.050 per cent respectively. The cooking quality of all the twenty five genotypes were found to be good. Incidence of leaf webber and anthracnose disease was noticed. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation (PCV and GCV) were observed for the characters like days to first flowering, pod setting, pod length, pods plant-1, yield plant-1, yield plot-1 and fibre content. High estimates of heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean were recorded for the yield components. Yield plant-1 had a significant positive correlation at genotypic and phenotypic level with raceme length, plant height, pod length, primary branches plant-1, number of racemes plant-1, plant spread, days to first flowering, pod girth and pod weight. Path coefficient analysis revealed that raceme length (0.9760) exerted the highest positive direct effect on yield plant-1 followed by number of racemes plant-1, primary branches plant-1, plant height, pod girth and pod weight. The genotypes were ranked based on selection index score considering the characters viz., plant height, primary branches plant-1, number of racemes plant-1, raceme length, pod girth and pod weight. HA-4 recorded the highest selection index score of 136.72. Based on the mean performance of the genotypes for various characters and selection index score, the top ranking genotypes HA-4, Co (Gb) 14 and HA-3 were found suitable for growing under Kerala conditions.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of biostimulants in growbag culture of organic Amaranthus (Amaranthus tricolor L.)(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2020) Sherinlincy, A; KAU; Refeekher, MThe study entitled “Evaluation of biostimulants in growbag culture of organic Amaranthus (Amaranthus tricolor)’’ was conducted in the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani in order to evaluate the effect of biostimulants under different application methods in growbag cultivation of organic amaranthus. Amaranthus variety Arun was raised in seed bed and transplanted 21 days after sowing to growbags. Experiments were laid out in CRD with two factors replicated thrice for evaluation of biostimulants and method of application. Foliar application and wick fertigation were the two methods of application under the study for which wick fertigation were installed using pvc pipes and glass wool wicks were used. Biostimulants such as humic acid (3%), humic acid fulvic acid mixture (3%), moringa leaf extract (3%), vermiwash (3%), cow urine (ten times diluted), salicylic acid (50 mgL-1) were compared with RDF (0.22:0.11:0.11 g/plant) and distilled water (control) at weekly intervals. Humic-fulvic acid mixture @ 3% through foliar application significantly increased the height of plant (85.83 cm), leaf length (15.08 cm) and leaf width (6.80 cm). Vermiwash @ 3% through wick fertigation exhibited the highest number of leaves per plant (118.83). Humic – fulvic acid mixture @ 3% through foliar application was also effective in increasing the branches per plant (11.66) while distilled water through wick fertigation recorded least number of branches per plant (4.66). Longest root length (34.16 cm) was recorded when humic acid @ 3% were applied through foliar application compared to control (18.66 cm). Late bolting was recorded with humic acid @ 3%, humic-fulvic acid mixture @ 3% and RDF through foliar application. Earlier bolting was recorded in salicylic acid @ 50 mgL-1 through wick fertigation. Application of salicylic acid @ 50 mgL-1 through wick fertigation significantly increased the leaf/stem ratio (0.50) which was at par with vermiwash @ 3% through wick fertigation (0.45). The total fresh weight of leaves per plant was significantly higher (225.85g) for humic – fulvic acid mixture @ 3% followed by RDF and humic acid @ 3%. At first, second and third harvest, significantly higher yield per cutting was recorded in ten times diluted cowurine (30.64g), RDF (171.62 g), humic – fulvic acid mixture @ 3 % (170.73g) through foliar application respectively while the lowest was recorded by distilled water through wick fertigation. Humic – fulvic acid mixture @ 3% through foliar application also recorded highest yield per plant (646.01 g) compared to distilled water through foliar application (180.72 g). Humic acid @ 3% through foliar application enhanced vitamin C content (98.20 mg100g-1) while ten times diluted cow urine through wick fertigation recorded the lowest vitamin C (57.14 mg100g-1). Oxalate content was observed low for moringa leaf extract @ 3% through wick fertigation with 0.69 mg. Moringa leaf extract @ 3 % through foliar application enhanced the carotenoid content (7.38 mg100-1g). Ten times diluted cow urine through foliar application produced highest calcium content (3.70 mg100-1g). Biostimulants as well as method of application had no significant effect on stem girth and soil parameters such as soil pH, EC, organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. In conclusion, biostimulants and foliar method of application was found to be effective for improving growth, yield and quality of amaranthus in growbag organic cultivation. Among the biostimulants, humic – fulvic acid mixture @ 3% produced the highest plant height, leaf length, leaf width, branches per plant, fresh weight of leaves, yield and B:C ratio (1.35) compared to control (0.22).ThesisItem Open Access Performance of beet root (Beta vulgaris L) for growth yield and quality(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2020) Arya, P J; KAU; Sarada, SThe present investigation entitled “Performance of beet root (Beta vulgaris L.) for growth, yield and quality” was conducted at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during October 2019 - February 2020 to evaluate the adaptability of beet root in Kerala based on growth, yield and quality. The experimental material consisted of 30 beet root genotypes, including twenty two varieties and eight hybrids. The experiment was laid out in RBD with three replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the twenty two varieties and the eight hybrids for all the characters studied. Among the varieties, Tetra recorded the highest plant height of 38.32 cm and among hybrids, Ragini was the tallest (31.07 cm) and Remo (30.77 cm) was on par with it. The variety Ruby Queen (Pradham Seeds) recorded the highest number of leaves (13.45). BV 21 (12.96) and Tetra (12.65) were on par with it. Among hybrids, Remo (9.79) recorded the highest number of leaves, Red Star (Sakura) (9.70) was on par with it. Madhur recorded the highest root length of 7.43 cm among varieties and Red Star (Sakura) (7.41 cm) among hybrids. The variety Madhur recorded the highest root diameter of 5.33 cm and Ruby Queen (Tokita) (5.25 cm), Detroit Dark Red (5.16 cm) and Mahyco Lal ӀІ (5.15 cm) were statistically on par with it. The hybrid Red Star (Sakura) recorded the highest root diameter of 5.50 cm, which was on par with Ragini (5.32 cm). Among varieties, Madhur recorded the highest root weight (118.05 g), root: shoot ratio (4.42) and yield per plot (5.68 kg) and among hybrids, Red Star (Sakura) recorded the highest root weight (91.27 g), root: shoot ratio (3.61) and yield per plot (4.27 kg). The varieties, Madhur, Tetra and Ruby Queen (Tokita) were early with a crop duration of 96 days, while the hybrids, Red Star (Sakura), Red Horse and RK 777 were early with a crop duration of 98 days. T.S.S content was the highest for the variety K 5340 (15.70 0B) and hybrid RK 777 (14.50 0B). The highest carotenoid content was recorded for Mahyco Lal II among varieties (1.50 mg 100g-1) and Red Horse among hybrids (1.74 mg 100g-1). Madhur recorded the highest total sugars (6.45 %) and non reducing sugars (6.03 %) among varieties, while Red Star (Sakura) among hybrids (6.50 % and 6.04 % respectively). Among varieties Crimson Globe recorded the highest reducing sugars (1.00 %) and RK 777 (1.00 %) among hybrids. Sensory evaluation revealed the superiority of the variety Madhur and the hybrid Red Star (Sakura) for appearance, colour, taste and overall acceptability over other varieties and hybrids. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation (PCV and GCV) were observed for the characters leaf breadth, foliage weight, root weight, root: shoot ratio and yield per plot of varieties. For hybrids, high PCV and GCV was observed for root length, root weight, root: shoot ratio and yield per plot. For both varieties and hybrids, high estimates of heritability coupled with moderate to high genetic advance as per cent of mean were recorded for all the yield components, indicating additive gene action. Root weight had a significant positive correlation at genotypic and phenotypic level with leaf breadth, root length, root diameter, root: shoot ratio and yield per plot, both for varieties and hybrids. Path coefficient analysis of varieties revealed that root: shoot ratio (0.687) exerted the highest positive direct effect on root weight followed by root length, foliage weight, plant height and root diameter. Root diameter (3.094) exerted a maximum direct effect on root weight of hybrids followed by root: shoot ratio, leaf breadth, leaves per plant and leaf length. The varieties were ranked based on selection index score considering the characters viz., plant height, foliage weight, root diameter, root length, root weight and root: shoot ratio. Madhur recorded the highest selection index score of 192.52. The hybrids were ranked based on selection index score considering the characters viz. leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf breadth, root diameter, root weight and root: shoot ratio and Red Star (Sakura) recorded the highest score of 148.90. Based on the mean performance of the varieties and the hybrids for various characters and selection index score, the top ranking varieties Madhur, Tetra, Mahyco Lal ІІ and Ruby Queen (Tokita) and the hybrids Red Star (Sakura), Ragini, Red Horse and F 1 Kingdom were found suitable for growing under Kerala conditions.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus (L.) sweet) accession (Pole type) for yield and quality(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2020) Nidhin Raj; KAU; Anitha, PDolichos bean (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet) is a multi-purpose crop cultivated in both tropical and sub-tropical conditions. The tender pods rich in protein, fibre, iron and calcium are used as vegetable and dried seeds as pulse. Tender leaves are cooked and consumed as vegetable. The pole types are photosensitive in nature preferring short days and comparatively cool season for flowering. Despite of its multi-utility and multiple benefits, its cultivation is done in limited area only. Thus, there is a huge scope to expand cultivation to non-conventional regions which would assure nutritional and income security for the farmers. The efforts for genetic enhancement of this crop also has been limited. In this context, the present study was undertaken with the objectives of determining the genetic variability, genetic divergence and character associations among dolichos bean accessions for yield and yield contributing traits and to evaluate the accessions for quality. The experiment was conducted at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during September 2019- April 2020. The dolichos bean accessions were catalogued as per the NBPGR Minimal Descriptor for Characterization and Evaluation of Agri-Horticultural crops (2000). The flower colour varied from white to purple. The pod colour varied from light green, green to purple. Green pods with purple border were observed in LP-2, LP-12, LP-19, LP-31, LP-32 and LP-35. Purple pods were observed in LP-11, LP-17 and LP-22. The pod shape varied from straight, intermediate to curved. Based on the reaction to bacterial wilt disease, the accessions were categorized into susceptible and resistant. The accessions, LP-1, LP-5, LP-6, LP-9 and LP-14 were highly susceptible and showed 100 per cent bacterial wilt incidence. The analysis of variance of the 25 accessions showed significant differences among them for all traits under study. Genetic parameters like GCV, PCV, heritability, GA and GAM were estimated to study the nature and extent of variability. High GCV, PCV, heritability and GAM were exhibited by the characters green pod yield/plant, number of seeds/pod, pod length, pod girth, pod weight, number of pods/plant and total phenols which indicated the presence of high variability and additive gene action for these traits. Hence, these traits can be improved through selection. Quality traits viz., iron, calcium, total phenols, and phytic acid exhibited close association between PCV and GCV. In addition, moderate to high heritability and GAM were observed indicating that phenotypic values were a true measure of the genotype and the improvement of these traits is possible through selection. Green pod yield per plant was significantly, positively correlated with number of pods per plant, number of harvests, duration of the crop, calcium and crude protein. Further, green pod yield per plant was positively correlated with number of pods per cluster, pod length, pod weight and pod girth. However, these correlations were not significant which indicated their independent nature with respect to yield. Path coefficient analysis of yield and its component characters revealed that the highest direct positive effect on green pod yield per plant was exhibited by number of pods per plant followed by days to first flowering, pod weight, number of seeds per pod and duration of the crop. Hence direct selection of accessions based on these traits would improve yield. From the present study, accessions viz., LP-2, LP-13 and LP-34 could be selected as promising ones based on these traits. Twenty five accessions of dolichos bean were grouped into six clusters based on D2 values. Cluster VI had highest number of accessions (8) followed by cluster III (6). Cluster I and II had four accessions each. There were two accessions in cluster IV and one accession in cluster V. Inter cluster distance was maximum between cluster IV and cluster V. Hence, superior hybrids could be obtained by hybridization among the accessions present in these clusters. Sensory evaluation was conducted in the cooked pods to score the accessions based on their appearance, colour, flavour, texture, taste and overall acceptability. LP- 31, LP-28 and LP-13 were superior in sensory qualities. The selection criteria for dolichos bean was fixed by taking the characters such as green pod yield per plant, number of pods per plant, pod weight, days to first flowering and overall acceptability of sensory evaluation and the accessions LP-28, LP- 13, LP-12, LP-2 and LP-35 were identified as the most promising ones based on this.ThesisItem Open Access Breeding for yellow vein mosaic virus (YVMV) resistance in OKRA (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2020) Alphy, Mathew; KAU; Pradeepkumar, TOkra is one of the most important vegetable crops grown in India for its tender green fruits. The cultivation of okra is constrained by various pests and diseases. Among the diseases, Yellow Vein Mosaic Disease (YVMD) is the most dreadful disease which affects both the quality of fruit and yield adversely. It is a viral disease caused by Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (YVMV) and is transmitted by whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci). The only practical solution to this problem is development of resistant or tolerant varieties. The resistant varieties released in the past became susceptible due to the development of new strains of virus or due to the recombination in the virus strain. In this background, the present study entitled “Breeding for Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (YVMV) resistance in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]” was undertaken with the objective of evaluating and identifying resistant varieties/lines of okra against YVMV for augmenting effective resistant breeding programme in okra. The present study was carried out at Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during the period of 2018-2020. The experimental material consisted of 34 genotypes of okra which were sown in randomized block design with two replications. Out of 34 genotypes, 30 were collected from NBPGR Regional station, Akola. Remaining genotypes included Arka Anamika and KAU varieties namely Aruna, Salkeerthi and Susthira. The genotypes were evaluated for their qualitative and quantitative characters and described based on the NBPGR Minimal Descriptor for Characterization and Evaluation of Agri-Horticultural Crops (2000). All the 34 genotypes were evaluated under natural conditions for the selection of resistant/tolerant ones. The disease reaction of genotypes to Yellow Vein Mosaic Disease (YVMD) were evaluated based on the parameters viz., percent disease incidence, percent disease severity and coefficient of infection. Based on the values of coefficient of infection, the genotypes were classified as resistant, susceptible and highly susceptible. The results revealed the presence of highly resistant to highly susceptible genotypes in the present study. Six genotypes (EC 305645, EC 305651, EC 305674, IC 13995, IC 14845 and Arka Anamika) were grouped as highly susceptible, 27 genotypes as susceptible and Susthira as highly resistant. Among the genotypes evaluated, Susthira showed resistance to YVMD at all stages of crop growth under field conditions. Resistance of Susthira was further confirmed under protected conditions using vector transmission method. Hence, Susthira can be used as a source of resistance for developing YVMD resistant/tolerant varieties. The extent of variability present in the germplasm were studied using the parameters viz., phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV), genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), heritability and genetic advance. High heritability and genetic advance were observed for the characters viz., plant height, internodal length, number of fruits per plant, number of seeds per fruit, crop duration, number of ridges per fruit, 100 seed weight, average fruit weight, number of harvest, days to first symptom appearance, yield per plant and coefficient of infection of YVMD at 80 and 90 days after sowing. The results of correlation and path coefficient analysis revealed that the characters viz., plant height, average fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, crop duration and number of harvest had positive correlation and positive direct effect on yield. Hence, direct selection using these traits would enhance yield. Organoleptic evaluation of all the 34 genotypes were also done. The results revealed the superiority of genotypes IC 15027, IC 15540 and EC 305647 with respect to sensory qualities. The selection of superior genotypes were done based on the characters viz., number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, fruit length, yield per plant and overall acceptability of organoleptic evaluation. The genotypes viz., IC 15027, IC 15540, EC 305647, EC 305650 and EC 305642 were found superior for these characters even though they were susceptible to the disease. Hence, these genotypes can be crossed with Susthira for developing high yielding YVMD resistant varieties.
