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Open Access
Diallel analysis in rice bean(Vigna umbellata( Thunb.) ohwi & ohashi)
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1999) Preeti, S V; KAU; Radha Devi, D S
A diallel analysis in ricebean (Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi and Ohashi) was carried out in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, during 1997 - '98. The experimental material consisted of six parental lines and 30 F I hybrids, laid out in Randomised Block Design with three replications. The six parents were 3 LG, 5 LG, 6 LG, 8 LG, 9 LG, and 100 LG obtained from the germ plasm collection maintained at NBPGR, Thrissur. The observations were recorded on yield and yield attributing characters. Significant differences were detected among the mean performance of the genotypes, for all the characters studied. The combining ability analysis carried out by Method I, Model I of Griffing's approach (1956), revealed that the parent, 8LG was the best general combiner for most of the yield attributing traits. Among the crosses, 8LG x 3 LG exhibited outstanding sea for seed yield per plant. The crosses involving 8 LG were found to be good specific combiners. The combinations involving 3 LG and 6 LG also gave good specific combining ability effects. The numerical analysis by Hayman's approach indicated overdominance for almost all characters, which was confirmed by graphical analysis. The dominance of decreasing alleles in the parents was indicated by the negative value of F for all characters except, plant height, length of pods and number of seeds per pod. An almost equal distribution of genes with positive and negative effects was indicated by the ratio of H2 to 4H} for all the characters. The regression coefficient of covarince between parents and their offsprings in each array (Wr) on variance of all progenies in each parental array (Vr) did not- differ from unity, for plant height, length of pods, seed yield, 100 seed weight, days to maturity and protein content, indicating that assumption of non-allelic interaction was satisfactory for these characters. The Vr - Wr graph indicated that the parents were genetically divergent for days to first flowering, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, days to maturity, root weight and nodule weight. Manifestation of heterosis was seen for all the characters studied. Among the hybrids, 8 LG x 3 LG was the most outstanding for yield and yield related characters. The crosses, 8 LG x 9 LG, 8 LG x 100 LG, 6 LG x 9 LG, 100 LG x 8 LG and 6 LG x 3 LG also performed better in yield and yield attributing characters. In general, hybrids involving 8 LG and 6 LG were found to be heterotic.
Open Access
Anthracnose disease of vegetable cowpea [Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) verdcourt]
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1999) Praveen Kumar, M; KAU; Sally Mathew, K
A study on vanous aspects of anthracnose disease of cowpea was conducted at College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1997-98. Etiological studies revealed Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (Sacc. and Magn.) Br. and Cav. as the main pathogen causing anthracnose disease in Kerala and the pathogen was found to be seed borne. Among the 50 genotypes tested, Kanakamony was found immune to the disease and seven genotypes were highly resistant to the disease. In ( disease management studies, all fungicides, botanicals and antagonist Trichoderma viride were equally effective under in vitro and field conditions. As far as disease control, yield and C:B ratio were concerned, mancozeb was found to be the best treatment. Summer season was found to be the best season for cowpea cultivation in areas where anthracnose is a problem. In crop loss assessment, significant difference was noticed between carbendazim treated and untreated plots in case of disease infection and yield, and yield loss of 53.85 per cent was recorded under natural condition due to this-disease.
Open Access
Biocontrol of rhizome rot of ginger using selected antagonists
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1999) Julie George, K; KAU; Sukumaravarma, M
Rhizome rot of ginger cas used by Pythium aphantdermatum (Edson) Fitzpatrick is one of the most destructive diseases of ginger in Kerala. The pathogen was isolated and its pathogenecity was established by Koch's postulates in ginger variety Rio-de-Jenerio. Among the various food bases evaluated, for the mass multiplication of selected antagonists, rice hull was found to be significantly superior to all others to obtain maximum growth for Trichoderma viride and Aspergillus flavus. For Aspergillus niger, rice bran was found to be significantly superior. The results on the effect of various treatments on germination showed that there was no significant difference among the treatments. The effect of antagonists on the pre- emergence rotting and post-emergence rotting (rhizome rot) were studied. In plots where antagonists (T viride, Aflavus or A. niger) or fungicides (mancozeb or copper oxychloride) were applied either as seed treatment or as soil incorporation at the time of planting, the pre-emergence rotting was not observed. The plot in which the antagonists T. vtride, A. mger and At flavus were applied in combination at 60 and 120 OAP, recorded the minimum rhizome rot incidence compared to other treatments. The plots in which the antagonists were applied twice, i.e., 60 and 120 OAP, the rhizome rot incidence was minimum compared to the plots with only one time application of antagonists. The maximum population of the pathogen P. aphanidermatum. was observed in plot where A. flavus was applied in combination with mancozeb. The multiplication of selected antagonists, 7: viride, A. flavus and A. niger in soil was found out by estimating their population at different stages. The population of T. virtde was maximum in plots where it was applied in combination with mancozeb in most of the period. The soil application of the combination of antagonists T. viride, A. flavus and A. niger did not affect the multiplication of anyone of them in soil. In general, soil incorporation of antagonists was found to helping in their mulitplication profusely compared to the seed treatment. The incorporation of the antagonists A. flavus and A. niger to the plots, twice was found to be superior than applying them only once, for getting maximum multiplication of propagules in soil. The result on the compatibility of antagonist with fungicide in field condition revealed that the antagonist T viride was quite compatible with mancozeb whereas A. flavus and A. niger were compatible with both fungicides tested (mancozeb and copper oxychloride). The treatments which was found to be superior in minimising the incidence of rhizome rot of ginger viz., T 16 (soil incorporation of T vir/de, A. niger at 60 and 120 DAP) and TI9 (soil incorporation of I: viride, A. niger and A. flavus) also recorded the maximum yield of ginger.
Open Access
Economics of production and marketing of tuber crops in Palakkad district
(Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1997) Sheena, P A; KAU; Thomas, E K
The present investigation on the economics of production and marketing of tuber crops viz. coleus, sweet potato and tapioca in Palakkad district was undertaken during the year 1994-95. The study focussed on estimation of cost and returns and marketing system. Data for the study was generated through a sample survey of farmers, village traders, wholesalers and retailers. Two stage sampling technique was adopted for the study, with panchayats selected purposively and sample farmers by random sampling method. The sample size for each crop was 50 making a total of 150 sample respondents. The results of the cost structure analysis revealed that the largest single item of expense was rental value of own land for coleus and tapioca and for sweet potato chemical fertilizer had the highest expense. Among the explicit cost items male labour accounted the highest share in coleus while rental value of own land and farmyard manure were the most important item in sweet potato and tapioca respectively. Cost A1, Cost A2, Cost B1, Cost B2, Cost C1 and Cost C2 per hectare was Rs.10101.74, Rs.13016.86, Rs.10101.74, Rs.17593.80, Rs.10743.99 and Rs.18236.05 respectively for coleus and Rs.8124.94, Rs.8124.94, Rs.13304.05, Rs.8852.50 and Rs.14031.61 respectively for tapioca and Rs.6733.13, Rs.6733.13, Rs.6733.13 and Rs.9079.94, Rs.7311.04 and Rs.9654.84 respectively for sweet potato. The average per hectare yield of coleus, sweet potato and tapioca were 9154 kg, 8801 kilogram and 7398.73 kilogram respectively. Benefit-cost ratio for coleus was Rs.2.27, Rs.1.76, Rs.2.27, Rs.1.30, Rs.2.13 and Rs.1.25 based on costs A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2 where as the corresponding figures for sweet potato were Rs.1.74, Rs.1.74, Rs.1.74, Rs.1.29, Rs.1.60 and Rs.1.21 respectively. In the case of tapioca Benefit cost ratio was Rs.3.19, Rs.3.19, Rs.3.19, Rs.1.95, Rs.2.93 and Rs.1.85. The income measures in relation to different cost concepts, in coleus cultivation such as gross income, farm business income, family labour income, net income and farm investment income were Rs.22884.72, Rs.12782.98, Rs.5290.92, Rs.4648.67 and Rs.12140.73 respectively and Rs.11734.04, Rs.5000.91, Rs.2654.10, Rs.2076.20 and Rs.4423.00 respectively for sweet potato and Rs.25895.56, Rs.17770.62, Rs.12591.51, Rs.11863.95 and Rs.17043.06 respectively for coleus. Functional analysis was carried out using Cobb-douglas production function and the results revealed that for coleus fertilizer was found to be negative and significant. The production elasticity of labour was negative and insignificant. Farmyard manure and planting material were found to be insignificant. With regard to sweet potato labour was found to be negative and significant and the production elasticity of fertilizer was found to be negative though insignificant. Farmyard manure and planting material was found to be significantly influencing production. Regarding tapioca the production elasticity of labour and farmyard manure was found to be negative though insignificant. The high value of production elasticity of area indicated the dominance of this particular factor. Marginal value product of farmyard manure and planting material for coleus and sweet potato were greater than their factor cost ratio and was negative for labour and fertilizer. In the case of marketing of coleus and sweet potato more than 95 per cent of the produce was sold to wholesalers through commission agents. The producer’s share was only 34.53 per cent and 31.76 per cent of the consumers’ rupee for coleus and sweet potato respectively. The index of marketing efficiency was 0.53 for coleus and 0.47 for sweet potato. Regarding tapioca the tubers who performed the role of commission agent and from them produce is taken by mill owners of Salem and Dindigul. Since there is a product diversification the marketing of tapioca tubers was studied only upto the intermediary level.
Open Access
Effect of processing and freezing procedures on the acrosome morphology of buck spermatozoa
(Department of Animal Reproduction, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1998) Ranjini, A; KAU; Prabhakaran Nair, K
Six pooled semen samples (two ejaculates) of good quality from five Malabari crossbred bucks were processed and frozen in two different protocols to evaluate the effect of processing and freezing procedures on the acrosome morphology of buck spermatozoa. In protocol I, the samples were diluted 10 fold in Tris buffer before centrifuging twice and the final pellet was re-suspended in the non glycerolated fraction of Tris yolk diluent. The sample was glycerolated (six per cent), equilibrated (four hours), frozen (eight minutes), and thawed (250 C for 30 seconds). In protocol 11, centrifugation was done only once, after 15 fold dilution in Tris buffer. The re suspended pellet was glycerolated (seven per cent), equilibrated (three hours), frozen (10 minutes) and thawed (60° C for 10 seconds). The semen characters such as motility, live sperm, sperm abnormalities and acrosome abnormalities were evaluated at the end of washing and initial extension (stage I), cooling to 5° C (stage II), glycerolisation and equilibration (stage Ill) and freezing and thawing (stage IV). The results were compiled to evaluate the effect of different processing and freezing procedures on the semen characters in general and acrosome morphology in particular. The semen sample used for split sample dilution had a mean volume of 1.3282± 0.067 ml, creamy in colour, DDDD density, ++++ mass activity, pH of 7.275 2± 0.040 and a concentration of 2972 2± 293 millions per ml. No significant difference in the above semen characters were found between bucks. The initial sperm motility of 82.000 2± 0.606 was found to drop significantly during processing and freezing and the final post thaw motility obtained was 44.000 2± 0.790 in protocol I. Similarly in protocol II the initial motility dropped from 81.375 2± 1.089 to 44.750 2± 1.075 at the end of stage IV. Even though there was significant drop in motility between stages in both the protocols, there was no significant difference in the corresponding stages of the two protocols. It could be inferred that good post thaw motility was obtained in both the protocols. The fact that a single washing and centrifugation was only adopted in protocol II makes it a more acceptable procedure for buck semen freezing. The mean live sperm percentage of fresh semen was evaluated using both NE and NEG staining technique. The percentage of live sperms of 90.050 2± 0.801 was found to decrease to 54.250 2± 0.593 after freezing and thawing in protocol by NE staining. Similarly in protocol 11, the mean percentage of live sperms was found to reduce to 53.125 2± 0.793 with the same staining. Even though there was significant difference in the live sperm percentage between stages within protocol I and II no significant difference in the live sperm percentage between the corresponding stages of protocol I and I I . With NEG staining the initial live sperm percentage of 80.850 ± 1.494 was found to drop to 54.875 ± 0.677 in protocol I as against 53.400 ± 0.730 in protocol II. While there was significant difference in the live sperm percentage between stages within protocol I and II there was no variation between corresponding stages of the two protocols. A significantly lower percentage of live sperms was recorded with NEG staining when compared with NE staining probably on account of the fact that the differentiation of live and dead sperm was difficult in the former staining method as live sperms were stained light blue instead of colourless. The mean percentage of abnormal sperms of 3.050 ± 0.245 in fresh semen did not register any significant increase during processing. However, there was significant increase in the percentage of sperm abnormalities during freezing and thawing with the final abnormality percentage of 7.125± 0.706 in protocol I and 6.300± 0.36 in protocol II. The initial acrosomal abnormality of 8.825 in the fresh semen steadily rose to 23.375 in protocol I as against 19.825 in protocol II at the end of stage IV. There was no significant difference in the percentage of various acrosomal abnormalities between corresponding stages of the two protocols. However, there was significant increase in the acrosomal abnormalities during glycerolisation, equilibration, freezing and thawing under both the protocols. It was concluded that the processing and freezing under two different protocols did not significantly alter the post thaw motility, percentage abnormal and dead sperms and acrosomal abnormalities. A good post thaw motility and low acrosomal abnormality was obtained with a single washing of buck semen with 15 fold Tris buffer which was comparable with double washing with 10 fold Tris buffer.
Open Access
Design, fabrication and testing of a power operated jab type paddy dibbler
(Department of Farm Power Machinery and Energy, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 1997) Maji Krishnan, G; KAU; Jippu, Jacob
A power operated jab type paddy dibbler developed and tested at K.C.A.E.T, Tavanur is described. A cup feed type metering mechanism, discharged the seeds into the distribution wheel. Rotation of this wheel caused the transfer of seeds from the distribution wheel to the seed tubes. The to and fro motion of the plungers inside the five seed tubes closed and opened the port between the seed tran9fer tube and seed tube at predetermined intervals. A cam and follower arrangement fitted on the main shaft regulated the to and fro motion of the plungers. In operation, the rotation of the dibbler wheel caused the tip of seed tubes to make holes in the soil. At the time of penetration the plunger occupied a position farthest to the main shaft thus keeping the tip of seed tube closed. This prevented the entry of soil into the seed tube. After the seed tube has reached the maximum depth the plunger is moved up quickly transferring the seeds into the holes. The dibbler gave seed rates of 87.1, 74.6, 68.0, and 61.1 kg/ha at the speeds 0.788, 1.152, 1.530 and 1.778 km/h respectively in the field. It placed at an average 3-6 seeds in a hill at a depth of 4-4.2 cm. The number of seeds mechanically damaged was only 0.89 per cent and loss of viability due to mechanical damage was only 3.77 per cent. The average power required was 0.093 hp. Labour requirement was 60.68 man-h/ha. Cost of operation of this dibbler was Rs 86.0/h including the cost of power source. The jab type dibbler is convenient for use by both men and women.
Open Access
Developing baked and confectionery products based on sweet potato
(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1999) Elizabeth, Augustine; KAU; Chellammal, S
A study on ‘Developing baked and confectionery products based on sweet potato' was conducted with major objective to develop value added baked and confectionery products based on sweet potato flour. The study comprised of standardisation of raw materials, product development, assessing nutritional significance, organoleptic quality studies, preference tests and shelf life studies. The five baked and five confectionery products was formulated with sweet potato flour as the basic ingredient. Three combinations were tried with different proportions of sweet potato flour. The other ingredients added to sweet potato flour were maida, egg, sugar, ghee and skimmed milk powder. The selection of best combination was based on amino acid scores chemical scores and cost benefit ratio. A combination with 50 per cent sweet potato flour and 50 per cent maida was selected as the ideal combination, since it secured higher amino acid score and chemical score. The cost of the combination was also found to be satisfactory. The nutritional composition of the food product revealed that the product contained all the nutrients in optimum quantity. The nutritional quality of the developed food products after processing with reference to calories, proteins, β carotene, calcium, phosphorous and zinc were determined through suitable laboratory techniques. ISI type tests specified to such products were administered to the developed foods and the values were comparable with ISI specification. Organoleptic studies of the developed food products was assessed by two groups of consumers viz., college students and technical experts. The parameters tested were appearance, colour, flavour, texture and taste. The analysis revealed that both the baked and confectionery products got highest scores. Baked products had a slightly higher mean score, compared to confectionary products. In the preference tests of the developed products conducted among farm women of Venganoor, Srikariyam and Kaliyoor panchayath and entrepreneurs in Thiruvananthapuram city were also showed the same result. Moisture and insect infestation were-lower in flour stored in glass and plastic containers. Effect of storage on moisture and over all acceptability were revealed that there was an increase in moisture content during the fourth week of storage period. There was an increase in moisture during storage and the difference was statistically significant. The overall acceptability was found to be decreased after storage. There was no insect infestation in the developed products during the storage period. The assessment of microbiological quality revealed that all the products were attacked by different types of microorganisms. The result of the present study suggest that new methods of processing could be introduced to add value to the crop and it is possible to develop different types of processed products based on sweet potato products which may result in increased consumption of tuber in the future and also for building up a healthy rural population.
Open Access
Investigation on allelopathic influence and control of purple nuts edge
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1999) Ameena, M; KAU; Sansamma, George
Lab and field experiments were conducted at the Instructional farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani to study the allelopathic influence of Purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotund us L) on important field crops; to investigate the effectiveness of systemic herbicides for control of nutsedge and also to assess the effect of chemical weed control on growth and yield of subsequent field crops. In Ex. no. I, allelopathic influence of purple nutsedge on important field crops like rice, ragi, cowpea, green gram, bitter gourd and bhindi were studied. The treatments comprised of aqueous extracts and blended extracts of fresh and dry plant parts of nutsedge. The results revealed that aqueous extracts of nutsedge inhibited germination of rice, ragi, bitter gourd and bhindi while it had some stimulatory effect on germination of cowpea and green gram. The early growth characters of the field crops were found suppressed by the aqueous extract treatment while the blended extract showed no effect. In general, the dry plant parts showed greater effect than the fresh material. Under Ex.no.Il, field studies were made to investigate the effectiveness of systemic herbicides viz. Glyphosate and 2,4-D for control of nutsedge. The treatments included different doses of the herbicides with and without adjuvants and Glyphosate combined with sublethal dose of 2,4-D. The results revealed that lowest dose of the herbicides were sufficient for complete kill of the purple nutsedge plants in the experimental area and there was no regrowth upto 6 weeks. There was significant reduction in viability of tubers collected one month after herbicide application, but the tubers tested 45 days after spraying showed an increase in germinability over the record on 30th day. Tubers from treatments involving Glyphosate with sublethal dose of 2,4-D recorded the lowest sprouting percentage indicating the possibility for weed control for a longer period. In Ex. no. In, the persistence of the herbicides in soil were monitored and it was observed that early growth of cucumber sown on the same day of herbicide application was affected while that sown on soils collected 10 days after spraying recorded growth characters comparable to that of control. From Ex.no.IV, it could be inferred that chemical weed control did not show any deleterious effect on growth and yield characteristics of ragi and cucumber sown 15 days after the treatments. Application of 2,4-D for nutsedge control was found superior to other treatments in terms of net income and B:C ratio and the lower unit cost of the chemical was precisely the reason for its superiority.
Open Access
Evaluation of multi x bi bivoltine hybrids of silkworm
(1998) Rajeni, Narayanan; KAU; Ranjith, A M
In a study undertaken to evaluate the region and season specific multi x bi and bivoltine hybrids of silkworm Bombyx mori, for commercial exploitation in Kerala, six hybrids of silkworm were reared using K-2 and S-36 mulberry varieties under Vellanikkara condition. The crosses used were PM x NB18, PM X NB4D2 and their reciprocals, NB4D2 x NB18 and its reciprocal and PM as check. The evaluation was carried out based on characters like leaf consumption, larval duration and weight, cocoon and shell weights, shell ratio percentage, average filament length, denier, reelability and renditta. The climatic factors were also correlated with major economic characters of silkworm. The present study confirms the superiority of bivoItine silkworm hybrids like NB4D2 x NBI8 and NB18 x NB4D2 justifying their wide acceptance in states other than Kerala. It is evident that if rearing is done in a systematic way, by strictly adhering to the brushing period in correlation with the seasons and if the use of high quality mulberry varieties is advocated these crosses will yield good returns in Veil ani kkara. Though the various economic parameters reflected a variable trend, ultimately when the average filament length/g cocoon, shell ratio percentage and cocoon weight were considered, the bivoltine hybrids performed superior to the others.

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