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Open Access
Irrigation scheduling and moisture conservation in water melon
(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2000) Ajith, C B; KAU; Joseph, P A
An experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy, Thrissur during the period from December 1998 to March 1999 to study the influence of levels of irrigation and moisture conservation methods on the growth and yield of water melon (Citrullus fanatus) grown in rice fallows. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of combinations of four moisture conservation methods (control, application of paddy waste as surface mulch, uniform incorporation and bottom layer application @ 1/3 pit volume) and four levels of irrigation (IW /CPE ratio of 0.6, 1, 1.4 and farmer's practice of daily irrigation @ 20 lit pit"), The study revealed that incorporation of moisture conservation materials increased the growth attributes like length of vine, number of leaves per vine, leaf area and dry matter production and yield attributes like weight of fruits and number of fruits per plant. Among moisture conservation methods surface mulch and uniform incorporation of paddy waste were found to be superior in most of the cases. Watermelon responded very well to irrigation. Biometric characters (length of vine, number of leaves per vine, leaf area and dry matter production) and yield attributing characters (weight of fruits and number of fruits per plant) were favourably influenced by frequent irrigations. The fruit yield increased with increase in frequency of irrigation and was maximum at IW /CPE ratio of 1.4. Results of soil moisture studies revealed that incorporation of moisture conservation material' increased the soil moisture content, consumptive use and water use efficiency. The consumptive use increased with the frequency of irrigation. The top 15 cm of the soil layer accounted for the highest soil moisture depletion. The depletion was more from the deeper layers in the drier regimes. Field and crop-water use efficiencies were higher in less frequently irrigated treatments. Higher levels of irrigation increased N, P and K content of leaves. No convincing change in leaf N, P, K content could be brought about by the incorporation of paddy waste. Economic analysis showed that incorporation of paddy waste could increase the net profit. Net profit as well as net return per rupee invested were the highest with scheduling irrigation at IW/CPE ratio of 1.4. Among the treatment combinations, the best combination was surface application of paddy waste with irrigation at IW/CPE ratio of 1.4 followed by the combination of surface mulching and fanner's practice of daily irrigation.
Open Access
Character association of seeds on plant morphology in snakegourd (trichosanthes anguina L.)
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2000) Ashok, P; KAU; Rajan, S
The research project 'Character association of seeds on plant morphology in snakegourd (Trichosanthes anguina L.)' was carried out in College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the period 1999-2000. The study envisaged to find out the association of various seed characters on the vegetative characters of snakegourd, classification of accessions based on the seed index, growth index and yield index as obtained from principal component analysis and to formulate keys for varietal identification. The 25 accessions were catalogued based on the IBPGR descriptor list. Significant differences for various seed characters, growth characters and yield characters were noticed among the accessions. Correlation studies have shown that the number of seeds per fruit strongly associated with days to male flower opening and fruit maturity. Seed size index was strongly associated with leaf size. The highest seed index value for TAl 08, the highest growth index value for TA 118 and the highest yield index value for TA 114 were obtained as revealed from principal component analysis . . Twenty five accessions were grouped into different clusters based on the seedindex, growth index and yield index. Based upon the seed characters (seed size, seed coat colour and 100 seed weight), growth characters (leaf lobes, leaf pubescence and tendril length) and fruit characters (fruit skin colour, fruit girth, fruit length and fruit weight) keys were developed for varietal identification.
Open Access
Effectiveness of instructor controlled interactive video (ICIV) in dissemination if farm technology
(Department of Agricultural extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2000) Radhakrishnan, D; KAU; Ranjan Karippai, S
The study was aimed at bringing out the effectiveness of Instructor Controlled Interactive Video (ICIV) in popularising agricultural technologies among the farming community. The impact of the different treatments of ICIV with different video formats was also experimented. The study was conducted among 150 vegetable growers from Nadathara grama panchayath of Thrissur district. The respondents were farm women cultivating vegetables. IPM in vegetables was chosen as the message to be disseminated. The dependent variables of the study were knowledge gain and symbolic adoption of IPM practices in vegetables. The set of 11 independent variables chosen covered the psychological and situational factors of the respondents. The distribution of. respondents based on knowledge gain and symbolic adoption showed that majority of respondents were in high category after participating in ICIV. Out of 11 independent variables studied six variables were correlated significantly with knowledge gain. Five variables showed non significant relationship. Multiple regression analysis showed that 62 per cent variation in knowledge gain was contributed by the independent variables. Correlation analysis of independent variables with symbolic adoption showed that five independent variables had a positively significant relationship with symbolic adoption. One variable was negatively significant with symbolic adoption. Remaining five varied showed non significant relationship. Multiple regression analysis concluded that 59.2 per cent variation in symbolic adoption was brought about by related independent variables as a whole. The significant 'F' value indicated that all the treatments were effective in terms of knowledge gain and symbolic adoption. Students 't' test was carried out to compare the treatments. ICIV with 'Feature' mode of video presentation and ICIV with 'Skill demonstration' mode of video presentation were the most effective modes in maximising knowledge gain and symbolic adoption.
Open Access
Parasexual hybridization of piper nigrum and piper colubrinum through protoplast fusion
(Department of Plantation Crops And Spices,College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2000) Resmi, Paul; KAU; Rajendran, P C
Black pepper is the most important export oriented commodity and foreign exchange earner among the Indian spices. Ravages due to diseases, particularly the most devastating Phytophthora foot rot caused by Phytophthora capsici is one of the major constraints in the production of black pepper all over the world. Piper colubrinum, a wild relative of black pepper is found to be immune to foot rot disease. Non – existence of cultivar level tolerance or resistance against foot rot disease in black pepper necessitated the incorporation of incompatible wild relatives through parasexual hybridization. This study was undertaken in the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices and the Plant Tissue Culture laboratory of the Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara between September 1998 to April 2000. The cultures of P. nigrum and P. colubrinum were initiated in test tubes and were maintained at 26 + 20C temperature and 60 to 80 per cent humidity. The green leaves excised from axenic cultures of both the species were treated with cell wall degrading enzymes, cellulose and pectinase maintained at proper osmotic concentration. In P. nigrum maximum yield was observed at 1.4 per cent cellulose and 0.34 per cent pectinase. Cellulase and pexctinase at a concentration of 1.0 per cent and 0.217 per cent respectively recorded highest yield in P. colubrinum. In both the species 0.6 M osmoticum was found to be optimum to maintain the osmotic potential of the isolation solution. Highest yield of protoplasts was recorded in both the species during 21 h of digestion. Filtration-centrifugation technique was found to be superior in purifying the Piper protoplasts compared to the sucrose floatation method. Centrifugation at 1000 rpm for three minutes was found to be best for purifying P. nigrum protoplasts. For purifying P. colubrimum protoplasts, 600 rpm for three minutes was found to be optimum. Highest viability was noticed at 0.55 M and 0.65 M osmoticum in 1.0 per cent cellulose and 0.28 per cent pectinase during 21 h of digestion in P. nigrum. In P. colubrinum, maximum viability was observed at 0.4 M osmoticum in the enzyme mixture 1.0 per cent Cellulase and 0.186 per cent Pectinase during 18 h of incubation. Protoplasts of both the species when cultured on modified MS medium formed no cell wall and have not undergone any division. A age of the cultures advanced, proptoplast viability decreased in P. nigrum and P. colubrinum. All the protoplasts died by the second week in both the species. The protoplasts of both the species were heterogenous in terms of size. Fusion of the protoplasts was not observed after PEG treatment in the present study.
Open Access
Heterosis and combining ability in melon
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2000) Deepthy, R; KAU; Wilson, D
The current research programme on 'Heterosis and combining ability in melon (Cucumis melo (L.) var. conomon) was carried at the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, VeIl ay ani during 1998- 2000. The objectives were estimation of various genetic parameters, heterosis and combining ability effects of parents and hybrids. The experimental material consisted of seven parents and their 21 F 1 hybrids (without reciprocals). Analysis of variance revealed highly significant difference among the genotypes for all the 21 characters studied. The genotype P3 topped in mean performance for yield and many yield attributes. The hybrids P2 x P6 and P2 x P3 were superior in yield and fruit characters, whereas P6 x P7 was the best for keeping quality, yield and crop duration. Genetic parameters like PCV, GCV, heritability and genetic advance were high for keeping quality, yield, sex ratio and mean fruit weight. Environmental component of variation was negligible for majority of traits. Significant heterosis was observed for all the characters studied. P3 x P 4 showed maximum standard heterosis for yield whereas, P2 x P 6 showed maximum relative heterosis and fruit characters and earliness traits. Variance due to GCA and SCA were significant for all the traits studied. P3 was the best general combiner for yield, fruit diameter, mean fruit weight and fruit length and P2 was the best for node characters and crop duration. The hybrid P6 x P7 was the best specific combiner for yield. Combining the mean performance, SCA effects and standard heterosis, P2 x P6 was identified as the superior cross in terms of yield and yield attributes whereas P 4 x Ps was the best for various flowering traits.
Open Access
Physiological aspects of ex vitro establishment of tissue cultured orchid plantlets
(Department Of Plant physiology, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2000) Samasya, K S; KAU; Viji, M M
The present investigation was undertaken to elicit information on the physiological, morphological, biochemical, biometric and anatomical changes during in vitro propagule multiplication and ex vitro establishment in tissue cultured plantlets of orchids. Dendrobium hybrid Sonia 17 was the variety used for the study. The rooting media was supplemented with different levels of sucrose. At the time of planting the plantlets were subjected to triazole treatment. During the process of hardening the plantlets were maintained in hardening chambers with different levels of light and humidity. Among growth parameters the crop growth rate (CGR), net assimilation rate (NAR) and relative growth rate (RGR) were found to be high at 40 gIl of sucrose concentration. The CGR of these plantlets were on par with normal green house grown plantlets. The photosynthetic rate was found to increase and the transpiration rate was found to decrease at 40 gIl of sucrose . concentration. The maximum survival percentage of the in vitro plantlets occur when 40 g11 of sucrose incorporated in the rooting medium. This may be attributed to the influence of the sucrose concentration on morphological characters studied viz. plant height, number of leaves per shoot and number of roots per shoot. With regard to photosynthetic pigments an increase in the content of total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a chlorophyll b and carotenoids occurred in plantlets treated with 40 g/1 of sucrose. Also the protein content and carbohydrate content was maximum at the above sucrose level. The leaf area, root length, total fresh weight and dry weight of the plantIets maintained at 40 gIl of sucrose level were higher than other treatments. These effects ultimately lead to better survival percentage. Triazole treatment of plantIets during planting out helped in better survival percentage. With regard to the growth parameters the effect was distinct towards the later stage of growth. CG~ NAR and RGR were maximum on the triazole treated (5 mgll) plantIets and was comparable to normal green house grown plants. There was marked increase in the photosynthetic rate and decrease in transpiration rate of plantIets treated with 5 mgll of triazole. However the photosynthetic rate of normal green house grown plants were much more than the tissue cultured plantIets. Regarding morphological characters, increasing concentration of triazole had negative influence on plant height. However plant height of normal green house grown plants were distinctively higher than tissue cultured plantIets. With regard to number of leaves per shoot, triazole treatment showed significant effect only after 30 days of planting out, whereas the number of roots per shoot was very much influenced by triazole. The maximum number of roots was produced at 5mgll of triazole treatment and these effects in turn influenced higher survival percentage of plantIets. ------....- ....- ~ - - - ----- Regarding the biochemical aspects total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids contents of plantlets treated with triazole (5 mg/l) were higher and found to be on par with that of green house grown normal plants towards the later stage. The protein content was also positively influenced by triazole treatment (5 mgll) and the value was comparable to that of normal plantlets. In the case of carbohydrate content the treatment becomes statistically significant and the normal green house grown plants exhibited distinctively higher value. The plantlets treated with 5 mgll of triazole were found to have higher leaf area, root length, root: shoot ratio, total fresh weight and dry weight than other treatments. However the root shoot ratio and total fresh weight of treated plantlets were on par with the normal green house grown plants towards the later stage viz, 45DAP. The physiological, morphological, biochemical and biometric characters of the plantlets were also found to be influenced by different levels of light intensity and humidity maintained in the hardening chamber. Among the different treatments, plantlets grown at 50 percent light intensity and 70 to 90 percent relative humidity exhibited higher CG~ NAR and RGR. Also these plantlets exhibited a marked increase in photosynthetic rate and decrease in transpiration rate. However CGR and NAR of green house grown normal plants were distinctively higher during the later period. However the normal plants had distinctively higher CG~ RGR and photosynthetic and very less transpiration rate than other treatments. The plantlets grown under 50 percent light intensity and 70 to 90 percent humidity produced maximum plant height, number of leaves and number of roots per shoot. The survival percent of the tissue cultured plantlets in the field condition (green house) was found to be superior under appropriate environment of light and humidity (50 percent light intensity and 70 to 90 percent relative humidity) There was not much significant difference among the treatments of light and humidity in the case of pigment content. However the plantlets grown in the hardening chamber maintained at 50 percent light intensity and 70 to 90 percent of relative humidity recorded maximum value of total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids among treatments and the normal green house grown plants exhibited distinctively higher pigment content. The normal plantlets recorded marked increase in protein content and carbohydrate content than the tissue cultured plantlets. In the present study, an environment of 50 percent light intensity and 70 to 90 percent relative humidity was found to be superior and could favour enhanced leaf area, total fresh weight, total dry weight and root length of plantlets which ultimately resulted in better survival percentage. The in vitro plantlets observed to have anatomical characters as compared to the normal green house grown plants and hardened plantlets. The stomata remained open and less number of stomata per unit area of leaf was observed as the in vitro leaves were concerned. Another peculiarity of the in vitro plantlets was the absence of cuticle layer. The mesophyll layers were also found to be less compared to normal plantlets. These anatomical characters were one of the severe limitations of the micropropagated orchid plantlets during ex vitro establishment which ultimately resulted in high rate of field mortality.
Open Access
Organic nutrition in amarantus
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2000) Arun Kumar, K R; KAU; Purushothaman Nair, N
An experiment was conducted 'at the Instructional Farm attached to the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during November 1998 to February 1999 with objectives to find out the effect of different sources and levels of organic manures on the yield and quality of amaranthus and to assess the optimum quantity of these sources in sustaining the productivity of amaranthus. The experiment consisted of twenty six treatments and three replications laid out in RBD. The organic manures used were coir pith compost, FYM, neem cake, poultry manure and vermicompost. Five levels of these organic manures (50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 per cent of POP) were tried on nitrogen equivalent basis. The results of the study revealed that the growth characters as well as yield were significantly influenced by different levels and sources of organic manures. Regarding growth characters vermicompost, FYM and poultry manure performed well throughout the growth period. Highest level of FYM and vermicompost (150 per cent POP) maintained their superiority at all growth stages regarding plant height, number of leaves, number of branches and LAI. Maximum plant height of 67.22 cm was recorded at 45 DAP by highest level of FYM. Vermicompost @, 25 t ha" (150 per cent of POP) recorded maximum number of leaves (100.78) at 45 DAP but it was on par with highest dose ofFYM. Maximum LA! was noted in the highest dose of FYM and no other treatment was on par with it. High yield was obtained from 100, 125 and 150 per cent levels of FYM, vermicompost, poultry manure and neem cake. All the coir pith compost treatments recorded lower yield than POP. The lowest yield was recorded by lowest dose of coirpith compost. The same trend was obtained in the case of marketable yield also. Higher levels gave better yield in general. Total dry matter production showed an increasing trend with increasing dose of manure. Highest dose of FYM recorded maximum DMP of 11.41, 25.7 and 28.27 g respectively at 15, 30 and 45 DAP. Variation among different organic manures was significant in the case of biomass production also. Through out the growth stages 125 and 150 per cent levels of all manures except coir pith compost recorded superior biomass compared to POP. Vermicompost at highest level (25 t ha-I) recorded maximum biomass during three harvests. Variation was less in the case of NAR and dry matter partitioning at different stages. Quality of amaranthus improved with varIOUS organic manures. Maximum vitamin C content was recorded by highest level of vermicompost. Maximum fibre content was registered by neemcake at 100 per cent level of POP (4.8 t ha-I). Highest dose of poultry manure (25 t ha") gave highest protein content. Vitamin C and protein contents increased with increasing doses of manure. Highest moisture content was noted by highest dose of FYM. In the case of residual nutrients high soil NPK values were registered by higher levels of organic manures irrespective of source. No treatment was inferior to POP with respect to nitrogen content. Uptake of nutrient was poor from all coir pith compost treatments. Uptake of N increased with increasing levels of manures. P uptake was more for FYM treatments. Vermicompost at highest dose (17 5 I ha-I) gave maximum n C ratio
Open Access
Quality analysis of papaya (Carica Papaya L.) varieties and product development
(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2000) Anitha Chandran, C; KAU; Soffi, Cheriyan
The present study entitled "Quality analysis of papaya (Carica papaya L.) varieties and product development" was undertaken with an objective to evaluate the quality of papaya based on physical, chemical and organoleptic characteristics, so as to identify the most suitable papaya varieties for the development of papaya based products. The study also aimed at selecting the best proportion for papaya jelly by standardising at three different fruit extract - sugar proportions viz. 1:1, 4:3 and 2:1 using the selected superior varieties of papaya. Ten desert varieties of papaya fruits viz., Waimanalo, Pusa Dwarf, Pusa Giant, Pusa Majesty, Pu s a Delicious, Coorg Honeydew, Washington, Malaysian Long, Exotic collection - 100091 and Exotic collection - 100060 were selected for the study. Study on the physical characteristics of the fruits revealed that Malaysian Long occupied the superior position for fruit length followed by the varieties Waimanalo, Pusa Delicious and Washington. Coorg Honeydew was recorded as the heaviest fruit followed by Pusa Delicious. Mean wh i 1 e both f r u i t weight and frui t length was minimum for the two exotic varieties. It was identified that the papaya variety Waimanalo was the best fruit in thickness of pericarp followed " by the varieties Pusa Delicious and Washington. Papaya fruits of Pusa Dwarf, Pusa Majesty, Malaysian Long and Washington were thin skinned frui ts. The variety Exotic collection - 100060 was noticed to be having the least cavity width followed by the varieties Malaysian Long, Washington and Exotic collection - 100091. Data proved that Exotic collection - 100060 was the fruit carrying the minimum skin wastage followed by Pusa Giant, Pusa Dwarf and Coorg Honeydew. In the case of seed wastage Pu s a Delicious, Washington and Malaysian Long were varieties that observed the minimum levels. Among the ten varieties studied Coorg Honeydew possessed a remarkably high flesh weight followed by the variety Pusa Delicious. 0emical analysis revealed that the variety Washington exhibited a superior position for total sugar content followed by Pusa Delicious and Coorg Honeydew. It was found that the variety Pusa Dwarf occupied a lower level of reducing sugar followed by the varieties Waimanalo and Pus a Majesty while the highest content was for the variety Washington. The f r u i ts of Coorg Honeydew and Waimanalo were identified to have the highest non reducing sugar content. Among the ten varieties analysed fruits of Washington, Pusa Delicious and Coorg Honeydew recorded the higher levels of total soluble solid content. Of the varieties studied Waimanalo was found to have the maximum moisture content and the minimum level of water content was recorded by variety Pusa Delicious. Papaya fruits of Malaysian Long, Pusa Dwarf and Pusa Giant possessed higher acidity level and showed -, a correspondingly lower pH valu~ It was evidenced that, highest vitamin-C level was observed in the variety Pusa Delicious followed by the varieties Pusa Majesty, Exotic collection - 100091 and Washington. The variety Pusa Delicious exhibited a high level I of p-carotene followed by the varieties Exotic collection 100060 and Exotic collection - 100091. Observa t i on on fibre content of different papaya varieties showed that the two Exotic varieties were having the minimum fibre level followed by the varieties Pu s a Majesty, Waimanalo and Pusa Delicious, while Malaysian Long recorded the maximum fibre content. Papaya fruits of Pusa Delicious was found superior in pectin content followed by Malaysian Long, Washington and Coorg Honeydew. Analytical data of mineral composition indicated that fruits of Pu s a Giant, Washington, Exotic collection - 100091 and Waimanalo were high calcium varieties. Pusa Majesty recorded maximum sodium content followed by the varieties Coorg Honeydew and Malaysian Long. Among the varieties studied both the Exotic varieties were identified for its higher potassium level and was closely followed by Washington and Pusa Delicious. It was found that the variety Pu s a Delicious possessed a distinguishly high phosphorus content followed by the Exotic varieties and Washington. Fruits of Exotic collection - 100091, Pusa Majesty and Washington were composed of the higher per cent total mineral composition. Sensory evaluation studies on various quality param~ters evidenced that the varieties Washington, Pusa Dwarf and Pusa Majesty carried the best eye appeal. It is clearly observed that the papaya fruits of Pusa Delicious and Washington were superior for their flavour profile, so also in their taste performance along with Coorg Honeydew. The varieties Pu s a Dwarf, Pu s a Majesty and Washington were more attractive in colour than the other varieties. Considering the texture of the fruit Pu s a Delicious, Coorg Honeydew and Washington were the varieties that were highly preferred. Sweetness of the varieties Pusa Delicious, Coorg Honeydew and Washington were highly appreciated than the rest of the varieties studied. Based on the chemical organoleptic and the most important physical characteristic viz, edible portion weight were s ub je c t e d to discriminant function analysis for the selection of two superior fruits for product development. The screened varieties Coorg Honeydew and Pusa Delicious were used for the development of jelly using different fruit extract sugar ratios viz. 1:1, 4:3 and 2:1. Organoleptic evaluation of jelly disclosed that there was no• significant difference in sensory quality of jelly between the two varieties Coorg Honeydew and Pusa Delicious. All the quality parameters except colour maintained remarkably superior for the jelly sample standardised with equal amount of extract - sugar ratio (1:1). The organoleptic qualities of jelly prepared with 4:3 (P2) ratio remained satisfactory while the sample with fruit extract sugar ratio 2:1 (P3) could not form a judicious combination for the formulation of good quality jelly except for its good performance in colour. ~emical analysis of the jelly revealed that a varietal variation was observed in jelly samples with respect to chemical characters like pH, total sugar and reducing sugar content. The jelly prepared with an equal amount of extract and sugar 1: 1 (Pl) remained at a higher level in most of the chemical attributes, the ratio 4:3 (P2) was found more or less agreeable in chemical composition, whereas the 2:1 ratio (P3) presented the comparably lower grade with respect to chemical parameters tested. It was observed that pH, total soluble solids. total sugar and reducing sugar increased with an increase in the sugar proportion. • '" But acidity level decreased with a rise in the proportion of sugar) Data on the end point temperature of jelly indicated that the sample prepared wi th an equal amount of extract and sugar (1:1) recorded a higher temperature for setting than the other treatments (4:3 and 2:1). The jelly developed using 1: 1 proportion of extract and sugar was positioned well above the PPO specifications. Proportion 4:3 (P2) could attain an almost satisfactory level specified by the PPG, whereas the total soluble solid content of jelly with the proportion 2:1 (P3) remained below the level specified by the FPO. The cost of papaya jelly standardised with equal amount of extract - sugar ratio (1:1) was slightly higher than the other two combinations. A comparison of the price of jelly available in the market with the cost of papaya jelly standardised in this study revealed that the market price was three fold higher compared to the cost incurred for the production of papaya jelly in this study. The study highlighted that screening suitable papaya varieties for product development not only enhance the quality of the product but also results in better commercial utilization of this fruits.
Open Access
Techno- socio- economic assessment of farmers practices in the cultivation of cowpea in Thiruvanathapuram district
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2000) Manjjusha, A R; KAU; Shilaja, S
The study aimed at assessing the socio-economic and technical aspects of the farmers' prac- tices in the cultivation of cowpea as perceived by the researchers, extension personnel and the farmers. The study was conducted in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala State. On the basis of dis- cussion with experts, researchers, extension personnel and people's representatives in the district, Kalliyoor panchayat was selected as the locale of the study which is the prominent vegetable cultivat- ing area in the district. Two sets of respondents were selected for the study. Forty practising farmers cultivating cow pea was included as the respondents of the first category. Fifty extension officials and agricultural scientists working with sufficient experience in extension or research related to the culti- vation of cowpea was selected as the second category of respondents. The dependent variables of the study were knowledge of farmers about the recommended practices and extent of adoption of farmers' practices. These dependent variables were quantified us- ing measurement devices developed for the study. Fifteen independent variables were selected for the study which included age, education, main occupation, farming experience, annual income, area under cowpea, exposure to information sources, irrigation index, social participation, extension orientation, economic motivation, innovativeness, cosmopoliteness, credit orientation, risk orientation, participation in PTD and perception about PTD. All these independent variables were quantified with the help of available measurement procedures. For assessing scientifically the socio-economic and technical aspects of the farmers' practices identi- fied, matrix ranking was adopted. The data were collected using both non-participant observation technique and a pre-tested structured interview schedule prepared for the purpose. Different statistical tools like mean, percentage analysis, correlation analysis, multiple linear regression analysis and step- ) wise regression analysis were used to analyse the data. I'" The study revealed 57 farmers' practices in the cultivation of cowpea. The practices 'applica- tion of neemcake, groundnut cake and bonemeal twenty days after sowing', 'spraying neemoil ernul- sion against American Serpentine Leaf Miner' and 'ploughing the land after adding lime' registered the highest techno-socio-economic indices. The practices 'drying of pods for four to six days', 'application of neem cake, groundnut cake and bonemeal twenty days after sowing' and 'basal application of cattle -;- manure or poultry manure' were considered by the farmers as most efficient. But researchers and extension personnel considered the practices 'basal application of cattle manure or poultry manure', 'drying of pods for four to six days' and 'application of poultry manure ten days after sowing' as most efficient. About 48 per cent of farmers belonged to the low knowledge category and 40 per cent possessed high knowledge about the selected recommended practices. 'Sowing after first week of June is the most suitable time', 'ploughing the land thoroughly two to three times to remove weeds and stubbles' and 'hoeing at the time of application of second dose of nitrogen' were the most known practices to cent per- cent of the farmers selected for the study purpose. About 53 per cent of the farmers belonged to the low adoption category and 38 per cent of the farmers were in the high category with respect to adoption of efficient farmers' practices. 'Drying of pods for four to six days' was the practice adopted by majority of the farmers in this area. Twelve practices out of eighteen were adopted by more than 50 per cent of the farmers. With regard to relationship of knowledge with selected independent variables, variables viz., education, annual income, exposure to information sources, so- cial participation, extension orientation, cosmopoliteness and risk orientation were found to have sig- nificant and positve relationship with knowledge of recommended practices. Extent of adopion of efficient farmers' practices was related positively and significantly with five independent variables viz., education, exposure to information sources, social participation, extension orientation and knowl- edge about recommended practices. The results of multiple regression analysis revealed that about 71 per cent of the variation in knowledge and 61.77 per cent of the variation in extent of adoption were explained by the selected independent variables. Step-wise regression analysis revealed that of the 71 per cent of the variation in knowledge, 47 per cent was contributed by exposure to information sources alone, about 6.0 per cent by the variable age and remaining by all the other independent variables. Incidence of pests and diseases, labout scarcity and uneven production were the major production constraints experienced by majority of the respondents and high labour charges, high cost of material inputs and price fluctuation of the produce were the major economic constraints.

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