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Open Access
Bionomics and ecological management of coconut eriophyid mite
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2001) Vidya, CV; KAU; Ranjith, A M
The bionomics and ecological management of coconut eriophyid mite, Aceria guerreronis (Keifer) was studied under the Department of Entomology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. The preference of mites to bunches of different maturity, symptoms of damage, population dynamics, relationship of mite population with weather factors and the distribution pattern of mites based on plant morphology were considered for the study. Some ecological management practices were also tried along with this. The experiment was laid out as completely randomised design. Mites were absent in male and female flowers and also on buttons of first bunch. Initiation of infestation starts from buttons of second bunch and population increases further and maximum population is noticed in buttons of third and fourth bunches and thereafter it decreases. This is because after fourth bunch, the meristematic tissue becomes necrotic due to feeding of mites and hence mites cannot feed further easily. Traces of population were noticed even on nuts of ninth bunch. Predatory mites were also seen along with eriophyid mites even though they are very negligible. Symptoms of damage were seen outside from second bunch onwards. The symptom initially appears as whitish streak or triangular patch and it increases further in length and breadth and becomes brownish and later necrotic. In some cases, cracks, cuts and gummosis can be seen on the husk. The relationship between surface damage and mite population was worked out. Maximum mite population was noticed when the surface damage was 1-3 and 3-6 cm2 before and after the removal of perianth respectively and the percentage of damage was 1-3 per cent. Mite population was found to vary with different weather parameters. Minimum temperature of current week, current, -1 and -2 fortnights and maximum temperature of -2 fortnight were positively related with mite population. Morning humidity is also positively related with mite population. Mite population was negatively related with wind speed of zero current, current, -I and -2 fortnights. There is no direct relation between mite population and rainfall, number of rainy days, evening humidity and sunshine hours. Mite infestation was irrespective of the height of the palm, crown shape and perianth arrangement. The intensity of infestation varies between each inner tepals. Maximum infestation was under fourth tepal followed by fifth and sixth tepa\. The preference of mites to different portions under each tepal also varies with maximum entry through the 'outer edge' of fourth tepal followed by 'outer edge' of fifth tepal, 'middle' portion of sixth tepal, 'middle' portion of fifth and fourth tepal, and 'inner edge' of sixth and fifth tepa\. Infestation was found to be less in round shaped nuts compared to oval and oblong nuts. Maximum incidence was in green coloured nuts followed by greenish yellow and orange coloured nuts. There was no reduction in mite damage by different water regimes (rainfed, channel and drip irrigated) fertilizer regimes (0.34:0.17:0.68 kg NPK/palm, 0.5:0.32:1.2 kg NPKlpalm and 0.25:0.32:1.2 kg NPKlpalm) micronutrients (MgS04, ZnS04, MnS04, Borax and Micronutrient mixture) and crown cleaning (once and twice in an year).
Open Access
Integrated nutrient management in hedge lucerne (Desmanthus virgatus(L.)willed) under rainfed condition
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2001) Kavitha, G V; KAU; Lakshmi, S
A field experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala State to find out an integrated nutrient management technique for Desmanthus virgatus (L.) Willd. under rainfed condition. The influence of chemical fertilizers and biofertilizers on growth parameters, fodder yield, quality of produce, uptake of nutrients, chemical properties of soil and economics was investigated. Three levels of nitrogen (0, 15, 30 kg N ha"), three levels of potassium (0, 20, 40 kg ha") and biofertilizers (Rhizobium, AMF and Rhizobium + AMF) were combined to form twenty seven treatment combinations. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Results of the experiment revealed that the chemical fertilizers as well as bioinoculants had significant positive influence on improving the fodder production potential of Desmanthus virgatus. Application of inorganic fertilizers and eo- inoculation of hedge lucerne with Rhizobium and AMF significantly increased the growth parameters namely plant height, length of branches, number of branches and leaf: stem ratio. Highest dose of chemical fertilizers and dual inoculation with biofertilizers registered maximum green fodder yield in all four harvests. Similar results were obtained in the case of dry fodder yield also. Quality parameters of the forage significantly improved as a result of dual inoculation with biofertilizers. Maximum crude protein content was realized with application of highest dose of nitrogen and potassium. The nutrient uptake showed a significant increase with increase in doses of chemical fertilizers. Dual inoculation of biofertilizers significantly increased the uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Combined application of biofertilizers improved the nitrogen and phosphorus status of the soil after the experiment. Highest dose of nitrogen gave the highest soil nitrogen content. Similarly highest dose of potassium recorded highest soil potassium content after the experiment. The physical and economic optimum dose of nitrogen for Desmanthus virgatus was 32 kg ha-I and 31 kg ha-I respectively while that of potassium was 22 kg ha-I, The use of chemical fertilizers and dual inoculation with biofertilizers recorded highest net returns and benefit: cost ratio, emphasizing the need for an integrated approach in nutrient management.
Open Access
Genetic evaluation of F2 generation of intervarietal crosses in greengram (vigna radiata (L.) wilczek
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2001) Leenamol, M A; KAU; Kamalam, N
A research programme was carried out at the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2000-2001 with the objective of assessing the potential of F2 progenies of greengram in terms of variability and correlation with respect to yield, yield attributes and shade tolerance. Fifteen F 2 progenies derived from intervarietal crosses were evaluated under the partial shade of coconut garden adopting a randomised block design with three replications. Data collected for seventeen characters were subjected to statistical analysis. Coefficient of variation, heritability, genetic advance, correlation and path coefficients were estimated. The 15 F 2 progenies revealed significant difference for all the characters. However, measurement of periodical shade intensity did not show significant difference among the plots indicating the prevalence of uniform shade. Phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation were high for grain yield, leaf area index, number of pods per plant, photosynthetic efficiency, harvest index and 100 seed weight. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for harvest index, grain yield, number of pods per plant, 100 seed weight and photosynthetic efficiency. Correlation studies indicated that the characters leaf area index, . photosynthetic efficiency, number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight and harvest index exhibited significant positive correlation with grain yield whereas days to 50 per cent flowering and days to maturity recorded significant negative correlation. Among yield components, photosynthetic efficiency and harvest index exhibited significant positive correlation with number of seeds per pod and 100 seed weight. Photosynthetic efficiency exhibited the highest positive direct effect on grain yield followed by harvest index. Negative direct effect on grain yield was recorded for number of seeds per pod, days to maturity and days to 50 per cent flowering. It can be concluded from the present study that under partially shaded condition, photosynthetic efficiency and harvest index are the most important yield components which can serve as selection criteria for better yield in greengram. Accordingly the genotypes T 7 (Ganga 4 x Pusa Baisakhi), T 5 (LGG 460 x Philippines), T I (IIPRM 3 x Philippines), T 2 (Ganga 4 x Philippines) and TI4 (RMG 353 x CO-2) and Tlo (LGG 460 x Pusa Baisakhi) may be selected for further work.
Open Access
Suitability of read palm oil and its blends for culinary purposes
(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2001) Smitha, Sreekumar; KAU; Soffie, Cherian
The study entitled' "Suitability of RPO and its blends for culinary purposes" is a comprehensive study carried out with an objective to formulate blends of red palm oil with other oils/fats and to evaluate a culinary performance of RPO and blends in selective preparation. The study also envisages the physico-chemical and organoleptic changes during storage of RPO and blends. A shop survey was conducted in Thiruvananthapuram district to identify the popular cooking oils/fat. Maintaining the PIS ratio between 0.8-1, ten blends were formulated using RPO and popular culinary oils. These blends were subjected to hedonic rating to select five blends that indicated higher acceptability. The oil samples thus selected for the study were RPO and sunflower oil blend (60:40), RPO and sesame oil blend (40:60), RPO and groundnut oil blend (30:70), RPO-safflower oil and coconut oil blend (60:35:5), RPO-sunflower oil and coconut oil blend (50:45:5) and RPO alone. Physico-chemical characteristics' of fresh oil (RPO and blends) viz., specific gravity, smoke point, moisture content, iodine value, saponification value and p-carotene were ascertained. Specific gravity was lowest in RPO- safflower oil and coconut oil blend and highest smoke point was observed in RPO-sunflower oil and coconut oil blend. Moisture content was lowest in RPO and groundnut oil blend. Meanwhile RPO was found to be the richest in ~ carotene. Storage studies to assess the change in physico-chemical parameters and organoleptic qualities of RPO and blends were taken up for a period of lIb three months. The physico-chemical analysis were conducted fortnightly for three months. During storage, specific gravity remained almost steady whereas smoke point decreased. Moisture content of the oil samples showed a visible I increase while a fluctuation was noted in the iodine value and saponification value with stored oil samples. ~ carotene content was found to decrease during storage. Study on cooking qualities of RPO and blends were conducted by preparing three products viz., cake, potato patties and tapioca chips. Monthly evaluation of products prepared using the stored RPO and blends revealed that cakes and potato patties, made using stored RPO and sunflower oil blend was found to be .the most preferred. Tapioca chips fried in stored RPO was proved to be the most acceptable. Results also revealed that products prepared using stored oil samples were found to have better acceptability than those with fresh samples. Results of the study indicated that RPO and its blends are acceptable for different food uses and it is. feasible to promote its consumption in domestic kitchen as well as in the industry. Present trials also evidenced that these oils are best as frying fats especially shallow frying. Among the different oil. samples studied, RPO and sunflower oil blend was found to be the most appropriate, followed by RPO, for culinary purposes.
Open Access
Glycemic response to selected rice- pulse combinations in diabetics
(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2001) Suni, K; KAU; Mary Ukkuru, P
A study was conducted to assess the glycemic response of various rice- pulse combination served as breakfast to twenty (non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus) NIDDM subjects. The selected subjects were adult males in the age group of 40 to 51 years, having a fasting blood sugar level of 140 mg/dl to 200 mg/dl at 2 hour after the consumption of food and who were using only oral hypoglycemic agents. Personal characteristics of the selected subjects revealed that majority were in the age group of 46-51 years, of which 60 per cent belonged to urban population. 35 per cent respondents were found to adopt small family norms. The economic status of the subjects showed, half of the subjects had a family monthly income ranging from Rs. 1000 to 5000. The anthropometric measurements of the subjects assessed indicated that 15 per cent respondents were found to obese and 40 per cent depicted hereditary predisposition in the disease occurrence. Majority of the families were found to have more than one member as diabetic. All of them depend on sulphonyl urea and biguanides or a combination of these two drugs as oral hypoglycemic agents. An Oral Glucose Tolerance test was conducted among the respondents indicated that a fasting blood sugar level ranged between 143 to 184 mg Idl with a mean blood sugar level of 158.3 mg/dl. Five experimental breakfast preparations were administered to the subjects understudy which supplied 75g carbohydrate in the form of staple foods such as rice along with green gram/ bengalgraml blackgram/ redgram and soyabean. Impact of experimental breakfast on plasma glucose response was studied in detail. The breakfast preparation consisting rice + green gram served as Kanji and green gram poriyal showed the highest mean glucose value of 291.21 mg/dl in the first half an hour. While during the second half an hour, rice + bengal gram combination served as puttu and bengal gram curry had the highest mean glucose value of 358.26 mg/dl. The combination of rice with blackgram showed the highest mean plasma glucose value (392.19 mg/dl) at one and half an hour compared to other combinations and this combination depicted the low peak rise over the fasting level. Combination of rice + blackgram + redgram which was served as iddli and dhal curry depicted the least glucose value throughout the different time intervals. Among the five experimental breakfast items majority of the subjects reached the peak at 1 ~ hour post prandially or more accurately 81.79 minutes for rice + greengram, 89.17 minutes for rice + bengalgram, 98.39 minutes for rice + bengalgram, 98.8 minutes for rice+ blackgram + red gram and 106.28 minutes for rice + soyabean. From the results the area under 2 hour glucose stimulation curve, it was found that rice + blackgram + red gram combination had the least area under the curve while the rice + soyabean had the highest area under the curve. Glycemic Index of test meals computed based on area under curve indicated that rice + blackgram + redgram combination depicted the lowest glycemic response (0.81) indicating this combination was ideal for diabetics- followed by rice + blackgram (1.09) while the maximum glycernic response was depicted by rice + soya bean combination (1.125).
Open Access
Standardisation of techniques for cashew apple wine production and development of wine based products
(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2001) Maria Glenda Rose, Carvalho; KAU; Raju, V K
The present study on the 'Standardization of techniques for cashew apple wine production and development of wine based products' was conducted in the Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1999-2001. The evaluation of the efficiency of three strains of wine yeast in the preparation of cashew apple wine revealed that strain MICC 180 was superior to the other strains. It produced wine of high alcohol content and low acidity. Jaggery proved to be a better ameliorant than cane sugar in case of all three strains, as the musts resulted in wines of high alcohol and high TSS and total sugar content. Gelatin (1%) was found to be superior to the other clarifying agents, viz., PVP, pectin and rice gruel, as it produced wine of good quality with regard to all the sensory attributes. Rice gruel and PVP (0.4%) also served as good clarifying agents, but due the high cost of PVP, its use may not be economical. The cost of gelatin being considerably low and rice gruel, available in all house-holds of Kerala in plenty, these two could be used for clarification of cashew apple juice to produce good quality wine. The varietal evaluation of cashew apples for wine making revealed that the varieties, Madakkathara-l and Dhana were superior to the other varieties studied. Wine from Madakkathara-I had high alcohol content, good flavour and overall acceptability, while that from Dhana recorded low astringency and possessed a favourable sugar-acid blend. Wines kept for a storage period of six months showed a general improvement in its quality and acceptability over the fresh wines. Plain as well as coloured glass bottles and steel containers were found to be superior to pet jars and china clay jar, for storage of wines. Bamboo containers and clay pots, due to their highly porous nature were not suited for wine storage. Storage of wines in dark, rather than open or refrigerated condition was found superior in terms of quality and acceptablity. Cashew apple wine blended with wines from that of grape, banana and pineapple was found to result in products of better acceptability. Similarly, cashew apple wine mixed with fresh fruit juices like those of orange, pineapple, tomato, grape and cashew apple as well as tender coconut water produced wine coolers of high consumer acceptance. Hence, preparation of these two products from cashew apple wine can be recommended to increase the consumption of the wine. Besides, wine coolers due to its constituents also possess several nutritional as well as medicinal properties and can be popularised as a health drink. These wine based products, viz., blended, wines and wine coolers can bring additional income to farmers through utilization of the otherwise wasted cashew apple.
Open Access
Combining ability for shade tolerence and yield in greengram grown under coconuts
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2001) Preeta Liz, Korah; KAU; Kamalam, N
The current research programme on "Combining ability for shade tolerance and yield in greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) grown under coconuts" was carried out at the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 1998-2000. The objectives were estimation of gene action, combining ability effects of parents and hybrids and heterosis. The experimental material consisted of five lines, three testers and their fifteen hybrids. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the eleven characters subjected to statistical analysis except height of plants and shade intensity. The genotypes L3 (MGG. 314), Ls (LGG. 460) and T3 (CO.2» were superior in mean performance for yield and most of the yield attributes. The hybrids Ls x T 2 (LGG. 460 x Pusa baisakhii and L1 x T3 (IIPRM.3 x CO.2) were superior in mean performance for yield, pod characters, photosynthetic efficiency and tolerance to pod bug infestation. Non-additive gene action predominated for all the nine characters showing significant differences among the treatments. Ls (LGG. 460) and T 2 (Pusa baisakhi) were the best general combiners for yield and 2 length of pod while L) (IIPRM.3) was the best combiner for crop duration, pods per plant and photosynthetic efficiency. The hybrid L) x T 3 (IIPRM. 3 x CO.2) was the best specific combiner for yield. Significant heterosis was observed for all the characters studied. Ls x T 2 (LGG. 460 x Pusa baisakhi) showed maximum relative heterosis and heterobeltiosis for yield and pod length whereas L) x T 3 (IIPRM.3 x CO.2) showed maximum heterosis over mid parent and better parent for days to 50 per cent flowering, days to final harvest, pods per plant and photosynthetic efficiency. Combining the mean performance, sca effects and heterosis, Ls x T 2 (LGG. 460 x Pusa baisakhi) and L) x T 3 (IIPRM.3 x CO.2) were identified as superior crosses in terms of yield and yield attributes. The hybrid L) x T 3 (IIPRM.3 x CO.2) was also superior for days to 50 per cent flowering, days to final harvest and photosynthetic efficiency.
Open Access
Soil test crop response studies on ginger in laterite soils of Kerala
(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2001) Jayalakshmi, M; KAU; Hassan M A
To establish soil test based balanced fertilizer prescription for ginger variety Maran in laterite soils of Kerala, an investigation was undertaken at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. The field study consisted of fertility gradient experiment and STCR experiment. The fertility gradient experiment was conducted during March-April 2000 in the farm attached ,to the College. The desired gradient in soil fertility was created in "<; - .t one and the same field by applying graded doses of N, P and K fertilizers and raising fodder maize var. Co. I. The STCR experiment was conducted in the same field during May-Nov 2000 using the test crop, ginger variety Maran. The treatments consisted of fractional factorial combinations of four levels of N (0, 50, 100 and 200 kg ha-I), three levels of P (0,37.5, 75kg P205 ha-I) and five levels of K (0, 37.5, 75, 150 and 300kg K20 ha-I) along with three levels of farmyard manure (0, 15 and 30 t / ha) fitted in a response surface desi~n. Using multiple regression model, the fertilizer adjustment equation for N at varying soil test values for available N for maximum rhizome yield (t ha-I) of ginger in laterite soil was derived as FN = 153 - O.28SN where FN is fertilizer N (kg hal) and SN is soil available N (kg ha-l ). At varying soil test values for organic carbon % (OC) and Phosphorous kg / ha the above equations become FN = 312.94 - 518.4 OC and FP = 79.8 - O.94SP for maximum rhizome yield. The behaviour of fertilizer K was found to produce responses other than 'normal' and hence optimization could not be done for fertilizer K for maximum rhizome tuber yield at varying soil test values. The nutrient requirements of ginger variety Maran were estimated to be 2.1, 0.3, S.6kg N, P20S and K20 respectively to produce one kg of rhizome. In the laterite soil, the efficiencies of contribution of nutrients from the soil for ginger were calculated as 10.1,6.9 and 44% N, P20S and K20 respectively. The fertilizer efficiencies were worked out as 27.3, 10.9 and S3.2% N, P20S and K20 respectively. The efficiencies of contribution of nutrients from farmyard manure were calculated as 30, 7 and 60% N, P20S and K20 respectively. From the above basic data, fertilizer prescription equations for specific yield targets of ginger var. Maran in the laterite soil were derived as given below. Without FYM FN =7.8T - 0.37 SN FP =2 .. 8T - 0.64 SP FK = 10.6T - 0.833 K With FYM FN = 7.8T - 0.37SN - 1.11 ON FP = 2.8T - 0.64 SP - 0.7 OP FK = 10.6T - 0.835 SK - 1.13 OK. Where, FN, FP, FK - Fertilizer N, P20S, and K20 respectively in Kglha. T - Target of fresh rhizome yield in t/ha. SN, SP, SK - Soil available N, P and K in kg/ha respectively. ON,OPOK - quantities of N, P and K supplied through organic manure in kg/ha. Based on the fertilizer prescription equations ready reckoners were developed for different yield targets. The study has revealed the superiority of fertilizer application over the semi quantitative approach followed in the soil testing laboratories and the generalized package of practices recommendation followed in the state for the crop. The fertilizer dose can be adjusted based or. the specific objective and available resources of the farmer. To know the influence of native elements on yield soil and plant samples were analyzed for micronutrient contents. In soil Ca, Mg and Mn showed positive correlations and Zn, Fe showed negative correlations with yield. In plant leaf magnesium and rhizome manganese showed positive correlation and rhizome iron showed negative correlation. Further path analysis was carried out to know the nutrient interactions.
Open Access
Role and accountability of women in the farming systems of Madakkathara Panchayath in Thrissur district
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture, 2001) Bindu, V S; KAU; Geethakutty, P S
A study on role and accountability of women in the farming systems was conducted in the Madakkathara panchayath of Thrissur District. A sample of 145 women heads selected from five types of fanning systems - homestead with crop components alone (Type-I), homestead with crop components and extended garden (Type-Il), homestead with crop and live stock components (Type-Ill), homestead with crop, extended garden and livestock components (Type-IV) and homestead with agri-business components (Type-V) formed the major respondents of the study. Another category of respondents consisted of 90 development functionaries (30 each of extension personnel, scientists and political functionaries) of Thrissur District. Relevant data were collected through personal interview and questionnaire. Regarding the extent of involvement of men and women and categorization of farm activities, the study could observe that there were female dominant, male dominant and gender neutral practices in the farming systems of the study area. In general, weeding, shed cleaning and feeding of cattle were found to be female dominant practices while marketing, selection of varieties, land preparation, manuring and plant protection were observed as male dominant practices. The practices observed as gender neutral were harvesting, post harvest operations, planting and irrigation. The analysis on farm income contribution by family women members revealed that in the case of farming .sy.stem with crop and live.stock components, family women were contributing the highest i.e. 37 per cent followed by the type with agri-business component; where in women were able to provide 30 percent of mcome. Time utilization pattern of farm women could reveal the better potential of system with crop and livestock components which was using on an average three hours of family women labour per day for farm management activities. The major problems and constraints faced by farm women were lack of economic freedom followed by lack of marketing facilities and low price for milk. The differential perception on the part of the development functionaries brought out the need for gender orientation and sensitivity with respect to the roles and constraints of farm women among the different functionaries. Content and beneficiary analysis of development programmes of Agriculture, Dairy development and Animal Husbandry Department revealed the essential changes in gender orientation to be brought in the programmes of the Department of Agriculture . . ,

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