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Open Access
Management of banana pseudostem weevil odoiporus longicollis oliv.using entomopathogenic fungi
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2005) Sahi Beegum, M K; KAU; Anitha, N
Investigation on “Management of banana pseudostem weevil, Odoiporus longicollis Oliv. using entomopathogenic fungi” was carried out in the Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. The study was conducted to screen four entomopathogenic fungi, to evaluate their biocontrol potential and to standardize the effective dose and method of application for the management of the banana pseudostem weevil. Four entomopathogenic fungi viz., Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana, Paecilomyces lilacinus and Nomuraea rileyi were tested against O. longicollis. Among them M. anisopliae and B. bassiana were found to infect O. longicollis grubs. Susceptibility of different stages of grubs to fungal infection was tested by using first, second, third, fourth and fifth instar grubs of O. longicollis and the results revealed that first and second instar grubs were more susceptible to fungal infection. Determination of effective dose of fungi against second instar grubs of O. longicollis was carried out by spraying the grubs with different concentrations of M. anisopliae and B. bassiana. The LC50 values of M. anisopliae and B. bassiana were 3.9 x 106 spores ml-1 and 1.6 x 105 spores ml-1 respectively. Evaluation of six naturally available solid media viz., rice bran, wheat bran, guinea grass, gingelly oil cake, coir pith, and neem cake were carried out for mass multiplication of M. anisopliae and B. bassiana. The results revealed that both rice bran and wheat bran were suitable for the mass multiplication of these fungi. The spore production was 9.26 x 106 spores ml-1 and 8.71 x 106 spores ml-1 respectively for M. anisopliae on first week after inoculation. For B. bassiana, the spore count was 503.42 x 106 spores ml-1 and 320.32 x 106 spores ml-1 respectively on first week after inoculation. Among the liquid media tried, coconut water and rice bran extract produced maximum mycelial growth and sporulation of fungi. For M. anisopliae the spore count was 7.77 x 107 spores ml-1 and 0.49 x 107 spores ml-1 respectively. B. bassiana recorded 440.03 x 106 spores ml-1 and 232.26 x 106 spores ml-1 respectively. M. anisopliae and B. bassiana grown in rice bran and wheat bran recorded maximum virulence on two weeks after storage and decreased thereafter. However, coconut water and rice bran extract showed maximum virulence on first week after storage and then found decreasing. Studies conducted to evaluate the compatibility of fungi with NeemAzal 0.4 per cent, chlorpyriphos 0.03 per cent, copper oxychloride 0.4 per cent and mancozeb 0.3 per cent revealed that all the pesticides tested inhibited the growth of M. anisopliae and B. bassiana. But the per cent inhibition was least in the case of NeemAzal 0.4 per cent. Field experiments were conducted with M. anisopliae and B. bassiana with chlorpyriphos (0.03 per cent) and NeemAzal (0.4 per cent) as checks. The plants were artificially infested with known number of grubs. Two experiments were conducted, one with prophylactic treatments and the other with curative treatments. Three application methods viz., leaf axil filling of spore suspension of M. anisopliae and B. bassiana, leaf axil filling of fungi in rice bran and stem injection of spore suspension were tested. Among these treatments leaf axil filling of B. bassiana spore suspension at 1.8 x 107 ml-1 as prophylactic treatment was most effective which gave 52.42 per cent mortality of grubs.
Unknown
Interaction effect under ammi model
(Department of Agricultural Statistics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2006) Eldho, Varghese; KAU; Krishnan, S
The study of interaction is one of the major objectives of most of agricultural experiments. Conceptually this is done based on regression technique. Among the interactions studied, two factor interaction derives its importance as it is the simplest of the interactions. The joint regression technique is employed to study the G x E interaction. The regression techniques are having the assumption of additivity of effects. When there is departure from these assumption the joint regression technique fails. Additive Main effects and Multiplicative Interaction studies have helped a lot at this juncture. Raju (2002) derived a more comprehensive measure of interaction based on AMMI model. This was achieved using the spectral decomposition of the relevant interaction matrix which enabled the study of interaction with the same precision as that of studying the main effects. Biplots formulations of interaction effects based on the PCA vector scores are the most simplest and explicit representation of interaction. The study of interaction based on spectral decomposition has been illustrated using the secondary data on the biometric, chemical and qualitative characters from the projects “Development of a bimodal phasic management system to improve both quantity and quality in Kacholam (Kaempferia galanga)” and “Development of a bimodal phasic management system to improve both quantity and quality in Njavara (Oriza Sativa)”. The DMRT tests for each level of the factors viz., calcium and source were carried out for the parameters viz., percentage content of phosphorus in rhizome, percentage content of potassium in rhizome and North – South foliage spread. In all these characters no specific interaction effect could be sorted out. These interactions when studied based on the factor analytical technique revealed that source II and second level of calcium had the highest positive interaction as regards the percentage content of phosphorus; source III and third level of calcium for percentage content of potassium and source II and third level of calcium for North – South foliage spread. When the order of the interaction matrix was high as in the case of the second experiment, DMRT tests failed to highlight the appropriate interactive effect in the characters viz., grain yield, percentage content of nitrogen in grain, percentage content of phosphorus in grain, percentage content of phosphorus in straw and percentage content of potassium in straw. The study based on the factor analytical technique revealed that the treatments T15, T8, T3, T1 and T4 respectively had the highest interactive effect with Payyanur for the above said characters where as for Badagara they were T3, T14, T4, T5 and T8 .
Open Access
Major spiders in vegetable ecosystem and their predatory potential
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2005) Manu Mani, P; KAU; Hebsi Bai
Spider faunistic survey conducted in okra, brinjal, cowpea, bittergourd and amaranthus fields in Kalliyoor panchayat of Thiruvananthapuram district during the summer of 2004, revealed the prevalence of high density and diversity of spiders in the vegetable ecosystem. Hunting spiders were dominant in all the vegetable plots. Thirty species of spiders distributed in nine families were recorded with the number of species in each vegetable field ranging from 10 to17. Among the thirty species, 16 species were commonly seen in the different vegetable fields while 14 species were seen exclusively associated with a particular vegetable. Araneidae with ten species was the most represented family in the vegetable fields followed by Oxyopidae and Salticidae. The other families observed were Miturgidae, Thomisidae, Tetragnathidae, Corinnidae, Lycosidae and Clubionidae. Most of the spiders appeared during the vegetative and flowering stages of the crop. Few spiders were recorded in the early stage of the crops. Four spiders viz., O. javanus, C. danieli, N. mukerjei and T. mandibulata were dominant in all the vegetable plots among which O. javanus and C. danieli predominated. Studies on the seasonal influence showed no significant difference in the abundance of the spiders during summer and rainy seasons. Rather, the growth stages of the crops significantly influenced the build up of the spider population with higher population being observed during the reproductive phase. In general, the spiders preferred soft bodied insects like the hemipterans, lepidopterans, dipterans and coleopterans (eggs and grubs) for predation. While the spiders did not show any significant preference for the different hemipteran prey in a mixed diet, significant difference was shown for the different lepidopteran pests. O. javanus had the maximum preference for the lepidopteran pests Chemical insecticides were more toxic to the spiders than botanicals when tested at their recommended doses. Among the chemical insecticides, dimethoate 0.05 per cent, carbaryl 0.2 per cent and malathion 0.1 per cent were highly toxic. Even at different doses the insecticides were toxic to the spiders. Quinalphos 0.05 per cent and imidacloprid were less toxic. Between the two methods of application, topical application of insecticides was more detrimental to the spiders than release on treated plants. Among the spiders, T. mandibulata was more susceptible to the insecticides followed by C. danieli. O. javanus and N. mukerjei were less sensitive. While the fungal pathogens, M. anisopliae, P. lilacinus and Bt were safe to the spiders. F. pallidoroseum, Fusarium sp. and B. bassiana were pathogenic. Based on the results of the study, conservation of the spiders characteristic of the vegetable ecosystem would be a practical and ecologically and economically viable approach for pest suppression in vegetables. When there is a spurt in pest ravage, the protection afforded by the predator could be supplemented with judicious use of “spider friendly” insecticides.
Unknown
Wood property profile of rosewood (dalbergia latifolia roxb.) ceylon rosewood (albizia odoratissima (Linn.F) Benth.) and raintree(Samanea saman (jacq.) Merr.)
(Department of Tree Physiology and Breeding,College of forestry, Vellanikkara, 2005) Vinay Kumar, Sahu; KAU; Gopakumar, S
In the state of Kerala, heartwoods of lesser known timber species viz., Albizia odoratissima (Ceylon rosewood) and Samanea saman (rain tree) are allegedly being used as “substitutes” and “adulterants” for making furniture of Dalbergia. latifolia (Indian rosewood) mainly due to their similar wood colour. As this spurious practice has serious implication in timber trade, a study was undertaken to profile the selected wood properties of all these three species to highlight their similarities and differences. The study involved analyzing selected physical, mechanical, anatomical and biochemical properties of A. odoratissima and S. saman and comparing it with the wood properties of D. latifolia as available from relevant literatures. Variations of higher magnitude were noted between the three species for some wood properties, and with respect to few other properties, the differences were lesser. Significant variations were also observed between tissue types viz., sapwood and heartwood for some wood properties. Heartwood tissue types of S. saman and D. latifolia displayed high calorific value, where as, for A. odoratissima both tissue types (sapwood and heartwood) exhibited medium calorific value. The physical properties of the heartwood of A. odoratissima were observed to be higher than that of D. latifolia. S. saman possessed lower values for the physical properties as compared to D. latifolia. Basic specific gravity, radial and volumetric shrinkages (green to oven dry) were considerably different for all the three species. Generally, for both Ceylon rosewood and rain tree tangential shrinkage was higher than radial shrinkage for both the tissue types. Mechanical properties of A. odoratissima were superior to D. latifolia and S. saman, except modulus of elasticity in compression parallel to grain. On the other hand mechanical properties of S. saman were closer to D. latifolia. Measure of fibre stress at limit of proportionality and modulus of elasticity in static bending and modulus of elasticity in compression parallel to grain are considerably different for the three species. In A. odoratissima and S. saman, the mechanical properties of sapwoods varied non significantly with the strength properties of heartwoods. S. saman exhibited superior strength properties for heartwood over its sapwood. Vessel diameter, distribution of parenchyma and ray height can be used to differentiate the three species. In all the species, along the radial axis from pith towards periphery, the vessel diameter, ray height, ray width increased along the region of heart wood. Likewise, ray frequency, and vessel frequency decreased along radial axis in heartwood region. Average vessel diameter, ray height and ray width of sapwoods were greater than that of the heartwoods. Lignin, cellulose and holocellulose percent of A. odoratissima and S. saman were significantly greater than D. latifolia. Higher lignin, cellulose and holocellulose content are responsible for the higher strength properties of A. odoratissima. Methanol-acetone extracts of heartwood of D. latifolia exhibits specific peak wavelengths under spectrometric analysis, which are not found in the other two species. Phenolic compounds were observed to influence some of the physical properties.
Open Access
Major spiders in vegetable ecosystem and their predatory potential
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2005) Manu Mani, P; KAU; Hebsi, Bai
Spider faunistic survey conducted in okra, brinjal, cowpea, bittergourd and amaranthus fields in Kalliyoor panchayat of Thiruvananthapuram district during the summer of 2004, revealed the prevalence of high density and diversity of spiders in the vegetable ecosystem. Hunting spiders were dominant in all the vegetable plots. Thirty species of spiders distributed in nine families were recorded with the number of species in each vegetable field ranging from 10 to17. Among the thirty species, 16 species were commonly seen in the different vegetable fields while 14 species were seen exclusively associated with a particular vegetable. Araneidae with ten species was the most represented family in the vegetable fields followed by Oxyopidae and Salticidae. The other families observed were Miturgidae, Thomisidae, Tetragnathidae, Corinnidae, Lycosidae and Clubionidae. Most of the spiders appeared during the vegetative and flowering stages of the crop. Few spiders were recorded in the early stage of the crops. Four spiders viz., O. javanus, C. danieli, N. mukerjei and T. mandibulata were dominant in all the vegetable plots among which O. javanus and C. danieli predominated. Studies on the seasonal influence showed no significant difference in the abundance of the spiders during summer and rainy seasons. Rather, the growth stages of the crops significantly influenced the build up of the spider population with higher population being observed during the reproductive phase. In general, the spiders preferred soft bodied insects like the hemipterans, lepidopterans, dipterans and coleopterans (eggs and grubs) for predation. While the spiders did not show any significant preference for the different hemipteran prey in a mixed diet, significant difference was shown for the different lepidopteran pests. O. javanus had the maximum preference for the lepidopteran pests Chemical insecticides were more toxic to the spiders than botanicals when tested at their recommended doses. Among the chemical insecticides, dimethoate 0.05 per cent, carbaryl 0.2 per cent and malathion 0.1 per cent were highly toxic. Even at different doses the insecticides were toxic to the spiders. Quinalphos 0.05 per cent and imidacloprid were less toxic. Between the two methods of application, topical application of insecticides was more detrimental to the spiders than release on treated plants. Among the spiders, T. mandibulata was more susceptible to the insecticides followed by C. danieli. O. javanus and N. mukerjei were less sensitive. While the fungal pathogens, M. anisopliae, P. lilacinus and Bt were safe to the spiders. F. pallidoroseum, Fusarium sp. and B. bassiana were pathogenic. Based on the results of the study, conservation of the spiders characteristic of the vegetable ecosystem would be a practical and ecologically and economically viable approach for pest suppression in vegetables. When there is a spurt in pest ravage, the protection afforded by the predator could be supplemented with judicious use of “spider friendly” insecticides.
Open Access
Response behaviour towards branded agro-processed products
(Department of Co- operative Management, College of Co- operation, Banking and Management, Vellanikkara, 2006) Prameela, V; KAU; Sakeer Husain, A
The study entitled “Response behaviour towards branded agro-processed products’ was undertaken with the following objectives: 1. To examine the response behaviour towards selected branded agro-processed products (BAPs) 2. To identify the factors influencing purchase decision and consumer choice 3. To compare the response behaviour towards BAPs of co-operative and private sectors The study was conducted in six wards of Kannur Municipality. From each of the selected wards, twenty five household consumers of the five selected BAPs viz., sambar powder, meat masala, rasam powder, pickle and jam were selected. Thus a total of 150 household consumers constituted the sample of the study. The study was based on primary data collected with the help of structured pre-tested interview schedule. Percentage, index, Kendall’s coefficient of concordance and Friedman test were the major statistical tools used for analysis. The study revealed that cent percent of the respondents consumed sambar powder and pickle while majority of them consumed meat masala (96.67%), jam (90.67%) and rasam powder (86.67%). Among the respondents, majority purchased packed branded items. ‘Easy availability’ and ‘convenience’ were the major reasons for the use of the selected BAPs. ‘Dinesh’ was the most known brand among the respondents in the case of all selected BAPs. Advertisement in the electronic media was the major source of awareness about the selected BAPs. ‘Super market’ was preferred by the respondents as the major source of purchase. ‘Dinesh’ was the major brand preferred and used by the respondents in the case of curry powder and pickle, while ‘Happy’ was the most preferred and used brand in the case of jam. ‘Brand loyalty’ was found to be very high among the users of the selected BAPs. ‘Belief in the quality of the products’ supplied by the store was the main reason found for the store loyalty of the consumers. ‘Product features’ and ‘advertisement’ were the important factors that influenced the purchased decision of all the BAPs. ‘Taste’ and ‘freshness’ were the important product features that influenced consumer choice. No significant difference was found between the co-operative and private brands of selected BAPs with regard to factors and product features influencing purchase decision and consumer choice. Any way the consumers were more satisfied with ‘availability’ and ‘quality’ of the products of co-operative and ‘availability’ and ‘taste’ of the products of private organizations. In general consumers were satisfied with the products supplied by both co-operative and private organizations. However, the selected BAPs of co-operative organizations were found to be comparatively better when compared with private products except in the case of jam.
Open Access
Integrated pest management in rice production: resource use efficiency and relative economics
(Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2005) Saijyothi, D; KAU; Indira Devi, P
The present study entitled Integrated Pest Management in rice production: resource use efficiency and relative economics, was conducted in Kuttanad region of Kerala, India with the specific objectives of evaluating the economics of IPM technology over the traditional practice and to assess the resource use efficiency. The study pertaining to the summer crop in the area (November 2004 to February 2005) was undertaken during March to July 2005 A sample of 70 farmers each from IPM and Non-IPM category were selected by conducting a preliminary survey to categorise the farmers under each group. The production details of paddy were gathered from both the groups using a pretested structured questionnaire by personal interview method. The management under IPM programme starts from the very beginning of the crop calendar, starting with the varietal selection, its source, seed rate and method of planting. Though both types of farms were sowing only recommended varieties, seed rate was much above the recommended level in the case of non IPM group and they primarily relied on farm saved seeds. It was the reverse in the case of IPM farms. The level of application of fertilizers and soil ameliorants was lower in the case of IPM farms. Among the various inputs in crop production, labour was the most important single item of expenditure in paddy production. The total labour use in IPM farms was found to be 75 man-days per hectare i.e., 5.63 per cent higher than that of Non-IPM farms (71 man days per hectare). This is primarily due to the additional labour required in IPM farms for weeding (due to lesser amount of weedicide use), land preparation (additional ploughing), harvesting (higher yield) and IPM measures. Thus the total expenditure on seeds and sowing, fertilizer application and plant protection charges were 67.15 per cent higher in the Non-IPM group. Contrary to this, the expenditure on land preparation, weeding and harvesting operations together, were 11.93 per cent higher in IPM group. Total cost of cultivation was estimated as 5.07 per cent higher in Non-IPM group (Rs31536/ha) compared to IPM group (Rs 29841/ha) Apart from the cost saving, relatively higher yield (45.23 quintals per hectare) was also there in IPM farms compared to the other group.(44.46 quintals per hectare). The partial budgeting analysis have revealed that the cost saving coupled with higher yield realization in IPM farms has resulted in an additional net private gain in income to the tune of Rs 2824 per hectare Benefit cost ratio at Cost A1 was estimated as 1.85 (Non-IPM) and it was 2.06 for IPM farms inferring rice cultivation under IPM, as more beneficial than chemical based cultivation. At cost C3 level, the non IPM groups were more prone to risk as the BC Ratio was very close to unity Cobb-Douglas production function was fitted to assess the efficiency of resource use in paddy cultivation for both IPM and Non-IPM farms. It could be concluded that IPM farms were economically more efficient in resource utilization than the Non-IPM counter parts. Though most of the farmers were aware of the potential hazards of excessive chemical use in agriculture, and got exposed to adequate training, the spread of the technology is constrained by factors like, the perception of a yield loss, difficulties in water management and labour problems. But those who have adopted the technology was found to be aware of the short-term nature of yield reduction and cost saving aspects of the technology. The policy suggestions are made based on the findings and future line of work is also suggested.
Open Access
Seasonal occurance and ecofriendly management of pests of amaranthus
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2005) Asha, J S; KAU; Nandakumar, C
Seasonal occurrence of pests, their natural enemies and leaf blight disease of amaranthus were studied in the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani from April 2004 to April 2005. Leaf webbers Psara basalis F. and Hymenia recurvalis (F.) were the major pests of amaranthus and leaf blight disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn. was the major disease. The leaf webber P. basalis was present in the field throughout the year. However the highest population and infestation was observed during the summer months. Maximum population of larvae was observed during the month of April 2004. The population and extent of damage by the pest exhibited significant positive correlation with maximum and minimum temperature. The leaf webber H. recurvalis was also present in the field throughout the year. The population and extent of damage by the pest was maximum during June, July and November 2004 and minimum during the summer months (April and May 2004). The population of the pest showed significant positive correlation with minimum temperature. The green grasshopper Atractomorpha crenulata F. was observed in the field throughout the year. Highest population was observed during the first fortnight of October 2004. The percentage of plants and leaves damaged by the grasshopper was maximum during the second fortnight of November 2004. The population and extent of damage of the grasshopper showed significant negative correlation with minimum temperature. The percentage of plants damaged by the tobacco caterpillar Spodoptera litura (F.) was maximum during the second fortnight of June 2004 and the leaves damaged was the highest during the first fortnight of June 2004. The leaf damage showed significant positive correlation with rainfall. A solitary braconid endoparasitoid Apanteles opacus (Ashmead) was found infesting the second instar larvae of H.recurvalis. The population of pupae of the parasitoid was maximum during the first fortnight of July 2004. Spider predators viz., Oxyopes spp., Cheiracanthium sp., Phidippus sp. and Tetragnatha sp. were found in the field throughout the year. Maximum population of spiders was observed during the second fortnight of September 2004. The population showed significant positive correlation with maximum temperature. The leaf blight disease caused by R. solani was observed throughout the year. The percentage disease index (PDI) was maximum during the second fortnight of December 2004. Studies on antifeedant effect of botanicals on major pests of amaranthus revealed that azadirachtin 0.0025 per cent was the best phagodeterrent followed by cow’s urine 10 per cent + NSKE five per cent and NSKE five per cent. Six botanical pesticides were evaluated with malathion as check in a field experiment. The treatments included neem seed kernel extract five per cent (NSKE), neem cake (NC) soil application @ 250 kg.ha-1 at planting + neem cake extract (NCE) 10 per cent spray, azadirachtin 0.0025 per cent, cow’s urine 10 per cent + NSKE five per cent, Pongamia oil soap emulsion two per cent and annona seed extract two per cent. Three sprays of the treatments were applied on the crop during the experiment. The results revealed that all the treatments were significantly superior to control in reducing the population of pests and their damage. Azadirachtin 0.0025 per cent was the most effective treatment against leaf webbers and grasshopper. This was followed by cow’s urine 10 per cent + NSKE five per cent and NSKE five per cent. The extent of damage caused by these pests in azadirachtin treated plots was statistically similar to that of malathion treated plots. . The extent of damage by the tobacco caterpillar was the lowest in NC soil application @ 250 kg ha-1 + NCE 10 per cent spray treatment. Higher population of spiders was found in botanical treated plots and control plots compared to malathion treated plots. The botanical treatments were not effective in containing the leaf blight disease. Maximum yield of marketable produce was recorded from malathion treated plots. However the B : C ratio was the highest (3.20) in botanical treatment, azadirachtin 0.0025 per cent (NeemAzal 1% TS @ 2.5 ml/litre) followed by cow’s urine 10 percent + NSKE five per cent (2.12) and NSKE five per cent (2.08). Three sprays of any of these botanicals at fortnightly intervals starting from two weeks after transplanting could manage the pests of amaranthus.
Open Access
Identification of drought tolerant cocoa types
(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2005) Binimol, B; KAU; George Thomas, C
Experiments were conducted at the college of Horticulture, Vellanikkara to investigate the drought tolerant characteristics of the most promising cocoa varieties and accessions. The investigation involved a two-stage screening of cocoa seedlings and budlings and monitoring of their field grown plants. As the first step, a preliminary screening was done on six month old seedlings and budlings of ten cocoa cultivars released from Kerala Agricultural University and twenty promising accessions. A secondary screening of cocoa cultivars/accessions selected from the preliminary screening was then conducted. Simultaneously, field monitoring of cocoa trees of the varieties selected from the primary screening was also done. From the preliminary screening, seven apparently tolerant varieties were selected for secondary screening in both seedlings and budlings based on higher RWC and DWF, lower percentage of dried leaves and longer duration of life under during moisture stress. Three apparently sensitive verities were also selected based on opposite values of the above characters. Varieties identified in the preliminary screening were subjected to a secondary screening under three moisture regimes of no irrigation , watering once in five days (life saving irrigation), and regular watering. Observations on physiological parameters such as relative leaf water content, dry weight fraction, leaf drying percentage, number of days taken for complete drying, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, leaf water potential, chlorophyll ‘a’, ‘b’ and total chlorophyll, chlorophyll stability index, leaf area per seedling, membrane stability, relative injury; growth characters like plant height, collar girth, number of leaves and total biomass; biochemical characters such as proline content and nitrate reductase activity were recorded. After conducting a cluster analysis, the varieties with high RWC, DWF, total chlorophyll content, leaf water potential and proline content; low stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and leaf area during water stress were rated as drought tolerant and with opposite characters as drought sensitive. Based on these, in seedlings; the varieties M 13.12, GII 19.5 and GVI 55 were ranked as moisture stress tolerant and GVI 61, GV 50 and GI 4.8 as sensitive under no irrigation. In budlings, the varieties GI 4.8 and GII 19.5 were selected as drought tolerant and GIII 4.1, GVI 51 and GII 12.3 as drought sensitive under no irrigation Important characters were also monitored in 16-year old clonal trees of the seedlings/budlings of the varieties selected from primary screening. Transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, leaf water potential, stomatal frequency, leaf thickness, bark thickness and soil moisture content were recorded during summer. The varieties GVI 61, M 13.12 and GI 4.8 showed drought tolerant features. The accession M13.12 (CCRP2) showed drought tolerant features in secondary screening of seedlings and field performance. The accession GVI 51, which showed sensitivity to moisture stress in seedlings (but tolerant in budlings) under secondary screening, was showing similar behavior of sensitivity in field grown plants. The study shows the possibility of exploiting drought tolerant features of cocoa varieties/accessions. However, final conclusions are difficult to be drawn as only 10 accessions were subjected to secondary screening and field monitoring, and data for only one year were collected. In the light of the promising results obtained, screening trails involving more number of varieties/accessions have to be conducted and monitored for more number of years to get consistent values.

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