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Open Access
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
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
Divergence studies in salad cucumber (cucumis sativus L)
(Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2006) Smitha Sara, Abraham; KAU; Gopalakrishnan, T R
The present investigation on “ Divergence studies in salad cucumber (Cucumis sativus L)” was conducted at College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during December 2005- April 2006. Twenty-eight salad cucumber genotypes collected from different parts of India were utilized for the study. The extent of variability, correlation between yield and its component characters, path analysis and divergence among 28 genotypes were assessed. The 28 genotypes were significantly different for 15 characters studied. The genotype Phule Himangi (20.22 kg/plot) emerged as high yielder followed by AAUC 2 (15.11 kg/plot). Selection of plants based on yield/plot was observed to be efficient than selection of component characters. All the accessions were prickled on the surface. All were monoecious and produced yellow flowers. Most of the genotypes produced light green fruits whereas Phule Himangi produced white stout fruits. Genotypes CS 25 and CS 35 were comparatively free from biotic factors except mosaic and serpentine leaf miner. Total yield per plot showed positive correlation with fruits per plant, duration of crop and number of harvests. Negative correlation was observed between total yield per plot and number of branches. It is clear from the study that, for obtaining higher yield characters like fruits per plant, duration of crop, number of harvests etc should be considered in the selection programme. Fruits per plant had maximum positive direct effect on total yield per plot. Higher positive effects for days to first male flower anthesis was observed on total yield per plot. The genotypes were grouped into 5 clusters based on Mahalanobis D2 statistics. Cluster I, II, III, IV and V contained 13,8,4,2,1 genotypes respectively. Inter-cluster distance was maximum between cluster II and V (48733.77) and minimum between cluster I and III (8415.55). Cluster V showed maximum average inter-cluster distance with any another cluster.
Open Access
Influence of host plants and soil moisture stress on the water relations in sandal
(Department of Tree Physiology and Breeding, College of Forestry,Vell, 2006) Dhaniklal, G; KAU; Asokan, P K
The influence of host plants and soil moisture stress on water relations in sandal was investigated in a pot culture experiment at College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara. Five host plants, Divi divi (Caesalpinia coriaria Jacq.), Casurina (Casuarina equisetifolia J.R & H.G. Forst), Pongamia (Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre), Lantana (Lantana camara L.) and Erythrina (Erythrina indica Lamk.) were selected for this study. The results showed that Sandal seedlings with and without host showed similar height increment, except when erythrina was the host. The host plant had no influence on most of the growth parameters of sandal seedlings. The collar diameter of sandal seedlings with and without host was on par during the early seedling stage and by the end of the experimental period it showed a significant difference. There was no significant difference in the number of leaves, leaf area and root length of sandal with different hosts. Haustorial connections were not recorded even after the experimental period. Sandal seedlings with Erythrina indica as host decreased the pre dawn water potential. Water stress decreased the seedling height, collar diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, shoot dry weight and total dry weight of sandal seedlings. Fully irrigating the pots once in three days resulted in better growth of sandal seedlings as compared to irrigation once in six days. Water stress increased the root length and root dry weight. Root length was found to be more for sandal seedlings which were irrigated once in six days compared to that, irrigated once in three days. Water stress decreased leaf area of sandal seedlings. Transpiration rate at 14:00 hrs was found to be more than that of transpiration at 8:00 hrs. Transpiration rate decreased with increase in soil moisture stress. Pre dawn water potential was lower for sandal seedlings irrigated once in six days compared to that irrigated once in three days. As the haustorial connections were not observed even after 270 days after planting it can be concluded that the difference in the seedling growth parameters of sandal with some of the hosts is due to the above and below ground competition for sun light, water and nutrients.
Open Access
Insect fauna on coconut (cocos nucifera L. ) spadix and effect of pesticides on major pollinators
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2006) Shaiju, Simon; KAU; Devanesan, S
An investigation was carried out to document the different insect species visiting the coconut inflorescence, to find out the variations in the foraging activity of different insect species and to assess the relative safety/toxicity of some commonly used pesticides to honeybees. The study revealed that the coconut inflorescence attracted thirty different species of insects towards it. These insect species visited the inflorescence to feed on either pollen or nectar or both. Bees viz., Apis dorsata, A. mellifera, A. cerana indica, Trigona iridipennis, Braunsapis sp and Eupetersia sp were found to collect both pollen and nectar of which A. mellifera and A. cerana indica dominated. Bees were found to forage on the inflorescence throughout the day and exhibit a peak period of activity during 0900 h in case of A. mellifera and A. cerana indica and during 1200 h in case of T. iridipennis. All these species of bees exhibited two distinct peaks during the day of which the second peak was during 1500 h. They mainly collected pollen from half opened male flowers. Ant species that foraged on the coconut inflorescence in large numbers were Solenopsis geminata, Myrmicaria brunnea, Dolichoderus sp, Camponotus sericeus. They visited the inflorescence for feeding pollen and nectar. The population of ants remained more or less same throughout the day, they visited in higher numbers during 0900 h. They were present on the inflorescence throughout the day and maximum during 0900 h. Other insect species that visited the palm inflorescence were flies (Bactrocera cucurbitae, B. dorsalis, Musca domestica, Hemipyrellia sp., Graptomyza brevirostris and Sarcophaga sp.), wasps (Polistes hebraeus, Chalybion bengalense, Ropalidia variegata, Vespa cincta and Vespa sp.), beetles (Oxycetonia versicolor and Oxycetonia sp.) and moths (Euchromia polymena and Melanitis leda ismene). The maximum population of insects was observed on the 13th day of the male phase and in the female phase it was on the second day. The population fluctuations recorded over a period of one year showed that the occurrence of bees were the highest followed by the population of ants. Bees exhibited a significant positive correlation with maximum temperature and negative correlation with relative humidity and rainfall. The results on the evaluation of pesticides for their safety/toxicity to different species of honeybees indicated that all the chemical pesticides were toxic to honeybees. Carbaryl 0.1 per cent was the most toxic while endosulfan 0.05 per cent was the least toxic chemical. However, both azadirachtin 0.004 per cent and neem oil garlic emulsion 2.0 per cent were the safest treatments to honeybees under laboratory conditions.
Open Access
Nutrient source efficiency relations on the productivity of cowpea in summer rice fallows
(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2006) Lekha, B. Nair; KAU; Savithri, K V
A field experiment was conducted in the rice fallows of Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy, during the summer season (February – April) of 2005, to study the effect of different sources of nitrogen and phosphorus on growth, yield and quality of cowpea and to asses the possibility of reducing the quantity of fertilizers through inoculation of phosphate solubilising bacteria and foliar application of diammonium phosphate. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seventeen treatments and three replications. The treatments included were, different sources of nitrogen and phosphorus along with or with out phosphate solubilising bacteria inoculation and foliar application two percent diammonium phosphate twice and package of practices recommendation alone. Most of the growth characters, dry matter production, yield and yield attributes and uptake of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S were higher in the treatments which received nitrogen in the form of urea and phosphorus in the form of rock phosphate. The influence of rock phosphate was more when it was applied along with phosphate solubilising bacteria inoculation. Foliar application of two percent diammonium phosphate at pre flowering and flowering stages increased the growth characters and drymatter production but showed a reduction in yield and yield attributes of cowpea. The protein content of grain and Bhusa was not significantly influenced by various sources of nitrogen and phosphorus, phosphate solubilising bacteria inoculation and foliar spray of two percent diammonium phosophate. None of the treatments could bring about much impact on soil nutrient status. However, complete basal application of nitrogen and phosphorus showed a slightly higher content of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S over their 50 percent application. Moreover, application of nitrogen as ammonium sulphate resulted in a slightly higher content of sulphur in the soil compared to application of urea. Among the various treatments, considering the growth and yield of cowpea as well as economics, basal application of 50 percent nitrogen as urea and 50 percent phosphorus as rock phosphate along with phosphate solubilising bacteria inoculation and subsequent foliar spray of two percent diammonium phosphate at pre flowering and flowering stages was found to be the best.
Open Access
Agricultural labour in rice based farming system:gender based multidimensional analysis
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2006) Prasidha, P R; KAU; Anilkumar, A
The study entitled “Agricultural labour in rice based farming system: A gender based multidimensional analysis” was undertaken to study the female and male labour participation in the major operations of rice based farming system, their employment pattern and profile characteristics. It also aims to study the influence of labour organizations among agricultural labourers, the constraints experienced by the female and male agricultural labourers and their attitude towards improved farm practices. The study was conducted at Kunnathukal panchayat and Karode panchayat in Thiruvananthapuram district. A list of agricultural labourers in the two selected panchayats was prepared. From each panchayat 40 male and 40 female labourers were selected randomly. Thus totally 160 labourers were selected as the respondents of the study. The data were collected using a pre-tested and well-structured interview schedule. The study indicated that agricultural labourers in rice based farming system constituted mainly of old age people. Almost 90 percent of the respondents don’t possess land for own cultivation. Extension agency contact was almost nil for landless labourers. Kerala State Karshaka Thozhilai Union (KSKTU) was the only labour union functioning in the location. The study revealed that regarding gender roles, exclusively females performed transplanting in rice. None of the female labourers were employed for banana cultivation. Operations like land preparation, plant protection measures, fertilizer application and transport of harvested produce were operations segregated absolutely for male respondents. Men never perform picking and women never perform sowing in case of rice fallow pulse cultivation. Only males were employed as hired wage labour dairy sector, provided paid on a monthly basis. The maximum extent of labour participation of females was in the order of rice, vegetables and pulses and among males it was rice, banana, vegetables and pulses. The total number of employment days obtained by male respondents in a year was 112 days (67 days of agricultural labour + 35 days of non-agricultural labour). The total number of employment days obtained by female respondents in a year was 68 days (51days of agricultural labour + 17 days of non-agricultural labour). Men received more days of agriculture labour in the months of October and November and more days of non-agriculture labour during April. Women received more days of employment in agriculture during June. They experience slack of employment in non-agricultural sector during the months of Febrauary, May, June, July, August, September and October. In the case of rice farming male and female labourers performed 23 and 33 labour days respectively. Male labourers obtained 22 labour days of work in banana cultivation. In the case of vegetable cultivation male and female labourers performed 20 and 13 labour days of work respectively. Male and female respondents respectively received 2 and 5 labour days of work regarding pulse farming. The agricultural operation, which consumed maximum time, was transplanting in rice (10 hrs) followed by rice harvesting and staking in banana (8hrs). The non-agricultural operation that consumed maximum time was roadwork (9hrs). The total wage received by male labourers in a year was Rs.13862 ((Rs.8354 from agricultural labour + Rs.5508 from non-agricultural labour). The total wage received by female respondents was Rs.7795. (Rs.5748 from agricultural labour + Rs.2047 from non-agricultural labour). Wage discrimination was not much prominent in agricultural sector, whereas non-agricultural sector witnessed absolute wage discrimination between genders. In general, the constraints encountered by the agricultural labourers were reduced employment opportunities within agricultural sector, conversion of rice farming land for commercial crops cultivation and other non-agricultural purposes, and pressure to shift in non-agricultural sector. Seasonality of labour and drudgery prone tasks were the constraints experienced exclusively by the female labourers
Open Access
Characterization of long pepper (piper longum L) genotypes using morphological, anatomical and molecular markers
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2006) Jitha, Jaleel; KAU; Nandini, K
The present investigation entitled “Characterisation of long pepper (P. longum L.) genotypes using morphological, anatomical and molecular markers was undertaken at the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture ,Vellanikkara during the period 2003-2006. Six female and two male accessions formed the material for the study and were subjected to morphological, anatomical, and molecular characterization. The accessions showed variation in the morphology of vegetative and reproductive branches in leaf size, leaf shape and l/b ratio. Vegetative branches had large cordate leaves with petioles whereas reproductive branches had lanceolate leaves with rudimentary petiole. The l/b ratio of leaves of reproductive branches was higher compared to leaves of vegetative branch. The spikes of females were short, bold and greenish black on maturity whereas it was long, slender and yellow in the case of males. At early stages of spike growth, female spikes were creamy yellow and male green in colour. The stem, leaf, and root anatomy of the male and female accession showed almost similar features. The difference was noticed in the number of medullary and cortical bundles and the presence or absence of mucilage canals. Mucilage canal was present only in the female accessions, Assam, NL-84-68 and Viswam. The male and female spikes differ in their anatomical features. The physiological parameters revealed higher photosynthetic rate for the female accession, Viswam. The male accessions had lower photosynthetic rate compared to female accessions. RAPD analysis done on the eight accessions using five selected primers revealed 15 to 49% variability among the accessions at the molecular level and the primer OPF 5 produced male specific bands. The female accessions yielded maximum piperine and oil content at 60 -70 days maturity when they were greenish black and hard. Among the female accessions, Viswam, NL-84-68 and Assam recorded highest piperine and oil content. Low amounts of piperine and oil were found in male spikes also. Based on the study three female accessions, Viswam, NL-84-68 and Assam were found to be promising types and further breeding programmes can be carried out in these accessions to improve their performance.
Open Access
Biomass production and nutrient accumulation in an age series of caesalpinia sappan Linn. plantations
(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2006) Imrose, Elias Navas E; KAU; Vidyasagaran, K
The present study was conducted at College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara on biomass production and nutrient accumulation in an age series (5, 6 and 7) of Caesalpinia sappan plantations in three districts of Kerala. The study reveals that diameter, height, biomass, productivity and volume increased with increasing age. The above ground biomass and biomass components also increased with increasing ages. The above ground biomass produced was 23.81 t ha-1 at 5 year, 37.80 t ha-1 at 6 year and 44.36 t ha-1 at 7 year. The productivity at age 5 year was 4.77 t ha-1yr-1, at age 6 year 6.30 t ha-1 yr-1 and at age 7 year was 6.34 t ha-1 yr-1. The increase of the productivity between 6 and 7 years were very low (0.04 t ha-1yr-1), which indicated that no further increase in the productivity of the trees. It highlights that a levelling off the productivity beyond 6 year. This consideration suggests 6 year as the optimum harvesting period of C. sappan. The percentage contribution of various components to above ground biomass was in the order: bole > branch > twig > fruit > leaves> bark. The biomass components were also showed an increasing trend. The prediction equations were prepared for above ground biomass as well as biomass components with respect to dbh and height. Even though some equations were proved more fit with combination of dbh and height, R2 value and Furnival index were relatively similar to equations with dbh alone could not be selected, it is difficult to measure height of the standing trees with definite accuracy. Hence, equations with dbh alone were selected for predicting the biomass. With respect to the dbh alone as independent variable, the total above ground biomass, the best fit equation was W = b0 +b1 D+ b2 D2. In leaves also this model proves as best fit. The components like bole, bark, branch and fruit, the best fitted equation was ln W =b0 + b1 ln D. But in twig, it was W=b0 + b1 D2. Weight table prepared for bole (UB) and total above ground biomass based on the best fit equation using diameter at breast height The nutrient concentration was increased with increasing age except in bole and branches. Concentration in bole and branches increased from 5 to 6 year and decreased from 6 to 7 year. Leaves had the maximum concentration of the nutrients and bole the lowest. The nutrient accumulation of the above ground biomass as well as biomass components increased with the increasing age of plantation. The maximum nutrients accumulated in bole and minimum in bark. Among the nutrients, N accumulated maximum followed by K and P. Nutrient use efficiency increased with increasing ages. The maximum nutrient use efficiency observed for P followed by K and N. It was found to be maximum in bole and minimum in leaf.

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