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ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of wood quality of selected tropical pines raised in the high ranges of Kerala, for pulp and paper making(Department of Tree Physiology and Breeding,College of forestry,Vellanikkara, 2010) Ajayghosh, V; KAU; Anoop, E VA study entitled “Evaluation of wood quality of selected tropical pines raised in the high ranges of Kerala, for pulp and paper making” was conducted in the College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the period 2008-2010. The objective of the study was to evaluate the wood quality of Pinus caribaea Morelet, Pinus patula Schl. et Cham. and Pinus oocarpa Schiede grown in research trials of the Kerala forest department in the high ranges of Idukki district of Kerala. Increment core wood samples were collected at breast height from trees, selected at random, from each plot representing each species belonging to different age levels. These samples were then subjected to intensive investigations to find out radial variation (pith, middle and periphery), species variation and influence of age on different wood physical, anatomical and chemical properties. The study revealed that many of the characters studied were influenced by species and age interaction. Radial variation was also found to have significant difference within the species for characters studied. As a whole, under the present climatic condition P.caribaea was found to perform better with wood properties within the accepted range suitable for pulping and paper making. On the other hand, P. patula and P. oocarpa were also found to be promising species for pulping and papermaking with better derived fiber ratios. However, P. oocarpa had specific gravity value slightly more than that is recommended for pulp and paper making. Studies on chemical composition revealed that P. ooccarpa had better performance with higher cellulose and lower lignin content. So what needs to be determined is the relationship, if any, between wood and tracheid properties of these species and the products which can be manufactured from this renewable resource. For this, more extensive study is needed for which the results of this study could be used as a base line data for future tree improvement aspects of these species with reference to wood quality and to bring out their potential utility for future afforestation programmes and timber utility.ThesisItem Open Access Reliability of united score card for crossbred dairy cows of Kerala(Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Dhanya, K; KAU; Anil, K SThe research work was conducted to assess the reliability of Unified score card for cross bred cows of Kerala. One hundred and ninety six animals of University cattle farms of Mannuthy, Thumbunnuzhi and Thiruvazhamkunnu were selected for the study. As per the Unified score card by Purebred Dairy Cattle Association, the animals were judged for frame, dairy character, body capacity, feet• and legs and udder. The type components were again subdivided as described in the scorecard to improve the accuracy of judging score. The body measurements of individual animals like height at withers, body length, chest girth, height at withers, height at pins, length of quarter, width between angles of hook and slope of rump were taken. The animals were categorized into four age groups, four parities and three stages of lactation. The emphasis of each of the components of unified score card to milk production was compared and statistical analysis was carried out as per methods suggested by Snedcor and Cochran (1994). Effects of age, stage of lactation and parity on judging using Unified Score Card were worked out. The body measurements were also correlated with the score and milk yield. Age, parity and stage of lactation were found to be nonsignificant for final score. The scores of frame, dairy character and udder for different age groups showed no significant difference, whereas, scores of body capacity and feet and legs differed significantly. The scores of dairy character and body capacity differed significantly with parity. No significant difference was shown for scores of frame, feet and legs and udder. Frame was found to be positively correlated with other components, the least being with udder (r=0.127) and highest with feet and legs (r =0.254) which was highly significant (p<0.01). Dairy character was significantly correlated with body capacity (r=0.169) and feet and legs(r=0.2S4) in addition to frame. Feet and legs was the only component to which udder showed positive significant correlation (pAge was found to be not significant for lactation yield (P~O.OS). The means of lactation yield differed significantly for different parities. All the type components were found to be positively correlated with lactation yield, all being significant. The standardized partial regression coefficients were highly significant for dairy character, udder. and body capacity whereas non significant regression coefficients were obtained for frame and feet and legs. Udder depth was having the highest regression coefficient (~=0.312) which was highly significant (p<0.01). Regression coefficients were significant and positive for skin (0.229), withers (0.188), ribs (0.174) and thighs (0.162). Both age and parity had significant positive correlation on body weight. Body weight was significantly (p<0.0 1) correlated with lactation yield with r=0.244. Height at withers, length, hip width girth and height at hook showed significant difference with age (p:SO.OS).The height at pins and slope were found to be not affected significantly by age. All the measurements except slope were significant and positive in correlation with body capacity. All height measurements, length and girth was found to be positively correlated with frame (p<0.0 1). Final score was having significant positive correlation with all height measurements (p:SO.OS). It was concluded that although the score card was found to be reliable on the production of crossbred cows of Kerala, the emphasis placed on type components was not in full agreement with what was prescribed by the purebred Dairy Cattle Association Dairy Cow Unified Score Card. Hence it was suggested that more weightage could be given to body capacity and dairy character compromising weightage on frame and feet & legs which necessitated further studies in this regard.ThesisItem Open Access Recovery of solids from surimi wash water and preparation of a fish feed with the recovered solids(Department of Processing Technology,College of Fisheries, Panangad, 2010) Jibina, M.M; KAU; Krishnakumar, SA study was conducted aimed at testing the efficiency of pH reduction and heat coagulation in the recovery of solids from surimi wash water (SWW) generated during water leaching of the meat of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) and to reduce the nutrient load in SWW. The study also included the preparation of a fish feed with the recovered solids. Temperature for heat coagulation was optimized among four different temperatures viz., 65oC, 70oC, 75oC and 80oC. Optimum temperature that provided maximum recovery was 75 oC. Isoelectric precipitation was optimized using four different pH levels viz., 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, and 5.5. Optimum pH which yielded maximum recovery was pH 5.0. By heat coagulation 1.97% solids with respect to SWW was recovered whereas isoelectric precipitation yielded only 1.41% solids. In relation to surimi the yield was 1.22% and 0.88% respectively. Heat coagulation reduced crude protein, crude fat and ash of SWW by 53.49%, 68.75% and 38.57% respectively whereas isoelectric precipitation reduced these parameters by 33.72%, 43.75% and 38.57% respectively. Heat coagulation reduced BOD and COD of SWW by 59.51% and 69.35% respectively whereas isoelectric precipitation reduced their levels by 52.92% and 63.9% respectively. Analysis of proximate composition of fish feed showed that the control using clam meat and the two feeds using recovered solids showed similar composition. Thus the use of these recovered solids in fish feed as an animal protein source is a possibility. This study recommends to surimi industry, two methods that are comparatively cheap and easy to implement for recovering solids from SWW. Heat coagulation and isoelectric precipitation can effectively recover solids from SWW and improve its quality. However, heat coagulation is the more efficient method of the two. After solid recovery, the wash water effluents are rendered safer. The recovered solids can serve as a good substitute to clam meat in the fish feed preparation even though the quantum of proteins recovered are relatively small.ThesisItem Open Access Indebtedness of farmers in mullankolly panchayath of Wayanad district(Department of Rural Banking and Finance managementCollege of Co-operation,Banking &Management, Vellanikkara, 2010) Nataraja Subramanian, S; KAU; Padmini, E.V.KThe study entitled “Indebtedness of Farmers in Mullankolly Panchayat of Wayanad District” was conducted with the following objectives: (1).To assess the extent and magnitude of indebtedness of farmers in Mullankolly Panchayat of Wayanad district. (2).To identify the reasons for the indebtedness of the farmers. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study. Primary data was collected from 90 farmers of Mullankolly Panchayat through conducting a survey by administering a pre-structured schedule. Farmers were classified into small, medium and large. The list of farmers was collected from three banks (i.e. Canara Bank, Co-operative Bank and North Malabara Gramin Bank) of the Panchayat. The sample size included 90 respondents i.e., 30 borrowers from each bank at random, of which 20 were defaulters and five were non-defaulters or prompt payers. Twenty officials (including secretaries and BoDs) from each bank were also interviewed to collect information on the effectiveness of the loan recovery system of the banks. Secondary data on selected performance indicators of the banks which were collected from books and accounts and annual reports of the above three banks were also used for the study. Statistical tools like Average Annual Growth Rate (AAGR), simple averages, percentages, simple growth rate, chi-square test, efficiency index, priority index and bi-variate tables were used for the analysis. The analysis of the overdue amount of the selected banks revealed that during the reference period, Co-operative Bank of Mullankolly Panchayat (Co.BMP) had the highest amount of overdues. Profits of all banks eroded due to provisioning for accumulated overdues. Ca.BMP has shown the best performance in terms of lower overdues and higher profits when compared to the other banks. There has been an increase in the demand for agricultural loans as well as non-agricultural loans in all the banks, especially the scheme loans and non-farm loans respectively. Along with the increase in demand, the contribution of the overdues of non-agricultural loans to the overdues was also increasing tremendously in the case of Co.BMP and NMGBMP, whereas the contribution of the overdues of agricultural loans to the overdues was in creasing tremendously in the case of Ca.BMP. The overdues above four years were growing tremendously over the years for Co.BMP and NMGBMP whereas Ca.BMP has the highest amount of overdues in the age group of indebtedness of 1 to 2 years. The study found that in non defaulters’ case majority of the borrowers belong to monthly income group of more than Rs.10000 category (56.7%). In low, medium and high defaulters case, majority of the farmers belong to income group of below Rs.5000 i.e. 50 percent, 57.1 percent and 60 percent respectively. This may be due to the reason that majority of the farmer defaulters belong to farming community. Their major source of income is agriculture and agriculture has become a loss making proposition in the area year by year because of the price fluctuations in the market for their produce. The reasons for growing volume of indebtedness were multifarious in nature. The defaulters were of the view that inadequate income, fixation of unrealistic dues, lack of access to consumption loans, diversion of income, misutilisation of loans, ill health of borrowers and family members, faith in loan waiver policy and defective loan policies resulted in non-repayment of the loan amount. Since the loan repayment mechanism of these banks were not linked to the salary deduction scheme, it led to greater chances of willful default. Those borrowers who received adequate income had a tendency for conspicuous consumption which added to the magnitude of willful default. Misutilisation of loan amount was least in Ca.BMP, which indicates the presence of effective supervision and monitoring mechanism in the bank. From the inter-bank comparison on the effectiveness of the present loan recovery management system, it was found that Ca.BMP showed an outstanding performance in this regard, whereas NMGBMP revealed to be the least efficient bank. According to the officials and employees of three banks, the reasons for poor recovery included poor member relations, lack of modern management techniques and absence of Management Information System, lack of staff training programme, lack of infrastructural facilities, inadequate quality of work environment and ineffective legal machinery for recovering dues from the borrowers. As a remedial measure to minimise overdues, legal machinery has to be made effective and legal action should be imposed on defaulters promptly. The suggestion shows that the analysing credit worthiness of the borrowers is the important thing from bankers’ point of view. They were of the opinion that coercive action against willful defaulters would be an essential element for a better recovery system. Formation of special recovery cell has also been emphasised. Identification of the beneficiaries by the bank field level functionaries, incentives for prompt repayment, formation of special recovery cell using the existing staff and Board of Directors are the other suggestions suggested by the three bank officials. The banks must therefore perceive that prolonged existence of this disease is not beneficial to the organisation and a strong mechanism to check this menace has to be created.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of coconut oil on lipid profile and antioxident status in rats(Department of Veterinary Biochemistry,College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2010) Sreeji, K.P; KAU; Sisilamma, GeorgeThe study was conducted to evaluate the effect of various preparations of coconut oil (copra oil, seasoned coconut oil and virgin coconut oil) and fish oil on lipid profile and antioxidant status in rats. Adult male Wistar rats (180-220 g) were randomly divided into five groups and administered with oils as follows: G1 – normal control (NC), G2 – copra oil (CO), G3 – seasoned coconut oil (SCO), G4 - virgin coconut oil (VCO) and G5 – fish oil (FO). Oils were administered orally to rats at a dose of 16.4g/kg body weight per day using an orogastric tube for a period of 90 days. Blood samples were collected on day 0 (before oil administration), 45 and 90 and serum was separated. Body weight was also recorded on the above days. Animals were euthanized on day 90; liver and heart were separated and weighed. Serum were analyzed for biochemical parameters viz., TAG, TL, TC, HDL, LDL and VLDL and tissues for TC, TAG, LP and GSH. Liver glycogen was also estimated. Representative samples of liver and heart tissues were subjected to histopathological examination. Administration of CO and SCO for 3 months did not show any significant variation in body weight. VCO administration significantly (P< 0.05) decreased whereas, FO administration significantly (P< 0.05) increased the body weight, when compared to NC. Serum TAG and VLDL were significantly (P< 0.05) increased while, LDL was decreased by CO administration. Serum TL, TC and HDL were similar to that of NC. SCO administered rats showed significantly (P< 0.05) higher levels of TL, TC, TAG, HDL, LDL and VLDL. VCO administration significantly (P< 0.05) increased the level of HDL and decreased LDL. Moreover, VCO administered rats did not show any significant variation in the levels of TL, TAG, TC and VLDL. Administration of FO showed the levels of TC, HDL and VLDL similar to that of NC, but TAG increased significantly (P< 0.05) and TL and LDL showed a significant (P< 0.05) reduction. When HDL/LDL ratio was compared, CO, VCO and FO administered rats showed higher values when compared to NC. SCO administered rats, showed a value similar to that of day 0 but VCO administered group showed the highest value. Administration of CO and FO significantly (P< 0.05) increased the weight of liver and heart while VCO administration did not show any significant variation from that of NC. SCO significantly (P< 0.05) decreased weight of liver whereas, weight of heart was similar to that of NC. Level of liver glycogen decreased significantly (P< 0.05) in all oil administered groups except VCO, which showed a level similar to that of NC. Administration of CO significantly (P< 0.05) increased the level of TC in heart and TAG in both the tissues, while TC in liver was similar to that of NC. SCO administration significantly (P< 0.05) increased TC whereas, the TAG levels were similar to that of NC in both the tissues. VCO consumption significantly (P< 0.05) decreased the level of TC in both the tissues, while it increased TAG in heart without affecting liver TAG. FO administration did not show any significant variation in the level of TC and TAG in heart, but it significantly (P< 0.05) decreased the level of TC without affecting liver TAG. Administration of CO and FO significantly (P< 0.05) increased the levels of LP and GSH in both the tissues except for liver GSH in FO group, which was similar to that of NC. Feeding SCO maintained the level of LP in both the tissues, while GSH increased significantly (P< 0.05) in heart while its level in liver was unaffected. VCO intake significantly (P< 0.05) reduced the level of both LP and GSH in heart, but maintained the normal level in liver. Hepatocytes of rats administered with CO showed diffused necrosis with vacuolation and central venous congestion and lesions in heart were characterized by congestion and moderate hyalinization. SCO administered rats showed dilatation of sinusoids and diffuse congestion of liver but histological architecture in heart tissue was normal. VCO and FO administration exhibited normal histological architecture of both liver and heart except for a mild degeneration of hepatocytes in VCO consumed group. Based on the above observations it could be suggested that long term consumption of VCO and FO might not cause any adverse effects on serum and tissue lipid profile except for oxidative stress by FO. CO and SCO feeding revealed some adverse effects, but it is worth mentioning that the dose of oil administered (16.4 g/kg body weight, i.e. 30 kg/head/year) was very high, which stands in between per capita world average consumption (17.8 kg/head/year) and consumption of developed western world (44 to 48 kg/head/year), also which is more than double the per capita coconut oil consumption in Kerala (14 kg/head/year). Therefore, consumption of CO and SCO at a lower dose or the per capita consumption in Kerala as stated above might not elicit adverse effects as observed in the present study.ThesisItem Open Access Morphological and biochemical characterization of aromatic rice(Oryza Sativa L.) cultivars of Wayanad district of Kerala(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2010) Sumalatha, T V; KAU; Elsy, C RThe present study was undertaken in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics and in the Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, College of Horticulture, Ve!!anikkara and at RARS, Ambalavayal during 2008-2010 with an aim to characterize the aromatic rice cultivars of Wayanad district, based on morphological, nutritional and biochemical studies. Gandhakasala and Jeerakasala are two popular and traditional non-Basmati aromatic ricecultivars of Wayanaddistrict, Kerala. In Wayanad Gandhakasala is cultivated in an area of 327 ha, while Jeerakasala in 22 ha. Based on grain characters 10 samples of Gandhakasala and two samples of Jeerakasala were selected for characterization. Deepthi (WND.3) was used as check variety. Among morphological studies, qualitative characters like leaf bladepubescence, . panicle exsertion, spikelet awning, awn colour, lemma and palea pubescence and seed . . coat colour showed variation and hence these can be used as morphological markers to distinguish aromatic genotypes among themselves and with Deepthi. Straw coloured short and partial awns were the characteristic feature' of Jeer aka sa I a grains, while awns were absent i!1 Gandhakasala and Deepthi. Aromatic genotypes exhibited well exserted panicles and white seed coat colour whereas Deepthi showed moderately welIexserted . . panicles and red seed coat colour. Mean performance of aromatic genotypes indicated that ligule length, grain length, grain breadth, 1000 grain weight, days to 50 per cent heading, milling recovery and maturity days provided a good base for selection. Jeerakasala genotypes took more days to 50 per cent heading and to maturity than Gandhakasala genotypes and Deepthi . . In general Gandhakasala genotypes had lesser 1000 grain weight with a mean value of 13.78 gm compared to Jeerakasala (19;82 gm) and Deepthi (26.17 gm). High grain breadth and grain length would have added to high 1000 grain weight in Deepthi. In general aromatic genotypes have lesser milling recovery than Deepthi, indicating the need [or specially designed milling machines for maximum milling recovery. The genotype GT2 appeared to have higher total carbohydrate content of 81.87 per cent/while it Was Iow for JT12 (58. 40%). Jeerakasala genotypes exhibited low mean carbohydrate content of 61.06 per cent' compared to Gandhakasala( 69.56%) and Deepthi (71.73%). The three Gandhakasala genotypes GT3, GT9 and GT7 exhibited intermediate proteincontent, indicating their nutritional superiority. The amylose content of aromatic genotypes ranged between 17.87(GT4) and 23.07 (GT2) percent. Five aromatic genotypes GT1, GT2, GT8, GTlO and JT12 had intermediate amylose content. Since intermediate amylose rice is preferred in most of the rice growing regions of the world, these genotypes will have better preference in market. Most of aromatic genotypes under study were moderately aromatic, indicating their suitability for commercial cultivation. Biochemical characterization based on isozyme studies revealed the possibility of utilizing peroxidase polymorphism for identifying the aromatic rice genotypes especially Gandhakasala genotypes from other cultivars. Studies on esterase. polymorphism revealed the presence of EST-2 band only in Deepthi indicating its use as a biochemical marker to distinguish aromatic rice genotypes from Deepthi. Heritability and genetic gain studies indicated that selection of characters like length of sterile glumes, lOOO grain weight, grain length and peroxidase activity may be effective in crop improvement programme. Correlation and path studies revealed that grain yield could be improved by simultaneous selection for high seedling height, grain breadth, milling recovery and straw yield.ThesisItem Open Access Development of scar marker for authentication of gender in kodampuli (Garcinia gummi-gutta var.gummigutta)(Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2010) Shelke, Sunil Marotarao; KAU; Rajendran, P C (Guide)The diabetes and cardiovascular disease are the two serious obesity related life-style diseases, spreading at alarming rate throughout the world, especially in thickly populated third world countries in which India occupies the prime position. The fleshy fruit rind of Kodampuli (Garcinia gummi-gutta) is the richest natural source of anti-obesity metabolite hydroxyl citric acid (HCA). Which inhibit the conversion of carbohydrate to fats without affecting Kreb’s cycle through an enzyme ATP citrate lyase. Since Kodampuli is a polygamodioecious tree, it takes 8 to 12 years to identify the female trees. No significant reports are available for sex determination in Kodampuli on the basis of physiological, biochemical or molecular characters. Sex identification, lack of orthotropic shoots for grafting, prolonged seed dormancy, poor seed germination and lack of awareness of its pharmaceutical significance are hindering the extensive cultivation of this backyard companion crop in Kerala and other coastal regions of country. In the present study, an attempt was made to develop simple PCR based technique which can use for gender diagnostic in this plant. DNA samples were extracted from field grown 15 to 20 years old 25 male and 25 female trees and were bulked to 5 samples each by sex type. Earlier reported RAPD primers viz. Kit C1, Kit C8 and Kit C9 were screened but no significant polymorphism was observed. So a total of random 46 decamer primers were tested and six primers were selected for further analysis. On rescreening of the six selected primes viz. RN 5, RN 9, RN 10, RY 5, RY 18 and OPAH 12 only OPAH 12 reproduce male specific band in bulked and individual samples. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fragments were generated in the both bulks in order to identify markers that were polymorphic between male and female plants. A 550 base-pair (bp) male-specific DNA fragment generated with the OPAH-12 primer was identified. The polymorphic male specific band produced by OPAH 12 primer was eluted and cloned in pGEM-T vector, and transformed into E. coli JM 109 cells. Cloned cells were subjected to blue-white screening and transformed one was sent for sequencing The sequence obtained after vector screening was subjected to nucleotide blast search and ORF finder. It does not reveal any significant levels of homology and reading frame. Two pairs of SCAR primer were designed on the basis of sequence. These SCAR primers were checked for male and female samples but no polymorphic band was observed. The future line of work can be to screen the male and female genotypes with more number of primers to obtain larger base pair polymorphic band. That can used to convert this dominant marker to co-dominant one like SCAR marker. SCAR marker would be successfully employed in breeding experiments for Marker Assisted Selection.ThesisItem Open Access Insect pollinators of oil palm in Kerala(Department of Agriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2010) Sambath, Kumar; KAU; Ranjith, A MOil palm, Elaeis guineensis (Jacq.) (Arecaceae) is one of the most commonly available and extensively cultivated perennial trees in many parts of the world. Previously pollination was considered as a serious constraint, so manual pollination was often carried out, to sustain the yield. Wind and honey bees play an important role in pollination of many crops. But they alone can not give adequate level of pollination in all circumstances. In nature, pollination by specific insect species is vital for many crops. In this context, the present investigation on the “Insect pollinators of oil palm in Kerala” was carried out in the Plantation Corporation of Kerala, Athirappilly and Laboratory trails were conducted in the Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2009 to 2010. Fifteen different insect species were observed to visit on the inflorescence. Insect species such as, African oil palm weevil, Elaeidobius kamerunicus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae); an earwig, Forficula sp.? (Dermaptera); a moth, Pyroderces sp.? (Lepidoptera: Cosmopterigidae) and Indian honey bees, Apis cerana indica (Hymenoptera: Apidae) were main species from the collection on male and female inflorescences. Population of different insect visitors on anthesising female inflorescence was highly varied and E. kamerunicus was found to be more, among all insect species. Weevils were found to be visiting the female flowers between 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. and the peak weevil population was observed on the 1st and 2nd day of anthesis, around 12.00 noon. But, on male inflorescence weevil population was less during 10.00 to 2.00 p.m. Thereafter, it was gradually increased and attained the maximum at 4.00 p.m. Highly significant positive (r = 0.712**) correlation was observed between population of E. kamerunicus on 1st day of anthesis of female flowers and per cent pollination whereas, it was not significant (r = 0.199) on the 2nd day of anthesis which indicates that maximum amount of pollination occurred in the 1st day of anthesis. Weevils of E. kamerunicus were congregating on the male inflorescence during the entire period of anthesis and their statistical median weevil population was 48, 76, 80 and 35, 56 and 72 on top, middle and bottom portions of male inflorescence during rainy and summer seasons respectively. Adult weevils of E. kamerunicus feed on anthers of male inflorescence and multiply. Everyday, during occasional visits to female inflorescence, they would shed the pollen grains and get back to its original place of host which would cause adequate level of pollination of female flowers. The anise seed like odour (estragole 5, 4 allylanisole) attract the weevils towards both male and female inflorescences. The biology of E. kamerunicus was carried out in both rainy and summer seasons under wire cage. The female weevil laid eggs singly on the spent male inflorescence of oil palm. The fecundity ranged from 32 to 33 eggs (median = 32) in rainy and 34 to 35 eggs (median = 35) in summer seasons with an ovipositional period of 1 to 2 days during both seasons. The eggs hatched into grubs within 1 to 2 days. The grub period lasted for 8 to 10 days in rainy and 7 to 9 days in summer seasons respectively with three larval instars. The grubs pupated for 3 to 4 days in rainy and summer seasons and the adult weevils emerged out. The total life cycle from egg to adult was completed within 14 to 16 and 11 to 14 days in rainy and summer seasons respectively. The longevity of adult weevils varied with the sex and males lived longer than females. The life span of male weevils was 5 to 7 and 4 to 6 days during both rainy and summer seasons respectively. Female weevils lived for 4 to 6 days in rainy and 4 to 5 days in summer seasons. Among the duration of different life stages viz., egg, larva, pupa and adult of E. kamerunicus, the grub period was found to be longest (7 to 9 days) followed by adult longevity (male = 5 to 6 days; female = 5 days), pupa (3 to 4 days) and egg (1 to 2 days). The number of female weevils in the field was more, when compared to the male with the sex ratio (♂ : ♀) of 1 : 1.87 in rainy and 1 : 1.96 in summer seasons respectively. Morphometric study of different life stages of E. kamerunicus showed that the diameter of egg measured 0.258 mm. The freshly laid eggs were creamy white in colour. The first instar grub was pinkish yellow in colour with brown head capsule and other instars are yellow coloured. The average length of I, II and III instar grubs were 1.59, 2.73 and 3.84 mm. Similarly mean body width of corresponding instars was 0.52, 0.86 and 1.62 mm. The pupa also showed yellow colour with the length of 3.53 mm and width of 1.63 mm. The newly emerged adult weevil was light brown in colour and later on changed to dark brown. The male and female weevils could be differentiated based on their size and additional structures on their body. Males (length = 4.13 mm; width = 1.54 mm)) were bigger than female (length = 3.81 mm; width = 1.28 mm). Males also had setae on the peripheral side of elytra with some dorsal spines. Female has smaller body and absence of above mentioned structures over its body. Both male and female inflorescences were produced separately in successive whorls. Production of male inflorescence ranged from 0 to 2 from 10 different marked palm trees and at least one male inflorescence (mode = 1) could be seen in each tree from July ‘09 to Jan ‘10 except during Sep ‘09 (mode = 2). Female inflorescence production ranged from 0 to 1 during July ‘09 to Feb ‘10 except during Aug ‘09 (1 to 6) and Oct ‘09 (0 to 3). The mode value of female inflorescence production was 1 during July ‘09 and Aug ‘09 and it was zero from Sep ‘09 to Feb ‘10. Anthesis period of male inflorescence accounted for 10 to 14 days with more weevil population between 4th to 7th days which coincided with the maximum odour emission. Stigma receptivity lasted for 2 to 3 days but, insect visit was observed for only 2 days. So, assisted pollination can be done only up to 2 days of anthesis of female flowers. The bunch set was not found to be uniform in each month. The mode value of bunch set was varied in different months like 0, 1, 5, 5, 4, 6 and 2 from July ‘09 to Feb ‘10. Production pattern of male and female inflorescence with regard to different climatic factors was recorded from July ‘09 to Feb ‘10. An increasing trend of male inflorescence production was observed from July ‘09 to Sep ‘09 (mode = 2) with the maximum and minimum temperature of 29.91 and 24.28 oC, relative humidity of 94.37%, rain fall of 12.67 mm and sun shine hours of 0.52 hrs. Later on uniform production was recorded until Jan ‘10 and no inflorescence was seen during Feb ‘10. Similarly female inflorescence production was found to be uniform during July ‘09 and Aug ‘09 (mode = 1) which coincided with monthly maximum (28.4 and 29.94 oC), minimum temperature (23.45 and 24.08 oC), relative humidity (98.38 and 93.52%), rain fall (19.72 and 12.31 mm) and sun shine hours of 2.48 and 3.05 hrs. There after, it was very much reduced (mode = 0). Bunch set was low in July ‘09 which, gradually increased and reached the maximum during Jan ‘10 (mode = 6) with the weather parameters such as, maximum (32.24 oC), minimum temperature (21.7 oC), relative humidity (85.23 %), rain fall (0.18 mm) and sun shine hours (8.96 hrs). Correlation study of inflorescence production and various weather parameters showed that there was a significant positive correlation with relative humidity and rain fall and significant negative correlation with maximum temperature and sunshine hours. On the contrary, monthly bunch set showed a significant negative correlation with relative humidity. Wind could be offer only less contribution towards pollination and fruit set and, it was also not influenced by birds. Totally 336 to 800 flowers were counted from female inflorescences (mean = 596.4) and the range of fruit count was from 186 to 583 (mean = 393) with 27 to 132 partially developed fruits (mean = 73.8) per bunch. Per cent pollination was from 60.36 to 88.37 (mean = 77.13 %). It took around 145 to 161 days for the complete development of fruits (mean = 153.3) and the bunch weight was 5 to 29 kg (mean = 17.13) with a mean fruit weight of 32.52 g per bunch. Observations on period of stigma receptivity of female inflorescence and time of weevil visit to female flowers may be helpful to the farmers when they would need assisted pollination either manually or through artificial means by using E. kamerunicus. The present study showed that, they can restrict the pollination just for 2 days after anthesis which will ultimately save labour, money and time spent on this. Artificial culturing of weevils can be done with kairomones to maintain their population during summer season since, very poor inflorescence production was noticed during summer. It is also necessary to retain the male inflorescence at least for one month after anthesis. This will help for multiplication of weevils. During rainy months, the spent inflorescence must be removed within 40 to 45 days to avoid disease occurrenceThesisItem Open Access Quality evaluation of bamboo seed and its products(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2010) Shabna Kunhimon; KAU; Suman, K tThe study on “Quality evaluation of bamboo seed and its products” was undertaken to evaluate the cooking, biochemical, nutritional and organoleptic qualities of bamboo seed. The study also aimed to assess the physical qualities, organoleptic qualities and keeping qualities of bamboo seed flour stored for three months. Cooking time of 70 min was taken for obtaining optimum cooked bamboo seed. The water uptake by bamboo seed while cooking was found to be 6.90 ml/g with a volume expansion ratio of 2.16. Grain elongation ratio in bamboo seed was recorded as 0.89. The amylose content in bamboo seed was found to be 34.4 percent. The gelatinisation temperature index in bamboo seed was high. A medium gel consistency of 48.20 mm was observed in bamboo seed. The moisture content in dried and milled bamboo seed was found to be 6.70 percent. Bamboo seed contains 13.78 percent protein. The fat content in bamboo seed was one percent. Starch content in bamboo seed was 62.56 percent. Reducing sugar and total sugar in bamboo seed was 0.41 and 0.99 percent respectively. Fibre content in bamboo seed was 0.92 percent. The calcium, iron and phosphorus contents of bamboo seed were 30.60 mg, 5.94 mg and 158.60 mg respectively per 100g of bamboo seed. In vitro starch digestibility of bamboo seed was found to be 50.16 percent. In vitro availability of calcium, iron and phosphorus of bamboo seed was also estimated and it was found to be 20.20, 10.72 and 20.72 percent respectively. The organoleptic qualities of bamboo seed were evaluated by preparing three products namely cooked rice, kanji and payasam. Cooked rice, kanji and payasam had mean score above 7.00 for all parameters. Among the three products, bamboo seed payasam was found to be the most acceptable product with higher mean score for all the parameters except for texture. For texture bamboo seed kanji had the maximum score. Roasted and unroasted flours prepared from bamboo seed were evaluated for various physical qualities. The bulk density of roasted flour decreased during storage whereas in unroasted flour it remained same (0.80 g/ml). Water absorption index, water solubility index and starch content decreased during three months of storage in both roasted and unroasted bamboo seed flour. Gluten was not found in both roasted and unroasted bamboo seed flour initially and at the end of storage. The evaluation of retrogradation property in bamboo seed flour revealed that the syneresis percentage increased with advancement in days of observation. However a decrease in percentage of syneresis was noted during storage in both roasted and unroasted bamboo seed flour. Products namely puttu, idiyappam and ada were prepared using roasted flour and appam, unniyappam and murukku were prepared using unroasted bamboo seed flour. Bamboo seed puttu was identified as the most acceptable product from roasted bamboo seed flour. Among the products prepared using unroasted bamboo seed flour bamboo seed unniyappam was the most acceptable one followed by bamboo seed murukku and bamboo seed appam. The roasted and unroasted bamboo seed flour was evaluated for bacteria, fungi and yeasts initially and at the end of third month of storage. Presence of bacteria was detected in both roasted and unroasted flour and the count increased in unroasted flour during storage. Fungal count was not detected in roasted bamboo seed flour in both evaluations. But, in unroasted flour fungal count was noticed (1×103 cfu g-1) at the end of three months of storage. Presence of yeast was not detected in both roasted and unroasted flour. Insect infestation was not noticed in both roasted and unroasted bamboo seed flour.