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ThesisItem Open Access Intra-varietal variability in komadan coconut(Cocos nucifera L.) palms(College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2016) SathishKumar, S; KAU; Beena, ThomasThe project entitled “Intra-varietal variability in Komadan coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), palms" was under taken with an objective toassess the intra-varietal variability in Komadan coconut palms for yield and other attributes. The data for the investigation were collected from two field experiments during the period 2014-16. In experiment I, 50 Komadan palms in the Instructional Farm, Vellayani, were utilized as the material for the study. The highest number of leaves and spadices per year were observed in palms C9, C19, C20, C21, C23, C31, C32, and C35. The maximum number of nuts per bunch,weight of copra per year, length of leaf and number of leaflets per leaf were recorded in palm C17. The maximum number of nus per palm per year, weight of nuts per year and weight of husked nuts per year were noticed in C32. The highest weight of husked nut and nut equatorial circumference were observed in palm C19. The maximum copra content per nut and endosperm thickness were found in palm C18. The maximum coefficient of variation was recorded for number of female flowers per inflorescence. The colour of midrib was found in four different ranges from moderate olive green to moderate brown and colour of tender coconut fell into five different group. High positive correlation was recorded for number of nuts per palm per year, with number of leaves per year, number of spadices per year, number of female flowers per inflorescence, number of female flowers per spikelet and number of spikelets per spadix. The principle component analysis revealed that the first four components with Eigen valuegreater than 0.79 contributed about 92.08 per cent of the total variability. The characterssuch as weight of nuts per year, number of nuts per palm per year, weight of husked nuts per year, number of nuts per bunch, weight of nut, copra content per nut and weight of copra per year were the most important ones contributing to the overall variability. In experiment II, seedling variability among the 100 Komadan seedlings raised in the coconut nursery of Instructional Farm, Vellayani were studied. The seedling S71 showed maximum values for collar girth at nine months age, number of leaves at nine months age and twelve months after sowing. The seedling S68 was found to have maximum height and collar girth at nine months age and number of leaves at nine and twelve months age. The seedling S100 was observed to have the highest collar girth at twelve months age, number of leaves at nine months and twelve months age. The maximum coefficient of variation was recorded for number of leaves at twelve months age. High significant correlation was noted among eight morphological characters. Number of days for germination was positively correlated with number of days for splitting of leaflets and height of seedlings was positively correlated with collar girth. Number of days for splitting was negatively correlated with collar girth and height of seedlings. In the present research programme, the yield related parameters in Komadan palms expressed high variability. This variation will provide opportunities tothe breeder for utilization, conservation and further genetic improvement by selection of palms with promising yield related characters.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of superior cultures for yield and yellow vein Mosaic resistance in okra(College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2016) Nikitha, J; KAU; Arya, KThe present study entitled “Evaluation of superior cultures for yield and yellow vein mosaic resistance in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)” was carried out in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2014-2016, with the objective to identify high yielding and yellow vein mosaic resistant cultures of okra from those evolved through inter-varietal hybridization programme. Fifteen superior cultures of okra obtained from the previous project in the Department viz., VLYA 1, VLYA 2, VLYA 3, VLYA 4, VLYA 5, VLYA 6, VLYA 7, VLYA 8, VLYA 9, VLYA 10, VLYA 11, VLYA 12, VLYA 13, VLYA 14 and VLYA 15 along with two check varieties Varsha Uphar and Kiran were evaluated in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications during summer season of 2015. The analysis of variance was calculated for the traits under study viz., days to 50 per cent flowering, number of fruits plant-1, fruit weight (g), fruit length (cm), fruit girth (g), yield plant-1 (g), plant height (cm) and duration (days) and these were found to be highly significant for all the genotypes evaluated. The maximum yield was recorded by the genotype VLYA 2 which was on par with genotypes VLYA 5, VLYA 10, VLYA 11, VLYA 13 and VLYA 15 and the minimum yield was observed by the check variety Kiran. The yield plant-1 exhibited moderate GCV (18.42%) and PCV (19.05%), high heritability (94.00%) coupled with high genetic advance (36.69%). The yield plant-1 was found to be significantly and positively correlated with number of fruits plant-1, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight and plant height both at genotypic and phenotypic levels. Days to 50 per cent flowering and yellow vein mosaic disease incidence was found to be negatively correlated with yield plant-1. Very high positive and significant inter-correlation was noticed between height of plant and number of fruits plant-1. The path analysis showed that number of fruits plant-1 and fruit weight showed the maximum positive direct effect towards yield. The number of fruits plant-1 had high indirect effect through fruit length. The scoring for yellow vein mosaic disease and the vulnerability index revealed that the genotypes VLYA 5, VLYA 11 and VLYA 13 were resistant to the disease during all stages of crop growth. Number of white flies was found to be highest in VLYA 10 and lowest in VLYA 2. The incidence of fruit and shoot borer was also scored and five genotypes viz., VLYA 2, VLYA 4, VLYA 11, VLYA 13 and VLYA 14 were found to be immune and VLYA 3, VLYA 5, VLYA 15 and Varsha Uphar were found to be resistant. The glass house experiment of vector transmission and graft transmission was conducted for the confirmation of disease resistance and the vulnerability index was calculated to check the severity of the disease. The genotypes VLYA 5, VLYA 11 and VLYA 13 received a score ‘0’ which indicated that these genotypes were highly resistant. Hence the genotypes which obtained a vulnerability index of ‘0’ during both field evaluation and glass house experiment were confirmed to be resistant to yellow vein mosaic disease. Hence the present study revealed that the cultures VLYA 5, VLYA 11 and VLYA 13 were having high yield and yellow vein mosaic disease resistance. So these genotypes can be used for further trials before releasing for field cultivation.ThesisItem Open Access Varietal evaluation and genetic improvement of Anthurium (Anthurium undreanum Linden) through hybridization(College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2016) Reshma, Gopi; KAU; Beena, ThomaThe present investigation, “Varietal evaluation and genetic improvement of anthurium (Anthurium andreanum Linden) through hybridization” was carried out at Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram, during 2014 -16, to assess the genetic variability of commercial genotypes of anthurium and improve them through intervarietal hybridization. Twenty five genotypes of anthurium were evaluated in completely randomized design with five replication to identify suitable parents with commercial qualities.There was wide variation among the qualitative as well as quantitative characters of anthurium. The number of flowers year-1 ranged from 1.2 (Lucia Pink, Mauritius Orange) to 4.8 (Cascade White and Lady Jane) and the spathe size ranged from 42.88 cm2 (Lady Jane) to 101 cm2 (Boroque). The number of suckers plant-1 exhibited high genotypic coefficient of variation and phenotypic coefficient of variation followed by anthocyanin content, pollen fertility, number of flowers year-1 and leaf area. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance found in almost all the characters except days from emergence to maturity of leaves, days from emergence to maturity of inflorescence, number of suckers plant-1 and duration of female phase. It indicates additive gene effect and improvement could be made for that character by simple selection based on the phenotypic performance. The number of flowers year-1 showed significant positive phenotypic association with characters like leaf area, spadix length and inclination of candle with the spathe. Based on the availability of pollen as well as the receptivity of stigma, sixty two crosses were attempted among the fifteen parental genotypes, out of which twenty six were successful. The percentage of candle bearing berries ranged from 0 to 100. The average number of fruits candle-1 was found to be high in the variety Liver Red and it was low in the genotypes, Vezuvious Red and Chekas. The percentage of fruit set was high in Liver Red x Dragon’s Tongue and it was low in Chikoos x Liver Red. The cross Hawaiian Orange x Dragon’s Tongue exhibited the maximum seed size among the single seeded berries and in double seeded berries, Hawaiian Orange x Chikoos found to had the highest seed size. The percentage of germination was high in Hawaiian Orange x Chikoos and low in Pistache x Chikoos. The present investigation revealed that there was wide variation in characters among twenty five genotypes of anthurium evaluated. Cross compatibility analysis revealed that the cross Hawaiian Orange x Chikoos have medium fruit set and highest seed germination among all the successful crosses.ThesisItem Open Access Standardisation of in vitro propogation techniques in thathiri (Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz.)(College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2005) Gayathri, G; KAU; Arya, KThe present study ‘Standardisation of in vitro propagation techniques in thathiri [Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz.]’ was undertaken in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2003-2005 through the conduct of two experiments viz. (i) direct regeneration and (ii) regeneration through callus mediated organogenesis. SH medium was found to be the best basal medium for in vitro culture of thathiri. Shoot tips were the best explants for direct organogenesis and nodal segments were used as explants for indirect organogenesis. Surface sterilization of the explants was done by soaking them in 70 per cent alcohol for two minutes followed by soaking them in 0.1 per cent HgCl2 for five minutes. One subculturing three days after inoculation checked the polyphenol interference. Multiple shoot induction was obtained when shoot tips were cultured in medium supplemented with BAP 0.5 mg/l and NAA 0.5 mg/l. The shoot elongation was best in media with BAP 0.2mg/l. Callus formation in the nodal explants of thathiri was best in media with NAA 0.5 mg/l while callus regeneration was superior in media containing BAP 0.5 mg/l and NAA 0.5 mg/l. The best response in rooting was observed in media with IBA 0.2 mg/l. Rooted plants were hardened in earthen pots containing sterile sand and covered with polythene cover. After four weeks they were transferred to larger pots in the main field.ThesisItem Open Access Characterisation of drought tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes(College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2015) Jeevan, S; KAU; Rose, Mary FranciesMoisture stress during the crop ontogeny has been one of the main constraints for sustainable rice productivity, especially in uplands. Crop losses vary depending upon the intensity and duration of drought and growth stages. The solution to overcome this lies in either making water available for crop growth or breeding drought resistant cultivars. Increased irrigation inputs are not a viable option because the water resources are unavailable or limited. Improvements in crop drought tolerance are, therefore, sought through plant breeding. Consequently, a need to elucidate the response of genotypes, in cultivation in the uplands of Kerala, with the timing of drought was felt. A study was thus envisaged to characterize rice genotypes suitable for upland cultivation and elucidate their response to moisture stress. Twenty one rice genotypes consisting of nine high yielding varieties and twelve traditional rice varieties were evaluated in an upland field trial (Experiment I: Morphological characterization of rice genotypes for yield and yield attributes) as well under controlled moisture regimes (Experiment II: Characterization of rice genotypes for drought tolerance). Experiment II comprised of two sub experiments i) Rapid evaluation test for drought tolerance [Experiment II (A)] and ii) Characterisation of rice genotypes for drought tolerance under controlled moisture regimes [Experiment II (B)]. All experiments were conducted at College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara during 2014-2015. Results of the upland field experiment revealed existence of wide variability among the twenty one genotypes for yield and yield attributes indicating ample scope for improvement of the traits through selection. Early maturity, higher chlorophyll stability index (CSI), productive tillers, spikelet fertility and plant height being advantageous in uplands, genotype Parambankayama followed by Karanavara was found to be the most promising. Other promising genotypes for upland cultivation included PTB 28, Nerica, PTB 60, Karuthamodan, Kalladiaryan, Parambuvattan, Karuthadukkan, Arimodan and Thottacheera. Most of these genotypes recorded high chlorophyll stability index. On rapid evaluation for drought tolerance [Experiment II (A)] conducted as per the method advocated by Bouslama and Schapauugh (1984), moisture stress (- 6 bars) was found to affect the germination and early seedling growth parameters. Considering that higher speed of germination, shoot and root length, seedling vigour index and biomass under moisture stress are indicative of the capacity of genotypes to combat moisture stress, genotype Parambuvattan followed by Arimodan was found to be the most promising. Karuthamodan, Karanavara, Parambankayama, Kalladiaryan, Thottacheera, PTB 60, Nerica and Karuthadukkan were the other promising genotypes. Speed of germination and seedling vigour index were found to be high in these genotypes Based on the outcome of upland field experiment and the laboratory screening study, ten promising drought tolerant genotypes were selected to delineate their response towards moisture stress [Experiment II (B)] imposed at seedling stage (15 day after sowing), vegetative stage (35 day after sowing) and reproductive stage (50 day after sowing). In all the population subjected to moisture stress, reduction in relative water content, chlorophyll content, number of productive tillers per plant, panicle length and weight, spikelets and grain per panicle, flag leaf area, 1000 grain weight, plant height, dry weight of shoot and root, root volume, grain and straw yield per plant and harvest index, was observed. A delay in flowering was observed on exposure to moisture stress. The magnitude of change in different traits varied with timing of moisture stress. PTB 60 and Karanavara recorded the highest grain yield per plant, irrespective of growth stage at which moisture stress was imposed. These genotypes maintained a high number of productive tillers, grains per panicle, 1000 grain weight, dry weight of shoot and root, root length and root volume, straw yield and harvest index under stress. Invariably, on exposure to moisture stress at different growth stages, Parambankayama, Nerica and Karathadukkan were found next best to PTB 60 and Karanavara .ThesisItem Open Access Stability analysis and molecular characterization of F1 hybrids in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)(College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2015) Sreenivas, Gogineni; KAU; Arya, KThe research work on “Stability analysis and molecular characterization of F1 hybrids in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)” was carried out with ten hybrids and two check varieties over four locations viz., College of Agriculture, Vellayani, FSRS, Kottarakkara, Farmer’s fields at Kayamkulam and Thiruvalla during kharif and summer to study the performance of superior hybrids over different locations and seasons from heterotic crosses and to confirm the hybridity using SSR markers. In the pooled analysis of variance for evaluation of F1 hybrids over locations and seasons, significant differences among the genotypes and environments were noticed for all the characters studied, suggesting genotypes interacted significantly with environments. Stability analysis revealed the hybrids viz., Thirumala local x Mallapalli local and Thirumala local x Kattakada local as stable over all locations for fruit yield per plant, fruit girth, fruit length, number of fruits per plant, YVM incidence, fruit and shoot borer infestation during kharif season. The hybrid Thirumala local x Mallapalli was superior to check varieties. Holavanalli local x Mallapalli local was identified as stable hybrid for favourable environments with regard to fruit yield per plant, fruit girth, fruit weight and crop duration. The hybrid Thirumala local x Punjab Phalgani was found to be suitable for poor environments. The hybrids Thirumala local x Mallapalli local and IC1012-1 x Mallapalli local were found stable for days to first flowering. The stability analysis during summer season also revealed the hybrids Thirumala local x Kattakada local and Thirumala local x Mallapalli local along with Thirumala local x Punjab Phalgani as stable in all locations for fruit yield per plant, YVM incidence, fruit and shoot borer infestation. The hybrids Kunnapuzha local x Kattakada local and Halu Bhendi x Kattakada local were suitable for poor environments. Three superior hybrids and their parental lines were characterized using SSR markers. Among the eight primers analysed, AVRDC-Okra64 was effective for varietal identification and hybrid testing of Thirumala local x Punjab Phalgani with specific banding profile. Multiplexing with two SSR primers (AVRDC-Okra64 and MITC 27) showed a clear differentiation of the parents and hybrids of Thirumala local x Mallapalli local and Thirumala local x Kattakada local. The present investigation revealed that the hybrids Thirumala local x Mallapalli local, Thirumala local x Kattakada and Thirumala local x Punjab Phalgani local are stable over different locations and seasons. AVRDC-Okra64 and MITC 27 can be used as referral markers for identification of parents and hybrids.ThesisItem Open Access Generation mean analysis in brinjal (solanum melongena L.) for yield and yield attributes(College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2015) Soumya, B Nair; KAU; Wilson, DThe project entitled “Generation mean analysis in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) for yield and yield attributes” was carried out at College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2013-15 to study the gene action and inheritance pattern of yield and yield attributes using generation mean analysis. In generation mean analysis six generations viz., P1, P2, F1, F2, B1 and B2 of three crosses (Wardha local x Surya, Wardha local x NBR-38 and Swetha x Haritha) were evaluated in a field experiment for thirteen yield components. Results showed that in cross 1 additive gene effects (additive, additive x additive) were important for fruit girth, fruit volume, number of fruits per cluster, yield per plant and non additive gene actions (dominance, additive x dominance and dominance x dominance) were recorded for fruit length, days to first flower, days to first harvest, calyx length, fruit volume, number of fruits per plant, number of primary branches and plant height. In cross 2 additive gene effects were predominant for fruit weight, yield per plant and fruit and shoot borer incidence while only non additive gene actions were important for all other traits. In cross 3 additive gene action was reported for fruit and shoot borer incidence and days to first harvest and all other characters were under the control of non additive gene action. Duplicate type of epistasis was observed for most of the crosses. The study of F2 population was undertaken in compact family block design with eight families and five progenies within family to assess the variability between families and among progenies within each family. Eight F1 hybrids selected were selfed to raise eight F2 families. Based on the mean values of eight families and their progenies, variability among the families and progenies within families were studied. The analysis of variance conducted for eight F2 families showed significant differences among the progenies for different characters. Family 2 (Wardha local x Surya) took the minimum number of days to first flowering and first harvest. Maximum fruit length and number of fruits per cluster were recorded in Family 7 (Wardha local x Selection Pooja). Maximum number of fruits per plant was recorded in Family 4 (Wardha local x Swetha) and maximum plant height, fruit volume, fruit weight and yield per plant were recorded in Family 6 (Surya x Haritha). The magnitude of variation shown among the progenies of eight families revealed the heterogenous nature of F2 families. All families except family 6 showed significant variation among progenies for days to first flowering and fruit length. Variations among progenies for girth of fruit was expressed by all families except family 8. None of the families exhibited significant variation among the progenies for number of fruits per cluster. All the families possess significant variations among progenies for number of primary branches, days to first harvest, plant height, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight and yield. Families 2 and 8 revealed significant variation among the progenies for volume of fruit. All families except family 4 and 6 showed significant difference among progenies for calyx length. Family 4 and 5 showed significant difference among progenies for percentage of plants infested with shoot and fruit borer. Based on the results wide variability among the families and progenies within families revealed the heterogenous nature of F2 families. The study revealed that among the families studied family 6 recorded maximum fruit weight and yield per plant. Superior F2 progeny can be used in further improvement programmes. The predominance of additive gene effects as well as non-additive gene effects were recorded for fruit weight, fruits per plant and yield per plant. The study suggested that characters governed by predominance of additive component could be improved through selection.ThesisItem Open Access Genetic analysis of phenological variations for yield and quality in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)(College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2015) Anju, Vijayan; KAU; Mareen, AbrahamThe present investigation entitled “Genetic analysis of phenological variations for yield and quality in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)” was taken up during the period from May, 2014 to January, 2015. The objective of the study was to understand the phenological variation in yield and quality attributes in turmeric. The intention of the study was to verify if earlier harvest yields better quality which is the widely held view among the farmers. Twelve genotypes of turmeric were evaluated under split plot design. Genotypes studied were Prabha, Prathibha, Kedaram, Alleppey Supreme, Suvarna, Sudarsana, Kanthi, Varna, Sona, Shobha, Suguna and Wayanad local. Data recorded at 160, 200 and 240 days after planting (DAP) suggest that the plant height, number of tillers, number of leaves, leaf length and leaf breadth differs significantly during the three dates of harvest. Plant height was the maximum at 240 DAP (97.08 cm). The maximum number of tillers was observed at 240 DAP (2.74), it was on par with 200 DAP (2.73). Leaf length recorded the maximum at 240 DAP (49.95 cm) and leaf breadth recorded maximum at 200 DAP (12.62 cm). Fresh rhizome yield per plant, dry rhizome yield per plant, fresh rhizome yield per plot, dry rhizome yield per plot and the quality parameters like oleoresin, starch, volatile oil and curcumin content differ significantly during the three dates of harvest and they were found to be the maximum at 240 DAP. There was no serious pest or disease incidence during the crop period. High values of phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation were observed for fresh yield per plant (31.02 and 30.93), volatile oil (25.23 and 24.89), curcumin (23.55 and 23.26), oleoresin (20.66 and 20.53), number of leaves (20.40 and 20.10) and number of tillers (20.40 and 19.09). Heritability was high for all characters studied except leaf breadth. GA was the highest for fresh yield per plant (63.53%). The positive phenotypic and genotypic correlation with fresh rhizome yield per plant was observed for plant height (0.766 and 0.773), oleoresin (0.708 and 0.716), starch (0.554 and 0.559), number of tillers (0.475 and 0.494), leaf breadth (0.340 and 0.487) and number of leaves (0.406 and 0.404). Path analysis revealed that plant height exhibited the highest positive direct effect on fresh yield per plant (0.7180) followed by number of tillers (0.3034). The highest selection index value was obtained by Sudarsana followed by Kedaram. In addition to this, the meteorological parameters like rainfall, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, relative humidity and evaporation were also recorded during the crop period. Out of the three dates of harvest, third harvest (240 DAP) was found superior in terms of yield and quality. Sudarsana was the best genotype regarding fresh rhizome yield whereas Kedaram was best regarding dry rhizome yield. Maximum curcumin content was recorded by Kanthi and Varna. The characters plant height, number of tillers, fresh rhizome yield, number of leaves, oleoresin, volatile oil and curcumin can be used in selection of genotypes for developing superior varietiesThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes to the shaded uplands of Southern region(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2013) Abhijatha, A; KAU; Arya, KThe present investigation on ‘Evaluation of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) genotypes to the shaded uplands of Southern region’, with an objective to identify sesame genotypes suitable for shaded uplands, was conducted at the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2011-2013. The germplasm was evaluated for morphological traits and yield attributes, genetic variability, degree and direction of association, direct and indirect effects of various components on yield and genetic divergence analysis. The sesame germplasm consisting of thirty three accessions collected from different parts of Kerala, Karnataka and Maharashtra were assessed for the extent of variability, heritability and genetic advance, the relationship among the yield and associated traits, the direct and indirect effects of characters towards yield and divergence of different genotypes.Analysis of variance showed significant differences among the genotypes for almost all the characters studied. High and moderate phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation (PCV and GCV) were noticed for most of the yield contributing characters. Highest and lowest PCV and GCV were recorded for number of capsules per unit length and 1000-seed weight respectively. High estimates of heritability coupled with high to moderate genetic advance as per cent over mean was recorded for all the yield associated traits except for days to maturity, oil content and 1000-seed weight, which exhibited high heritability with low genetic advance indicating non-additive gene action. Yield had positive and significant association with the yield contributing characters such as plant height, number of primary branches, number of capsules per plant, length of capsule and number of seeds per capsule, signifying that selection based on these characters may improve yield. The highest genotypic and phenotypic correlation with yield was observed for number of capsules per plant. Path analysis revealed that number of capsules per plant had the highest positive direct effect on seed yield per plant followed by number of seeds per capsule. Number of primary branches per plant and days to maturity had the maximum positive indirect effect on seed yield per plant through number of capsules per plant. The thirty three genotypes were grouped into six clusters among which cluster IV, V and VI had only one genotype each. Maximum number of genotypes were grouped in cluster I with thirteen genotypes. The intercluster distance was maximum between clusters IV and VI whereas it was minimum between clusters V and VI. The selection indices were worked out for thirty three genotypes based on yield and yield attributing characters. Based on the ranks obtained, the genotypes SI 7 (RT - 351 from ORARS, Kayamkulam) and SI 12 (DS - 5 from Dharwad) were the superior genotypes identified which are suitable for the shaded uplands. These genotypes possessed maximum number of capsules per plant, length of capsule and number of seeds per capsule and seed yield.