Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

The history of agricultural education in Kerala can be traced back to the year 1896 when a scheme was evolved in the erstwhile Travancore State to train a few young men in scientific agriculture at the Demonstration Farm, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, presently, the Cropping Systems Research Centre under Kerala Agricultural University. Agriculture was introduced as an optional subject in the middle school classes in the State in 1922 when an Agricultural Middle School was started at Aluva, Ernakulam District. The popularity and usefulness of this school led to the starting of similar institutions at Kottarakkara and Konni in 1928 and 1931 respectively. Agriculture was later introduced as an optional subject for Intermediate Course in 1953. In 1955, the erstwhile Government of Travancore-Cochin started the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Mannuthy, Thrissur for imparting higher education in agricultural and veterinary sciences, respectively. These institutions were brought under the direct administrative control of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Husbandry, respectively. With the formation of Kerala State in 1956, these two colleges were affiliated to the University of Kerala. The post-graduate programmes leading to M.Sc. (Ag), M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees were started in 1961, 1962 and 1965 respectively. On the recommendation of the Second National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, the then Chairman of the University Grants Commission, one Agricultural University in each State was established. The State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) were established in India as an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System to give the much needed impetus to Agriculture Education and Research in the Country. As a result the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was established on 24th February 1971 by virtue of the Act 33 of 1971 and started functioning on 1st February 1972. The Kerala Agricultural University is the 15th in the series of the SAUs. In accordance with the provisions of KAU Act of 1971, the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were brought under the Kerala Agricultural University. In addition, twenty one agricultural and animal husbandry research stations were also transferred to the KAU for taking up research and extension programmes on various crops, animals, birds, etc. During 2011, Kerala Agricultural University was trifurcated into Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU). Now the University has seven colleges (four Agriculture, one Agricultural Engineering, one Forestry, one Co-operation Banking & Management), six RARSs, seven KVKs, 15 Research Stations and 16 Research and Extension Units under the faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Forestry. In addition, one Academy on Climate Change Adaptation and one Institute of Agricultural Technology offering M.Sc. (Integrated) Climate Change Adaptation and Diploma in Agricultural Sciences respectively are also functioning in Kerala Agricultural University.

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Open Access
Development of technology for preparation of soft cheese (Paneer) from jackfruit seed milk
(Department of community science, vellayani, 2023-09-29) Fathima,Sanam; KAU; Krishnaja, U
The study entitled “Development of Technology for Preparation of Soft Cheese (Paneer) from Jackfruit Seed Milk” was conducted at the department of Community Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during the period 2020-2023. The objective of the study was to develop a dairy analogue using jackfruit seed milk and to evaluate its quality and sensory attributes. Seeds from jackfruit cultivars Varikka and Koozha with two maturity indices (m1) fully ripe, (m2) fully matured, were selected for the study. The jackfruit seeds were manually peeled off using a stainless-steel knife. Seeds were soaked in different soaking media such as (s1) water, (s2) 2% sodium bicarbonate, (s3) 3% sodium hydroxide, (s4) 2% salt water Treatments: 2x2x4 =16, Replication: 3. The seeds from both varieties were cleaned and white arils was peeled off for further processing. The two varieties of seeds with different maturity indices were undergone two heat treatments (h1) steaming, (h2) pressure cooking. Treatments: 2x3= 8, Replication: 3 The extraction of jackfruit seed milk was done by washing and weighing the Pre-processed jackfruit seeds and blend with water (ratio 1:1.5 w/v). The blended mixture was then filtered through cheese cloth into a glass jar, the extracted jackfruit seed milk was stored in refrigerator at 4°C. The screening of the jackfruit seed milk obtained from the 24 treatments were tested for yield ratio, sensory attributes and curd setting properties. The soaking time was standardised to 24 hours. The heat treatments (steaming and pressure cooking) were standardised at 100°C for 20 minutes. Functional characters like yield ratio, sensory attributes, curd setting of the samples were examined. After statistical analysis of sensory evaluation, yield ratio and curd setting properties of the 24 samples varikka fully ripe soaked in water (v1m1s1) with no heat treatments was chosen as the best milk for the preparation of paneer. For the preparation of paneer four combinations of milk was extracted (f1) jackfruit seed milk (100%), (f2) jackfruit seed milk (50%) + groundnut milk (50%), (f3) jackfruit seed milk (50%) + soymilk (50%) and (f4) jackfruit seed milk (50%) + soymilk (25%) + groundnut milk (25%) and selection of coagulum for paneer preparation was done. (c1) vinegar, (c2) lemon juice and (c3) 10% citric acid, these combinations were tested for yield ratio sensory evaluation and coagulation. (c1) vinegar had the highest coagulation among the 3 coagulants. jackfruit seed milk (50%) + soy milk (50%) was selected as the best combination for the preparation of paneer. The preparation of paneer was done by soaking and blending the selected combination and straining it through cheese cloth, extracted milk was coagulated using vinegar and the coagulated mass was collected by keeping weight, the collected paneer was cut into 7-6-inch pieces and immersed in cold water, the paneer was then wrapped in butter paper and stored in polyethylene pouches and refrigerated at ambient temperature. The quality analysis of the paneer show (9.1g/100g) protein, crude fiber (2.38 %), carbohydrate (1.8 mg/100g), calcium (132.40 g/100mg), fat (3.4 g/100g) moisture content (8.75%) and total solid content (12.17±1.3%) the total bacterial count, total fungal count, total coliform count was accessed using microbiological methods. The presence of bacterial colonies, fungal growth and coliforms was not observed in the initial stage (TLTC) but after one-week bacterial count (43x106), fungal count (42x107) and coliform count (36x102) was detected. The preparation of the jackfruit seed milk + soy milk paneer is convenient to prepare, nutritious and will becomes more in demand as a diary alternative once introduced to the market therefore jackfruit seed milk paneer is a great choice as a dairy analogue without preservatives and harmful chemicals to target broader consumer base.
Open Access
Process optimization of fruit blended boba tea pearls from cassava (Manihot esculenta)
(Department of community science, college of agriculture ,Vellayani, 2023-09-11) Gayathri, D.; KAU; Anitha Chandran
The study entitled “Process Optimization of fruit blended Boba Tea Pearls from cassava(Manihot esculenta)”was conducted at the department of Community Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period 202O-2022.The objective of the study was to develop fruit blended Boba tea pearls from cassava and to evaluate its quality attributes”. Matured M4 cassava was selected and collected from CTCRI, Sreekaryam. Five fruits like dragon fruit, passion fruit, pineapple, jackfruit and mango were selected to make fruit blended boba tea pearls. Cassava was properly cleaned, washed , cut into small cubes and grinded using water for extracting the starch content using a muslin cloth. The slurry was kept for 6-7 hours and the supernatant was discarded . The sediment was then oven dried at 60 C for 2-3 days until it reached moisture content between 5-7 per cent. Fruit pulp was taken after removal of seeds. Fruit blended tapioca pearls was developed by gelatinizing cassava starch powder blended with fruit pulp in the proportions 40:60, 35;65, 70:30, 75:25 and 80: 20 with 10 gram of sugar and was oven dried until the moisture content of the pearls between 5-7 per cent. The dried pearls was then packed in HDPE covers for further sensory studies. For the selection of one best proportion from each fruit,100 grams of the developed fruit blended pearls was subjected to cook in 10 gram of sugar syrup in 100 0C till the pearls become transparent, chewy and jelly like form. Five proportions along with the control of fruit blended tapioca pearls were subjected to sensory evaluation and the best one from each fruit blended tapioca pearls was selected. From the sensory evaluation it was found that T1M(40 ; 60) was the best proportion for mango blended tapioca pearls, T5P (20;80) for passion fruit tapioca pearls, T4P(30: 70 ) for Pineapple blended tapioca pearls, T3J(30: 70) for jackfruit tapioca pearls and T3D(35:65)for dragon fruit tapioca pearls. Nutritional analysis showed that Pineapple blended tapioca pearls T3PI(2.62g/100g) contain highest carbohydrate content and the lowest carbohydrate content was observed for plain tapioca pearls(control).Phenol concentration was highest for control compared to fruit blended tapoca pearls. TAA content was observed highest for passion fruit (9.15g/100g) compared to other treatments and was low in mango blended tapioca pearls. Jackfruit blended tapioca pearls have highest oxalate content compared to other fruit blended pearls and it low in mango and pineapple pearls. On mineral composition it was showed that Jackfruit blended tapioca pearls (T4J) has more potasuim content and lowest for passion fruit tapioca pearls. Phosphorus content was highest in passion fruit blended tapioca pearls P6 (0.013g/100gm)and lowest for control. Calcuim content was highest in mango (3.1g/100gm)and was lowest in Pineapple and passion fruit. For magnesium it was observed that pineapple blended tapioca pearls have highest calcium content(1.8g/100gm). While analysing the PH of fruit blende tapioca pearls it was found that highest pH value is for passion fruit blended tapioca pearls(4.8g/100gm) and pineapple blended tapioca pearls(4.2g/100gm) and the lowest pH was observed for control or plain blended tapioca pearls. Physical properties like swelling power of tapioca starch powder and yield was analysed. Swelling power of tapioca starch powder was found to be 13.08. Total bacterial count, Total fungal count and total coliform count was assessed using microbiological methods under 1 month interval. The presence of bacteria , fungus and E-coli was not detected until 3 months of storage studies. It shows the quality and the shelf stability of the product. To increase the physiological and nutritional characteristics of Boba pearls ,there is a need for new interventions which increases its properties Addition of fruits will increase its nutritive value along with sensory appeal without adding any artificial colours or flavours. Compared to fruits , cassava is low in dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals etc. So addition of fruit based boba pearls not only give an additional texture and flavour ,but also provide nutritive values compared to plain tapioca pearls. The development of process protocols for cassava boba pearls and its technology transfer will benefit cassava growers as well as micro-enterprises to strengthen enterprenurship under One District One product scheme.
Open Access
Structure, conduct and performance of rice market in Kerala
(Department of Rural Marketing Management, College of Co-operation, Banking and Management, Vellanikkara, 2022-05-09) Divya Vijayan; KAU; Ushadevi K N
Rice is the major food crop cultivated in the State occupying 7.37 per cent of the total cultivated area. The study mainly aimed to analyse the structure and conduct of rice market in Kerala and to assess its performance as well as to identify the constraints faced by the rice farmers and traders in the rice market. Both primary and secondary data were used for the collection of data. Primary data were collected from rice farmers as well as traders. Data from farmers and traders were collected by adopting personal interview method using pre tested structured interview schedule. Secondary data on area, production, productivity and procurement price of rice in Kerala were collected from published reports and official websites of Government of Kerala
Open Access
Spatio-temporal variations and DNA fingerprinting in elite genotypes of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.)
(Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops,Vellanikkara, 2023-05-19) Priyanka S Chandran; KAU; Mini Raj, N
The present study entitled “Spatio-temporal variations and DNA fingerprinting in elite genotypes of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.)” was carried out at the Department of Plantation Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic crops, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur with three objectives: (a) to assess the spatial and temporal variations on performance of a set of elite nutmeg genotypes in terms of growth, flowering, yield as well as quality and their response to weather parameters, with a view to identify genotype-environment interactions (b) DNA fingerprinting of the select elite nutmeg genotypes, (c) to assess the performance of nutmeg trees budded on wild (Myristica beddomei King) as well as self-rootstock (Myristica fragrans Houtt.).
Open Access
Evaluation of sesame genotypes for tolerance to waterlogging and development of mitigation strategies
(Department of Plant Physiology, College of Agriculture,Vellanikkara, 2023-12-18) Sreepriya S; KAU; Girija,T
The present study was initiated to identify constraints of sesame farmers in Kerala, to screen sesame genotypes for tolerance to waterlogging, identification of suitable ameliorative treatment for waterproofing sesame, molecular characterization of sesame genotypes with genes and markers reported for waterlogging tolerance and screening for drought tolerance. Sesame growing farmers were surveyed in three districts of Kerala viz., Alappuzha, Kollam and Thrissur during 2018. Data was analyzed using Garrett ranking technique. Identified constraints were high labour cost, excessive rain fall, drought, weed infestation, unavailability of labour, pest and disease, marketing problem, problems for transportation, drying and threshing, and storage problems in decreasing order of their Garrett rank.
Open Access
Identification of genetic stock for drought tolerance and candidate gene analysis in cocoa(Theobroma cacao L.)
(Department of plantation,spices,medicinal and aromatic crops, college of agriculture ,Vellanikkara, 2023-09-21) Suchithra, M.; KAU; Suma, B
Water deficit stress is considered as one of the most limiting factor for production in cocoa. Preliminary efforts have been made in Kerala Agricultural University to identify drought tolerant cocoa genotypes. The present study was an attempt made to identify the cocoa genotypes and hybrids that can tolerate drought condition. The study was conducted at Department of Plantation crops and spices, College of Agriculture (CoA) and Cocoa Research Centre and College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur. Thirty exotic genotypes and six pre-released hybrids were taken as materials for the study. They were budded on 6 month old rootstock of seedling raised from polyclonal gardens. GIV 18.5 (progeny of pods from Nileshwar) identified susceptible genotype was used as check in the experiment. Five month old budded plants of thirty exotic cocoa genotypes and six hybrids along with check variety were subjected to drought screening by following gravimetric method. Control plants were maintained at fully irrigated condition under 100 per cent field capacity. Field capacity was maintained at 40 per cent for stress condition. Based on the percentage of retained leaves genotypes and hybrids were categorised as highly tolerant (more than 70% leaves retained), tolerant (40-70% leaves retained), susceptible (10-40% leaves retained) and highly susceptible (less than 10% leaves retained). Various physiological and biochemical parameters related to drought were analyzed. The physiological parameters, relative water content, chlorophyll stability index, membrane stability, photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll content were recorded high in tolerant and highly tolerant genotypes and hybrids whereas these parameters were comparatively low in susceptible and check variety. The control plants at 100 per cent field capacity recorded high value for all these parameters. However in terms of transpiration rate a reverse trend was observed among genotypes and hybrids. Low transpiration rate was recorded in highly tolerant and tolerant hybrids whereas ii susceptible genotypes and hybrids had high transpiration rate under stress condition. The control plants under fully irrigated condition of 100 per cent field capacity also had high transpirational rate. This indicated the ability of tolerant genotypes and hybrids to conserve water during stress. The leaf temperature did not shown any significant variation among the genotypes and hybrids studied under both the field capacity level. In case of biochemical parameters, proline content, glycine betaine content and superoxide dismutase activity were found to be high in tolerant and highly tolerant genotypes and hybrids and was low in susceptible and check variety. The control plants kept under 100 per cent filed capacity level shown less values for all these parameters. However, all the plants showed reduced nitrate reductase activity under drought stress. The control plants recorded high nitrate reductase activity at 100 per cent field capacity level. Correlation studies showed that all physiological and biochemical parameters except transpiration rate and leaf temperature have positive correlation with percentage of leaves retained. Effect of these parameters on percentage of leaves retained was estimated using path analysis. Parameters having direct effect on leaf retention were proline, nitrate reductase activity, SOD, glycine betaine, cell membrane stability and relative water content. These characters were analyzed for their genetic parameters and it was found that all these characters are having high heritability and genetic gain. D 2 statistics analysis revealed that the 30 genotypes and 6 hybrids along with check were grouped into 6 clusters indicating the presence of diversity for different traits. Four different isolation methods were compared in this experiment to identify the best method that could produce high-quality total RNA free from contaminants and genomic DNA. RNA obtained through the SDS- tertiary butanol method (Gesteira et al., 2003) has high quantity and quality, followed by the modified SDSphenol method (Deepa et al., 2014) in both fresh and frozen leaves. iii The transcriptome of highly drought tolerant exotic genotype (T85/799) and highly drought sensitive check variety CCRP 5 was analysed using mRNA sequencing under control (100% FC) and drought stress condition (40% FC). Drought has up-regulated 1540 and 1148 DEGs and downregulated 1502 and 1250 DEGs respectively in tolerant and sensitive libraries. The PCA scatter plot shows that replicates of the well watered samples (control) of highly drought tolerant genotype and drought susceptible check variety CCRP 5 form distinct groups highlighting differences between the two genotypes. Volcano plot depicted the significance of differentially expressed genes in control and drought stress treated samples of highly tolerant and susceptible genotype. In both the tolerant and susceptible genotypes, the majority of the genes within the biological process category were linked to GO terms that fall under the subcategories of "metabolic process," "cellular process," and "single organism process." “Enzyme catalytic activity”, “water channel activity”, “binding” and “transporter activity” were the most abundant terms in molecular function category in both the genotypes under stress. There were 17 pathways significantly enriched (FDR-adjusted p-value < 0.05) in tolerant genotype for upregulated genes and the most enriched pathways including metabolic pathways (178 genes) followed by biosynthesis of secondary metabolites (121 genes), phenyl propanoid biosynthesis (29 genes), carbon metabolism (29 genes), glyoxylate and decarboxylate metabolism (16 genes), MAPK signalling pathway plant (14 genes) and starch and sucrose metabolism etc. Most of the Transcription Factors (TFs) identified families were enriched in, B3, bHLH, WRKY, ARF, ARR B, FAR, LBD, MADS and ERF. These TFs could be grouped into 10 families. The major upregulated genes families in tolerant genotype includes protein kinase, protein phosphatase type 2c, zing finger proteins, laccase gene, cytokinin dehydrogenase, cytochrome p450, galactinol synthase, NAC Domain protein, peroxidase, protein ubiquitin E3 ligase, mannitol dehydrogenase, fatty acid desaturase, UDP glycosyl transferase, Aquaporin PIP, Glutathione dependent genes, iv cellulose synthase and heat shock proteins etc.The major upregulated genes families in susceptible genotype includes LEA protein, PSII protein, peroxisomal membrane proteins, ABC transporter, ABA hydrolyse, phenyl alanine n-monoxygenase, tyrosine carboxylase, plastocyanin, trehalose phosphate phosphatase and expansin etc. RNA-Seq analysis showed that highly drought tolerant exotic genotype (T85/799) activated more number of drought responsive genes than drought sensitive check variety CCRP 5. Several drought-responsive genes were upregulated in the tolerant genotype such as those encoding TFs, cytochrome 450, and membrane transporters, and those associated with carbohydrate metabolism and flavonoid biosynthesis. These genes might confer drought tolerance in this cocoa genotype at the molecular level. Identified drought- responsive genes and metabolic pathways were targets for future studies in order to understand the molecular mechanism of drought tolerance in cocoa. Physiological and biochemical parameters also indicated the better performance of the tolerant genotype over the susceptible genotype under drought stress conditions. These results were a first step to understanding the molecular mechanisms of drought tolerance in cocoa and lay a foundation for its genetic improvement.
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Value addition of jack fruit through microbial processing
(Department of Community Science, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2021) Bensi, P S; KAU; Suma, Divakar
Open Access
Evaluation of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) hybrids for yield and quality
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture,Vellanikkara, 2021-12-30) Jintu, Varghese; KAU; Jalaja S, Menon
The demand of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) for export and local consumption is increasing in the country and there is a gap of 7 lakh tonnes in the production to meet the requirement. Due to pressure on land, the possible way to increase production is to increase productivity by adopting improved varieties. Hybrid vigour was well exploited in cashew. Cashew Research Station, Madakkathara has developed many hybrids through hybridization programmes which are maintained in the farm. In the present study 19 hybrids of stabilized yield along with 11 cross parents and check variety Poornima were evaluated for yield and quality traits during the year 2020-2021. Qualitative and quantitative parameters including those of growth, inflorescence, apple, nut, yield and biochemical attributes revealed a spectacular array of variations among the tested genotypes. Among hybrid population, upright and compact canopy with intensive branching habit, yellowish red flush colour and pyramid shaped loose inflorescence were predominating. Early flowering from October was recorded in 13 cashew hybrids and four parents. Cluster bearing habit was observed in hybrids H03-113/1 (4.65 fruits), H03-55/10 (4.55 fruits) and H03- 53/9 (4.10 fruits). The apple weight varied from16.83 g (H03 55/10) to 137.49g (Priyanka). Nut weight of more than 10g was observed in hybrids H03-21/10, H03- 97/2, H03-36/8, H03-110/1, H03-52/6, H03-52/7, H03-52/5, HO3-95/4 and H03- 18/17 and these can be represented as bold nut hybrids. The average kernel weight varied from 1.62g (H03-55/10) to 4.19g (H03-95/4). Nut yield above 18 kg/tree was recorded in hybrids, H03-92/3 (20.2 kg), H03-52/5(21.5kg), H03-36/8(22.10 kg), H03-110/1(23.40 kg), H03-97/2 (24.50 kg), H03-21/10 (25.20 kg) and in parent, Amrutha (21.3kg) and check variety, Poornima (20.0 kg). In biochemical analysis, TSS ranged from 13.150Brix (H03-18/17) to 17.40Brix (H03-53/9). Vitamin C content ranged from 107.5 to 220.15mg/100ml. Lowest tannin content was shown by hybrid H03-55/11(0.085%), H03-92/3(0.09%) and H03-55/10(0.09%). The hybrids H03-57/4, H03-110/1, H03-113/1, H03-52/5 and xx H03-21/10 and parents, Dhana, Madakkathara-1, Vridhachalam-3, and K-22-1 were less susceptible to TMB. Nut yield per tree was found to possess significant positive correlation with nut weight, kernel weight, apple weight, number of bisexual flowers and shelling percentage. In the principal component analysis 85.92% of total variability was explained by the first three components with an eigen value greater than one. The characters like yield per plant, apple weight, shelling percentage, kernel weight, nut weight and bisexual flowers contributed more towards diversity. Eight hybrids viz., H03-21/10, H03-97/2, H03-36/8, H03-110/1, H03-52/6, H03-52/7, H03-52/5 and H03-95/4 were placed in the first quadrant along with check variety Poornima. Magnitude of heterosis was calculated for 19 hybrids over mid parent (relative heterosis), better parent (heterobeltiosis) and standard variety (standard heterosis). The above eight hybrids along with H03-18/17 exhibited better heterosis. The hybrids, H03-36/8, H03-97/2, H03-110/1, H03-21/10 and H03-52/5 which exhibited heterosis and nut weight above 10g, tree yield above 18kg, kernel weight above 2.5g and shelling per cent above 28 were selected as promising types. Hence these hybrids may be recommended for commercial cultivation. Further studies should be undertaken with different traits for exhaustive evaluation for commercialization. The hybrids H03-52/6, H03 -52/7, H03-95/4 and H03-18/17 having good yield and quality traits can be utilized for crop improvement programmes.
Open Access
Characterization and quality analysis of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) genotypes of Kerala
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2021) Reshma, P; KAU; Sreekala, G S
The present study entitled “Characterization and quality analysis of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) genotypes of Kerala” was taken up with the objectives of survey, characterization and quality analysis of black pepper genotypes of Kerala based on morphological and biochemical parameters. The survey conducted in black pepper plantations and homesteads in fourteen locations of six Agro-Ecological Units (AEUs) identified twenty one genotypes. Five genotypes designated as G1 (Wayanadan), G2 (Chumala), G3 (Vellayaranmunda), G4 (Nadan), G5 (Nadeshan) from AEU 21 (Wayanad Eastern Plateau), six genotypes designated as G6 (Karimunda), G7 (Neelamundi), G8 (Cheppukulamundi), G9 (Vattamundi), G10 (Thulamundi), G11 (Manjamunda) from AEU 12 (Southern and Central Foothills), three genotypes designated as G12 (Chengannurkodi), G13 (Vellanamban), G14 (Jeerakamunda) from AEU 14 (Southern High Hills), three genotypes designated as G15 (Kuthiravally), G16 (Kottanadan), G17 (Arimulak) from AEU 3 (Onattukara Sandy Plains), two genotypes designated as G18 (Padappan), G19 (Karivilanchy) from AEU 8 (Southern Laterites) and two genotypes designated as G20 (Narayakodi) and G21 (Panniyur 1) from AEU 4 (Kuttanad) were selected for the study. Twenty one genotypes were morphologically characterized for both qualitative and quantitative characters. Thirty four qualitative characters were observed and among those only twenty two characters showed variability. Characters such as runner shoot production, pubescence on stem, type of veining, leaf texture, spike colour, spike orientation, spike shape, spike fragrance, spike proliferation, colour change while fruit ripening, fruit taste and seed texture were uniform in all the selected genotypes. The UPGMA dendrogram divided all the genotypes into 15 clusters at 73 per cent similarity. Sensory evaluation of the selected black pepper genotypes showed a significant variation for colour, odour, taste and flavour. G16 (Kottanadan) was significantly superior in taste while G15 (Kuthiravally) was superior in odour and flavour. Thirty four quantitative characters were recorded for plant, leaf, inflorescence, fruit and seed characters. Summarizing these quantitative characters using descriptive statistics revealed wide range of variability in number of well developed fruits per spike, number of spikes per 30 cm2 , number of spikes per vine, bulk density and specific leaf area. Principal component analysis was undertaken to examine the variation and to estimate the relative contribution of various trait for total variability. The principal component analysis for twenty three yield related characters revealed seven principal components at 85.53 per cent variability. The eleven quantitative characters such as juvenile leaf length, leaf length, leaf width, number of spikes/30 cm2 , number of spikes per lateral branch, number of spikes per vine, number of nodes per lateral branch, number of well developed berries per spike, berry diameter, support height and vine column diameter contributed more to the yield. The score plot identified fifteen clusters in which genotypes with superior yield namely, G1 (Wayanadan), G4 (Nadeshan), G5 (Nadan), G15 (Kuthiravally) and G21 (Panniyur 1) formed unique clusters. Minimal data set generated for black pepper included four characters namely, number of nodes per lateral, number of well developed berries/spike, number of spikes/30 cm2 and berry diameter. The principal component analysis for five physiological parameters revealed one principal component at 73.34 per cent variability. Genotypes with high leaf thickness, high relative water content, high epicuticular wax, low specific leaf area and low stomatal density were associated with drought tolerance in black pepper. Sixteen clusters were identified based on score plot. Biplot analysis identified genotypes G16 (Kottanadan), G13 (Vellanamban), G6 (Karimunda), G7 (Neelamundi), G18 (Padappan) and G20 (Narayakodi) as most desirable genotypes for drought tolerance. The principal component analysis for six quality attributes revealed two principal components at 66.62 per cent variability. The genotypes were grouped into seventeen clusters based on score plot while the biplot identified genotypes G16 (Kottandan), G15 (Kuthiravally), G21 (Panniyur 1), G19 (Karivilancy), G17 (Arimulak), G13 (Vellanamban) and G6 (Karimunda) as the high quality ones. The genotypes studied for qualitative, quantitative, physiological and quality traits showed a moderate variability and can be used in the selection of suitable parents for breeding purpose and gene mapping studies.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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