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
Evaluation of neem triterpenes as ovipositional and feeding deterrents to the tea mosquito bug, Helopeltis antonii Sign. on cashew
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 1995) Angaiah, K; KAU; Sitarama Rao, D
Experiments were conducted at the Department of Entomology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, to ascertain the feasibility of utilizing the commercially available neem products for the management of populations of tea mosquito bug, Helopeltis antonii Sign. On cashew, Anacardium occidentale L. The effects of three neem products in altering the ovipositional behaviour and the feeding behaviour of H. antonii through contact and translaminar effects and the number of feeding punctures as affected by the contact and translaminar effects, were tested in comparison with NKS. Radio labelling of cashew seedlings prior to application of treatments and quantification of feeding based on the quantum of radio activity in the bodies of test insects fed on the treated seedlings was developed as a new technique. The study resulted in the following findings. 1. Godrej Achook at 1.6 and 3.2 per cent doses and Rakshak at all the tested doses significantly reduced the number of egg laying sites. 2. Duration of egg laying was significantly reduced by Godrej Achook and Rakshak at 1.6 and 3.2 per cent doses. 3. Significant reduction in the total number of eggs laid was brought about by Rakshak 1.6 per cent and Godrej Achook at 1.6 and 3.2 per cent doses. 4. Rakshak at all doses and Godrej Achhok at 1.6 and 3.2 per cent doses significantly reduced the nymphal duration. The nymphs failed to reach adult hood. 5. Feeding deterrency through contact action was exhibited by the treatments. Nimbecidine and Godrej Achook at higher doses were better. 6. The number of feeding punctures was influenced by the treatments through translaminar effects. 7. Development of feeding punctures was affected by the treatments through contact action also. Higher doses of Godrej Achook and Nimbecidine were better than the other treatments. In conclusion it can be stated that the commercially available neem products showed a high degree of effectiveness in reducing the feeding and oviposition by H. antonii, eventhough the neem tree is an alternate host of the tea mosquito bug. The neem products can be included as candidates for the management of population of H. antonii on cashew.
Open Access
Bionomics of pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata rego barros (lepidoptera:arctiidae) and its interaction with the siam weed chromolaena odorata king and robinson (asteraceae)
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1995) Lyla, K R; KAU; Abraham, C C
Studies were undertaken on the biology, morphometrics, feeding habits, factors affecting fecundity and fertility of Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata King and Robinson (Arctiidae : Lepidoptera) and also the plant response of the weed host Chromolaena odorata L. at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1990 – 1993. The morphometrics and morphology of the various immature stages and adults have been described. The total life-cycle of P. pseudoinsulata took a total of 46.75 days and the various developmental stages lasted for 5.5 days in eggs, 21.30 days for larvae (seven instars) 1.5 days for pre-pupa and 10.15 days for pupae at a mean ambient temperature of 28.40 C. In feeding trials to assess the relative preference of tender, mature, semi yellow and yellow leaves of C. odorata, it was found that the I instar larvae showed district preference to tender leaves as compared to mature leaves. The I and II instar larvae did not feed on semi-yellow and yellow leaves and they died of starvation when these types of leaves were offered for feeding. Consumption indices decreased as the age of larvae advanced and thus early instars consuming all the types of leaves recorded high indices. The rate of increase in larval weight gain was higher in later instars (VI and VII). Caterpillars feeding on mature, semi-yellow and yellow leaves showed higher Relative Growth Rate during IV to V stage, but during I to II stage, a high RGR was seen on larvae which fed tender leaves. Yellow. leaf diet for late instar larvae adversely affected their development and adult emergence. Highest fecundity was recorded when the parental sex-ratio of moths was kept at 1:1 level followed by 1:2 ratio and 2:1 in that order. Egg production and viability were significantly higher at 250 C and 75 per cent RH as compared to 300 C and 60 per cent RH. Adult food did not show any influence on fecundity but in respect of improvement of egg viability the treatments were advantageous. Total nitrogen content in leaves was maximum on the sixth day of release of four larvae per cage. Leaf nitrogen showed a declining trend when the larval load per plant was increased from the eighth day of release onwards. Soluble nitrogen content in leaves showed an increasing trend with increase in larval load per plant, but this however failed to reach significant levels. Chlorophyll content in leaves got reduced significantly at increased larval population loads and with passage of time of confinement. The natural enemies of P. pseudoinsulata consisted of avian fauna, spiders and ants and parasitoids. Predatory species of ants recorded in association with the insect included Lioponera sp. Oecophylla smaragdina Fabr. Solenopsis sp.and Monomorium sp. Occasionally NPV infection occurred in the laboratory as well as in field cultures causing substantial mortality. The implications of the various findings in reorienting the biocontrol strategies involving P. pseudoinsulata against C. odorata have been discussed.
Open Access
Performance of mulberry silkworm races and hybrids in Kerala
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1995) George Thomas; KAU; Dale, D
Silkworm rearing experiment was conducted in the rearing house of the sericulture section in the Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani in 93 – 94 to identify a pure race and crose breed suitable for rearing in the southern districts of Kerala, with reference of productivity and commercial quality of cocoons. The trial was conducted with completely randomized design and the treatments were replicated thrice. Four replications were used for studying the fecundities and female pupal weight of pure races. The experiment was repeated in three seasons viz. cold season during December – January, summer season February – March and rainy season during May – June. The percentage of missing larvae during early instars was least in the cross breeds which were on par and pure races suffered heavy loss. Cross breed PM X NB 4 D2 was superior to others in case of total larval duration disease incidence, percentage of spinning and cocoons yield. Among the bivoltines NB4 D2 performed best with shortest larval period, less disease incidence, higher percentage of spinning and higher cocoon yield. It was superior to other bivoltines during most seasons. It consumed maximum food had highest growth index and larval weight in all seasons. Cocoon characters viz. shell weight, shell ratio, cocoon size and reelability of cocoons were also higher. Single cocoon weight, fecundity and female pupal weight were higher in KA. NB7 was heavily infected with diseases in stock rearing it self. Of the cross breeds, PM x NB4D2 was superior to other cross breeds in respect of all parameters during the different seasons except in single cocoon weight. In this case PM x KA performed well. Leaf consumption, weight, length and growth index of fifth instar larva, percentage of spinning and yield of cocoons, size of cocoons, single cocoon weight, shell weight, shell ratio, fecundity and female pupal weight were reduced in summer season. But disease incidence was increased and missing percentage of larvae during early instars, total larval duration, and reelability were not affected by climate.
Open Access
Biocontrol of rhizome rot of ginger (Zinfiber officinale) by antagonistic microorganisms
(Department of plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1995) Shanmugham, V; KAU; Sukumara Varma, A
Rhizome rot is one of the most destructive diseases of ginger in Kerala. The pathogen was isolated from infected rhizomes and its pathogenicity established. The pathogen was characterized and identifies as Pythium aphanidermatum (Edson) Fitz. based on its cultural and morphological characters. Soil microorganisms were isolated from the rhizosphere of healthy ginger plants among the rhizome rot affected plants in the diseased field and were quantitatively and qualitatively estimated. The population of bacteria was maximum followed by actinomycetes and fungi. A diversified group of soil microflora consisting of nine species of fungi belonging to four genera viz. Rhizopus, Aspergillus, Trichoderma and Eupenicillium, one actinomycete of Streptomyces sp. and four species of bacteria which were distinguished from each other based on their colony characters as B1, B2, B3 and B4. Antagonistic properties of the microorganisms isolated were studied against the pathogen P. aphanidermatum in dual culture. Rhizopus sp. and Aspergillus carneus showed the dual culture reaction of intermingling and overgrowth with the pathogen which is not considered as an antagonistic reaction. A. niger exhibited the reaction of inhibition at a distance and disintegration of pathogen while die-back and distintegration of the pathogen was shown by A. fumigatus, A. flavus and Trichoderma viride. Both these characters are considered strong antagonism. A. flavus (sclerotial), Eupenicillium javanicum ITCC No. 4.595 and E. javanicum ITCC No. 4.596 have the reaction of mutual inhibition on contact with the pathogen in dual culture which is not considered as promising antagonistic property. Inhibitory properties of antagonists using cell free culture filtrates were estimated and found that A. niger inhibited 100 per cent growth of the pathogen. While A. fumigatus, T. viride and A. flavus inhibited the growth of P. aphanidermatum by 42,20 and 60 per cent respectively. Among the different fungicides screend in in vitro, fytolan and Bordeaux mixture completely inhibited the growth of the pathogen. Indofil M-45 and emisan exhibited comparatively less inhibitory effect. While Bordeaux mixture showed complete inhibition of the growth of all the antagonists. Indofil M-45 exhibited less efficacy of inhibition against the antagonists. Result of the pot culture studies, indicated that, treatments A. niger – seed inoculation, A. flavus – seed inoculation and A. niger – soil application after 60 and 120 DAP had minimum rhizome rot incidence. The studies on the effect of treatments on yield in pot culture experiment showed that copper oxychloride 0.3% as soil drenching and mancozeb 0.3% as soil drenching recorded maximum yield per plant. Thus, the present study revealed that seed inoculation of A. niger in combination with either copper oxychloride 0.3 % or mancozeb 0.3% was found to be most effective in checking the incidence and severity of rhizome rot of ginger and increasing the yield of rhizomes. Seed inoculation of A. flavus in combination with mancozeb 0.3% and soil application of A. niger after 60 and 120 DAP with either copper oxyxhloride 0.3% or mancozeb 0.3% were also found to be promising treatments.
Open Access
Host-specificity, patho-physiology and transmission of the baculovirus(Kerala isolate) infecting Oryctes rhinoceros Linn. (Scarabaeidae:Coleoptera)
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1995) Suma Paulose; KAU; Abraham, C C
The Baculovirus oryctes has been recognized as one of the most promising pathogens against oryctes rhinoceros. Laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate the virus in respect of its patho-physiology, histopathology, mode of transmission, cross-infectivity, effect of physical factors on the virulence of the virus and safety to non –target organisms. The oral inoculation technique has been found to be more effective than the swim method. For long term storage of the virus, the freeze drying method was found to be ideal as it retained viability for more than sixteen months. The viral particles have been found to be bacilliform , measuring 210 to 250nm in length and 75 to 105 nm in width. The main symptoms observed in grubs due to viral infection are loss of appetite, lethargy, pallor, migration to the top of the breeding medium, disintegration of the fat bodies and development of diarrhoea. Adults did not show any pronounced external symptoms. Infected adults refused to take food and they eventually developed diarrhea. All instars of grubs and adults were susceptible to the viral infection .The susceptibility to infection was maximum in the first instar followed by third instar, second instar and the adults in that order. The mean lethal concentration of the viru required to cause fifty per cent mortalities were 0.377 x10-4 , 14.417x10-4, 0.297x10-4 and 1.137x10-4 gut equivalent for the first, second and third instar grubs and adults respectively. The cytology of the midgut contents showed desquamated epithelial cells with nuclear and cytoplasmic vacuolation, nuclear hypertrophy and ring stages nucleus. The midgut and fat bodies have been identified as the major sites of viral multiplication. Transovum and transovarial transmission studies have shown that the virus was not transmitted by any of these method. The studies on transtadial transmission established that the disease was transmitted from first to second and from second to third instar, but not from the third instar to the pupae. The predator platymerus laevicollis did not transmit the disease. The reproductive potential of oryctes was found to be significantly impaired due to viral infection. When both the mating partners were infected, the number of eggs laid was only 19 to 20 as compared to the output of 209 to 219 in the healthy pairs. The cross-infectivity studies have clearly established that the virus was not infective to other important pests of coconut such as Rhyncophorus ferrugineus, Leucopholis coneophora, opisina arenosella and the predator’s p.laevicollis. In studies on the effect of temperature on the viability of the virus, it was found that above fifty per cent mortality took place on incubation of the virus for 21/2 hours at 370c and that the viability was totally lost as a result of exposure for 4 1/2 hours. The number of adults required for release in to the breeding pits of size of 30cmx30cmx30cm to kill fifty per cent of the Rhinoceros grubs at different time intervals were 4.440, 3.668, 3.016 and 2.889. Safety studies have revealed that the virus was absolutely safe to the silkworm Bombyx mori, chick embryo, white mice and white rat.
Open Access
Organochlorine insecticide contamination in the inland ecosystems of Kerala
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1995) Rosalind, R S; KAU; Visalakshi, A
esidues of organochlorine insecticides in three different ecosystems Kerala viz., the fresh water ecosystems at Vellayani and Sasthamkotta and backwater region in lower Kuttanad were assessed. Residues in the three components of the ecosystem viz., water, sediment and fishes were estimated. Following were the salient findings. Among organochlorine insecticides (DDT, endosulfan, HCH widely uses) isomers of HCH alone were detected in the samples. The water in all the different regions were found polluted with varying levels of isomers of HCH. The content at different locations in each area did not show statistically significant variation, thus indicating a wide spreading of insecticide contaminants reaching the water boides. The pooled analysis of the data revealed that among the three ecosystems, water in Kuttanad was most polluted and it was followed by Sasthamkotta and Vellayani. The level of pollution is comparable with majority of levels reported from other parts of India so far. The levels of gamma isomer for which 3 ppb has been fixed as the Maximum Residue Limit for drinking purposes, did not reach hazardous levels. But the content of these toxicant in all situations exceeded the ‘safe criterion’ of 0.01 ppb fixed by EPA. Regarding the residues in sediments statistically significant variations did not exit among the locations at Vellayani and Sasthamkotta while at Kuttanad, Moncompu was more significantly polluted than Kumarakom and Pulinkunnu. In pooled analysis of the data Kuttanad and Vellayani were seen on par and more polluted than Sasthamkotta. Taking the residues in water and sediments together the three ecosystems could be ranked in the following descending order of pollution : Kuttanad, Vellayani and Sasthamkotta. Absence of beta and delta residues in water at Vellayani could be due to the settlements of the residues in sediments as shown by a higher proportion of these isomers in sediments at Vellayani than in other ecosystems. Several fold increase of the residue content in sediment compared to those of water revealed that the ‘sediments’ became a ‘sink’ for the pollutants in the ecosystem. Eteroplus suratensis, Heteropneustes fossilis and Macrobrachium rosenbergii (at Kuttanad) and M. idella idella (Vellayani and Sasthamkotta) contain residues of all isomers of HCH. In fresh water ecosystem E. suratensis had highest residue and it was followed by prawn and H. fossilis. In Kuttanad ecosystem H. fossilis was most contaminated and it was followed by M. rosenbergii. At Vellayani the fishes did not contain beta and delta isomers while the prawns contained all the four isomers. This indicated that the former absorbed the pollutant from water and the latter from water and sediments. Significant correlations were lacking between the residue content in fishes and the other components subjected to study in the environment. Residue levels in the animals chosen did not appear to reach hazardous levels. Predominance of beta isomer, known as a chronic toxicant and carcinogen, in the total residue content is alarming. The backwater and freshwater ecosystems in the state were seen polluted with isomers of HCH. Sustained and extensive monitoring of the residues and effective steps for reducing / eliminating the hazard are indicated.
Open Access
Bioecology and life-tables of the pea aphid (Aphis craccivora koch.) and its natural enemies
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani., 1995) Reji Rani, O P; KAU; Remamony, K S
The seasonal distribution of pea aphid Aphis craccivora and its predators on twigs and pods of cowpea and a perennial alternate host of the insect, glyricidia were assessed during 1993 – 94 at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala. On cowpea peak population of the pest during the first season, on twig and pods were noted in January / February while on glyricidia two peaks were noted in the season first from December and early February and the next from February to end to early March. In the second season also one peak period each were seen on twigs and pods of cowpea and on glyricidia, but the three did not coincide in the periods of occurrence. In glyricidia a fourth peak was observed in August / September 1994. Studies thus revealed vital indifference in the trend of population build up on cowpea and glyricidia and even on the twigs and pods of the same plant. The growth stages of the crops and their nutritive status are suggested as the major factor influencing the population build up of A. craccivora than any other factor in the ecosystem. Survey of natural enemies in the region revealed the occurrence of six predators and one insect pathogen. Among them C. sexmaculata and x. scutellare were found to be the important ones. A pest dependent increase in the population of predators were observed but the trends of the population build up of the pest and the natural enemies did not show any effective role of the predators in suppressing the pest population under field condition. The detailed biology of A. oraccivora and the two predators were studied in the laboratory conditions. The duration and percentage survival of each larval instar, adult longevity and fecundity were studied and the data indicated that short duration and higher fecundity od A. craccivora when compared to predators account for the successful establishment of the pest in field even with higher levels of predator population. The parameters of biology in laboratory were found more favourable for the population of X. scutellare than for C. sexmaculata. But in field latter was more successful. Feeding potential of C. sexmaculata ( larvae and adult) was much higher than that X. scutellare (larvae) only. Hence C. sexmaculata was found to be a better bicontrol agent for the control of A. craccivora. The exhaustive information gathered will be useful in cinstructing models for integrated pest control programmes of A. craccivora. Age specific life-tables were consctucted for A. craccivora for assessing the intrinsic rate of increase and germination time of pest and these were found suitable for fast population build up. Life tables were prepared during, December 1993 and January 1994 and the ‘Generation survival’ and ‘Trend Index’ were found increasing in January. The lower mortality percentage of the late instar nymphs were found as the reason for the variations. But the mortality factors could not be precisely determined in the investigations. Series of such life tables developed for different seasons, hosts and different ecosystems may be necessary for constructing suitable models for integrated pest management practices.
Open Access
Effects of extracts of Clerodendron infortunatum on the epilachna beetle Henosepilachna Vigintioctopunctata F with relation to safety of its natural enemies
(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani., 1995) Lily, B; KAU; Saradamma, K
Flower, leaf, root and stem extracts of clerodendron infortunatum were screened for their antifeedant activity against grubs of Henospilachna vigintictopunctata using water, acetone, benzene, ethnol and petroleum other as extractants. Based on mean leaf protection and larval starvation of different plant parts, leaf and flower portions were found to be more effective than root and stem. Among the solvents, acetone and benzene gave higher leaf protection. High larval starvation was caused by acetone followed by water, benzene, ethanol and petroleum ether. Fresh plant parts were found to be more effective than shade and sun dried material. Shade and sun dried leaves and flowers showed high activity in water extract. The least reduction in antifeedant activity under shade and sun drying was observed in leaf. Different parts of C.infortunatum did not cause significant insecticidal action against H.vigintioctopunctata. Regarding growth inhibitory activity, flower and leaf were found to be more effective when they were used as fresh materials. Shade, and sun dried leaves were found significantly superior to all other plant parts in producing less number of normal adults. When the different part of C. infortunatum were ranked on the bases of the percentage of normal adult emergence, acetone and benzene topped. The least reduction in hormonal activity of the extracts of different plant parts dried under shade and in sun was observed in the case of stem, followed by root, leaf and flower. Water was found to be the most effective solvent for extracting dried plant parts. The sterility percentages observed in different treatments were found to be very low. In the bioassay of the C.infortunatum extracts using freshly laid eggs of H.vigintioctopunctata, it was observed that the hatchability of eggs was reduced significantly by different treatments, compared to control. The mortality observed on the parasite C. johnsoni when treated with water and acetone extracts of leaf and flower was very low. Water extracts were safer than acetone extracts of leaf and flower. The treatments did not affect the extent of parasitization and the progeny emerging from the parasitized treated grubs. In the field experiment, acetone and water extracts of leaf mixed with teepol reduced the population of H. vigintioctopunctata on bittergourd significantly. These treatments were on par with the insecticide check carbaryl 0.15 per cent. The clerodendron extracts did not affect the predator population in the treated plots, whereas it was totally absent in carbary1-treated plot. The results of the present investigation clearly indicate the safety of clerodendron extracts to the non-target organisms and the possibility of utilizing crude extracts of C.infortunatum as a potential pesticide for ecologically and economically sound insect pest management.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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