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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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1983 - 198911990 - 19951
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Subject: Agricultural Entomology × Author: Lyla, K R × End date: 1995 × Type: Thesis ×
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    ThesisItemOpen 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.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Studies on the pests of chromolaena in Kerala
    (Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1983) Lyla, K R; KAU; Joy, P J
    A detailed survey was conducted in Trichur District and an objective survey in five other selected districts of the Kerala State during November 1980 to October 1981 to study the pests of choromolaena odorata Linn. Observations on the nature of damage and population density have been made during the survey. Details of the insects recorded on the weed are given below. 1. Hemipteran pests 1.1 Aphis spiraecola patch These aphids were recorded in all the areas surveyed and alate and apterous forms were available. There are four instars each occupying one to two days and the adult six to ten days. The alate forms occurred at relatively lower levels compared to apterous form. In both cases, maximum population was in July irrespective of the topographic conditions. Both the nymphs and adults such sap from the tender shoots thereby reducing the vigour of the plant. 1.2 Aphis fabae scopoli Both apterous and alate forms were observed. Here also the aphid population attained peak level in July both in medium hilly areas and plains. The aphid infested leaves presented a crinkled appearance. 1.3 Braschycaudus helichrysi kitb These were noted in higher elevations like Idukki and Wynad areas and were absent in Trichur District. The aphid attacked leaves become folded and rolled longitudinally. 1.4 Coptosoma sp. These bugs were observed throughout the growth phase of the weed. Adults suck sap from tender parts of the plant without causing any serious damage. 1.5 Sepontia nigrofusea Dist. These bugs suck sap from the weed causing negligible damage and were present in very few number at Pananchery Village. 1.6 Tettigella ceylonica melich. These appeared only as casual feeders of C.odorata and their populations were extremely low for affecting any appreciable damage. 1.7 Bemisia tabaci. Gen. The adult suck sap from tender parts of the weed and the population level was very low. 1.8 Leptocorisa acuta thumb. These were found in the Puzhakkal Village and the bugs suck sap from the weed. 1.9 Riptortus pedestris Fb. The adults suck sap from tender shoots and were found in few number. 1.10 Dysdercus koenigii Fb. The adults suck sap from the weed without causing any appreciable damage. 1.11 Leptocentrus sp. These bugs suck sap from the plant throughout the growth phase of the weed, but the population count was very low. 1.12. Cocosterphus minutes Fabricius These insects were present in few numbers and suck sap from the weed. 2. Coleopteran pests 2.1 Apion sp. As a result of feeding of the weevil irregular holes are formed on leaf surface. These feed on the flowers during the flowering season. 2.2 Unidentified curculionid They eat away portions of the leaf creating holes on the surface. 2.3 Astycus aurovittatus Heller The weevil was found feeding the foliage of the weed during December. 2.4 Amblyrrhinus sp. They feed on the leaves and flowers by cutting small holes on them. 2.5 Mylabris sp. These feed on the weed flowers occasionally. 2.6 Corynodes sp. These beetles feed on the leaves making irregular holes here and there. 2.7 Carvedon sp. These insects were found feeding on the flowers occasionally. 3. Lepidopteran pests 3.1Pericallis ricini Fb. The young larvae feed on the surface tissue of young leaves and in the later instars they feed both by scrapping and by eating the whole leaf lamina. 3.2 Discrisia oblicua wlk. Larvae found defoliating the weed 4. Dipteran pest 4.1 Unidentified agromyzid The larvae mine into the leaves and eat through the mesophyll leaving the two epidermal layers intact. 5. Thysanopteran pest 5.1 Haplothrips gowdeyi franklin Both nymphs and adults feed by lacerating the tissues of the inflorescence and found in numbers. Out of 23 species of insects recorded to occur on c. odorate coptosoma sp.(plataspididae:Hemiptera),Sepontia nigrofusca (Plataspididae: Hemiptera),Tettigella ceylonica (Cicadelliade: Hemiptera)Leptocorisaacuta (Coreidae: Hemiptera)Riptortus pedestris(Coreidae: Hemiptera)Coccosterphus minuts(Membracidae: Hemiptera)Astycus aurovittatus (Curculionidae:Coleoptera) Amblyrinus sp.(Curculionides sp. Coleoptera)Mylabris sp.(Meloidae:Coleoptera)Corynodes sp.(chrysomelidae: Coleoptera) Caryedon sp.(Bruchidae: Coleoptera),pericallia ricini (Arctide:Lepidoptera) and Haplothrips gowdeyi(phloethripidae:Thysanoptera) are reported for the first time. Among the insects, the most widespread and numerous were A.spiraecola and A.fabae in that order.