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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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ThesisItem Open Access Bionomics and ecological management of coconut eriophyid mite(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2001) Vidya, CV; KAU; Ranjith, A MThe bionomics and ecological management of coconut eriophyid mite, Aceria guerreronis (Keifer) was studied under the Department of Entomology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. The preference of mites to bunches of different maturity, symptoms of damage, population dynamics, relationship of mite population with weather factors and the distribution pattern of mites based on plant morphology were considered for the study. Some ecological management practices were also tried along with this. The experiment was laid out as completely randomised design. Mites were absent in male and female flowers and also on buttons of first bunch. Initiation of infestation starts from buttons of second bunch and population increases further and maximum population is noticed in buttons of third and fourth bunches and thereafter it decreases. This is because after fourth bunch, the meristematic tissue becomes necrotic due to feeding of mites and hence mites cannot feed further easily. Traces of population were noticed even on nuts of ninth bunch. Predatory mites were also seen along with eriophyid mites even though they are very negligible. Symptoms of damage were seen outside from second bunch onwards. The symptom initially appears as whitish streak or triangular patch and it increases further in length and breadth and becomes brownish and later necrotic. In some cases, cracks, cuts and gummosis can be seen on the husk. The relationship between surface damage and mite population was worked out. Maximum mite population was noticed when the surface damage was 1-3 and 3-6 cm2 before and after the removal of perianth respectively and the percentage of damage was 1-3 per cent. Mite population was found to vary with different weather parameters. Minimum temperature of current week, current, -1 and -2 fortnights and maximum temperature of -2 fortnight were positively related with mite population. Morning humidity is also positively related with mite population. Mite population was negatively related with wind speed of zero current, current, -I and -2 fortnights. There is no direct relation between mite population and rainfall, number of rainy days, evening humidity and sunshine hours. Mite infestation was irrespective of the height of the palm, crown shape and perianth arrangement. The intensity of infestation varies between each inner tepals. Maximum infestation was under fourth tepal followed by fifth and sixth tepa\. The preference of mites to different portions under each tepal also varies with maximum entry through the 'outer edge' of fourth tepal followed by 'outer edge' of fifth tepal, 'middle' portion of sixth tepal, 'middle' portion of fifth and fourth tepal, and 'inner edge' of sixth and fifth tepa\. Infestation was found to be less in round shaped nuts compared to oval and oblong nuts. Maximum incidence was in green coloured nuts followed by greenish yellow and orange coloured nuts. There was no reduction in mite damage by different water regimes (rainfed, channel and drip irrigated) fertilizer regimes (0.34:0.17:0.68 kg NPK/palm, 0.5:0.32:1.2 kg NPKlpalm and 0.25:0.32:1.2 kg NPKlpalm) micronutrients (MgS04, ZnS04, MnS04, Borax and Micronutrient mixture) and crown cleaning (once and twice in an year).ThesisItem Open Access Insect Pests of Selected Medicinal Plants : Bionomics and Management(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2003) Rajan V P; Sheela M KThe availability of Medicinal plants is mainly from the natural resources like forests and .waste lands. Today farmers of Kerala are taking up cultivation of medicinal plants in an organised manner. A thorough survey conducted in three different localities such as herbal gardens of College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thycaud Moos Arya Vydyasala, Chuvannamannu and Kottakkal Arya Vydyasala Kottakkal being listed had resulted in alarming informations. Survey was done just on ten economically important' medicinal plants, viz., Neelamari, Adapathiyan, Chethikoduveli, Thippali, Vallippala, Thulsi, Kacholam, Karalakom, Kasthurivenda and Madhunashini. Complete survey of selected ten medicinal plants indicated the presence of 57 different species of insect pests of which, 44 species are new reports, In Neelamari rate of infestation by psyllids was to a major level. Typical symptoms of 'die back' had been observed. The five minor species include webbers, flower beetles, treehoppers, pentatomids and alydids. The predatory coccinellids, ants and spiders associated with the psyllids were the other new reports. Spiders were observed to prey upon the coccinellids which inturn were psyllid predators. Occurrence of milkweed butterfly on adapathiyan was to a major level. Tachinid flies were found to parasitise the butterfly larvae. Chethikoduveli heavily infested by citraka looper was a major one. A microlepidopteran belonging to the family Cl Grassillaridae was found infesting on Thippali spikes. Spike thrips, thippali mealy bugs were the other minor pests. Vallippala semilooper, a key pest was ranked as a completely defoliating one. Its biology studied reveals that egg period to be three days, larval instars as first, second, third, fourth and fifth, prepupal and pupal duration of 2, 2, 3, 3, 2, 1, 6.4 Ā± 0.1956 days respectively. Total life cycle was found to, be 22.4 Ā± 0.1956 days. Tylophoran bug and Asclepidian beetle which were first reports. Glossy tiger in Vallippala was found on a major level. Lacewing bug were found to be major one in Tulasi. But there were numerous minor pests as Tulasi leaf webber, grasshopper, ash weevil, Pentatomid bugs and Coried bugs. Kacholam were infested Cl by Lema beetle, black hairy caterpillar and swarming caterpillar which were the minor ones. Karalakom butterfly were ranked as key pest. Its biology and management using botanical pesticides were studied. The egg, larval duration of first, second, third and fourth instars prepupal and pupal stages had a duration of8.2 Ā± 0.1405, 7.7 Ā± 0.1768, 7.8 Ā± 0.1749, 9, 7.9 Ā± 0.2422,1,14.8 Ā± 0.1749 days respectively. Total life cycle was found to be that 56.1 Ā± 0.5248 days. Flea beetles were found to make the leaf papery thin. In Kasthuri venda there were two major and 11 minor pests. The major ones were found to be the pests of okra too. Major ones are shoot and fruit borer and leaf roller. Defoliator in Madhunasini were parasitised by a Hymenopteran belonging to the family Braconidae. Moth bugs and three types of passive visitors observed were also new reports. As the influence of weather parameters on the distribution of key pests were studied, it was observed that with a rise in temperature there was a flare up on Vallippala semilooper and Karalakom butterfly population. With decrease in temperature the reduction in pest population was common for both the pests. When the relative humidity was taken into account, it was evident that decrease in Vallippala semilooper population was indirectly proportional to the relative humidity but it was directly proportional to the spread of Karalakom butterfly. When the influence of wind speed was taken into consideration it was found that wind speed had no direct influence on Vallippala semilooper distribution but with regard to Karalakom butterfly the spread was more with an increased wind speed. While studying the effects of total sunshine hours in a day on the pest spread, it was clear that there was an increase in Vallippala semilooper distribution and a reduction in Karalakom butterfly population with increased sunshine hours. The evaluation of botanical pesticides revealed a maximum antifeedancy with Neem Kernel Suspension (NKS) followed by neem leaf extracts. In the case of Vallippala semilooper hyptis ranked as the next best. While it was yellow oleander for Karalakom butterfly. These eco-friendly approaches are new records.ThesisItem Open Access Bio-ecology and management of perianth infesting mealy bugs dysmicoccus brevipes(Cockerell) and Pseudococcus Longispinus (Targioni-Tozzetti) on coconut(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2003) Bindu Radhakrishnan; KAU; Premila, K SA study was conducted at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani from January 2001 to December 2001 to study the biology, species composition and symptomatology of perianth infesting mealybugs, D. brevipes and P. longispinus infesting the coconut palm and to assess the yield losses caused by the pest and to evolve management measures. The biology of the two species was studied after reanng them on pumpkin fruits. The mean larval period and adult longevity of D. brevipes and P. longispinus when reared on pumpkin were 36 and 103.3 and 26 and 57 days respectively. The mean sex ratio of D. brevipes was 3.17 and of P. longispinus was 3.54. Pumpkin appeared to be a good host material for mass rearing PMBs. Studies on the yield loss assessment revealed an annual yield loss of Rs 139.20/ palm in the highly susceptible palms whereas in the medium and low susceptible palms the yield losses were Rs. 85.80/palm and Rs. 40.80/ palm respectively. When the influence of bunch age on the extent of damage by mealybugs was studied, highest mean per cent damage was observed in the fifth bunch followed by fourth and sixth bunches. Maximum population of PMBs were observed in the fifth nutlet. The mean population of D. brevipes was maximum during May (1.31) whereas the mean population of P. longispinus was maximum during March (1.13). Studies on the susceptibility of stage of bunch to mealybug damage indicated that the peak level of damage was in the fifth bunch. Consequently the maximum damage was observed in the month of June. Rainfall was observed to be the most important factor adversely affecting mealybug population. Development of symptoms as a consequence of feeding injury by PMBs include drying of nut without drying of calyx, stunting, deformities in the buttons such as development of cavities in place of embryo and gummy exudation. The mean population of other perianth infesting arthropods found associated with highly infested category of palms was low when compared to medium and low category palms. A positive relation between number of flowers per spikelet and susceptibility to mealybugs was observed. A study on the reaction of nutlets of WC'T variety to PMBs in terms of tepal colour revealed that orange and green coloured tepals were the most preferred by PMBs. Ant species C. nuda, T. albipis and A. longipes were seen closely associated with PMBs. Among the various pesticides evaluated against PMBs, triazophos (0.05) and profenofos (0.05) were found to be effective in controlling the pest.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation and management of pest complex in cashew grafts(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Deepthy, K B; KAU; Susannamma, KurienExperiments were conducted at Cashew Research Station, Madakkathara and the Departments of Entomology and Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara with the objectives of identifying high yielding cashew variety possessing resistance or tolerance to the Tea Mosquito Bug - Colletotrichum gloeosporioides complx and also to develop an effective and safer management strategy using pesticides. Screening of selected cashew grafts against tea mosquito bug (TMB) and Colletotrichum complex revealed that plants infected with TMB alone cause slight damage and may regain their growth after a period of time, but when the plants were . \ inoculated with Colletotrichum and infected by TMB, the plants cannot regain their growth, once the die-back symptoms were incited. The variety 11-1600 was observed to be better as it IS comparatively tolerant to both TMB and TMB-Colletotrichum complex. The varieties Madakkathara- 2, H-1610 and Kanaka also recorded lesser TMB damage. Inoculation with AMF resulted in greater germination percentage and enhanced growth attributes like height, number of leaves, number of roots, fresh weight and dry weight of plants. Among ,the insecticides, quinalphos and carbaryl were effective in reducing the TMB infestation. Combination sprays of carbendaziml copper oxychloride with quinalphos also proved effective against TMB- Colletotrichum pest complex. The scope of rationalising TMB management has been discussed in the light of the relative tolerance of the varieties and the need for judicious application of selected insecticides to contain TMB and of selected fungicides in conjunction to control the subsequent invasion by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides that may aggravate the die- back symptoms highlighted.ThesisItem Open Access Pathogencity, yield loss assessment and management of root -knot nematode, meloidogyne incognita (kofoid and white) chitwood on chilli (capsicum annum L.)(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2003) Rajitha, R; KAU; Arthur Jacob, JA study was conducted in pots to determine the pathogenicity of the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White, 1919) Chitwood, 1949 on chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). A significant reduction was seen in the growth parameters' at 30, 60 DAT and final harvest when chilli plants were inoculated with 50, 100, 200 and 300 hllOO g soil. A progressive reduction in yield was also observed wi th increase in the inoculum levels, the reduction in yield ranging from 17.59 to 62.99 per cent. Multiplication of the nematode was high at 50 and 100 hll 00 g soil. Considering the importance of the crop in the state, 40 per cent loss in .- yield and multiplication of the nematode in relation to its initial density at 100 Jz 11 00 g soil, the damage threshold of the nematode was fixed as 100 lj100 g soil. Thirteen accessions including high yielding varieties and local accessions were screened in pots for resistance to M. inco gnita. Pusa Sadabahar and Khandari were moderately resistant to the nematode. Pusa Sadabahar,Pusa Jwala and Pant C-l were moderately resistant to infestation of chilli thrips, Scirtothr ips dorsalis and chilli mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus. The high yielding varieties, Jwalamukhi and Jwalasakhi released by Kerala Agricultural University were susceptible to , the nematode but moderately resistant to pest infestation. Three bioagents viz., AMF @ 250 spores per plant, fluorescent pseudomonads 2 per cent and Trichoderma sp. 5 per cent and oilcakes viz., neem cake and mustard cake @ 1 t ha-l were evaluated for their efficacy in controlling M. incognita in comparison with carbofuran @l kg ai ha-l in pots. Treatment with the bioagents protected chilli plants better from the infestation of the nematode while amendment of soil with oilcakes resulted in better growth of plants. Yield was also higher in plants treated with bioagents. Among the bioagents, application of AMF @ 250 spores per plant and Trichoderma sp. 5 per cent were equally effective 111 reducing nematode infestation and increasing yield of chilli. Based on the results of the study. M. incognito can be considered as a potential threat to the cultivation of chilli at 100 hll 00 g soil. Cultivation of the varieties Pusa Jwala or Pusa Sadabahar would be a viable option in areas where root-knot nematode and chilli mite and thrips are a major problem. Application of the vermiculite formulation of AMF @ 250 spores per plant or Trichoderma sp. 5 per cent at planting can be recommended for inclusion 111 integrated nematode management programmes in chilli.ThesisItem Open Access Bioecology and management of spiralling whitefly Aleurodicus disperus Russell (Homoptera : Aleyrodidae)(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2004) Rani, J; KAU; Anitha, NA study on bioecology and management of spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus Russell was carried out in laboratory and pot culture experiments at the Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuaram during the period 2003-2004. The survey conducted in the instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani for a period of one year revealed that Aleurodicus dispersus attacked 50 host plants belonging to 30 families. Averrhoea bilimbi L, Capsicum chinense Jacq., Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. Vitis vinifera Linn, Passiflora edulis L., Jacquemontia violaceae Choisy, Spathoglottis aurea Lindle, Ixora chinensis Lam, Alysicarpus vaginalis (L.) DC Chromolaena odorata (L) King and Robinson, and Phaseolus sp, were reported for the first time in India as host plants of spiralling whitefly in the present study. Biology of A. dispersus on cassava, tomato and chilli revealed that cassava was the most susceptible host plant with shorter developmental period and longer adult period and higher fecundity. The eggs were laid on the under surface of leaves in characteristic spiral manner. Eggs were stalked, elliptical and light yellow to tan coloured. There were three nymphal instars and a pupal stage. Adult resembled tiny moths. The wings were clear first, later covered with a waxy powder. The nymphs and adults caused damage to the plants by sucking cell sap from the tender parts of the plants. They excrete honey dew which served as the substrate for the development of sooty mould. Heavy infestation of A dispersus combined with sooty mould infection resulted in loss of plant vigour, unsightly appearance and reduction in yield. The predators reported during the survey were Allograpta javana Wiedemann (Syrphidae; Diptera ), Axinoscymnus puttarudriahi Kapur and Munshi (Coccinellidae; Coleoptera), Cybocephalus indicus Tian and Ramani (Nitidulidae; Coleoptera) and spiders. Two doses each of the formulation viz., Neemazal, Econeem, and plant extract of Andrographis paniculata and Hyptis suaveolens were evaluated with Dimethoate 0.05 per cent as check against A. dispersus on tomato. Three sprayings were given at 45, 60 and 75 days after transplanting. Among the formulated neem products, Neemazal 4 ml 1-1 recorded highest population reduction of eggs, nymphs and adults of A. dispersus on tomato. The neem products were of only moderate efficiency in reducing various life stages of the pest compared to Dimethoate. However, the products can be included in the integrated management of this whitefly, considering the lower toxicity to the natural enemies and environmental safety. Based on the results of the present study, destruction of weed host plants and use of neem products can be suggested for the management of A. dispersus, as an adhoc recommendation.ThesisItem Open Access Survey and quantification of natural enemy fauna in the rice ecosystems in Thrissur district(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2000) Parvathy Meera, KAU; Pathummal Beevi, SA pilot study was carried out with the objective of identification, quantification and comparison of the pest and natural enemy complex present in two different rice ecosystems in Thrissur district of Kerala, viz. non-kole and kole area. The species composition, abundance and relative occurrence of pests, parasitoids and predators collected in sweep net samples from six locations each of non-kole and kole area were studied. Six samples were drawn at weekly intervals from each location starting from 15 days after transplanting till the emergence of panicles and the mean data used for analysis. The species richness, diversity and evenness of all the pests and important natural enemies were also assessed. In situ count of leaf and planthoppers and associated generalist predators were recorded. The extent of natural parasitism on the field collected immature stages of stem borer, leaf folder and gall fly was recorded and identified the important species. In the sweep net samples taken from 12 rice fields, altogether 29 species of phytophages representing 19 families of six insect orders could be identified. Among the 96 species of natural enemies (entomophages) identified, 19 species were predators and 77 were the hymenopteran parasitoids. Except in the case of one or two locations, the occurrence of most common and regular pests and the associated natural enemy fauna were found to be the same in the non-kole and kole area. The entomophages comprising of parasitoids and predators were found to be higher than the phytophages in most of the locations. Homoptera comprising of leaf and planthoppers and Thysanoptera (thrips) were the predominant phytophages. Nephotettix spp. were dominant among the leaf and planthopper while it was Sogatella furcifera (Horvath) among the planthoppers. A significant difference was observed in the mean count of pests as well as natural enemies within the six locations of each situation. Spiders (8 species) cocinellid beetles (3 species), mirid bug (Cyrtorhinus Iividepennis Reuter), damselflies (2 species) and veliid bug [Microvelia douglasi atrolineata (Bergoth)] were the important predators. The predominant predator species were Tetragnatha maxillosa Thorell (Aranae), Cyrtorhinus lividipennis Reuter (Miridae), Micraspis spp. (Coccinallidae) and Agriocnemis pygmea Rambur (Odonata). Highest diversity was noticed in the case of hymenopteran parasitoids and was the single largest group of entomophages. In the non-kole area, spiders were most abundant followed by Odonata, whereas in kole area C. lividipennis was abundant followed by spiders. In the case of phytophages, between the two situations studied, significant difference was noticed only in the case of planthoppers, which was significantly high in kole lands. Spiders, C. Iividipennis and the total predators population were significantly high in kole area, whereas Odonata (damselflies) were significantly high in non-kole area. A highly significant positive correlation existed between the leaf and planthoppers with predators like C. lividipennis and spiders. In situ population count of leaf and planthoppers and their associated natural enemies viz. C. lividipennis and Lycosa indicated a density dependent relationship. From the field collected samples, three species of parasitoids VlZ. Telenomus spp. Tetrastichus spp. and Trichogramma spp. were obtained from the stem borer eggs. The parasitoids emerged from the leaf folder larvae and pupae were Cotesia (=Apanteles) spp. Brachymeria excarinata Gahal, Cardiochilus philippinensis Ashmead, Goniozus spp., Macrocentrus philippinensis Ashmead and Xanthopimpla spp. Only a single species (Platygaster sp.) was obtained from gallfly pupae.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of plant products and sterile insect technique in the management of red palm weevil(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2003) Maheswari, P; KAU; Krishnakumar, RAn experiment was conducted in the Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani to find the effectiveness of plant products and sterile insect technique to contain red palm weevil in coconut. As a part of the experiment, survey was conducted 111 the red palm weevil infested tracts of Thiruvananthapuram district between June 2001- February 2002 to find out the extent of damage caused by red palm weevil. The data collected during the survey revealed that, the infestation of red palm weevil was highest in coastal area than that in inland areas; The percentage infestation was higher during June and less during February months. Also the infestation was higher in palms upto 7 years old. The results on the study of the effect of plant products to contain red palm weevil showed that apple extract of Anacardium occidentale 10% was the best treatment which caused highest mortality of red palm weevil. Also leaf extract of Thevetia neriifolia , seed oil of A. indica and seed oil of Samadera indica had shown considerable repellency of red palm weevil under laboratory conditions. In the case of sterile insect technique, gamma radiation at 1.5 Krad was found to be the best treatment as it caused considerable sterility as well as higher longevity of irradiated insects. The irradiated insects should be exposed to 6 virgin females for the duration of 12 days before releasing in the field to nullify the effect of initial fertility of unaffected sperms in the irradiated insects. The studies also revealed that there were repeated mating in red palm weevil and the sperms transferred during the recent mating only aids fertilization. To counteract the competition by wild males to mate with females, the irradiated males should be flooded in the field with a ratio of 10 irradiated male insects per normal male in the field. In conclusion the experiment reveals the overall efficiency of plant products and sterile insect technique to manage red palm weevil in coconut.ThesisItem Open Access Taxonomy of predatory coccinellid beetles (Coccinellidae:coleoptera) in rice and vegetables(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2003) Queno Jose, KAU; Haseena BhaskarMembers of the family Coccinellidae, commonly called as lady bird beetles and are predatory on a wide variety of pests. The grubs and adults of the beetle are voracious feeders of many sucking pests and effect natural control of pests in our crop fields. The diversity and abundance of predatory coccinellids in field crops are very much dependent on species and number of prey available. The present investigation entitled "Taxonomy of predatory coccinellid beetles (Coccinellidae : Coleoptera) in rice and vegetables was undertaken to study the taxonomy, species composition and diversity of coccinellid predators in rice and vegetable fields of Vellanikkara and to develop an up to date key for identifying them. Survey was conducted at vegetable fields of College of Horticulture and farmers fields, Vellanikkara and rice fields at Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy. From the various fields surveyed, sixteen species of coccinellids were collected. Associated with the aphid, Aphis craccivora, ten species of coccinellids were recorded from cowpea fields. Four species of coccineIlids each were reported from coccinia and bittergourd fields. In brinjal, three species of coccineIlids were recorded on mealy bug C. insolitus. Only one species was recorded in bhindi feeding on Aphis gossypii. They were included in four subfamilies, viz., Sticholotidinae, Coccirrellinae, Chilocorinae and Scyrnninae in five tribes and ten genera Taxonomic characters of 11 species collected were studied, namely, Jauravia soror of the subfamily Sticholotidinae, Coccinella transversalis, Q Cheilomenes sexmaculata, Micraspis discolor, Harmonia octomaculata and Anegleis cardoni of the subfamily Coccinellinae, Brumoides suturalis of Chilocorinae and Scymnus (Pullus) coccivora, S. (P) pyrocheilus, S. (P) latemaculatus and Pseudaspidimerus trinolatus of the subfamily Scymninae. A detailed key for all the species studied is prepared by the author. J dorsalis and J pallidula of tribeā¢ Sticholotidinae, s. (P.) coccivora and Pseudoscymnus sp. of Scyrnninae are new records from Kerala. The present study I has also revealed new prey records from Kerala: S. (P.) pyrocheilus and S. (P.) latemaculatus on A. gossypii and A. craccivora; J. dorsalis, J. pallidula. on A. gossypii; P. trinotatus on C. insolitus and A. gossypii . . ' Of the total 400 species of coccinellids reported from India only 16 species were recorded in the present study from rice and vegetable fields. With the diverse flora and fauna characteristic to Kerala, there is wider scope to explore the species diversity of coccinellids in this region,:
