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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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Subject: Agricultural Entomology × End date: 2009 × Start date: 2009 × Type: Thesis ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Population dynamics and management of aphids in vegetable ecosystem
    (Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2009) Thamilvel, D; KAU; Hebsy, Bai
    Eight species of aphids viz., A. gossypii, A. craccivora, A. spiraecola, A. fabae, A. nerii, H. setariae, M. persicae and L. erysimi were recorded from 32 vegetables in a survey conducted in the four taluks of Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. Occurrence of A. gossypii on C. grandis, M. oleifera and P. tetragonolobus; A. craccivora on C. gladiata, P. tetragonolobus and S. grandiflora ; A. spiraecola on A. tricolor, C. sativus, C. tetragonoloba, M. oleifera, M. charantia, M. koeingii, P. tetragonolobus and S. androgynus ; M. persicae on A. tricolor and R. sativu; A. nerii on C. annuum and C. frutescens was recorded for the first time from the State and H. setariae on A. tricolor and A. dubius from South India. One hundred and twenty two other plants were identified as host plants of the different aphids. A. gossypii was the dominant species noted, closely followed by A. craccivora, and A. spiraecola. Maximum species of aphids were recorded on amaranthus followed by winged bean. Among the vegetables surveyed, chilli and coccinia were highly susceptible to A. gossypii and winged bean and cowpea to A. craccivora. Mosaic disease incidence was noted in 10 vegetables. Predators were the predominant group of natural enemies associated with the aphids with the coccinellids constituting the major predatory fauna. Twenty species of coccinellids were recorded from different species of aphids on various host plants of which 13 species were new records from Kerala. M. sexmaculatus was the dominant species followed by C. transversalis, S. latemaculatus and C. septempunctata, Four species of syrphids were recorded of which I. scutellaris was predominant. P. yerburiensis and D. aegrota were recorded for the first time from Kerala. Leucopis sp. was the only Chamaemyiid species recorded from the vegetable fields. The chrysopids, C. carneae and A. octopunctata and the hemerobiid, Micromus sp. were the Neuropteran predators of the aphids recorded of which Micromus sp. was dominant. A. octopunctata was recorded for the first time from Kerala. Eleven species of spiders were observed in the vegetable fields among which, O. javanus, T.mandibulata, O. quadridentatus, O. shweta and Phidippus sp. were the frequently encountered species. Aphidius sp. was the most dominant parasitoid in the vegetable ecosystem. Aphelinus sp. and D. rapae were the other parasitoids recorded. Seven species of ants were observed attending the aphids. Studies on the population fluctuation of A. gossypii in chilli and A. craccivora in winged bean during a cropping season indicated that high population was seen during November and December. Correlation studies revealed a significant and positive correlation between the population of both the aphids with the insect predators, spiders and parasitoids. None of the climatic parameters had any significant influence on the aphid population. Excepting, maximum temperature which had a positive influence, all the other weather parameters viz., minimum temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and wind velocity had a negative influence on the population of the predators and parasitoids. Among the botanicals screened in the laboratory, only neem oil- garlic emulsion 2% and NeemAzal T/S 4 ml/l recorded more than 50 per cent mortality of A. gossypii and A. craccivora. Among the insecticides, the neonicotinoids viz., acetamiprid 0.002% imidacloprid, 0.003%, and dimethoate 0.05% proved superior to all other treatments. Dimethoate 0.05% was highly toxic to the coccinellids, syrphids and a hemerobiid (Micromus sp.) predator under laboratory condition. Between the two neonicotinods, acetamiprid 0.002% registered higher mortality than imidacloprid 0.003% whereas NeemAzal T/S 4 ml/l and neem oil + garlic emulsion 2% were safe to the predators. Foliar application of dimethoate 0.05%, acetamiprid 0.002% and imidacloprid 0.003% gave good control of A. gossypii, A. biguttula biguttula, S. dorsalis and A. dispersus in chilli and A. craccivora, A. dispersus, R. pedestris and M. vitrata in winged bean. NeemAzal T/S 4ml/l and neem oil garlic emulsion 2% too checked the population of the pests appreciably. Dimethoate 0.05% was highly toxic to the predators and parasitoids followed by acetamiprid 0.002% both in the chilli and winged bean fields. Comparatively, imidacloprid 0.003% was less toxic. The botanicals were safer to the natural enemies. Dimethoate 0.05% was highly toxic to soil fauna and flora whereas acetamiprid and imidacloprid were less toxic while NeemAzal T/S 4ml/l and neem oil + garlic emulsion 2% were non toxic. In both the trials, significantly higher yield was obtained from all the treatments. However, no significant difference was noted in the yields obtained from acetamiprid 0.002%, imidacloprid 0.003% and dimethoate 0.05% treated plots. Residues of imidacloprid were detected in chilli and winged bean fruits five days after spraying. While on the tenth day after spraying, residues of acetamiprid, and dimethoate were detected in chilli fruits, only residue of acetamiprid was recorded from winged bean pods. Imidacloprid was below detectable level (BDL). Residues of all the three insecticides were below detectable level when estimated fifteen days after spraying. Based on the results of the study, early detection of aphids on weeds and other host through regular monitoring, proper weed and ant management, conservation of the beneficials, application of neem oil + garlic emulsion 2% or NeemAzal T/S 4ml/l during the early stage of infestation and use of imidacloprid 0.003% when needed are suggested for aphid management in vegetables.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Biocontrol of cowpea aphid aphis craccivora(koch) using entomopathogenic fungi
    (Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2009) Saranya, S; KAU; Ushakumari, R
    The present study entitled “Biocontrol of cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora (Koch) using entomopathogenic fungi” was undertaken to identify the effective local isolates of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) and to evaluate the pathogenicity of pure cultures and commercial formulations of Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Verticillium lecanii, Hirsutella thompsonii and local isolate on cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora. A survey was conducted at four locations of Thrissur district. During the survey, five fungal isolates were collected. Among the five isolates one pathogenic fungus, obtained from the Vellanikkara locality was identified as Cladosporium oxysporum. It is the first report from Kerala. Laboratory bioassay studies were carried out with six different concentrations of B. bassiana, M. anisopliae, V. lecanii, H. thompsonii and C. oxysporum against the adults of A. craccivora. Among the five isolates tested, V. lecanii and H. thompsonii caused cent per cent mortality followed by B. bassiana with 96.66 per cent. It was revealed that V. lecanii and H. thompsonii showed higher virulence with the lowest LC50 value of 2.5x104 spores ml-1. At the highest concentration of 108 spores ml-1, the LT50 values ranged from 3.63 to 5.96 days in the different fungal isolates which was found increasing along with the decreasing concentrations. The survival rate of nymphs was considerably reduced with in 24 hours after treatment. At the highest concentration (108 spores ml-1), all the isolates recorded less survival per cent of nymphs which ranged between 2.49 to 18.33 per cent. But even in the lower concentration (103 spores ml-1), H. thompsonii and B. bassiana exhibited low nymphal survivability (34.75 to 37.61%) as compared to other isolates. Based on the bioassay studies a pot culture experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different fungal isolates against A. craccivora under field conditions. Among the different treatments, B. bassiana and V. lecanii @ 108 spores ml-1 and F. pallidoroseum @ 7x 106 spores ml-1 gave cent per cent mortality on 14th day after treatment. This was followed by the commercial formulations, Biopower and Biocatch (0.2%) and the chemical insecticide Malathion (0.05%) which recorded more than 90 per cent mortality. The highest yield was obtained in plants treated with F. pallidoroseum @ 7x106 spores ml-1 which recorded the maximum number and weight of pods followed by V. lecanii and B. bassiana @ 108 spores ml-1. These treatments were statistically on par and were considerably increasing the yields upto 47.84, 47.14 and 45.10 per cent respectively. From the study it is revealed that B. bassiana and V. lecanii @ 108 spores ml-1 were found to be as effective as the standard F. pallidoroseum @ 7x106 spores ml-1. These entomopathogenic fungi were found to be even more superior to the chemical insecticide, malathion based on the cumulative bioefficacy.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Biopotency of Indian privet, Vitex negundo Linn. (Verbenaceae) against Spodoptera litura fab. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata Fab. Ccoleoptera: Coccinellidae)
    (College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2009) Deepthy, K B; KAU; Sheela, M K
    The present investigations on “Biopotency of Indian privet, Vitex negundo Linn. (Verbenaceae) against Spodoptera litura Fab. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (Coleoptera: Noctuidae) were carried out in the Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2005-2008. The objectives of this study were to screen the different parts (leaf, shoot and flower) of V. negundo for its biological efficiency with different solvent extracts against S. litura and H. vigintioctopunctata and to test the V. negundo extracts for their biological responses as with ovipositional deterrency, ovicidal action, antifeedancy, morphogenic effects and reproductive inhibition against the test insects. Experiments were also conducted to assess the potency of V. negundo extracts in combination with different entomopathogens. Screening experiments revealed that among the different parts viz., leaves, shoots and flowers of V. negundo, leaves showed significant bio response against S. litura and H. vigintioctopunctata. Methanol and hexane extract of leaves of V. negundo at six per cent resulted in maximum mortality of S. litura and H. vigintioctopunctata. V. negundo extracts with methanol (6%) indicated significant ovipositional deterrency with 94.02 and 100 per cent reduction in egg laying of S. litura and H. vigintioctopunctata respectively. Methanol extract (6%) proved as an efficient ovicidal agent against S. litura. Against H. vigintioctopunctata acetone aqueous extracts showed pronounced ovicidal action at lower concentration of four per cent resulting in cent percent reduction in hatching. Studies on growth and developmental effects of V. negundo extracts revealed that methanol and acetone extracts resulted in maximum reduction in pupal weight and pupation of S. litura. Delay in moulting of S. litura was observed in different treatments with V. negundo. S. litura reared in treated castor leaves and semi synthetic diet recorded maximum larval duration (19 and 26 days respectively) with acetone (6%) while water extract resulted in greater duration of 17.67 days in banana fed larvae. V. negundo cause no antifeedant action against S. litura and H. vigintioctopunctata. Food consumption and utilization studies on S. litura and H. vigintioctopunctata revealed that V. negundo extracts caused a drastic decline in growth parameters like, Efficiency of Conversion of Ingested Food (ECI) and Efficiency of Conversion of Digested Food (ECD), larval growth and Relative Growth Rate (RGR) thus indicating the inhibitory action of V. negundo on the growth of test insects. All the solvent extracts (except aqueous extract) reduced ECI and ECD against both S. litura and H. vigintioctopunctata proving the potency of V. negundo as an efficient growth inhibitor. Acetone extract (6%) resulted in maximum reduction in RCR of S. litura and H. vigintioctopunctata. Hexane, acetone and methanol extracts caused highest growth inhibition in H. vigintioctopunctata. Correlation studies revealed that there is a highly significant positive correlation of ECI and ECD with RGR both in S. litura and H. vigintioctopunctata. Solvent extracts of V. negundo were found to induce pupal and adult malformations in S. litura and H. vigintioctopunctata. Hexane and methanol extracts caused highest pupal and adult malformations in S. litura larvae. All the solvent extracts (6%) caused significant reduction in longevity and fecundity of both S. litura and H. vigintioctopunctata. Methanol extract was proved to be the most toxic (least LD50 value) against S. litura and against H. vigintioctopunctata, hexane extract showed maximum toxicity. Compatibility studies revealed that methanol extract inhibited growth of both Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana. Combination treatment of methanol extract with M. anisopliae resulted in reduction in mortality of S. litura leading to antagonistic interaction. Combination studies conducted with Bacillus thuringiensis and Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus (NPV) resulted in enhanced mortality and reduction in Median Lethal Time (LT50). The results of the present study thus indicate the multiple modes of action of V. negundo against insect pests and hence there is good scope of its utilization as an efficient component in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programmes against S. litura and H. vigintioctopunctata.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Biorational management of key pests of jasmine (Jasminum sambac)
    (College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2009) Hemalatha, G; KAU; Susannamma, Kurien
    Jasmine is cultivated extensively in South India. It is seriously damaged by numerous pests and diseases. The use of selective, biorational approaches in place of broad spectrum conventional insecticides offer several advantages in IPM programme. The present study on “Biorational management of key pests of Jasmine (Jasminum sambac)” was carried out in the Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. The main objectives of the study were to assess the population dynamics of key pests of jasmine and to evaluate the efficacy of biopesticides like Beauveria bassiana, Metarrhizium anisopliae, Bacillus thuringiensis, NSKE and Econeem plus along with standard insecticides such as imidacloprid, acephate, fipronil and carbosulfan. To assess the population dynamics of key pests of jasmine a survey was conducted in the farmer’s field in four locations of Thrissur district. It was found that budworm and blossom midge infestation were increased from November to March and the population of thrips and whiteflies were more during February to April, the peak flowering period. Correlation analysis of jasmine pests with weather parameters viz., maximum temperature, minimum temperature, relative humidity and rainfall revealed that a significant negative relationship exist between the relative humidity and blossom midge infestation. Flower thrips population was negatively correlated with rainfall. From the field experiment it was observed that application of B. thuringiensis at 0.1 per cent was the most effective treatment against jasmine budworm, Hendecasis duplifascialis followed by B. bassiana @1x107spores ml-1 and the rotational treatment of B. thuringiensis (0.1%) and carbosulfan (0.05%). Blossom midge infestation was significantly reduced in azadirachtin (1%) treated plants followed by NSKE (5%) sprayed plants. In the case of flower thrips and leaf thrips the rotational treatment of acephate (0.1%), imidacloprid (0.01%) and azadirachtin (1%) was found to be the most effective. For controlling the whitefly population also, the same treatment gave consistently good results. The highest yield (3405 kg ha-1) with a net profit of Rs. 3,40,500 was obtained from the plants treated with rotational application of acephate, imidacloprid and azadirachtin. But the highest benefit: cost ratio of 2.60:1 was obtained from the plants treated with B. bassiana @1x107spores ml-1 followed by M. anisopliae @1x107spores ml-1 (2.57:1). It is thus indicated that a highest benefit: cost ratio can be obtained by the application of biopesticides although higher flower yield was obtained by the application of insecticides. Hence, the application of biopesticides can be recommended to manage the pests population of jasmine.