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
Impact of weather variables on the functional efficiency of beneficial microflora in the rhizosphere of black pepper (piper nigrum L.)
(Department of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Manju Mohan, E; KAU; Surendra Gopal, K
Black pepper has been reported to be the most vulnerable spice crop to climate change. The beneficial microorganisms in the rhizosphere of black pepper can reduce the impact of abiotic stress due to changes in the weather variables. However, the soil microbial community are also influenced by changes in weather and microclimatic parameters. A study was undertaken on the “Impact of weather variables on the functional efficiency of beneficial microflora in the rhizosphere of black pepper”. The main objectives were to study the effect of weather and microclimatic parameters on the population and functional efficiency of beneficial microflora namely; Azospirillum, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma sp. The rhizosphere soil samples from black pepper were collected at monthly interval for a period of one year from Pepper Unit, Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), Vellanikkara. The selected beneficial microorganisms were enumerated and in vitro screening was done at monthly interval for IAA, ammonia, HCN, siderophore production, phosphate solubilization and antagonistic activity against Phytophthora capsici. Simultaneously, the weather and microclimatic parameters were also recorded. The Azospirillum and PSB were not obtained throughout the study period from July, 2015 to June, 2016. The population of fluorescent pseudomonads was highest in September, 2015 and was absent in March, 2016 and April, 2016. Trichoderma sp. recorded the highest population in July, 2015 and lowest in June, 2016. A total of 31 isolates of fluorescent pseudomonads and 3 isolates of Trichoderma sp. were obtained during the entire study period. Out of 31 isolates of fluorescent pseudomonads, 29 isolates produced ammonia with different concentrations. Fifteen isolates produced HCN and only ten isolates showed siderophore production as their antagonistic mechanism. Only 5 isolates were phosphate solubilizers and 4 isolates were antagonistic to Phytophthora capsici. However, in the case of Trichoderma sp. two isolates produced ammonia, one isolate was HCN producer, two produced siderophore and two isolates showed antagonistic activity against Phytophthora capsici. Considering the correlation studies between weather, microclimatic parameters and population of isolates obtained, it was found that the population of fluorescent pseudomonads were positively correlated with rainfall and soil moisture whereas negatively correlated with air temperature, sunshine hours and soil temperature. However, the population of Trichoderma sp. was positively correlated with rainfall, relative humidity and soil moisture whereas it was negatively correlated with air temperature, sunshine hours and soil temperature. The study indicated that rainfall (200 to 500 mm) and soil moisture (15 to 20%) favoured fluorescent pseudomonads and Trichoderma population. The functional efficiency of the isolates were also correlated with the weather and microclimatic parameters. In case of fluorescent pseudomonads, the weather and microclimatic parameters had no significant effect on its ammonia and HCN production. However, significant effect on the siderophore production was noticed. In the case of Trichoderma, weather and microclimatic parameters had no significant effect on ammonia, HCN and siderophore production. The present studies clearly indicated that the weather and microclimatic parameters affected the siderophore production in the case of fluorescent pseudomonads but, there was no effect on functional efficiency of Trichoderma sp. However, mitigation strategies have to be studied in the case of fluorescent pseudomonads to overcome the effect of weather and microclimatic variables on functional efficiency.
Open Access
Evaluation of abiotic stress tolernant PGPR and trichoderma sp. for growth and disease management in black pepper (piper nigrum L.)
(Department of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Sri Vithya, R; KAU; Surendra Gopal, K
A study was conducted on the “Evaluation of abiotic stress tolerant PGPR and Trichoderma sp. for growth and disease management in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)” at the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during May 2015 to July 2016. The objective of the study were to screen Azospirillum sp., Micrococcus sp., Burkholderia sp., Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma sp., for abiotic stress tolerance under in vitro and also evaluate the abiotic stress tolerant isolates for growth and disease management in black pepper under stress (polyhouse) and without stress (natural) conditions. Rhizosphere soil samples were collected from ten different black pepper growing areas of Thrissur district for isolation of Azospirillum sp., Micrococcus sp., Burkholderia sp., Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma sp. The isolates obtained were screened for PGPR activities, abiotic stress tolerance and screening for antagonistic activity against P. capsici. The most promising isolate from each type of microorganism were selected for pot culture experiment to evaluate the selected abiotic stress tolerant isolates for growth promotion and disease management in black pepper. Azopsirillum sp. was not recorded in the black pepper rhizosphere soil collected from Thrissur district. In the case of Micrococcus sp., the highest population was recorded in Pazhayannur (45×104 cfu g-1). In the case of Burkholderia sp., was highest in Kannara (116.5×104 cfu g-1). In the case of Fluorescent pseudomonads, the highest population was recorded in Chellakkara (55×104 cfu g-1). And Trichoderma sp., was highest in Mupliyam (96.5×103 cfu g-1). A total of 34 obtained different microbial isolates were screened for PGPR activities (IAA production, % P - solubilisation, Ammonia production and HCN production) and abiotic stress tolerance (temperature tolerance 280C, 370C, 410C and 500C, acidity tolerance and drought tolerance). Based on the PGPR activities and abiotic stress tolerance, the most promising isolates selected for pot culture experiment were Micrococcus sp. - VKM isolate (410C, pH 5.5 and -0.15 M Pa osmotic stress) Burkholderia sp. - PAB isolate (410C, pH 5.5 and -0.15 M Pa osmotic stress), fluorescent pseudomonads - PAP isolate (410C, pH 5.5 and -0.15 M Pa osmotic stress) and Trichoderma sp. - CKT isolate (370C, pH 5.5 and -0.15 M Pa osmotic stress). The maximum Per cent inhibition (64.75 %) was recorded in the case of Burkholderia sp. (KKB) and in the case Trichoderma sp. the maximum per cent inhibition (66.95 %) was recorded with CKT isolate. The isolates were further screened under pot culture experiment. There were two pot culture experiments with polyhouse condition (with elevated temperature as stress) and natural condition (without stress). Under polyhouse condition (with elevated temperature as stress), T5 (Trichoderma sp. - CKT isolate) and T6 was the most efficient isolates for enhancing the growth of black pepper. However, T4 (Pseudomonas fluorescens - PAP isolate) and T5 (Trichoderma sp. - CKT isolate) were the most promising treatments for Phytophthora disease management. Under natural condition (without stress), T8 (PGPR Mix - II - KAU ref. culture) and T4 (Pseudomonas fluorescens - PAP isolate) were the most efficient isolates for enhancing the growth of black pepper under natural condition (without stress). However, T3 (Burkholderia sp. - PAB isolate), T4 (Pseudomonas fluorescens - PAP isolate) and T5 (Trichoderma sp. - CKT isolate) were the most promising isolates for Phytophthora disease management. Among the isolates obtained in the present studies, the most promising abiotic stress tolerant isolate for growth promotion and disease management in black pepper under polyhouse condition was Trichoderma harzianum (T5 - CKT isolate), whereas Pseudomonas fluorescens (T4 - PAP isolate) was the most promising abiotic stress tolerant isolate under natural conditions. Most promising abiotic stress tolerant isolate for abiotic stress tolerance, growth promotion and Phytophthora disease management in black pepper nursery under both polyhouse and natural conditions was Trichoderma harzianum (T5 - CKT isolate). However, further studies are needed to confirm the results.
Open Access
Biocontrol potential of plant associated bacteria from piper spp. against phytophthora capsici infecting black pepper
(Department of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Nadiya Kollakkodan; KAU; Anith, K N
The study entitled “Biocontrol potential of plant associated bacteria from Piper spp. against Phytophthora capsici infecting black pepper” was conducted at the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani and Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram during 2015-2017 with the objective to study the antagonistic effect of plant associated bacteria from Piper colubrinum and Piper nigrum, and their potential for the biological control of Phytophthora capsici induced foliar infection in black pepper in the nursery. Plant associated bacteria were isolated from phylloplane, stem surface and within the leaves, stem and roots of P. colubrinum and P. nigrum on different bacteriological media. A total of 70 isolates were obtained, out of which 39 were from P. colubrinum and 31 from P. nigrum. The isolates were grouped based on cultural and morphological characters. In the initial in vitro screening using dual culture plate assay, it was found that out of the 70 isolates obtained, 16 isolates showed inhibitory effect against P. capsici. The results revealed that the isolates PCSE8 and PCSE10 had the maximum zone of inhibition. The dual culture plate assay was followed by a detached leaf assay using the 16 isolates showing inhibition. It was found that minimum lesion size was observed in leaves sprayed with isolate PCSE10 which caused 79.02% disease suppression over the control, which was on par with leaves sprayed with PCSE5. Biochemical characterization of the selected isolates were carried out using biochemical kits and a tentative genus level identification was done. Molecular level characterization was done and the plant associated bacteria from Piper spp. having biocontrol potential against P. capsici were identified as Burkholderia cenocepacia, Acinetobacter sp, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptomyces deccanensis, Bacillus sp, Rhizobium sp, Pantoea dispersa, Bacillus velezensis, Enterobacter sp, Acinetobacter baumannii and Bacillus subtilis. A greenhouse experiment was carried out at Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram, to study the effect of selected isolates on plant growth promotion and suppression of P. capsici induced foliar infection in the black pepper var. Karimunda. Suppression of foliar infection was studied by challenge inoculation with the pathogen on the foliage. Following artificial inoculation with the pathogen, the lowest lesion size was observed in plants treated with Rhizobium sp PCRE10 (1.18 cm) which caused 75.05% disease suppression over the pathogen control with the lowest disease index of 0.2. The isolate B. velezensis PCSE10 resulted in 53.69% disease suppression over pathogen control with a disease index of 0.32. The plant growth promotion aspects of the plant associated bacteria were studied by analysing the biometric characters of rooted cuttings of black pepper var. Karimunda at 70 DAP. Maximum leaf number was observed in plants treated with B. velezensis PCSE10 (2.25). The treatments had significant effect on the rooting of the cuttings. The highest root number was observed in plants treated with isolate Rhizobium sp PCRE10 (12.33) followed by S. deccanensis PCRE1 (10.92). A similar trend was observed in root fresh weight and root dry weight. The shoot dry weight was highest in plants treated with B. velezensis PCSE10 followed by plants treated with B. velezensis PCSE8. The study revealed that wild relative of black pepper, P. colubrinum is a good source for isolation of antagonistic bacteria against P. capsici. Bacterization with endophytes improved the plant growth characteristics and helped in better establishment of plants. Treatment with plant associated bacteria from P. colubrinum and P. nigrum suppressed the development of foliar infection of P. capsici. The endophytes of P. colubrinum, Rhizobium sp PCRE10 and B. velezensis PCSE10 were selected as best candidates when both disease suppression and plant growth promotion were considered..
Open Access
Evaluation of bacillus thuringiensis isolates against diaphania indica (saund.) (Lepidoptera:pyralidae)
(Department of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Janish Rose, Jacob; KAU; Girija, D
Chemical pesticides provide significant benefit by controlling pests of agricultural crops. However, their use has increased at an alarming rate, along with proportionate increase in their adverse effect on the environment. In recent years, several insects have developed resistance towards a few pesticides due to their indiscriminate use. Several microbial agents have been used as an alternative for chemical pesticides and Bacillus thuringiensis is one among them. B. thuringiensis is a sporulating, Gram positive, facultative anaerobic soil bacterium, capable of synthesizing δ-endotoxins or Cry proteins during sporulation. Due to the insecticidal properties of these proteins, the bacterium is used against insect species of the orders Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera. More than 500 isolates of B. thuringiensis obtained from the Western Ghats of Kerala, in a DBT funded project, are being maintained in the repository of the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Horticulture, Thrissur. Several microbial inoculants such as Pseudomonas fluorescens, Trichoderma viride, Beauvaria bassiana, Lecanicillium lecanii have been developed by Kerala Agricultural University but there is no formulation of B. thuringiensis. A study was conducted to develop a commercial formulation of B. thuringiensis and to evaluate its bio-efficacy against the pumpkin caterpillar, Diaphania indica (Saund.). Twenty native isolates with cent per cent mortality in previous studies were selected from the repository of the Department of Agricultural Microbiology. Morphological, biochemical and molecular characterisation of these native B. thuringiensis were carried out. The isolates showed only very slight variations in their cultural characteristics. Colonies appeared circular, creamy white with entire to undulate margin and flat elevation. The isolates showed positive reaction to starch and esculin hydrolysis, sucrose fermentation test and negative to Voges-Proskauer test. The isolates were screened for the presence of lepidopteran specific insecticidal genes, using PCR. Among the 20 native B. thuringiensis isolates, seven isolates yielded cry1 gene amplicons. None of the isolates produced cry2 and cry9 amplicons. The cry1 amplicons were further sequenced and when subjected to Blastn analysis showed homology towards cry1, cry1A, cry1Aa and cry1Ac. All the isolates have shown identity in the range of 93-96 per cent to the known cry1 genes. Thus, the presence of cry1 gene was confirmed. Based on the abundance of crystal protein and cry1 gene, three native isolates (KAU-11, KAU-474 and KAU-2189) were further selected for laboratory bioassay against the lepidopteran pest, D. indica. Among the native isolates, KAU-2189 showed highest per cent morality and was further selected for liquid formulation studies. Suitability of three media (soy flour broth, coconut water broth and T3 broth) was assessed based on the population and spore count at 0 h, 72 h and 96 h after inoculation. Coconut water yielded higher population than the standard medium (T3 broth). Spore count of B. thuringiensis in coconut water and T3 were statistically on par. Thus, coconut water served as the best among the tested substrates for B. thuringiensis production and this was further used for the liquid formulation. Bio-efficacy of the liquid formulation was evaluated in pot culture experiment against D. indica using little gourd (Coccinia indica) as the test crop. Btk (ABTEC), a commercial formulation was used as standard. The higher per cent mortality was recorded for the formulations containing KAU-2189 in coconut water broth and HD-1 in coconut water broth and both were statistically on par with each other. Minimum leaf damage was also recorded in treatments with these formulations and was statistically on par with each other. Shelf life studies of liquid formulations indicated that both population and spore count decreased from fourth month onwards. The study revealed that the native isolates have the potential to be developed into a biopesticide. Coconut water could be used as an ingredient for low cost liquid formulation. Further evaluation under field conditions is required to confirm the efficiency of KAU-2189 as a biopesticide.
Open Access
Metagenomic analysis of bacterial diversity in the rhizosphere of arecanut palms affected by yellowing in Wayanad
(Department of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) mahesh Mohan; KAU; Girija, D
The study entitled “Effect of growth retardants on growth and yield of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)” was conducted at College of Agriculture, Padannakkad during 2015-2017 with the objective to assess the response of marigold in terms of growth, yield and carotenoid content as influenced by foliar application of growth retardants Alar and Cycocel. The experiment was laid out in split plot design during two seasons viz., monsoon and pre-monsoon. The data was subjected to statistical analysis to find out the effect of growth retardants on different parameters. The experimental material comprised of Pusa Narangi Gainda and Maxima Yellow F1 varieties of African marigold and their response to growth retardants was evaluated with treatments viz., C1 : Alar 500 ppm, C2 : Alar 1000 ppm, C3 : Alar 1500 ppm, C4 : Cycocel 1000 ppm, C5 : Cycocel 1500 ppm, C6 : Cycocel 2000 ppm and C7 : Water spray (control). The analysis of data regarding different plant characters revealed that the varieties and growth retardants resulted in significant differences with vegetative, floral and yield characters and pigment contents in flowers. Growth retardants significantly influenced plant height, plant spread, number of branches, internodal length, and stem girth, number of flowers, flower yield and carotenoid content. There was no significant difference noticed on days to first flowering, days to 50 % flowering, flower length, pedicel length, flower diameter and flower weight. The effects of growth retardants on leaf area, SCMR, total biomass, crop duration, flowering duration and post-harvest longevity varied with seasons. On comparing the two varieties during two seasons, Maxima Yellow F1 performed better for most of the growth and floral characters and recorded highest flower yield in monsoon season. From economic point of view, Maxima Yellow F1 can be recommended during monsoon season in Kerala to meet the high demand of flowers during Onam. Among the growth retardants, Cycocel 1000 ppm can be recommended for better growth, higher yield and carotenoid content in Pusa Narangi Gainda and Maxima Yellow F1 varieties of African marigold during monsoon season and pre-monsoon seasons.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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