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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 Development of nendran banana chips with enhanced shelf life and quality(Department of Processing Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2014) Sonia, N S; KAU; Mini, CThe present investigation entitled “Development of Nendran banana chips with enhanced shelf life and quality” was conducted at Department of Processing Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, with the objective to evaluate and compare the effect of natural antioxidants in delaying rancidity of banana chips during storage and to explore the possibility of developing flavoured chips. Nendran banana chips were prepared in unrefined coconut oil by incorporating two types of antioxidants viz., processing waste and flavour imparting substances in fresh and dried forms at 0.01 and 0.02 % concentrations, either by presoaking slices in antioxidant solution before frying or by directly adding to frying oil. The prepared chips were analysed for physical, chemical and sensory quality parameters. Banana chips prepared by addition of 0.02% fresh banana peel to frying oil recorded the least moisture (6.45%), oil uptake (30.65%), peroxide value (4.70 meq. O2/ kg) and free fatty acid (FFA) value (3.08 mg KOH/ g) along with highest integrity (84.45%) and iodine value (8.76) indicating superior quality. Of all the flavor imparting substances tried, chips prepared by adding 0.02% dried curry leaf powder to frying oil had lowest moisture (5.30%), oil uptake (31.40%) peroxide (6.50 meq. O2/ kg) and FFA value (3.02 mg KOH/ g) along with highest integrity (85.90%) and iodine value (6.73). Both these treatments recorded highest sensory parameters too, hence selected for further storage study. Banana chips prepared using fresh banana peel and dried curry leaf powder were stored in low density polyethylene pouches, tri-layered laminated pouches and under modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) in laminated pouches for three months to evaluate the shelf stability. Chips prepared with 0.02% dried curry leaf powder and packed under MAP in laminated pouches showed low moisture (6.90%), least hardness (4.86 N), toughness (1.90 Ns), FFA value (5.24 mg KOH/g), peroxide value (7.87 meq. O2/ kg), highest iodine value (10.27), yellowness index (109.86), crispness (5.12) and higher mean rank value for sensory parameters throughout storage period. Highest antioxidant activity (12.61 ± 1.31 %) was also recorded by this treatment. When the possibility of development of flavoured banana chips was explored, chips prepared by addition of 2% dried garlic powder was acceptable to the sensory panel. The study revealed that preparation of Nendran banana chips by addition of 0.02% dried curry leaf powder into frying oil and storing under modified atmospheric packaging system in laminated pouches can ensure a shelf life of three months.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L.var botrytis) for southern Kerala(Department of olericulture, College of agriculture, Vellayani, 2013) Shruthy, O N; KAU; Celine, V AThe present investigation on “Evaluation of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) for southern Kerala” was conducted at the Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during the period October 2012 to March 2013. The objectives were to identify tropical cauliflower varieties suitable for plains of southern Kerala and to study the influence of date of planting on yield and quality. The experiment was laid out in the field in split plot design with four dates of sowing as main plot and 12 varieties of cauliflower as sub plot treatments with five replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant difference among sowing dates, varieties and their interactions for all the characters studied. Among the sowing dates, November 1st sowing recorded highest curd and yield characters. Highest net curd weight was recorded for November 1st sowing (361.69 g) followed by October 1st sowing (336.57 g). Sowing on November 15 resulted in early curd initiation whereas that on October 1 resulted in early curd harvest. Better plant height, leaves per plant, gross plant weight, leaf length, leaf breadth and leaf size were also exhibited by November 1st sowing. No significant differences were observed between different sowing dates for quality characters like protein, vitamin A and vitamin C. Least incidence of physiological disorders, pest and diseases were observed on November 1st sowing. Among the varieties, NS 60N was the highest yielder (454.02 g) based on yield characters. Curd depth, curd diameter and curd size index were also highest for NS 60N followed by G 45. Earliest among the varieties was Himshort followed by NS 60N and the late varieties were Pusa Sharad and Pusa Hybrid-2. Himpriya-60 exhibited highest plant height, leaves per plant, gross plant weight, leaf length, leaf breadth and leaf size. Significant differences were observed among treatments for all quality characters except vitamin C. The interaction effects were significant for all the characters studied. Yield characters were best for NS 60N (629.33 g) sown on November 1st. Best curd characters were exhibited by October 1st sowing of Pusa Hybrid 2 followed by November 1st sowing of NS 60N. Himpriya-60 sown on November 1st recorded highest plant height, leaves per plant, gross plant weight and leaf size. Himshort sown on October 1st was the earliest. Least incidence of physiological disorders, pest and diseases were observed on November 1st sowing. No significant differences were observed between different sowing dates for quality characters like protein, vitamin A and vitamin C. Variability among genotypes for all the characters was studied using phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance. Correlation and path analysis studies revealed high positive correlation of plant height, number of leaves, leaf size, days to curd initiation, curd depth, curd size index and stalk length to yield. Selection index values were worked out based on discriminant function analysis and found that NS 60N was the best. The study identified two high yielding varieties namely NS 60N and G 45 as promising and November 1st sowing as the best sowing time for cultivation in southern Kerala.ThesisItem Open Access Standardization of techniques for better rooting and growth of orthotropic shoots in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)(Department of plantation crops and spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2014) Nimisha, Mathews; KAU; Sulekha, G RThe present study on “Standardization of techniques for better rooting and growth of orthotropic shoots in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)” was carried out at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2012- 2014. The objective of the study was to standardize techniques for profuse rooting and vigorous growth of orthotropic shoots of black pepper so as to produce quality planting material. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design consisting of 10 treatments with 3 replications. All the treatments were tried using 2 node and 3 node semi hardwood cuttings of orthotropic shoots of black pepper. The treatments consisted of IBA (500 ppm and 1000 ppm), common sugar solution (1 per cent, 2 per cent and 3 per cent), AMF, Azospirillum 15 per cent and Psuedomonas 15 per cent. Solarized potting mixture enriched with Trichoderma was used for all the treatments including control and PGPR Mix -II was drenched uniformly in all treatments except absolute control. In the experiment with 2 node cuttings, T7 (Azospirillum 15 per cent) was found to be superior for most of the growth characters like minimum number of days for sprouting and number of days for 50 per cent sprouting . The same treatment recorded the highest value for height of sprouted cutting, length of leaf, breadth of leaf and leaf area. But the maximum values for number of leaves, petiole length, internodal length, root volume and number of roots was recorded in T2 (IBA 1000 ppm). In experiment with 3 node cuttings, T2 registered minimum number of days for sprouting, number of days for 50 per cent sprouting, highest values for height of sprouted cutting, number of leaves, petiole length, number of roots and root volume. The anatomical characters when studied, leaf cuticle thickness was highest in 2 node cuttings treated with T5 (common sugar solution 3 per cent) and in 3 node cuttings treated with T6 (AMF). The number of vascular bundles in leaf was found highest in T2 (IBA 1000 ppm) for both 2 node and 3 node cuttings. But the number of vascular bundles in root was highest in T1 (IBA 500 ppm), both in the case of 2 node and 3 node cuttings. For stomatal frequency, T7 showed maximum value in both the cases. The treatment T8 (Psuedomonas 15 per cent) recorded highest value for total dry matter production in both the experiments. The biological properties of potting mixture (after the experiment) showed that, AMF colonization and spore count was maximum in T6 for 2 node and 3 node cuttings .The observation on total actinomycetes load was highest in T7 in both the experiments. The treatment, T7 showed the highest percentage of success in the establishment of 2 node orthotropic cuttings which was on par with T1 and T2. With 3 node cuttings also T7 and T1 showed highest percentage success in the establishment of cuttings. From the results, it can be concluded that 2 or 3 node cuttings with Azospirillum 15 per cent or IBA 1000 ppm or IBA 500 ppm were found to be the best treatments for better rooting and growth of orthotropic shoots in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) when planted in solarized potting mixture enriched with Trichoderma. However, 2 node cuttings are preferred because the availability of orthotropic shoots are scarce in black pepper.ThesisItem Open Access Growth and yield analysis of aloe (Aloe vera L. Burm.f.) under different organic nutrient regimes(Department of plantation crops and spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2014) Dipin, M N; KAU; Jessykutty, P CThe study entitled “Growth and yield analysis of aloe (Aloe vera L. Burm.f.) under different organic nutrient regimes” was carried out during 2012-14 in the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture Vellayani, to analyse the effect of different organic manures and biofertilizers on growth, yield and quality of Aloe vera, to assess the relative efficiency of organic manures and biofertilizers as substitutes for inorganic fertilizers and to compare the economics of cultivation of different treatments. The experiment was laid out in RBD with sixteen treatments and three replications. The treatments included adhoc organic POP recommendation of KAU (2011), NPK dosage followed by commercial growers in Tamil Nadu and different combinations of three organic manures (FYM, neem cake and vermicompost) and biofertilizer as PGPR mix 1 and an absolute control (without manures and fertilizers). The study showed that, application of 37.5kg N in the form of FYM and.neem cake in 2:1 ratio along with PGPR mix I (T11 - 75 per cent N of FP as [FYM (50 per cent N) + .neem cake (25 per cent N)] + PGPR mix I) was significantly superior in increasing the morphological parameters (plant height, number of leaves, leaf width, thickness and weight) of aloe. Significantly superior fresh leaf yield (4.74 kg plant-1 year-1) and latex yield (18.91 g plant-1 year-1) was registered by T11. Application of chemical fertilizers (T3) recorded lesser yields compared to organic manure applied plants. Growth analysis carried out at different growth stages also revealed the superiority of T11. Significant improvement in gel quality was noticed for T11 and T14. Significant improvement in soil quality in terms of nutrient availability and microbial load was obtained by the combined application of organic manures and PGPR mix 1 in which, PGPR mix 1 can be used as N substitute to a maximum level of 25 per cent. Among the sixteen treatments tried, T11 (37.5 kg N/ha in the form of FYM and neem cake in 2:1 ratio along with PGPR mix 1) was the best cost effective treatment (B: C ratio 1.8) for getting highest yield and gel quality in aloe.ThesisItem Open Access Standardization of planting time for off season cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.var capitata) production in rain shelter(College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2014) Shanthi, Elizabeth Kurian; KAU; Indira, PThe present study entitled ‘Standardization of planting time for off-season cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) production in rain shelter’ was undertaken in the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during May-October 2013. The objective of the study was to standardize planting time for off-season cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) production in rain shelter. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with four replications. The cabbage hybrid NS 43 of Namdhari Seeds Pvt. Ltd. was used for the study. The treatments comprised six planting dates namely May 15th, May 30th, June 15th, June 30th, July 15th and July 30th. The crop was raised inside two rain shelters each of 100 m2 floor area. Observations on quantitative and qualitative characters of cabbage were recorded during the course of study. Head formation was noticed in all dates of planting eventhough rainy season is an off-season for cabbage. There was no significant difference between planting dates with respect to plant spread, number of non wrapping leaves, stalk length, core length, head index and total number of marketable heads. The lowest number of wrapping leaves was observed for May 30th (3.9) planting which was on par with May 15th (4.0) planting. May 30th planting took the minimum number of days to reach 50% head formation (47.50 days) which was on par with May 15th (48 days) planting. The minimum number of days to reach 50% head maturity was observed for May 30th (63.75 days) planting which was on par with May 15th (68 days) and July 30th (67 days) planting. The highest net head weight was observed in May 15th (818.75 g) planting whereas the lowest was recorded in June 15th (486.25 g) planting. May 15th planting recorded the maximum value for head characters like head length (13.55 cm) and head breadth (15.73 cm). The highest harvest index was also observed in May 15th (60.79) planting while the lowest harvest index was observed in June 15th (53.05). The yield/plot was highest for May 15th (11.78 kg) planting. Moisture content was found minimum for June 15th (93.41 %) planting. The head shape of cabbage was round in all the planting dates. With regard to head compactness, all the heads were observed to be loose. The major pest observed during all the planting dates was tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura F.). Incidence of soft rot (Erwinia carotovora) was noticed in all dates of planting. A physiological disorder called internal tip burn reported to be caused due to calcium deficiency was noticed in heads in all planting dates. The lowest pest and disease incidence was observed for May 15th planting. Considering the yield and lower pest and disease incidence, May 15th planting was found ideal for off-season cultivation of cabbage inside rain shelter.ThesisItem Open Access Simulation of environmental and varietal effects in Rice using CERES model(College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2014) Naziya; KAU; Ajithkumar, BThe present investigation on “Simulation of environmental and varietal effects in rice using CERES model” were carried out in Department of Agricultural Meteorology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2012-13 to determine the crop weather relationship, to calibrate the genetic coefficient and simulation of phenology, growth and yield of Jyothi and Kanchana varieties of rice. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with four replications at Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy during the Kharif season of 2013. Five dates of planting was assigned as a main plot treatment viz., 5th June, 20th June, 5th July, 20th July and 5th August with two varieties (Jyothi and Kanchana) as sub plot treatment. The different growth and yield characters like plant height, leaf area index, dry matter accumulation,1000 grain weight, grain yield, straw yield, number of panicles, spikelets, filled grains and duration of different growth phases were recorded along with monitoring the incidence of various pest and diseases. The daily weather parameters like maximum and minimum temperatures, forenoon and afternoon relative humidity, forenoon and afternoon vapour pressure deficits, bright sunshine hours, evaporation, wind speed, rainfall and rainy days were determined. The minimum temperature, afternoon and forenoon relative humidity, rainfall, rainy days, bright sunshine hours and evaporation were found to be higher in early planting dates compared to late plantings. Plant height, leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, yield and yield attributes were highly variable among the different planting dates. Yield and yield attributes were influenced by various weather parameters experienced by the crop during different dates of planting. Days taken to complete maturity were reduced with each successive delay in planting dates in both the varieties. Genotypic variations are found between the varieties but days taken for each phenophases were found to be similar. June 5th and July 20th planting recorded the highest yield in Jyothi whereas June 20th and July 5th planting gave highest yield in Kanchana. Jyothi was found to be superior to Kanchana during the crop season. To determine the critical weather elements affecting the crop growth, correlation analysis was done and it was observed that crop duration would decrease with increase in temperature and bright sunshine hours whereas, the forenoon and afternoon relative humidity, rainfall and rainy days showed a positive influence on crop duration. Multiple linear regression models were fitted, to predict the grain yield based on weather variables. The crop genetic coefficients that influence the occurrence of developmental stages in the CERES-rice models were derived, to achieve the best possible agreement between the simulated and observed values. Calibration was done with the independent data sets of two rice varieties viz. Jyothi and Kanchana for different genetic coefficients, which characterize the performance of the crop. The performance of the CERES-rice simulation model was tested and evaluated using the calibrated genetic coefficients for both the varieties with their respective planting dates. The results of simulation studies in respect of phenophases and yield of rice were compared with the observed values from the field experiment. Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and D- stat (index of agreement) were used to evaluate the model performance and found that predicted yield of both rice varieties Jyothi and Kanchana under different planting dates were reasonably close to the observed values.ThesisItem Open Access Protocol development for fresh cut vegetables(Department of Processing Technology ,College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, 2013) Thushara T, Chandran; KAU; Mini, CThe present investigation on “Protocol Development for Fresh Cut Vegetables” was carried out at the Department of Processing Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period of 2011- 2013, with the objective to standardize an efficient and economic protocol for the development of fresh cut vegetables with extended shelf life and to study the acceptability of the standardized technology. Protocol for preparation of any fresh cut vegetable includes surface sanitization of whole vegetable, preliminary preparations like removal of inedible portions and cutting into pieces of required sizes, pre- treatment of cut pieces, air drying, packaging and storage. Hence the investigation was carried out as four different continuous experiments incorporating all these steps. Vegetables like beans, beetroot, cabbage and carrot were used individually for the study. The study on efficiency of the different sanitizing agents revealed that 30ppm sodium hypochlorite solution was effective in reducing microbial population in all four vegetables. Investigation on the effect of different pre storage treatments revealed the superiority of calcium treatments in maintaining the freshness and quality of the fresh cut vegetables. Shredded vegetables treated with one percent calcium chloride and calcium ascorbate showed least physiological weight loss, transpiration loss and hence had highest water potential. Percent leakage was also least in vegetables treated with calcium compounds resulting in better texture. As none of the pre - treatments showed superior performance for all the chemical quality parameters evaluated, the top four pre storage treatments were selected based on discriminal function test and subjected to microbial analysis. Considering the efficiency in reducing the microbial load, economics and other physical parameters, calcium compounds were selected as the effective chemicals for pre storage treatment of fresh cut vegetables. When different packaging materials were compared, modified atmospheric packaging viz, nitrogen and vacuum packaging were superior in maintaining the physical, physiological and chemical quality parameters of the fresh cut vegetables. Polystyrene tray wrapped with cling film was superior compared to unventilated and micro ventilated polyethylene and polypropelene covers. As both the modified atmospheric packaging were equally effective in reducing microbial population, vacuum packaging in laminated pouches was selected considering the economics of the system. Considering all these steps, the most efficient and economic protocol was developed for each fresh cut vegetable which could give a shelf life of one week. Fresh cut beans, beetroot and cabbage can be prepared by surface sanitization using 30ppm sodium hypochlorite solution for 15 minutes followed by treating the shredded pieces with one percent calcium chloride for 10 minutes and refrigerated storage in laminated pouches under vacuum. Carrot could be stored using the same protocol except pre storage treatment with one percent calcium ascorbate. Cost of production and economics was calculated and the BC ratio was profitable for the prepared fresh cut vegetables and the samples were acceptable to the sensory panel even at the end of one week.