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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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2001 - 200927
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Subject: Agriculture × End date: 2009 × Start date: 2001 ×
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Now showing 1 - 9 of 27
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Enhancement of propagation efficiency in exotic varities of heliconia
    (Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2008) Reshmi, C R; KAU; Sheela, V L
    Heliconias are among the most popular garden plants, both for the ease with which they can be grown and the sheer magnificence of the blooms. Studies were conducted to standardize rapid propagation techniques under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Three heliconia varieties belonging to three distinct groups viz., St. Vincent Red (small erect type), Golden Torch Adrian (hybrid) and Sexy Pink (large pendent type) were selected for the study. For in vitro culture establishment, shoot tip explants were effective. The treatment of shoot tips with 0.10 per cent mercuric chloride for ten minutes followed by dipping in 0.05 per cent mercuric chloride for five minutes (after trimming) resulted in better surface sterilization. Longitudinal cutting of the in vitro established shoot tip with apical dome into two halves and culturing them separately produced the highest number of axillary buds. Addition of 0.05 per cent activated charcoal to the establishment media reduced the media browning and hastened shoot initiation. For culture establishment of all the three varieties, MS medium supplemented with BA 5.00 mg l-1 was found to be the best. Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with BA 2.00 mg l-1 resulted in the highest shoot proliferation in the variety St. Vincent Red. In Golden Torch Adrian, BA 2.00 mg l-1 + NAA 0.20 mg l-1 gave better results. In the variety Sexy Pink, Kinetin 5.00 mg l-1 + NAA 0.20 mg l-1 was the best. For further multiplication in Sexy Pink, BA 1.00 mg l-1 was sufficient. Solid culture medium was better for shoot proliferation in the variety Sexy Pink. Higher sucrose concentration (40.00 g l-1) increased the multiplication rate, but reduced the length of shoots as well as the number of leaves. Addition of activated charcoal to the media as well as exposure of cultures to light had negative effect on shoot proliferation. Full MS medium was found to be the best for in vitro rooting of the variety Sexy Pink. Addition of NAA 0.50 mg l-1 to the MS medium gave better results for in vitro rooting in Golden Torch Adrian and Sexy Pink. Sucrose @ 30.00 g l-1 was sufficient for in vitro rooting in the variety Sexy Pink. Activated charcoal delayed root initiation and reduced the number of roots in the variety Sexy Pink. Sand recorded 90.00 per cent survival in all the three varieties after two months of planting out. At varietal level, significant difference was evident in the total number of suckers. In the first experiment, the variety St. Vincent Red (3.82) was significantly superior in terms of total number of suckers. However, in the second experiment, St. Vincent Red (4.06) was on par with Golden Torch Adrian (4.10). The variety Sexy Pink produced comparatively taller suckers in both the trials. Varietal variation in the number of leaves was observed only in the earlier stages. During the preliminary field experiment, the variety Sexy Pink excelled in leaf area at almost all stages of observation. Among the three varieties, highest collar girth was recorded by suckers of Sexy Pink variety during the first two stages of observation. However, towards the later stages, it was statistically on par with St. Vincent Red. Foliar spray was superior to rhizome dip in terms of total number of suckers, height of suckers and the number of leaves. In the case of leaf area, both the treatments were more or less on par. Application of growth regulators had pronounced effect on sucker production at all the stages during the first experiment when BA 750 mg l-1 produced the highest number (4.19) of total suckers. In the second experiment, variation was evident only in the total number of suckers. Here, BA 850 mg l-1 produced the highest number (4.33) of suckers and it was on par with BA 700 mg l-1 (4.00) and GA3 650 mg l-1 (3.79). Irrespective of the stage of plant growth, gibberellic acid produced taller suckers and BA 500 mg l-1 resulted in the shortest suckers. BA treatments recorded comparatively higher number of leaves. Growth regulator application had remarkably influenced the leaf area of suckers also. Application of BA 1000 mg l-1 (3.53 cm) and GA3 800 mg l-1 (3.33 cm) recorded higher collar girth in suckers. VG interaction exerted significant variation in the number of suckers. At varietal level, BA 750 mg l-1 produced the highest number of suckers in St. Vincent Red (4.75), GA3 500 mg l-1 in Golden Torch Adrian (4.63) and GA3 750 mg l-1 in Sexy Pink (4.00). Among VG treatment combinations in the second experiment, the highest number of suckers (4.75) in the variety St. Vincent Red was produced by BA 700 mg l-1. The varieties Golden Torch Adrian (4.88) and Sexy Pink (3.75) recorded the highest with BA 850 mg l-1. Gibberellic acid produced taller suckers. In the second experiment, VG interaction had no significant effect on the height of suckers. Regarding the number of leaves, BA resulted in comparatively higher number of leaves in both the experiments. In all the three varieties, BA 850 mg l-1 produced the highest number of leaves. Collar girth was found to increase with increase in the concentrations of BA and GA3 in all the three varieties. The economics of foliar application of growth regulators revealed that BA 850 mg l-1 significantly enhanced the profit in the varieties Golden Torch Adrian and Sexy Pink. Although negligible, BA 700 mg l-1 recorded slight positive response in the variety St. Vincent Red with respect to profit.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    In vitro propagation and rapid analysis of selected varieties of papaya (carica papaya L)
    (Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2007) Bindhu, B; KAU; Jayachandran Nair, C S
    A study was carried out at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2003-2006 for refining existing tissue culture protocol with respect to selected varieties and hybrids of papaya. Molecular characterization of papaya hybrids was also carried out using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. Papaya varieties and hybrids selected for the study were Pusa Nanha, CO-5, Washington, Pusa Nanha x Coorg Honeydew, Pusa Dwarf x Coorg Honeydew, Solo x Coorg Honeydew and Pusa Nanha x Solo. Apical buds and lateral buds from seedlings and mature plants were used as explant for in vitro propagation. The present study revealed that full strength MS medium supplemented with sucrose 30.00 g l-1 and agar 6.00 g l-1 under light condition produced highest shoot number and longest shoot in papaya varieties and hybrids. Application of BA 0.50 mg l-1 along with NAA 0.10 mgl-1 was found to be better for initial culture establishment and proliferation of papaya varieties and hybrids. Application of amino acid, arginine 50.00 mg l-1 resulted in highest shoot proliferation rate, while highest shoot length was obtained from arginine 100.00 mg l-1. Addition of activated charcoal 0.05 per cent and Cobalt chloride 10.00 mg l-1 increased shoot proliferation rate and shoot length in papaya varieties and hybrids. In vitro rooting was best in full strength MS medium supplemented with IBA 3.00 mg l-1, sucrose 30.00 g l-1and activated charcoal 0.05 per cent. Earliest planting out of in vitro propagated plants in potting media was carried out in papaya variety Pusa Nanha and late planting out in papaya hybrid Pusa Nanha x Coorg Honeydew. Highest plant height of in vitro propagated plants, at time of planting out in potting media was recorded by papaya variety Washington and lowest by papaya hybrid Pusa Nanha x Coorg Honeydew, while hsighest leaf number was reported from papaya variety CO-5 and lowest from Pusa Nanha. But longest root was noticed in papaya hybrid Pusa Nanha x Coorg Honeydew and shortest root from CO-5. No significant difference was noticed in the number of roots produced at the time of planting out in potting media. In vitro propagated plants of papaya had better establishment in the potting mixture containing sand : soil : cowdung (1 : 1 : 1) + Mycorrhiza (1.00 g plant -1). After field establishment, highest plant height and plant girth was noticed in papaya variety Washington and lowest in papaya hybrid Pusa Dwarf x Coorg Honeydew. While highest leaf number upto six weeks after planting was shown by papaya variety CO-5 and thereafter by papaya variety Washington. Lowest leaf number upto eight weeks after planting was noticed in papaya hybrid Solo x Coorg Honeydew and thereafter by papaya hybrid Pusa Dwarf x Coorg Honeydew. Early flowering was reported in papaya hybrid Pusa Dwarf x Coorg Honeydew and late flowering in papaya variety Washington. Most of the papaya varieties and hybrids selected for the present study exhibited only dioecious nature, but papaya hybrid Solo x Coorg Honeydew showed gynodioecious nature. Highest field establishment of in vitro propagated plants was shown by papaya varieties CO-5 and Washington and lowest by papaya hybrid Solo x Coorg Honeydew. Genomic DNA was successfully isolated from four papaya hybrids using CTAB method. All the ten primers (six primers from OPA and four primers from OPB series) yielded amplification products with isolated DNA. A total of 39 RAPDs were obtained from ten primers of which 36 bands were polymorphic. Primers OPA-03, OPA-04, OPA-12, OPB-04 and OPB-17 gave 40 scorable bands, with an average of 8.0 bands per primer. The largest cluster in dendrogram was formed by three hybrids - Pusa Nanha x Coorg Honeydew, Pusa Dwarf x Coorg Honeydew and Pusa Nanha x Solo. The second cluster contained only one hybrid - Solo x Coorg Honeydew. The minimum similarity coefficient detected in the present study was 0.389, suggesting a genetic differentiation among the papaya hybrids.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Divergence studies in salad cucumber (cucumis sativus L)
    (Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2006) Smitha Sara, Abraham; KAU; Gopalakrishnan, T R
    The present investigation on “ Divergence studies in salad cucumber (Cucumis sativus L)” was conducted at College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during December 2005- April 2006. Twenty-eight salad cucumber genotypes collected from different parts of India were utilized for the study. The extent of variability, correlation between yield and its component characters, path analysis and divergence among 28 genotypes were assessed. The 28 genotypes were significantly different for 15 characters studied. The genotype Phule Himangi (20.22 kg/plot) emerged as high yielder followed by AAUC 2 (15.11 kg/plot). Selection of plants based on yield/plot was observed to be efficient than selection of component characters. All the accessions were prickled on the surface. All were monoecious and produced yellow flowers. Most of the genotypes produced light green fruits whereas Phule Himangi produced white stout fruits. Genotypes CS 25 and CS 35 were comparatively free from biotic factors except mosaic and serpentine leaf miner. Total yield per plot showed positive correlation with fruits per plant, duration of crop and number of harvests. Negative correlation was observed between total yield per plot and number of branches. It is clear from the study that, for obtaining higher yield characters like fruits per plant, duration of crop, number of harvests etc should be considered in the selection programme. Fruits per plant had maximum positive direct effect on total yield per plot. Higher positive effects for days to first male flower anthesis was observed on total yield per plot. The genotypes were grouped into 5 clusters based on Mahalanobis D2 statistics. Cluster I, II, III, IV and V contained 13,8,4,2,1 genotypes respectively. Inter-cluster distance was maximum between cluster II and V (48733.77) and minimum between cluster I and III (8415.55). Cluster V showed maximum average inter-cluster distance with any another cluster.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Product development in drumstik (Moringa oleifera Lam.)
    (Department of Processing Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2006) Minonti, Pait; KAU; Philipose, Joshua
    The present investigation entitled “Product development in Drumstick (Moringa oleifera Lam.)” was carried out at the Department of Processing Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during the period 2005-2006. The objective of the study was to develop and standardize new products, to evaluate the quality and shelf life of the new product and to assess the consumer acceptance of the new products. Four products namely Dried pulp, Pulp powder, Dried pieces of fruits and Bottled pieces in brine had been developed and standardized. All the products were evaluated based on biochemical, shelf life and organoleptic qualities at the time of preparation as well as during storage. Ascorbic acid content in all the four products including three dried products and one bottled product were found to decrease with increase in storage period. Ascorbic acid content was found to be highest in dried pulp when stored in glass bottles, as compared to other three. All other biochemical quality attributes viz., fibre, fat, protein, vitamin A and total carbohydrate were found to decrease with increase in storage period in all the four products developed. Fibre, fat and total carbohydrate content were found more in all the three dried products than those in fresh drumstick fruits. But in case of bottled fruit pieces in brine it was found to be more or less similar to that of fresh one. Bottled fruit pieces in brine had high vitamin A content as compared to all other dried products. Regarding the storage studies and organoleptic quality, all the three dried products viz., dried pulp, pulp powder, dried pieces of fruits remained in good condition for upto six months, if properly packed. bottled fruit pieces in brine were good only upto four months. So the lowest shelf life was found to be for bottled fruit pieces in brine. Dried pulp was found more acceptable with regard to appearance, colour, flavour, taste and texture which is followed by pulp powder and dried pieces of fruits among the dried products. But after reconstitution dried pieces of fruits were found more acceptable. Bottled fruit pieces in brine were more acceptable with regard to appearance, colour and taste. The organoleptic qualities in all the four products decreased with increase in storage period. From the above study it is concluded that under-exploited crops like drumstick especially drumstick fruit can be utilized to develop many value added products like dried pulp, pulp powder, dried pieces of fruits and bottled fruit pieces in brine. And suitable packaging material should be developed in order to make these products to last long to make it attractive to the consumer.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Morphological and cyto-molecular characterisation of Dendrobium Sw.cultivars
    (Department of Pomology and Floriculture,College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2005) Krishnapriya, M; KAU; Sabina George, T
    The research project “Morphological and cyto-molecular characterization of Dendrobium Sw. cultivars” was carried out at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture and the Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2003-2004. The objective of the study was to evaluate the growth and inflorescence production in Dendrobium varieties to carry out cyto-molecular characterization of Dendrobium varieties. Twelve varieties of Dendrobium of near flowering size plants were evaluated for their morphological and cyto-molecular characterization. The twelve Dendrobium varieties differed significantly for the morphological characters viz., shoot length, number of offshoots, shoot girth, leaf area, rate of shoot elongation, internodal length, flower colour, length of inflorescence, number of flowers per inflorescence, length of flower column and pedicel, thickness of inflorescence and leaf orientation. Significant varietal difference were observed among the twelve Dendrobium varieties for shoot length, shoot girth, internodal length of shoots, number of flowers, number of stomata on the adaxial and abaxial surface of the leaves, vase life, fresh and dry weight of inflorescence. High GCV and PCV were observed for shoot length, followed by leaf area, internodal length, length of inflorescence and number of flowers per inflorescence. The stomata on the surface of the leaf recorded ever highest GCV and PCV among all the characters. The shape of stomata ranged from oval shape to perfect round shape. Highest heritability values were recorded for number of stomata on the upper surface of the leaf. The genetic advance percentage was found highest for length of flowers column. In correlation studies, high positive phenotypic correlation was observed between number of flowers per inflorescence and length of inflorescence. The length of column had significant positive correlation with number of leaves, length of inflorescence, thickness of inflorescences and length of flower pedicel. Ranking of the varieties were done based on the value of selection indices. The variety V8 ranked first among the 12 Dendrobium varieties used in the experiment. The second and third ranks were gained by the varieties V4 and V1 respectively. The lowest rank i.e., the 12th rank was obtained by the variety V6. So from the selection index values, the variety V8 is the best one. DNA isolated from 12 varieties of Dendrobium was subjected to RAPD analysis. Among the 31 decamer primers, 24 yielded amplification products. By characterizing the 12 varieties of Dendrobium using morphological and cyto-molecular methods revealed that morphologically distinct and superior lines were genetically differentiable. Also the RAPD analysis gave a perfect differentiation of the varieties which is in line with morphological characterization.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Organic nutrient management in chethikkoduveli (Plumbago rosea L.)
    (Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2005) Nihad, K; KAU; Jessykutty, P C
    A field experiment was conducted at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2004-05 to study the effect of organic manures and microbial inoculants on growth, yield and quality of chethikkoduveli (Plumbago rosea L.), so as to formulate an organic manurial schedule for chethikkoduveli in a coconut based cropping system. The experiment was laid out in RBD with three replications and the treatments included three different combinations of organic manures (FYM, NC and VC), three microbial inoculants (AMF, Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria) and one control (package of practice recommendation of Kerala Agricultural University, 2002). The treatment supplied with FYM (75 % N of POP) and microbial inoculants (T3) recorded highest plant height, leaf area, CGR, specific leaf weight, LAI and HI. Highest HI was recorded by the treatments supplied with FYM and NC supplying 50% N of POP and microbial inoculants (T7), which also had the highest leaf count, fresh weight of plants, total dry matter production and highest fresh and dry root yield per plant. The treatments supplied with organic manures and microbial inoculants recorded better dry root yield. The fresh root yield was the highest for the treatment T7 followed by T3. The highest root length and root girth were recorded by T7 and T3 plants respectively. T3 (FYM supplying 75 % N + mi) plants recorded the highest alcohol soluble extracts and plumbagin content. The application of organic manures and mi at different combinations significantly increased the nutrient uptake of P. rosea. Analysis of the soil samples before and after the experiment revealed that the nutrient supplying capacity of soil and the microbial population had a direct correlation. Soil microbial population was the highest for plots with better yield. From the results it can be concluded that microbial inoculants can be effectively used as nutrient substitutes. In the above treatments 25 % and 50 % of N is substituted by microbial inoculants in T3 and T7 plants respectively. In conclusion, the study revealed that treatments T7 {FYM + NC + mi (50 % N)} and T3 {FYM + mi (75 % N)} had significant effect in enhancing growth, yield and quality of chethikkoduveli (P. rosea). From the point of view of quality (plumbagin content) FYM + mi (75 % N) is found to be the best treatment. Based on the benefit cost ratio, the treatment supplying only 50 % N of POP recommendation through FYM and neem cake along with microbial inoculants can be considered as the best for better root yield, quality and profit in P. rosea when grown as an intercrop in coconut plantations.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Rooting of microshoots and ex vitro establishment of plantlets of bael (Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr.
    (Department of Plantation Cropsand Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2005) Surya D, Aniyan; KAU; Sulekha, G R
    Studies were conducted on “Rooting of microshoots and ex vitro establishment of plantlets of bael (Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr.)” for evolving techniques for in vitro rooting, ex vitro rooting and ex vitro establishment of plantlets of bael during 2003-2005 in the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices and Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram. The in vitro propagation techniques in bael have already been standardised. The microshoots 3.00 to 5.00 cm long with 3.00 to 4.00 leaves were taken from the cultures of previous study maintained in the Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram. The highest rooting of the microshoots (50.00 per cent) occurred in two treatments namely, MS basal medium supplemented with IBA 2.50 mg l-1, sucrose 30.00 g l-1 and agar 6.00 g l-1 and on the same basal medium supplemented with NAA 1.00 mg l-1, sucrose 30.00 g l-1 and agar 6.00 g l -1. The microshoots took the least number of days (8.00) for root initiation in full strength MS basal medium supplemented with IBA 0.50 mg l-1, sucrose 30.00 g l-1 and agar 6.00 g l-1. The highest number of roots (2.67) was obtained in full strength MS basal medium supplemented with IBA 2.50 mg l-1, sucrose 30.00 g l-1 and agar 6.00 g l-1. The best pre-treatment identified for ex vitro rooting was IBA 1000.00 mg l-1 for 20 s (quick dip) which gave the highest survival rate (50.00 per cent), number of roots (1.67) and length of roots (0.63 cm), compared with IBA 50.00 mg l-1 (slow dip). Different potting media like sand, soilrite, sand and soil (1:1), sand, soil and coirpith (1:1:1) and sand, soil and leafmould (1:1:1) were compared to study their effect on ex vitro establishment.. Sand was found to be the ideal potting media for ex vitro establishment. The highest survival rate (50.00 per cent), leaf number (4.67), plant height (3.67 cm), fresh weight (0.6501 g), dry weight (0.25 g), stomatal conductance (0.1165 cm S-1), leaf area index (0.1370) and crop growth rate (0.0291 mg cm-2 day-1) were obtained when planted out in sand than in other potting media. The effect of VAM (Glomus etunicatum and Glomus fasciculatum) in different potting media were also studied in the ex vitro establishment of plantlets. It was observed that mycorrhiza inoculated plants in a potting media of sand showed higher survival rate (66.67 per cent) than control (50.00 per cent). The highest values for number of leaves (6.00), plant height (4.30 cm), number of roots (2.33), fresh weight (0.6908 g), dry weight (0.2847 g), stomatal conductance (0.0383 cm S-1), leaf area index (0.1478) and crop growth rate (0.9921 mg cm-2 day-1) were obtained for the mycorrhiza treated plantlets in sand, compared to other mycorrhizal treated potting media. In the present investigation, protocols were evolved for the in vitro rooting of microshoots of bael (Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr.). But ex vitro rooting and ex vitro establishment gave only limited success. However, few plantlets could be acclimatized and were transferred to mud pots containing sand, soil and cowdung in the ratio 1:1:1 for observing further growth and establishment.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Cultural management of bacterial wilt in tomato hybrids
    (Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2004) Shino Shakthi; KAU; Abdulvahab
    The present investigation on Cultural Management of bacterial wilt in hybrid tomatoes was conducted at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during November 2003 to April 2004. Three tomato hybrids were raised in a split plot design with three replications. Seven cultural practices and three hybrids susceptible to bacterial wilt along with a control plot with no treatments were carried out to find suitable cultural management practices for control of bacterial wilt in tomato hybrids. Majority of the yield and yield attributes were significantly influenced by the different treatments, hybrids and their interaction affects. Among the treatments, application of Pseudomonas fluorescens isolate P-I showed the highest yield per plant and highest yield per plot. This treatments also gave the highest plant survival and lowest incidence of bacterial wilt as well as low population count of Ralstonia solanacearum in soil. Application of lime as basal also showed result comparable to that of Pseudomonas fluorescens isolate P-I application. Among the hybrids highest yield per plant and yield per plot was shown by COTH-1. This hybrid also showed highest percentage of plant survival and lowest incidence of bacterial wilt. The worse performing hybrid was Naveen showing poor yield, plant survival, high incidence of bacterial wilt and lowest yield. Fruits per plant, yield per plant and yield per plot showed considerable variation among the treatment combination. The interaction between P. fluorescens isolate P-I and hybrid COTH-1 showed the highest fruits per plant. This treatment combination also showed the highest yield per plant and also per plot yield. The highest plant survival and lowest bacterial wilt incidence was shown by the treatment combination T6V¬3. Their performance was more or less on par with other treatment combination like T1V¬3, T3V¬3 and T7V¬3. The population density of bacteria in the experimental plot also showed a low value for the above mentioned treatment combinations. In the present study the highest yield/plot was recorded for treatment combination T6V¬3 with a high benefit : cost ratio of 3.33 followed by T7V¬3 with a benefit : cost ratio of 2.70.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Productivity management in yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata var. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdcourt) through crop geometry and nutrition
    (Department Of Olericulture, College Of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2005) Preetha, M D; KAU; Narayanankutty, C
    The present investigation entitled "Productivity management in yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata var. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdcourt) through crop geometry and nutrition" was carried out during 2002-2004 at Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. The field experiment was undertaken at Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy. The experiment was aimed to standardize the optimum spacing and nutrient requirements of the crop. Green pod yield per plant was maximum (435.66 g) with the wider spacing M3 (1.5 m x 0.75m) compared to closer spacings. Application of increased doses of fertilizers significantly increased the yield of yard long bean. Eventhough the package of practices recommendation for vegetable cowpea is 20: 30: 10 kg NPK ha" (KAU, 1996), in the present study, maximum yield (385.96 g) was obtained when 40: 60: 20 kg NPK ha-I (T3) was applied. This was further supported by the superior vegetative growth characters and nutrient content of the plants. Though split application of fertilizers showed comparable nutrient contents in the plant parts this was not reflected in the yield of the crop. Organic treatments in general reduced the yield of yard long bean. The vegetative growth and nutrient contents of the plants were also low. The interaction effects were also significant for the pod yield and the treatment combination M3 T 3 recorded maximum green pod yield per plant (480.68 g). Productivity of yard long bean-was highest (6.73 t ha-I) in closer spacing of 1.5 m x 0.25 m (MI). With a three fold increase in plant population the yield per plant was reduced only by 42%. The combination MI T 3 (closer spacing with 100% increase in fertilizers over standard recommendation applied in two splits) resulted in significantly higher productivity (7.33 t ha-I). However highest net returns (Rs 33030 ha-I) and B:C ratio (1.82) were realized in the treatment combination MI T 2 with closer spacing and 50% increase over POP recommendation applied in two splits. Organic fanning was not economically viable in yard long bean. The quality of green pods was supenor In organic treatments on account of significantly lesser crude fibre and higher moisture, carbohydrate and phosphorus contents. Organic treatments were also superior when storability and palatability of pods were considered. Zero energy cool chamber was not found suitable for cowpea storage as there was fungal attack to pods due to high humidity inside storage chamber. Hence the recommendation of20 t FYM ha" as basal and NPK 30: 45: 15 kg ha" applied in two splits - half N, full P and full K as basal and remaining half N 20 DAS and a spacing of 1.5 m x 0.25 m can be recommended for yard long bean to get economic returns.