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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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20114
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Subject: Agriculture × End date: 2011 × Start date: 2010 × Thesis Type: M.Sc ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Standardization of processing methods for production of quality white pepper.
    (Department of Processing Technology,College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2011) Shameena Beegum, P P; KAU; Vasanthakumar, K
    The research entitled “Standardization of processing methods for production of quality white pepper”was conducted at the Department of Processing Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani . The study was undertaken with the objective of producing good quality white pepper using improved processing methods. The experiment was divided into three parts viz., chemical method of white pepper production, microbial fermentation method and organoleptic evaluation of the resultant products. The experiment was laid out in CRD with three replications. Seven promising bleaching agents were selected for the chemical experiment. Berries with calcium hypochlorite, calcium hydroxide, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, benzoyl peroxide and the conventional retting (control) constituted the eight treatments. Effects of these treatments on the physical and chemical properties of white pepper berries were analysed. All the physical properties except sizes of berries were significantly influenced by the treatments. Treatment with sodium perborate recorded maximum specific gravity followed by sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide. The highest value for 1000 berry weight was reported from berries treated with sodium hypochlorite. Treatment with calcium hypochlorite and sodium hypochlorite had registered a significantly higher value for 1000 berry volume. Calcium hypochlorite treated berries were having the highest yield. Berries produced by conventional retting process (control) found to be superior in volatile oil, oleoresin, piperine and non volatile ether extract and treatment with calcium hypochlorite was on par with control in all chemical parameters. Residual level of bleaching agents was found to be in a safe range for consumption. The microbial fermentation work was consisted of, isolation of organisms through enrichment culture technique, evaluation of available cultures and standardization of retting process for white pepper production. Seven isolates of bacteria IsB1 to IsB7 and eight fungal isolates IsF1 to IsF6 were obtained. Evaluation of isolates was done by assessing the pectinolytic and cellulolytic activities. The isolates IsF1 and IsF3 were also capable for degrading pectin. Degradation of cellulose was maximum in IsF3, Ay1 and Mycophyta. Bacterial isolates did not produce any zone for both asparagine and MP-5 media. Compared to bacterial isolates fungal isolates was faster in retting. Isolate IsF3, Ay1and Mycophyta were the most promising and recorded 100 percentage retting without any damage by third day itself. Amongst all the isolates, considering the retting process and quality of the product, the isolates IsF3 and Ay1 were found to be the most superior. Berries treated with sodium perborate recorded maximum over all acceptability for Organoleptic qualities eventhough it resulted poor chemical qualities. Amongst all the eight treatments, considering quality parameters and quality of developed product, treatment with calcium hypochlorite was found to be the most superior. The above study could be concluded with the findings that, prolonged retting period can be shortened to three to four days using microbial fermentation method with promising isolates IsF3 and Ay1. While opting for a better colour, bleaching with a promising chemical bleaching agent like calcium hypochlorite (0.2%) can be recommended.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Quality evaluation of parboiled rice and rice products from germinated rice.
    (College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Lakshmy, A S; KAU; Suman, K T
    The study entitled “Quality evaluation of parboiled rice and rice products from germinated rice” was undertaken to evaluate the physical, cooking, biochemical, nutritional, organoleptic and keeping qualities of parboiled rice from germinated paddy. The study also aimed to evaluate the physical and keeping qualities of roasted rice flour and to assess the acceptability of the products prepared with rice flour. Paddy variety Jyothi was selected for the study. After soaking for 12 hours, the paddy was germinated at laboratory level. Paddy soaked for 12 hours (T1), germinated for 3 days (T2) and 6 days (T3) were selected as treatments. Ungerminated paddy (T0) was the control. Parboiling of the selected treatments was carried by hot soaking process. Milling recovery was found to be very low in germinated samples, compared to control, which in turn resulted in higher milling loss. Milling recovery of germinated samples decreased significantly during storage whereas, in control an increase was noticed. Significant variation among treatments was observed with respect to thousand grain weight and thousand grain volume. To obtain optimum cooked rice, a cooking time of 37.66 to 44.67 minutes was noticed among different treatments and it increased significantly during storage. A positive correlation between water uptake, volume expansion and grain elongation was noticed in all the treatments. Germination decreased the amylose content by 4 to 14 per cent in different treatments there by affecting the gel consistency. Intermediate gelatinisation temperature was noticed in all the treatments. Moisture content of parboiled rice from four treatments varied from 11.02 to 12.10 per cent which increased significantly during storage. A significant increase in total and reducing sugar was observed as a result of starch degradation during germination. Variation was noticed in the protein, fat and fibre content among treatments. Progressive increase in the thiamine content was noticed with advancement in the days of germination. Compared to control, significant decrease in the calcium, iron and phosphorus content of germinated samples was noticed. During germination, in vitro starch digestibility of parboiled rice increased by 3 to 14 per cent. Significant increase in in vitro mineral availability was also noticed. Bulk density of roasted rice flour from different treatments varied from 0.78 to 0.84 g/ml. Lower water absorption and water solubility indices were noticed in rice flour from germinated samples compared to control. The evaluation of retrogradation property in roasted rice flour from treatments revealed that syneresis per cent increased with advancement in days of observation. Maximum syneresis was noticed in germinated samples. The products prepared using rice (cooked rice, iddli and Kozhukatta) and rice flour (idiyappam and puttu) from germinated paddy had better taste. But germination influenced the texture of the products except in puttu. Mean scores for various quality attributes increased when the products were prepared from stored rice and rice flour. The rice and roasted rice flour were evaluated for bacteria, fungi and yeast initially and after three months of storage. Presence of bacteria was detected in both and the count increased during storage. Fungal and yeast growth were not detected in rice and rice flour initially and after three months of storage. Insect infestation was not noticed in rice and rice flour from different treatments.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Evaluation of promising hybrid napier cultivars under varying plant population
    (College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Soumya, P; KAU; Jagadeesh, Kumar T N
    Hybrid Napier grass, an interspecific cross between Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) and bajra (Pennisetum glaucum L.) is a popular fodder grass grown in many parts of Kerala. The present investigation was undertaken to have an understanding on the growth characteristics, fodder production potential and nutritive value of some popular cultivars of hybrid Napier grass and also to find out the effect of plant population on their performance. The experiment was conducted at the Agronomy research farm of College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara during 2009-2010. Eight popular cultivars, namely, CO2, CO3, CO(CN)4, KKM-1, Suguna, Supriya, IGFRI-3 and DHN-6 were planted under three different spacing of 60cm x 60cm, 90cm x 60cm, and 90cm x 90cm. Observations were taken during the period of one year on growth and fodder production potential. The nutrient composition of different cultivars of hybrid Napier grass was also analysed. Among the cultivars evaluated, the growth was comparatively fast in KKM-1 followed by CO(CN)4 with respect to plant height, number of tillers, leaf length, leaf area index, relative growth rate and net assimilation rate. The fodder production potential of the cultivars was assessed by harvesting the herbage at 50- 55 days interval. The green and dry matter yields indicated a clear yield advantage for KKM-1 and CO(CN)4, which were on par and hence can be ranked first. The cultivars CO2 and DHN-6 can be ranked second based on yield. Suguna, CO3 and Supriya came third in fodder production and IGFRI-3, fourth with the lowest yield. Regarding spacing, number of tillers per plant was comparatively higher at wider spacing of 90cm x 90cm. Leaf area ratio and relative growth rate were also higher under lower plant densities. At the same time, leaf area index was found to be higher at closer spacing of 60cm x 60cm. Other parameters such as plant height, number of leaves, leaf: stem ratio etc. were found to be non significant with respect to spacing. Considering annual fodder production, herbage and dry matter yields were higher at closer spacing of 60cm x 60cm. Nutritional attributes like crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, nitrogen free extract, total ash, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and oxalate content of all the cultivars were assessed. Nutritionally, the cultivars differed with respect to crude protein and oxalate content. All the cultivars except CO2 had higher crude protein content. Oxalate content which is an anti nutritional factor, was higher in CO2 and IGFRI-3 while, the least oxalate content was recorded in DHN-6. From nutrient point of view, the cultivar DHN-6 was found to be superior. Regarding the nutrient uptake from soil, KKM-1, CO(CN)4 and CO2 had higher rate of removal. Among the three spacings, nutrient uptake by plants was higher under closer spacing of 60cm x 60cm compared to wider spacings. Among the cultivars, B:C ratio was maximum for KKM-1 and among the spacings, closer spacing of 60cm x 60cm was found to be more profitable. Among the cultivars evaluated, KKM-1 and CO(CN)4 ranked first with respect to high fresh and dry fodder yield. Although the cultivars DHN-6 and CO2 were comparable in yield and ranked second, quality wise DHN-6 was better with the least oxalate content, better leaf: stem ratio and crude protein content. Therefore, along with KKM-1 and CO(CN)4, DHN-6 can also be recommended for Kerala under irrigated conditions. The spacing of 60cm x 60cm was the ideal spacing for hybrid Napier cultivation in Kerala condition for maximum yield
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Performance analysis of tropical cabbage (brassica oleracea var capitata L.) hybrids under open and protected conditions
    (College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Malu, K; KAU; Indira, P
    The present study entitled “Performance analysis of tropical cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var capitata) hybrids under open and protected conditions.” was undertaken in the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2010- 2011. The objectives of the study were to identify an ideal hybrid of tropical cabbage for plains and also to study the feasibility of cabbage cultivation in protected and open field conditions during on and off- seasons. The experiment was laid out in a Randomised Block Design with four replications. Four F1 hybrids namely NS 183, NS 43, NS 35 (Namdhari Seeds Pvt. Ltd.) and Disha (Seminis India Ltd.) were used for the study during off- season (July- Oct) and on- season (Oct- Jan). Protected condition was provided using a rain shelter of 100m2 floor area. Observations on growth and yield attributes were recorded during the course of investigation. The daily weather parameters recorded inside and outside the polyhouse were used to compute the crop weather relationship Non wrapping leaves were less inside polyhouse during both seasons. During off- season maximum plant spread was observed inside the rain shelter for the hybrid NS 43 (48.20cm) which was on par with the other varieties and during on- season, inside the rain shelter plant spread was more in NS 35 (65.41cm) which was on par with NS 43 (61.91cm). NS 35 recorded maximum plant spread in open field (67.66cm) followed by NS 43 (59.25cm). NS 43 was the earliest to achieve 50% head formation during both seasons and growing conditions. It also recorded 50% maturity during both seasons inside polyhouse. During on- season, NS 183 was to mature early in open field. During off- season fifty percent head formation was not observed in open field in any of the hybrids. Net head weight was maximum for NS 43 inside polyhouse (off- season) and during on- season it was maximum for NS 35 under both growing conditions. Head shape of all the hybrids except NS 43 was found to be conical during off- season inside rain shelter. But NS 43 formed drum head shaped heads. NS 183, NS 35 and Disha formed round shaped heads under both growing conditions while NS 43 formed drum head shaped heads during on- season. During off- season, inside the rain shelter maximum head length was observed for the hybrid Disha (14.26cm) and it was on par with NS 183 (13.93cm).Disha recorded maximum head length inside the rain shelter during on- season also (16.25cm) and it was on par with NS 183 (15.91cm) and NS 35 (15.54cm). Core length inside the rain shelter during on- season was minimum for NS 43 (7.87cm) and it was on par with NS 183 (8.79cm) and NS 35 (7.87cm). During off- season, inside the rain shelter harvest index was found to be maximum for NS 43 (67.70) which was on par with NS 183 (60.46). Pest and disease incidence was more in open field crop during both seasons. The daily weather parameters recorded inside and outside the polyhouse were used to compute the crop weather relationship. There was significant correlation between the weather parameters and characters like days to fifty percent head formation and days to fifty percent head maturity. Benefit –cost ratio was maximum for open field crop (2.66) during on- season. It can be concluded that NS 43 is ideal for protected cultivation during off- season, while NS 35 is suitable for on- season cultivation under both growing conditions. Further, off- season cultivation of cabbage in rain shelter offer much scope for self employment generation for the unemployed youth.