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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 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 LHeliconias 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.ThesisItem Open Access Development of F1 hybrids of indeterminate tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) for protected cultivation(Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2015) Lekshmi, S L; KAU; Celine, V AThe present investigation entitled “Development of F1 hybrids of indeterminate tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) for protected cultivation” was conducted at the Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, from 2013 to 2015 with the objectives of identifying superior varieties and developing F1 hybrids of indeterminate tomato suited for protected cultivation. The study consisted of two experiments conducted in the naturally ventilated polyhouse of size 50 m x 20 m located at the Instructional Farm, Vellayani. In the first part of the first experiment, 40 tomato genotypes were evaluated for two consecutive years in an RBD with three replications. As the second part, 12 commercial hybrids were evaluated. The second experiment consisted of a 9 x 9 half diallel analysis laid out in an RBD with three replications. Analysis of variance showed significant differences between the genotypes for all the characters for two crops. Pooled analysis revealed that, LE 1 recorded the highest yield (2443.43 g) and fruit weight (108.13 g) followed by LE 7. LE 53 had maximum number of fruits per plant (65.00). In the present study, genotypes had wide variation for quality parameters. Fruits of LE 14 recorded highest TSS with a mean of 5.74 ºBrix. LE 7 had maximum ascorbic acid (30.13 mg/100g) and lycopene content (13.09 mg/100g). Beta carotene value was maximum in LE 16 (184.15 mg/100g). There was minimum incidence of pests, diseases and physiological disorders under protected conditions. Among the 12 hybrids evaluated, INDAM 9802 was the highest yielder (1444.40 g) followed by F1 T 30 (1412.22 g). F1 T 30 recorded maximum fruits per plant (35.66) which was on par with F1 Queen (35.55). Genetic parameters like phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation, heritability and genetic advance were studied to assess the genetic variability among the genotypes. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance were observed for characters like truss per plant, fruits per truss, fruit weight, fruits per plant, yield per plant and yield per plot. Path analysis revealed highest positive direct effect for fruit weight (0.3956), truss per plant (0.3558) and fruits per plant (0.3381). Based on D2 analysis the 40 genotypes were grouped into eight clusters. Cluster I was the largest with twenty four genotypes followed by cluster II with ten genotypes. Diallel analysis was carried out using nine parents selected based on genetic divergence and per se performance. The parents were crossed in a diallel fashion excluding reciprocals to obtain 36 F1 hybrids. The study revealed that P5 x P9 had the highest yield (3114.03 g) which was on par with P6 x P8 (3074.37 g) and P1 x P5 (3077.58 g). P1 x P5 had the maximum fruits per plant (103.93). The magnitude of relative heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis varied considerably. For yield, relative heterosis ranged from -32.40 to 92.72, heterobeltiosis from -47.14 to 89.54 and standard heterosis from 2.91 to 160.95. The σ2gca and σ2sca ratio indicated that non-additive gene action was predominant for all traits. Among the nine parents, P9 (LE 1), P5 (LE 20) P1 (LE 2), and P2 (LE 7) were superior for yield and yield attributes. The estimates of sca effects indicated that P5 x P9 (LE 20 x LE 1), P6 x P8 (LE 39 x LE 38) and P1 x P5 (LE 2 x LE 20) were the most promising hybrids for protected cultivation. The present study revealed that the genotypes LE 1 and LE 7 and the hybrids INDAM 9802 and F1 T 30 were superior for yield and yield attributes under protection. Based on the mean performance, standard heterosis and sca effects the three potential crosses viz., P5 x P9, P6 x P8 and P1 x P5 could be adjudged as suitable indeterminate tomato hybrids for protected cultivation.ThesisItem Open 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, KThe 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.ThesisItem Open 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 SA 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.ThesisItem Open Access Divergence studies in salad cucumber (cucumis sativus L)(Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2006) Smitha Sara, Abraham; KAU; Gopalakrishnan, T RThe 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.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 Product development in drumstik (Moringa oleifera Lam.)(Department of Processing Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2006) Minonti, Pait; KAU; Philipose, JoshuaThe 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.ThesisItem Open Access Farmer and consumer behaviour towards organic vegetables(Department of rural marketing management, College of cooperation, banking and management, Vellanikkara, 2015) Divya Vijayan; KAU; Ushadevi, K NOrganic farming is one of the several approaches found to meet the objectives of sustainable agriculture. The need for organic farming in India arises from non sustainability of agricultural production and the damage caused to ecology through the conventional farming practices. Organic farming practices are based on a maintaining harmonious relationship with nature aiming at the protection of the environment. India being an agriculture based on country has vast opportunities to go ahead in the field of organic farming. However, Currently, India ranks 10th among the top ten countries in terms of cultivable land under organic certification. The total area under organic certification is 4.72 million ha (APEDA 2013-14). This signals that potentials are huge and still it has to move forward. The study entitled “Farmer and Consumer Behaviour towards Organic Vegetables” was conducted with the main objectives to study the behaviour of farmers towards organic vegetable farming, to identify the barriers in the adoption process of organic vegetable cultivation and the constraints in marketing of organic vegetables; to examine the consumers behaviour towards organic vegetables and to identify the determinants of consumer behaviour towards organic vegetables. The study covered three districts representing central Kerala. The districts selected were Thrissur, Palakkad and Ernakulum based on the prominence of vegetable cultivation. Three blocks were selected from each district namely Pazhayannur block of Thrissur district, Elevanchery block of Palakkad district and Moovattupuzha block of Ernakulum district based on purposive sampling and expert opinion of field scientist. Thirty conventional farmers (10 each) from the three selected blocks were selected based on purposive sampling. Six organic farmers certified by INDOCERT were also selected for the study. Twenty consumers from each block were selected as sample respondents through snow ball sampling. Thus the total sample respondents consists of 30 conventional vegetable farmers, 6 certified organic vegetable farmers and sixty vegetable consumers. The objectives of the study were analysed with the help of statistical tools like Percentage analysis, Indices, Rank order scale, Likert scale of summated rating, One way ANOVA, Chi-square, Kendall’s coefficient, Kruskal Wallis test and probit model. Farmer behaviour towards organic vegetable farming is analyzed based on the variables like area under vegetable cultivation, major crop cultivated, mode of sale by farmers, interest in organic farming, and attitude and satisfaction level of farmers. The major crops cultivated by selected farmers include cowpea, snake gourd and bitter gourd .The study revealed that average area and productivity of crops from conventional farming is more. But the net income of organic farmers is more than the conventional farmers. All the selected conventional farmers prefer to sell their vegetables through VFPCK whereas organic farmers prefer direct sale. Majority of the farmers expressed their interest in organic farming but they are willing for only partial conversion by gradually reducing chemical application. The analysis of the attitude of the farmer respondents shows that both conventional farmers and organic farmers have highly favorable attitude towards to the statements related to fertility of soil, environmental friendly, health protecting and the quality of vegetables. Organic farmers have highly favorable attitude towards market demand, practical feasibility and low financial risk and premium price. . But the conventional farmer’s attitude is moderately unfavorable to market demand, practical feasibility and low financial risk. The result of ANOVA shows that there is no difference in the attitude of farmers in three districts. Based on the satisfaction index, study found that certified organic farmers are highly satisfied towards market demand, cultivation practices, availability of inputs, availability of labour and price of organic vegetables whereas, they are highly dissatisfied towards technical assistance provided and institutional support system for organic vegetable cultivation. The major barriers identified by the conventional farmers include disease, pest and weather related losses, high cost of production, huge capital investment, high labour cost, lack of knowledge of organic farming practices and organic certification procedures. On the other hand organic farmers identified pest related production loss, difficulties in getting organic certification, huge investment and lack of institutional support as the major barriers in adoption of organic vegetable cultivation. Major environmental barriers identified by all the selected farmers are the cultivation practices of neighbour farms and non suitability of land. Lack of organic marketing networks and competition with non-organic vegetables are perceived as marketing barriers by conventional farmers. Consumer behaviour towards organic vegetables is analyzed mainly based on their preference, awareness, attitude and satisfaction towards organic vegetables. Consumers have partial awareness towards various features of the organic vegetables. Majority of the consumers have complete awareness regarding availability, quality, nutrient value, health aspects, environment friendliness and price of the organic vegetables. However, they are not at all aware about standards fixed for organic vegetables and its labeling. There is no significant difference in the awareness level among district as per the result of ANOVA. Majority of the respondents (61.67 percent) preferred organic vegetables. Reasons for preference to organic vegetables are lower residues, better value for money followed by hygiene and eco friendly attitude of consumers. Kendall’s W shows perfect agreement among the consumers in the ranking of the variables. The study found that all the selected consumers have highly favorable attitude towards the quality of organic vegetables. They have moderately favorable attitude towards shelf life, nutritional value, environmental friendliness and chemical free features of organic vegetables whereas they have highly unfavourable attitude towards price of the organic vegetables. ANOVA shows difference in the attitude among the consumers of three districts. Based on the Kruskkal Wallis test the differences are mainly on perishability nutritious value conservation of environment and pest free nature of organic vegetables. The level of consumer satisfaction towards organic vegetables revealed that they are moderately satisfied with taste, nutrient value, freshness, eco friendliness, shelf life, value for money and source of information. However they are moderately dissatisfied with price, availability and marketing channels. ANOVA shows significant difference in the level of satisfaction in three districts. Based on Kruskal wallis, the differences are mainly on price, quality, availability, marketing channels, source of information and authenticity of organic nature. The important factors which influence the consumer behaviour towards organic vegetables are price, chemical and pesticide free, eco friendly vegetables, health aspect, availability of vegetables and distance to the market. Value for money and quality factors like nutrient value, more calories, hygiene, taste and freshness are also influencing them to certain extent. Study also revealed that consumer attitude towards organic vegetables is not determined by demographic nature of consumers whereas age is a determinant of the consumer satisfaction towards organic vegetables. Further, study points out that age and education are the determinants of consumer preference towards organic vegetables. As a whole, we could able to conclude that a complete change from conventional farming to organic farming practices is not practically feasible in the present agricultural scenario. The study found that the farmer’s attitude towards organic vegetable cultivation is indifferent. The farmers are not ready for complete change of their farming practice to organic farming especially due to their perception regarding huge investment, low yield and uncertainty in market demand. Moreover, consumers have also expressed their concern about high price of the organic vegetables. The limited in number of certified organic vegetable farmers also shows the reluctance of conventional farmers to enter into organic vegetable farming. Therefore it may be suggested that policy makers may encourage good agricultural practices among farmers by following judicious chemical application rather than focusing on purely organic farming practices. Government may also take measures to provide institutional support by conducting training programme awareness campaign and also by extending financial support. Moreover, the NGO’s, consumer organizations, farmer groups and Kudumbasree units can also come forward to encourage organic vegetable cultivation. It may be suggested that certification of organic products should not be entrusted with private agencies as it practiced now. Government or agencies in the public domain like Kerala Agricultural University can be competent authority for organic certification which will make organic certification accessible for small and marginal farmers.
