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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 Flower bud differentiation in clove, Eugenia caryophyllus (Sprengel) Bullock & Harrison(Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Trivandrum, 1989) Pauline Lina, Edwin; KAU; Vasanthakumar, KInvestigations on flower bud differentiation in clove were carried out at College of Agriculture, Vellayani from August, 1936 to December, 1987. Bearing clove trees (seven years old) at the Instructional Farm attached to the college were utilized for the study. The plant specimens were stored in FAA (Formalin-acetoalcohol) and then dehydrated through tertiary butyl alcohol - iso propyl alcohol series. The specimens were Infiltrated and embedded In paraffin wax (m.p. 58-60'C) and sectioned In a rotary microtone. The sections were then de-waxed, stained and examined for the anatomical features and photoalerogra- phed. The weather parameters and the nutritional factors recorded daring the period of study and those during sixteen fortnights prior to differentiation, were correlated with the data on flower bud differentiation. Significant positive correlation was obtained between the maximum temperature during the sixth to tenth fortnights before differentiation and the percentage of flower buds differentiated. Sunshine hours during ninth to twelfth fort night prior to differentiation showed a positive correlation with the percentage of flower bud differentiation.ThesisItem Open Access Cytogenetic studies on intervarietal hybrids of sesamum (Sesamum indicum L.)(Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Agriculture Vellayani, Trivandrum., 1984) Chandramony, D; KAU; Krishnan Nair, NThesisItem Open Access Estimation of induced variability in chillies(Department of agricultural botany , College of agriculture Vellayani, Trivandrum., 1985) Lekha Rani, C; KAU; Krishnan Nair, NThe mutagenic effect of Co-gamma rays and Ethylmethane sulphonate on three different chilli varieties have bean studied in detail in generation U3 ing two moderate doses of gamma rays <20 and 30 kR) and two concentrations of ISMS (0.5 and 1*0 par cent)* The presence and extent of chimeras and their relation to induced variability was assessed by raising branch-wise progenies in ^ generation* The experiment was conducted during 1982-84 at the Department of Agricultural Botany# College of Agriculture, Vellayani* The generation was laid out in RBD and in splitplot design with proper randomisation and replications* The crop wa3 raised and maintained following the Package of Practices recommended. The polygenic traits analysed in a, generalisen include plant height, number of branches per plant, fruit yield per plant and length and weight of fruits. The data collected were statistically analysed for proper interpretation of tho results obtained. It has been observed in almost all the polygenic traits that the extent of variability created vary depending on the genotypes, mutagen and their dosos and character under observation. The mean values wer« found to shift both in negative and positive directions to control values• significant shift in mean values depending on the type of branch category clearly demonstrates that there exists the mechanism of diplontlc selection in this particular crop variety# when exposed to mutagens. But the extent of selection varies depending on the mutagen and their doses and the genotypes concerned. a significant negative shift in mean Value was noted only in the case of fruit weight under both the concentrations of EM3 and 20 kR gamma rays whereas a positive or negative insignificant shift was noted in all other characters under both the mutagens, when under EM3 and in gansna rays showed a negative shift* positive shift in mean value wes noted in majority of the cases for number of branches per plant. Fruit length and weight and number of seeds per fruit showed a negative shift in majority of the cases analysed# but fruit number and yield per plant showed a reverse trend. The shift in mean value under the different branch categories varied depending on the varieties# mutagens and their doses and also the character under study. The phenotypes were found toAdistributedboth in negative and positive directions to control group in all the characters analysed. The frequency distribution whether negative or positive varied depending on the mutagen and their doses# the genotypes and character under study. In majority of tha cases the maximum frequencies of positive variants under both the concentrations of EMS and under 0.5 per cent for negative variants were found to be in the early formad branches when it was in the later ones is tha case of negative variants under 1.0 per cent EMS. in the case of gamma rays this general trend was not observed* The data analysed clearly demonstrate the existence of diplontic selection and promises wide scope for positive selection response either in negative or positive directions.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 Quality evaluation of vegetables cultivated through aquaponics(Department of Community Science, Vellayani, 2020) Bakam, Himabindhu; KAU; Suma, DivakarThe project entitled “Quality evaluation of vegetables cultivated through aquaponics” was carried out at the Department of Community Science, during 2018-2020. The objective of the study was to compare the quality characteristics of selected green leafy vegetables cultivated through aquaponics (T1) and conventional methods (T2). The capacity of the grow bed of the aquaponics unit selected was 400 L and that of the fish tank was 500 L.tuberless colocasia, water spinach and malabar spinach were the selected green leafy vegetables.Hundred tilapia fishes were grown with the plants. After the plants attained maturity, the physical characteristics, sensory qualities, nutrient composition, nutraceutical composition and shelf life of the two treatments of these leafy vegetables were studied. Except for water spinach, yield of malabar spinach and tuberless colocasia were comparable in both the treatments. Dry matter production of T1tuberless colocasia(119.5g/plant) was higher than T2 (45.25g/plant). Higher values for sensory qualities in both fresh and cooked samples of T1were obtained with respect to colour, appearance, texture, taste and flavor. In the case of water spinach, the higher scores obtained for appearance and colour of fresh leaves were significantly different (z value-3.023 and 2.305 respectively). Nutrient analysis revealed significant differences in the moisture content and fibre content of malabar spinach among the treatments. Statistical analysis revealed significant difference among the treatments cultivated in aquaponics and conventional systems for tuberless colocasia and malabar spinachwith respect to total minerals and acidity content. Nutrient analysis revealed significantly highervalues for soluble sugars, vitamin C, beta carotene, calcium and Iron for T1. In nutraceutical profile analysis, except for oxalate content, there was significant differences among the treatments. 138 Shelf life studies revealed that tuberless colocasia (T1) remained fresh for 7 days when packed in newspaper, while T2tuberless colocasia, kept only for 6 days in similar packing. water spinach had the least shelf life in ambient conditions -T1 had 4 days and T2 had 3 days, when packed in news paper. Physiological loss of water was not found to be significantly different in any of the treatments of these vegetables. Shelf life of leaves were not seen to show differences among the treatments. Packing in PP covers were generally seen to be ideal for all the three leaf varieties. Overall analysis of the results revealed that, physical characteristics, sensory qualities, nutrient composition, nutraceutical composition and shelf life parameters of T1were on par with T2, or even higher in most cases, indicating the scope of raising these vegetables successfully in households for Food and Nutrient security.ThesisItem Open Access Germination and plant growth responses in Ocimum spp. to seed pretreatments(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2020) Akhil Raj, B C; KAU; Deepa Nair, SGermination and plant growth responses in Ocimum spp. to seed pretreatments The present investigation entitled “Germination and plant growth responses in Ocimum spp. to seed pretreatments” was conducted in the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2018-2020 with the objective to standardize pretreatment of seeds for enhanced germination and plant growth in Ocimum tenuiflorum L. and Ocimum basilicum L. The seeds of Ocimum tenuiflorum and Ocimum basilicum used for the study were sourced from Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru. The study was carried out in two phases: Phase 1- Pretreatment of seeds for enhanced germination, Phase 2- Evaluation of transplanted seedlings derived from pretreated seeds for enhanced plant growth. The seeds of both the species of Ocimum were subjected to various pretreatments viz., physical pretreatments, hormonal priming, biostimulant priming and biopriming (using microbes) prior to sowing. The seeds subjected to germination without any pretreatments were taken as the control. In the first phase of the study, O. tenuiflorum seeds when exposed to physical treatments, pretreatment using concentrated sulphuric acid for 1 min recorded maximum germination (85.33 per cent). The hot water treatment (65oC for 10 min) recorded the highest seedling length (27.83 cm) and seedling vigour index (19.67) with a germination of 70.66 per cent. Among the hormonal treatments, seeds primed with GA3 @1500 μM recorded the highest germination (96 per cent), seedling length (29.63 cm) and seedling vigour index (28.42). In biostimulant seed priming, the untreated control recorded the highest germination (62.66 per cent) but the highest seedling length (31.29 cm) and seedling vigour index (11.46) were observed with salicylic acid (SA) @ 1500 μM . The . The . The . The seeds when subject to biopriming with microbes, seeds primed with Bacillus pumilus recorded the best germination (72.66 per cent) and seedling vigour index (15.83). The highest seedling length (22.05 cm) was observed with Pseudomonas fluorescens, which was on par with that of B. amyloliquefaciens. Among all the pretreatments tried, GA3 @ 1500 μM was observed to give maximum germination (96 per cent) and seedling vigour index of 28.42, while SA @ 1500 μM recorded the highest seedling length (31.29 cm) in O. tenuiflorum. When transplanted, O. tenuiflorum plants derived from hot water treated seeds recorded the highest number of branches (45.33), fresh (130.10 g) and dry (31.22 g) shoot biomass at harvest (90 DAS), among the physical treatments. Plants derived from GA3 @ 1500 μM treated seeds recorded the highest shoot biomass in terms of fresh (193.50 g) and dry (46.13 g) weight. The plants from SA @ 1500 μM μM primed seeds- gave the highest shoot biomass with fresh weight of 217.50 g and dry weight of 54.10 g, among various biostimulant priming treatments. Among the biopriming treatments, plants generated from the seeds treated with B. amyloliquifaciens, recorded the highest fresh (151.33 g) and dry (38.84 g) shoot biomass which was on par with that treated with P. fluorescens. Among all the pretreatments, plants derived from salicylic acid @ 1500 μM treated seeds recorded the highest shoot biomass. When the O. basilicum seeds were exposed to physical treatments, water soaking treatment recorded the maximum seedling vigour index (16.13), while seedling length did not show any significant variation among the treatments. Among the hormonal priming, seeds exposed to BA @ 300 μM recorded the highest germination (80.67 per cent) and seedling vigour index (29.33). The maximum seedling length (39.03 cm) was observed in GA3@ 3000 μM . The seeds treated with SA @ 1500 μM recorded the highest germination (79.33 per cent) and seedling vigour index (27.92), among the biostimulant priming. Maximum seedling length (35.66 cm) was observed in SA @ 3000 μM and was and was and was and was on par with on par with on par with on par with SA @1500 μM . Among the biopriming treatments, seeds primed with B. velezensis recorded higher germination (82 per cent), seedling length (37.50 cm) and seedling vigour index (30.72), which were on par with P. fluorescens and B. amyloliquifaciens. In O. basilicum, among all the pretreatments tried, biopriming with B. velezensis, B. amyloliquefaciens and P. fluorescens and SA @ 1500 μM recorded higher on par values with respect to germination per cent and seedling vigour index, while GA3 @3000 μM which recorded the highest seedling length. When transplanted, plants of O.basilicum derived from the seeds exposed to physical treatments did not show any significant variation with respect to shoot biomass. In hormonal priming, the maximum fresh (146.00 g) and dry (17.39 g) shoot biomass were observed in plants generated from seeds primed with GA3 @ 3000 μM . On evaluation of plants derived from biostimulant priming, maximum fresh (134.17 g) and dry (15.95 g) shoot biomass were observed in SA@ 3000 μM, which was on par with SA @ 1500 μM μM, which was on par with SA @ 1500 μM μM, which was on par with SA @ 1500 μM μM, which was on par with SA @ 1500 μM μM, which was on par with SA @ 1500 μM μM, which was on par with SA @ 1500 μM μM, which was on par with SA @ 1500 μM μM, which was on par with SA @ 1500 μM μM, which was on par with SA @ 1500 μM μM, which was on par with SA @ 1500 μM μM, which was on par with SA @ 1500 μM μM, which was on par with SA @ 1500 μM μM, which was on par with SA @ 1500 μM μM, which was on par with SA @ 1500 μM μM, which was on par with SA @ 1500 μM μM, which was on par with SA @ 1500 μM μM, which was on par with SA @ 1500 μM . Among the biopriming treatments, plants derived from seeds primed B. velezensis recorded the highest fresh (153.03 g) and dry weight (17.73 g) shoot biomass, which were on par with P. fluorescens and B. amyloliquefaciens. Among all the seed pretreatments tried, plants generated from the seeds primed individually with B. velezensis, B. amyloliquefaciens and P. fluorescens and SA @ 1500 μM recorded higher on par values with respect to shoot biomass. In the study, among the various seed pretreatments in O. tenuiflorum, GA3 @ 1500 μM recorded enhanced germination and plant growth, in terms of germination per cent, seedling length, seedling vigour index, plant height, number branches and shoot biomass. In case of O. basilicum, biopriming using B. velezensis, B. amyloliquefaciens and P. fluorescens recorded enhanced germination and plant growth, in terms of higher germination per cent, seedling length, seedling vigour index, leaf, stem and shoot biomass.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of elite clove (Syzigium aromaticum (L.) Merr. and Perry) accessions and standardization of pollination techniques(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2020) Reddappa, J B; KAU; Sreekala, G SThe present study entitled “Evaluation of elite clove (Syzigium aromaticum (L) Merr. & Perry) accessions and standardization of pollination techniques” was taken up with the specific objective to evaluate elite clove accessions and to standardize pollination techniques for hybridization. The twelve elite accessions identified from estates of Trivandrum and Kollam districts of Kerala designated as BRC-1, BRC-2, BRC-3, BRC-4, MRC-5, MRC-6, MRC-7, MRC-8, AMC-10, AMC-11, AMC-12 and AMC-13 were evaluated during the period of 2018-2020. Quantitative characterization was done with 25 quantitative characters including tree, leaf, bud, flower, yield, fruit and seed characters. The girth of the tree at 30 cm height was maximum in BRC-3 (165 cm). Highest number of inflorescence/m2 was recorded in AMC-12 (156.25). The number of flower buds/inflorescence was maximum in MRC-6 (17.25) while single bud fresh and dry weight was highest in BRC-3 with 398.72 mg and 127.26 mg respectively. The mature bud length among the clove accessions was the maximum in BRC-1 (19.34 mm) whereas the mature bud diameter was maximum in BRC-3 (6.45 mm). The dry bud yield per tree was the highest in MRC-7 (8.13 kg) followed by BRC-1 (7.48 kg). Quantitative characters summarized based on the descriptive statistics revealed wider range of variability in single bud weight fresh, number of inflorescence/m2, single bud weight dry and girth of the tree. Multi Dimensional Scaling (MDS), a multivariate analysis done on 25 variables with 12 observations revealed 10 dimensions and the contribution of MDS Dimension-1 and Dimension-2 were 75.76 and 17.21 percent with cumulative variance of 92.97 percent respectively. Based on the scree plot of MDS, first 2 dimensions were selected for generating the biplot. Based on MDS configuration eight clusters of selected clove accessions were identified. Dendrogram representing the relationship among 12 elite accessions based on Euclidean distance also identified same eight clusters of clove accessions that identified in MDS configuration. The linkage analysed based on the biplot of two dimensions of multidimensional scaling of biplot coordinates revealed a strong positive association between most of the characters measured except, girth at 30 cm height, number of inflorescence per m2, single bud weight fresh and single bud weight dry. Minimum Data Set for identifying a promising clove accession generated revealed accessions BRC-1, MRC-5 and MRC-6 had better ideotype and can be suggested as elite or superior accessions. The experiment on floral phenology and biology was carried out in clove plants at Braemore estate, Trivandrum district. The flower opening time of the clove flowers observed were between 2:30-6:30 pm. However the percentage of flower opened was maximum between 3.30- 5.30 pm. The number of stamens per flower varied from 167 to 343. The rupturing of anthers started 36 hours before anthesis and maximum anther dehiscence occurred between 36 h before anthesis till anthesis. The pollen grains were monad, radially symmetrical, triangular, trizonosyncolporate and were having exine ornamentation. The polar diameter of pollen grain ranged from 17.06-18.22 µm and the equatorial diameter of pollen grain ranged from 19.40-20.70 µm. The stigma receptivity by hydrogen peroxide test revealed stigma receptivity was there upto six days from anthesis and maximum stigma receptivity was observed on fifth day of anthesis with highest number of bubbles (31.40 per cent). The emasculation should start from 48 hour before flower bud opens which was revealed by the starting of separation of the petals since anthers started rupturing from 36 hour before anthesis. Pollen viability by iodine potassium iodide method revealed that pollen viability was maximum at 12 hour before anthesis (94.02 per cent). Pollen fertility was also maximum on the pollen collected 12 hour before anthesis (82.83 per cent). Thus the pollen collection should be undertaken 12 hour before anthesis. Pollen collected and dried at 50°C and stored upto two months of storage in refrigerator had maximum pollen viability whereas pollen fertility was maximum in pollen dried at 50°C and stored in desiccator. The hybridization was carried out on selected five clove plants as male and female parents. The percentage of fruit set ranged from 15 per cent to 42.5 per cent and average fruit set from all the plant combinations was 28.87 per cent. The study on “Evaluation of elite clove (Syzigium aromaticum (L) Merr. & Perry) accessions and standardization of pollination techniques” revealed that clove accessions such as BRC-1, MRC-5 and MRC-6 had superior ideotype and superior in effective yield. The floral phenology of clove was studied and pollen collection, storage and artificial hand pollination in clove was standardized.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 Standardisation of in Vitro Propagation Technique In Gymnema Sylvestre R. Br.(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 1993) Anu, K I; KAU; Nazeem, P AA study was taken up in the Department of plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, During 1991-93, to standardize the in vitro technique for multiplying Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. Which is locally known as ‘Gurmar’. This being the first attempt of micropropagation in this crop , the methodology was to be standardized, from the initial stage itself . Nodal segments, leaf segments as well as stem segments collected from mature vines maintained in the college of horticulture were used as explants in the present study. Different routes like enhance release of axillary buds, organogenesis and embryogenesis were attempted for the plant. The main limitation in establishing in vitro cultures of Gymnema sylvestre was identified to be microbial interference, which was mainly due to the fungus collectotrichum sp. Great seasonal variation was observed for the fungal interference and the period from January to April was identified as the best season for establishing the cultures of Gymnema sylvestre was identified to be microbial interference, which was mainely due to the fungus Collectotrichum sp. Great seasonal variation was observed for the fungal interference and the period from January to April was identified as the best season for establishing the cultures of Gymnema sylvestre. Mercuric chloride at 0.1 per cent level was identified as the best surface sterilant , with the survival rate being 82 to 94 percent according to the explant material used. Basal medium MS supported the cultures of leaf segments while the inorganic salts were to be reduced to half level for supporting the cultures of stem segments. Out of the various growth regulator combinations tried for bud break and healthy shoot elongation in Gymnema, kinetin and IAA could support bud break and healthy shoot production . Coconut water and adenine sulphate when supplemented in the medium favoured healthy shoot induction . Survival rate of newly formed shoots were very poor due to leaf abscission. Higher levels of MgSo4 in the medium helped leaf retention to the extent of 10 per cent . None of the treatments tried could induce roots in the in vitro shoots. Profuse callusing could be induced from leaf and stem segments in MS basal medium supplemented with growth regulators BA+2,4-D, with a callus index ranging from 280 to 360. The calli did not respond to organogenesis. Callus mass consisted of uniform cells without any vascular differentiation . The morphology and growth rate varied according to the growth regulator combinations tried. Stray instances of embryogenesis (6 to 20%) were observed when cultured in growth regulator combinations of BA+NAA, BA+IAA and Kin+2, 4-D. The embryoids developed up to torpedo stage and failed to grow further. They exhibited a strong callusing tendancy and got reverted to the callus stage within 5 days. The results of the study would be a pioneering report that unravels the in vitro response of ‘Gurmar’ for micro propagation. Since the plant exhibited a relatively recalcitrant nature at various stages of in vitro culture , much more concerted efforts are to be made for standardizing the protocol for micropropagation of Gymnema sylve estre.
