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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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2017 - 201912020 - 20211
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Subject: Agronomy × Author: Anjana Devaraj, G × Author: KAU × Start date: 2015 × Type: Thesis ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Input optimization for short duration Red gram [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2021) Anjana Devaraj, G; KAU; Sheeba, Rebecca Isaac
    The study entitled “Input optimization for short duration red gram [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]” was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2017 - 2020 with the objectives, to assess the suitability of two short duration varieties of red gram, standardize the spacing and nutrient management practices for short duration red gram and to examine the legume effect on succeeding fodder maize crop. The investigation was done as three experiments (i) assessment of the suitability of two short duration varieties and standardization of spacing and nutrient levels (ii) assessment of legume effect on fodder maize and (iii) nutrient scheduling in red gram. The experiment I was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications during Rabi season (November to March) in 2018 - 2019 and the confirmatory experiment, during 2019 - 2020. The treatments included combinations of varieties [v1: APK 1; v2: Vamban (Rg) 3], spacings [s1: 40 cm x 20 cm; s2: 60 cm x 30 cm] and nutrient levels [ n1: 40:80:40, n2: 30:60:30; n3: 20:40:20 kg NPK ha-1 ]. Half nitrogen (N), potassium (K) and full phosphorus (P) were given basally, remaining as top dressing, 30 days after sowing (DAS). Farmyard manure (FYM) was applied uniformly @ 12. 5 t ha-1 . The varieties, spacings and nutrient levels had significant influence on the growth characters of red gram at the different stages of observation. Variety Vamban (Rg) 3 (v2) recorded significantly taller plants, higher number of branches and root parameters compared to APK1 (v1) during both the years of experimentation. The wider spacing, s2 (60 cm x 30 cm), the highest nutrient level, n1 (40:80:40 kg NPK ha-1 ) and the combination, v2s2n1 resulted in superior values for plant height, number of branches per plant, root volume and root dry weight, while narrow spacing (40 cm x 20 cm) recorded the highest number and weight of nodules per plant. The interactions also exerted significant influence on growth parameters with the interactions involving v2, s2 and n1 recording higher values. The variety APK 1 showed earliness in flowering with significantly higher average pod weight, 100 seed weight, seed yield (1.04 t ha-1 ) and haulm yield (3.70 t ha-1 ). Narrow spacing and the highest nutrient level recorded superior values for average pod weight, seed and haulm yields. The interactions also resulted in significant variations in yield attributes and yield. Pooled analysis of yield data of the two years registered the highest seed yield (1.38 t ha-1 ) in v1s1n1 (APK 1 + 40 cm x 20 cm + 40:80:40 kg NPK ha-1 ). Maximum dry matter production (DMP), crop growth rate (CGR) and seed protein content were recorded in APK 1 and at the highest nutrient level. Among the spacings tried, wider spacing resulted in the highest DMP and seed protein, while CGR was higher in the narrow spacing. The partial factor productivity (PFP) for N, P and K were superior in the combination v1s1n1 in both years. Individual effects of the variety APK 1, narrow spacing and the highest nutrient level recorded maximum nutrient uptake and in the combinations of APK 1 or Vamban (Rg) 3 with 40 cm x 20 cm and 40:80:40 kg NPK ha-1 . Available soil N and microbial counts assessed after the experiment were the highest after APK 1. Wider spacing and the highest NPK level recorded maximum soil available nutrient status, while microbial counts, at narrow spacing. Soil nutrient balance sheet computed for N was positive during both years. The balance sheet for P was positive for all the treatment combinations involving wider spacing during the first year. During the second year, all treatments showed positive balance for P except v1s1n1, v1s1n2, v1s2n2 and v2s2n3. Nutrient balance for K was positive in treatments v1s1n1, v1s2n1 and v2s1n1 during the both years. Pooled mean of the economics of cultivation during the two years revealed maximum net returns per hectare (₹ 88621/-) and B:C ratio (2.03) in v1s1n1 (APK 1 + 40 cm x 20 cm + 40:80:40 kg NPK ha-1 ). The legume effect of red gram on fodder maize was assessed during Kharif season, June to August 2019. Crop residues (root + shoot + fallen leaves) of red gram were incorporated in situ and allowed to decompose for two months. The maximum quantity of residues (4.83 tha-1 ) was generated in the treatment combination T7, Vamban (Rg) 3 + 40 cm x 20 cm + 40:80:40 kg NPK ha-1 imposed in red gram, which was on par with T1, the combination, APK 1 + 40 cm x 20 cm + 40:80:40 kg NPK ha-1 (4.75 tha-1 ). There were no marked variations in the biochemical characters of residues, while C: N ratio was significantly narrower in T1 (18.2: 1) and T7 (18.9:1). Residue incorporation improved the soil chemical properties and at 60 days after residue incorporation (DAI), maximum soil pH and C pool (total organic carbon and labile carbon) were estimated in treatment T7, and recalcitrant organic carbon, in T1. Soil available N, P status and dehydrogenase activity were higher in T1, and available K, in T7 at 60DAI. Fodder maize seeds (variety, African tall) were sown during the third week of June in the residue incorporated plots. Green and dry fodder yields (33.61 and 11.37 t ha-1 respectively) were the highest in the treatment T7 which was on par with T1 (32.85 and 11.08 t ha-1 respectively). Soil available NPK status were found to decline from the initial status with fodder maize cultivation. The nutrient scheduling experiment was conducted during Rabi season, 2019 - 2020, in RBD with nine treatments and three replications. The variety APK 1, spacing 40 cm x 20 cm and nutrient level 40:80:40 kg NPK ha-1 found superior in Experiment I were adopted. The integrated nutrient management (INM) practices evaluated were T1: 100 % NPK as chemical fertilizers, T2: 100 % N + 50 % P + 100 % K + P solubiliser, T3: 100 % N + 100 % P + 50 % K + K solubiliser, T4: 100 % N + 50 % P + 50 % K + P solubiliser + K solubiliser, T5: T1 (50 % N foliar), T6: T2 (50 % N foliar), T7 : T3 (50 % N foliar), T8 : T4 (50 % N foliar) and T9 : Absolute control: No fertilizers. The entire dose of N was given as soil application in T1 to T4 and foliar spray of 50 per cent N in T5 to T8 with urea (2 %) at 30 and 45 DAS. Phosphorus and K solubilisers (Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus sporothermodurans respectively) were mixed with powdered FYM in the ratio 1: 50 separately, and 10 g of each mixture was added in soil one week after basal fertilizer application. The INM practice of 100 per cent N + 50 per cent P + 50 per cent K along with P and K solubilisers (T4) recorded significantly taller plants (109.70 cm), maximum number of branches (6.5) at harvest, whereas weight of nodules per plant at flowering (0.59 g) and root parameters were significantly the highest in treatment T8. Average pod weight (0.62 g) and seed yield (1.48 t ha-1 ) were superior in T4 and on par with the combination involving foliar nutrition, T8 (1.46 t ha-1 ). Integration of P and K solubilisers with chemical fertilizers (100 % N and 50 % P and K), registered 50 per cent higher yield than the absolute control. Among the agronomic indices, DMP at 100 DAS (34.18 g plant-1 ), CGR at 80 - 100 DAS (3.44 g m-2 day-1 ) were the highest in T4, and RGR, in T2 followed by T4. Substitution of 50 per cent Pand K with biofertilizers recorded maximum uptake of N, P and K and physiological efficiencies for the nutrients. Computation of nutrient balances with the INM practices adopted revealed the highest positive balance for N in T8, P in T4 and for K in T7. Economic analysis showed the treatment T to record the highest net return per hectare (₹ 94722 /-) and B: C ratio (2.05). Based on the results it could be concluded that the short duration red gram varieties, APK 1 and Vamban (Rg) 3 are suitable for cultivation in the southern laterites of Kerala. The variety APK 1 was superior in terms of yield and profit and can be recommended for planting at a spacing of 40 cm x 20 cm and an NPK dose of 40:80:40 kg ha-1 based on the soil test results. Evaluation of the legume effect of red gram revealed significant increases in soil fertility status with residue incorporation. Among the treatments imposed in red gram, irrespective of the variety, the residual effect realized with red gram planted at 40 cm x 20 cm spacing and fertilized with 40:80:40 kg NPK ha-1 was found to be superior in terms of fodder yield in the succeeding crop of maize. The integrated nutrient management practice that proved profitable in APK 1 involved application of 40:40:20 kg NPK ha-1 as chemical fertilizers along with P and K solubilisers, the entire dose in soil.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Compatibility of herbicides and insecticides for tank mix application in wet seeded rice
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Anjana Devaraj, G; KAU; Prameela, K P
    Weeds and insect pests are the major biotic constraints in rice production. Chemical methods of control of insects as well as weeds is very common in rice production. Separate application of the chemicals is expensive and labour intensive with the result that many farmers of Kerala adopt tank mix application of different chemicals without due consideration to efficacy and compatibility. The present study entitled “compatibility of herbicides and insecticides for tank mix application in wet seeded rice” was conducted in a farmer’s field at Alappad Kole lands of Thrissur district, from August 2016 to January 2017. The experiment aimed at studying the compatibility of two commonly used herbicides (bispyribac sodium and cyhalofop-butyl) with two new generation insecticides (flubendiamide and imidacloprid) for tank mix application in wet seeded rice. Another objective of the study was to assess the pest control efficiency of herbicides and insecticides. Out of 14 treatments, four treatments in the trial included sequential and mixed application of bispyribac sodium with two insecticides separately. The next four included cyhalofop-butyl substituted for bispyribac sodium. The remaining treatments were application of herbicides alone, hand weeding with and without application of insecticides and unweeded control. Weed spectrum of the experimental field included barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli), hippo grass (Echinochloa stagnina) and red sprangletop (Leptochloa chinensis) among grasses. Major broad leaf weed was water primrose (Ludwigia parviflora). Yellow nut sedge (Cyperus iria) was the only sedge species which was the major weed of the experimental plot. Treatments were studied for their phytotoxic effects on rice and no toxicity symptoms were observed in tank mix or sequential application. Weed counts, weed dry matter production and weed control efficiency were estimated at different stages of crop growth. Comparing sequential application and tank mix application of bispyribac sodium and flubendiamide, the mixed application resulted in high weed dry weight and low weed control efficiency. Yield parameters and yield were recorded low in this treatment. For sequential and combined applications of bispyribac sodium and imidacloprid, weed control efficiency, weed dry weight, yield and yield attributes were on par. Weed dry weight was low and weed control efficiency was high for mixed application of cyhalofop-butyl and flubendiamide. Yield and yield attributes were also high for this treatment. Weed dry weight, weed control efficiency, yield attributes and yield were comparable for sequential and mixed applications of cyhalofop-butyl and imidacloprid. Insect pest infestation was very low in the experimental field. Rice leaf folder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis), white backed plant hopper (Sogatella furcifera), red spotted earhead bug (Menida versicolor) and yellow stem borer (Scirpophaga incertulas) were the insect pests noted. Observation on insect count showed that there was no significant difference among treatments with respect to insect pest counts at 5, 7 and 11 days after spraying which was comparable to unweeded control. Hence efficacy of insecticides when tank mixed with herbicides could not be interpreted. Hand weeding was the best treatment in terms of weed control efficiency, yield and yield attributes. However, the highest B: C ratios were registered by the treatments cyhalofop-butyl + flubendiamide and bispyribac sodium + imidacloprid. Highest net return was recorded in bispyribac sodium + imidacloprid. Unweeded control recorded lowest values for yield and B: C ratio. With respect to efficacy of herbicides used, the study indicated that the two insecticides tried were compatible with cyhalofop-butyl. In the case of bispyribac sodium, the insecticide imidacloprid appeared to be compatible, but mixing of flubendiamide cannot be recommended since weed control efficiency was very low.