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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Open Access
High density planting and seed tuber size on productivity enhancement of Lesser Yam[Dioscorea esculenta (Lour.) Burkill)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Anasooya, Sebastian; KAU; Prameela, P
The experiment was conducted during the period from May 2018 to December 2018 at Agronomy Farm, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur to study the effect of planting density and seed tuber size on productivity of lesser yam. Seed tubers of 50 g, 100 g, and 150 g were planted at spacings of 50 x 50 cm (high density planting), 75 x 50 cm (medium density planting) and 75 x 75 cm (low density planting- recommended spacing), adopting factorial RBD. The treatments consisted of nine combinations of seed tuber size and spacing. Growth characteristics like emergence percentage, number of sprouts per tuber, length of vine, number of tuber forming roots, number of leaves, leaf area, and total drymatter accumulation per plant were significantly influenced by seed tuber size. Large sized seed tubers (150 g) showed higher values for these parameters compared to that of medium or small sized tubers. In the initial growth stage of 45 days after planting (DAP), length of vine was significantly higher for large seed tubers. However by 90 DAP, all vines exhibited comparable length irrespective of seed size or spacing. Spacing significantly influenced the leaf area index (LAI) as well as number of leaves per vine, and at peak vegetative growth (135 DAP), the highest leaf count of 591 leaves per vine was noticed in 150 g tubers planted at wider spacing of 75 x 75 cm. Total dry matter accumulation per plant was not significantly influenced by spacing. Tuber forming roots could be observed even at 45 days after planting indicating early tuber initiation in lesser yam. The number of tuber forming roots increased upto 180 DAP, after which tuber bulking was noticed. Plants that emerged from large seed tubers produced more number of tuberous roots in the initial growth stage of upto 90 DAP. However at 135 DAP, plants from both 100 g and 150 g tubers were on par with respect to number of tuber forming roots. Plants at closer spacing of 50 x 50 cm produced higher number of tuber forming roots compared to wider spacing at 180 DAP. The crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR) as well as net assimilation rate (NAR) were influenced by seed tuber size and spacing. Plants from larger seed tubers and closer spacing had higher CGR, RGR and NAR. Higher RGR was observed during the period from 135 to 180 DAP. Spacing had no influence on NAR at initial growth phase. However at later stages of observations, high density planting resulted in higher NAR. The highest NAR was observed at 45-90 DAP, after which a declining trend was observed. The highest tuber yield was recorded from larger seed tubers of 150 g size (1270 g/vine), followed by 100 g (1053 g/ vine) and 50g seed tubers (929 g/vine), which differed significantly from each other. Spacing also had influence on tuber yield per plant and wider spacing resulted in significantly higher yield (1217 g), compared to 75 x 50 cm (1062 g) and 50 x 50 cm (972 g) spacings. Interaction effect also could be observed and performance of 150 g seed tuber at 75 x 75 cm was superior to others. It was also clear that neither the seed tuber size nor the spacing had influence on the number of small, medium or large sized tubers per plant or the length and girth of individual tubers. The trend in tuber yield per hectare was different as the yield is a function of number of plants per unit area. The highest productivity of 44.20 t/ha was realized when 150 g seed tubers were planted at a closer spacing of 50 x 50 cm. The combination of small seed tuber and wider spacing led to lower productivity in lesser yam (17.66 t/ha).Closer spacing resulted in higher cost of cultivation, but correspondingly yield per hectare was also high. The highest net profit of 5.31 lakhs per ha was realized when 150 g seed tubers were planted at 50 x 50 cm spacing, compared to 4.70 lakhs in the case of 50 g seed tubers and 4.34 lakhs from 100 g seed tubers at 50 x 50 cm. Considering the easy availability of small seed tubers and higher net profit and B:C ratio, for realizing maximum productivity per unit area, it is advisable to go for high density planting in lesser yam with seed tubers of about 50 g or 100 g weight. This is especially important in a state like Kerala where availability of land is a major constraint in crop production.
Open Access
Regulation of plant na/k ratio for productivity enhancement in pokkali rice
(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Emily, Alias; KAU; Deepa, Thomas
Pokkali is a sustainable and unique rice farming system in coastal saline soils of Kerala. Salinity, submergence and high inherent acidity are the major issues underlying this special system of rice cultivation. In saline soils, higher Na content and the resultant high ratio between Na and other cations like K, Ca and Mg within the plant becomes detrimental for crop. Maintaining a low ratio of Na with other cations especially with K, is considered to be an yield determining and salt tolerance criterion in crops. Ameliorants containing sufficient amount of calcium inhibits the effect of soil acidity as well as soil salinity. As no response to soil application of nutrients is observed in Pokkali rice, foliar nutrition of K is expected to maintain nutritional balance within the plant. Hence the study was conducted with the objective to study the effect of the narrowing down of Na/K ratio in Pokkali rice by liming and foliar application of K. The study entitled “Regulation of plant Na/K ratio for productivity enhancement in Pokkali rice” was conducted at Rice Research Station, Vyttila. VTL8 was the variety used for the field experiment. Treatments included soil application of different levels of lime (500, 1000 kg ha-1) or dolomite (800, 1600 kg ha-1) alone and these treatments followed by foliar spray of sulphate of potash (2% SOP at 20 and 40 DAT). These treatments were compared with foliar spray of SOP alone and a control (no amelioration, no foliar spray). Various biometric observations, soil chemical characteristics and plant nutrient content were assessed during and after the field experiment. Crop duration was 137 days. Both growth and yield parameters exhibited significant variation among treatments. Number of tillers per sq. m, number of panicles per sq. m, percentage of filled grains and grain yield (2975 kg ha-1) were found to be higher for soil application of lime along with foliar spray of SOP at 20 and 40 DAT. Effect of dolomite @1600 kg ha-1 on yield was higher than the effect of lime @ 500 or 1000 kg ha-1. Foliar spray of K resulted in comparable yield to that of lime @ 1000 kg ha-1. Amelioration with dolomite @1600 kg ha-1 with or without foliar spray could significantly enhance the dry matter production and leaf area index and could result in a yield next to the best treatment. Liming influenced the plant nutrient content in Pokkali rice at various stages. Higher potassium, phosphorus and magnesium content were observed when applied with lime @1000 kg ha-1+ K (2% spray) at 20 and 40 DAT. Higher calcium content was observed in plots treated with dolomite @ 1600 kg ha-1. In acid saline soils, higher Na/K ratio is considered as the major yield limiting factor. Treatments significantly influenced the plant Na/K ratio at different stages of crop growth. Control treatment recorded highest Na/K ratio at all the stages. This indicated that amelioration and foliar spray of SOP had significant influence in reducing the plant Na/ K ratio. Correlation analysis also showed that grain yield had significant negative correlation with Na/K ratio at 90 days after transplanting. This indicates that Na/K ratio at flowering stage is most critical. Application of lime @1000 kg ha-1 or dolomite @ 1600 kg ha-1 along with SOP (2% spray) at 20 and 40 DAT could narrow down the Na/K ratio at flowering stage and thereby increase the yield significantly. A reduction in soil pH was observed in these treatments at flowering stage. In addition to the correction of soil acidity, application of lime and dolomite could improve the availability of calcium and magnesium content in soil as well as enhance their uptake by the crop. Economic returns were also found to be higher on application of lime @1000 kg ha-1 and 2% foliar spray of SOP. Hence application of lime @1000kg ha-1 and 2% foliar spray of SOP at 20 and 40 DAT can be recommended to increase the yield of Pokkali rice.
Open Access
Crop-weather relations on yield and quality of iruveli [Plectranthus vettiveroides (K.C.Jacob) N.P. Singh and B D Sharma]
(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Sabika, K P; KAU; Sindhu, P V
In India, about 7500 species of medicinal plants are being used in different traditional systems of medicines like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Homeopathy, folklore etc. In medicinal plant cultivation, both yield and quality are equally important, and therefore, it is necessary to identify optimum growth factors that can ensure high yield and quality. Plectranthus vettiveroides (K. C. Jacob) N. P. Singh and B. D. Sharma (Syn. Coleus vettiveroides) is an important herbaceous medicinal plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae, where the root is the major economic part. The present study was conducted in the Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara to assess the effect of variations in intensity of light, time of planting and mulching on yield and quality of Plectranthus vettiveroides known as Iruveli in Malayalam. The trial was laid out in randomized block design, replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of two growing conditions viz., open and 50 per cent shade, four dates of planting viz., May 15, June 15, July 15, and August 15 and three mulching treatments, viz., black polythene mulching, organic mulching, and no mulching. Growing condition, date of planting and mulching had significant influence on plant characters such as height, number of branches, total biomass yield and total root yield. The highest biomass yield and root yield were obtained from open condition (10382 kg/ha biomass and 1216 kg/ha root), May planting (15694 kg/ha biomass and 2508 kg/ha root) and black polythene mulching (16235 kg/ha biomass and 1786 kg/ha root). Interaction between growing conditions, date of planting and mulching was also significant with the highest biomass yield in the treatment combination of May planting under open condition with black polythene mulching (34715 kg/ha). The management methods also influenced the soil chemical properties. Available N and P were higher in 50 per cent shaded condition. Among mulching, available N and K were higher under organic mulching. Higher available N was found in July planting, whereas available P and K were higher in August planting. Among different micro climatic factors studied, soil temperature and soil moisture were significantly influenced by growing condition and mulching. Higher soil temperature was observed under open condition and black polythene mulching. However, higher soil moisture was under shaded condition and black polythene mulching Physiological, chemical and biochemical parameters were significantly influenced by growing condition, date of planting and mulching. Higher CGR and RGR values were observed under May planting, open condition and with black polythene mulching. Total chlorophyll content at the time of harvest was higher under shade (2.26 mg/g) and May planting (2.16mg/g). Higher essential oil content was recorded from open condition (1.77%), May planting (1.73%) and with black polythene mulch (1.81%). Combination of May planting, black polythene mulching and open condition resulted in the higher essential oil content of 2.35 %. Weed count and weed dry weights were significantly influenced by the treatments. Lower weed count and weed dry weight were observed under shade and black polythene mulching whereas higher growth was observed in open condition and no mulching. Correlation studies showed a positive correlation of total biomass, root yield and essential oil content with maximum temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and soil temperature. Essential oil content had significant positive correlation with light intensity, soil temperature, and soil moisture at initial stages of growth. There was also a positive correlation between biomass yield, total root yield and essential oil content. A higher B: C ratio was obtained from May planting with black polythene mulching under open condition. Planting in August with organic mulch under shaded condition recorded lowest B: C ratio. From the experiment it can be concluded that planting on 15th May in open condition under black polythene mulch as the optimum requirement for Iruveli.
Open Access
Customized nutrient management for rice (Oryza sativa L.) in the Southern Laterites (AEU8)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2019) Sheeba, S S; KAU; Shalini Pillai, P
The study entitled “Customized nutrient management for rice (Oryza sativa L.) in the Southern Laterites (AEU 8)” was undertaken at College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2016 to 2019. The main objectives were to assess and rate the available nutrient status of rice soil in the Southern Laterites (AEU 8), to develop a Zn – B mix for rice and to evaluate the effect of the mix on rice, at different N/K ratios. The study was carried out in three parts. The first part was on assessment and rating of available nutrient status of rice soil in Southern Laterites (AEU 8). Southern Laterites is spread over five blocks (Athiyannoor, Parassala, Nemom, Perumkadavila and Vellanad). Parassala, Nemom and Perumkadavila were selected for the study since paddy cultivation was observed in comparatively larger area in these blocks. One hundred and fifty, geo-referenced soil samples were collected from the rice fields during April to May 2017, at random from the 11 panchayats spread over these three blocks. The soil samples were analysed and rated for 14 soil fertility parameters and block wise digital maps were prepared with ArcGIS 10.1. Based on the nutrient index, it was observed that organic carbon, available Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Zn and B recorded low nutrient indices (< 1.5) in all the three blocks. While available N was low in Nemom and Perumkadavila, it was medium (1.5 – 2.5) in Parassala block. Available P showed high index (> 2.5) in Parassala and Perumkadavila and medium index in Nemom. While Parassala and Nemom blocks could be rated as medium with respect to available K, Perumkadavila exhibited high index for K. Available Fe and Mn were high in all the blocks. The rice soils of Southern Laterites were observed to be strongly acidic with a mean pH of 5.27 ± 0.58, normal in electrical conductivity (0.77 ± 0.31) dS m-1, low in organic carbon (0.52 ± 0.23) % and available N (263.70 ± 49.32) kg ha-1, high in available P (90.40 ± 59.78) kg ha-1 and medium in available K (228.94 ± 87.84) kg ha-1. The soils were low in available Ca (15.78 ± 4.96) mg kg-1, available Mg (5.87 ± 1.85) mg kg-1 and available S (1.34 ± 0.83) mg kg-1. Among the micronutrients tested, the rice soils exhibited deficiency of available Cu (0.44 ± 0.22) mg kg-1, Zn (0.77 ± 0.19) mg kg-1 and B (0.315 ± 0.002) mg kg-1. The second part of the study comprised development of a Zn – B mix for rice. The Zn and B requirement was calculated based on the difference between the crop requirement and Zn and B status of the soil. Crop requirement of Zn and B was computed as the product of the potential yield and whole plant nutrient composition. Accordingly, the Zn and B requirement could be calculated as 4.088 kg ha-1 and 0.738 kg ha-1 respectively. The Zn – B mix for rice was formulated by mixing zinc sulphate heptahydrate (ZnSO4.7H2O) and boric acid (H3BO3) in the ratio 4 : 1. The third part of the study was a field experiment to assess the effect of the Zn – B mix on rice, at different N/K ratios. The experiment was conducted during the second crop season (September to January) of 2017 and 2018. The experiment was located in the Chenkal panchayat of Parassala block, in a farmer’s field where Zn and B deficiency was identified from the first part of the study. The experiment was laid out in randomised block design with 13 treatments (12 + 1), replicated thrice. The treatments T1 to T4 were combinations of N/K (1.0 : 0.5) + foliar application of 0.5 % and 1.0 % Zn – B mix at maximum tillering (MT) and panicle initiation (PI) stages, T5 to T8 were N/K (1.0 : 1.0) + foliar application of 0.5 % and 1.0 % Zn – B mix at MT and PI stages, T9 to T12 were N/K (1.0 : 1.5) + foliar application of 0.5 % and 1.0 % Zn – B mix at MT and PI stages and T13 was control (KAU POP for rice). The variety used for the study was Uma (MO 16). The soil of the experimental site was sandy clay loam, strongly acidic in reaction, low in organic carbon, medium in available N and K, high in available P and deficient in available Ca, Mg, Zn and B. In all treatments except control, nutrients were applied on soil test basis. The results revealed that growth attributes were significantly influenced by N/K ratio and foliar application of Zn- B mix and the treatments were observed to be superior to control (KAU POP). Mean tiller count and leaf area index were significantly higher with N/K (1.0 : 1.5) + foliar application of 0.5 % Zn – B mix at PI stage (T10) at MT and PI stages. It was on a par with T9, T11 and T12. However, the mean total dry matter production (12356 kg ha-1) was significantly higher with T12 (N/K (1.0 : 1.5) + foliar application of 1.0 % Zn – B mix at PI stage) and was comparable with T10. Among the yield attributing characters, mean number of productive tillers m-2 (488.35) and grain weight per panicle (2.78 g) were significantly higher with T12 and were at par with T10. The treatments T10 and T12 were comparable with respect to the number of spikelets per panicle, filled grains per panicle and sterility percentage. The treatment T12 resulted in significantly higher mean grain yield (5.67 t ha-1) and was comparable with T10 (5.61 t ha-1). Straw yield was higher with T12 (6.89 t ha-1) and was on a par with T10 (6.83t ha-1). The treatments were superior to control (KAU POP), with T10 recording 43.9 per cent improvement in grain yield. Crude protein content of grain and uptake of major nutrients, Ca, Zn and B were significantly higher with T12 and was comparable with T10. Incidence of rice bug (at the milk stage) and false smut disease (at harvest) was observed during both the years. Mean benefit cost ratio was higher (1.72) with T10 and was comparable with T12 (1.69) as against a BCR of 1.16 for the KAU POP. The present study revealed that the fertility status of rice soils of the Southern Laterites (AEU 8) need to be addressed in terms of soil acidity, low organic carbon status, build-up of phosphorus and deficiency of secondary nutrients and micronutrients like Zn, B and Cu, on soil test basis. Based on the crop requirement and nutrient status of the soil, a Zn – B mix was formulated, as a mixture of zinc sulphate heptahydrate and boric acid in the ratio 4 : 1. Application of nitrogen and potassium in the ratio 1.0 : 1.5 along with foliar application of 0.5% Zn – B mix at panicle initiation stage was observed to be effective in enhancing the growth and yield attributes, yield and economics of rice in the Southern Laterites (AEU 8) of Kerala
Open Access
Vetiver based Organic Mediculture Technologies for the Sustainable development of Watersheds
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2019) Ishrath, P K; KAU; Anilkumar, A S
An investigation entitled “Vetiver based organic mediculture technologies for the sustainable development of watersheds” was carried out during 2016 to 2019 at the Instructional farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. The investigation comprised of three field experiments and one pot culture study. The objectives were to standardise nursery management practices for quality planting material production, develop vetiver based biological systems for soil and water conservation and to explore the phytoremediation potential of vetiver for waste water and degradable solid waste utilization. The vetiver variety “ODV-3”, turmeric variety “Varna”, cowpea variety “Bhagyalakshmi” and a local variety of greater galangal were used for the study. The techniques for quality planting material production were standardised by testing planting materials (a1- slips; a2- clumps), planting systems (b1- planting strips; b2- shallow basins), rooting medium (c1- coirpith compost: soil: cowdung (2:1:1) + inoculation with Azospirillum and AM Fungi); c2- c1 + cowdung slurry at monthly interval) and moisture regimes (d1- irrigation at 8 mm CPE; d2- irrigation at 16 mm CPE) in a 24 factorial Randomised Block Design with three replications. Conclusions were drawn after two and four months of planting. Inoculation of vetiver clumps with biofertilizers and planting in shallow basins filled with enriched rooting medium and application of cowdung slurry at monthly interval with irrigation scheduling at 16 mm CPE resulted in the production of higher number of planting materials (10.67 tillers per plant) and the highest benefit cost ratio (2.83) after two months of planting. Considering the dual benefit of planting material production and root yield, inoculation of vetiver slips with biofertilizers and planting in polythene mulched trenches, filled with enriched rooting medium followed by application of cowdung slurry at monthly interval and irrigation scheduling at 8 mm CPE resulted in the highest net income (₹.5.84 lakhs ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.96) after four months of planting. The study on “Vetiver based alley cropping systems for soil and water conservation” was undertaken in 32 factorial Randomised Block Design with three replications. Combinations of vetiver vegetative barriers were developed in three different planting geometries, i.e., a1- normal row planting (50 cm x 50 cm), a2- paired row planting (25/75 cm x 50 cm); a3- high density planting (25/75 cm x 25 cm) with three different sequential intercropping systems, i.e., b1- turmeric- cowpea- turmeric, b2- greater galangal and b3- control (without intercropping). High density planting of vetiver followed by continuous alley cropping of greater galangal (a3b2) resulted in the highest vetiver equivalent yield (14.44 t ha-1), net income (₹.4.05 lakhs ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.27). Substantial reduction in runoff (95 %), soil loss (166 %) and nutrient erosion (76 %) could be achieved through a3b2 within a period of 18 months, extending from June 2017 to December 2018. Considerable improvement in soil health with respect to physical properties of soil, viz., bulk density (33 %), porosity (28 %), water holding capacity (47 %) and infiltration rate (72 %) and build-up of soil organic carbon (43 %) were also observed in a3b2 compared to initial soil status. To develop vetiver systems for waste water utilization in agriculture, an experiment was laid out in Completely Randomised Block Design with seven types of waste water in three replications. The treatments were, a1- waste water from coconut husk retting yards, a2- kitchen waste water, a3- waste water from fish market, a4- coirpith leachate, a5-sewage water, a6- Vellayani lake water and a7- nutrient solution. Vetiver was proved as a good phytoremediator with respect to decontamination and water purification properties (nutrient and heavy metal uptake). In general, the morphological characters (number of leaves and tillers) and root characters (root weight, spread, volume and drymatter) were significantly improved by growing vetiver in fish-waste water. To explore the phytoremediation potential of vetiver for degradable solid waste utilization, a study was conducted in 4 x 2 x 2 factorial Randomised Block Design with three replications. Four ratios of degradable land fill materials (sewage sludge) and virgin soil (a1- 1:0; a2- 1:1; a3- 1:3; a4- 1:5), two crop establishment techniques (nursery grown rooted slips with enriched rooting medium (b1) and without enriched rooting medium (b2)); foliar nutrition (c1-sequential application of cow‟s urine, vermiwash and fermented plant juice; c2- sequential application of NPK fertilizer grade of 19:19:19, KNO3 and Ca(NO3)2 at monthly interval) were tested in this study. It could be concluded that, production of vetiver slips inoculated with Azospirillum and AM Fungi in enriched rooting medium and transplanting in the main field with sewage sludge and virgin soil (1:5) followed by sequential application of foliar fertilizers @ 0.50 per cent (19:19:19, KNO3 and Ca(NO3)2 ) resulted in the highest root yield (4.11 t ha-1), net income (₹.1.01 lakhs ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (1.97). Vetiver based mediculture technologies in relation to cost effective quality planting material production, alley cropping systems for soil and water conservation and phytoremediation techniques for waste water and biosolid utilization were developed for the sustainable development of watersheds.
Open Access
Agrotechniques for enhancing root production in Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC under partial shade
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2019) Abhijith, S S; KAU; Anilkumar, A S
The study entitled “Agrotechniques for enhancing root production in Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. under partial shade” was undertaken during 2017-2019, in the Instructional farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, with an objective to study the integrated effect of root endophyte fungus, planting density, source efficacy of nutrients, moisture stress and subsurface mulching on the growth, yield and quality constituents of Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. under partial shade. The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 12 treatments and three replications. The treatments were, T1 – Inoculation with Piriformospora indica (root endophyte) alone, T2 – T1 + Soil application of cow dung slurry (5% at monthly interval), T3 – T1 + Soil application of NPK (basal- @ 40:40:40 kg ha-1 year-1), T4 – T2 + Irrigation at 15 mm depth, T5 – T2 + Irrigation at 30 mm depth, T6 – T3 + Irrigation at 15 mm depth, T7 – T3 + Irrigation at 30 mm depth, T8 – T5 at high density planting (40 cm x 20 cm), T9 – T7 at high density planting, T10 – T8 under subsurface mulching with black polythene, T11 – T9 under subsurface mulching with black polythene and T12 – control at normal row planting (40 cm x 40 cm). Piriformospora indica was inoculated with the potting medium @ 10g fungal culture kg-1 of potting medium. Results of the experiment revealed that integrated management practices have significant effects on growth and yield attributes of D. gangeticum. The treatment T7 recorded the tallest plants at 3 and 4 months after transplanting (MAT) whereas, T9 was superior at 5, 6 and 7 MAT and at harvest. The treatment T7 registered the highest number of branches at all stages of growth. At 3 and 5 MAT, T6 recorded the highest leaf number whereas T7 was superior at 4, 6 and 7 MAT and at harvest. T5 registered the highest root number at 3 MAT but T10 was found superior at 5, 6 and 7 MAT and at harvest. At 2 MAT, T9 and at all other growth stages, T7 recorded the highest root spread. T5 at 3 MAT, T7 at 5 and 6 MAT and at harvest and T6 at 7 MAT registered the highest root volume. With respect to length of tap root, the treatments T9 at 3, 4, and 6 MAT and at harvest and T8 at 7 MAT were found superior. At 3 MAT, T5 revealed the highest girth of primary root but at 5, 6 and 7 MAT, T7 and at harvest T6 were found superior. The treatment, T7 registered the longest laterals at 5, 6 and 7 MAT and at harvest. The root fresh and dry weight showed a similar trend. The treatments T9 at 3 MAT, T6 at 5 and 7 MAT and T7 at 6 MAT and at harvest showed the highest fresh and dry root weight. The highest root yield at harvest was recorded by T8 which was on par with T9, T10 and T11. Chlorophyll content varied with different growth stages. T5 at 2 MAT, T6 at 5 MAT, T11 at 6 MAT and T9 at 4 and 7 MAT and at harvest registered the highest total chlorophyll content. Like chlorophyll content, RLWC also showed variations with respect to different growth stages. T2 at 3 and 4 MAT, T6 at 7 MAT and T7 at 5 and 6 MAT and at harvest recorded the highest values. At 5 and 7 MAT and at harvest T7, T5 and T6 respectively recorded the highest root-shoot ratio. The treatments T11 and T9 at 2 and 7 MAT and T8 at 3, 5 and 6 MAT and at harvest registered the highest leaf area index. Observations on crop growth rate showed the significance of T8 at 4 to 5 MAT, T6 at 6 to 7 MAT and T9 at 5 to 6 MAT and 7 MAT to harvest. With respect to relative growth rate, T4 at 2 to 3 MAT and T6 at 3 to 4, 4 to 5 and 6 to 7 MAT followed by T9 at 7 MAT to harvest were found superior. At 2 to 3 and 4 to 5 MAT, the treatments T11 and T10 respectively recorded the highest values for net assimilation rate. Ethanol extract of plant roots grown under control at normal row planting (40 cm x 40 cm) (T12) recorded the highest total alkaloids at harvest. Among seed parameters, only number of seeds per inflorescence was significantly influenced by the treatments at 6 MAT and it was the highest in T1. Soil moisture studies revealed the significance of T8 and T9 in enhancing soil moisture retention before and after irrigation. T4 on par with T6 registered the highest consumptive use, daily consumptive use and Kc. Crop water use efficiency was the highest for the treatment T8. T2 registered the highest field water use efficiency and water productivity. T9 recorded the highest up take of primary plant nutrients. After the experiment, organic carbon and available K status of soil were found superior in T3 and T10. Even though nursery seedlings exhibited P. indica root colonization at harvest, it was not clearly evident through microscopic investigation. Economic analysis of the system revealed the significance of T8 (₹ 47,902 ha-1) which was on par with T9 and T10 with respect to net income. The highest benefit-cost ratio was also registered by T8 which was significantly superior to all other treatments. It is concluded that high density planting of P. indica inoculated seedlings under partial shade followed by monthly application of cow dung slurry (5 %) and scheduling irrigation at 30 mm depth once in six days (T8) was found beneficial for enhancing leaf area index, root production, crop water use efficiency, net income (₹ 47,902 ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (1.74).
Open Access
Agro techniques in bhindi for precision farming
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2019) Ammu Punnoose; KAU; Sajitha Rani, T
The investigation entitled “Agro techniques in bhindi for precision farming” was conducted during 2016 to 2019 at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. The objectives were to standardize the spacing and response of bio inoculants for bhindi under rain shelter and open field conditions and to evaluate the effect of fertigation and foliar nutrition on improving the growth, yield and quality of bhindi and to work out the economics of different cultivation systems. The first experiment was to standardise the spacing and bio inoculants suitable for the cultivation of bhindi under rain shelter and open field conditions. A field experiment was conducted using the variety Varsha Uphar, during May to August- 2017. The treatments consisted of three spacings (S1 - 60 cm x 30 cm, S2- 60 cm x 45 cm and S3 - 60 cm x 60 cm) as first factor and three bio inoculant treatments (B1- Bio inoculant- PGPR mix 1, B2 - Bio inoculant - Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, B3 - No Bio inoculant) as second factor. The experiment was carried out in RBD with three replications. Under both open and rain shelter conditions, taller plants were obtained with closer spacing of 60 cm x 30 cm whereas, numbers of leaves and branches per plant, tap root length and root volume were significantly higher at wider spacing (60 cm x 60 cm). Among the bio inoculants, application of PGPR mix 1 resulted in significantly taller plants, more number of leaves and branches at all growth stages and longer tap root and root volume at final harvest. LAI was found to be significant among spacings at 60 and 90 DAT under open field condition. Yield attributes like number of flowers and fruits per plant, length of fruit, weight of fruit and weight of fruits per plant were found to be significantly higher at 60 cm x 60 cm and inoculation with PGPR mix 1. Wider spacing of 60 cm x 60 cm along with PGPR mix 1 was found to be superior to the other combinations with respect to growth and yield attributes. Fruit yield was significantly influenced by spacing and bio inoculant application and was higher at 60 cm x 30 cm (17.03 t ha-1 under rain shelter and 14.07 t ha-1 under open field condition) and PGPR mix 1 (16.83 t ha-1 under rain shelter and 13.50 t ha-1 under open field condition). Their interaction was also found to be significant (18.78 t ha-1 under rain shelter and 16.36 t ha-1 under open field condition) under both conditions. Dry matter production was significantly higher for 60 cm x 30 cm spacing and PGPR mix 1. Crop growth rate (CGR) was significantly higher at 60 cm x 30 cm and PGPR mix 1 under rain shelter and open field condition. Among the spacings, 60 cm x 60 cm and among bio inoculants, PGPR mix 1 were found superior with respect to relative growth rate (RGR) under both conditions. Among the fruit quality aspects, significant difference was observed for protein content inside rain shelter. NPK uptake showed an increasing trend with decreased plant to plant spacing. Application of PGPR mix 1 resulted in higher nutrient uptake. Available P status of soil after the experiment was significantly higher for 60 cm x 60 cm spacing under rain shelter. AMF treated soil showed significantly higher available P under open field condition. Available K was significantly higher for 60 cm x 60 cm spacing and PGPR mix 1 under rain shelter and open field condition. Higher bacterial and actinomycetes population were found in 60 cm x 30 cm spacing and PGPR mix 1 under both conditions. Higher fungal population was observed in AMF treated soil. Significantly higher water use efficiency was observed with 60 cm x 30 cm spacing and PGPR mix 1 and their interaction under rain shelter and open field condition. Net return and B: C ratio were also higher at 60 cm x 30 cm spacing (B: C ratio of 1.76 under rain shelter and 1.63 under open field) and PGPR mix1 (B: C ratio of 1.75 under rain shelter and 1.58 under open field) and their interaction under both condition (B: C ratio of 1.94 under rain shelter and 1.90 under open field). The first experiment revealed that growing bhindi at a spacing of 60 cm x 30 cm along with seedling inoculation with PGPR mix 1 resulted higher yield, and profit under rain shelter and open field condition The second experiment for standardization of nutrient schedule of bhindi under rain shelter and open field condition was conducted during September to December, 2017 and May to August, 2018. The best treatments from the first experiment were used for this trial. The trial was laid out in split plot design with five replications. The main plot treatments consisted of four levels of fertigation; 50 % adhoc POP recommendation for precision farming (F1), 75 % adhoc POP recommendation for precision farming (F2), 100 % adhoc POP recommendation for precision farming (F3), 125 % adhoc POP recommendation for precision farming (F4) and the sub plot treatments consisted of two foliar levels; poly feed fertilizer (19:19:19 at 0.5 %) (L1) and nano NPK (4: 4: 4 at 0.3 %) (L2). The variety used for the experiment was Varsha Uphar. Growth characters such as plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, LAI at monthly intervals, tap root length and root volume at harvest were significantly higher for the fertigation level F3 and foliar application of L1 under rain shelter, and F4 and L1 under open field condition. Yield attributes viz., number of flowers and fruits per plant, fruit set percentage, length of fruit, fruit weight, total fruit weight per plant, and yield per hectare were higher for the fertigation level of F3 and was on par with F4 and foliar level of L1 under rain shelter. Under open field condition, regarding yield attributes, fertigation level of F4 was on par with F3 and foliar level of L1 was significantly higher than L2. Considering the interaction, under rain shelter, f3 l1 recorded higher fruit yield per hectare and under open field condition, interaction of f4 l1 was on par with f3l1. CGR, RGR and NAR recorded by F4 and F3 were comparable and among the foliar levels, L1 was found to be significantly higher under both conditions. Under both growing conditions, higher chlorophyll content was observed under the fertigation level F4. Chlorophyll content was significantly higher with L2. Under rain shelter, F3 and L1 recorded higher dry matter production. Under open field condition, the highest dry matter production was recorded by F4 was on par with F3 among the fertigation levels and L1 among the foliar levels. Fruit quality parameters were significantly higher at F4 and L2 under both conditions. Higher NPK uptake was found for F3 and F4 under rain shelter and open field condition respectively. Available nutrients in the soil after the experiment showed an increasing trend with increasing fertigation levels under both conditions. Higher fertigation level (F4) resulted in higher microbial count under both conditions. Foliar level with L2 resulted in higher microbial count inside rain shelter. Higher water use efficiency was recorded for F3 and L1 under rain shelter and F4 and L1 under open field condition. Highest net return and B: C ratio was obtained for F3 (B: C ratio of 2.05 during Sept-Dec, 2017 and 2.12 during May- Aug, 2018) and was on par with F4 (B: C ratio of 1.93 during Sept –Dec, 2017 and 2.11 during May – Aug, 2018) among the fertigation levels under rain shelter. Under open field condition, F4 (B: C ratio of 1.64 during Sept -Dec, 2017 and 2.03 during May- Aug, 2018) was on par with F3 (B: C ratio of 1. 60 during Sept –Dec, 2017). Among the foliar levels, L1 recorded the highest B: C ratio under both growing conditions. The study revealed that growing bhindi at a spacing of 60 cm x 30 cm and seedling inoculation with PGPR mix 1 resulted in higher yield and profit under rain shelter and open field conditions. Nutrient scheduling of 98: 25: 136 kg NPK ha-1 (100 % Adhoc POP recommendation) along with foliar application of poly feed (19:19:19) at 0.5 % at fortnightly intervals enhanced the growth, yield and profit under rain shelter condition. Fertilizer dose of 122: 31: 170 kg NPK ha-1 (125 % Adhoc POP recommendation) or 98: 25: 136 kg NPK ha-1 (100 % Adhoc POP recommendation) with foliar application of poly feed (19:19:19) at 0.5 % at fortnightly intervals was beneficial for open field condition. Application of 125 % Adhoc POP recommendation along with foliar spray of nano NPK at 0.3 % at fortnightly intervals improved the fruit quality under both conditions.
Open Access
Zinc and boron nutrition in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) for Onattukara sandy plain
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2019) Reni Francis; KAU; Bindhu, J S
A field experiment on “Zinc and boron nutrition in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) for Onattukara sandy plain” was undertaken during 2017-19 to evaluate the effect of zinc and boron nutrition on growth, yield and quality of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in the summer rice fallows of Onattukara and to work out the economics of cultivation. The experiment was conducted during December 2018 to April 2019 in farmer’s field at Onattukara region of Alappuzha district. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 12 treatments replicated thrice. The treatments were T1 - soil application of Zn @ 5 kg ha-1 as ZnSO4 ; T2 - soil application of Zn @ 5 kg ha-1 as Zn-EDTA ; T3 - soil application of B @ 1 kg ha-1 as borax ; T4 - soil application of Zn @ 2.5 kg ha-1 as ZnSO4 + B @ 0.5 kg ha-1 as borax ; T5 - foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 days after emergence (DAE), T6 - foliar application of 0.5 per cent borax at 30, 45 and 60 DAE; T7 - foliar application of 0.25 per cent ZnSO4 + 0.25 per cent borax at 30, 45 and 60 DAE; T8 - seed treatment with ZnSO4 (250 mg kg-1); T9 - seed treatment with borax (100 mg kg-1); T10 - seed treatment with ZnSO4 (250 mg kg-1) + borax (100 mg kg-1); T11 - soil test based recommendation and T12 - control. FYM @ 2 t ha-1, N: P2O5: K2O @ 10:75:75 kg ha-1 (as basal) and lime 1.5 t ha-1 (at flowering) were applied uniformly to all treatments. The bunch type groundnut variety, CO 7 was sown at a spacing of 15 cm x 15 cm. The growth attributes of groundnut were recorded at 30, 45, 60 DAE and at harvest. Among the treatments, foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 DAE (T5), soil application of ZnSO4 @ 5 kg ha-1 (T1) and soil application of ZnSO4 @ 2.5 kg ha-1 + borax @ 0.5 kg ha-1 (T4) recorded significantly higher growth parameters viz., plant height, number of branches, leaf area and number of nodules per plant. At all stages of growth, soil application treatments recorded more number of nodules. The physiological parameters such as CGR, NAR, LAI, and LAD recorded during 15 to 30 and 30 to 45 DAS, also varied with Zn and B nutrition. Higher CGR values were obtained with soil application of ZnSO4 @ 5 kg ha-1 (T1) and was on par with foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 DAE (T5). During 30 to 45 DAS, NAR was found to be significant and recorded higher values in all treatments except seed treatment. Leaf area index, LAI and LAD were higher with soil application of ZnSO4 @ 5 kg ha-1 (T1) and was comparable with ZnSO4 @ 2.5 kg ha-1 + borax @ 0.5 kg ha-1 (T4) during 15 to 30 DAS and 30 to 45 DAS. The results revealed that yield parameters viz., number of pods per plant, 100 kernel weight and shelling percentage varied significantly with the treatments. Number of pods per plant was higher with foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 DAE (T5) and was on par with T11, T4, T7 and T1. Shelling percentage (70.75 %) was higher with soil application of ZnSO4 @ 5 kg ha-1 (T1) and was on par with foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 DAE (T5). Kernel yield was significantly higher (1523 kg ha-1) with foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 DAE (T5) and was on par with soil application of ZnSO4 @ 5 kg ha-1 (T1) and soil application of ZnSO4 @ 2.5 kg ha-1 + borax @ 0.5 kg ha-1 (T4). Haulm yield (3978 kg ha-1) was higher with soil application of ZnSO4 @ 2.5 kg ha-1 + borax @ 0.5 kg ha-1 (T4) and was comparable with all treatments except T9 and T10. Protein content of seed (23.2 %) was higher with soil application of ZnSO4 @ 2.5 kg ha-1 + borax @ 0.5 kg ha-1 (T4) and was on par with all treatments except T2, T9 and T12. Oil content (49.38 %) and oil yield (752.2 kg ha-1) were higher with foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 DAE (T5) and was comparable with soil application of ZnSO4 @ 5 kg ha-1 (T1) and soil application of ZnSO4 @ 2.5 kg ha-1 + borax @ 0.5 kg ha-1 (T4). Higher uptake of N, S and Zn were observed with T1, T4 and T5. The results on soil nutrient status after the experiment indicated that there was a build up of available N, K, B and Zn status after the experiment and the soil nutrient status of zinc and boron were higher with soil application treatments. The results revealed that soil application of ZnSO4 @ 5 kg ha-1 (T1), soil application of ZnSO4 @ 2.5 kg ha-1 + borax @ 0.5 kg ha-1 (T4) and foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 DAE (T5) recorded higher net income and benefit - cost ratio. From the present study, it can be concluded that soil application of Zn @ 5 kg ha-1 as ZnSO4 or soil application of Zn @ 2.5 kg ha-1 as ZnSO4 + B @ 0.5 kg ha-1 as borax or foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 days after emergence along with the recommended dose of FYM @ 2 t ha-1, N: P2O5: K2O @ 10:75:75 kg ha-1 (as basal) and lime 1.5 t ha-1 (at flowering) can be recommended for better growth, yield, quality and profitability of groundnut in the Onattukara sandy plain.
Open Access
Seed invigouration for yield enhancement in grain cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. walp)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2019) Anju B Raj; KAU; Sheeja K Raj
The study entitled “Seed invigouration for yield enhancement in grain cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.Walp)” was undertaken during 2017-2019, at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, with the objectives to assess the effect of seed invigouration with zinc sulphate and borax on grain cowpea and to evaluate its effect along with Trichoderma viride on growth and yield of the crop. Research work comprised of one pot culture experiment and a field experiment which were carried out at Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram. The variety used for the study was Bhagyalakshmy. Pot culture experiment was laid out in completely randomized block design with thirteen treatments and three replications during Rabi 2018. The treatments comprised of six pelleting treatments viz., T1 and T2 (seeds pelleting with ZnSO4 100 and 200 mg kg-1 seed), T3 andT4 (seeds pelleting with borax 50 and 100 mg kg-1 seed) , T5 and T6 (ZnSO4 100 mg + borax 50 mg kg-1 seed and ZnSO4 200 mg + borax 100 mg kg-1 seed) and six priming treatments viz., T7 and T8 (seed priming with ZnSO4 0.025 and 0.05 per cent for 4 h) , T9 and T10 (seed priming with borax 0.01 per cent and 0.02 per cent for 4 h), T11 and T12 (seed priming with ZnSO4 0.025 + borax 0.01 per cent for 4 h and ZnSO4 0.05 + borax 0.02 per cent for 4 h) and a control (T13). Seed pelleting with borax 50 and 100 mg kg-1 seed and seed priming with ZnSO4 0.025 and 0.05 per cent recorded higher germination percentage, mean daily germination, speed of germination, germination index, germination rate index, co-efficient of rate of germination, seedling vigour index I and II and lesser mean germination time and time taken for 50 per cent germination. Hence, seed pelleting with borax 50 and 100 mg kg-1 seed and seed priming with ZnSO4 0.025 and 0.05 per cent which showed fast, uniform synchronous emergence with high vigour index were selected as the two best seed pelleting and priming treatments for field experimentation. The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments and three replications during Rabi 2018. The treatments comprised of seed pelleting with borax 50 and 100 mg kg-1 seed; seed priming with ZnSO4 0.025 and 0.05 per cent for 4h; seed pelleting with borax 50 and 100 mg kg-1 seed + Trichoderma viride seed treatment 10 g kg-1 seed and seed priming with ZnSO4 0.025 and 0.05 per cent for 4h + Trichoderma viride seed treatment 10 g kg-1 seed and a control. Results revealed that seed invigouration had significant effect on growth parameters, physiological parameters, yield attributes, yield, protein content, nutrient uptake, post-harvest nutrient availability, disease incidence and economics. Seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h and seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h + Trichoderma viride seed treatment 10 g kg-1 seed recorded higher number of branches per plant and green leaves per plant. However, seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h recorded the highest dry matter production at harvest. Leaf area index and total chlorophyll content were found to be significantly higher in seeds primed in ZnSO4 0.025 and 0.05 per cent for 4h at both 30 and 60 days after sowing (DAS). During 30 to 60 DAS, crop growth rate (CGR) and relative growth rate (RGR) were the highest in seeds pelleted with borax 50 mg kg-1 seeds and during 60 DAS to harvest, seeds primed in ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h registered the highest CGR and RGR. Total number of nodules and effective nodules per plant were found to be significantly higher in seeds pelleted with 50 and 100 mg kg-1 seed. However, the fresh and dry weight of nodules were the highest in seeds primed in ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h. Pods per plant, pod weight per plant, pod length, pod girth, seed yield per plant, seed yield ha-1 and harvest index were the highest in seeds primed in ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h. Among the seed pelleting treatments, seeds pelleted with borax 50 and 100 mg kg-1 seed recorded higher seed yield. Seed priming with ZnSO4 either with 0.025 or 0.05 per cent or pelleting with borax either with 50 or 100 mg kg-1 seed recorded higher seed yield than seed priming with ZnSO4 or pelleting with borax combined with Trichoderma viride seed treatment 10 g kg-1 seed. Total NPK uptake by crop was the highest in seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h. However, seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h + Trichoderma viride seed treatment 10 g kg-1 seed recorded the highest Zn uptake and seeds pelleted with borax 100 mg kg-1 seed recorded the highest B uptake. Results on nutrient status of soil after the experiment revealed that seeds primed in ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h recorded the highest organic carbon content and available N status. Seeds pelleted with borax 100 mg kg-1 seed recorded the highest available P and seeds primed in ZnSO4 0.05 per cent + Trichoderma viride seed treatment 10 g kg-1 seed recorded the highest available K status. Seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h recorded the highest available soil Zn status, whereas, seed pelleting with borax 100 mg kg-1 seed recorded the highest available soil B status. Seed invigouration treatments recorded significantly higher crude protein content than control and the highest crude protein content was recorded in seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h. Seed invigouration treatments recorded lower incidence of anthracnose disease than the control and among the treatments, the lowest incidence was recorded in seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h. The net returns and benefit cost ratio were the highest in seeds primed in ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h. Considering the yield attributes, yield, disease incidence, and economics seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h along with recommended dose of FYM (20 t ha-1), lime (250 kg ha-1) and NPK (20:30:10 kg ha-1) could be recommended for better plant establishment and higher yield in grain cowpea.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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