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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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1990 - 199336
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Subject: Agronomy × End date: 1993 × Start date: 1990 × Thesis Type: M.Sc ×
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Now showing 1 - 9 of 36
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Standardisation of fertilizer schedule for export oriented production of bhindi
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Sajitharani, T; KAU; Pushpakumari, R
    An experiment was conducted at the instructional farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani to find out the effect of different levels of fertilizers and their split application on the growth, yield, quality and nutrient uptake of bhindi. Abelmoschus esculentus (L) Moench. The treatments consisted of four levels of nutrients Viz. (330: 110: 220 kg N2 P2O5 & K2O), the present T & V recommendation, 2/3 of the T & V recommendation, 1/3 of the T & V recommendation and 50: 8: 30 kg NP2O5 & K2O per hectare the present package of practices recommendation and 3 methods of application viz. nutrients in 2 splits, 4 splits and 6 splits. The results revealed that nutrient levels significantly influenced most of the growth and yield contributing characters and yield of bhindi. Biometric characters like plant height, LAI, CGR, DMP and yield contributing characters like days to 50 percent flowering, number of flowers formed, number of fruits formed total yield of fruits and quality parameters like protein content and ascorbic acid content increased with increasing levels of nutrients, recording their maximum value at F1 level, (T and V recommendation). Uptake of nutrients by plants, fruits and total was also maximum for the same treatment. However yield attributes viz. setting percentage, length and girth of fruits etc. remain unchanged with increasing levels of nutrients. Application of fertilizer nutrients in different splits viz. 2,4 or 6 cause significant variation in some of the growth and yield characters. An increase in the plant height at 60 DAS, DMP, days taken for 50 percent flowering and uptake of nutrients was noticed when nutrients were supplied in two equal splits, viz half as basal and half 30 DAS (S1). On the other hand the ascorbic acid content in fruits was maximum when nutrients were applied in six splits. Application of nutrients in 6 splits caused a significant reduction in the crude fibre content also. From the economic point of view, the maximum net profit of Rs.13682.54 was obtained by F3 level (2/3 of T and V recommendation) and Rs.14710.8 by S1 (2 equal splits half as basal and half 30 DAS).
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Economising nitrogen in rice production with sesbania rostrata
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1992) Shalinipillai, P; KAU; Muraleedharannair, V
    With a view to assessing the influence of in situ growing and incorporation of Sesbania rostrata on the growth and productivity of rice and to study the economy of nitrogen use by rice, a field experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period from July 1991 to December 1991. The experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design with three replications. Three levels of Rhizobium inoculation for Sesbania rostrata (i1-seed inoculation, i2 - stem inoculation, i3 – seed + stem inoculation), five levels of nitrogen to succeeding crop of rice raised after incorporation of Sesbania rostrata (n0 – no nitrogen, n1 – 25 percent of the recommended dose, n2 – 50 percent of the recommended dose, n3 – 75 percent recommended dose, n4 – 100 percent recommended dose) and one control plot of rice (treated as per KAU package of practices recommendations) were fixed as treatments. The rice variety used was Jyothi. The soil of the experimental site was sandy clay loam, medium in available nitrogen and phosphorus and low in available potassium. An abstract of the results is given below. Among the three different levels of inoculation, seed + stem inoculation was found to influence, the green matter and dry matter yields of Sesbania rostrata positively, though not significantly. The number and dry weight of root nodules and shoot nodules, nitrogen uptake, phosphorus uptake, potassium uptake, calcium uptake and magnesium uptake were not found to be influenced significantly by the different inoculation levels. From these results, it can be concluded that, the easiest method of inoculation viz. seed inoculation is sufficient for satisfactory growth and nitrogen fixation by Sesbania rostrata. The present study also revealed that the growth and nodulation of Sesbania rostrata is not satisfactory under conditions of continuous submergence, as that prevailed during the cropping period of the present experiment. Rhizobium being an aerobic bacteria might have got inhibited under the anaerobic conditions created by continuous water logging. Furthermore, the acidic condition of the soil of the experimental site might have also inhibited the activity of Rhizobium. Thus it shows that liming is absolutely necessary for the satisfactory growth of Sesbania rostrata in acid soils. Among the different treatments tried, though the control (KAU package of practices recommendations) gave the maximum yield, it was on par with the treatment comprising 50 percent of the recommended dose of nitrogen along with Sesbania rostrata incorporation. This shows that there is considerable scope for economising nitrogen by the substitution of chemical nitrogen applied to rice by Sesbania rostrata.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Resmi S
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Muraleedharan V
    With a view to assess the role of Azospirillum on growth and productivity of rice as ameans of economising fertilizer nitrogen application, a field experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period from June 1992 to September 1992. The variety used as Red Triveni. The experiment was laid out as 4x3x2+1 factorial experiment in randomised block design with two replications. The treatments includes four methods of inoculation of Azospirillum (seed, seedling root dip, soil and combined inoculation), three levels of nitrogen (50, 75 and 100 per cent recommended dose of nitrogen) and two levels of lime (without and with lime) along with a control (KAU Package of Practices). An abstract of the results is given below. Among the different methods of Azospirillum inoculation, combined application influenced almost all the growth characters significantly. Application of 100 per cent recommended dose of nitrogen and lime application also influenced the growth characters significantly. Among the yield attributes, productive tillers per square metre, and panicle weight were significantly influenced by various treatments. The combined application of Azospirillum recorded the highest grain yield. Similarly 75 per cent recommended dose of nitrogen and liming also recorded higher grain yields. A significant change in harvest index was also observed due to various treatments. Uptake of nutrients was significantly influenced by all the treatments. Among the inoculation methods, combined method of inoculation recorded the maximum uptake. Similarly highest level of nitrogen and lime application showed the highest uptake of nutrients. Combined method of inoculation, highest level of nitrogen and lime application recorded the highest value of protein content. Economic analysis of data revealed that combined application of Azospirillum plus 75 per cent nitrogen plus lime produced a net income which is comparable with the highest net income produced by combined application of Azospirillum plus 100 per cent nitrogen plus lime. When compared to control the net income produced by these treatments are higher, indicating the superiority of the above treatments. Thus it is seen that we can save atleast 25 per cent of the fertilizer nitrogen by incorporating the Azospirillum through combined application.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Evaluation of low cost techniques in potted vegetables grown in roof gardens
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Roshni, C C; KAU; Geethakumari, V L
    A pot culture study was conducted at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani to evaluate the lowcost techniques in potted vegetables and to compare the efficiency of various techniques for economising water use in vegetables. The experiment was conducted with chilli cultivar ‘Jwalasakhi’ as test crops. The treatments included three levels of irrigation (I3-60, I2-80 and I1-100 per cent field capacity), two methods of irrigation (M1- indigenous auto irrigator using hospital drip and M2-pot watering) and three moisture conservation methods (c0-control without any conservation, C1-application of coir pith and c2-application of Jalasakhti). One absolute control viz., wick irrigation was compared with other treatments. Potting mixture prepared by mixing sand, soil and cowdung in 1:1:1 proportion by weight was used as the rooting medium. The medium was low in available nitrogen, high in available phosphorus and low in available potassium. The field capacity and permanent wilting point were 18.4 and 7.4 per cent respectively. The experiment was laid out in completely randomised design with six replications. The results of the investigation are summarised below. Plant height, branches, LAI at harvest, DMP, S: R ratio and root dry weight at different growth stages differed significantly with methods, levels of irrigation and conservation methods. All these parameters were better under wick irrigation, 100 per cent FC and coir pith mulching. Whereas drip irrigation recorded maximum LAI at initial stages and tap root length. All yield parameters like number of flowers plant-1, fruit plant -1, fruit girth, fruit volume and hundred fruit weight were better under wick irrigation followed by drip irrigation. Among the moisture regimes 100 per cent FC registered better values for all the yield attributes. Coir pith mulching top seeded with respect to these characters. Maximum yield was obtained for wick irrigation, 100 percent FC and coir pith mulching. With respect to WUE, coir pith mulching followed the same pattern as yield. Whereas drip irrigation recorded maximum WUE and 80 per cent FC resulted in higher WUE compared to the other two irrigation regimes. Uptake of N, P and K were maximum in wick irrigation and coir pith mulching. N and K uptake were maximum at 100 per cent FC, but P uptake was high at 80 per cent FC. Under all levels of irrigation, maximum yield and WUE were obtained by drip irrigation and coir pith mulching. Coir pith mulching revealed its superiority under both methods of irrigation with respect to yield and WUE. Maximum yield was obtained at drip irrigation at 100 per cent FC with coir pith mulching while maximum WUE was obtained at drip irrigation at 80 per cent FC with coir pith mulching. Maximum profit was realised by drip irrigation at 100 per cent FC with coir pith mulching. With drip irrigation and coir pith mulching 20 per cent water can be saved without much reduction in yield.
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    ThesisItemUnknown
    Influence of date of sowing and levels of irrigation on the growth and yield of water melon (citrullus lanatus) grown in rice fallows
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1993) Siby Neendissery, T; KAU; Balakrishna Pillai, P
    An experiment was conducted at the Rice Research Station, Mannuthy, Thrissur during the period from November 1990 to April 1991 to study the influence of date os sowing and levels of irrigation on the growth and yield of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) grown in rice fallows. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. The treatment consisted of seven dates of sowing (November Ist, November 16th, December 16th, December 32st, January 15th and January 30th) in the main plot and four levels of irrigation (IW/CPE ratio of 1.0, IW/CPE ratio of 0.75, IW/CPE ratio of 0.50, pot watering -1 pot per day per pit) in the sub plot. Observations on various morphological characters, flowering and yield attributes were recorded during the course of investigation. Soil moisture observations were taken before, and 24 hours after irrigation to compute consumptive use and soil moisture depletion. The daily values of various weather elements recorded at the meterological observatory were collected to work out the crop weather relationship. The plants irrigated daily (10 litre/pit/day) were superior to others with regard to vine length, date of picking maturity, date and number of male and female flower production, number of fruits, fruit girth, weight, yield and total dry matter production, but was on par with IW/CPE ratio of 1.0. Irrigation at IW/CPE ratio of 1.0 was superior with regard to the number of nodes for female flower production and number of seeds per fruit. Irrigation treatment IW/CPE ratio of 0.50 recorded the highest sex ratio, hundred seed weight and T.S.S. content. The crop sown on November 16th was superior to others with regard to most of the crop characters. The crop weather relationship studies showed that the temperature range during flowering and early fruit development (3rd to 7th week), maximum temperature during fruit development (7th to 10th week) and relative humidity during maturity (11th to 13th week) negatively correlated with yield. While for total dry matter production there was a negative correlation between temperature range during flowering (3rd to 5th week), maximum temperature during fruit development and early maturity (8th to 11th week) and relative humidity during maturity (11th to 13th week). It was found that irrigation and sowing date has a significant effect on overall growth and yield of the crop. The highest yield was recorded in crop sown on November 16th irrigated daily (10 litre/pit /day). The best performance may be attributed to the optimum weather conditions during the crop period and the effective utilisation of water. From the soil moisture studies it is evident that the consumptive use increased with the frequency of irrigation. The top 15 cm of the soil layer accounted for the highest soil moisture depletion. The depletion was more from the deeper layers in the drier regimes. The water use efficiency was highest for the plants irrigated at IW/CPE ratio of 0.5. sown on November 16th. Results of the present experiment indica that at Mannuthy and surrounding water melon can be successfully raised in rice fallows if irrigated daily (10 litre/pit/day.) and sown in the middle of November.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Nutrient management for intercropped colocasia esculenta var thamarakannan
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Rajasree, J; KAU; Oommen, M
    Field experiments were conducted at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani to study the effect of nitrogen and potassium on growth and yield of Colocasia and uptake pattern of major nutrients under open and intercropped situations in coconut gardens. The treatments in the experiment consisted of a combination of three levels of N) 40, 60 and 80 kg/ha) and three levels of K (80, 120 and 160 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in 32 factorial RBD. Different growth attributes like plant height, number of leaves plant-1and LAI were maximum when N @ 60 kg/ha and K @ 160 kg/ha were applied under open condition. Under intecropped situations N @ 40 kg/ha and K @ 160 kg/ha recorded the maximum values for these characters. The yield attributes viz., number of cormels/plant, mean weight of cormels, cormel and corm yield/plant, and harvest index gave maximum values when N @ 60 kg/ha and K @ 160 kg/ha were applied under open condition. In the intercropped situation, the highest values were obtained when N and K were applied @ 40 and 160 kg/ha. Nitrogen @ 60 kg/ha and K @ 160 kg/ha gave the highest yield of marketable tubers under open condition while K @ 160 kg/ha gave the maximum yield under intercropped situation. Nitrogen had no influence on yield of marketable tubers under intercropped situations. Pottasium application increased the starch percentage of tubers and 160 kg K/ha resulted in the maximum value under open and intercropped situations. Plant uptake of N, P and K were influenced by increasing levels of K and was highest at the highest level of K in both open and intercropped situations. Available N and P content of the soil was not influenced by N and K levels under open condition, while the available K was maximum when 160 kg/ha was applied in both open and intercropped situations. Maximum benefit cost ratio and net returns were obtaining by the application of N and K @ 60 kg/ha and 160 kg/ha respectively under open conditions and 40kg/ha and 160 kg/ha respectively under intercropped situation with coconut.
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    ThesisItemUnknown
    Agronomic evaluation of rice cultivars for rainfed conditions of Kerala
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Sheela, K R; KAU; Thomas, Alexander
    Two field experiments were conducted at the Cropping Systems Research Centre, Karamana and one pot culture trial at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 1991 and 1992, to select a suitable rice variety and nutrient level required for maximum rice production in the rainfed wetlands of Southern Kerala. The influence of seed hardening in inducing stress tolerance was also studied. In the study, experiment I included a pot culture trial with six varieties, viz., Jaya, Culture -4, M-102, Rasi, Ravi and Tulasi and six methods of seed hardening viz., water, triazole, NaH2PO4, KCI, cowdung extract treatments and a control in two moisture regimes. The significant results of the study were tested in the field. Experiment 2 included these six varieties and three nutrient levels, viz., 100, 75 and 50 per cent of recommended dose for medium duration varieties (90 : 45 : 45 kg N, P2o5 and K2o) and was conducted as a factorial experiment in RBD during the first crop season of 1991 and 1992. The results of the germination study revealed that KCI concentration of 2.50 per cent was ideal for seed hardening. Seed hardening improved germination of all the varieties and water treatment registered the highest vigour index values. In pot culture, Culture – 4 with water treatment registered the highest biomass production, grain and straw yields. The variety, Jaya had the highest root weight and root : shoot ratio. Among the seed treatments, water, KCI and triazole treatments favourably influenced the yield attributes, yield, root parameters and root : shoot ratio. Increasing the moisture regime from 50 to 100 per cent available water enhanced the growth characters, RWC, chlorophyll and decreased the proline content. The subsequent field trial with the highest grain yielding varieties and seed treatments confirmed the superiority of Rasi and Tulasi for increased grain yield, net income and benefit : cost ratio. The different seed treatments also had favourable influence on the above characters. The results of experiment 2 revealed that M – 102 recorded the highest plant height during both the years, while, Tulasi and Rasi had higher tiller number. The varieties, M-102 and Rasi registered higher straw yield than the others. Increased nutrient levels improved growth characters and straw yield. Pooled analysis of grain yield revealed that the varieties, Jaya, Rasi and Tulasi were good yielders and 75 per cent of the recommended nutrient level was sufficient to obtain high grain yield under rainfed conditions. Increased RWC values were observed in the drought tolerant varieties, Ravi, Tulasi and Rasi and at increased nutrient levels. Proline eontent was unaffected by varieties and nutrient levels. The variety, Jaya registered the highest uptake of major nutrients during 1991 while, Tulasi, Rasi and M-102 had higher uptake than the others during 1992. The highest nutrient level recorded the maximum uptake during both the years. Among the varieties, Jaya, Tulasi, Culture – 4 and Rasi recorded high net income and benefit : cost ratio. Among the nutrient levels, the variation between 100 and 75 per cent recommended nutrient dose was not significant with regard to net income and benefit : cost ratio. Under rainfed conditions, 75 per cent of the recommended nutrient dose was sufficient for the varieties, Jaya, Rasi and Tulasi to obtain commensurate yield, net income and benefit : cost ratio. Moreover, the yield and economic returns could be increased by resorting to seed hardening methods.
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    ThesisItemUnknown
    Phosphorus & molybdeum nutrition in cowpea
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Annie, Philp; KAU; Geethga Kumari, V L
    An investigation was undertaken at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period from April to November 1990 with the objective of assessing the interaction effect between phosphorus and molybdenum on the growth and yield of cowepea. The investigation comprised of an initial pot culture study followed by field experiment. The results of the study indicated that seed coating of molybdenum was better than seed imbibition. Application of phosphorus at the rate of 30.0 kg P2O5/ha increased the height and branching and resulted in maximum LAI, nodule number and weight, chlorophyll content, maximum length of pod, hundred seed weight and highest grain yield of 1152.67 kg/ha. Maximum uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and molybdenum was recorded at this level. The maximum available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content of the soil after the experiment was also recorded at this level. Seed treatment with molybdenum (1.5 and 2.5 kg sodium molybdate/kg of seed) favourably influenced the growth of cowpea by increasing the height of plant, number of branches, LAI, nodulation and chlorophyll content. Yield attributes such as number of pods/plant, pod length, number of seeds/pod and hundred seed weight increased significantly at these levels. Maximum and significant value for grain yield and dry matter production was recorded by the application of molybdenum at the rate of 1.5 g sodium molybdate/kg of seed. Maximum uptake of nitrogen, potassium and molybdenum was noted at the level of 2.5 g sodium molybdate/kg of seed. Seed treatment with 1.5 and 2.5 g sodium molybdate/kg of seed, significantly influenced the available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium status of the soil after experiment. Combined effect of phosphorus and molybdenum was beneficial in improving the growth and yield of cowpea. Treatment that received 22.5 kg P2O5/ha in conjunction with 1.5 g sodium molybdate/kg of seed recorded maximum value for branching, LAI, chlorophyll content, pods/plant, seeds/pod, pod length, hundred seed weight, harvest index, crude protein content and grain yield of 1287 kg/ha. Highest dry matter production (3455 kg/ha was also recorded at this level of phosphorus and molybdenum. Maximum uptake of nitrogen was recorded by the application of 22.5 kg P2O5/ha in combination with 2.5 g sodium molybdate/kg of seed. The uptake of molybdenum was significantly higher in treatments that received 30.0 kg P2O5/ha and 2.5 g sodium molybdate/kg of seed. Highest phosphorus uptake was recorded by the treatment that received 37.5 kg P2O5/ha in conjunction with 0.5 g sodiuum molybdate/kg of seed. The present investigation revealed that for the variety C-152 a combination of 22.5 kg P2O5/ha with 1.5 g sodium molybdate/kg of seed gave maximum yield and maximum profit. Based on the dose response relationship economic optimum dose for phosphorus was found to be 28 kg P2O5/ha and that of molybdenum 1.37 g sodium molybdate/kg of seed.
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    ThesisItemUnknown
    Assessment of nitrification rates of soils and screening of plant materials for nitrification inhibition properties
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1993) Rekha, C; KAU; Vikraman Nair, R
    The present study ‘assessment of nitrification rates of soils and screening of plant materials for nitrification inhibition properties’ was conducted during January 1993 to August 1993 at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Trichur. The three soil types, laterite, alluvial and forest were used for nitrification rate assessment. The two soil types, laterite and alluvial were taken from different locations of variable crop association. A total of 13 samples were assessed. One soil sample with the maximum rate of nitrification from these were taken for screening of plant materials for nitrification inhibition properties. Fourteen different locally available plant materials were chosen for screening using N-Serve and neem cake as the standard inhibitors for comparison. Nitrification rate in nearly all the soil was low and there was no appreciable conversion of NH4 from to NO3. A distinct crop associated influence on nitrification rate was absent in the soils studied. The only exception was the alluvial sample with banana as the associated crop and this soil was hence chosen for screening of plant materials. N-Serve was found to be the most effective nitrification inhibitor. Among the plant materials tested, cashew shell was the only material which showed a distinct advantage over other materials including neem cake. Highest mean values in plant height and number of leaves at different growth stages and dry matter production, N content and N uptake were observed in the treatment receiving cashew shell. Other useful materials identified were tobacco waste, calotropis leaf, neem leaf and castor cake.