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Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur
The history of agricultural education in Kerala can be traced back to the year 1896 when a scheme was evolved in the erstwhile Travancore State to train a few young men in scientific agriculture at the Demonstration Farm, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, presently, the Cropping Systems Research Centre under Kerala Agricultural University. Agriculture was introduced as an optional subject in the middle school classes in the State in 1922 when an Agricultural Middle School was started at Aluva, Ernakulam District. The popularity and usefulness of this school led to the starting of similar institutions at Kottarakkara and Konni in 1928 and 1931 respectively.
Agriculture was later introduced as an optional subject for Intermediate Course in 1953. In 1955, the erstwhile Government of Travancore-Cochin started the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Mannuthy, Thrissur for imparting higher education in agricultural and veterinary sciences, respectively. These institutions were brought under the direct administrative control of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Husbandry, respectively. With the formation of Kerala State in 1956, these two colleges were affiliated to the University of Kerala. The post-graduate programmes leading to M.Sc. (Ag), M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees were started in 1961, 1962 and 1965 respectively.
On the recommendation of the Second National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, the then Chairman of the University Grants Commission, one Agricultural University in each State was established. The State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) were established in India as an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System to give the much needed impetus to Agriculture Education and Research in the Country. As a result the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was established on 24th February 1971 by virtue of the Act 33 of 1971 and started functioning on 1st February 1972. The Kerala Agricultural University is the 15th in the series of the SAUs.
In accordance with the provisions of KAU Act of 1971, the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were brought under the Kerala Agricultural University. In addition, twenty one agricultural and animal husbandry research stations were also transferred to the KAU for taking up research and extension programmes on various crops, animals, birds, etc.
During 2011, Kerala Agricultural University was trifurcated into Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU).
Now the University has seven colleges (four Agriculture, one Agricultural Engineering, one Forestry, one Co-operation Banking & Management), six RARSs, seven KVKs, 15 Research Stations and 16 Research and Extension Units under the faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Forestry. In addition, one Academy on Climate Change Adaptation and one Institute of Agricultural Technology offering M.Sc. (Integrated) Climate Change Adaptation and Diploma in Agricultural Sciences respectively are also functioning in Kerala Agricultural University.
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ThesisItem Open Access Response of tomato to varying levels of fertigation(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2002) Rajaseelan Kingsly, D; KAU; Jaikumaran, UA field experiment was conducted during 2000-2001 at the Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy, Thrissur to find out growth and yield as well as water use and nutrient relations of tomato, as influenced by different levels of fertigation i.e. continuous nutrition through drip irrigation. The experiment consisted of combinations of three levels of irrigation (0.3,0.6 and 0.9 PE) through drip system and three levels of fertilizer (100, 50 and 150% recommended dose) supplied through drip irrigation. The fertilizer nutrients were supplied in progressive increments for sixty days and the fertigated treatments were mulched using black HDPE sheet. A control treatment, which received 20 mm surface irrigation through furrow method once in three days along with normal soil application of fertilizer without mulch cover was also included to compare with fertigation treatments. The experiment was laid out at randomised block design with three replications. The tomato CV Shakthi was tried in the experiment. The results revealed that the growth parameters viz., plant height, Leaf Area Index (LAI) and ~eaf Area Duration (LAD) were higher in the fertigated treatments than in the control crop. The respective values were 50.48 cm, 5.60 and 113.4 in case offertigated crops and 48.52 cm, 5.46 and 110.9 for the control crop, when observed at final growth stage. The control crop had a significant rooting pattern with higher vertical length (26.8 cm), lateral length (15 cm) and root dry weight of (8.2 g) than the fertigated treatments which had the respective values of 18.65 cm, 11.00 cm and 3.9 g. The ferigated crop produced maximum fruit set of 56.5 per cent and 36 numbers of fruits plant" with mean yield of 31.51 t ha-I. The respective values for the control crop were 42.6 per cent, 22 and 19.31 t ha" only. The treatment which received 150 per cent fertilizer dose with 0.6 PE irrigation gave a maximum yield of37.3 t ha-I which was 93 per cent more than the control crop. This level of production was comparable with that of the crop receiving 100 or 150 per cent recommended dose of fertilizers with irrigation at 0.9 PE through drip. The TSS content was not influenced by different treatments, but higher acidic fruits were produced by the control crop. The fertigated crops in general contained more nutrients in their biomass compared to control crop. The highest NPK content in plant was recorded at 60 DAP and at the stage these nutrient contents were 4.9,0.285 and 3.13 per cent in case offertigated crops and the respective values in control crop were 4.0, 0.245 and 3.07 per cent. The fruit cracking and bacterial wilt incidence were not affected by various treatments. But 72 per cent of control crop suffered by leaf curl virus disease but only 40 per cent, in case of fertigated plants. The mean soil temperature upto 30 cm depth increased "<-;- under mulched conditions over control treatment during morning (7.;3<) 1ST) and 'L.C;;- evening (2.:Mt 1ST) by 3.3°C and 2.6°C respectively. While control crop received 700 mm of water, the crop irrigated through the drip at 0.9, 0.6, 0.3 PE received 506, 358 and 210 mm of water. Field water use efficiency was the highest in the treatment which received 100% fertilizer with 0.3 PE irrigation (14.62 kg fruit per m-3 of water). As the irrigation levels reduced and fertilizer application increased FWUE was increased. The moisture content of the soil was more at 15 cm depth both at 15 and 30 cm radial distances, in all irrigation levels. The economic analysis indicated that the crop under recommended dose of fertilizer with 0.9 PE irrigation gave a maximum BC ratio of 1.92 followed by the crop raised under 150 per cent fertilizer dose with 0.6 PE irrigation (1.91). The saving of water through respective treatments, when compared to control enabled 0.38 and 0.95 ha to be additionally brought under irrigated tomato, if respective treatments were employed. The investigation led to the conclusion that fertigation is a sound technology and produceshigh yields in tomato. If water is not a limiting factor, adopt irrigation at 0.9 PE using 100 per cent recommended dose of fertilizer and if water availability is - constrained, adopt irrigation at 0.6 PE using 150 per cent recommended dose of fertilizer to reap rich harvest.ThesisItem Open Access Integrated nutrient management in hedge lucerne (Desmanthus virgatus(L.)willed) under rainfed condition(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2001) Kavitha, G V; KAU; Lakshmi, SA field experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala State to find out an integrated nutrient management technique for Desmanthus virgatus (L.) Willd. under rainfed condition. The influence of chemical fertilizers and biofertilizers on growth parameters, fodder yield, quality of produce, uptake of nutrients, chemical properties of soil and economics was investigated. Three levels of nitrogen (0, 15, 30 kg N ha"), three levels of potassium (0, 20, 40 kg ha") and biofertilizers (Rhizobium, AMF and Rhizobium + AMF) were combined to form twenty seven treatment combinations. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Results of the experiment revealed that the chemical fertilizers as well as bioinoculants had significant positive influence on improving the fodder production potential of Desmanthus virgatus. Application of inorganic fertilizers and eo- inoculation of hedge lucerne with Rhizobium and AMF significantly increased the growth parameters namely plant height, length of branches, number of branches and leaf: stem ratio. Highest dose of chemical fertilizers and dual inoculation with biofertilizers registered maximum green fodder yield in all four harvests. Similar results were obtained in the case of dry fodder yield also. Quality parameters of the forage significantly improved as a result of dual inoculation with biofertilizers. Maximum crude protein content was realized with application of highest dose of nitrogen and potassium. The nutrient uptake showed a significant increase with increase in doses of chemical fertilizers. Dual inoculation of biofertilizers significantly increased the uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Combined application of biofertilizers improved the nitrogen and phosphorus status of the soil after the experiment. Highest dose of nitrogen gave the highest soil nitrogen content. Similarly highest dose of potassium recorded highest soil potassium content after the experiment. The physical and economic optimum dose of nitrogen for Desmanthus virgatus was 32 kg ha-I and 31 kg ha-I respectively while that of potassium was 22 kg ha-I, The use of chemical fertilizers and dual inoculation with biofertilizers recorded highest net returns and benefit: cost ratio, emphasizing the need for an integrated approach in nutrient management.ThesisItem Open Access Nutrient management for basmati rice (oryza sativa L) in wetlands(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2002) Sindu, M S; KAU; Annamma, GeorgeA field experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani from September 2001 to January 2002 to derive an optimum package for nutrient management for basmati rice in wetland condition. The experiment was laid out in factorial RBD with three replications. The treatments consisted of three levels of N (60, 90 and 120 kg N ha"), two sources of N (SI: SO per cent N as FYM and SO per cent N as chemical fertilizer and S2 : SO per cent N as vermicompost and SO per cent N as chemical fertilizer), two NPK ratios (2 : 1 : 1 and 2 : 1 : I.S) and an absolute control thereby forming 13 treatment combinations. Results of the experiment revealed that the effect of both N levels and NPK ratios had significant influence on most of the biometric and yield attributing characters and yield of basmati rice. Nitrogen @ 120 kg ha-I and NPK ratio of 2 : 1 : I.S were found significantly superior to lower levels. Eventhough the effect of sources of N was significant on plant height and dry matter production, the effect was not visible on the yield attributing characters and yield of the crop. A significant linear increase in grain yield was recorded upto 90 kg N ha-I , and thereafter the increase in grain yield was marginal. But the straw yield increased linearly with increase in N level and was also significantly influenced by the sources of nitrogen. NPK ratio of 2 : 1 : I.S recorded higher grain and straw yield. Nitrogen @ 120 kg ha-I and NPK ratio of 2 : I : I.S produced the highest grain protein content. The cooking time of grains increased with increase in N level. Nitrogen @ 120 kg ha-I and NPK ratio of 2 : I : I.S recorded the highest uptake of nutrients. Use of vermicompost for substituting 50 per 1'9 cent N resulted in the highest uptake of Nand P while the effect on K uptake was not significant. An increase in N application resulted in an increase in available N and P status of the soil after the experiment. Nitrogen @ 120 kg ha ", use of vermicompost for substituting 50 per cent Nand NPK ratio of 2 : 1 : 1.5 registered significantly superior available K status in the soil. The maximum NUE in terms of agronomic efficiency and apparent recovery was observed at 90 kg N ha-! and thereafter it decreased with the increase in N level. Application ofNPK in 2 :. 1 : 1.5 ratio also resulted in higher NUE. Sources of N were significant only with respect to apparent recovery and substituting 50 per cent N with vermicompost registered superior value. The physical optimum dose of N for grain yield and agronomic efficiency were worked out to be 109.24 and 94.67 kg N ha-! respectively. Straw yield exhibited a linear response to applied nitrogen. An increase in N level increased the disease incidence while a significant reduction in disease incidence was observed with the NPK ratio of 2 : 1 : 1.5 over 2 : 1 : 1. The highest net returns and BCR were recorded when FYM was used to substitute 50 per cent of nitrogen. Increase in N levels upto 90 kg ha-! and application of NPK in' 2 : 1 : 1.5 ratio was found profitable. So a fertilizer dose of 90 : 45 : 67.5 kg NPK ha-! with 50 per cent N as FYM and 50 per cent N as chemical fertilizer can be recommended for maximizing the yield and returns of basmati rice in wetlands.ThesisItem Open Access Irrigation scheduling and moisture conservation in water melon(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2000) Ajith, C B; KAU; Joseph, P AAn experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy, Thrissur during the period from December 1998 to March 1999 to study the influence of levels of irrigation and moisture conservation methods on the growth and yield of water melon (Citrullus fanatus) grown in rice fallows. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of combinations of four moisture conservation methods (control, application of paddy waste as surface mulch, uniform incorporation and bottom layer application @ 1/3 pit volume) and four levels of irrigation (IW /CPE ratio of 0.6, 1, 1.4 and farmer's practice of daily irrigation @ 20 lit pit"), The study revealed that incorporation of moisture conservation materials increased the growth attributes like length of vine, number of leaves per vine, leaf area and dry matter production and yield attributes like weight of fruits and number of fruits per plant. Among moisture conservation methods surface mulch and uniform incorporation of paddy waste were found to be superior in most of the cases. Watermelon responded very well to irrigation. Biometric characters (length of vine, number of leaves per vine, leaf area and dry matter production) and yield attributing characters (weight of fruits and number of fruits per plant) were favourably influenced by frequent irrigations. The fruit yield increased with increase in frequency of irrigation and was maximum at IW /CPE ratio of 1.4. Results of soil moisture studies revealed that incorporation of moisture conservation material' increased the soil moisture content, consumptive use and water use efficiency. 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. Field and crop-water use efficiencies were higher in less frequently irrigated treatments. Higher levels of irrigation increased N, P and K content of leaves. No convincing change in leaf N, P, K content could be brought about by the incorporation of paddy waste. Economic analysis showed that incorporation of paddy waste could increase the net profit. Net profit as well as net return per rupee invested were the highest with scheduling irrigation at IW/CPE ratio of 1.4. Among the treatment combinations, the best combination was surface application of paddy waste with irrigation at IW/CPE ratio of 1.4 followed by the combination of surface mulching and fanner's practice of daily irrigation.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of nutrient inter-relations on productivity of rice in lateritic soils(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2002) Sindhu, P V; KAU; Meera Menon, VThe effect of nutrient inter-relations on productivity of rice in latritic soils was investigated during the first crop season (Virippu) Or 1999-2000 at the Agricultural Research station, Mannuthy. The objective of the study was to arrive at the minimum level combination of applied elements for maximum productivity based on the interaction pattern between applied and native elements so as to develop a sustainable management system. Jyothi was used as the Fest variety to analyse the pattern of interacting influences of P, K, Ca and S at two levels each, among themselves as well as on the native elements. The results showed that treatments had significant beneficial influence on yield expression, causing 90 and 10% increases in yield over absolute control and the presently recommended package of practices. This indicated the necessity of including Ca and S in the nutrient management system. Decline in chlorophyll content and high levels of cell sap pH, together with excess contents of Fe and Zn appear to act as the supressors of yield expression. The latter influences are inherent in soil and are actually the net product of the balance between positive and negative effects of nutrients. A significant finding was that application of any element by itself was not a guarantee for its uptake, and was subject to the effect of other elements, and similarly, had direct or indirect influences on other elements. The positive influence of K and Ca at the maximum tillering and S at the panicle initiation stage, and negative influence of Fe and Mn at the panicle initiation stage pointed out to the need for phasic management of nutrients. The only element inhibiting Fe uptake had been Si, suggesting that the reversal of the process of laterisation holds the key to higher yields. Discriminatory transfer of individual elements between leaf blade and leaf sheath appeared to be an important regulatory factor in deciding yield expression. Highest yield resulted when blade-sheath ratio was maximum tillering and panicle initiation declined in respect of Ca, Fe and Mn and increased in respect of K and S. the study resulted in development of the broad base of a management technology for high productivity and sustainability. The components included keeping N at the present reconunended level, reducing P by 50%, increasing K by 100% and top dressing N using s containing fertilizers as well as moderate basal dressing with Ca.ThesisItem Open Access Organic nutrition in amarantus(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2000) Arun Kumar, K R; KAU; Purushothaman Nair, NAn experiment was conducted 'at the Instructional Farm attached to the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during November 1998 to February 1999 with objectives to find out the effect of different sources and levels of organic manures on the yield and quality of amaranthus and to assess the optimum quantity of these sources in sustaining the productivity of amaranthus. The experiment consisted of twenty six treatments and three replications laid out in RBD. The organic manures used were coir pith compost, FYM, neem cake, poultry manure and vermicompost. Five levels of these organic manures (50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 per cent of POP) were tried on nitrogen equivalent basis. The results of the study revealed that the growth characters as well as yield were significantly influenced by different levels and sources of organic manures. Regarding growth characters vermicompost, FYM and poultry manure performed well throughout the growth period. Highest level of FYM and vermicompost (150 per cent POP) maintained their superiority at all growth stages regarding plant height, number of leaves, number of branches and LAI. Maximum plant height of 67.22 cm was recorded at 45 DAP by highest level of FYM. Vermicompost @, 25 t ha" (150 per cent of POP) recorded maximum number of leaves (100.78) at 45 DAP but it was on par with highest dose ofFYM. Maximum LA! was noted in the highest dose of FYM and no other treatment was on par with it. High yield was obtained from 100, 125 and 150 per cent levels of FYM, vermicompost, poultry manure and neem cake. All the coir pith compost treatments recorded lower yield than POP. The lowest yield was recorded by lowest dose of coirpith compost. The same trend was obtained in the case of marketable yield also. Higher levels gave better yield in general. Total dry matter production showed an increasing trend with increasing dose of manure. Highest dose of FYM recorded maximum DMP of 11.41, 25.7 and 28.27 g respectively at 15, 30 and 45 DAP. Variation among different organic manures was significant in the case of biomass production also. Through out the growth stages 125 and 150 per cent levels of all manures except coir pith compost recorded superior biomass compared to POP. Vermicompost at highest level (25 t ha-I) recorded maximum biomass during three harvests. Variation was less in the case of NAR and dry matter partitioning at different stages. Quality of amaranthus improved with varIOUS organic manures. Maximum vitamin C content was recorded by highest level of vermicompost. Maximum fibre content was registered by neemcake at 100 per cent level of POP (4.8 t ha-I). Highest dose of poultry manure (25 t ha") gave highest protein content. Vitamin C and protein contents increased with increasing doses of manure. Highest moisture content was noted by highest dose of FYM. In the case of residual nutrients high soil NPK values were registered by higher levels of organic manures irrespective of source. No treatment was inferior to POP with respect to nitrogen content. Uptake of nutrient was poor from all coir pith compost treatments. Uptake of N increased with increasing levels of manures. P uptake was more for FYM treatments. Vermicompost at highest dose (17 5 I ha-I) gave maximum n C ratioThesisItem Open Access Performance of basmati rice varieties as influenced by date of planting(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2002) Sheena, S L; KAU; GirijaDevi, LA field experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm of the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the second crop season of 2001 to study the performance of basmati rice varieties under different dates of planting. The experiment was laid out in strip plot design with three replications. The treatments included four varieties (Pusa basmati-l, Haryana basmati, Kasturi and Basmati-370) and four dates of planting (October 10, October 23, November 5 and November 18). The results of the experiment revealed that varieties and different planting dates had significant influence on most of ~e qjometric and yield attributing characters of basmati rice. Among the varieties Pusa basmati -1 recorded the lowest height and possess good cooking qualities but it was highly susceptible to sheath blight disease. Among the varieties Kasturi matured early and was resistant to sheath blight disease, Grain yield was also higher for Kasturi as it has more panicle weight and thousand grain weight and also possess excellent cooking qualities as that of Pusa basmati-l. Eventhough basmati-370 recorded maximum height, LAI and DMP, this variety was susceptible to lodging which decreased the grain yield while Haryana basmati was inferior in all quality aspects. Earlier planting (lOth October) increased the grain yield and yield attributing characters and quality aspects. Agrometeorological studies revealed that early planted crop took more number of growing degree days, HTU and PTU Eventhough the growth duration was more for early planted crop, it produced the highest grain yield. Correlation 2 studies indicated that earlier planted crop received sufficient rams which positively influenced all the yield attributing characters resulting in higher yield while late planted crop experienced a high maximum temperature and wind which was negatively correlated with yield. There was a positive correlation between duration, minimum temperature, relative humidity, sunshine hours and heat units and a negative correlation with maximum temperature and wind. Correlation between weather parameters and sheath blight intensity also revealed a positive correlation between disease incidence and maximum temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. ,. Economic analysis showed that planting of Kasturi on to" October gave maximum net returns and BCR.ThesisItem Open Access Response of seed priming nutrient management and irrigation on upland rice(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2000) UshaThomas, C; KAU; Kuruvilla, VarugheseA field experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm attached to the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the late first crop season of 1999 to study the effect of nutrient management and seed priming on upland rice under varying levels of irrigation. The experiment was laid out ill split split plot design with three replications. The treatments included three levels of irrigation (IW /CPE ratio of 1.5, 1.0 and no irrigation) in the main plots, three levels of NPK (20 : 10 : 15, 40 : 20 : 30 and 60 : 30 : 45 kg ha-I) in the sub plots and two levels of seed priming (1 per cent KCI and 2.5 per cent KCl immersed for 15 hours) in the sub sub plots. Results of the experiment revealed that effect of both irrigation and nutrients and their combinations had significant influence on most of the biometric and yield attributing characters of upland rice. Irrigation at an IW/CPE ratio of 1.5 and fertilizer dose 'of 60 : 30 : 45 kg ha" NPK were found significantly superior to lower levels. Eventhough, the effect of seed priming was significant on almost all the growth characters, the effect was not visible on the yield attributing characters and yield of the crop. Irrigation and fertilizer treatments exerted a remarkable influence on the proline content of leaves and grain protein content while irrigation alone exerted significant influence on RL WC and partitioning of biomass. The uptake of nutrients was profoundly influenced by the treatments. N and P uptake was influenced by irrigation and NPK levels whereas that of K was influenced by nutrient and seed priming levels. . The root morphology was substantially altered by irrigation treatments and I I recorded the highest value for all the characters studied. Though WUE was highest at the no irrigation treatment (13) it was very inferior and uneconomic III grain and straw yields. Hence, h level of irrigation is considered as the best treatment for attaining higher WUE. Among the fertilizer levels, F 3 (60 : 30 : 45 kg ha-I NPK) registered the highest WUE. Impact of seed priming also was significant and S I recorded the highest WUE. The results of economic analysis revealed that BC ratio was maximum when the irrigation was scheduled at an IW /CPE ratio of 1.5. The nutrient dose at F3 (60 : 30 : 45 kg NPK ha-I) and seed priming at SI (1 per cent KCI) was also found to be profitable.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of harvesting and growth regulator on seed yield qulaity and vigour in cucumber (cucumis sativus L.)(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture,vellayani, 2000) Sindhu, B; KAU; Annamma, GeorgeA field experiment was conducted at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani to study the influence of harvest and growth regulator on seed yield, quality and vigour and also to standardise the physiological stage of maturity in cucumber. Growth characters such as length of vine, number of branches and leaf area index were significantly influenced by vegetable harvests and these characters increased with increase in number of vegetable harvests. The bearing capacity of the plant is improved by frequent picking of green fruits, but the mature fruit yield and seed yield were significantly reduced. Highest seed yield was obtained when the plants were left for seed collection without green fruit picking. Seed quality is not influenced by number of harvests. But when the economics is considered highest net return and B : C ratio were obtained for two vegetable harvest. So to obtain maximum returns we can combine seed production along with two vegetable harvests which gives some vegetable yield and reasonably good yield of quality seeds. Growth regulator caused reduction in vine length. Number of branches was not influenced by growth regulator. But LA! showed a significant Increase. Growth regulator caused significant increase in green and mature fruit yields and seed yield. Fruit yield, seed yield and net return were highest at 200 ppm of ethephon. Seed quality was not affected by the application of growth regulator except for] 000 seed weight. Seed quality is significantly influenced by stages of harvest. Weight of seeds per fruit and quality were highest for seeds when fruits were harvested 45 days after flowering which was on par with that at 30 days after flowering. Storage of fruits intact before seed extraction also had significant effect on increasing seed quality. Seed quality was highest when the seeds were extracted after storing the fruits for nine days. Even when the fruits were harvested at immature stage (15 days after flowering) the seed weight per fruit and seed quality parameters can be increased by storing the fruits intact before seed extraction for nine days. But when the fruits were harvested at 30 and 45 days after flowering there was not much variation in seed quality by post harvest storage of fruit before seed extraction.
