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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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201823
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Subject: Agronomy × End date: 2018 × Start date: 2018 ×
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Now showing 1 - 9 of 23
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Standardisation of spacing and nutrient levels for fodder rice bean [Vigna umbellata (Thunb.)].
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Ajmal Fayique, C; KAU; Usha C, Thomas
    The study entitled “Standardization of spacing and nutrient levels for fodder rice bean [Vigna umbellata (Thunb.)]” was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala during Kharif 2017 to standardize the spacing and nutrient requirement of fodder rice bean and to study its impact on growth, yield and quality of the crop. The experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design (33 confounded factorial) with three replications.The treatments consisted of three spacings (s1 - 30 cm x 10 cm, s2 - 30 cm x 20 cm and s3 - 30 cm x 30 cm), three levels of nitrogen (n0 - 0 kg ha-1, n1 - 20 kg ha-1 and n2 - 30 kg ha-1) and three levels of phosphorous (p0 - 0 kg P2O5 ha-1, p1 - 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and p2 - 40 kg P2O5 ha-1) . FYM @ 5 t ha-1 and K2O @ 30 kg ha-1 were applied uniformly to all treatments as basal. The treatment s1 resulted in the highest plant height at 30 DAS and leaf: stem ratio at harvest. Application of N @ 20 kg ha-1 registered the highest plant height and was on par with 30 kg N (n2) while leaf stem ratio was the highest at n2. Levels of P had no significant impact on growth characters. The treatment combination s2n2p1 produced the tallest plants (173.17 cm) at harvest and treatments s1n0p1 and s1n2p2 recorded the highest leaf: stem ratio (0.82) but were on par with s1n0p0, s2n0p0, s n0p2, s1n1p0, s2n0p2 and s3n0p1. At 30 DAS, s1 produced the highest LAI (2.27) while at harvest, s2 was found superior. The highest NAR was observed at s1 and was on par with s3. Closer spacing (s1) enhanced the CGR at 30 DAS and harvest. Application of 30 kg N ha-1 (n2) enhanced LAI at both stages. At 30 DAS and at harvest, higher NAR were observed at n1 and n2. At 30 DAS, n2 and p1 registered the highest chlorophyll contents. The treatment s1 n2 p1 (30 cm x 10 cm spacing + 30 kg N ha-1 + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1) resulted in the highest LAI, CGR and chlorophyll content at 30 DAS. Spacing and N levels had significant impact on green fodder yield (GFY) and dry fodder yield (DFY). The highest GFY (12.95 t ha-1) and DFY (2.59 t ha-1) were produced at s1 (30 cm x 10 cm) and was on par with s2. The highest GFY (13.66 t ha-1) and DFY (2.73 t ha-1) were produced at n2 (30 kg N ha-1) and was on par with n1. The S x N x P interaction s1 n2 p1 (30 cm x 10 cm + 30 kg N ha-1 + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1) recorded highest GFY (17.29 t ha-1) and DFY (3.46 t ha-1). The different spacing had no impact on crude protein (CP) but the lowest crude fibre (CF) was observed at s1. Application of 30 kg N ha-1 (n2) resulted in the highest CP content and the lowest CF content was estimated at 0 kg N ha-1. Among P levels, p2 recorded the highest CP (17.69%) and was on par with p1. The lowest CF (16.43 %) was observed at s2n0p1 (30 cm x 20 cm spacing + 20 kg P205 ha-1) and was on par with s1n0p0, s1n0p1, s1n2p0, s2n0p0, s2n0p2, s3n0p0 and s3n0p1. No variation in N uptake was observed due to treatments. Uptake of P varied with N levels only and n1 and n2 recorded the highest P uptake. Spacing and P levels influenced K uptake by the crop and the highest uptake was observed at s1 and p2 but p2 was on par with p1. The three factor interaction s1n2p1 registered the highest P and K uptake. However, it was on par with s1n1p2, s1n1p0, s2n1p1 and s3n0p2 in P uptake and with s1n2p2 in K uptake. Increasing N levels increased pH and EC of soil after the experiment. Soil available N after the experiment was the highest at s3 (on par with s2) and n2 (on par with n1). At wider spacing, application of N enhanced the availability of N in the soil after the experiment. Available P in the soil varied with S x P interaction but all treatment combinations were on par except s2p0 and s3p2. The highest soil available K was observed at n0 among N levels and at p1 among P levels. The interactions S x N, S x P and N x P significantly influenced available K in the soil. Economic analysis revealed the highest net income (₹ 35762) and BC ratio (3.22) at s1n2p1 (30 cm x 10 cm spacing + 30 kg N ha-1 + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1). From the study, it can be concluded that fodder rice bean can be profitably cultivated at a spacing of 30 cm x 10 cm with application of 30 kg N ha -1 in two splits at 15 and 30 DAS and basal application of 20 kg P2O5 ha-1, 5 t ha-1 of FYM and 30 kg K2O ha-1.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Weed management in upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) intercropped in coconut
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Ravikiran; KAU; Elizebeth Syriac, K
    The investigation entitled “Weed management in upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) intercropped in coconut” was undertaken during the period, 2017 - 2018 at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram to standardise an eco-friendly and economic weed management strategy for upland rice intercropped in coconut. The field experiment was carried out at Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram, Thiruvananthapuram district during the period from June to October 2017. The variety used was Prathyasa (MO-21) released from Rice Research Station, Moncompu. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (factorial) with sixteen treatment combinations and three replications. The treatments consisted of two stale seedbed methods viz., stale seedbed with mechanical removal of weeds (s1) and no stale seedbed (s2) and eight weed management methods i.e., penoxsulam @ 20 g ha-1 at 10-15 days after sowing (DAS) fb hand weeding (HW) at 35-40 DAS (m1), penoxsulam @ 25 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb HW at 35-40 DAS (m2), penoxsulam @ 30 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb HW at 35-40 DAS (m3), penoxsulam @ 20 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb metsulfuron methyl + chlorimuron ethyl (MM+CE) @ 4 g ha-1 at 35-40 DAS (m4), penoxsulam @ 25 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb MM+CE @ 4 g ha-1 at 35-40 DAS (m5), penoxsulam @ 30 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb MM+CE @ 4 g ha-1 at 35-40 DAS (m6), HW twice at 15 and 35 DAS (m7) and weedy check (m8). Study of the weed flora of experimental area indicated the dominance of broad leaved weeds (eight spp.) followed by grasses (six spp.) and sedges (two spp.). Stale seedbed method (s1) recorded significantly lower weed density at all stages of observations (15, 30 and 60 DAS), weed dry weight at 15 and 30 DAS and higher weed control efficiency (WCE) at 30 and 60 DAS compared to no stale seedbed. Among the weed management methods, at 60 DAS, all the penoxsulam doses i.e., 20, 25 and 30 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb either HW at 35-40 DAS or MM+CE at 35-40 DAS (m 6, m4, m3, m5, m1 and m2) were on par in their effect on total weed dry weight and WCE. Stale seedbed method (s1) registered significantly higher plant height at 60 DAS, number of tillers m-2 at 30 DAS and at harvest, dry matter production at harvest and LAI at 60 DAS compared to no stale seedbed (s2). Penoxsulam at different doses fb HW treatments (m 1, m2 and m3) recorded higher plant height at 30 and 60 DAS and at harvest, number of tillers m-2 at 30 DAS, DMP at harvest and LAI at 30 DAS. None of the herbicide treated plots showed any phytotoxicity symptom on rice crop. The yield attributes viz., number of spikelets panicle-1, per cent filled grains and thousand grain weight were significantly higher for stale seedbed, compared to no stale seedbed (s2). Weed management methods also significantly improved yield attributes viz., panilces m-2, spikelets panicles-1, per cent filled grains and thousand grain weight compared to weedy check treatment. Penoxsulam @ 25 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb HW at 35-40 DAS (m2) registered the highest values for per cent filled grains and thousand grain weight. Stale seedbed method (s1) recorded significantly higher grain yield, straw yield and lower weed index compared to no stale seedbed method (s 2). Though penoxsulam @ 25 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb HW at 35-40 DAS (m2) registered the highest grain yield (3.23 t ha-1), it was on par with the other penoxsulam fb HW treatments viz., m1 and m3. None of the s x m interactions were found statistically significant. Regarding weed index also m2 registered the lowest value and it was significantly superior to all other weed management methods. Higher net income (₹ 27, 848/-) and B:C ratio (1.48) were obtained with stale seedbed method (s1), compared to no stale seedbed (s2). Application of penoxsulam @ 25 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb HW at 35-40 DAS (m2) registered the highest net income (₹ 36,090/-) and B: C ratio (1.63). The s1m2 registered the highest net income (₹ 44,433/-) and B: C ratio (1.77), among the interactions. The results on soil microbial population revealed that population of fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes increased in all the herbicidal treatments compared to pre-treatment population. Activity of dehydrogenase enzyme also increased significantly in the herbicide applied plots implying the safety of the tested chemicals on soil health. Based on grain yield, weed index and economic analysis, integration of stale seedbed method with the broad spectrum herbicide penoxsulam @ 25 g ha-1 at 10-15 DAS fb HW at 35-40 DAS can be recommended as an eco-friendly and economic weed management practice in upland rice.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Bioefficacy and soil health impact of flucetosulfuron in wet seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.)
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Arya, S R; KAU; Elizabeth, K Syriac
    The investigation entitled "Bioefficacy and soil health impact of flucetosulfuron in wet seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) was carried out at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during the period of 2015-2018. The objectives were to evaluate the bioefficacy of flucetosulfuron in wet seeded rice; to assess its impact on soil health by determining the microbial count, earthworm population, enzyme status and herbicide residue in soil through bioassay using indicator plant as well as to assess the weed seed bank. It was also envisaged to study the in vitro sensitivity of biofertilizer organisms and biocontrol agents to flucetosulfuron. Field experiment was conducted during the I and II crop seasons of 2016- ’17, in a farmer’s field in Kalliyoor Panchayat, Nemom block, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, with 12 treatments replicated thrice in Randomized Block Design. The treatments were: T1 : Flucetosulfuron @ 20 g ha-1 at 2-3 DAS, T2 : Flucetosulfuron @ 25 g ha-1 at 2-3 DAS, T3 : Flucetosulfuron @ 30 g ha-1 at 2-3 DAS, T4 : Flucetosulfuron @ 20 g ha-1 at 10-12 DAS, T5 : Flucetosulfuron @ 25 g ha-1 at 10-12 DAS, T6 : Flucetosulfuron @ 30 g ha-1 at 10-12 DAS, T7 : Flucetosulfuron @ 20 g ha-1 at 18-20 DAS , T8 : Flucetosulfuron @ 25 g ha-1 at 18- 20 DAS , T9 : Flucetosulfuron @ 30 g ha-1 at18-20 DAS, T10: Bispyribac sodium @ 25 g ha-1 at 15 DAS, T11: Hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS and T12 : Weedy check. The short duration variety Kanchana was used for the trial. The weed flora in the experimental field comprised of four species of grasses, six species of broad leaved weeds and three species of sedges. Based on density and dry weight, sedges were the predominant group in the experimental field followed by broad leaved weeds and grasses. Application of flucetosulfuron @ 20, 25 and 30g ha-1 at 10-12 and 18-20 DAS (T4, T5, T6, T7, T8 and T9) recorded lower total weed density, total weed dry weight and nutrient removal by weeds and higher total weed control efficiency and were on par with the hand weeding treatment (T11). Yield reduction due to weeds was found to be 52.33 and 55.61 per cent during the I and II crop seasons respectively. The highest grain yield was recorded by the application of flucetosulfuron @ 25 g ha-1 at 10-12 DAS (T5) and flucetosulfuron @ 20 g ha-1 at 10-12 DAS (T4) during the first and second crop seasons respectively. The same trend was observed in the case of dry matter production also. Pooled analysis of the grain yield for the two seasons indicated the superiority of T5 which recorded the highest grain yield of 8.33 t ha-1. This treatment was on par with the other levels of flucetosulfuron viz., 20 and 30 g ha-1 at 10-12 DAS (T4 and T6) and hand weeding treatment (T11). Higher yield attributes, harvest index and nutrient uptake were also recorded for these treatments. However, net income and B:C ratio were significantly lower for hand weeding treatment. Herbicide application did not cause any significant inhibitory effect on the earthworm population and spider count. Application of herbicides increased the microbial population in herbicide treated plots. Flucetosulfuron, at the tested doses (20, 25 and 30 g ha-1) and time of application (2-3, 10-12 and 18-20 DAS), did not show any adverse impact on the activity of soil enzymes (dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase and urease) and soil organic carbon status. To identify the most suitable indicator plant for assessing flucetosulfuron residue in soil, four separate pot culture experiments were conducted using barnyard millet, cucumber, sunflower and maize. Sunflower was identified as the most sensitive indicator plant and shoot length of sunflower was adjudged as the best parameter to assess the flucetosulfuron residue in soil. Bioassay after each field experiment using sunflower revealed that there was no residual toxicity of flucetosulfuron in the post experiment soil. Pot culture experiments were carried out before and after each field experiment, to study the weed seed bank dynamics. Results revealed that non- herbicidal plots recorded higher weed count compared to herbicide applied plots. In all the herbicide treated plots, effective reduction in weed seed bank could be obtained irrespective of the dose of the herbicide. Regarding the time of application, application of flucetosulfuron at 10-12 and 18-20 DAS caused significant depletion of weed seed bank during both the seasons compared to its application at 2-3 DAS. In vitro sensitivity of biofertilizer organisms viz., Azospirillum lipoferum, Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus megaterium and Frateuria aurantia to flucetosulfuron indicated that growth of none of the organisms were significantly inhibited by the tested doses of flucetosulfuron. Similarly, in vitro sensitivity to biocontrol agent Trichoderma viride revealed that, at all the tested concentrations of flucetosulfuron, it showed a colony diameter of 9 mm uniformly with zero per cent inhibition indicating the compatibility of the herbicide. The compatibility studies with Pseudomonas fluorescens also revealed the safety of the herbicide. The present study revealed that application of flucetosulfuron @ 20, 25 and 30 g ha-1 at 10-12 DAS was very effective in controlling the weeds and recorded significantly higher grain yield and monetary benefits in wet seeded rice. Application of flucetosulfuron @ 20, 25 and 30 g ha-1 at 2-3/10-12/18-20 DAS had no adverse impact on soil health and was found compatible with the tested biofertilizer organisms (Azospirillum lipoferum, Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus megaterium and Frateuria aurantia) and biocontrol agents (Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens).
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Irrigation scheduling and live mulching in upland rice (Oryza sativa L.)
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellayani, 2018) Aparna, R A; KAU; Jayakrishnakumar, V
    The experiment entitled ‘Irrigation scheduling and live mulching in upland rice (Oryza sativa L.)’ was undertaken at farmer’s field at Peringammala, Kalliyoor, Thiruvananthapuram during Virippu 2017 to standardize irrigation schedule for economizing water use and study the effect of live mulching with cowpea on growth and yield of upland rice. Prathyasa (MO 21) was used as the variety. The experiment was laid out with 14 treatment combinations involving seven irrigation treatments (I1 - irrigation at 3 cm depth at 10 mm CPE, I2 - irrigation at 3 cm depth at 20 mm CPE, I3 - irrigation at 3 cm depth at 30 mm CPE, I4 - irrigation at 2 cm depth at 10 mm CPE, I5 - irrigation at 2 cm depth at 20 mm CPE, I6 - irrigation at 2 cm depth at 30 mm CPE and I7 - rainfed control) and two mulching treatments (M1 - no live mulching, M2 – live mulching with cowpea) with three replications in randomized block design. The results revealed that I1 recorded the highest value for the growth characters viz., plant height at 60 DAS, tiller number m-2 at 60 DAS, LAI at 60 DAS and DMP at harvest. At harvest, the tallest plants were produced by I4. M2 registered the highest dry matter production at harvest. The interaction i1m2 recorded the highest tiller number m- 2 . The yield attributes and yield were significantly influenced by the irrigation treatments. The treatment I1 recorded the highest length of panicle, weight of panicle, number of filled grains panicle-1 and thousand grain weight. M2 produced the highest productive tillers m-2. I1 registered the highest grain yield (2949 kg ha-1), straw yield (3100 kg ha-1) and harvest index (0.49). The grain and straw yields were the highest for M2. The grain yield (3057 kg ha-1) was the highest for i1m2 and significantly superior to other treatments. It was noticed that I1 recorded the highest relative leaf water content and I7 registered the highest proline content. The uptake of N, P and K differed significantly. I1 and M2 recorded the highest NPK uptake. The interaction effect i1m2 registered the highest values for N and P uptake. The root characters viz., root volume, root dry weight and root shoot ratio were significantly increased due to irrigation and I1 recorded the highest values. The root length was the highest for I7. Among the mulches, M2 recorded the highest root length and root shoot ratio. The highest consumptive use was recorded by I1, M2 and their interaction i1m2. The highest water use efficiency (3.72 kg ha-1 mm-1) was recorded by I5 and was on par I3 and superior to other treatments. M2 registered the highest WUE (3.51 kg ha-1 mm-1) and superior to M1. The available N, P and K status were the highest for I7. The available soil N and K were the highest for M2. The interaction effect i7m2 registered the highest values for available soil N and K. The highest weed dry weight was recorded by I1, M1 and their interaction i1m1. The highest net income was obtained with I1 and was on par with I2 and I4. The highest BCR was recorded by I2 and was on par with I4 and I1. M2 recorded the highest net income and BCR. The interaction i1m2 recorded the highest net income and was on par with i4m2. The interaction i1m2 registered the highest BCR (1.46) and was on par with i2m1, i2m2, i4m2 and i5m2. The results revealed that frequent irrigation especially at 3 cm depth at 10 mm CPE in combination with live mulching of cowpea favourably influenced most of the growth, yield attributes, yield, physical, chemical properties of the soil and economics of cultivation. Although the highest grain yield was recorded by i1m2, it was found that i1m2 was on par with i4m2 for net income suggesting that irrigation at 2 cm depth at 10 mm CPE with live mulching of cowpea is as good as i1m2. For BCR, i1m2 was on par with i2m1 , i2m2 , i4m2 and i5m2 suggesting that irrigation at 2 cm depth at 20 mm CPE with live mulching of cowpea is as good as i1m2. For higher water use, irrigation at 2 cm depth at 20 mm CPE (I5) and live mulching of cowpea (M2) can be recommended. From farmer’s point of view, irrigation at 2 cm depth at 10 mm CPE with live mulching of cowpea is beneficial for higher economic returns in acute water deficit areas.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Magnesium sulphate fertilization for yield enhancement in direct seeded rice
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Daly George; KAU; Girija Devi, L
    The study entitled “Magnesium sulphate fertilization for yield enhancement in direct seeded rice” was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala from 2016 - 2018 July, to determine the optimum dose, time and method of application of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) for growth and yield enhancement in rice. The study was conducted in farmer’s field at Kalliyoor Panchayat, Thiruvananthapuram district during May to September 2017. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with fourteen treatments and three replications. The variety used was Sreyas (MO 22) released from Rice Research Station, Moncompu, Kerala. The treatments were; T1 -MgSO4 @ 20 kg ha-1 at 20 days after sowing (DAS), T2 -MgSO4 @ 30 kg ha-1 at 20 DAS, T3 -MgSO4 @ 40 kg ha-1 at 20 DAS, T4 -MgSO4 @ 20 kg ha-1 in two equal splits at 20 and 40 DAS, T5 - MgSO4 @ 30 kg ha-1 in two equal splits at 20 and 40 DAS, T6 - MgSO4 @ 40 kg ha-1 in two equal splits at 20 and 40 DAS, T7 -MgSO4 @ 10 kg ha-1 at 20 DAS and 1 % MgSO4 at 40 DAS as foliar spray, T8- MgSO4 @ 15 kg ha-1 at 20 DAS and 1 % MgSO4 at 40 DAS as foliar spray, T9- MgSO4 @ 20 kg ha-1 at 20 DAS and 1 % MgSO4 at 40 DAS as foliar spray, T10 -MgSO4 @ 10 kg ha-1 at 20 DAS and 2 % MgSO4 at 40 DAS as foliar spray , T11-MgSO4 @ 15 kg ha-1 at 20 DAS and 2 % MgSO4 at 40 DAS as foliar spray, T12- MgSO4 @ 20 kg ha-1 at 20 DAS and 2 % MgSO4 at 40 DAS as foliar spray, T13 -MgSO4 @ 80 kg ha-1 as basal (ad hoc recommendations of Kerala Agricultural University (KAU)) and T14- Control (Package of Practices Recommendations crops 2016 Kerala Agricultural University (KAU PoP) without Mg). All the treatments were given a uniform dose of FYM @ 5 t ha-1, lime @ 600 kg ha-1 in two splits and NPK @ 90: 45: 45 kg ha-1 (KAU, 2016). The results revealed that growth attributes like plant height and tillers m-2 at maximum tillering, panicle initiation (PI) and harvest stages and the leaf area index (LAI) at panicle initiation stage were significantly influenced by MgSO4 fertilization. At maximum tillering stage, the height of the plant was the highest in T2, at panicle initiation stage it was the highest in T10. At both maximum tillering and panicle initiation stages, tillers m-2 were the highest in T9, while at harvest it was the highest in T4. The LAI at panicle initiation stage was found the highest in T6. Early flowering was observed in T6, similarly the root shoot ratio was also found the highest in T6. Late flowering and the lowest root shoot ratio were observed in T14 (control -KAU PoP without Mg). Chlorophyll content at panicle initiation and boot leaf stages were significantly higher in Mg applied treatments compared to control. The yield and yield attributing characters were also significantly influenced by the dose, time and method of application of MgSO4. The panicle weight (2.89 g), number of filled grains panicle-1 (133.2), grain yield (9.6 t ha-1) and harvest index (0.463) were the highest in T6. The availability of primary and secondary nutrients in soil and its uptake at maximum tillering, panicle initiation and harvest stages were also influenced by the treatments. The availability of Mg in soil at harvest was slightly increased due to MgSO4 fertilization. The uptake of K and Mg showed an antagonistic interaction and Mg uptake at all stages was lower in control (KAU PoP without Mg). The quality attributes like protein and Mg content in grain were also higher in treatments receiving Mg. Economic analysis showed the significance of Mg application and also its split application over control (KAU PoP without Mg) and T13 (MgSO4 @ 80 kg ha- 1 as basal (ad hoc recommendations)). The B:C ratio in T6 was 3.01 whereas in control it was 2.46 and in T13 it was 2.42. From the study, it can be concluded that MgSO4 fertilization significantly enhanced the yield and quality of rice irrespective of method of application. However considering the net income and B:C ratio, soil application of MgSO4 @ 20 or 40 kg ha-1 in two equal splits at 20 and 40 DAS (depending upon Mg availability in soil) can be given as recommendation for farmers for getting higher grain yield.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Weed management in cabbage (brassica oleracea var.capitata L.)
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Akshatha, V; KAU; Prameela, K P
    Cabbage is an important cool season annual vegetable crop belonging to the family Brassicaceae. In Kerala, its cultivation was earlier restricted to the hill tracts but with the introduction of tropical varieties and hybrids by the Kerala Agricultural University, cultivation of the crop has spread to the plains also. The heavy manurial and irrigation requirements of the crop create conducive conditions for germination and growth of weeds, which reduce cabbage yield by 45-80 per cent. Manual weeding is an effective method of weed control in cabbage, but due to the time, labour and cost factors involved, it is not very acceptable. The present experiment entitled “Weed management in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)” was conducted at Centre for Hi-tech Horticulture and Precision Farming, Vellanikkara during November 2017 to March 2018 using the variety NS 183. The objective of the study was to evolve a weed management package for cabbage suited to the plains of Kerala. The treatments comprised of application of two pre emergence herbicides (oxyfluorfen 0.2 kg/ha and pendimethalin 1.5 kg/ha) both followed by a hand weeding at 30 DAP, high density planting (0.6m x 0.3m) plus one hand weeding at 25 DAP, two mulching treatments (coconut fronds and silver-black polythene), stale seed bed technique plus one hand weeding at 30 DAP, hand weeding (25 and 50 DAP) and an unweeded control. Broad leaf weeds were predominant (79%) in the field and the important among them were Trianthema portulacastrum, Oldenlandia sp., Cleome viscosa and Cleome burmanii.Polythene mulching of the field resulted in 100 per cent weed control efficiency. Weed dry matter production and N, P and K removal by weeds were higher in unweeded control, and dry matter production increased from 25DAP to 50DAP. Pre emergence application of pendimethalin at 1.5 kg/ha was more effective than oxyfluorfen at 0.2 kg/ha application (8% more effective at 25 DAP). Stale seed bed technique recorded a weed control efficiency of 97.83 per cent at 50 DAP and in high density planting weed control efficiency increased from 12.49 per cent at 25 DAP to 93 per cent at 50 DAP. Coconut frond mulching could not control weeds effectively and weed control efficiency reduced from 55.52 per cent at 25 DAP to 48.96 per cent at 50 DAP. Plant growth parameters were influenced by the different weed management practices. Polythene mulched plots recorded the highest plant height and spread and the lowest duration to 50 per cent head formation and maturity. The highest gross (1987.27g) and net (858.47g) head weights were recorded in polythene mulched plots, which was statistically superior to all other treatments. It was followed by pendimethalin treatment with a net head weight of 523.40g. Highest yield of 16.83t/ha was obtained from polythene mulched plots, followed by pendimethalin applied plots (10.26t/ha). Unweeded control recorded the lowest cabbage yield and values for yield attributes. Unweeded control recorded lower content of all the major nutrients (available N, P and K) in soil. Nutrient contents were highest in plots with minimum weed infestation. The population of soil microflora (bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes) increased after experiment as compared to pre experimental period, indicating no negative influence of herbicides on soil microbes. Polythene mulching, even with higher cost of cultivation, resulted in the highest net return and B:C ratio (2.17). Second highest B:C ratio was obtained with pendimethalin treatment (1.63). Coconut frond mulching cannot be recommended as a weed control measure as it was found ineffective in suppressing weed growth. Polythene mulch was found to be the best method of weed control in cabbage.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Intercropping fodder legumes in palisade grass (Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst.ex A.Rich.) stapf.)
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Nasreen, V; KAU; Sharu, S R
    The study entitled ―Intercropping fodder legumes in palisade grass (Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Stapf.)‖ was conducted during June 2017 to March 2018 in the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. The objectives were to evaluate the production potential of intercropping fodder legumes in palisade grass in terms of yield and quality and also to assess the biological and economic efficiency of the intercropping system. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of three levels of intercropping (I1-no intercropping, I2-intercropping with fodder cowpea and I3 -intercropping with fodder rice bean), three spacing (S1- 60 cm x 30 cm, S2- 60 cm x 40 cm and S3- 60 cm x 60 cm) and two controls (C1- pure crop of fodder cowpea and C2 - pure crop of fodder rice bean). Palisade grass variety Mulato, fodder cowpea variety CO-9 and fodder rice bean variety Bidhan-2 were used for the study. FYM @ 10 t ha-1 was uniformly applied to all the plots at land preparation. In the treatments involving palisade grass + fodder legumes and palisade grass alone, N, P and K @ 300:75:75 kg ha-1 (1/2 N, 1/2 P and 1/2 K as basal dose and 1/2 N, 1/2 P and 1/2 K after the second harvest of palisade grass) was applied. For pure crop of fodder legumes (fodder cowpea and fodder rice bean) N, P and K @ 25: 60:30 kg ha-1 was applied and the entire dose was given as basal. The fodder legumes were sown twice (along with the planting of palisade grass and after the second harvest of palisade grass) in between two rows of palisade grass at a spacing of 30 cm× 15 cm. In the experiment, pure crop of palisade grass (I1) registered significantly higher green fodder yield, dry fodder yield, crude protein yield, uptake of nutrients and B: C ratio. Palisade grass + fodder cowpea (I2) recorded the highest green fodder yield of legume, dry fodder yield of legume, land equivalent ratio, land equivalent coefficient, aggressivity, crop equivalent yield, crude protein content of grass, crude protein yield of grass-legume mixture, available soil nitrogen and net returns. Among the two fodder legumes, fodder cowpea performed better than fodder rice bean with respect to yield, quality and economics. Among the spacing treatments, significantly higher plant height of palisade grass was registered by narrow spacing of 60 cm x 30 cm in first and fourth harvest and it was on par with 60 cm x 40 cm spacing in second and third harvest. The highest numbers of tillers were produced by 60 cm x 60 cm spacing whereas LAI was the highest for 60 cm x 30 cm spacing. The spacing, 60 cm x 30 cm recorded the highest green fodder yield of palisade grass only in the first harvest. The total green fodder yield, total dry fodder yield, crude protein content, crude protein yield and uptake of nutrients of palisade grass were not significantly influenced by spacing treatments. However, net income and B:C ratio were the highest under the widest spacing (60 cm x 60 cm). Based on these results, it can be concluded that intercropping two rows of fodder cowpea in between two rows of palisade grass planted at a spacing of 60 x 60 cm is the best combination in terms of crop equivalent yield, quality and economics.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Effect of hydrogel and mulching on maize (Zea mays L.) in sandy soil
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, 2018) Rajap Shiva, Kumar; KAU; Bridgit, T K
    An investigation entitled “Effect of hydrogel and mulching on maize (Zea mays L.) in sandy soil” was carried out at College of Agriculture, Padannakkad during 2016- 2018 to study the effect of hydrogel (super absorbent polymer) and mulching on soil moisture status, growth and yield of maize in sandy soil. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. The treatment combinations included three levels of hydrogel viz. H1 – 1.25 kg ha-1, H2 – 2.5 kg ha-1, H3 – 3.75 kg ha-1 and three types of mulch viz. M1 – rice straw (5 t ha-1), M2 – rice husk (5 t ha-1), M3 – coirpith compost (2.5 t ha-1) and one control (KAU Package of Practices recommendations). Observations were recorded on growth and growth attributes, yield and yield attributes, plant analysis, soil analysis and economics. Hydrogel @ 2.5 kg ha-1 and rice straw mulch @ 5 t ha-1 recorded maximum plant height, dry matter production and root volume of maize whereas maximum leaf area and LAI were observed in hydrogel @ 3.75 kg ha-1 and rice straw mulch @ 5 t ha-1. The yield and yield parameters such as cob, grain and stover yield were found to be higher in treatments receiving hydrogel @ 2.5 kg ha-1 and rice straw mulch @ 5 t ha-1 than other levels of hydrogel and types of mulch. The response of hydrogel @ 2.5 kg ha-1 and rice straw mulch @ 5 t ha-1 was significantly superior over other treatments with respect to total N and P uptake. While total K uptake recorded was maximum in the case of hydrogel @ 3.75 kg ha-1 and rice straw mulch @ 5 t ha-1. The major beneficial effect of hydrogel was in enhancing and maintaining soil moisture status of coarse textured sandy soil at 15 and 30 cm depth. The treatment receiving hydrogel @ 3.75 kg ha-1 and rice straw mulch @ 5 t ha-1 recorded maximum soil moisture retention. The maximum porosity was recorded in the case of hydrogel @ 3.75 kg ha-1 and coirpith compost mulch @ 2.5 t ha-1. The residual nutrient status with respect to available N and K2O recorded maximum values in hydrogel @ 1.25 kg ha-1 and rice husk mulch @ 5 t ha-1 and available P2O5 was maximum with hydrogel @ 3.75 kg ha-1 and rice husk mulch @ 5 t ha-1. Considering the economics of maize crop production, the gross and net income obtained were maximum in hydrogel @ 2.5 kg ha-1 and rice straw mulch @ 5 t ha-1. However, BCR was found to be maximum in treatment with hydrogel @ 2.5 kg ha-1 and rice husk mulch @ 5 t ha-1. The maize growth and yield were significantly improved by the application of hydrogel and different mulches. Hydrogel @ 2.5 kg ha-1 in combination with rice straw mulch @ 5 t ha-1 was most efficient and economical compared to other combinations and can be recommended for maize cultivation in sandy soils of Kerala
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Performance of different planting materials of tannia (xanthosoma sagittifolium(L.) schott) under shade
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Nayana, V R; KAU; George Thomas, C
    An experiment was conducted for studying the response of different shade levels and planting materials on tannia (Xanthosoma sagittifolium (L.) Schott), an aroid tuber crop. The experiment was done in split plot design with the shade levels of 25 and 50 per cent and open as main plots and top of corm, cormels, and split corm as planting materials in sub plots. Shading and planting materials affected both growth and yield of tannia. Shade caused taller plants with longer petioles. Leaf numbers, lamina area, and LAI were higher with 50 per cent shade. Open condition decreased leaf life span but increased lamina thickness. Corm yield was higher in 50 per cent shade (6.80 t/ha). Higher number of cormels (10.29) were also obtained from plots with 50 per cent shade. Both 25 and 50 per cent shade recorded highest cormel yield (13.47 t/ha and 12.66 t/ha, respectively). Shoot: storage organ ratio (0.11) was significantly low in open plots, while low corm: cormel ratio (0.48) was noted in 50 per cent shade. Among planting materials, top of corm has taken less days for emergence (15 days) followed by cormels (21days). Top of corm was superior in terms of leaf numbers, leaf area, and LAI. Yield characters including number of cormels (10.63), corm yield (8.13 t/ha), and cormel yield (13.59 t/ha) were also high in top of corm planting. Crude protein content was low in cormels compared to corms. However, starch content was much higher in cormels. Shade increased starch content of cormels, but decreased corm protein content. Higher crude protein content of corm (8.14 %) and cormels (4.38 %) was observed with split corm planting, but higher starch content of corms (56.98 %) and cormels (65.07 %) were noted with top of corm. Oxalate content was unaffected because of treatments but higher in corms than cormels. Higher benefit - cost ratio of 4.86 was observed with planting of top of corm under 50 per cent shade followed by it under 25 per cent shade (4.45). It is concluded that tannia is a shade loving crop, which can be cultivated under 25 to 50 per cent shade using top of corm as planting material. In the absence of enough planting materials, split corm is an ideal substitute.