Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

The history of agricultural education in Kerala can be traced back to the year 1896 when a scheme was evolved in the erstwhile Travancore State to train a few young men in scientific agriculture at the Demonstration Farm, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, presently, the Cropping Systems Research Centre under Kerala Agricultural University. Agriculture was introduced as an optional subject in the middle school classes in the State in 1922 when an Agricultural Middle School was started at Aluva, Ernakulam District. The popularity and usefulness of this school led to the starting of similar institutions at Kottarakkara and Konni in 1928 and 1931 respectively. Agriculture was later introduced as an optional subject for Intermediate Course in 1953. In 1955, the erstwhile Government of Travancore-Cochin started the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Mannuthy, Thrissur for imparting higher education in agricultural and veterinary sciences, respectively. These institutions were brought under the direct administrative control of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Husbandry, respectively. With the formation of Kerala State in 1956, these two colleges were affiliated to the University of Kerala. The post-graduate programmes leading to M.Sc. (Ag), M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees were started in 1961, 1962 and 1965 respectively. On the recommendation of the Second National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, the then Chairman of the University Grants Commission, one Agricultural University in each State was established. The State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) were established in India as an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System to give the much needed impetus to Agriculture Education and Research in the Country. As a result the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was established on 24th February 1971 by virtue of the Act 33 of 1971 and started functioning on 1st February 1972. The Kerala Agricultural University is the 15th in the series of the SAUs. In accordance with the provisions of KAU Act of 1971, the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were brought under the Kerala Agricultural University. In addition, twenty one agricultural and animal husbandry research stations were also transferred to the KAU for taking up research and extension programmes on various crops, animals, birds, etc. During 2011, Kerala Agricultural University was trifurcated into Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU). Now the University has seven colleges (four Agriculture, one Agricultural Engineering, one Forestry, one Co-operation Banking & Management), six RARSs, seven KVKs, 15 Research Stations and 16 Research and Extension Units under the faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Forestry. In addition, one Academy on Climate Change Adaptation and one Institute of Agricultural Technology offering M.Sc. (Integrated) Climate Change Adaptation and Diploma in Agricultural Sciences respectively are also functioning in Kerala Agricultural University.

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Open Access
High density planting and seed tuber size on productivity enhancement of Lesser Yam[Dioscorea esculenta (Lour.) Burkill)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Anasooya, Sebastian; KAU; Prameela, P
The experiment was conducted during the period from May 2018 to December 2018 at Agronomy Farm, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur to study the effect of planting density and seed tuber size on productivity of lesser yam. Seed tubers of 50 g, 100 g, and 150 g were planted at spacings of 50 x 50 cm (high density planting), 75 x 50 cm (medium density planting) and 75 x 75 cm (low density planting- recommended spacing), adopting factorial RBD. The treatments consisted of nine combinations of seed tuber size and spacing. Growth characteristics like emergence percentage, number of sprouts per tuber, length of vine, number of tuber forming roots, number of leaves, leaf area, and total drymatter accumulation per plant were significantly influenced by seed tuber size. Large sized seed tubers (150 g) showed higher values for these parameters compared to that of medium or small sized tubers. In the initial growth stage of 45 days after planting (DAP), length of vine was significantly higher for large seed tubers. However by 90 DAP, all vines exhibited comparable length irrespective of seed size or spacing. Spacing significantly influenced the leaf area index (LAI) as well as number of leaves per vine, and at peak vegetative growth (135 DAP), the highest leaf count of 591 leaves per vine was noticed in 150 g tubers planted at wider spacing of 75 x 75 cm. Total dry matter accumulation per plant was not significantly influenced by spacing. Tuber forming roots could be observed even at 45 days after planting indicating early tuber initiation in lesser yam. The number of tuber forming roots increased upto 180 DAP, after which tuber bulking was noticed. Plants that emerged from large seed tubers produced more number of tuberous roots in the initial growth stage of upto 90 DAP. However at 135 DAP, plants from both 100 g and 150 g tubers were on par with respect to number of tuber forming roots. Plants at closer spacing of 50 x 50 cm produced higher number of tuber forming roots compared to wider spacing at 180 DAP. The crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR) as well as net assimilation rate (NAR) were influenced by seed tuber size and spacing. Plants from larger seed tubers and closer spacing had higher CGR, RGR and NAR. Higher RGR was observed during the period from 135 to 180 DAP. Spacing had no influence on NAR at initial growth phase. However at later stages of observations, high density planting resulted in higher NAR. The highest NAR was observed at 45-90 DAP, after which a declining trend was observed. The highest tuber yield was recorded from larger seed tubers of 150 g size (1270 g/vine), followed by 100 g (1053 g/ vine) and 50g seed tubers (929 g/vine), which differed significantly from each other. Spacing also had influence on tuber yield per plant and wider spacing resulted in significantly higher yield (1217 g), compared to 75 x 50 cm (1062 g) and 50 x 50 cm (972 g) spacings. Interaction effect also could be observed and performance of 150 g seed tuber at 75 x 75 cm was superior to others. It was also clear that neither the seed tuber size nor the spacing had influence on the number of small, medium or large sized tubers per plant or the length and girth of individual tubers. The trend in tuber yield per hectare was different as the yield is a function of number of plants per unit area. The highest productivity of 44.20 t/ha was realized when 150 g seed tubers were planted at a closer spacing of 50 x 50 cm. The combination of small seed tuber and wider spacing led to lower productivity in lesser yam (17.66 t/ha).Closer spacing resulted in higher cost of cultivation, but correspondingly yield per hectare was also high. The highest net profit of 5.31 lakhs per ha was realized when 150 g seed tubers were planted at 50 x 50 cm spacing, compared to 4.70 lakhs in the case of 50 g seed tubers and 4.34 lakhs from 100 g seed tubers at 50 x 50 cm. Considering the easy availability of small seed tubers and higher net profit and B:C ratio, for realizing maximum productivity per unit area, it is advisable to go for high density planting in lesser yam with seed tubers of about 50 g or 100 g weight. This is especially important in a state like Kerala where availability of land is a major constraint in crop production.
Open Access
Regulation of plant na/k ratio for productivity enhancement in pokkali rice
(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Emily, Alias; KAU; Deepa, Thomas
Pokkali is a sustainable and unique rice farming system in coastal saline soils of Kerala. Salinity, submergence and high inherent acidity are the major issues underlying this special system of rice cultivation. In saline soils, higher Na content and the resultant high ratio between Na and other cations like K, Ca and Mg within the plant becomes detrimental for crop. Maintaining a low ratio of Na with other cations especially with K, is considered to be an yield determining and salt tolerance criterion in crops. Ameliorants containing sufficient amount of calcium inhibits the effect of soil acidity as well as soil salinity. As no response to soil application of nutrients is observed in Pokkali rice, foliar nutrition of K is expected to maintain nutritional balance within the plant. Hence the study was conducted with the objective to study the effect of the narrowing down of Na/K ratio in Pokkali rice by liming and foliar application of K. The study entitled “Regulation of plant Na/K ratio for productivity enhancement in Pokkali rice” was conducted at Rice Research Station, Vyttila. VTL8 was the variety used for the field experiment. Treatments included soil application of different levels of lime (500, 1000 kg ha-1) or dolomite (800, 1600 kg ha-1) alone and these treatments followed by foliar spray of sulphate of potash (2% SOP at 20 and 40 DAT). These treatments were compared with foliar spray of SOP alone and a control (no amelioration, no foliar spray). Various biometric observations, soil chemical characteristics and plant nutrient content were assessed during and after the field experiment. Crop duration was 137 days. Both growth and yield parameters exhibited significant variation among treatments. Number of tillers per sq. m, number of panicles per sq. m, percentage of filled grains and grain yield (2975 kg ha-1) were found to be higher for soil application of lime along with foliar spray of SOP at 20 and 40 DAT. Effect of dolomite @1600 kg ha-1 on yield was higher than the effect of lime @ 500 or 1000 kg ha-1. Foliar spray of K resulted in comparable yield to that of lime @ 1000 kg ha-1. Amelioration with dolomite @1600 kg ha-1 with or without foliar spray could significantly enhance the dry matter production and leaf area index and could result in a yield next to the best treatment. Liming influenced the plant nutrient content in Pokkali rice at various stages. Higher potassium, phosphorus and magnesium content were observed when applied with lime @1000 kg ha-1+ K (2% spray) at 20 and 40 DAT. Higher calcium content was observed in plots treated with dolomite @ 1600 kg ha-1. In acid saline soils, higher Na/K ratio is considered as the major yield limiting factor. Treatments significantly influenced the plant Na/K ratio at different stages of crop growth. Control treatment recorded highest Na/K ratio at all the stages. This indicated that amelioration and foliar spray of SOP had significant influence in reducing the plant Na/ K ratio. Correlation analysis also showed that grain yield had significant negative correlation with Na/K ratio at 90 days after transplanting. This indicates that Na/K ratio at flowering stage is most critical. Application of lime @1000 kg ha-1 or dolomite @ 1600 kg ha-1 along with SOP (2% spray) at 20 and 40 DAT could narrow down the Na/K ratio at flowering stage and thereby increase the yield significantly. A reduction in soil pH was observed in these treatments at flowering stage. In addition to the correction of soil acidity, application of lime and dolomite could improve the availability of calcium and magnesium content in soil as well as enhance their uptake by the crop. Economic returns were also found to be higher on application of lime @1000 kg ha-1 and 2% foliar spray of SOP. Hence application of lime @1000kg ha-1 and 2% foliar spray of SOP at 20 and 40 DAT can be recommended to increase the yield of Pokkali rice.
Open Access
Crop-weather relations on yield and quality of iruveli [Plectranthus vettiveroides (K.C.Jacob) N.P. Singh and B D Sharma]
(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Sabika, K P; KAU; Sindhu, P V
In India, about 7500 species of medicinal plants are being used in different traditional systems of medicines like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Homeopathy, folklore etc. In medicinal plant cultivation, both yield and quality are equally important, and therefore, it is necessary to identify optimum growth factors that can ensure high yield and quality. Plectranthus vettiveroides (K. C. Jacob) N. P. Singh and B. D. Sharma (Syn. Coleus vettiveroides) is an important herbaceous medicinal plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae, where the root is the major economic part. The present study was conducted in the Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara to assess the effect of variations in intensity of light, time of planting and mulching on yield and quality of Plectranthus vettiveroides known as Iruveli in Malayalam. The trial was laid out in randomized block design, replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of two growing conditions viz., open and 50 per cent shade, four dates of planting viz., May 15, June 15, July 15, and August 15 and three mulching treatments, viz., black polythene mulching, organic mulching, and no mulching. Growing condition, date of planting and mulching had significant influence on plant characters such as height, number of branches, total biomass yield and total root yield. The highest biomass yield and root yield were obtained from open condition (10382 kg/ha biomass and 1216 kg/ha root), May planting (15694 kg/ha biomass and 2508 kg/ha root) and black polythene mulching (16235 kg/ha biomass and 1786 kg/ha root). Interaction between growing conditions, date of planting and mulching was also significant with the highest biomass yield in the treatment combination of May planting under open condition with black polythene mulching (34715 kg/ha). The management methods also influenced the soil chemical properties. Available N and P were higher in 50 per cent shaded condition. Among mulching, available N and K were higher under organic mulching. Higher available N was found in July planting, whereas available P and K were higher in August planting. Among different micro climatic factors studied, soil temperature and soil moisture were significantly influenced by growing condition and mulching. Higher soil temperature was observed under open condition and black polythene mulching. However, higher soil moisture was under shaded condition and black polythene mulching Physiological, chemical and biochemical parameters were significantly influenced by growing condition, date of planting and mulching. Higher CGR and RGR values were observed under May planting, open condition and with black polythene mulching. Total chlorophyll content at the time of harvest was higher under shade (2.26 mg/g) and May planting (2.16mg/g). Higher essential oil content was recorded from open condition (1.77%), May planting (1.73%) and with black polythene mulch (1.81%). Combination of May planting, black polythene mulching and open condition resulted in the higher essential oil content of 2.35 %. Weed count and weed dry weights were significantly influenced by the treatments. Lower weed count and weed dry weight were observed under shade and black polythene mulching whereas higher growth was observed in open condition and no mulching. Correlation studies showed a positive correlation of total biomass, root yield and essential oil content with maximum temperature, relative humidity, rainfall and soil temperature. Essential oil content had significant positive correlation with light intensity, soil temperature, and soil moisture at initial stages of growth. There was also a positive correlation between biomass yield, total root yield and essential oil content. A higher B: C ratio was obtained from May planting with black polythene mulching under open condition. Planting in August with organic mulch under shaded condition recorded lowest B: C ratio. From the experiment it can be concluded that planting on 15th May in open condition under black polythene mulch as the optimum requirement for Iruveli.
Open Access
Agrotechniques for enhancing root production in Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC under partial shade
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2019) Abhijith, S S; KAU; Anilkumar, A S
The study entitled “Agrotechniques for enhancing root production in Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. under partial shade” was undertaken during 2017-2019, in the Instructional farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, with an objective to study the integrated effect of root endophyte fungus, planting density, source efficacy of nutrients, moisture stress and subsurface mulching on the growth, yield and quality constituents of Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. under partial shade. The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 12 treatments and three replications. The treatments were, T1 – Inoculation with Piriformospora indica (root endophyte) alone, T2 – T1 + Soil application of cow dung slurry (5% at monthly interval), T3 – T1 + Soil application of NPK (basal- @ 40:40:40 kg ha-1 year-1), T4 – T2 + Irrigation at 15 mm depth, T5 – T2 + Irrigation at 30 mm depth, T6 – T3 + Irrigation at 15 mm depth, T7 – T3 + Irrigation at 30 mm depth, T8 – T5 at high density planting (40 cm x 20 cm), T9 – T7 at high density planting, T10 – T8 under subsurface mulching with black polythene, T11 – T9 under subsurface mulching with black polythene and T12 – control at normal row planting (40 cm x 40 cm). Piriformospora indica was inoculated with the potting medium @ 10g fungal culture kg-1 of potting medium. Results of the experiment revealed that integrated management practices have significant effects on growth and yield attributes of D. gangeticum. The treatment T7 recorded the tallest plants at 3 and 4 months after transplanting (MAT) whereas, T9 was superior at 5, 6 and 7 MAT and at harvest. The treatment T7 registered the highest number of branches at all stages of growth. At 3 and 5 MAT, T6 recorded the highest leaf number whereas T7 was superior at 4, 6 and 7 MAT and at harvest. T5 registered the highest root number at 3 MAT but T10 was found superior at 5, 6 and 7 MAT and at harvest. At 2 MAT, T9 and at all other growth stages, T7 recorded the highest root spread. T5 at 3 MAT, T7 at 5 and 6 MAT and at harvest and T6 at 7 MAT registered the highest root volume. With respect to length of tap root, the treatments T9 at 3, 4, and 6 MAT and at harvest and T8 at 7 MAT were found superior. At 3 MAT, T5 revealed the highest girth of primary root but at 5, 6 and 7 MAT, T7 and at harvest T6 were found superior. The treatment, T7 registered the longest laterals at 5, 6 and 7 MAT and at harvest. The root fresh and dry weight showed a similar trend. The treatments T9 at 3 MAT, T6 at 5 and 7 MAT and T7 at 6 MAT and at harvest showed the highest fresh and dry root weight. The highest root yield at harvest was recorded by T8 which was on par with T9, T10 and T11. Chlorophyll content varied with different growth stages. T5 at 2 MAT, T6 at 5 MAT, T11 at 6 MAT and T9 at 4 and 7 MAT and at harvest registered the highest total chlorophyll content. Like chlorophyll content, RLWC also showed variations with respect to different growth stages. T2 at 3 and 4 MAT, T6 at 7 MAT and T7 at 5 and 6 MAT and at harvest recorded the highest values. At 5 and 7 MAT and at harvest T7, T5 and T6 respectively recorded the highest root-shoot ratio. The treatments T11 and T9 at 2 and 7 MAT and T8 at 3, 5 and 6 MAT and at harvest registered the highest leaf area index. Observations on crop growth rate showed the significance of T8 at 4 to 5 MAT, T6 at 6 to 7 MAT and T9 at 5 to 6 MAT and 7 MAT to harvest. With respect to relative growth rate, T4 at 2 to 3 MAT and T6 at 3 to 4, 4 to 5 and 6 to 7 MAT followed by T9 at 7 MAT to harvest were found superior. At 2 to 3 and 4 to 5 MAT, the treatments T11 and T10 respectively recorded the highest values for net assimilation rate. Ethanol extract of plant roots grown under control at normal row planting (40 cm x 40 cm) (T12) recorded the highest total alkaloids at harvest. Among seed parameters, only number of seeds per inflorescence was significantly influenced by the treatments at 6 MAT and it was the highest in T1. Soil moisture studies revealed the significance of T8 and T9 in enhancing soil moisture retention before and after irrigation. T4 on par with T6 registered the highest consumptive use, daily consumptive use and Kc. Crop water use efficiency was the highest for the treatment T8. T2 registered the highest field water use efficiency and water productivity. T9 recorded the highest up take of primary plant nutrients. After the experiment, organic carbon and available K status of soil were found superior in T3 and T10. Even though nursery seedlings exhibited P. indica root colonization at harvest, it was not clearly evident through microscopic investigation. Economic analysis of the system revealed the significance of T8 (₹ 47,902 ha-1) which was on par with T9 and T10 with respect to net income. The highest benefit-cost ratio was also registered by T8 which was significantly superior to all other treatments. It is concluded that high density planting of P. indica inoculated seedlings under partial shade followed by monthly application of cow dung slurry (5 %) and scheduling irrigation at 30 mm depth once in six days (T8) was found beneficial for enhancing leaf area index, root production, crop water use efficiency, net income (₹ 47,902 ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (1.74).
Open Access
Zinc and boron nutrition in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) for Onattukara sandy plain
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2019) Reni Francis; KAU; Bindhu, J S
A field experiment on “Zinc and boron nutrition in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) for Onattukara sandy plain” was undertaken during 2017-19 to evaluate the effect of zinc and boron nutrition on growth, yield and quality of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in the summer rice fallows of Onattukara and to work out the economics of cultivation. The experiment was conducted during December 2018 to April 2019 in farmer’s field at Onattukara region of Alappuzha district. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 12 treatments replicated thrice. The treatments were T1 - soil application of Zn @ 5 kg ha-1 as ZnSO4 ; T2 - soil application of Zn @ 5 kg ha-1 as Zn-EDTA ; T3 - soil application of B @ 1 kg ha-1 as borax ; T4 - soil application of Zn @ 2.5 kg ha-1 as ZnSO4 + B @ 0.5 kg ha-1 as borax ; T5 - foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 days after emergence (DAE), T6 - foliar application of 0.5 per cent borax at 30, 45 and 60 DAE; T7 - foliar application of 0.25 per cent ZnSO4 + 0.25 per cent borax at 30, 45 and 60 DAE; T8 - seed treatment with ZnSO4 (250 mg kg-1); T9 - seed treatment with borax (100 mg kg-1); T10 - seed treatment with ZnSO4 (250 mg kg-1) + borax (100 mg kg-1); T11 - soil test based recommendation and T12 - control. FYM @ 2 t ha-1, N: P2O5: K2O @ 10:75:75 kg ha-1 (as basal) and lime 1.5 t ha-1 (at flowering) were applied uniformly to all treatments. The bunch type groundnut variety, CO 7 was sown at a spacing of 15 cm x 15 cm. The growth attributes of groundnut were recorded at 30, 45, 60 DAE and at harvest. Among the treatments, foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 DAE (T5), soil application of ZnSO4 @ 5 kg ha-1 (T1) and soil application of ZnSO4 @ 2.5 kg ha-1 + borax @ 0.5 kg ha-1 (T4) recorded significantly higher growth parameters viz., plant height, number of branches, leaf area and number of nodules per plant. At all stages of growth, soil application treatments recorded more number of nodules. The physiological parameters such as CGR, NAR, LAI, and LAD recorded during 15 to 30 and 30 to 45 DAS, also varied with Zn and B nutrition. Higher CGR values were obtained with soil application of ZnSO4 @ 5 kg ha-1 (T1) and was on par with foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 DAE (T5). During 30 to 45 DAS, NAR was found to be significant and recorded higher values in all treatments except seed treatment. Leaf area index, LAI and LAD were higher with soil application of ZnSO4 @ 5 kg ha-1 (T1) and was comparable with ZnSO4 @ 2.5 kg ha-1 + borax @ 0.5 kg ha-1 (T4) during 15 to 30 DAS and 30 to 45 DAS. The results revealed that yield parameters viz., number of pods per plant, 100 kernel weight and shelling percentage varied significantly with the treatments. Number of pods per plant was higher with foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 DAE (T5) and was on par with T11, T4, T7 and T1. Shelling percentage (70.75 %) was higher with soil application of ZnSO4 @ 5 kg ha-1 (T1) and was on par with foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 DAE (T5). Kernel yield was significantly higher (1523 kg ha-1) with foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 DAE (T5) and was on par with soil application of ZnSO4 @ 5 kg ha-1 (T1) and soil application of ZnSO4 @ 2.5 kg ha-1 + borax @ 0.5 kg ha-1 (T4). Haulm yield (3978 kg ha-1) was higher with soil application of ZnSO4 @ 2.5 kg ha-1 + borax @ 0.5 kg ha-1 (T4) and was comparable with all treatments except T9 and T10. Protein content of seed (23.2 %) was higher with soil application of ZnSO4 @ 2.5 kg ha-1 + borax @ 0.5 kg ha-1 (T4) and was on par with all treatments except T2, T9 and T12. Oil content (49.38 %) and oil yield (752.2 kg ha-1) were higher with foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 DAE (T5) and was comparable with soil application of ZnSO4 @ 5 kg ha-1 (T1) and soil application of ZnSO4 @ 2.5 kg ha-1 + borax @ 0.5 kg ha-1 (T4). Higher uptake of N, S and Zn were observed with T1, T4 and T5. The results on soil nutrient status after the experiment indicated that there was a build up of available N, K, B and Zn status after the experiment and the soil nutrient status of zinc and boron were higher with soil application treatments. The results revealed that soil application of ZnSO4 @ 5 kg ha-1 (T1), soil application of ZnSO4 @ 2.5 kg ha-1 + borax @ 0.5 kg ha-1 (T4) and foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 DAE (T5) recorded higher net income and benefit - cost ratio. From the present study, it can be concluded that soil application of Zn @ 5 kg ha-1 as ZnSO4 or soil application of Zn @ 2.5 kg ha-1 as ZnSO4 + B @ 0.5 kg ha-1 as borax or foliar application of 0.5 per cent ZnSO4 at 30, 45 and 60 days after emergence along with the recommended dose of FYM @ 2 t ha-1, N: P2O5: K2O @ 10:75:75 kg ha-1 (as basal) and lime 1.5 t ha-1 (at flowering) can be recommended for better growth, yield, quality and profitability of groundnut in the Onattukara sandy plain.
Open Access
Seed invigouration for yield enhancement in grain cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. walp)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2019) Anju B Raj; KAU; Sheeja K Raj
The study entitled “Seed invigouration for yield enhancement in grain cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.Walp)” was undertaken during 2017-2019, at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, with the objectives to assess the effect of seed invigouration with zinc sulphate and borax on grain cowpea and to evaluate its effect along with Trichoderma viride on growth and yield of the crop. Research work comprised of one pot culture experiment and a field experiment which were carried out at Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram. The variety used for the study was Bhagyalakshmy. Pot culture experiment was laid out in completely randomized block design with thirteen treatments and three replications during Rabi 2018. The treatments comprised of six pelleting treatments viz., T1 and T2 (seeds pelleting with ZnSO4 100 and 200 mg kg-1 seed), T3 andT4 (seeds pelleting with borax 50 and 100 mg kg-1 seed) , T5 and T6 (ZnSO4 100 mg + borax 50 mg kg-1 seed and ZnSO4 200 mg + borax 100 mg kg-1 seed) and six priming treatments viz., T7 and T8 (seed priming with ZnSO4 0.025 and 0.05 per cent for 4 h) , T9 and T10 (seed priming with borax 0.01 per cent and 0.02 per cent for 4 h), T11 and T12 (seed priming with ZnSO4 0.025 + borax 0.01 per cent for 4 h and ZnSO4 0.05 + borax 0.02 per cent for 4 h) and a control (T13). Seed pelleting with borax 50 and 100 mg kg-1 seed and seed priming with ZnSO4 0.025 and 0.05 per cent recorded higher germination percentage, mean daily germination, speed of germination, germination index, germination rate index, co-efficient of rate of germination, seedling vigour index I and II and lesser mean germination time and time taken for 50 per cent germination. Hence, seed pelleting with borax 50 and 100 mg kg-1 seed and seed priming with ZnSO4 0.025 and 0.05 per cent which showed fast, uniform synchronous emergence with high vigour index were selected as the two best seed pelleting and priming treatments for field experimentation. The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments and three replications during Rabi 2018. The treatments comprised of seed pelleting with borax 50 and 100 mg kg-1 seed; seed priming with ZnSO4 0.025 and 0.05 per cent for 4h; seed pelleting with borax 50 and 100 mg kg-1 seed + Trichoderma viride seed treatment 10 g kg-1 seed and seed priming with ZnSO4 0.025 and 0.05 per cent for 4h + Trichoderma viride seed treatment 10 g kg-1 seed and a control. Results revealed that seed invigouration had significant effect on growth parameters, physiological parameters, yield attributes, yield, protein content, nutrient uptake, post-harvest nutrient availability, disease incidence and economics. Seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h and seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h + Trichoderma viride seed treatment 10 g kg-1 seed recorded higher number of branches per plant and green leaves per plant. However, seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h recorded the highest dry matter production at harvest. Leaf area index and total chlorophyll content were found to be significantly higher in seeds primed in ZnSO4 0.025 and 0.05 per cent for 4h at both 30 and 60 days after sowing (DAS). During 30 to 60 DAS, crop growth rate (CGR) and relative growth rate (RGR) were the highest in seeds pelleted with borax 50 mg kg-1 seeds and during 60 DAS to harvest, seeds primed in ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h registered the highest CGR and RGR. Total number of nodules and effective nodules per plant were found to be significantly higher in seeds pelleted with 50 and 100 mg kg-1 seed. However, the fresh and dry weight of nodules were the highest in seeds primed in ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h. Pods per plant, pod weight per plant, pod length, pod girth, seed yield per plant, seed yield ha-1 and harvest index were the highest in seeds primed in ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h. Among the seed pelleting treatments, seeds pelleted with borax 50 and 100 mg kg-1 seed recorded higher seed yield. Seed priming with ZnSO4 either with 0.025 or 0.05 per cent or pelleting with borax either with 50 or 100 mg kg-1 seed recorded higher seed yield than seed priming with ZnSO4 or pelleting with borax combined with Trichoderma viride seed treatment 10 g kg-1 seed. Total NPK uptake by crop was the highest in seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h. However, seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h + Trichoderma viride seed treatment 10 g kg-1 seed recorded the highest Zn uptake and seeds pelleted with borax 100 mg kg-1 seed recorded the highest B uptake. Results on nutrient status of soil after the experiment revealed that seeds primed in ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h recorded the highest organic carbon content and available N status. Seeds pelleted with borax 100 mg kg-1 seed recorded the highest available P and seeds primed in ZnSO4 0.05 per cent + Trichoderma viride seed treatment 10 g kg-1 seed recorded the highest available K status. Seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h recorded the highest available soil Zn status, whereas, seed pelleting with borax 100 mg kg-1 seed recorded the highest available soil B status. Seed invigouration treatments recorded significantly higher crude protein content than control and the highest crude protein content was recorded in seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h. Seed invigouration treatments recorded lower incidence of anthracnose disease than the control and among the treatments, the lowest incidence was recorded in seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h. The net returns and benefit cost ratio were the highest in seeds primed in ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h. Considering the yield attributes, yield, disease incidence, and economics seed priming with ZnSO4 0.05 per cent for 4h along with recommended dose of FYM (20 t ha-1), lime (250 kg ha-1) and NPK (20:30:10 kg ha-1) could be recommended for better plant establishment and higher yield in grain cowpea.
Open Access
Standardization of crop establishment technique for upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) in coconut garden
(Department of Agronomy , College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2019) Dhanu Unnikrishnan; KAU; Girija Devi, L
The study entitled “Standardization of crop establishment technique for uplandmrice (Oryza sativa L.) in coconut garden” was undertaken during 2017-2019 at College#of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala with the objectives to find out the most cost effective crop establishment technique for upland rice and to assess its impact on#growth and#yield#of rice. The research work was carried out at Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram. The variety used for the trial was Harsha (PTB 55). The crop was raised as an intercrop in 55 year old coconut garden planted at a spacingnof 7.6 m x 7.6 m. The fieldmexperimentmwas laid out in RBD with 10 treatmentsNin three replications during Kharif 2018 (May to September 2018). The treatments comprised of line sowing dry seeds 60 kg ha-1 (T1), line sowing hydroprimed seeds 60 kg ha-1 (T2), broadcasting dry seeds 80 kg ha-1(T3), broadcasting hydroprimed seeds 80 kg ha-1 (T4), broadcasting dry seeds 100 kg ha-1 (T5), broadcasting hydroprimed seeds 100 kg ha-1 (T6), broadcasting pregerminated seeds 80 kgha-1 (T7), broadcasting pregerminated seeds 100 kgha-1 (T8), thomba method of planting at 15 cm × 10 cm (T9) and thomba method of planting at 20 cm × 10 cm (T10). Organic manure 5 tha-1 and NPK 90:30:45 kgha-1 were given uniformly to all treatments. The results of the study revealed that the establishment techniques had significant influence on most of the growth characters, physiological parameters, weed absolute density, weed dry weight, yield attributing characters and yield of upland rice. Broadcasting hydroprimed seeds 100 kgha-1 (T6) producedmthe highestmnumber of hills m-2 at 20 days after sowing (DAS) which was on par with broadcasting hydroprimed seeds 80 kgha-1 (T4) and line sowing hydroprimed seeds 60 kgha-1 (T2). At 40 and 60 DAS, T4 and T6 produced higher number of tillers m-2 comparedmto othermtreatments. However, broadcasting hydroprimed seeds at 80 kg ha-1 (T4) recorded significantly higher number of tillers at harvest. Broadcasting hydroprimed seeds at 100 kg ha-1 recorded the highest LAI at 40 and 60 DAS, but it was on par with T2 ,T3, T4 ,T5 and T7 at 40 DAS and comparable with T2, T4 and T5 at 60 DAS. The root shoot ratio at 50 permcent flowering, was the highestx in T4, but was on par with T2 and T6. The DMP at#harvest#was the highest inT4, which was on par with T2 and T6. Total chlorophyll content at 40 DAS was higher in T6, comparable with T1, T2 and T4, while T4 recorded higher chlorophyll content at 60 DAS on par with T2, T3, T6 and T9. The CGR during 40 to 60 DAS was higher in T4, which was on par with T6 and T9, but during 60 DAS to harvest higher CGR observed in T4 was comparable with T2. Broadcasting hydroprimed seeds at 100 kg ha-1 (T6) recorded higher RGRduring 40 to 60 DAS and was on par with T4. At harvest, T4 recorded higher RGR, on par with all treatments except T3, T7, T9 and T10. The weed#dry#weight at 30 DAS was lower in all the treatments except T1, T7 and T10, while at 60 DAS, it was found lower in T4, comparable with T2, T6, T7 and T9. The period for 50 per cent flowering was the shortest in T2 (74 days) and was followed by T4 (78 days). Broadcasting hydroprimed seeds 80 kgha-1(T4) recorded higher values for yield attributes. However, it was on par with T1, T2, T5 and T9 for number of panicles per m2, with T6 for number of filled grains per panicle, and: T3 and T6 for panicle weight. The lowest sterility percentage recorded in T4 was on par with T2, T3 and T6. Line sowing dry/hydroprimed seeds 60 kg ha-1 each (T1 and T2); broadcasting dry/hydroprimed seeds 80 or 100 kg ha-1each (T3, T5, T4 and T6); broadcasting pre germinated seeds 80 kgha-1 (T8) as well as thomba method of planting at 15 cm × 10 cm (T9) were found comparable with respect to their effect on grain yield. Straw yield was the highest in broadcasting hydroprimed seeds 100 kg ha-1 (T6) and the lowest in thomba method of planting at 20 cm × 10 cm (T10). Line sowing hydroprimed seeds 60 kg ha-1 (T2); broadcasting dry/hydroprimed seeds 80 or 100 kg ha-1 each (T3, T5, T4 and T6) and broadcasting pre germinated seeds 80 kg ha-1 (T7) were found to be economical compared to other treatments. From the results, it can be concluded that broadcasting hydroprimed seeds 80 kg ha-1 (T4) with a grain yield of 3900.7 kg ha-1 and B: C ratio of 1.72 is the cost effective crop establishment technique for upland rice in coconut garden.
Open Access
Seed treatment and foliar nutrition for enhanced productivity of blackgram (vigna mungo L)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2019) Vaddula Yamini; KAU; Anilkumar, A S
A field experiment on “Seed treatment and foliar nutrition for enhanced productivity of blackgram (Vigna mungo L.)”wasconducted during Rabi 2018 at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani with an objective to evaluate the effect of different seed treatments and foliar nutrition on the growth and yield of blackgram and also to work out the economics of production. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with six levels of seed treatments and two levels of nutrient schedule in three replications. The levels of seed treatment were s0 – without seed treatment, s1 – seed treatment with borax @ 1g kg-1 seed, s2 – seed treatment with borax @ 2 g kg-1 seed, s3 – seed treatment with sodium molybdate @ 1 g kg-1 seed, s4 – seed treatment with sodium molybdate @ 1.5 g kg-1 seed and s5 – seed treatment with borax and sodium molybdate @ 1 g kg-1 seed each. Two levels of nutrient schedule were n1- ½ N + full P + full K as basal application + ½ N as foliar spray of urea at 15 and 35 DAS and n2- ½ N + full P + ½ K as basal application + ½ N and ½ K as foliar spray of 13:0:45 at 15, 30, 45 and 60 DAS. Among the seed treatments, s5 produced the tallest plants, higher number of leaves and branches per plant at harvest and also registered maximum LAI at 60 DAS. Between the nutrient schedules n1 recorded the tallest plants at 40 DAS and maximum branches number per plant at harvest, while n2 registered maximum leaves number per plant at harvest and LAI at 60 DAS. Maximum nodules number, effective nodules and nodules weight per plant was recorded with s3 and n2 15, 30, 45 and 60 DAS. Seed treatment and nutrient schedule also had significant influence on root parameters with the highest root spread and root weight observed with s2 and n1. The yield characters viz., number of pods per plant, pod length, 100 seed weight, grain yield and harvest index were favorably influenced by s5. However, the highest number of seeds per pod and yield of pod were registered with s1. The treatment s5 registered the highest yield of grain of 1005 kg ha-1 and was statistically comparable with s1, while s3 registered the highest yield of haulm of 1854 kg ha-1, which was statistically comparable with s2. Between the nutrient schedules, n2 recorded the highest 100 seed weight, yield of grain and yield of haulm (872 and 1750 kg ha-1). Interaction effects also significantly influenced yield parameters and yield. The treatment combination s5n2 recorded the highest pods per plant, seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, pod yield and grain yield. With regard to haulm yield, s3n2 recorded highest value of 1899 kg ha-1. The results also showed favorable increase in dry matter production with seed treatment, nutrient schedule and interaction effect, and the highest DMP (2933 kg ha-1) was obtained with s5n2. Seed treatment and interaction effects also significantly influenced protein content. The highest protein content of 22.28 per cent was recorded with s5 and it was statistically comparable with s2. Among the interaction effects, the treatment combination s5n2 recorded maximum protein content of 22.75 per cent. Increased N and P uptake were recorded with s5 and the treatment combination s5n2. The highest boron uptake was recorded with s2 and it was at par with s1. Net income and B: C ratio were maximum in plots treated with s5 and n2. The highest net returns of ₹ 21,914 ha-1 and B: C ratio of 1.48 were recorded with treatment combination s5n2. The results revealed that, in blackgram, seed treatment with borax and sodium molybdate @ 1g kg-1 seed each and scheduling nutrient application at 20: 30: 30 kg NPK ha-1 as ½ N + full P + ½ K as basal followed by ½ N and ½ K as foliar spray of 13:0:45 at 15, 30, 45 and 60 DAS could be suggested for realizing higher yield and net returns.
Open Access
Bio recycling of paddy straw for quality manure production
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2019) Amala Mary George; KAU; Sudha, B
The study entitled “Bio recycling of paddy straw for quality manure production” was undertaken during 2017-2019, at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, with the objectives to find out an effective technology for composting paddy straw and to assess the effectiveness of paddy straw composts as potting media component on the growth, yield and quality of bhindi and to work out the economics. The research work was carried out as two experiments, which were conducted at Integrated Farming System Research Station (IFSRS), Karamana. Under Experiment I, composts were generated from paddy straw through different methods of composting. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized block design with eight treatments and three replications during the period March to August, 2018. The treatments included vermicomposting (using earthworm species Eudrillus euginea) of paddy straw with cowdung in the ratios 8:1, 6:1 and 4:1 (T1, T2 and T3 respectively), co - composting of paddy straw with poultry manure in the ratios 8:1, 6:1 and 4:1 (T4, T5 and T6 respectively), co - composting of paddy straw with cowdung and poultry manure in the ratio 8:1:1 (T7) and microbial composting using the fungus Pleurotus (T8). The time taken for maturation of composts, percentage recovery, quality parameters, microbial and enzymatic activity varied significantly with different composting methods. Paddy straw co - composted with cowdung and poultry manure in the ratio 8:1:1 (T7) recorded significant earliness (97.67 days) with respect to generation of mature compost. Co - composting of paddy straw with poultry manure in the ratio 4: 1 (T6) recorded significantly higher recovery (44.59 %). The treatment T6 registered a lower C: N ratio (9.54:1) and was on par with T5 and T7. It also recorded a higher CEC of 77.91 c mol kg-1 but was comparable with most of the treatments except T1, T2 and T8. The treatment T6 was found rich in plant nutrients and recorded higher N (2.67 %), P (0.93 %) and K (3.15 %) content and was comparable with T7. Co - composting treatments T5, T6 and T7 also recorded higher micro nutrient status. The total microbial population was higher with the treatments T6 and T7. The fungal population was the highest with T6 whereas that of actinomycetes was for T7. Enzymatic activity with respect to dehydrogenase was higher with T7 (27.55 µg TPF hr -1 g-1), which was comparable to T5 and T6. Different paddy straw composts generated from Experiment I were used as potting media component in Experiment II. The pot culture experiment was laid out in completely randomized block design with nine treatments and three replications during August to December, 2018. Potting media used was a mixture of soil, rock sand, coir pith compost and different paddy straw composts in the ratio 1:0.5:0.5:1 on volume basis (T1 to T8). In treatment T9 (control), FYM was substituted for paddy straw composts in the potting medium. The KAU hybrid variety of bhindi, Manjima (Gowreesapattom local × IC 282257) was the test crop. The results indicated that paddy straw composts as potting media component had significant influence on growth, yield attributes, yield and quality parameters of bhindi. Potting media with co - composted paddy straw (T6 and T7) produced taller plants at all stages of crop growth. These treatments also resulted in higher and comparable leaf area at 30 DAS and 60 DAS. Number of fruits per plant, length and weight of fruit as well as fruit yield were higher with the treatments T6 and T7. The treatment T7 also recorded earliness in flowering and attained 50 per cent flowering in 48.67 days, which was comparable to all other treatments except T8 and T9. All the quality parameters viz., crude protein, crude fibre and ascorbic acid content were favourably influenced by T7. Higher and comparable dry matter production and nutrient uptake were recorded with the treatments T6 and T7. Organic carbon content of the potting media observed before the pot culture study was higher and comparable in all the treatments except control. The treatments T4, T5, T6 and T7 recorded higher availability of plant nutrients before the pot culture study. However, after the pot culture study, organic carbon content was higher and comparable in all the treatments in which co - composted paddy straw was used as a component (T4, T5, T6 and T7). Microbial population was higher in the treatments T6 and T7, before and after the experiment. The net returns and benefit cost ratio were significantly higher and comparable with the treatments T7 and T6. The results of the study revealed that co - composting is an efficient technology for producing quality manure from paddy straw. Co - composting of paddy straw with poultry manure (4:1) or with cowdung and poultry manure (8:1:1) were identified as the best methods for production of nutrient rich compost with high recovery within a short period of time (97.67 days and 108 days respectively), compared to vermicomposting and microbial composting. Substituting these composts instead of FYM in potting medium (T6 and T7) resulted in better growth, yield attributes, yield and net income for bhindi. With respect to quality parameters, paddy straw co - composted with cowdung and poultry manure in the ratio 8:1:1 as potting media component was found superior.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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