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.

Browse

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 9 of 19

Open Access
Response of Papaya (Carica Papaya L.) to Major Mineral Nutrients
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2003) Bindu, B; KAU; Jayachandran Nair, C S
An experiment was conducted in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2001-2002, to study the response of major plant nutrients viz., nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on growth, yield and quality of papaya under Kerala conditions and to standardise the optimum dose of these nutrients. The experiment was conducted in 33 confounded factorial RBD, confounding NPK in replication 1 and Np2K2 in replication 2. The present study revealed that application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium increased plant height, girth and number of leaves. The highest plant height was obtained with the combined application of 200 g N, 300 g P and 500 g K plan' year-', while the highest plant girth was obtained with application of 250 g N, 300 g P and 500 g K. Combined application of 300 g N, 250 g P and 500 g K p lant' year-' resulted in the maximum number of leaves. Plants receiving a dose of nitrogen at 250 g, 300 g phosphorus and 500 g potassium plant" took the shortest time for flowering. Combined application of nitrogen at 250 g plant.", phosphorus at 250 g plant" and potassium at 500 g planr' considerably shortened the time for harvesting the first fruit. Fruit weight, number of fruits plant", yield planr' and papain yield increased by application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Application of 250 g N, 250 g P and 500 g K planr' year-' gave highest yield. Maximum fruit girth was obtained from 200 g N, 200 g P and 500 g K, whereas maximum fruit volume and pulp percentage was obtained from 250 g N, 250 g P and 500 g K. Levels of nitrogen and phosphorus tried had no significant influence on TSS and ascorbic acid content of fruits. Nitrogen at 200 g, phosphorus at 250 g planr' produced. fruits of low acidity, while potassium had no significant influence. The combination of 200 g nitrogen, 300 g phosphorus and 500 g potassium plane 1 year" increased carotenoids, total sugars, reducing sugars and organoleptic qualities of fruits. Most of the treatments had light yellow peel colour, orange pulp colour and firm flesh. Nitrogen at 200 g, phosphorus at 250 g and potassium at 500 g plant" was found to increase the shelf life of fruits. Application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium increased soil and leaf petiole content of the respective elements. Highest benefit: cost ratio was obtained from the combination of 250 g N, 250 g P and 500 g K I -I -I P ant year . Over all assessment indicated that application of N, P and K at the rate of 250 : 250 : 500 g plant" year-I in six equal splits was economically viable and improved growth, yield and quality of papaya.
Open Access
Micropropagation and crop improvement of Cordyline (Cordyline terminalis (L.) Kunth)
(Department of pomology and floriculture, College of horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2000) Lavanya, R; KAU; Rajeevan, P K
Investigations on micropropagation and crop improvement of cordyline were carried out in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1998-2000. The main objectives were to study the response of various explants and to identify the most suitable explant and media combination for in vitro propagation. Attempts were also made to find out the optimum dose of y - irradiation, for inducing variation. The shoot tips and nodal segments of cordyline were found to be ideal explants for the enhanced release of axillary buds and for indirect organogenesis. The best sterilization treatment was wiping with 70 per cent ethyl alcohol, followed by a dip in 0.1 per cent mercuric chloride for 18 min. for shoots, nodal segments and axillary buds. For leaf segments, treatment with 0.1 per cent mercuric chloride for ten minutes alone was enough. The nodal segment explants collected in the drier months, namely; January, March, November and December showed no contamination. Survival percentage was the highest in the months of November and December. The shoot tip explants showed least contamination when collected during August to April. Early release of buds (4.4 days after inoculation) and further growth of buds was better in MS medium supplemented with BAP 3.0 mg r'. Maximum shoot proliferation was observed in MS medium with 2.0 mg rI BAP. In the case of shoot tips MS medium having Kin 3.0 mg r' showed less time (5.5 days) for bud emergence. Maximum number of shoots (2.5) was also obtained when MS medium was supplemented with 3.0 mg rl KIN. MS medium supplemented with BAP in combination with NAA also proved better for culture establishment of nodal segments and shoot tips. Maximum number of shoots was observed in MS medium with NAA 0.5 mg r' + BAP 1.0 mg l". Of the different media tried, MS medium was found to be the best for early release of buds in nodal segments and shoot tips. Number of shoots produced did not differ significantly in all the three media. The elongated buds from Stage 1 showed very high rate of axillary bud production when inoculated in MS medium containing BAP 1.0 mg r' + NAA 0.5 mg r' and BAP 2.0 mg r' + NAA 0.5 mg r'. Among MS, SH and WPM media, full strength MS medium gave very high rate of axillary bud production within a short time (12.2 days). High rate of callus production was observed in MS medium having 1.0 mg r' BAP + 1.0 mg rl NAA and 2.0 mg rl BAP + 1.0 mg rl NAA. The rate of axillary bud production and callusing was less with KIN in combination with NAA. Irrespective of the media, rhizogenesis was observed when higher levels of 2ip was incorporated in to the media. Elongation of the multiple axillary buds with normal shoot and root growth was recorded in full strength MS medium devoid of growth regulators. None of the media supplements (activated charcoal, adenine sulphate, coconut water and casein hydrolysate) induced multiple axillary bud elongation. Among the three basal media tried, MS medium was superior with respect to the number of lengthy roots and the time taken for root initiation. Among the auxins, iliA was superior for root induction. Callus formation was observed at the base when NAA was incorporated in the media. Maximum percentage of rooting, early rooting and more number of lengthy roots were obtained in full strength MS basal medium. Addition of activated charcoal in the medium did not affect root number and root length, but reduced the number of days taken for root initiation. Triadimefon in the rooting medium slightly increased the number of days taken for root initiation and decreased the number of roots/culture and length of roots. It also increased the survival percentage during hardening. Maximum survival percentage of the plantlets was obtained when the plantlets rooted in the medium containing Triadimefon 1.0 mg r' + iliA 5.0 mg l' were treated with 0.1 per cent Bavistin for 30 minutes soon after removal from the culture vessels and subjected to a post planting treatment with triadimefon (20 mg rl) drenching at weekly intervals and kept in a net house having 50 per cent shade. Plant height was the maximum when the plantlets after planting out were supplied with 0.75 g 17: 17: 17 NPK mixture per week as soil drench. Among the various explants tried for somatic organogenesis, nodal segments and shoot tips were the most ideal for callus initiation, growth and differentiation. Callus intensity was maximum in the leaf segments when bottom portions of the immature leaves with midrib were cultured. Best response to callusing and callus intensity was obtained with the adaxial surface of the leaf touching the medium. Direct organogenesis could not be obtained in different treatment combinations or explants. Shoot tips and nodal segments produced higher percentage of callus and showed maximum callus index when MS medium was supplemented with lower levels of 2, 4 D (0.5 mg rl) and BAP (0.5 mg r'j, both in 12 h photoperiod. No positive response was observed with the addition of coconut water on callus induction and differentiation. Earliest differentiation of callus derived from nodal segment and shoot tip explants was possible in MS medium supplemented with BAP 1.0 mg r' + KIN 2.0 mg r': Very high rate of shoot production was observed in the medium supplemented with BAP 1.0 mg rl + KIN 2.0 mg r'. A combination of BAP + KIN gave high rate of shoot production, compared to BAP + 2ip combination. Various treatment combinations failed to induce morphogenesis in leaf derived callus, but additon of activated charcoal prevented browning of callus upon subculturing. Higher concentration of cytokinins prevented rhizogenesis. In vitro mutagenesis was attempted to know the optimum dose and correct stage for induction of variation. Of all the doses of y-irradiation, a dose of 10 Gy at culture establishment stage produced plants having narrow yellow leaves with green line at the centre, but after planting out the plantlets reverted to normal behaviour.
Open Access
Somatic Embryogenesis in Musa (AAB) Nendran
(Department of pomology and floriculture, College of horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2002) Beena, R; KAU; Aravindakshan, K
Open Access
Variability studies in rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.)
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Sameer Muhamed; KAU; Sajan Kurien
Rambutan ( Nephelium lappaceum L.) or ‘hairy litchi’ is an exotic fruit crop with tremendous potential for cultivation in the whole state of Kerala. There exists great variability in rambutan because of the natural cross pollination and seed propagation, which in turn provides great scope for selection. It is in this context that the hundred variable types of rambutan collected from important rambutan growing tracts of Kerala (Pathanamthitta-40, Kottayam-37, Thrissur-18 and Idukki-5) were evaluated for various morpho-physiochemical traits in addition to sensorial perception. The study was taken up with the prime objectives of recording the existing variability and genetic wealth available in order to select and conserve the elite/promising types and thereby, to serve as a basis for promotion of cultivation of this exotic fruit crop in Kerala. The study confirmed that rambutan fruits varied widely in their morpho-physical and biochemical traits such as tree characters, inflorescence characters, fruit characters and quality parameters, which were recorded as per IPGRI crop descriptor. Flowering and fruiting were characters more observed to be a function of the location. The study on phenological growth stages of rambutan according to BBCH scale in different locations opens out a new area on the possibility of staggered fruit production of rambutan in Kerala. The fruits are available from May to October (if cultivated in the humid tropical plains as in Thrissur, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta as well as in the humid sub-tropical belts as in the high ranges of Wayanad), thus making the availability of fresh fruits for nearly half period of a calendar year. With regard to the individual fruit weight, highest fruit weight of 61.5 g was recorded in Col.052 and the lowest fruit weight of 12 g was observed in Col.012 and Col.013. The largest proportionate edible part was found in Col.072 (52%) and the lowest in Col.008 (15%). Free seed aril was found in 19.39 per cent of the collections, while the adherence of aril to seed was medium in 16.33 per cent of the collections. Only 8.16 per cent of the collections produced fruits which could be characterized as very juicy types and 47.99 per cent were grouped as juicy type. About half of the collections (48.97%) had a TSS above 20° Brix. The collections having TSS above 25° Brix (Col.015 with 26° Brix and Col.061 with 27.5° Brix) were classified under the category ‘very sweet’. The titrable acidity and total sugar content ranged from 0.12 to 1.4% and 13 to 18.4% respectively. The loading plot based on tree characters revealed significant positive correlations between rachis length and leaflet width; leaflet width and leaflet length and between tree age and number of leaflets per leaf. Strong positive associations were also observed among fruit characters such as fruit weight, fruit diameter, rind weight, aril weight, aril thickness and spine length. The principal component analysis performed based on tree characters revealed the major contribution of leaflet length, leaflet width and petiole length towards the genetic divergence in rambutan and about 75 per cent of the total variance in fruit characters was mainly determined by the traits such as fruit weight, aril weight, aril thickness, seed weight, seed width, titrable acidity, TSS and sugar content. Clustering of all the three categories of rambutan collections namely elite, export and industrial use types using score plot confirmed the superiority of six collections (Col.021, Col.022, Col.023, Col.052, Col.55 and Col.061) over others, which were selected further for developing a selection criteria in rambutan. In the sensory analysis, Col.061, Col.021 and Col.042 were most preferred/accepted by panelists because of their better fruit weight, taste, juiciness and easy detachment of aril from seed. Two new pests of economic importance (fruit borer, Conogethes punctiferalis and fruit webber, Eublemma anguilifera) have been identified from the rambutan growing tracts of Kerala from fruit set to fruit ripening stage. Their nature of damage and symptoms of infestation have been clearly studied and being reported for the first time in rambutan from India. The study revealed that rambutan selections from Kerala are not only comparable with the best known cultivars in the world, but even excell them. There is an urgent need to standardize the management practices including the varietal wealth in rambutan by using these genetic resources as this crop has already become one of the most treasured fruit particularly as a courtyard crop in Kerala.
Open Access
Refinement of nutrient management practices in dendrobium orchids
(Department of Floriculture and Landscapingp, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Shilpa, P; KAU; Mini Sankar
Twenty five fragrant vandaceous orchids were evaluated in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping during the period from June 2016 to May 2017 with the objective of classifying them based on aesthetic and economic parameters for commercial exploitation as value added plants. The varieties exhibited wide variation in both vegetative and floral characters. Considering quantitative characters, Vasco Crownfox Red Gem recorded the maximum plant height (68.73cm), spread (52.23cm), internodal length (1.95cm) and leaf length (33.83cm). V. Pranerm Prai x V. tessellata showed maximum shoot girth (4.99cm), leaf area (105.54cm2), leaf number (37) and root length (181.75cm). The least values for all these characters were for Neostylis Lou Sneary. Duration from spike emergence to opening of florets was the maximum in Ascda Peggy Foo x Rhyn. Coelestis Blue and minimum in Neostylis Lou Sneary. Maximum spike longevity was recorded in V. Rothschildiana (29.30 days) whereas it was minimum in Rhy Sri Siam x Rhy gigantia (7.50 days). Interval of spike production was also the longest in Ascda. Peggy Foo x Rhyn. coelestis Blue and the minimum in Rhynchorides Bangkok Sunset. Spike production was the maximum in Neostylis Lou Sneary, followed by Ascda Srichai and Vasco Crownfox Red Gem. The varieties/ hybrids varied with regard to blooming period. The peak flowering was from May to July. Longer spike and rachis were noticed in Aerides quinque Vulnera Rhy. Coelestis. Vasco Blue Bay Pink had the highest number of florets/ spike and the shortest internodal length. Largest flowers were observed in V. Rothschildiana. Petal and labellum of the varieties also exhibited different colour patterns such as uniform, spotted, netted, tessellated and shaded. All the evaluated varieties were fragrant and were categorized based on different notes such as floral, fruity, spicy, green, sweet and miscellaneous. Fragrance was very faint in V. Rothschildiana whereas it was musty in Darwineria Cream Puff. With respect to the post-harvest characters longevity (vase life) was the maximum in V. JVB X Ascda Yip Sum Wah (17.30 days) and individual floret life (8.13 days) in V. Rothschildiana. Colour and pigmentation, texture, shape, pattern and size of florets as well as arrangement of florets on the spike were considered for the visual evaluation of a variety for use as cut flower. Considering the overall qualitative and quantitative attributes, Vascostylis Crownfox Red Gem, Vasco Blue Bay Blue, Rhynchorides Bangkok Sunset, V. Mimi Palmer, V. JVB X Ascda Yip Sum Wah and Vasco Blue Bay Pink were excellent for cut flower production. Plant quality evaluation was done based on fullness, growth and visual appearance, flower colour and pigmentation, spike longevity, shape and arrangement of foliage during the growth period. Fragrance scoring was also done based on intensity and diffusiveness, newness and beautifulness of fragrance. Based on the flowering phenology, four phenophases, namely, November – January, February – April, May – July and August – September were recorded and the varieties were categorized accordingly. Side-runs with different colour combinations were observed within a phenophase. The varieties were also categorized on the basis of flower colour, number of florets/ spike and floret size, longevity of spike on the plant , number of spikes produced / year and fragrance. Considering overall quantitative and qualitative characteristics, the evaluated varieties/ hybrids were categorized for cut flower, indoor and outdoor gardens for commercial exploitation as value added plants. The fragrance also makes it a novelty in landscaping to create a peaceful, relaxing environment.
Open Access
Performance evaluation of ecotypes of banana (Musa AAB plantain subgroup)
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Annjoe, V Joseph; KAU; Simi, S
The study entitled “Performance evaluation of ecotypes of banana (Musa AAB Plantain subgroup)” was undertaken in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during April 2016 - May 2017 with the objective to characterize the various ecotypes of plantain with respect to clonal characteristics, biometric characters, yield potential and fruit quality. The effect of ten ecotypes of banana (Musa AAB plantain subgroup) was studied in detail and important findings are summarized below. Evaluation studies revealed that the ecotypes differed significantly in most of the biometric characters except for plant spread. Among the different ecotypes, plant height at bunch emergence was the lowest in Attunendran, Perumatti Nendran and Nedunendran, while highest value for plant height was observed in Mettupalayam Nendran followed by Zanzibar and Big Ebanga. Number of functional leaves varied significantly and the highest number of functional leaves was recorded in Changalikodan followed by Attunendran and Zanzibar. Leaf production was lowest in Myndoli followed by Kaliethan and Chenkal Local. Girth of the plant did not vary significantly at three months after planting (3 MAP), but varied significantly at bunch emergence. The ecotypes Mettupalayam Nendran followed by Big Ebanga and Zanzibar had the highest pseudostem girth. The ecotypes Kaliethan, Chenkal Local and Nedunendran had comparatively lower girth. Number of suckers produced varied significantly among the ecotypes at harvest and more number of suckers was produced by Zanzibar, Big Ebanga, Attunendran and Mettupalayam Nendran. Sucker production was less in ecotypes like Nedunendran, Myndoli and Perumatti Nendran. Duration of vegetative phase, shoot-to-harvest and total crop duration varied significantly. The longest vegetative phase, shoot-to-harvest and total crop duration was observed in Myndoli. Perumatti Nendran had the shortest vegetative phase followed by Kaliethan and Chenkal Local. Shoot-to-harvest duration was the shortest in Zanzibar followed by Big Ebanga and Changalikodan. The ecotype Perumatti Nendran had the shortest crop duration followed by Kaliethan and Chenkal Local. All the physiological attributes studied significantly varied among the ecotypes. Phyllacron at 3 month after planting (MAP) was the highest in Attunendran followed by Big Ebanga and Mettupalayam Nendran and lowest in Nedunendran followed by Chenkal Local and Zanzibar. Leaf area varied significantly both at 3 MAP and at harvest. At 3 MAP leaf area was the highest in Changalikodan followed by Mettupalayam Nendran and Chenkal Local and the lowest in Perumatti Nendran. But, at harvest Big Ebanga had the highest leaf area and Perumatti Nendran had the lowest. At harvest, Leaf Area Index (LAI) was the highest in Mettupalayam Nendran followed by Zanzibar and Big Ebanga. The ecotypes Kaliethan followed by Perumatti Nendran and Chenkal Local had the lowest LAI. The highest LAD was observed in Mettupalayam Nendran followed by Myndoli. The lowest Leaf Area Duration (LAD) was observed in Perumatti Nendran followed by Kaliethan and Changalikodan. Yield characters varied significantly among the ecotypes. The length of bunches was the highest in Mettupalayam Nendran and the lowest in Zanzibar. Mettupalayam Nendran had large bunch (17.94 kg) compared to all other clones. Kaliethan (8.13 kg) and Perumatti Nendran (8.27 kg) had the smallest bunches. Mettupalayam Nendran exhibited the largest (6.83) number of hands per bunch and Zanzibar the lowest (2.08). Number of fingers per bunch also showed the same trend. Mettupalayam Nendran had the largest number of fingers (92.92) and Zanzibar had the lowest (25.75). Finger characteristics also varied significantly among the ecotypes. Zanzibar had the highest length (37.92 cm), girth (16.63 cm) and weight (268.17 g) of fingers. Shortest finger was observed in Changalikodan (25.79 cm). Girth was the lowest in Perumatti Nendran (14.27 cm) while Nedunendran recorded the lowest finger weight (141.17 g). Peel weight was the highest in Zanzibar (64.50) and the lowest in Nedunendran (32.67 g). Changalikodan recorded the highest pulp/peel ratio (3.85), followed by Zanzibar (3.32) and Perumatti Nendran (3.30). The lowest pulp/peel ratio was found in Attunendran. All the clonal characters studied varied significantly among the ecotypes, except for number of ridges. Bunch shape index was the highest in Chenkal Local and the lowest in Zanzibar. Chenkal Local recorded the highest openness of bunch while lowest was recorded in Myndoli. Fullness index was the highest in Big Ebanga and Zanzibar, while it was the lowest in Nedunendran. Maximum fruit curvature was recorded in Big Ebanga and the minimum in Changalikodan. Pedicel strength index was the highest in Mettupalayam Nendran and the lowest in Kaliethan. Nedunendran had the highest length/weight ratio and Big Ebanga the lowest. Significant variation was observed among different accessions for qualitative parameters except for fibre content. TSS, TSS/acid ratio, reducing sugar, total sugar and total carotenoids were the highest in Changalikodan. TSS and TSS/acid ratio was the lowest in Big Ebanga. Acidity was the lowest in Changalikodan. Non-reducing sugar was the highest in Zanzibar. Zanzibar had the highest starch percentage of 24.07 and the least starch content was observed in Attunendran. Peel thickness and shelf life was the highest in Big Ebanga and lowest in Attunendran. Organoleptic analysis revealed significant differences among the various ecotypes. The highest score for appearance was obtained for Changalikodan and Chenkal Local. The mean score for flavor, taste, texture and overall acceptability was the highest for Changalikodan. Genetic parameters such as GCV (Genotypic Coefficients of Variation) and PCV (Phenotypic Coefficients of Variation) were studied for biometric and yield characteristics. The GCV and PCV were close to each other and exhibited the same trend. The highest estimate of phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were recorded for number of fingers/bunch and bunch weight. Except girth of finger, plant height, number of leaves and girth of pseudostem all the other characters studied exhibited moderate to high PCV and GCV. High to moderate heritability was exhibited by all the characters except number of leaves. All the characters other than number of leaves and girth of finger exhibited high genetic advance. Correlation analysis indicated that most of the character combinations had higher genotypic correlation coefficients than phenotypic correlation coefficients. High positive and significant correlations were found between bunch weight and number of fingers, Pedicel strength index, girth of plant, number of hands, total crop duration and plant height. Weight of finger had significant positive correlation with height and girth of plant, girth of finger, fullness index and fruit curvature.
Open Access
Evaluation of differential effects of coloured shade nets on selected ornamentals
(Department Of Pomology And Floriculture, College Of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Andrew L, Myrthong; KAU; Sudhadevi, P K
Evaluation of differential effect of coloured shade nets on selected ornamentals was undertaken in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. Six plant species viz., Nephrolepis exaltata, Asparagus sp. (green leaf type); Spathiphyllum wallisii, Chrysothemis pulchella (flowering type); Tradescantia spathacea „Sitara‟ and Cordyline terminalis (coloured leaf type) were selected for the evaluation. The plants were grown under shade nets of five different colours viz., red, yellow, green, blue and black. Morphological data (both quantitative and qualitative), weather data including temperature, relative humidity, light intensity and PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) were recorded for a period of one year from March 2015 to February 2016. The total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were evaluated twice, at six and twelve months after planting. The plant growth in terms of height and spread was found to be greatly influenced by red and black coloured nets as the plants under these two nets were the tallest with more spread. Except for Cordyline terminalis, the growth of all plants was the least when grown under blue coloured net. Height and spread of Cordyline terminalis was the lowest under black colour net. Leaf characteristics like area, length and breadth were the highest when grown under black, followed by red coloured nets. The effect of yellow, green and blue coloured nets was not significant. Red net only significantly increased the number of leaves in all plants except Spathiphyllum wallisii, in which it was the highest under blue colour net. The internodal length was the longest in plants under red and shortest under blue coloured nets except in Cordyline terminalis which recorded shortest internodes under black net. Length and girth of petiole of all the plants were more when grown under black net except that of Cordyline terminalis in which it was the longest under red and blue nets.The floral characters of Chrysothemis pulchella were homogeneous under nets of all colours while Spathiphyllum wallisii had bigger flowers with longer stalks under black and red nets. The interval of flower production was the least in red and maximum in plants under blue nets for both the plants. Vase life was studied for those leaves that could be used as cut foliage. No detectable difference in vase life of Asparagus sp. and Spathiphyllum wallisii could be observed. But, leaves of Nephrolepis exaltata had maximum vase life under black and red; medium under yellow and green and minimum under blue nets. The vase life of Cordyline terminalis was minimum under blue net and maximum under all the other net colours which were on par with each other. A higher concentration of total chlorophyll as well as carotenoid were found under black coloured net in all plants except in Spathiphyllum wallisii, in which the maximum concentration was under blue net. The maximum and minimum temperatures and relative humidity were always higher inside the shade nets compared to the open condition. Both light intensity and PAR were reduced inside the shade nets and the reduction was in the ascending order of black, yellow, green, blue and red nets. Overall growth of all the plants was higher under red and black nets, while leaf characteristics were better under black net. Quality wise, the plants under black net overshadowed those under red, yellow, green and blue coloured nets. It was observed that all the plant parameters could not be improved by a single net colour. This study will form a base for future works through which we can draw a clear recommendation on the colour of shade net to be used for obtaining the desired plant architecture which will enhance the commercial value of ornamentals.
Open Access
Variability studies in seedlings of heliconia (Heliconia spp.)
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture,College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2011) Kadam Darshan, Shashank; KAU; Sheela, V L
Heliconias are one of the important cut flowers of tropics and versatile landscape plants due to their variation in the growth habit and flower characters. The objective of study was to assess the extent of variability among open pollinated seedlings collected from 15 different species and varieties. There was wide variation in the seed characters, germination characters, and morphological characters such as plant height, shoot girth and leaf morphology, leaf area, suckering habit. Also variation in physiological characters such as chlorophyll content, leaf sheath colour of the seedlings was observed. The species Heliconia mariae which registered lowest seed weight was observed to have highest value of plant height. Similarly Heliconia longa which recorded minimum value for seed weight developed in to taller plants. The varieties with smaller seed weight recorded higher germination percent as compared to varieties with higher seed weight. The species Heliconia mariae which recorded the highest plant height, also recorded higher values for leaf length, leaf width and leaf area. The variety Heliconia bihai var. ‘Granda’ registered the lowest plant height, also recorded higher values for leaf length, leaf width and leaf area during the whole observation period. The variety Heliconia latispatha var. ‘Orange Gyro’ recorded highest leaf length: width ratio of 3:1. Among the species and varieties Heliconia bihai var. ‘Granda’ registered the highest number of leaves. Among other leaf characters leaf base was found to have more variation. In species and varieties utilized for study ‘oblique’, ‘cordate’, ‘cuneate’ and ‘obtuse’ type of leaf bases were observed. In heliconia most of the species have distinctive leaf sheath colour pattern. Also presence of powdery coating on back surface of leaves was observed in Heliconia mariae, Heliconia curtispatha, Heliconia pogonantha var. ‘Pogonantha’ and Heliconia longa. The species and varieties showed significant difference in leaf midrib colour. These characters might be identifying feature in some of the varieties. Variation in pigment content was also observed among the species and varieties utilized for study. The variability was high both at phenotypic and genotypic level for most of the characters. PCV was slightly higher than GCV in most of the characters studied. High phenotypic (58.7 %) and genotypic (45.42 %), coefficient of variation was found for number of suckers. High heritability along with high genetic advance was observed for seed weight (heritability 98.05 %, GA 71.72%) and leaf area (heritability 99.96 %, GA 62.95%). The low heritability was recorded for percent of germination and pigment content. The character percentage of germination was found to have significant positive correlation at genotypic and phenotypic level with plant height, rate of shoot elongation, leaf length, leaf width and leaf area. Fourteen species and varieties of heliconia were subjected to D2 analysis based on eight characters. They were grouped into five clusters on the basis of relative magnitude of D2 values. The greater the distance between two clusters, greater is the divergence between the accessions belonging to the two clusters and vice versa. The maximum number of genotypes (5) were included in cluster I, followed by 4 genotypes in cluster II. Three genotypes were included in cluster III. Cluster IV and Cluster V consisted of only one genotype each. Using eucedian distance measures dendrogram was constructed to represent inter and intra specific relationships among the species and varieties. Clustering showed slightly different grouping than grouping by D2 analysis. On drawing a vertical line in the dendrogram along the point corresponding to the similarity coefficient value of 110.12, the 14 species and varieties got divided in to five clusters. The varieties Heliconia lingulata var. ‘Red tip fan’, Heliconia pogonantha var. ‘Pogonantha’ and species Heliconia curtispatha, Heliconia bourgaeana formed the largest cluster. The variety Heliconia bihai var. ‘Granda’ formed separate cluster as like in D2 analysis.
Open Access
Evaluation of monopodial orchids for cut flower
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2007) Kaveriamma, M M; KAU; Geetha, C K
The investigation on the evaluation of monopodial orchids was conducted in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2005-.2006 with the main objective of evaluating their field performance for commercial exploitation. Forty monopodial orchids belonging to monogenenc, bigeneric and trigeneric origin were selected for the study. They were evaluated for their height, spread, shoot characters (length, girth), leaf characters (length, breadth, area, interval of production, leaf sheath length, breadth), aerial root characters (number, length, breadth), floral characters (spike emergence to opening of florets, length, girth and longevity of spike, interval of production, annual production of spikes, number of florets/spike, individual flowe r life, flower size, blooming period under field conditions. They exhibited wide variation in both vegetative and floral characters. The orchid varieties were grouped as tall climbing, intermediate climbing and short-stemmed epiphytes. Among the tall climbing orchids, maximum increase in height was observed in Arachnis Maggie Oei Red Ribbon and minimum in Aeridachnis Apple Blossom. Shoot girth, leaf length and leaf area were maximum in Holttumara Bright Eye while minimum girth was recorded in Vanda John Club. Vanda Prolific had the maximum internodal length. Maximum numbers of leaves was recorded in Renanthera Manila and roots in Vandc. John Club and Renanthera Cape Sabel. Interval of leaf production and root length were maximum in Aranthera Mana Meina while interval of leaf production was minimum in Arachnis Maggie Oei Yellow Ribbon. Duration from spike emergence to opening of florets was maximum in Arachnis Maggie Oei Red Ribbon (first and fifty per cent florets) and Aranthera Lily Brook Red (complete opening of florets) and minimum in Holttumara Bright Eye. Spike characters like spike length, rachis length, stalk length, spike girth, days taken from opening to wilting of first floret and spike longevity were maximum in Aranthera Lily Brook Red, while stalk length and internodal length was maximum Aeridachnis Apple Blossom and Aracl nis Maggie Yellow Ribbon respectively. Floral characters like number of florets per spi.ce and individual flower life were maximum in Aranthera Lily Brook Red, pedicel length in Vanda Mandai Glow and individual flower size in Aranthera Mana Meina and Arachnis Maggie Oei Red Ribbon. Interval of spike production was minimum in Aranthera Anne Black and maximum in Renanthera Manila. Aranda Deborah produced maximum number of spikes per year followed by Arachnis Maggie Oei Red Ribbon, and Aranthera Anne Black. Among intermediate climbing epiphytes, Mokara Sayan x Kultana Gold recorded maximum increase in height, shoot girth, leaf width and internodal length whereas it recorded the least interval of leaf production. Ascocenda Raminder Gold x Fortune East recor ed the maximum leaf area and Mokara Bangkok Gold, the minimum. The internodal length recorded in Vascostylis Pine Rivers Pink was minimum followed by Vascostylis Pine Rivers Blue and Red. Mokara WaIter Oumae Yellow recorded maximum and Vanda JVB x Ascocenda YSW, the minimum duration from spike emergence to opening of first floret while Mokara WaIter Oumae White, the maximum for opening of all florets and Ascocenda Rami) der Gold x Fortune East, the minimum. Spike characters like spike length, stalk length, spike girth and internodal length were maximum in Mokara Sayan x KuItana Gold while duration from opening to wilting of first floret, rachis length and spike longevity were maximum in Mokara Waiter Oumae White. Interval of spike production was n.aximum in Mokara Sayan x Kultana Gold and minimum in Vascostylis Pine Rivers Red. Annual spike production was maximum in Mokara Calypso Pink closely followed by Vascostylis Pine Rivers Red and Ascocenda Princess Mikasa Pink. Short-stemmed varieties exhibited a slow rate of growth. Phalaenopsis Hwafeng Red . '8wel recorded maximum leaf area, Phalaenopsis (Pinlong Spring x Taisuco Koch,' ian) x Phalaenopsis (Miami Sunrise x Tiny Ivory), the minimum. Duration from spike emergence to opening of all florets and spike characters like length, stalk length, internodal Iength were maximum in Phalae nopsis Diana Pink and rachis length and spike longevity in Phalaenopsis Hwafeng Red Jewel. Phalaenopsis Memoria Grand Mother had maximum number of florets per spike. Flower size was maximum in Phalaenopsis Taisuco Kochdian x Akatsuka Noon, pedicel length in Phalaenopsis Diana Pink and indivi lual flower life in Phalaenopsis Taipei Gold. All the Phalaenopsis hybrids produced spikes at an interval close to a year except Phalaenopsis Taisuco Kochdian x Akatsuka Noon. The qualitative characters of the monopodial orchid varieties differed in all aspects and a wide range of vegetative and floral characters could be observed. They also differed with regard to flowering; being free flowering, with short dearth periods or seasonal flowering. Considering the qualitative and quantitative characters, among tall climbing orchic.s, Aranthera Anne Black, Aranthera Lily Brook Red, Aranda Deborah, Aeridachnis Apple Blossom and Arachnis Maggie Oei Red Ribbon has Immense potential for use as cut flower together with the intermediate climbing types, viz., Mokara Chark Kuan Pink, Mokara Walter Oumae White and Mokara Calypso Pink. Phalaenopsis Taisuco Kochdian x Akatsuka Noon, a short stemmed epiphyte would be an excellent choice. The performance projected short-stemmed Phalaenopsis hybrids the best as pot plants Intermediate climbing epiphyte, viz., Ascocenda Princess Mikasa Pink, Vascostylis varietr e s and Vanda JVB x Ascocenda Yip Sum Wah would also make excellent pot plants.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

Browse

Thesis Type

Type

Author

Date

Subject

Search Results