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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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Subject: Floriculture and Landscaping × Author: KAU × End date: 2018 × Start date: 2018 × Type: Thesis ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Evaluation of selected underutilized flowers of Kerala for commercial exploitation
    (Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Sameera Sharief; KAU; Sudhadevi, P K
    Floriculture industry is unique among agricultural industries where novelty is an important attribute. World floriculture is expanding rapidly and new innovations and introductions are in great demand to feed the ever hungry market needs. It is in this interest that neglected or underutilized flower crop species (NUS) comes to the picture from which we could identify and develop diversified uses of floriculture. Even the present day top charactered crops of the industry are nothing but just derived and developed only from wild germplasm resourses, the most prominent among them being rose, chrysanthemum, carnation, gerbera and what not, the orchids and anthurium. Thirteen underutilized plants of Kerala were evaluated for use as cut flowers, dry flower, for essential oil extraction and pigment extraction and identification of components in their essential oils and pigments using GC-MS by conducting both field studies as well as postharvest studies. Out of the 10 plants selected for studying their use as cut flower, none were found suitable. Five plants were selected for their suitability for dry flower production. Among them, Cassia fistula got the highest cumulative score followed byAntigonon leptopus,Calicopteris floribunda and Barleria obtusa. Least cumulative score was obtained for Clerodendrum paniculatum. In Antigonon leptopus and Clerodendrum paniculatum best method of drying was microwave oven drying. Press drying was selected as the best method for Barleria obtusa and Calicopteris floribunda. Embedded drying was found the most suitable method of drying in Cassia fistula. The fragrant flowers selected for extraction of essential oils were Gardenia jasminoides, Plumeria spp and Quisqualis indica.Maximum essential oil yield was observed in Gardenia jasminoides (0.61%). The components in the essential oils were identified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. In Gardenia jasminoides the components identified were Ascalbin (0.7%), Nonadecane (0.80%), Dendaralasine (0.96%), Alpha famesene (1.12%), Linalool (1.38%), Beta famesene (2.75%), Famesene (3.04%), Henecosane (5.26 %), n-Tricosane (6.91%), n-octacosane (10.43%), Pentacosane (13.19%), Monoethylhexyl phthalate (44.74 %). The volatile components identified in Plumeria were α-Farnesene (1.08%), Benzoic acid, [(E,E)-3,7,11-trimethyl- 2,6,10-dodecatrien-1-yl] ester (1.08%), 1,6,10-Dodecatriene, 7, 11- dimethyl- 3- methylene-E(1.17%), Cyclohexasiloxane, dodeca methyl (1.92%). Phenyl ethyl alcohol (2.20%), 1,3,6,10-Dodecatetraene, 3,7,11-trimethyl-(Z,E)(2.93%), Oxalic acid, decyl 2-phenyl ethyl ester (4.3%), Triphenyl phosphare (4.3%), Heptacosane (6.32%), Nonacosane(6.40%) and Z-14-Nonacosane (6.40%) and Z-14- Nonacosane(11.65%). The components responsible for fragrance in Quisqualis indica were 2 H- Pyran-3-ol, 6-ethenyl tetra hydro-2,2,6-trimethyl(1.24%), Heptacosane (1.44%), Cyclotetra siloxane, octamethyl (1.95), Triphenyl phosphate (2.30%), Nonacosane(2.89%) and 5-Isoquinoline carbonitr (12.5%). The flowers selected for extraction of pigments were Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Cassia fistula, Clerodendrum paniculatum and Delonix regia. Two methods of extraction selected were solvent extraction after fermentation and solvent extraction after pretreatment with NaOH. In the entire species pigment yield was higher for solvent extraction after pretreatment. Highest oleoresin yield was observed in Clerodendrum paniculatum (0.60g), which was followed by Delonix regia (0.5g) and Cassia fistula(0.39). The lowest yield was observed in Caesalpinia pulcherrima (0.38g). After fermentation, Clerodendrum paniculatum gave highest oleoresin yield (0.43g). This was followed by Delonix regia(0.4g), Cassia fistula(0.3g) and Caesalpinia pulcherrima(0.28g). Highest carotenoid yield was observed in Cassia fistula (70.04mg/ 100 g) and highest anthocyanin yield was in Clerodendrum paniculatum (574.76mg/100g)). In Caesalpinia pulcherima carotenoid content was recorded as 15.35mg/100g and anthocyanin 488.75mg/100g. Anthocyanin yield of Cassia fistula was 0.35mg. Clerodendrum paniculatum recorded 2.98mg of carotenoid. Delonix regia recorded carotenoid and anthocyanin yield of 60.2 mg and 510 mg respectively. In the present study none of flowers were found suitable for use as cut flower. Out of the 5 plants selected for studying for use as dry flower, Cassia fistulawas the most suitable one. All the species selected for essential oil extraction were suitable for the purpose .In pigment extraction, highest oleoresin yield was observed in Clerodendrum paniculatum (0.60g), which is followed by Delonix regia (0.5g) and Cassia fistula(0.39). Future line of work suggested in this aspect based on the light of results are evaluation of more underutilized ornamental flowers available in our locality with a view of their commercialisation for specific traits and further evaluation of extracted pigments for their use in food industry.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Nutrient management in gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus.) grown under naturally ventilated polyhouse
    (Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Anaswara, S J; KAU; Sheela, V L
    The thesis work entitled “Nutrient management in gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus.) grown under naturally ventilated poly house” was carried out at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2016-2018. The study was to assess the performance of five gerbera varieties to different doses of fertilizers with a view to find out the best fertilizer dose for each variety. This study also aimed for the standardization of nutrient management schedule for Gerbera jamesoniiBolus. Five varieties were selected for the study (V1- Beaudine, V2- Double date, V3- Mammut, V4- Esmara, V5- Aquamelon). Different nutrient treatments (N1- 10:10:10 N, P2O5, K2O g m-2, N2- 15:15:15 N, P2O5, K2O g m-2, N3- 20:20:20 N, P2O5, K2O g m-2) were applied to the varieties at monthly and fortnightly interval. The experiment was laid out in completely randomised design consisting of thirty treatment combinations and three replications. The study revealed that variety Beaudine was significantly superior in terms of vegetative parameters viz., plant spread (156.19cm) at 4 MAP, number of leaves (13.31) at 8 MAP and leaf length (37.09cm) at 4MAP. Variety Mammut was significantly superior in leaf breadth (11.03cm) at 10 MAP and number of suckers plantˉ1(2.59) at 6 MAP. The nutrient treatment 10:10:10 N, P2O5, K2O g mˉ2 produced significantly higher plant spread (171.29cm) at 10 MAP, number of leaves (12.54) at 6 MAP, leaf length (34.04cm) at 4 MAP, leaf breadth (12.35cm) at 4 MAP and number of suckers plant-1 (2.97) at 6 MAP. The level of split application of nutrients s1 showed significantly superior values for plant spread (148.86cm) at 4 MAP, number of leaves (10.95) at 8MAP, leaf length (31.67cm) at 4 MAP, leaf breadth (10.79cm) at 4MAP and number of suckers plantˉ1 (2.42) at 6MAP. The variety Esmara when treated with 10:10:10 N, P2O5, K2O g mˉ2 at monthly interval of split application of nutrients recorded significantly highest value for plant spread (183.38cm) at 10 MAP. Variety Beaudine treated with 10:10:10 N, P2O5, K2O g mˉ2 (1.6: 1.6: 1.6 N, P2O5, K2O g plantˉ1)at monthly interval of split application of nutrients recorded significantly higher values for number of leaves (15.23) at 6MAP and leaf length (46cm) at 4 MAP. Variety Mammut treated with 10:10:10 N, P2O5, K2O g mˉ2 split application of nutrients at monthly intervals recorded significantly higher values for leaf breadth (15.74cm) at 4 MAP and number of suckers plantˉ1 (3.89) at 6 MAP. Regarding the flowering characters, Variety Esmara treated with 10:10:10 N, P2O5, K2O g mˉ2 of split application of nutrients at monthly intervals recorded the lowest value for number of days taken for flowering (17) and variety Double date treated with 15:15:15 N, P2O5, K2O g mˉ2 at fortnightly interval of split application of nutrients recorded lowest value for number of days taken from bud initiation to harvest (7.9) and there was no significant difference on flower longevity on the plant. In flower characters, Mammut variety supplied with a combination of 10:10:10 N, P2O5, K2O g mˉ2 fertilizers at monthly interval of split application of nutrients recorded highest flower diameter (11.24cm) and width of ray florets (1.00cm).There was no significant difference observed for flower disc diameter and length of the ray florets. Esmara variety with a combination of 10:10:10 N, P2O5, K2O g mˉ2 fertilizers at monthly interval of split application of nutrients recorded the highest number of ray florets (65.01).Beaudine variety with a combination of 10:10:10 N, P2O5, K2O g mˉ2 fertilizers at monthly interval of split application of nutrients recorded the highest stalk girth (2.39cm) and stalk length (79.34cm). In yield parameters, highest number of flowers produced plant-1year-1(25.75) and higher yield of flowers in relation to season (15.25) at rainy season was recorded for variety Esmara treated with a combination of 10:10:10 N, P2O5, and K2O g mˉ2 with a split application of nutrients at monthly intervals. The vase life of flowers and water uptake showed no significant difference among the treatment combinations All the five varieties while treated with 10:10:10 N, P2O5, K2O g mˉ2 at monthly intervals resulted high values for vegetative, flower and flowering characters. The best performance for Beaudine followed by Esmara and Aquamelon. BC ratio was highest for Beaudine. Future line of work may be standardisation of agrotechniques for gerbera under Kerala conditions.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Organic nutrient management of papaya (Carica papaya L.)
    (Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Divya Hari; KAU; Bindu, B
    The present study entitled “Organic nutrient management in papaya (Carica papaya L.)” was carried out in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2016-2018, with an objective to study the effect of organic nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of papaya. The experiment was conducted in RBD with 11 treatments and 3 replications using papaya variety Surya. The treatments included in the study are: T1-100% of recommended dose of N as organic, T2-75% of recommended dose of N as organic, T3-100% of recommended dose of N as organic + PGPR Mix-I, T4-75 % of recommended dose of N as organic + PGPR Mix-I, T5-100% of recommended dose of N as organic + AMF , T6-75% of recommended dose of N as organic + AMF, T7-100% of recommended dose of N as organic + PGPR Mix-I+ AMF , T8-75% of recommended dose of N as organic + PGPR Mix-I+ AMF, T9-Full NPK of KAU POP + Vermicompost (N equivalent to FYM of KAU POP), T10- 100% RDF (240:240:480 g NPK plant-1 year-1, FYM-10 kg plant-1 year-1 ) , T11- Absolute control. The present study revealed that, application of 100% of recommended dose of N as organic along with PGPR Mix-I and AMF increased the girth of the plant, number of leaves, fruit set percentage with lowest height for first flowering and reduced the number of days for flowering. The highest plant height was obtained by the application of 75% of recommended dose of N as organic along with AMF. With regard to the yield characters studied, highest fruit weight, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit volume, pulp percentage, flesh thickness, total yield plant-1 (39.91 kg plant-1) and minimum number of days for maturity were recorded by the application of 100% of recommended dose of N as organic along with PGPR Mix-I and AMF. Number of fruits plant-1 was found to be highest with application of 100% RDF (240:240:480 g NPK plant-1 year-1, FYM-10 kg plant-1 year-1). The study on quality parameters of fruit revealed that TSS, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, total sugar, reducing sugar and the organoleptic qualities were highest with the application of 100% of recommended dose of N as organic along with PGPR Mix-I and AMF. Analysis of soil nutrient status revealed that soil organic carbon, soil EC, nitrogen and potassium content were highest with the application of 75% recommended dose of N as organic along with AMF. Phosphorus, micronutrient content and microbial count were highest with the application of 100% recommended dose of N as organic along with AMF. The leaf petiole analysis of papaya indicated that the highest phosphorus, potassium and micronutrient content increased with the application of 100% of recommended dose of N as organic along with PGPR Mix-I and AMF. Regarding the B: C ratio and net income obtained, application of 100% of recommended dose of N as organic along with PGPR Mix-I and AMF recorded the highest. Overall assessment indicated that application of 100% of recommended dose of N as organic along with PGPR Mix-I and AMF in 6 splits at bimonthly interval improved the growth, yield, quality of papaya.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Standardization of grafting techniques in african marigold (tagetes erecta L.) for combating bacterial wilt
    (Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Athira Baburaj; KAU; Sreelatha, U
    The present study entitled “Standardization of grafting techniques in African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) for combating bacterial wilt” was taken up in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, during the year 2017-2018. The work was carried out under three experiments viz.,standardisation of grafting techniques, assay of enzyme activity and histological studies. The rootstock used in the study was the bacterial wilt resistant local collection M- and the wilt susceptible F1hybrid Maria 91 was used as scion. Grafting was done in the month of January. Three methods of grafting viz., cleft, splice and hole insertion were tried at different ages of rootstock (4, 5, 6 and 7 weeks after sowing) and different ages of scion (3, 4 and 5 weeks after sowing). Observation of graft survival was taken at 15 DAG (Days after grafting). It was observed that cleft grafting four week old scion on to six week old rootstock was found to be the best with a graft survival of 61 percent. It was also observed that there was no survival when grafting was done on four week old rootstock irrespective of age of scion and grafting method followed. Estimation of catalase and peroxidase was carried out to study the activity of these enzymes in graft union formation. Sampling was done at 4,8 and 15DAG. It was observed that, activities of both the enzymes increased from 4DAG to 15DAG. Highest catalase activity at 4th (0.85 EU/g), 8th (1.39 EU/g) and 15th (1.60 EU/g) DAG was observed in cleft grafting of four week old scion on to six week old rootstock. Similar results were also observed in peroxidase activity. Correlation of catalase and peroxidase activity with survival of grafts indicated that both the enzymes are positively correlated with graft survival. Histological studies of the grafts consisted of both anatomical studies and histochemical staining for lignin. It was observed that there was an intensification of the stain from 4DAG to 15DAG with advancement of lignification process in graft union. Histological studies also revealed the formation of necrotic layer in the graft union, as a result of wound repair and cell proliferation. Cleft grafting of four week old scion on six week old wilt resistant rootstock is the best method in African marigold for combating bacterial wilt.