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Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur
The history of agricultural education in Kerala can be traced back to the year 1896 when a scheme was evolved in the erstwhile Travancore State to train a few young men in scientific agriculture at the Demonstration Farm, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, presently, the Cropping Systems Research Centre under Kerala Agricultural University. Agriculture was introduced as an optional subject in the middle school classes in the State in 1922 when an Agricultural Middle School was started at Aluva, Ernakulam District. The popularity and usefulness of this school led to the starting of similar institutions at Kottarakkara and Konni in 1928 and 1931 respectively.
Agriculture was later introduced as an optional subject for Intermediate Course in 1953. In 1955, the erstwhile Government of Travancore-Cochin started the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Mannuthy, Thrissur for imparting higher education in agricultural and veterinary sciences, respectively. These institutions were brought under the direct administrative control of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Husbandry, respectively. With the formation of Kerala State in 1956, these two colleges were affiliated to the University of Kerala. The post-graduate programmes leading to M.Sc. (Ag), M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees were started in 1961, 1962 and 1965 respectively.
On the recommendation of the Second National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, the then Chairman of the University Grants Commission, one Agricultural University in each State was established. The State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) were established in India as an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System to give the much needed impetus to Agriculture Education and Research in the Country. As a result the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was established on 24th February 1971 by virtue of the Act 33 of 1971 and started functioning on 1st February 1972. The Kerala Agricultural University is the 15th in the series of the SAUs.
In accordance with the provisions of KAU Act of 1971, the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were brought under the Kerala Agricultural University. In addition, twenty one agricultural and animal husbandry research stations were also transferred to the KAU for taking up research and extension programmes on various crops, animals, birds, etc.
During 2011, Kerala Agricultural University was trifurcated into Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU).
Now the University has seven colleges (four Agriculture, one Agricultural Engineering, one Forestry, one Co-operation Banking & Management), six RARSs, seven KVKs, 15 Research Stations and 16 Research and Extension Units under the faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Forestry. In addition, one Academy on Climate Change Adaptation and one Institute of Agricultural Technology offering M.Sc. (Integrated) Climate Change Adaptation and Diploma in Agricultural Sciences respectively are also functioning in Kerala Agricultural University.
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ThesisItem Open Access Response of Papaya (Carica Papaya L.) to Major Mineral Nutrients(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2003) Bindu, B; KAU; Jayachandran Nair, C SAn 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.ThesisItem 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 KInvestigations 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.ThesisItem Open Access Somatic Embryogenesis in Musa (AAB) Nendran(Department of pomology and floriculture, College of horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2002) Beena, R; KAU; Aravindakshan, KThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of foliage plants for interior plantscaping(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2012) Alex, R; KAU; Sudhadevi, P KStudies were undertaken in Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2010-2012 to evaluate the foliage plants for interior plantscaping. The study comprised of four experiments in which fifty foliage plant species were selected for evaluation under two growing structures having two different systems viz., open ventilated and fan and pad. Air Pollution Tolerance Index of all the selected species of foliage plants were computed and based on that, ten species was selected and their performance under different indoor light conditions was studied. The air borne microbes and dust filtering efficiency of these ten indoor foliage plant species were also evaluated. When the growing structures, viz., open ventilated & fan and pad greenhouses were compared, the plants kept in fan and pad system were found to be superior than the plants kept in open ventilated greenhouse with regard to most of the characters. So the fan and pad system could be considered as the best for growing the foliage plants. But precautions should be taken to check the humidity levels. Fifty selected species of foliage plants were classified into six categories namely rosette, tree-like, flowering, upright, grass-like and climbing and trailing based on their growth habit. Among the rosette type, Anthurium crystallinum, Calathea zebrina, Philodendron wendlandii and Homalomena wallisii could be recommended for their compactness. Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Codiaeum variegatum ‘Punctatum aureum’, Ficus benjamina, Licuala grandis, Rhapis excelsa and Schefflera arboricola could be recommended among the tree-like species which could be utilized to decorate bigger indoor places. In flowering foliage plants, Anthurium andreanum ‘Bonina’, Spathiphyllum wallisii and Kalanchoe blossfeldiana could be recommended for any indoor conditions as they would improve the interior environment with their attractive flowers as well as foliages. Aglaonema pseudobracteatum, Dieffenbachia amoena, Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’, Dracaena ‘Purple Compacta’, Peperomia obtusifolia ‘Sensation’ and Zamioculcas zamiifolia could be recommended in upright foliage plants. Among grass-like species, Cyperus alternifolius, Chlorophytum ‘Charlotte’ and Ophiopogon jaburan ‘Variegata’ were found to be good and recommended to place them in groupings. Among climbing and trailing plants, Scindapsus aureus, Syngonium podophyllum, Philodendron ‘Ceylon Gold’ and Philodendron elegans were found best and recommended for places like staircase, balcony etc. The Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) of the foliage plant species under the study was computed for three different seasons, viz., March-April, June-July and October- November and based on this they were categorized into sensitive, intermediately tolerant, moderately tolerant and tolerant. It was observed that Anthurium andreanum ‘Bonina’, Calathea zebrina and Dracaena ‘Purple Compacta’ had the highest APTI value and was tolerant to air pollution irrespective of the seasons. In all the seasons, Aglaonema pseudobracteatum, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Hahnii’, Spathiphyllum wallisii, Syngonium podophyllum, Tradescantia spathacea ‘Sitara’ and Zamioculcas zamiifolia were found to be the most susceptible and they could be recommended to be used as indicator plants for pollution. Other species could also be utilized based on their tolerance levels with respect to the seasons. Based on the APTI value, ten species were selected (two from each category) and their performance was studied under five different indoor light conditions viz., low (<800 lux), medium (800-2000 lux), high (>2000 lux), supplementary (800-2000 lux) and supplementary light with air condition. From the results, it was found that most the foliage plants could thrive well under medium light condition. In addition with that, under air conditioned zone with supplementary light, species like Anthurium andreanum ‘Bonina’, Philodendron elegans and Syngonium podophyllum could be recommended. Species like Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Rhapis excelsa and other palms could be recommended for areas with high light intensity. The performance of Scindapsus aureus was found good with regard to almost all the desirable characters in all the light conditions. The foliage plants were found very effective in reducing air borne microbes present in indoor conditions. The maximum amount of reduction (35.43 %) was recorded in the zone with medium light intensity where there were 127 Total colony forming units (Tcfu) without plants, which was reduced to 82 Tcfu when foliage plants were kept under the same zone. Regarding the dust filtering efficiency, the maximum amount of dust (3.57 gm-2) was found to be removed from the atmosphere by Syngonium podophyllum. Based on the amount of dust collected by the species, they could be arranged as Syngonium podophyllum > Philodendron elegans > Ficus benjamina > Philodendron ‘Ceylon Gold’> Anthurium andreanum > Schefflera arboricola > Chrysalidocarpus lutescens > Rhapis excelsa > Spathiphyllum wallisii > Scindapsus aureus.ThesisItem Open Access Standardization of organic nutrient regimes for Anthurium (Anthurium andreanum Lind.) cultivars.(Department of Pomology and Floriculture,College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2011) Jomy, Jacob; KAU; Sabina George, TAnthurium andreanum Lind. is cultivated globally for its attractive flowers and foliage. Kerala is identified as one of the most suitable places for growing Anthuriums because of the congenial climatic conditions similar to its natural habitat. For the nutrition of Anthuriums, standardization of eco-friendly organic manures is a felt need of growers. Though several organic nutrient dosages and an integrated nutrient dosage have been found promising for juvenile to mature tissue cultured plants of the Anthurium, these differed in their content of nutrients, constituent organic-inorganic fractions, components and their frequency of application. Refinement of these dosages and formulation of modified organic nutrient regimes consisting of easily available and eco friendly cost effective organic materials were intended in this investigation. Thus, an investigation was conducted at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani of the Kerala Agricultural University during 2009-2011 for a period of 18 months. The experiment was in CRD with 12 treatment combinations of 2 cultivars ( Anthurium andreanum cv. Acropolis and cv. Tropical) and 6 nutrient regimes The nutrient supplied under N1 to N4 was 2.15: 1.47: 2.37 N:P2O5:K2O g plant-1 (total per bimonth), and under N5 and N6 was 2.41:4.73:1.89 N:P2O5:K2O g plant-1 (total per bimonth)]. All the treatments were given weekly application of cow dung slurry 0.83 g/ plant. N1 comprised of organic manure mix 12.4 g plant-1 applied weekly (containing coir pith compost, bone meal, neem cake and wood ash) + Cow’s urine 8 ml/plant weekly. Modified organic manure mix 25.96 g plant-1 (containing wood ash, cow dung and bone meal) applied weekly for N2, 51.925 g plant-1 applied biweekly for N3, 103.85 g plant-1 applied monthly for (N4). N5 comprised of organic manure mix 40 g plant-1applied bimonthly (containing leaf compost, coir pith compost, bone meal, neem cake, poultry manure and wood ash) +NPK Fertilizer (18:18:18) @1 g plant-1 weekly. N6 comprised of organic manure mix 40 g plant-1 applied bimonthly (containing leaf compost, coir pith compost, bone meal, neem cake, poultry manure and wood ash) + Organic manure mix (containing cow dung, leaf compost, bone meal, and wood ash ) applied weekly. The first experiment was aimed at standardizing organic nutrient regimes for flower production from top cuttings in Anthurium andreanum cv. Acropolis and cv. Tropical. Vegetative characters such as the total number of newly emerged leaves upto 6, 12 and 18 MAP, annual leaf production, total leaf area at 6, 12 and 18 MAP, mean petiole length at 6, 12 and 18 MAP, mean phyllochron, days from emergence to senescence of leaves, rate of sucker production were found to differ significantly among manurial treatments. A comparative enhancement in vegetative characters such as number of leaves, leaf area, petiole length, annual leaf production and leaf duration, and lesser interval between leaf emergence were observed in plants under N2, N3, N4 and N6. These treatments also recorded greater number of flowers as well as annual flower production per plant, shorter mean interval between flower emergence and lesser days to harvestable maturity of flowers than organic treatment with cows urine weekly (N1) and organic inorganic integrated regime (N5). The manurial treatments of modified organic treatment applied biweekly (N3), monthly (N4) and organic treatment with manure mix bimonthly (N6) increased the length and width of the spathe, greater girth of flower stalk. The vase life of flower were found greater under modified organic treatment weekly (N2), biweekly (N3) and organic treatment with cows urine weekly (N1). Similarly, water uptake was higher in plants treated with modified organic treatment applied biweekly and weekly than under organic inorganic integrated regime. The organic inorganic integrated regime was found to effect in higher N and P content of leaves than all other treatments. Higher K content of leaves was recorded under N3 regime. The second experiment was aimed at standardization of nutrient regime(s) for sucker production and subsequent flower production from basal stem stumps in Anthurium andreanum cv. Acropolis and cv. Tropical. Modified organic treatment applied weekly (N2), biweekly (N3) and monthly (N4) recorded greater total leaf area of shoots from 3 MAP until separation, number and length of roots at separation, total length of suckers and number of leaves at retention and thereafter, lesser interval between leaf emergence and greater longevity of leaves and greater petiole length at 18 MAP, length, number of leaves and mean petiole length of retained suckers at 18 MAP, earlier and greater flower production. Modified organic treatment applied biweekly (N3) also recorded higher total number of suckers and rate of sucker production. Cultivar differences in vegetative and floral characters were found to be distinct in both experiments. In the planted basal stumps of experiment 2, sprouting and sucker development was observed. However, earlier sprouting and development of sprouts into shoots was observed in cv. Tropical than in Acropolis. In Experiment 1, though the treatments N2, N3 and N4 had equal effects on leaf production, total leaf area, flower production and shorter interval between flower emergence, in economic analysis, the treatment expenditure increasing from N4 to N2 can be a limiting factor determining their relative feasibility. The advantages in suckering observed in these cultivars in experiment 2, resulted in greater net value realization of cv. Acropolis under modified organic treatment applied biweekly (N3) and monthly (N4) and in cv. Tropical under modified organic treatment applied biweekly (N3).ThesisItem 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 LHeliconias 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.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of monopodial orchids for cut flower(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2007) Kaveriamma, M M; KAU; Geetha, C KThe 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.ThesisItem Open Access Bunch cultural practices to optimize yield and fruit characters in banana (Musa AAA Robusta)(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2006) Pijush Kanti, Biswas; KAU; Vijayachandran Nair, C SThe present investigation was carried out to standardize bunch cultural practices for improving bunch size and finger qualities of banana variety Robusta. The experiment also aimed at obtaining maximum number of fingers from a bunch having export standards. The experiment was conducted in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, during 2005-2006. Fourteen different treatments (including control) were imposed in this experiment. The treatment comprised of various combinations of growth regulators (GA 50 ppm and NAA 25 ppm) and organic sprays (vermiwash, cow’s urine, coconut water) as well as cultural practices (dehanding one or two apical hands, bunch cover using polythene tube) along with a control (without any treatments). The growth regulators and organic sprays were applied one month after emergence of the bunch. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD). There were two replications. The salient findings of the investigation are mentioned below. The bunch weight, bunch length, weight of hands, weight of fingers, pulp weight and sugar content increased while bunch maturity period decreased by the application of the treatment T10 i.e., removing one apical hand and spraying 50 ppm GA, one month after bunch emergence. The results also showed that bunch shape index, finger girth, TSS content and shelf life increased whereas acidity decreased when the treatment T¬11 (removal of two apical hands and spraying of 50 ppm GA one month after bunch emergence) was imposed. The finger length and number of fingers falling in the acceptable range were also improved by application of GA 50 ppm clubbed with one or two apical hands. At last, it can be concluded that trimming of one or two apical hands and application of GA at the rate of 50 ppm one month after bunch emergence, improved bunch characters, finger characters and quality of fruits.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of tropical plant species for use as cut foliage(Department Of Pomology And Floriculture, College Of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Sindhu M, Eapen; KAU; Rajeevan, P KThe investigations on the evaluation of tropical foliage plant species for use as cut foliage was conducted in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, during 2001-2003, with the main objectives of evaluating the performance of the foliage species under field conditions together with their post harvest performance. Twenty-seven foliage plant species belonging to ten different families were selected for the present study. They were evaluated for their height, spread, leaf characters (length, breadth, area, longevity, interval of production, leaf yield per month) and petiole characters (length, girth) under field conditions. The post harvest performance of the cut foliage of these species was evaluated by various pulsing and holding treatments. The best of the treatments were combined and the selected species were evaluated in the combinations, also estimating the catalase activity at different stages of treatment. Cut foliages of the different species were also held at different temperatures to evaluate the influence of the temperature on the vaselife. They were packed in cartons using different lining materials (both dry and wet) and the effect of the lining materials were also evaluated. In the field conditions the species exhibited wide variation 111 their growth pattern and leaf characters. Maximu~ plant height was observed In Asparagus setaceus, a twiner, while the maximum spread was recorded 111 SchefJlera arboricola, a shrub and Nephrolepis cordifolia, a fern. Leaf length was maximum in Nephrolepis exaltata while the leaf breadth and petiole length were maximum in Cyperus alternifolius. Philodendron wendlandii recorded maximum petiole girth. Maximum leaf production was in Scirpus cernnus. Leaf area' recorded was maximum in Monstera deliciosa while SchejJl.era arboricola and Nephrolepis exaltata recorded the maximum longevity and maximum interval of leaf production, respectively. The qualitative characters of the species differed in all respects and a wide range of shape, texture, margin and pigmentation could be observed. In the post harvest evaluation for use as cut foliage, the pulsing treatments were on par and among the holding solutions, distilled water and acidified water proved to the best, thus eliminating the use of chemicals. Scoring of .foliage projected Asparagus setaceus to be the best in terms of all the characters of colour/pigmentation, shape/pattern, size and texture. The combinations indicated a significantly higher vase life of the different species in a combination of any pulsing treatment with a holding solution of either tap water or distilled water. Catalase activity reduced in the foliage when treated with hot water and increased when treated with tap water. Foliage kept in aoidified water after hot water dip showed an increase in the activity. pH in the best treatment showed a lesser increase whereas EC increased to a greater extent in the most inferior treatment. Storing at a lower temperature of 17°C proved to be better for prolonging the vase life of the foliage species, compared to ambient temperature. Packing with a wet cotton plug at the petiole end increased the vase life of the foliage although lining materials showed rio significant effect on the vase life.
