Thumbnail Image

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

20173
Reset filters
Subject: Floriculture and Landscaping × End date: 2017 × Start date: 2017 × Type: Thesis ×
Reset filters

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Evaluation of fragrant vandaceous orchids for ornamental traits
    (Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Deepa, T; Geetha, C K
    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.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen 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.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen 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.