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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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2014 - 202023
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Subject: Floriculture and Landscaping × End date: 2020 × Start date: 2013 × Type: Thesis × Thesis Type: M.Sc ×
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Now showing 1 - 9 of 23
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Varietal evaluation of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) for yield growth and quality
    (Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, 2020) Hasna, P M; KAU; Meera Manjusha, A V
    Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L. Family: Amaryllidaceae) is one of the most popular tropical ornamental bulbous flowering plant grown on a commercial scale throughout different states of India. They are much adored by the aesthetic world for their colour, elegance and fragrance. As the commercial cultivation of tuberose is gaining importance, introduction and identification of high yielding varieties is necessary. The quality and production of any crop or variety largely influenced by its genetic makeup and climatic condition under which they are grown. Therefore, in order to select suitable and high yielding cultivar for a particular region it is very much necessary to collect and evaluate all the available genotypes. The study entitled “Varietal evaluation of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) for growth, yield and quality” was carried out at the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, Kasaragod and RARS Pilicode during 2019-2020. The experiment was laid out in Randomized block design with ten treatments and three replications. The varieties were screened for vegetative, floral, quality and post- harvest parameters. The study clearly indicated that genotypic differences among varieties and variation in environmental factors significantly influence vegetative and floral characters of tuberose. Minimum number of days to 50 % flowering (108.38 days), longest spike (111.80 cm) and maximum diameter of peduncle (3.05 cm) was recorded in variety Arka Prajwal. Variety Arka Suvasini recorded maximum value for rachis length (47.60 cm), longevity of spike (13.60 days), days to complete opening of spikes (26.15 days), diameter of floret (3.53 cm), weight of 100 florets (235.43 g), loose flower yield (131.31 g) and fresh weight of spike (133.52 g). Variety Arka Vaibhav recorded maximum number of florets per spike (63.00). Longest floret was observed in variety Culcutta Single (7.03 cm). Variety Culcutta Double found to be superior in terms of vase life (8.53 days) of spike. Concrete recovery found maximum in single petalled cultivars than semi double and double type cultivars. Stage of harvest, growing environmental condition, season and method of extraction have significant influence on the recovery of concrete. In the present study concrete recovery ranges from 0.012 to 0.117 % and maximum concrete obtained for the variety Arka Sugandhi. Out of the ten genotypes of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) comprising single, semi- double and double petalled cultivars, the variety Arka Prajwal, Arka Shringar, Arka Sugandhi and Culcutta Single among single petalled type, Arka Vaibhav the only semi petalled type and variety Arka Suvasini and Culcutta Double among double petalled type were found to be superior in terms of growth, yield and quality of flower under northern Kerala condition. Among these Arka Prajwal can be recommended for loose flower production, Arka Suvasini for cut flower production and Arka Sugandhi for oil extraction purpose.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Evaluvation of China aster [Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees.] for cultivation in tropical plains
    (Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Alfin, Santhosh; KAU; Anupama, T V
    China aster [Callistephus chinenesis (L.) Nees.] is one of the most important annual flower crops grown in India for cut flower as well as loose flower purposes. It ranks third next to chrysanthemum and marigold among the annual flowers and has gained popularity due to ease of cultivation, diversity of colours and good vase life. It is also used for bedding purpose in landscapes and as pot plants. In Kerala, the demand for annual flower crops is on the rise, however the cultivation is limited. China aster due to its hardy nature can be grown as a pure crop as well as intercrop in coconut gardens. The investigation entitled ‘Evaluation of China aster [Callistephus chinenesis (L.) Nees.] for cultivation in tropical plains’ was conducted at the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping during 2018-2019 with an objective to evaluate the performance of China aster for cultivation in tropical plains. Ten varieties of China aster viz. Arka Kamini, Arka Shashank, Arka Archana, Phule Ganesh White, Phule Ganesh Violet, Phule Ganesh Pink, Phule Ganesh Purple, AAC-1, Local Pink and Mat White were evaluated for vegetative, floral and post harvest characters. The varieties showed significant variation for vegetative characters. In all the varieties, leaf dentation was present and leaf shape was ovate for all varieties except Arka Shashank which had linear leaf shape. Stem colouration and leaf mid rib colouration were absent in varieties such as Arka Shashank, Arka Archana, Phule Ganesh White and Mat White and the rest of the six varieties showed the presence of purplish stem and mid rib colouration. The variety Phule Ganesh Pink was superior in plant height (68.86 cm) at 3 months after planting. The characters like plant spread (50.08 cm), number of leaves (56.48), number of primary branches (14.25) and stem girth (11.09 cm) were also highest in variety Phule Ganesh Pink. Leaf area was the highest in variety Phule Ganesh White (34.31 cm2). The variety Mat White was significantly inferior for all the vegetative characters observed. Floral characters showed significant variation among the varieties. Powderpuff flower type was observed in Arka Shashank and all the other varieties had semi-double type flower. Days to bud initiation was minimum in variety Arka Shashank (44.40 days) and maximum in Phule Ganesh White (73.67 days). The same trend was observed for days to complete flower opening and days to 50 per cent flowering. The variety Local Pink had the highest duration of flowering (62.40 days) and variety Mat White (45.20 days) had the lowest duration of flowering. The variety Arka Shashank produced highest number of flowers per plant (20.20). The flower stalk length (21.13 cm), flower weight (6.94 g) and flower diameter (7.07 cm) were the highest in the variety Phule Ganesh Pink. The variety Phule Ganesh White was superior in terms of number of disc florets per head (251.00) whereas Phule Ganesh Pink had the highest number of ray florets per head (201.20). The flower yield per plant was highest in variety Phule Ganesh Pink (55.99 g). The variety Phule Ganesh White recorded the highest seed yield per flower (1.27 g) and seed germination (65.27 %). Longest shelf life was observed in variety Phule Ganesh Pink (3.67 days) which was on par with Phule Ganesh White (3.33 days) and physiological loss of weight was recorded highest in Phule Ganesh White (35.70 %). The variety Phule Ganesh Pink had the longest vase life (13.93 days) and total water uptake was also maximum in variety Phule Ganesh Pink (20.27 ml). Anthocyanin content of flowers was recorded highest in the variety Phule Ganesh Violet (51.87 mg/g) followed by Arka Kamini (48.62 mg/g). Dendrogram based on D2 statistics considering qualitative and quantitative characters indicated that high amount of variability is present among the varieties. Correlation and path analysis revealed that the characters such as number of primary branches (0.978), plant spread (0.894), leaf area (0.796) and flower weight (0.933) were having significant positive correlation with flower yield per plant with a direct effect of 0.150, 0.199, 0.281 and 0.498 respectively. Ranking of varieties was done individually for loose flower and cut flower types. In ranking for loose flower types, variety Phule Ganesh Pink scored first position which was followed by Phule Ganesh White and Local Pink. When varieties were ranked for cut flower types, first position was scored by Phule Ganesh Pink while second position was shared by Phule Ganesh White, Phule Ganesh Purple and Local Pink. In overall ranking the variety Phule Ganesh Pink occupied first position followed by Phule Ganesh White and Local Pink and these can be recommended for commercial cultivation in tropical plains of Kerala during winter season.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Standardization of growing media and growth regulators for rose (Rosa ssp.) under top ventilated rain shelter
    (Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Sijo, John; KAU; Mini, Sankar
    Rose is acclaimed as ‘Queen of flowers’ because of its colour, fragrance and elegance. Cut roses are having very high demand in domestic as well as international market due to versatile uses. Roses can be successfully cultivated under top ventilated rain shelters in Kerala. Soilless media consist of vermiculite, perlite, and rockwool are popularly used for commercial production of rose under protected condition. These are costly and not easily available to farmers. Thus, there is a need to develop a cost effective growing media with locally available materials. Exogenous application of plant growth regulators improves the yield and quality of cut flowers by manipulating hormonal regulations in the plant system. Even though commercial formulations of different growth regulators are available in the market, the type and precise concentration of growth regulators are to be standardised. Hence the present study entitled “Standardization of growing media and growth regulators for rose (Rosa spp.) under top ventilated rain shelter” was carried out in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2018-2019. Objective of the study was to standardize growing media and growth regulators for commercial production of cut roses in agroclimatic conditions of Kerala. The experiment consisted of twelve treatments, which included different combinations of three growing media viz; soil + M-sand + cocopeat + FYM (M1), soil + M-sand + cocopeat + vermicompost (M2) and soil + M-sand + cocopeat + poultry manure (M3) in 2:1:1:1 ratio and two levels each of two growth regulators viz; Benzyl adenine (BA) and Gibberellic acid (GA) at 200 and 250 ppm. Six months old grafts of rose variety ‘Tajmahal’ was used for the study. Observations on growth characters, yield, post harvest aspects as well as nutrient status of the growing media were recorded. With regard to vegetative characters, growing media, growth regulators and interaction between growing media and growth regulators had significant influence during the period of observation. Growing media containing FYM (M1) recorded the greatest plant height and was on par with growing media containing vermicompost (M2). Among growth regulators, GA 250 ppm was found to be superior in terms of plant height. With respect to interaction effect, greatest plant height was observed under the media containing FYM (M1) and GA at 250 ppm. Plant spread was highest under medium containing FYM (M1). Growth regulators had significant influence on plant spread and BA at 200 and 250 ppm were superior and on par in terms of this parameter. Regarding interaction, growing media containing FYM (M1) along with 200 ppm BA was observed to have the highest plant spread during the growth period. Media containing FYM (M1) as well as vermicompost (M2) were found to produce more number of branches and among growth regulators, BA at 200 and 250 ppm were on par and superior with respect to this parameter. Regarding interaction effect, highest number of branches was observed under growing media containing FYM (M1) and BA at 200 ppm. Significant effects of growing media could be observed on floral characters and media containing FYM (M1) was found to be superior with respect to floral characters viz; length of flower bud (3.37 cm), diameter of flower bud (2.16 cm), number of flowers /plant (5.04), number of petals/ flower (51.92), stalk length (47.94 cm) and flower diameter at fully opened stage (8.44 cm). Growing media containing FYM (M1) and growing media containing vermicompost (M2) were on par in terms of other floral characters viz; length of flower shoot, neck girth and stalk girth of flower. With respect to the influence of growth regulators on floral characters, a greater number of flowers/plant (5.38 and 5.10) as well as largest flowers at fully opened stage (8.33 and 7.99 cm) were observed under BA at 200 and 250 ppm. Stalk length of the flower was found to be maximum under GA at 200 ppm (47.92 cm). Highest length of flower shoot was observed in GA at 200 ppm and BA at 200 ppm which were on par with each other (38.79 and 36.94 cm respectively). Growing media and growth regulator interaction had significant influence on floral parameters viz; stalk length and number of petals per flower. Media containing FYM (M1) with GA 200 as well as 250 ppm were found to have maximum stalk length (52.48 and 50.09 cm respectively). Highest number of petals were observed under media containing FYM (M1) along with BA 200 and 250 ppm, media containing FYM (M1) along with GA 200 and 250 ppm, media containing vermicompost (M2) along with BA 200 ppm and GA 200 ppm as well as media containing poultry manure (M3) along with BA 200 ppm. Early initiation of flower bud was observed under media containing FYM (M1) along with BA 250 ppm (119.22 days). Regarding post harvest characters, media containing FYM (M1) was superior in terms of fresh weight of flower (16.36 g), total water uptake (49.48 ml) and vase life (8.46 days). Among growth regulators BA 200 ppm had longest vase life which was on par with GA at 200 ppm. Maximum fresh weight was observed under BA 200 ppm (15.17g). With regard to interaction effect, treatment combination of FYM + BA at 200 was found to have maximum vase life and fresh weight of flower (9.38 days and 18.71g respectively). Considering overall performance, growing media combination of soil + M-sand + cocopeat + FYM (2:1:1:1) along with monthly application of BA at 200 ppm can be recommended for commercial cultivation of rose under protected condition in Kerala.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Spacing and nutrient management for Gomphrena globosa L.
    (Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2020) Reshma, Shaji; KAU; Sobhana, A
    Gomphrena globosa L. is a charming ornamental annual plant, commonly known as globe amaranth or bachelor’s button. Gomphrena is native to tropical and sub-tropical countries including India. It belongs to the family Amaranthaceae. Colourful and globular flower heads add colour and beauty to the garden and the flowers are suitable for cut and dried floral arrangements. Gomphrena is also an excellent choice for beds, borders and rock gardens. Among the various factors responsible for high crop yield, optimum spacing coupled with supply of appropriate quantity of nutrients at appropriate time plays a vital role in enhancing the productivity and the quality of the crop. For the commercialization of this crop, there is need to standardize optimum plant spacing and fertilizer levels. In this context, the study “Spacing and nutrient management for Gomphrena globosa L.” was carried out in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2019- 2020. Objective of the study was to standardize the spacing and fertilizer requirement of Gomphrena globosa for cultivation in Kerala. The experiment was carried out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments comprising two levels of spacing i.e., 30x30 cm and 45x45 cm and three levels of fertilizers viz; NPK @ 50:25:50 kg/ha, 75:50:75 kg/ha and 100:50:100 kg/ha. Observations on growth characters, yield, post-harvest parameters, nutrient status of the soil, plant nutrient content and uptake were recorded. Among the growth characters, plant height was found significantly higher in the treatment with closer spacing of 30x30cm compared to 45x45cm spacing. Other growth characters including plant spread, number of branches per plant and dry matter production per plant showed significant improvement when grown under wider spacing (34.92 cm, 14.83, 52.53 g/plant respectively). However, dry matter production per unit area (4 t/ha) was found the highest under closer spacing. Different fertilizer doses were found to be on par with one another with respect to plant height and were superior over control. Similar trend was found in plant spread, number of branches per plant and dry matter production. There was no significant interaction effect of spacing and nutrients on growth parameters. Early bud initiation (46.81 days) and minimum number of days to 50% flowering (50.58 days) was observed under closer spacing of 30x30cm. Wider spacing of 45x45 cm produced greater number of flowers per plant (42.64), flower yield (40.90 g/plant) and seed yield per flower (0.29 g). The flower yield per hectare was found to be highest in closer spacing (2.50 t/ha). The different nutrient doses had significant effect on flower yield (g/plant). Application of N:P2O5:K2O @ 50:25:50 kg/ha produced greater flower yield (40.41 g/plant) which was on par with N:P2O5:K2O @ 75:50:75 kg/ha (35.11 g/plant) and superior over control treatments without fertilizers. The earliest bud initiation was observed in plants applied with N:P2O5:K2O @ 50:25:50 kg/ha along with closer spacing of 30x30 cm (42.78 days). Other floral characters and post-harvest parameters were not significantly influenced by spacing and fertilizer treatments. Nutrient content in the plants was found the highest in wider spacing (45x45 cm) and the content in the plant increased as the dose of nutrient applied increased. However, the nutrient uptake by the plants (kg/ha) was found to be the highest in plants grown under closer spacing (30x30 cm) and the uptake of the nutrients also increased with increase in fertilizer dose. Results showed that higher dose of fertilizers (N:P2O5:K2O @ 100:50:100 kg/ha) and wider spacing (45x45 cm) promoted vegetative growth of plants. Plants spaced at 30x30 cm and fertilized with N:P2O5:K2O @ 50:25:50 kg/ha produced more flowers and higher flower yield and can be recommended for improving the growth and flowering of gomphrena plants.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Standardization of alternate media for potted ornamental foliage plants for export purpose
    (Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2020) Rashida, C K; KAU; Mini, Sankar
    The investigation entitled “standardization of alternate media for potted ornamental foliage plants for export purpose” was carried out in Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara from June, 2019 to June, 2020. The objectives of the study were to standardize alternate media for potted ornamental foliage plants for export purpose and to work out the economics. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized block design with ten treatments and four replications. Treatments included ten different growing media containing soil, sand, FYM, cocopeat, vermicompost, rice husk, biochar, perlite and vermiculite in various proportions viz., T1 : soil, vermicompost and sand in 3:2:1, T2 : soil (75%) + vermicompost (15%) + sand (10%), T3: soil (50%) + cocopeat (25%) + vermicompost (15%) + sand (10%), T4 : soil (25%) + cocopeat (50%) + vermicompost (15%) + sand (10%), T5 : cocopeat (70%) + rice husk (10%) + vermicompost (10%) + sand (10% ), T6 : cocopeat (50%) + rice husk (25%) + vermicompost (15%) + sand (10%), T7 : cocopeat (50%) + biochar (25%) + vermicompost (15%) + sand (10%), T8 : cocopeat (25%) + biochar (25%) + vermicompost (25%) + sand (15%) + perlite (10%), T9 : soil: FYM : sand (1:1:1) (Control) and T10 : cocopeat (50%) + vermicompost (20%) + perlite (15%) + vermiculite (15%). Popular herbaceous foliage plant Aglaonema commutatum var. ‘silver frost’ was used for the study. Significant improvement in growth parameters viz., plant height and plant spread was observed in all soil based media (T1, T2, T3 and T9) as well as in two cocopeat based media (T4 and T5) during the study period. However, the treatment T10 [cocopeat (50%) + vermicompost (20%) + perlite (15%) + vermiculite (15%)] was found to satisfy the height (48.89 cm) and plant spread (50.78cm) as per the recommended grades and standards for potted aglaonema (FMA and FNGA, 1994). Even though significant improvement with respect to number of leaves was observed in various treatments during the period of experiment, T10 was found to have consistent performance confirming to the standards of potted plants. The treatments T4, T5 and T6 which were cocopeat based treatments showed more leaf width throughout the period of observation (7.89-7.29 cm). Composition of growing media significantly influenced the leaf area. T1, T7, T10 and T4 were found to have maximum leaf area (8091.26 - 8982.67 cm2) at the end of experiment. As the foliage enhances the beauty of potted plants, production of leaves at frequent intervals is a desirable character. In the present study, minimum interval for the production of successive leaves was observed in treatments T4, T10, T9, T5 and T3, whereas T8 was found to have more time interval between the production of leaves. Early emergence of first sucker (94.79 days) was observed in T8 [cocopeat (25%) + biochar (25%)+ vermicompost (25%)+ sand (15%) + perlite (10%)], whereas T2 [soil (75%)+ vermicompost (15%) + sand (10%)] took more time for emergence of first sucker (155.33 days). Number of suckers decides the fullness of the pot at the base and the medium composed of cocopeat (50%), vermicompost (20%), perlite (15%) and vermiculite (15%) (T10) was superior with regard to this parameter (6.10). The lowest shoot length will provide a compact appearance to the potted plants. The treatments T8 [cocopeat (25%), biochar (25%), vermicompost (25%), sand (15%) and perlite (10%)], T10 [cocopeat (50%)+ vermicompost (20%)+ perlite (15%)+ vermiculite (15%)], T7 [cocopeat (50%)+ biochar (25%)+ vermicompost (15%)+ sand (10%)] and T6 [cocopeat (50%)+ rice husk (25%)+ vermicompost (15%)+ sand (10%)] showed lowest shoot length. Fresh weight of leaves is an indication of quality of foliage and this parameter was found to be highest in media T1, T9, T4, T8 and T10. T5 was superior with regard to dry weight of leaves. With regard to root parameters, T4 and T5 were superior in terms of fresh weight of roots. Number of lateral roots was observed to be highest in T9, T1, T5, T4 and T2. Even though improvement in growth characters and root parameters was observed due to various treatments, potted ornamental foliage plants should satisfy certain quality criteria for export purpose. As per the recommended grades and standards for potted aglaonema for export, it should possess height and spread within the range of 40.64 cm to 50.80 cm and there should be 6-12 suckers per pot. The medium should be light in weight and it should have more water holding capacity so as to avoid irrigation at frequent intervals. In the present study, the medium composed of cocopeat (50%), vermicompost (20%), 6perlite (15%), vermiculite (15%) (T10) was found to possess all these characteristics and also it was superior with respect to number of leaves as well as number of suckers, which are the desirable characters for potted foliage plants for interiorscaping. In addition to this, the medium was found to have high porosity, low bulk density and high water holding capacity which helps to reduce irrigation requirement of potted plants. Hence this medium can be recommended as a medium for export purpose of potted ornamental foliage plants.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Response of Ascocenda orchid to growth regulator and micronutrients
    (Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Jesabel George; KAU; Shobhana, A
    A study entitled ‘Response of Ascocenda orchid to growth regulator and micronutrients’ was carried out at Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture Vellanikkara, from May 2018 to May 2019. Ascocenda is a monopodial, epiphytic, bigeneric hybrid, which is mainly grown as pot plant in hanging baskets using bricks, charcoal, coconut husk pieces etc. as growing media. The objective of the study was to evaluate the influence of foliar application of different micronutrient treatments on growth and yield of Ascocenda orchid. The experiment was conducted with eleven treatments viz., 0.01% zinc + 150 ppm benzyl adenine + PoP (T1), 0.025% zinc + 150 ppm benzyl adenine + PoP (T2), 0.01% manganese + 150 ppm benzyl adenine + PoP (T3), 0.025% manganese + 150 ppm benzyl adenine + PoP (T4), 0.01% boron + 150 ppm benzyl adenine + PoP (T5), 0.025% boron + 150 ppm benzyl adenine + PoP (T6), 0.01% iron + 150 ppm benzyl adenine + PoP (T7), 0.025% iron + 150 ppm benzyl adenine + PoP (T8), 0.01% molybdenum + 150 ppm benzyl adenine + PoP (T9), 0.025% molybdenum + 150 ppm benzyl adenine + PoP (T10), 150 ppm benzyl adenine + PoP (T11 – control). Three month old tissue cultured plants of Ascocenda var. Big Suksamran were used for the study. The micronutrients were applied at fortnightly intervals and benzyl adenine was applied at monthly intervals. Application of NPK (3:1:1) weekly twice @ 0.2% and cow dung slurry (1:5) at monthly intervals was given to all treatments as per PoP recommendation of KAU. Observations were taken at monthly intervals. The results indicated that foliar application of 0.025% manganese along with 150 ppm BA and recommended dose of NPK (T4) was best for improving plant height. The maximum plant height obtained at 12MAP was 8.86 cm. This was followed by T5 (8.81 cm) and T3 (8.63 cm) which were statistically on par with T4. The maximum shoot diameter was observed in T5 (10.20 mm) at 12 MAP which was on par with T4 and T3 (9.96 mm and 9.84 mm respectively). The treatment T3 was superior in terms of leaf characters like leaf length and leaf area up to 7 MAP and thereafter these parameters were highest in treatment T5. However, there was no significant difference between T5 and T3 in terms of leaf length at 12 MAP (16.70 cm and 16.48 cm respectively). The highest leaf area at 12 MAP was observed in T5 (23.17 cm2) followed by T3 (22.73 cm2). Number of leaves and leaf breadth were found highest with the application of 0.01% boron along with 150 ppm BA and recommended dose of NPK. A maximum of 13.69 leaves were observed in T5 at 12MAP. The maximum leaf breadth observed in T5 after 12 months of planting was 1.52 cm, which was closely followed by T3 and T4 (1.51 cm each), and no significant difference between these three treatments could be noticed. Regarding interval of leaf production, only 4 treatments (T3, T4, T5, and T11) could produce the highest number of eight leaves, within a period of 386 days. Among these, T4 took the shortest period of 337.45 days to produce the 8th leaf. T10 produced only five leaves within a period of 386 days. Among the root parameters, highest root length was observed in T3 (0.01% manganese + POP + 150 ppm BA) at 12 MAP (26.59 cm) whereas the treatment T4 (0.025% Mn + PoP + 150 ppm BA) was superior in terms of number of roots and root diameter. The best treatment with respect to number of roots varied during initial months, even though, from 6 MAP onwards, highest number of roots was observed in T4 with a value of 10.28 at 12 MAP. In the case of root diameter, a highest of 2.91 mm was recorded in T4 at 12 MAP, which was on par with T8 (2.86 mm), T3 (2.84 mm) and T5 (2.82 mm). Among the eleven treatments, T3 (Mn 0.01% + PoP + 150ppm BA), T4 (Mn 0.025% + PoP + 150ppm BA), and T5 (B 0.01% + PoP + 150ppm BA)were found to be best for improving the vegetative characters of Ascocenda orchid, while application of Mo @ 0.025% (T10) at fortnightly intervals was inhibitory to the plants in terms of all the vegetative characters studied. The objective of studying the floral and postharvest characters could not be achieved since the plant did not bloom within the period of study.
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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
    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.
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    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.