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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 Development of anatomical key for the identification of selected timbers of Kerala(Department of Forest Products and Utiliztion, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2020) Nimmi, Sathish; KAU; Anoop, E VDeforestation poses a massive threat to global biodiversity with illegal logging and the associated trade in illegally sourced wood products. This is a significant contributor to the continuation of unsustainable deforestation rates. Reputed timber traders are also struggling to police their own supply chains and comply with the growing requirement for due diligence with respect to timber ongin and legality. A range of scientific methods have been developed independently with the potential to provide the required identification information. Wood anatomy is considered as a hi^y specialised science discipline which is used in combination with various technologies in forensic timber identification. Wood anatomical features are generally considered not prone to changes under normal circumstances and therefore it forms the basis of wood identification. Analysis can be undertaken at both the macroscopic and microscopic scale, but microscopic examination is usually required to achieve a diagnostic identification. Different features of interest in this scenario include cell size, arrangements of different elements, cell proportion and most importantly, specific gravity. There are thousands of species of trees fi:om which timber can be obtained, each with different rates of growth, structural properties and degrees of durability. Some timbers are highly decorative, some are very strong, some have good resistance to rot - in fact almost every species of wood has features that can be good in some uses, but not so good in others. Therefore, knowing what type of wood you have in fi-ont of you can be extremely important, either because you may have paid a lot of money for something you didn't actually get, or maybe because the wood you've got is unsuitable for the job you have in mind for it. Timber identification is a skill that must be gained with practice and with a bit of extra help from a skilled wood scientist. The lAWA (International Association of Wood Anatomists) List of Microscopic Features for Hardwood Identification is an important standardized list of characters and terminology that can be used in descriptive wood anatomical studies and identification obtained through comparison to reference materials.. The commonly used keys for wood identification are the dichotomous key, perforated card key and the computer aided identification key. Dichotomous keys are the most simple and easy to use keys. These types of keys have been used for over centuries in biological identification. The multiple entry perforated card type of key was introduced by the Forest Products Research Laboratory in 1936, when a key for the identification of hardwoods based on microscopic features was conducted. Hence, the preparation of anatomical key is very important in the field of wood industries for the identification of the suitable material or the tree. Anatomical keys of different timbers assists in a large way do away with the confusion in the identification of timbers. The anatomical keys can also support the molecular studies like DNA bar coding, molecular markers etc. Wood anatomical analysis is the most frequently used method for taxonomic identification, both on the front-line for screening purposes, and in the laboratory for diagnostic identification. In this study, 20 species of trees were considered in the preparation of anatomical keys for identification. The species of trees used for the study are Acacia auriculiformis, A. Cunn. Ex Benth. , Acacia mangium Willd.. , Albizia lebbeck (L) Benth. , Albizzia odoratissima (L.f) Benth. , Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamk. Artocarpus hirsutus Lamk. , Dalbergia latifolia Roxb. , Dalbergia nigra Fr All Hevea braziliensis (H. B. K.) M.A., Hopea parviflora. Bedd., Intsia bijuga (Colebr.) , Ocotea rodiaei (Schomb) Mez. , Peltogyne paniculata Benth. , Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb., Pterocarpus dalbergioides Roxb. ex DC., Santalum album Linn Swietenia macrophylla king. , Tectona grandis Linn. , Xylia dolabriformis Benth Xylia xylocarpa (Roxb.) Taub.ThesisItem Open Access Integration of DNA barcoding and wood anatomy for the identification of selected timbers(Department of Forest Products and Utilization, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2020) Azhar Ali, A; KAU; Anoop, E VIn the field of wood marketing, the accurate identification of species has greater importance. Traditional methods of wood identification are based on physical characters and anatomical features of the wood species concerned. But they have some major limitations which could be overcome by the integration of DNA barcoding with traditional wood taxonomy methods. This study was conducted to confirm the authenticity of certain wood samples based on their physical and anatomical characters and to create a DNA Barcode database of seven selected timber species that are regularly traded in Kerala. The wood samples of seven tree species viz., Indian Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn), Mangium (Acacia mangium Willd), Indian sandalwood (Santalum album Linn), Western red cedar (Thuja plicata Donn), Red sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus L.F), Mulluvenga (Bridelia retusa Spreng) and Malabar neem (Melia dubia Cav) were collected from sawmills and timber traders across Kerala and their anatomical and physical properties were studied in detail. The identity of samples was confirmed using computer-aided wood identification software in addition to the use of dichotomous keys. The wood samples were then used for DNA isolation, amplification and sequencing. The detailed study on general features such as colour and odour, physical properties like moisture content and specific gravity and micro-anatomical properties such as the number and distribution of vessels and rays was appropriate to confirm the identity of species as the properties were highly comparable with the existing databases. In further procedures, the DNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen) with some in house modifications could yield the maximum quantity of DNA for the studied wood species in the current study. Also the samples which are soaked in water yielded maximum amount of DNA even if it was treated with wood chemicals during transits for longevity. PCR amplifications were carried out using COBOL Plant Working Group (2009) recommended universal primers for rbcL, matK, and trnH-psbA, from which the matK region showed reasonable amplification.ThesisItem Open Access Standardization of tree injection procedures of azadirachtin in coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), mango (Mangifera indica L.) and neem (Azadirachta indica A Juss.)(Department of Forest Products and Utilization, College of Forestry,Vellanikkara, 2019) Sarmishtra, V; KAU; Anoop, E VTree injection is a new technology that is employed to apply fungicides, nutrients and pesticides in large trees in order to avoid drifting of these chemicals and affecting non target organisms. It eliminates the wastage of chemicals to be applied in trees as the quantity used is little compared to other conventional methods of application. This study aimed at standardizing the tree injection procedures in Indian conditions. Stem wood of three species like coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), mango (Mangifera indica L.) and neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) were used in the study along with their leaves after the application of azadirachtin through injection. The depth to which the tree injection can be applied was determined by studying the thickness of the conducting tissues in these species using the software Digimizer. Three size classes like 50-60cm, 60-70cm, 70-80cm were studied. Thickness of high density wood in coconut palm and sapwood in mango and neem does not vary with the change in size class. Average high density wood thickness in coconut palm was 3.5cm and was not more than 4.89cm. Thus a depth of 6 cm was fixed so as to ensure the delivery of chemicals into the most active part of the stem. In case of mango tree, the average sapwood thickness was 6.18cm and was never smaller than 3.27cm. Similarly, average sapwood thickness in neem was 4.38cm and was never smaller than 3.02cm. Thus 3 cm was the depth fixed to inject chemicals in mango and neem. Systemic insecticide, Azajet (50,000ppm) was used to inject the trees. Each tree was marked at a basal height of 20 cm from ground. Holes were made at an angle of 45º to make sure that there was no oozing out of chemicals. The EcoJect pump consisting of a canister, nozzle and a cylinder with compressed air between 100 and 150 PSI was used to inject the chemicals. Two canisters of 20 ml each (40ml/tree) were used to deliver the chemical into the tree trunk. Physiological parameters like photosynthesis, transpiration, leaf temperature and leaf moisture were analyzed using Infrared Gas Analyzer (LI-6400, Portable Synthesis System). Stomatal rate was studied by the replica method. A correlation analysis was conducted between the anatomical and physiological properties of the three tree species. The traces of azadirachtin in the leaves were determined by collecting the leaf samples during specific time intervals like 1hr, 2hr, 6hr, 2 days, 7 days, 14 days, 20 days, 28 days, 40 days and 55 days of tree injection by using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). There were no correlations between the anatomical and physiological parameters. Azadirachtin traces were found only in coconut palm on the second day of injection with a peak area of 0.14µg/g. Other trees showed no sign of azadirachtin in their leaves. The traces of the bio pesticide did not last for a week as there was no further detection of azadirachtin in the samples collected after 7 days of injection.ThesisItem Open Access Functional diversity of an evergreen forest ecosystem of Vazhachal forest division, Kerala(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2016) Deepakkumar, R; KAU; Gopakumar, SThe present study was carried out at Sholayar forest range of Vazhachal forest division of Thrissur district, Kerala state. The main objective of the study was to enumerate the species and functional diversity of selected aboveground and belowground biological components of this forest ecosystem. The study also aimed to understand the links between diversity, soil aspects, and functioning of the tropical west coast wet evergreen forest ecosystem. Five 0.1 ha (31.62 m x 31.62 m) sample plots were randomly laid in the selected grids in the Vazhachal forests as per the guidelines of National Working Plan Code 2014. A total of 175 plant species (<10 cm GBH) were recorded from the 0.5 ha (0.1 x 5 nos.) area in which 57 recruits, 29 shrubs, 28 herbs, 19 climbers, 14 pteridophytes, 13 polypores, 7 epiphytes, 4 orchids and 4 bryophytes. Palaquium ellipticum, Cullenia exarillata and Mesua ferrea are well represented young recruits. In addition, Dendrocnide sinuata, Psychotria nudiflora and Strobilanthus species were observed as dominant in the shrubby layer. Curcuma neilgherrensis, Pellionia heyneana and Oplismenus compositus are some of the herbs found in the herbaceous layer. Coscinium fenestratum, Leea indica, and Calamus species are the some of the important climbers found in the sampled sites. A total of 84 tree species were recorded from the 0.5 ha area with 1093 individuals per hectare and basal area of 85.43m2. Aglaia barberi, Cullenia exarillata, Mesua ferrea and Palaquium ellipticum were the dominated in the top canopy. Dipterocarpus indicus, Hydnocarpus pentandra and Myristica beddomei were observed in the middle storey. Garcinia wightii, Spondias pinnata and Strychnos nux-vomica were occupied in the lower canopy. Euphorbiaceae, Clusiaceae and Meliaceae were the dominant tree families. The diameter frequency as well as height frequency distribution of the sampled sites showed the reverse J shaped curve which reflects the healthy population structure. Margalef richness index (28.31), Shannon-Wieners index (4.08), Simpson index (0.9808) and Pielou`s index (0.6587). Rényi’s diversity profile and Principal Component analysis shows that there is smaller variation across sampled sites. The dominating plant functional traits are evergreen plant type (70.2%), simple leaf type (72.6%), glabrous textured leaf type (78.57%), smooth textured bark type (47.2%), medium thick bark type (53.5%), capsule fruit type (32.1%) and zoochory type (55.95%) of fruit dispersal which are typical of a tropical evergreen forest ecosystem. A total of 870 individuals of soil invertebrates under 28 different order were obtained from the 0.5 ha area. Isoptera, Hymenoptera and Coleoptera emerged as the dominant orders. Shannon- Wiener Index (2.40), Simpson Index of diversity (0.14) and Pielou's evenness Index (0.51) are soil invertebrates’ diversity. The population of Bacteria (44.4 x 106 cfu g-1), Fungi (26.3 x 103 cfu g-1), Fluorescent pseudomonads (18.3 x104 cfu g-1), Nitrogen fixers (14.4 x 104 cfu g-1), Actinomycetes (16.4 x 104 cfu g-1) and Phosphate solubilizers (20 x 103 cfu g-1). Soil temperature (19.82˚C), Bulk density (1.28g cm-3), Moisture content (29.06%), Sandy loam soil (Sand- 78.15%, Silt- 16.04% and Clay- 5.82%), Organic carbon (4.19%), Soil acidity (5.25) and Soil electrical conductivity (0.07mSm-1) are recorded during the study.ThesisItem Open Access Screening of jack trees (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) for quality timber production(Department of Forest Products and Utilization, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2019) Jobin Kuriakose; KAU; Anoop, E VArtocarpus heterophyllus Lam, belonging to the family Moraceae and popularly known as jackfruit tree, is one of the important timber species commonly found in the homegardens of Kerala. The main objective of the present study was to identify plus trees of Artocarpus heterophyllus from Thrissur and Palakkad districts and to evaluate their seedling growth performance for quality timber production. Forty plus trees, twenty each of varikka and koozha variety were selected from both districts. Seedling biometric observations like stem height, collar diameter, leaf area, fresh weights and dry weights of stem, leaves and root showed significant differences throughout the study period, i e from 30 DAP (Days After Planting) to 150 DAP. At 150 DAP, seedling height ranged from 123.10 cm (FCV AH 22) to 68.35 cm (FCV AH 1) and collar diameter ranged from 14.39 mm (FCV AH 8) to 7.18 mm (FCV AH 7). At 150 DAP, FCV AH 4, FCV AH 22 and FCV AH 15 had the highest value for both fresh weight (33.88 g, 25.22 g and 25.25 g) and dry weight (16.41 g, 8.26 g and 8.54 g) of stem, leaf and root respectively. Other parameters like taproot length, number of leaves, Leaf Area Ratio, Specific Leaf Area, Absolute Growth Rate, Relative Growth Rate and Net Assimilation Rate were also found to be significant but not throughout the study period. The highest taproot length was noticed in FCV AH 2 (48.85 cm) and the least taproot length was in FCV AH 14 (30.45 cm) at 150 DAP. To establish a field trial plot, seedlings were out planted one year after nursery growth near the International Hostel at KAU, Vellanikkara. Field performance of the progenies were evaluated at 30 DAP. Seedling height and collar diameter were found to be significantly different among various seed sources. The average seedling height was 117.30 cm with values ranging from 143.94 cm to 96.35 cm and FCV AH 22 being the tallest. The mean collar diameter was 12.27 mm with FCV AH 29 having the highest (14.67 mm) value. Hierarchical cluster analysis based on the morphological and biometric characters was carried out and 40 plus tree sources were grouped into twenty-one clusters. Based on the biometric observations for 150 DAP and cluster analysis, it was found that Cluster 2 (FCV AH 2), Cluster 18 (FCV AH 8), Cluster 12 (FCV AH 9), Cluster 11 (FCV AH 15), Cluster 10 (FCV AH 21), Cluster 21 (FCV AH 22), and Cluster 15 (FCV AH 23) possess superior quality. Anatomical studies of young (six month old) Artocarpus heterophyllus seedlings from different seed sources and core samples of mature trees from a ‘Jack Gene Sanctuary’ of the Agricultural Research Station (ARS), KAU at Mannuthy revealed significant differences in various parameters. Vessel area, ray height, ray width, fibre length and fibre wall thickness were found to be significantly different in six month old seedlings, whereas samples from mature trees showed significant difference in vessel diameter, vessel area, vessel frequency, ray height and ray width. Mean vessel area increased from 4199.14 µm2 in young seedlings to 62569.05 µm2 in mature trees. Mean vessel diameter also increased from 126.43 µm in young seedlings to 276.58 µm in mature trees. Mean ray height and mean ray width were found to be 466.98 µm and 34.58 µm in young seedlings and 498.38 µm and 52.97 µm in mature trees respectively. Mean fibre length and fibre wall thickness were found to be 801.13 µm and 3.27 µm in young seedlings and 993.10 µm and 4.37 µm in mature trees Questionnaire survey conducted in Thrissur and Palakkad district had 46.34 per cent and 39 per cent positive response respectively towards growing jack tree as a timber species in homegardens. There is an increasing preference for dwarf varieties over tall indigenous varieties among the respondents in both districts. The increasing trend of planting dwarf varieties can have an adverse effect on the easy availability of good quality wood from our homesteads. Therefore, there is a pertinent need to protect the existing high quality tall varieties of jack trees.ThesisItem Open Access Screening of superior genotypes of ailanthus triphysa (Dennst.) Alston. (Matti) for Matchwood quality(Department of Forest Products and Utilization, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2018) Jagaddish Kumar, Das; KAU; Anoop, E VA study entitled “Screening of superior genotypes of Ailanthus triphysa (Dennst.) Alston. (Matti) for matchwood quality” was conducted in the College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the period, 2016-2018. The objectives were to assess the variation in growth and wood traits of Ailanthus triphysa grown in the main campus of Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara under a tree improvement trial. It was also aimed at selecting the superior genotype in this population through an assessment of the genetic worth of their parents. Among the five best performing progenies, FCV AT 11 and FCV AT 20 were found to perform well in terms of height and collar diameter. The progenies of FCV AT 11 also showed highest mean stem volume of 0.006 m3. Overall mode for number of branches was found to be zero, only one progeny (FCV AT 3) had single branching habit. Regarding bole straightness all the progenies scored 3 “almost straight with 1 or 2 small bends” except progeny of FCV AT 8 and 14 CPTs scored two “slightly crooked with 2 small bends or less than 2 serious bends”. At this stage of the trial, majority of the progenies had good branching habit and bole straightness. This aspect should be utilized in breeding programme so that it will be helpful to improve the tree form, which ultimately upgrade the quality and economic value of the timber. Average survival percentage of the progenies were found to be 94.98 %. The average basic density of CPTs was found to be 0.37 g cm-3, which shows that the wood belongs to the light wood category. Wood colour and grain pattern studies revealed that, single colour (pale yellow) and straight grain pattern was found in all the CPTs respectively. Fibre morphology, vessel morphology, and ray morphology exhibited significant variation among the CPTs whereas, the variation in tissue proportion was found to be non-significant. Pest incidence was found to be one of the major hindrances to the growth of the species. Bioassay using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) was found to be effective against both the lepidopteran defoliators, Eligma narcissus (Cram.) and Atteva fabriciella Swederus. In case of E. narcissus, median lethal dose (LD50) was achieved with 10 % concentration of Bt whereas in A. fabriciella, 2.5% Bt concentration was found to be effective. Neem oil showed a clear antifeedant activity against E. narcissus, the feeding rate was reduced to 3.58 % in 2 % neem oil treated leaves as compared to 30.91 % in control. Scoring of pest incidence was found to be non109 significant among the progenies, all the progenies affected moderately by both E. narcissus and A. fabriciella. Ten CPTs namely FCV AT 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 20 were found to be good combiners for both height and collar diameter. The CPTs with positive GCA could be potentially included in a seed production programme and for further breeding. Broad sense heritability (H2) for height was found to be 0.03 and for collar diameter, 0.1. It could therefore be concluded that height and collar diameter were highly influenced byenvironmental factors rather than genetic factors.ThesisItem Open Access Cause - consequence analysis of human-wildlife conflict in Wayanad district, Kerala(Department of Forest Management and Utilization, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2017) Ajaisanker, K; KAU; Gopakumar, SHuman-wildlife conflicts is now a paradox for foresters and policy makers across the globe. In Kerala, interaction between humans and wildlife is affecting many lives and livelihoods. The damage caused by these interactions are drastic, it can vary from crop loss in a small area to human deaths. For the people living near the protected areas crop losses and livestock losses due to raiding by wildlife are a serious social and ecological concern as this can create an anti-wildlife lobby in the long run. So, understanding the social dimensions of such conflicts is also important to frame effective mitigation strategies. The study titled “Cause-consequence analysis of human-wildlife conflict in Wayanad district, Kerala” conducted during 2015-2017 tried to discern the nature, frequency, distribution and intensity of human-wildlife conflicts in Wayanad district and to understand the causative factors involved in the conflicts. The study was also intended to suggest suitable mitigatory measures to enhance human-wildlife coexistence in Wayanad district. A total of 120 households were interviewed from four locations in Wayanad namely Meppadi, Odapallam (SulthanBathery), Bhoothanam (Chedleth) and Thirunelli. Detailed interviews using pre-tested questionnaire was conducted and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools like timeline, problem tree and vulnerability mapping was employed at each location for collecting additional information. Crop raiding was found to be the major type of conflict occurring in the district. Over the past years there occurred a shift in the farming practices with banana becoming a popular crop at the expense of the traditional crops. Most of the respondents lived in the close proximity and practiced agriculture and also occasionally integrated livestock in their farms. More palatable crops in the forest fringes along with domestic animals and plentiful water attracted the wildlife to the farmlands. Plantations of teak, eucalyptus etc, together with the invasive alien weed species has smothered the natural vegetation thereby reduced the natural food resources triggering animal migration. Reduced rainfall, droughts and forest fires that the district now increasingly experience has further reduced the availability of resources for the wildlife. These were found to be the major causes leading to conflicts. People were well aware of the forest laws and the attitude of the farmers to wildlife was positive. They believed in coexistence and conservation to be unavoidable for human existence. Enrichment of the habitat and fencing around the farmlands were favoured as the best mitigation measure. People did support the compensation schemes and insurances, provided they were adequate and immediate. The study outlines the possible role of various stakeholders such as farmers, Non- Governmental Organisations, Research institutions, Local self-governmental institutions and governments in improving the conflict mitigation process.ThesisItem Open Access Diversity and distribution of polypores in the wet evergreen and shola forests of silent valley national park, Kerala(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2015) Adarsh, C K; KAU; Vidyasagaran, KThe study was carried out with the objectives to assess the diversity and distribution of polypores in the wet evergreen and shola forests in Silent Valley National Park during three different seasons during 2014-15. An attempt has also been made to find out the effect of substrate features like diameter, type and decay class on the diversity and abundance of polypores. Three fixed size permanent sample plots of 100 m×100 m with subplots of 10 x 10 m were established in three different locations in each ecosystem and these sample plots were enumerated during three different seasons to collect information on influence of seasonal fluctuation in fruitbody production and details on substrate characteristics. Apart from the plot based sampling, opportunistic sampling method was also adopted to maximize the documentation of polypore fungal diversity and distribution. A total of fifty seven species were recorded from the National Park and among this Inonotus pachyphloeus, Phylloporia pectinata, Trametes menziesii, Trametes ochracea and Trametes pubescens were the first report from Kerala. Three species (Inonotus sp. nov., Microporus sp. nov. and Polypores sp. nov.) were found to be new to science and these species have been described based on the macro and micro-morphology. The wet evergreen forest showed relatively high polypore diversity and richness than that of shola forest with higher Simpson’s index of diversity (0.92) and Margalef richness index (3.15). Similarity between polypore communities in two ecosystems was found to be low during all the seasons. The peak fruitbody production of the polypores was observed during the monsoon. The altitudinal variation analysis of polypores revealed a monotonic decrease pattern in species richness from lower altitude wet evergreen forests to higher altitude shola forests. The density of many of the polypore species was also found decrease drastically along the altitudinal gradient. The degree of dominance and evenness also showed a trend of increase and decrease respectively, along the altitudinal gradient. Polypore-host association revealed that, of the 91 tree species under 32 families, 29 tree species (31.87 %) belonging 16 families were hosts to polypores.Among them, Mesua ferrea harboured maximum polypores belonging 13 species followed by Elaeocarpus tuberculatus with 12 species and Cullenia exarillata with 8 species. Most of the polypore were found to be host generalist and only five species showed possible preference for a particular tree species. Among the substrate types, maximum polypore occurrence was observed on logs followed by branch/twig and snag while, living trees supported only very few polypores. The maximum species richness, density and occurrence has been recorded on substrates under 31- < 40 cm diameter class followed by 21- < 30 cm and 11- < 20 cm. Decay class association of polypores showed that the intermediate decay stages harboured the maximum both in terms of number of species, density and frequency of occurrence. The conceptual framework on primary ecological strategy revealed that polypores exhibits ruderal, combative and stress tolerant behaviours. The present study concluded that the diversity and distribution of polypores are determined by seasonal fluctuations, arborescent floral diversity and substrate features.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of pre-sowing treatments on germination and growth of seedlings of calamus spp.(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2010) Jisha, E D; KAU; Vidyasagaran, KThe present study entitled “Effect of pre-sowing treatments on germination and growth of seedlings of Calamus spp.” was carried out on four Calamus species namely, Calamus thwaitesii, C. metzianus, C. hookerianus, and C. travancoricus in the tree nursery of College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, during 2007 – 2009. In the first phase, seeds of four Calamus spp. were subjected to 10 different pre-treatment methods. Most of the treatments gave better performance than the control in all the Calamus spp. under study. Treatment with GA3 and cold water gave a relatively higher germination percentage in all the species except C. travancoricus. Hot water treatment and scarification with sand and ash were found promising in all the species. Seeds sown without any treatment returned poor germination in all the species. In the second phase, the growth and biomass production of the four species were studied for the first six months in the nursery. The first leaf emerged from the prophyl within one week after germination in all the species. In the initial rosette stage of seedling growth, it was found that the total length of first leaf equalled the height of seedlings. The collar diameter of the seedlings was found to show significant increase with every fortnight’s period, in all the Calamus spp. under study. Shoot-root length ratio showed decreasing trend because, the shoot length is constant in the initial months, but root length was increasing. In case of biomass production, all the Calamus spp. showed an increasing trend in the biomass production in terms of fresh and dry weight. During the study period of six months, the contribution of shoot weight to the total biomass of seedling was more than that of root weight, in all the species. C. thwaitesii was superior in growth attributes and biomass among the four species studied.
