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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 experimental kiln-drying schedules for different types of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) palm wood flooring(Department of Forest Products and Utiliztion, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2021) Shibu, C; KAU; Anoop, E VIn India, there is a significant gap existing between supply and demand for wood and wood products. Several factors influence wood consumption. For example, the construction sector is witnessing a shift to eco-friendly furnishings. Indeed, the eco-friendly amenity of wooden flooring in hotels and houses has contributed to an upswing in commercial wood consumption. In the current scenario, effective utilisation of existing lesser-known species such as Cocos nucifera L. (Coconut palm tree) is gaining prominence. The lesser known wood species will help to meet the domestic demand and may help to bridge the gap between supply and demand of timber. Seasoning of wood is a crucial step for producing defect-free timber for the ease of doing timber work and potential use of available timber. The purpose of this research is to develop experimental kiln-drying schedules for Cocos nucifera L. (Coconut palm tree) for various flooring methods (Tongue & Groove flooring (T&G flooring), Parquetry flooring, and Engineered overlay flooring). The substructure, base kiln-drying schedules were developed based on the Terazawa method (1965), and optimised using Rasialy (1993) classification. The critical conditions of equalizing treatment and conditioning treatment were established in relation to the product's desirable moisture content, which is 12% for general wood flooring products in climatic zone IV (Kerala). High-density wood samples with thicknesses of 25 mm and 50 mm (20 cm x 10 cm in length and width) were used to investigate drying defects under drastic conditions, and schedules for both thicknesses were developed. Similarly, schedules were developed using medium-density wood samples of 25 mm and 50 mm. The moisture content of the experimental samples (2 cm x 2 cm in length and width) was determined using the oven-dry method, and the basic density was determined based on the water displacement method. 83 The experimental kiln drying schedule recommended for 50 mm thick high-density coconut palm wood Tongue and Groove flooring and Parquetry flooring was MT4-B1 (schedule code). Initial Dry Bulb Temperature 39°C (Relative humidity 89%), Initial Wet Bulb Depression 2°C, and Final Dry bulb Temperature 57°C were the critical conditions for MT4-B1. The highdensity coconut palm wood (25 mm thick) is also suitable for Tongue & Groove flooring and Parquetry flooring and the schedule was MT6-B1 with Initial Dry Bulb Temperature 45°C (Relative humidity 90%), Initial Wet Bulb Depression 2°C, and Final Dry Bulb Temperature 62°C. The recommended experimental kiln drying schedule for medium-density coconut palm wood of 50 mm thickness was MT6-D2 as follows: Initial Dry bulb Temperature 42°C (Relative humidity 87%), Initial Wet Bulb Depression 2°C, and Final Dry bulb Temperature 57°C. The schedule for 25 mm thickness medium-density coconut palm wood was MT6-E1, which includes an Initial Dry bulb Temperature of 42°C (Relative humidity 87%), Initial Wet Bulb Depression of 2°C and a Final Dry bulb Temperature of 45°C. The medium-density coconut palm wood only can be used for overlay flooring because of its low strength. All the schedules are made, considering the desired moisture content (12%) for general flooring purposes under the prevailing conditions of Kerala (Relative humidity > 67%) as prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).ThesisItem Open Access A technical evaluation of veneer cutting and boring of coconut (Cocos)(Department of Forest Products and Utilization, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2022) Arjun, M S; KAU; Anoop, E VIncreased usage of wood products and a decline in supply of wood creates a major gap in the demand and supply chain. Severe restrictions in the felling of trees from natural forests create pressure on the plantations. But the limited supply from plantations alone will not be sufficient for meeting the current demand. Here, the role of trees outside forest especially from the home gardens is significant. Coconut, widely cultivated in home gardens of Kerala is considered as “Kalpavriksha” since, the entire part of the coconut palm is used. However, the coconut palm stem is underutilized and even considered as waste and farmers have to pay high prices to remove the old, diseased and senile palms from their field. Coconut palm stem has huge potential to substitute the hardwoods and softwood, their use is limited to fewer applications like conventional furniture mainly. Conversion of the coconut palm wood is very difficult due to the hard fibrovascular bundle distribution and low recovery rate leads to avoiding this cheap wood material despite its tremendous potential to replace more conventional species. The wood industry, especially the small and medium enterprises are reluctant to saw the coconut palm stem due to the damage caused to their machineries due to the hard fibro vascular bundles. Veneers are thin sheets produced by sawing, slicing or the rotary peeling process. Veneer production is another method for better utilization of logs for enhancing the recovery percentage. Peeling of coconut palm is also not practically feasible using the conventional spindle peeler because of its soft core which does not have enough strength to hold the chunk of the conventional peeler machines. Spindle less peeler is the only option for peeling coconut logs in an efficient way. Veneers produced by peeling of coconut logs using spindle less peeler can be used for the production of veneer-based products like plywood, laminated wood etc. Veneer-based products has lots of advantages as compared to solid wood. They have better strength, dimensional stability, durability and low shrinkage as compared to solid wood and also have lower costs. 99 Our study shows that pre-treatment of coconut log using steam or boiling makes the fibers soft and reduces the cutting force and also enhances the quality of veneers produced. We also found that peeling temperature is an important factor for peeling of coconut logs to reduce the cutting force and enhance the veneer quality. Above 50-600C is considered necessary for peeling the coconut logs of high density and temperature will vary according to the density of coconut logs. Appropriate lathe setting is necessary for peeling operations and will be different from species to species. Peeling and sawing at 2.5 mm thickness is considered ideal for veneer production coconut stem wood. Peeling at 4 mm nose bar gap reduce the thickness variations within the sheets. The setting of saw blade is important for the sawing and for the coconut log it is about 20 degree for left and right and zero degree for straight which is considered ideal for reducing the saw marking and also to remove the saw dust from the log without jamming the blade inside. The green veneer recovery of coconut log on peeling was higher for the middle part (66 %) of the coconut palm stem and lower for the upper portion (49 %) and the lower part of coconut palm stem has about 49 % of recovery. The average green veneer recovery of the peeling and sawing as about 51 % and 35 % respectively. It is lower as compared to other timber species. But peeling of coconut log showed enhanced recovery as compared to sawing due to the low residue left after the process. The veneer defects classification is important for the determination of the end uses of the veneer sheets. The coconut veneer sheets show significant defects like roughness, collapse and handling splits. All of these defects can be reduced by appropriate lathe settings and pretreatment of the coconut logs prior to peeling. Veneer can be used for manufacture different veneer-based products and composites. Coconut plywood with 3-ply and 5-ply and coconut rubber wood plywood with 3-ply and 5-ply were manufactured using resorcinol formaldehyde adhesive. In this study we developed 8 types of plywood from coconut and coconut composites. The static bending test of coconut plywood with (IS 1734: 1983) shows the maximum MOR of 114.81 N/mm² for the 5-ply coconut rubber plywood of 100 density more than 700 kg/m³ in the perpendicular direction of the face veneer. The MOE of 8834.6 N/mm² is the highest MOE for the 5-ply coconut plywood of density more than 700 kg/m³ with parallel direction of the face veneer. On the other hand, the 3-ply coconut plywood with density 400-700 kg/m³ had lowest MOR and MOE of 12.93 N/mm² and 2964.95 N/mm². 5-ply plywood using both coconut and coconut rubber plywood showed good results and can be used for construction purposes like load bearing. All the plywood samples made of 5-plies meet the minimum requirement as per the Indian standard and also showed significant results compared to other plywood species. The boring of coconut log for the construction of hollow cylindrical prototype was not successful due to the failure in the holding of the log with larger dimension on the single chunk of the lathe. The coconut log was able to bore only up to 1meter length with 4 inches of bored diameter. The coconut log can be bored to longer dimension by appropriate modifications on the lathe by providing support for the log for holding during the rotation of the logs.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 Wood property variation in jack trees (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) grown in Thrissur district, Kerala(Department of Forest Products and Utilization, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2020) Pavin Praize, Sunny; KAU; Anoop, E VThe present research entitled “Wood property variation in jack trees (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) grown in Thrissur district, Kerala" was carried out in the Department of Forest Products and Utilization, College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, during 2017-2020. The species 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 objective of this study was to assess the variation in physical, chemical, anatomical and mechanical properties of Jack wood (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) between different altitudinal zones (Lowland, Midland and Highland) and girth classes within these altitudinal zones of Thrissur district, Kerala. Samples of Jack wood were collected from the three altitudinal zones (Lowland, Midland and Highland) of Thrissur district belonging to three girth classes viz., 30 cm - 60 cm, 60 cm - 90 cm. and 90 cm -120 cm, following stratified random sampling techniques. In the case of physical properties such as color, moisture content, green specific gravity, oven dry specific gravity, volumetric shrinkage, tangential shrinkage and radial shrinkage, analysis showed variation between the zones for the all the three types of shrinkages. Chemical analysis of the wood for water soluble and chemically soluble extractives showed significant variation in the case of alcohol benzene soluble extractives and for NaOH soluble extractives. Rest of the parameters such as cold-water soluble extractives, hot water-soluble extractives, holocellulose content, klason lignin content, cellulose content, hemicellulose content and ash content showed no significant variation. Jack wood is diffuse porous with aliform parenchyma surrounding solitary vessels, sometimes forming bands and broad to finely arranged rays. The anatomical parameters when analyzed, showed significant variation for ray morphological characteristics whereas vessel morphology, fibre morphology and ecoanatomical properties showed no significant variation. The mechanical parameters studied which includes static bending, tension, compression and its sub parameters showed no significant variation except for Modulus of Elasticity compression perpendicular to grain. Simple correlation coefficients obtained between physical and chemical parameters, four were found to be positive and significant at 1% level of significance, two were found to be positive and significant at 5% level of significance whereas, one was reported as negatively correlated and significant at 1% and one was reported as negatively correlated and significant at 5% level of significance. The simple correlation coefficients obtained between physical and anatomical parameters, three were found to be positive and significant at 1% level of significance, two were found to be positive and significant at 5% level of significance whereas, one was reported as negatively correlated and significant at 1% and one was reported as negatively correlated and significant at 5% level of significance. Simple correlation coefficients obtained between physical and mechanical parameters, twenty were found to be positive and significant at 1% level of significance, ten were found to be positive and significant at 5% level of significance whereas, one was reported as negatively correlated and significant at 1%. The simple correlation coefficients obtained between chemical and anatomical parameters, one was found to be positive and significant at 5% level of significance, one was found to be negative and significant at 5% level of significance whereas, one was reported as negatively correlated and significant at 1%. Simple correlation coefficients obtained between chemical and mechanical parameters, eleven were found to be positive and significant at 1% level of significance, nine were found to be positive and significant at 5% level of significance whereas, one was reported as negatively correlated and significant at 5%. The simple correlation coefficients obtained between anatomical and mechanical parameters, eight were found to be positive and significant at 1% level of significance, three were found to be positive and significant at 5% level of significance whereas, three was reported as negatively correlated and significant at 5%. Coefficient of determination (R2) was observed to be more than 0.70 for oven dry specific gravity, tangential shrinkage and radial shrinkage when regressed with physical and chemical parameters. When regressed between physical and anatomical parameters R2 was observed to be more than 0.70 for green specific gravity, tangential shrinkage, radial shrinkage and volumetric shrinkage. Coefficient of determination (R2) was observed to be more than 0.70 for green specific gravity, tangential shrinkage, radial shrinkage and volumetric shrinkage when regressed with physical and mechanical parameters.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.
