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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Open Access
Provenance evaluation of acacia mangium wild for growth and wood traits
(Department of Tree Physiology and Breeding, College of Forestry,Vellanikkara, 2015) Ringyao, Jajo; KAU; Santhoshkumar, A V
A provenance evaluation of A. mangium was conducted in 14 year old plantation at Livestock Research Station, Thiruvazhamkunnu, to understand the variation in growth and wood traits among the provenances. Ten provenances and one local seed source was used for the trial. The provenances had high survival percentage (77.44%), but did not differ significantly between provenances. Significant differences between provenances were found in tree height, while they were on par for DBH, volume, tree form and branching habit. The provenances of Kuranda, Arufi Village, Upper Aramia, Oriomo, Balimo and Binaturi were taller than the rest. Heritability of growth attributes was highest for height (63%). Morphometric traits of seeds were found to be significantly different between the provenances. Arufi Village provenance was found to be better than the other provenances for the traits. Seed weight and seed width were found to be strongly correlated with seedling height. Variation in germination energy, germination value and germination period were also significantly different between provenances. Lake Murray provenances showed the best performance in most of the parameters studied for germination. No significant differences between provenances were observed for germination capacity. Germination parameters are under moderate to high genetic control. Significant differences were noticed among the progenies of the provenances in height, while they did not differ in terms of collar girth and RGR. The provenances differed significantly in physical properties of wood, but not in mechanical properties. The provenances differed significantly for heartwood only at the base, while basic density was significantly different at all the height levels. Density was significantly and positively correlated with fiber length and slenderness, but negatively with fiber diameter and fiber wall thickness. The variations in fiber morphology between the provenances were also found to be significant. However, runkel ratio, flexibility and rigidity coefficient did not differ significantly between the provenances. Wood properties of the provenances were under strong genetic control. Based on the study, Tully-Mission Beach, Arufi Village, Kuranda, Upper Aramia, Lake Murray and Binaturi provenances can be recommended for growing under Kerala condition.
Open Access
Genetic diversity and population structure of two disjunct natural populations of syzygium travancoricum gamble.
(Department of Tree Physiology and Breeding, College of Forestry,Vellanikkara, 2016) Mohammed Anees, P V; KAU; Santhoshkumar, A V
A study was conducted to observe the reproductive biology of the critically endangered species, Syzygium travancoricum Gamble, and to compare the variation between two geographically disjunct populations of the species situated at Kalasamala and Kattilappara. A series of investigations on the phenology, floral biology, morphology, flowering, and fruit set were carried out to study the reproductive biology. The two populations were compared to assess the variation in terms of population structure, morphology, wood anatomy and seed bank. The study revealed that, flowering occurred in S. travancoricum after a dry period and the fruiting occurred just before the onset of rain. The inflorescence of the species was axillary cymose with white, calyptrate flowers. Mass flowering was observed in S. travancoricum, but, when compared to other syzygium species, number of flowers produced per tree was less. The number of flowers setting to fruits was also poor. The natural regeneration from the seeds in the site too was poor. The seeds that germinated below the trees died in the seedling stage itself. The pollen viability studies revealed that the percentage of pollen germination was poor in S. travancoricum. The analysis of the seed germination assay indicated that seed germination was also poor in the species. The germinated seeds in lab too died at the seedling stage itself. The observations related to the population comparison revealed that, there were a lot of variations between the two populations in most of the characters. The biometric characters like tree height, GBH, and crown area showed significant differences between the two populations. In the case of leaf morphological characters such as leaf length and breadth, there were significant variation between the populations. The species associated with S. travancoricum was different in Kalasamala and Kattilappara. The relative density of the species was different in the two populations. The two populations showed significant variations in the case of wood anatomical characters. The seed banks too differed significantly between the two sites. The study concluded that the constraints such as, lesser flower production, poor fruit set, lower seed germination, poor seed viability could be the main causes of the rarity of S. travancoricum. The study further showed that the two populations have considerable differences between them, either environmental or genetic.
Open Access
Wood quality evaluation of tree species raised in research trials of the Kerala forest department at various localities
(Department of wood Science, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2012) Sindhumathi, .C.R.; KAU; Anoop, E.V
A study entitled “Wood quality evaluation of tree species raised in research trials of the Kerala Forest Department at various localities” was conducted in the College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the period 2010-2012. The objective of the study was to evaluate the wood quality of Pterocarpus dalbergioides Roxb., Swietinia macrophylla King. and Pericopsis mooniana (Thwaites) Thwaites, raised in research trials of the Kerala forest department at three localities, viz., Mananthavady research range at Wayanad, Olavakkode research range at Palakkad and Nilambur north research range at Nilambur districts, Kerala. Increment core samples and wooden blocks were collected at breast height from trees, selected at random for each species. These samples were subject to intensive investigations to explore the radial variation in anatomical properties as well as variation between species. The study revealed that most of the anatomical properties varied significantly within species and between species. Tree species were also felled to assess the strength characteristics as well as to study the various physical properties. Specific gravity was higher in P. mooniana, the other two species showing similar values. Heartwood – sapwood ratio showed significantly higher value in S. macrophylla, whereas the other two species were at par. Tangential shrinkage showed higher value compared to radial shrinkage in all the three species. Results revealed that P. mooniana exhibited better strength properties which was almost similar or even better than teak as reported by Sekhar (1988). P. dalbergioides showed lower values for strength properties when compared to natural grown P. dalbergioides (Limaye, 1933). Even though P. mooniana showed higher strength properties compared to the two species, overall results revealed that all the three species has good potential for being used as various solid wood purposes. Regression analysis revealed that P. mooniana and P. dalbergioides showed linear relationship between specific gravity and anatomical properties. The present results on wood quality can be used as a baseline data for future tree improvement aspects of these species with reference to wood quality and bring out their potential utility for future afforestation programmes and various end uses.
Open Access
Taxonomic inventory and ecology of the rodents and insectivores of Silent Valley National Park,Kerala
(Department of Wildlife Sciences, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2016) Devipriya, K S; KAU; Nameer, P O
Rodents and insectivores accoimts for about 55% of the total mammalian diversity of the world and is tme with Kerala too. Very little studies have been done on the rodents and insectivores of Kerala and no previous studies have been done in Silent Valley NP. Thus, a study was conducted on the taxouomic inventory and ecology of the rodents and insectivores of Silent Valley National Park, which is one of the few remaining pristine rain forests of Kerala. The objectives was to study the species diversity, relative abundance and habitat preference of the rodents and insectivores • such as squirrels, mice, rats and shrews in Silent Valley National Park. Thestudy was carried out from September 2015 to April 2016. The method used for the study was using Sherman Traps technique. 50 Sherman traps were used in each of the four study locations. The study was carried out in two season viz. monsoon and summer and in two habitat types, evergreen forests and grasslands. Six species of rodents and one species of insectivore were recorded fiom Silent Valley National Paric. The rodents recorded were members of Muridae, Sciuridae and Hystricidae families. These includes Rattus yvroughtoni, Gohmda ellioti, Ratiifa indica, Funambulus tristriatiis, Funambulus sublineatus and Hystrix indica. The insectivore observed at SVNP was Suncus murinus of the family Soricidae. Though the rodent and insectivore abundance was more during the monsoon season, there was no significant difference. Similarly though the rodent abundance was more at the evergreen forests, this was also insignificant. Among the microhabitat parameters studied, the climber density has found to be significantly influencing the rodents at Silent Valley. Rattus wroughtoni was the most abundant species of rodent at Silent Valley. Among the rodents of Silent Valley, Ratufa indica is endemic to peninsular India while Funambulus trisiriatus, Funambuhis sublineatus are endemic to Western Ghats. The Funambulus sublineatus is a threatoied species of squirrel seen at Silent Valley and the lUCN Redlist category of this is Vulnerable.
Open Access
Feasibility of forest certification in Marayoor sandal division, Kerala
(Department of Wood Science, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2016) Toji Antony; KAU; Anoop, E V
The study titled “Feasibility of forest certification in Marayoor Sandal Division, Kerala” was carried out during 2015-2016. The main objectives were to find out the potential of implementing forest certification in Marayoor Sandal Division of Kerala by an assessment of the socio-economic status of the stakeholders. It was also intended to assess the management aspects of the Division, particularly to see whether they comply with the sustainable forest management principles and criteria of forest stewardship council (FSC). A pre-tested questionnaire was used to gather information on socio-economic characteristics of the stakeholders’ and for assessing the feasibility of forest certification. A total of 190 respondents from six stakeholders namely, forest dwellers, local community, casual labourers, forest officials, major bidders of Marayoor sandal and scientific community, were surveyed. The study revealed that, the sandal reserve acts as a major source of income to forest dwellers and casual labourers, which shows that, Marayoor Sandal Division plays a key role for meeting their livelihood. The sandal reserve provides a lot of benefits to stakeholders such as forest dwellers and local community. The major threats prevailed in the division were weed growth and grazing. There was no significant association between the socio-demographic variables and the perception of forest dwellerson benefits and threats,whereas for local community the relation showed almost the same pattern except for educational status and threat. The job-related risk was generally less in the sandal division from the perspectives of forest officials and casual labourers. The risk related to night-duty significantly affected the physical and mental capacity of forest officials, while the lack of safe guard measures was reported as a problem by casual labourers. Similarly, there was no significant difference in the job satisfaction with respect to the number of years of work experience. The management activities were satisfactory and the division complied with the government orders, guidelines, forest laws and policies. The strict adherence to the working plan prescriptions helped in the maintenance of the ecology of the division. The correlation between job satisfaction with implementation of management practices and ecological aspects was found to be negatively significant. This indicates that, when the implementation of rigid management practices in Marayoor Sandal Division is necessary on one hand, from the point of job satisfaction of the officials this is highly taxing given shortage of staff. Also, job dissatisfaction was because of the extra burden put on the under staffed workforce destined to ensure quality work. An analysis of the awareness level of a diverse network of experts comprising scientists, academicians, technical experts showed that, they were aware of certification and its importance. Also, the Marayoor Sandal Division was the only legal source of sandal to most of the ayurvedic industries, cosmetic industries and the Hindu temples in the state mainly managed by the Devaswom Boards. The study points to the feasibility of Forest Certification of Marayoor Sandal Division which can help in improving the overall management of the forest division. For this, region-specific P&C pertinent to Marayoor division needs to be formulated. For the implementation of forest certification in India, the National Working Plan Code (2014) should be amended with a view to enhance the practice of forest certification. For ensuring the quality of sustainable forest management particularly that of plantation management, the hard work of staff is needed to be recognised through award of cash incentives.
Open Access
Standardisation of preservation techniques of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) palm wood
(Department of Wood Science, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2017) Jeeshma, V J; KAU; Anoop, E V
Coconut (cocos nucifera L.) palm wood belongs to the class of perishable timbers which can be used as an alternative wood sources with affective preservation. Preservative treatment of coconut wood can enhance the service life of coconut service life of coconut wood. The objective of this study was to develop appropriate preservative methods to treat sawn coconut wood under the prevailing eco-climatic conditions in Kerala and to evaluate the effect of different factors on the treatability of coconut wood. Wood samples were treated with inorganic (Copper Chrome Boron- CCB and Borax Boric Acid-BBA) and organic preservatives (Cashew Nut Shell (CNS) liquid, need oil and turpentine). Diffusion and pressure treatment were deployed for inorganic preservation and organic preservatives were investigated only through diffusion treatment. Wood samples were air dried to a moisture content of about 50 per cent and total of 354 sampled belonging to high and medium density wood were treated with preservatives. Diffusion treatment of inorganic preservatives in high and medium density wood showed no significant difference in retention whereas significant difference was observed for penetration percentage. For pressure treatment, retention and penetration were significant in high density wood whereas medium density wood showed only significant retention. A proportionate relation existed between the solution concentrations and the two observations- overall retention and penetration percentage. Relation of diffusion period and retention in high density wood showed no uniform pattern while, an increasing trend was seen in medium density wood. Penetration depth followed an increasing pattern under increasing treatment duration in the two density classes. Among the two treatment methods, pressure treatment performed better than diffusion treatment. Absorption percentage of organic preservatives was non-significant among treatment factors (chemicals and duration), and their interaction in the two density classes. The study found that sawn coconut wood samples could be effectively treated with preservatives complying with the prescribed retention and penetration percentages as per the different standards and therefore, could be used as a potential substitute for conventional timbers.
Open Access
Characterisation of phytopathogenic fungi in nursery seedlings of Tectona grandis L.F, Swietenia macrophylla King and Cassia fistula L. In Central Kerala
(Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2017) Kiran Mohan; KAU; Gopakumar, S
Disease free planting stock significantly ensures a better field survival while at the same time reducing the burden of economic loss. Teak, mahogany and Indian laburnum which are extensively used for afforestation programmes in India are attacked by several fungal pathogens at nursery stage. Hence an investigation was undertaken to identify the fungal diseases associated with above mentioned seedlings in Kerala and also to assess the efficacy of selected fungicides and bio-control agents against these pathogens through in vitro studies. Purposive sampling survey was conducted in eighteen Government tree nurseries of Thrissur (10 nos.) and Palakkad (8 nos.) districts during the summer (February-May), monsoon (June- September) and post monsoon (October-January) seasons for monitoring the occurrence of fungal diseases and collection of diseased samples. Out of the fifteen fungal diseases observed, nine was from teak, two was from mahogany and four was from Indian laburnum seedlings. Fungal diseases observed from teak seedlings included teak leaf blight (TLB), teak leaf spot-1 (TLS-1), teak leaf spot-2 (TLS-2), teak leaf spot-3 (TLS-3), teak leaf spot-4 (TLS-4), teak collar rot, teak root rot-1 and teak root rot-2. In the case of mahogany, mahogany leaf blight-1 (MLB-1) and mahogany leaf blight- 2 (MLB-2) were noticed. Four foliar diseases were observed from Indian laburnum viz., Indian laburnum leaf blight-1 (ILB-1), Indian laburnum leaf blight-2 (ILB-2), Indian laburnum leaf spot-1 (ILS-1) and Indian laburnum leaf spot-2 (ILS-2). TLB was found to be most severe foliar disease in teak and maximum Percent Disease Index (PDI) and Percent Disease Severity (PDS) of 63.50 and 18.72 per cent respectively were recorded from Vellanikkara in Thrissur district. Collar rot (PDI 18%) was observed only from Chettikkulam in Thrissur district. Chittur (Teak root rot-1) recorded maximum PDI of 34.5 per cent. In mahogany, MLB-1 observed from Aatoor recorded maximum PDI (57.50 %) while maximum PDS (10.4%) was recorded from Vellanikkara. In Indian laburnum, ILS-2 observed from Vellanikkara recorded maximum PDI (38.50%) as well as PDS (5.76%). TLB showed positive correlation with temperature while it showed a negative correlation with relative humidity. TLB symptoms originated as small irregular grey to blackish spots surrounded by yellow halo scattered over the lamina. Symptoms of teak leaf spot (TLS-1, TLS-2, TLS-3 and TLS-4) started as small necrotic spots and were generally observed in old, mature leaves. Leaf blights in mahogany (MLB-1 and MLB-2) was characterized by necrotic regions with definite black margin. Leaf blight diseases of Indian laburnum (ILB-1 and ILB-2) were observed as necrotic regions in the tip as well as base of the leaf. Leaf spots (ILS-1, ILS-2) occurred as medium sized spots on the upper surface of the leaf. Pathogenicity of the thirteen isolates was proved by Mycelial Bit Inoculation Method (MBIM) as well as Micro Droplet Inoculation Technique (MDIT). Spore suspension method was adopted for collar and root disease. Cultural as well as morphological characters of pathogens were studied and morphological identification done with the expert advice of National Centre for Fungal Taxonomy (NCFT), New Delhi. Molecular identification of selected pathogen was done at Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram. The causative pathogen in TLB was identified as Curvularia eragrostidis, in TLS-1 as Alternaria alternata, in TLS-2 as Macrophomina phaseolina, in TLS-3 as Botryodiplodia theobromae, in TLS-4 as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, collar rot pathogen as Alternaria alternata, root rot-1 pathogen as Fusarium solani and root rot-2 pathogen as Fusarium oxysporum. Olevea tectonae was confirmed as the pathogen of teak rust fungus. MLB-1 and MLB-2 were caused by Curvularia geniculata and Alternaria alternata respectively. In Indian laburnum, Alternaria alternata (ILB-1), Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (ILS-1) and Phoma cassiocarpa (ILS-2) were the disease causing pathogens. The identity of obligate parasite causing ILB-2 was also confirmed as Cercospora sp. in vitro evaluation studies revealed that carbendazim 12% + mancozeb 63%, difenoconazole 25EC, carbendazim 50WP to beefficient against teak foliar diseases. Similarly carbendazim 12% + mancozeb 63%, carbendazim 50WP, hexaconazole 5EC showed promising results against collar and root diseases of teak. Carbendazim 12% + mancozeb 63%, hexaconazole 5EC, cymoxanil 8% + mancozeb 64%, propineb 70WP, carbendazim 50WP were observed to be efficient against foliar diseases of mahogany. In Indian laburnum, hexaconazole 5EC, difenoconazole 25EC, carbendazim 50WP, carbendazim 12% + mancozeb 63% were found to be efficient. The fungal antagonist Trichoderma asperellum showed promising results compared to the bacterial antagonist Pseudomonas fluorescens.
Open Access
Cause-consequence analysis of human-wildlife conflict at Nemmara forest division, Kerala
(Department of Forest Management and Utilization, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2017) Anand, R; KAU; Gopakumar, S
A study titled “Cause-consequence analysis of human-wildlife conflict in Nemmara forest division, Kerala” was conducted during 2013-2017. The main objectives of the study were to portray the nature and distribution of human-wildlife conflict, study the land use and land cover change pattern. Another objective of the study was to assess the attitude and awareness of the people including the victims of human-wildlife conflict about forest conservation and human- wildlife conflict. The observations of the study would be made useful to evolve location specific management strategies at Nemmara Forest Division. A detailed pre tested questionnaire was used to gather information regarding socio-demographic details, land use and land cover change patterns, human wildlife conflict data, crop farming details and also attitude and awareness of the people. A total of 398 individuals were surveyed from Alathur, Kollengode and Nelliyampathy ranges of the forest division. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods such as oral history, time line and problem tree methods were used to collect additional information. The study found out that major conflict areas were along the fringes of the forest areas. The type of conflict even though was mainly crop raiding, the nature of damage and the animal causing the damage were found to be different in different ranges in the forest division. Over the past 30 years there was significant change in the land use and land cover in the division. Over all, cropping pattern has changed from food crops to cash crops. The number of wild animals has increased and this was portrayed as the main reason for human-wildlife conflict. The people found the forest department as the best responsible agency to look up to take action regarding conflict mitigation and were also ready to join hands with them to resolve such issues. Even though the people had a positive attitude towards forest conservation and wildlife they were not satisfied with the conservation policies and human-wildlife conflict mitigation schemes of the government. The people did not favour compensation or insurance schemes as a mitigation strategy towards crop raiding mainly because of the low compensation amounts and difficulty in applying for such schemes. Site specific plans, based on the data generated from this study can be used to develop not only location specific plans but also both animal as well as people specific plans for conflict management and mitigation.
Open Access
Variation in wood physical and anatomical properties of anjily (Artocarpus hirsutus LAM.) grown in different agro-climatic zones of Thrissur district, Kerala
(Department of Wood Science, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2015) Swagatika Sahoo; KAU; Anoop, E V
A study entitled “Variation in wood physical and anatomical properties of Anjily (Artocarpus hirsutus Lam.) grown in different agro-climatic zones of Thrissur district, Kerala” was conducted in the College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the period 2015-2017. The present investigation was conducted with the objective to assess the variation in wood anatomical and physical properties of anjily (Artocarpus hirsutus Lam.) grown in different agro-climatic zones (Coastal sandy, Central mid land and Malayoram) of Thrissur district, Kerala and to compare the anatomical and physical property of wood between plantations and homesteads. Samples from anjily trees were selected from the three agro-climatic zones of Thrissur district following stratified random sampling technique. The experimental materials were collected from three agro-climatic zones (9 Costal sandy + 9 Central midlands + 9 Malayoram) which also include trees from three girth classes viz., 50- 100 cm, 100-150 cm. and more than 150 cm. Wood samples of three trees were collected from each girth class. Wood samples were also collected from three plantations in Thalassery taluk of Kannur district. Analysis revealed that some of the anatomical properties were significantly different between girth classes across three agro-climatic zones. Basic density, moisture content, heartwood colour, vessel frequency, vessel area, vessel diameter, ray width, fibre wall thickness and fibre lumen diameter did not show significant difference across three agro-climatic zones. Ray frequency, ray height, ray width and fibre lumen diameter showed significant difference between three girth classes across the zones. Analysis revealed that there was significant differences in vessel frequency, vessel diameter, vessel length, ray width, fibre length, fibre lumen diameter, moisture content and basic density between homesteads and plantation. Ecoanatomical characters like vulnerability index and vessel mesomorphy were also analysed and vulnerability index was found to be highest in central mid land. Mesomorphy values of anjily wood indicated that it was mesic in nature. Correlation analysis also showed that basic density was positively correlated with moisture content, ray height, fibre length and fibre wall thickness. The wood properties of anjily was also found to be comparable to teak wood in various aspects

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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