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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 Wood property profile of rosewood (dalbergia latifolia roxb.) ceylon rosewood (albizia odoratissima (Linn.F) Benth.) and raintree(Samanea saman (jacq.) Merr.)(Department of Tree Physiology and Breeding,College of forestry, Vellanikkara, 2005) Vinay Kumar, Sahu; KAU; Gopakumar, SIn the state of Kerala, heartwoods of lesser known timber species viz., Albizia odoratissima (Ceylon rosewood) and Samanea saman (rain tree) are allegedly being used as “substitutes” and “adulterants” for making furniture of Dalbergia. latifolia (Indian rosewood) mainly due to their similar wood colour. As this spurious practice has serious implication in timber trade, a study was undertaken to profile the selected wood properties of all these three species to highlight their similarities and differences. The study involved analyzing selected physical, mechanical, anatomical and biochemical properties of A. odoratissima and S. saman and comparing it with the wood properties of D. latifolia as available from relevant literatures. Variations of higher magnitude were noted between the three species for some wood properties, and with respect to few other properties, the differences were lesser. Significant variations were also observed between tissue types viz., sapwood and heartwood for some wood properties. Heartwood tissue types of S. saman and D. latifolia displayed high calorific value, where as, for A. odoratissima both tissue types (sapwood and heartwood) exhibited medium calorific value. The physical properties of the heartwood of A. odoratissima were observed to be higher than that of D. latifolia. S. saman possessed lower values for the physical properties as compared to D. latifolia. Basic specific gravity, radial and volumetric shrinkages (green to oven dry) were considerably different for all the three species. Generally, for both Ceylon rosewood and rain tree tangential shrinkage was higher than radial shrinkage for both the tissue types. Mechanical properties of A. odoratissima were superior to D. latifolia and S. saman, except modulus of elasticity in compression parallel to grain. On the other hand mechanical properties of S. saman were closer to D. latifolia. Measure of fibre stress at limit of proportionality and modulus of elasticity in static bending and modulus of elasticity in compression parallel to grain are considerably different for the three species. In A. odoratissima and S. saman, the mechanical properties of sapwoods varied non significantly with the strength properties of heartwoods. S. saman exhibited superior strength properties for heartwood over its sapwood. Vessel diameter, distribution of parenchyma and ray height can be used to differentiate the three species. In all the species, along the radial axis from pith towards periphery, the vessel diameter, ray height, ray width increased along the region of heart wood. Likewise, ray frequency, and vessel frequency decreased along radial axis in heartwood region. Average vessel diameter, ray height and ray width of sapwoods were greater than that of the heartwoods. Lignin, cellulose and holocellulose percent of A. odoratissima and S. saman were significantly greater than D. latifolia. Higher lignin, cellulose and holocellulose content are responsible for the higher strength properties of A. odoratissima. Methanol-acetone extracts of heartwood of D. latifolia exhibits specific peak wavelengths under spectrometric analysis, which are not found in the other two species. Phenolic compounds were observed to influence some of the physical properties.ThesisItem Open Access Morphological and anatomical properties of teak seedlings as influenced by nursery techniques(Department of Tree Physiology and Breeding, College of Forestry,Vellanikkara, 2004) Girija Pushpom, R P; KAU; Anoop, E VAn experiment was carried out at College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara with the objective to evaluate the best nutrient levels and sowing treatments required for the production of good quality stumps based on anatomical properties of the seedlings with particular reference to wood formation due to cambial activity. The different nutrient and sowing methods were randomly allocated following completely randomized design. From the experiment, it was found that the best nutrient and sowing method combinations were N2S3 (cowdung 0.4 kg/rrr' and neem cake 0.2 kg/rn ' with spacing of 12 cm x 12 cm between seeds). In terms of biometric characters and biomass characteristics of seedlings it was also found that in quick growing seedlings, vessel diameter was large and vessel frequency was less. Collar girth was positively related with ring width and negative related with vessel frequency. Comparing the performance of nursery raised seedlings with root trainer raised seedlings it was found that the growth characteristics as well as the anatomical properties were inferior for root trainer raised seedlings. In the present study it was found that the best quality teak stumps could be produced by intensive cultural practices. Intensive management of nursery seedlings could produce VlgOurOUS seedlings and thereby it could produce good quality stumps in less time. Results of the present study showed that traditional system of production of teak stumps were efficient By imposing superior nutrient and sowing methods good quality, vigorous stumps can be produced to meet the immediate plantation requirements within a short period.ThesisItem Open Access Diversity of small mammals in the Parambikulam wildlife sanctury(Department of Wild Life Sciences, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2003) Lekshmi, R; KAU; Ambika Varma, BA detailed study was conducted in the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary during 1999-200 I to prepare an inventory and to estimate the abundance of small mammal fauna in diverse ecological habitats of the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary. In this study, a total of twenty seven species of small mammals belonging to eight orders were recorded from the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary. Among the eight orders Rodentia was represented maximum with eleven species followed by Carnivora with ten species, remaining orders represented only by a single species. While comparing the rodents trapped from different habitats, natural forest account for more number of species than plantation and vayal. The most common rodent species in the three habitats was Rattus rattus, whereas Golunda ellioti (Indian bush rat) was found only in the moist deciduous natural forest because of the favourable ecological conditions prevailing there. Maximum diversity was more in the natural forest than in plantation and vayal whereas species richness was more in vayal followed by plantation and natural forest. The relative dominance was also high in natural forest than plantation and vayal. Correlation between floral diversity and rodent species indicates that natural forest with more number of plant species possessed high rodent species richness. The ideal conditions prevailing in the natural forest would have helped the survival of rodent species. The lack of ideal conditions in the plantation and vayal would have been the reason for lesser number of rodent species.ThesisItem Open Access Zonation,leaf phenology and litter dynamics of mangrove forest at Puduvyppu(Department of Tree Physiology and Breeding, College of Forestry,Vellanikkara, 2003) Ajay Dattaram, Rane; KAU; Asokan, P KAs species distribution along the sea-land interface to the land interior IS attributed to gradients in soil electro-chemical properties and tidal frequency and nutrient cycling in a system is dependent on litterfall and decay dynamics. Hence, the study for estimating zonation pattern and regeneration status of species along the ocean-land interior trans~cts, along with litter dynamics (literfall and litter decay) was carried out at Puduvyppu mangrove forest. Zonation pattern of species was revealed by carrying out phytosociological analysis along the land-ocean transect and correlating with gradients in electro-chernical properties of soil. Litterfall was studied by evaluating interzonal and monthly variations in litterfall between species for one year. Leaf fall and production was inturn correlated with weather parameters. Decay dynamics was studied by involving six predominant species of the forest namely, Avicennia officinalis, Bruguiera cylindrica, Rhizophora mucronata, Sonneratia caseolaris, Acanthus ilicifolius and Excoecaria agallocha and by estimating interzonal and monthly variations in mass loss and nutrient concentrations of decomposing leaf samples for 12 months. Results show that the area can be divided into three zones (zone I: 0-300 m, zone U: 301-800 m, zone Ill: 801-1200 m from the sea) based on species distribution pattern. Species diversity along the zones decreased from zone I to zone I I, whereas, phytosociological para~1eters of species increased. It was also observed that species like R. mucronata and S. caseolaris were restricted in zone I, whereas, A. officinalis and B. cylindrica were abundant towards the landward side, due to the tidal sorting of the species. Electrical conductivity and soil nutrient (N, K, Na) concentrations increased towards the landward side, whereas, pH decreased. Furthermore, soil P concentrations and in situ redox potential positively affected stand density and E. agallocha stand density respectively. Regeneration was profuse in the central zone of the forest (700-800 111 from the sea) and decreased towards the landward side and the seaward side, implying that monospecifity and tidal inundation affected regeneration. Among the species, A. officinalis seedlings were abundant in the lower height class «50 cm) and B. cvlindrica in upper height class (>50 cm), implying that shade tolerance of the species decided its establishment potential. Litterfall did not vary among the zones suggesting that the dominant A. officinalis determined litterfall of the forest. Leaf fall peaked during winter season (November-December), whereas, leaf production was initiated by rainfall, implying that rainfall and temperature controlled phenological cycles in species. Mass loss followed an exponential pattern in A. ilicifolius, A. officinalis. E. agallocha and S. caseolaris, whereas, it followed a linear pattern in B. cylindrica and R. mucronata. Similarly decay rates were inversely related with initial lignin and lignin: nitrogen ratio of the decomposing leaves. And also, interzonal variations in decay rates were observed, implying that site and species affected decay rates. Nutrient concentrations decreased with Nand K concentrations decreasing and P moderately increasing in the litter bags during the course of decomposition, implying that tidal frequency and mineralization-immobilization frequencies decided nutrient release patterns in these species. In general this is a low diversified, juvenile with an efficient nutrient input-out put mechanism.ThesisItem Open Access Influence of soil moisture regimes and stage of host introduction on seedling growth of sandal provenances(Department of Tree Physiology and Breeding, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2004) Vijayakumar, J Hiremath; KAU; Ashokan, P KThe influence of soil moisture regimes and stage of host introduction on seedling growth of sandal provenances was investigated in a pot culture experiment at the College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara. Two provenances in the South India, Shimoga (Karnataka) and Marayoor (Kerala) were selected for this study. The results showed that the seedlings of Marayoor provenance were taller and having a higher collar diameter as compared to seedlings of Shimoga provenances. The stage of introduction of host did not have any effect on the growth of sandal seedlings. The seedlings where the host was introduced at the time of planting sandal had comparatively higher total chlorophyll in both the provenances as compared to seedlings where the host was introduced three and six months after planting sandal. Highest Nitrogen and Calcium content was observed in Marayoor provenance when the host was introduced at the time of planting sandal, whereas the P content was higher in both the provenances where the host was introduced at the time of planting sandal. The parameters like seedling height, collar diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, dry matter and chlorophyll content decreased due to water stress. The haustorial connections were found only at 300 days after planting sandal. The seedlings of Marayoor 'provenance recorded lower pre-dawn water potential as compared to seedlings of Shimoga provenance. Introducing host at the time of planting sandal or three months after planting sandal, in Marayoor provenance resulted in higher plant water potential. The leaf diffusive resistance was relatively high in Marayoor provenance when the host was introduced at the time of planting sandal. The leaf diffusive resistance was high in water stressed plants. As the haustorial connections were found only at 300 days after planting sandal, it can be concluded that the host need to be planted only six to nine months after planting sandal. This will avoid the early competition between sandal and host. Fast growing pot host during the early phase of its growth may suppress sandal by competition.ThesisItem Open Access Ecology of the birds of the high altitude grassland-shola forests(College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2001) Radhakrishnan, P; KAU; Nameer, P OThe shola forests are unique montane vegetation occupying temperate habitats in tropical latitudes and are regarded as relict communities. These forests are high altitude gallery forests restricted to valleys, depressions and especially along folds of hills and watercourses. The shola-grassland ecosystem is unique vegetation type found in Western Ghats. Unfortunately very few studies have been conducted on the fauna and flora of this unique ecosystem, particularly avifauna. A study was conducted to give some insight into the birds of the shola-grassland ecosystem and their association with the vegetation of the high altitude area. The study was conducted at the Mannavan Shola of the Marayur range, Munnar division Kerala (10° 10' to 10° 12' N latitudes and 77° 09' to 77° 12' E longitudes), which is the largest shola forest area of the Kerala State. Two study sites were identified in the study area, such as "Shola upper" and "Shola lower". The distance sampling method was used in equidistant points identified at each study sites in a 1000 m transect and the points were periodically monitored. Apart from the birds the vegetation structure of the study location was also studied to understand whether there is any relationship occur between the birds and the vegetation. Total of 41 species in 8 orders and 17 families have been reported from the Mannavan Shola. This includes 26 species of resident birds, out of which 8 are endemic to Western Ghats, and 7 species that are long distance migrants. The different measures like the richness, the and the diversity indices, difference. evenness locations shown any significant the two study The similarity indices worked out were also shown that the both sites are much similar. It was also found that the most abundant bird species were the denser species also. The correlation study shown that, bird species richness, bird diversity and bird density correlated negatively with different structural parameters of the vegetation. Another notable observation was that the high altitude grassland dependant species were totally absent from the study sites. This could be owing to the conversion of the grasslands in the study site to wattle plantation.ThesisItem Open Access Diversity of bats in Peechi-Vazhani wildlife sanctuary, Western ghats, Kerala(Department of Wildlife Science, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2005) Radhakrishnan, S R; KAU; Nameer, P OBats though constitute the largest mammalian order in India; very little studies have been done on them. This has resulted in a gap in our knowledge about the very basic information about the distribution pattern and status of these mammals. This is true for the bats of Kerala also. The present study to generate information on diversity of bats in Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary was carried out during the period May 2002 to April 2003. A total of 384 mist net hours were spent, out of which 307 mist net hours in moist deciduous and 77 mist net hours in evergreen habitats, in accordance with the proportional area under the two habitats in the sanctuary. The result of the study revealed that during the study period a total of 184 individuals of bats were collected through mist netting from Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary. 18 bat species belonging to four families were obtained. This constitutes about 58.07 per cent of the bat species in Kerala and 15.93 per cent of the total bat species in India. The bat families identified were Pteropodidae, Megadermatidae, Rhinolophidae and Vespertilionidae. All the four species of the Kerala fruit bats (Pteropodidae) were recorded from Peechi-Vazahni Wildlife Sanctuary. So also, both the species of the False Vampire bats (Megadermatidae) present in Kerala were also obtained from the study area. Of the other families maximum number of species (seven) was obtained for Vespertilionidae followed by Rhinolophidae (five). Out of the twenty locations selected for the study, Cynopterus sphinx and Rhinolophus rouxii were found in nine locations each. Maximum number of species representing all the four families was recorded during the present study from premises of Peechi dam (eight) which is a moist deciduous area. Maximum numbers of individuals were obtained from another moist deciduous habitat, Thamaravellachal and were belonging to three different families. The species obtained were Cynopterus sphinx (Pteropodiade), Rhinolophus rouxii (Rhinolophidae), Rhinolophus fulvus (Rhinolophidae) and Megaderma spasma (Megadermatidae). Cynopterus sphinx was found to be the most abundant species in the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary followed by Rhinolophus rouxii, Megaderma spasma, Hipposideros speoris and Rousettus leschenaulti. The bat species Pipistrellus ceylonicus, Pipistrellus affinis, Pipistrellus coromandra, and Kerivoula picta were showing the minimum abundance (1). The analysis of the data revealed that there is no significant variation in bat diversity between the two habitats in Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary. Even though there was no significant difference between the two habitats, a close perusal of the data showed that maximum number of species was obtained from moist-deciduous habitat (15). Moist deciduous habitat recorded 166 individuals. Evergreen habitat recorded 18 individuals in six species. Among the 18 species recorded from the sanctuary, Pipistrellus affinis and Rhinolophus rouxii are near threatened species as per the IUCN criteria. The remaining sixteen species are coming under the category least concern. Rhinolophus rouxii is the second most abundant species in the sanctuary. Hipposideros speoris is endemic to south Asia. Small mammals with smaller area requirements would have been the last one to be affected due to the changes in the landscape and habitat degradation. Smaller mammals are susceptible to the alterations in the habitat and thus could be a good indicator of the habitat health. The development of comprehensive inventories of key vertebrate taxa such as bats derived from a combination of several standardized sampling procedures is essential to develop meaningful, conservation oriented plans for land use and management for protected areas. Conservation strategies may be improved if information on species abundance pattern is taken into account.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of shade levels on growth and vigour of seedlings of terminalia species in the nursery(Department of tree physiology and breeding, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2002) Prasad, G; KAU; Gopikumar, KThe present study was undertaken at the College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the period from 2000 to 2002 to evaluate the effect of various shade levels on the growth and vigour of seedlings of tembavu [Terminalia tomentosa var. crenulata (Roth.) C1.], thanni [t bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb.] and neermaruthu [T. arjuna (Roxb. ex DC.) Wt. & Am.] in the nursery. The study revealed that in general, in all the species examined, shade exerted significant influence on growth and vigour of the seedlings in the nursery. In T. tomentosa and T. bellirica, 50 per cent shade produced best results with regard to shoot growth parameters like height and collar girth while in T. arjuna, 75 per cent shade was found to be most ideal with regard to these growth parameters. In general, in all the species, seedlings grown under 75 per cent shade produced maximum leaf number and area. The root growth parameters viz., length and spread . were found to be the maximum when grown under 50 per cent shade in T. tomntosa and T. bellirica, while 75 per cent was found to be the best for T. arjuna. Similarly, 50 per cent shade was found to be better for T. bellirica and T. tomentosa withregard to biomass production. However, T. arjuna responded well to 75 per cent shade in this regard. No clear cut trend was seen in the chlorophyll production with regard to the different shade levels in any of the three species studied. However, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll content was slightly higher when grown under 75 per cent shade conditions. The highest number of stomata was seen when the plants were grown under full sunlight. In all the species, the nitrogen content was found to be highest for seedlings grown under 75 per cent shade while the highest potassium content was recorded when grown under 50 per cent shade. However with regard to the phosphorus concentration, 25 per cent shade was found to perform better in T. tomentosa and T. arjuna while 50 per cent performed better in T. bellirica.ThesisItem Open Access Response of sandal (Santalum album Linn.) seedlings to shade and mycorrhizal association(Department of tree physiology and breeding, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2002) Binu, N Kamalolbhavan; KAU; Ashokan, P KThe occurrence of sandal- Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) associations in natural sandal growing forests and the response of sandal seedlings to inoculation with commonly available cultures of AMF, shade levels and nature of hosts were investigated in a pot culture experiment at the College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara. Two important sandal growing regions in the state, Marayoor (ldukki district) and Wadakancherry (Thrissur district) were selected for this study and a non-sandal growing area in Thrissur district was selected as a control for the soil studies . • The result showed that characters like height, number of leaves, leaf area and shoot weight of sandal seedlings increased due to the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi inoculation and maximum response was observed for seedlings grown in soils inoculated with Glomus mosseae. The characters like collar girth, root weight did not show any significant difference for the mycorrhizal inoculation. It was further observed that the interactions between shade and mycorrhizae were the best under 50 per cent shade level especially for those seedlings inoculated with Glomus mosseae. During the initial seedling phase, high shade (75 per cent) is needed for sandal, but during the later stages of seedling growth, medium shade (50 per cent) resulted in best growth of seedlings. Growth of sandal seedlings with two host species, casuarina and redgram was on par. The relative water content and plant water potential were higher in seedlings inoculated with AMF. The N, P, K content of the shoot of sandal seedlings were maximum for seedlings inoculated with Glomus mosseae. Sandal seedlings collected from natural sandal growmg regions investigated for the presence of sandal-AMF association revealed that the roots of sandal seedlings from Wadakancherry forest showed 33 per cent of colonization, while the seedlings from Marayoor forest showed no colonization. Sandal seedlings grown for four months in the soils collected from these two regions showed superior growth when compared to those seedlings grown in soils from the agricultural lands of Thrissur, but no AMF colonization was observed in the roots of the sandal seedlings .
