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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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Subject: Forestry × End date: 2009 × Start date: 2009 × Type: Thesis ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Effect of seed treatments and shade on seedling growth dynamics of pongamia pinnata (Linn.) pierre in the nursery
    (Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2009) Gururaj Sankeshwar, B; KAU; Gopakumar, S
    The present study entitled “Effect of seed treatments and shade on seedling growth dynamics of Pongamia pinnata (Linn.) Pierre in the nursery” was carried out in College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the period of 2007-2009. In the first phase, seeds were subjected to six pre-sowing treatments. GA3 treated seeds recorded highest Germination percentage, Final Mean Daily Germination (FMDG), Germination Value (GV) and Peak Value (PV). The effect of seed treatments were observed on various biometric parameters like height, collar diameter, number of leaves and primary branch. GA3 treated seeds recorded better height and collar diameter during the initial stage of seedling growth. At the end of study cold water seed treatment was found to be effective in enhancing seedling growth. However, none of the pretreatments was observed to cast a significant effect on biomass production and root growth parameters in Pongamia pinnata seedlings. In the second phase, to evaluate seedling growth under different shade conditions, seedlings were placed under 25 per cent shade, 50 per cent shade, 75 per cent shade and full sunlight situations. Shade treatments did not significantly influence height and collar diameter growth of Pongamia pinnata seedlings in the nursery. The maximum leaf production and primary branch production was observed in seedlings kept under full sunlight and 50 per cent shade respectively. Under seventy five per cent shade seedlings produce maximum shoot and root dry weight. The shoot: root ratio and total biomass was also maximum for seedlings kept under 75 per cent shade. Root length and spread were maximum under 50 per cent shade. However, shade did not significantly effect secondary root production. Shade levels also did not influence Pongamia pinnata seedlings with respect to relative growth rate and leaf area. However, Specific leaf area and Leaf area ratio was higher under 25 per cent shade. Highest Specific leaf weight was observed for seedlings under full sunlight. Shade had no significant effect on leaf weight ratio of seedlings. Maximum stomatal number was recorded under 25 per cent shade. In the nursery stage shade is casting an overriding influence with regards to various growth parameters of Pongamia pinnata.