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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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2010 - 201210
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Subject: Forestry × End date: 2012 × Start date: 2010 ×
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Now showing 1 - 9 of 10
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    ThesisItemUnknown
    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.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Effect of elevated CO2 concentration on growth and physiology of selected tropical tree seedlings
    (Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2010) Neenu Somaraj; Gopakumar, S
    The present study entitled “Effect of elevated CO2 concentration on growth and physiology of selected tropical tree seedlings.” was carried out in College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the period 2008-2010. There are references that elevated CO2 typically increases tree seedling growth and has also modified physiological processes. Polybag seedlings of five economically important tree species were exposed to 500-550 ppm CO2 concentration and another similar set of plants were raised under ambient atmospheric CO2 condition (370-380 ppm). The growth rates and physiology were observed for eight months. Tree seedlings under elevated CO2 concentration put in more height and collar diameter than the seedlings under atmospheric CO2.A higher leaf production and larger leaf area was recorded in seedlings under elevated CO2 concentration. The different levels of CO2 also showed significant effects on the total dry matter content. However, interactions between two CO2 levels and five tree seedlings had no significant impact on the shoot: root ratios throughout the study period. The different CO2 treatment did not significantly affect the relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), specific leaf area (SLA) and the leaf area ratio (LAR) of seedlings. However, both CO2 levels showed significantly different impact on the leaf weight ratio (LWR) of seedlings. Seedlings under elevated CO2 recorded lowest number of stomata compared to seedlings under atmospheric CO2 concentration. The varying CO2 concentrations showed significant effect on the rate of photosynthesis of the tree seedlings. Chlorophyll a and Chlorophyll b in tree seedlings was not significantly influenced under different CO2 concentrations. However, total chlorophyll content showed significant influence. Seedlings under elevated CO2 recorded lowest soluble protein content compared to seedlings under atmospheric CO2 concentration. Hence, CO2 enrichment technique can be used as an economically viable nursery technology for production of more healthy and vigorous planting stock to meet the increasing demand for social forestry /agro forestry programme.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Influence of host plant on the physiological attributes of field grown sandal (santalum album L.).
    (Department of Tree Physiology and Breeding,College of forestry, Vellanikkara, 2011) Delphy, Rocha; KAU; Ashokan, P K
    Effects of host plant, casuarina on the carbon assimilation, water and nutrient absorption in field grown sandalwood was studied at College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the year 2009-2011. Radioisotopic study to understand the trans-haustorial translocation from the host to field grown sandalwood tree and anatomical studies of sandalwood haustoria were also taken up during the investigation. The investigations were carried out in a six year old sandal-field, where sandalwood tree with and without host were established as a part of an earlier research project. The experiment was laid out with single tree plants, in RBD with three treatments viz, T1 - Sandalwood tree without host (Casuarina) (Host plant dead naturally within 2 years after establishment of sandal), T2 - Sandalwood tree with host (Casuarina), T3 - Sandalwood tree with host (Casuarina) and the host plant cut and removed at six year stage of growth. The host plant casuarina did not influence the height and diameter (dbh) of the sandalwood tree significantly during its six years growth. Sandalwood trees growing with host showed higher rate of photosynthesis (carbon assimilation) than sandalwood trees growing without host. Sandalwood tree growing without specific host can extend its root for finding a host in its vicinity, and forming haustorial connections, for meeting its water and nutrient requirements. Sandalwood trees grown with host showed higher plant water potential than sandalwood trees grown without host. Plant water potential has decreased significantly after the removal of host plant from the sandalwood pit. It also resulted in leaf wilting and leaf fall in sandalwood tree, indicating the contribution of the host in maintaining higher water potential in sandalwood trees. Sandalwood trees growing with host showed higher leaf N, P and K content. The N, P and K content of the sandalwood tree leaf decreased considerably after the removal of the host plant. The removal of host did not show any significant effect on leaf micronutrient content of sandalwood tree. Sandalwood growing without host also formed haustoria with roots of host plants growing in the adjacent pit. The sandalwood growing with host in the same pit showed higher number of haustoria. Total number of haustoria was higher on the primary root of the host followed by secondary and tertiary roots. Size of the haustorium, the depth of the penetration, the length of the penetration peg and area of coverage of endophyte was higher in the case of secondary root haustoria than in tertiary. Anatomical study of sandalwood haustoria showed that elongated parenchyma cells of the haustorium projected towards the host root xylem, making vascular connection between sandalwood tree root and the host plant root. Radioactive phosphorus (32P) labelling on host plant, casuarina and tracing in sandalwood tree and other hosts revealed that there is inter-translocation of nutrients between sandalwood and host plants, sandalwood and sandalwood, host and host. The data indicated that a network of roots of sandalwood tree and the hosts are formed through haustorial connection resulting in xylem-translocation. Peak count of 32P was obtained on the eighth day of its application. Radiotracer studies on different sandalwood tree-host associations showed that association of sandalwood and cocoa as host was efficient in haustorial translocation of 32P. Labelling of wild grasses growing around sandalwood tree with 32P revealed that, sandalwood also depends on wild grass for meeting its nutrient requirements.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Floristic and edaphic attributes of three land use systems in Wayanad, Kerala
    (Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2011) Aneesh, K S; KAU; Gopakumar, S
    The present study was conducted in Thollayiram area of South Wayanad Forest Division of Wayanad district. The objective of the study is to compare the various floristic and edaphic attributes of three land use systems, viz an ecologically fragile land (EFL), a section 5 land (as per section 5 of Kerala Preservation of Trees Act (1986) and vested forest found in South Wayanad Forest Division. A total area of one hectare was surveyed in each of the three land use systems. The floristic study revealed that species richness of these land use systems were 40, 26 and 32 respectively. The major associations of trees in the ecologically fragile land were Melicope lunu-ankenda- Litsea oleoides- Litsea wightiana and Diospyros nilagirica. In section 5 land, the major associations are Litsea wightiana- Dillenia bracteata and Diospyros nilagirica whereas the vested forest is dominated with Palaquium ellipticum, Myristica beddomei, Dimocarpus longan and Mesua ferrea. Total basal area of vested forest is 44.56 m2 followed by ecologically fragile land (37.47 m2) and section 5 land (33.60 m2). By comparing the Shannon –wiener index of these land use system, vested forest recorded the highest value (2.96) followed by ecologically fragile land (2.93) and section 5 land (2.80) whereas Simpson indices are 0.93, 0.91 and 0.92 respectively. Regarding vegetation structure, a typical three storeys was noticed for ecologically fragile land and vested forest but section 5 land has only two storeys. Texture analysis revealed that soil texture of these land use systems are sandy loam. The pH values of the soil ranges from 3.84 to 4.79. The higher value of bulk density was recorded for section 5 land (1.46 g cm-3) followed by ecologically fragile land (1.34 g cm-3) and vested forest (0.88 g cm-3). There is no significant difference in the values of organic carbon and available potassium across three land use systems whereas available phosphorous was significantly higher in vested forest. The information regarding diversity of ecologically fragile land in Thollayiram will be helpful to the state forest department in designing better strategies for the long term conservation of this ecosystem.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Ecology of the lesser known mammals of Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary
    (Department of Wildlife Sciences,College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2010) Malik Fasil, M; KAU; Nameer, P O
    Studying the lesser known mammals such as the small carnivores, rodents, insectivores and bats is always a challenging one for the wildlife researchers because these mammals are nocturnal or crepuscular, small bodied and inhabit inaccessible areas. This makes these groups of mammals least studied and hence less information is available regarding their ecology, behaviour and habits. In this study, an attempt was made to understand the ecology of the lesser known mammals of Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary. The techniques employed include line transect survey for direct and indirect evidences, camera trapping, Sherman trapping for rodents and insectivores, and mistnet for bats. A total of 240 kilometres transect walk, 270 camera-trap nights, 5000 Sherman trap-nights and 80 hours of mistnet were carried out in the sanctuary. A total of 22 species belonging to 10 families of lesser known mammals studied were recorded from the sanctuary. These include six species of small carnivores, eight species of rodents and eight species of bats. Small carnivores include two civets, two mongooses, one otter and one small cat. Rodents recorded include four species of squirrels, three species of rats and the Porcupine. Similarly, the bats studied include three species of fruit bats and five species of insectivorous bats. Among the small carnivores civets were abundant followed by mongoose. Ratufa indica and Rattus rattus wroughtoni were the abundant species of squirrels and rats respectively among the rodents. Rhinolophus rouxii was the abundant species of bats in the sanctuary. Herpestes vitticollis, Petaurista philippensis, Cremnomys blanfordi and Hipposideros ater were observed only in the moist deciduous forests whereas Millardia meltada, Cynopterus sphinx, Hipposideros speoris, Cynopterus brachyotis and Rhinolophus beddomei were observed only in the semi-evergreen forests. All other species recorded were habitat generalists observed in both the moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests. 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. Conservation strategies may be improved if information on species ecology is taken into account.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Re-analysing the concept of ecologically fragile lands (EFLs) with particular reference to Wayanad district, Kerala
    (Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2012) Jiss K, Varkey; KAU; Vidyasagaran, K
    Concept mapping technique was employed to investigate how the stakeholders in Wayanad district conceived The Kerala Forest (Vesting and Management of Ecologically Fragile Lands) Act, 2003. Referencing a research framework informed by multiple views of the stakeholders, evaluation of 120 respondents was carried out by organizing into four equal groups. These groups consisted of (A) officials from forest, agriculture and revenue departments (B) ecologists, environmentalists and legal professionals (C) policy makers and local political leaders and (D) farmers and agricultural labourers in Wayanad. A set of 45 statements/ideas were generated by the respondents to describe their understanding on ecologically fragile lands (EFLs). Sensible sorting and individual statement rating were used to find out conceptual similarities and/or differences and to realize feasibility solutions. The outcome configured five clusters from the point map namely ecological dimensions, situational dimensions, socio-economic dimensions, framework dimensions and better EFL dimensions. The stress and fit measures and the bridging values substantiated the sensibility of multidimensional scaling (MDS) and subsequent clustering process. Cluster rating map confirmed highest average rating to ecological dimensions and lowest to the situational dimensions. Pattern matches and go-zones investigated divergence among stakeholders in terms of importance/feasibility rating. Large divergence was observed in two cases where importance rating done by farmers/agricultural labourers and feasibility rating offered by government officials or by the group consisting of environmentalists/legal professionals. Consensus was found with 28 statements/ideas when sourced out in the course of six possible junctures of go-zones. The output statements/re-oriented criteria and indicators envisaged EFLs as vital in sustaining ecological and climatic values of the landscape. Emphasis was made for adequate compensation to eligible farmers in ensuring fair justice in order to relieve the shared instabilities concerning implementation of the EFL Act, 2003. The findings laid down certain policy implications/recommendations on EFLs, useful in future course of actions.
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    ThesisItemUnknown
    Destructive and non-destructive evaluation of wood properties in selected timbers of Kerala
    (Department of Wood Science, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2012) Dhanya, P; KAU; Anoop, E V
    A study entitled “Destructive and non-destructive evaluation of selected timbers of Kerala” 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 physical and mechanical properties of wood in timber species such as: teak (Tectona grandis L.f.), mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King), anjily (Artocarpus hirsutus Lamk.), jack (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamk.), acacia (Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Benth.), rubber (Hevea braziliensis (H.B.K.) M. A.) and pyinkado (Xylia dolabriformis Benth.) using destructive and non-destructive methods. The study also aimed at evaluating the suitability of non-destructive techniques (NDT) and semi-destructive techniques (SDT) as predictors of timber properties under field conditions. Pilodyn 6J ((FUJI TECK, Tokyo, Japan) and treesonic microsecond timer (Fakkopp, Hungary) were the two non destructive equipments used in this study. In the present study, logs of the above species were collected from forest depots and retail outlets in Thrissur. Penetration depth of each species was found out using pilodyn and dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOE) was found out using the treesonic timer. Discs were taken for analysing specific gravity and the logs were subjected to various mechanical tests. Significant variation in specific gravity, mechanical properties, stress wave velocity and penetration depth were noticed between species. Significant negative correlation (1 per cent level) was noticed between specific gravity and pilodyn penetration depth in each of the species. Also, penetration depth was negatively related to modulus of rupture, dynamic MOE, modulus of rupture (MOR), radial hardness and fibre stress at limit of proportionality. Significant positive correlation was noticed between dynamic modulus of elasticity and all the parameters obtained from static bending tests especially static modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture. It was also noticed that dynamic MOE showed significant correlation (5 per cent level) with radial and tangential hardness. Significant positive correlation was found between stress wave velocity and all the parameters obtained from static bending test, and tensile strength at maximum load. When regression was done between pilodyn penetration depth and specific gravity in each of the species, it was noticed that a linear relationship existed between them. A linear relationship was found to exist between dynamic MOE and static MOE among the species. It can be concluded from the study that both pilodyn and treesonic timer can be used as predictors of timber properties under field conditions.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Seed source variation in the seed and seedling characters of Ashoka (saraca asoca (Roxb.) de Wilde)
    (Department of Tree Physiology and Breeding, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2010) Deepa, K S; KAU; Santhoshkumar, A V
    An investigation was conducted on “Seed source variation in the seed and seedling characters of ashoka [Saraca asoca (Roxb.) de Wilde]” in the nursery of College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, Kerala, India. In order to fix the seed sources, the state was divided into six equal portions based on the latitude. The seeds collected from each source were bulked and used for the study. Seed traits, germination attributes and seedling characters were used for investigating seed source variation in Saraca asoca. Different seed traits like seed length, seed breadth, seed length to breadth ratio, seed weight and pericarp thickness was evaluated in the present investigation. Study showed significantly lower size for the seeds collected from seed source SS 3. The performance of seed source SS 1, SS 2, SS 4 and SS 6, were on par with each other in case of most of the seed attributes. In the present study altogether 2400 seeds were sown, with 400 seeds representing each seed source. Germination of seeds were noted daily. In general germination per cent in Saraca asoca was found to be good with an average of 81.5 per cent. Maximum germination per cent was exhibited by seed source SS 1 (98 per cent). Germination per cent of seed source SS 2 was also on par with SS 1, with a recorded value of 93.8 per cent. Significantly lower germination per cent was shown by seed source SS 5 (37.8 per cent). This may be attributed towards the presence of mostly non viable seeds in seed source SS 5. Apart from germination percentage, days required for germination to initiate, days required for germination to cease, germination days, days required for attaining 50 per cent of germination, germination energy, mean daily germination, peak value and germination value of Saraca asoca was assessed. Most of the germination attributes were the least in case of seed source SS 5. A number of seedling parameters like height, collar diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, number of branches, leaf thickness, fresh weight of shoot and root dry weight of shoot and root, shoot to root dry weight ratio, relative growth rate, chlorophyll content and photosynthetic rate was measured. The study showed seed source SS 1, SS 2 and SS 4 to be the best followed by seed source SS 3 and SS 6. However the variation with respect to seed source SS 5 was significantly the lowest in most of the attributes studied. The cluster analysis revealed seed sources SS 2 and SS 4 along with seed sources SS 3 and SS 6 to be genetically closer. A highly distant relationship was exhibited by seed source SS 5 with rest of the seed sources. Apart from the seed source variation study, karyomorphhological analysis was also carried out in ashoka. The study revealed 2n = 34 chromosomes, in Saraca asoca. In order to standardize the procedure for cytological preparation two pre- treatment chemicals namely 8-hydroxyquinoline and colchicine were used. Two fixatives Carnoys I and Carnoys II were used in the present study. For staining acetocarmine and fuelgen were used. It was found that pretreating the chemicals with 8-hydroxyquinoline and fixing it in Carnoys II and using the stain acetocarmine gave the best cytological preparation.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Status survey, distribution and habitat preferences of small carnivores in Parambikulam tiger reserve, Kerala
    (Department of wild life sciences,College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2012) Sreehari, R; KAU; Nameer P O
    A study was done at Parambikulam Tiger Reserve (PKTR) to understand the diversity, status, distribution and habitat preferences of the small carnivores at PKTR. The methodology used included the camera trapping, with 1,349camera-trap nights, day transects (242km) and night transects (344km), looking for direct as well as indirect evidences. The camera trap studies show that the 90% of the small carnivores captured in the camera traps belonged to three species of viverrids such as the Small Indian Civet (31.7%), Common Palm Civet (30%) and Brown Palm Civet (28.3%). The other small carnivores accounted for only 10% which includes, Stripe-necked Mongoose (3.3%), Smooth-coated Otter (1.7%), Nilgiri Marten (1.7%), Ruddy Mongoose (1.7%) and Leopard Cat (1.7%). The 242km of day transects also resulted in 15 sightings of five different species of small carnivores. They are Indian Grey Mongoose, Stripe-necked Mongoose, Brown Mongoose, Smooth-coated Otter and Common Palm Civet. The night spot-light survey transect of 344km on vehicle resulted in 36 sightings of recorded five species of small carnivores including Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Common Palm Civet, Brown Palm Civet and Small Indian Civet with an encounter rate of 1.06 animals/hr. A total of 88 incidence of indirect evidences of small carnivores were recorded from 242km transect walk. Abundance of small carnivores (scats/kilometer), with the civets (0.24) having the maximum abundance followed by mongoose (0.05), otters (0.04) and small cats (0.02) at the PKTR. Of the total 11 species of small carnivores recorded from PKTR, the sightings of Brown Mongoose, Ruddy Mongoose, Nilgiri Marten and Brown Palm Civet were the first record of this species from PKTR. Moreover, the Brown Mongoose and Ruddy Mongoose the present sightings were the second sighting records from Kerala, the earlier sightings being from Peerumedu and Chinnar WLS respectively.