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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 - 201422
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Subject: Forestry × End date: 2014 × Start date: 2010 × Type: Thesis × Thesis Type: M.Sc ×
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Now showing 1 - 9 of 22
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    ThesisItemOpen 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.
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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
    Dependence on non timber forest products (NTFP) for the sustainable livelihood enhancement of tribals of western Attappady
    (Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2014) Ashish, Alex; KAU; Vidyasagaran, K
    Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) play a crucial role in the daily life and welfare of people all over the world. The livelihoods of the people living close to the forest and within the forests are inextricably linked to the forest ecosystem. In Kerala, out of 4000 tribal settlements, 671 settlements are forest settlements, which depended on NTFPs for meeting their various requirements. The present study was conducted in the Western part of Attappady among the three tribal groups namely; Irula, Muduga and Kurumba. The main objective of the study was to document the NTFPs collected and utilized by the tribes for their sustainable livelihood and explore the various marketing mechanisms followed in Western Attappady. A pre-tested questionnaire survey and semi structured interviews were conducted in fifty houses from each community. Secondary data were collected from the cooperative societies, SC/ST Federation and Silent Valley National Park Wildlife Warden’s Office etc. The Irula community who are basically daily wage workers settled on the lower plains of the valley had the highest literacy rate and obtained one per cent of their income from NTFP collection. The Mudugas settled on the midlands had the least literacy rate and derived 9 per cent of their income from NTFP collection. The particular vulnerable tribal group Kurumba settled in the interior areas of the forests obtained 44 per cent of their income from NTFP collection. The tribes of Western Attappady depended on 17 plant species for food, 19 for medicine, 8 for construction and firewood and 6 for religious purpose. The Irulas collected 9 commercial NTFPs, whereas Mudugas and Kurumbas collected 14 and 18 NTFPs respectively. The Irula and Muduga were mostly involved in the collection of honey, whereas Kurumbas involved in the collection of Acacia concinna. The NTFPs have contributed an annual income of Rs. 5755, Rs. 27220 and Rs. 46255 to the Irulas, Mudugas and Kurumbas households respectively.The Irulas got maximum income (Rs. 2880/annum) from honey, whereas Mudugas and Kurumbas got the highest income from Canarium strictum (Rs. 4800/annum) and Solanum torvum (Rs 5880/annum) respectively. Honey was collected only by men and roots were collected by women. In Irula, both the genders made equal contribution to their income from NTFP, whereas in Mudugas the men and women contributed 65 and 35 per cent respectively. The Kurumba women contributed 56 per cent of their income from NTFP collection. The most of the medicinal plants whose roots were the exploitable part were harvested during November to February. The Irulas made 30 trips/ year for NTFP collection, whereas Mudugas and Irulas undertook 78 and 123 trips/year respectively. The three institutions involved in the marketing of NTFPs were Kurumba Cooperative society, Eco shop of EDC and private traders. The Kurumba was marketing most of the NTFPs through the Kurumba society, whereas Irula and Muduga marketed NTFPs through the private shops. The private traders gave better price to the collectors than the society. For Irulas and Mudugas NTFP collection was a subsidiary source of income, whereas for Kurumbas, it was the major source of income. The private traders maintained a constant link with the tribes and ensured the private marketing channels are always active.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Co-managed forestry as a function of stakeholders perceptions and demographic profile in eastern Attappady, Kerala
    (Department of Forest Management and Utilisation, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2014) Remya, Raghavan; KAU; Gopakumar, S
    A study titled “Co-managed forestry as a function of stakeholders’ perceptions and demographic profile in Eastern Attappady” was carried out during 2013-2014. The main objectives were to analyse the performance of the co- managed forestry activities from the perspectives of the various stakeholders, and to explore the link between socio-economic variables and variations in members’ perceptions about the success of these initiatives. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to gather information on socio-demographic characteristics of the stakeholders’, performance and impacts of co-managed activities on forest and livelihood status. A total of 183 respondents from three Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) and four Vana Samrakshana Samithies (VSS) drawn from seven locations, namely Sambarcode, Paloor, Kalkandy, Puthur, Bhomiampady, Sholayur, and Gonjiyur in Eastern Attappady, were surveyed. Additionally constraints of JFMC and VSS institutions were also studied using Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools such as Venn-diagram, Problem-causes linkages and SWOC analysis. The study found that the JFMC and VSS activities positively influenced the ecology of the area. However, there was a significant contrast between the perceptions of the JFMC and the VSS members with regards to its influence on the livelihood of the local people. The JFMC members’ reported that the co-managed activities, increased the household income and encouraged women participation, which reduced many social evils. Whereas, the VSS members opined that the performance of VSS activities was not upto the JFMC activities in improving the socio-economic status of its members. The JFMC was observed to be a better performer than VSS from the perspectives of stakeholders on the ecological and social aspects. Further, the study observed that the success of co-managed programs depended on education, age, income, occupation and social participation. All these significantly contributed to higher levels of women participation and livelihood opportunities. Social participation also influenced the attitude of people towards the forest and co-managed activities. The major constraints of JFMC, were lack of integration with other departments, unnecessary political interference and lack of group feeling among members. The major constraints for VSS were lack of income generating opportunities, lower level of people participation and constant transfer of VSS secretary.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Food and feeding habit of insectivorous bats (Chiroptera) of Peechi-Vazhani wildlife sanctuary, western ghats, Kerala
    (Department of Wildlife Sciences, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2014) Sachin, K Aravind; KAU; Nameer, P O
    A field study was conducted to understand the food, feeding habit and food preferences of insectivorous bats (Microchiroptera) of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats, Kerala. The study was conducted from May 2013 to February 201~ in the selected roosts. Insectivorous bat species studied were Rhinolophus rouxii, Hipposideros speoris and Hipposideros ater. The method adopted were faecal matter analysis. Faecal matter were collected for each species of insectivorous bats once in a month throughout the study period. These pellets were analyzed in laboratory to identify food components and percent volume. From the faecal matter analysis Rhinolophus rouxii were found to be feeding on eleven insect orders (Lepidoptera,Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Isoptera, Orthoptera, Odonata, Mantodea, Neuroptera and Ephemeroptera) and spiders (Araneae), Hipposideros speoris were found to be feeding on ten insect orders (Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Isoptera, Orthoptera, Odonata, Neuroptera and Ephemeroptera) and spiders (Araneae). And the Hipposideros ater was found to be feeding on eight insect orders (Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Isoptera, Orthoptera and Odonata) and spiders (Araneae). Lepidoptera was the most fed insect orders by all the three insectivorous bats under study. Coleoptera was the second most fed insect order and Diptera was the third most fed insect order by these bats. They also fed on the insects belonging to the orders Hemiptera, Orthoptera and Isoptera. This points into the immense capability of these insectivorous bats in insect pest suppression as these insect orders include majority of the insect pests in forest, agricultural land and urban areas. There was a significant bat species wise difference in the consumption of Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera and Neuroptera, while there was a seasonal difference in the consumption of Coleoptera and Isoptera. The study also revealed that the Rhinolophus rouxii was a generalist predator and its niche overlaps with both Hipposideros speoris and Hipposideros ater. There is some niche overlap between Hipposideros ater and Hipposideros speoris but less than that of with Rhinolophus rouxii. Insects of Hemiptera and Diptera were more preferred by Hipposideros ater and Insects of Odonata, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera were more preferred by Hipposideros speoris.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Impact of ecorestoration on soil seed bank in eastern Attappady, Kerala
    (Department of Tree Physiology and Breeding, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2014) Fredy, C Timy; KAU; Santhoshkumar, A V (Guide)
    A study was conducted to find impact of eco restoration on soil seed bank in Eastern Attappady and relate it to the structural attributes of vegetation in the area. Fifteen sites were randomly selected, which includes three biomass conservation areas (BCA), seven plantation and five non ecorestored sites (NER). From each site, 10 quadrates of size 20 X 20 m2 were selected and vegetation attributes of trees and regeneration enumerated. Soil seed bank sampling was done at an interval of four months in a year. Five soil samples of 30 X 30 cm2 surface area to a depth of 5 cm were collected. To assess the seed density and species composition in the seed banks, seedling emergence technique was used. Sorensen similarity index were calculated to find similarities in species composition between soil seed banks, aboveground vegetation and regeneration. Rainfall regimes of the region were observed as one of the main driving forces for the vegetation structure. Cluster analysis of above ground vegetation revealed that Palliyara and Sambarcode BCA’s and Agali plantation, which fall in the wetter region of the study area were clustered together. Pattimalam, Kottathara and Vellamari plantations which were in drier tract, were proximal to NER clusters. Floristic diversity studies revealed that species richness was higher in biomass area compared to plantation area. Species richness between plantations varied significantly. Simpson index obtained varied from 0.73 to 0.86 in plantations. Floristic diversity of the area was maximum in BCA's of wetter areas, followed by BCA of drier tracts, plantations and non-ecorestored areas. Regeneration study revealed that average regeneration in plantation was 2.42 individuals/m2, while in biomass areas it was 2.11 individuals/m2. In non-eco-restored (NER) areas, the regeneration was found to be low (0.47 individuals/m2). Cluster analysis revealed that Agali, Palliyara and Sambarcode plantations along with Sambarcode BCA had higher overall regeneration. Plantations like Pattimalam, Vellamari and Melechavadiyoor had low regeneration. The reason for lower regeneration can be attributed to edaphic and biotic constraints probably due to their location closer to human settlements. Soil seed bank study revealed that mean seed density in the study area was 153.3 seeds/m2. Leucaena leucocephala, Albizia odoratissima, Senna siamea, Santalum album, Samanea saman and Erythroxylum monogynum were the tree species represented in the soil seed bank. Seed bank was predominated by herbs and shrubs. Seed bank density was observed to be lower in the NER regions, where the degradation is maximum and highest in the BCA regions where the degradation is less. Study revealed that mean seed density of plantations area was 176.8 seeds/m2. Seed density for BCA was estimated to be 247.4 seeds/m2 while that for NER was 35.6 seeds/m2. In soil seed bank, Leucaena leucocephala was dominating and with potential to destroy species diversity of the area. Study revealed that seed bank differs with season. In the present study, most of the seeds germinated in pre monsoon followed by monsoon periods. Soil seed bank diversity (Shannon Weiner index) of study area was found to be ranging from 0 to 0.98. Sorensen similarity index between aboveground vegetation and soil seed bank were low ranging from 0 to 0.14 for study area. Seedling bank resulting from seed rain seems to be a major role player in vegetation establishment than seed bank. The study concluded that evidences of a viable seed bank were not visible as a result of ecorestoration efforts.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Impact of particulate pollution on the growth and physiology of trees in moist deciduous forests
    (Department of Tree Physiology and Breeding, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2013) Anoob, P; KAU; Santhosh, Kumar A V (Guide)
    The research work on ‘Impacts of particulate pollution on the growth and physiology of trees in moist deciduous forests’ was carried out in the vicinity of Malabar cements Ltd., from August 2012 to June 2013. The objective of the research was to study the growth and physiology of Tectona grandis under the stress caused by the particulate pollution caused by deposition of cement dust and also to compare the air pollution tolerance index of important moist deciduous forest species found in the region to identify the trees least affected by particulate pollution. The results indicated a reduction in chlorophyil content and ascorbic acid content in species sensitive to particulate pollutants. Butea monosperma was the most tolerant to particulate pollution stress, followed by cassia fistula, Terminalia paniculata and grewia tiliifolia. Species like Bombax ceiba , Terminalia catappa and Anogeissus latifolia was sensitive to particulate pollution.While Tectona grandis, which is predominantly found planted in the region fell in the category of intermediate tolerance. Tactona grandis found abundantly in the area due to many plantations setup in the region, is only having intermediate tolerance to the particulate pollutions. Various physiological parameters of Tectona grandis like chlorophyll content , LAI,LAD, water potential, photosynthesis, transpiration and leaf surface area was found affected by the deposition of particulate pollutants. Changes in the wood anatomical properties was also found when they were compared to those grown in relatively healthier environments of Nilambur. There was a significant increase in the vessel frequency, ray frequency and fibre length was reduced in tectona grandis at Walayar