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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 Standardization of in vitro male bud culture in banana musa (AA) 'kadali'(Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture Vellanikkara, 2018) Lakshmi, K S; KAU; Jyothi BhaskarThe experiment entitled “Standardization of in vitro male bud culture in banana Musa (AA) ‘Kadali’” was taken up with the objective of standardizing a protocol for mass multiplication of banana Musa (AA) ‘Kadali’ through in vitro male bud culture. The work was carried out in the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory at Banana Research Station, Kannara during 2016-2018. Active meristems of male flowers were used as the explant. The study was undertaken in three parts (1) standardization of establishment media (2) standardization of multiple shoot induction media (3) in vitro rooting and acclimatization. The results indicated that full MS medium containing a combination of NAA 1.0 mgL-1 and BA 4.0 mgL-1 was suitable for better and faster explant establishment. In multiple shoot induction media, multiple shoots were found to develop in all the cultures with full MS medium containing BA 4.0 mgL-1 and BA 6.0 mgL-1, and the highest number of shoots were recorded in full MS medium supplemented with NAA 1.0 mgL-1 + BA 4.0 mgL-1. Considering the length of micro shoots and number of leaves, full MS + NAA 1.0 mgL-1 + BA 6.0 mgL-1 and full MS + NAA 1.0 mgL-1 + BA 4.0 mgL-1 were found to be the best. The best media identified from multiple shoot induction cultures (full MS+ NAA 1.0 mgL-1 + BA 4.0 mgL-1 and full MS + NAA 1.0 mgL-1 + BA 6.0 mgL-1) were modified by adding different levels of thidiazuron (TDZ) and coconut water (CW). Highest number of shoots were observed in full MS + NAA 1.0 mgL-1 + BA 4.0 mgL-1 + CW 15 % + TDZ 0.4 mgL-1and full MS + NAA 1.0 mgL-1 + BA 6.0 mgL-1+ CW 15 % + TDZ 0.4 mgL-1. With regard to number of leaves, full MS + NAA 1.0 mgL-1 + BA 6.0 mgL-1 + CW 15 % + TDZ 0.4 mgL-1and full MS + NAA 1.0 mgL-1 + BA 4.0 mgL-1+ CW 15 % + TDZ 0.2 mgL-1 recorded the highest value. Length of micro shoots did not show any significant difference. In in vitro rooting studies, early rooting and significantly higher number of roots were recorded in full MS medium with three per cent sucrose and IBA 1.0 mgL-1. Root length was highest in the combination of half MS with 1.5 per cent sucrose and IBA 3.0 mgL-1. Well rooted plants were hardened after potting in pro trays containing 1:1 (v/v) sterilized coco peat and vermiculite. After one month of planting out, 90 per cent of the plants were found to survive.ThesisItem Open Access Nutrient management in strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.)(Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture Vellanikkara, 2017) Arjun Mohan, P; KAU; Ajith Kumar, KThe experiment entitled “Nutrient management in strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.)” was undertaken at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Ambalavayal, Wayanad during the year 2016-17. Performance of strawberry variety Winter Dawn was evaluated under nine treatments and a control in the open field viz., FYM 10 t ha-1 + NPK 50:20:50 kg ha-1 (T1); FYM 10 t ha-1 + NPK 75:30:75 kg ha-1 (T2 ); FYM 10 t ha-1 + NPK 100:40:100 kg ha-1 (T3); FYM 20 t ha-1 + NPK 50:30:100 kg ha-1 (T4); FYM 20 t ha-1 + NPK 75:40:50 kg ha-1 (T5); FYM 20 t ha-1 + NPK 100:20:75 kg ha-1 (T6); FYM 30 t ha-1 + NPK 50:40:75 kg ha-1 (T7); FYM 30 t ha-1 + NPK 75:20:100 kg ha-1 (T8); FYM 30 t ha-1 + NPK 100:30:50 kg ha-1 (T9) and an absolute control (T10), without any nutrient application. All the treatments were on par and superior over the control (T10) in case of plant height. In case of plant spread, T2, T3, T5, T6, T7, T8 and T9 were on par and superior over the control while T1 and T4 were on par with each other but differs with other treatments. All the treatments except T2 were on par and superior over the control with respect to number of leaves per plant. Application of treatments had no significant effect on days to first flowering. In case of number of flowers and clusters per plant, T1, T2, T3, T5, T6, T7, T8 and T9 were on par and superior over the control while T4 was on par with the control (T10). Days to first harvest was minimum in T6, T7, T8 and T9 which were on par while all other treatments were on par with the control (T10).In case of number of fruits and yield per plant, T7 (FYM 30 t ha-1 + NPK 50:40:75 kg ha-1) and T8 (FYM 30 t ha-1 + NPK 75:20:100 kg ha-1) were on par and superior over other treatments including T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 and T9 which were on par and superior over the control. Average fruit weight recorded under T3, T5, T6, T7, T8 and T9 were on par which was followed by T2 on par with T4 and T1. Days to final harvest was not found to be influenced by the application of different treatments. Biochemical characters of fruits viz., TSS, acidity and TSS/acidity ratio were not having any significant effect due to the application of treatments. In case of total sugars, T3, T7, T8 and T9 were having the highest content and were on par which was followed by T5 on par with T1, T2, T4, T6 and T10. The overall sensory score was highest in T7 followed by T8. Application of different treatments had no significant effect on the shelf life of strawberry fruits. N, P, K and Ca content in the plant were not significantly affected by any treatment while Mg content was found to be on par in all treatments and superior over the control. Soil analysis after the harvest of the crop revealed that the values for soil EC, available P, K, Mg and S were found to be elevated while soil pH, organic carbon and available Ca content were found to be at lower levels than the initial values before planting. It was concluded that among different nutrient combinations evaluated, T7 (FYM 30 t ha-1 + NPK 50:40:75 kg ha-1) with a BC ratio of 3.06 can be recommended for further optimization and refinement.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of promising strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) varieties for Wayanad(Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture Vellanikkara, 2017) Muhammed Aslam; KAU; Ajith Kumar, KThe experiment entitled “Evaluation of promising strawberry (Frageria x ananassa Duch.) varieties for Wayanad” was undertaken at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Ambalavayal, Wayanad, Kerala during the year 2016-17. Performance of five strawberry varieties viz., Crystal, Winter Dawn, Sweet Charlie, Sabrina and Eliyana were evaluated under open and polyhouse conditions. Maximum plant height (32.31 cm), number of leaves (26.20) and plant spread (31.41 cm) were recorded in variety Winter Dawn followed by Sweet Charlie under both growing systems. Number of flowers (16.24) and number of clusters per plant (10.13) was significantly higher in variety Winter Dawn followed by Sweet Charlie. Minimum days to first flowering were observed in the variety Crystal (45.21). Maximum number of fruits (12.04), yield (139.51 g) and earlier harvest of the fruits (63.40 days) were observed in variety Winter Dawn under both growing systems. Biochemical characters viz., highest TSS (11.54 0 B), lowest acidity (0.65 %), TSS/acidity ratio (11.3) and total sugars (6.70 %) and overall sensory score were highest in the variety Sweet Charlie followed by Winter Dawn. However, the variety Winter Dawn had better appearance and flavour. It can be concluded that among five varieties evaluated under two growing systems viz., open condition and polyhouse, Winter Dawn and Sweet Charlie are found to be better in yield and quality. Therefore, these varieties can be recommended for commercial cultivation in agroclimatic conditions of Wayanad, Kerala.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of clonal variation in banana musa spp. (aab group) 'rasthali'(Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Dhanyasree, K; KAU; Sobhana, AThe study entitled ‘Evaluation of clonal variation in banana Musa spp. (AAB group) ‘Rasthali’’ was carried out at Banana Research Station, Kannara during May 2017- July 2018 with the objective to conduct survey in central parts of Kerala and assess the natural variability in Rasthali clones of banana. Clones collected from Palakkad and Thrissur districts along with clones maintained at BRS, Kannara were planted in randomized block design with three replications. The clones were characterized based on IPGRI descriptor for banana. The analysis of variance revealed that significant variation for characters like plant height, plant girth, length of leaf, width of leaf, total leaf area/ plant, length of petiole, number of leaves and functional leaves, duration of vegetative phase, shoot to harvest duration, total crop duration, bunch length, bunch weight, number of hands/ bunch, number of fingers/ hands, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit girth, TSS, total sugars, sugar-acid ratio, fruit peel thickness, pulp-peel ratio and shelf life of ripe fruits at ambient conditions. Plant height, plant girth, total leaf area/ plant at bunch emergence stage and total crop duration were highest for Veneer Poovan and highest yield was obtained for Veneer Poovan, Valiya Poovan and Marthaman. Valiya Poovan recorded greatest fruit length, fruit girth and fruit weight. The quality parameters like TSS, total sugars and sugar- acid ratio were recorded highest in Marthaman whereas fruit peel thickness and shelf life were high in Andhra Poovan and, highest pulp- peel ratio in Veneer Poovan. Highest genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were observed for fruit weight. High heritability coupled with genetic gain was observed in all characters except number of hands per bunch, bunch length and bunch weight. The character fruit weight with high value for GCV, PCV and heritability, coupled with genetic gain can be used for direct selection and further breeding programmes. Total crop duration, fruit length, number of fingers per hand, fruit weight, plant girth and fruit girth had showed positive direct effect on bunch weight per plant while, plant height, bunch length and number of hands per bunch showed negative direct effect on bunch weight. Organoleptic evaluation revealed that highest mean score for taste, texture, sweetness, flavour, colour and overall acceptability of fruits was in Marthaman which also recorded high TSS, total sugars, sugar- acid ratio and less acidity. Lowest mean scores for sweetness, flavour, overall acceptability and taste were observed in Cheriya Poovan. Score for colour and texture were minimum in Veneer Poovan. The present study revealed that, based on yield, quality parameters and organoleptic evaluation, Marthaman was the best.ThesisItem Open Access Standardization of macropropagation technique in banana (musa (aab) 'nendran')(Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Amal Premachandran; KAU; Sajan KurienThe quality of the planting material is of paramount importance in successful crop production and banana is no different. Dearth of planting materials and heavy demand ends up with banana farmers forsaking the sucker quality aspects. Different techniques have been attempted for activation of new sucker. However, a standardized protocol of rapid mass multiplication macropropagation technique to produce quality planting material in Nendran is lacking and is the need of the hour. Hence, this study was undertaken with the prime objective of standardizing the bud activation/ invigoration technique leading to efficient sucker production. The second objective was to identify the ideal potting/ grow bag media preferably using locally available and cost effective materials. The third objective was to study the efficacy of the application of biofertilizers particularly Glomus fasciculatum and Azospirillum in macropropagation as this has already been proven to be have positive effect on the growth and yield of banana and finally to study the effect of micronutrient boron and zinc in improving macropropagation efficiency. The study was taken up at Banana Research Station (BRS), Kannara, during 2016- 18 using disease free healthy suckers of Nendran (Musa AAB) and the new sprouts were evaluated for all major morphological characters in all the four experiments. Additionally, carbohydrate content of banana corm was analyzed in the first experiment, percent root colonization and spore count of Glomus fasciculatum, population count of Azospirillum and major soil nutrients (N, P and K) in the biofertilizer experiment, and the nutrient content of selected nutrients in leaf samples in ratoon- 1, ratoon-2 and dead sucker in the micronutrient study were also analyzed and evaluated. In the first experiment on standardizing the bud activation/ invigoration technique leading to efficient sucker production, acid treatment by pouring 5.0 ml of one per cent H2SO4 acid on the apical meristem portion produced the highest mean number of quality suckers of 7.6 in ratoon – 1 and 4.6 in ratoon-2 respectively. Based on the carbohydrate content it could be inferred that the reduction in the inherent carbohydrate reserve had affected the sucker production from mother sucker stage to ratoon-2. In the second experiment to identify the ideal potting/ grow bag, it was found that the soil media gave the highest mean number of quality suckers in ratoon- 1 (5.6) and 4.3 in ratoon-2. In the second ratoon sucker sprouting was only observed in the soil media irrespective of quantity of media used. In the third experiment to study the efficacy of the application of biofertilizers, particularly Glomus fasciculatum and Azospirillum in macropropagation. The treatment, 20g of Glomus fasciculatum plus 10g of Azospirillum per sucker (T10) recorded the highest mean number of quality suckers (4.3) whereas in the second ratoon it was the treatment 30g of Glomus fasciculatum plus 30g of Azospirillum per sucker that recorded the highest sucker production. Based on the spore count, percent colonization and nutrient content of media, it can be confirmed that T10 is the most effective treatment. The soil nutrient analysis revealed that all treatments recorded higher values than that in the control. The fourth experiment to study the effect of micronutrients boron and zinc in macropropagation confirmed that application of Zn (0.1%) to the sucker recorded highest mean number of quality suckers (4.0) in the first ratoon but it was application of Zn at 0.5% that recorded the maximum number of suckers of 4.6 in ratoon-2. This clearly showed that Zn has a promotive role in the sucker production probably by the proven route of enhanced production of auxin. The micronutrient analysis revealed a decreasing trend from ratoon- 1 to ratoon-2 and dead suckers due to dilution effect. The economic analysis based on B: C ratio revealed that in the first experiment the ratio was found to be 0.345. This is due to high cost of coir pith and sawdust. This could be significantly improved in the second experiment where in the ratio was 2.29. In the third experiment it is 1.6 and in fourth it is 2.14. This is inclusive of the prohibitive labour cost added in actual terms. In small and medium holding farms. This part is done by the farmers themselves and hence in real terms the B: C ratio would be much higher. Thus, it can be concluded that with 5.0 ml of one per cent H2SO4 acid application on the apical meristem portion of sucker in 20 kg soil media along with a combined application 20g of Glomus fasciculatum plus 10g of Azospirillum, and Zn (0.1%) to the sucker in the first ratoon and Zn at 0.5% in ratoon-2 will form a standard protocol of rapid multiplication using macropropagation technique for quality planting material production in banana (Musa (AAB) ‘Nendran’ThesisItem Open Access Foliar nutrition in banana (musa AAB) nendran for enhancement of growth, yield and quality(College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2015) Ardhra, Ann Paul; KAU; Jayachandran, Nair C SThe present investigations on “Foliar nutrition in banana (Musa AAB Nendran) for enhancement of growth, yield and quality” were conducted in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during 2013-2015. The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the efficiency of foliar application of nutrients on growth, yield and quality of banana cv. Nendran. The following eight treatments were imposed as foliar sprays: K2SO4 (3.0%), NRC Banana formulation, IIHR formulation and a mixture of nutrients such as ZnSO4 0.5% + FeSO4 0.2% + CuSO4 0.1% + H3BO3 0.1% + (NH4)2MoO4 0.01%, ZnSO4 1.0 % + FeSO4 0.3% + CuSO4 0.2% + H3BO3 0.2% + (NH4)2MoO4 0.03%, ZnSO4 1.5 % + FeSO4 0.5% + CuSO4 0.3% + H3BO3 0.3% + (NH4)2MoO4 0.05% , 19:19:19 Fertilizer mixture (2.0 per cent) and a control (water spray on foliage) each at 2, 4 and 6 months after planting. The experiment was conducted as randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The results of investigation revealed that treatment T2 (3.0% K2SO4) resulted in maximum height (423.08 cm) and girth (51.67 cm) of plants at bunch emergence. Highest bunch weight (9.23 kg) was recorded in T2. Other yield characters such as weight of second hand (2.07 kg), fruit length (25.75 cm), fruit weight (270.82 g) and pulp weight (195.11 g) were also found to be the highest in T2. Quality attributes such as TSS (31.50 per cent), acidity (0.32 per cent), TSS/acid ratio (102.64) and sugar/acid ratio (61.96) were also the highest in T2. Score for organoleptic qualities such as sweetness, flavour, texture, firmness, colour and over all acceptability were higher in this treatment. The same treatment resulted in higher leaf nitrogen (2.62 per cent) and potassium (3.76 per cent) content. T2 resulted in high net profit (Rs.522661 ha-1) and B/C ratio (2.05). Treatment T6 (ZnSO4 1.0 % + FeSO4 0.3% + CuSO4 0.2% + H3BO3 0.2% + (NH4)2MoO4 0.03%) resulted in more number of leaves (10.49 numbers) at bunch emergence. The treatment resulted in a bunch weight of 7.30 kg and fruit girth of 16.10 cm. In qualitative characters, T6 recorded maximum reducing sugar (16.90 per cent) and total sugar content (19.42 per cent). TSS content (30.67 per cent) which was statistically on par with T2. Organoleptic qualities were also statistically on par with T2. Leaf nutrients such as Phosphorus, Boron, Molybdenum, Iron and Zinc were also high in this treatment. It also resulted in high net profit (Rs.274241 ha-1) and B/C ratio (1.50). Regarding characters such as height of plant at bunch emergence and fruit length, T5 (ZnSO4 0.5% + FeSO4 0.2% + CuSO4 0.1% + H3BO3 0.1% + (NH4)2MoO4 0.01%) was on par with T2. However, quality characters like TSS, acidity, TSS/acid ratio, total sugars, reducing sugars, non reducing sugars and sugar/acid ratio were lower in T5 compared to T2. Organoleptic qualities were statistically on par with T2. The treatment T5 exhibited high leaf nutrient content (Nitrogen, Boron, Copper and Iron). Nitrogen content in leaf recorded in T5 was on par with T2 and Iron content was on par with T6. This treatment resulted in a net profit of Rs.247535 ha-1 and B/C ratio of 1.48. Treatment T4 (IIHR formulation) resulted in more number of fruits per bunch (39.16). Weight of second hand (1.66 kg) was also higher but differed significantly from T2, T6 and T5. High values were observed for leaf nutrients such as Nitrogen, Potassium and Zinc in this treatment. Nitrogen (2.59 per cent) and Potassium content (3.57 per cent) in leaf recorded in T4 was on par with T2. It also resulted in a net profit of Rs.245075 ha-1 and B/C ratio 1.49. The studies indicate that treatment T2 (3.0% K2SO4 as foliar application 2, 4 and 6 months after planting) can be recommended for farmers since it resulted in highest B/C ratio, yield as well as qualitative characters. However, treatments T6 (ZnSO4 1.0 % + FeSO4 0.3% + CuSO4 0.2% + H3BO3 0.2% + (NH4)2MoO4 0.03%), T5 (ZnSO4 0.5% + FeSO4 0.2% + CuSO4 0.1% + H3BO3 0.1% + (NH4)2MoO4 0.01%) and T4 (IIHR formulation-0.5% urea, 0.5% K2SO4, 0.2% ZnSO4 and 0.1% H3BO3) as foliar application 2, 4 and 6 months after planting can also be recommended for enhancing growth, yield and fruit quality in Nendran banana. Since the constitution of these treatments vary, suitable ones are to be chosen based on the deficiency of the particular nutrient.ThesisItem Open Access Population dynamics and management of mango fruit fly, bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae)(College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2015) Akhila, M U; KAU; Jiji, TThe investigation entitled “Population dynamics and management of mango fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae)” was conducted at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2013-2015. The main objective of the work was to study the host range and population dynamics of mango fruit fly and to standardize the use of alternate chemicals in Bait Application Technique (BAT) and Male Annihilation Technique (MAT) for its management. A survey was conducted in twenty homesteads of Kalliyoor panchayath having at least 25 cents and the Instructional Farm, Vellayani during 2013-2015 to study the pest incidence, extent of damage and host range of mango fruit fly. Study revealed the incidence of the B. dorsalis in three fruit crops viz., mango, guava and banana, out of the five selected. No infestation was observed in papaya and sapota. B. dorsalis preferred soursop as one of its hosts. The species emerged from mango were identified as B. dorsalis and B. caryeae (Kapoor). In guava and banana, only infestation by B. dorsalis was recorded. Infestation by other species of fruit fly was also recorded from rose apple and solanaceous vegetables viz., brinjal and tomato and the species were identified as B. syzigi and B. latifrons (Hendel), respectively. Fruit fly infestation in brinjal and tomato are new reports from Kerala. The percentage infestation in mango was higher in peak fruiting season during May (49.28) to June (61.68) and the maximum number of maggots was observed during June 2014 (82.49). Studies were conducted at ten homesteads of Kalliyoor panchayath and the Instructional Farm, Vellayani to monitor the population fluctuation and species diversity of fruit flies using methyl eugenol traps during 2014-15. It revealed the prevalence of four Bactrocera spp. viz., B. dorsalis, B. caryeae, B. correcta (Bezzi) and B. zonata (Saunders) with a species composition of 28.74, 69.85, 1.38 and 0.02 per cent, respectively. The population of B. caryeae (278.91) and B. dorsalis (124.82) reached the peak level in June 2014 which coincided with the peak fruiting season of mango. Studies on correlation with weather parameters revealed that the maximum temperature, average relative humidity and sunshine hours had a significant positive correlation with the population of B. dorsalis and B. caryeae. The biology of B. dorsalis in different mango varieties and hosts was studied. Longer pupal period (11.40 days) and maximum adult longevity (20.70 days) were observed in the mango variety Bangalora. Among the different hosts, the highest larval (12.90 days) and pupal periods (10.30 days) were recorded in banana. However, the highest adult longevity (19.70 days) was observed in mango. Field studies indicated that the activity of B. dorsalis was more (6.92 flies per trap) during 6.00 to 8.00 am. Based on the percentage mortality and LT 50 values, 10 per cent jaggery along with lambda cyhalothrin 0.005%, 10 per cent jaggery along with spinosad 0.02%, 10 per cent jaggery along with malathion 0.1% and 10 per cent jaggery along with lambda cyhalothrin 0.0025% in BAT and alcohol, lure and spinosad (6: 4: 0.2 v: v: v), alcohol, lure and malathion (6: 4: 1 v: v: v), alcohol, lure and spinosad (6: 4: 0.02 v: v: v) and alcohol, lure and deltamethrin (6: 4: 0.4 v: v: v) in MAT were selected for field evaluation. Field studies conducted in homesteads of Balaramapuram panchayath using the above promising insecticides revealed that 10 per cent jaggery along with spinosad 0.02% was effective in BAT and alcohol, lure and spinosad (6: 4: 0.2 v: v: v) was the best treatment in MAT. The study revealed that in addition to B. dorsalis, B. correcta and B. zonata and many other fruit fly species including B. caryeae, B. syzigi and B. latifrons are also becoming a great threat to crops. Considering the environmental factors, spinosad can be selected as an alternative chemical for the conventional organophosphate insecticide, malathion.