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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 Fertigation studies in Papaya (Carica papaya L.)(Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2021) Karishma, Sebastian; KAU; Bindu, BThe investigation entitled “Fertigation studies in papaya (Carica papaya L.)” was carried out in Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period 2018 – 2020 with the objectives to standardize the nutrient level for yield improvement through fertigation and foliar nutrition in papaya variety Surya and to study the postharvest management practices for extending the shelf life of papaya fruits. The experiment was undertaken in two parts. In part I, standardization of nutrient level for fertigation and foliar nutrition was carried out in RBD with 14 treatments replicated thrice. A combination of four fertigation doses of 75 %, 100 %, 125 % and 150 % RDF of N (304.89, 406.52, 508.15 and 609.78 g urea plant⁻¹ year⁻¹ respectively based on soil test data in 76 fertigation) and K (426.25, 568.33, 710.42 and 852.50 g MOP plant⁻¹ year⁻¹ respectively based on soil test data in 76 fertigation) and three foliar sprays (1.0 % 19:19:19 at bimonthly interval starting from 4 MAP to 16 MAP, 0.5% ZnSO4 + 0.3% borax at 4 th, 8th, 12th and 16th MAP and water spray at bimonthly interval starting from 4 MAP to 16 MAP) were compared with soil application of recommended dose of NPK (187:170:341 g NPK plant-1 year-1 based on soil test data) (control 1) and 187:170:341 g NPK plant-1 year-1 based on soil test data as organic manures as combination of FYM, poultry manure and vermicompost in the ratio of 2:1:1 (control 2). In control 2, additional requirement of P and K were met through the application of rock phosphate and potassium sulphate respectively. Organic manure (15 kg FYM plant-1 ) was given uniformly to all treatments as basal. Lime and rock phosphate (500g and 850g respectively based on soil test data) was applied uniformly for all treatments as basal except controls. Urea and Muriate of Potash (MOP) were used as fertilizer sources for fertigation and applied weekly from 1 MAP to 20 MAP. Application of different levels of fertigation and different foliar sprays had significant effect on growth, yield and quality of papaya. Growth parameters viz., plant height, stem girth and number of leaves were significantly higher in plants receiving 100 % RD of N and K through fertigation and foliar sprays of 1.0 % 19:19:19 (T4) at bimonthly interval starting from 6 MAP to 16 MAP. T4 also recorded highest leaf area index at 6, 12, 18 MAP and at final harvest, flowering at the shortest height, highest number of female plants and highest fruit set (86.27 %). However, application of 100 % RD of N and K through fertigation and foliar sprays of 0.5 % ZnSO4 and 0.3 % borax at 4 th, 8th, 12th and 16th MAP (T5) initiated earliness in flowering (142.67 days) and harvest (275.00 days). Treatments T4 and T5 were on par in fruit length, fruit girth, fruit volume, pulp percentage, flesh thickness and yield contributing characters like fruit weight, number of fruits per plant and yield per plant (38.30 kg plant⁻1 and 37.60 kg plant⁻1 respectively). Fruit quality parameters viz., TSS, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, total sugar, reducing sugar and non reducing sugar were found highest in T5. Fruits from T5 also registered longest shelf life (5.78 days) and highest mean sensory score for all parameters. Index leaf analysis at 6 MAP revealed highest nitrogen and potassium content of leaf in T10 (150 % RD of N and K through fertigation and foliar sprays of 1.0 % 19:19:19). Calcium, magnesium and sulphur content of leaves were highest in T5, whereas boron and zinc content were highest in T8 (125 % RD of N and K through fertigation and foliar sprays of 0.5 % ZnSO4 and 0.3 % borax). Highest nitrogen and potassium of fruits were observed in T12 (150 % RD of N and K through fertigation with water spray). Highest nitrogen content in soil was noticed in T11 (150 % RD of N and K through fertigation and foliar sprays of 0.5 % ZnSO4 and 0.3 % borax) and T10 witnessed highest potassium content. T4 and T5 were at par regarding B : C ratio (2.58 and 2.54 respectively). In part II of the investigation, postharvest management for extending shelf life of papaya was carried out with nine treatments replicated thrice. Different postharvest treatments given were precooling - hydro cooling (S1), surface sanitization with 150 ppm sodium hypochlorite (S2), external coating with 1% chitosan (S3), precooling followed by external coating with 1% chitosan (S4), packaging with ethylene scrubber 8% KMnO₄ (S5), precooling followed by packaging with ethylene scrubber 8% KMnO₄ (S6), precooling followed by external coating with 1% chitosan and packaging with ethylene scrubber 8% KMnO4 (S₇), hot water treatment followed by waxing with 6% carnauba wax and packaging with ethylene scrubber 8% KMnO₄ (S8) and control (S9). Papaya variety Surya was raised at Instructional Farm, Vellayani and fruits at fully mature green stage were harvested, subjected to different postharvest treatments and packaging was done in CFB boxes and stored under ambient conditions till the end of shelf life. Papaya fruits subjected to precooling followed by external coating with 1% chitosan and packaging with ethylene scrubber KMnO₄ (S7) recorded the longest shelf life of 9.67 days, which was at par with S8 (hot water treatment followed by waxing with 6% carnauba wax and packaging with ethylene scrubber KMnO₄). Physiological loss in weight, ion leakage, percentage disease index, bacterial and fungal count were significantly lowest in S7 and S8 after three days of storage. These treatments also recorded maximum total carotenoids, total soluble solids, total sugar, reducing sugar and minimum acidity after nine days of storage which indicated extended shelf life. Highest mean rank score for sensory attributes were also recorded in treatments S7 and S8 after nine days of storage. In conclusion, application of 100 % recommended dose of N and K (406.52 g urea plant⁻¹ year⁻¹ and 568.33 g plant⁻¹ year⁻¹ respectively) through weekly fertigation from one to 20 months after planting and foliar sprays of 0.5 % ZnSO4 + 0.3 % Borax at 4 th, 8th, 12th and 16th MAP, along with basal application of 850g rock phosphate and 15 kg FYM resulted in increased growth, yield and quality characters of papaya variety Surya with highest B: C ratio. Fruits at fully mature green stage when subjected to precooling followed by external coating with 1% chitosan and packaging with ethylene scrubber 8% KMnO₄ in CFB boxes exhibited a shelf life of 9.67 days in storage under ambient condition in papaya variety Surya.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of hybrids and clonal variants in pineapple(Ananas comosus L.)(Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2022) Lalit, Dhurve; KAU; Ajith Kumar, KThe present investigation entitled “Evaluation of hybrids and clonal variants in pineapple (Ananas comosus L.)” was conducted during August 2017 to August 2021 at Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Thrissur, Kerala. The objectives of the research work were to evaluate the somaclonal variants and hybrids of pineapple for yield and quality for identifying novel genotypes and to generate DNA fingerprints of the genotypes using ISSR markers for varietal identification and assessment of genetic resemblance. The plant material for Experiment-I comprised of 75 somaclonal variants derived from the pineapple cultivar Mauritius. They were field planted and evaluated at FCRS. The material for Experiment-II comprised of 25 numbers of Mauritius x Kew and 10 numbers of Kew x Mauritius hybrids which were selected and evaluated at FCRS, by adopting RBD with two replications during the normal season along with the cultivars Mauritius, Kew, and Amritha. For Experiment-III, molecular characterization of 11 superior somaclones along with the parental source was carried out using fifty ISSR markers. Similarly molecular characterization of 10 promising hybrids and three check varieties namely Mauritius, Kew, and Amritha were carried out using fifteen ISSR markers. All the somaclonal variants of Mauritius and their field evaluated hybrids were scored based on the most desirable and undesirable characters. Statistical analysis was performed by using the different selection criteria for somaclones and hybrids. Somaclones were selected by calculating index scores (Singh and Chaudhary,1985) and hybrids were selected based on selection index (Smith, 1937). With relation to this, the scores of individual genotypes were judged and those genotypes which ranked with the highest index values in the selection indices were carried forward for further study. The statistical analysis was performed by using the selection criteria for somaclones using index scores as suggested by Singh and Chaudhary (1985). It was observed that the sum of index values of somaclones which secured rank with the highest index scores within the eleven were identified. Accordingly, eleven somaclones T-4, T-17, T-71, T-47, T-43, T-25, T-22, T-24, T-75, T-10 and T-69 were selected for further molecular characterization. Among the 50 ISSR markers that were used for PCR amplification, only 30 showed polymorphic amplification. The unique amplicons (1-6) and PIC (0.32-0.94) were recorded from ISSR marker profiles. A UPGMA based dendrogram, minimum (0.58) similarity was showed by the parent genotype Mauritius with the somaclonal variants T71 and T-75, indicating the existence of significant genetic variation among these three variants. The selection index developed by Smith (1937) was used to discriminate the genotypes based on selected characters. As per the selection index of Mauritius x Kew hybrids, it was found that the indices have identified the six hybrids. Accordingly, six numbers of Mauritius x Kew hybrids T-1 (H-17), T-7 (H-43), T-8 (H-66), T-14 (H-70), T15 (H-59), and T-24 (H-35) were selected for further molecular characterization. All the 15 ISSR markers that were used for PCR amplification showed polymorphic amplification. The uniqueness of amplicons (1-7) and PIC (0.43-0.93) were recorded. A UPGMA based dendrogram showed that the hybrids H-17, H-35, and H-43 had the high level of Jaccard’s genetic similarity relationship with parent sources Mauritius and Kew, with a similarity coefficient of 0.72. With the selection index of Kew x Mauritius hybrids, it was found that the indices have identified the four hybrids. Accordingly, four hybrids T-9 (H-121), T-2 (H-118), T-4 (H-101), and T-3 (H-115) were selected for further molecular characterization. All the fifteen ISSR markers used for PCR analysis showed polymorphic amplification. The uniqueness of amplicons (1-6) and PIC (0.41-0.81) were recorded for the ISSR primers. A UPGMA based dendrogram showed that the H-115, H-118, and H-121 have registered a high level of Jaccard’s genetic similarity values with parent source Kew and Mauritius, with a genetic similarity coefficient of 0.66. Thus, this study has analyzed 75 somaclones derived from cv. Mauritius, 25 hybrids of Mauritius x Kew, and 10 hybrids of Kew x Mauritius. Based on the selection indices developed, the superior somaclones and hybrids were identified. The identified lines were characterized using the ISSR molecular marker system which had revealed the genetic relativeness among the selected somaclones and the hybrids.ThesisItem Open Access Production dynamics of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) in Kerala(Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2020) Anu Kurian; KAU; Ajith Kumar, KStrawberry is a unique soft fruit crop known for its tantalizing aroma, bright red colour, juicy texture, sweetness and high nutritive value. This is a highly remunerative crop and give quickest returns with in a short period of six months. Temperature and photoperiod are the most important environmental factors that affect the transition from vegetative to flowering phase of strawberry. Previous studies conducted in the department have proved that strawberry can be grown in the plains as well as in hills of Kerala during September to March even in the open condition. The suitable genotypes and good management practices are of paramount importance for successful cultivation of strawberry. With this brief background, the present investigation titled “Production dynamics of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) in Kerala” was undertaken to identify suitable cultivars, better nutrient management, better spacing, suitable growing systems and media for the homestead cultivation of Kerala. Total of four experiments were designed for the study. The study was conducted using eight strawberry varieties under two different agroclimatic zones of Kerala. In Central mid-lands, cv. Winter Dawn recorded signficantly higher number of leaves and number of crowns per plant, whereas in High ranges, cv. Winter Dawn was found significantly superior for maximum plant height, number of leaves and number of crowns per plant. The attributes viz., number of clusters, flowers and fruits per plant were recorded in cv. Winter Dawn which was followed by cv. Sabrina-1 in both locations. Maximum harvesting period was recorded in cv. Winter Dawn in Central mid-lands while it was maximum in cv. Sabrina-1 in High ranges. Quality attributes such as TSS/acidity ratio was recorded maximum in cv. Sweet Charlie under both locations. Winter Dawn recorded maximum ascorbic acid content in both locations while cv. Crystal recorded maximum anthocyanin content. Maximum β-Carotene content was recorded in cv. Sabrina-1 in Central mid-lands while it was maximum in cv. Hadar in High ranges. Evaluating all the parameters during crop period, both Sabrina-1 and Winter Dawn showed stability in their sensory qualities in Central mid-lands. In High ranges, it was recorded in cv. Sweet Charlie. Nine different nutrient combinations were studied using cv. Winter Dawn in Central mid-lands of Kerala. Among the different nutrient combinations, FYM (30 t ha-1), N, P2O5, K2O @ 75:20:100 kg ha-1 (T8) recorded maximum vegetative attributes, number of flowers, fruits and yield per plant (79.92 g) and quality parameters such as TSS and TSS/acidity ratio. Maximum content of total sugars, ascorbic acid and highest sensory score were recorded in the nutrient combination FYM (30 t ha-1), N, P2O5, K2O @ 100:40:50 kg ha-1 (T9). Physiological attributes such as leaf area index was found to maximum in the nutrient combination FYM (t ha-1), N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1@ 30:100:40:50 (T9), while the relative growth rate was recorded maximum in FYM (30 t ha-1), N, P2O5, K2O @ 75:20:100 kg ha-1 (T8) and 20 t ha-1, 50:40:100 kg ha-1 (T4). Among the nutrients, uptake was maximum in nitrogen and it ranges from 10.66 to 58.65 kg ha-1. The nutrient potassium which favours fruit formation was found maximum in the nutrient combination FYM (30 t ha-1), N, P2O5, K2O @ 75:20:100 kg ha-1 (T8) which ultimately resulted in maximum yield per plant. Different nutrient combinations had significant difference on nutrient content of strawberry fruits except copper content. The highest B/C ratio (0.91) was recorded for the nutrient combination, FYM (30 t ha-1), N, P2O5, K2O @ 75:20:100 kg ha-1 (T8). Six different spacing trials were studied using strawberry cv. Winter Dawn in both Central mid-lands and High ranges. Vegetative attributes viz., plant height, number of leaves and number of crowns were maximum in closer spacing of 20 cm x 20 cm in both Central mid-lands and High ranges which have led to the maximum production of flowers, clusters, fruits and yield per plant (100.03 g; 271.69 g) in both locations. Quality attributes viz., TSS, TSS/acidity ratio and total sugars were found maximum in wider spacing of 30 cm x 50 cm (T2) in Central mid-lands. In High ranges, maximum total sugars was recorded at a spacing of 30 cm x 60 cm (5.37 %) while maximum ascorbic acid and β-Carotene content were recorded at a spacing of 30 cm x 50 cm (T2). The total sensory score was found maximum in 30 cm x 50 cm (T2) in Central mid-lands while it was maximum in 30 cm x 60 cm (T1) in High ranges. Closer spacing of 20 cm x 20 cm did not have significant influence the quality attributes however it recorded highest B/C ratio in both Central mid-lands (1.21) and High ranges (3.28). Six different growing systems viz., hanging pots, hanging pipes, hanging bottles, vertical garden, grow bags and raised beds and four different growing media viz., Soil: Cocopeat: FYM, Soil: Cocopeat: Vermicompost, Cocopeat: Perlite: FYM and Cocopeat: Perlite: Vermicompost in 1:1:1 ratio were studied using cv. Winter Dawn in Central mid-lands. Vegetative attributes viz., plant height, number of leaves, plant spread and number of crowns were recorded maximum in growbags and raised beds with growing medium, Soil: Cocopeat: Vermicompost (1:1:1) which led to the maximum production of number of flowers, clusters, fruits and yield per plant (86.26 g). Quality attributes viz., TSS, TSS/acidity ratio and total sugars were recorded maximum in raised beds with growing medium Cocopeat: Perlite: Vermicompost (1:1:1). The overall sensory score was found maximum in fruits grown in raised beds with medium Soil: Cocopeat: FYM (1:1:1). The highest B/C ratio (1.36) was recorded with raised beds with Soil: Cocopeat: Vermicompost (1:1:1) as growing medium. On evaluation, it is found that cv. Winter Dawn showed significantly superior performance in vegetative, flowering, fruit and yield attributes with resistance to serious pests and diseases. Hence, it can be recommended as a best variety for strawberry cultivation in Kerala. Among the different nutrient combinations, FYM (30 t ha-1), N, P2O5, K2O @ 75:20:100 kg ha-1 (T8) was found suitable for better nutrient recommendation for strawberry. Though closer spacing of 20 cm x 20 cm recorded maximum yield but wider spacing would enhance the quality of fruits. Grow bag is found the best suitable growing system with growing medium Soil: Cocopeat: Vermicompost at 1:1:1 ratio, for home gardening of strawberry.ThesisItem Open Access Response of banana Musa (AAB) 'Nendran' to nutrient sources(Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2021) Manohar Lal Meghwal; KAU; Jyothi, M LBanana is the leading tropical fruit in the world market today with a highly organized and developed industry. Banana having a root system spread in the top 60 cm soil, is heavy feeder of nutrients and requires large quantities of nutrients for its growth, development and yield. Nutrient removal from soil by crops must be replenished. Under good management conditions and adequate supply of biofertilizers and organic manures, the nutrient removal can be replenished and soil physical, chemical and biological properties can be improved. Organic and inorganic sources of nutrients have significant influence on fruit quality and soil characteristics. The current agricultural policy emphasize a shift towards safe agricultural practices for which organic management is the best option. However the crop behaviour under organic and inorganic management needs elaborate studies. Hence the research entitled ‘Response of banana Musa (AAB) 'Nendran' to nutrient sources was formulated to elucidate response of banana in terms of growth, yield and quality to nutrient sources and to compare the fruit quality of banana grown under organic and conventional systems in farmer’s field. The study revealed that vegetative growth of Musa Nendran banana was not influenced by different sources of nutrients in early stage in both the years but later differences were recorded between the treatments. Plant height, number of leaves and pseudostem girth showed significant differences from 90 DAP. At bunching stage plant height and pseudostem girth were higher in organic treatments. There was significant difference in pseudostem girth between the treatments throughout the growth stage of Nendran banana. Among the treatments, T8 resulted in better growth of plants. Leaf characters like number of leaves and leaf area index were not influenced significantly between organic and integrated nutrient management. Early leaf production was also noticed in treatment T8 as indicated by the observations on phyllocron. Growth was delayed in control where no manures and fertilizers. In general more number of leaves per plant and lesser duration for leaf emergence was recorded in both the years in organic treatments. Chlorophyll production in the index leaf of banana was influenced with organic and inorganic nutrition. Chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll in the index leaf were distinctly higher in treatment T8 (fertigation with FYM) which was on par with treatments T3 and T5 where organic manures alone were applied. Early flowering and early harvesting were observed in organic treatments. Higher total biomass production was recorded in organic treatments. Yield and yield attributing characters like bunch weight, number of finger, finger weight were highest in treatments with organic sources of nutrients. The mean bunch weight was influenced significantly by organic and inorganic sources of nutrients. Fertigation with organic sources of nutrients resulted in the production of heavier bunches in both years. Maximum bunch weight was recorded from treatment T8 which was on par with other organic treatments as well as integrated management with fertilisers applied as fertigation as well as based on soil test results. No significant variation was observed between treatments on number of hands per bunch and finger characters like finger length and girth. Peel thickness of fruits were not significantly influenced but the pulp to peel ratio was significantly influenced by the treatments. Pulp to peel ratio was higher in all treatments other than T1 and control where T1 is the POP recommendation for TC banana under integrated nutrient management. Yield per plant was positively correlated with available N, P, K, Calcium, magnesium, sulphur, Zn, Cu, B, content of the soil. Yield was also positively correlated with soil properties like pH, organic carbon content, CEC, Bulk density, and Dehydrogenase enzyme activity. Higher biomass production was recorded in plants that received nutrients from organic sources compared to integrated nutrient management and control. Shelf life of fruits were improved in organic treatments. Fruit quality parameters like TSS, Total sugars, ascorbic acid and β carotene of ripe banana fruits were improved in organic treatments compare to inorganic system. Sensory score of ripe fruits and fruit chips were maximum in organic treatments. The taste of ripe banana fruits was improved in plants grown under organic treatments. Fertigation with organic manures (T8) resulted in improved fruit quality of Nendran banana in both the years. Different soil physical and chemical properties also improved when nutrients were supplied through organic sources. Soil pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon content, cation exchange capacity, available, N, P, K, Mg, Iron, Copper, Zinc, Mn and boron were better in soils receiving organic manures alone. Similarly the soil biological properties like dehydrogenase activity, nitrogenase activity, microbial biomass carbon, and viable counts of total fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes were better in organic treatments. Bulk density of soil was low in soils receiving organic manures alone compared to integrated nutrients. Total uptake of nutrients in organic and integrated nutrient management system was compared. Uptake of N, Ca, S, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu was higher in organic system of cultivation of banana compared to integrated system. Higher benefit cost ratio was recorded banana grown in organic system. The study revealed that organic sources of nutrients improved soil properties and thereby improved growth, yield and quality of banana.
