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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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2006 - 200912010 - 20131
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Subject: Horticulture × Author: Femina × Author: KAU × Start date: 2003 × Type: Thesis ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Microclimatic relations on the growth, yield and quality of Anthurium (Anthurium andreanum Linden) under different growing systems
    (College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2006) Femina; KAU; Valsalakumari, P K
    Investigations on “Microclimatic relations on the growth, yield and quality of anthurium (Anthurium andreanum Linden) under different growing systems” were carried out at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during 2003-05. Four cut flower varieties of Anthurium andreanum were grown under four growing structures adopting three times of planting in a year, at an interval of four months. Weather parameters viz., air temperature, relative humidity and light intensity were recorded daily both inside and outside the four growing structures. The results showed that planting time, variety and growing system differed significantly with respect to growth, flowering and flower quality of anthurium. Based on the results obtained, October planting is recommended for anthurium. Varieties recommended are ‘Pistache’ and ‘Tropical’. Low cost structure with UV stabilized shade net to divert 75- 80 per cent light intensity and UV stabilized polyethylene film (120 gsm) to provide protection from rainfall on top and sides, covered with 25 per cent of shade net and with irrigation facilities at a cost of construction of Rs. 300/ m2 was found suitable for growing anthurium in tropical areas. The significant interaction effects showed that a suitable planting time – variety – growing system combination could maximize growth and production in anthurium. Pre-harvest growing conditions influenced the post harvest longevity of flower. Air temperature both inside the growing systems showed positive correlation with all plant characters except in leaf number. In all the varieties plant height and spread showed significant negative correlation with relative humidity in all the growing structures. The number of leaves in most of the cases showed significant positive correlation. Correlation studies with growth parameters and light intensity showed that in variety Tropical plant characters like height, spread, leaf area and petiole length were positively correlated with light intensity in S1 and S3. The R2 values obtained in multiple regression analysis showed that in certain characters the contribution towards variation by microclimatic factors was high. The variations controlled by meteorological factors were higher in leaf characters (79.60% in leaf length, 78.10% in leaf area) and plant height (76.20%). The treatments varied significantly showing the variations in response of different varieties and the growing systems and their interactions to microclimatic factors inside the growing system. The trend curves obtained also confirmed the correlations obtained in growth parameters with microclimatic factors. In tropical areas the best growth is obtained under 75 – 80% shade in anthurium. Under this shade level, the availability of light intensity on an average ranged from 3,953.46 lux in July to 12,318.75 lux in December; air temperature from 30.500C in July to 40.670C in March and relative humidity from 45.90% in February to 77.70% in July during the 12 month period. The study brings out the need for an integrated air temperature – relative humidity - light intensity regime to maximize growth, production and quality of anthurium. The most important requirement is to reduce air temperature by increasing relative humidity. This could be achieved by providing humidifiers in shade houses. Under hitech cultivation providing the suitable air temperature – relative humidity – light intensity regime for each variety could maximize yield. In shade houses which are used for growing anhurium in the plains of Kerala with tropical climate, the most important requirement is to reduce temperature. This can be done by using a plant spray system or a mist system, which increases humidity. An attempt to increase the availability of light in shade houses in the plains may result in increase in temperature which is not favourable for the crop. Anthurium may be a suitable crop for higher elevations in Kerala where the ambient temperature is low. The crop may receive the required light which need not be associated with an increase in temperature.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Introduction and evaluation of new ornamentals for commercial exploitation
    (Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2013) Femina; KAU; Visalakumari, P K