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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Studies on growth and bearing habits of certain varieties of bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.)with special reference to fruit maturity and quality
(Regional post-graduate training centre, Agricultural college and research institute, Coimbatore., 1964) Ravindra, K; KAU
Open Access
Morphological studies and quality evaluation of ginger (zingiber officinale rosco) types
(Department of Horticulture (Plantation Crops), College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1978) Nybe, E V; KAU; Sivaraman Nair, P C
A detailed study of 25 ginger types was conducted during the period from April 1977 to June 1978 at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara with a view to find out the feasibility of fixing up specific morphological characters to identify different types, to screen out ginger types with high yield, high quality and resistant or tolerant to pests and diseases and to study the quality variations at different periods of maturity. The study revealed that morphological characters are not reliable to classify the ginger types, although some of them can be identified by rhizome characters. The morphological characters such as length of leaf, leaf area index and number, length and girth of primary and secondary fingers were found to be positively correlated with yield. All the types studied are susceptible to the incidence of soft-rot, leaf –spot and shoot-borer. The type Maran was relatively tolerant to soft-rot whereas Rio-de-Janeiro was found to be the most susceptible type. Yield was found to vary significantly among the types studied. Maximum yield was recorded in Nadia followed by Bajpai, Maran and Narasapattom. Maximum oleoresin percentage was in Rio-de-Janeiro and highest percentage of oil recovery in Karakal. But the maximum yield per hectare of oleoresin and oil was in the type Maran. Fibre content was minimum in China and maximum in Kuruppampady closely followed by Maran. The yield, dryage and percentage of oleoresin, oil and crude fibre varied significantly among the different maturity periods studied. The percentage of oleoresin, oil and fibre was maximum at 165 days after planting. But the maximum yield per hectare of oleoresin and oil were found at 270, 195, 225 and 225 days after planting in Rio-de-Janeiro, Maran, Kuruppampady and Wynad Local respectively. Cultivation of the types Nadia, Bajpai and Maran is recommended for higher total yield of dry ginger for the plains of Kerala. Considering the low incidence of soft – rot and higher yield of oleoresin and ginger oil the type Maran is preferred
Open Access
Effect of different growth regulators on flowering and fruit development in pineapple
(Department of Horticulture (Pomology), College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1979) Santha, K K; KAU; Aravindakshan, M
The present investigations were carried out in College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University during the years 1976-78. The object of the study was to find out the effect of growth regulators and certain other chemicals on flowering and fruit development in pineapple. The growth regulators and chemicals included in this study consisted of ethrel and Planofix at different concentrations and combination of Ethrel, Ca CO3 and urea. Ca C2 was also included in this study. Seasonal variation in the effect of growth regulators and chemicals in two seasons was noticed. Application of growth regulators and chemicals in January resulted in earlier flowering than November application. The differential response of growth regulators in the two seasons might be attributed to the variation in leaf area. Of the different growth regulators and chemicals tried, Ethrel 250 ppm was found to be the for maximum induction of flowering. Ethrel at all concentrations was found to reduce the duration of flowering and also the time for fruit set. Ethrel in combination with urea 2 per cent and Ca CO3 0.04 per cent also showed similar effect. Time taken for fruit maturity was slightly reduced by Ethrel treatment while it was delayed by the application of Planofix. In respect of fruit size, maximum size was obtained by Planofix 20 ppm. None of the growth regulators, chemicals and combinations tried resulted in an over all improvement in quality of fruits, but the number of leaves possessed by a plant profoundly influenced the quality of fruits. While induction of flowering could be achieved by the application of growth regulators and chemicals irrespective of the morphological characters of the plant, the fruit development was found to be associated with the number of leaves possessed by the plant. The fruits produced by plants with higher number of leaves (Class IV) possessed maximum of TSS, reducing sugars, total sugars and sugar acid ratio closely followed by Class III. For a satisfactory fruit development the plant should possess around 40 leaves at the time of application of growth regulators. The nutrient status of leaves was also found to influence fruit development considerably. The largest fruits were produced by plants having leaf nutrient status of 1.40 per cent N, 0.08 per cent P and 3.43 per cent K. The application of growth regulators and chemicals was responsible for low sucker production. Ethrel at 1250 ppm retarded the sucker production to a maximum extent.
Open Access
Propagation studies in cocoa
(Department of Horticulture (Plantation Crops), College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1979) Kesavachandran, R; KAU; Sivaraman Nair, R
A study on the different aspects of propagation of cocoa was undertaken at the College of Horticulture from May 1978 to July 1979 to standardise the criteria for selecting the pods, seeds and seedlings for raising the nursery, to find out the optimum size of polythene bags and the suitable medium for raising the nursery and also to standardise the best vegetative propagation methods for cocoa. The results had indicated that the volume and weight of the pods varied within the three classes of pods namely large, medium and small. There was not much variation in the number of seeds among the three classes of pods and the mean number varied between 30 to 42. The number of seeds were found to be highest in pods harvested in February and March followed by April. The highest percentage of germination was recorded in March followed by February, January, December and April. The size of the pod and the position of seeds (pedicel end, middle and distal end) had no significant influence on the germination and the growth of the seedlings. However, the large and medium sized pods are found to produce better seedlings. Based on the studies the following recommendation are made i) Large and medium sized pods weighing more than 350g each with not less than 400 cc volume should be selected for raising the nursery during the month of February and March. ii) The seed should be sown on the same day of harvest but it can be stored under room conditions upto six days. The percentage of germination will be decreased to 66 per cent by the sixth day. iii) A selection criterion for selecting the seedlings when they are three months old is recommended. The seedlings should have atleast 30cm height and 10 or more number of leaves when they are three months old. For raising three to five month old seedlings, the optimum size of bag is found to be 30 x 20 cm and the best medium for raising cocoa nursery is a mixture soil, sand and farm yard manure in the proportion 1:1:2. Considering the pattern and extent of root and shoot growth of the seedlings, planting the seedling when they are three to four months old is suggested. For higher percentage of rooting and optimum number of roots and higher root length, a ‘quick dip’ method for 60 sec in 4000 ppm NAA or 6000 ppm IAA is recommended for producing rooted cuttings. A ‘mist chamber’ method is suggested for rooting the cuttings. Forkert method of budding is recommended for cocoa either on eight to nine months old root-stocks or by green budding on three to four months old root-stock. The best time for budding is February and March on older root-stocks and April and May for green budding.
Open Access
Morphological studies and quality evaluation of turmeric types
(Department of Horticulture (Plantation Crops), College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1978) Joseph, Philip; KAU; Sivaraman Nair, P C
A study using 19 turmeric types was conducted during the period from April 1977 to June 1978 at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara with a view to find out the possibility of distinguishing different types based on morphological parameters, to screen out the types with high yield and quality, to evaluate their relative susceptibility or tolerance to important pests and diseases and to study the yield and quality variations at different periods of maturity. The study revealed that morphological characters are not reliable to classify the turmeric types, although some of them can be distinguished by rhizome characters. The morphological characters such as the height of plant, length and breadth of leaf, leaf area index, petiole length, number of leaves per tiller, number of roots per plant, length of root, length of primary fingers and girth of mother rhizome were positively correlated with yield, whereas the intensity of shoot borer attack was negatively correlated with yield. All the types were susceptible to the incidence of ‘leaf spot’, ‘leaf blotch’ and shoot borer infection. The type VK5 (Mannuthy Local) showed the minimum incidence of pest and diseases. The yield of turmeric showed significant variation among the types. Maximum yield of green turmeric was noticed in the type VKI (Chayapasupa) whereas the type VK5 (Mannuthy Local) recorded the maximum yield of cured produce. Significant variation was noticed among the types with regards to the oleoresin and curcumin content. The oleoresin content varied between 12.1 and 21.1 per cent and the variation in curcumin content was from 2.33 to 6.55 per cent. The uncured turmeric samples had a higher content of oleoresin and curcumin than that of cured samples. The yield, percentage recovery of dry produce, oleoresin and curcumin varied significantly among the different periods of maturity in case of the types VK4 (G.L.Puram-II), VK5 (Mannuthy Local), VK17 (Armoor Cll-324) and VKII (Vontimitta). The dry yield, curcumin and oleoresin per hectare were maximum on 270th day whereas the maximum percentage recovery of oleoresin was on 180th and 270th day after planting. The types VK5 (Mannuthy Local), VK1 (Chayapasupa), VK2 (Kuchupudi) and VK3 (Kodur) can be recommended for large scale cultivation in the plains of Kerala as these types are found to be superior in yield of dry produce, oleoresin and curcumin per hectare. Of these VK5 (Mannuthy Local) and VKl (Chayapasupa) are preferred because of the low incidence of pest and diseases. The optimum time of harvesting turmeric is found to be on 270th day after planting under Vellanikkara conditions.
Open Access
Genetic variability and correlation studies in snake gourd (crichosanthos anguina L.)
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1978) Joseph Pynadath, S; KAU; Gopalakrishnan, P K
Studies were undertaken with 25 diverse snake gourd types in the Department of Horticulture (Olericulture), College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, to estimate the genetic variability, correlation coefficients and path coefficients in the crop, during 1977-78. The results have shown that the differences between the types were highly significant for all the 21 characters studied. The estimates of variance components and coefficients of variation have indicated that the major portion of total variability in most of the characters was due to genetic causes, heritabllity in the broad sense was found to be quite high for most of the characters but the heritabllity estimate of yield was only 45.90 per cent. The estimate of genetic gain has shown that by selecting five per cent superior plants from the available population, yield can be improved upto 35.66 per cent over the mean. Characters such as per cent ash content, crude protein per cent, percentage P, number of female flowers per plant, weight of individual fruit and vitamin C content which exhibited parallelism in the high estimates of heritabillty and genetic gain may be suggested to be due to the action of additive genes and can be straightly improved through selection. The type T.A.19 was found to be the highest yielder. Yield per plant was found to be highly associated with number of primary branches, days for opening of first female flower, weight of individual fruit, length of fruit and girth of fruit. The correlation coefficients among these yield components were also significant. Path coefficient analysis has shown that weight of individual fruit, girth of fruit, number of fruits per plant and node at which first female flower appeared are the more important characters contributing to yield, on account of their high direct effects. Number of female flowers per plant and length of fruit are also important characters as their direct effects were moderate and indirect effects substantial.
Open Access
Studies on growth ,flowering ,fruit set and fruit development in nutmeg (Myristica fragrans hout.)
(Department of Plantations Crops, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1979) Nazeem, P A; KAU; Sivaraman Nair, P C
The present investigations were carried out in the College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University during the year 1978-’79. The object was to study the pattern of growth and flowering, floral biology, fruit set, fruit drop and fruit development in nutmeg. The studies were conducted on male and female trees of about 17 years old receiving cultural practices as recommended by Kerala Agricultural University. Shoot growth in nutmeg was found to be cyclic, a period of growth followed by a quiescence. Six flushes were observed during the period of one year. All the flushes were not seen in all the shoots which resulted in continuous growth in nutmeg. The mean growth varied significantly from month to month, with minimum in summer months. Two peaks were observed in May, June and September. Nutmeg trees were found to be slow growers when compared to other prerennial trees. Flowering pattern of male and female trees differed. There was monthly variation in the extent of flowering of both male and female trees. In females, flowering was constrained to seven months whereas in male, flowering was observed through out the year. Maximum flowering in both the cases was in July followed by October. The flower bud development in male and female trees followed specific pattern. The male flowers took only about half the period taken by the female flowers to develop. The female flowers took 154 days for complete development. Three types of flowers were observed in nutmeg which resembled and differed each other for different characters. In male flowers, peak anthesis was between 1900 hours and 0100 hour and in females, it was between 2100 hours and 0300 hours. Anther dehiscence occurred about 24 hours prior to anthesis. The stigmatic receptivity lasted for six days after anthesis with the maximum for the first three days. The chief agent of pollination was wind. Anther number and pollen production per flower varied from tree to tree. Sucrose at concentrations of 2, 4, 6 and 8 per cent, boric acid and calcium nitrate at concentrations of 25, 50, 75 and 100 ppm each were found to promote pollen germination. A combination of the three (4% sucrose, 25 ppm calcium nitrats and 75 ppm boric acid) gave maximum germination (96.9%). Pollen was found to be viable for three days in the dehisced bud condition and the viability was greatly reduced thereafter. The percentage set varied for different trees and for different aspects with maximum set on Western and eastern aspects. Hand pollination increased the percentage set than open pollination, indicating the possibilities of assisted pollination for better production. There was no apomictic fruit development. The mean percentage drop after set was 74.4 per cent. The number of fruits harvested accounted to only 8.47 per cent of the total flowers produced. The period of maximum drop after set coincided with the period of maximum development of the fruit. The fruits attained maturity in 206 to 237 days after fruit set. The developing fruits followed a sigmoid growth pattern. The peak harvest season ranged between April and July. The trees varied for the percentage drop and number of fruits harvested.
Open Access
Genetic variability, correlation studies and path coefficient analysis in bittere gourd (Momordica Charantia L.)
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1978) Ramachandran, C; KAU; Gopalakrishnan, P K
Studies were undertaken with 25 diverse bitter gourd types in the Department of Horticulture (Olericulture), College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Trichur, to estimate the genetic variability, correlation coefficients and path coefficients, and also to formulate a reliable selection index for the crop, during 1977-78. The results have shown that the differences between types were highly significant for all the twenty one characters studied. The estimates of variance components and coefficients of variation have indicated that the major portion of total variability in all characters, except number of seeds per fruit, was due to genetic causes. Heritability in the broad sense was found quite high for all characters except number of seeds per fruit. Expected genetic advance has shown that, by selecting five per cent superior plants from the available population, yield could be improved by 4.08 kg per plant. Characters such as yield per plant, vitamin C content, number of fruits per plant, number of female flowers per plant, iron content and phosphorus content which exhibited parallelism in the high estimates of heritability and genetic gain may be suggested to be due to the action of additive gene and can be straightly improved through selection. Type B.G.23 was found to be exceptionally high yielding. Yield per plant was found to be highly correlated with length of main vine, weight of fruit, length of fruit, number of fruits per plant, number of female flowers per plant and number of primary branches per plant. The correlation coefficients among these yield components were also highly significant. Path coefficient analysis has shown that the weight of fruit, number of fruits per plant and length of main vine had high direct positive effects on yield. Number of primary branches per plant, number of female flowers per plant and length of fruit exhibited low and negative direct effects on yield. Multiple regression analysis resulted in fitting a function, indicating that, about 74 per cent of the fruit yield in bitter gourd could be predicted phenotypically, if the observed value for length of main vine is multiplied by 0.8990, number of fruits per plant by 0.0492 and weight of fruit by 0.0335 and from their sum of products 7.2168 is subtracted.
Open Access
Factors affecting yield in cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.)
(Department of Horticulture (Pomology & Floriculture and Landscaping), College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1979) Parameswaran, N K; KAU; Damodaran, V K
Investigations on the different vegetative, flowering and fruiting characters, influencing yield in cashew, were undertaken at the main campus of Kerala Agricultural University at Vellanikkara. These studies were made during the period from November 1978 to April 1979. Important vegetative characters studied were the percentage of flowered shoots per unit area of tree canopy and the growth parameters of the tree represented by spread and height. The major flowering and fruiting characters studied were the pattern of flower opening, percentage of bisexual flowers, factors affecting pollination, fruit-set, fruit-drop and the mean weight of nuts harvested. The results showed that among the vegetative characters, percentage of flowered shoots per unit area of tree canopy was found to be the most important factor, contributing to yield. Tree-spread was also found to have a positive correlation with yield. The influences of this character on yield was not direct but indirectly through the former character. There was no significant correlation between yield and height of the tree. Pattern of flower opening in cashew panicles was found to have three phases viz., the first male phase followed by a mixed phase which is again followed by a second male phase. The duration of these three phases was found to be varying in the different trees. It was found that some trees had only the mixed phase throughout and those trees yielding above the median had a longer mixed phase as compared to the trees yielding below the median. A positive correlation was found between yield and percentage of bisexual flowers in the tree. Among the flowering and fruiting characters affecting yield, this factor was found to influence yield much more than any other character. Examination of a random number of bisexual flowers revealed that a large proportion of bisexual flowers remained unpollinated in nature. So, lack of pollination was found to be one of the reasons for poor fruit-set and yield in cashew. This was further confirmed from the high fruit-set obtained in the hand pollinated panicles. Receptivity of the stigma was found to be continuing up for 48 hours after flower opening and hence it was not a limiting factor for securing high yield. Supplementing the natural pollination with the help of insect pollinators met with some success. Keeping bee-hives in the orchards during flowering season is advisable for facilitating better pollination. A positive correlation could be observed between yield and percentage of fruit-set but the ultimate yield was found to be adversely affected by the severe shedding of young fruits before reaching maturity. The intensity of fruit-drop was found to be high in the early stages of development but it declined during the later stages. The causes of fruit-drop that could be identified were those resulting from the attack of insect pests, adverse climatic conditions etc. Studies did not reveal any significant correlation between yield and mean weight of nuts harvested.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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