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.

Browse

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 9 of 13

Open Access
Effect of planting date, weight of rhizome and spacing on the growth, yield and quality constituents on turmeric (Curcuma longa L)
(Department of Horticulture (Plantation Crops & Spices), College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1983) Chatterjee, R K; KAU; Mohanakumaran, N
Open Access
Homeostatic analysis of components of genetic variance and inheritance of fruit colour, fruit shape and bitterness in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1989) Abdul Vahab, M; KAU; Gopalakrishnan, P K
Open Access
In vitro studies on the propagation of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum maton)
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1989) Reghunath, B R; KAU; Gopalakrishnan, P K
Open Access
Selection efficiency and genetic and biochemical bases of resistance to bacterial wilt in tomato
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1985) Rajan, S; KAU; Peter, K V
Bacterial wilt (Pseudomona solanacearum E.F. Smith) is a major disease of tomato. Attempts were made to improve a reportedly resistant line CL 32d-0-1-19 GS for higher fruit weight and better plant type through four selection methods – mass, pureline, single seed descent and bulk. Genetic and biochemical bases of resistance were also studied. Resistance of the evolved line was tested in vivo and in vitro. Mass, pureline and SSD methods of selection were effective to improve fruits/plant, locules/fruit, yield/plant and fruit weight. SSD method resulted in higher realized genetic gain for fruits/plant (30.97) locules/fruit (0.5) and yield/plant (1.05 kg). Higher genetic advance and high realized heritability were recorded for days to first harvest in SSD selections. Mass selection had higher realized heritability (0.95) for fruits/plant and high realized heritability (0.65) and realized genetic gain (0.5) for locules/fruit. Fruit weight was improved through pure- line selection. Selections based on trait combination fruits/plant, yield/plant and plant height significantly effected higher locules/fruit (4.2). Selection based on trait combination fruits/plant, yield/plant, locules/fruit and plant height were the earliest to flower (59 days). Days to first harvest were significantly reduced (96 days) through selections based on fruit/plant and yield/plant followed by yield/plant and plant height (98 days). Fruit weight was significantly improved by selections based on yield/plant and locules/fruit (58.5 g). Selections based on yield/plant had high realized heritability (0.59) and realized genetic gain (22.0 g) for fruit weight. Fruit weight was significantly improved by selections based on yield/plant and locules/fruit under SSD method (62.4 g). Transgressive segregants appeared through selection based on yield/plant and locules/fruit. SSD selections had the lowest incidence of wilt (9.86%). Multi- locational trails revealed a survival of 89.5% of plants under normal disease stress. Evaluation of generations from LE79 (CL 32d-0-1-1-1-19GS) x Pusa Ruby Cross indicated a monogenic and incompletely dominant type of gene action for wilt resistance. There was no association between yellow gel colour around the seed and disease resistance. No close linkage between resistance and a fewer locules/fruit was observed. The resistant line (LE79-CL 32d-0-1-1-1-1-19 GS) had higher total and higher root content of Pusa Ruby. - tomatine than the susceptible line - Tomatine content increased and maintained at a higher level in resistant line eventhough the infection progressed consequent to artificial inoculation. Pusa Ruby wilted seven days after inoculation. Total phenol content was higher in roots of Pusa Ruby before and after inoculation. The wilted plants of Pusa Ruby had higher content in root and shoot. The O.D. phenols content was more in the resistant line before and after inoculation. Vitamin C content was also more in roots of LE79 before and after inoculation. A higher ratio of phenols and -tomatine: total phenols, -tomatine: O.D. -tomatine: vitamin C were found in roots of LE79 before inoculation. The wilted plants of Pusa Ruby had lower ration of -tomatine: total phenols and -tomatine: vitamin C. a higher increase in O.D. phenols and vitamin C content on infection was observed in resistant line. The ratio of vitamin C: total phenols was higher in roots of LE79 before infection and the ratio increased in both the lines initially on infection and then decreased but to a greater extent in Pusa Ruby. A higher increase in vitamin C content compared to total phenol was observed in LE79 on infection. A low ratio of total phenol: O.D. phenol was related to resistance in LE79. Inoculation in vitro confirmed the resistance of LE79 to Vellanikkara isolate of Pseudomonas solanacearum E.F. Smith. Grafting of suspectible scion on LE79 delayed wilting of scion even on artificial inoculation.
Open Access
Intraclonal variations and nutritional studies in banana cv. Palayankodan
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1985) Rajeevan, P K; KAU; Mohanakumaran, N
The investigations were carried out at the Banana Research Station, Kannara, during 1981-84 in the banana cv. 'Palayankodan'. Twenty four accessions were subjected to detailed analysis with respect to growth, yield and quality. The plants of the accessions differed significantly with regard to height and girth of pseudostem during the later stages of growth , both in the plant crop and in ratoon 1. Significant differences observed in the number of functional leaves were not consistent. Area of the third leaf at shooting varied significantly in all the three crops. The trend in variation between the crops, however, was not consistent. Interval of leaf production, total number of leaves produced and the density of stomata in the upper surface of the leaf lamina showed significant differences. The duration from planting to shooting in ratoon 1 alone varied significantly. The plant crop took more time than ratoon 1 and ratoon 2 to come to harvest. The content of nutrient elements in the index leaf did not exhibit significant variations. The reactionof the accessions to the important pest (rhizome weevil) and diseases (bunchytop and Sigatoke) varied considerably.
Open Access
Evaluation of nutrient uptake in black pepper (Piper nigrum L .)
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1990) Geetha, C K; KAU; Aravindhakshan, M
Experiments on the nutritional aspects of black pepper were carried out at the Centre for Advanced Studies on Humid Tropical Tree Crops, College of Horticulture , Vellanikkara and at the Banana Research Station, Kannara, during 1986-1990. The pattern of growth and nutrient- uptake in bush pepper and vine pepper, the relative efficiencies of black pepper varieties in the utilization of applied P and the soil zone of maximum nutrient absorption in pepper vines trailed on dead and live standards were investigated . All the nutrients tried , namely, N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S,had influence on one or more of the growth parameters of bush pepper as well as vine pepper. Application of Ca improved the root characters markedly. Vine pepper had superiority in terms of height, number of leaves and number of roots . Bush pepper produced more number of branches, larger leaves and longer roots. In both the types, the total biomass was a good indicator to applied nutrients . Among the nutrients applied , only N and S increased their concentrations in the stem and leaf of bush pepper and vine pepper. In both the types, treatment devoid of N produced typical N deficiency symptoms. The nature o f response in uptake was more or less similar in all the treatments. The variability in biomass production and nutrient uptake in bush pepper and vine , pepper could be explained by quadratic models for all the nutrients , except Ca. On comparing the quadratic responses In biomass production between the two types of plants, vine pepper revealed an additional response over bush pepper. The differences in nutrient uptake between the two type s of pepper were also highly significant, except for P. Hence, bush pepper cannot be used as a suitable substitute for vine pepper, for purpose o f investigations on nutrient requirements. However, in the context of studies on fertility status and nutrient supplying power of soils , there is scope for using bush pepper as substitute for vine pepper.
Open Access
Inheritance of clusterness, destalkness and deep red colour in chilli [Capsicum annuum L.]
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1985) Gopalakrishnan, T R; KAU; Gopalakrishnan, P K
The research project " inheritance of clusterness, destalkness and deep red colour in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) was carried out at the College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Trichur from July 1979 to September 1983. Preliminary evaluation of 38 chilli lines during 1979 and 46 lines during 1980 revealed considerable variation for most of the economic characters . Phenotypic coefficient of variation was the maximum for fruits/plant followed by fruit length and main stem length. High heritability coupled with high expected genetic advance was observed for fruit length and main stem length. Earliness measured as days to flower and days to red chilli harvest, though having high heritability , had only a very low expected genetic advance.
Open Access
Cytotaxonomical studies on banana cultivars
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1984) Valsalakumari, P K; KAU; Sivaraman, Nair P C
Variability in banana are wide and complex with different degrees of expression of the characters of the parental species, Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana. Commercial cultivars are many, ranging in levels of productivity and quality characters. Investigations were conducted at the College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Trichur during 1981-83 on 100 cultivars of banana to study the cytotaxonomical aspects. Studies on morphological characters, taxonomic scoring and chromosome number revealed that many of the cultivars were identical and ultimately the cultivars were confined to 64 distinct ones. The taxonomic scoring did not indicate the ploidy. Eight cultivars with the scores of triploids, were identified as diploids. The quantitative, quality and pollen characters showed a significant variation among the cultivars. The characters were influenced by the ploidy and the genomic constitution. The presence of ‘B’ genome increased plant height and girth, leaves per plant, leaf area per plant and petiole length. Musa balbisiana (BB) recorded the highest values for all the above characters. The triploids were more vigorous than the diploids and the tetraploids as indicated by their higher growth rates. The triploids were also better than the other groups for bunch and finger characters. Among them, the triploids of hybrid origin were better for bunch characters while the Musa acuminata triploid group (AAA) was superior to the other groups for finger characters. Longer pedicel was a characteristic feature of Musa balbisiana( BB). The genomic constitution of the cultivars influenced the contents of total soluble solids, sugars and acids in fruits, more than the ploidy. Musa acuminata group AAA, had the highest sugar/acid ratio. Studies on pollen viability, size and production in cultivars revealed the possibility of including a few of them as male parents in the banana hybridization programme. Forty of the cultivars studied were polleniferous. Pollen viability and production were more in pure Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana groups than in groups of hybrid origin. Musa acuminata cultivars had larger pollen grains than cultivars belonging to the other genomic groups.Estimates of genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, heritability in the broad sense, genetic advance and genetic gain for the 26 characters indicated the scope for selection among the cultivars. Petiole length, pulp/peel ratio on volume basis, weight and volume of fruit showed higher heritability values combined with high genetic gain. Estimation of genetic divergence among the cultivars showed that the cultivars ‘Mannan’ and ‘Pacha chingan’, belonging to the genomic group AAB, were the closest and a Musa acuminata cultivar, ‘Harichal’ (AAA) and Musa balbisiana (BB) were the farthest. The 62 cultivars were grouped into eight homogeneous clusters. Similar clustering pattern was obtained in the canonical analysis also. The study revealed the predominance of the cultivars of the hybrid origin, with different degrees of expression of the characters of the parental species, in the South Indian bananas. The taxonomic scoring system was not always appropriate to find out the ploidy of the cultivars. The study also indicated the scope for selection among the cultivars and the possibility of inclusion of the cultivars with viable pollen as male parents in the hybridization programme.
Open Access
Genome analysis in the genus Amatanthus
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1987) Mallika, V K; KAU; Peter, K V
Cytogenetical studies on eight Amananthiu species, viz., A. inicot-Qn./ A. JUvvduA/ A. vajujcLaa, A, ApAnoAUA, A, cLliAallA, A,hypochondmacuA, A. cnuentuA and/4, caudaiiu and their hydrids were undertaken to understand their genome relationship, phylogeny and evolution. The development and arrangement of flower cluster In AmcuiardhuA were analysed microscopically and discussed in detail. A simple provisional key was developed for Identification of the eight species as the existing keys were complex and confusing. The eight species were also evaluated for their photoperiodlc requirements and antinutritional factors. Meiotic studies revealed that members of section Blitopsis had x = 17 while section Amaranthus had x = 16 and 17. A.duLuu a polyploid with n = 32 behaved as an allopolyploid. Mean number of chiasmata/bivalent was maximum in the cultivated species and minimum in the semiwild species, A ,apaiioaua which also had maximum number of rod bivalents. Pollen grains of varying sizes (Macro and medium) were observed In all the species. The cultivated species were characterised by bigger chromosomes and pollen grains. Interspecific hybridization was attempted in all possible combinations but many of the crosses failed. A few failed crosses exhibited seedling mortality. Seven interspecific hybrids grew and flowered and these included hybrids within and between sections Blitopsis and Amaranthus. A .IavaduA x. A, ioAcolon. the only interspecific hybrid within Blitopsis resembled mostly the male parent but was highly sterile. Cytologlcal studies revealed the presence of two or more Interchanges involving 3-6 chromosomes and subsequent melotic abnormalities resulted in 90% pollen sterility. The interspecific hybrids within section Amaranthus included A.^p-moAiUyA^nHinA A , ApmoALLb x A.hypochoncbuxLCLU,, A ,4 p m o 4 iu x A , c a u d a iiu t A, A p in o itu x A, c A u & n iiu , and A, c A ii& n tiu x A. c a u d a iiu . The hybrid A .c /u ie n iiu x A,caudaiiu produced only female flowers in the stunted and deformed hybrid plant. Other hybrids exhibited a preponderance of AupinoAtu characters indicated by presence of spines, reduction in inflorescence size, distinct placement of male and female flowers etc. Cytological studies revealed the presence of 1-2 multivalents including 3-4 chromosomes, moderate frequency of bivalents, and a low frequency of univalents in the hybrids. Chromosomal repatterning through translocations and inversions are also involved in speciation within both sections Blitopsis and Amaranthus. A, 6p u \.0Auu x A, v ia m L u , the first success of hybridization between the two sections resulted in a short and sturdy hybrid plant with dominating A.qunoMu characters. Cytological studies revealed that PMCs had high frequency of bivalents and only low frequency of univalents. The complete absence of multivalents indicated that cryptic structural changes and genetic drift are only involved In the cytogenetic differentiation of 2 the two species. D analysis of data of chromosome associations In interspecific hybrids at metaphase I indicate the clustering of hybrids within and between sections under the same group. This as well as morphological studies questions the validity of the naturalness of the two sections in AmaAO/iiJvu, The 40 accessions available in the germplasm were classified into different species based on detailed cytomorphological studies. Twenty one species were ascribed to A, four to A. d u J L u u and 15 to A. h y p o c h o n d b u j a c iiA , The reasons for low seed recovery in the A ,b u £ .o £ o A . accession A- were also studied. Investigations on photoperiodic response of the different species indicated that there is precocious flowering with increase in photoperiod in A. h y p o c h o r u d j u x L c i u , A, riidLuu and A, A p A n o A t u , Flowering was delayed with more light in A, cniirlatiu, and A, iju.c.o&QJi while A, cAuentu& and A, v u u x L l a were photoinsensitive. The content of antinutrient factors in the tender leaf and stem varied from 3.60 to 5.10% for oxalate and 0.295 to 0.695% for nitrate in the different species. In general Blitopsis had higher content of antinutrients than section Amaranthus, the only exception being A, A p .in .o A u A of section Amaranthus. The primitiveness of A ,apjjioaua was evident from the present studies. This pantropical cosmopolitan weed has played a major role in the evolution of otherAmoAaniAuAspp. Evidences were also obtained on the origin of vegetable amaranths from grain amaranths.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

Browse

Thesis Type

Type

Author

Date

Subject

Search Results