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 17

Open Access
Effect of planting density on the growth of rubber in the Vellanikkara estate
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1993) Karthikeyan, K V; KAU; Nybe, E V
The present observations on the influence of different planting densities on the performance of two clones namely RRII 105 and RRII 118 are in conformity with the results of other field experiments reported earlier. In lower planting densities, trees produced good girth, high yield per tree, thick virgin bark and high rubber content. Whereas, high planting densities contributed to poor tree girth, high yield per tree, thick virgin bark and high rubber content. Whereas , high planting densities contributed to poor tree girth, thin virgin bark and lower yield per tree. However, planting density is dependent on various other factors viz. topography of the land, system of planting to be adopted, the planting materials, cost of labour and price of rubber. Anyway, a comprise between labour cost and rubber price is needed. As far as small holders are concerned, a higher stand per hectare is preferred, since the question of labour does not arise. Therefore, for small holding sector a higher stand is recommended in order to get high per hectare yield. But there should be an optimum stand. In Malaysia, for small holders having available family labour, a planting density of approximately 740 trees per hectare is recommended. However, indepth studies are required for a meaningful recommendation in our country. Salient results The trees were taller in high density planting The trees were more vigorous in low density planting. The highest mean girth of 64.7 cm was recorded by RRII 118 at a population density of 420 plants/ha.The percentage of weaklings increased with increase in population.The highest weakling percentage of 35.8 was recorded by the planting density of 824 plants per hectare. Poor bark growth in high density planting Per tree yield was more for low density planting whereas per hectare yield was less. With regard to high density planting , per tree yield was less and per hectare yield was more. Dry rubber content (drc) was more in low density planting. The highest percentage of 44.5 was recorded by RRII 118 at a planting density of 420 plants/ha. Light penetration was more in low density planting. The maximum light penetration recorded was 110.0 micromole/sec/m2 at a density of 420 plants per hectare.
Open Access
Enhancing the in vitro response of explants from mature jack (artocarpus heterophyllus lam.) trees
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Reena, Philip; KAU; Rajmohan, K
The objective of the present study was to improve the propagation efficiency of mature phase jack trees by various pretreatments. The treatments tried involved stock plant treatments, explants treatments and in vitro treatments. Surface sterilization with HgCl2 for 13 minutes was found to be the most effective in reducing microbial contamination during culture establishment. Among the stock plant treatments tried, grafting on to juvenile rootstock was found to be the most effective in improving the in vitro response of explants from mature jack trees. Stress treatments were found to be the most effective among the explants treatments. Cold shock for 5 minutes at – 200C was found to produce the best results followed by heat treatment at 420 C for 2 minutes. Among the in vitro treatments, incorporation of phloroglucinol at the rate of 10mg/l was found to be the most effective. The results also showed significant influence of season on the response of mature explants, the highest response being observed during March – April.
Open Access
Feasibility of pineapple as an intercrop in small holdings of rubber in Muvattupuzha taluk
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1993) Jose, V C; KAU; Tharian George, K
Muvattupuzha is a taluk where majority of people earn their living through agriculture. The literacy level of people is high. Among the crops raised, rubber is having great importance and it covers larger area. Almost all the rubber growers raise some intercrop during the first three years of immaturity of rubber to get some income. As an intercrop in rubber, pineapple has received much attention in recent years. The present study is an attempt to find out the benefits of growing pineapple as intercrop, to work out the B. C. R and to study its feasibility when compared to other cropping systems. Irrespective of the size of holding pineapple is used for intercropping in many units. Pineapple as intercrop was found to slightly retard the growth of rubber in the immaturity period and at tappable stage. Considering the long gestation period of 5 to 7 years and the profitability of intercropping during this period when there is no other income, it can be ignored. Cost analysis has proved that pineapple is a profitable intercrop in young rubber plantations. Among the varieties of pineapple, Mauritius is preferred due to higher profitability (B. C. R 2.4), easy management practices and marketability. Cultural operations for pineapple is not difficult, requiring minimum digging compared with other crops. Though the profitability depends on market price during harvesting period, it is fetching comparatively higher returns on account of comparatively stable prices. In Muvattupuzha taluk there is good marketing facility for pineapple. Fruits are sold in open market and through cooperative societies. The study revealed that soil erosion and weed growth are low or medium in pineapple intercropped plots. The study highlighted the potential of pineapple as an intercrop in rubber plantations in the taluk. The growing popularity of the crop is evident from the steady expansion of area under pineapple in all the villages of the taluk which was initially confined to selected regions.
Open Access
Standardisation of media and containers for ex-vitro establishment of anthurium plantlets produced by leaf culture
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Ajith Kumar, P V; KAU; Ramachandran Nair, S
Investigations were carried out at the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory of the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 1991-1993 to develop suitable methods to plant out Anthurium andreanum plantlets and to standardise media and containers to maximise the ex vitro establishment and growth of in vitro derived plantlets. Segments of leaf were used as explant for reproducing required number of plantlets for the study. Various factors influencing in vitro rooting were standardised. Plantlets of 3 cm length with at least three leaves recorded shortest time (10.24 days) for root initiation and produced maximum number of roots per shoot compared to smaller shoots. Combination of BA 0.5 ppm and IAA 2.0 ppm was found to be the best for in vitro rooting. Agar at 0.7 % recorded shortest time (10.54 days) for root initiation and the number of roots per shoots decreased by increasing its concentration in the medium, while the length 0f ro0t increased along with increase in agar concentration. Sucrose level maintained at normal level in MS medium (3.0 per cent) was found to be the best for in vitro rooting. In order to standardise the media and containers for ex vitro establishment, media such as coarse sand, finesand, charcoal, soilrite and sphagnum moss and containers such as mud pot, plastic pot, paper pot, polythene cover and netted pot were used. Plantlets with at least 2.5-3 cm size (with 3-4 leaves and two or more roots) recorded 90.0 to 100.0 per cent survival irrespective of media and containers. Of the various madia and containers tried plastic pot as the container and soilrite as the media recorded highest number of leaves in the transplanted plants at fortnightly intervals. Both one and two months after transplanting, mud pot outdid other containers and soilrite outdid other media with respect to plant height. In the case of leaf area at second and fourth fortnight, plastic pot and at third fortnight polythene cover was found to be the best container, and soilrite was the best medium at third fortnight onwards. The containers showed no significant influence on petiole length at second and fourth fortnight but at second fortnight onwards medium soilrite recorded maximum petiole length. The plants grown in polythene cover with media soilrite recorded inaximum number of roots and length of roots at two months after transplanting. So it is evident that among the media, soilrite was the best for ex vitro establishment of anthurium plantlets but containers showed no uniform response with various growth factors.
Open Access
Nutrient removal in relation to crop production in black pepper
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1993) Mathew, P G; KAU; SrekandanNair, S
A study on the nutrient removal in relation to crop production in black pepper (piper nigrum L.) was conducted at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1992-93. A standing crop of black pepper variety Panniyur-1 managed under identical condition at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Ambalavayal was used for the purpose of the study. The study revealed that the soil characteristics such as pH, organic carbon exchangeable Ca and exchangeable Mg were found to exert direct influence in increasing the black pepper yield. Highest yields were obtained when the organic carbon content of the soil was more than 2 per cent and pH around 6.5. An increased level of soil pH and organic matter content decreased the availability of S and Fe in the soil. Significant correlations were obtained between leaf nutrient concentrations and yield of black pepper. Significant positive correlation existed between foliar N and soil organic carbon and between foliar N and soil pH. Very high positive correlation observed between foliar P and S and foliar Ca and Mg indicated the synergestic interaction between these nutrients in black pepper. Foliar K maintained negative correlation with foliar Mg indicating the antagonistic effect between mono and divalent cations. The relationships between the yield and the nutrients removed by the spikes by way of harvest were highly significant. The very high correlations indicated a linear proportionality between yield and the quantity of each nutrient removed from the system. The regression analysis of the nutrient-yield relationships shows that the quantities of nutrients removed from the system through 1 kg of harvested produce were in the decending order of N, K, Ca, Mg, P, S, Fe, Mn and Zn at the rate of 6.35 g, 6.33 g, 1.11 g, 0.47 g, 0.44 g, 0.29 g, 42.89 mg, 34.45 mg and 4.28 mg respectively. These quantities may be considered as the additional requirement by the vine for one kg increment in yield. It was observed that irrespective of the yield potential, the quantity of each nutrient required for production of 1 kg of green pepper is fairly constant and vines with higher production potential require relatively and proportionately higher dose of nutrients. This shows that there is need for amending the fertilizer recommendation of black pepper based on yield potential of the vine.
Open Access
Genetic analysis of yield attributes in cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.)
(Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1993) Homey Cheriyan; KAU; Vijayakumar, M K
Genetic analysis of yield attributes in cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) was undertaken in the Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Trichur during 1992-93, with an objective to assess the extent of variability present in the population and to get an insight into the genetic behaviour and mode of inheritance of yield and the different yield attributes in cocoa. A total of 244 steady bearing trees consisting of 19 hybrids and 15 parents were taken for the study. Observations were recorded on 16 characters including yield and yield attributes. Statistical analysis of the data led to the following conclusions. Variability in most of the characters followed the same trend in both the hybrid and the parent populations.
Open Access
Influence of using polyembryonic rootstocks in the grafting of mango in the establishment of grafts
(Department of Horticulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1993) Geetha, T K; KAU; Valsalakumari, P K
Investigations were carried out in the Department of pomology and Floriculture, Vellanikkra, Thrissur 680654, Kerala, during the period from April 1990 to March 1991 to find out the varietal differences of polyembryonic rootstocks with respect to percentage of success, survival and growth parameters of softwood grafts of mango. Also anatomical studies of graft union were done to find out the different stages of healing process and the possible reasons for graft failure. Five polyembryonic varieties of mango (Puliyan, Chandrakaran, Olour, Tolikaipan and Muvandan) and one monoembrynoic variety (Bangalora) were selected as rootstocks. Scions of two varieties, Viz. Neelum and Banganapally were used for softwood grafting. One month old rootstocks were grafted in June, July and August. The results of the study showed that the germination percentage of all polyembryonic varieties are comparatively higher than Bangalora, the monoembryonic variety. Tolikaipan gave the maximum germination percentage. It was observed that percentage of polyembryony ranged from 9.76 to 49.54 for the polyembryonic varieties, the lowest for chandrakaran and highest for Muvndan variety. The observation on the effect of rootstock, scion and month of grafting on sprouting and survival of graft revealed that puliyan rootstock was most ideal with regard to sprouting and survival. Success percentage was higher for Muvandan - Neelum and Muvandan-Banganapally combinations followed by Puliyan - Neelum and Puliyan Banganapally combinations. However, Puliyan rootstocks grafted with Neelum and banganapally scions gave higher survival percentage. Poor success rate was noted for chandrakaran - Banganapally and Bangalora-Neelum combinations. Survival of grafts was least for Tolikaipan rootstock grafted with Neelum or Banganapally scions. As to the combined effect, Muvandan and Chandarakaran rootstocks grafted with Neelum during June resulted in better initial success. Whereas, survival was higher for Puliyan Banganapally August combination. With regard to growth parmeters studied, girth of stock, girth of scion and length of sprout are much influenced by rootstock, scion, month of grafting and their interactions. Bangalora, the monoembryonic rootstock, produced the thickest stock and scion throughout the period of study. Among the polyembryonic varieties, Muvandan produced thicker stock and scion. 01 our and chandarakaran rootstocks produced lesser girth of stock and girth of scion respectively. Longer sprouts were also produced by Bangalora. Sprout length was minimum for 01 our. Among the scions, Neelum was found to be superior producing thicker stock, scion and longer sprouts. Similarly, grafting in July was found to be better with respect to these growth parameters. The monoembryonic rootstock, Bangalora, grafted with Neelum either in July or August recorded higher girth of stock, scion and sprout length. Polyembryonic rootstocks grafted with banganapally, generally, found to be less vigorous with respect to these parameters. Anatomical studies revealed four different stages of graft union i.e. callus initiation stage, callus tissue formation and cambial cell developmental stage, cambial bridge formation stage and a healed union stage. Graft take was faster in Bangalora and Puliyan varieties where as it was slower in Chandrakaran and 01 our varieties. Graft failure was mainly due to failure in callus initiation, formation of necrotic layer and improper alignment of stock and scion.
Open Access
Effect of shade and mulch on the yield of ginger (Zingiber officinale R.)
(Department Of Horticulture, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Babu, P; KAU; Jayachandran, B K
An experiment was conducted at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the year 1992 – 1993 to study the effect of shade and mulch on the yield of ginger cv. Rio – de-Janeiro. The experiment was laid out in strip plot design with five replications. High density polyethylene shade materials were used for providing shade at required levels. The shade treatments were open (S0), 25 (S1), 50 (S2) and 75 (S3) per cent and mulch treatments were 25 (M1), 50 (M2), 75 (M3) and 100 (M4) per cent of the recommended dose. The effect of shade on enhancing sprouting was found to be significant mainly during the early stages. The effect of mulch was also found to be significantly and increasing levels of mulch increased sprouting. The effect of shade and mulch on growth parameters: leaf number, leaf area, plant height, tiller number, chlorophyll content, DMP, NAR, CGR, BR, UI, HI and top yield under low shade (25%) exhibited significant superiority with respect to growth and yield contributing factors. Most of the parameters from open were inferior to shaded conditions. In general, mulching retained more moisture, reduced soil temperature and produced positive changes in growth and yield contributing factors. Maximum green ginger and dry ginger yield were resulted from low shade (25 %) followed by medium (50 %) and heavy shade (75 %). The trend in green and dry ginger yield obtained from open condition was significantly inferior to all shade regimes. The effect of mulch on green ginger yield was also found to be significant. Under low shade (25 %) M3 and M4 were on par. Under medium and heavy shade M3 and M4 were comparable. In general the quality of the produce was found to be superior under shaded conditions. The uptake of N showed an increasing trend with increasing shade intensities but P and K showed an increasing trend upto 50 per cent and then a decrease. A general increasing trend in NPK uptake was also observed with increasing mulch levels. The study suggests that ginger is a shade loving plant giving maximum yield under low shade followed by medium and heavy. Under open condition, mulching gave a progressively increasing trend in yield, and therefore the existing recommendation (30 t ha-1) is necessary. But under low shade 25 per cent of the mulch requirement can be reduced without affecting the final yield.
Open Access
Economic analysis of banana, tapioca and ginger as intercrops in rubber plantations of Trichur taluk
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1993) Kingsly, P S; KAU; Nybe, E V
In India, especially in Kerala State, now-a-days rubber has become a small holder crop. Owing to its long gestation period, rubber plantations are under great pressure for intercropping during the immaturity period. Multitudes of intercrops are being grown by small rubber growers without having the knowledge of how they affect the growth and development of the main crop. Their only concern is to fetch maximum income from immature rubber plantation during which period no income from rubber is possible. Intercropping of selected intercrops is being recommended by the Rubber Board during the initial three years of planting. However, the selection of intercrops depend on agroclimatic conditions of the locality and regional preference for the intercrop. In northern parts of Kerala, usually, banana, ginger and tapioca are preferred. The present study was intended to elucidate the pattern and economics of intercropping in immature rubber plantations in Trichur taluk. The investigations also envisaged the assessment of the effect of different intercrops on the growth of rubber based on which the best economically viable intercrop could be selected. For the study, 75 sample holdings intercropped with banana (Nendran and Poovan), tapioca or ginger and 25 sample holdings without any intercrop were selected and the relevant data collected by personal interview using a pre-tested questionnaire during January-June 1993. The salient results emanated from the study are summarized here under: All the units surveyed were planted with the clone RRII 105 and except in one case the planting material used was polybag plants. Cover cropping was adopted to the tune of 47 per cent mainly with Peuraria phaseoloides. More than 50 per cent of the intercropped area was cofined to the class 0.21 to 0.50 hectare. Out of the gross intercropped area, 57 per cent was accounted by banana var. Poovan followed by Nendran (23%), ginger (13%) and tapioca (7%). With regard to yearwise intensity of intercropping, 75 per cent of the farmers have done intercropping during first year, which was reduced to 20 per cent during second year and 5 per cent during third year. Tapioca intercropping was found to be limited to first year of planting rubber. Nendran banana was found to be the most profitable intercrop with a BCR of 1.63 followed by Poovan (1.47) and ginger (1.24). The lowest BCR (1.17) was recorded in the case of tapioca intercropping. The growth of immature rubber in terms of girth was found to be favourably influenced by intercropping banana and ginger. Tapioca intercropping in general adversely affected the girthing of rubber. Intercropping resulted in increased height of rubber. First branching of rubber plants occurred at higher level (2.61 m) in the case of plots with no intercrops. Lowest branching height (2.38 m) was observed in the case of Nendran intercropped plots. Considering the higher benefit cost ratio and the favourable effect on the growth of rubber, banana variety Nendran can be recommended as the best suited intercrop in the young rubber plantations in Trichur taluk. Next to Nendran, Poovan and ginger can also be recommended. However, the present practice of tapioca intercropping may be discouraged because of its adverse effect on growth of young rubber.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

Browse

Thesis Type

Type

Author

Date

Subject

Search Results