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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Open Access
Developing technology for production of dry flowers
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Priyesh, S; KAU; Geetha, C K
Investigations on developing technology for production of dry flowers were carried out during 2001-2003 at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara. The objectives were to assess the suitability of selected commercial flowers, namely, celosia, china aster and gerbera for dry flower production and to develop techniques to dry, bleach and dye flowers for commercial exploitation. Four stages of harvest, namely, tight bud, half bloom, full bloom and over bloom stage Were assessed under each flower to standardise the optimum stage at which drying was perfect to retain, colour, shape and visual quality at its best. Full bloom stage recorded highest cumulative score for all visual and aesthetic qualities, closely followed by half bloom stage in all the three flowers. Celosia and aster flowers took 2 days and 5 days, respectively, for shade \ drying and proved to be cost effective with maximum cumulative score for visual and aesthetic qualities. This was followed by microwave oven drying and hot air oven drying. The time taken for perfect drying of gerbera varied from 6 minutes (microwave oven drying) to 4 days (shade drying). Among the drying methods, highest cumulative score was recorded in microwave oven drying, followed by hot air oven drying and shade drying. Among the desiccants, aster and gerbera flowers embedded in fine clean white sand recorded maximum cumulative score for all quality parameters, viz., brightness, brittleness and colour fading when dried in shade/microwave oven. The flowers retained colour and shape on drying. The dried flowers retained only the colour in borax and had a dull appearance when silica gel powder was used. Celosia flowers immersed in hydrogen peroxide 30 per cent solution for 6 hours was found to be the best bleaching chemical and recorded maximum score for aesthetic and visual qualities. Sodium hypochlorite (15 %) took 14 hours for effective bleaching and recorded as the second best bleaching agent. Calcium hypochlorite recorded low visual and aesthetic qualities for bleached celosia flowers. Hypochlorite bleaching resulted in cellulose damage and yellowing. Vat colour group of dyes was found good for celosia. Under the Vat group, Basic Rhodamine, Methylene Blue and Auromine Yellow were suitable. Dyes at 0.2 and 0.3 per cent concentration gave high score for visual aesthetic qualities. Immersion of celosia flowers in dye solution for 10 and 15 minutes recorded similar visual qualities. Colour fading on storage was mimmum in Vat colour group and fast among Base group. The dyed celosia flowers had to be stored in dry cardboard boxes sprinkled with silica gel crystals at the bottom. Lining materials reduced, the level of colour fading on storage in celosia flowers dyed with pro cion colours. Level of colour fading on storage was highin dehydrated aster flowers. Gerbera recorded low colour fading on storage when packed in air tight containers after sprinkling silica gel crystals at the bottom. The floral crafts prepared can be made cost effective by using locally available materials and increasing the volume of production. Along with dry flower industry, there is ample scope for development of a number of subsidiary industries like preparation of baskets, paper, ribbon, metal and packaging for dry flowers and floral crafts. Thus this industry as a whole can contribute immensely to area development which in turn lead to the overall development of the nation.
Open Access
Morphological And Phytochemical Investigations On St.John`s Wort (Hypericum Spp.), a Potential Source Of Ant-HIV Compounds
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Ganapathy, V; KAU; Mini Raj, N
Renowned laboratories throughout the world have been makuu; uucnse search hi detect and isolate potential chemicals from plants for curing AIDS. llvpcrtcmn is :\11 important genera yielding hypericin,a potential anti -I-IIV chemical I lvpcricin ll:l~ . been reported from many exotic Hypericum species. Investigations on the presence \Ii' hypericin in the indigenous flora (H mysorense and H jU/JOl1iClIl1I) arc i:ldiJl~' I kill" the present study entitled "Morphological and Phytochemical IJl\CSII!':lllllll~ .'11 St.Johns Wort (Hypericum spp.), a potential source or anti-HI V compounds" \I;I~ constituted. Two species of Hypericum were located in Kerala; H mysorcnsc .u the high ranges of Idukki and Wayanad districts and H. japonicum in Wayanad district. The natural habitat characters of H mysorense were studied at Vattavada in IduUI Phytosociological parameters such as density, abundance and per cent frequency were determined by quatrat studies. H mysorense was often present or seldom present , along with Pteridium aquilinum, Eucalyptus grandis, Lantana camara, Strobilanthus spp, Andropogon lividis and Chrysopogon zeylanicus in the high altitucle regions of Vattavada panchayat of Idukki district Chrysopogon zeylanicus is the dominant species in the eco system. H. mysorense is a shrub with stiff branches while H japonicum is a prostrate herb growing in marshy lands. Translucent glands were either streaks or dots in H. mysorense while it was pellucid dots in H japonicum. Stem anatomy of H mysorense revealed presence of "type B" secretory canals whereas it was absent in H japonicum. Histochemical tests indicated the presence of lignin in the leaf,stem and root of H. mysorense and H. japonicum. Leaf, stem and root of H. japonicum had phenolic compounds while there was no indication for the presence of these compounds in the stem of H. mysorense. The primary metabolites like starch, total sugars,protein and total free amino acids on leaf, stem and root were quantified. Qualitative test for anthraquinone was negative in both the species. When tested using TLC for the presence of hypericin ,no spots corresponding to In \ .iluc o ! standard hypericin were observed in H. mysorense and H. japonicum samples Commercial extract of H. perforatum (Eleve®,) had 0.22 to 0 25 per cell! hypericin. Even though the samples of the indigenous Hypericum sP/' (//. mysorense and H. japonicum ) were negative for hypericin - the target anti-l ll V compound, they were indicative for the presence of anthronoid derivati ves. These anthronoid derivatives could be the precursors or intermediary compounds for the hypericin synthesis in the plant metabolism. These compounds need further analysis for identification and characterization for anti-HfV property.
Open Access
Quantitative and qualitative changes in coleus (Solenostemon rotundifolius (Poir) J.K.Morton) tubers during development and storage
(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2003) Ramesh, A; KAU; Narayanankutty, M C
Studies were conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Pattambi and the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara to analyse the quantitative and qualitative changes during development and storage of coleus tubers. During the development the total fresh biomass of the plant increased up to 90 days after transplanting in all the varieties. The absolute growth rate was highest between 75-90 days after transplanting. The leaf fresh biomass increased up to 60 OAT in all the varieties and at this stage more than 50 per cent of dry matter was present the leaves. The stem fresh biomass of stem increased up to 120 OAT, the fresh biomass of root also increased up to 120 DA T and the rate of accumulation of root dry matter was high up to 120 OAT. The fresh biomass of tuber and dry matter accumulation showed an increasing trend along with maturity of tubers. The higher growth rate was between 135- 150 OAT stages. Total number of tubers, length, diameter, peel thickness and peel percentage were found to increase with maturity of tubers. The peel colour changed from yellowish brown to brown and the flesh colour changed from yellowish cream to whitish cream during maturation. The starch and polyphenol content increased with the maturity of tubers, where as the soluble sugar increased up to 135 OAT and thereafter declined. The nematode infested tubers showed higher sugar and polyphenol content and lower starch content compared to non-infested one. The sensory evaluation indicated that the overall acceptability, increased with the advancement of maturity. Storage behaviour of coleus tuber was assessed under different conditions of storage. Sprouting and physiological loss in weight was lowest under the zero energy cool chamber storage. Room temperature and pit storage were rated next to zero energy cool chamber. The spoilage was minimum in tubers stored under room temperature followed by zero energy cool chamber. The starch content of tubers decreased and sugar content increased in storage. No definite pattern was indicated in the polyphenol content during storage. Tubers turned dark brown under low temperature storage conditions. The tubers stored under zero energy cool chamber showed better sensory characters. Peeled tubers could be stored for two days with minimum spoilage at 8-10°C. Hot air oven dried product had a higher rehydration ratio and better sensory quality compared to sun dried one.
Open Access
Root activity in pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.)
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Deepa, Raj M L; KAU; Baby, Latha A K
All investigation was undertaken during 1999-2001 in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, VelIanikkara, Thrissur to study the root activity in pineapple. The main objective was to know the most active root zone of pineapple and also to study the uptake of 32p by pineapple grown under different systems of planting. The root activity of pineapple varieties Kew and Mauritius grown in trenches and on surface was studied employing :l2p soil injection technique. Activity was applied at varying lateral distances and depth of 15, 30, 45 and 60 cm. The uptake and sharing of 32p by Kew and Mauritius grown under high density and 10\v density system of planting, in trenches and on surface was also evaluated. The results revealed that the most' active root zone of pineapple irrespective of variety and method of planting was LID! (15 cm lateral distance and 15 cm depth) in 32p absorption. The least active root zone was L4D4 (60 ern 'lateral distance and 60 cm depth). When lateral distance alone was considered irrespective of depth, variety and method of planting, the highest absorption of 32p was obtained from 15 cm distance at all sampling intervals. Depth also showed the same trend. There was no significant difference between the two varieties Kew and Mauritius and also between the two methods of planting (surface and trench method). When the percentage distribution of active roots of pineapple irrespective of variety and method of planting was observed it was seen that about 45.9 per cent of the root activity was concentrated in a soil zone constituting 15 cm lateral distance and 15 cm depth which was the active root zone. The least active root zone (L;D4) contributed only 0.49 per cent of the active roots. When lateral distance alone was considered, a lateral distance of 15 cm accommodated G 1.38 per cent of the active roots followed by 30 cm and the least from 60 cm lateral distance (3.16%). When depth was considered 73.2 per cent of the root activity was seen at the surfacel 5 ern soil layer followed by 30 cm The soil zone within 30 cm of lateral distance and 30 cm depth accommodate 80 per cent of the active roots. The root excavation studies revealed that Mauritius grown under surface method produced more number of roots. Regarding length an average of 24 cm was not iced When fresh weight and dry weight were observed Mauritius grown under surface method produced the highest value. The plant height and leaf number were not influenced by variety and planting method However trench method of planting produced more number or leaves than surface method. Significant difference was noticed between the two varieties when the flowering characters were taken into consideration. The studies carried out to know the uptake or :l2p by the treated and surrounding plants revealed that there was no significant difference between the two varieties Kew and Mauritius when the uptake by the treated plant was considered. Planting densities also did not show any significant difference. However regarding the method of planting, trench planting was found to be significantly superior to surface planting in theabsorption 0(l2p. Under high density and low density system of planting, Mauritius grown under trench planting recorded highest absorption of32p by the treated plant. It was also found that the applied activity was absorbed not only by the treated plant but also by the contact and neighbouring plants, which indicated the sharing of activity by the surrounding non treated plants. But the absorption by the treated plant was found to be more followed by the contact plants irrespective of variety, planting method and density of planting system.
Open Access
In vitro somatic embryogenesis in bael [Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr.]
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2003) Hima, Sugathan; KAU; Sulekha, G R
Standardization of techniques for the in vitro propagation of bael [Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr.] via somatic embryogenesis was attempted. The studies were carried out at the Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Centre, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 2001-2003. Attempts were made to induce somatic embryogenesis using explants such as cotyledons, nucellus, hypocotyls, integuments, in vitro leaves, roots, internode and ex-vitro leaves. The effects of culture medium (basal media, major and minor nutrients, plant growth substances, sucrose, coconut water, activated charcoal and malt extract), culture conditions and frequency of subculture on various stages of somatic embryogenesis were studied. Among the various explants tried, somatic embryogenesis could be induced only from cotyledons. Induction of embryogenic calli from cotyledonary explants occurred in MS basal medium supplemented with 2,4 0 0.2 mg r', BA 0.1 mg r', CW 200.0 ml r', sucrose 40.0 g r' and agar 6.0 g r'. But the percentage initiation was low (16.67 per cent). Dark culture condition was found to favour callus initiation. Sub culturing in the medium of same composition at an interval of 15 days increased the percentage induction of callus by 20.00 than when subcultured at 10 days interval. Liquid culture with filter paper bridges induced organogenesis than embryogenesis. The embryogenic calli obtained in the induction medium, when sub cultured in half strength MS basal medium supplemented with BA 0.2 mg i', sucrose 40.0 g i', and agar 6.0 g r' initiated 40-50 globular somatic embryos. Even after two months, the somatic embryos did not germinate. However, they are kept in the same medium for observing further growth and development. Further studies on refinement of culture media and culture conditions are necessary for evolving a reliable protocol for somatic embryogenesis in Aegle marmelos.
Open Access
Varietal evaluation and compatibility studies in sapota (Manilkara achras (Mill). fosberg
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Rajasekar, P; KAU; Laila, Mathew K (Guide)
The experiment on varietal evaluation and compatibility studies in sapota (Manilkara achras (Mill.) Fosberg) was carried out in the trees maintained in the orchard, Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara.Height of the tree was maximum in Cricket Ball and minimum in Local. Maximum girth, canopy spread, volume of the tree was recorded in Cricket Ball. Number of flushes per metre square, number of leaves per flush, girth of the shoot was maximum in Cricket Ball. Length of the flush was maximum in Oval. Total duration of flushing was maximum in Oval and Cricket Ball. There were two main seasons of flushing May- July and September - October. PKM-l, Co-2 and Cricket Ball were early in flushing. Mean monthly extension of growth of the shoots and percentage of shoots flowered was maximum in June followed by October for all the varieties. Percentage of shoots flowered was maximum in Cricket Ball. Oval and PKM-l were early flowering in nature, maximum percentage of shoots flowered were in north orientation of tree. Maximum number of inflorescence per metre square was recorded in PKM-l and Cricket Ball. Number of flowers per inflorescence was maximum in Cricket Ball. Minimum number of days taken for complete opening of an inflorescence was recorded in Oval. Peak anthesis period occurred between 7.00 a.m. to 7.30 a.m.and anther dehiscence was on the day before anthesis. Maximum stigma receptivity was found at time of anthesis. Maximum pollen fertility was recorded in Cricket Ball and PKM-l. Diameter of viable pollen was maximum in Gavarayya. Maximum pollen germination and pollen tube length was recorded in sucrose 15 per cent +agar 0.5 per cent +boric acid 100 ml -1+ calcium nitrate 0.03 per cent medium. Maximum pollen germination percentage and longest pollen tube length was recorded in Co-2 and maximum pollen tube elongation was recorded in Cricket Ball. Maximum pollen production per anther was in Cricket Ball. Maximum pollen germination and pollen tube elongation occurred at 9 hours after incubation. Flower bud drop was maximum in Oval. Maximum fruit set percentage and minimum number of days taken from pollination to fruit set recorded in the variety PKM-l. Maximum percentage of fruit drop occurred in Cricket Ball in one month after fruit set. Maximum fruits were retained in PKM-l. Maximum fruit weight, girth, volume, specific gravity, number of seeds per fruit, seed weight per fruit, seed length were recorded in Cricket Ball. Fruit length, pulp: seed ratio, seed breadth was maximum in Oval. TSS, non-reducing sugars, total sugars, and sugar: acid ratio were maximum in PKM-l, while reducing sugar, acidity was maximum in Co-2. Number of days taken for maturity depends on the season and heat unit requirement. Co-2 required more number of days for maturity while PKM-l recorded minimum number of days for maturity. Heat unit requirement was maximum for the variety Co-2 followed by Cricket Ball and Oval. Maximum fruit yield was obtained in second season crop. PKM-l recorded high yield in terms of number of fruits and fruit weight. Selfing the varieties resulted very poor fruit set, while intervarietal cross pollinations resulted in maximum fruit set in Co-2 X Gavarayya and Cricket Ball X Co-2. Maximum fruit drop occurred in Cricket Ball X Co-2. Fruit weight, volume and specific gravity were maximum in Cricket Ball X Co-2, fruit length in Oval X Gavarayya, fruit girth in Co-2 X Cricket Ball, pulp: seed ratio in Oval X Co-2. TSS was maximum in PKM-l X Gavarayya, reducing sugar in Gavarayya X Oval, non reducing sugar in Cricket Ball X Gavarayya, total sugar and sugar: acid ratio in Cricket Ball X Oval, acidity in Co-2 X Cricket Ball cross combinations. Number of days taken for maturity was minimum in Local x PKM-l and maximum in Co-2 X Cricket Ball and Cricket Ball X Co-2. Maximum seed weight per fruit was recorded in Cricket Ball X Gavarayya, number of seeds per fruit in Cricket ball X Oval, length of seed in Cricket Ball X Co-2, Cricket Ball X Oval, breadth of seed in Gavarayya X Local and Gavarayya X Cricket Ball. Seed germination percentage was maximum in Oval x Co-2 and number of days taken for seed germination was minimum in Local X PKN1-l. Co-2 X PKM-l, Co-2 X Local, Cricket Ball X PKM-l, Cricket Ball X Local, Oval X Cricket Ball, Oval X Local, Local X Co-2, Local X Cricket Ball, Local X Oval were found to be cross incompatible combinations. Pollination after removing the stigma and pollinating with in vitro basal medium, pollination with application of NAA 5 mg 1 -I, 2,4-D-O.5 mg 1, pollination with gamma rays irradiated (40Gy, 50Gy and 75 Gy) pollen resulted in fruit set in incompatible varieties. Tree volume, fruit weight, fruit volume, number of fruits per tree recorded high GCV and PCV (GCV ranged between 48.77 to 104.18 per cent while, PCV ranged between 48.72 to 108.52 per cent). Characters like fruit volume, fruit girth, weight, seed weight per fruit, tree girth recorded high heritability. Genetic advance recorded for the characters showed wide variation ranging between 0.23 to 119.04 per cent. Maximum genetic advance was observed for fruit weight followed by fruit volume. The vegetative characters showing high positive correlation with fruit yield were tree height, tree girth while flowering characters were number of inflorescence per metre square, number of flowers per inflorescence and fruit characters were fruit set percentage, fruit weight and fruit girth and fruit volume. Maximum correlation was observed between fruit set and number of fruits per tree (rg=1.005) and hence the yield (rg = 0.463). Number of fruits per tree was highly correlated with fruit set (rg = 1.005) and rp = 0.902) followed by number of inflorescence per unit area (rg = 0.455 and rp = 0.423).
Open Access
Incorporation of resistance to bacterial wilt in indeterminate tomotoes
(Department Of Olericulture, College Of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Gudi Jacob; KAU; Sadhankumar, P G
Investigations on "Incorporation of resistance to bacterial wilt in indeterminate tomatoes" was carried out during July 2002 - September 2003 at the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara. The salient findings are mentioned below: Three bacterial wilt resistant varieties (Sakthi, Mukthi and Anagha) were crossed with four indeterminate genotypes (BT 118-4-1-1, Sun 7611, TH 977 and Nidhi) in a line x tester fashion to produce twelve F 1 hybrids. The F 1 hybrids were found to be susceptible to bacterial wilt. All the hybrids except Sakthi x BT 118-4-1-1 were indeterminate in growth habit. The general combining ability of the parents and specific combining ability of the crosses were estimated. Anagha was a good general combiner for earliness in flowering, fruit set and harvest. BT 118-4-1-1 was a good general combiner for fruit yield per plant, fruits per plant and average fruit weight. Mukthi x Nidhi was the best specific combiner for fruit yield per plant. Sakthi x Nidhi was a good specific combiner for fruits per plant and Mukthi x TH 977 was a good specific combiner for average fruit weight. The relative heterosis and heterobeltiosis for different biometric characters were estimated. Sakthi x BT 118-4-1-1 was the best F 1 hybrid for fruit yield per plant (422.5 g plant") and average fruit weight (53.15 g). Mukthi x BT 118-4-1-1 was the best hybrid for fruits per plant (12.10). The F2 segregants were evaluated for bacterial wilt resistance and growth habit. There were 42 indeterminate F2 segregants resistant to bacterial wilt. Among these Anagha x BT 118-4-1-1 F2-13 was the earliest to harvest. Maximum fruit yield was obtained in the F2 segregant Mukthi x BT 118-4-1-1 F2-B. These indeterminate F2 segregants were selected for further improvement.
Open Access
Crop geometry studies under different methods of irrigation in oriental pickling melon var. saubhagya
(Department Of Olericulture, College Of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Jamuna Devi, M; KAU; Gopalakrishnan, T R
The present investigation on "Crop geometry studies under different methods of irrigation in oriental pickling melon variety Saubhagya (Cucumis melo var. conomon)" was conducted at the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Kerala agricultural university, Vellanikara, Thrissur during 2002 - 2003. The field experiment was conducted for two consecutive seasons in the summer rice fallows of the Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy, Thrissur during December, 2002- April, 2003. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with two methods of irrigation (drip irrigation @125 Ep and conventional method @ 45 I pit -I) in the main plot and seven spacings (2.0 x 0.3 m, 2.0 x 0.45 m, 1.5 x 0.3 m, 1.5 x 0.45 m, 1.0 x 0.3 111, 1.0 x 0.45 m and 2.0 x1.5 m) in subplot. The short duration and less vigorously growing variety Saubhagya sown during the month of December had less vegetative growth, earliness and high productivity (19.40 t ha') than February sown crop (17.21 t ha"). None of the vegetative, flower, fruit and yield characters were significantly influenced by the two methods of irrigation. However, in the drip irrigation there was saving of 108.5 to 135.2 per cent of water per cropping period, which can be used for irrigating 1.09 to 1.35 ha of additional land for cultivation of the variety. The effects of various spacings on vegetative growth and productivity were significant in both the crops. The crop in closer spacing (1.0 x 0.30 n,Ywas earliest to harvest the first fruit. Average fruit weight was found maximum at a closer spacing of 1.0 x 0.45 111, which was on par with 1.0 x 0.30 m. The closest spacing of 1.0 x 0.30 m accommodating 33,333 plants ha" yielded maximum fruits (33.93 t ha-I for December sown crop). This was 66 per cent more than that of the yield from the recommended spacing of 2.0 x 1.5 m. The next best spacing were 1.0 x 0.45 m and 1.5 x 0.45 m with productivity of 25.38 t ha" and 20.58 t ha-I, respectively. In February sown crop, production was maximum at 1.0 x 0.45 m (25.12 t ha"), which also accounted for maximum number of fruits plant" and yield plant". Interaction effects were not significant for majority of economic characters. Maximum benefit cost ratio (1.40) was shared by hSs and II S6. In hSs plants were spaced at a closer spacing of 1.0 x 0.30 m (accommodating 33,333 plants ha') under conventional method of irrigation. This treatment can be followed where family labour is utilized for cultivation of the variety Saubhagya. The treatment with spacing of 1.0 x 0.45 m under drip irrigation can also be suggested for the variety where there is water scarcity and the farmers are capital rich.
Open Access
Induction of leaf spot resistance and improvement in quality of amaranth through mutation
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Binu Venuganan, Panickar; KAU; Krishna Kumary, K
The present study on 'Induction of leaf spot resistance and improvement in quality of amaranth through mutation' was carried out in the vegetable research field of the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, KAU, Vellanikkara with the objective of standardizing the optimum dose of gamma ray for inducing variability and to study the differential response of the mutagen on growth parameters, leaf spot infection and biochemical attributes in MI and M2 generation. Based on the survival percentage the LDso was fixed as 400 Gy and doses below that were tried. In general, a progressive decline in germination percentage, survival percentage, plant height, branches per plant, leaf length, leaf width, leaf stem ratio and vegetable yield per plant was noticed with increase in dosages of gamma rays in MI generation. Increased content of Beta carotene, vitamin C and decreased content of oxalate and nitrate could be found at lower doses. Analysis of induced variability in M2 generation showed a negative shift in mean values for all the characters except days to flowering and crop duration. The mean performance was found to be minimum for higher doses and maximum for control and lower doses. Stimulatory effects could be noticed for plant height, leaf length, vegetable yield per plant, Beta carotene and vitamin C. This clearly demonstrated that a positive response to selection can be created by gamma rays in amaranth. Observations taken on disease severity at so" day after transplanting revealed that plants at 100 Gy dose showed less leaf spot disease infection whereas control and 400 Gy dose were highly susceptible to the disease. Quantitative analysis of the viable mutations revealed that the spectrum was much wider in A. hypochondriacus than A. tricolor. With further research on the same, it may be possible to isolate desirable mutants in the further generations.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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