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
Characterization and in vitro multiplication of bittergourd (Momordica charantia L.) genotypes
(Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2009) Resmi, J; KAU; Sreelathakumary, I
The research project “Characterization and in vitro multiplication of bittergourd (Momordica charantia L.) genotypes” was carried out at the Department of Olericulture, the Department of Plant Biotechnology and the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2005-2008. The objective of the study was to catalogue the genotypes based on the IBPGR descriptor for cucurbits, to estimate the genetic parameters for different traits in the germplasm for identifying superior lines based on yield, quality, pest and disease resistance, to document the biochemical traits, to characterize the genotypes using molecular techniques (RAPD analysis) and to standardize the in vitro techniques for bittergourd. Thirty three genotypes of Momordica charantia collected from various sources upon cataloguing pointed out wide variation for several morphological characters. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters except fruit fly infestation (%) studied namely, days to seedling emergence, vine length, internodal length, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, days to first male flower, days to first female flower, node to first male flower, node to first female flower, sex ratio, days to first fruit harvest, fruit length, fruit girth, fruits per plant, average fruit weight, yield per plant, seeds per fruit, 100-seed weight and mosaic incidence. Among the genotypes, MC 20 (Priyanka, KAU) recorded the maximum yield (5.89 kg), average fruit weight (578.75 g), fruit length (38.83 cm) and fruit girth (25.53 cm). MC 1 was the longest in vine length (620.00 cm). MC 33 (1.25 cm) was shortest in internodal length along with least vulnerability index for mosaic (10.00). MC 10 was characterized by maximum fruits per plant (34.25). MC 16 was the earliest to flower (36.00 days for female flowering) while, MC 32 was the earliest to harvest (43.50). High phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were observed for yield per plant and average fruit weight. High heritability coupled with low genetic advance was observed for most of the characters. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for vine length and average fruit weight. Correlation studies and path coefficient analysis revealed that average fruit weight and number of fruits per plant are the primary yield components as evidenced from its high positive correlation as well as direct and indirect effects on yield. In the discriminant function analysis, the genotype MC 20 (Priyanka, KAU) ranked first, followed by MC 10 (MDU-1, TNAU), MC 26 (Thripunithara, Ernakulam), MC 22 (Chathamangalam, Kozhikode) and MC 27 (Charuplasseri, Palakkad). They were found to be promising based on their superiority in yield, fruit quality, earliness in male and female flowering, narrow sex ratio, fruit fly infestation and mosaic resistance and hence they may be utilized for further crop improvement. Based on the analysis for genetic divergence, the 33 genotypes of M. charantia were grouped into five clusters, with the highest intercluster distance observed between clusters III and IV. The keeping quality studies indicated that maximum shelf life, lower percentage loss in weight, lowest rotting percentage and slower change in colour was obtained from fruits of the genotype MC 25. The organoleptic quality evaluation revealed that all the genotypes differ significantly for attributes like appearance / colour, doneness, flavor, taste and bitterness. In general, fruits with light green skin colour had overall acceptability and were superior to others based on the score. The biochemical characterization revealed that the medium sized fruits were associated with higher β-carotene while, small sized fruits found to have higher iron content and large fruited genotypes contained higher ascorbic acid content. Genotypes with higher the chlorophyll content, greater will be the bitterness value. A distinct difference in the content of vitamins and minerals is observed in different genotypes. However, correlation between colour of fruits and their iron content is found in some of the genotypes. The DNA isolated from the 33 genotypes of M. charantia were subjected to RAPD analysis. Out of the 80 decamer primers, fifty six yielded amplification products. A total of 158 RAPDs (average 1.98 bands per primer) were generated by the 56 primers, of which 86.08 per cent were polymorphic (136 bands) and twenty two were monomorphic. Eight primers viz., 0PA-02, 0PA-18, OPB-01, OPB-06, OPB-12, OPE-14, UBC-03 and UBC-05 showed high level of polymorphism and were informative enough to analyse the genotypes The selected primers yielded 56 scorable bands (average of 7.00 bands per primer) of which 23 were monomorphic and rest, 33 were polymorphic (58.93 %). The overall Jaccard’s similarity coefficients ranged from 0.65 to 0.90. Cluster analysis revealed that at about 0.65 similarity coefficient, the thirty three genotypes of M. charantia grouped into two clusters which clearly separates genotypes based on average fruit weight and fruit skin colour. By characterizing all the thirty three genotypes of Momordica charantia using morphological (selection index and D2 analysis) and molecular (RAPD marker analysis) methods revealed that morphologically distinct and superior lines were genetically differentiable. The clustering pattern based on yield related traits and molecular variation was different. Also, the diversity based on yield related traits and molecular analysis was not in consonance with ecological distribution. The induction of potentially organogenic callus and better proliferation of callus successfully from all the explants was obtained either on the MS medium supplemented with IBA (4.00 mg l-1) + BA (0.50 mg l-1) + 2,4- D (2.00 mg l-1) or NAA (2.00 mg l-1) + BA (0.50 mg l-1) + 2,4- D (2.00 mg l-1) in combination with 30.00 g l-1 sucrose and 6.30 g l-1 agar level. The shoot tip explants were more responsive among all the explants tried in terms of callus induction and subsequent plant regeneration. Shoot regeneration response from shoot tip derived callus was best on MS medium fortified with 0.05 % AC + 1.00 mg l-1 BA with earlier regeneration, highest regeneration percentage, lengthy adventitious shoot and more number of leaves under light conditions.
Open Access
Integrated nutrient management in dendrobiums
(College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2008) Meghana, Davis; KAU; Jyothi, Bhaskar
Studies on “Integrated nutrient management in dendrobiums” were carried out in the orchidarium of All India Co-ordinated Floriculture Improvement Project in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the period from March 2005 to June 2007. The study was conducted using two Dendrobium varieties, Earsakul and Shavin White, with the main objective of determining the effect of organic manures on growth and flowering in Dendrobium in combination with inorganic fertilizers. The inorganic nutrients NPK were applied twice weekly @ 0.2 % concentration along with fermented farmyard manure (1:10) fortnightly as recommended dose for control. The organic manures like panchagavya, Manchurian tea and vermiwash were applied at fortnightly interval as treatments along with 50% of the recommended dose. Results revealed that, different treatments involving combinations of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers highly influenced the growth characters of the plant. The plant height obtained was the highest for the treatment which received 50% recommended dose along with 3 % vermiwash. This treatment also improved vegetative characters like number of leaves per plant, number of leafy shoots, girth of shoots and internodal length. Plants which received only NPK 30:10:10 @ 0.2% along with FYM (1:10) came to flowering early. Number of spikes per plant, colour, and size of the flower and longevity of spike on plant were not found to be influenced by fertilizer application. Significant incidence of pests and diseases were not noticed during the period of study. From this trial conducted, an indication was obtained that, vermiwash application increased the growth parameters in orchid plants. The treatment T8, receiving 3 % vermiwash and 3 % panchagavya along with inorganic fertilizers (0.1 %) and FYM produced more large flowers than others. Maximum numbers of flowers per spike was also obtained for T8. Longest spike (21.58 cm & 20.05 cm) were obtained for the treatment receiving 30:10:10 NPK @ 0.1 % along with 3 % vermiwash and FYM in both Earsakul and Shavin White varieties. Nutrient contents in plants were found to be influenced by organic manure application. The plants treated with 50% recommended dose + 3 % vermiwash + 3 % panchagavya recorded higher values for nutrients analysed Tags from this library:
Open Access
Response of tuberose (polianthes tuberosa L.) to organic manures and growth promoting microorganisms
(College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2008) Mini, Sankar; KAU; Radha, T
Tuberose is one of the most important bulbous plants, much adored for its colour, elegance and fragrance. Among the commercially cultivated flowers in India tuberose occupies a prime position due to its popularity as cut flower as well as loose flower. It has got great potential in perfume industry also owing to the presence of much valued essential oil. The flower spikes are largely used for vase decoration and bouquet preparation and loose flowers for making garlands and in floral ornaments. The mineral nutrition status can affect the yield and quality of any crop. Tuberose being rich in nutritional status, extracts high amount of nutrients from the soil. Application of huge quantities of fertilizers in the same field becomes essential for taking the ratoon crops and this may lead to destruction of soil properties in addition to increased cost of production. It is now imperative to find an integrated nutrient management schedule for tuberose for an optimum and economic use of plant nutrients to reduce the cost of production and to improve the yield and quality of the flowers. The study consisted of three experiments. Experiment 1 included sixteen different treatments which were the combinations of organic manures and growth promoting microorganisms along with inorganic fertilizers. In Experiment 2, effect of different organic manures alone on growth and yield of tuberose was studied. Single variety Prajwal was used for both the trials. Three superior treatments from Experiment 1 and two from Experiment 2 were selected for conducting the third experiment using single variety Prajwal and double variety Vaibhav. In Experiment 1, the treatments 100:50:50 kg ha–1 NPK + poultry manure 22.2 t ha-1 (T3), 50:50:50 kg ha–1 NPK + poultry manure 22.2 t ha-1 (T14) and 50:50:50 kg ha1 NPK+ coirpith compost 85.71 t ha-1 (T16) exhibited superiority in terms of vegetative and floral characters. In experiment with different organic manures (Experiment 2) treatment with poultry manure alone (T4) and biogas slurry alone had positive influence on both growth and yield attributes. In third experiment it could be observed that all the vegetative parameters were significantly improved by the application of 100:50:50 kg ha-1 NPK + poultry manure 22.2 t ha-1 (T1) in Prajwal and 50:50:50 kg ha-1 NPK+ poultry manure 22.2 t ha-1 (T2) in Vaibhav. Yield attributes like days to first spike emergence, field life of the spike, number of spikes per hill and quality parameters like length and girth of the spike, length of rachis and number of flowers per hill were positively influenced by treatment with poultry manure alone (29.63 t ha-1) in Prajwal. In Vaibhav also treatment with poultry manure alone (29.63 t ha-1) produced highest number of spikes per hill, where as quality parameters of the spike were improved by the application of poultry manure along with inorganic fertilizers. (100:50:50 kg ha-1 NPK + poultry manure 22.2 t ha-1). Concrete content of flowers (which indicates the percentage of essential oil) improved in T5 (biogas slurry alone) in both the varieties. The superiority of the treatment with poultry manure was also reflected in post harvest studies. From plant nutrient analysis, it could be observed that poultry manure either alone (29.63 t ha-1) or in combination with chemical fertilizers (100:50:50 kg ha-1 NPK + poultry manure 22.2 t ha-1 and 50:50:50 kg ha-1 NPK + poultry manure 22.2 t ha-1) recorded highest N and P content of leaves and tubers in both the varieties, where as treatment of coir pith compost along with inorganic fertilizers exhibited maximum K content. Soil properties like pH, organic carbon, available N, P and K were found to be improved by the treatment consisting of poultry manure. Regarding the economics of cultivation, treatment with poultry manure alone (29.63 t ha-1) recorded maximum net income and highest B/C ratio in both the varieties (3.2 in Prajwal and 2.5 in Vaibhav) followed by 100:50:50 kg ha–1 NPK + Poultry manure 22.2 t ha-1and 50:50:50 kg ha-1 NPK + poultry manure 22.2 t ha-1 . Considering overall performance, application of poultry manure at the rate of 29.63 t ha-1 as basal dose was proved to be highly beneficial for growth and yield improvement in tuberose.
Open Access
Enhancement of in vitro propagation efficiency and induction of polyploidy in orchids
(College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2009) Priyakumari, I; KAU; Sabina, George T
Studies were conducted at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture and theDepartment of Plant Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2005 - 2008 to enhance the in vitro propagation efficiency and induction of polyploidy in orchids. Commercially important Dendrobium cultivars such as Rungnappa Red, Miss Snow White and Earsakul were selected for the present study. The effects of explant, plant growth regulators, basal culture medium and media supplements during various stages of in vitro propagation were studied. The effect of colchicine in inducing polyploidy under in vitro condition was also studied. Stem nodal explants from kiekies were identified as the best explant for the initial culture establishment of the selected Dendrobium cultivars. Varietal difference in response to plant growth regulators and media supplements was significant among the three cultivars. Half MS medium was found the best basal medium with respect to earliness in bud initiation as well as maximum number of shoots produced. Half MS medium supplemented with kinetin 2.0 mg l-1 + NAA 0.1 mg l-1 gave early bud initiation in cv. Rungnappa Red where as the combination of kinetin 1.0 mg l-1 + NAA 0.1 mg l-1 gave early bud initiation in cv. Miss Snow White. In cv. Earsakul, BA at 4.0 mg l-1 gave early bud initiation. In multiple shoot production stage, in cv. Rungnappa Red, BA 1.0 mg l-1 + NAA 0.1 - 0.5 mg l-1 gave maximum number of shoots. In cv. Miss Snow White maximum number of shoots were observed in BA 0.5 mg l-1 + NAA 0.5 mg l-1 and in cv. Earsakul maximum number of shoots were observed in kinetin 2.0 mg l-1 + NAA 0.1 mg l-1. CW at 200 ml l-1 was found superior with respect to early bud initiation and maximum shoot production in all the three varieties. CH at 1000 mg l-1 gave maximum shoot production in cv. Earsakul. Sucrose at 60.0 g l-1 recorded maximum number of shoots in cv. Rungnappa Red while sucrose at 30.0 g l-1 recorded maximum number of shoots in cv. Miss Snow White. Activated charcoal at 0.5 g l-1 was found beneficial in all the three varieties. The effective concentration of polyamine, spermine for maximum shoot production was at 1.0 mM, 0.5 mM and 1.0 mM in cvs. Rungnappa Red, Miss Snow White and Earsakul respectively. The effective concentration of polyamine, spermidine for maximum shoot production was at 1.0 mM in cvs. Rungnappa Red and Miss Snow White. The optimum concentration of steroid plant growth regulator 28- HBL, that gave maximum shoot numbers in cvs. Rungnappa Red, Miss Snow White and Earsakul were 0.5 mg l-1, 2.0 mg l-1 and 4.0 mg l-1 respectively. Early root initiation in cv. Rungnappa Red as well as in cv. Miss Snow White was observed at 0.5 mg l-1 IBA, and in cv. Earsakul, at 0.5 mg l-1 NAA. The planting out media comprising charcoal and brick pieces in equal proportion gave maximum survival rate in all the three varieties. Shoots regenerated from 0.1 % colchicine treated stem nodes of Miss. Snow White for 5 days were observed to have unusual morphology characterized by slow growing shoots with reduced internodes and thicker and greener leaves.
Open Access
Fruit development, postharvest handling and product development studies in red banana (musa AAA group)
(Kerala Agricultural University; Thiruvananthapuram, 2005) Geetha Lakshmi, P R; KAU; Joshua, Philipose
Open Access
Value addition in sapota [Manilkara achras (Mill.) Fosberg]
(Kerala Agricultural University;Thrissur, 2004) Maya, T.; KAU; John, P. Jacob
Open Access
Random amplified polymorphic DNA(rapd) analysis of banana (Musa spp.)
(Kerala Agricultural University;Thiruvananthapuram, 2003) Rajamanickam, C.; KAU; Rajmohan, K.;
Open Access
Characterization of traditional mango (Mangifera indica L.) varieties of Southern Kerala
(Kerala Agricultural University;Thiruvananthapuram, 2006) Simi, S.; KAU; Rajmohan, K.
Open Access
Effect of organic manures and microbial inoculants on growth, yield and quality of ginger
(Kerala Agricultural University;Thiruvananthapuram, 2004) Sreekala, G.S.; KAU; Jayachandran, B.K.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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