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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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ThesisItem Open Access Nutrient Management practices for Heliconia under open condition and as intercrop in coconut garden(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2013) Nihad, K; KAU; Sheela, V LHeliconias (Heliconia spp.) are attractive tropical plants grown for their beautiful, brilliant, long lasting colorful inflorescences. Among the Heliconias, Heliconia stricta cv. Iris Red is a commercial variety with high market value due to its unique crimson coloured bracts with a definite shape. They grow well in soils rich in organic matter with full sunlight to 40% shade, but little is known about its nutrient management practices when grown under monocropped or intercropped conditions especially in low fertile soils with less water holding capacity. Hence two experiments on Heliconia stricta cv. Iris Red as intercrop in coconut garden (Experiment I) and as monocrop in open condition (Experiment II) were laid out in RBD for a period of two years during 2010- 2012 with five treatments and four replications in Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (Regional Station), Kayamkulam, Kerala State. The present investigation was to standardize a manurial schedule for enhancing production and quality of Heliconia flowers when grown under same nutrient management practice in two cropping systems. This also aimed at comparing the quality and vase life of flowers grown under different conditions and thereby standardizing an integrated nutrient recommendation suitable for each system of cropping. In both the experiments growth parameters such as plant height, number of suckers and number of leaves were significantly higher in treatment supplied with 5 g NPK @ 13:5:13kg/ha (T2 ) which was on par with the treatment supplied with Vermicompost (VC) @ 200g/plant +Neemcake (NC) @ 100g/plant (T3). The values were higher for plants grown under coconut canopy than in open condition. The physiological characters like leaf area, LAI, specific leaf area, leaf area duration and leaf area density were also higher in T3 and T2 under both the systems of cropping. All the parameters except leaf area density were higher in plants under intercropped condition. In experiment I and II, treatment T3 took the lowest number of days for first flowering (172.8 and 280.3 respectively) whereas T2 took the longest time to start flowering (295 and 362.5 days respectively). There was no significant difference among the treatments in time taken for fifty percent flowering under intercropped condition, whereas in open condition, T2 plants took the longest (459.8 days) and T3 plants the shortest (370.0days) duration .to attain fifty percent flowering. The stages from fully emerged or just opened (Stage II ) to complete unfurling of bracts (Stage III) and the life of fully opened flower in plant (Stage III to IV) was more in intercropped condition (23.3 to 38.5 days) than in monocropped condition (17.05 days to 27.3 days).In both the experiments, T3 recorded the highest longivity followed by T2. The inflorescence characters such as length, number of bracts, stem length and stem diameter were more under intercropped condition. Superior quality flowers were produced in T3 under both the systems of planting. In intercropped condition T2 and T5 (VC @ 100g/plant +NC @ 50g/plant + 2.5 g NPK @ 13:5:13kg/ha) plants also produced such flowers. The fresh weight of fully opened inflorescence was significantly higher in T3 and T5 under both the systems of planting. In the visual appeal test, the total score for the inflorescences produced in the intercropped area was higher and T3 scored the highest value under both the experiments. T3 plants recorded the highest wax, caroteniod content, carotenoid- chlorophyll ratio and vase life(12.9 days and 10.5 days respectively ) in experiment I and II. The highest leaf chlorophyll and wax content was recorded in T3 plants under both the systems of planting. The leaf nutrient content such as N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn and Zn was the highest in T3 plants under both systems of cropping condition. The plant uptake of N and P was the highest in T2 plots of the intercropped area, whereas, T4 recorded the highest uptake in open condition. T2 recorded the highest K uptake in both the experiments. The lowest N and K uptake was in T3 plots. The treatment supplied with VC and NC (T3) recorded significantly higher P, Ca, Mg and Fe content of soil in both the systems of planting. In both the experiments, T2 recorded significantly higher K values (20.6ppm and 20.0ppm respectively). In both the experiments, T3 produced the highest number of marketable flowers and suckers. Among the treatments T5 recorded the highest land equivalent ratio (1.49) followed by T3 (1.43), T2 and T4 (1.4) and T1 (1.39). The nutrient balance sheet for N, P and K was higher in T3 under both the cropping situations. In general, the nutrient balance for P and K was more in monocropped condition. Growing Heliconia as an intercrop had a positive impact on coconut yield and yield parameters during the two seasons of growth period June and December (2010-2011). The leaf nutrient content of coconut was found to increase gradually during the period of observations. The present study revealed that Heliconia stricta cv. Iris Red is a potential intercrop in coconut gardens. The plants had a superior vegetative growth and inflorescence production in sandy soils with low nutrient and water holding capacity by supplying cowdung @ 1kg/plant + bonemeal @250 g/plant basally and topdressing equal doses of Vermicompost (VC) @ 200g/plant +Neemcake (NC) @ 100g/plant (T3 ) at quarterly intervals from three months after planting under both the conditions of cropping system. This was followed by the treatment supplying cowdung @ 1kg/plant + bonemeal @250 g/plant basally and topdressing same doses of VC @ 100g/plant +NC @ 50g/plant + 13:5:13NPK@2.5 g/plant (T5 ). .ThesisItem Open Access Enhancement of seed quality in chilli (Capasicum annum L)(Department of olericulture, College of horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2013) Divya Parisa; KAU; Nirmala Devi, SChilli (Capsicum annuum) is one of the important vegetable crops of the world and is widely cultivated throughout the tropical and subtropical countries. There has been a great competition in the world market for chilli and hence it is necessary to increase production and productivity. The availability of quality seed is essential to achieve optimum crop stand in the field. The most important aspect in the seed production programme is maintenance of regular supply of high quality seeds to farmers. Under ambient conditions of storage, chilli loses its viability within a year. In Kerala situation is still worse because of the prevailing high humidity. Therefore a study was conducted to standardise the methods for seed quality enhancement in chilli by priming and storage in the Dept. of Olericulture, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara during December 2011 to December 2012. Freshly harvested seeds of chilli var. Anugraha were stored under ambient condition for 12 months. Seed samples were drawn after 3, 6 and 9 months of storage and subjected to priming treatments viz. Control (P1), Water soaking (P2), NaCl (10- 5M) (P3), CaCl2 (10-5M), (P4) KNO3 (150ppm) (P5), PEG 6000 (-1.5MPa) (P6) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (10g/kg seed) (P7). The primed seeds were stored in two types of storage containers i.e. cloth bag (S1) and polythene bag (700 gauge) (S2). The seeds subjected to priming, after 3 months of storage, with PEG 6000 (-1.5 MPa) and stored in polythene bag (700 gauge) recorded the maximum germination (56.3 %), speed of germination (8.2), vigour indices and minimum electrical conductivity of the seed leachate (0.704 dsm-1). Highest seedling length (14.62 cm), seedling fresh weight (172.77 mg) and seedling dry weight (17.42 mg) were observed in the seeds treated with P. fluorescens (10 g/kg of seed) and stored in polythene bag (700 gauge). In control, germination (30.54%), speed of germination (4.07), and vigour indices were low After 6 months of storage, when the seeds were treated with PEG 6000 (-1.5 M Pa) and stored in polythene bag (700 gauge) the maximum germination (55.3 %), speed of germination (7.5), vigour indices and minimum electrical conductivity of the seed leachates (0.443 dsm-1) were recorded.Maximum seedling length (13.85 cm), seedling fresh weight (165.3 mg) and seedling dry weight (16.90 mg) were observed in seeds treated with P. fluorescens (10 g/kg of seed). There was significant difference between treatments for percent germination (%), speed of germination and vigour indices when priming was done 9 months after storage. Seeds treated with PEG 6000 (-1.5 MPa) and stored in polythene bag recorded highest percent germination (37.6 %), speed of germination (5.5), seedling length (13.85 cm), seedling fresh weight (150.5 mg) and seedling dry weight (15.5 mg). The seed quality parameters of stored seeds (3, 6 and 9 months) recorded higher values of percent germination and seedling vigour indices immediately after priming with PEG 6000 (-1.5 MPa). The unprimed (control) seeds maintained minimum seed certification standards for certified seeds only up to sixth month. The seeds primed with PEG 6000 (-1.5 M Pa) and stored in polythene bag (700 gauge) after 3 months and 6 months of storage (ambient conditions) maintained seed certification standards up to eighth month and ninth month of storage respectively.ThesisItem Open Access Process standardization for the production of Baker's yeast from mango stones(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2013) Nikhil, V M; KAU; Sheela, K BThe study on “Process standardization for the production of baker’s yeast from mango stones” was undertaken at the Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture. The main objectives were to optimize the culture conditions and growth supplements for baker’s yeast production and to explore the feasibility of enrichment of biscuits with single cell protein (SCP). The physical composition of mango fruit and chemical constituents of mango pulp were evaluated. The contribution of pulp, peel and stone in mango ranged from 65.22- 73.69 percent, 8.32- 12.18 percent and 13.5- 21.94 percent respectively. The pulp adhered to mango stones recorded 78.8-80.1 per cent moisture, 2.8-3.52 per cent reducing sugar, 10.25 per cent non reducing sugar, 13.77-13.05 per cent total sugar, 9.3-15.80B TSS, 1.9- 3.5 pH, 16.94-21.01 mg/100g ascorbic acid and 0.26-0.37 percent acidity. The effect of different surface sterilization methods viz. autoclaving, hot water immersion and steam blanching on surface decontamination of mango stones were studied. Autoclaving of the substrate at 1210C and 15psi for 30 minutes was found to be the best surface sterilization method. Lyophilized baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae MTCC 172 strain was used for the study. The secondary/working inoculum was standardized by inoculating this strain into YEPD broth. The culture conditions for SCP production using mango stone as substrate was standardized. Factors like TSS, pH, duration of fermentation, aeration affecting the cell biomass production from mango stones by Saccharomyces cerevisiae MTCC 172 were evaluated. The optimum conditions of the substrate for maximum yeast growth were TSS (300B), pH (4) and provision of aeration by keeping in a orbital shaker at 100 rpm for five days. The effect of supplementation with carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and inducers on yeast growth, wet biomass yield, dry biomass yield and protein content were determined by supplementing media with broken wheat, NH2SO4, KH2PO4 and Biotin. Significant variation was observed between treatments. Maximum yeast growth (49.00×107 cfu/g) was observed in media supplemented with ammonium sulphate (0.8%). Wet (13.67g/l) and dry (2.18g/l) biomass yield were found to be highest in media supplemented with ammonium sulphate. Highest content of protein (39.38%) was observed in media supplemented with ammonium sulphate (0.8%), broken wheat (20g) and combination of ammonium sulphate, KH2PO4 and biotin. The possibility of protein enrichment of biscuits was evaluated by incorporating baker’s yeast in biscuits so as to raise the protein to 15 and 20 percent level. The enriched biscuits recorded protein content of 14.85(T1) and 19.14 (T2) percent whereas the biscuits made from refined wheat flour had 11.21 percent protein content. Highest scores for organoleptic properties of biscuits was obtained for T0 (biscuits made from refined wheat flour) followed by T1 (15% protein enriched biscuits).ThesisItem Open Access Productivity of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L) as influenced by seasons and growing systems(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2013) Ambily, Sadanandan; KAU; Indira, PThe present study entitled “Productivity of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) as influenced by seasons and growing systems” was undertaken in the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2009. The objectives of the study were to investigate the feasibility of off season production of cucumber in rain shelter, to identify ideal variety for protected cultivation and to study the comparative performance of crops in rain shelter and open field. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications inside the rain shelter and open field. Three varieties Poinsette, AAUC-2 and Kuruppamthara Local were used for the study during summer season (February to April) and rainy season (June to August). Protected condition was provided using a rain shelter of 100m2 floor area. Observations on vegetative and reproductive characters were recorded during the course of investigation. The daily weather parameters were recorded inside and outside the rain shelter. During summer season, rain shelter crop had maximum vine length than open field crop. AAUC-2 recorded maximum vine length inside the rain shelter and open field. AAUC-2 recorded maximum number of branches also inside the rain shelter than open field. During rainy season Kuruppamthara Local had more vine length and number of branches inside the rain shelter and open field. Variety Poinsette produced male flower earlier than other varieties during summer season inside the rain shelter but in the open field Kuruppamthara Local was earlier than other varieties. During rainy season, Poinsette was earlier than other varieties under both growing condition. During both season, this variety produced female flower earlier than other varieties under two growing conditions. During summer season, AAUC-2 produced female flower at lowest node in the open field. Poinsette was early to harvest inside the rain shelter during summer and Kuruppamthara Local was early in the open field. But during rainy season, AAUC-2 was early inside the rain shelter and Poinsette in the open field. AAUC-2 recorded highest crop duration under two growing condition during summer season and Kuruppamthara Local had maximum duration during rainy season. AAUC-2 recorded maximum number of harvests under two growing conditions during summer season and inside the rain shelter during rainy season. Kuruppamthara Local recorded maximum number of harvests in the open field during rainy season. Same pattern was observed in the case of fruits per plot and yield per plot. During summer season maximum fruit weight was recorded by variety Kuruppamthara Local under two growing condition and rainy also this variety recorded maximum fruit weight in the open field. But inside the rain shelter AAUC-2 recorded maximum fruit weight. AAUC-2 recorded maximum fruit length under two growing conditions during two seasons. Kuruppamthara Local recorded maximum fruit girth and flesh thickness under two growing conditions during two seasons. AAUC-2 produced maximum number of seeds in the open field during rainy season than summer season. During rainy season, inside the rain shelter horizontally trailed varieties had highest yield than vertically trailed varieties and there was no significant difference in the open field. During summer season trailing methods had no significant influence on yield per plant. Pest attack was minimum during both seasons under two growing conditions and the main diseases were damping off and mosaic. Severity of mosaic diseases was high during rainy season. Cracking was observed during summer season and variety Poinsette inside the rain shelter recorded highest percentage of cracking. During summer season, cost benefit ratio inside the rain shelter was 1:5.15 and in the open field cost benefit ratio was calculated as 1:4.8. During rainy season, cost benefit ratio of rain shelter crop was 1:1.4. In the open field, the cost benefit ratio during rainy season was 1:6.0. From this study it can be concluded that AAUC-2 is the ideal variety for off season (summer) cultivation inside rain shelter. Kuruppamthara Local is ideal for open field cultivation during rainy season under vertical trailing system.ThesisItem Open Access Heterosis breeding exploiting gynoecy in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2013) Airina, C K; KAU; Pradeepkumar, TThe present study ‘Heterosis breeding exploiting gynoecy in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)' was carried out at Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during February-May 2012 and November 2012 to March 2013 to study the combining ability of gynoecious line with selected monoecious lines in cucumber and to investigate the scope of heterosis breeding exploiting gynoecious line. Twelve monoecious cucumber genotypes were collected from different parts of the country and was crossed in a topcross manner with a stable gynoecious inbred introduced from USA (EC 709119) as female parent. Observations on important 15 quantitative characters and 10 qualitative characters were recorded in five randomly selected plants. The F1 hybrids along with their parents were evaluated to obtain information on combining ability and heterosis. In this experiment, maleness was successfully induced in the gynoecious line (EC 709119) by spraying silver thiosulphate @ 200 ppm. The male flowers produced were uniform and normal as monoecious cultivars with high pollen fertility. Inspite of the temperate origin, the gynoecious character was stable throughout the life span. The data were subjected to combining ability analysis according to top cross method. Significant GCA effects were observed for all the characters except days to first male flower anthesis. Among 12 parents, CS-123 was observed as the good general combiner for fruit yield per vine, length of main vine, branches per plant, number of harvests, duration of the crop, fruits per plant and number of seeds per fruit. Heterosis values were estimated over mid, better and standard parents. Significant heterosis was observed for all the characters studied except average fruit weight. Almost all the hybrids produced significantly higher number of fruits per plant which contributed to increase in total yield. For vegetative characters and yield contributing characters like vine length, number of branches, number of fruits and number of harvests, EC 709119 x CS-123 was proved to be the best cross. The next best crosses with respect to quantitative characters were EC 709119 x IC 410638, EC 709119 x IC 410617 and EC 709119 x IC 538155). The performance of these hybrids with respect to qualitative characters viz, free from bitterness and crispness was also good. Hence, these hybrids can be advanced for testing under different agroclimatic conditions for commercial exploitation of hybrid vigour.ThesisItem Open Access Improving quality and shelf life of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.)(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, Vellanikkara, 2013) Ance, Mathew; KAU; Sarah, George TMangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) is a unique tropical fruit rich in vitamins and minerals. It is gaining demand in international markets mainly due to its much acclaimed health benefits such as antioxidant properties and prophylactic action on many of degenerative diseases. Major problems limiting profitable mangosteen production is the occurrence of translucent flesh disorder (TFD), gamboge disorder (GD) and short shelf life. Therefore an attempt was made to improve fruit quality and reduce flesh disorders through foliar nutrition at 4th, 8th and 12th week after bloom. Foliar application of CaCl2 (1 and 2%) alone, combinations of CaCl2 2% and boron (0.1% and 0.2%) and KH2PO4 0.5% gave high fruit retention of 75-88 per cent. Days to maturity was reduced to 84-85 days by KH2PO4 0.5% and KNO3 2%. Gamboge and translucent flesh disorders were significantly reduced by CaCl2 (1 and 2%) alone and combination of CaCl2 2% with boron (0.1 and 0.2%). Incidence of physiological disorders was minimum in the inner canopy (34-40%) compared to the outer canopy (56-66%) in all treatments. Biggest fruit size with maximum fruit weight of 113.17g in foliar nutrition with urea 0.5%. Highest yield of 20-22kg/tree was in urea 0.5% and KH2PO4 0.5% treatments. Highest number of fruits per tree (198-202 no.) was found in CaCl2 1% and 2%, combination of CaCl2 2% and boron (0.1 and 0.2%), and KH2PO4 0.5%. Highest number of biggest fruits with >100g weight was found in urea 0.5% treatment, followed by KNO3 2%. Maximum number of segments/fruit (6.7-7), number of viable seeds/fruit (1.7 -1.3) and minimum rind/pulp ratio (1.77-1.87) were found in treatments with urea 0.5% followed by KH2PO4 0.5% and KNO3 2%. Fruit firmness was maximum (8-9kg/cm2) and specific gravity was minimum (0.97-0.98) in CaCl2 1% and 2% followed by combination of CaCl2 2% with boron 0.1% and 0.2%. TSS, total sugars and organoleptic qualities were maximum and acidity low in treatments with KNO3 2%. Moisture content in fruit was highest in urea 0.5% with 70.87%. High values of TSS were also noticed in ZnSO4 300ppm and KH2PO4 0.5%. Total sugars was also high in KH2PO4 0.5%. Ascorbic acid content was high in boron 0.1%, ZnSO4 300ppm and KH2PO4 0.5%. Longest post harvest life of 21 days was obtained in CaCl2 2% treatment. Nutrient analysis revealed that all nutrient sprays significantly increased corresponding nutrient content in the leaf, rind and pulp along with positive effects on the uptake of elements. Mangosteen fruits have a storage and marketable life of not more than one week under tropical ambient conditions. Hence in the second experiment to extend shelf life, fruits kept at 5±10C, 10±10C, 15±10C, 20±10C and ambient temperature conditions after nutrient/growth regulator treatments and packing in 0.05mm LDPE bags. In the storage study, longest post harvest life of 24- 27 days was recorded in 15±10C followed by18-21days in 20±10C. Salicylic acid 3% and 2%, CaCl2 0.2% and GA3 600ppm were the best treatments in 15±10C and 20±10C temperatures with low rate of change in TSS, slow degradation of acidity and phenol, less weight loss and low pericarp hardening up to last stage of fruit storage. Fruits kept at very low temperatures showed only short storage life with 6 days in 5±10C and 10±10C without any treatments mainly due to chilling injury. But salicylic acid (3% and 2%) and GA3 600ppm treatments extended shelf life of mangosteen to 12-15 days. At ambient temperature superior treatments were salicylic acid 3%, CaCl2 0.2%, ethylene absorbent (KMnO4) and cling film with shelf life of 18-21 days. In all temperature regimes treatments with salicylic acid 2% and 3%, CaCl2 0.2% and 600ppm GA3 retained comparatively good storage quality of fruit with slow rate of senescence. N-acetyl cystene 0.05% and sodium erythrobate 2% alone and their combinations with calcium chloride 0.2% retained rind and pulp colour, and cling film wrapping of individual fruits reduced physiological loss in weight at all temperature conditions.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. Var. Capitata) for Southern Kerala(Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2013) Divya, P; KAU; Sreelathakumari, IThe experiment entitled “Evaluation of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.var.capitata) for southern Kerala” was conducted at the Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 2012-2013. The objectives were to identify tropical cabbage varieties suitable for plains of southern Kerala and to study the influence of date of sowing on yield and quality. The experiment was laid out in the field in split plot design with four dates of sowing as main plot and 11 varieties of cabbage as sub plot treatments with five replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant difference among sowing dates, varieties and their interactions for all the characters studied. Among the four different sowing dates (October 1st, October 15th, November 1st and November 15th), November 1st sowing recorded best yield characters. Highest yield (net head weight) was recorded for November 1st sowing (519.03 g) followed by October 15th sowing (451.21 g). Sowing on November 1st resulted in early head formation and early head harvest. Better gross plant weight, non wrapper leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf breadth and leaf size were also observed in November 1st sowing. No significant differences were observed for head solidity, core length and quality characters like protein, vitamin A and vitamin C between different sowing dates. Least incidence of physiological disorders, pest and diseases were observed on November 1st sowing. Among the varieties, New Orient (645g) and NS 183 (614.83g) were the highest yielders. Head depth and head diameter were highest for NS 183 followed by New Orient. Earliest among the varieties was New Orient followed by NS 183 and the late variety was Red C-05. Significant differences were observed among varieties for all quality characters. Red C-05 had maximum protein (1.12%) and vitamin C (70.97 mg/100g). The interaction effects were significant for all the characters studied. Yield characters were best for New Orient (876.67 g) and NS 183 (851.33g) sown on November 1st. November 1st sowing of Red C-05 recorded maximum head solidity. New Orient recorded highest gross plant weight, leaf length and leaf size where as Indam 296 sown on October 15th recorded minimum non wrapper leaves per plant. Maximum protein and vitamin C content were recorded for Red C-05 sown on November 1st whereas New Orient sown on same date recorded highest vitamin A. Least incidence of physiological disorders, pest and diseases were observed on November 1st sowing. Variability among genotypes for all the characters was studied using phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance. High phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation were observed in net head weight, gross head weight, gross plant weight and head diameter. High heritability and high genetic advance was also observed for these characters. The path analysis revealed that leaf size, non wrapper leaves and core length had direct effect on yield. Correlation studies revealed that plant height, gross plant weight, head diameter, core length, head depth and non wrapper leaves had high positive correlation on yield. Selection index values were calculated based on discriminant function analysis and found that New Orient was best followed by NS-183. The present study identified two high yielding varieties namely New Orient and NS 183 as promising and November 1st sowing as the best sowing time for cultivation in southern Kerala.ThesisItem Open Access Drying and storage studies in nutmeg (Myristica ragans Houtt)(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2013) Naveen Kumar, S; KAU; Jacob, John P: Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) known in Malayalam as ‘Jathikka’ is one of the most important spices grown in Kerala. Although nutmeg is available for harvest throughout the year, its peak harvest season lies in the months of June to August during which the soil microorganisms are also active and as a result, nutmeg collected in that season will be with high initial microbial load. Therefore an attempt has been made to reduce the initial microbial load and also to develop a suitable drying and storage technique for nutmeg. In both harvested and fallen nutmeg, washing with 1000 ppm luke warm alum water was found effective in reducing high initial microbial load to a low level. Mechanical drying of nutmeg in a cabinet drier was found to be the best method of drying as it was quick and yielded the product with minimum loss of colour, oil and oleoresin. Total sensory score was also highest in cabinet dried samples. Among the packaging materials tried aluminium foil laminated pouches were better than other packaging materials as the products stored in aluminium laminated pouches showed highest oil and oleoresin contents and at the same time least microbial population even after six months of storage. Highest total sensory score was also recorded in the mace samples stored in aluminium laminated pouches. The techniques thus developed could be effectively used in reducing the high initial microbial load and also to store the materials for a longer period of time without much spoilage and quality deterioration.ThesisItem Open Access Fertigation and mulching studies in cabage (Brassica oleracea var capitata L)(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture , Vellanikkara, 2013) Mvoyaha Kaposha, Nakaande; KAU; Narayanankutty, CA field experiment on “Fertigation and mulching studies in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata L.)” was conducted at Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy to work out the optimum levels of irrigation and nutrients for fertigation in cabbage and to study the effect of fertigation and mulching on growth and yield of cabbage. The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomised Block Design (RBD) with four replications. The treatments consisted of combinations of two schedules of irrigation (drip irrigation at 60 and 80 per cent Ep), three levels of fertilizer (75%, 100% and 125% of recommended fertilizer dose), mulching (silver-black polythene mulch) and non-mulching. In drip irrigation water was replenished daily according to pan evaporation recorded at three days interval. The cabbage hybrid NS 43 was used for the study. The study revealed that irrigation had significant influence on vegetative characters of cabbage. Scheduling of irrigation at 60% Ep resulted in significantly higher plant height while plant spread, number of non-wrapping leaves and wrapping leaves were highest at 80% Ep. All the yield attributing characters including gross and net head weight were higher at lower level of irrigation (60% Ep). Mulching significantly improved plant height, wrapping leaves and plant spread compared to non-mulched treatments which significantly had no influence on non-wrapping leaves. Mulched treatments also gave significantly highest net head weight than non-mulched treatments. The number of non-wrapping leaves and plant spread was higher in treatments received 125% of recommended dose of fertilizer. Plants receiving 75% of recommended dose of fertilizer gave significantly higher head length, core length and harvest index. Fertilizer had no significant influence on head breadth, head index, gross head weight and head net weight. Interaction effect of irrigation and fertilizer was significant on all vegetative and yield attributes except head length of cabbage. Treatment I1F2 (60% Ep + 100% of recommended fertilizer) gave highest plant height. Number of non-wrapping leaves was higher in treatment I1F3 (60% Ep + 125% of fertilizer dose) while number of wrapping leaves and plant spread was maximum in I2F3 (80% Ep + 125% Ep). The treatment combination of I1F3 (60% Ep and 125% of fertilizer dose) recorded significantly higher gross head weight and net head weight compared to other treatments. Interaction of irrigation and mulching had no influence on number of non-wrapping leaves, but had significant effect on all other vegetative characters of cabbage. Lower level of irrigation along with mulching gave the highest net head weight compared to non-mulched treatment. The treatment combination of fertilizer and mulching had significant influence on all vegetative characters of cabbage except on number of non-wrapping leaves. Irrespective of fertilizer doses, mulched treatments showed more plant height and plant spread compared to non- mulched treatments. The treatment combination of F3M1 (75% of fertilizer dose + silver-black polythene mulch) recorded significantly higher net head weight in the study. Interaction effect of irrigation, fertilizer and mulching had marked effect on plant height, number of non-wrapping leaves, wrapping leaves and plant spread. The highest net head weight recorded in treatment I1F3M1 was significantly superior to all other treatments and it was followed by I1F1M1. Lower level of irrigation (60% Ep) is sufficient for good performance of cabbage. Mulching with silver-black polythene sheet proved to be a very good practice for overall growth and yield of the plants. All levels of fertilizer (75%, 100% and 125% of recommended dose of fertilizer) were mostly on par. But along with irrigation at 60% Ep and mulching, the highest level of fertilizer gave the maximum yield which was significantly superior to all treatments/treatment combinations.