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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 Effect of growth retardants on growth and yield of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, 2017) Sunayana, S; KAU; Meera Manjusha, A VThe study entitled “Effect of growth retardants on growth and yield of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)” was conducted at College of Agriculture, Padannakkad during 2015-2017 with the objective to assess the response of marigold in terms of growth, yield and carotenoid content as influenced by foliar application of growth retardants Alar and Cycocel. The experiment was laid out in split plot design during two seasons viz., monsoon and pre-monsoon. The data was subjected to statistical analysis to find out the effect of growth retardants on different parameters. The experimental material comprised of Pusa Narangi Gainda and Maxima Yellow F1 varieties of African marigold and their response to growth retardants was evaluated with treatments viz., C1 : Alar 500 ppm, C2 : Alar 1000 ppm, C3 : Alar 1500 ppm, C4 : Cycocel 1000 ppm, C5 : Cycocel 1500 ppm, C6 : Cycocel 2000 ppm and C7 : Water spray (control). The analysis of data regarding different plant characters revealed that the varieties and growth retardants resulted in significant differences with vegetative, floral and yield characters and pigment contents in flowers. Growth retardants significantly influenced plant height, plant spread, number of branches, internodal length, and stem girth, number of flowers, flower yield and carotenoid content. There was no significant difference noticed on days to first flowering, days to 50 % flowering, flower length, pedicel length, flower diameter and flower weight. The effects of growth retardants on leaf area, SCMR, total biomass, crop duration, flowering duration and post-harvest longevity varied with seasons. On comparing the two varieties during two seasons, Maxima Yellow F1 performed better for most of the growth and floral characters and recorded highest flower yield in monsoon season. From economic point of view, Maxima Yellow F1 can be recommended during monsoon season in Kerala to meet the high demand of flowers during Onam. Among the growth retardants, Cycocel 1000 ppm can be recommended for better growth, higher yield and carotenoid content in Pusa Narangi Gainda and Maxima Yellow F1 varieties of African marigold during monsoon season and pre-monsoon seasons.ThesisItem Open Access Post harvest evaluation and management of cherry Tomato[Solanum lycopersicum L.var.cerasiforme (Dunal) A.Gray] Genotypes(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture Vellanikkara, 2017) Rosemary, M Xavier; KAU; Sheela, K BThe present study entitled „Post harvest evaluation and management of cherry tomato [Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme (Dunal) A. Gray] genotypes‟ was undertaken with the objectives of evaluating quality attributes of cherry tomato under rain shelter and open field conditions, and to standardise the packaging and storage requirements. Eleven genotypes of cherry tomato raised inside rain shelter and in open field were evaluated for the quality attributes. The physico-morphological characters showed significant variation among the cherry tomato accessions inside rain shelter. The desirable attributes like high fruit length, diameter, fruit girth, rind thickness, fruit weight, and juice per cent were observed for SLc.11, under both growing conditions. Performance of most of the genotypes was superior inside the rain shelter as compared to open field condition. The highest content of TSS, reducing and total sugar, vitamin C, total carotenoids and lycopene was observed in SLc.2 grown inside rain shelter. TSS, sugars and vitamin C content was higher for most of the genotypes under open field condition. Total carotenoids and lycopene content was higher for most of the genotypes when raised inside rain shelter. Packaging and storage studies were conducted in fruits of two genotypes, SLc.10 (small fruited type) and SLc.11 (large fruited type) by subjecting to four methods of packaging viz. packing in micro ventilated polyethylene cover (200 gauge), polystyrene tray covered with cling film, polypropylene punnets and shrink wrapping in polystyrene tray. Each package was stored in ambient (28 -36°C), refrigerated (5 ± 2°C) and cold storage (12 ± 3°C) conditions. The shelf life of cherry tomato was longer under cold storage than ambient and refrigerated condition. The shelf life of cherry tomato was extended to 87 days for IIHR- 2871 and 71 days for Pusa Cherry Tomato -1 under cold storage. Fruits packed in polypropylene punnets had longer shelf life for both varieties under refrigeration and cold storage conditions. The physiological loss in weight (PLW %) was significantly higher and shelf life was lower in unwrapped fruits under the three different storage conditions. The highest content of TSS, vitamin C, and lycopene was observed at different storage periods under three different storage conditions, because of the difference in the rate of ripening in these conditions. A trend of decrease in TSS, Vitamin C and lycopene content was recorded for majority of the treatments after reaching a peak value. TSS, Vitamin C and lycopene content was comparatively higher for fruits packed in polypropylene punnets, shrink wrapped fruits in polystyrene tray and fruits in polystyrene tray overwrapped with cling film respectively under the three storage conditions. In both the varieties, titrable acidity decreased as the ripening progressed during the storage. Significant changes in the titrable acidity was found in ambient storage of fruits. Total, reducing and non reducing sugars increased after one week of storage in all the treatments in both the varieties. Microbial load of cherry tomato was analyzed by estimating the population of bacteria, yeast, and fungi. Microbial load was found to increase with the advancement of storage period. Less microbial contamination was observed for samples kept under refrigeration. Organoleptic evaluation of both varieties revealed that the mean scores for all the attributes showed an increasing trend in the initial phase of storage and declined towards the end of the storage, but still the fruits were acceptable for consumption under ambient and cold storage.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of yard long bean(Vigna unguiculata subsp.sesquipedalis (L.) verdcourt) hybrids under rainshelter and open conditions(Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Feba Varghese; KAU; Sarada, SThe project entitled “Evaluation of yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdcourt) hybrids under rainshelter and open conditions” was carried out at the Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 2015-2017 to evaluate yard long bean hybrids under rainshelter and open conditions for yield and quality. The experiment was carried out in two parts. In part I, seeds of ten superior F1 hybrids of yard long bean with high yield and quality characters, selected based on specific combining ability and per se performance in the previous M. Sc programme, were produced in a crossing block during May-August 2016. In part II, the ten hybrids along with a standard check variety (NS 634) were evaluated in open field and rainshelter conditions as two separate experiments. Both the experiments were conducted in Randomized Block Design with 11 treatments and 3 replications from September 2016- February 2017. The results of the field experiment showed significant difference among the treatments for all traits studied. Highest yield plant -1 was recorded in VS 34 x VS 50 both in open field (1058.20 g plant -1) and under rainshelter (689.67 g plant -1) followed by VS 50 x VS 26 (973.27 g plant -1 and 674.00 g plant -1 respectively). VS 54 x VS 26 recorded maximum pod length and girth in open field (69.36 cm and 3.34 cm respectively) as well as under rainshelter (68.42cm and 3.24 cm respectively). Pod weight was maximum in VS 50 x VS 16 (28.69 g) and VS 54 x VS 26 (27.59 g) in open field and rainshelter respectively. VS 50 x VS 13 recorded highest pods plant - 1 , fruit set percentage and pollen viability both in open field (72.27, 66.55% and 94.35% respectively) and rainshelter (55.67, 56.80% and 90.70% respectively). Correlation studies revealed that in open field conditions, yield plant -1 was significantly and positively correlated with fruit set percentage, pods plant -1 and pollen viability and positively correlated with primary branches plant -1 and seeds pod-1. Yield plant-1 was significantly and positively correlated with fruit set percentage and seeds pod-1 and positively correlated with vine length, pods plant -1 and pollen viability under rainshelter. Under both rainshelter and open conditions, pod weight was found to be significantly and positively correlated with pod length and pod girth. Also, days to harvest was significantly and positively correlated with days to first flowering. Under both open field and rainshelter conditions, VS 34 x VS 50 and VS 50 x VS 26 were found to be the highest yielders whereas VS 54 x VS 26 exhibited maximum pod length and pod girth. Highest pods plant -1 and fruit set percentage was recorded in VS 50 x VS 13. Hybrids grown under rainshelter conditions exhibited maximum petiole length, pod weight, 100 seed weight, crop duration, keeping quality, early flowering and harvest compared to open field. Vine length, primary branches plant -1, fruit set percentage, pods plant -1 and yield plant -1 were maximum for hybrids grown under open field conditions.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) hybrids for yield and bacterial wilt resistance(Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Shashidhar, M Sonnad; KAU; Sarada, SThe project entitled “Evaluation of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) hybrids for yield and bacterial wilt resistance” was carried out at the department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 2015-2017 to identify tomato hybrids with high yield, quality and resistance to bacterial wilt. The experiment was carried out in two parts. In part I, F1 seeds of the eight superior hybrids with respect to bacterial wilt resistance and yield selected based on specific combining ability and per se performance identified in the previous M. Sc programme were produced in a crossing block during May - August 2016. In part II, the hybrids along with two standard checks- one resistant (Jessica) and one susceptible (Naveen) were evaluated for yield and bacterial wilt resistance. Two separate experiments were conducted- one under field condition (Randomized Block Design) and another under artificial epiphytotic conditions (inoculated trial in pots) (Completely Randomized Design) from October 2016 –January 2017 with 10 treatments and 3 replications. The results of the field experiment showed significant difference among the treatments for all traits studied. Plant height was highest in Naveen (102.39 cm), while the cross LE 20 × Manulekshmi recorded highest number of primary branches plant-1 (11.60). Leaf length was highest in LE 13 × Manulekshmi (34.81 cm) and leaf width in Naveen (22.58 cm). LE 13 × Vellayani Vijai recorded lowest node to inflorescence (9.87); earliest flowering (20.33 days) was noted in LE 16 × Vellayani Vijai, while days to fruit set was lowest in LE 13 × Manulekshmi (6.67). Highest flowers cluster-1 (8.27) was recorded in LE 13 × Vellayani Vijai; inflorescence plant-1 and fruits plant-1 was maximum in LE 16 × Anagha (36.27 and 90.47 respectively) and maximum fruits truss-1 and fruit set percent was recorded by LE 16 × Vellayani Vijai (4.73 and 83.19 respectively). Jessica recorded maximum fruit length, fruit diameter and fruit weight (6.28 cm, 5.49 cm, 99.48 g respectively). Among the crosses LE 20 × Manulekshmi recorded highest fruit weight (67.82 g). Highest yield plant-1 was recorded by LE 20 × Manulekshmi (1836 g) followed by LE 16 × Manulekshmi (1773 g) and highest yield plot-1 was recorded by LE 20 × Manulekshmi (26.72 kg) followed by LE 16 × Vellayani Vijai (23.74 kg). With respect to quality characters, LE 16 × Vellayani Vijai recorded highest TSS (4.69 %) followed by LE 16 × Manulekshmi (4.03%). Lycopene was highest in LE 13 × Vellayani Vijai (12.99 μg g-1), ascorbic acid in LE 19 × Anagha (30.22 mg 100g-1). Bacterial population (Ralstonia solanacearum) in the experimental field was assessed three times. It was 1.75×105 cfu g-1 before planting, 1.17×105 cfu g-1 during crop period and 5.53×105 cfu g-1 at last harvest. None of the hybrids except Naveen exhibited the disease symptoms, which depicted the field resistance. Correlation analysis revealed that yield plant-1 was positively correlated with primary branches plant-1, inflorescence plant-1, fruit set percent, fruits plant-1 and fruits truss-1, and negatively correlated with days to first flowering, lycopene, TSS and plant height. Artificial inoculation studies revealed significant difference among treatments for percent disease incidence at a bacterial concentration of 105 cfu ml-1 as inoculum. It was lowest in LE 16 × Vellayani Vijai and resistant check (26.67%) whereas incidence was 100 per cent in the susceptible check. LE 20 × Manulekshmi was adjudged as the best hybrid considering yield plant-1, yield plot-1, fruit size and field resistance to bacterial wilt. For bacterial wilt resistance, LE 16 × Vellayani Vijai was the best based on both field trial and inoculated trial.ThesisItem Open Access Performance of cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme (Dunal) A.Gray) genotypes in rain shelter and open field(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Malavika, O; KAU; Indira, PCherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme (Dunal) A. Gray) also known as salad tomato, is one of the emerging tropical vegetable crop under protected cultivation and is considered as an exotic vegetable bringing new taste and appearance to dishes. It has gained much popularity all over the world being a good source of vitamin A and C and having health beneficial compounds like antioxidants, phytochemicals, lycopene and beta- carotene. The present experiment entitled “Performance evaluation of cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme (Dunal) A. Gray) genotypes in rain shelter and open field” was conducted in Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during October 2016 to March 2017. The objectives of the study were to identify cherry tomato genotype (s) suitable for rain shelter and open field cultivation, and also to study the feasibility of cherry tomato cultivation inside rain shelter and open field. The experiment was laid out in Randomized block design with three replications. Ten genotypes of cherry tomato were evaluated for qualitative and quantitative characters in both growing conditions. There was no much variation among the genotypes for qualitative characters like blossom end fruit shape, fruit surface, fruit shape, immature fruit colour, mature fruit colour, locule number per fruit and presence of green shoulder under both growing conditions. However there was a slight variation with respect to fruit size under different growing conditions. Fruits of seven genotypes inside rain shelter were small sized and three were medium sized, where as in open field majority of the genotypes produced small fruits. Significant difference was observed among the genotypes with respect to plant height, days to first fruit harvest, number of flower clusters per plant, yield per plant and number of fruits per kilogram in different growing conditions. A comparative study on genotypic performance in open field and rain shelter revealed that plants in general had highest plant height, minimum days to 50 % flowering , days to first fruit set, fruits per cluster, number of fruits per plant, yield per plant and average fruit weight inside rain shelter. Genotype SLc-9 achieved 50 % flowering with in 17.7 days after transplanting and was early to first fruit set (25.20 ), early to first fruit harvest (54.33) and had highest fruit yield per plant (425.96 g) inside rain shelter. SLc-10 recorded highest plant height (295.5cm), highest number of flower clusters per plant (19.70), fruits per cluster (22.80) and maximum average fruit weight (6.24 g) inside rain shelter. In open field SLc- 2 recorded highest number of flower clusters per plant (31.20), highest fruit yield per plant (573.40 g) and high TSS content (7.5 °Brix). None of the genotypes were resistant to bacterial wilt in both the growing conditions. Bacterial wilt incidence was found lowest in SLc-9 (29.10 %) inside rain shelter and SLc-2 (57.10 %) in open field. The genotypes SLc-2, SLc-3, SLc- 7, SLc-8 and SLc-9 were free from leaf miner (Liriomyza trifolii) infestation inside rain shelter, while there was no infestation in open field. SLc-2, SLc-3, SLc-6, and SLc-9 were free from tomato leaf curl virus incidence inside rain shelter. All genotypes were free from tomato leaf curl virus incidence in open field, except SLc- 4 (12.5 %). The genotype SLc-9 had highest fruit yield per plant (425. 96 g), and lowest incidence of bacterial wilt (29.10 % ) inside rain shelter. However SLc-10 had more number of flower clusters per plant, fruits per cluster, maximum average fruit weight and highest plant height inside rain shelter. Hence these two genotypes can be recommended for cultivation inside rain shelter. Even though SLc-2 had highest fruit yield per plant (573.40g) in open field it was susceptible to bacterial wilt (57.10%). From the present study it is concluded that rain shelter cultivation of cherry tomato is more feasible than open field cultivation.ThesisItem Open Access Characterisation of coconut palms (Cocos Nucifera L.) showing general yellowing(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Aparna, K; KAU; Sreekala, G SThe study on “Characterisation of coconut palms (Cocos nucifera L.) showing general yellowing” was undertaken in selected coconut palms coming under Thiruvallam of Thiruvananthapuram district from March 2016 to March 2017. The objective was to evaluate the field characteristics and nutritional status of soil and coconut palms showing general yellowing and to formulate a management strategy. Coconut palms of variety WCT showing general yellowing which advance from lower to upper whorls of leaves were identified from farmer’s field of Thiruvallam. Fifteen palms showing uniform pattern of general yellowing and five healthy palms were selected from five farmer’s fields. Field, soil, plant and management practices followed by farmers were studied in the selected palms to identify the pre disposing factors leading to general yellowing. Observations on morphological and yield characteristics of selected coconut palms were recorded for one year at 60 days interval. Soil and plant samples were collected and analysed for macro and micronutrients. Based on soil test results the quantity of deficient macro nutrients were calculated and applied as per package of practices recommendation of Kerala Agricultural University. The soil and plant sample was again analysed six months after the application of fertilisers. Data generated on field characterization revealed the type of soils as red loam soils with good drainage in all the selected coconut palms. High soil organic matter was seen in all the healthy coconut palms while eighty percentage of coconut palms showing general yellowing were under medium status of organic matter. Of the coconut palms showing general yellowing, fifty three percent belonged to the age group of 31-35.The disease and pest incidence in the healthy palms was only twenty percent while it was more than fifty percent in palms showing general yellowing. The morphological, physiological and yield parameters of selected palms indicated significant variation in number of leaves showing yellowing, chlorophyll content, membrane integrity, relative water content, number of bunches, number of female flowers per bunch of inflorescence, number of nuts set per bunch, weight of nut, weight of copra and oil content in coconut palms showing general yellowing compared to healthy palms. However after the application of nutrients significant increase in chlorophyll a content, total chlorophyll content, membrane integrity and relative water content was noticed in coconut palms showing general yellowing. The soil and leaf nutrient analysis revealed a significant variation in N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S and B content between coconut palms showing general yellowing and healthy palms. However, observations made at six months after the application of manures and fertilisers revealed a significant increase in soil pH, organic carbon, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, B and Cl in the soil and N,P,K of index leaf of coconut palms showing general yellowing. There was no significant variation in the S, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu before and after the application of manures and fertilisers. The present study based on nutritional status and visual symptoms revealed that low soil nutrient status of N, P, K, Ca and Mg have resulted in the general yellowing in coconut. The application of fertilisers as per average management recommended by KAU (2016) could only enhance the soil N, P, K and Mg status to medium level while for calcium it still remained in low status. Thus a higher dose of N, P, K, Ca and Mg are required for the palms showing general yellowing to substantially improve the nutritional status of the palm.ThesisItem Open Access Screening substrates and additives for enhancing yield and quality of nata-de-coco(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Geethumol Thankappan; KAU; Anitha, PCoconut water is an important by-product of copra and oil industry, which is merely, wasted at the copra production centres. Bacterial cellulose produced by the Acetobactor xylinum at the air liquid interphase of coconut water is popularly known as Nata-de-coco. Nata is gaining popularity because of its high dietary fibre content and low calorific value. It is an excellent ingredient for ice creams, cocktails and other food products. Raw Nata is transparent without any colour and flavour. In order to enhance consumer acceptability, improving colour and flavour of Nata-de-coco by using under exploited fruit and vegetables and addition of natural flavours can go a long way in improving palatability and consumer acceptability of the product. Therefore, the present investigation entitled “Screening substrates and additives for enhancing yield and quality of Nata-de-coco” was undertaken to study the performance of coconut water from tall and dwarf cultivars to improve yield and quality of Nata –de-coco, to evaluate the suitability of substrates for blending with coconut water for nata production and to evaluate the suitability of additives and flavours to improve consumer acceptability of Nata-de-coco. The study revealed that coconut water from tall (WCT), dwarf (COD) cultivars showed significant effect on the physico-chemical characters of Nata formed. It was observed that days to Nata formation (17.25), thickness of Nata (8.62 mm) and weight of nata (378.12g), TSS (8.720 Brix), total sugar (1.20 per cent) were significantly higher when coconut water from COD cultivar was used. These parameters recorded lower mean values when coconut water from WCT was used for Nata- de-coco production. Fibre (%) and moisture (%) were found to be not influenced by sources of coconut water, so also sources of acidulants did not influence acidity. However, protein (%) was found significantly higher when water from WCT was used. When various fruit juices were blended with coconut water, significant effect was observed on physico-chemical qualities of Nata. The parameters like thickness, weight, TSS, total sugar of the Nata recorded higher mean values when coconut water blended with water melon juice (11.33mm, 416.33g, 9.590 Brix, 2.18g ) and mango juice (11.00mm, 401.67g, 9.580 Brix, 2.16g ).The highest mean score for appearance (8.06), colour (7.46), flavour (8.40), taste (8.20), after taste (7.26), chewiness (6.44), overall acceptability (8.40) and total score 61.65 was recorded in T5- coconut water was blended with pineapple juice. Nata-de-coco from water of WCT and COD packed with sugar syrup, West Indian cherry syrup, and roseapple syrup and flavoured with ginger and vanilla extract. The result showed that highest mean score for appearance, colour, after taste, texture and overall acceptability such as 8.46, 8.60, 7.66, 7.86, and 8.53 respectively when Nata obtained from COD was packed in roseapple syrup and flavoured with vanilla extract. From the present study it can be concluded that Nata produced from water of COD gave highest thickness, weight, TSS and total sugar. Acidulant sources such as acetic acid and bilimbi juice are equally effective in maintaining the pH of substrates. Blending coconut water with water melon juice/mango juice can be done to improve yield and quality of Nata. Nata packed in roseapple syrup and flavoured with vanilla extract improve the consumer acceptability.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of neikumbalam (Benincasa hispida thunb.) Collections for yield and quality(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Manisha Elza, Jacob; KAU; Mini Raj, NAsh gourd [Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn.] is a member of the family Cucurbitaceae which is mainly grown for its fruits. Vaidyakumbalam or neikumbalam is a specific ecotype of ashgourd in Kerala with hard pulp, long keeping quality and size slightly larger than a cricket ball. It is the principal ingredient used in the preparation of the Ayurvedic medicine “Kooshmanda rasayanam” and “poosanilehyam”, a similar preparation made by the Siddha medicine physicians. The availability of this special type of ash gourd is scarce at present. And, not much is known about the morphology and biochemistry of neikumbalam. The present study has been undertaken in this context. The study entitled “Evaluation of neikumbalam (Benincasa hispida Thunb.) collections for yield and quality” was carried out in the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices during September 2016 to January 2017. Sixteen types of neikumbalam (medicinal ash gourd) were collected from different locations in Southern, Central and Northern Kerala. These were evaluated along with a vegetable ash gourd variety ‘Indu’ used as check, for various morphological, yield, fruit, seed and biochemical characters. Morphological characters were recorded at four growth stages, viz. pre- flowering, flowering, fruiting and harvest. Medicinal ash gourd accessions were less vigorous in growth, producing lower number of branches and leaves and smaller leaves when compared to the vegetable ash gourd variety ‘Indu’. Among the neikumbalam types, highest vine length was recorded in BH 11 at all the four growth stages (172.85 cm, 212.55 cm, 245.84 cm and 289.46 cm respectively). The leaf area among the accessions ranged from 67.16 cm2 to 158.8 cm2. With respect to flowering, a few of the neikumbalam accessions recorded early opening of both male and female flowers. The accessions BH 13, BH 14, BH 15 and BH 16 were early in female flower opening and also produced female flowers at lower nodes than other accessions. The first female flower was produced at a lower node (4.75) in the accession BH 13. Also, all neikumbalam accessions had a sex ratio lesser than the check variety ‘Indu’ (9.37). The lowest sex ratio was recorded in BH 2 (3.5). With respect to yield characters, the medicinal ash gourd accession BH 7 produced highest number of fruits per plant than other accessions and the check variety ‘Indu’. However, due to low single fruit weight (1250 g in BH 7), the yield per plant was less in medicinal ash gourd than ‘Indu’ in which the individual fruit weight was significantly high (2380 g). There was variation in the number of days taken for fruit maturity and crop duration among the medicinal ash gourd accessions. The crop duration ranged from 102.66 days to 153 days. Variability was observed in all the qualitative fruit characters studied. Oblong, spherical and conical shaped fruits were observed. The check variety ‘Indu’ also produced oblong fruits. The intensity of hairiness and waxiness varied among the accessions and they were categorized as low, medium and high. There was variation in rind colour also among the accessions, viz. dark green, bright green, yellowish green and light green. The keeping quality of fruits ranged from 6 weeks to 11 weeks under ambient conditions. Fruit size exhibited variation among the accessions. The fruits of medicinal ash gourd were significantly smaller in size and lesser in weight (349 to 1250 g) than vegetable ash gourd fruits. Rind thickness was significantly lower in the medicinal ash gourd accessions than the check variety ‘Indu’. The neikumbalam fruits also recorded significantly less flesh thickness and major part of the fruit volume was occupied by seeds. Seeds of neikumbalam were small compared to Indu, the check. However, most of the neikumbalam accessions recorded more number of seeds per fruit (739 seeds in BH 7) than ‘Indu’ (523 seeds). Weight of seed coat, seed kernel and hundred seed weight were significantly less in neikumbalam accessions. Seeds of all accessions and the check variety ‘Indu’ recorded more than 96 % viability after two months. Fully mature fruits were screened for various phytochemicals after which they were subjected to biochemical estimation. Most of the biochemical characters showed variation among the accessions. Acidity in fruits of neikumbalam was significantly higher than the vegetable ash gourd. Protein content and total sugar content in the neikumbalam accessions were significantly lower than that in the check variety ‘Indu’. But, the neikumbalam collections recorded high amount of free amino acids which is an indication of the rejuvenating property of the fruits. Total phenol content and tannin content showed significant variation among the accessions. But a definite pattern could not be drawn between the neikumbalam accessions and the check ‘Indu’. The ethanolic extract of neikumbalam fruits exhibited significantly high antioxidant activity (1.315 to 2.595) than the check variety ‘Indu’ (1.109) as indicated by the IC 50 value. Results of the present study indicate that this unique type of ash gourd is morphologically different from the vegetable type ash gourd in growth pattern, flowering nature, fruiting and yield characters. Neikumbalam which is considered as a medhya (rejuvenating) drug contained higher amount of free amino acids and had high antioxidant activity. This might be one of the factors responsible for its reported medicinal properties.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation and characterisation of promising hybrids of long pepper (Piper longum L.)(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Sruthy, K; KAU; Sujatha, V SPiper longum L., commonly known as long pepper, belongs to family Piperaceae. The species has originated in South Asia. Piper longum is an important medicinal plant used in more than 300 ayurvedic preparations. Inspite of the importance of the species, „Viswam‟ is the only variety released so far. As a part of a KSCSTE funded project, hybridization studies were carried out at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara to develop high yielding types in Piper longum. In the preliminary evaluation trials, four hybrids were found promising. The present study entitled „evaluation and characterisation of promising hybrids of long pepper (Piper longum L.)‟ was conducted with the objective of evaluating these promising hybrids at different shade levels for growth, yield and quality and also to characterise them using molecular markers. The research was conducted in three experiments viz., evaluation of hybrids in pots at different shade levels, field evaluation of selected hybrids and molecular characterisation of promising hybrids and parents. Morphological characterisation of the accessions was done using IPGRI descriptor for Piper nigrum with necessary modifications. Variations were observed among accessions in shape of leaf, immature and mature spike color as well as shape of spike. Characters like plant height, number of primary branches per plant and time taken for production of first lateral were significantly different among hybrids. Flowering and fruit set were higher at zero per cent and 25 per cent shade compared to 50 per cent shade level. Field planted genotypes of P. longum showed significant difference in number of primary branches, internodal length of orthotropic as well as plagiotropic shoots and leaf area. Characters like pedicel length, spike length, spike girth and yield in terms of number of spikes per plant, fresh weight of spikes per plant and dry spike yield per plant also differed significantly. Among the hybrids evaluated in the field, Pl 9 followed by Pl 63 were found to be promising. They were significantly higher yielders compared to other hybrids, female parent and Viswam. Essential oil content was found to be uniform (0.8 per cent) in all the accessions except Pl 141 (0.83 per cent). Pl 9 showed maximum oleoresin (15.2 per cent) and piperine (3.47 per cent) content than other genotypes. For molecular characterisation using RAPD, 30 decamer primers were screened. From these ten best primers were selected. Six primers showed polymorphism between the male and female parents. The hybrids Pl 9 and Pl 63 were closely related with 92 per cent similarity. Pl 140 was found different from the rest of the three hybrids and it was grouped along with the parents. Among the accessions studied, Viswam showed highest variability from others. Among the hybrids evaluated, Pl 9 and Pl 63 were found to be promising in terms of yield. Pl 9 was superior in quality. These hybrids could be further evaluated in multi-location trials to explore the possibility of releasing as high yielding hybrids in future.