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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 Collection and evaluation of marigold (Tagetes spp.) genotypes for humid tropics(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Shajma Nafeesa, Basheer; KAU; Sabina George, TThe present study entitled ‘Collection and evaluation of marigold (Tagetes spp.) genotypes for humid tropics was conducted in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2012-2015, with an objective to collect and evaluate the genotypes of Tagetes spp. for growth, yield of fresh flowers and floral attributes in two planting seasons, ie, October and May planting and to select promising genotypes for loose flower production and for landscaping. The experimental material consisted of twenty five genotypes of Tagetes erecta and five genoytpes of Tagetes patula. These were evaluated in the field in a randomized block design with three replications. Significant differences were observed among the genotypes for plant growth characters, foliage characters, flowering and yield characters and flower characters in both planting seasons. In both October and May plantings, TEG 5 and TEG 6 maintained greater plant height and the lowest plant height were found to be in TPG 17 and TPG 18. The maximum plant spread was recorded in TEG 5 in October planting and in TPG 21 in May planting. The highest number of primary branches per plant was recorded in TEG 6 followed by TEG 5 in October planting and in TEG 16 followed by TEG 5 and TEG 8 in May planting. The highest number of secondary branches was recorded by TEG 14 in October planting and by TPG 21 in May planting. Among flowering and yield characters, in October planting, the lowest number of days to flowering was recorded in Tagetes patula genotypes, TPG 19, TPG 18 and TPG 21 (33.33 days) and the lowest number of days to flower opening in TPG 21 and TPG 17 (45.33 days). In May planting, the Tagetes erecta genotype TEG 11 recorded the lowest number of days to flower initiation (49.00) and flower opening (68.33). TEG 29 recorded the longest flowering duration in both October and May planting. The maximum number of flowers per plant and flower yield per plant was observed in TEG 16 in October planting. In May planting, TPG 18 followed by TEG 16 recorded the maximum number of flowers. The genotype TEG 16 also recorded the highest flower yield per plant in May planting and the highest number of viable seeds per plant in both the seasons. TEG 11 recorded higher values for fresh weight of flower in both the seasons of investigation. In October planting and May planting, the highest value for petal meal per kg of fresh flowers was recorded in TEG 29 and the maximum petal meal per ha was recorded in TEG 5 in October planting and in TEG 29 in May planting. The highest total carotenoid content was recorded by TEG 3 followed by TEG 2 in both the seasons. Among the flower characters, TEG 5 the highest number of ligulate floret whorls and TEG 11 recorded the highest value for length of floret, flower diameter, girth of floral receptacle in both the seasons. Significantly higher flower stalk length was observed for TEG 3 and the longest vase life was recorded by TEG 7 in both the seasons of investigation. Genetic variability studies showed that genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was higher than phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) for all the characters. High GCV and PCV and high heritability was observed for all the characters studied. Correlation studies revealed a highly significant positive correlation of flower yield with number of flowers per plant, plant spread, fresh weight of flowers, length of floret, crop duration and number of secondary branches per plant. Path analysis studies showed that fresh weight of flowers had the highest direct positive effect on flower yield per plant followed by number of flowers per plant and plant height. Cluster analysis based on D2 values divided the thirty genotypes of marigold into six clusters with Cluster V recording the maximum number of genotypes and Cluster I, the minimum number of genotypes.Seasonal evaluation of the genotypes showed that May planting was found to be better than October planting in terms of plant growth characters, flower yield and flower characteristics. Earlier initiation of flowering was however observed in October planting in all the genotypes. The present study revealed that, the Tagetes erecta genotypes TEG 5, TEG 29, TEG 25, TEG 30, TEG 22, TEG 11 and TEG 7 may be suitable for commercial loose flower production. The genotype TEG 16 with semiupright habit may be suited for plant compactness and flower production. The genotypes TEG 3 and TEG 2, with higher carotenoid content may be suitable for pigment extraction. The Tagetes patula genotypes, TPG 21 and TPG 18 with dwarf spreading plant habit and the Tagetes erecta genotype TEG 11 with semiupright plant habit may be suitable as flowering ground covers in landscaping. The wide range of genetic variability available in marigold genotypes can be utilized for further crop improvement programmes through direct selection and hybridization.ThesisItem Open Access Development of parthenocarpic Gynoecious hybrids in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) for protected cultivation(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Ajay Bhardwaj; KAU; Pradeepkumar, TParthenocarpy along with gynoecious sex expression is an asset for protected cultivation of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Cultivation of parthenocarpic gynoecious hybrids is gaining attention of the growers as it is a reliable and profitable venture. But still, the growers are left with the option of choosing from the private sector hybrids which costs very high (Rs. 4 to 7 per seed) or from very limited public sector hybrids which are yet to be tested at various places. Realizing the need and challenge, the present work ‘Development of parthenocarpic gynoecious hybrids in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) for protected cultivation’ was carried out at Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the period of 2012 - 2017 to develop the parthenocarpic gynoecious lines and then F 1 hybrids for protected cultivation at Kerala. For maintaining the germplasm, in vitro seed germination protocol of two parthenocarpic (CS 130 and CS 131), one gynoecious (EC 709119) and one monoecious (L-04) genotype was standardized. Maximum shoot initiation (100 %) from seedling excised cotyledonary leaf explants was obtained with the half strength MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l IAA and 2 mg/l BAP. Shoot initiation from stem nodal explants was achieved in A 2 (Full MS + 1.5 mg/l IAA + 2 mg/l BAP) media whereas half strength MS media without any hormones resulted in rooting. In vitro development of fertile male and female flowers was also noticed in all genotypes. Field evaluation of regenerated plants was also carried out and reduced expression of parthenocarpy was observed. Silver thiosulphate (STS) solution varying from 150 to 600 ppm concentrations was used for inducing male flowers in the gynoecious and parthenocarpic lines. The STS spray (twice) at 300 ppm was found best for early male flower induction and longer duration of male phase. Development of inbreds and evaluation of genetic variation helps to provide valuable information about improved and new sources of genes. Four inbreds were developed by selfing and following single seed descent method for up to I 5 generations. The four inbred lines (CS 130, CS 131, CS 132 and CS 133) exhibited variation in ranges for all the selected characters across generations. Parthenocarpic expression exhibited less variation in advanced generations. The I 4 and I 5 generation inbreds were evaluated under RBD with three replications for 12 quantitative and nine qualitative traits. Cucumber germplasm exhibited presence of significant differences among inbreds for majority of characters. On the basis of mean performance, the genotypes CS 133 was found superior for majority of the preferred quantitative and qualitative traits. High GCV and PCV estimates were observed for downy mildew PDI (%) in all the seasons, and parthenocarpy in pooled over seasons. High heritability with high genetic advance estimates were observed for downy mildew PDI (%) and yield per plant (kg) in I 4 generation, downy mildew PDI (%) in I 5 and pooled over generations. Based on the performance for quantitative and qualitative traits in both the generations, three genotypes were selected for the crossing programme. Gynoecious inbred (EC 709119) was also utilized for full diallel mating programme (4 × 4) including reciprocals for combining ability and heterosis studies. Evaluation of 12 hybrid combinations developed through full diallel mating design and their parents along with standard check ‘Hilton’ for 16 quantitative and 10 qualitative traits indicated presence of significant difference for GCA, SCA and reciprocal effects. Among the parental genotypes, CS 133 exhibited significantly high GCA effects for majority of the desirable traits followed by CS 130. The hybrids, CS 132 × CS 133 and CS 130 × CS 132 showed significant SCA effects for desirable traits viz., days to first harvest, fruits per plant, yield per plant (kg), downy mildew PDI (%) and parthenocarpy (%). CS 133 × CS 132, CS 130 × CS 132 and CS 132 × CS 133 were exhibiting significant standard heterosis estimates for majority of the desirable quantitative traits. CS 133 × CS 132 was the most promising hybrid based on SCA effects, heterosis and per se performance for desirable quantitative and qualitative traits (crispness/texture).ThesisItem Open Access Standardization of agrotechniques for precision farming in watermelon [Citrultus lanatus (Thunb.) Mastum. & Nakai](Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Nisha, S K; KAU; Sreelathakumary, IThe investigation entitled “Standardization of agrotechniques for precision farming in watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai]” was carried out at the Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during the period 2014-2016, to identify small fruited varieties / hybrids of watermelon with high yield and quality and to standardize the agrotechniques for precision farming in watermelon. The investigation comprised of two separate experiments. The first experiment on ‘Evaluation of varieties / hybrids of watermelon’ was undertaken from December 2014 to April 2015. The experimental material consisted of 20 watermelon accessions, including three varieties and 17 hybrids. The experiment was laid out in RBD with two replications. The analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the twenty accessions for all the characters studied. The highest yield plant-1 was recorded in the hybrid IB-23 (14.17 kg) followed by IB-20 and Saraswati, while the highest fruits plant-1, high TSS and earliness in flowering as well as harvest was observed in the hybrid Prachi. The variety Arka Muthu registered the lowest vine length of 1.20 m. High and moderate phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation (PCV and GCV) were noticed for most of the yield contributing characters. High estimates of heritability coupled with high to moderate genetic advance as per cent of mean was recorded for all the yield components, indicating additive gene action. Yield had positive and significant correlation with the yield contributing characters such as fruit equatorial diameter, fruit polar diameter, fruits plant-1, fruit weight and seeds fruit-1. Path analysis revealed that fruit weight had the highest positive direct effect on yield plant-1 followed by fruits plant-1. Fusarium wilt was the major disease observed in few accessions during the study. Sensory evaluation revealed the superiority of the hybrid Prachi over other accessions. The second experiment on ‘Standardization of agrotechniques for precision farming under rain shelter and open condition’ was conducted simultaneously under rain shelter and open condition, from December 2015 to April 2016, using the best hybrid Prachi. It was conducted in factorial RBD with twelve treatments and two controls, with two replications. The treatments were three levels fertilizer viz., F1 - 75% of recommended dose (RD) (52.5: 37.5: 90 kg NPK ha-1), F2 - 100% of RD (70: 50: 120 kg NPK ha-1) and F3 - 125% of RD (87.5 : 62.5: 150 kg NPK ha-1); irrigation at two levels ie., I1- 80% Epan and I2 - 60% Epan; and two levels of training viz., T1- nipping to one vine and T2 - nipping to two vines. Vines were trained vertically under rain shelter and horizontally in open cultivation. The two controls were, Control 1- Ad hoc recommendation for precision farming (70: 50: 120 kg NPK ha-1) with irrigation at 100% Epan and Control 2 - KAU Package of Practices recommendations (POP). Fertilizer levels had significant influence on flowering and yield attributes of watermelon. The treatment F2 registered highest yield plant-1 both under rain shelter and open condition, and was on par with F1 under rain shelter. The effect of irrigation on vine length, fruit equatorial diameter, polar diameter and ascorbic acid content was also significant under both conditions. The irrigation level I1 recorded the highest yield plant-1 under rain shelter (11.10 kg) and open (8.42 kg). Training to two vines significantly improved fruits plant-1 and yield plant-1 under rain shelter while training had no significant influence under open condition. The water requirement was 272.27 mm (I1) and 179.63 mm (I2) under rain shelter and 239.79 mm (I1) and 184.02 mm (I2) in open condition. Compared to conventional surface irrigation, drip irrigation registered higher water use efficiency at both levels of irrigation. Pooled analysis also revealed that yield plant-1 was the highest in fertilizer level F2, irrigation level I1 and training level T2. Among the growing conditions, rain shelter recorded the highest number of fruits plant-1 (5.49), yield plant-1 (10.05 kg) and maximum days to final harvest (115.53 DAT). Interaction effect of rain shelter with training to two main vines recorded the highest fruits plant-1 (6.08) and yield plant-1 (10.73 kg). Among the controls, Ad hoc recommendation for precision farming was significantly superior to KAU POP recommendation. The present study revealed the superiority of fertilizer dose 70: 50: 120 kg NPK ha-1 (F2) and daily irrigation at 80 per cent Epan (I1) for watermelon under rain shelter and open condition for yield and quality. Training to two vines could be recommended for higher production under rain shelter. The hybrids Prachi, Saraswati and Simran producing fruits having high TSS, small size and more number of fruits were found promising under South Kerala condition.ThesisItem Open Access Diversity analysis and reproductive biology of milk yam (Ipomoea digitata L.)(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Vidya, K M; KAU; Jessykutty, P CThe present study “Diversity analysis and reproductive biology of milk yam (Ipomoea digitata L.)” was carried out in the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 2013-16, with the objectives of estimating the magnitude of genetic variation in morphological and biochemical traits in milk yam accessions and identifying superior accessions with high tuber yield and active ingredient content. A detailed study of reproductive biology and investigations on regional variation, influence of climatic and soil factors on phytochemical content in milk yam were also envisaged in the study. A survey was conducted in natural growing tracts of Kerala and twenty accessions of milk yam (both tubers and vines) were collected. Tubers of each accession were subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening. The accessions were raised in the field during 2015-16 for analyzing phenotypic diversity and were evaluated for yield and active ingredient content in randomized block design with three replications. Ethnobotanical information collected in the study showed that in Thiruvananthapuram District, the tuber powder along with cow milk was mainly used as galactagogue and with honey as a tonic whereas, in Kollam and other District the root powder was mainly used as galactagogue and tonic for children. Traditional medical practitioners use tubers of I. digitata for preparing galactagogues and immuno modulatory herbal medicines. Data collected on climatic soil characters of natural growing tracts of milk yam revealed that it has wide adaptability to varying climatic and soil conditions. In the initial phytochemical screening significant regional variation in phytoconstituents were noticed and accessions T20 (Udumbanchola, Idukki) along with T1 (Meppadi, Wayanad), T7, T16 and T9 (Kalliyoor, Pallichal and Punnamoodu, Thiruvananthapuram) recorded superior values for phytochemical content. High performance liquid chromatography analysis of tuber powder (T3 and T11) detected the presence of two compounds viz., Rutin and Nicotinic acid in the tuber which has not been reported so far. In the field experiment analysis of variance revealed significant variation in vine, leaf (except petiole length) and yield characters. The accessions which produced highest fresh tuber yield were T15 (870.47g), T17 (821.93g), T11 (752.3g), T12 (744.13g), T6 (698.53g) and T3 (620.27g). Among these accessions, T11 (Kumbalangy, Ernakulam District) and T3 (Panamaram, Wyanadu District) recorded superior values for phytoconstituents in both first and second year analysis. Accessions T13 and T9 (Neyyattinkara and Punnamoodu) recorded the highest values for all phytoconstituents during the second year analysis; however their tuber yield was comparatively lesser. Detailed investigations on reproductive biology of milk yam revealed that the plants exhibit moderate flowering habit and produced cymose inflorescence with bright pinkish showy flowers (5.9 x 4.2 cm) with longevity of 8-10 hrs. Pollen grains of milk yam were identified to be of monard type with pantoporate aperture morphology and spinose exine ornamentation. Shape of pollen was spherioidal with pointed spines. Diameter of pollen ranged from 63.6-102μm, spine length (8.28-11.5μm), inter spinal distance (5-6.7μm), aperture diameter (2.8-4.6μm), style length (23.5-25.8mm) and length of filament ranged from 21.2-25mm. Stigma remained receptive for eight hours from the time of anthesis. 97.81 per cent of pollens were fertile and 94.96 per cent pollens were found to be viable. 80 per cent fruit set was observed in open pollination. Five different pollinators were identified visiting the flowers for both nectar and pollens. Fruit is a capsule containing four seeds with average size of 0.7 cm x 0.8 cm. The characters, fresh and dry tuber yield per plant, number as well as girth of tubers, and protein content in the tuber showed the highest difference between PCV and GCV which indicates that the influence of environment on these characters is considerable. But lower difference between GCV and PCV for the biochemical characters viz., glycoside, alkaloids, carbohydrates, and flavonoid content in tubers and morphological characters viz., mature leaf length and breadth pointed out that the variation observed in these characters are mainly due to genetic reasons. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for morphological characters viz., plant height, internode diameter and biochemical parameters viz., carbohydrates, flavonoids and oils. This indicates additive gene action for these characters and genetic improvement can be done by selection based on phenotypic performance. Significant regional variations in phytoconstituents exist in milk yam accessions and accessions from Wyanad, Idukki and Thiruvananthapuram are rich in phytoconstituents. The phytochemical content in milk yam tubers increases with maturity and accessions with higher tuber yields need not be rich in phytoconstituents and vice versa. Two promising accession with high tuber yield and significant phytochemical content identified in the study are T3 (Panamaram) and T11 (Kumbalangy). Apart from collecting, detailed information of reproductive biology of milk yam, the study also revealed the influence of environment in yield and protein content of milk yam tubers. Glycoside, alkaloid, carbohydrates, and flavonoid content in tubers were found to be genetically controlled. An immense scope for research in I. digitata L. exists since its therapeutic and functional potential is not exploited deeply. Phytochemical profiling of the tubers is necessary to get a gross idea of the contents present in the drug which will not only help to have a chemical mapping of the drug but also will be helpful in assessing the probable mode of action of the drug. Its tuberisation morphology as well as anatomy, phytochemical characterization using sophisticated and accurate analytical tools like chromatography, spectroscopy etc. can be beneficial for authenticating the crude drug to prevent its adulteration with Vidari (Peuraria tuberosa).