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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 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 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 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.