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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 Quality evaluation of KAU red rice (oryza sativa L.) varieties(Department of community science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Revathy, G Nadh; KAU; Aneena, E RThe present study entitled " Quality evaluation of KAU red rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties was conducted with the objective to assess the effect of parboiling on the physical, biochemical, nutritional, cooking and organoleptic qualities of KAU red rice varieties. The study also aimed to assess the suitability of these rice varieties for the preparation of selected traditional food products. Milling per cent among raw red rice varieties varied from 62.76 per cent (Aathira) to 76 (Ezhome-4) per cent and in parboiled samples ranged from 67.66 per cent (Aiswarya) to 77.33 (Ezhome-4) per cent. The highest milling per cent was observed in Ezhome-4 both raw and parboiled samples. An increase in milling per cent was observed in all the varieties after parboiling. Among red rice varieties head rice recovery ranged from 49.32 per cent (Aiswarya) to 59.15 per cent (Ezhome-4) per cent in raw samples. In parboiled samples the highest head rice recovery was observed in Ezhome-4 (62.86%) and the lowest was in control variety Jyothi (53.66%). There was no significant variation among red rice varieties in thousand grain weight and were comparable with Jyothi. In parboiled samples an increase in thousand grain weight was observed. Among raw red rice varieties volume weight ranged from 13.87mm3 (Aathira) to 11.84mm3 (Aiswarya). The highest volume weight in parboiled samples was observed in Aathira (14.17mm3) and the lowest was in Samyuktha (11.93mm3). Among red rice varieties the highest L/B ratio 3.24 and 2.98 was observed in control variety Jyothi both raw and parboiled samples. All the selected varieties were of lower grain length than control variety Jyothi. All varieties showed an increase in major physical quality parameters after parboiling. In raw red rice varieties the highest bulk density of 0.72g/ml was observed in varieties Aathira and Ezhome-4. In the case of parboiled samples highest bulk density was observed in Kanchana (0.66g/ml). Water absorption index in raw red rice flour was found to be highest in Aiswarya (25.61) and the lowest was in Samyuktha (22.46). In parboiled rice flour the highest water absorption index was observed in Aathira (23.71) and the lowest was in Ezhome-4 (22.04). In raw red rice flours, water solubility index in the range of 0.45 (Aathira) to 0.57(Ezhome-4). The highest water solubility index of 0.61 was observed in Ezhome-4 in parboiled samples and the lowest was in control variety Jyothi (0.54). The highest syneresis per cent was observed in Samyuktha after 12th day of study in both raw and parboiled samples. In raw samples Samyuktha showed a low gelatinisation temperature index. Varieties Ezhome-4, Aathira, Jyothi, Kanchana and Aiswarya showed intermediate gelatinisation temperature index. In parboiled samples, all six varieties shown intermediate gelatinization temperature as the grains were swollen and collar incomplete and narrow. The cooking time taken by the rice varieties varied from 20.33 minutes (Samyuktha) to 27 minutes (Ezhome-4) in raw samples. In parboiled varieties, cooking time increased which varied from 28.33 minutes (Samyuktha) to 37.66 minutes (Aiswarya). In raw red rice varieties water uptake was in the range of 8.71ml (Ezhome-4) to 7.39ml (Samyuktha). In parboiled samples an increase in water uptake was observed with the highest in Ezhome-4 (12.80ml) variety and lowest in Samyuktha (8.83ml) variety. Volume expansion in raw samples ranged from 5.43 (Ezhome-4) to 4.38 (Aiswarya). In parboiled samples it was ranged from 5.70 (Jyothi) to 4.77 (Samyuktha). The highest amylose content of 24.90 per cent was observed in Aathira and the lowest was in Samyuktha (23.23%) in raw red rice varieties. Among parboiled rice varieties highest amylose content was observed in Ezhome-4 (24.54%) and the lowest was in Samyuktha (23.03%). Gel length of different raw samples ranged from 62.21mm (Kanchana) to 55.76mm (Ezhome-4). In parboiled samples it was ranged from 51.33mm (Aiswarya) to 24.66mm in control variety Jyothi. In raw samples grain elongation ratio was varied from1.47 (Samyuktha) to 1.79 (Aiswarya). No significant variation in grain elongation ratio was observed. A decrease in grain elongation ratio was observed in parboiled samples with the highest in Kanchana (1.61) and the lowest in Samyuktha (1.43). The highest moisture content in raw rice was observed in Aiswarya (12.5%) and the lowest was in Jyothi (10.5%). The highest moisture content in parboiled samples was observed in Aiswarya (11.56%) rice variety and the lowest was in control variety Jyothi (9.70%). In raw samples starch content was varied from 70.50g/100(Aiswarya) to 65.83 (Jyothi). In parboiled samples it was ranged from 67.43g/100g (Ezhome-4) to 62.40g/100g (Kanchana). Among raw red rice varieties highest protein was observed in Ezhome-4 (5.50g/100g) and the lowest was in Samyuktha (4.70g/100g). The highest protein content in parboiled samples was noticed in Samyuktha (3.75g/100g) rice variety and the lowest was in control variety Jyothi (3.12g/100g). The fat content of different raw samples was in the range of 0.24/100g (Samyuktha) to 0.35g/100g (Aathira). Among parboiled samples the highest fat content was observed in Aathira rice variety (0.48g/100g) and the lowest was in Samyuktha (0.31g/100g). In raw samples highest fibre content of 0.31g/100g was noticed in Ezhome-4 and Samyuktha. The control variety Jyothi obtained lowest fibre content in both raw and parboiled samples. The highest thiamine content in raw rice varieties was reported in Aiswarya (0.08mg/100g) and the lowest of 0.06 was recorded in control variety Jyothi and Samyuktha (0.060mg/100g). In parboiled samples the highest thiamine content was observed in control variety Jyothi (0.087mg) and the lowest was in Samyuktha (0.070mg/100g). The calcium content of raw rice varieties was determined and found that the highest calcium content was observed in Kanchana (5.76mg/100g) and the lowest was in Aiswarya (4.90mg/100g). The highest calcium content in parboiled samples was reported in Kanchana (6.06mg/100g) and the lowest was in Ezhome-4 (5.50mg/100g). Among raw red rice varieties the highest zinc content was observed in Aathira (1.32mg/100g) and Kanchana (1.32mg/100g) and the lowest was in control variety Jyothi (1.09mg/100g). In parboiled rice varieties, the highest zinc content was noticed in Samyuktha (1.35mg/100g) and the lowest was in Jyothi (1.25mg/100g). In both raw and parboiled samples highest iron content of 0.61mg/100g and 0.65mg/100g was observed in control variety Jyothi and the lowest of 0.39mg/100g and 0.43mg/100 was observed in Kanchana rice variety. The phosphorus content of raw red rice varieties was estimated and found that the highest value was observed in Aiswarya (131.96mg/100g) and the lowest was in Aathira (127.60mg/100g). In parboiled samples the highest was reported in Aiswarya (132.60mg/100g) and the lowest of 129.93 was observed in Aathira variety. The highest in vitro digestibility in raw rice varieties was observed in Aathira (79.06%) and the lowest was in Ezhome-4 (72.46%). The highest starch digestibility in parboiled samples was noticed in Aathira (76.16%) and the lowest was in Ezhome-4 (70.06%). The bran oil content of rice varieties was assessed and found that among raw red rice varieties the highest oil content was noticed in Samyuktha (2.10g) and the lowest was in control variety Jyothi (1.26g). In parboiled samples the highest oil content was observed in Aathira (2.16g) and the lowest was in Aiswarya (1.86g) and control variety Jyothi (1.86g). From organoleptic evaluation of products it was found that all the selected varieties were suitable for table rice. Rice variety Kanchana was found to be the most suitable variety for the preparation of idli. For the preparation of idiyappam Ezhome-4 was found to be the most suitable variety. From the present study it was found that quality attributes of selected red rice varieties were comparable with control variety Jyothi. All the varieties showed an increase in physical quality parameters after parboiling. All the selected red rice varieties are suitable for the preparation of traditional food products. The information on grain quality characteristics can be utilised to popularise these red rice varieties specifying the product suitability.ThesisItem Open Access Standardisation of nursery management practices in pachotti (symplocos cochinchinensis (lour.) s. moore)(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Ajil, M S; KAU; Deepa, S NairThe study entitled “Standardisation of nursery management practices in pachotti (Symplocos cochinchinennsis (Lour.) S. Moore)” was carried out in the Department of Plantation Crops and spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani durng 2017-18. The objective of the study was to evaluate the propagation efficiency of different propagules viz., seeds, stem cuttings and root cuttings and to standardise the potting media for the nursery plants of pachotti. The propagules viz., seeds, stem cuttings and root cuttings for the study were sourced form Jawaharlal Nehru tropical Botanical Gardens and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram and from Wayanad district. The seeds were subjected to in vivo and in vitro germination studies. In in vivo study, among the pretreatments tried, viz., physical treatments, chemical priming and bio priming, only physical treatment of scarification (with sand paper) responded with a very low germination of 2 per cent. The germination commenced after two months of the treatment. Other in vivo pretreatments as well as in vitro treatments did not give any germination. In vegetative propagation, stem cuttings were exposed dto hormone/chemicals (auxins, phloroglucinol and salicylic acid (SA) pretreatments for two hours before planting. When pretreated with SA @ 10 and 20 mg L -1, at three months after planting, the hardwood cuttings responded with 30 pere cent survival, whith a shoot length of 2.99 mcm and 3.62cm, respectively. The semihardwood cuttings pretreated with SA@ 20 mg L-1 responded with 23.33 per cent survival with a higher shoot length of 3.72 cm. Both the hardwood and semi hardwood cuttings pretreated with SA 20 mgL-1 had on par values with respect to shoot length. Root cuttings were pretreated with different concentrations of various types of auxins. Root cuttings pretreated with IAA @ 250 mg L -1, after three months of planting responded with 33.33 per cent survival with a shoot length of 5.73 cm. Though root cuttings had slightly higher survival percent and shoot length, hardwood cuttings were selected for the valuation of potting media due to better availability and ease in procurement. The three month old hardwood cuttings pretreated with SA @ mgL-1 were then transplanted to ten different potting media comprising of two basal media viz., soil:coipith compost :cowdung (1:1:1) (B1) and soil : soirpith compost : vermicompost (1:1:1) (B2), and each in combination with biofertilisers @ 5g plant -1 viz., PGPR (Plant Growth Promotng Rhizobacteria) Mix I, Azospirillum, PSB (Phosphorus Solubilising Bacteria ) and AMF (Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi). At fourth month after transplanting, B2 in combination with biofertilisers were found to be significantly superior to B2, B1 and B1 in combination with biofertilisers with respect to morphological parameters. B2 +PGPR Mix I recorded highest shoot length (11.50 cm) and number of leaves (10.50) which was on par with B2+Azospirillum, B2+PSB and B2+AMF; the highest number of branches (1.92) was observed in B2+ Azospiriillum which was on par with the treatments , B2+ PGPR Mix I, B2+PSB and B2+AMF. The fresh and dry weight of shoots were the highest (21.35 g and 4.78 g respectively) in B2 +PGPR Mix I which was on par with B2+ AMF. B2+ AMF recorded highest values (4.77 cm, 0.30 mm, 3.28 g and 0.0092 g, respectively) with respect to root growth parameters viz., root length, root girth , fresh and dry weight of roots. The physiological parameters, leaf area index (1.36) and leaf area duration (34.63 days) were the highest in B2+ PGPR Mix I which was on par with B2 in combination with other biofertilisers. The phytochemical analysis indicated that carbohydrate content (80.9 mg g-1) of plant tissue was the highest in B2+PGPR Mix 1, which was on par with B2+PSB, B2+Azospirrillum and B2+AMF. Chlorophyll content was found to the highest (1.20 mg g-1) in B2+ Azospirillum which was on par with B2+PGPR Mix I. The same treatment recorded the highest soluble protein content (20.31mg g-1) and it was on par with B2 in combination other biofertilisers. The nutrient analysis of plant tissue showed that nitrogen (2.22 percent ) and potassium (2.15 per cent ) content was significantly higher in B2+ Azospirillum. B2+PSB Recorded higher phosphorus content (0.26 per cent) among the treatments. The study indicated that nursery plants in the potting media B2 in combination with biofertilizers gave better performance with respect to morphological parmeters, physiological parameters, phytochemicals and plant nutrients. Among the various potting media tried, B2+AMF recorded significantly higher plant growth potential (0.522) followed by B2 + PGPR Mix I (0.428). In the study, hardwood cuttings were identified as the preferred planting material for the nursery establishment of pachotti. The cuttings could be treated with salicylic acid @ 20 mg L-1 for initial establishment of nursery plants. The preferred potting media for transplanting the established cuttings for raising the nursery plants of pachotti is Soil : Coirpith compost : Vermicompost (1:1:1) +AMF (5g/plant).ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of garlic (Allium sativum L.) genotypes in the high ranges of Idukki district of Kerala(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Shibana, S N; KAU; Jalaja, S MenonGarlic (Allium sativum L.), an important foreign exchange earner, is used as a spice or condiment throughout the country. India ranks second in area and production of garlic in the world. In Kerala, garlic cultivation is confined to Devikulam block of Idukki district and it is cultivated commercially in Kanthalloor and Vattavada panchayats. Singapore, Mettupalayam and Malapoondu are the major local cultivars prevalent in this area. Information on the performance of improved garlic varieties in the high range of Kerala is lacking. Hence, the present study was undertaken with an objective to evaluate the performance of various garlic genotypes for yield and quality in the Kanthalloor panchayat of Idukki district. The experiment was conducted in farmers’ fields of Kanthalloor panchayat during first crop season from May-September 2017. Nine released varieties like Yamuna Safed, Yamuna Safed-2, Yamuna Safed-3, Yamuna Safed-8, Yamuna Safed- 9, Bhima Omkar, Bhima Purple, AAS-2, Ooty-1 and one local cultivar were evaluated for biometric characters and biochemical parameters. In all genotypes, stem colour was yellowish green. Anthocyanin pigmentation at the base of pseudostem was noticed in all genotypes except Yamuna Safed-9, Bhima Omkar and local cultivar. The local cultivar was early in germination (8 days) and also recorded a higher value of Visual Index of Dormancy (80.89%). The field survival per cent at two months after planting was high in Yamuna Safed-9 (97%), Yamuna Safed- 3 (96%) and AAS-2 (96%). At two months after planting, local cultivar recorded highest plant height, leaf width and neck thickness, whereas number of leaves per plant was highest in AAS-2. At the time of harvest Yamuna Safed-3 recorded highest plant height, number of leaves per plant and neck thickness but the leaf width was high in local cultivar. The genotypes AAS-2 and local cultivar had shortest duration of 95 days. White coloured bulbs were observed in Yamuna Safed, Yamuna Safed-8 and Bhima Omkar. In all genotypes bulbs were oval in shape in longitudinal section. The skin colour of clove was cream in general, but it was purple in Yamuna Safed-9 and Bhima Purple and pink in AAS-2. Invariably the clove flesh colour was yellow in all genotypes evaluated. Single clove bulbs were observed in genotypes Yamuna Safed-8, Yamuna Safed-2 and Yamuna Safed (79.16%, 25.17% and 22.26% respectively) which indicate that these genotypes were poor in clove differentiation in the agro ecological situations of Kanthalloor during first crop season. The genotypes local cultivar and Yamuna Safed-3 recorded a high fresh bulb weight (15.66g and 15.31g respectively). The variety AAS-2 recorded highest number of cloves per bulb (16). The number of cloves per bulb in Yamuna Safed-3 (14.47) was on par with AAS-2. The variety Yamuna Safed-3 recorded highest estimated yield per hectare (5.96t) followed by local cultivar and Ooty-1 (4.48t and 4.47t respectively). Fresh bulb weight showed highly significant positive correlation with leaf width, plant girth, plant height, leaf length, equatorial diameter, polar diameter and clove length. The genotypes were grouped into five non-overlapping clusters based on yield and yield attributing characters. The genotypes Yamuna Safed-3 and local cultivar, the high yielders fall in cluster 2 and it has the least distance to cluster 5 which includes Ooty-1. But considering the important yield and quality aspects in trade i.e. yield, fresh bulb weight, clove weight, essential oil content and pungency the local cultivar was found to be the promising genotype over Yamuna Safed-3. But when the genotypes were ranked considering the important yield and quality aspects in trade, the local cultivar was found to be the promising genotype over Yamuna Safed-3.ThesisItem Open Access Survey, characterization and evaluation of clove (Syzigium aromaticum (L) Merr. and Perry) accessions(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Avinash, M; KAU; Sreekala, G SThe present study entitled “Survey, characterization and evaluation of clove (Syzigium aromaticum (L) Merr. & Perry) accessions” was taken up with the specific objective to characterize and evaluate clove accessions based on morphological and biochemical parameters. The Survey was carried out in the major clove growing plantations of Trivandrum, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts of Kerala and Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, as these districts harboured the major clove population. Twenty varied accessions were tagged as BRC-1, BRC-2, BRC-3, BRC-4, MRC- 5, MRC-6, MRC-7, MRC-8, AMC-9, AMC-10, AMC-11, AMC-12, AMC-13, MMC-14, MMC-15, BLC-16, BLC-17, BLC-18, MGC-19 and ANC-20 based on the name of the estates/location from where the trees were identified. Twenty one qualitative and thirty four quantitative characters were recorded. Qualitative characters included tree, leaf, bud, flower, fruit and seed characters. Considerable variation was noticed among the accessions for the qualitative characters namely canopy shape, branching pattern, colour of young leaf, colour of mature leaf, leaf lamina shape, leaf apex shape, bud forming season, bud clustering habit, bud size, colour of hypanthium, petal colour, sepal colour, colour of stigma, fruit shape and seed shape. Few characters like leaf arrangement, position of flower, colour of peduncle, mature fruit colour, ripe fruit colour and seed colour were non variable characters among the accessions evaluated. Bivariate analysis of major qualitative characters revealed major association between canopy shape and branching pattern; colour of young leaf and petal colour, sepal colour and colour of stigma; colour of mature leaf and bud size; and fruit shape and seed shape. The multivariate qualitative clustering using UPGMA method resulted in 13 clusters, at default 80% similarity. Quantitative characterisation of bud, flower, fruit, seed and quality parameters summarised based on the descriptive statistics revealed wider range of variability in number of inflorescence per m2 and single bud weight fresh and dry. The quality parameters assessed among the accessions revealed eugenol as the main constituent with a content range of 54.29 to 70.77%. GC MS analysis of the bud oils of the elite clove accessions exhibited 25 constituents, the major being p-eugenol, eugenyl acetate, β-caryophyllene, β-cubebene and α-humulene. The principal component analysis undertaken reduced the thirty two quantitative characteristics to two principal components accounting for 88.8% of total variation. Stem girth at 45 cm height, and single bud weight, fresh and dry; displayed high correlation with the first axis while number of inflorescence per m2 highly influenced the second axis indicating that these characters have an important role in clustering of clove accessions. A score plot generated based on the first two principal components using Minitab version 18 identified fourteen clusters. The parallelism between qualitative and quantitative clusters resulted in intuitive perceived quantitative characterisation, which tells the extent to which one can conceive the quantitative characters of clove based on easily identifiable qualitative characters. The linkage of characters analysed based on the biplot of component loadings revealed strong positive association between all the quantitative characters measured except girth at 45 cm height, number of branches, number of inflorescence per m2, single bud weight (fresh), single bud weight (dry) and fresh bud yield per tree. A near zero correlation was observed between number of inflorescence per m2 and single bud weight (fresh) and single bud weight (dry) as indicated by the perpendicular of the vectors. The results of the study indicated that by observing the qualitative characters and the minimum data set characters in the bearing season, one can optimally sort out the ideotype clove accessions. Identification of an ideotype using existing data revealed accessions BRC-1, MRC-5, MRC-6 and BRC-3 as ideotypes and thus can be suggested as elite accessions for further study and breeding work.ThesisItem Open Access Standardisation of grafting in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) and watermelon Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.)(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Akhila, A N; KAU; Sarah, T GeorgeThe present study entitled ‘Standardisation of grafting in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.))’ was undertaken with the objectives of identifying the best rootstocks for grafting bitter gourd and watermelon, comparison of two grafting methods namely, hole insertion grafting (HIG) and tongue approach grafting (TAG) and evaluation of various cucurbitaceous rootstocks on survival, growth and yield of bitter gourd and watermelon. Bitter gourd (var. Preethi) and watermelon (var. Sugar Baby) were used as the scion materials for standardisation of grafting. Six different rootstocks namely ash gourd, bottle gourd, smooth gourd, pumpkin, oriental pickling melon and self rootstocks were used in the study. Grafting experiments were laid out in completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications and 25 plants per replication. Field experiments were laid out in randomised block design (RBD) with three replications and three plants per replication. Based on days taken for germination and days to attain graftable size, sowing of rootstock and scion seeds were adjusted so that they attain grafting stage uniformly. Criteria for rootstock and scion to attain graftable size was based on hypocotyl thickness of stock and scion and its suitability for grafting operation. Pumpkin (9.99 days) and bottle gourd (10.43 days) took lesser number of days to attain graftable size due to larger diameter of hypocotyls (7.17 mm and 9.93 mm respectively). Even though OP melon took less number of days for germination, days taken to attain graftable size (17.57 days) was more due its slender hypocotyl (3.13 mm). To confirm the best stage of rootstocks for grafting, three age groups viz., 5-7, 10-12 and 15-17 days old rootstocks were used for grafting scions of age group 7-10 days. For ash gourd, smooth gourd and OP melon, optimum age group was from 10-12 days after germination while bottle gourd, pumpkin and bitter gourd had no significant difference in graft success among the age groups studied and all the age groups performed equally well. Grafting was not successful when watermelon was used as rootstock in all the three age groups. In terms of graft success, in HIG, for bitter gourd the best rootstock was smooth gourd (80.00 %) followed by pumpkin (77.00 %), bottle gourd (75.00 %), ash gourd (66.00 %), OP melon (56.00 %) and self rootstock (48.00 %) and for watermelon the best rootstock was bottle gourd (75.00 %) followed by smooth gourd (73.00 %), pumpkin (66.00 %), ash gourd (50.00 %) and OP melon (46.00 %). In TAG, graft success was not significant among the rootstocks in both bitter gourd and watermelon. On comparing the two grafting methods in terms of final graft success, HIG was superior to TAG. In bitter gourd and watermelon final graft success was 67.00 per cent and 62.00 per cent respectively for HIG while for TAG graft success was 15.17 per cent and 14.60 per cent respectively. Grafting done during the months of June, July and August gave higher graft success compared to May, September and October. Relative humidity had highly significant positive correlation with graft success while temperature had highly significant negative correlation. Anatomical studies of graft union revealed formation of necrotic layer in response to wound repair and proliferation of cells of rootstock and scion which is the stage prior to callus formation. Since the graft success and survival were very poor in tongue approach grafts, only hole insertion grafts were evaluated in the main field for studying the performance of various rootstocks. In bitter gourd, self rooted plants had highest survival rate (100.00 %) in the main field followed by plants grafted on smooth gourd (84.44 %) and bottle gourd (77.78 %). Plants grafted on bottle gourd showed earliness in terms of days to first male flower (28.45 days) and female flower (31.45 days) and days to first harvest (44.33 days) among the grafts and they were on par with self rooted control plants. Vine length, growth rate and number of primary branches were high in seedling plants and they were on par with plants grafted on smooth gourd. Plants grafted on ash gourd had fruit length of 21.03 cm which was on par with control plants. Among the grafts, highest fruit girth of 17.60 cm was noted in plants grafted on bottle gourd which was comparable to fruit girth of control plants (17.73 cm). Highest flesh thickness of 1.33 cm was noted in plants grafted on bottle gourd and self rooted control. Number of harvests per plant (10.67), crop duration (110.67 days) and total yield (3.30 kg) were higher in plants grafted on smooth gourd compared to self rooted control plants. In organoleptic evaluation, fruits obtained from plants grafted on bottle gourd was the most accepted one with a total score of 20.00, closely followed by fruits from grafts on pumpkin rootstock. Fruits were less bitter in grafts on bottle gourd and pumpkin compared to other grafts. In watermelon, survival rate was highest in plants grafted onto bottle gourd (79.99 %) followed by plants grafted on ash gourd (77.78 %) and smooth gourd (77.78 %). Least number of days to first female flower was noted in seedling plants (40.67) which was on par with plants grafted on ash gourd (42.33 days). Lower node to first female flower appearance was noted in control plants (21.00) followed by plants grafted on bottle gourd (22.97). The period of graft success did not coincide with the actual planting season of watermelon in Kerala and therefore the performance of grafts in the field was very poor. There was severe vine decline during reproductive stage of watermelon crop. Further research should focus on screening of rootstocks for pest and disease resistance, optimisation of graft healing conditions for year round production of grafted seedlings and optimisation of grafting time in watermelon such that it coincides with planting season in Kerala.ThesisItem Open Access In vitro studies on morphogenesis and plant regeneration in elite clones of cocoa (theobroma cacao L.)(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Sreelekshmi, S; KAU; Suma, BThe experiment entitled “In vitro studies on morphogenesis and plant regeneration in elite clones of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) was carried out in Tissue culture laboratory of Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2016-2018 with an objective to develop a protocol for in vitro regeneration and also to determine the variation in morphogenesis and regeneration among elite cocoa clones. The experiment was conducted using five varieties, CCRP 2, CCRP 6, CCRP 8, CCRP 15 and Scavina. Single nodded cuttings of 2-3 cm collected from the budded plants were used as explants. The best treatment for surface sterilization of nodal segments was washing in Teepol followed by shaking in 0.2 per cent Mancozeb for 30 minutes and then, Streptocycline 0.1 per cent for 10 minutes outside the laminar air flow chamber. Inside the laminar air flow chamber, the explants were treated with Ethyl Alcohol 70 per cent for 3 minutes followed by HgCl2 0.1 per cent for 5 minutes. This treatment showed the highest survival percentage (91.67%) of cultures with minimum microbial contamination (8.33%). The medium WPM + 2-ip 1ppm + IAA 0.02ppm showed cent per cent shoot induction in varieties CCRP 15 and Scavina; WPM + 2-ip 2ppm + IAA 0.04ppm in varieties CCRP 2, CCRP 6 and Scavina; WPM + 2-ip 3ppm + IAA 0.06ppm in CCRP 8 and WPM + 2-ip 4ppm + IAA 0.08ppm in varieties CCRP 2 and Scavina. Period of shoot induction for all the five varieties was significantly influenced by media, varieties and their interactions. Among the media, the lowest period of shoot induction was recorded in medium WPM + 2-ip 1ppm + IAA 0.02ppm (8.41). Among the varieties, the lowest period of shoot induction was in CCRP 2 (7.10) and this was statistically on par with variety Scavina (8.37). Among the interactions, the period of shoot induction was lowest in variety CCRP 15 in medium WPM + 2-ip 1ppm + IAA 0.02ppm (6.33). Culture establishment percentage in multiple shoot induction media varied significantly among media. Highest culture establishment percentage (95%) was recorded in media WPM + 2-ip 3ppm + IAA 0.06ppm + AgNO3 5ppm and WPM + 2- ip 4ppm + IAA 0.08ppm + AgNO3 5ppm. Among the varieties, highest multiple shoot induction percentage was recorded in Scavina (93.75%). Interaction effect of media and varieties on number of multiple shoots per culture was significantly different and the highest number of multiple shoots per culture (2.25) was observed in variety Scavina when medium WPM + 2-ip 4ppm + IAA 0.08ppm + AgNO3 5ppm was used. Rooting percentage was generally low under in vitro condition. But among the media tried, 1⁄2 MS + IBA 4000 ppm (pulse treatment for 2-3 sec) and 1⁄2 MS + IBA 5000 ppm (pulse treatment for 2-3 sec) were found to be ideal. All the varieties showed root induction in 1⁄2 MS + IBA 5000 ppm (pulse treatment for 2-3 sec) and only two varieties, CCRP 15 and Scavina, had successful root induction in 1⁄2 MS + IBA 4000 ppm (pulse treatment for 2-3 sec). Hence in general, it can be concluded that, 1⁄2 MS + IBA 5000 ppm (pulse treatment for 2-3 sec) was superior to all the media tried for root induction. Hardening of tissue culture cocoa plants were not successful in both sand: vermicompost (1:1) and vermiculite: perlite: vermicompost (1:1:1). The vermiculite: perlite: vermicompost (1:1:1) media showed a maximum survival of plantlets for one week. However, later showed yellowing and finally the shoots were completely dried off. The anatomical observation on root-shoot transition zone using rotary microtome sectioning showed the presence of intervening callus between the vascular tissues of root and shoot. This callus inhibits proper vascular connection and thus, the plants kept for hardening were difficult to get established.ThesisItem Open Access Field evaluation of promising jackfruit (artocarpus heterophyllus lam.) types(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture , Padannakkad, 2018) Ajeesh, B R; KAU; Rajagopalan, AThe study entitled"Field evaluation of promising jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) types"based on morphological, yield and quality characters was undertaken in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad during 2016-18. The study consisted of ten jackfruit types such as KJ 121 (fruiting thrice), KJ 173 (flakeless), KJ 180 (seedless), KJ 182 (cluster), KJ 183 (off-season), KJ 185 (early), KJ 186 (early), KJ 224 (high TSS), KJ 356 (high TSS) and KJ 397 (gumless), located in farmers‟ field in Kasargod district, already identified and characterized by Nimisha (2016) and two check varieties - Muttom Varikka and Singapore jack. Among the jackfruit types subjected to evaluation, KJ 185, KJ 121, KJ 173 and KJ 186 were observed to be early season bearers (December to February), while KJ 183 was observed to bear fruits during off season (upto August). These types could be used to fulfill the need of fruits during off season. Jack type KJ 356 and KJ 397 could be suggested for value-addition as KJ 356 possessed highest fruit weight (10.30 kg) and flake weight per fruit (3.45 kg) and KJ 397 had gumless fruits. Jackfruit types like KJ 173 (flakeless) could be used for culinary purpose whereas KJ 180 (seedless) with rudimentary seeds could be conserved for future breeding programme in jackfruit. Highest flake thickness (4.77 mm) observed in KJ 182, followed by KJ 185 (3.73 mm) and highest TSS recorded in KJ 182 (31.47oB) and KJ 185 (31.13oB) suggested the suitability of these types for dessert purposes. Jackfruit types, KJ 182, KJ 185 and KJ 186 were found to be superior in most of the quality parameters like TSS, titrable acidity, TSS-acid ratio, reducing sugar percent and carotenoid content. Hence, KJ 173 (flakeless), KJ 183 (off-season), KJ 182 (cluster), KJ 185 (early), KJ 186 (early) and KJ 397 (gumless) need to be popularized for cultivation.ThesisItem Open Access Screening ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) genotypes under different growing conditions and for value addition(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Nimisha Mathews; KAU; Krishnakumary, KGinger is an important commercial spice crop grown in India for culinary and medicinal purposes. The present study entitled “Screening ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) genotypes under different growing conditions and for value addition” was taken up at College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2015-18 to evaluate the performance of ginger genotypes with respect to yield and quality, growth under different growing conditions, quality of different maturity stages and to identify types suitable for different value added products. A total of fourteen somaclones developed through indirect organogenesis and indirect embryogenesis were selected for the study. Genotypes exhibited wide variability in plant characters, yield characters and quality attributes. Plant height was maximum in the somaclone SE 86102 (107.35 cm) at 6 months growth stage. Number of tillers was maximum in CHP118 (20.33) at 6 months stage. Number of leaves per shoot was found higher in CHP 118 (28.67) and in SE 86 26. Leaf area was the highest in CHP 118 at 4 months stage and C8632 at 6 months stage. Among the physiological parameters recorded, photosynthetic and transpiration rates were the highest in CHP 118 and SE 86 42. Number of primary and secondary rhizomes was maximum in SE 8626, CHP 118 and C8632 (>30 t/ha). Weight of primary and secondary rhizomes was highest in SE 8626 and SE 8642. Fresh yield was highest in SE 8626, CHP 118, SE 8642 & C 8632. Driage (23%) and dry yield (7.9t/ha) were the highest in SE 8626. The quality attributes such as volatile oil, oleoresin and crude fiber contents varied significantly among the genotypes. The highest content of volatile oil (3.62%) was recorded in CHP 118. Oleoresin content (>6%) was maximum in Rio-de- Jenairo. Fibre content increased with age of rhizomes recording lowest values (< 2.5%) in SE 86 83, C 86 26 and SE 86 42. Highest content of Gingerol (1.48 %) and Shogoal (0.16%) was recorded in Rio –de- Janeiro and CHP 282 respectively. Among the genotypes evaluated under different growing conditions, variability in plant height was observed. During the growth stages, all the genotypes exhibited higher plant height under rain shelter condition, whereas at 6 months stage plants were taller in open field. Number of tillers and leaves were significantly higher in open condition. Tiller number ranged from 14 to 17 under open field and 6 to 7 in rain shelter. Leaf area was the highest at 5 months growth stage which later decreased. Among the two growing conditions, the highest leaf area was observed in open condition in SE 8640 and SEHP 9. Generally, somaclones grown in open condition recorded higher yield and SEHP 9, SE 8081 and SE 8640 were identified as higher yielders. But in SE 86 40, the yield was on par both in open and rain shelter conditions indicating its suitability for growing under rain shelter condition. Driage did not differ significantly between the two growing conditions. Driage and dry yield were higher in SE 86 81 and SEHP 9. Higher values for photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance were recorded in open field. Among the two growing conditions, quality parameters were higher in rainshelter cultivation though not significant. SE 8640 recorded the highest volatile oil content under both growing conditions (open field -4.45 % and rain shelter -4.67 %). All genotypes except SE 8640 recorded an oleoresin content of more than 5 %. Fibre content increased with maturity recording maximum values at 7 months stage. Lower fibre content was recorded under rain shelter condition. Among the somaclones, SE 8681 and SE 86131 recorded lower values for fiber content at 5 months stage. Elite varieties satisfying the requirements for specific end products are the need of the hour to capitalize on the processing front. Biochemical parameters such as moisture content, TSS, titratable acidity, pH and colour were recorded for analyzing the storage stability of the products viz., candy, flakes and powder. The somaclones SE 8683, C 8626 and SE 8642 were found to be the best for candy preparation based on its overall consumer acceptability and storage stability. SE 8683, C 8626 and SE 8642 were found suitable for flakes preparation and SE 8683, C 8626, SE 8642 and C8632 for making quality ginger powder.