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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Open Access
Investigations on intervarietal F2 hybrids in cowpea
(Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture Vellanikkara, Trichur, 1981) Sumathikutty Amma, B; KAU; Narayanan Namboodiri, K M
Ccwpea (Vlgna ungiculata) Is the major pulse crop cultivated in Kerala where the average yield of pulses in general and Cowpea in particular is very low even under modern agronomic practices* This low productivity is mainly due to the absence of high yielding varieties suited for the different agro-climatic conditions. The varietal requirements in Cowpea, in the state vary because of the highly contrasting system of cultivation and this compels Cowpea breeders to evolve varieties of different combinations of plant, pod and seed characters, This is possible by producing different varieties combining the desirable attributes required for the diverse situations by suitable means. One of the ways by which, this can be achieved is through combination breeding in which desirable genes are pooled frcra different sources* In a previous study conducted in the Department of Agricultural Botany, the 202 genotypes v/ere grouped into 17 distinct clusters. Representing 15 clusters, 15 varieties were chosen for intervarietal hybridisation and their F^'s evaluated during 1979-80, Seeds collected from the plants of the 16 Intervariota] crosses along with their parents were used for the study. Two families In each of the 16 crosses were studied along with their respective parents for the pattern of inheritance of 15 economic characters. Most of the characters were found to be inherited as quantitative characters controlled by either polygenes or by a few major genes with their action being suitably modified by minor genes. The crosses 5 x 15 (g p .p l s . 139 x p .118) and 6 X 8 (Red Seeded Selection X Kolingipayar) were identified as suitable ones for grain - production and also for using as dual purpose Cowpea culture since they might throw segregants best suited to those purposes. For the specialised system of Cot/pea culture practised in summer rice fallows exclusively for vegetable purpose, the crosses 14 X 16 (Pannithodan-early X Kolingipayarwhite), 17 X 16 (Mancheri-black X Kolingipayar^hite) and 10 X 6 (IC. 20729 X Red Seeded Selection) appeared to be the Ideal ones*
Open Access
Variability studies in the seedling progenies of T*D coconut hybrids
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1981) Valsala, P A; KAU; Kannan, K
A study was conducted at the Instructional Farm , Vellanikkara , during 1979-80 with the objective of assessing the extent of variability in the seedling progenies obtained from open pollinated seednuts of tall x Dwarf (F1) palms Seednuts were collected from 30 Tall x Dwarf F1 palms belonging to six family groups and the experiment was laid out in completely randomised design with family groups as treatment and progeny as replication The present investigation emphasised the utility of selection of high yielding West Coast Tall palms in controlled mating for the production of Tall x Dwarf hybrids and showed the stability of superiority of Tall x Dwarf hybrids even under poor environmental conditions. The percentage of vigorous , medium and poor seedlings produced by each (F1) progeny was found to be independent of the productivity of the palm under open pollinated condition . There fore , collection of seednut from high yielding TxD progenies for further propagation should be resorted with great caution . Progenies of the same parent have shown considerable difference in respect of the number of days taken for germination giving an indication of the variability existing in the TXD palme , in their capacity for production of early bearing and high yielding f2 progency. The petiolar colour of the grand parents and f1 progenies were green, while the F2 progenies showed segregation with green , bronze, orange and yellow colour. Four progenies each of grand parents Vlll/23 and l/58, and two progenies each of Vlll/158, I/76, Vlll/143 and 1/109 have been identified as prepotents on the basis of seedling performance . Seasonal variations were noticed on yield, size and weight of nuts. The total chlorophyll content in the leaves of the vigorous seedling which were potential high yielders were found to be high. Early germinated nuts produced seedling having more collar girth and as such greater vigour.
Open Access
Effects of graded doses of nitrogen , phosphorus and potassium on the growth and leaf nutrient status in cocoa
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1981) Salikutty, Joseph; KAU; Mohanakumaran, N
Investigations were carried out at the College of Horticulture , Vellanikkara during 1979-80 to study the effect of graded doses of nitrogen , phosphorus and potassium on the growth and leaf nutrient status of cocoa . The results of a pot culture experiment in completely Randomised Design revealed that growth parameters (height, girth and number of leaves) as well as dry matter production remained unaffected following the application of nitrogen , phosphorus and potassium. The studies indicated that addition of fertilisers to seedling grown in potmixture may not be necessary . It has also been observed that the uptake of nitrogen , phosphorus and potassium by cocoa seedlings was not affected by varying levels of these nutrients. Leaf ranked fifth from the apwas found to be suitable for leaf analysis in cocoa seedlings. Field grown young cocoa trees were utilised for evaluating the relationships between soil test values and leaf nutrient concentration vis a vis plant growth.The studies indicated the suitability of either fan or chupon leaves for foliar nutrient analysis in cocoa. However, indiscriminate sampling between the two types is to be avoided . No significant correlations existed between phosphorus and potassium contents in soil leaf, and tree growth.
Open Access
Maturity and post-harvest studies in mango (Mangifera indica Linn.)
(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1982) Jessy Kuriakose, M; KAU; Damodaran, V K
The present investigations were carried out in the College of Horticulture, during the year 1979-80. The objectives were to study (i) the growth and maturity of mango fruits in order to standardise the harvest indices in five varieties viz., Bennet Alphonso, Mundappa, Suwarnarekha, Olour and Neelum (ii) the effect of different storage methods on the shelf life of fruits harvested at three different stages (A,B and C) and (iii) the suitability of the varieties for canning. Studies on physic-chemical characters of the fruits throughout the period of maturation were conducted with the view to fix optimum time for harvest. This study brought out that the length, weight, specific gravity (except for Mundappa) reducing sugar, starch and T.S.S. contents could be taken as dependable maturity standard. Based on these parameters the maturity standards have been fixed for the five varieties studied. The growth of fruits by way of increased length, girth, weight and volume was maximum during the first four weeks of maturation. From a stage to full maturity the acidity showed a declining trend while starch content increased. The change in reducing sugar content was erratic throughout the period of maturation. Towards full maturity the moisture and ascorbic acid contents showed gradual decline whereas an increasing trend was observed in case of drymatter content. As maturity advanced, the rate of increase in carotene content also increased. To prolong the shelf life, the most effective method was to store fruits in polythene bags of 300 gauge thickness along with KMnO4 which gave a mean storage life of 25.5 days. Storage in 300 gauge polythene bags alone was also equally good. The more the thickness of polythene, the longer was the shelf life. Waxing of fruits was not be effective as storing fruits in 300 and 250 gauges polythene bags, in terms of shelf life, but the extent of reduction in weight at the end of storage life was least in this method. Waxing was also effective in retention of acidity as well as ascorbic acid content during storage. In this method the total sugar content of the ripe fruits was not appreciably affected compared to other methods except control. The waxed fruits on ripening had the same extent of increase in carotene content as those under the other methods. Waxed fruits at the end of storage period had significant increase in T.S.S. content as compared to storage in polythene bags 250 and 300 gauges as well as in polythene bags 300 gauges along with waxing or KMnO4 . Storage of fruits in polythene bags of 300 gauge thickness, at the end of storage period, resulted in reduction of acidity and T.S.S. content compared to waxing. Compared to the untreated fruits, there was more retention of ascorbic acid content in this method. In terms of storage life as well as quality of fruits at ripening, the best stage for harvest was found to be B stage. Among the five varieties studied Bennet Alphonso and Neelum had better storage life followed by Mundappa, Suwarnarekha and Olour respectively. The quality of ripe fruits varied with varieties. In terms of storage life as well as quality of fruits Neelum came best. In shelf life though Bennet Alphonso came second, in quality of ripe fruits Mundappa was the second best. Neelum was found to be most suitable variety for canning followed by Mundappa. Bennet Alpphonso was the least suitable.
Open Access
Studies on the effects of graded doses of nitrogen , phosphorus and potassium on growth , yield and quality of bhindi
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1980) Subramanian, K V; KAU; Gopalakrishnan, P K
The yield of bhindi per unit of land and per unit of time has been observed to be very low in our country. A galaxy of reasons- poor genetic potential of the existing genotypes, incidence of parasitic and non- parasitic diseases and above all lack of an appropriate agronomic practices – have been attributed to the poor performance of Indian bhindi. There remains an urgent need to chalk out a fertilizer schedule for the high yielding varieties like Co.I which is popular in Kerala. The present study “studies on the effect of graded doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on growth, yield and quality of bhindi (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.)”, was designed to find out the optimum and economic levels of the three major nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) which would give a yield level above 100 g/ha. A significant increase in yield was observed due to increasing levels of all the three nutrients. In the case of nitrogen the yield was found to increase upto 60 kg/ha and the economic and optimum levels were worked out to be 61 and 61.23 kg/ha respectively. Response to phosphorus and potassium application was observed to be linear. Patterns in uptake of nutrients indicated that a bhindi crop yielding 116.39 quintals of pods per hectare removes 87.81 kg nitrogen, 20.872 kg P2O5 and 103.905 kg K2O/ha. The effects of graded doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on plant height, leaf production, leaf area index, net assimilation rates, per cent of fruit set and other yield components were also studied.
Open Access
Studies on the effect of containers, potting mixtures and growth regulators on growth and survival of clove seedlings
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1981) Prasannakumari Amma, S; KAU; Mohanakumar, N
Studies were undertaken at the Instructional Farm , attached to the collage of Horticulture , Vellanikkara during 1979-80 to find out the methods to increase the percentage germination of clove seeds, to accelerate the rate of growth of the seedlings and to improve the percentage survival of the seedlings transplanted to the main field . The seeds collected during May ,June and July were classified as heavy , medium and light and sown with or without the pericarp . The seeds collected and sown during the month of June recorded the highest percentage of germination . However , the may seeds were superior with respect to rate of growth and vigour of the resultant seedling . Though heavy seeds recorded the highest percentage of germination , heavy and medium seeds were on par when the rate of growth of the seedlings was considered . The removel of pericarp increased the percentage germination , but did not influence the rate of growth of the resultant seedlings. G A at the concentrations ranging from 100 to 400ppm exhibited inhibitory effects on germination of clove seeds. The clove seedlings from the primary nursery when transplanted to improvised coconut husk pots filled with a mixture containing one part soil, one part sand and one part powered cowdung with bonemeal @ 2 teaspoons /pot and powered groundnut cake @2 teaspoons/pot, exhibited higher rate of growth . Sparying of GA 200ppm + urea 0.5 per cent to the clove seedlings transplanted to coconut husk pots or growing in one of the three potting mixtures tried , enhanced their rate of growth . Transferring the seedlings from the primary nursery to coconut husk pots at the second month and transplanting them to the mainfield with the container intact at the ninth month gave higher rate of survival.
Open Access
Response of cucumber genotypes to ethephon application
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1982) Sadhan Kumar, P G; KAU; Peter, K V
Investigations were carried out during two seasons (October-January, 1981-82 and March-May, 1982) to find out the response of 20 Cucumis genotypes to four levels of ethephon (0,100, 200 and 300 ppm) at the Instructional Farm, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara. Ethephon caused significant reduction in length of main vine, nodes to first female flower, nodes to first fruit, seed number and flesh thickness. Nodes to first male flower and primary branches/plant were significantly increased. There was no significant effect of ethephon on fruit length, fruit weight and fruit volume during both the seasons. There was an increase in yield in CS 27 (326.62%) while definite reduction in yield was observed in CS 26 (42.53%), CS 43 (60.47%), CS 38 (60.79%), CS 51 (50.74%) and CS 31 (63.82%) during the first season. During second season there was no significant effect of ethephon on fruit yield. Effect of ethephon sprays on plant to alter vegetative characters is further confirmed in the present study. Despite reduction in seed number due to ethephon application, no appreciable change was observed for fruit weight, fruit volume and fruit length. This is a matter for worth investigation. Reduction is vine length and increase in primary branches could be attributed to effects of ethephon to effect the phenomenon of apical dominance. The study proved that response of Cucumis genotypes to ethephon is governed by genotype, season of cultivation and concentration of ethephon used.
Open Access
Studies on the variation in the quantity and quality of oil in different parts of palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini stapf. var motia) in different seasons
(Department of Processing Technology ,College of Horticulture,Vellanikara, 1981) Alice, kurian; KAU; Damodharan, V K
Investigations were carried out at the Lemongrass Research Station, Odakkali, with the objective of assessing the yield and quality of oil, obtained from the different portions of the palmarosa plant as compared to the whole plant and from the different harvests taken in an year. It was also aimed at finding out the economics of harvesting and distilling of the different portions of the plant. The results of the study revealed the quantity of grass and oil obtained from the whole plant and the relative contribution of the flower top, the 2/3rd portion and the 1/3rd portion of the plant towards total yield. The whole plant yielded 26307.3 kg of herbage/ha/year, out of which the maximum was contributed by the 2/3rd of the plant (46%) followed by the 1/3rd portion of the plant (42%) and the flower top (12%). The flower top recorded the maximum oil recovery and the percentage contribution of the flower top towards total yield was notable (33%) eventhough the maximum contribution was given by the 2/3rd portion of the plant (48%). Both herbage and oil yield were maximum from the monsoon harvests (1st, 2nd and 3rd) which recorded 73 per cent of total herbage and 68 per cent of total oil yield. Economics of harvesting and distillation of the different portions of the plant when compared to the whole plant indicated that maximum profit was obtained by distilling the whole plant. Distillation of the flower top + the 2/3rd portion of the plant ie., after removing the bottom 1/3rd portion had resulted in a much lower income. This study has proved beyond doubt that distilling the whole plant is economical and more profitable than utilizing a portion of it. The quality of the oil from different portions of the plant in different harvests showed wide variation. The geraniol content of the plant portions and the whole plant was within acceptable limits except the flower top, which was low in geraniol. In general, the ester content of the oil was found to be high which might have contributed to the high specific gravity. The high content of esters in palmarosa oil lowers its perfumery value. Hence, further investigations to probe the possible reasons for the increased content of esters are necessary.
Open Access
Variability in the Open-Pollinated Progenies of Turmeric
(Department of Horticulture (plantation Crops), College of Horticulture,Vellanikara, 1981) Hanzha, George; KAU; Shivaraman, Nair; P C
Studies were undertaken with 42 selected lines of open –pollinated progenies of two types of turmeric, Amalapuram and Dindrigam, at the College of Horticulture for a period of two years from May, 1979. The main objectives of the study were 1. To find out the genetical variability with regard to various characters, and 2. To select pest and disease tolerant/resistant lines of turmeric having high yield and curcumin content. The results have shown that the difference between the lines were highly significant for all the characters studied. The estimates of variance of components and coefficients of variation have indicated that the major portion of total variability in most of the characters was due to genetic causes. Yield per plant was found to be highly associated with length of primary fingers and length and girth of secondary fingers. The correlation coefficients of these yield components were found to be positive and significant. Incidence of leaf diseases were not noticed in the lines. Attack of shoot-borer was noticed, but lines A 76, A 83, D 39, D 180, D 182, D 199, D 310, D 311 and D 320 were free from the attack. Yield varied significantly among lines with a maximum recorded by the line D 199 (693.6 gms per plant). Curing percentage was maximum in the line D 311 (33.67%) and the oleoresin content varied from 16.6 per cent to 22.6 per cent and variation in curcumin content was from 1.14 per cent to 5.37 per cent. From the present investigation, the lines D 180, D 229, A 78 and D 199 are selected for further detailed study based on the dry yield of rhizome, yield of curcumin and selection index

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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