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
Incorporation of resistance to fruit cracking in a bacterial wilt resistant genetic background in tomato
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1995) Sadhan Kumar, P G; KAU; Rajan, S
An investigation on “Incorporation of resistance to fruit cracking in a bacterial wilt resistant genetic background in tomato” was undertaken in the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during the period from January, 1991 to March, 1994. The findings are succinctly mentioned below. Evaluation for bacterial wilt resistance revealed that Sakthi and LE 79 – 5 are consistently resistant to bacterial wilt. Four addition sources of bacterial wilt resistance were identified viz., LE 214, CAV – 5, LE 415 and LE 382 – 1. Resistances to bacterial wilt in these lines was governed by recessive genes. Screening for resistances to fruit cracking resulted in the identification of fifteen tomato genotypes which were found to be resistant to both radial and concentric cracking. Resistances to concentric fruit cracking in these lines were found to be dominant. All the bacterial wilt resistant genotypes had a higher content of total phenols, O.D. phenol and ascorbic acid than the susceptible line pusa Ruby. The crack resistant varieties had a higher content of insoluble solids and pectin, lower content of acidity, total sugar and reducing sugar in fruits, thick fruit skin and pericarb as compared to susceptible variety. The elasticity of skin was also higher in crack resistant genotypes. Crack resistant varieties had a compact arrangement of parenchymatous cells when compared with crack susceptible variety. The resistant lines had a thicker cuticle also. The F1 S developed by line x tester crossing were susceptible to bacterial wilt. All the same, they were resistant to both radial and concentric fruit cracking indicating dominant gene action for crack resistance. The F2 segregants with combined resistance to both bacterial wilt and fruit cracking were selected for further improvement.
Open Access
Influence of cover crops on growth of rubber and on soil fertility status
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1994) Sushama Kumari, K R; KAU; Alice, Kurien
The study was conducted in Ottapalam taluk (Palakkad district, Kerala state) to make a comparative evaluation of two cover crops (pueraria phaseoloides and Mucunna bracteata) with respect to yield of biomass, leaf litter addition , nutrient composition , soil enrichment through added nutrient , competition , soil enrichment through added nutrient , moisture regime of the soil and its impact on growth of rubber . The salient findings of study are summarized below. Mucuna bracteata recored higher biomass on per hectare basis than pueraria phaseoloidies . The status of nutrients N, p and k were higher in Mucuna bracteata than pueraria phaseoloides and the difference was much evident in the case of N content. Calcium and magnesium were found to be high in pueraria phaseolodies. The leaf litter from the cover crop was quantified and found that the mucuna bracteata produced higher leaf little (2324.09 kg ha -1) Compared to pueraria (1205.72 kg ha-1). Content of organic carbon, available p and available K in the soil at two depths (0-15 cm and 15-30 cm ) was higher in plots cover-cropped with M. bracteata than other three plots cover-cropped with P. phaseolodies, inter -cropped and those with natural cover. The availability of magnesium was found to be highest in plots inter -cropped with banana . M. bracteata recorded lowest magnesium status of the soil and this can be attributed to the higher up take due to high biomass production . Any sort of the cropping whether cover-cropping or inter-cropping helps to improve the nutrient status of soil and conserve the moisture. The area under natural cover recorded the lowest moisture content during both the months. P. phaseoloides was found to be the most efficient with regard to moisture conservation and recorded the highest moisture content during April and may. Cover –cropping or inter-cropping was found to augment the growth of rubber and maximum girth increment was observed for Mucuna bracteata covercropped plots. The study also revealed that in general Mucuna bracteata was much superior to pueraria phaseolodies with regard to biomass production , and addition of major nutrients to the soil . The low moisture content in Mucuna cover-cropped plots demands further investigations to arrive at definite conclusions regarding the competition for soil moisture between rubber and the cover crop.
Open Access
Diversity interrelationships among capsicum spp. and forms and developement of papricas
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1994) Indira, P; KAU; Peter, K V
Capsicum, a new world genus, has richness in diversity that has not yet received the needed attention. The cultivated chilli varieties offer many problems in classification because of their great number, the transitory nature and creation of new ones through hybridization and selection processes. The present studies on “Diversity inter relationships among Capsicum spp. And forms and development of paprikas” were conducted at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. The main objectives were grouping of chilli genotypes biometrically and biochemically and development of paprikas. For biometrical grouping chilli genotypes belonging to four cultivated species of Capsicum were evaluated during two seasons (August, 1991- January, 1992 and May, 1992- September, 1992). They were clustered into different groups based on D2 values. There were 9 clusters during first season and 6 clusters during second season. The distribution of genotypes into clusters showed no regularity. The isozyme patterns of two enzymes viz.peroidase and esterase were studied in the three cultivated species of Capsicum and also for the nine biometrical groups. Among the different plant parts studied roots showed clear bands in case of peroxidase and mature leaves were the best sampling tissue for esterase enzyme. There were species specific bands in all the three species. The nine biometrical groups showed variation for banding pattern in case of peroxidase and esterase. There were some common bands for both the enzymes. Twenty paprika genotypes were collected from different sources and their morphological descriptions were made as per IBPGR descriptor. Field evaluation was done for two seasons (October –March, 1991; May – October, 1992). There was significant difference among genotypes for the different characters studied. There was much seasonal variation also. CA 517 recorded minimum incidence of bacterial wilt during both seasons under the field conditions. CA 582 showed highest colour value but CA 604 and CA 605 recorded minimum pungency.
Open Access
Growth pattern, flowering and yield potential of tissue cultured plants of banana "Musa (AAB Group) Nendran" and standisation of fertilizer schedule
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1995) Sheela, V L; KAU; Ramachandran Nair, S
The present study was under taken with the objective of comparing the growth pattern flowering and yield potential of tissue cultured plants of Nendran banana with that of plants produced from suckers and to formulate a suitable fertilizer schedule for the tissue cultured plants Two separate experiments were conducted for this purpose in the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani for two seasons from March 1991 to February 1993. The first experiment was laidout in split split plot technique and the second in confounded factorial design in RBD. Tissue cultured plants recorded an increase in yield of 25.63 per cent compared to plants from suckers. The highest yield were obtained in both seasons with the application of 300g nitrogen and 450g potash per plant NK interaction on yield was also significant . Treatments with fertilizer application exceeding six splits did not enhance yield . The optimum nitrogen and potash for the two seasons was 299. 5g and 465. 5g per plant respectively.
Open Access
Genetics of resistance to aphids (Aphis craccivora Koch) and utility of line mixtures in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1990) Salikutty Joseph; Peter, K V
Direct damage caused by aphids by sucking plant sap and indirect damage caused by transmitting many viral diseases are serious havocs in cowpea. The constitutes a formidable obstacle in realisation of its yield potential, unless protected with insecticides. This is turn, leads to high cost of production, serious health hazards and atmospheric pollution . In this contest host plant resistance appears to hold great hope for cowpea production. Experiments on "Genetics of resistance to aphids (Aphis craccivora Koch) and utility of line mixtures in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)" were carried out during 1986-1990 at Department of Olericulture, Kerala Agricultural University at Vellanikkara to isolate cowpea line(s) resistant to aphids, to study mechanism of resistance, Inheritance of resistance and to develop physical mixtures to manage aphids. Three resistant and six moderately resistant lines were identified. The resistant lines are Vs 350, Vs 438 and Vs 452. The moderately resistant lines are Vs 350, Vs 438 and Vs 452. The moderately resistant lines are Vs 306, Vs 307, Vs 147, Vs 456, Vs 457 and Vs 458.
Open Access
Evaluation of nutrient uptake in black pepper (Piper nigrum L .)
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1990) Geetha, C K; KAU; Aravindhakshan, M
Experiments on the nutritional aspects of black pepper were carried out at the Centre for Advanced Studies on Humid Tropical Tree Crops, College of Horticulture , Vellanikkara and at the Banana Research Station, Kannara, during 1986-1990. The pattern of growth and nutrient- uptake in bush pepper and vine pepper, the relative efficiencies of black pepper varieties in the utilization of applied P and the soil zone of maximum nutrient absorption in pepper vines trailed on dead and live standards were investigated . All the nutrients tried , namely, N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S,had influence on one or more of the growth parameters of bush pepper as well as vine pepper. Application of Ca improved the root characters markedly. Vine pepper had superiority in terms of height, number of leaves and number of roots . Bush pepper produced more number of branches, larger leaves and longer roots. In both the types, the total biomass was a good indicator to applied nutrients . Among the nutrients applied , only N and S increased their concentrations in the stem and leaf of bush pepper and vine pepper. In both the types, treatment devoid of N produced typical N deficiency symptoms. The nature o f response in uptake was more or less similar in all the treatments. The variability in biomass production and nutrient uptake in bush pepper and vine , pepper could be explained by quadratic models for all the nutrients , except Ca. On comparing the quadratic responses In biomass production between the two types of plants, vine pepper revealed an additional response over bush pepper. The differences in nutrient uptake between the two type s of pepper were also highly significant, except for P. Hence, bush pepper cannot be used as a suitable substitute for vine pepper, for purpose o f investigations on nutrient requirements. However, in the context of studies on fertility status and nutrient supplying power of soils , there is scope for using bush pepper as substitute for vine pepper.
Open Access
Seed dormancy in groundnut
(Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1992) Presanna Kumari, K T; KAU; Narayanan Namboodiri, K M
The present investigation entitled "Seed dormancy in groundnut" was undertaken in the Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1987-1990 using the 419 genotypes received from ICRISAT, Hyderabad. The 419 genotypes possessed varying levels of dormancy at the time of harvest. Genotypes with varying degrees of dormancy were present in all the three botanical groups, viz., hypogaea, fastigiata and vulgaris. The dormancy period of genotypes ranged from 20 to 110 days. The hypogaea genotypes required longer period of rest. The nature of breakage of dormancy and the period of dormancy were found to be two independent phenomena. The factors for dormancy in groundnut were found to be residing in two distinct sites, the cotyledons and the seed coat (testa). Leaching improved the germinability of decoated seeds where as it failed to elicite germination in intact seeds. This indicates that germination inhibitors may be present in the cotyledons and testa retarded the removal of the same. Different genotypes responded differently to various presowing treatments. HgCl2 1, 1000 for five minutes was found to be the best treatment for breaking dormancy. The study of germinability of F1,F2 and F3(embryonic generation) seeds on the day of harvest indicated that dormancy was controlled by polygenes.
Open Access
Improvement of propogation efficiency of anthurium species in Vitro
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1992) Sreelatha, U; KAU; Ramachandran, Nair S
Attempts were made, to improve the propagation efficiency of Anthurium species through enhanced release of axillary buds and callus-mediated somatic organogenesis/embryogenesis, in the plant tissue culture laboratory of the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 1990-92. Four species of Anthurium namely, A. andreanum, A. crystallinum, A. veitchii and A. grande were selected for the study. Shoot tips from in vitro grown seedling were used as explants for the enhanced release of axillary buds. Cent percent survival was observed in all the cytokinin treatments. The maximum number of shoots (4.50) was observed with kinetin 2.0 mg/1 as well as BA 1.0 mg/1. Treatments with kinetin was free of callus growth. In treatments with BA and 2ip, callus growth was observed at the base of the explant. Treatments with Ms inorganic salts as well as sucrose did not influence multiple shoot formation. One fourth strength of MS major rutrients with full strength of micro nutrients was ideal for multiple shoot induction. Glucose produced less number of shoots than sucrose. One percent sucrose did not influence multiple shoot induction. The longest shoot (0.95cm) was observed at 0.4 percent agar. Light was necessary for the enhancement of axillary buds. In darkness, callus growth was observed, from which many adventitious shoots were produced. Segments of leaf, petiole, spathe, spike and inflorescence stalk were used a explants for callus initiation. Combinations of 2, 4-D and BA were efficient in initiating callus. In A.andreanum, 2, 4-D 0.08 mg/1 and BA 1.0 mg/1 was ideal for callus initiation. Combination of 2, 4-D, 0.2 mg/1 and BA 1.0 mg/1 was the best for callus initiation in A. veitchii. In A. grande, the best callus initiation was observed with 2, 4-D 0.5 mg/1 and BA 1.0 mg/1. Modified MS medium with reduced salt concentrations was ideal for callus initiation in all the species. Inositol when reduced to half concentration (of the normal) influenced callus initiation. The leaf explant (with the smallest vascular bundles) among the other explants, had the highest number of cultures free of microbial contamination. Basal portions of leaf responded, better than the apical portions, to in vitro culture. Continuous darkness was necessary for callus initiation and growth. MS medium with ¼ strength major nutrients was ideal for callus multiplication. Attempts,made on callus-mediated somatic embryogenesis, were not successful. Shoot regeneration and growth of the shoots were the best in MS medium with BA 0.5 mg/1 and IAA 2.0 mg/1. No rooting treatments were required as the shoots rooted spontaneously. Plantlets survived, better than micro shoots, exvitro. The plantlets required less hardening treatments. Sand was the best potting medium for planting out. Nutrient solutions when used for the irrigation the plantlets, had a negative influence on the survival of plantlets. Treatments with VAM (Glomus constrictum and G. etunicatum) was beneficial for the survival as well as growth of the plantlets. Cytological examinations of the root tip squashes made on random number of plantlets, at planting out, showed a normal diploid chromosome count. Attempts, to correlate the biochemical properties with in vitro response, of different explants as well as species, were not successful. Based on the existing facilities of the plant tissue culture laboratory of the department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, the cost of single anthurium plantlet was worked out to be Rs.3.00/=.
Open Access
Standardisation of in vitro pollination and fertilization for generating genetic variability in Zingiber officinale (Rosc.)
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1995) Valsala, P A; KAU; Sreekandan Nair, G
Investigations were carried out to standaridse in vitro pollination and fertilization technique for seed set in ginger, Zingiber officinale (Rosc.) at the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory of Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1990-1993. Investigations to improve flowering showed that early planting (March- April) is an important factor, which induce flowering in ginger, when the crop is grown from rhizome bits of standard size i.e., 15 g. Cultivar difference was also found to exist with respect to flowering. But increasing the size of seed bit from 15 g to 200 g resulted in early flowering of all the seven cultivars. Maintaining the plants as biennial registered still earlier and more profuse flowering of all the cultivars. In biennial plants flowering started as early as in 1st July, while it was only on 17th September in annual plants from 15 g. In annuals the flowering season was for two months, while it was extended for four months in biennials. The application of growth regulators did not significantly influence the flowering of different ginger cultivars. The study of floral biology of ginger flowers showed that, an inflorescence of ginger took 30-32 days from initiation to blooming. The number of flowers per inflorescence ranged from 20 to 31 and the blooming period ranged from 15 to 22 days. The anthesis started by 3.00 pm and continued upto 4.30 pm. Anther dehiscence did not occur simultaneously with flower opening and took place only after ½ to 11/2 h after anthesis. The ginger flowers are characterized by a spiny stigma and a long style of mean length of 3.46 cm. The ovoid ovary measured a mean length of 2.71 mm and diameter of 2.59 mm and recorded a mean ovule number of 24.43. The ovules recorded a mean length of 535.13 μm and breadth of 323.41 μm at the middle. The pollen fertility with acetocarmine stain in the studied cultivars ranged from 14.15 per cent in Nadia to 35.28 per cent in SG-66. Attempt to develop a medium which will support pollen germination and tube growth resulted in the identification of ME3 medium with osmoticum as 12 per cent PEG. The maintenance of the medium at pH reactions of 4.0 to 8.0 not significantly influence pollen germination and tube growth. The maximum pollen tube length registered was 1042.17 μm. The pollen germination started within 3 h of incubation and continued till 24 h. The histological examination of ovules of flowers on the day of anthesis revealed the presence of viable egg cell. The flower buds for in vitro pollination were collected and surface sterilized prior to anthesis (3.00 pm). The bacteria destroying the cultures were identified as Psuedomonas solanacearum. Dipping the unopened flower buds in streptocyclin 500 mg 1-1 for 1 h followed by wiping with 70 per cent alcohol and rinsing with mercuric chloride 0.1 per cent for 3 min gave satisfactory microbial sterilization of flower buds for in vitro pollination. Initial experiments for culture establishment showed that ginger ovary would develop under in vitro condition in ½ MS, SH or Nitsch medium when supplemented with growth regulators and CW. There was no ovary development with out hormones. Among the various methods of pollination tried, ovules developed in placental pollination, modified placental pollination and ovular or test tube fertilization. In all the three cases, pollen grains along with ME3 medium were applied over the ovules. The observation of ovules after placental pollination under fluorescence microscopy revealed that pollen germination starts within 3 h of pollination and pollen tube growth is sufficient to fertilize the ovule. Histological examination of ovules 4 DAP showed eight celled pro-embryo and 40 DAP showed well developed embryo and endosperm rich in starch and oil grains. The aforesaid successful pollination techniques are suitable for selfing and crossing in ginger under in vitro condition. Among the successful methods of in vitro pollination tried placental pollination is the best as it registered maximum number of seeds per culture with minimum effort. The mean seed set per culture in this method in four favourable media combinations was 61.56 per cent. The mean number of well developed seeds per culture was 6.87 at 80 DAP. The flower buds collected on the day of anthesis and one day after anthesis were suitable for in vitro pollination. Studies were made to standardize media supplements for enhancing ovule development. The ovules developed at all levels of sucrose concentration 3.0, 6.0, 9.0 and 12.0 per cent levels. Considering the increased seed set, 6.0 to 8.0 per cent is the optimum. The auxins as well as cytokinins alone induced ovule development but combinations proved to be better. The combination of NAA 0.5 to 1 mg 1-1 with varying concentration of BAP from 2 to 10 mg 1-1 had shown positive effect. The effect of BAP in the ovule development could be replaced by KIN (2.0, 5.0 mg1-1) or 2iP (2.5 mg1-1). Similarly the effect of NAA (0.5 to 2.0 mg1-1) could be replaced by 2,4-D (0.05 to 1.0 mg1-1) or IAA (0.05 to 0.2 mg1-1). The GA levels (2.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 10.0mg1-1) did not favour ovary and ovule development. The IAA precursor, typtophan (0.1,0.5 and 1.0 mg1-1) also behaved in the same manner. Other supplements like CW (10 to 12 % v/v) and CH (200 to 500 mg1-1) enhanced ovule development along with cytokinin and auxin. The extract from 15 days old inflorescence of ginger at a concentration of 0.3 to 3.0 mg1-1 promoted ovule development with hormones. The aminoacid L-glutamine (25 to 500 mg1-1) did not inhibit ovule development while YE (250 to 1000 mg1-1) inhibited ovule development. The solid as well as liquid form of favourable media combinations supported ovule development after in vitro pollination. The ovary and ovules developed at 260C as well as 280C but the lower temperature was best for the visual assessment of ovary and ovule appearance. With respect to light intensities, they developed in dark, diffused light and light intensities of 500 and 1000 lux. The in vitro produced seeds and fruits of ginger grew rapidly at the initial stage of 20 Dap and later growth was slow and comparatively little. The colour of the seeds at the initial stage was creamy white and in the course of development about 14.95 per cent of cultures develop, purple red colour within a period of 30.65 days. The whole seeds of a culture turned black within a period of 60 to 90 DAP. In the culture condition about 40 per cent of ovaries developed orange colour of ripening within a period of 35 to 65 days. They turned black by 90 DAP. The fruit of ginger is a thick walled three valved capsule with small black arillate seeds. Eighty days after pollination they recorded a mean diameter of 6.5 mm and a maximum of 9.5 mm. The ginger seeds recorded a mean length of 2.20 mm and breadth of 1.60 mm 80 DAP. The arillate seeds showed two seed coats, the outer being thick and the inner one being thin. The seed coat encloses a cavity and in the cavity endosperm with embedded embryo is seen. The in vitro produced seeds of ginger germinated when 80 days old seeds were incubated initially in the medium of ½ MS with 2,4-D 8 mg 1-1 for two months and then in hormone combination of BAP 9 mg1-1 and 2,4-D 0.1 mg1-1.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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