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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 Genetic transformation and hairy root culture in ada-kodien(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2001) Karmarkar, Shirish Hari; KAU; Keshavachandran, RThe present study was undertaken at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agriculture University, Vellanikkara during May 1999 to October 2000 The study was undertaken to standardize the procedure to genetically transform Holostemma ada-kodien and induce hairy roots it was also envisaged to standardise the biochemical techniques for the estimation of secondary metabolites in the roots of Holostemma. Hairy roots were induced by infection of Holostemma explants with a gram negative soil bacterium, Agrobacterium rhizogenes. Leaf segments, shoot buds, intermodal segments, seedling hypocotyls and callus were used as explants for hairy root induction. Among them, the seedling hypocotyls showed highest potential for hairy root induction followed by shoot buds. Leaf segments, intermodal segments and callus did not induce hairy roots. Different strains of Agrobacterium rhizogenes viz PcA4, 15834, A4, 8196 and 2659 were evaluated for their ability to induce hairy roots in Holostemma explants. The strain PcA4 showed the highest potential for hairy root induction, followed by strains 15834 and A4. The strains 8196 and 2659 did not induce hairy roots. Direct inoculation of bacteria on wounds induced hairy roots on seedling hypocotyls only. Co-culture of wounded explants with bacteria induced hairy roots on seedling hypocotyls and shoot buds. In the direct inoculation method, the nature of bacterial inoculum and the intensity of bacterial inoculum applied on wounds influenced the transformation. Bacterial cell suspensions when applied on wounds induced transformation. Less intensity of bacterial inoculum when applied on wounds gave greater transformation frequencies and vice versa. In the co-culture method, the intensity of bacteria present during co-culture, the co-culture time and the shaker speed influenced the transformation. Comparative evaluation of varying intensity of bacterial population during co-culture and the co-culture time showed that, both less intensity of bacterial inoculum with more co-culture time and vice versa showed almost similar transformation frequencies (14.40 % and 14.51 % respectively). The shaker speed of 100 rpm gave the highest transformation percentage than 50 rpm speed. Shaker speed of 150 rpm did not induce any transformation. Application of different concentration of NAA prior to direct inoculation of bacteria on wounded explants did not aid in transformation. Addition of 2 mg 1-1 NAA in the co-culture medium, however, increased the transformation frequency from 25 per cent to 75 per cent. Photoperiod influenced the transformation frequencies. A photoperiod of 16 h light was found to be the best for hairy root induction in Holostemma. Media influenced the hairy root induction. Full strength MS medium favoured hairy root induction while ½ strength MS medium did not favour hairy root induction. Hairy roots were induced in a period of one to four weeks in all the treatments. The induced hairy roots showed altered phenotypes. The hairy root obtained directly from explants without NAA treatment were whitish, hairy and showed negative geotropism. The hairy roots obtained after NAA treatment were brownish yellow and were induced from calli formed on wounds after infection. Hairy roots obtained on infection with strains PcA4, 15834 and A4 showed the presence of agropine confirming their transformed nature. Normal roots did not show presence of opine (s). Hairy roots showed greater sensitivity to lower concentrations of NAA than the normal roots. At 10-9 M concentration of NAA the hairy roots showed lateral branch formation. The tubers and in vitro induced callus of Holostemma were tested for the presence of amino acids, essential oils, triterpenoids and sterols. Six amino acids were found in the root tubers while an additional amino acid (Rf 0.48) that may be L Proline or Cysteine MHC was found in the callus. Root tubers and callus showed the presence of essential oils, triterpenoids and sterols. Root tubers showed the presence of more number of essential oils and triterpenoids than the callus. The callus showed the presence of new terpene compounds. The two sterols present in root tubers and calli were identified to be α –amyrin and β –amyrinThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of fruit wastes as sources of pectin(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2001) Apsara, Madhav; KAU; Pushpalatha, P BSubstantial quantities of wastes are generated as part of fruit and vegetable processing. These wastes suffer from the problem of disposal on one hand, when there are lots of avenues for their utilization on the other hand. The fact that a major portion of pectin required for processing industries are derived from citrus peels, highlight the need of using certain other fruit wastes also as sources of pectin. In this context, the present investigation, 'Evaluation of fruit wastes as sources of pectin' was taken up. The study revealed that a large portion of the weight of different fruits are discarded as wastes. The pectin content in fruit wastes was found varying and the passion fruit rind was identified as the richest source of pectin (252.68 g per kg) among the different materials analysed. The ideal method for extracting pectin varied, depending upon the material However, prolonging the time of extraction (by boiling) beyond 45 minutes was not found beneficiaL Owing to its high AUA percentage, mangosteen rind pectin was identified as the purest among different samples of pectin analysed. Its sugar binding capacity was also high (gel grade 171). Passion fruit rind pectin recorded the lowest (AUA% (46.17) and gel grade (73). The rapid setting nature of passion fruit rind and lime peel pectin revealed their possibility of utilization as thickening agents. The slow setting pectins identified could be best utilized for jelly making. The major defects observed with different jellies viz., firm and syrupy consistency, syneresis, cloudiness and bitterness were removed either by changing the composition of extraction media or by blending with the pectin extracts :from other fruit wastes. During the period of storage for three months, different jellies were not undergone major changes apart :from crystallisation. It was rectified by reducing the quantity of sugar added. Extraction of pectin and preparation of jelly was found to be a profitable proposition.ThesisItem Open Access Biodiversity of medicinal plants in Vellayani(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2001) Jyothilekshmi, L; KAU; Sreekandan Nair, GA study on 'Biodiversity of medicinal plants in Vellayani' was carried out in and around Vellayani lake of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. The objectives of the study were to identify the medicinal plants from among the existing natural flora, to study the growth behaviour of selected medicinal plants and to assess the pharmacologically active constituents of selected medicinal plants. A total of 80 sampling units were taken usmg stratified random sampling technique, the strata being dry land, garden land, paddy field and lake area. The medicinal plants in dry land, garden land and paddy field were identified and quantified by random sampling technique using 1.0 m2 frame. In the lake area as it was difficult to use the frame the plants were collected randomly giving sufficient representation. A total of 135 plant species were identified in the four different strata belonging to 120 genera and 57 families. None of the plants were endemic. There were 118 indigenous and 17 exotic or naturalized plants. Ten important medicinal plant species were selected for detailed study and their' growth behaviour was monitored for one year. They were Andrographis panieulata, Cyclea peltata, Desmodium velutinum, Eclipta alba, Gloriosa superba, Hemidesmus indieus, Phyllanthus amarus, Scoparia duleis, Sida rhombi/alia and Solanum indieum. Emilia sonchifolia dominated in dry land area with high relative density and relative frequency. Centella asiatica was the dominating species in garden land and paddy field with high relative density. Limnophila repens was the dominant species in lake area. Most frequently occurring species in dry land was Emilia sonchifolia and in garden land Scoparia dulcis and Vernonia cinerea. Centella asiatica and Eclipta alba occurred more frequently in paddy field, where as in lake area Hydrilla verticellata occurred more frequently. The rare species in dry land were Abrus precatorius, Blepharis medaraspatensis, Carissa congesta and Rauvolfia serpentina. In garden land Acalypha indica, Capparis brevispina, Cayratia pedata, Catharanthus roseus var. alba were found to be rare. In paddy field Borraria alata, Coldenia procumbens and Portulaca oleraceae were found to be the rare species. Diplocyclos palmatus was the rare species in lake area. Dry land and garden land were found to be the most similar strata with more number of species in common. Dry land and lake area were found to be the most dissimilar strata in vegetation pair wise analysis. Lake area was found to have higher concentration of dominance as expressed by Simpson's index. Shannon's index was maximum in dry land area. Abundant species occurs more in dry land area. In dry land almost all species had equal number of individuals since Evenness index was maximum. Growth characters like plant height, plant spread, height of the first branch, number of leaves, number of roots, root length were found to increase from pre-flowering to seed set stage. These characters were found to be high in garden land compared to other strata in most of the species. The fresh and dry weight of officinal part was more in garden land condition in most of the species. In the chemical analysis it was found that in Limnophila repens there was no similar chemical constituents as that of Bacopa monnieri (brahmi). There was no bacoside content in Limnophila repens, which is present in Bacopa monnieri. So Limnophila repens cannot be used as a substitute for brahrni. The andrographolide content in Andrographis paniculata was found to be slightly higher in dry land compared to garden land. The andrographolide content was higher in dry land area because of the water stress condition in dry land. The results of this study will be helpful in evolving suitable strategies for sustainable utilization of medicinal and aromatic plants, occumng as indigenous and naturalized in and around the Vellayani lake. Such an effort would also help to conserve many of the weed species which have very high medicinal values.ThesisItem Open Access Molecular characterization of banana (Musa AAB plantain subgroup) clones(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2001) Simi, S; KAU; Rajmohan, KAttempts were made for characterizing eleven banana (Musa AAB Plantain subgroup) clones at molecular level during January 2000 to October 2001 at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture and the Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Centre, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. Tissues from fully unfurled leaves of the clones, were used for isolating DNA, using modified Walbot's method. Storage of leaves at -SYC did not affect either the DNA yield or purity ratio. Gel elctrophoresis using agarose concentrations of 0.09 per cent and 1.4 per cent were the best for visualizing the genomic DNA and RAPD pattern, respectively. The best voltage level was 75 V. TBE buffer could produce better separation of bands compared to TAE buffer. Twenty nanogram of DNA, 200 IlM each of dNTPs, 0.6 units Taq DNA polymerase and 5 pM primer in presence of the assay buffer gave good PCR amplification results. The programme consisted of an initial denaturation at 95°C for 3.0 minutes, followed by 45 cycles of denaturation at 95°C for 1.0 minute, annealing at 36°C for 1.0 minute 30 seconds and extension at 72°C for 2.0 minutes. The synthesis step of the final cycle was extended further by 6.0 minutes. The products of .ampl ification were kept at 4.0°C until attended. One hundred and six RAPDs were generated when PCR amplification was carried out using forty decamer primers (Operon Inc., CA, USA) of kit A and kit B. Of these, 100 bands were polymorphic which accounted to an average of 2.5 polymorphic bands per primer. Eight primers (OPA-OI, OPA-03, OPA-13, OPB-OI, OPB-06, OPB-lO, OPB-12 and OPB-IS) produced reproducible banding patterns on at least two runs. These primers yielded 42 scorable bands with an average of 5.25 bands per primer. The amplification products ranged in size from 400 to 1500 bp. The number of bands resolved per amplification was primer dependent and varied from a minimum of three to a maximum of nine. Reproducible bands were scored for their presence (+) or absence (-) for all the plantain clones studied. A genetic similarity matrix was constructed u~ng the Jaccard's coeffecient method. The pairwise coefficient values varied between 0.3333 and 0.9355. The least similarity coefficient values were those of Zanzibar with Changazhikodan and Manjeri Nendran (0.3333). The highest value for similarity index was obtained for Koonoor Ethan - Quintal Banana pair (0.9355), followed by Manjeri Nendran - Myndoli pair (0.8889). The next value was for the Kaliethan - Koonoor Ethan pair (0.8529). Based on the similarity coefficients, distances between the clones were computed using SYSTA T software package. The distance was the least between Koonoor Ethan and Quintal Banana (0.042), followed by Manjeri Nendran and Myndoli (0.06). Zanzibar and Mysore Ethan showed the greatest distance (0.349), followed by Mysore Ethan and Padalamurian (0.167). In the dendrogram constructed by the nearest neighbour (single-link) method (Krzanowski, 1988), all the eleven plantain clones were found grouped under five clusters. Attu Nendran, Changanasseri Nendran, Changazhikodan, Kaliethan, Koonoor Ethan and Quintal Banana formed the largest cluster. Manjeri Nendran and Myndoli formed the second cluster. Padalamurian, Mysore Ethan and Zanzibar formed three separate clusters. Zanzibar, belonging to 'Horn Plantain', was different from the rest of the clones. Quintal Banana and Myndoli, which were considered to be identical, got grouped under two different clusters.ThesisItem Open Access Standardisation of shade requirement in Dendrobium(Department Of Pomology And Floriculture, College Of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2001) Sheron Fernandez; KAU; Sobhana, AAn experiment was carried out in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, during 2000-2001, to standardize the shade requirement for Dendrobium variety Sonia Born J 0 and Renappa. The effect of different levels of shade on the morphological characters, flower production and quality of flowers were assessed. Results revealed that the different levels of shade significantly influenced the morphological characters of the plant, viz., plant height, shoot production, internodal length, leaf production and leaf area. Maximum plant height was obtained for fifty per cent double level shading. With respect to shoot production, 25 and 35 per cent double levels of shade performed better. The length of the internode was maximum for 50 per cent double level shading. Highest leaf production was noticed in 35 per cent double level shading which was statistically on par with 50 per cent double level of shade. Flower quality and flower production were markedly influenced by shade. Earliness in flowering was observed for those treatments receiving more light condition. Twenty five per cent single level shading was the earliest to flower in the group, while the longevity of the spike on the plant was more in 50 per cent single and double levels of shade. Vase life was significantly high in 25 per cent (15.50 days) and 50 per cent (14.88 days) double levels of shade. Longest spike was obtained in 50 per cent single level shading, while the length of the rachis was maximum in 50 per cent double level shading. Fifty per cent single level shading was distinctly superior to all other treatments with respect to the number of flowers per spike. Maximum spike production was noticed in 25 per cent double level shading. Anthocyanin content in flowers was found maximum under 50 per cent double level shading. Total chlorophyll and its components 'a' and 'b' in the leaf were significantly influenced by the different shade levels. Highest content of chlorophyll 'a' was obtained in 50 per cent double level shading, while chlorophyll 'b' and total were maximum for thirty five per cent double level shading. Dry matter accumulation was maximum under 25 per cent double level shading. Nutrient content within the plant indicated an influential effect of shade. Total nitrogen and phosphorus content were maximum in fifty per cent double level shading. Thirty five per cent single level shade had maximum potassium content. A similar trend was observed in the uptake of nutrients also.ThesisItem Open Access In vitro clonal propagation of two promising gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflourus L.) varieties(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2001) Priyakumari, I; KAU; Sheela, V LStudies were conducted to evolve protocol for the in vitro clonal propagation of Gladiolus grandiflorus L. varieties during 2000-2001 in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. Two varieties Peach Blossom and Tropic Seas were selected for the study. Cormels were used as explant. The effects of culture medium (basal medium, strength of MS basal medium, mode of culture, plant growth substances, carbon sources, activated charcoal, solidifying agent, amino acids and coconut water) and culture conditions on in vitro shoot proliferation via enhanced release of axillary buds were studied. MS medium supplemented with kinetin 2.00 mg I-I and NAA 0.10 mg I-I induced earliest bud initiation in both the cultivars, in the initial culture establishment medium. Highest shoot proliferation In both the varieties was obtained In full strength solid MS medium supplemented with BA 4.00 mg r', NAA 0.50 mg r' and sucrose 40.00 g r ' under light. In vitro rooting in cultivar Peach Blossom was best obtained In MS medium supplemented with IBA 2.00 mg r ' and sucrose 30.00 g r '. In the cultivar Tropic Seas, in vitro rooting was best in MS medium supplemented with IAA 2.00 mg r ' and sucrose 40.00 g r '. The different levels of agar tried had no significant effect on multiple shoot proliferation. Similarly activated charcoal, coconut water and amino acids (glycine and arginine) had no beneficial effect on multiple shoot proliferation. Ex vitro rooting studies were not successful. Planting out of in vitro rooted plantlets in sand soil (2 1) media recorded a survival rate of 100.00 per cent, after 15 days.ThesisItem Open Access Molecular evaluation of genomic stability of banana plants developed by in vitro clonal propagation(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2001) Asha S, Nayar; KAU; Rajmohan, KAttempts were made for evaluating the genomic stability of in vitro propagated Peel banana plantlets at molecular level, during 1999- 2000, at the Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Centre, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. Efforts were made to standardise the DNA isolation method and PCR amplification conditions, to identify the primer producing reproducible polymorphic bands and to compare the banding patterns characteristic to the subcultures and the mother plant. The emerging leaves of the Rxl banana plants before they fully unfurl, gave the highest DNA yield of2825 ng! III whereas, the in vitro leaves gave the highest optical density (OD) ratio of 1.76. The purity of DNA was the highest (0. D. ratio 1.81) while CTAB method (Scott et al., 1994) was adopted. The DNA quantity was the highest in the Walbot's method, viz. 3000 ng! Ill. The OD ratio increased from 1.33 to 1.46 on addition of proteinase k. Additional purification step increased the OD ratio from 0.93 to 1.18. One per cent polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and 1.5 per cent J3-mercaptoethanol, when added in the extraction buffer produced transparent DNA pellet. 0.9 per cent and 1.4 per cent of agarose concentration were found to be the best for the genomic DNA and RAPD banding patterns respectively. The optimum PCR programme Wdenaturation at 95° C for 1.0 minute, annealing at 36° C for 1.0 minute and 30 seconds, and extension at 72° C for 2.0 minutes. The synthesis step was extended further by 6.0 minutes. A total of 134 RAPDs were generated when PCR amplification was done of which 130 were polymorphic. OPA- 06, OPB-IO and OPB- 14 produced no amplification. No difference was found in the banding pattern of the three subcultures and the mother plant of Fed banana, when amplification reaction was carried out using OPA-20. A total of five intense bands and three faint bands were obtained with OPA-20.ThesisItem Open Access Shelf life of breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis (park) Fosberg)(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2001) Chitra K, Pillai; KAU; Jacob John, PAn experiment was conducted in the Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2000-01 to evolve a simple and cheap technique for storage of fresh breadfruit under ambient and refrigerated conditions and to store it in minimally processed and dehydrated forms for making it available during the off season. Packaging fresh fruits in unventilated PE pouches as well as wrapping of individual fruits with cling film proved to be beneficial in extending the life up to five days at ambient and for nine days at refrigerated conditions with least deteriorative changes. Modified atmosphere packaging proved to be beneficial in extending the life of minimally processed breadfruit slices, when coupled with low temperature ( storage it was even more successful in extending he life as well as quality of the product. The breadfruit 'pieces dehydrated after pre-treating with citric acid + KMS showed better oolour, lesser shrinkage and higher reconstitution and could be stored for four months without any spoilage, when packed in PP or PE bags after subjecting it to microwave oven drying.ThesisItem Open Access Processing qualities of cashewnut in relation to agroecological and phenological factors(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2001) Divya Raman, S; KAU; Pushpalatha, P BThe project entitled 'Processing qualities of cashewnuts in relation to agroecological and phenological factors' was carried out in the-Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1999-2000. ( The study revealed that the variation in agroecological factors modify the processing qualities of cashew nuts. The nuts from southern region were observed to be much bolder and found to possess high shelling percentage, kernel size and kernel grade compared to nuts from northern and central regions. In terms of biochemical constituents of kernels, the nuts of northern region excel than the nuts of southern and central regions. When the processing characters of the nuts of selected cashew varieties collected from four different locations were compared, the variety Madakkathra-I, was observed to be a stable variety. It's nut characters remained almost same in all the agroecological regions. The nuts of varieties Kanaka and Dhana were better when they were grown is southern region where as for the variety K-22-1, northern region was found better. The physical characters of nuts from Alappuzha and Wyanad regions did not vary significantly from that of the nuts from other regions, where as the biochemical constituents, sugars and proteins were very low in them. The kernels of nuts from Alappuzha region registered comparatively low fat content.. Regarding the influence of phases of harvest on processing qualities, the nuts of early and mid phases can be considered as superior. The nuts of the same variety, collected during these two phases were observed to be bolder and kernels in them recorded comparatively high amounts of carbohydrates and proteins and low fat. Analysis of cashew nuts at different maturity levels revealed that all favourable processing .qualities are assembled only in fully matured nuts and nuts at lower maturity levels are significantly inferior. The nut quality was found to differ with size of nuts. The big and medium sized nuts were found to possess good kernel size with high protein and carbohydrate content compared to nuts of smaller size. So varieties with bolder nut size are to be promoted for cultivation. The time of market arrival was found to have negligible influence on quality of nuts. The pest infected nuts were considerably inferior to the non infected nuts. They had lost all the favourable processing qualities. Apart from visual distorti-ons and malformations of such nuts, the kernels in them were found shrunken and discoloured. The important biochemical constituents carbohydrates and proteins were significantly low in them. A spoiled nut can never be improved by processing.
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