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
Performance analysis of clove bean ipomoea muricata (L) jacq. genotypes
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2008) Malsawmkimi; KAU; Salikutty, Joseph
An experiment was carried out in the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara during August 2007 - January 2008 to analyze the performance of different accessions of clove bean Ipomoea muricata (L.) Jacq. The major objectives of the study were to genetically catalogue the germplasm and to assess the genetic variability, divergence, heritability, genetic gain and correlation of different traits with yield. Twenty five accessions collected from different parts of Kerala were grown in randomized block design with three replications. Cataloguing of the germplasm evidenced significant differences for the characters like vine length, days to first flower production, days to first harvest, length and weight of pedicel, length of fruit, yield per plant, duration of the crop, number of harvests and contents of vitamin C, calcium and crude fibre. There was also much variability in the germplasm with regard to colour shades of vine, flower and fruit. The accession IM-14 was found to be the highest yielder (4.24kg/plant) coupled with maximum length (3.675cm), girth (4.49cm) and weight of pedicel (93.27g) and length (2.8cm), girth (6.61cm) and weight of fruits (3.27g). Maximum vine length was observed in IM-7 (414.48cm). The accession IM-15 was the second best yielder (4.13 kg/plant) with superior yield contributing characters. Among quality attributes, protein content was found to be highest in IM-21, phosphorus in IM-2 and crude fibre in IM-10 and IM-3. The iron content ranged from 0.13mg/100g to 0.19mg/100g, vitamin C ranged from 24mg/100g to 48 mg/100g and calcium content ranged from 230.67mg/100g to 209.79mg/100g. Highest genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were observed for weight of pedicel, yield per plant and crude fibre content. High heritability coupled with genetic gain was observed for yield per plant. The 25 accessions were grouped into six clusters and no parallelism between geographical distribution and genetic diversity was observed. Strong association was revealed between yield and length, girth and weight of pedicel and weight of fruit. Highest positive direct effect on yield was contributed by weight of individual fruits. A selection model was also formulated using characters like length, girth and weight of pedicel, length and girth of fruit, days to first flower production, vine length, protein, phosphorus, iron, ascorbic acid and crude fibre. Based on selection index accession IM-14 was identified as the best performer followed by the accessions IM-15, IM-12 and IM-11
Open Access
Evaluation of ornamental bananas and bromeliads for tropical landscapes
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2007) Hazmin, H; KAU; Valsalakumari, P K
Performance of Bromeliads and ornamental bananas was evaluated at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during the period from 2005-2007. The objective of study was to evaluate their suitability under different shade levels and to recommend them for tropical landscapes, interior plantscapes and explore the possibility of production of novel varieties by irradiation and hybridization. Nine Bromeliads and six ornamental bananas were selected for the study. Results of the investigation revealed that among the Bromeliads, Aechmea fasciata, Ananas bracteatus, Bromelia balansae and Dyckia brevifolia can be grown under both open and 50 per cent shade. Aechmea fasciata looked more attractive under shaded condition, but flowering was observed under open condition only. When the temperature was above 34°C, sun scorching was observed on leaves. In Ananas bracteatus the colour of the leaf was more pronounced under open condition but the number of leaves and length and breadth of leaves were more under 50 per cent shade. In Dyckia brevifolia the number of leaves and suckers produced was more under open condition. Though maroon colour was more pronounced under open condition it developed an acceptable colour under shade also. Bromelia balansae looked attractive both under 50 per cent shade and open. Ananas nanus, Billbergia pyramidalis, Cryptanthus zonatus, C.bivittatus and C. bromelioides are suited only under shade with respect to their vegetative and floral characters. In Ananas nanus and Billbergia pyramidalis, longer inflorescences were produced under shaded condition. In Billbergia pyramidalis, it was a desirable character but in Ananas nanus it leads to toppling down of the inflorescence. Performance of Cryptanthus species was better under 50 per cent and 75 per cent shade with respect to the vegetative characters and attractiveness of the plant. The plant looked attractive only under shaded condition. Under open condition sun scorching was observed. Pitcarnea flammea and Tillandsia stricta are suited for open condition than under 50 per cent shade. Pitcarnea flammea flowered only under open condition. The plant is attractive with its flowers only. In Tillandsia stricta the vegetative characters and the colour of the leaves were better under open condition. Flowering was also observed only under open condition. Performance of Bromeliads like Billbergia pyramidalis and Pitcarnea flamea under different media revealed that the growth was better in the media containing equal proportion of sand + vermicompost + cocopeat and coarse sand + sand + vermicompost + cocopeat. These media containing organic matter supplied nutrients and coarse sand provided good drainage revealed that Bromeliads responded well if grown under suitable media. It can also be grown in coconut husk, for display in hanging baskets. Under 50 per cent shade the ornamental bananas looked lanky, less robust with reduced leaf size. Ornamental bananas like Musa oranata, Musa laterita and Ensete ventricosum can better be grown in pots under open condition than under shade. Ensete ventricosum was the best suitable for growing in pots because of its paddle shaped, attractive, glossy green leaves with pink midrib. Under open condition the performance of Musa ornata, M. laterita and Ensete ventricosum were good with respect to vegetative characters. The plants looked robust and flowering was also observed in Musa ornata and M. laterita. The number of bracts and size of the male and female flowers were more for Musa ornata compared to M. laterita, but the number of male flowers was produced more in Musa laterita. M. ornata, M. laterita and Ensete ventricosum can be recommended as landscape plants under tropical areas. Under indoor condition Billbergia pyramidalis performed better compared to Pitcarnea flammea and Tillandsia stricta. It can be kept as potted foliage plant for a period of 47 days. Maximum vase life was recorded for Ananas nanus followed by Pitcarnea flammea and minimum for Billbergia pyramidalis. Musa ornata recorded a vase life of two days. Among these Ananas nanus can be used in flower arrangements, since it has substantially long vase life (19 days). With a view to explore the possibility of improvement by hybridization, pollen fertility and compatibility studies were conducted in Musa sp. The viability of pollen grains was more for Musa ornata (84.0%) compared to Musa laterita (77.0%). They were also compatible and hybrid seedlings were also produced which revealed that new varieties can be evolved and they have great potential for use as landscape plants under tropical areas. Irradiation studies were conducted in Bromeliads and Musa sp. for induction of variability. In Bromeliads, suckers of Billbergia pyramidalis subjected to gamma rays @ 25 Gy gave rise to plants with lesser height, leaf length and leaf breadth. Suckers of Tillandsia stricta did not sprout and all remained healthy. Induction of gamma rays @ 20 Gy on seeds of ornamental bananas resulted in earlier germination. The rhizomes subjected to irradiation did not sprout and all remained healthy even eight months after the treatment. Table 13b. Visual scoring of Bromeliads Sl. No. Name Characters (Score out of 10) Colour and pigmentation of leaves Symptoms of sun scroaching Overall appearance Total score 50% shade Open 50% shade Open 50% shade Open 50% shade Open 1 Aechmea fasciata 7.0 5.0 10.0 2.0 9.0 5.0 26.0 12.0 2 Ananas nanus 8.0 8.0 10.0 10.0 3.0 8.0 21.0 26.0 3 Ananas bracteatus 7.0 8.0 10.0 10.0 7.0 9.0 25.0 27.0 4 Billbergia pyramidalis 8.0 5.0 10.0 5.0 9.0 6.0 27.0 16.0 5 Bromelia balansae 9.0 9.0 10.0 10.0 7.0 7.0 26.0 26.0 6 Cryptanthus zonatus 4.0 3.0 2.0 0.0 2.0 0.0 8.0 3.0 7 Cryptanthus bivittatus 7.0 2.0 10.0 1.0 9.0 1.0 26.0 4.0 8 Cryptanthus bromelioides 7.0 2.0 10.0 1.0 9.0 1.0 26.0 4.0 9 Dyckia brevifolia 9.0 9.0 10.0 10.0 9.0 9.0 28.0 28.0 10 Pitcarnea flammea 7.0 9.0 10.0 9.0 4.0 8.0 21.0 26.0 11 Tillandsia stricta 6.0 9.0 10.0 10.0 5.0 10.0 21.0 29.0
Open Access
Male sterility and its utilization for crop improvement in ridge gourd Luffa acutangula (L.)Roxb.
(Department of Olericulture, College of horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2009) Vijeeth, C.Hegade; KAU; Predeepkumar, T
The present investigation on male sterility and its utilization for crop improvement in ridge gourd is undertaken with the objective of investigating the stability of male sterility in ridge gourd Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb. and expression of male sterility on combinations with different pollen parents of diverse groups. Micropropagation was effective in maintaining the male sterile line. Standardized protocol was followed for in vitro maintenance of male sterile line. In vitro regenerated plants exhibited stable male sterility all round the flowering season. Pollen fertility found to be zero in all the male sterile plants. Cytological analysis of pollen mother cells revealed normal meiosis in form of tetrad formation and pollen degradation found to be in post meiotic stage. Fourteen ridge gourd genotypes were collected from different parts of the country and evaluated for variability with respect fourteen traits. The genotypes exhibited significant variability for the characters studied. Genotypes were grouped into five clusters based on Mahalanobis’s D2 statistics. Five pollen parents from diverse groups were selected for hybridization with the male sterile female parent. Heterosis values were estimated over mid, better and standard parents. Out of five hybrids, four were male sterile and one was partially fertile. Inheritance of male sterility and restoration of fertility is a complex mechanism and the available information on male sterility is not sufficient to explain this unique mechanism. Available result points towards the presence of partial dominant gene action in controlling male sterility. The pattern of inheritance of male sterility and restoration of fertility can only be explained by studying the F2 and back cross generations and the three way cross involving male sterile hybrids and the pollen parent which restores the fertility.
Open Access
Evaluation of aquatic plants for water gardening
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2009) Deviprasad, B P; KAU; Sudhadevi, P K
The present investigation on the Evaluation of aquatic plants for water gardening was carried out in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the period 2006 – 2008 with the objectives of evaluating the aquatic plants suitable for water gardening and standardizing the growing media for three species of water liliy, viz., Nymphaea rubra, N. alba and N. stellata. Survey was conducted across Thrissur, Kozhikode and Palakkad districts and 42 aquatic plants were collected. Evaluation of the collected aquatic plants revealed that, wide variation existed in the vegetative and floral characters. Based on their growth habit these plants were classified into deep water aquatics, shallow water aquatics, submerged or oxygenator plants, floating plants, marginal plants and bog plants. Twenty two aquatic plants suitable for water gardening at different levels were identified. Angelonia salicariaefolia, Crinum viviparum and Limnocharis flava were found suitable to be grown as bog plants. The marginal areas of the water gardens can be planted with Ipomoea aquatica and Hygroriza aristata etc. Aponogeton monostachyon, Nymphaea alba, Nymphoides indica and Nymphoides peltata are suitable for deep water areas. In shallow water areas Nelumbo nucifera can be used. Azolla pinnata, Lemna minor, Eichhornia crassipes, Pistia stratiotes and Trapa natans could be used as free floating plants. Utricularia australis, Najas minor, Limnophila indica, Cabomba caroliniana, Ceratophyllum demersum, Elodea canadensis and Hygrophila difformis can be grown as submerged plants. They can also be used as aquarium plants. Studies on three Nymphaea spp. revealed that Nymphaea stellata was superior to the other two in all the vegetative parameters, except leaf length and leaf longevity which were higher in Nymphaea rubra. Early flowering and maximum flower production were also observed in Nymphaea stellata in which the duration from bud emergence to complete flower opening was the minimum. Length of the bud, flower size and longevity of flower were found to be the maximum in Nymphaea rubra. Among the media combinations studied, M1 [sand + clay (1:2)] was superior over others with respect to all vegetative parameters, except leaf length, which was maximum in M2 [sand + soil +clay (1:1:1)]. When the floral characters were studied it was found that M2 [sand + soil +clay (1:1:1)] was superior to the other media combinations. M3 [coir pith +soil + clay (1:1:1)] produced the maximum number of propagules. The study on the interaction effect of Nymphaea spp. and media revealed that Nymphaea rubra in M2 [sand + soil +clay (1:1:1)] recorded the maximum leaf length, leaf breadth, leaf area, pedicel length, bud length and flower spread. In Nymphaea stellata, M1 [sand + clay (1:2)] recorded maximum petiole length and M2 [sand + soil +clay (1:1:1)] recorded maximum flower production. In Nymphaea rubra the time for complete unfurling of leaf and leaf longevity was maximum in M3 [coir pith +soil + clay (1:1:1)] but, the flower longevity were maximum in M4 [coir pith +clay (1:2)].
Open Access
Performance of spiny coriander (Eryngium foetidum L.)under different shade regimes
(Department Of Plantation Crops & Spices,College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2008) Appukuttan, J; KAU; Sulekha, G R
The studies on the “Performance of spiny coriander (Eryngium foetidum L.) under different shade regimes” were carried out at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 2004-2006. The objectives were to evaluate the adaptability and performance of Eryngium foetidum L. under varying levels of shade and plant population densities and also to study the feasibility of cultivating Eryngium foetidum L. under the homestead conditions of Kerala. Its use, both as a flavouring agent and herbal medicine, and also as a home remedy for various ailments point towards its inclusion as an important item in Kerala homesteads. The performance of Eryngium foetidum was studied at three levels of shade (25, 50 and 75%) and four spacings (10cm  15cm, 15cm  15cm, 20cm  15cm and 30 cm  15 cm). High Density Poly Ethylene shade nets of appropriate mesh size were used for providing the required shade levels. Observations on growth parameters, physiological characters, growth analysis, yield characters, bio-chemical analysis, storage studies etc., were taken and the benefit: cost ratio was worked out. From the experiment, it was found that the crop performed best under 75 per cent shade level in most of the characters studied. Maximum yield (1411.04 g/plot of size 120  150 cm) was recorded under 75% shade level and also at a closer spacing of 10x 15cm (1131.41 g/plot). But the interaction effect of shade and population density on total herbage yield was not significant. On analysis, no measurable quantity of volatile oil could be estimated. The highest NVEE of 0.86 per cent was obtained from the plants grown under 75 per cent shade and a spacing of 30 × 15cm. From the storage studies it was concluded that under ambient temperature the leaves could be stored for a maximum of 5.2 days and 4.8 days when grown under 50 per cent and 75 per cent shade respectively, whereas under cold storage, the leaves from 75% shade could be stored for a maximum of 109.65 days without any deterioration. Maximum benefit: cost ratios of 1.28, 1.27 and 1.21 were obtained in the treatments 75% shade and 15cm × 15 cm spacing, 75% shade and 10cm  15 cm and 75% shade and 20cm  15 cm spacing, respectively. In general, as the intensity of shade increased, performance of the crop was better. Since the highest level of shade (75%) was found to be the best for the growth and yield of Eryngium foetidum, a higher level of shade, can be studied. Further studies on intercropping Eryngium foetidum under the existing homestead farming situations and other shaded situations like coconut, rubber, oil palm and other perennial tree crops are necessary. Popularization of the crop and development of appropriate marketing strategy are necessary for making the crop more remunerative.
Open Access
Refinement of management practices for jasmine (jasminum sambac L) in humid tropics
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2007) Smisha, I S; KAU; Sobhana, A
Studies were conducted at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture Vellanikkara, to find out the effect of month of pruning and fertilisers on vegetative and floral characters of J. sambac as well as post harvest trials on extending the keeping quality of flowers. Out of different months of pruning, plants pruned in October showed maximum plant height while those pruned in July showed maximum plant spread. Number of primary and secondary branches were highest in April pruned plants which was on par with July pruned plants. There was no significant difference in the number of productive shoots. Yield was highest for January pruned plants. Hundred flower bud weight and flower bud length were also maximum for these plants. The manurial trial included organic manures, inorganic fertilizers and biofertilisers. Plant height was maximum for treatment containing Azospirillum, phosphobacteria and AMF along with NPK 120:240:240.g/plant per year in the initial months but in later months treatments containing neem cake, groundnut cake and poultry manure showed maximum plant height. Plant spread was highest in treatment containing neem cake 100g, FYM 100g and ground nut cake 100g given at monthly intervals. Productive shoots were also maximum in treatments containing neem cake, groundnut cake and poultry manure. Flower yield was also maximum in treatment containing neem cake, groundnut cake and poultry manure. This was significantly superior to all other treatments. Nutrient analysis revealed that the treatment containing chemical fertilizers had maximum amount of available nitrogen and the treatment containing organic manures had maximum amount of phosphorous in soil. Potassium content was maximum for treatment containing Azospirillum and phosphobacteria. In vegetative stage leaf nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium contents were maximum in treatment containing neem cake, ground nut cake and poultry manure. In flowering stage there was no significant difference among the treatments in the case of nitrogen. Treatment containing neem cake, ground nut cake and poultry manure showed maximum value in the case of phosphorous and potassium. Under post harvest studies packaging treatments containing polythene cover with four per cent perforation showed minimum physiological loss of weight followed by the flowers packed in polythene bag without perforation. Flower buds packed in polythene bag remained fresh up to 36 hours. In chemical treatments aluminium sulphate 25ppm delayed wilting by 42hours in both seasons. This was significantly superior to all other treatments. In chilling treatments time taken to wilt was maximum for flower buds kept at temperature of 200C followed by flower buds kept at temperature of 150C.
Open Access
Evaluation of seedlings and clonal progenies of kattupatavalam (trichosanthes cucumerina l) for yiels and quality
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2007) Sreerekha, M V; KAU; Asha, Sankar M
A study entitled “Evaluation of seedlings and clonal progenies of Kattupatavalam (Trichosanthes cucumerina L.) for yield and quality” was carried out at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, during 2005-2006, to evaluate the seedlings and clonal progenies of Kattupatavalam for growth and yield in open and under shade. The study also aimed at assessing the quality attributes of seedlings and clonal progenies, grown under shade and in the open by comparison with the drug source in the user industry. Results of the study revealed that shade and open conditions had a significant influence on various parameters of growth, yield and quality attributes of seedlings and clonal progenies. Seedlings and clonal progenies also showed significant difference in some growth parameters as well as in yield and quality attributes. Considering main vine length and primary branches per plant, seedlings were superior as compared to clonal progenies. Growing in the open, conferred earliness in flowering, wherein the species registered 66.53 days for flowering. Between subplot treatments, earlier flowering was recorded for clonal progenies as compared to seedlings. Plants grown in the open attained fruit maturity earlier as compared to plants grown under shade. But seedlings and clonal progenies recorded values on par with each other. Highest mean fruit number was recorded for plants grown under shade as compared to plants in the open. Clonal progenies recorded 45.47 mean number of fruits, which was superior to fruit number per plant in seedlings. No significant difference was observed in fruit yield per plant, in plants grown under shade as well as in the open. Similar trend was exhibited by seedlings and clonal progenies as well. Total fresh yield and total dry yield of whole plant, did not differ significantly under shade and in the open. It was also revealed that, seedlings and clonal progenies registered values on par with each other, on the above two yield parameters. Shorter crop duration was recorded in plants grown under shade (111.07 days) as compared to plants in the open. Clonal progenies recorded shorter crop duration as compared to seedlings. Fresh weight of soxhlet extractables was highest for plants grown under shade (0.312g). Clonal progenies recorded 0.358 g of soxhlet extractables, which was superior to that of seedlings. It was found that, shade and open conditions had no influence on the fresh weight of hot water extractables. Considering subplot treatments, clonal progenies recorded higher mean weight of hot water extractables (0.929). Market samples yielded 0.718g of hot water extractables and 0.213 g of soxhlet extractables. Tissue culture derived plants grown under shade, registered cucurbitacin of low molecular weight, while high molecular weight cucurbitacin was recorded in seedlings grown in the open. Intermediate types of cucurbitacin were expressed by clonal progenies in the open, seedlings under shade and market samples. Cucurbitacin content was more for clonal progenies grown under shade, while least quantity was observed in seedlings grown in the open. Market sample yielded five units of cucurbitacin, which was superior to cucurbitacin content of seedlings grown in open. On further biochemical analyses, it was revealed that, other secondary metabolites like alkaloids, phenols, tannins and saponins were present in domesticated samples as well as in market samples. Quantification of terpene revealed that tissue culture derived plants grown under shade registered higher amount of terpenes (13 units) than others. With regard to anatomical studies of experimental samples, no difference in anatomy of stem, root and leaf sections of domesticated samples and market samples was noted. The study conclusively proved that, Trichosanthes cucumerina can be ideally raised as a profitable intercrop in the coconut gardens of Kerala and that performance of tissue culture derived plantlets was comparable to seedlings. Also, market sample did not reveal presence of adulterants, as indicated by qualitative as well as anatomical investigations.
Open Access
Production physiology of polyhouse tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill)
(Department Of Olericulture, College Of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2007) Margaret, Thomas; KAU; Indira, P
Investigation on physiological attributes of yield in tomato was carried out at Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during October 2005 to February 2006 under two different growing conditions (polyhouse and open field). The experiment was laid out in Randomised Complete Block Design with four replications. Indeterminate LE 643 and semideterminate Anagha were the varieties used for the study. The study revealed that crop raised in polyhouse showed more plant height (upto 30 DAT) and internodal length. Number of branches was higher in open field. Relative Growth Rate and Net Assimilation Rate were higher in open field compared to polyhouse at initial stages but at later stages, reverse situation was noticed. Crop growth Rate and LAI were maximum in polyhouse condition. Number of inflorescences and fruits per plant, number of harvests per plant, single fruit weight and fruit yield per plant were observed higher in polyhouse. Maximum temperature and RH at morning had positive significant correlation with vegetative characters and number of inflorescences irrespective of growing condition. Maximum temperature and light intensity had significant correlation with days to flower. Rainfall showed negative correlation with plant characters. Canonical correlation revealed that crop characters were more related to the weather parameters under polyhouse condition. Significant partial correlation was noticed between crop yield and maximum and minimum temperature in polyhouse. Relative humidity at morning and light intensity had variety specific correlation with yield. Pests and diseases incidence was comparatively higher in polyhouse condition due to higher temperature but cracking percentage was higher in open field. The fruit appearance and quality were comparatively better in polyhouse condition.
Open Access
Performance analysis of bush lablab bean (Lablab purpureus (L.) sweet
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2007) Sreekanth, K S; KAU; Baby Lissy Markose
An experiment was carried out at the College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara during September 2006 – May 2007 to analyze the performance of bush lablab bean (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet.). The major objectives of the study were to genetically catalogue the available germplasm and to study the genetic variability, divergence, heritability, genetic gain and correlation of different traits with yield. Twenty five accessions collected from different parts of the country were grown in randomized block design with three replications. The 25 accessions were catalogued based on the descriptor for lablab bean. Significant differences for all the characters viz. plant height, plant spread, number of primary branches, leaf length, leaf width, pedicel length, days to1st flowering, days to 50 per cent flowering, pod setting per cent, pod length, pod girth, pod thickness, pod weight, number of seeds pod-1, number of pods plant-1, yield plot-1, 100 seed weight, shelling per cent, crude fibre and crude protein content were noticed among the accessions. The accession LP-26 was found to be the highest yielder (4.5 kg plot-1) coupled with high pod setting per cent (40.23) and number of pods plant-1 (227.33) during rabi. The accession LP-4 was found to be the best yielder during summer (1.15 kg plot-1) and the second best yielder (3.33 kg plot-1) coupled with second best pod setting per cent (38.00) and number of pods plant-1 (198.27) during rabi. Highest pod length (9.98 cm), pod girth (5.47 cm) and pod weight (4.61 g) was observed in the accession LP-27. Better shelling per cent (86.57) was expressed by the accession LP-7. Earliness (27.77 days) and highest number of seeds pod-1 (6.40) was shown by the accession LP-16. The qualitative characters like crude protein and crude fibre content was found to be highest in accessions LP-1 and LP-21 respectively. Highest genotypic coefficient of variation and phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed for number of pods plant-1. High heritability coupled with genetic gain was noted for all the morphological, reproductive and qualitative characters. The 25 accessions were grouped into five clusters and no parallelism between geographical distribution and genetic diversity was observed. A selection model was also formulated using these characters. Based on this the accession LP-26 (a pulse type) was identified as the best performer for rabi season and LP-4 (a vegetable type) for summer. The accession LP-4 is the second best one for rabi season.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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