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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 Biodiversity analysis of traditional mango types of Kerala and studies on the reproductive biology of selected popular types(Department of pomology and floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Mannambeth Renisha, Jayarajan; KAU; Parmeswaran, N KThe present investigations entitled “Biodiversity analysis of traditional mango types of Kerala and studies on the reproductive biology of selected popular types” were undertaken at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during 2009-2011. Major objectives of the study were to assess the biodiversity status of traditional mango types in selected villages of Thrissur and Palakkad districts of Kerala by applying participatory tools and studying the floral biology, pollen characters, pollination and self and cross compatibility factors in six mango varieties commonly grown in the homesteads of Kerala. These studies formed a part of the departmental project entitled “Hybridization of mango varieties of Kerala” and were taken up under two broad components during implementation. Component I: Primary assessment of indigenous mango types was initiated by surveying homesteads in Vallachira and Pazhayannur GP‟s of Thrissur district and Kollemgode and Muthalamada GP‟S of Palakkad district. Homesteads were selected by snowball sampling. Dominant local types in these homesteads were Muvandan in Pazhayannur and Chandrakkaran in Vallachira GP of Thrissur whereas Muvandan, Priyur, Chandrakaran and some unnamed landraces in Kollemgode and Muthalamada GPs of Palakkad district. Final village level biodiversity assessment was done in Maruthampadam in Pazhayannur GP (Thrissur Dt) and Erippadam in Muthalamada GP (Palakkad Dt.). Farmer participatory 4- cell analysis (FCA) and focus group discussions (FGD) were made by organizing farmers interface in these villages. Data recorded showed that Maruthampadam village was richer in crop diversity than Erippadam. Based on the FCA, Muvandan, Pulimanga and Gomanga could be grouped as the „common‟ types of the Maruthampadam village while the „rare‟ types included Karpuramanga, Ganapatimookan, Kilichundan, Chandrakaran, Kottamavu, Sindhuram, Marathakam and Mundappa . „Common‟ mango types in Erippadam village were Alphonso, Banganapalli, Kilichundan, Neelum, Sindhuram, Muvandan, Nadasala and the „rare‟ types being Chandrakaran, Kilimook, Mallika and Mundappa. The varietal richness of Erippadam was higher than Maruthampadam village. In Maruthampadam village, recorded evenness value was highest for Muvandan while it was zero for the „rare‟ and „vulnerable‟ types. In Eripaddam, „common‟ types registered higher evenness values than „rare‟ types. Varietal richness as related to size of gardens indicated positive relationship in Erippadam village. ITK documentation from the villages provided some useful information on the traditional processing and product diversification of mango fruits practiced by the villagers in Maruthampadam. Component II: The varieties involved in the study were Muvandan, Neelum, Priyur, Vellaikolumban, Banganapalli and Alphonso. Mango flowering in both the seasons during 2009-10 and 2010-11 were of much erratic, poor and belated nature. A definite influence of the shift in north east monsoon pattern experienced during these periods could be attributed as the major contributory factor to the above. Peak anthesis was noted between 7.30 and 11.00am in all varieties and anther dehiscence between 8.30 am and 12 noon. Highest stigma receptivity was on the day of anthesis. Panicles of Muvandan and Priyur were longer than the other varieties. The varieties Neelum, Priyur, Alphonso, Vellaikolumban, and Muvandan exhibited a mixed phase while opening out but in Banganapalli, flower opening started with a pure male phase and thereafter entered mixed phase. Inflorescence rachis of Muvandan was dark red in colour where as in Neelum and Alphonso it was light red. Light green coloured inflorescence rachis was observed in Banganapalli and Vellaikolumban while in Priyur it was light green with reddish tinge. Size of inflorescence was highest in Muvandan while it was lowest in Neelum. Intensity of flowering per unit area of tree canopy was highest in Alphonso where as it was lowest in Vellaikolumban. Highest percentage of hermaphrodite flowers was recorded in Vellaikolumban (46.38%) while it was lowest in Banganapalli (0.02 %). The varieties Neelum, Priyur, Alphonso and Vellaikolumban showed round shaped pollen whereas oval and oblong shaped pollen was noted in Banganapalli and Muvandan, respectively. The size of the pollen ranged in between 27.29μm and 33.34μm. Pollen production and viabiliy were related to climatic variations. Pollen storage in refrigerated conditions retained viability for 72 hours. Selfing did not result in fruit setting and apparently indicating the involvement of incompatibility factors. It has to be further confirmed by flourimetric methods. Crossing among the varieties affected fruit setting obviating the involvement of incompatibility factors. Four successful hybrid mango progeny seedlings are available finally for performance evaluation.ThesisItem Open Access Incorporation of tomato leaf curl virus (Tolcv) resistance in bacterial wilt resistant tomato.(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Koteswararao, Yadav; KAU; Sadhankumar, P GInvestigations on “Incorporation of Tomato Leaf Curl Virus (ToLCV) resistance in bacterial wilt resistant tomato” were undertaken in the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during the period from January, 2009 to May, 2011. Eighty tomato genotypes collected from India and abroad were screened for ToLCV resistance of which 26 were found to be highly resistant under natural screening. Of these, 20 genotypes (LE-474, LE-635, LE-640, LE-658, LE-666, LE-667, Arka Ananya, IIHR-2195, IIHR-2196, IIHR-2197, IIHR-2198, IIHR-2202, IIHR-2747, TLBRH-1, TLBRH-6, Cherry Tomato, H-24, H-86, Hawaii-7998 and Rani) were highly resistant to ToLCV under both graft transmission and whitefly transmission there by confirming their resistance to ToLCV. Seventy six tomato genotypes were screened for bacterial wilt resistance in bacterial wilt sick plot. Spot planting with known suscept Pusa Ruby was done to confirm the presence of virulent bacteria in the field. Anagha, Sakthi, Mukthi, LE-1-2, LE-626 and LE-474 were resistant to bacterial wilt. Three additional sources of resistance were identified viz., LE-628, LE-640 and LE-649. Five bacterial wilt resistant genotypes (Anagha, Sakthi, Mukthi, LE-1-2 and LE-626) were crossed with seven ToLCV resistant genotypes (IIHR-2195, IIHR-2196, H-24, H-86, Hawaii-7998, LE-474 and LE-640) in a line x tester fashion. Thirty five F1 hybrids developed were screened for both ToLCV and bacterial wilt resistance. Thirty hybrids were highly resistant to tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV) among the 35 hybrids. Sixteen F1 hybrids were resistant to bacterial wilt. There were 15 F1 hybrids which were resistant to both ToLCV and bacterial wilt. Line x tester analysis was performed to derive information on general combining ability and specific combining ability effects, gene action and heterosis. Good general combiners for different characters were identified. Among the F1 hybrids Anagha x LE-640 was the earliest to flower and earliest to harvest. Sakthi x LE-640 (1.4 kg/plant) gave the maximum yield among the hybrids and parents followed by Mukthi x H-86 (1.1 kg/plant) and LE-1-2 x Hawaii-7998 (1.06 kg/plant). Maximum number of fruits were produced by LE-1-2 x Hawaii-7998 (39.67 fruits/plant). The maximum sized fruits were produced by Anagha x IIHR-2195 (55.93 g) followed by Sakthi x LE-640 (55.78 g) and Sakthi x IIHR-2196 (55.09 g). F2 segregants of 35 crosses were screened for combined resistance to bacterial wilt and ToLCV. Thirty F2 segregants were resistant to both bacterial wilt and ToLCV. Mukthi x IIHR-2195-F2-47 (1.7 kg/plant) and Mukthi x IIHR-2195- F2-34 (1.5 kg/plant) were the highest yielders among the 30 segregants. Segregation pattern in F1, F2, B1 and B2 of the cross combination Pusa Ruby x IIHR-2195 revealed that the resistance to ToLCV in IIHR-2195 is controlled by a single dominant gene.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of round fruited brinjal genotypes for yield, quality and tolerance to fruit and shoot borer.(Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2011) Kranthi Rekha, Gogula; KAU; Celine, V AThe present investigation on “Evaluation of round fruited brinjal genotypes for yield, quality and tolerance to fruit and shoot borer” was conducted at the Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during the period 2010-2011. The objective of the study was to assess the genetic variability for yield, quality and resistance to fruit and shoot borer and elucidating the morphological, anatomical and biochemical basis of fruit and shoot borer resistance. The study was conducted in two separate experiments. 1. Screening brinjal genotypes for yield and fruit and shoot borer resistance 2. Evaluation of genotypes for genetic variability, yield, quality and tolerance to pests and diseases. In experiment I, thirty four accessions of brinjal were collected from different parts of country and grown in the field in RBD with three replications. Analysis of variance revealed that significant difference among the accessions for all the characters studied. SM 49 and SM 36 showed lowest infestation to fruit and shoot borer while SM 23 showed highest. Among other pests, SM 36 and SM 40 had severe incidence of jassids and ash weevils respectively. In experiment II, the yield ranged from 3.62 kg to 0.66 kg. SM 49 was superior for plant height, percentage of long and medium styled flowers and yield. Highest fruit weight was in SM 44. High phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation were observed for yield per plant, fruits per plant, fruit weight and branches per plant. High heritability and high genetic advance also observed for these characters. At genotypic level, yield per plant had high positive correlation with percentage of long and medium styled flowers, branches per plant, fruit length and plant height. The path analysis showed that percentage of long and medium styled flowers, branches per plant, fruit length and fruits per plant had direct effect on yield per plant. SM 49 followed by SM 44, SM 23, SM 41 and SM 30 was having the highest selection index values based on discriminant function analysis. Based on Mahalanobis D2 analysis the current genotypes were grouped into five clusters. Cluster I being the largest including with twenty accessions and cluster II and V had one each. Cluster V had highest values for seven characters viz., plant height, secondary branches, percentage of long and medium styled flowers, fruit length, fruits per plant and yield per plant. Highest inter cluster distance was between cluster II and V. Maximum intra cluster distance was in cluster IV. In screening for fruit and shoot borer resistance, the incidence ranged from 4.77 to 31.97 per cent and 10.83 to 63.01 per cent for shoot and fruit respectively. However accessions viz., SM49 and two local collections SM 44 and SM 36 showed moderate resistance to fruit and shoot borer. Fruit colour was related to fruit and shoot borer tolerance. Light coloured fruits were less susceptible. More RLPS and less RLSA led to tolerance. In moderately resistant accessions there was more number and well developed vascular bundles compare to susceptible ones. High phenol and proline content and less sugars and protein content were responsible for resistance to fruit and shoot borer incidence. Accession like SM 23, SM 36, SM 40, SM 44, SM 45 and SM 49 showed high level of resistance to bacterial wilt. The accessions SM 36, SM 44, SM 45 and SM 49 showed resistance to both fruit and shoot borer and bacterial wilt. The study identified the high yielding, large fruited SM 44 with resistance to fruit and shoot borer and bacterial wilt as a promising line for cultivation in Kerala after further confirmatory studies.ThesisItem Open Access Inheritance of male sterility and development of new male sterile line in ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb.(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Kannan, D; KAU; Pradeepkumar, TThe present study entitled “Inheritance of male sterility and development of new male sterile line in ridge gourd Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb.” was undertaken in the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2010-11. The objective of the study was to investigate the inheritance of male sterility in ridge gourd and to develop new male sterile line in ridge gourd using back cross generations of sterile hybrids. Study also aims in evaluating the performance of F1 hybrid, MS x Arka Sumeet for horticultural characters. Male sterile line is now maintained under in vitro condition. All the in vitro regenerated plants exhibited stability in the expression of male sterility. F2 seeds resulted from the selfing of F1 hybrid, MS x Arka Sumeet was raised to study the expression of male fertility. Out of 106 plants raised in the F2 generation, 56 plants were male fertile and 50 plants were male sterile. There were observable differences between the male sterile and male fertile plants with respect to male flower production whereas female flowers in both types were similar. Chi square test was employed to test the goodness of fit and the 9:7 (fertile: sterile) complementary gene action ratio was found to be significant. The Chi square test suggested that two dominant genes might have certain interactions with cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS). Two dominant fertility restorer gene viz., Rf1 and Rf2 is now proposed for this model. Assuming that MS line in ridge gourd is having a genotype, S (rf1rf1 rf2rf2) carrying both fertility restorer gene in homozygous recessive state and sterile cytoplasm, S, and Arka Sumeet possess a genotype N (Rf1Rf1 Rf2Rf2) carrying both fertility restorer gene in homozygous dominant state and normal fertile cytoplasm, N, F1 will be male fertile as the genotype of F1 is S (Rf1rf1 Rf2rf2). Here though F1 is inheriting a sterile cytoplasm from male sterile female parent, presence of both dominant fertility restorer gene, viz., Rf1 and Rf2 restores the fertility of F1. In F2, presence of both dominant fertility restorer gene in either homozygous or heterozygous condition ensures male fertility. All three way crosses viz, (MS x Deepthi) x Arka Sumeet, (MS x IC-92685) x Arka Sumeet, (MS x IC-92671) x Arka Sumeet and (MS x CO2) x Arka Sumeet regained fertility indicating the presence of dominant fertility restorer gene in Arka Sumeet. The sterile hybrids on back crossing with respective pollen parents also exhibited male fertility at various stages of crop growth. Restoration of male fertility in BC1 generation indicate the unstable nature of sterile cytoplasm. F2 segregants producing fertile racemes during last stage of crop growth have more potential for evolving stable male sterile lines. Selective mating of these plants with male sterile plants or selfing can be advocated for developing new male sterile lines. The F1 hybrid (MS x Arka Sumeet) exhibited significant heterobeltiosis for days to emergence of first female flower, node to first male flower, node to female flower, number of fruits per plant and yield per plant. High heterosis exhibited by the F1 hybrid (MS x Arka Sumeet) indicates the scope of exploiting the male sterile line in heterosis breeding. This is the first study which attempted to find out the inheritance of male sterility and fertility restoration in ridge gourd and is the first report of presence of cytoplasmic male sterility and dominant fertility restorer gene in cucurbits.ThesisItem Open Access Response of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) to biofertilizers.(Department Of Olericulture, College Of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Anisa, N A; KAU; Baby Lissy, MarkoseAn investigation on the effect of biofertilizers on growth and yield of okra was carried out in the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2010-11. Okra variety Arka Anamika was used for the study. The experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design with thirteen treatments and three replications. The biofertilizers (Azospirillum, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Frateuria) were applied @ 2 kg/ha. The treatments included sole inoculation of biofertilizers along with FYM (T1, T2, T3), dual inoculation along with FYM (T4, T5, T6), inoculation of all the three biofertilizers along with FYM, applied as single dose (T7) and double dose (T8), inoculation of all the three biofertilizers along with FYM and inorganic (½, ¾, full dose) fertilizers (T9, T10, T11), application of all the three biofertilizers without FYM (T12) and control (T13- KAU POP). The study revealed that the treatment where Azospirillum, AMF and Frateuria were inoculated along with double dose of FYM (T8) and the treatment where all the three biofertilizers were applied along with FYM and ¾ NPK (T10) exhibited superiority in terms of growth parameters. The relative chlorophyll content (48.73 SPAD Units) and total dry matter production (350.50 g/plant) were the highest in plants supplied with double dose of FYM along with biofertilizers. The earliest flowering (39.67 days) and harvesting (46.33 days) were recorded in plants inoculated with AMF and Frateuria along with FYM (T6). The treatment T8 (double dose of FYM along with Azospirillum, AMF and Frateuria) recorded the maximum fruit weight (19.80 g), fruit girth (6.17 cm) and number of seeds per fruit (82.89). It was followed by the treatment T10 (FYM, inorganic fertilizers (¾) and biofertilizers). Plants treated with double dose of FYM, Azospirillum, AMF and Frateuria (T8) recorded the highest number of fruits per plant (31.67), fruit yield per plant (544.40 g) and total fruit yield (16.33 tha-1). It was followed by integrated application of FYM, inorganic fertilizers (¾) and biofertilizers (T10). The crude protein content of okra fruit was higher in treatments where all the three biofertilizers were applied. The treatment T10 where FYM, inorganic fertilizers (¾) and biofertilizers were applied, recorded the highest beta carotene content (94.33 µg/100g). Shelf life (6.67 days) was more in plants treated with all the three biofertilizers and FYM (T7 and T8). Higher nutrient content and uptake was observed in treatments where all the three biofertilizers were applied. Application of biofertilizers resulted in improvement of soil parameters like organic carbon, available N, P2O5 and K2O, pH and electrical conductivity. The population of Azospirillum, AMF and Frateuria in the rhizosphere was also enhanced by the use of biofertilizers. Regarding the economics of cultivation the highest B:C ratio of 2.49 was recorded in T8, where double dose of FYM was applied along with all the three biofertilizers. It was followed by the treatment T10 which recorded a B:C ratio of 2.42. It can be concluded that inoculation of biofertilizers enhanced the growth, yield and quality of okra. The available nutrient status and health of the soil was also improved by biofertilizer application. Overall assessment indicated that combined application of all the three biofertilizers along with double dose of FYM was the best, with respect to growth and yield. The second best performance was obtained when FYM, inorganic fertilizers (¾) and biofertilizers were applied signifying that a reduction of 25 per cent chemical fertilizers is possible by using biofertilizers.ThesisItem Open Access Carbon partitioning in banana intercropped in coconut gardens(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Andan, Ashraf; KAU; Sajan, KurienInvestigations on the experiment entitled “Carbon partitioning in banana intercropped in coconut gardens” were carried out at Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS) Kumarakom, Kottayam from 2010 to 2011. The studies consisted of four experiments two each in Palayankodan and Njalipoovan. Two experiments were on basic studies on carbon partitioning in both the clones. The second part consisted of two experiments on the “Influence of bunch trimming regimes on yield and finger characters” in both the clones. Many theories on shooting and yield have been advanced and validated in bananas. One theory which has gained maximum importance is the number of leaves retained at shooting and at harvest, as it is these leaves that nourish and carry the bunch to logical maturity and consequent harvest. Hence, reduction or damage to leaves at and from the stage of shooting will adversely affect the finger characters and yield. The objective is to study the assimilate partitioning in two banana clones grown in coconut gardens at mid harvest stage, to understand how specific leaves contribute to yield and to know whether there is any variation between the two commonly grown clones of Njalipoovan and Palayankodan. The studies revealed that when the activity was given to various different leaves the accumulation in the sink were different for each leaf. When the individual source leaves were examined in the case of Palayankodan it revealed that the third leaf was the most efficient leaf in retention of photosynthates followed by the first, the second, fourth and the least in the fifth leaf. In case of Njalipoovan the maximum recovery was seen in the fourth leaf followed by third, the first, the second and the least in the fifth. This shows that in both the clones Palayankodan and Njalipoovan the least was recorded in the fifth leaf showing that the old senile leaf is less efficient in producing photosynthates. When partitioning of photosynthates from source leaves to different hands were studied in Palayankodan it was found that when the first leaf was given the activity maximum recovery was seen in the newly formed hand namely the seventh and the eighth hand. When the second leaf was given the activity maximum recovery was observed in the mid hands namely the fourth and fifth hands. In case of third leaf the maximum recovery was recorded in the mid hands but in the order namely the third, the fifth and the fourth hands, the source leaf itself retained a sizeable chunk of the activity. In case of the fourth leaf maximum recovery was observed in the fourth, the second and the fifth hands whereas in the case of the fifth leaf the maximum recovery was observed in the first formed hands in the order third, first and the second respectively. In Njalipoovan the picture varied from that of Palayankodan. When the first leaf was given activity maximum recovery was recorded in the eighth and the seventh hand as in the case of Palayankodan but in the reverse order. In case of the second leaf maximum recovery was observed in the newly formed seventh and eighth hand. In case of the third leaf maximum recovery was observed in the first formed hands namely the third and the second hands whereas in the case of the fourth leaf, the maximum activity was observed in the sixth hand followed by the fourth and the third hand respectively. When the fifth leaf was given the activity the maximum partitioning was observed in the sixth, the fifth and the fourth hand. In Palayankodan the studies on standardisation of pruning regimes, maximum bunch weight was observed in the bunch with nine hands followed by the ten hand and the eight hand system. The least was recorded in the bunch with six hands. On the contrary, in case of the hand weight, the finger weight finger length and the finger girth an identical trend was observed with maximum recorded in the most intensive pruning of retention of six hands to the no pruning control in the order. Slight variation in the order was observed in the case of finger length. Thus it is inferred that the nine hand system was best for domestic market and the eight hand for export. In case of Njalipoovan the maximum bunch weight was found in the ten hand system followed by the pruning of the male bud only, nine hand bunch, the eight hand bunch respectively. The six hand retention bunch recorded the least bunch weight. In case of the hand weight, the finger weight and finger girth almost an identical trend was observed. Maximum value for the hand weight, finger weight and finger length and finger girth was observed in with the maximum pruning of the six hand bunch followed by the seven hand bunch to the control of no pruning. Thus it is inferred that the ten hand system was best for domestic market and the nine hand for export. All forms of regulation of carbon partitioning is observed in both the clones which explains the reasons as to why both the clones are productive even under the shaded home garden conditions.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of antioxidants and packaging in controlling rancidity of banana chips during storage(Department of Processing Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2011) Adrika, B V; KAU; Mini, CThe research project entitled “Effect of antioxidants and packaging in controlling rancidity of banana chips during storage” was conducted at Department of Processing Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, with the objective to evaluate and compare the effect of antioxidants and packaging materials on the rancidity problem of banana chips, to delay the onset of oxidation during storage and to enhance shelf life of packed product. The whole experiment was divided into three parts viz., Standardization of frying parameters for banana chips preparation, Effect of antioxidants on quality of banana chips and Storage stability and acceptability of antioxidant treated banana chips. Frying two mm thick banana slices in unrefined coconut oil at 165oC, with an oil: slice ratio of 2:1 by adding 0.7 % salt and 0.15 % turmeric resulted in banana chips of higher acceptability. Two concentrations (0.01 and 0.02 %) of three different antioxidants viz., sodium ascorbate, tocopherol acetate and curry leaf powder were incorporated into banana chips in two different methods. Banana slices were either presoaked in antioxidants for 30 minutes or added directly to the frying oil. Addition of curry leaf in oven dried (at 600 C for 6 hours) and ground form was identified as the best method and form of curry leaf application for delaying the onset of rancidity. Experiment was laid out in CRD with two replications. The prepared chips were packed in trilayered laminated pouch (LDPE/metalized polyester /LDPE) and LDPE pouch for evaluation of shelf stability. Physical parameters like oil uptake and moisture content were lower for antioxidant treated chips, compared to untreated chips, indicating its superiority. Textural parameters like crispness and toughness were not affected by incorporating antioxidants in chips. Addition of group I antioxidants produced chips with lower moisture and oil uptake. These chips recorded a lower free fatty acid value and peroxide value compared to chips produced with group II and III indicating the inefficiency in combining the antioxidants. Chips prepared after adding antioxidants in oil had better physical and chemical quality parameters compared to the chips prepared from presoaked slices. Chips prepared after direct application of 0.02% curry leaf powder in oil showed superior physical and chemical parameters. These chips recorded higher organoleptic scores for texture, taste and overall acceptability. Their performance was better through out storage, hence can be considered as the best antioxidant tried for controlling rancidity of banana chips during storage also. There was an increase in moisture content, free fatty acid value and peroxide value and decrease in iodine value of chips during storage. Quality degradation was slower in laminated pouches compared to chips stored in LDPE. Banana chips produced after direct addition of 0.02 % curry leaf powder in oil had better physical, chemical and sensory characters, which are retained in storage when packed in laminated pouches.ThesisItem Open Access Standardization of good agricultural practices (GAP)in Kacholam (Kaempferia galanga L)for yield and quality(Department of Plantation crops and spices,College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Chandana, R; KAU; Asha Sankar, MAn investigation on “Standardization of good agricultural practices (GAP) in kacholam (Kaempferia galanga L.) for yield and quality”, was carried out at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, during 2010-2011 to standardize organic resource management and post harvest handling practices in kacholam for optimizing yield and quality, leading to formulation of good agricultural practices in the crop. Results of the study revealed that the treatments which included FYM along with biofertilizers proved superior in terms of earliness in germination whereas FYM supplemented with Kalanchoe pinnata recorded the maximum germination percentage of 98.61 and all other treatments were on par. Plants which receive FYM along with biofertilizers recorded the maximum leaf number (30.67) at 6 MAP. Vermicompost supplemented with kalanchoe and FYM enriched with biofertilizers recorded the highest values for foliage spread at later stages of crop growth. In the present study, the superiority registered by the control plots receiving inorganic fertilizers with respect to vegetative growth parameters at early stages of growth was not evident at later stages. Experimental plots applied with FYM enriched with biofertilizers recorded the highest value for fresh rhizome yield per plant (80.30 g) and fresh (9.93 t ha-1) as well as dry (3.19 t ha-1) rhizome yields per hectare, which were on par with the rest of the treatments. Plots incorporated with FYM and kalanchoe, recorded significantly higher values for dry recovery (36.4 %). Control plots applied with inorganic fertilizers recorded the lowest dry recovery percentage (31.42 %) as well as dry rhizome yield (2.32 t ha-1). Essential oil content was significantly higher in plots applied with FYM supplemented with kalanchoe (1.47 %) and oleoresin content recorded a significantly higher recovery percentage of 3.42 per cent in plots applied with FYM supplemented with kalanchoe and biofertilizers. Control plots which received inorganic fertilizers recorded the least recovery of essential oil (0.87 %). FYM supplemented with kalanchoe, singly and along with biofertilizers and chromolaena mulch, recorded highest available P (92.48 kg ha-1) and N (503.8 kg ha-1) content in soil respectively. Vermicompost supplemented with kalanchoe recorded high content of soil K and all other treatments were on par. Control plots registered the lowest soil K content. Higher plant uptake of major nutrients was observed in vermicompost treated plots. Enhanced population of soil microbes was recorded by the use of organic nutrients and biofertilizers. FYM supplemented with biofertilizers and vermicompost applied singly and along with kalanchoe and biofertilizers recorded the maximum bacterial, fungal and actinomycetes population. During the course of experiment, maximum incidence of bacterial wilt was observed in FYM manure received plots. Composite samples of kacholam registered no significant variation in dry recovery during sun drying, shade drying and oven drying. Maximum quality constituents were retained in sun dried samples of the crude drug, recording 1.2 per cent essential oil and 3.4 per cent oleoresin though the variations were not significant. Storage studies revealed the least percentage loss in weight (0.98 %) and residual moisture content (6.78 %) in samples stored in polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) bottles, at 6 months after storage. Essential oil and oleoresin contents recorded the maximum values during storage in PET bottles and polyethylene bags respectively. Samples stored in polyethylene bags and PET bottles did not record any insect infestation and had registered minimum microbial infection. Percentage loss of essential oil and oleoresin ranged from 5-30 per cent and 22-55 percent depending on method of storage.ThesisItem Open Access Habitat analysis and domestication studies on orilathamara (Nervilia aragoana gaud)(Department of Plantation crops and spices,College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Anulakshmi, Sankar; KAU; Mini Raj, NThe present investigations on “Habitat analysis and domestication studies on ‘Orilathamara’ (Nervilia aragoana Gaud.)” was carried out at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2009 – 2011, with the objectives to collect the source plants of the drug Orilathamara from wild, to carry out detailed natural habitat analysis and to analyze the response of the species to domestication. The study was conducted in four separate experiments as exploration and collection of source plants of Orilathamara from forest, natural habitat analysis, domestication trial and biochemical studies. Forest explorations were carried out in the Peechi – Vazhani wild life sanctuary. Information regarding the occurrence of the plant was collected from tribal herb gatherers, voucher specimens collected and herbarium made. Four species of Nervilia were identified from Peechi forests. They were Nervilia infundibulifolia (Blatt. & McCann), Nervilia plicata (Andr.), Nervilia crociformis (Zoll. & Moritzi) and Nervilia aragoana Gaud. All the four species were categorised as endangered. Natural habitat studies were also carried out in the Peechi forests. It was mainly confined to Nervilia aragoana, the only species available in sufficient numbers. Complete life cycle of the plant was studied in the natural habitat. The habitat characteristics indicated that Nervilia aragoana is a delicate orchid found in the ground vegetation of moist deciduous forest. Physical properties including soil aggregate analysis and chemical properties of the forest soil were analysed and results presented. Domestication trial was carried out in the field attached to the Department. There were two shade levels (50%, 25%) and four growing media as FYM + sand + soil (1:1:1), leaf compost + sand + soil (1:1:1), coir pith compost + sand + soil (1:1:1) and vermi compost + sand + soil (1:1:1). All the growing media were analysed for their physical properties, aggregate stability and chemical properties and results presented. From the study it was observed that there was no significant difference in sprouting percentage, days to leaf emergence, complete unfurling of leaves and total biomass production of Nervilia aragoana under different treatments. Significant differences were observed in growth parameters like petiole length, leaf length, leaf width and leaf area and also tuber yield per plot. For all these parameters, performance was better under 50% shade level and in the growing medium containing FYM, sand and soil in equal proportions. Tuberization and tuber development of the species was also documented during the study and the same was correlated with weather data during the period. Biochemical analysis was also carried out to estimate the constituents like chlorophyll, starch, soluble sugars, protein, amino acids and soxhlet extractables. Both the wild and domestic samples were analysed. The results indicated that constituents like sugars, protein and amino acids were higher in domestic tubers and starch was higher in wild tubers. TLC profile of sugars and amino acids revealed the presence of seven sugars and five amino acids in Nervilia aragoana. Anatomical study of the tuber was carried out which revealed the presence of starch grains, Calcium oxalate crystals and mycorrhizal associations in the ground tissue. In short, the study identified four species of Nervilia in Peechi forests and they were categorised as endangered. Natural habitat characteristics of the species have been described and complete life cycle documented. Domestication proved to be successful in Nervilia aragoana. 50% shade level and normal potting mixture containing FYM, sand and soil proved to be the ideal one for growth and tuber production. Domestication also did not affect the quality of the drug in respect of components studied.