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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 Evaluation of ornamental flowering shrubes for tropical landscapes(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, Colege of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2012) Najeeb, Naduthodi; KAU; Valsalakumari, P.K.The present study entitled “Evaluation of ornamental flowering shrubs for tropical landscapes” was carried out at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara from Jan. 2011 to Dec. 2011. The objectives were to evaluate ornamental flowering shrubs for suitability to various landscaping uses and to compute Air Pollution Tolerance Index. The study involved evaluation of 30 tropical ornamental flowering shrub species or varieties. The selected shrubs were four years old, maintained in the shrubbery of the Department of Pomology and Floriculture. The experiment was laid out in CRD with three replications. Various vegetative and floral characters were recorded and data analysed and correlation studies were made with weather parameters. Shrubs selected for the study were described based on morphological characters. Growth of shrubs was measured in terms of height and spread. Based on the manageable height, they were classified into three groups, i.e. Tall (height above 2 m), Medium (height 1m- 2m) and Dwarf (height below 1m). Among the 30 shrubs evaluated, the maximum height was observed for Calliandra haematocephala (319.4 cm) and the minimum for Lonicera japonica (49.9 cm). Plant spread varied from 43.4 cm in Wrightia antidysenterica to 269.7 cm in Calliandra haematocephala. Regression equation of height for predicting spread was formulated using the monthly data on height and spread. Foliage characters like leaf length, leaf area, petiole length, girth and internodal length were measured. Based on leaf area, plants were categorized into medium coarse, medium, medium fine and fine textured. Qualitative characters of the foliage like shape of leaf, base, tip, margin and colour of leaf were observed and used for plant description as well as categorizing them into different texture classes. Shrub canopy shape (silhouette) was observed and used for making schematic diagram. Qualitative characters of flowers like type of inflorescence, position of inflorescence, colour and fragrance were observed. Time taken to open up the inflorescence from bud stage, persistence of single flower as well as the inflorescence were also observed. Quantitative characters like inflorescence diameter, single flower length and diameter and number of flowers per inflorescence were also recorded. Flowering seasons of the shrubs were observed and accordingly they were categorized into four different phenological phases i.e. Dec-Feb, Mar-May, June- Aug and Sep-Nov. Sideruns were observed and phenological configurations were made. Air Pollution Tolerance Indices of the shrubs were calculated. Calliandra haematocephala (31.7) showed the highest APTI value and the minimum value was observed for Allamanda cathartica ‘Dwarf’ (9.2). Shrubs were categorized into sensitive (value ≤14), intermediate (15- 19), medium tolerant (20-24) and tolerant (> 24) groups based on their APTI values. Based on the different characters studied, shrubs were classified into different landscape utility groups such as, accent plant, foundation planting, screening and privacy, hedges and topiary, shrub border, background planting, corner planting, Shrub group and mass planting, Pot and Container planting, fragrant garden, moon garden, xeriscaping, rock garden, covering sloppy banks and butterfly garden. Shrubs were observed for pest and disease incidence. Major pests were leaf eating caterpillars in Mussaenda erythropylla, Nerium indicum, Calliandra haematocephala and Ixora coccinea, flower bud borer in Wrightia antidysenterica, mealy bug and scales. Shrubs were not severely affected by diseases. Minor leaf spots were observed in certain shrubs. In the present study, shrubs were recommended for various functional uses in the landscapes based on their growth, flowering and morphological characters. Based on flowering season, they were categorized into four phenological phases. Side-runs were observed and phenological configurations were made. Air Pollution Tolerance Indices of the shrubs were also computed and the plants were categorized according to their APTI values.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 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 Evaluation of philodendrons for landscaping and interior plantscaping(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2014) Sadhana, K; KAU; Sudhadevi, P KStudies were undertaken in Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2011-2013 to evaluate the philodendrons for landscaping and interior plantscaping. The study comprised of four experiments in which twenty-five species/varieties were selected for evaluation. Based on the growth habit, thirteen species/varieties were selected and their performance under different indoor light conditions was studied. Air Pollution Tolerance Index of all the species /varieties was computed and they were evaluated for their use as cut foliage. Twenty-five selected species/varieties of philodendrons were classified into two categories namely heading and climbing types based on their growth habit. Wide variation was observed in their growth characters. Among the heading types, Philodendron lacinatum‘Variegata’, Philodendron x Magnificum and Philodendron ‘Majesty’ were found to have maximum growth. In climbing types of philodendrons, Philodendron bipinnatifidum, Philodendron lacerum and Philodendron williamsii recorded maximum growth. Based on the growth habit, thirteen species/varieties of philodendrons were selected for evaluating their performance under five different indoor light zones viz., low (<800 lux), medium (800-2000 lux), high (>2000 lux), supplementary light without air condition (800-2000 lux) and supplementary light with air condition. It was found that most of the philodendrons could thrive well under supplementary light zone with and without air condition. Species/varieties like Philodendron x Magnificum, Philodendron ‘Black Prince’ and Philodendron ‘Majesty’ could be recommended for all the light intensities tried. Philodendron ‘Red Sunlight’ and Philodendron ‘Black Beauty’ could be recommended for areas with low light intensity. Plant quality rating of the philodendrons was done by visual scoring based on growth and fullness, color and pigmentation, suitability to indoor conditions and pest and diseases incidence. Based on this the selected philodendrons were classified into excellent, good, medium, low and not acceptable. It was observed that Philodendron ‘Majesty’ had the highest score and Philodendron 'Moonshine', the lowest. The Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) of philodendron species/varieties under the study was computed. Based on this, they were categorized into sensitive, intermediately tolerant, moderately tolerant and tolerant. It was observed that Philodendron ‘Majesty’ and Philodendron serratum had the highest APTI values and were tolerant to air pollution.xv Philodendron sagittifolium, Philodendron karstenianum, Philodendron x Magnificum, Philodendron wendlandii, Philodendron bipinnatifidum, Philodendron ‘Ceylon Gold’, Philodendron superbum and Philodendron ‘Smithi’ were found to be the most susceptible and they could be recommended as pollution indicator plants. Vase life and leaf characters are important for use of any foliage as cut foliage. Philodendron pertusum, Philodendron ‘Pluto Red’ and Philodendron ‘Black Prince’ are the species/varieties with longest vase life while Philodendron superbum, Philodendron ‘Moon Shine’, Philodendron williamsii are the species/varieties that had the shortest vase life. Based on the leaf characters like texture, color and pigmentation, shape and pattern and size, the leaves were visually scored for use as cut foliage and were classified into excellent, good, medium, low and not acceptable. Philodendron ‘Majesty’ and Philodendron ‘Pluto Red’ were found to possess the highest and lowest scores, respectively.ThesisItem Open Access Seed production potential dormancy and seed storage behaviour in sida spp.(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2014) Veeresh, Netekal; KAU; Alice, KurianThe study entitled “Seed production potential, dormancy and seed storage behaviour in Sida spp.” was undertaken at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2012-2014. The study aimed to assess seed production potential and characterize dormancy in three Sida species (Sida alnifolia, Sida acuta and Sida cordifolia) and to standardize ideal pre-treatment for improving germination and to study seed storage behaviour in Sida alnifolia. Flowering and fruiting in Sida species was staggered and started four months after planting. Flowering and fruiting was earliest in Sida acuta and latest in Sida alnifolia. Maximum seed rain and seed production potential was exhibited by Sida acuta. The fruits and seeds were biggest in Sida cordifolia. Physical characterization of dormancy by analysis of seed coat thickness and embryo size of three species revealed that hard thick seed coat comprising endoderm, mesoderm, periderm and presence of thick corrugated impermeable cuticle was a major limiting factor restricting the exchange of water and gases. Acid scarification brought out reduction in all layers of the seed coat with maximum reduction in cuticle thickness. Upon storage, the total thickness of the seed coat and individual layers was slightly reduced but embryo area, perimeter and cuticle thickness increased slightly. The physiological conditions tried such as exposure of seeds to different temperatures, light and dark and exposure to stress by hydration and dehydration failed to promote germination in fresh seeds. Irrespective of the species, seeds whether fresh or stored, also failed to germinate without pre-treatment. Germination studies under field conditions indicated that seeds exposed to natural weathering showed a spontaneous response on receipt of rain and the germination was completed in ten days with highest germination (74.50 per cent) in Sida acuta followed by Sida alnifolia (67.50 per cent) and least in Sida cordifolia (42.50 per cent). Biochemical analysis of seeds revealed that species differed in the content of total extractives, total phenol and total alkaloid and Sida acuta recorded higher contents of total extractives and total alkaloid whereas total phenol content was higher in Sida alnifolia. Analysis of the seed leachates indicated species difference in the content of minerals and electrical conductivity. Sida acuta recorded the highest potassium and EC values. Among the eighteen pre-treatments tried for improving germination, chemical scarification using Conc. H2SO4 was significantly superior and recorded higher germination per cent and speed of germination. Untreated seeds failed to germinate. Scarification of seeds with Conc. H2SO4 for higher duration of 30 minutes was selected as the best treatment considering improvement in water imbibition, germination per cent, speed of germination, growth and vigour of seedling and significant reduction in the intensity of dormancy. Storage studies revealed that upon storage, germination, vigour of seedling and reduction in dormancy factors were at a positive side compared to fresh seeds. Storage of seeds under cooler atmosphere either refrigerator or freezer was found to improve the water imbibition, content of minerals, germination and vigour of seedling compared to ambient storage. The present investigations could thus establish that seeds of Sida species exhibit coat imposed dormancy and require two months of after ripening period, posing problems in germination. Pre-treatment of seeds with Conc. H2SO4 for 30 minutes is suggested to bring down dormancy and improve germination and vigour of seedlings. Exposing the seeds to natural weathering is a simple way of improving germination. The seeds can be effectively stored under cooler conditions in refrigerator / freezer for one year or longer which also lowered dormancy and improved germination and vigour of seedlings.ThesisItem Open Access Integrated nutrient management for heliconia (Heliconia angusta cv. Christmas Red)(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2014) Aryamba, T G; KAU; Sheela, V LThe present investigation on “Integrated nutrient management for heliconia” was carried out in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2013-2014. Objective of the study was to standardize an integrated nutrient management schedule for heliconia for optimum flower yield and quality. The variety used for the present study was Heliconia angusta cv. Christmas Red. The treatments consisted of different combinations of heliconia mix, vermicompost, neem cake and PGPR mix-I with the basal application of FYM, bone meal and biofertilizers. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design consisting of nine treatments and four replications. The treatment T3 (Heliconia mix 2.5g +Vermicompost 200g + Neem cake100g) was found to be significantly superior in morphological characters (plant height, plant spread, number of leaves per plant, number of shoots, flower canopy height, leaf area, leaf area ratio and leaf area index), flower characters (length of inflorescence, length of spike, length of petiole, number of flower bracts, size of bract, flowers per bract, length of inflorescence stalk , vase life of inflorescence), leaf nitrogen content and soil available P (after the experiment). The lowest number of days taken for flowering was recorded in T6 (Vermicompost 400g + Neem cake 150g). The highest number of flowering shootsper year and the minimum number of days taken to first and fifty percent flowering was registered by T2 (Heliconia mix 2.5g + Vermicompost 150g+Neem cake 75g). The life of flower was observed to be highest for the treatment T8 (PGPR Mix-I + Vermicompost 150g + Neem cake 75g). The visual appeal of flowers were assessed based on four characters, among which T3 (Heliconia mix 2.5g + Vermicompost 200g + Neem cake100g) recorded highest value for colour development and bract arrangement and T8 (PGPR Mix-I + Vermicompost 150g + Neem cake 75g) recorded highest value for glossiness and general appearance of flower. The leaf P content was highest in T6 (Vermicompost 400g + Neem cake 150g) whereas T1 (Heliconia mix 2.5g + Vermicompost 100g + Neem cake50g) recorded the highest content of potassium and soil available organic carbon. The highest amount of soil available potassium before the experiment was recorded by T2 and after the experiment T9 registered the highest value. Highest benefit cost ratio was recorded in T3 (Heliconia mix 2.5g + Vermicompost 200g+Neem cake100g). The study revealed T3 (Heliconia mix 2.5g + Vermicompost 200g + Neem cake100g) as the best treatment in terms of growth characters, flowering characters and vase life studies followed by T8 (PGPR Mix-I + Vermicompost 150g + Neem cake 75g). Cultivars of heliconia differ greatly in size of plants as well as size of inflorescences. Heliconia angusta cv. Christmas Red used in this study was comparatively small sized cultivar. Further nutrient trials with large sized cultivars like Bihai and Carribea can be taken up considering the results obtained in the present study as a guideline.ThesisItem Open Access Process standardisation and varietal screening for osmodehydration in mango (Mangifera indica L)(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2014) Reshma, Ramakrishnan; KAU; Sheela, K BThe study on “Process standardisation and varietal screening for osmodehydration in mango (Mangifera indica.L)” was undertaken at the Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2011-13. The main objectives were to standardise the process variables for osmodehydration in mango and to evaluate varietal suitability and storage stability of the product. The temperature and concentration of osmotic solution, duration of immersion and fruit to solution ratio for osmodehydration in mango were standardised. Local mango variety „Muvandan‟ was selected for the process standardisation. Sugar was used as the osmotic agent. The temperatures of the osmotic solution tried were ambient, 20°C, 30°C and 40°C. Concentration of sugar solution and duration of immersion were 50°Brix and 6 hours respectively. The highest values for dry weight (56.83 g), weight loss (17.38%), water loss (24.97%), solid gain (7.59%) and TSS (40.6°Brix) were recorded when osmodehydration was carried out at 40°C. Highest scores for sensory attributes were also recorded for this treatment. The effect of four concentrations of sugar solution (40, 50, 60 and 70◦Brix) and five durations of immersion (4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 hours) on mass transfer and sensory attributes were studied. T20 (immersion in 70°Brix sugar solution for12 hours) registered highest values for weight loss (17.84%), water loss (28.56%), solid gain (10.72%), TSS (68.5°Brix) and sensory attributes. The fruit to solution ratio was standardised by comparing different ratios of fruit sample and osmotic solution. Fruit to solution ratio of 1:2 was found to be the most ideal for osmodehydration with highest dry weight (64.97g), weight loss (19.91%), water loss (31.02%) and solid gain per cent (11.11%). The maximum TSS (63.1°Brix) was also recorded for this treatment. Increase in fruit to solution ratio beyond this level resulted in decrease in dry weight, weight loss, solid gain per cent and TSS. Maximum scores for all of the sensory attributes was recorded in 1:2 fruit to solution ratio. Eight varieties of mango viz. Priyur, Muvandan, Neelum, Bangalora, Bennet Alphonso, Ratna, Banganapalli and Vellaikolumban were evaluated for their feasibility for osmodehydration. Osmodehydrated mango was prepared by the method standardised in the first experiment. Among the varieties of mango evaluated, Ratna was found to be the most suitable for osmodehydration. Highest values for TSS (73.4°Brix), β-carotene (5463 μg/100g) and sensory attributes were recorded for the osmodehydrated product prepared from this variety. The effect of different packaging materials (200 gauge polyethylene cover, metalized polyester cover, PE aluminium foil laminated cover and rigid plastic container) and methods of packaging (vacuum packaging in PE cover, nitrogen flushing in PE cover) on biochemical constituents, sensory attributes and microbial count during storage was studied. Significant variation was not observed in chemical constituents during storage. Highest values for all biochemical constituents except β-carotene was observed in samples packaged in PE aluminium foil laminated cover. Vacuum packaged samples and aluminium foil laminated packed samples recorded the lowest microbial load. Highest population of microorganisms was recorded in 200 gauge polyethylene cover throughout the period of storage. The mean ranks for appearance, colour, taste, odour and overallThesisItem Open Access Postharvest management studies in pineapple (Ananas comosus L) Merr.)(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2014) Reshma, K M; KAU; Meagle, Joseph P (Guide)The investigation on ‘Postharvest management studies in pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.)” was carried out at the Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala during 2011- 2013. The physiological and biochemical changes during storage of pineapple fruits harvested with and without peduncle at four stages of maturity were recorded. The maturity stages were mature green, 0-25% eye colour yellow, 25-50% eye colour yellow, 50-100% eye colour yellow. When the fruits were harvested at green mature stage, the physiological loss in weight (PLW) was highest. Maximum shelf life (13 days) and least incidence of spoilage were observed when fruits were harvested with peduncle and 25 % of eyes changed the colour to yellow. Hence it was used for storage studies. However, better biochemical characters were recorded in fruits harvested when more than 50 % eyes changed its colour to yellow. There was an increasing trend for TSS during storage of fruits at all maturity stages, where as acidity was found to decrease. Different storage methods like heaping and covering with silpaulin (150 GSM), stacking fruits vertically with crown downwards, stacking fruits vertically with crown upwards and storing in paper cartons were carried out and the fruits stacked vertically with crown down was found to have longest shelf life (13 days), highest TSS (18.17°brix), sugar (12.44%) and good sensory quality. The crown provided a cushioning effect to the fruits and prevented bruising and damage thereby contributing to the quality. The effect of different postharvest treatments on enhancing the shelf life and reducing microbial load on pineapple fruits was studied. Among the different treatments, hot water dip treatment was found to be effective in reducing PLW. The hot water dip treatment was also effective in reducing the total microbial load in the fruit compared to all other treatments followed by alum treatment. The maximum shelf life (14.5 days) was recorded for fruits treated with hot water and minimum shelf life (13 days) was observed when fruits were not given any treatments. Hot water dipped fruits were stored at different temperatures viz.,8±2°C, 14±2° C, 20±2° C, 26±2° C and ambient condition and were evaluated for physical, biochemical and sensory characters. The fruits stored at 8±2°C were having highestThesisItem Open Access Agrotechniques for including plagiotrops in black pepper (piper nigrum L)(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2014) Ramnarace, Sukhna; KAU; Sujatha, V SThe investigations on “Agrotechniques for inducing plagiotrops in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)” were conducted under three experiments at the pepper research unit attached to the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University Main Campus, Vellanikkara during 2012-2014. The first experiment was carried out with an objective to elucidate the effects of treatments T1 - IBA 1000 ppm, T2 - cow dung slurry, T3 - tender coconut water, T4 - two per cent sugar and T5 - charcoal paste in enhancing sprouting and root characters in two to three node semi hard wood orthotropic and runner shoots. The effect of different treatments on sprouting was varying in different months. The minimum time recorded from planting to initiation of sprouting in orthotrops and runners was 17 days. Maximum sprouting was observed on 21 and 28 days after planting in runners and orthotrops respectively. There was no significant difference among the treatments with respect to the length of primary roots, number of secondary roots/ plant, weight of roots (g), volume of roots (ml) and number of leaves/ plant in runners and orthotrops. The second experiment was aimed at evaluating rooted orthotrops and runners in the field. Three months old rooted orthotrops and runners planted in the field showed that the height at which first lateral was produced was much lowered in orthotrops than runners. However plant spread was better in runners. The third experiment was conducted to study the influence of pruning, tipping and lowering on the growth of black pepper. Pruning carried out six months after planting showed that unpruned plants produced more number of orthotropic shoots in both Panniyur 1 and 2. Pruning at ten months after planting did not have significant effect on the number of orthotropic shoots produced both in Panniyur 1 and Panniyur 2. When pruning was done six months and ten months after planting, the height at which first lateral was produced was much lower in pruned plants compared to the unpruned plants. Tipping immediately after planting had a negative effect on the number of orthotropic shoot produced and plant spread. However, the height at which first lateral was produced was lower in tipped plants compared to the untipped plants but the difference was not significant. When tipping was carried out three months after planting there was significant lowering of height at production of first lateral but plant spread was more in untipped plants. Lowering had significant positive effect on number of orthotropic shoots produced and plant spread in both Panniyur 1 and Panniyur 2.