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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 Collection and evaluation of marigold (Tagetes spp.) genotypes for humid tropics(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Shajma Nafeesa, Basheer; KAU; Sabina George, TThe present study entitled ‘Collection and evaluation of marigold (Tagetes spp.) genotypes for humid tropics was conducted in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2012-2015, with an objective to collect and evaluate the genotypes of Tagetes spp. for growth, yield of fresh flowers and floral attributes in two planting seasons, ie, October and May planting and to select promising genotypes for loose flower production and for landscaping. The experimental material consisted of twenty five genotypes of Tagetes erecta and five genoytpes of Tagetes patula. These were evaluated in the field in a randomized block design with three replications. Significant differences were observed among the genotypes for plant growth characters, foliage characters, flowering and yield characters and flower characters in both planting seasons. In both October and May plantings, TEG 5 and TEG 6 maintained greater plant height and the lowest plant height were found to be in TPG 17 and TPG 18. The maximum plant spread was recorded in TEG 5 in October planting and in TPG 21 in May planting. The highest number of primary branches per plant was recorded in TEG 6 followed by TEG 5 in October planting and in TEG 16 followed by TEG 5 and TEG 8 in May planting. The highest number of secondary branches was recorded by TEG 14 in October planting and by TPG 21 in May planting. Among flowering and yield characters, in October planting, the lowest number of days to flowering was recorded in Tagetes patula genotypes, TPG 19, TPG 18 and TPG 21 (33.33 days) and the lowest number of days to flower opening in TPG 21 and TPG 17 (45.33 days). In May planting, the Tagetes erecta genotype TEG 11 recorded the lowest number of days to flower initiation (49.00) and flower opening (68.33). TEG 29 recorded the longest flowering duration in both October and May planting. The maximum number of flowers per plant and flower yield per plant was observed in TEG 16 in October planting. In May planting, TPG 18 followed by TEG 16 recorded the maximum number of flowers. The genotype TEG 16 also recorded the highest flower yield per plant in May planting and the highest number of viable seeds per plant in both the seasons. TEG 11 recorded higher values for fresh weight of flower in both the seasons of investigation. In October planting and May planting, the highest value for petal meal per kg of fresh flowers was recorded in TEG 29 and the maximum petal meal per ha was recorded in TEG 5 in October planting and in TEG 29 in May planting. The highest total carotenoid content was recorded by TEG 3 followed by TEG 2 in both the seasons. Among the flower characters, TEG 5 the highest number of ligulate floret whorls and TEG 11 recorded the highest value for length of floret, flower diameter, girth of floral receptacle in both the seasons. Significantly higher flower stalk length was observed for TEG 3 and the longest vase life was recorded by TEG 7 in both the seasons of investigation. Genetic variability studies showed that genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was higher than phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) for all the characters. High GCV and PCV and high heritability was observed for all the characters studied. Correlation studies revealed a highly significant positive correlation of flower yield with number of flowers per plant, plant spread, fresh weight of flowers, length of floret, crop duration and number of secondary branches per plant. Path analysis studies showed that fresh weight of flowers had the highest direct positive effect on flower yield per plant followed by number of flowers per plant and plant height. Cluster analysis based on D2 values divided the thirty genotypes of marigold into six clusters with Cluster V recording the maximum number of genotypes and Cluster I, the minimum number of genotypes.Seasonal evaluation of the genotypes showed that May planting was found to be better than October planting in terms of plant growth characters, flower yield and flower characteristics. Earlier initiation of flowering was however observed in October planting in all the genotypes. The present study revealed that, the Tagetes erecta genotypes TEG 5, TEG 29, TEG 25, TEG 30, TEG 22, TEG 11 and TEG 7 may be suitable for commercial loose flower production. The genotype TEG 16 with semiupright habit may be suited for plant compactness and flower production. The genotypes TEG 3 and TEG 2, with higher carotenoid content may be suitable for pigment extraction. The Tagetes patula genotypes, TPG 21 and TPG 18 with dwarf spreading plant habit and the Tagetes erecta genotype TEG 11 with semiupright plant habit may be suitable as flowering ground covers in landscaping. The wide range of genetic variability available in marigold genotypes can be utilized for further crop improvement programmes through direct selection and hybridization.ThesisItem Open Access Quality evaluation of KAU red rice (oryza sativa L.) varieties(Department of community science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Revathy, G Nadh; KAU; Aneena, E RThe present study entitled " Quality evaluation of KAU red rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties was conducted with the objective to assess the effect of parboiling on the physical, biochemical, nutritional, cooking and organoleptic qualities of KAU red rice varieties. The study also aimed to assess the suitability of these rice varieties for the preparation of selected traditional food products. Milling per cent among raw red rice varieties varied from 62.76 per cent (Aathira) to 76 (Ezhome-4) per cent and in parboiled samples ranged from 67.66 per cent (Aiswarya) to 77.33 (Ezhome-4) per cent. The highest milling per cent was observed in Ezhome-4 both raw and parboiled samples. An increase in milling per cent was observed in all the varieties after parboiling. Among red rice varieties head rice recovery ranged from 49.32 per cent (Aiswarya) to 59.15 per cent (Ezhome-4) per cent in raw samples. In parboiled samples the highest head rice recovery was observed in Ezhome-4 (62.86%) and the lowest was in control variety Jyothi (53.66%). There was no significant variation among red rice varieties in thousand grain weight and were comparable with Jyothi. In parboiled samples an increase in thousand grain weight was observed. Among raw red rice varieties volume weight ranged from 13.87mm3 (Aathira) to 11.84mm3 (Aiswarya). The highest volume weight in parboiled samples was observed in Aathira (14.17mm3) and the lowest was in Samyuktha (11.93mm3). Among red rice varieties the highest L/B ratio 3.24 and 2.98 was observed in control variety Jyothi both raw and parboiled samples. All the selected varieties were of lower grain length than control variety Jyothi. All varieties showed an increase in major physical quality parameters after parboiling. In raw red rice varieties the highest bulk density of 0.72g/ml was observed in varieties Aathira and Ezhome-4. In the case of parboiled samples highest bulk density was observed in Kanchana (0.66g/ml). Water absorption index in raw red rice flour was found to be highest in Aiswarya (25.61) and the lowest was in Samyuktha (22.46). In parboiled rice flour the highest water absorption index was observed in Aathira (23.71) and the lowest was in Ezhome-4 (22.04). In raw red rice flours, water solubility index in the range of 0.45 (Aathira) to 0.57(Ezhome-4). The highest water solubility index of 0.61 was observed in Ezhome-4 in parboiled samples and the lowest was in control variety Jyothi (0.54). The highest syneresis per cent was observed in Samyuktha after 12th day of study in both raw and parboiled samples. In raw samples Samyuktha showed a low gelatinisation temperature index. Varieties Ezhome-4, Aathira, Jyothi, Kanchana and Aiswarya showed intermediate gelatinisation temperature index. In parboiled samples, all six varieties shown intermediate gelatinization temperature as the grains were swollen and collar incomplete and narrow. The cooking time taken by the rice varieties varied from 20.33 minutes (Samyuktha) to 27 minutes (Ezhome-4) in raw samples. In parboiled varieties, cooking time increased which varied from 28.33 minutes (Samyuktha) to 37.66 minutes (Aiswarya). In raw red rice varieties water uptake was in the range of 8.71ml (Ezhome-4) to 7.39ml (Samyuktha). In parboiled samples an increase in water uptake was observed with the highest in Ezhome-4 (12.80ml) variety and lowest in Samyuktha (8.83ml) variety. Volume expansion in raw samples ranged from 5.43 (Ezhome-4) to 4.38 (Aiswarya). In parboiled samples it was ranged from 5.70 (Jyothi) to 4.77 (Samyuktha). The highest amylose content of 24.90 per cent was observed in Aathira and the lowest was in Samyuktha (23.23%) in raw red rice varieties. Among parboiled rice varieties highest amylose content was observed in Ezhome-4 (24.54%) and the lowest was in Samyuktha (23.03%). Gel length of different raw samples ranged from 62.21mm (Kanchana) to 55.76mm (Ezhome-4). In parboiled samples it was ranged from 51.33mm (Aiswarya) to 24.66mm in control variety Jyothi. In raw samples grain elongation ratio was varied from1.47 (Samyuktha) to 1.79 (Aiswarya). No significant variation in grain elongation ratio was observed. A decrease in grain elongation ratio was observed in parboiled samples with the highest in Kanchana (1.61) and the lowest in Samyuktha (1.43). The highest moisture content in raw rice was observed in Aiswarya (12.5%) and the lowest was in Jyothi (10.5%). The highest moisture content in parboiled samples was observed in Aiswarya (11.56%) rice variety and the lowest was in control variety Jyothi (9.70%). In raw samples starch content was varied from 70.50g/100(Aiswarya) to 65.83 (Jyothi). In parboiled samples it was ranged from 67.43g/100g (Ezhome-4) to 62.40g/100g (Kanchana). Among raw red rice varieties highest protein was observed in Ezhome-4 (5.50g/100g) and the lowest was in Samyuktha (4.70g/100g). The highest protein content in parboiled samples was noticed in Samyuktha (3.75g/100g) rice variety and the lowest was in control variety Jyothi (3.12g/100g). The fat content of different raw samples was in the range of 0.24/100g (Samyuktha) to 0.35g/100g (Aathira). Among parboiled samples the highest fat content was observed in Aathira rice variety (0.48g/100g) and the lowest was in Samyuktha (0.31g/100g). In raw samples highest fibre content of 0.31g/100g was noticed in Ezhome-4 and Samyuktha. The control variety Jyothi obtained lowest fibre content in both raw and parboiled samples. The highest thiamine content in raw rice varieties was reported in Aiswarya (0.08mg/100g) and the lowest of 0.06 was recorded in control variety Jyothi and Samyuktha (0.060mg/100g). In parboiled samples the highest thiamine content was observed in control variety Jyothi (0.087mg) and the lowest was in Samyuktha (0.070mg/100g). The calcium content of raw rice varieties was determined and found that the highest calcium content was observed in Kanchana (5.76mg/100g) and the lowest was in Aiswarya (4.90mg/100g). The highest calcium content in parboiled samples was reported in Kanchana (6.06mg/100g) and the lowest was in Ezhome-4 (5.50mg/100g). Among raw red rice varieties the highest zinc content was observed in Aathira (1.32mg/100g) and Kanchana (1.32mg/100g) and the lowest was in control variety Jyothi (1.09mg/100g). In parboiled rice varieties, the highest zinc content was noticed in Samyuktha (1.35mg/100g) and the lowest was in Jyothi (1.25mg/100g). In both raw and parboiled samples highest iron content of 0.61mg/100g and 0.65mg/100g was observed in control variety Jyothi and the lowest of 0.39mg/100g and 0.43mg/100 was observed in Kanchana rice variety. The phosphorus content of raw red rice varieties was estimated and found that the highest value was observed in Aiswarya (131.96mg/100g) and the lowest was in Aathira (127.60mg/100g). In parboiled samples the highest was reported in Aiswarya (132.60mg/100g) and the lowest of 129.93 was observed in Aathira variety. The highest in vitro digestibility in raw rice varieties was observed in Aathira (79.06%) and the lowest was in Ezhome-4 (72.46%). The highest starch digestibility in parboiled samples was noticed in Aathira (76.16%) and the lowest was in Ezhome-4 (70.06%). The bran oil content of rice varieties was assessed and found that among raw red rice varieties the highest oil content was noticed in Samyuktha (2.10g) and the lowest was in control variety Jyothi (1.26g). In parboiled samples the highest oil content was observed in Aathira (2.16g) and the lowest was in Aiswarya (1.86g) and control variety Jyothi (1.86g). From organoleptic evaluation of products it was found that all the selected varieties were suitable for table rice. Rice variety Kanchana was found to be the most suitable variety for the preparation of idli. For the preparation of idiyappam Ezhome-4 was found to be the most suitable variety. From the present study it was found that quality attributes of selected red rice varieties were comparable with control variety Jyothi. All the varieties showed an increase in physical quality parameters after parboiling. All the selected red rice varieties are suitable for the preparation of traditional food products. The information on grain quality characteristics can be utilised to popularise these red rice varieties specifying the product suitability.ThesisItem Open Access Standardisation of nursery management practices in pachotti (symplocos cochinchinensis (lour.) s. moore)(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Ajil, M S; KAU; Deepa, S NairThe study entitled “Standardisation of nursery management practices in pachotti (Symplocos cochinchinennsis (Lour.) S. Moore)” was carried out in the Department of Plantation Crops and spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani durng 2017-18. The objective of the study was to evaluate the propagation efficiency of different propagules viz., seeds, stem cuttings and root cuttings and to standardise the potting media for the nursery plants of pachotti. The propagules viz., seeds, stem cuttings and root cuttings for the study were sourced form Jawaharlal Nehru tropical Botanical Gardens and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram and from Wayanad district. The seeds were subjected to in vivo and in vitro germination studies. In in vivo study, among the pretreatments tried, viz., physical treatments, chemical priming and bio priming, only physical treatment of scarification (with sand paper) responded with a very low germination of 2 per cent. The germination commenced after two months of the treatment. Other in vivo pretreatments as well as in vitro treatments did not give any germination. In vegetative propagation, stem cuttings were exposed dto hormone/chemicals (auxins, phloroglucinol and salicylic acid (SA) pretreatments for two hours before planting. When pretreated with SA @ 10 and 20 mg L -1, at three months after planting, the hardwood cuttings responded with 30 pere cent survival, whith a shoot length of 2.99 mcm and 3.62cm, respectively. The semihardwood cuttings pretreated with SA@ 20 mg L-1 responded with 23.33 per cent survival with a higher shoot length of 3.72 cm. Both the hardwood and semi hardwood cuttings pretreated with SA 20 mgL-1 had on par values with respect to shoot length. Root cuttings were pretreated with different concentrations of various types of auxins. Root cuttings pretreated with IAA @ 250 mg L -1, after three months of planting responded with 33.33 per cent survival with a shoot length of 5.73 cm. Though root cuttings had slightly higher survival percent and shoot length, hardwood cuttings were selected for the valuation of potting media due to better availability and ease in procurement. The three month old hardwood cuttings pretreated with SA @ mgL-1 were then transplanted to ten different potting media comprising of two basal media viz., soil:coipith compost :cowdung (1:1:1) (B1) and soil : soirpith compost : vermicompost (1:1:1) (B2), and each in combination with biofertilisers @ 5g plant -1 viz., PGPR (Plant Growth Promotng Rhizobacteria) Mix I, Azospirillum, PSB (Phosphorus Solubilising Bacteria ) and AMF (Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi). At fourth month after transplanting, B2 in combination with biofertilisers were found to be significantly superior to B2, B1 and B1 in combination with biofertilisers with respect to morphological parameters. B2 +PGPR Mix I recorded highest shoot length (11.50 cm) and number of leaves (10.50) which was on par with B2+Azospirillum, B2+PSB and B2+AMF; the highest number of branches (1.92) was observed in B2+ Azospiriillum which was on par with the treatments , B2+ PGPR Mix I, B2+PSB and B2+AMF. The fresh and dry weight of shoots were the highest (21.35 g and 4.78 g respectively) in B2 +PGPR Mix I which was on par with B2+ AMF. B2+ AMF recorded highest values (4.77 cm, 0.30 mm, 3.28 g and 0.0092 g, respectively) with respect to root growth parameters viz., root length, root girth , fresh and dry weight of roots. The physiological parameters, leaf area index (1.36) and leaf area duration (34.63 days) were the highest in B2+ PGPR Mix I which was on par with B2 in combination with other biofertilisers. The phytochemical analysis indicated that carbohydrate content (80.9 mg g-1) of plant tissue was the highest in B2+PGPR Mix 1, which was on par with B2+PSB, B2+Azospirrillum and B2+AMF. Chlorophyll content was found to the highest (1.20 mg g-1) in B2+ Azospirillum which was on par with B2+PGPR Mix I. The same treatment recorded the highest soluble protein content (20.31mg g-1) and it was on par with B2 in combination other biofertilisers. The nutrient analysis of plant tissue showed that nitrogen (2.22 percent ) and potassium (2.15 per cent ) content was significantly higher in B2+ Azospirillum. B2+PSB Recorded higher phosphorus content (0.26 per cent) among the treatments. The study indicated that nursery plants in the potting media B2 in combination with biofertilizers gave better performance with respect to morphological parmeters, physiological parameters, phytochemicals and plant nutrients. Among the various potting media tried, B2+AMF recorded significantly higher plant growth potential (0.522) followed by B2 + PGPR Mix I (0.428). In the study, hardwood cuttings were identified as the preferred planting material for the nursery establishment of pachotti. The cuttings could be treated with salicylic acid @ 20 mg L-1 for initial establishment of nursery plants. The preferred potting media for transplanting the established cuttings for raising the nursery plants of pachotti is Soil : Coirpith compost : Vermicompost (1:1:1) +AMF (5g/plant).ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of garlic (Allium sativum L.) genotypes in the high ranges of Idukki district of Kerala(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Shibana, S N; KAU; Jalaja, S MenonGarlic (Allium sativum L.), an important foreign exchange earner, is used as a spice or condiment throughout the country. India ranks second in area and production of garlic in the world. In Kerala, garlic cultivation is confined to Devikulam block of Idukki district and it is cultivated commercially in Kanthalloor and Vattavada panchayats. Singapore, Mettupalayam and Malapoondu are the major local cultivars prevalent in this area. Information on the performance of improved garlic varieties in the high range of Kerala is lacking. Hence, the present study was undertaken with an objective to evaluate the performance of various garlic genotypes for yield and quality in the Kanthalloor panchayat of Idukki district. The experiment was conducted in farmers’ fields of Kanthalloor panchayat during first crop season from May-September 2017. Nine released varieties like Yamuna Safed, Yamuna Safed-2, Yamuna Safed-3, Yamuna Safed-8, Yamuna Safed- 9, Bhima Omkar, Bhima Purple, AAS-2, Ooty-1 and one local cultivar were evaluated for biometric characters and biochemical parameters. In all genotypes, stem colour was yellowish green. Anthocyanin pigmentation at the base of pseudostem was noticed in all genotypes except Yamuna Safed-9, Bhima Omkar and local cultivar. The local cultivar was early in germination (8 days) and also recorded a higher value of Visual Index of Dormancy (80.89%). The field survival per cent at two months after planting was high in Yamuna Safed-9 (97%), Yamuna Safed- 3 (96%) and AAS-2 (96%). At two months after planting, local cultivar recorded highest plant height, leaf width and neck thickness, whereas number of leaves per plant was highest in AAS-2. At the time of harvest Yamuna Safed-3 recorded highest plant height, number of leaves per plant and neck thickness but the leaf width was high in local cultivar. The genotypes AAS-2 and local cultivar had shortest duration of 95 days. White coloured bulbs were observed in Yamuna Safed, Yamuna Safed-8 and Bhima Omkar. In all genotypes bulbs were oval in shape in longitudinal section. The skin colour of clove was cream in general, but it was purple in Yamuna Safed-9 and Bhima Purple and pink in AAS-2. Invariably the clove flesh colour was yellow in all genotypes evaluated. Single clove bulbs were observed in genotypes Yamuna Safed-8, Yamuna Safed-2 and Yamuna Safed (79.16%, 25.17% and 22.26% respectively) which indicate that these genotypes were poor in clove differentiation in the agro ecological situations of Kanthalloor during first crop season. The genotypes local cultivar and Yamuna Safed-3 recorded a high fresh bulb weight (15.66g and 15.31g respectively). The variety AAS-2 recorded highest number of cloves per bulb (16). The number of cloves per bulb in Yamuna Safed-3 (14.47) was on par with AAS-2. The variety Yamuna Safed-3 recorded highest estimated yield per hectare (5.96t) followed by local cultivar and Ooty-1 (4.48t and 4.47t respectively). Fresh bulb weight showed highly significant positive correlation with leaf width, plant girth, plant height, leaf length, equatorial diameter, polar diameter and clove length. The genotypes were grouped into five non-overlapping clusters based on yield and yield attributing characters. The genotypes Yamuna Safed-3 and local cultivar, the high yielders fall in cluster 2 and it has the least distance to cluster 5 which includes Ooty-1. But considering the important yield and quality aspects in trade i.e. yield, fresh bulb weight, clove weight, essential oil content and pungency the local cultivar was found to be the promising genotype over Yamuna Safed-3. But when the genotypes were ranked considering the important yield and quality aspects in trade, the local cultivar was found to be the promising genotype over Yamuna Safed-3.ThesisItem Open Access Survey, characterization and evaluation of clove (Syzigium aromaticum (L) Merr. and Perry) accessions(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Avinash, M; KAU; Sreekala, G SThe present study entitled “Survey, characterization and evaluation of clove (Syzigium aromaticum (L) Merr. & Perry) accessions” was taken up with the specific objective to characterize and evaluate clove accessions based on morphological and biochemical parameters. The Survey was carried out in the major clove growing plantations of Trivandrum, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts of Kerala and Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, as these districts harboured the major clove population. Twenty varied accessions were tagged as BRC-1, BRC-2, BRC-3, BRC-4, MRC- 5, MRC-6, MRC-7, MRC-8, AMC-9, AMC-10, AMC-11, AMC-12, AMC-13, MMC-14, MMC-15, BLC-16, BLC-17, BLC-18, MGC-19 and ANC-20 based on the name of the estates/location from where the trees were identified. Twenty one qualitative and thirty four quantitative characters were recorded. Qualitative characters included tree, leaf, bud, flower, fruit and seed characters. Considerable variation was noticed among the accessions for the qualitative characters namely canopy shape, branching pattern, colour of young leaf, colour of mature leaf, leaf lamina shape, leaf apex shape, bud forming season, bud clustering habit, bud size, colour of hypanthium, petal colour, sepal colour, colour of stigma, fruit shape and seed shape. Few characters like leaf arrangement, position of flower, colour of peduncle, mature fruit colour, ripe fruit colour and seed colour were non variable characters among the accessions evaluated. Bivariate analysis of major qualitative characters revealed major association between canopy shape and branching pattern; colour of young leaf and petal colour, sepal colour and colour of stigma; colour of mature leaf and bud size; and fruit shape and seed shape. The multivariate qualitative clustering using UPGMA method resulted in 13 clusters, at default 80% similarity. Quantitative characterisation of bud, flower, fruit, seed and quality parameters summarised based on the descriptive statistics revealed wider range of variability in number of inflorescence per m2 and single bud weight fresh and dry. The quality parameters assessed among the accessions revealed eugenol as the main constituent with a content range of 54.29 to 70.77%. GC MS analysis of the bud oils of the elite clove accessions exhibited 25 constituents, the major being p-eugenol, eugenyl acetate, β-caryophyllene, β-cubebene and α-humulene. The principal component analysis undertaken reduced the thirty two quantitative characteristics to two principal components accounting for 88.8% of total variation. Stem girth at 45 cm height, and single bud weight, fresh and dry; displayed high correlation with the first axis while number of inflorescence per m2 highly influenced the second axis indicating that these characters have an important role in clustering of clove accessions. A score plot generated based on the first two principal components using Minitab version 18 identified fourteen clusters. The parallelism between qualitative and quantitative clusters resulted in intuitive perceived quantitative characterisation, which tells the extent to which one can conceive the quantitative characters of clove based on easily identifiable qualitative characters. The linkage of characters analysed based on the biplot of component loadings revealed strong positive association between all the quantitative characters measured except girth at 45 cm height, number of branches, number of inflorescence per m2, single bud weight (fresh), single bud weight (dry) and fresh bud yield per tree. A near zero correlation was observed between number of inflorescence per m2 and single bud weight (fresh) and single bud weight (dry) as indicated by the perpendicular of the vectors. The results of the study indicated that by observing the qualitative characters and the minimum data set characters in the bearing season, one can optimally sort out the ideotype clove accessions. Identification of an ideotype using existing data revealed accessions BRC-1, MRC-5, MRC-6 and BRC-3 as ideotypes and thus can be suggested as elite accessions for further study and breeding work.ThesisItem Open Access Standardisation of grafting in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) and watermelon Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.)(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Akhila, A N; KAU; Sarah, T GeorgeThe present study entitled ‘Standardisation of grafting in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.))’ was undertaken with the objectives of identifying the best rootstocks for grafting bitter gourd and watermelon, comparison of two grafting methods namely, hole insertion grafting (HIG) and tongue approach grafting (TAG) and evaluation of various cucurbitaceous rootstocks on survival, growth and yield of bitter gourd and watermelon. Bitter gourd (var. Preethi) and watermelon (var. Sugar Baby) were used as the scion materials for standardisation of grafting. Six different rootstocks namely ash gourd, bottle gourd, smooth gourd, pumpkin, oriental pickling melon and self rootstocks were used in the study. Grafting experiments were laid out in completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications and 25 plants per replication. Field experiments were laid out in randomised block design (RBD) with three replications and three plants per replication. Based on days taken for germination and days to attain graftable size, sowing of rootstock and scion seeds were adjusted so that they attain grafting stage uniformly. Criteria for rootstock and scion to attain graftable size was based on hypocotyl thickness of stock and scion and its suitability for grafting operation. Pumpkin (9.99 days) and bottle gourd (10.43 days) took lesser number of days to attain graftable size due to larger diameter of hypocotyls (7.17 mm and 9.93 mm respectively). Even though OP melon took less number of days for germination, days taken to attain graftable size (17.57 days) was more due its slender hypocotyl (3.13 mm). To confirm the best stage of rootstocks for grafting, three age groups viz., 5-7, 10-12 and 15-17 days old rootstocks were used for grafting scions of age group 7-10 days. For ash gourd, smooth gourd and OP melon, optimum age group was from 10-12 days after germination while bottle gourd, pumpkin and bitter gourd had no significant difference in graft success among the age groups studied and all the age groups performed equally well. Grafting was not successful when watermelon was used as rootstock in all the three age groups. In terms of graft success, in HIG, for bitter gourd the best rootstock was smooth gourd (80.00 %) followed by pumpkin (77.00 %), bottle gourd (75.00 %), ash gourd (66.00 %), OP melon (56.00 %) and self rootstock (48.00 %) and for watermelon the best rootstock was bottle gourd (75.00 %) followed by smooth gourd (73.00 %), pumpkin (66.00 %), ash gourd (50.00 %) and OP melon (46.00 %). In TAG, graft success was not significant among the rootstocks in both bitter gourd and watermelon. On comparing the two grafting methods in terms of final graft success, HIG was superior to TAG. In bitter gourd and watermelon final graft success was 67.00 per cent and 62.00 per cent respectively for HIG while for TAG graft success was 15.17 per cent and 14.60 per cent respectively. Grafting done during the months of June, July and August gave higher graft success compared to May, September and October. Relative humidity had highly significant positive correlation with graft success while temperature had highly significant negative correlation. Anatomical studies of graft union revealed formation of necrotic layer in response to wound repair and proliferation of cells of rootstock and scion which is the stage prior to callus formation. Since the graft success and survival were very poor in tongue approach grafts, only hole insertion grafts were evaluated in the main field for studying the performance of various rootstocks. In bitter gourd, self rooted plants had highest survival rate (100.00 %) in the main field followed by plants grafted on smooth gourd (84.44 %) and bottle gourd (77.78 %). Plants grafted on bottle gourd showed earliness in terms of days to first male flower (28.45 days) and female flower (31.45 days) and days to first harvest (44.33 days) among the grafts and they were on par with self rooted control plants. Vine length, growth rate and number of primary branches were high in seedling plants and they were on par with plants grafted on smooth gourd. Plants grafted on ash gourd had fruit length of 21.03 cm which was on par with control plants. Among the grafts, highest fruit girth of 17.60 cm was noted in plants grafted on bottle gourd which was comparable to fruit girth of control plants (17.73 cm). Highest flesh thickness of 1.33 cm was noted in plants grafted on bottle gourd and self rooted control. Number of harvests per plant (10.67), crop duration (110.67 days) and total yield (3.30 kg) were higher in plants grafted on smooth gourd compared to self rooted control plants. In organoleptic evaluation, fruits obtained from plants grafted on bottle gourd was the most accepted one with a total score of 20.00, closely followed by fruits from grafts on pumpkin rootstock. Fruits were less bitter in grafts on bottle gourd and pumpkin compared to other grafts. In watermelon, survival rate was highest in plants grafted onto bottle gourd (79.99 %) followed by plants grafted on ash gourd (77.78 %) and smooth gourd (77.78 %). Least number of days to first female flower was noted in seedling plants (40.67) which was on par with plants grafted on ash gourd (42.33 days). Lower node to first female flower appearance was noted in control plants (21.00) followed by plants grafted on bottle gourd (22.97). The period of graft success did not coincide with the actual planting season of watermelon in Kerala and therefore the performance of grafts in the field was very poor. There was severe vine decline during reproductive stage of watermelon crop. Further research should focus on screening of rootstocks for pest and disease resistance, optimisation of graft healing conditions for year round production of grafted seedlings and optimisation of grafting time in watermelon such that it coincides with planting season in Kerala.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of growth retardants on growth and yield of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, 2017) Sunayana, S; KAU; Meera Manjusha, A VThe study entitled “Effect of growth retardants on growth and yield of African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)” was conducted at College of Agriculture, Padannakkad during 2015-2017 with the objective to assess the response of marigold in terms of growth, yield and carotenoid content as influenced by foliar application of growth retardants Alar and Cycocel. The experiment was laid out in split plot design during two seasons viz., monsoon and pre-monsoon. The data was subjected to statistical analysis to find out the effect of growth retardants on different parameters. The experimental material comprised of Pusa Narangi Gainda and Maxima Yellow F1 varieties of African marigold and their response to growth retardants was evaluated with treatments viz., C1 : Alar 500 ppm, C2 : Alar 1000 ppm, C3 : Alar 1500 ppm, C4 : Cycocel 1000 ppm, C5 : Cycocel 1500 ppm, C6 : Cycocel 2000 ppm and C7 : Water spray (control). The analysis of data regarding different plant characters revealed that the varieties and growth retardants resulted in significant differences with vegetative, floral and yield characters and pigment contents in flowers. Growth retardants significantly influenced plant height, plant spread, number of branches, internodal length, and stem girth, number of flowers, flower yield and carotenoid content. There was no significant difference noticed on days to first flowering, days to 50 % flowering, flower length, pedicel length, flower diameter and flower weight. The effects of growth retardants on leaf area, SCMR, total biomass, crop duration, flowering duration and post-harvest longevity varied with seasons. On comparing the two varieties during two seasons, Maxima Yellow F1 performed better for most of the growth and floral characters and recorded highest flower yield in monsoon season. From economic point of view, Maxima Yellow F1 can be recommended during monsoon season in Kerala to meet the high demand of flowers during Onam. Among the growth retardants, Cycocel 1000 ppm can be recommended for better growth, higher yield and carotenoid content in Pusa Narangi Gainda and Maxima Yellow F1 varieties of African marigold during monsoon season and pre-monsoon seasons.ThesisItem Open Access Post harvest evaluation and management of cherry Tomato[Solanum lycopersicum L.var.cerasiforme (Dunal) A.Gray] Genotypes(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture Vellanikkara, 2017) Rosemary, M Xavier; KAU; Sheela, K BThe present study entitled „Post harvest evaluation and management of cherry tomato [Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme (Dunal) A. Gray] genotypes‟ was undertaken with the objectives of evaluating quality attributes of cherry tomato under rain shelter and open field conditions, and to standardise the packaging and storage requirements. Eleven genotypes of cherry tomato raised inside rain shelter and in open field were evaluated for the quality attributes. The physico-morphological characters showed significant variation among the cherry tomato accessions inside rain shelter. The desirable attributes like high fruit length, diameter, fruit girth, rind thickness, fruit weight, and juice per cent were observed for SLc.11, under both growing conditions. Performance of most of the genotypes was superior inside the rain shelter as compared to open field condition. The highest content of TSS, reducing and total sugar, vitamin C, total carotenoids and lycopene was observed in SLc.2 grown inside rain shelter. TSS, sugars and vitamin C content was higher for most of the genotypes under open field condition. Total carotenoids and lycopene content was higher for most of the genotypes when raised inside rain shelter. Packaging and storage studies were conducted in fruits of two genotypes, SLc.10 (small fruited type) and SLc.11 (large fruited type) by subjecting to four methods of packaging viz. packing in micro ventilated polyethylene cover (200 gauge), polystyrene tray covered with cling film, polypropylene punnets and shrink wrapping in polystyrene tray. Each package was stored in ambient (28 -36°C), refrigerated (5 ± 2°C) and cold storage (12 ± 3°C) conditions. The shelf life of cherry tomato was longer under cold storage than ambient and refrigerated condition. The shelf life of cherry tomato was extended to 87 days for IIHR- 2871 and 71 days for Pusa Cherry Tomato -1 under cold storage. Fruits packed in polypropylene punnets had longer shelf life for both varieties under refrigeration and cold storage conditions. The physiological loss in weight (PLW %) was significantly higher and shelf life was lower in unwrapped fruits under the three different storage conditions. The highest content of TSS, vitamin C, and lycopene was observed at different storage periods under three different storage conditions, because of the difference in the rate of ripening in these conditions. A trend of decrease in TSS, Vitamin C and lycopene content was recorded for majority of the treatments after reaching a peak value. TSS, Vitamin C and lycopene content was comparatively higher for fruits packed in polypropylene punnets, shrink wrapped fruits in polystyrene tray and fruits in polystyrene tray overwrapped with cling film respectively under the three storage conditions. In both the varieties, titrable acidity decreased as the ripening progressed during the storage. Significant changes in the titrable acidity was found in ambient storage of fruits. Total, reducing and non reducing sugars increased after one week of storage in all the treatments in both the varieties. Microbial load of cherry tomato was analyzed by estimating the population of bacteria, yeast, and fungi. Microbial load was found to increase with the advancement of storage period. Less microbial contamination was observed for samples kept under refrigeration. Organoleptic evaluation of both varieties revealed that the mean scores for all the attributes showed an increasing trend in the initial phase of storage and declined towards the end of the storage, but still the fruits were acceptable for consumption under ambient and cold storage.ThesisItem Open Access Development of parthenocarpic Gynoecious hybrids in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) for protected cultivation(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Ajay Bhardwaj; KAU; Pradeepkumar, TParthenocarpy along with gynoecious sex expression is an asset for protected cultivation of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Cultivation of parthenocarpic gynoecious hybrids is gaining attention of the growers as it is a reliable and profitable venture. But still, the growers are left with the option of choosing from the private sector hybrids which costs very high (Rs. 4 to 7 per seed) or from very limited public sector hybrids which are yet to be tested at various places. Realizing the need and challenge, the present work ‘Development of parthenocarpic gynoecious hybrids in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) for protected cultivation’ was carried out at Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the period of 2012 - 2017 to develop the parthenocarpic gynoecious lines and then F 1 hybrids for protected cultivation at Kerala. For maintaining the germplasm, in vitro seed germination protocol of two parthenocarpic (CS 130 and CS 131), one gynoecious (EC 709119) and one monoecious (L-04) genotype was standardized. Maximum shoot initiation (100 %) from seedling excised cotyledonary leaf explants was obtained with the half strength MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l IAA and 2 mg/l BAP. Shoot initiation from stem nodal explants was achieved in A 2 (Full MS + 1.5 mg/l IAA + 2 mg/l BAP) media whereas half strength MS media without any hormones resulted in rooting. In vitro development of fertile male and female flowers was also noticed in all genotypes. Field evaluation of regenerated plants was also carried out and reduced expression of parthenocarpy was observed. Silver thiosulphate (STS) solution varying from 150 to 600 ppm concentrations was used for inducing male flowers in the gynoecious and parthenocarpic lines. The STS spray (twice) at 300 ppm was found best for early male flower induction and longer duration of male phase. Development of inbreds and evaluation of genetic variation helps to provide valuable information about improved and new sources of genes. Four inbreds were developed by selfing and following single seed descent method for up to I 5 generations. The four inbred lines (CS 130, CS 131, CS 132 and CS 133) exhibited variation in ranges for all the selected characters across generations. Parthenocarpic expression exhibited less variation in advanced generations. The I 4 and I 5 generation inbreds were evaluated under RBD with three replications for 12 quantitative and nine qualitative traits. Cucumber germplasm exhibited presence of significant differences among inbreds for majority of characters. On the basis of mean performance, the genotypes CS 133 was found superior for majority of the preferred quantitative and qualitative traits. High GCV and PCV estimates were observed for downy mildew PDI (%) in all the seasons, and parthenocarpy in pooled over seasons. High heritability with high genetic advance estimates were observed for downy mildew PDI (%) and yield per plant (kg) in I 4 generation, downy mildew PDI (%) in I 5 and pooled over generations. Based on the performance for quantitative and qualitative traits in both the generations, three genotypes were selected for the crossing programme. Gynoecious inbred (EC 709119) was also utilized for full diallel mating programme (4 × 4) including reciprocals for combining ability and heterosis studies. Evaluation of 12 hybrid combinations developed through full diallel mating design and their parents along with standard check ‘Hilton’ for 16 quantitative and 10 qualitative traits indicated presence of significant difference for GCA, SCA and reciprocal effects. Among the parental genotypes, CS 133 exhibited significantly high GCA effects for majority of the desirable traits followed by CS 130. The hybrids, CS 132 × CS 133 and CS 130 × CS 132 showed significant SCA effects for desirable traits viz., days to first harvest, fruits per plant, yield per plant (kg), downy mildew PDI (%) and parthenocarpy (%). CS 133 × CS 132, CS 130 × CS 132 and CS 132 × CS 133 were exhibiting significant standard heterosis estimates for majority of the desirable quantitative traits. CS 133 × CS 132 was the most promising hybrid based on SCA effects, heterosis and per se performance for desirable quantitative and qualitative traits (crispness/texture).