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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 Heterosis breeding in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.).(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Gayathri, G; KAU; Dijee, BastianThe study entitled ‘Heterosis breeding in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)’ was undertaken at the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. The objectives of the study were to collect and evaluate different genotypes of sesame for morphological traits and yield attributes, to identify useful parents producing heterotic crosses and developing hybrids in sesame. The study also intended to develop male sterile lines in sesame through interspecific hybridization with Sesamum malabaricum. Sesamum indicum and Sesamum malabaricum accessions were collected from Kerala and Tamil Nadu and evaluated for their morphological traits. Wide range of variation was noticed for characters like plant height, number of days to flowering and seed yield per plant which contributed maximum to genetic divergence. The genotypes studied were grouped into six clusters. High genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was recorded for number of capsules per plant, plant height, seed yield per plant and number of branches per plant. High heritability with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was recorded for number of days to flowering, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant and seed yield per plant. This indicates that the characters are governed by additive gene effects and selection for these traits will be effective. Association analysis revealed that seed yield per plant was correlated to plant height, number of capsules per plant and number of days to flowering. Path coefficient analysis indicated maximum positive direct effect by number of capsules per plant, capsule length, plant height and 1000 seed weight on seed yield per plant. In order to develop hybrids, fourteen parents were selected based on the per se performance of the genotypes. They were crossed in line X tester mating design. Forty eight hybrid combinations obtained were raised in the field along with the parents and evaluated for their heterosis and combining ability effects. Parental genotypes AVTS-06-5, AVTS-06-10, IVTS-06-12, KYM-1, Tilak and TMV-6 were identified as high combiners based on general combining ability (gca) effects. Two combinations viz. AVTS-06-5 X KYM-1 and IVTS-06-12 X TMV-3 had significant values of per se performance, specific combining ability (sca) effects and standard heterosis for seed yield per plant. They can be evaluated for their hybrid vigour over locations and seasons. The crosses AVTS-06-5 X TMV-3, AVTS-06-5 X TMV-6 and TCR 3279A X KYM-1 have been identified as potential cross combinations for isolation of promising segregants as the parents involved in these crosses had high significant gca effects for seed yield per plant but the hybrids recorded non significant sca effects. Interspecific hybridization between S.malabaricum and S.indicum was attempted to develop male sterile lines. Seed set was noticed in three interspecific hybrids which failed to germinate due to embryo abortion. Hence these embryos were rescued and raised in vitro to obtain the hybrids.ThesisItem Open Access Variability in asoka (Saraca asoca(Roxb.) de wilde)(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2010) Vidhu Francis, Palathingal; KAU; Radhakrishnan, V VAsoka (Saraca asoca) is a sacred tree among the Buddhists and Hindus. It is called sorrow-less tree as it removes the grief. The tree has immense medicinal properties. Its bark is mainly used for correcting uterine problems. The well-known Ayurvedic preparations of asoka bark are Asokarishtam and Asokaghrutham. Due to over exploitation of this tree for its bark, this has now become almost extinct. The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) has listed this species under ‘globally vulnerable’ category. It is also enlisted among the 36 threatened and endangered medicinal plants of India. Due to its acute short supply compared to its demand, various development and research activities are being prioritized to conserve, utilize and improve this species. Therefore the present study was undertaken to assess morphological variations in existing germplasm and to study the reproductive biology of S. asoca. Collection of seeds and evaluation of seed and seedling traits, evaluation of therapeutical components and molecular characterisation of asoka were the other objectives of the study. Variability studies for morphological traits of asoka indicated that height of plant and stem girth have high correlation with bark yield as well as higher direct effect. These traits can be used for identifying better genotypes for higher bark yield. In discriminant function analysis, the selection index involving height of plant along with bark yield constituted for selection criteria among asoka genotypes. Using this selection index, accessions IC566463, IC566489, IC566488, IC566482 were selected as better accessions for higher bark yield. The 43 accessions maintained in germplasm of asoka at AICRP on M&AP were grouped into two major clusters based on morphological traits. These clusters further formed 6 clusters. Accession IC566488 grouped alone in one cluster indicated that this accession was different from all other accessions. In all the other 5 clusters, accessions from Thrissur was included. This indicated that accessions did not follow geographical distributions. Some of the accessions from Thrissur may have relationship with accessions from other districts. Reproductive biology of asoka was studied. It indicated that the reproductive traits like floral biology, anthesis, pollen morphology, its viability have variability among eight trees studied in KAU campus. Among the eight trees studied, ‘KAU8’ have better reproductive traits compared to the rest. Preliminary studies were carried out in pollination system and agents for pollination in asoka. The studies indicated that ants may be one of the pollinating agents. Seed and seedling behaviour of asoka were studied on seeds collected from 80 trees located in different districts of Kerala. Seed breadth, seed volume, height of plant and stem girth were identified as selection traits for better seedlings. Hence at seed stage, bigger sized seeds with higher seed volume will result into better seedlings. Vigorous seedlings is produced from tall seedlings with higher stem girth and in mature plants for higher bark yield, height of plant and stem girth can be selection traits. Thus the selection parameters were worked out in three stages in asoka. Based on seed and seedling selection parameters, OKL4, OKL2 from Odakkali, KKL2 from Kottakkal and TVM2 from Thiruvananthapuram were selected as better mother plants for higher bark yielding accessions. The biochemical constituents (phenol and tannin content) imparting medicinal properties were estimated among the different age groups of asoka. Both phenol and tannin contents were higher in bark compared to flower and leaves. About 50 per cent of therapeutical constituents are available in flowers and hence at non destructive level, flowers of asoka can be substituted for bark. The trees KAU8, KAU7, KAU6 and among the accessions IC566474, IC566467 and among the seedlings VKA6, VKA7, VKA8, KMK3 indicated higher phenol and tannin content compared to rest. Molecular characterisation among the selected asoka accessions representing the different districts of Kerala were studied. RAPD analysis was attempted among ten accessions selected. Dendrogram was constituted based on pooled RAPD data. The ten selected accessions were grouped into two major clusters as done in morphological grouping. In grouping at molecular level, the accession IC566488 kept apart as a single group indicating the same trend at its morphological level.The clustering pattern based on molecular characterisation did not follow geographical distribution of accessions.ThesisItem Open Access Cross compatibility analysis for production of hybrids in anthurium andreanum linden(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2010) MadhuKumar, K; KAU; Mayadevi, PThe present study, ‘Cross compatibility analysis for production of hybrids in Anthurium andreanum Linden’ was undertaken to identify suitable parents with commercial qualities and to determine the cross compatibility among the selected parents in anthurium. The present investigation was carried out in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period 2006-2009. The analysis of variance revealed significant variation among the 40 genotypes for the eighteen characters studied. This reveals the high genetic potential for the improvement in this crop. Variability studies indicated high phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation for the characters for anthocyanin content, pollen fertility, leaf size/leaf area, spathe size and spadix length. The high heritability coupled with high genetic advance values were found for characters plant height, leaf size/leaf area, internodal length, spathe size, total anthocyanin content, spadix length, inclination of candle with spathe, number of flowers per spadix, life of spadix, days to initiation of female phase, days to inter phase, duration of male phase, pollen fertility and pollen size. These characters are therefore controlled by additive gene action and amenable to genetic improvement through selection. Pollen fertility estimated using acetocarmine method indicated that most of the genotypes had low fertility values. Liver Red had the highest pollen fertility of 43.01 per cent followed by Lady Jane (36.14 per cent). Pollen emergence was low in the months from March to June, during which the average maximum and minimum temperatures were relatively high. Pollen emergence was highest during October to December months. A study of six qualitative characters such as colour of young leaf and petiole, spathe colour, spathe texture, candle colour and type of inflorescence axis also showed considerable variation among the genotypes studied. Plant height was found to have highly significant positive phenotypic and genotypic correlation with leaf size/leaf area, internodal length, total Anthocyanin content, spadix length, number of flowers per spadix and life of spadix. Number of flowers per spadix had significant positive genotypic correlation with plant height, leaf size/leaf area, internodal length, spathe size, spadix length, total anthocyanin content, life of spadix, pollen fertility and pollen size. Spadix length had significant positive genotypic correlation with plant height, leaf size/leaf area, internodal length, spathe size, number of flowers per spadix, life of spadix and pollen size. Days to initiation of female phase exhibited significant negative correlation with plant height, leaf size/leaf area, spadix length and pollen fertility. The environmental correlations were absent for almost all pairs of characters except for number of leaves/spadices per plant with spathe size. Path analysis revealed that spadix length, plant height, leaf size and life of spadix had high positive direct effect on number of flowers per spadix. Mahalanobis D2 analysis clustered the 40 genotypes into seven clusters. The maximum number of genotypes (17) were included in Cluster I, followed by cluster II (7), cluster III (5), cluster IV (5) and cluster V (4). Clusters VI and VII had one genotype each. Maximum divergence was shown between the Clusters II and VI, while the minimum divergence between clusters I and II. The intracluster distance was highest for the Cluster II. Among the 13 characters considered, life of spadix contributed maximum towards divergence followed by days to initiation of female phase. Grouping of genotypes into different clusters did not reflect the geographical origin of the varieties. Selection index analysis revealed that genotype Liver Red attained the maximum selection index value followed by PR x LR and PR x DT (1) and the minimum estimates were recorded for Rembolina, W x LJ and Corolix. The grouping of genotypes by selection indices followed almost the same pattern as their clustering pattern in the D2 analysis. Intervarietal hybridization was done to analyse the cross compatibility between 15 genotypes based on the percentage of candles bearing fruits, fruit set and seed germination. A total of 127 crosses were attempted based on the availability of receptive spadices and fresh pollen, out of which 80 were found to be successful. In almost all cross combinations the percentage of candles bearing fruits ranged from 50 to 100 per cent. Among the 15 genotypes, the maximum percentage of candles bearing berries was obtained for PR x OG (90.00 per cent) followed by AW (66.67 per cent) and PR x LR (65.00 per cent). The lowest value 5 per cent was obtained for Esmeralda and 11.11 per cent for Dragon’s Tongue. The number of fruits per candle ranged from 5 in Esmeralda x (PR x OG) to 85 in (PR x OG) x (OG x DT). The crosses LR x DT, (OG x DT) x (PR x OG), LR x FR and (PR x OG) x DT also recorded higher number of fruits per candle. The average number of fruits per candles was highest for Liver Red and lowest for Esmeralda. The percentage of fruit set was below 50 per cent for all the crosses. The lowest and highest percentage of fruit set was observed for Ceasor Violet and ‘Liver Red respectively. The berries obtained from different cross combinations took 4.5 to 7 months to mature. Most of the crosses had a high percentage of single seeded berries compared to double seeded berries except for the cross FR x LR. Among single seeded berries maximum seed size was for AW x (PR x OG). In a berry largest seed among the two seeded berries were observed for the crosses AW x (PR x OG) followed by [(PR x LR) x (PR x DT (2)]. The number of days taken for germination varied from four to nine days. The seeds obtained from most of the crosses showed germination except three crosses i.e., DT x LR, (KR x LR) x LJ and Esmeralda x (PR x OG) did not germinate at all. Percentage of germination was lowest in [PR x DT (2)] x LJ and highest in (PR x LR) x C. Seedlings of 57 out of 73 crosses that germinated survived for more than four months. The seedling survival percentage ranged from 38.46 per cent in LJ x (PR x OG) to 81.25 per cent in (KR x LR) x DT. The highest average survival was recorded by Liver Red and lowest was recorded for the genotype Lady Jane. Compatibility parameters estimated based on the performance of the fifteen genotypes as pollen parents. Highest percentage of candles bearing fruits was shown by PR x OG followed by Fla Red, Dragon’s Tongue and PR x LR. Lowest percentage were recorded for Flirt and KR x LR. Number of fruits per candle was the highest for the genotype PR x DT (2) followed by PR x OG, Dragon’s Tongue and Acropolis white. In Lady Jane, Flirt and KR x LR the number of fruits were relatively lower. Higher percentage fruit set was observed for the genotypes Dragon’s Tongue while it was lowest in Lady Jane. Percentage of seed germination was the highest for Fla Red and lowest for Lady Jane. Scoring of the compatibility reactions based on the percentage of fruiting candles, fruit set and seed germination on a scale ranging from zero to nine. After scoring the different genotypes, the crosses with highest compatibility score was for the crosses (PR x OG) x (OG x DT), (PR x LR) x C, FR x DT, AW x (PR x OG), (OG x DT) x (PR x OG), (PR x LR) x (PR x OG),PR x DT (2) x (PR x OG), (OG x DT) x LR, LJ x LR, (PR x OG) x DT, (PR x OG) x LR, (PR x OG) x (PR x LR) and (PR x LR) x FR. So these were the most compatible crosses. The performance of the variety as female parent was found to be different from its performance as male parent. The female parents PR x OG, PR x LR, Lady Jane, OG x DT and PR x DT (2) got the high varietal scores. Among male parents PR x OG, DT, OG x DT, FR and PR x LR got the high varietal scores. So PR x OG, OG x DT and PR x LR could be judged as the best male as well as female parents. Among the seedlings of the successful crosses maximum number of days for maturity of leaves was taken by the cross LJ x (PR x LR) and the least number of days was taken by C x (PR x OG). Number of leaves ranged from 4.50 in DT x FR to 6.33 in [(PR x OG) x (OG x DT)]. The leaf area was maximum for the cross LR x FR and it was minimum for LJ x (PR x OG). The colour of young leaf showed a range from brown to reddish brown to greenish brown to green. The colour of petiole also varied from brown to reddish brown to greenish brown to green.ThesisItem Open Access Genetic analysis of yield and leaf curl virus resistance in chilli (Capsicum spp.)(Department of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2010) Anandhi, K; KAU; Abdul Khader, K MPepper fruits (Capsicum spp.) are among the most consumed vegetables as fresh green or red and dried whole or ground forms in the world for its pungency. Leaf curl virus is an important biotic stress transmitted by the vector, Bemisia tabaci. Controlling the vector can be the only way to manage the disease and results in only partial control of disease. The incidence of disease is more in summer season and makes the cultivation uneconomical. There is an immediate need to develop leaf curl resistant varieties especially for summer cultivation. Hence the present investigation was undertaken at the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2007-2009 with the objective of estimating the combining ability, heterosis and gene action involved in the inheritance of yield and leaf curl virus resistance. Five resistant C. frutescens accessions Mangalapuram Local, Thavanur Local, Kayamkulam Local, Mavelikkara Local and Nenmara Local were crossed in L x T pattern with three high yielding susceptible varieties Jwalamukhi, Jwalasakhi and Vellayani Athulya and 15 F1s were produced and evaluated along with the parents in randomized block design. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant genotypic difference for all the characters studied. The observations recorded were plant height (cm), number of branches, number of days to first flowering, plant spread (cm), duration of flowering (fruiting span), number of fruits per plant, fruit length (cm), fruit width (cm), pedicel - fruit ratio, fruit colour at intermediate stage, green fruit yield per plant (g), average fruit weight (g), number of seeds per fruit, hundred seed weight (g), duration of crop, vector population and virus disease scoring. Higher estimates of PCV and GCV were recorded for vulnerability index and green fruit yield per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance were exhibited for days to first flowering, duration of flowering, number of fruits per plant, green fruit yield per plant, number of seeds per fruit, duration of crop and vulnerability index. Combining ability analysis showed that the line Mavelikkara Local and Nenmara Local were alone good general combiners for fruit yield along with leaf curl resistance. Four hybrids viz., Mavelikkara Local x Jwalasakhi, Nenmara Local x Vellayani Athulya, Kayamkulam Local x Jwalamukhi and Thavanur Local x Jwalamukhi exhibited significant sca effect for fruit yield. Considering per se performance, standard heterosis and sca effect two hybrids Mavelikkara Local x Jwalasakhi and Nenmara Local x Vellayani Athulya were found to be superior. Generation mean analysis was carried out using six-parameter model. Six generations viz. P1, P2, F1, F2, B1, B2 were built up among the crosses Mavelikkara Local x Jwalasakhi and Nenmara Local x Vellayani Athulya. Presence of additive, dominance and epistatic interaction for all the characters indicated that hybridization or recombination-breeding programme can be followed for future breeding.ThesisItem Open Access Characterisation and systematic evaluation of genetic resources of the genus Vigna(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2010) Latha, M; KAU; Presannakumari, K TVigna belonging to the family Leguminoseae is a large genus comprising of seven sub-genera and over 150 species. The two sub-genera Vigna and Ceratotropis contain the most important cultivated species. The taxonomical identification of many of these species is still confusing. The closely related wild species serve as a source of many desirable genes that can be utilised in the interspecific hybridisation programmes. This is possible only when the relationships among the different Vigna species are well understood. In this context, the present study “Characterisation and systematic evaluation of genetic resources of the genus Vigna” was undertaken in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture at Vellanikkara. Investigations were undertaken to characterise the accessions of Vigna germplasm available at National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) Regional Station, Vellanikkara, Thrissur using morphological markers and to confirm the results using biochemical and molecular markers in distinct variants belonging to different taxa as well as to prepare a key for the identification of different Vigna taxa. The 150 accessions available at NBPGR Regional Station, Vellanikkara were subjected to morphological, biochemical and molecular characterisation. For morphological characterisation 48 qualitative and 24 quantitative characters were taken. The biochemical characterisation of the selected distinct variants from each taxa was done by isozymes, peroxidase and poly-phenol oxidase. The molecular characterisation was done with Inter Sequence Repeat Analysis using 10 different primers. The clustering patterns based on all three characterisation were compared and key for identification of different taxa of Vigna was developed. Among the qualitative characters evaluated, type of seed germination, nature of attachment of primary leaves, size of stipule, shape of stipule, presence of ligule, shape of bracteole, nature of pod attachment to peduncle, curvature of pod, shape of seed and shape of hilum were distinct for each taxa. Variability was observed in size and shape of stipules and bracteoles. Based on the qualitative characters the 150 accessions were reclassified into 22 taxa. One accession originally classified as V.radiata var.sublobata was found to be distinct taxa of Vigna and hence regrouped as distinct taxa. All the 24 quantitative characters studied exhibited wide range of variability. The keel pocket was present in all taxa except V.unguiculata, V.marina and V.pilosa. The length of keel pocket also varied from taxa to taxa. Cluster analysis based on qualitative, quantitative, biochemical and molecular characters resulted in 10, 5, 4 and 12 clusters respectively. A statistical methodology was worked out to compare the parallelism among the different clustering patterns. The result showed that there existed a similarity between clusters formed based on quantitative and qualitative characters, with majority of accessions of each taxa in a qualitative cluster falling in the same quantitative cluster. The accessions taken for isozyme and molecular study were distinct. Accessions of same taxa which fell in same clusters based on isozyme and molecular markers fell in different clusters based on quantitative characters and vice-versa, indicating the differences and similarities among these accessions at isozyme and molecular level. Key quantitative characters were also identified for each taxa based on weighted average. Based on morphological, biochemical and molecular characters, a dichotomous key was developed to identify different taxa. The key that is now proposed is different from the existing one which is based on floral and fruit characters alone.ThesisItem Open Access Standardisation of two line heterosis breeding in rice ( Oryza sativa L.) for Kerala(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Rajesh, T; KAU; Radhakrishnan, V VThe present investigation entitled “Standardisation of two line heterosis breeding in rice(Oryza sativa L.) for Kerala” was conducted in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University during 2010-2013.The objectives of the study were to identify the promising TGMS lines of rice, for the production of two line hybrids suited to Kerala and to standardize the two line heterosis breeding programme. The experimental materials consisted of TGMS lines collected from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and high yielding varieties of rice from different research stations of Kerala. The primary investigation was carried out at College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara to study the sterility/fertility behavior of TGMS lines .It was found that April and May seasons can be considered as the ideal period of exploiting 100 per cent sterility in rice for the hybrid seed production.Experiments at CRS Pampadumpara was the suitable location for TGMS line seed multiplication. The present study concluded that CST(Critical Sterility Temperature) ranged from 34.2 to 38.6 0 Cand CFT (Critical Fertility Temperature) ranged from 23.6 to 25.4 0 C. Natural pollination with suitable pollinator parents proved to be a viable method for the production of two line hybrid seeds.Aiswarya, Makom, Kanchana and Samyuktha were good general combiners whereas Kairali was a poor combiner . Per se performance and gca effects were not correlated for most of the characters evaluated. The two line hybrids TGMS 91S x Makom, TGMS82S x Aiswarya , TGMS 81S x Kairali, TGMS 81S x Kanchana, TGMS 91S x Kairali exhibited superior SCA effects for various characters in COH Vellanikkara . TGMS 82S x Samyuktha , TGMS 74S x Samyuktha, TGMS 81S x Aiswarya, TGMS 91S x Samyuktha, TGMS 74S x Kairali, TGMS 74S x Makom showed superior SCA effects for the characters studied at RARS Pattambi.Molecular analysis revealed that the number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 3. Polymorphic information content ranged from 0.291 (RM2) to 0.648 (RM132) with an average of 0.448. RM11 markers showed more number of alleles with PIC value more than 0.50 indicate the efficiency of this primer in detecting the most heterogenous accession. Cooking quality analysis of promising hybrids revealed intermediate amylose content and intermediate alkali spreading value for TGMS 91S x Makom , TGMS 91S x Kanchana, TGMS 81S x Makom and TGMS 81S x Aiswarya. TGMS 81S x MattaTriveni recorded highest grain and straw yield at COH Vellanikkara. TGMS 91S x Samyuktha was the best performer at RARS Pattambi.ThesisItem Open Access Identification of molecular markers linked to iron toxicity tolerance through bulk segregant analysis (BSA) in rice (Oryza sativa L.)(College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Amaranatha, Reddy M; KAU; Rose, Mary FranciesGlobally rice is the most important food crop, serving as staple food for more than half of the world’s population. As in other parts of the country, rice is the major food crop grown in Kerala too. The total annual production of rice is however insufficient to meet the total demand in the state. Iron toxicity prevalent in the rice growing tracts of the state, further compounds the problem of low rice production. Although, several attempts to ameliorate the iron toxic soil conditions are being made, the best way to combat this stress and increase rice production in the affected soils is to develop varieties tolerant to iron toxicity. The present investigation on 'Identification of molecular markers linked to iron toxicity tolerance through bulk segregant analysis (BSA) in rice (Oryza sativa L.)’ was conducted at College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), Vellanikkara, Thrissur during 2013 to 2015 year. The study involved screening of thirty rice genotypes for response to iron at toxic levels, hybridization between the most tolerant and susceptible genotype, production of F2 generation of this cross, parental polymorphism study using molecular markers and Bulk Segregant Analysis (BSA). The thirty rice genotypes were selected on the basis of their response to iron stress under KSCSTE project: ‘Donor identification for tolerance to iron toxicity in rice (Oryza sativa L.)’. Further screening of the thirty genotypes (Confirmation test 1 and 2) as per the method advocated by Shimizu et al. (2005) to confirm their tolerance or susceptibility to iron toxicity revealed existence of high significant differences among the genotypes with respect to leaf bronzing and biomass produced under varying concentrations of iron (0 ppm, 600ppm and 800ppm of Fe). Considering that at higher concentrations of Fe, a lower leaf bronzing and reduction in biomass, is a valid criterion for identifying genotypes tolerant to Fe stress, twelve genotypes viz., Cul-8709, Cul-210-29, AM-10-7, Cul-90-03, PM-709, ASD-16, ASD-18, Abhaya, IR-1552, T(N)-1, IR-36 and Cul-3 213 were found to be highly susceptible to iron stress while genotypes Cul-8723, Tulasi, Cul-18716, Kargi and IVT-33 were identified as the most tolerant ones. Selfing of F1s obtained on hybridizing the genotype (Tulasi) and genotype (CUL-8709) which were found respectively to be most tolerant and most susceptible to iron stress was done, to produce F2 population for the conduct of bulk sergegant analysis (BSA). Phenotyping of F2 plants under iron at toxic levels indicated presence of wide variability for shoot length, root length, total number of roots, number of fresh roots, shoot weight, root weight and visual scoring for iron-toxicity symptoms. The measures of skewness and kurtosis for various traits revealed a large quantitative variability. All the above traits except iron content in root of F2 lines exhibited a positive platykurtic distribution pointing to presence of gene interaction in trait expression. Measures of skewness and kurtosis also indicated occurrence of transgressive segregation in the F2 population. Leaf bronzing the typical symptom of Fe toxicity, showed a strong negative correlation with shoot length, root length, total number of roots, number of fresh roots, shoot weight and root weight. The results indicated that leaf bronzing is associated with growth reduction due to Fe2+ toxicity in this F2 population. Parental polymorphism (Tulasi and CUL-8709) survey using 338 Rice Microsatellites (RM) markers revealed 37 RM markers polymorphic between the two. These 37 polymorphic rice microsatellites markers (SSR markers) were found to be distributed over all 12 linkage groups of rice varying between one in case on Chromosome 7 to five each on Chromosome 2, 9 and 10. Bulk segregant analysis indicated that out of the 37 microsatellite markers that were polymorphic between parents seven viz., RM 263, RM 107, RM 12292, RM 24616, RM 24664, RM 13619 showed clear co-segregation with the susceptible parent and susceptible bulk, and resistant parent and resistant bulk. Probability of all seven putative markers was highly significant (P < 0.001) indicating strong association of these markers to the genomic region governing Leaf Bronzing Index which is a valid indicator of tolerance to iron toxicity. Through single marker analysis, three probable quantitative trait loci (QTL’s) of Leaf Bronzing Index were identified, each on 214 chromosome 1, 2 and 9. The QTL on chromosome 1 was located between 42.8 Mb and 43.2 Mb and associated with markers RM 12255 and RM 12292. The QTL for LBI was found to be associated with RM 13619 and RM 263 markers and placed between 24.9 Mb and 25.9 Mb on chromosome 2 while on chromosome 9, it was a located between 19.3 Mb and 20.1 Mb and linked to marker RM 107, RM 24616 and RM 24664.ThesisItem Open Access Assessment and induction of variability through in vitro mutagenesis incassava (Manihot esculenta, Crantz)(College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2015) Hilario Ernesto Magaia; KAU; Jiji JosephThe study entitled “Assessment and induction of variability through in vitro mutagenesis in cassava (Manihot esculenta, Crantz.)” was carried out between 2012 and 2014 in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. The objective of the study was to assess the genetic variability in the short duration cassava germplasm and induction of variability through in vitro mutagenesis in selected genotypes. Field evaluation, standardization of protocols for in vitro regeneration, in vitro mutagenesis and assessment of variability of in vitro mutated plants were done. Wide genetic variability existed among the collected short duration cassava genotypes. The colour of petiole and root cortex was found to be the most variable qualitative trait for above ground and tuber portions respectively. High magnitude of phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation along with high heritability and high genetic gain was observed for branch number, branch height, tuber fresh weight, and Cassava Mosaic Disease. All traits except tuber neck, branch number, scar number and internode length were positively correlated with fresh tuber yield. High direct contribution towards tuber yield was exerted by shoot biomass, tuber dry matter content and harvest index indicating that these are reliable predictor variables for increased yield. Among the biochemical traits, high heritability and high genetic gain was observed for HCN content, amylose content and starch content. Biochemical analysis indicated the occurrence of high starch genotypes (Sree Jaya, CC10 and CC7) suitable for industrial starch production. Vellayani Hraswa with lower starch content was more suited for food or feed purposes, than industrial purposes. The genotype CC10 with easiness in peeling, good taste after cooking and less cooking time scored maximum in organoleptic evaluation. Sree Jaya was sweet on chewing, had highest starch content, lowest HCN content and less fibre content. 213 Diversity analysis indicated that the cassava genotypes grouped into five clusters. No parallelism was found to occur between geographic distribution and genetic diversity. Selection index constructed for the identification of the best genotypes indicated that CC1 and Sree Jaya were the most promising genotypes. CC1, a farmers’ variety from Malappuram district was found to be the best genotype with respect to yield and resistance to CMD, but with a comparatively high HCN content. In vitro mutagenesis in cassava was done using the genotypes CC1 and Sree Jaya. Sterilization of cassava nodal and leaf explants was accomplished by washing with 5 per cent Teepol solution for two minutes, followed by washing for one minute with 75 per cent ethanol and washing for one minute with 0.05 per cent solution of mercuric chloride. Friable embryogenic callus (FEC) for both CC1 and Sree Jaya genotypes was obtained from immature leaf explants cultured in MS media with 3.0 per cent sucrose (MS3), either with 6.0 to 8.0 mg l-1 of 2,4- D , or with 1.0 mg l-1 BAP + 0.2 to 0.5 mg l-1 NAA. Somatic embryos for both genotypes were obtained from FEC cultured in media MS3 with 8.0 to 10.0 mg l-1 picloram and germinated into the plantlets on MS3 media with 4.0 mg l-1 BA or 0.25 mg l-1 TDZ. In vitro regeneration and multiplication from nodal explants were obtained in MS3 media containing either 0.25 mg l-1 TDZ or 2.0 mg l-1 BAP. Rooting of the in vitro plantlets was obtained in MS3 + 0.25 mg l-1 TDZ or 1/2MS1. The LD 50 value varied with the cultures used for in vitro mutagenesis. The LD 50 value for gamma radiation was 40 Gy, 30 Gy and 50 Gy for FEC, somatic embryoids and plantlets, respectively. LD 50 value for EMS was 1.20 per cent for FEC and somatic embryoids and 0.90 per cent for plantlets. Variation in response to mutagenesis was also observed between the two genotypes subjected to in vitro mutagenesis. There was significant difference in the growth characteristics of the mutagen treated in vitro cultures in both genotypes. Reduction of the number of shoots and leaves were more in CC1 compared to Sree Jaya. 214 A combination of SoilriteTM with pure sand at 1:1 proportion was the best substrate for acclimatization of the plantlets outside the tissue culture lab. Fan and pad green house was the best structure for in vitro acclimatization of plantlets resulting in 47 per cent of success rate. Variability with respect to quantitative traits like height, number of shoots and number of leaves was observed in vitro plantlets in the hardening stage. The qualitative traits like colour of the petiole, stipule, emerging leaf and of the stem and the shape of central lobe of leaves varied between the mutated plants.
