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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 Intra and inter generic hybridization and molecular charatrization in monopodial orchids(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2008) Beena, Thomas; KAU; Lekha Rani, CA research programme entitled “Intra and inter generic hybridization and molecular characterization in monopodial orchids” was carried out in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2005-2008 with the objective of undertaking intra and intergeneric hybridization, in vitro embryo culture and molecular characterization in monopodial orchids, as a preliminary step to develop novel hybrids. Fifteen monopodial orchid genotypes comprising of six genera viz., Aranda, Aranthera, Kagawara, Mokara, Renanthera and Vanda, with good cut flower qualities and high demand in the market were selected as parents after initial evaluation. They were evaluated adopting completely randomized design with five replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences for almost all the characters studied. Genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were high for thickness of leaf, leaf area and number of aerial roots. High heritability (>70 %) combined with high genetic advance (>70 %) was observed for number of aerial roots, width of leaf, thickness of leaf, leaf area, number of spikes per shoot and number of flowers per inflorescence. Significant positive inter-correlation at genotypic and phenotypic levels was observed for length of flower and width of flower with number of spikes per shoot. The character number of spikes per shoot recorded significant positive correlation with leaf area. Number of flowers per inflorescence was positively correlated with number of leaves per shoot and length of inflorescence. Out of the six genera studied, four viz., Aranda, Aranthera, Kagawara and Mokara, exhibited free-flowering nature. Seasonal flowering was observed mainly from June to December in Vanda, whereas it was confined to two seasons, from February to March and August to October in Renanthera. Inflorescence axis was found to be arching in Aranthera and Renanthera while the rest of the genotypes produced erect inflorescence axis. The 15 parental genotypes were crossed in all possible combinations after preliminary studies on floral biology. A total of 225 cross combinations were attempted including 105 crosses, 105 reciprocals and 15 selfs. Incompatibility reactions were noticed at different stages ranging from flower abscission before the onset of any visible post pollination change to instances where seeds germinated but aborted in culture. Mature green capsules were harvested from 70 combinations at 70 to 90 per cent maturity. Among them 15 combinations did not yield any seeds in the capsule while the remaining 55 combinations were cultured axenically. Among the 55 combinations inoculated in vitro, no germination was obtained from seeds of 12 combinations. Out of the 43 combinations that germinated successfully, seven combinations showed arrested development. Thus out of the total 55 combinations inoculated in vitro 36 combinations developed successfully. These were subcultured three to four times. Seedlings having 2-3 leaves and 2-3 roots were deflasked and planted out. MS half strength was selected as the best basal medium. For improving the in vitro growth of hybrid monopodial orchid seedlings refinement of this medium by supplementing with IAA (8 mg l-1) and NAA (2 mg l-1) was beneficial. Significant differences among the combinations were observed with respect to number of days taken for germination initiation, number of days taken for development of protocorms, chlorophyll, first leaf, first shoot and first root primordia and for deflasking. Significant differences in seedling morphology were observed among the 36 hybrid combinations at deflasking. These were kept in humidity chamber for acclimatization for one month, transferred to net house for hardening and maintained there for further growth. In the present study, RAPD was employed for studying the genetic diversity and for the fingerprinting of 20 monopodial orchid hybrids, making use of arbitrary primers to amplify random DNA sequences in the genome. To identify the promising primers for RAPD analysis, 70 decamer primers of kit A, B, C and D were screened using the DNA of hybrid H-2. Based on the performance in DNA amplification, eight decamer primers were identified for RAPD analysis. Primers that produced highest number of polymorphic bands which were intense and reproducible were selected. They were OPB-07, OPB-15, OPB-l7, OPC-04, OPC-05, OPC-08, OPC-15 and OPD-02. a total of 57 scorable bands (average of 7.125 bands per primer) were generated by the selected eight primers of which six were monomorphic and the remaining 51 were polymorphic (89.47%). The estimation of Jaccard’s coefficients and construction of dendrogram by using UPGMA revealed the presence and extent of genetic similarities among the 20 monopodial orchid hybrids. The overall similarity coefficients ranged from 0.40 to 0.84. Cluster analysis revealed that at 0.69 similarity coefficient, the 20 monopodial orchid hybrids got divided into six groups. Among the 20 hybrids, H-18, H-7, H-13, H-17, H-19 and H-20 stood separately in clusters II, III A, III B, IV, V and cluster VI respectively. This substantiates the moderately broad distribution of genetic variability, which can be attributed to the broad genetic base in their ancestry. Cluster I A contained four hybrids viz., H-1, H-10, H-3 and H-9. This grouping is justified by the presence of a common parent i.e., Arachnis Maggie Oei Red Ribbon in their parentage. Moreover, two common species viz., Arachnis hookeriana and Arachnis flos-aeris are involved in their ancestry. All these support their belonging to the same cluster. The three hybrids such as H-5, H-6 and H-8 fell in cluster I B. RAPD technique is relatively simpler, quicker, less expensive and non-radioactive than other molecular characterization techniques. The results of present investigation proved that it can detect sufficient polymorphisms in genetic distance studies in monopodial orchids. A research programme entitled “Intra and inter generic hybridization and molecular characterization in monopodial orchids” was carried out in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2005-2008 with the objective of undertaking intra and intergeneric hybridization, in vitro embryo culture and molecular characterization in monopodial orchids, as a preliminary step to develop novel hybrids. Fifteen monopodial orchid genotypes comprising of six genera viz., Aranda, Aranthera, Kagawara, Mokara, Renanthera and Vanda, with good cut flower qualities and high demand in the market were selected as parents after initial evaluation. They were evaluated adopting completely randomized design with five replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences for almost all the characters studied. Genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were high for thickness of leaf, leaf area and number of aerial roots. High heritability (>70 %) combined with high genetic advance (>70 %) was observed for number of aerial roots, width of leaf, thickness of leaf, leaf area, number of spikes per shoot and number of flowers per inflorescence. Significant positive inter-correlation at genotypic and phenotypic levels was observed for length of flower and width of flower with number of spikes per shoot. The character number of spikes per shoot recorded significant positive correlation with leaf area. Number of flowers per inflorescence was positively correlated with number of leaves per shoot and length of inflorescence. Out of the six genera studied, four viz., Aranda, Aranthera, Kagawara and Mokara, exhibited free-flowering nature. Seasonal flowering was observed mainly from June to December in Vanda, whereas it was confined to two seasons, from February to March and August to October in Renanthera. Inflorescence axis was found to be arching in Aranthera and Renanthera while the rest of the genotypes produced erect inflorescence axis. The 15 parental genotypes were crossed in all possible combinations after preliminary studies on floral biology. A total of 225 cross combinations were attempted including 105 crosses, 105 reciprocals and 15 selfs. Incompatibility reactions were noticed at different stages ranging from flower abscission before the onset of any visible post pollination change to instances where seeds germinated but aborted in culture. Mature green capsules were harvested from 70 combinations at 70 to 90 per cent maturity. Among them 15 combinations did not yield any seeds in the capsule while the remaining 55 combinations were cultured axenically. Among the 55 combinations inoculated in vitro, no germination was obtained from seeds of 12 combinations. Out of the 43 combinations that germinated successfully, seven combinations showed arrested development. Thus out of the total 55 combinations inoculated in vitro 36 combinations developed successfully. These were subcultured three to four times. Seedlings having 2-3 leaves and 2-3 roots were deflasked and planted out. MS half strength was selected as the best basal medium. For improving the in vitro growth of hybrid monopodial orchid seedlings refinement of this medium by supplementing with IAA (8 mg l-1) and NAA (2 mg l-1) was beneficial. Significant differences among the combinations were observed with respect to number of days taken for germination initiation, number of days taken for development of protocorms, chlorophyll, first leaf, first shoot and first root primordia and for deflasking. Significant differences in seedling morphology were observed among the 36 hybrid combinations at deflasking. These were kept in humidity chamber for acclimatization for one month, transferred to net house for hardening and maintained there for further growth. In the present study, RAPD was employed for studying the genetic diversity and for the fingerprinting of 20 monopodial orchid hybrids, making use of arbitrary primers to amplify random DNA sequences in the genome. To identify the promising primers for RAPD analysis, 70 decamer primers of kit A, B, C and D were screened using the DNA of hybrid H-2. Based on the performance in DNA amplification, eight decamer primers were identified for RAPD analysis. Primers that produced highest number of polymorphic bands which were intense and reproducible were selected. They were OPB-07, OPB-15, OPB-l7, OPC-04, OPC-05, OPC-08, OPC-15 and OPD-02. a total of 57 scorable bands (average of 7.125 bands per primer) were generated by the selected eight primers of which six were monomorphic and the remaining 51 were polymorphic (89.47%). The estimation of Jaccard’s coefficients and construction of dendrogram by using UPGMA revealed the presence and extent of genetic similarities among the 20 monopodial orchid hybrids. The overall similarity coefficients ranged from 0.40 to 0.84. Cluster analysis revealed that at 0.69 similarity coefficient, the 20 monopodial orchid hybrids got divided into six groups. Among the 20 hybrids, H-18, H-7, H-13, H-17, H-19 and H-20 stood separately in clusters II, III A, III B, IV, V and cluster VI respectively. This substantiates the moderately broad distribution of genetic variability, which can be attributed to the broad genetic base in their ancestry. Cluster I A contained four hybrids viz., H-1, H-10, H-3 and H-9. This grouping is justified by the presence of a common parent i.e., Arachnis Maggie Oei Red Ribbon in their parentage. Moreover, two common species viz., Arachnis hookeriana and Arachnis flos-aeris are involved in their ancestry. All these support their belonging to the same cluster. The three hybrids such as H-5, H-6 and H-8 fell in cluster I B. RAPD technique is relatively simpler, quicker, less expensive and non-radioactive than other molecular characterization techniques. The results of present investigation proved that it can detect sufficient polymorphisms in genetic distance studies in monopodial orchids.ThesisItem Open Access In vitro multiplication and DNA fingerprinting of selected hybrids and their parents in anthurium andreanum linden(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2007) Yasin Jeshima, K; KAU; Mayadevi, PAnthurium is the largest genus in the family Araceae, encompassing more than 800 species, native to tropical America, from Mexico, Costa Rica, Cuba to Brazil and Argentina. The spadix is composed of a multitude of flowers, which are perfect having two-carpelled ovary and four anthers. A few commercially grown plants are classified as "rat tail" anthuriums as their inflorescences have a long spadix and a small non-descript spathe. Anthuriums with colourful inflorescences have been grown for cut flowers. With the introduction of compact interspecific hybrids through breeding and the selection of somaclonal variants, the new commercially available types were developed. Propagation is not easy for anthuriums and is considered a long-term crop which will take long time for the propagator to multiply. In light of afore said views, an attempt was made to standardize in vitro multiplication and DNA fingerprinting of selected hybrids and their parents in Anthurium andreanum Linden. The explants after standardizing for the surface sterilization and survival were cultured on selected media with different hormone concentrations to get maximum callus induction. For callus induction the culture flasks were kept in dark at 25˚C and subcultured every third week. Calli were transferred to regeneration medium and embryogenic calli induction medium. Regenerants were selected and placed in rooting medium; further hardened and transferred to the field condition. Preconditioned embryos were suspended in calcium free half strength NN medium supplemented with 1.5 per cent sodium alginate and 0.5 M sucrose. This mixture was dispensed with a micropipette into 0.1 M calcium chloride. Twenty minutes after encapsulation beads were pre cultured on modified half strength NN liquid medium supplemented with 0.75 M sucrose and three per cent DMSO into 100 ml Erlenmeyer flasks for one day without agitation. Beads were then transferred to fresh medium of same composition and incubated in darkness at 4ºC for three days. Beads were desiccated in a sterile laminar air flow chamber. Dehydrated beads were transferred to 4 ml cryo vials and stored at – 80˚C. On rewarming over a water bath at 25˚C, the beads were transferred to culture medium for germination. Surface disinfection treatments were standardized for the different explants, irrespective of the explants and varieties and double sterilization was found to be effective. Among the explants, the highest number of sterile cultures was observed in double sterilization, followed by the treatment with 70 per cent Ethyl alcohol for 20 minutes. Majority of the contamination found in the cultures was due to the presence of systemic infection of Xanthomonas compestris pv dieffenbachiae. This directly influences the percentage of contamination occurred in the culturing condition and the size of explants which also play a major role in creating the bacterial contamination. Candle explants were found to exhibit more systemic infections than other explants and seed explants were found to be free from systemic infections. Leaf explants are highly vulnerable to exhibit systemic infections and are more sensitive; unable to recover even after treatments with antibiotics. The callus cultures exhibiting systemic infections can be recovered by kanamycin 50 mg per litre containing multiplication medium. In most studies of in vitro culture of anthurium, MS medium has been used. In the present study also, it was observed that Nitsch and Nitsch medium was better than MS medium for multiple shoot induction. Nitsch and Nitsch medium is especially suitable for morphogenesis, meristem culture and regeneration. As the genotype showed different nutrient requirements for their survival and growth, the present investigation was planned to standardize the media by screening with modified MS, half strength MS, modified NN and half strength NN medium. Modified NN with activated charcoal and coconut water showed better response. Half strength NN with coconut water and activated charcoal, modified MS with activated charcoal and coconut water and half strength MS activated charcoal and coconut water were also found to support the explants without hindering the survival. Addition of inositol and glycine along with folic acid was found to be essential but the presence of small amount was inefficient. In the present investigation no callus initiation was observed when inositol was reduced to half of the reported quantity. Various treatments were tried for callus multiplication. The maximum fresh weight of callus 4.2458 g was observed in PR X DT inoculated in NN medium with major nutrients at normal strength followed by 4.1325 g in OG X DT for the same composition in NN medium. From the economic point of view NN medium can be recommended for callus multiplication. Among the treatments, combination of 2, 4-D and zeatin was found to be the best. It stimulates callus formation and strongly antagonizes organized development. The low auxin requirement may be due to the high potency of the auxin which was used for callus initiation. The young developing leaf may be a rich source of endogenous auxins due to which lower exogenous application is required. Irrespective of the source of explant all the callus cultures were able to be converted into plantlets by redifferentiation. The number of days taken for regeneration ranges from 55.5 to 82. This variation is due to the varietal difference and difference in hormonal effect. Modified NN with activated charcoal and coconut water along with 22.2 μM BA, 11.42 μM IAA and 4.09 μM biotin was found to produce regenerants. Each genotype is varying with the response to change in media composition in producing somatic embryogenesis. The treatments with MS and modified MS media were found to be insignificant when compared with NN and modified NN media. Among these modified NN was found to be the best one. Within two weeks on embryo development medium, the globular embryos developed a bipolar shape. Embryos at this stage were comprised of cells larger than those at the globular stage. Bipolar embryos had an extended upper region that formed the cotyledon and the epicotyl, and a lower region that formed the radicle.The main difference between the mature embryos of monocotyledons in vitro and in vivo is the absence or presence of suspensor. The presence of single cotyledon which is the terminal structure and the shoot initials present at the sides or hidden creating a heart shape. When the cotyledon starts growing the embryo will have a single cotyledon at the terminal end which is some what cylindrical in shape. In anthurium tissue culture, no special rooting treatments were needed and the shoots developed in vitro were found to develop roots spontaneously even in the absence of additional growth hormones in the supporting medium. The spontaneous root formation was not due to the carry over effect of the hormones supplied in the previous cultures for shoot formation. Irrespective of the supporting medium the shoots were able to form roots even in sterile sand supplied with sterilized compost materials. For in vitro studies Completely Randomized Block Design (CRD) was followed for statistical analysis wherever necessary. Molecular characterization of twelve hybrids and their parents were carried out with RAPD using AP-PCR. Young leaf samples from each genotype were collected for DNA isolation.Young copper coloured leaf tissues were used immediately after collection for DNA extraction. Leaf samples were pre-chilled at -80ºC for half an hour with pestle and mortar and then pulverized in liquid nitrogen by rapid grinding to a fine powder.The frozen powder was used to extract the total genomic DNA using CTAB extraction buffer. The purity of the DNA was analysed by running in 0.8 per cent agarose gel with 1 X TAE buffer. The optimized PCR mixture with 50ng of template DNA for a final volume of 20μl was used in thermal cycling in a PCR machine. The amplified products were run in 1.6 per cent agarose gel with 1X TAE (Tris buffer, Glacial acetic acid and EDTA pH 8.0) buffer. A total of 114 AP-PCR bands were generated by the 25 primers, of which 74.56 per cent were polymorphic (88 bands) and 26 were monomorphic. Ten primers showed high level of polymorphism out of which seven were selected.Seven promising primers were identified for AP-PCR analysis based on performance in DNA amplification, production of highest number of polymorphic bands as well as intense bands and reproducibility viz. OPA 10, OPB15, OPA13, OPB20, OPB6, OPB8 and OPB18 primers were found to produce polymorphism in Anthurium andreanum Linden.A total of 50 scorable bands (average of 7.143 bands per primer were generated by the selected seven primers of which only 8 were monomorphic and the rest were polymorphic. The number of bands ranged form 4 to 11 with an average of 7.143 per primer. The reproducible bands were scored for their presence (1) or absence (0) for all the hybrids and parents. A genetic similarity matrix was constructed using Jaccards’s similarity co-efficient methods. From the cluster analysis based on the dendrogram, TR X MW was found to be extreamly different from the other accessions and its own parents showing the significance of hybridization. The hybrids like OO X KR, PR X DT, OG X DT, FK X LR and PR X MW are not closely related to either of their parents and hybrids were distinguished from others. Some hybrids like LJ X W and PR X MW; PR X LR and FK X DT shows 30 to 39 per cent similarity. This shows there is considerable variability among the genotypes selected and can be further utilized for crop improvement. Confirming that, they were quite different from the other hybrids and varieties. Pair wise genetic distances based on RAPD [(AP-PCR) (Nei and Li Genetic Distance GDNL)] genetic distance co-efficient values for twelve varieties and twelve hybrids ranged from 0.1935 to 0.7037 indicating the wider diversity. The AP-PCR profiles show the relatedness and diversity of the hybrids and varieties. The bands were found within 1.5kb from 100bp. Most of the bands were concentrated between 300bp and 1200bp.ThesisItem Open Access Triallel analysis of yield and resistance to anthracnose in chilli ( Capsicum annuum L)(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2007) Haridass, A; KAU; Manju, P. Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) is an important spice cum vegetable crop grown commercially in India. It is an important constituent of many foods since it adds flavour, colour, vitamin C and pungency. Productivity of the crop remains low mostly due to destructive diseases, of which the most dreaded disease affecting chilli is anthracnose also known as dieback and fruit rot. The best method to tackle the disease is to grow resistant varieties and hence it is essential to breed high yielding anthracnose resistance varieties of chilli. Therefore an investigation was carried out at the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani to estimate the combining ability and heterosis through diallel pattern and combining ability analysis through general line effect of the first kind ((hi), general line effect of the second kind (gi), two line specific effect of the first kind (dij), two line specific effect of the second kind (sij/sji), three line specific effect (tijk), estimates of genetic components and heterosis by triallel analysis to assess the inheritance pattern of anthracnose resistance, yield and yield component traits, identify the order in which the parents should be combined to obtain maximum effect for a particular character and also to formulate an appropriate breeding programme for improving each trait. Six parents viz., Jwalamukhi (P1), Jwalasakhi (P2), Samkranthi local (P3), Vellayani Athulya (P4), Kidangoor local (P5) and Ujwala (P6) along with their 15 F1 hybrids, and their possible three way cross hybrids was evaluated during 2005-2007. Diallel analysis revealed that the magnitude of gca variance was higher than sca variance suggesting the predominance of additive gene action except for number of seeds per fruit, harvest index and vitamin C. On the basis of per se performance of the parents for different traits, P4 was superior with regard to average fruit weight, fruit length, fruit girth and hundred seed weight while P1 for fruit yield per plant and vitamin C. P6 showed high resistance to anthracnose with high enzymatic activity for anthracnose, phenol, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase along with high capsaicin and oleoresin. The hybrid P1xP6 had highest per se performance for fruit yield per plant and number of fruits per plant, P2xP4 for fruit length, average fruit weight, fruit girth, number of seeds per fruit and hundred seed weight and P5xP6 for duration, incidence of anthracnose, disease intensity, biochemical characters, capsaicin and oleoresin. High values of gca effects were noticed for fruit yield per plant, number of fruits per plant and incidence of anthracnose at 45 DAT and 60 DAT. Highest sca effect was recorded for fruit yield per plant, number of fruits per plant and vitamin C. With respect to mean and general combining ability, P2 was superior for days to first flowering, average fruit weight, fruit girth, fruit yield per plant, hundred seed weight and harvest index while P6 for incidence of anthracnose, disease intensity and all the biochemical characters including capsaicin and oleoresin. Among the fifteen hybrids evaluated with respect to per se, standard heterosis and sca effects, P1xP6 was superior with regard to number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant, incidence of anthracnose, disease intensity, phenol, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, capsaicin and oleoresin. In triallel analysis, P4xP6xP1 had highest per se performance for fruit yield per plant, P1xP5xP4 for average fruit weight, fruit length, number of seeds per fruit while P5xP6xP4 had significant per se performance for incidence of anthracnose and high enzyme activity. P6 had the highest general line effect of the first kind (hi) for fruit yield per plant and number of fruits per plant while P1 for days to first flowering, plant height, average fruit weight, fruit length, fruit girth, harvest index and vitamin C. P4 had highest general line effect of the first kind for incidence of anthracnose, disease intensity and for all the enzyme activity. The general line effect of the second kind (gi) was highest in P1 for fruit yield per plant, number of fruits per plant, fruit girth, hundred seed weight and oleoresin while P5 for low incidence of anthracnose, disease intensity and high activity of the enzymes. P6 had highest effect for number of branches per plant, capsaicin, and vitamin C. The two line specific effect of the first kind (dij) was highest in P4xP5 for number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant and duration while P1xP6 for incidence of anthracnose, disease intensity and all the enzyme activities. P1 x P2 had highest two line specific effect of the second kind (sij) for fruit yield per plant and number of fruits per plant whereas P4xP6 for incidence of anthracnose, disease intensity, phenol, peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase and polyphenol oxidase. The two line specific effect of the second kind (sji) reciprocal effect was highest in P5xP4 for fruit yield per plant and average fruit weight while P2xP1 for incidence of anthracnose, disease intensity, phenol, polyphenol oxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase. P1xP2xP3 recorded high value of three line specific effect for fruit yield per plant and average fruit weight and P5xP6xP4 for incidence of anthracnose at 60 DAT, phenol, and polyphenol oxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase. The hybrid P4xP6xP1 had high relative heterosis and heterobeltiosis for fruit yield per plant. Among the biometrical traits, the relative heterosis was high for fruit yield per plant followed by harvest index and number of fruits per plant whereas heterobeltiosis had maximum per cent for harvest index followed by number of fruits per plant and fruit yield per plant. At 45 DAT the incidence of anthracnose had high relative heterosis and heterobeltiosis. The enzyme polyphenol oxidase had highest heterosis followed by capsaicin and oleoresin for both type of heterosis. From the present investigation several promising three way cross hybrids were obtained with regard to fruit yield, yield attributes and resistance to anthracnose. Some of the promising three way cross hybrids are Jwalamukhi x Kidangoor local x Jwalasakhi, Jwalamukhi x Ujwala x Vellayani Athulya, Jwalamukhi x Ujwala x Kidangoor local, Jwalasakhi x Vellayani Athulya x Kidangoor local, Samkranthi local x Vellayani Athulya x Kidangoor local, Vellayani Athulya x Kidangoor local x Samkranthi local, Vellayani Athulya x Ujwala x Jwalamukhi, and Kidangoor local x Ujwala x Jwalasakhi. These can be directly used as hybrids or can be subjected to selection of superior types in the segregating generation to obtain stable varieties. The estimation of genetic components revealed the predominance of dominance x dominance gene effect for fruit yield per plant, number of branches per plant, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, fruit length, fruit girth, harvest index and capsaicin while the remaining traits days to first flowering, plant height, number of seeds per fruit, hundred seed weight, incidence of anthracnose, enzyme activity, phenol, oleoresin and vitamin C had additive x dominance type of epistatic effect. Heterosis method of breeding could be followed for the improvement of the traits which had dominance x dominance type of epistatic effect whereas the traits with additive x dominance component could be improved thereby postponing selection to later segregating generations and following recurrent selection.ThesisItem Open Access Genetic analysis of segregating generations for yield attributesand resistance to fruit and shoot borer (Earias vittella Fab.) in bhindi (Abelmoschus spp.)(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2008) Divya, Balakrishnan; KAU; Sreenivasan, EThe research study entitled “Genetic analysis for yield attributes and resistance to shoot and fruit borer (Earias Vittella Fab.) in Bhindi (Abelmoschus spp.)” was undertaken during the period 2006-2008 at Department of plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur. The main objectives of this project were to study the nature of gene action governing fruit and shoot borer resistance and yield attributes and to attempt for transfer of shoot and fruit borer resistance to genotypes with desirable yield attributes. Six diverse okra genotypes viz, Arka Anamika, KL9, Salkeerthy, Sel 2, Susthira and AC5 were crossed in a 6 x 6 complete diallel pattern. Thirty crosses were made out of which 24 Fjs were fertile and six interspecific crosses were sterile. Fifteen selected F2S were evaluated for yield attributes and resistance to fruit and shoot borer. High genetic variability, heritability and genetic gain were observed in fruit weight and plant height. Both Fi and F2 of the cross Arka Anamika x Salkeerthy recorded the higher fruit yield than others. Arka Anamika was found to be a good general combiner for fruit number, fruit weight and fruit length. KL9 showed high gca for days to first flowering, intemodal number and fruit weight. Fruit yield was positively associated with number of fruits, number of intemodes, fruit weight and fruit length. Shoot and fruit borer infestation recorded- negative association with plant height, flowering period, fruit number, fruit yield and intemodal length. Overdominance was observed for most of the yield contributing traits. Generation mean analysis for six generations from two crosses viz. Sel 2 x AC 5 and KL 9 x Salkeerthy were carried out and gene action for yield attributes and resistance to fruit and shoot were studied. Duplicate non allelic interactions were observed for most of the traits studied. Complementary epistasis govern the inheritance of fruit borer resistance in the cross Sel 2 x AC 5. Digenic non-allelic interaction model was found inadequate to explain shoot borer infestation. Biochemical analysis indicated the presence of higher levels of phenol and tannin content in fruits and shoots of resistant genotypes. The Fi of the cross Sel 2 x AC 5 was identified as the best hybrid for both marketable fruit yield and resistance to fruit and shoot borer and it also showed field resistance to Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus.ThesisItem Open Access Genotype - environment interaction in new plant type (npt) lines of rice (oryxa sativa L)(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2007) Marimutthu, M; KAU; Elsy, C RThe present study on Genotype - Environment interaction in New Plant Type (NPT) lines of rice was carried out in the Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara. Eight selected NPT rice lines (developed at IRRI) along with Jyothi as check variety were evaluated for ten agronomic characteristics and seven grain quality characteristics across three low land rice ecosystem in Palghat district in central zone of Kerala during rabi season 2005. In the experiment, variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation, path analysis and stability were disclosed. Mean performance of NPT rice lines across three locations revealed that in general NPT rice lines performed significantly better than check variety at two locations for grain yield. Characters like days to 50 per cent flowering and number of productive tillers and harvest index did not differ significantly than that of Jyothi at all the test locations. With respect to grain quality parameters such as L/B ratio, 1000-grain weight, milling percentage and head rice recovery. NPT-8 had shown better grain qualities except amylose content.Jyothi showed superior performance for this character. In general, panicle length and mean number of spikelets were high in most of NPT rice lines than Jyothi.The average plant height of NPT lines was same or higher than that of Jyothi.None of the NPT rice lines showed tendency to lodge. Grain yield was positively and significantly correlated with days to 50 per cent flowering, number of spikelets per panicle, panicle length and straw yield .Path analysis indicated that characters like days to maturity, number of spikelets per panicle, straw yield and 1000-grain weight had the positive direct effect on grain yield. Based on the economical important agronomic characters, promising NPT rice lines for each location were identified. At Nenemni, the promising NPT lines identified were NPT-2, NPT-3 and NPT-4.Taking into consideration of grain quality parameters like medium shaped grains, high 1000-grain weight and head rice recovery, NPT-8 was adjudged as a best NPT line at Nenmeni.NPT-2, NPT-5, NPT6 and NPT-8 were identified as the promising four NPT rice lines at Thenkurissi. At Mathur, NPT-4, NPT-7 and NPT-8 were identified as the promising NPT rice lines. Based on the performance for yield, agronomic characters, grain characteristics and stability NPT-7 had shown better performance in the present study.ThesisItem Open Access Induction of variability through mutagenesis in neelayamari (Indigofera tinctoria L.)(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2009) Kumanan, E; KAU; Mareen AbrahamThe study entitled “Induction of variability through mutagenesis in neelayamari (Indigofera tinctoria L.)” was carried out in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period 2006-2008, with the objective of inducing variability for higher biomass yield and indigotin content in leaves. Indigofera tinctoria is a valuable medicinal plant, which is also utilized as a natural source of the blue dye, ‘indigo’. At present the leaf biomass obtained from the genotypes currently cultivated is not appreciable. Hence an attempt has to be made to evolve variants with higher leaf yield and indigotin content. Mutation breeding has been attempted in this study with a local variety. The LD50 was calculated as 20.0 KR gamma rays. The mean performance for all the characters was reduced as the doses of mutagen increased in M1 generation. In M2 generation the positive shift in mean plant height, plant spread, girth of stem, number of branches, number of leaves, weight of leaves, weight of shoots, weight of pods and indigotin content were observed in the intermediate dose of mutagen. Indigotin content of leaves increased significantly with increased doses of gamma rays treatments when compared to control. The optimum dose for maximum yield and yield contributing characters ranged between 17.5 KR and 22.5 KR of gamma rays mutagen. A high magnitude of phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation were noticed for the characters viz., harvest index, leaf area index, dry weight of pods and number of branches. High estimates of heritability were observed for all the characters studied, the highest being exhibited by fresh weight of leaves. Maximum genetic advance was observed for the character harvest index while fresh weight of shoots expressed the minimum. Correlation coefficient between shoot yield and its components indicated significant positive association of yield with plant height, leaf area index, fresh weight of leaves, number of leaves, dry weight of leaves, dry weight of shoots, fresh weight of pods and dry weight of pods, where as harvest index showed significant negative correlation. Path coefficient analysis of important yield attributes indicated that the number of branches, plant height and indigotin content had the maximum direct effect on fresh weight of shoot and minimum for dry weight of leaves. Indigotin content has negative correlation with yield where as it has direct effect on yield through other correlated characters. This indicates that selection for improvement for indigotin content should be carried out with other characters also. It also indicates that there should be an optimum level of biomass yield for higher indigotin content. Frequent harvest will influence the indigotin content favourably. This has to be determined by assessing the regression coefficient for other characters with indigotin content. The selection index score was highest for control followed by the treatment 22.5 KR and 20.0 KR of gamma rays. Selected mutants showed morphological variation over the control. High yielding mutants were observed in plants treated with 20.0 KR of gamma ray. A total of five high yielding mutants were identified and their yield characters and indigotin were also found out for further evaluation. Raising M3 progeny lines from each of these plants and evaluation of the lines in comparison with the control plants are suggested as future line of work.ThesisItem Open Access Development and evaluation of hybrids in ivy gourd (Coccinia grandis L. Voigt)(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2008) Prabu, R; KAU; Wilson, DThe present investigation on “Development and evaluation of hybrids in ivy gourd (Coccinia grandis L.Viogt.) was carried out at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2007-2008. The objectives of the study were to develop hybrids in ivy gourd, to estimate genetic parameters, variability among and within families and to identify superior hybrids over the check variety “Sulabha”. Hybridization was carried out between four selected gynoecious and three androecious lines. Based on the mean values of the twelve families and their progenies variability among the families and progenies were studied. Genetic parameters and standard heterosis were also estimated in this study. The family 1(Royappanpatty 1 x Royappanatty local) revealed superiority over the other families for days to flower, first harvest, length, girth number of fruits and fruit yield per plant. The magnitude of variation among the progenies of 12 families revealed the heterogeneous nature of the F1 families. Significant variation among the progenies for vitamin C content was expressed in eight families viz., family 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 12. Seven families viz., family 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11 and 12 showed significant variations among progenies for days to first flowering. Variations among progenies for fruit length were expressed by the families 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, and 11. The families 4, 5, 8 and 10 showed significant variations for average fruit girth among the progenies. The families 4, 5 and 7 showed variations among progenies for days to first fruit harvest. The families 2, 6 and 8 showed variations among the progenies for girth of fruits. Families 4, 6 and 11 recorded significant variations among the progenies for number of fruits. Families 4 and 6 showed significant variations among progenies for fruit yield per plant. Superior plants can be selected from the families showing significant variation for different characters. Pooled analysis of the data showed significant differences among the progenies for all the characters. The minimum days to flowering was recorded in progeny 1 and 5 of family 1 (Royappanpatty 1 x Royappanatty local) followed by progeny 7 of the same family and progeny 1 of family 3. (Royappanpatty 1 x Karyavattam). The same trend was observed for days to first harvest of fruits. The progeny 1 of family 1 was found to be earliest to take harvest followed by three other progenies progeny 2, 5 and 6 of the same family. Significant variation for average fruit length was observed among the progenies. Progeny 1 of family 1 recorded the longest fruits. The highest fruit girth was observed in progeny 1 of family 4. The progeny 3 of family 3 produced fruits having the maximum weight followed by progeny 3 of family 1. The maximum number of fruits was produced by progeny 4 of family 1. Progeny 1 of family 4 recorded the highest vitamin C content. The highest fruit yield was recorded by progeny 3 of family 1 followed by progeny 1 of family 3 and progeny 3 of the same family. Superior progenies identified for different characters from the hybrid population can be utilized for further improvement. The results of the analysis of variance showed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters studied. The differences between phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were found to be low in this study indicating the major contribution of genetic component. The highest heritability was estimated for days to first harvest followed by fruit yield per plant, fruit weight, fruit length, fruit girth, number of fruits per plant, days to first flower and vitamin c content. High heritability and high genetic advance estimated for important traits like fruit yield per plant, number of fruits per plant, and fruit weight which indicated the effectiveness of selection. Higher genotypic correlation than the phenotypic correlation observed for most of the characters indicated the reduced influence of environment. The number of fruits per plant had significant positive correlation with yield per plant, fruit length and fruit weight. Average length of fruits, girth of fruits, average weight of fruits and number of fruits per plant exerted significant positive direct effect on fruit yield per plant. Therefore improvement of anyone of these characters would bring out simultaneous improvement of yield. The families showed standard heterosis at varying levels for different characters. In this study mean values of the families were taken for comparison with the standard parent. Compared to the standard check “Sulabha” the hybrid population took more days to flower. However, among the hybrid progenies family 1 took the minimum days to flower and fruit harvest. The families 1 (Royappanpatty 1 x Royappanatty local) and 3 (Royappanpatty 1 x Karyavattam) manifested marginal positive heterosis for fruit length and families 1 (Royappanpatty 1 x Royappanatty local), 2 (Royappanpatty 1 x Vellayani local), 3 (Royappanpatty 1 x Karyavattam) 5 (NBPGR 1 x Vellayani local and) and 6 (NBPGR x Karyavattam) expressed heterosis for fruit girth. The positive heterosis for average fruit weight was observed in the families 1 and 3. The maximum positive heterosis for number of fruits per plant was observed in the family 1 followed by 2 and 3. Nine hybrids expressed positive heterosis for vitamin C content. The heterosis for fruit yield per plant was the maximum in family 1 followed by 3 and 2. The superior progenies identified for different characters from the hybrid population can be utilized for further improvement.ThesisItem Open Access Genetic variability for yield and resistance to chilli thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis H) and yellow mite(Polyphagotarsonemus latus banks) in chilli(Capsicum annuum L)(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2008) Narsi Reddy, A; KAU; Sunny K, OommenThe present study aimed at evaluating a collection of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes for yield and resistance to chilli thrips and yellow mite was carried out in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2006-2007. Fifty genotypes of chilli were evaluated for yield and yield components in a field experiment in randomized block design with three replications. Observations were recorded on 13 characters viz., days to 50% flowering, fruit bearing period, duration, primary branches per plant, secondary branches per plant, plant canopy width, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight, number of seeds per fruit and yield per plant. Significant differences existed among genotypes for all the characters as revealed by the analysis of variance. The variety Ca 13 recorded the highest yield per plant (292.88g). Ca 15 was the lowest yielder (74.01g). Ca 10 recorded the highest number of fruits per plant (110.66). The variety Ca 20 recorded maximum plant canopy width (69.55cm). High phenotypic coefficient of variation with correspondingly high genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant, secondary branches per plant and primary branches per plant. This indicated the existence of high degree of genetic variation and scope for improvement of these characters through selection. All the characters considered except days to 50% flowering recorded high estimates of heritability. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for number of fruits per plant, yield per plant and secondary branches per plant. There is immense scope for improvement of these characters through selection on account of their high magnitude of heritability and exceptionally high genetic advance. Fruit yield per plant showed high positive genotypic correlation with number of fruits per plant, duration, length of fruit bearing period, plant canopy width and number of secondary branches. The highest genotypic correlation of yield was with number of fruits per plant. Path analysis revealed that number of fruits per plant had the highest direct effect on yield. The indirect effect of the character via other characters was negligible. Plant canopy width also showed relatively high direct effect as well as positive indirect effect through number of fruits per plant and fruit weight. The study revealed that number of fruits per plant and plant canopy width are important in deciding yield and should be given due consideration in crop improvement programmes. Genetic diversity studies using Mahalanobis D2 statistic indicated considerable diversity among the 50 genotypes of chilli. The genotypes were grouped into eight clusters. Clustering pattern indicated that cluster I is having maximum number of genotypes. Maximum divergence was observed between clusters III and VI. The intracluster distance was the highest for cluster I. Selection indices of the 50 genotypes for yield were worked out using yield per plant and component characters viz., days to 50% flowering, fruit bearing period, duration, primary branches per plant, secondary branches per plant, plant canopy width, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight and number of seeds per fruit. Maximum index value was obtained for Ca 13 followed by Ca 22 and Ca 18. Low index values were recorded for Ca 27 and Ca 15. Evaluation of the genotypes for resistance to chilli thrips and yellow mite was done to identify sources of resistance. Population count and leaf damage intensity were the criteria adopted for evaluation of resistance. The genotype that recorded the lowest number of thrips per leaf is Ca 13. Lowest leaf damage intensity was observed for Ca 43. Simultaneous consideration of population count and damage intensity suggested tolerance of Ca13 and Ca 35 to chilli thrips. These varieties are thus identified as promising sources of resistance to chilli thrips. Ca 35 was identified as the variety harbouring the lowest number of yellow mites. Leaf damage due to the mite was low for Ca 6. In view of the relatively low population count and leaf damage, Ca 6 and Ca 35 were identified as genotypes tolerant to yellow mite which can hopefully serve as sources of resistance to the pest. Ca 35 was the only genotype that showed resistance to both chilli thrips and yellow mite. The critical evaluation of the genotypes for tolerance to the pests also confirmed the tolerance of Ca 35 to both of these pests. The study identified Ca 13 as a genotype with high yield potential and tolerance to chilli thrips.ThesisItem Open Access Morphological and molecular analysis of coconut(cocos nucifera l.)(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2008) Selvaraju, S; KAU; Jyalakshmi, V GThe research project entitled Morphological and molecular analyses of coconut (Cocos nucifera L) was carried out in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the year 2006-2008. The major objectives of this study include genetic analysis of six coconut cultivars with respect to fourteen morphological characters (vegetative and fruit characters),RAPD analysis of the coconut cultivars with 14 oligonucleotide primers and comparison of the genetic divergence of the six coconut cultivars with respect to morphological and molecular markers The study was conducted in six popular coconut cultivars, WCT, Komadan, Laccadive Ordinary, Natural Cross Dwarf, Chowghat Green Dwarf and Chowghat Orange Dwarf. Morphological data on fourteen biometrical traits in thirty palms belonging to six genotypes, with five palms for each genotype were subjected to statistical analysis. The analyses revealed that magnitude of variation represented by range; phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation were moderately high for all the characters studied. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for weight of unhusked nut, weight of husked nut and number of nuts per palm per year. The coconut breeder therefore can make his selection on the basis of phenotypic expression of these characters in the individual palms. Correlation studies revealed that all the characters except plant height had significant positive correlation with yield. Path coefficient analysis revealed that eight out of thirteen characters showed positive direct effect on yield. Genetic divergence studies using Mahalanobis D2 analysis showed that the dwarf accessions are distinctly divergent from the rest of the accessions. The group constellations developed based on D2 totals showed that the local cultivar WCT and NCD were clustered together and the well preferred cultivar Komadan got clustered along with Laccadive Ordinary, the variety of Lakshadweep released in Kerala as “Chandrakalpa” for its superiority in performance. Maximum divergence was reported between Komadan and NCD .With regard to the characters chosen for the divergence analysis, it shows the importance of nut characters in assessing the genetic divergence in coconut. RAPD analysis using the 14 primers produced 107 amplicons within the molecular range of 2 kb to less than 0.5 kb. The primers chosen for the study reveal the advantage of GC-rich primers in bringing about amplification. Among the 14 primers studied, OPE-7 and OPB-05 produced maximum polymorphism of 43 percentage. The percentage of polymorphism produced by the 14 primers ranged from 10-43 with an average of 27 percentage. Among the fourteen primers studied, nine primers could produce unique products.The similarity analysis of the RAPD products show that the accessions are divergent with respect to RAPD markers. Similarity indices showed that the two accessions, COD and CGD are having 98 percentage similarity. Komadan had 89 percentage similarity with NCD and only 77 and 71 percentage similarity with WCT and Laccadive Ordinary. The dendrogram constructed also depicts the clustering of Komadan along with NCD and dwarfs. The least similarity was noted between Laccadive Ordinary and Chowghat Orange Dwarf. These divergent accessions can be used as parents for exploiting maximum heterosis. Divergent analysis with biometrical traits and RAPD markers slightly differed .In both analyses the dwarfs were clustered together. In the analysis with biometrical traits the divergence was 56 per cent and in the RAPD analysis it had 98 per cent similarity. Morphological markers clustered Komadan and Laccadive Ordinary together and West Coast Tall along with NCD. But in the RAPD analysis, West Coast Tall and Laccadive ordinary clustered together and Komadan clustered with dwarfs and NCD at 80 per cent similarity. Even though, Komadan is accepted as a superior palm its pedigree is controversial. A detailed molecular study can give a clear picture.