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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Open Access
Varietal screening of banana against anthracnose disease
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1984) Srinagesh, K L; KAU; Jose, P C
Laboratory and field studies of the varietal screening of banana against anthracnose disease were conducted at the college of Horticulture. Vellanikkara and at Banana Research Station, Kannara respectively during 1981-1983. In the field the infection started at the distal end of the banana fruit and in course of time the infected fruit became blackened, shriveled and mummified. After Harvest, the symptoms appeared as small brown spots which enlarged quickly and coalesced forming larger patches. The affected areas were covered with orange to salmon pink coloured conidial masses. The detailed morphological studies of the fungus proved that the anthraemose disease of banana is caused by colletrichum cloeosporioides cooko and massee, the imperfect stage of glomerella cinoulata spauld and shrenk. Twenty five varieties of banana fruit were screened in vitro at different stages of development against anthracnose disease. The varieties showed different degrees of susceptibility at various developmental stages of the fruit. The pooled analysis of the data showed that the variety nendra padaththi followed by palayankodan, jurmani kunthali, boodida bontha bathes, peyan, kanchikela, pisang mas and kapok were found to be highly resistant. The varieties Zanzibar, adakka kunnan, klue teparod, chinia, nendran, venneettu mannan, koduppilla kunnan, hybrid sawai, poocha kunnan, red banana and boodles altafort were found to be resistant to the disease. The variety robusta was found to be susceptible. The varieties njalipoovan, pisang lilin, dwarf Cavendish, matti and gros Michel were found to be highly susceptible. The major chemical constituents of banana fruit viz. reducing sugars, total sugars starch, crude fibre, crude protein and tannin at different developmental stages of twenty five varieties were analysed. The reducing sugars and total sugar were found to increase steadily from immediately after female phase to ripened stage in all the varieties. The starch and crude fibre contents, though increased steadily upto full maturity. Declined sharply at the ripening stage. The crude protein and tannin contents were maximum at immediately after female phase but steadily decreased and were minimum at ripening phase. There was a significant positive correlation between reducing sugars, total sugars and per cent disease intensity at three fourth maturity. High sugars were responsible for susceptibility to the disease. A significant negative correlation was obtained between crude protein and per cent disease intensity at half maturity. A significant negative correlation was also obtained between tannin and per cent disease intensity at one fourth and half maturity stages. High crude protein and high tannin contents were responsible for resistance to the disease.
Open Access
Studies on the phyllosticta leaf spot of ginger
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1981) Premanathan, T; KAU; Peethambaran, C K
Laboratory and field experiments of “The studies on the Phyllosticta leaf spot of ginger” were conducted at the College of Horticulture Campus, Vellanikkara during 1979-1981. The first visible symptom of the disease was observed as chlorotic specks. Fructification was more during the later stages of crop growth. The detailed study on the plant and environmental factors influencing the disease development in the field revealed that the average number of leaves per plant has a significant positive correlation with the disease intensity. Koch’s postulate and morphological studies proved that the pathogen causing the disease is Phyllosticta zingiberi Ramakr. Uninjured leaves and first three leaves, even after injury, failed to exhibit the symptoms on inoculation. Conidia germinated by putting forth single or double germtubes. Sucrose solution (1,000 ppm) supported faster and maximum spore germination and the bipolar germination noted was maximum in this solution. The fungus entered the leaf by direct penetration of epidermal cells without appressoria formation. The pycnidiospores and mycelia of the pathogen were found to survive even after seven months in soil under different depths and moisture conditions. The type Maran was found to be the least susceptible followed by Karakkal and Bajpai, whereas type Vengara was the most susceptible one. Out of the 12 fungicides tried, one per cent Bordeaux mixture and 2,000 ppm Bayer 5072 gave cent per cent inhibition of the fungal growth in both solid and liquid media. Antracol 2,000 ppm and panolil above 500 ppm in solid medium; bavistin 2,000 ppm and cuman above 500 ppm in liquid medium gave cent per cent inhibition of fungal growth. In the field trial cuman, was found to be the most effective fungicide in controlling the disease, followed by Bordeaux mixture and panolil. Maximum rhizome yield was noticed in cuman treated plots followed by Bordeaux mixture.
Open Access
Antibiotic producing and antagonistic microorganisms in the forest soils of Kerala
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1988) Vinod, P B; KAU; Sukumara Varma, A
The antibiotic producing and antagonistic fungi, actinomycetes and bacteria in the evergreen forest soils of Ladysmith forest of Thariyode in Wynad, and Cheriyakanom forest of Thekkadi in Idukki districts of Kerala State were studied. The phanerogamic flore around the sites of soil sample collection in both localities were identified. The total microbial population was studied in relation to the depth of soil. The microbial population was maximum in the top layer and decreased with increase in depth of soil. The total microbial population was higher in Idukki and in both districts, population of bacteria was maximum followed by actinomycetes and fungi. A diversified group of fungi consisting, Mucor, Syncephalastrum, Trichoderma, Microascus, Cunningphamella, Absidia, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Talaromyces, Paecelomyces and Fusarium was present. Three types of actinomycetes viz. Streptomyces sp. with straight sporophores, flexuous sporophores and fascicled sporophores were present while four types of bacteria viz., B. subtilis. Bacillus sp. identical to B. subtilis, Bacillus sp. with small cell and fast growth in NA and Bacillus sp. with small cell and slow growth in NA were present. Antagonistic properties of the isolated were studied with the test organisms Pythium myriotylum, Phytophthora palmivora and Rhizoctonia soleni. Mucor sp. and Cunninchamella elegans showed intermingling and overgrowth with all the test organisms while Absidia corymbefera, Syncephalastrum racemosum, Aspergillus meleus, A. tarreus, Microascus cinereus and Fusarium oxysporum showed this character with P. myriotylum and P. palmivora. Intermingling and overgrowth character was observed in Paecelomyces lilacinus with P. palmivora and R. solani whereas A. versicolor and three species of streptomyces showed this character only with P. palmivora. Mutual inhibition on contact was exhibited by Talaromyces wortmannii with all the three test organisms, while A. versicolor and Streptomyces spp. with flexuous sporophores and fascicled sporophores showed this character with P. myriotylum and R. solani. This character was observed in case of A. corymbefera, S. racemosum, A. meleus, M. cinereus, F. oxysporum and Streptomyces sp. with straigtht sporophores, with R. solani while P. lilacinus showed this with P. myrootylum. Mutual inhibition at a distance was shown by Penicillium citrinum, P. simplicissimum, B. subtilis and the other three Bacillus spp. when tested with P. palmivora and R. solani, but A. terreus showed this reaction only with R. solani. Inhibition at a distance and disintegration of test organism was shown by A. niger with P. myriotylum and R. solani while P. citrinum and P. simplicissimum showed this character only with P. myriotylum. All the three spp. of Trichoderma showed die – back and disintegration of all the three test organisms, while A. niger showed this character only with P. palmivora and A. sydowii showed this character with R. solani only. streptomyces sp. with straight sporophores, B. subtilis and the other three Bacillus spp. showed this character with P. myriotylum alone. Inhibitory properties of antagonists using cell free culture filtrates were estimated and found that A. niger inhibited 100 per cent growth of all the three test organisms while P. citrinum, P. simpliciccimum and B. subtilis showed 100 per cent inhibition of P. myriotylum and a range of 67-87 per cent in case of P. palmovora and R. solani. A. terreus did not inhibit P. myriotylum and P. palmivora, but inhibites 78 per cent of R. solani. All the three Trichoderma spp. moderately inhibited all the three test organisms (13-26 per cent) while A. sydowii showed 20 per cent inhibition of R. solani only. Antibiotic property of the antagonists was determined and P. citrinum exhibited maximum, equivalent to 325 ppm tetracycline followed by Streptomyces with straight sporophores having 250 ppm. T. longibracheatum, P. simplicissimum and A. versicolor recovered antibiotic property equivalent to 150 ppm tetracycline hydrochloride while the other isolates had < 100 ppm equivalence of tetracycline hydrochloride.
Open Access
Studies on the control of soft rot of ginger
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1980) Kurucheve, V; KAU; Peethambaran, E K
The present investigation ‘Studies on the control of soft rot of ginger’ was conducted at the Instructional Farm, attached to College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Trichur during the year 1978-79. Two varieties of ginger viz. ‘Rio-de-janeiro’ and ‘Maran’ were used for the investigations. The objectives of the investigations were 1) to find out the causal organism of soft rot of ginger in the acid lateritic soils of Vellanikkara 2) to find out suitable control measures against the disease 3) to know whether the fungus could develop resistance against continuous application of fungicides and 4) to find out any adverse effect on the development of ginger rhizomes when the fungicides were applied for controlling the disease. The pathogen responsible for the disease was found to be Pythium aphanidermatum (Edson) Fitzpatrick. More than 90 per cent inhibition of the fungus was observed by agallol, thiride and difolatan at 500 ppm concentration in vitro. Hundred per cent inhibition of the fungus was possible only with 2000 ppm of Cheshunt compound or thiride and with 500 ppm of agallol in vitro. Among the different combinations of Cheshunt compound, agallol and thiride, 100 ppm of agallol plus 100 ppm of thiride was the most effective combination in inhibiting the mycelial growth of the fungus. Seed treatment with 0.25 per cent agallol solution alone was not effective in reducing the disease incidence in the field. The fungicides which were proved very effective in in vitro studies, were again tested under field conditions. They were Cheshunt compound, agallol and thiride. Soil drenching before planting with the above mentioned fungicides reduced the pre emergence rotting considerably. Single application of fungicides either in one, three or four months after planting was not adequate in controlling the disease. A minimum of two post emergence applications i.e. One month and three months after planting either with cheshunt compound or agallol, in addition to pre planting soil drenching were necessary for controlling the disease as well as for getting good yield. P. aphanidermatum did not develop any resistance against the fungicides when they were applied continuously in the field. Adverse effect on the development of ginger rhizomes was not noticed when the fungicides were applied for controlling the soft rot of ginger. The present investigation showed that extent of control varied with the sequence and number of fungicidal applications. Treatments agallol – cheshunt compound, cheshunt compound – cheshunt compound and cheshunt compound – agallol in two times application; cheshunt compound – cheshunt compound – cheshunt compound ; cheshunt compound – agallol – thiride and cheshunt compound – thiride – agallol in three times application and cheshunt compound – cheshunt compound – cheshunt compound – cheshunt compound; agallol – agallol – agallol – agallol and cheshunt compound – thiride – agallol – cheshunt compound in four times application showed a better disease reduction compared to other treatments. The post emergence rotting started appearing from July and peak infection was noticed during August. The variety ‘Maran’ was more resistant to the disease. There was a direct correlation between the disease incidence and continuous rainfall.
Open Access
Management of sheath blight disease of rice in relation to the population of the pathogen in soil
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1987) Shaji, Alexander; KAU; Rajan, K M
Laboratory, pot and field experiments were carried out to study the role of various physical, chemical and biological factors on the management of sheath blight disease of rice caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn. (Thanatephorus Cucumerlis (Frank) Donk). Populations of total fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes in soil were enumerated at different stages of growth of the crop in order to assess their role in reducing the intensity and incidence of sheath blight disease. Results of the investigation revealed that the pathogen can be managed by deeper ploughing followed by submergence of the soil for a minimum period of two months. Amendments like glyricidia leaves, rice husk, lime and non edible oil cakes of marotti, neem and punna were useful in reducing the severity and spread of the disease. Fungicides like carbendazim and ediphenphos and the herbicide benthiocarb were also efficient in managing the disease. Rotation of rice with crops like tapioca, banana and brinjal was also useful. It was seen that amendments stimulated the population of saprophytes like Trichoderma viride in soil which are antagonistic to R. solani resulting in a subsequent reduction in population of the pathogen. In spite of the reduction in severity and spread of the disease, grain and straw yields were not enhanced by the treatments. More elaborate field trials are to be undertaken before landing on any ultimate conclusion regarding the use of these practices as tools for disease management.
Open Access
Studies on the microflora of stored pepper
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1982) Estelitta, S; KAU; Abi Cheeran
With a view to study the microflora in stored black pepper, a research project was carried out at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. It was also aimed at estimating the deterioration of the quality of stored black pepper in terms of its oleoresin, piperine and starch contents due to microbial infection and assessing the role of each micro-organisms in changing the quality of the product. The study revealed that the major chemical constituents of stored black pepper, namely, oleoresin, piperine and starch varied in different grades of black pepper. Slight variations in these quality constituents were observed according to the seasons of storage also. In all the seasons, association of microflora with all grades of black pepper was observed. The species of micro-organisms were not changed during seasons, but the population varied according to grade of black pepper and season of storage. The micro-organisms found were Aspergillus niger, A. candidus, A. nidulans, A. versicolor, curvularia lumata, penicillium citrinum, Fusarium moniliforme, Rhizopus nigricans and Bacterium (gram –ve). There was no growth of microflora in stored black pepper upto 66.8 per cent relative humidity, whereas profused growth was observed at saturation levels of humidity. Only Aspergillus spp. And penicillium citrinum could come up at a lower HUMIDITY LEVEL (75.6 per cent). In three quality constituents of black pepper viz., oleoresin, piperine and starch reduced considerably when the samples were inoculated with different micro-organisms at different levels of humidity. Reduction in the quality constituents was found corresponding to the increase in level of humidity as well as length of incubation period.
Open Access
Studies on the leaf blight disease of clove caused by Cylindrocladium sp.
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1980) Sulochana, K K; KAU; Chandrasekharan Nair, N
Leaf blight disease of clove caused by Cylindrocladium cuinqueseptatum Boedijn et Roitsma was investigated. The fungus infected clove leaves at all stages of maturity, but the seedlings were found to be more susceptible to the disease than mature plants. Injury of the host tissue was found to be a pre-requisite for successful infection by the fungus. The organism infected a wide variety of plants including some of the weed plants on artificial inoculation. Good growth and sporulation of the fungus was obtained on potato dextrose agar followed by Coon’s agar and Czapek’s agar. In liquid media, maximum dry weight of the mycelium was obtained on potato media, maximum dry weight of the mycelium was obtained on potato dextrose broth, followed by Czapeks’ broth. Maximum growth of the fungus was obtained on medium amended with gingelly oil followed by coconut and clove oils. In liquid media, maximum dry weight of the mycelium was obtained in the medium amended with gingelly oil followed by coconut clove oils. Optimum pH range for the growth of the fungus was found to be 7 to 9. Richards’ broth was found to be the best medium for the production of toxin followed by Czapek’s and Fries’ media. Exotoxin production was found to be more than endotoxin. The toxic metabolite is found to be thermostable. Diluting the culture filtrate to 4 times its volume showed a reduction in the toxic effect. However, the treatments did not completely eliminated the toxic effect of the preparation. The toxic effect of the culture filtrate translocated by defoliation on the cut twigs of plants. Culture filtrate of the fungus inhibited the spore germination of Colletotrichum glocosporioides and Curvularia sp. The culture filtrate as well as the mycelial extract produced lesions on clove leaves of different maturity, with pronounced effect on tender leaves. Spore germination of the fungus could be completely inhibited with all the eight fungicides in all concentrations on the first day of observation. Daconil-2767, Dithane M-45, Fytolan and Thride were able to cause 94,97,94 and 95 per cent inhibition of spore germination respectively upto 12th day at maxium concentration tested ( 3000 ppm). Growth of the fungus was completely inhibited with Bavistin 250, 500 and 1000 ppm, Dithane M-45 1000, 2000 and 3000 ppm; Mildothane 500, 1000 and 2000 ppm and thride 1000, 2000 and 3000 ppm; when tested in czapeks’ agar medium. In czapeks’ solution Bavistin, Difolatan, Dithane M-45 and Mildothane at all concentrations tested, there was complete inhibition of growth of the fungus. Bavistin at 250 ppm and Thiride at 1000 ppm were able to inhibit the growth of the fungus by 15 minutes immersion, when the culture dises were tested for the viability of the fungus, Mildothene and Dithane M-45 inhibited the growth of the fungus at 1000 and 2000 ppm respectively, When the culture discs were tested for the viability of the fungus after immersion for one hour in fungicidal solution. Fytolan and Difolaton were able to inhibit the growth of the fungus at the maximum concentration (both at 3000 ppm), only after 24 hours immersion in the fungicidal solution.
Open Access
Studies on the seed borne diseases of rice in Kuttanadu
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1986) Jose Joseph; KAU; Susamma Philip
Several fungi were isolated from the seeds of twelve varieties/cultivars of rice collected from different localities of Kuttanadu, the major rice growing tract of Kerala. Fungi were encountered extrenally as well as internally. Among the externally seed borne fungi, Aspergillus flavus was the most common with its occurrence on nine varieties followed by Bipolaris oryzae and Curvuleria lunata. Other fungi included Rhizopus stolonifer, Chaetomium gracile, Syncephalestrum racemosum, Fusarium moniliforms, Trichoderma virde, Sarocladium oryzae. Aspergillus niger, Alternaria padwickii, Fusarium gramineazum, Piricularia oryzae, A. fumigatus, A. quadrilineatus, Nigrospora oryzae and Penicillium spp. Among the varieties Jaya was found to harbour the maximum fungal population. The germination percentage was not found to be affected due to seed inoculationwith the predominant fungi viz. A. flavus, A. padwickii, B. oryzae, C. lunata and S. oryzae.
Open Access
Epidemiology and control of sheath rot disease of rice
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1986) Krishnakumaran Nair, B; KAU; Chandrasekharan Nair, M
Studies on symptomatology, epidemiology and control aspects of sheath rot disease of rice caused by Serocladium oryzae Cams & Hawksworth (= Acrocylindrium oryzae Saw.) were done in detail. The disease initiated as purplish-brown oblong lesions on the sheath of the flag leaf. At maturity lesions enlarged in size with grey -white centres and often covered the entire flag leaf sheath. Panicle often did not emerge but choked inside the affected sheaf itself. Artificial inoculation studies showed that under sufficient humid conditions the pathogen took an average five to eight days for initiation and 15 to 20 days for the complete development of the disease in rice plants. The pathogen was isolated from four naturally infected rice varieties, collected from three different culture (isolates viz., S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6 & S7) were selected based mainly on symptomatological variations and their comperative morphological characters were studied in detail. No appreciable differences were noticed in the morphological characters between isolates.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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