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.

Browse

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 9 of 15

Open Access
Associative effect of azospirillum and bradyrhizobium on nodulation and growth of cowpea (viqna unquiculata (l.) walp,
(Department of Plant Pathology College of Horticulture Vellanikkara, 1992) Sunitha, Menon S.; KAU; Rajendran, Pillai M .V
Open Access
Leaf blight of banana and its control
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Saj, KV; KAU; Sulochana, K K
Survey conducted to study the fungal pathogens causing leaf blight disease in banana in the three agricultural subdivisions of Thiruvananthapuram district, yielded seven fungal pathogens viz., colletotrichum musae, Curvularia sp, Guignardia musae, khuskia oryzae, Nodulisporium gregarium, Pestalotiopsis versicolor and Phaeoseptoria sp. Among these, Curvularia sp, Khuskia oryzae and Nodulisporium gregarium are new reports. Morphological characters and pathogenicity tests of all the seven isolated cultures were studied and described. Detailed studies were conducted on five fungal pathogens viz., C. musae, G. musae, K. oryzae, N. gregarium and Phaeoseptoria sp., since severe infections could be noticed by these fungi. Studies conducted on the growth and sporulation of pathogens on different, media indicated that Richard’s medium was the best for C. musae and G. musae, potato dextrose medium for K. oryzae and Phaeoseptoria sp. In the case of N. gregarium, potato dextrose agar and Czapek (Dox) broth were found to be the best solid and liquid media respectively for its growth. Best growth of C. musae, N. gregarium and Phaeoseptoria sp was obtained with maltose as the carbon source, whereas G. musae and K. oryzae utilized maximum starch and sucrose for their growth. Maximum mycelial weight of C. musae was obtained with sodium nitrate as nitrogen source, G. musae and K. oryzae with potassium nitrate, N. gregarium with glutamine and Phaeoseptoria sp. with asparagine. Potato dextrose broth and Richard’s solution were found to be best media for the toxin production by C. musae K. oryzae , G. musae and Phaeoseptoria sp. produced maximum toxin in Richard’s solution and N. gregarium in potato dextrose broth. Host range studies of the pathogen (s) conducted indicated that they can infect a number of economically important plants like, clove, cocoa, colocasia, nutmeg and tapioca, but none of the pathogens could infect clerodendron. Dithane M-45, calixin and Bavistin were able to inhibit the growth of the leaf blighting pathogens under laboratory conditions and under field conditions Dithane M-45 (0.2%) was found to be the best. Varietal screening trials showed that variety Rasakadali was moderately resistant/tolerant among the four popular varieties screened, whereas Nendran was the most susceptible variety.
Open Access
Combatibility of certain fungicides and insecticides used for the control of major diseases and insect pests infesting the rice crop
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1992) Kalpana, T A; KAU; Sally Mathew, K
The efficacy of four fungicides and four insecticides alone and in combination was studied at different concentrations recommended, three-fourth and half the recommended concentrations against two major diseases of rice namely, rice blast caused by Pyricularia oryzae Cavara and sheth blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani kahn. And two major insect-pests namely, leaffoldar Cnaphalocrocis medinalis medinalis Guen. And brown planthopper Nilaparvatha lugens stal. At tillering, panicle initiation and flowering stage of the crop. The experiment was conducted in vivo and in vitro conditions during 1989-91, at the college of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur. In general combind application of fungicides and insecticides controlled the diseases and insect-pests more effectively than the treatments given separately. At tillering stage, a synergistic effect of fungicide was observed, when it was sprayed along with insecticides. Among different combinations tried, tridemorph (o.1 per cent) + monocrotophos (0.0375%) and carbendazim (0.075 ) + guinalphos (0.025 per cent) were the best combinations against blast and sheath blight respectively. In the case of leaffolder and brown planthopper, quinalphos was found to be the best insecticide, when used alone and also in combination with fungicides. At panicle initiation stage, combined sprays of higher concentrations of carbendazim and monocrotophos was the best combination in controlling both R. solani and N. lugeas. But ediphenphos-phosphamidon combination was found to be the superior against N. lugens. When combind spraying was given at flowering stage, captafol (0.225 per cent) + quinalphos (0.0375 per cent, and carbendazim (0.075 per cent) + monocrotophos (0.0375 per cent) were found to be the best combinations against P. oryzae and R. solani respectively. But, combination of recommended doses of quinalphos with tridemorph and ediphenphos and, phosalone with ediphenphos were the effective treatments in controlling C. medinalis and N. lugens respectively. In in vitro studies, a total inhibition of the test organisms, viz.P. oryzae and R. solani were observed in all the treatments. Whereas, in the case of C. medinalis recommended doses of quinalphos in combination with ediphenphos and carbendazim and phosalone with tridemorph recorded highest mortality; while, highest dose of quinalphos with captafol and phosalone with ediphenphos were the superior combinations against N. lugens. From the above findings it could be concluded that, the fungicides viz. ediphenphos, carbendazim, captafol and tridemorph are compatible with all the four insecticides tried viz. Phosphamidon, quinalphos, phosalone and monocrotophos in controlling the diseases, blast and sheath blight and insect pests leaffolder and brown planthopper.
Open Access
Bio-deterioration of important cucurbitaceous seeds due to mycoflora
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1990) Saleena George; KAU; Cheeran, A B I
The study "Bio-deterioration of important cucurbitaceous seeds due to mycoflora" was conducted at College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. The objectives of this study were to find out the role of seed borne mycoflora on the bio-deterioration of important cucurbitaceous seeds, the variation in the seed mycoflora in different periods of the year, to assess the role of different humidity levels on the viability of seeds and to evolve a suitable management practice to prevent the bio-deterioration of seeds. The study revealed that the unsterilised seeds were found associated with mycoflora throughout the period of investigation . Mycoflora associated with surface sterilised seeds was less than that of unsterilised seeds. The maximum fungal association was found on the seed coat, then in the endosperm and least in the embryo in all the three vegetable seeds. Twentyseven species of fungi were found associated with bitter gourd seeds . Ten of them were external contaminants. Twentyfive species of fungi were obtained from the cucumber seed of which 11 species were found to be externally seed borne fungi were Aspergillus sp., Pencillium sp. and Rhizopus sp. while among the internally seed borne fungi the predominant ones were Fusarium solani, Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus stolonifer.
Open Access
Characterization and management of bacterial wilt of chillies caused by Pseudomonas solanaceasum E F Smith
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1992) Jyothi, A R; KAU; Koshy Abraham
Bacterial wilt is one of the most serious disease of chillies in Kerala. The pathogen was isolated from infected chilli plants and its pathogenicity established. Ten isolates of the pathogen viz., five from chillies , two each from tomato and brinjal and one from ginger were used in the study and they werre characterized and identified as blovar III of Pseudomonas solanacearum (Smith) Smith based on the morphological, cultural, biochemical and physiological characters, coupled with its pathogenicity. Twentynine accessions/varieties of chillies were screened for host resistance against bacterial wilt and the study revealed that the variety 'Manjari' (KAU Cluster/CA 33) was resistant to the disease. The accessions CA 205 and CA 207 exhibited moderately resistant reaction. There was no significant correlation between environmental factors and wilt incidence of all the accessions/varieties except CA 408, for which a positive correlation was noticed between soil moisture and wilt incidence.
Open Access
Compatibility of certain fungicides and insecticides used for the control of major diseases and insect pests infesting the rice crop
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1992) Kalpana, T A; KAU; Sally, K Mathew
The efficacy of four fungicides and four insecticides alone and in combination were studied at different concentrations (Recommended, three-fourth and half the recommended concentrations) against two major diseases of rice namely, rice blast caused by Pyricularia oryzae Cavarn and sheath blight caused by R hizoctonia solani Kuhn, and two major insect-pests namely, leaffolder Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guen. and brown planthopper Nilaparvatha lugens Stal. at tillering, panicle initiation and flowering stages of the crop. The experiment was conducted in vivo and in vitro conditions during 1989-'91, at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur. In general, combined application of fungicides and insecticides controlled the diseases and insect-pests more effectively than the treatments given separately. At tillering stage, a synergistic effect of fungicide was observed, when it was sprayed along with insecticides. Among different combinations tried, triaemorpV. (0.1 per cent) + monocrotophos (0.0375%) and Carbendazim TO. 07‘5 % ) -:- quinalphos (0.025 per cent) were the best combinations against blast and sheath blight respectively. In the case of leaffolder and brown planthopper, quinalphos was found to be the best insecticide, when used alone and also in combination with fungicides. At panicle initiation stage, combined sprays of higher concentrations of carbendazim and monocrotophos was the best combination in controlling both R. solani and N. lugens. But ediphenphos-phosphamidon combination was, found to be the superior against N. lugens. When combined spraying was given at flowering stage, captafol (0.225 per cent) + quinalphos (0.0375 per cent) and carbendazim (0.075 per cent) + monocrotophos (0.0375 per cent) were found to be the best combinations against P. oryzae and R. solani respectively. But, combination of recommended doses of quinalphos with tridemorph and ediphenphos and, phosalone with ediphenphos were the effective treatments in controlling C. medinalis and N. lugens respectively. In in vitro studies, a total inhibition of the test organisms, viz. P. oryzae and R. solani were observed in all the treatments. Whereas, in the case of C. medinalis recommended doses of quinalphos in combination with ediphenphos and carbendazim and phosalone with tridemorph recorded highest mortality; while, highest dose of quinalphos with captafol and phosalone with ediphenphos were the superior combinations against N. lugens. From the above findings it could be concluded that, the fungicides viz. ediphenphos, carbendazim, captafol and tridemorph are compatible with all the four insecticides tried viz.; Phosphamidon, quinalphos, phosalone and monocrotophos in controlling the diseases, blast and sheath blight and insect pests leaffolder and brown planthopper.
Open Access
Effect of solarization on damping off diseases of vegetables
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1992) Sainamol Kurian, P; KAU; Peethambaran, C K
The effect of solarization on damping off of chilies caused by Pythium aphanidermatum was studied at the college of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Trichur during 1991-92. For solarizing, 150 guage transparent polyethylene sheets were used. Both nursery and mainfields were inoculated with the fungus prior to solarization. Atmospheric temperature during the period of solarization ranged from 20°C to 38°C. The soil temperature in solarized plots was always higher (6°C-11.5°C) than the non solarized plots. Maximum soil temperature recorded at 10 cm depth i.n the solarized soil was 51°C while that in the non solarized soil was 42°C. Nursery beds were solarized for 15, 30 and 45 days while the main field was solarized for 35 days . Solarization effectively reduced pre and post emergence damping off in the nursery. In the main field, solarization completely checked the disease. As the period of solari.zation increased, better control of the disease was observed. Neemcake amendment did not improve the disease control even with solarization. The population of fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes were reduced as a result of solarization. The nematode population also was significantly reduced by solarization. Eventhough solarization substantially reduced weed population, its effect was more pronounced on dicots rather than monocots. Root colonization by VA Mycrrhizae was significantly better in solarized plots, compared to control. Growth parameters like, plant height, number of leaves, .shoot and root weight were increased through solarization. Plants grown in solarized plots gave 230% more yield over those in the control plots. However, neemcake amendment didnot favour either plant growth or yield. Availability of plant nutrients like P,K, Ca, and Mg was found to be better in solarized plots. Increase in organic carbon content and EC was also noticed in solarized plots. However, total N content of the soil was not altered by solarization.
Open Access
Standardisation of food bases for selected antagonistic microflora against soil-borne pathogens
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1990) Mini, S Nair; KAU; Nair, P V
Techniques for mass multiplication and production of antagonistic microflora isolated from the forest soils of Kerala for the biocontrol of soil-borne pathogens viz., Rhizoctonia, Pythlum and Phytophthora were investigated. The antagonists used were Trichoderma harzianum, T, Ionqibrachiatum, Aspergillus terreus, Panicillium citrinum, P.simplicissimum and Bacillus subtillis. The food bases tried were rice, wheat bran, paddy straw, rice bran, cowpea, forest soil and soil + dried.cowdung. The growth and survive! of antagonists in various food bases were estimated in vitro. A pot culture experiment was laid out during the period from March to September 1989 at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara to assess the population dynamics of the Introduced antagonists in rhizosphere of crop plants end to find out the effect of carrier based antagonist in controlling collar rot of cowpea caused by Rhizoctonia solani, soft rot of ginger caused by Pythium myriotylum and quick wilt of black pepper caused by Phvtophthora palmivora. Milled rice was found to be the most promising food base for all the isolates tested. Wheat bran was also found good for all the Isolates except T. longibrachiatum, T. longibrachiatum as well as B. subtilis were found to grow well in rice broil. A. terreus and P. citrlnum exhibited good growth while moderate growth of T. longibrachiatum and P. simpliciasimum was observed with cowpea as a food base. In general paddy straw, forest soil and soil + cowdung was found to be poor substrates compared to other food bases. But in paddy straw, T. harsianum ,A. terreus. P. citrinum and B. subtilis survived better compared to other food bases.
Open Access
Bio-deterioration of important vegetable seeds due to mycoflora II
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1991) Ambika, S; KAU; Jose, P C
Bio-deterioration of important vegetable seeds due to mycoflora-II" was studied at the Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during the year 1988-89. Three vegetable seeds viz., bhindi (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench), cowpea Vlqna unquiculata (L.l Walp) and dolichos bean (Dolichos 1ablab L .) were used for the investigations. The objectives of the investigations were 1. To assess the role of seed-borne mycoflora and bio-deterioration of important vegetable seeds (bhindi, cowpea and dolichos bean)2. To study the influence of seasons on the association of seed-borne mycoflora of stored vegetable seeds 3. To assess the effect of relative humidity on the viability of vegetable seeds 4. To study the role of seed mycoflora on the germination of seeds and 5. To find out the effect of fungicides to minimise the fungal bio-deterioration of stored vegetable seeds.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

Browse

Thesis Type

Type

Author

Date

Subject

Search Results