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
Vascular streak dieback of cocoa and its management
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1996) Ajay Kumar, K M; KAU; Koshy, Abraham
Vascular streak dieback (VSD) is a destructive disease of cocoa. Corticium culture medium, Water agar, Potato dextrose agar gave promising results in isolation of the pathogen. Petiole and midrib gave maximum success in isolation. Potato dextrose agar and Corticium culture media supported the growth of the fungus. Fusarium sp. And Colletotrichum gloeosporioides were the major contaminants interfering in the isolation of VSD. The morphological characters of the pathogen were studied from the sporophores occurring on naturally infected cocoa plants. Based on these characters, the pathogen causing VSD was identified as Oncobasidium theobromae Talbot and Keane. The disease produced various typical symptoms on leaves and stems of infected plants like pale green colour of leaves and subsequent yellowing with green islets, defoliation, brown marks on the scars of fallen leaves, axillary bud growth of the infected stem, rusty discolouration of cambium, vascular streak, whitish sporophores on the leaf scar of fallen infected leaves and finally the death of the infected twig. Histopathological studies showed the presence of fungal mycelium in the xylem vessels. Transmission studies by grafting and budding revealed no establishment of buds or grafts. But there was vascular streaking. No seed transmission was observed. In general Kitazin and Bavistin as a seed treatment had an effect on the height of plant and leaf production. Evaluation of cocoa types planted at three seed gradens indicated that some of them possess resistance/tolerance against VSD. Variation in disease incidence and intensity of VSD was noted in germplasm VI. Calixin spraying had an effect in preventing the incidence of the disease in seedlings.
Open Access
Etiology and control of seedling blight of cocoa
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1995) Edwin Prem, E; KAU; Koshy, Abraham
The seedling blight is a serious nursery disease of cocoa. The fungus causing seedling blight of cocoa was isolated and Koch’s postulates were established. On carrot agar medium, the fungus produced sparse, striate growth. The mature sporangia were near spherical to ovoid with round base, papillate, caduceus with an average L/B ratio of 1.74. Sporangia were borne terminally in a sympodial fashion. It had a short and thick stalk with an average length of 4.1µm. Based on these characters, the pathogen causing seedling blight of cocoa was identified as Phytophthora palmivora (Butler) Butler. For maximum growth of the fungus, oat meal and corn agar were the best. But, for maximum sporangial production, carrot agar and oat meal agar were good. Among the liquid media, oat meal and corn meal broth supported good growth of the fungus. The disease produced various type of symptoms on leaves and stem of seedlings and budded plants like water soaking, leaf blight, defoliation, black discolouration, cotyledonary infection, wilting and die back. Stem of budded plants were more prone to infection than that of seedlings. The seedlings blight pathogen infected plants such as Piper nigrum L., Cocos nucifera L., Hevea brasiliensis L., Bougainvillea sp. And Colocasia esculenta L. but did not infect Areca catechu L., Piper betle L. and Piper longum L. on artificial inoculation. The youngest seedlings of age group less than 18 days after germination were more vulnerable to infection. Similarly, the youngest budded plants of age group 45 days after budding showed maximum infection. Among the 62 cocoa types screened for host resistance the cocoa types GIV-36.6 (local), GVI-23 (P9 x P4), GIV-4.6 (local) and S-45.5 (local) showed minimum percentage of mortality. Among the different fungicides/antibiotics screened in in vitro, Fytolan, Captaf, Bordeaux mixture, Akomin and Ridomil at all concentrations and 0.3 per cent Foltaf and, Chloramphenicol and Terramycin each at 400 and 500 ppm completely inhibited the growth of the fungus. Indofil-M.45, Aureofungin and Amoxycillin exhibited less inhibitory effect. Foltaf, Fytolan and Akomin each at 0.3 per cent concentration showed better effect in cheching the lesion development on detached cocoa leaves. Result of the different in vivo control experiment indicated that, the fungicides like Akomin, Foltaf, Fytolan and Bordeaux mixture had promising effect in checking the incidence and severity of the disease.
Open Access
Symptomatology and etiology of little leaf disease of pepper (piper nigrum L.)
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1995) Sree Kumari, P K; KAU; Sukumara Varma, A
Symptomatology and etiology of little leaf disease of pepper (piper nigrum L.) was conducted at the department of plant pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur and at pulppally in Wayanad district during 1992-94. Based on the external symptoms of the disease a disease scoring chart (0 to 4) was perfected. The diseased plants had shorter main root and less number of feeder roots. Brown discoloration was noticed on diseased roots. Internodal length as reduced which give a bushy appearance to the plant. Leaves were distorted, downwardly curved, chlorotic, brittle with wire-net type vein lets. Enen though the size and shape were normal, the number of flowers per spike decreased and the aborted flowers increased. Proper maturity was obtained by very few berries. Disease was observed to attach all age group of plants, but the intensity increased with age. Variety karimunda was highly susceptible and punniyur-1 was observed to be tolerant though the disease attacked Arakkulam munda, Aimpiriyan and Vellananamban with lesser degree than karimunda. Application of zinc did not inhibit the symptoms. When 0.2% Dienes stain was used for the phloem portion of the roots, nodes and petioles of the diseased and healthy plants, only diseased plant parts stained blue indicating the presence of mycoplasma like organisms in them. Disease could not be transmitted by sap or dodder. It could be transmitted by cuttings and by wedge grafting using diseased root stock and healthy scion not vice versa. Transmission studies with insects Austroagallia sp. Manderan beta Owarokowska aand Liothrips Karnyi were not successful. Applications of oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC) by drenching, spraying, dipping and wick feeding were effective at concentrations more than 500 ppm for remission of disease symptoms. OTC at 250 ppm was not effective. Above 750 ppm, the treatment caused phytotoxicity. Among methods, wicks feeding was found to be the best, which prevented reappearance of symptom even after two years where as in all the other methods, the symptom remission lasted for less than 6 months. Yield was observed to be reduced with an increase in disease intensity. The study revealed the symptomatology of little leaf disease of black pepper and resulted in the identification of etiology as mycoplasma like organism.
Open Access
Transmission, physical properties and host range of brinjal mosaic virus
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1996) Surendran, M; KAU; Rajagopalan, B
Open Access
Etiology and management of damping-off of solanaceous vegetables
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1996) Bindu, Menon; KAU; Sally, K Mathew
The etiology and management studies of damping-off of chilli, brinjal and tomato were carried out at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during 1994-95. Bacterial wilt resistant varieties like Ujwala of chilli, Surya of brinjal and Sakthi of tomato were used for the study. Fungi like Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Penicillium sp. And Rhizopus stolonifer were found associated with the seeds of chilli, brinjal and tomato. In addition, Curvularia lunata, Drechstera rostrata and Alternaria sp. were isolated from chilli, brinjal and tomato respectively. The pathogens responsible for pre and post-emergence-off were Rhizoctonia solani in summer and Pythium aphanidermatum, Phytophthora parasitica and Drechslera rostrata in rainy season. In varietal reaction, none of the varieties/genotypes was found to be immune to the disease. However, certain genotypes like LCA-304 of chilli, BB-60-C of brinjal and LE-79-5 of tomato showed resistance in both seasons. In in vitro studies, Bordeaux mixture (1%) and copper oxychloride (0.3%) completely inhibited the growth of P. aphanidermatum and P. parasitica whereas all six fungicides tested were found equally effective against R. solani and D. rostrata. in vitro evalution of Trichoderma viride, against all the isolated organisms of damping-off resulted in die-back and disintegration of the pathogens. Among the fungicides, seed treatment with chlorothalonil and thiram @ 2 g/kg seed gave maximum germination and minimum incidence of emergence damping-off both seasons. Bordeaux mixture (1%) and potassium phosphate (0.3%) have affected the germination of seeds especially in tomato. In rainy season, compared to all other treatments, maximum germination, and minimum pre-emergence damping-off was observed in solarized plots. Carbendazim (0.1%) and Bordeaux mixture (1%) treatments were found to be most effective in controlling post-emergence damping-off during summer and rainy season respectively. Solarization followed by application of antagonist was also equally effective as Bordeaux mixture treatment in rainy season.
Open Access
Effect of selected plant protection chemicals on the beneficial microorganisms in cowpea rhizosphere
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1995) Raji, P; KAU; Rajendran Pillai, M V
A study was conducted at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, during 1992 – 94, on the effect of selected plant protection chemicals on beneficial microorganisms in cowpea rhizosphere. Four fungicides, three insecticides and their combinations were tested in vitro as well as in the field. The tolerance levels of Azospirillum and Bradyrhizobium to different doses of these chemicals were also tested. The fungicide Thiram caused inhibition of Azospirillum in vitro. The adverse effect of Thiram on rhizosphere population of Azospirillum was seen only during initial days after application. The growth performance of cowpea plants were not affected adversely. The fungicides, Carbendazim, Bordeaux mixture and Fytolan and insecticides Carbofuran, Phorate and HCH at their recommended doses did not cause inhibition of Azospirillum in vitro and did not reduce the rhizosphere population of Azospirillum. The growth performance of cowpea plants was also not affected adversely by these fungicides and insecticides. The combinations of insecticides with Thiram caused inhibition of Azospirillum under in vitro conditions and caused reduction in rhizosphere population of the bacteria initially. But no adverse effect on growth of cowpea plant was noticed. Bradyrhizobium was inhibited by the fungicides, Thiram, Bordeaux mixture and Fytolan in vitro. The rhizosphere population of Bradyrhizobium also showed reduction initially. The growth performance of plants was not affected adversely. The number of nodules showed significant reduction. No reduction in nitrogen content was noticed. Carbendazim and insecticides Carbofuran, Phorate and HCH did not show inhibition of Bradyrhizobium in in vitro. The rhizosphere population and growth of cowpea plants were also not affected adversely by these chemicals. Under in vitro conditions the combination of insecticides with Thiram, Bordeaux mixture and Fytolan caused inhibition of Bradyrhizobium. The rhizosphere population showed reduction initially, later on it was increased. The combination of insecticides with Carbendazium did not inhibit the growth of Bradyrhizobium under in vitro conditions and also in the rhizosphere. The treatment combinations did not affect the growth of cowpea plants in the field adversely. The tolerance levels of Azospirillum and Bradyrhizobium to different doses of fungicides and insecticides were also tested. The fungicides Carbendazim, Bordeaux mixture and Fytolan were not inhibitory to Azospirillum, even their highest doses of 0.15, 3.0 and 0.5 per cent respectively. Similarly, the insecticides Carbofuran, phorate and HCH were also not inhibitory to Azospirillum at their highest doses tested. The fungicide Thiram caused inhibition of Azospirillum even at the lowest dose of 0.05 per cent. Bradyrhizobium was inhibited by Thiram and Fytolan even at their lowest doses of 0.05 and 0.1 per cent respectively. Bordeaux mixture 0.25 per cent did not cause inhibition, but the higher doses caused inhibition. Carbendazim and insecticides Carbofuran, Phorate and HCH did not inhibit the growth of Bradyrhizobium in all the five doses tested.
Open Access
Development of inoculant cultures of azospirillum for rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Kuttanad
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1996) Sasikumar, S; KAU; Sivaprasad, P
Azospirillum was isolated from the rice roots of twenty five different locations of Kuttanad, Kerala in order to develop acid and salt tolerant inoculant cultures suited for the locality. The isolates were identified as A lipoferum and A brasilense. All the isolates showed good salt tolerance up to 2% NaCl concentration and good acid tolerance up to pH 5.0 and some isolates tolerated up to pH 4.0. The nitrogen fixing capacity in vitro by the isolates ranged between 11.20 and 2.28 mg/g malate and 1AA production between 24 µg 1-1 and 55 µg 1-1. Four isolates of them were selected for pot culture trials based on efficiency of nitrogen fixation, 1AA production, root elongation and acid and salt tolerance. The inoculated plants showed increased height, number of productive tillers and beneficial influence on root parameters. All these reflected in the final grain yield and AZR 15 gave highest yield followed by AZR 37. A saving of 25% nitrogen can be made by inoculation with these cultures in rice. The acridine orange curing of plasmids conducted to know the genetic basis of salt tolerance showed that the character is plasmid borne.
Open Access
Etiology and biological control of sheath rot disease of rice
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1995) Mini George; KAU; Balakrishnan, B
Sympotmatology and etiology of sheath rot disease of rice was investigated and attempts were made in the biological control of the disease. The sheath rot disease of rice initiated as brown oblong lesions on the flag leaf sheath were surrounded by light yellow halo initially. On maturity, these lesions turned dark brown with grey centres. Slight brown discolouration was also seen on the second and third leaf sheaths. Panicles were found choked inside the sheath or partially emerged with discoloured grains. The pathogen was isolated from diseased rice varieties collected from seven different locations and from ten different varieties. Out of these six isolates of Sarocladium oryzae and four isolates of associated fungi were selected based on the symptomatolgical variations for further study. Slide cultures of the above isolates were prepared and the morphological studies on the nature of mycelium, conidiophore formation, conidial ontogeny and their measurements were recorded. All the isolates were similar in many characters except slight variation in conidiophore length and the length of conidia. Pathogenicity tests done on eight varieties showed that S. oryzae and the associated fungi inoculated could produce disease symptoms. The nature of symptoms varied with virulence of the pathogen and rice varieties. Combined inoculation of S. orysae and the associated fungi in variety Jaya gave typical symptoms, than their individual action on symptom development. 15 showed the maximum virulence in all the varieties. Inoculation of the pathogen showed that all the varieties were susceptible to the different isolates of the pathogen tested. Variety Jaya showed the maximum disease intensity. Studies on the viability of the pathogen in infected grains showed that the pathogen could remain viable for six months in paddy grains. But the frequency of occurrence was found to be reduced from the 3rd month onwards of the storage. Pathogen was viable in the soil up to three months steadily and after that their frequency of occurrence was reduced both at 2cm and 6cm depths. Cultural characters of the fungus was studied by growing the fungus both in liquid and solid media. Studies on the growth of the pathogen in different solid media showed that different isolates respond varyingly under different media conditions. Czapek’s agar, Oat meal agar and carrot agar were found to be the best media which supported maximum radial growth of the fungus. Among the different liquid media tested Czapek’s medium was found to be the best followed by Richard’s medium and Coon’s medium. Mannitol was found to be the best carbon source followed by starch and sucrose. Ammonium nitrate and sodium nitrate ranked first in the nitrogen sources. Effect of different spectra of light was studied on growth and sporulation of S. oryzae. All the light spectra viz., red, blue and green showed a reduction in the growth. Blue light induced maximum sporulation while red light showed least effect. Studies on the inhibition of spore germination using plant extracts showed that all the plant extracts tested viz., Neem, Carlic, Phyllanthus and Ocimum had inhibitory effect on the spore germination of the pathogen. Studies on Biological control showed that fungi namely, Chaetomium sp., Pestalotia sp. etc. and bacterial species namely Pseudomonas fluorescens strain 2 and 87 were antagonistic against Sarocladium oryzae under in vitro conditions. Under in vivo conditions Chaetomium sp. was found to minimise the disease maximum among the fungal isolates followed by the bacterial strains P. fluorescens strain 2 and 87.
Open Access
Varietal screening host range and control of downy mildew of Bittergourd caused by Rostow
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1996) Mini, SImon; KAU; Sally K, Mathew
A study was conducted at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, during 1993-95, on varietal screening, host range and control of downy mildew of bittergourd (Pseudoperonospora cubensis (Berk. & Curt.) Rostow). Varieties obtained from the Department of Olericulture were screened for disease resistance and it was found that all the varieties tested were moderately susceptible to the disease. A preliminary screening of 174 genotypes of bittergourd available at NBPGR was conducted during August 1994 and all the genotypes were found to be infected. Only 32 genotypes were moderately resistant to the disease. Host range studies revealed that P. cubensis from bittergourd can infect other cucurbitaceous crops, such as bottlegourd, pumpkin, cucumber, snakegourd, ashgourd, watermelon and ivygourd. Four fungicides and four plant extracts were tested in in vitro, pot culture and field conditions to find out their effectiveness in reducing downy mildew infection. Among the fungicides, chlorothalonil (0.2%) was found to be the most effective as it gave maximum disease control, maximum yield and highest cost: benefit ratio. Among the botanicals, Ocimum leaf extract (10%) gave maximum reduction of the disease. In crop loss assessment, it was found that the highest CODEX of 60.22 per cent could cause an yield loss of 45.7 per cent under natural condition.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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