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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 Validation of temperature induction response (TIR) technique for inducing drought and heat stress tolerence in rice (Oryza sativa L.)(Department of Plant Physiology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Reshma Mohan; KAU; Beena, RThe experiment entitled “Validation of Temperature Induction Response (TIR) technique for inducing drought and heat stress tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.)” was undertaken at the Department of Plant Physiology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2016-18. The objective of the study was to standardize TIR protocol for rice and to study the effect of TIR technique for combined drought and heat stress tolerance in rice. The investigation comprised of two experiments. In the first experiment, two rice varieties namely Jyothi (Ptb-39) and Vaishak (Ptb-60) were used for the standardization of lethal and induction temperature and in the second experiment ten rice genotypes (N22, Apo, CR Dhan 305, CR Dhan 307, Ptb-7, Ptb-15, Ptb-30, Ptb-39, Ptb-43 and Ptb-60) were used to study the effect of TIR technique on combined drought and heat stress tolerance. In the first experiment 13 different treatments (T1-3: 49°C for 2, 2½ and 3 h, T4-6: 50°C for 2, 2½ and 3 h, T7-9: 51°C for 2, 2½ and 3 h, T10-12: 52°C for 2, 2½ and 3 h, T13: control) were used to identify lethal temperature and induction temperature was standardized from four treatments (T1- 28-40 ºC for 5 h & 40-52 ºC for 30 min, T2- 32-40 ºC for 5 hr & 40-52 ºC for 30 min, T3- 32-42 ºC for 5 h & 42-52 ºC for 30 min, T4- Control) with three replications. In the first experiment 100% mortality was observed for the treatment 52°C for 3 h and was selected as lethal temperature. Maximum recovery growth and least percent reduction in recovery growth were observed under T3 (32-42 ºC for 5 h & 42-52 ºC for 30 min) and this treatment was selected as induction temperature. The second experiment was laid out with 8 treatments [T1- TIR treated seeds + Drought + Heat, T2- TIR treated seeds + Drought, T3- TIR treated seeds + Heat, T4- TIR control,T5-Germinated seeds under ambient temperature + Drought + Heat, T6-Germinated seeds under ambient temperature + Drought, T7-Germinated seeds under ambient temperature + Heat, T8- Control (Ambient temperature + Normal irrigation)] and three replications. Among the genotypes, Ptb-15 recorded the highest plant height, shoot dry weight, root length and root volume. Leaf area was maximum for Ptb-43 and Apo recorded maximum root dry weight. Minimum canopy temperature was shown by N22 and Ptb-7. The genotype N22 showed the highest mean values for cell membrane stability index, chlorophyll stability index, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate, proline content, peroxidase activity, spikelet fertility and pollen viability. Early flowering and minimum days to 50% flowering also were recorded in N22. Productive tiller number was highest in Ptb-7 and 1000 grain weight was maximum for Ptb-43. The highest SOD activity was observed in Ptb-15. Ptb-39 (Jyothi) showed the minimum values for most of the stress related traits and yield components under various stress conditions and hence this genotype is selected as the most susceptible genotype towards both drought and heat stress conditions. Among the treatments, T4 (TIR Induced plants without stress) recorded maximum value and T5 (non-induced plants under combined drought and heat stress) recorded minimum value for all the above mentioned morphological characters except root length. Maximum root length was recorded in T2 (induced plants under drought) and minimum in T8 (control). Peroxidase and SOD activity were highest in T2 and minimum for T5. Maximum value for yield related traits were observed for T4. Plants under combined drought and heat stress without induction showed minimum value for all the physiological and yield parameters. The results of the present study showed that TIR technique influenced all the genotypes at various stress levels. TIR induced plants exhibited better performance on biochemical and physiological traits than non-induced plants in all the genotypes that give rise to better stress tolerance. N22 and Apo were selected as the best genotypes for stress related traits. Apart from these two, Ptb-15, Ptb-7 performed better under heat stress and drought respectively. For combined stress, Ptb-30 and Ptb-15 were showed better performance compared to other genotypes. Ptb39 was identified as the most susceptible genotype for both drought and heat stress. TIR induced and non-induced plants of Ptb-39 (most susceptible) and N22 (tolerant) were selected to study the changes in protein profiling and gene expression level using SDS PAGE and RT PCR. The results revealed that protein profiling showed variation between tolerant and susceptible genotypes under induced and non-induced condition for the expression of 20 kDa and 75 kDa protein. Expression level of PSTOL1 and DRO1 also showed variation between induced and non-induced plants of tolerant and susceptible genotypes. Protein synthesis was maintained significantly higher in the induced plants compared to non-induced plants on being exposed to severe stress. Tolerance of genotypes towards stress has been attributed to changing transcript levels of stress induced genes. In the present study, T3 (32-42°C for 5 hrs & 42-52°C for 30 minutes) and T12 (52°C for 3 hrs) were selected as the induction and lethal temperatures respectively. The study also revealed that TIR technique can be used as a potential tool for improving the performance of high yielding susceptible genotypes under stress conditions.ThesisItem Open Access Interactive effect of UV radiation and elevated temperature on rice growth and physiology(Department of Plant Physiology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Amjath, T; KAU; Girija, TRice is a staple food for more than half the world’s population. The growth and productivity of the crop is intimately associated with climatic variants. Among different climatic factors, temperature and incidence of UV-B radiation are important. The incidence of stress (Temperature and UV) at different stages of growth determines the productivity of the crop. Hence the present study was undertaken with the prime objective of evaluating the interactive effect of UV-B radiation and elevated temperature at different phenophases of Uma rice variety and its effect on growth and productivity. The study was carried out at College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during Jan to May- 2018. The UV-B radiation and atmospheric temperature were maximum during this season. 14 days old Uma seedlings were used as plantingmaterial. It was grown under four different conditions, namely T1(10C lesser than ambient+ low UV-B), T2 (10 C higher than ambient+ low UV-B), T3 (20 C higher than ambient+ low UV-B), T4 (Open condition). The plants were kept in the polyhouses for 30 days during three phenophases of the crop viz, seedling to active tillering (P1), active tillering to early reproductive (P2) and early reproductive to harvest (P2) and returned to ambient condition to complete their life cycle. Morphological, biochemical, physiological and yield parameters were analyzed during the growth period. Exposure of plants to T1 (10 C below ambient) had least negative influence on growth, physiology and yield of the crop across different developmental stages. A 10C increase in temperature above ambient (T2) in phase 1 improved the yield and yield parameter. However the impact was negative under same condition during phase 2 (P2) and phase 3 (P3). Maximum deleterious effects were observed in T3 during phase 2 and 3. Plants grown in open condition had lower plant height and higher number of tillers as compared to plants grown in polyhouse condition (T1, T2 and T3). Number of days to heading was less in plants grown under high temperature conditions (T2 and T3). The photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate were maximum in T2 condition in all the three phases of growth. Analysis of biochemical parameters showed that the IAA content was 67 percent lesser in plants grown under open condition as compared to ployhouses during P1. Similar decrease was also found in the case of gibberellic acid and chlorophyll. Amylose content of the grain were significantly reduced in the plants grown under T2 and T3 conditions during P2 and P3. Plants exposed to temperature above ambient level (T2 and T3) during P2 and P3 stages recorded a reduction in yield. Maximum yield reduction was observed in T3 condition which was 13 percent in P2 and 56 percent in P3. Reduction in spikelets number and pollen viability were the main reasons. The study indicates that plants were most sensitive to high temperature stress during the P2 and P3 stages, which can contribute to drastic yield decline while, the early stress can have a positive influence on yield.ThesisItem Open Access Physiological and molecular analysles of flowering responses in amaranthus (amaranthus spp.) and cowpea (vigna spp.) under elevated CO2 environment(Department of Plant Physiology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Ghade Rameshwar, Pandurang; KAU; Manju, R VThe study entitled “Physiological and molecular analyses of flowering responses in amaranthus (Amaranthus spp.) and cowpea (Vigna spp.) under elevated CO2 environment” was undertaken with the objective to study the physiological, molecular and biochemical basis of elevated CO2 mediated modifications in the flowering responses of amaranthus and cowpea. The experiments were conducted at the Department of Plant Physiology, College of Agriculture, and Vellayani dudring 2015-2017. Two pot culture experiments were conducted with two varieties of amaranthus – Arun and CO-1 and two varieties of cowpea-Anaswara and Vellayani Jyothika. The technology used for CO2 enrichment was Open Top Chamber system (OTC). CO2 was released from cylinders to OTC bringing the CO2 level to 600ppm. Amaranthus and cowpea plants were raised and maintained in pots as per POP (KAU) recommentdations under elevated CO2. The control sets were kept under open field condition. Growth analysis and analyses of physiological and biochemical parameters were done at the time of harvest. The varieties which showed modification in flowering time to a greater extent under exposure to elevated CO2 were chosen for molecular analyses. In the case of amaranthus, CO-1 variety recorded highest values of growth, physiological and biochemical parameters and was performing better when exposed to elevated CO2 condition. CO-1 recorded highest values for number of leaves (42.44), specific leaf area (219.13), root weight (1.45g), shoot weight (3.17g), total dry matter (4.93g), stomatal frequency (595.78cm -2), pigment composition (0.56mg g-1), total soluble protein (23.02mg g-1), starch (3.61mg g-1), reducing sugar (18.46mg g-1), GA (0.198 µg g-1) and nitrate reductase (0.65 µg g-1). Flowering time was modified in CO-1 in terms of days to first flowering and days to 50% flowering (2 days); but Arun did not show any significant response in flowering time and hence CO-1 was selected for molecular analyses. Regarding quality parameters. Arun showed a reduction in ascorbic acid and vitamin A content under CO2 enrichment with an increase in oxalate content. In the case of CO-1, though ascorbic acid and vitamin A contents were less under open condition, upon exposure to higher concentrations of CO2, there was tremendous increase in these quality parameters along with oxalate content. Both the varieties of cowpea recorded significant variations in growth, physiological and biochemical parameters when exposed to higher concentrations of CO2. But Anaswara recorded higher values for number of leaves (74.25), specific leaf area (454.53), root weight (15.04g), shoot weight (63.15g), total dry matter (78.76g), starch content (9.16mg g-1) reducing sugar (15.36mg g-1), GA (0.615 µg g-1) nitrate reductase (0.54 µ g g-1). Velllayani Jyothika recorded higher values for stomatal distribution (2893.8cm -1) and physiological and biochemical parameters like pigment composition (0.52 mg g-1)and total soluble protein (1.44 mg g-1). Flowering time was modified to a greater extent in Anaswara-2 days to first flowering and days to 50% flowering and so Anaswara was selected for molecular analyses. CO2 enrichment was found to influence the quality parameters in amaranthus. CO-1 showed a tremendous increase in ascorbic acid and vitamin A, but there was an increase in oxalate content also. During the period of study, environmental factors like temperature, humidity and sun shine hours were measured. There was an increase of 70C an average during the period and also an increase in leaf temperature. For gene expression studies flowering locust (FT) was selected. The DNA of Flowering locus T was amplified from Anaswara and CO-1. Differential expression was observed in both the crops under elevated CO2 condition. In the present study, both cowpea and amaranthus were found to be responding to elevated CO2 in terms of flowering time. This can be correlated with the higher photosynthate accumulation with a net positive effect on growth parameters. The increased gibberellic acid level displayed by both the crops upon CO2 enrichment can also play a role in signaling the crosstalk between reproduction and other developmental processes. Understanding the mechanisms involved in the regulatory network modulating floral initiation in response to elevated CO2 and elevated temperature will facilitate understanding and identifying options to develop plants better adapted to changing climate.ThesisItem Open Access Physiological and biochemical studies on growth, development and yield of ginger (Zingiber officinale rosc.)as influlenced by bioinoculants and phosphorus fertilization(Department of Plant Physiology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Amritha Lekshmi, M G; KAU; Viji, M MThe experiment entitled " Physiological and biochemical studies on growth,development and yield of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) as influenced by bionoculants and phosphorus fertilization," was undertaken at Department of Plant Physiology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2016-18. The objective of the study was to elicit information on the physiological, biochemical attributes on plant growth, development and yield of ginger as influenced by bioinoculants such as mycorrhiza and Trichoderma viride combined with phosphorus fertilization. In this study ginger cultivar maran was grown in pots under completely randomized block design (CRD). Different levels of ‘P’ were applied to soil in pots viz. low (P2O5 -50% POP), medium (P2O5 as per POP) and high (P2O5 double dose of POP). The pots were inoculated with AMF or Trichoderma or both together in combination as per the treatments during the time of planting. Control plants were also maintained. The treatments were T1- control(P2O5 as per POP ),T2(P2O5 as per POP +AMF),T3 (P2O5 as per POP +Trichoderma), T4( P2O5 as per POP +AMF+ Trichoderma),T5 (P2O5-50% of POP),T6 ( P2O5-50% of POP +AMF),T7( P2O5-50% of POP +Trichoderma),T8 (P2O5-50% of POP +AMF+ Trichoderma ), T9 (P2O5-Double dose of POP), T10 (P2O5-Double dose of POP +AMF),T11 (P2O5-Double dose of POP +Trichoderma) and T12(P2O5-Double dose of +AMF+ Trichoderma). Effect of microbial inoculation and phosphorous fertilization on growth parameters such as shoot height, number of leaves , number of tillers and fresh ginger yield were observed at fourth ,sixth and eighth month. T6 recorded highest plant height up to sixth month but at eighth month, T8 recorded 42% increase in shoot height over control. T8 recorded maximum number of leaves and was found on par with T4 and T6. At maturity stage 64.2 % increases in number of tillers were observed in both treatments T4 and T6 than control. At final stage maximum fresh weight of ginger was recorded in T8 .At fourth month highest rhizome fresh weight was recorded in treatment T8 and was on par with T4. At sixth month maximum rhizome fresh weight was noticed for the treatment T8 and was on par with T6 .Plants which did not receive any microbial inoculation showed less values for all the above parameters at all stages. Physiological parameters such as photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and leaf temperature did not show any significant difference at maturity stage. Treatment T8 recorded maximum value at fourth and sixth month for these parameters. A significant difference was observed among the treatments for chlorophyll and carotenoid content. Total chlorophyll content showed an increase in trend but at maturity chlorophyll content decreased in all treatments due to senescence. Throughout the growth stages, T8 recorded significantly higher value for chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll stability index and cell membrane stability index of the plants under different treatments were found to be significantly different and treatment T8 recorded maximum value in all stage of analysis. Uptake of major nutrients such as N, P, K, Ca and Mg increased with microbial inoculation. Treatment T8 with combined inoculation of AMF and trichoderma and half dose of ‘P’ showed 49.2%, 58.4%, 120.6% and 20% increase in total protein, total sugar, phenol and reducing sugar content respectively at maturity stage. Significant difference existed for AMF colonisation percentage and AMF spore count between the treatments. Treatment T8 recorded maximum value for both the parameters along with T4 and T6.At sixth month AMF colonisation reached 100% for treatment T8. A decrease in trend was observed at final stage due to wilting of roots. Effect of microbial inoculants on yield parameters such as fresh weight, dry weight, rhizome thickness, rhizome spread and harvest index were studied. Treatment T8 recorded 35.5% and 39.2% increase in fresh and dry ginger yield over control. Highest rhizome spread was observed in treatment T8 and was found on par with T4 and T12 and the lowest value was obtained in control and T5. Rhizome thickness was recorded maximum in the treatment T8 and was found on par with T3, T4, T6 and T10. At maturity stage there was significant difference among the treatments for the harvest index. Volatile oil content at maturity stage ranged between 1.5% to 3% for different treatments. Treatment T8 recorded 65.7% increase in volatile oil content over control. Treatment T8 recorded highest oleoresin content (65.8%) and was on par with T6. Starch content also recorded highest value for treatment with half dose of phosphorus and combined application of microbes. This treatment recorded 28.8 % increase in starch content than control. Decrease in crude fibre content increase the quality of ginger. Microbial inoculation resulted in reduction of crude fibre content in ginger rhizomes. Maximum fibre content was recorded for the treatment T9 followed by control. Least value was recorded for treatment T8. Gingerol content was estimated by HPLC analysis. Gingerol is an important phytochemical which impart medicinal property to ginger. Microbial inoculation significantly changed gingerol content .Treatment T4 (0.96%) followed by T8 (0.85%) recorded highest value. Arbuscular mycorrhizal and trichoderma inoculation along with phosphorous fertilization has significantly improved growth ,yield and quality of ginger not only through increasing nutrient uptake, but also viz. stimulating photosynthetic parameters and biochemical properties of the ginger particularly under low phosphorous fertilization. Number of tillers, number of leaves and yield was recorded maximum for the treatments with microbial application. This was mainly due to increase in uptake of nutrients, especially in rhizome of ginger. Microbial inoculation increased total protein content, reducing sugar, total sugar content in ginger. However, these benefits in response to the microbial inoculation generally decreased when there was an increase in P fertilizer added to the soil, suggesting that phosphorous reduced AMF colonization and the corresponding effects. Microbial inoculation resulted in enhanced production of phenolic compounds such as gingerol (65.4 % increase over control) in rhizomes. Therefore the best treatment identified is half dose of phosphorous and combined inoculation of AMF and trichoderma. Hence it is concluded that microbial inoculation could replace fertilization application, especially the recommended dose of ‘P’ fertilization up to 50 %. It enhanced growth, development and yield of ginger. It is a feasible technique for the production of ginger plants with increased quantities of oleoresin and volatile oil and also to improve the medicinal value of ginger by increasing gingerol content.ThesisItem Open Access Physiology and management of submerged weeds in wetland rice ecosystem(Department of Plant Physiology,College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Athira, K A; KAU; Girija, TThe present investigation entitled “Physiology and management of submerged weeds in the wetland rice ecosystem” aimed to identify and characterize the different submerged weed species of wetland rice ecosystem, understand their growth pattern and evolve possible management practices. The study consisted of survey, identification and morphological characterization of submerged weeds of rice ecosystem of the central zone of Kerala. The effect of environmental conditions on growth and multiplication of the most common weed, Utricularia aurea and its control were also studied. Weed survey was conducted in ten locations each in Thrissur, Palakkad and Ernakulam districts of Kerala. Submerged weeds from the rice fields were collected along with soil and water samples from ten locations for further studies. The major submerged weeds in the rice ecosystem included hydrophytes and algal species. Seven hydrophytes and three species of algae were commonly seen in the region. The major hydrophytes were Utricularia aurea, Utricularia exoleta, Elodea canadensis, Hydrilla sp., Egeria densa, Cabomba sp. and Najas sp. while the common algal species were Spirogyra, Chara and Nitella. The water and soil samples collected were analyzed in the laboratory for different physico-chemical properties such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), E. coli content, soil enzymes and hormones which affect growth of the rice plant. pH had the larger influence on growth of submerged weed species. Highest weed growth was observed between pH range of. 7.2 to 8.01 (neutral to alkaline). The presence of submerged weeds reduced the dissolved oxygen content of water and increased the content of TSS and E. coli, adversely affecting water quality and supply of oxygen to rice root. The presence of dissolved nitrate in the water may be a major reason for high incidence of these weeds. Soil enzymes and hormones also positively influenced their growth. The physiological parameters such as chlorophyll content, nitrate reductase activity, indole acetic acid (IAA) and GA contents of the weeds were also studied. It was found that IAA, GA and chlorophyll promoted weed growth. High nitrate reductase was observed in Nitella. Elodea canadensis had the capacity to purify the water by reducing the TSS and improving the dissolved oxygen content. The most common submerged weed in the rice ecosystem was Utricularia aurea and hence this weed was selected to study the effect of light, UV radiation and chemicals on growth and multiplication. Effect of light on weed growth was studied by using different shade nets which allowed 50 per cent and 75 per cent light infiltration. Effect of UV radiation was studied by growing the plants under polyhouse cladded with mylar film which allowed zero UV and polyethylene sheet which allowed 80 per cent UV radiation. Growth and multiplication of Utricularia aurea in the open condition and different light and UV levels were compared. Zero UV and temperature in the range of 30-310C was found to be ideal for weed growth. Both high water temperature and high UV were detrimental. Growth of the weed was not altered with shading, indicating that moderate shade not affect the weed growth. Effect of CuSO4 (1ppm, 2ppm and 3ppm), 2, 4-D (1ppm, 2ppm and 3ppm) and lime (100 ppm, 200 ppm and 300 ppm) on growth of Utricularia aurea was measured by recording the rate of degradation of the weed one month after application in pot culture study. Good control was obtained with higher concentrations of all the three chemicals tried. Three ppm of CuSO4, 2, 4-D and 300 ppm lime gave better results. Lime was found to be more effective in the control of Utricularia aurea.ThesisItem Open Access Assessment of water stress tolerence in selectively fertilized coconut (cocos nucifera L.) hybrids(Department of Plant Physiology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Rahul Gupta, K; KAU; Roy StephenThe present study entitled “ Assessment of water stress tolerance in selectively fertilized coconut (cocos nucifera L.) hybrids” was carried out in the department of objective was to access the physiological and molecular basis of water stress tolerance in selectively fertilized coconut hybrids and to screen coconut genotypes for water stress tolerance through water potential for pollen germination. The study was conducted as two experiments. In the first experiment, Nine year old field grown coconut palms of the following varieties, Kerasfree (WCT * MYD) selectively fertilized, Keraganga (WCT * GB) (WCT * MYD) selectively fertilized, Keraganga (WCT * GB) selectively fertilized, Kerasfree (WCT * MYD), Keraganga (WCT * GB) and west coast k Tall (WCT) planted at regional agricultural research station, Pilicode, Kasergod were used as the experimental material for this study. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replications during February 2018-April-2018. Water stress was imposed by withdrawing irrigation for three months and physiological and biochemical observations were record at monthly interval The selective fertilization technique is Characterized by artificially imposing the desired selsctive pressure during pollen germination, so that the pollen grains which are tolerant to selection pressure only during pollen germination, so that the pollen grains which are tolerant to selection pressure only will germinate and fertilize the ovule. On physiological analysis the selectively fertilized Kerasree and Keraganga showed higher stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, photosynthetic rate, relative water content and cell membrane stability index than normal Kerasree and Keraganga hybrids. Epicuticular wax deposition was highest in Kerasree S F (2.57 mg/10cm2). Among all genotypes lowest carbonisotop discrimination value was observed in Kerasree S.F (19.90%) followed by WCT (20.08%) which is an indication of high water use efficeiency. Leaf temperature was also lowest in Kerasree S.F(27.77C). The biochemical parameters like total soluble proteins, proline content and anti oxidentenzymes viz SOD and peroxidase activities were maximum in selectively fertilized Kerasree. The selectively fertilized coconut hybrids recorded the lowest membrane damage (lipid peroxidation value) under water stress condition compared to normal hybrids. Kerasree S F retained maximum chlorophyll contnt (1.26 mgg) followedby Keraganga S F (0.95mgg) In SDS – PAGE analysis a specific protein of around 66-70 kDa was expressed in WCT. Molecular analysis was done using drought related four SSR primers viz CnCirE2, CnCirE10, CnCirE12, and CnCirH4 were evaluated and polymorphism was observed for three markers. The second experiment was conducted to screen 30 coconut genotypes for water stress tolerance through critical water potential for pollen germination. Significant genetic variation in critical water potential for pollen germination was observed. Critical water potential varied from -0.2MPa to 0.5MPa. The study revealed that selectively fertilized hybrids were more drought tolerant compared to normal coconut hybrids. By selective fertilization technique it may be possible to add water stress tolerance trait to high yielding coconut hybrids.ThesisItem Open Access Physiological studies on enhancing growth and yield of ginger (zingiber officinale L.) by nano-NPK fertilizers and organic management(Department of Plant Physiology, College of Horticulture , Vellanikkara, 2018) Sreelaja Kizhakkekara; KAU; Sudarsana Rao, G VGinger (Zingiber officinale L. is one of the oldest rhizomatous herbaceouos perennial crop grown as an annual in Kerala. Kerala has an important role in production and export of ginger. Due to different challenges ginger cultivation is declining now a days. In orde to overcome the situation ecofriendly inputs like nano fertilizers and growth stimulants having high nutrient use efficiency may be used. Hence the present study was conducted to understand the effect of nano-NPK fertilizers and Humic acid on growth yield and quality of ginger. The investigation on "Physiological studies on enhancing growth and yeield of ginger (Zingiber officinale L.) by Nano-NPK fertilizers and organic management" was undertaken with the objective to understand the effect of Nano-NPK on growth, quality and yeild of ginger. The experiment was carried out at RARS, farm Nileshwaram, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad during 2017-18. The field experiment ws carried out in randomized block desigh with ten treatments and three replications. The treatment combinations were control (T1), PoP NPK fertizers as Nano-NPK granules @ 25 kg ha-1 (T2),T1+ Nano NPK foliar @ 0.5% (T3), T2 + Nano NPK foliar @ 0.5% (T4) T1+humic acid foliar @ 0.5%(T5), T2+Humanic acid foliar @ 0.5%(T6),T3+Humic acid foliar @0.5%(T7), T4+Humic acid foliar @0.5%(T8), organic managent (T9) and water spray (T10). Foliar application of humic acid and Nano-NPK were done at 60, 90, 120,150 and 75, 105, 135, 165 DAP at 30 day intervals respectively. The application of different nano based treatments caused significant improvement in morphological, physiological, yield and quality parameters of ginger crop. Morphological observations were recorded at 60, 90 aand 120 DAP. Plants grown under organic management recorded maximum plant height, which was 23.72% higher than control (T1). However, nano fertilizers had a positive influence on tillering per plant. The number of tillers were higher for Nano-NPK granule application followed by foliar spray. Physiological observations were taken at an interval of 60, 120 and 180 DAP. Parameters like RGR, rhizome shoot ratio, LAI chlorophyll content, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance were higher for the plants treated with Nano-NPK fertilizers either as spray or soil application along with humic acid (T8). The content of NPK in the leaves also higher in the above treatments. Estimation of rhizome characters at 60, 120, 180, DAP and at harvest revealed that though organic management (T9) contributed to significant improvement in total biomass it was not reflected in the final yield. Number, volume and capacity of the sink (rhizome)was higher in T8 T4+Humic acid foliar @ 0.5%) as compared to T9 (organic management). The effect of treatments on quality parameters at harvest stage showed that oleresin, volatile oil and crude fibre content of the rhizomes varied significantly with treatments. Application of Nano-NPK both in granular form and foliar contributed to highest content of all the above three parameters in all treatments. However, among nano based treatments, T4 gave higher volatile oil, oleresin and crude fibre. The results obtained from this experiment clearly indicated that application of fertilizers in the form of nano-NPK granules and foliar sprays at frequent intervals improved the nutrient use efficiency of the plant, thereby improving the physiological processes and increasing the yield and quality of poduce.