Loading...
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
10 results
Search Results
ThesisItem Open Access Controlling seedling height of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) transplants using plant growth regulators(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2022-04-28) Anu Latha Robi; KAU; C NarayanankuttyCowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) is an annual leguminous vegetable crop. It is grown throughout india for its tender green pods used as vegetable. Green cowpea seeds are boiled as a fresh vegetable or may be canned or frozen. The beans are nutritious and provide complementary proteins to cereals diets. Seedlings like cowpea, cucurbits having lanky growth growing in polyhouses is an undesirable quality, especially in plugs intended for mechanized planting and long distance transport. Seed treatment with growth retardants is an effective method for controlling seedling height .However limited studies have been conducted in vegetable crops The present study was undertaken with the objectives of controlling seedling height of vegetable cowpea and to assess the field performance of treated seedlings. The experiment was conducted at the Centre for Hi-Tech Horticulture and Precision farming, Vellanikkara KAU, Thrissur during the year 2020-2021 In seedling stage, highest germination was recorded in control treatment on 5th and 10th days after sowing (89%) and (91%) respectively in Vellayani Jyothika. Minimum germination percentage was recorded in Paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm on 5th and 10th day after sowing (64.3%) and (66.0%) respectively in cowpea genotype Vellayani Jyothika. Significantly lower germination percentage was recorded in treatments receiving Paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm on 5th and 10th day after sowing (70.0%) (72%) in the genotype Kashi Kanchan. In both the genotypes there were no significant difference between the treatments on 15th days after sowing. Paclobutrazol treatment took more number of days for emergence of seedling up to the first node compared to control treatment ie Paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm (8.13) and (8.00) respectively in both the genotypes. Highest shoot length was recorded in control treatment on 5th, 10th and 15 th days after germination in both the genotypes. Significantly lower shoot length was recorded in treatments receiving Paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm irrespective of the number of days after germination. Growth retardants in general reduce root growth, shoot weight and root weight of the seedlings. In both the genotypes (Vellayani Jyothika and Kashi Kanchan) significantly lower root length, shoot weight and root weight was obtained in Paclobutrazol treatments compared to non-treated control. Height of seedling up to the first node was directly linked to shoot length. In both the genotypes of the cowpea significantly lower shoot length was recorded in treatments receiving Paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm (4.09) and (4.03) respectively. Paclobutrazol treated seedlings had dark green leaves when compared to other growth regulator and control treatments on 5th ,10th and 15th days after germination. In both the cowpea genotypes, when compared to other growth retardant and control treatments highest stem girth of the seedlings was recorded in treatments receiving Paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm on 5th (3.19 mm) 10th (3.45mm) and 15th (3.7mm) in Vellayani Jyothika and on 5th (3.3mm ) 10th (3.4mm) and 15th (3.8mm) in Kashi Kanchan. There were no significant difference between the treatments on 5th (2) and 15th days (7-8) after germination in both the genotypes. The total chlorophyll content and carotenoid content was recorded highest in treatments receiving Paclobutrazol treatments on seedling stage. Minimum auxin content and gibberellic acid contents were observed in Paclobutrazol treatments. In the field experiment, in both the cowpea genotypes, plant growth regulator Ethrel recorded maximum plant height where as in Vellayani Jyothika minimum plant height was recorded in Cycocel@ 50 ppm (112.40 cm) .In Kashi Kanchan lowest plant height was recorded in Paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm (33.06 cm) in Kashi Kanchan. In vellayani Jyothika highest internodal length was recorded in Ethrel @100 ppm (3.13 cm) and Ethrel @50 ppm (3.04 cm). Minimum was recorded in Paclobutrazol@ 200 ppm (2.63 cm). In the genotype Kashi Kanchan maximum internodal length was recorded in Ethrel@ 200 ppm (3.34 cm) and minimum was recorded in Cycocel @ 100 ppm (2.53cm). Highest number of primary branches was recorded in treatments receiving Paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm which was on par with Paclobutrazol @ 100 ppm compared to control in Vellayani Jyothika. In Kashi Kanchan there were no significant differences found between the treatments. Growth retardants had significant effect on the viz days to first flowering, days to first harvest and crop duration. Early flowering results in early harvesting of pods. Plant growth retardant Cycocel @ 200 ppm (41day) and Cycocel @ 25 ppm (36.80 days) recorded earliest flowering in the field in both the genotypes. In both the genotypes delayed flowering and maximum crop duration was recorded in Paclobutrazol treatments. Pod length and pod girth are related with pod weight. Ethrel treatment had highest pod length and pod girth compared to control .The higher number of flowers, pod girth and pod length contributed to production of more number of pods which in turn resulted in higher yield per plant. In both the cowpea genotypes, highest number of pods per plant and yield per plant was recorded in Ethrel treatments (Ethrel 100 ppm) in Vellayani Jyothika followed by Paclobutrazol treatment (Paclobutrazol 100 ppm) where as in Kashi Kanchan Paclobutrazol 100 ppm was on par with Ethrel 100 ppm. From the above study it could be concluded that, Paclobutrazol 100 ppm seed treatment was effective in controlling seedling height as well to obtain good yield in vegetable cowpea.ThesisItem Open Access Standardization of technology for microgreen production(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2021) Arya, K S; KAU; Sangeetha Kutty, MMicrogreens are new class of vegetables that are gaining popularity in the recent years due to their attractive appearance coupled with vivid flavors. They are young immature greens produced from seeds of vegetables or herbs which are harvested at its true leaf stage. Most of the research works in this area are carried out with temperate species of crops whose seeds are very expensive. Hence there is a need to popularize the microgreens of tropical species at an affordable price with minimum inputs, so that it is easily accessible to common people. The study entitled “Standardization of technology for microgreen production” was conducted at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara during January to October 2021. The study was experimented with wheat, ragi, green gram, horse gram, amaranthus and mustard whose seeds were collected from the local market. It was conducted as four experiments (standardization of seed treatment, standardization of media, standardization of seed density and to assess the nutritional value and yield under different growing conditions). The first experiment was to standardize seed treatment done using two chemicals hydrogen peroxide and vinegar treated at different concentrations. The observations on germination percentage, seedling vigour and yield were recorded. The seed treatment did not show any effect on growth of microgreens when compared to the control on the parameters recorded. The microscopic observation of freshly harvested microgreens for fungal contamination indicated absence of any contamination in the fresh microgreens. The experiment on standardizing growing media was carried out using five media viz, sterile sand, cocopeat, coir mat, tissue paper and newspaper. The observation on yield, seedling height, nutritional value of microgreens and microscopic observation on fungal growth were recorded. Yield was observed to be highest in microgreens grown on cocopeat media and lowest was recorded in microgreen grown on newspaper media and among the crops it was highest for green gram microgreens (1.03 to 1.49 kg/m2). The seedling height showed a slight decrease in ragi and mustard microgreens grown on newspaper and comparing the crops, it was observed to be maximum in green gram microgreens (10.23- 10.54 cm). The nutritional parameters recorded were not showing any difference when sown in different media. The wheat microgreens were observed to rich source of vitamin C, beta carotene and protein, ragi microgreens were showing more calcium and vitamin C and beta carotene content, green gram microgreen were rich in protein, vitamin C and calcium, horse gram microgreens were rich in vitamin C, chlorophyll, beta carotene and crude protein, amaranthus microgreens possess high iron, calcium, beta carotene and vitamin C content and mustard microgreens were rich in protein and beta carotene, iron and vitamin C. Microscopic observation on freshly harvested produce revealed that there is absence of fungal contamination in microgreens. The seed density for microgreen production was standardized in the third experiment. The seeds were sown at three densities viz, low, medium and high density for each crop. The observations recorded included yield, seedling height and microscopic observation on fungal growth. The yield was recorded to be highest when sown at high density for wheat (705 g seeds/m2), ragi (520g seeds/m2) and amaranthus(120g seeds/m2) microgreens and medium density planting yielded highest for green gram (850g seeds/m2), horse gram (617 g seeds/m2) and mustard (440 g seeds/m2) microgreens. The seedling height recorded was observed to be on par except for green gram and horse gram microgreens, where highest seedling height was found in medium density planting. No fungal contamination was observed in microscopic observation of fresh produce. Nutritional value and yield of microgreens grown under two conditions (room condition and rain shelter) were studied in fourth experiment. The parameters recorded were yield, seedling height, nutrient content under two conditions, organoleptic evaluation and shelf life of microgreens. The yield was observed to be significantly high when raised under rain shelter condition than room condition. Among the crops it was highest for green gram microgreens (2.261 kg/m2). The seedling height was observed to reduce under rain shelter condition. Nutritional content was also observed to be high when planted under rain shelter for all parameters viz, iron, calcium, beta carotene, vitamin C, crude protein, crude fibre, chlorophyll, oxalates and nitrates. Organoleptic evaluation revealed highest total mean rank for mustard microgreens (54.56) raised under room condition. The shelf life study revealed that the storage period of microgreens can be extended when it is stored in ziplock PPE bag under low temperature condition. In this study, several aspects of microgreens production viz, seed treatment, growing media, seed density, growth conditions and shelf life were standardized. The results indicate that microgreen cultivation can be recommended both as a commercial and household venture.ThesisItem Open Access Standardisation of operational procedures for pro-tray seedling production of vegetables(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2022) Arya, S; KAU; Dicto Jose, MHealthy seedlings are the most important prerequisite for any vegetable crop to reach its full output potential. As a result, large-scale seedling production is becoming a profession and a commercial activity. Farmers used to generate seedlings at a reasonable cost in nursery beds in the past. However, due to some drawbacks like poor germination, higher pest and disease incidence, poor field establishment etc. in traditional nurseries, many progressive farmers and agriculture entrepreneurs have turned their attention to the commercial production of quality seedlings utilising seedling trays or pro-trays. In this background, the present study entitled ‘Standardisation of operational procedures for pro-tray seedling production of vegetables’ was undertaken with the objective of standardising best growing media, pre-sowing seed invigoration, and evaluating the effect of biofertilizer on pro-tray seedling production of vegetables. The present study was carried out at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara as three experiments during 2020-21. All three experiments were conducted in a Completely Randomized Design with three replications. In the first experiment seeds of tomato var. Anagha, chilli var. Anugraha, cucumber var. Heera, and okra var. Salkeerthi collected from the Department of Vegetable Science were sown in seventeen different media that were initially analysed for various physicochemical properties. The growth parameters of the seedlings raised in the poly house were assessed at the stage of commercial sale of each crop i.e., 15 days after sowing (DAS) in cucumber and okra and 30 DAS in chilli and tomato. The results showed that T13 (cocopeat: vermiculite: perlite - 1:1:1) and T17 recorded comparatively minimum bulk density, maximum water holding capacity and porosity which are desirable physical properties for good seedling growth. T17 (coir pith compost: vermiculite: perlite - 3:1:1) was found to be the best soil-less media for all four crops based on growth parameters and cost analysis. Among soil containing media T6 having soil and dried powdered cow dung in equal proportion and T10 having soil, cocopeat and dried cow dung exhibited a higher benefit cost ratio and was found to be on par with T17 for most of the growth parameters. Farmers do not have easy access to vermiculite and perlite, and they are costly. In this context, soil, cocopeat and dried powdered cow dung in equal proportion is found to be an alternate media comprising locally available inputs and affordable by the farmers. The best media from the first experiment was chosen for further trials. The second trial comprised of nine different seed treatments including various concentrations of KNO3 and Pseudomonas. Pre-sowing seed invigoration with 0.5% KNO3 in combination with 1% Pseudomonas was found to be highly effective in improving germination and growth parameters viz., germination percentage, plant height, root length, vigour index Ⅰ & Ⅱ and chlorophyll content of seedlings of tomato, chilli, cucumber and okra. This combination has the dual advantage of providing potassium and nitrogen to the seedlings and imparting resistance from diseases especially damping off. So, these treatments can be effectively utilized for producing healthy and vigorous vegetable seedlings. The third experiment included nine treatments in which different biofertilizers viz., PGPR Mix-1, Pseudomonas fluorescense, Trichoderma asperellum and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi were inoculated in the media individually and in combination. Evaluation of the effect of biofertilizers showed that higher growth parameters like plant height, root length, leaf area, collar girth, vigour index Ⅰ and vigour index Ⅱ are comparatively higher in the treatment containing PGPR, AMF and along with either Pseudomonas or Trichoderma. In the above three experiments the best treatments were identified by ranking based on an index derived from principal component analysis. The characters viz., number of leaves, leaf area, collar girth, vigour index Ⅰ & Ⅱ and total chlorophyll content was used for performing PCA. The loadings of principal component having Eigen value more than one was taken as weightage. Using weightage, an index was derived and the treatments having higher index was ranked higher. The best media obtained include cocopeat: vermiculite: perlite (3:1:1) and soil: cocopeat: cow dung (1:1:1). A combination of 0.5% KNO3 and 1% Pseudomonas was the best seed invigoration treatment. Among different biofertilizers evaluated the combination of AMF, PGPR Mix-1 and Pseudomonas was found to be the best. Based on the insights of the above three trials, standard operational protocol for seedling production of tomato, chilli, cucumber and okra is generated for use by farmers.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of bush dolichos bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) sweet] for yield and quality(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2021) Maneesha, P K; KAU; Sarada, SThe present investigation entitled “Evaluation of bush dolichos bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet] for yield and quality” was conducted at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, from June 2019- December 2020 to evaluate the adaptability of bush dolichos bean in Kerala based on growth, yield and quality. The experimental material consisted of 25 bush dolichos bean genotypes. The experiment was laid out in RBD with two replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the twenty five genotypes for all the characters studied. Among the genotypes, HA- 4 recorded the highest plant height of 65.75 cm. The variety HA-3 recorded the highest plant spread of 48.95 cm. The highest number of primary branches plant-1 was recorded by HA-4 (5.70), Arka Jay (5.65) and HA-3 (5.55) were on par with it. HA-4 recorded the highest leaf area of 13.35 cm2. Earliest flowering was observed in the genotype VRBSEM- 15 (22.95 days), while first flower appearance was late in HA- 4 (67.00 days). Fifty percent flowering was earliest in VRBSEM- 15 (25.95 days). The highest number of racemes plant-1 was recorded in HA-4 (6.46) and the longest raceme in the variety Arka Jay (34.35 cm). Arka Sambram was the earliest to harvest (61.30 days) followed by Arka Soumya (61.80 days), which were on par. The highest per centage of pod setting was recorded in HA-4 (14.85) followed by HA-3(14.50), which were on par. Co (Gb) 14 recorded the highest pod length (10.63 cm), pod girth (2.60 cm) and pod weight (6.75 g). Among the twenty five genotypes, nineteen genotypes exhibited light green pod colour, five dark green pod colour and one reddish green pod colour. The highest number of pods plant-1 was found in HA-4 (47.75). The seed colour of eleven genotypes was red, eight pale white, three white, two black and one light brown. The highest number of seeds pod-1 was in Co (Gb) 14 (4.35), which was on par with Arka Jay (4.25) and VRBSEM- 8 (4.25). Co (Gb) 14 recorded the highest weight of 100 seeds (35.45 g). The highest yield of 152.87 was recorded by Co (Gb) 14 which was on par with Arka Jay (148.82g) and HA-4 (148.52g). The highest yield plot-1 of 3.057 kg was recorded by Co (Gb) 14. Two genotypes, viz., Arka Jay (2.976 kg) and HA-4 (2.970 kg) were on par with it. Co (Gb) 14 recorded the highest crude protein and fibre content of 21.40 and 2.050 per cent respectively. The cooking quality of all the twenty five genotypes were found to be good. Incidence of leaf webber and anthracnose disease was noticed. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation (PCV and GCV) were observed for the characters like days to first flowering, pod setting, pod length, pods plant-1, yield plant-1, yield plot-1 and fibre content. High estimates of heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean were recorded for the yield components. Yield plant-1 had a significant positive correlation at genotypic and phenotypic level with raceme length, plant height, pod length, primary branches plant-1, number of racemes plant-1, plant spread, days to first flowering, pod girth and pod weight. Path coefficient analysis revealed that raceme length (0.9760) exerted the highest positive direct effect on yield plant-1 followed by number of racemes plant-1, primary branches plant-1, plant height, pod girth and pod weight. The genotypes were ranked based on selection index score considering the characters viz., plant height, primary branches plant-1, number of racemes plant-1, raceme length, pod girth and pod weight. HA-4 recorded the highest selection index score of 136.72. Based on the mean performance of the genotypes for various characters and selection index score, the top ranking genotypes HA-4, Co (Gb) 14 and HA-3 were found suitable for growing under Kerala conditions.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of biostimulants in growbag culture of organic Amaranthus (Amaranthus tricolor L.)(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2021) Sherinlincy, A; KAU; Refeekher, MThe study entitled “Evaluation of biostimulants in growbag culture of organic Amaranthus (Amaranthus tricolor)’’ was conducted in the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani in order to evaluate the effect of biostimulants under different application methods in growbag cultivation of organic amaranthus. Amaranthus variety Arun was raised in seed bed and transplanted 21 days after sowing to growbags. Experiments were laid out in CRD with two factors replicated thrice for evaluation of biostimulants and method of application. Foliar application and wick fertigation were the two methods of application under the study for which wick fertigation were installed using pvc pipes and glass wool wicks were used. Biostimulants such as humic acid (3%), humic acid fulvic acid mixture (3%), moringa leaf extract (3%), vermiwash (3%), cow urine (ten times diluted), salicylic acid (50 mgL-1) were compared with RDF (0.22:0.11:0.11 g/plant) and distilled water (control) at weekly intervals. Humic-fulvic acid mixture @ 3% through foliar application significantly increased the height of plant (85.83 cm), leaf length (15.08 cm) and leaf width (6.80 cm). Vermiwash @ 3% through wick fertigation exhibited the highest number of leaves per plant (118.83). Humic – fulvic acid mixture @ 3% through foliar application was also effective in increasing the branches per plant (11.66) while distilled water through wick fertigation recorded least number of branches per plant (4.66). Longest root length (34.16 cm) was recorded when humic acid @ 3% were applied through foliar application compared to control (18.66 cm). Late bolting was recorded with humic acid @ 3%, humic-fulvic acid mixture @ 3% and RDF through foliar application. Earlier bolting was recorded in salicylic acid @ 50 mgL-1 through wick fertigation. Application of salicylic acid @ 50 mgL-1 through wick fertigation significantly increased the leaf/stem ratio (0.50) which was at par with vermiwash @ 3% through wick fertigation (0.45). The total fresh weight of leaves per plant was significantly higher (225.85g) for humic – fulvic acid mixture @ 3% followed by RDF and humic acid @ 3%. At first, second and third harvest, significantly higher yield per cutting was recorded in ten times diluted cowurine (30.64g), RDF (171.62 g), humic – fulvic acid mixture @ 3 % (170.73g) through foliar application respectively while the lowest was recorded by distilled water through wick fertigation. Humic – fulvic acid mixture @ 3% through foliar application also recorded highest yield per plant (646.01 g) compared to distilled water through foliar application (180.72 g). Humic acid @ 3% through foliar application enhanced vitamin C content (98.20 mg100g-1) while ten times diluted cow urine through wick fertigation recorded the lowest vitamin C (57.14 mg100g-1). Oxalate content was observed low for moringa leaf extract @ 3% through wick fertigation with 0.69 mg. Moringa leaf extract @ 3 % through foliar application enhanced the carotenoid content (7.38 mg100-1g). Ten times diluted cow urine through foliar application produced highest calcium content (3.70 mg100-1g). Biostimulants as well as method of application had no significant effect on stem girth and soil parameters such as soil pH, EC, organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. In conclusion, biostimulants and foliar method of application was found to be effective for improving growth, yield and quality of amaranthus in growbag organic cultivation. Among the biostimulants, humic – fulvic acid mixture @ 3% produced the highest plant height, leaf length, leaf width, branches per plant, fresh weight of leaves, yield and B:C ratio (1.35) compared to control (0.22).ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of bush dolichos bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) sweet] for yield and quality(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2020) Maneesha, P K; KAU; Sarada, SThe present investigation entitled “Evaluation of bush dolichos bean [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet] for yield and quality” was conducted at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, from June 2019- December 2020 to evaluate the adaptability of bush dolichos bean in Kerala based on growth, yield and quality. The experimental material consisted of 25 bush dolichos bean genotypes. The experiment was laid out in RBD with two replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the twenty five genotypes for all the characters studied. Among the genotypes, HA- 4 recorded the highest plant height of 65.75 cm. The variety HA-3 recorded the highest plant spread of 48.95 cm. The highest number of primary branches plant-1 was recorded by HA-4 (5.70), Arka Jay (5.65) and HA-3 (5.55) were on par with it. HA-4 recorded the highest leaf area of 13.35 cm2. Earliest flowering was observed in the genotype VRBSEM- 15 (22.95 days), while first flower appearance was late in HA- 4 (67.00 days). Fifty percent flowering was earliest in VRBSEM- 15 (25.95 days). The highest number of racemes plant-1 was recorded in HA-4 (6.46) and the longest raceme in the variety Arka Jay (34.35 cm). Arka Sambram was the earliest to harvest (61.30 days) followed by Arka Soumya (61.80 days), which were on par. The highest per centage of pod setting was recorded in HA-4 (14.85) followed by HA-3(14.50), which were on par. Co (Gb) 14 recorded the highest pod length (10.63 cm), pod girth (2.60 cm) and pod weight (6.75 g). Among the twenty five genotypes, nineteen genotypes exhibited light green pod colour, five dark green pod colour and one reddish green pod colour. The highest number of pods plant-1 was found in HA-4 (47.75). The seed colour of eleven genotypes was red, eight pale white, three white, two black and one light brown. The highest number of seeds pod-1 was in Co (Gb) 14 (4.35), which was on par with Arka Jay (4.25) and VRBSEM- 8 (4.25). Co (Gb) 14 recorded the highest weight of 100 seeds (35.45 g). The highest yield of 152.87 was recorded by Co (Gb) 14 which was on par with Arka Jay (148.82g) and HA-4 (148.52g). The highest yield plot-1 of 3.057 kg was recorded by Co (Gb) 14. Two genotypes, viz., Arka Jay (2.976 kg) and HA-4 (2.970 kg) were on par with it. Co (Gb) 14 recorded the highest crude protein and fibre content of 21.40 and 2.050 per cent respectively. The cooking quality of all the twenty five genotypes were found to be good. Incidence of leaf webber and anthracnose disease was noticed. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation (PCV and GCV) were observed for the characters like days to first flowering, pod setting, pod length, pods plant-1, yield plant-1, yield plot-1 and fibre content. High estimates of heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean were recorded for the yield components. Yield plant-1 had a significant positive correlation at genotypic and phenotypic level with raceme length, plant height, pod length, primary branches plant-1, number of racemes plant-1, plant spread, days to first flowering, pod girth and pod weight. Path coefficient analysis revealed that raceme length (0.9760) exerted the highest positive direct effect on yield plant-1 followed by number of racemes plant-1, primary branches plant-1, plant height, pod girth and pod weight. The genotypes were ranked based on selection index score considering the characters viz., plant height, primary branches plant-1, number of racemes plant-1, raceme length, pod girth and pod weight. HA-4 recorded the highest selection index score of 136.72. Based on the mean performance of the genotypes for various characters and selection index score, the top ranking genotypes HA-4, Co (Gb) 14 and HA-3 were found suitable for growing under Kerala conditions.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of biostimulants in growbag culture of organic Amaranthus (Amaranthus tricolor L.)(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2020) Sherinlincy, A; KAU; Refeekher, MThe study entitled “Evaluation of biostimulants in growbag culture of organic Amaranthus (Amaranthus tricolor)’’ was conducted in the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani in order to evaluate the effect of biostimulants under different application methods in growbag cultivation of organic amaranthus. Amaranthus variety Arun was raised in seed bed and transplanted 21 days after sowing to growbags. Experiments were laid out in CRD with two factors replicated thrice for evaluation of biostimulants and method of application. Foliar application and wick fertigation were the two methods of application under the study for which wick fertigation were installed using pvc pipes and glass wool wicks were used. Biostimulants such as humic acid (3%), humic acid fulvic acid mixture (3%), moringa leaf extract (3%), vermiwash (3%), cow urine (ten times diluted), salicylic acid (50 mgL-1) were compared with RDF (0.22:0.11:0.11 g/plant) and distilled water (control) at weekly intervals. Humic-fulvic acid mixture @ 3% through foliar application significantly increased the height of plant (85.83 cm), leaf length (15.08 cm) and leaf width (6.80 cm). Vermiwash @ 3% through wick fertigation exhibited the highest number of leaves per plant (118.83). Humic – fulvic acid mixture @ 3% through foliar application was also effective in increasing the branches per plant (11.66) while distilled water through wick fertigation recorded least number of branches per plant (4.66). Longest root length (34.16 cm) was recorded when humic acid @ 3% were applied through foliar application compared to control (18.66 cm). Late bolting was recorded with humic acid @ 3%, humic-fulvic acid mixture @ 3% and RDF through foliar application. Earlier bolting was recorded in salicylic acid @ 50 mgL-1 through wick fertigation. Application of salicylic acid @ 50 mgL-1 through wick fertigation significantly increased the leaf/stem ratio (0.50) which was at par with vermiwash @ 3% through wick fertigation (0.45). The total fresh weight of leaves per plant was significantly higher (225.85g) for humic – fulvic acid mixture @ 3% followed by RDF and humic acid @ 3%. At first, second and third harvest, significantly higher yield per cutting was recorded in ten times diluted cowurine (30.64g), RDF (171.62 g), humic – fulvic acid mixture @ 3 % (170.73g) through foliar application respectively while the lowest was recorded by distilled water through wick fertigation. Humic – fulvic acid mixture @ 3% through foliar application also recorded highest yield per plant (646.01 g) compared to distilled water through foliar application (180.72 g). Humic acid @ 3% through foliar application enhanced vitamin C content (98.20 mg100g-1) while ten times diluted cow urine through wick fertigation recorded the lowest vitamin C (57.14 mg100g-1). Oxalate content was observed low for moringa leaf extract @ 3% through wick fertigation with 0.69 mg. Moringa leaf extract @ 3 % through foliar application enhanced the carotenoid content (7.38 mg100-1g). Ten times diluted cow urine through foliar application produced highest calcium content (3.70 mg100-1g). Biostimulants as well as method of application had no significant effect on stem girth and soil parameters such as soil pH, EC, organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. In conclusion, biostimulants and foliar method of application was found to be effective for improving growth, yield and quality of amaranthus in growbag organic cultivation. Among the biostimulants, humic – fulvic acid mixture @ 3% produced the highest plant height, leaf length, leaf width, branches per plant, fresh weight of leaves, yield and B:C ratio (1.35) compared to control (0.22).ThesisItem Open Access Performance of beet root (Beta vulgaris L) for growth yield and quality(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2020) Arya, P J; KAU; Sarada, SThe present investigation entitled “Performance of beet root (Beta vulgaris L.) for growth, yield and quality” was conducted at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during October 2019 - February 2020 to evaluate the adaptability of beet root in Kerala based on growth, yield and quality. The experimental material consisted of 30 beet root genotypes, including twenty two varieties and eight hybrids. The experiment was laid out in RBD with three replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the twenty two varieties and the eight hybrids for all the characters studied. Among the varieties, Tetra recorded the highest plant height of 38.32 cm and among hybrids, Ragini was the tallest (31.07 cm) and Remo (30.77 cm) was on par with it. The variety Ruby Queen (Pradham Seeds) recorded the highest number of leaves (13.45). BV 21 (12.96) and Tetra (12.65) were on par with it. Among hybrids, Remo (9.79) recorded the highest number of leaves, Red Star (Sakura) (9.70) was on par with it. Madhur recorded the highest root length of 7.43 cm among varieties and Red Star (Sakura) (7.41 cm) among hybrids. The variety Madhur recorded the highest root diameter of 5.33 cm and Ruby Queen (Tokita) (5.25 cm), Detroit Dark Red (5.16 cm) and Mahyco Lal ӀІ (5.15 cm) were statistically on par with it. The hybrid Red Star (Sakura) recorded the highest root diameter of 5.50 cm, which was on par with Ragini (5.32 cm). Among varieties, Madhur recorded the highest root weight (118.05 g), root: shoot ratio (4.42) and yield per plot (5.68 kg) and among hybrids, Red Star (Sakura) recorded the highest root weight (91.27 g), root: shoot ratio (3.61) and yield per plot (4.27 kg). The varieties, Madhur, Tetra and Ruby Queen (Tokita) were early with a crop duration of 96 days, while the hybrids, Red Star (Sakura), Red Horse and RK 777 were early with a crop duration of 98 days. T.S.S content was the highest for the variety K 5340 (15.70 0B) and hybrid RK 777 (14.50 0B). The highest carotenoid content was recorded for Mahyco Lal II among varieties (1.50 mg 100g-1) and Red Horse among hybrids (1.74 mg 100g-1). Madhur recorded the highest total sugars (6.45 %) and non reducing sugars (6.03 %) among varieties, while Red Star (Sakura) among hybrids (6.50 % and 6.04 % respectively). Among varieties Crimson Globe recorded the highest reducing sugars (1.00 %) and RK 777 (1.00 %) among hybrids. Sensory evaluation revealed the superiority of the variety Madhur and the hybrid Red Star (Sakura) for appearance, colour, taste and overall acceptability over other varieties and hybrids. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation (PCV and GCV) were observed for the characters leaf breadth, foliage weight, root weight, root: shoot ratio and yield per plot of varieties. For hybrids, high PCV and GCV was observed for root length, root weight, root: shoot ratio and yield per plot. For both varieties and hybrids, high estimates of heritability coupled with moderate to high genetic advance as per cent of mean were recorded for all the yield components, indicating additive gene action. Root weight had a significant positive correlation at genotypic and phenotypic level with leaf breadth, root length, root diameter, root: shoot ratio and yield per plot, both for varieties and hybrids. Path coefficient analysis of varieties revealed that root: shoot ratio (0.687) exerted the highest positive direct effect on root weight followed by root length, foliage weight, plant height and root diameter. Root diameter (3.094) exerted a maximum direct effect on root weight of hybrids followed by root: shoot ratio, leaf breadth, leaves per plant and leaf length. The varieties were ranked based on selection index score considering the characters viz., plant height, foliage weight, root diameter, root length, root weight and root: shoot ratio. Madhur recorded the highest selection index score of 192.52. The hybrids were ranked based on selection index score considering the characters viz. leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf breadth, root diameter, root weight and root: shoot ratio and Red Star (Sakura) recorded the highest score of 148.90. Based on the mean performance of the varieties and the hybrids for various characters and selection index score, the top ranking varieties Madhur, Tetra, Mahyco Lal ІІ and Ruby Queen (Tokita) and the hybrids Red Star (Sakura), Ragini, Red Horse and F 1 Kingdom were found suitable for growing under Kerala conditions.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus (L.) sweet) accession (Pole type) for yield and quality(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2020) Nidhin Raj; KAU; Anitha, PDolichos bean (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet) is a multi-purpose crop cultivated in both tropical and sub-tropical conditions. The tender pods rich in protein, fibre, iron and calcium are used as vegetable and dried seeds as pulse. Tender leaves are cooked and consumed as vegetable. The pole types are photosensitive in nature preferring short days and comparatively cool season for flowering. Despite of its multi-utility and multiple benefits, its cultivation is done in limited area only. Thus, there is a huge scope to expand cultivation to non-conventional regions which would assure nutritional and income security for the farmers. The efforts for genetic enhancement of this crop also has been limited. In this context, the present study was undertaken with the objectives of determining the genetic variability, genetic divergence and character associations among dolichos bean accessions for yield and yield contributing traits and to evaluate the accessions for quality. The experiment was conducted at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during September 2019- April 2020. The dolichos bean accessions were catalogued as per the NBPGR Minimal Descriptor for Characterization and Evaluation of Agri-Horticultural crops (2000). The flower colour varied from white to purple. The pod colour varied from light green, green to purple. Green pods with purple border were observed in LP-2, LP-12, LP-19, LP-31, LP-32 and LP-35. Purple pods were observed in LP-11, LP-17 and LP-22. The pod shape varied from straight, intermediate to curved. Based on the reaction to bacterial wilt disease, the accessions were categorized into susceptible and resistant. The accessions, LP-1, LP-5, LP-6, LP-9 and LP-14 were highly susceptible and showed 100 per cent bacterial wilt incidence. The analysis of variance of the 25 accessions showed significant differences among them for all traits under study. Genetic parameters like GCV, PCV, heritability, GA and GAM were estimated to study the nature and extent of variability. High GCV, PCV, heritability and GAM were exhibited by the characters green pod yield/plant, number of seeds/pod, pod length, pod girth, pod weight, number of pods/plant and total phenols which indicated the presence of high variability and additive gene action for these traits. Hence, these traits can be improved through selection. Quality traits viz., iron, calcium, total phenols, and phytic acid exhibited close association between PCV and GCV. In addition, moderate to high heritability and GAM were observed indicating that phenotypic values were a true measure of the genotype and the improvement of these traits is possible through selection. Green pod yield per plant was significantly, positively correlated with number of pods per plant, number of harvests, duration of the crop, calcium and crude protein. Further, green pod yield per plant was positively correlated with number of pods per cluster, pod length, pod weight and pod girth. However, these correlations were not significant which indicated their independent nature with respect to yield. Path coefficient analysis of yield and its component characters revealed that the highest direct positive effect on green pod yield per plant was exhibited by number of pods per plant followed by days to first flowering, pod weight, number of seeds per pod and duration of the crop. Hence direct selection of accessions based on these traits would improve yield. From the present study, accessions viz., LP-2, LP-13 and LP-34 could be selected as promising ones based on these traits. Twenty five accessions of dolichos bean were grouped into six clusters based on D2 values. Cluster VI had highest number of accessions (8) followed by cluster III (6). Cluster I and II had four accessions each. There were two accessions in cluster IV and one accession in cluster V. Inter cluster distance was maximum between cluster IV and cluster V. Hence, superior hybrids could be obtained by hybridization among the accessions present in these clusters. Sensory evaluation was conducted in the cooked pods to score the accessions based on their appearance, colour, flavour, texture, taste and overall acceptability. LP- 31, LP-28 and LP-13 were superior in sensory qualities. The selection criteria for dolichos bean was fixed by taking the characters such as green pod yield per plant, number of pods per plant, pod weight, days to first flowering and overall acceptability of sensory evaluation and the accessions LP-28, LP- 13, LP-12, LP-2 and LP-35 were identified as the most promising ones based on this.
