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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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Author: Jilijith, K P × Author: KAU × Start date: 2010 × Thesis Type: M.Sc ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Genetic variation in wood basic density and moe and their relationship with growth traits in teak (TECTONA GRANDIS L.F.) grown in seed orchards of Kerala
    (College of forestry, Vellanikkara, 2016) Jilijith, K P; KAU; Anoop, E V
    A study on the variation in wood basic density and dynamic modulus of elasticity of teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) trees grown in tree improvement trials at various locations in Kerala using destructive and nondestructive testing (NDT) methods was conducted in the College of Forestry, KAU, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the period 2012-2015. The investigation focused on the variation in physical and mechanical wood properties of teak, and to understand their relationship with growth traits and evaluating the suitability of NDT methods as predictors of timber properties under field conditions. Pilodyn (6J) and Treesonic Microsecond Timer (FAKOPP) were the two NDT equipments used in the study. Teak logs collected from a forest plantation (Elival, Palakkad) were destructively analysed following nondestructive testing with the above equipments. Discs and logs were analysed for within tree variation in Pilodyn pin penetration depth (PPD) and were further subjected to various mechanical tests using UTM as well. Significant variation in mechanical properties, and Stress Wave Velocity (SWV) was observed between the trees sampled. Most of the mechanical properties assessed destructively were found to be highly correlated with SWV. PPD in the periphery of the trees was related to the same in the middle portion of the trees. Pilodyn readings also correlated well with the actual wood basic density analysed destructively. In general, both the NDT instruments were found to be useful in estimation of the respective properties using regression analysis. In standing trees of a CSO (Walayar, Palakkad), an SPA (Nilambur) and two clonal trials (Chettikkulam and Vellikulangara, Thrissur) non-destructive evaluation was repeated. The study revealed high genetic divergence in the wood traits and indicated greater scope for application in tree improvement trials. Growth traits didn’t show any consistency or trend with the differing age of the plantations, nor any convincing relationship with the wood traits. Clusters were also identified for the clones at Walayar and Chettikkulam based on which selection for further breeding programmes can be undertaken