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
17 results
Search Results
ThesisItem Open Access Monitoring and management of the pest complex of bitter gourd (Momordica Charantia L.)(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1999) Nandakumar, C; KAU; Saradamma, KSurveys were conducted in 1995-96 among one hundred bitter gourd farmers in Thiruvananthapuram district. Information on the personal and socio- economic characteristics of the farmers was gathered. Field visits indicated that among the pests at flowering, the jassid, H.phycitis and leaf feeder, D. indica were important. At early harvest, the jassid and fruitfly B. cucurbitae were the major pests. Among the natural enemies observed, the potential ones were Cjohnsoni (parasite on Hseptima), I.scutellare, Msexmaculatus and Snubilis . (predators on A.gossypii). Mosaic was severe in 12 per cent of the plots. Sixty two per cent of the farmers used a combination of mechanical, cultural and chemical measures against pests. Most common pesticides used belonged to the organophosphate group. Farmers in general adopted injudicious methods of chemical control. Seventy per cent farmers relied on mass media and interpersonal cosmopolites for information on plant protection. The most important constraint perceived by farmers was the high cost of inputs viz., plant protection chemicals, manures and fertilizers. Monitoring of fruit fly incidence using Biosense stikatrap (lure) indicated the maximum catch at eleven weeks after sowing. Ten carbofuran smeared banana fruit traps (in yellow coloured coconut shell) were found to be more efficient than one Biosense trap in trapping the fruit fly. 2 Studies on seasonal incidence of the pests and their natural enemies from 1995 to 1996 indicated that they were more from November '95 to April '96. In studies on the assessment of potential natural enemies of pests, the biology and efficacy of Cjohnsoni against epilachna beetle was observed. Among the predators viz., Iscutellare, Msexmaculatus and S.nubilis whose biology and feeding potential was studied, Msexmaculatus was observed as the most efficient predator of aphids. In another set of experiments, the effects of botanicals and chemical pesticides on pests and their natural enemies were studied. The antifeedant effect of botanicals on third instar Hseptima grubs indicated that neem seed oil (three per cent) and nimbecidine (0.40 per cent) were effective. Estimation of the comparative effect of chemical pesticides against the fourth instar Hseptima grubs showed that carbaryl and dimethoate were more effective than quinalphos and malathion. Toxicity studies of botanicals and chemical pesticides to Msexmaculatus grubs and Cjohnsoni adults as well as parasite emergence from treated larval! pupal Hseptima hosts indicated that botanicals were safe whereas, the chemicals were toxic to the natural enemies. Based on the above experiments, the botanicals viz., neem seed oil three per cent, nimbecidine 0.40 per cent and the chemical pesticides,carbaryl 0.15 per cent and dimethoate 0.05 per cent were selected for the pest management trial in bitter gourd. The reaction of five bitter gourd varieties viz., Priya, Arka Harit, Preethi, Priyanka and local to pests was tested in a field trial. Based on pest infestation and yield, Preethi was selected for the pest management trial. 3 The pest management trial was conducted for two seasons (January to April, 1996 and 1997). The results indicated that combination of botanical with chemical pesticide was the best in pest control. Based on the results the following recommendations were suggested as part of IPM strategies in bitter gourd. 1. Use variety 'Preethi' (MC-84) for planting 2. Basal drenching of combination of nee m seed oil three per cent soap emulsion with either dimethoate (0.025 per cent) or carbaryl (0.075 per cent) prior to seeding. This is recommended in areas where pests like pumpkin beetles are endemic. 3. Need based application of above till fruit set to control pests. 4. Apply fungicide (Mancozeb) to control foliar disease (downy mildew). 5. Monitor fruit fly incidence using lure trap. Set yellow painted coconut shell trap's containing carbofuran smeared banana (palayankodan) alternated with carbofuran poisoned ocimum I jaggery (2m spacing) at flowering till final harvest. 6. After fruit set, use (need based) a combination of neem seed oil three per cent soap emulsion and dimethoate 0.025 per cent.ThesisItem Open Access Standradisation of organic and inorganic fertiliser comnbinations for maximising productivity in bitter gourd (Momordica Charantia L.)(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1999) Rajasree, G; KAU; Raghavan Pillai, GAn investigation was carried out during 1995-96 and 1996-97 at the Instructional Farm attached to College of Agriculture, Vellayani to study the efficacy of different levels of N applications (200, 250 and 300 kg N ha") in different ratios of organic - chemical N substitutions (l : 1, 1:2 or 2: 1) at different frequencies (F I - full quantity of organic source as basal, F2 - organic source at basal and at 40th and 70th DAS, F3 - organic source as basal + fortnightly equal splits and chemical N source as basal + fortnightly intervals in equal splits in all the frequencies) of application. Two different organic sources ie. farm yard manure and poultry manure were used in two simultaneous experiments viz. Experiment I and 11. The experiments were separately and simultaneously laid out as confounded 33 design in 9 plot blocks with 2 replications, confounding LR2F in RI and LRF2 in R 11. Higher levels ofN nutrition was found to reduce days taken to flower in farm yard manure applied trial while sex ratio was narrowed at 90 DAS in poultry manure applied experiment. Higher jassid population was noticed at 60 DAS when higher levels ofN was supplied predominantly through organic source as farm yard manure. Fungal leaf spot infestation was higher with the application of200 kg N at 90 DAS and was also more with split applications of both farm yard manure and chemical N source at early stages of growth. Full basal application of poultry manure was found to promote the per hectare yield of fruits, fruit yield planr I and number of fruits planr I compared to its split applications. When highest level ofN (300 kg) was supplied through 2: 1 ratio of organic - chemical N substitution using poultry manure as organic source, it effectively increased the fruit yield and number of fruits plant". 2 Shelf life of fruits at room temperature was more when nutrient N was supplied through 2: 1 ratio of organic - chemical N substitution using farm yard manure or poultry manure as an organic source. When N level was increased beyond 200 kg, shelf life of fruits at room temperature slightly decreased even when it was predominantly supplied through organic source of farm yard manure or poultry manure. Similar trend was noticed at refiigeratory condition too. Nitrogen nutrition showed depressing effect on ascorbic acid or vitamin-C content of fruits in Experiment I. Iron content in fruits was more with the application of 200 or 300 kg N level in Experiment ll. When 300 kg N was applied through a major source of poultry manure (2: 1 ratio) it produced higher iron content in fruits. Higher nitrogen levels or nitrogen nutrition through 2: 1 ratio of substitution promoted the soil bacterial population in both Experiment I and II. Full basal application of farm yard manure or poultry manure favourably influenced the soil bacterial population. Nitrogen nutrition showed depressing effect on fungal population of soil in Experiment I while it stimulated the fungal growth in Experiment 11. Soil actinomycetes population was higher with 2: 1 substitution ratio using farm yard manure as organic source ofN. When farm yard manure or poultry manure as organic source was used in equal or higher proportion with chemical N source, it showed moderating effect on the soil acidity. Full basal application of farm yard manure also enhanced the soil pH from the acidic range and the organic carbon content. Application of higher levels ofN increased the net loss ofN, P and K of soil in both the Experiment I and H. Net loss ofN was higher with 1:2 ratio ofN substitution or few or more split applications of organic source (farm yard manure) in Experiment 1. Net loss of nutrients was moderated during the second year of field experimentation. Nitrogen 3 nutrition in 1:2 ratio of substitution enhanced the net loss ofN in Experiment H. Nitrogen nutrition through 2: 1 ratio ofN substitution or basal + 2 split doses of farm yard manure increased the net loss of P in soil. The net loss of K in soil was more when farm yard manure and chemical N sources were applied in 2: 1 or 1: 1 ratio of substitution. Net gain of K was observed in Experiment H, when chemical N source was substituted in higher proportion compared to poultry manure or when full dose of poultry manure was applied as basal dressing. Higher levels ofN application have resulted in negative net energy returns or energy loss in both the experiments. The 1: 1 or 1 :2 ratio ofN substitution caused higher net energy losses in Experiment I while split applications of poultry manure resulted in more energy loss in Experiment H. Total energy output was higher with full basal application of poultry manure in Experiment I. Energy ratios registered a negative value and was higher with low level ofN application in Experiment I and II. Higher gross returns were obtained when full quantity of poultry manure was applied as basal dose in Experiment 11. Application of300 kg N through 2: 1 ratio of organic- chemical N substitution registered higher gross returns in Experiment II. Net returns was higher when 200 kg N ha! was applied. Increasing N level beyond 200 kg was not economic in Experiment I using farm yard manure as organic source. When full quantity of poultry manure was applied completely as basal dose, higher net returns was obtained in Experiment H. Benefit-cost ratio decreased when N level was enhanced beyond 200 kg ha' in Experiment I. Higher benefit - cost ratio was recorded when poultry manure was applied in full dose as basal dressing. Study revealed the favourable influence of organic sources; farm yard manure and poultry manure on fruit quality, shelf life and soil properties. The suitability of poultry manure as organic source for vegetable cultivation was also established by this study.ThesisItem Open Access Insect pest natural enemy- host plant interaction studies with special reference to the brown planthoper nilaparvata lugens(Stal.)(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1999) Haseena, Bhaskar; KAU; Joy, P JField surveys were conducted in Kole land and Kuttanad to assess the population of rice BPH, Nilaparvata lugens (Stal) and its natural enemies. Field investigations on the population dynamics of BPH and its natural enemies were carried out on susceptible (Jaya), moderately resistant (Jyothi) and resistant (Kanakom) rice varieties at the rice fields of Rice Research Station, Moncompu during 1997-98. The influence of these varieties on the biology of the pest, the biocontrol efficiency of the major natural enemies and the biology of the mirid predator Cyrtorhinus lividipennis Reuter was studied in the laboratory. Histological and chemical investigations were undertaken to evaluate the factors that contribute to the resistance/susceptibility in them. Results of field survey in Kole land revealed that the population of BPH was far below the economic threshold level (ETL). In Kuttanad, in kayal area during Rabi season and in karappadam tract during Kharif season outbreaks of BPH occurred in some localities due to the indiscriminate use of insecticides resulting in the mortality of natural enemies. The results of the study on population dynamics revealed that the BPH population was significantly high on the susceptible J aya and low on the resistant Kanakom with the population reaching a peak from February to March. The predatory complex of the BPH comprised of the rnirid Cyrtorhinus lividipennis, Lycosa pseudoannulata, Tetragnatha maxillosa, Atypena formosana, Microvelia douglasi atrolineata, Pseudogonatopus sp. and Ophionea nigrofasciata. C. lividipennis was the most predominant predator regulating the hopper population and there exists a density dependent host-predator relationship. The population of the mirid predator on Jaya and Kanakom did not differ significantly. The prey-predator ratio was lowest on the resistant variety and highest on the susceptible variety. Of the weather parameters studied, the minimum -. temperature showed a highly significant negative correlation with the population of N. lugens in all the varieties. BPH reared on the resistant variety recorded longer nymphal duration, decreased nymphal survival and shorter adult longevity indicating the prevalence of antibiosis in the variety. Lesser number of eggs laid, longer pre-oviposition period and shorter oviposition period recorded on Kanakom indicate the antixenosis factor in it. Macrpterous forms of BPH did not develop on the variety . The predator C. lividipennis and Micraspis sp. fed more BPH when reared on the resistant variety. The veliid bug M. d. atrolineata, the spider L. pseudoannulata and the dryinid Pseudogonatopus sp. predated significantly more BPH nymphs on resistant variety at a higher prey density only. However, the dryinid parasitoid consumed significantly fewer number of hoppers on Kanakom at the higher host density. C. lividipennis recorded longer nymphal duration, shorter adult longevity and low fecundity when fed on BPH reared on Kanakom which can be attributed to the low fecundity of N. lugens on Kanakom leading to less availability of food to the mirid. Nymphal duration and adult longevity of C. lividipennis did not vary between the varieties Jaya and Jyothi. Well developed bundle sheath with more frequently distributed schlerenchyma tissue in the culm of the resistant variety seemed to impart resistance in Kanakom along with thicker cuticle. Higher amounts of silica, Zn and Mn and lower amounts of N, K, Ca and Mg were recorded in the culm of the resistant variety compared to moderately resistant and susceptible varieties. The findings strongly suggest the mechanism of antibiosis and antixenosis in the resistant variety Kanakom.ThesisItem Open Access Production dynamics of ginger (zingiber officinale R.) under varying levels of shade, nutrients and triazole(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1999) Ajith Kumar, K; KAU; Jayachandran, B KThe experiments were conducted at the Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram, during 1996-97 and 1997-98 to study the production dynamics of ginger under varying levels of shade, nutrients and triazole. The specific objectives were to study the production potential of ginger under open and different shade levels, to standardise optimum dose of nutrients and mulch for ginger intercropped in coconut garden and to evaluate the efficacy of triazole in the improvement of yield and other desirable characters. The effect of shade on growth and yield contributing parameters viz., tiller number, leaf number, leaf area, leaf dry weight, root spread, root volume, rhizome spread, rhizome thickness, number of rhizomes, leaf thickness, stomatal frequency, DMP and LAI under 20 and 40 per cent shade levels exhibited significant superiority in pot culture study. In pot culture study: maximum fresh ginger yield of 450.0 and 396.3 g plant" were resulted from plants kept under 20 and 40 per cent shade levels respectively. This was 27.4 and 12.2 per cent higher compared to open- condition. The dry ginger yield of 94.5 and 89.2 g plant" were obtained from plants kept under 20 and 40 per cent shade levels respectively. This was 27.8 and 20.7 per cent higher compared to open condition. However, the dry ginger yield obtained from 60 and 80 per cent shade levels were significantly lower compared to open. The shade levels 20 and 40 per cent gave the highest shoot dry weight of 48.9 and 53.6 g plant" respectively. Volatile oil content showed an increasing trend with increasing levels of shade in pot culture study. Maximum NVEE was recorded under 20 and 40 per cent shade levels. Highest starch content was obtained from 20 per cent shade level. Crude fibre gradually reduced with increase in shade levels. The field trial on nutrient requirement of ginger as intercrop in coconut garden revealed that, NPK application at higher levels increased plant height, tillering, leaf number, leaf area, DMP and chlorophyll content. Physiological parameters like, NAR, CGR and RGR were promoted by higher rates of nitrogen application. The results revealed that, N: P, N : K and P : K ratios of l.5 : 1, l.5 : 1 and 1 : 1 respectively, were ideal to get maximum fresh ginger yield. Application of 150 kg N, 100 kg P20S and 100 kg K20 ha-l gave maximum net profit ofRs. 96605/- and Rs. 99227/- during first and second year respectively. The net profit when the existing recommendation of 75 kg N, 50 kg P20S and 50 kg K20 ha-l was Rs. 54960/- and Rs. 54730/- during first and second year respectively. Hence the study suggests that the existing recommendation (75 kg N, 50 kg P20S and 50 kg K20 ha") has to be doubled (150 kg N, 100 kg P20S and 100 kg K20 ha-l) for increasing the productivity of ginger intercropped in coconut garden. Increased rate of fertilizer application did not influence the quality of the produce. Plant uptake of NPK increased with higher levels of fertilizer application. The field experiment on mulch requirement of ginger intercropped in coconut garden showed that the rhizome yield from plots mulched with 30.0, 22.5 and 1 =r. 0 t ha' were on par. Therefore the mulch requirement of ginger intercropped in coconut garden can be reduced from 30 t ha-l to 15.0 t ha-I Application of triazole did not exhibit any beneficial effect on yield and quality of ginger.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of iron and vitamin supplementation on iron profile of anemic adolescent girls(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1999) Kavita, M S; KAU; Prema, LThe study entitled, "Effect of iron and vitamin supplementation on iron profile of anemic adolescent girls", was conducted to assess the magnitude of iron deficiency anemia among adolescent girls; to find out the direct and indirect effects of causative factors and to evaluate the relative effect of supplementation of iron with vitamins on the iron status of anemic adolescent females. The study was limited to Neyyattinkara, Nedumangadu and Trivandurn Taluks of Trivandrum district. Rapid assessment technique was administered to determine haemoglobin and to indentify 225 adolescent girls suffering from iron deficiency anemia (with Hb ::::;; 12g1dl). Socio economic status of the girls was determined by using a suitably structured schedule while nutritional variables responsible for the incidence of anemia were determined through assessing their mean food intake by 24 hour recall method and by ascertaining their anthropometric measurements using universally accepted techniques. Clinical examination was conducted to assess the health variables responsible for iron deficiency anemia. A metabolic experiment of two months duration was conducted to find the effect of iron and vitamin supplementation on iron profile of the moderately anemic girls. For this, the basal diet which gave RDA of nutrients was supplemented by 60 mg iron and 500 ug folic acid, 600 /-lg equivalent vitamin A, 1.2 mg equivalent vitamin B~ and ~ 40 mg equivalent vitamin C in different treatment groups either in the form of tablets 351 Supplements in the form of tablets produced highest and rapid changes in haematological and iron profile while the greatest positive changes in growth and physical endurance were observed when the supplements were given in the form of food. Hence for proper iron nutriture, iron source with high bioavailable iron is necessary along with balanced intake of other nutrients.ThesisItem Open Access Characterisation of Soils Under Reed (Ochlandra Travancorica Benth.) In the Western Ghats(Department Of Soil Science And Agricultural Chemistry,College Of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 1999) Sujatha, M P; KAU; Jose, A IA study was carried out at the Kerala Agricultural University and the Kerala Forest Research Institute during 1993-1996 mainly to characterise the reed growing soils of Western Ghats. The study comprises four parts, viz., pedological / taxonomical characterisation of reed growing soils, evaluation of fertility status of reed growing soils, assessment of growth performance of reed in relation to soil fertility and study on litter decomposition and nutrient release from reed leaf litter. The pedological / taxonomical characterisation was carried out by digging representative soil profile (with 3 replications) at two different types of topography (flat-undulating and sloping) in two different elevations (200-300 m and 600-800 m) at four locations viz. Vazhachal, Pooyamkutty, Adimali and Pamba. Reed growing soils were found to carry litter on soil surface which was. under varying stages of decomposition. The colour of the surface soils was mostly in the hue of 7.5 YR and subsurface layers were dominated by either 5 YR or 10 YR. Fine fibrous roots were found to mat the soil surface giving granular and crumb structure. The subsurface layers were generally massive without any distinct structural development. Reeds were found to flourish on both shallow and deep soils. In pure reed brakes where upper canopy was closed, the undergrowth was completely absent. The content of gravel, especially the secondary gravel, was very low in these soils. In most of the cases the textural make up turned from sandy loam to sandy clay loam from top to bottom of the profiles. Bulk density was found to increase with increase in depth of the profiles while porosity and water holding capacity to showed a diminishing trend. These soils were strongly to moderately acid in reaction and in pure reed areas surface soils were more acid than subsurface soils. But in areas where reed was growing as undergrowth in teak and moist deciduous forest, surface soils were less acidic than subsurface soils. In general, exchangeable bases, exchange acidity, cation exchange capacity and percentage base saturation were found to show a diminishing tendency from surface to bottom of the profiles. Distribution of organic carbon, total and available N, total and available P and available K was in a decreasing trend with increase in depth of the profiles while total K was found concentrated in lower layers. In general, the change in location, elevation and topography was not found to exert any definite impact on the depth wise distribution of soil properties in these soils. These soils were classified under Ustic Kandihumult, Ustic Palehumult, Ustic Haplohumult,' Ustic Kanhaplohumult, Typic Kanhaplustult, Ustic Hurnitropept, Ustoxic Hurnitropept, Ustic Dystropept, Ustoxic Dystropept, Oxic Ustropept and Lithic Dystropept at sub group level. The content of gravel, especially the secondary gravel was low in the 'Surface soils of reed growing soils. These soils were sandy loam in texture with low bulk density and moderately high water holding capacity and porosity. In general, these soils were strongly acidic in reaction with high content of organic carbon and available N and K. But the status of available P was very low. Contents of available Ca and Mg were in moderate quantities. Cation exchange capacity was also high, but the percentage base saturation was low. Significant variation with respect to various soil properties viz., gravel, silt, clay, bulk density, porosity, water holding capacity, pH, organic carbon, available N, K, Ca, Mg and percentage base saturation was observed due to change in location. Change in elevation was found to exert significant impact on bulk density, porosity, organic carbon and cation exchange capacity. In general variation in topography was not found to exert any significant and definite impact on various soil properties. Results in general reveal that reed bamboo play a significant role in conserving soil and its fertility. Number of matured culms / ha was found to be a better parameter injudging the growth performance of reed and Class I reed was found to have higher number of matured culms / ha than Class II and Class Ill. Soils of Class I reed was significantly acidic and contained higher organic carbon but lower available N and K than the class Ill. The model fitted through stepwise regression relating number of culms to different soil properties viz., soil pH, organic carbon, available N, P and K was Y = 501.0420 - 179.881920xI + 16.1516x12 + ! .9450XIX2 where Y= number of culms / ha, XI = soil pH and X2 = organic carbon. Dry weight of both culms and leaves per hectare and uptake of N, P and K were significantly high in Class I than the other two classes. The models fitted through stepwise regression relating dry weight of culms and leaves with the uptake ofN, P and K were YI=-1294.29 + 37.265N + 321.410 P + 226.442K, Y2=2.1 + 38.403 + 187.2 K where YI is the dry weight ofculms / ha and Y2 is the dry weight of leaves / ha. Reed growing soils were found to conserve comparatively higher content of soil moisture. Mass loss during decomposition of reed leaf litter was highly influenced by rainfall and the annual decomposition rate constant did not vary significantly (0.229 and 0.234) at two sites studied. The time required for 50 per cent and 95 per cent decomposition was 3 and 13 months respectively. Based on the concentration and absolute content, the nutrient mobility from decomposing reed leaf litter was in the order K > N > Mg > Ca > P.ThesisItem Open Access Production and application of monoclonal antibodies against duck plague virus(Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1999) Ravindra Dattatraya, Padalkar; KAU; Jayaprakasan, VMonoclonal antibodies (Mabs) were raised against the vaccine strain of DPV and three strains of DPV Viz, Vaccine (DPV-V), IVRI (DPV-I) and Alleppy strain (DPV-A) were used to raise polyclonal serum in the present investigation. DPV-V was revived in 11 day old chicken embryo and the embryo death was recorded Tour to five days PI- with congestion all over the body and spleen and necrotic foci in liver. The cytopalhy in CEF cell culture observed was rounding and clumping of the cells, syncylium formation and bridge formation with extensive vacuolation in the Cytoplasm. The detachment of the cells was observed at 120 h PI. DPV-I a virulent strain was inoculated in the ducklings, death was recorded in all the inoculated birds with extensive hemorrhages on serous membranes, muscles and visceral organs. Necrotic foci on liver,' enlargement and congestion of liver, and spleen, and white hecrotic foci in the gizzard were evident. The virus was further passaged in DDE and cultivated in bulk in DEF cell culture. The DPV-V and DPV-A were titrated in CEF cell culture and the TC1D J0 was 4.7 X 105 per ml of the inoculum Tor DPV-V and 3.2 X 10"1 for DPV-A. DPV-I cultivated in DEF cell culture had a TCID50 of 1X10 3'per ml of the inoculum All (lie strains were partially purified at 100000 g for 4.5 h at 4" C in Beckman ultra centrifuge and the protein concentration oF the virus was estimated by biuret method and was found to be 11 mg, 8 mg and 7 mg for DPV-V, A and 1 respectively. All the three strains of DPV were inoculated in mice to raise polyclonal serum. Four mice out of five inoculated with DPV-V showed ELISA litres more than 1:12800, one mouse showed a titre of 1:6400. The mice inoculated with DPV-A showed a titre of more than 1,12800 and those inoculated with DPV-I, 1:6400 ELISA ’Was1’ used to test the sera samples of the mice inoculated with DPV strains. The test was found to be highly sensitive, easy to perform and less time consuming. The test therefore can be recommended for routine diagnosis of DPVThesisItem Open Access Nutritional balance analysis for productivity improvement of rice in iron rich lateritic alluvium(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellenikkara, 1999) Bridgit, T K; KAU; Potty, N NInvestigation entitled “Nutritional balance analysis for productivity improvement of rice in iron rich lateritic alluvium” consisting of seven experiments was conducted during 1995-1997 in the farm attached to the Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy. Objective of the study was to identify the factors that limit the productivity of rice in the lateritic alluvium, estimate the nature and extent of their influences, formulate and test the methodology to overcome them and to evolve high – tech management programme to get 6 t or more yield of grain per hectare. The study included evaluation of the influences of all the cultural and nutritional inputs on the content and balances of N,P,K,Ca,Mg,S,Fe,Mn,Zn, Cu and SiO2 in the root, culm and leaf at MT and PI and boot leaf in addition to uptake in grain and straw. Results revealed the following Field evaluation of the crop performance in 36 locations of Thrissur and Palakkad districts of Kerala spread in km2 and three soil types revealed that yield ranged from 2800 to 9000 kg ha-1. Low productivity was not due to real deficiency of any of the 11 elements in the foliage. Foliar concentrations of individual elements were more than what has required to produce yield levels above 7000kg ha-1 in some locations expect for silica. Low realized yields were found to be due to the excess plant contents of non-applied elements especially Fe, Mn,Zn and Cu as well as their interactions in plants. As such, soil test or tissue test values of elements were found inadequate, a “content balance combined approach” was found to be better tool in nutritional management. Iron content of the root of the order of 50,000 ppm under submerged conditions was found to inhibit morphological and physiological development leading to low yield. Physiologically, lower development of chlorophyll ‘a’ and its poor stability as well as a higher sap PH lead to low dry matter accumulation. Morphologically the effect was expressed through very few long roots at MT,low root weight, root damage and failure of further initiation of roots, protracted production of fewer tillers as well as their decline and low dry matter accumulation in the shoots between MT and flowering periods. Yield variation due to the early suppression alone was of the order of 1800 kg ha-1. Harmful effects of Fe in the plant was less subsequently as Fe decreased progressively with growth of the plant. Manganese and Zn and to some extent Cu found to take over from Fe in the post panicle initiation phase. Leaf concentrations of these elements at PI and flowering stages rise far higher the critical levels. Manganese was found to reduce photosynthetic efficiency at this stage and Zn was identified with affecting translocation to the grain from vegetative parts in the maturity phase, thereby affecting translocation to the grain from vegetative parts in the maturity phase, thereby affecting grain – straw ratio. Lower productivity of second crop (September – October compared to first crop (April – May seeded rice) was found to be due to the higher foliar concentrations of Mn and Zn in the PI stage onwards. Cultivation under continuous submergence aggravated these inhibiting influences. Thus low yield of rice in laterite soils was found to be due to a multi – element multiphase effect. Nutritionally these effects could be recognised through narrow N/Fe, N/Mn, K/Fe, K/Zn ratios. Application of Ca @ 150 kg lime ha-1 could reduce the Fe content of the plant and S at 100 kg ha-1 could reduce Mn and Zn content in the plant at PI. Substituting urea with Ammonium sulphate for top dressing appeared to be better to contain Mn and Zn at PI stage. Application of SiO2 at 250 kg ha-1 and increasing the levels of K from the present level of 45 kg to 120 kg ha-1 and resorting to dry seeding in April-May crop and wet seeding in October-crop and irrigation once in three days after disappearance of ponded water were found to be effective means of containing the low yield malady and raise the yield beyond 6 t ha-1. This production programme has the advantage that it does not involve much additional input, offers the scope of reducing P application by 50 per cent and scientifically sustainable as it keeps nutrient removal within the levels of application of N, P and K. This programme also offers a way to progressional yield improvement above 6 t ha-1 as the levels of Fe, Mn and Zn in the leaves are still far higher than suggested critical levels.ThesisItem Open Access Biological and control of the weed Mikania micrantha HBK in Kerala(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellenikkara, 1999) Mini Abraham; KAU; Abraham, C TMikania micrantha is a recently introduced weed spreading fast in agricultural and non-agricultural areas of Kerala. It is commonly known as mile-a-minute weed in English and as American vally, Padvayara etc. in Malayalam. A study on "Biology and control of the weed Mikania micrantha HBK in Kerala" was undertaken at the College of Horticulture, KAU, Vellanikkara during 1995-1999 to study the distribution, biology, competition to crops and alternate uses of Mikania and also to develop recommendations for controlling the weed. Infestation of Mikania was found to be widespread in Ernakulam and Kottayam districts and in most parts of Trichur, Idukki, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts. The weed has not yet spread to the southern districts, with no infestation in Thiruvananthapuram and only isolated incidence in Kollam district. In the northern districts of Malappuram, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Wynad, Kannoor and Kasaragod, only isolated infestation was noticed. Mikania is a fast growing herbaceous perennial climber belonging to the family Asteraceae. The weed seeds germinated in April-May, flowered in October and took 9 to 12 days for seed maturity. Inflorescence is an umbel of heads. Average seed output per plant was 45812 with an average production of 357 inflorescence, each having 32 flowers (four seeds per head). Fresh seeds gave 80 per cent germination and the viability decreased to zero after seven months of storage. 2 The weed can propagate by seeds and stem . cutti ngs. Seeds kept for germination on the soil surface (0 cm depth) gave maximum germination, whereas even the slight burying of the seeds prevented germination. From the stem cuttings, maximum establishment was for the cuttings from the basal portion of stem when planted at zero depth of planting followed by middle and apex portio . Sprouting per cent decreased with depth of planting with no sprouts arising when planted at 5 cm below the surface. No sprouts were produced from internode at any depth of planting. Leaves did not sprout, but the leaf petioles with axillary bud produced sprouts. Competition from Mikania suppressed the growth of pineapple, banana, rubber, coconut, cocoa and teak plants. It also delayed the flowering and reduced the fruit weight of pineapple and banana. Among the. physical methods of control, digging at monthly interval was found to be the best followed by digging at bimonthly interval, sickle weeding at monthly interval and sickle weeding at bimonthly interval. Pre emergence herbicides, diuron 0.5 kg ha") and oxyflourfen (0.20 kg ha:') resulted in prevention of germination and establishment of Mikania followed by atrazine, butachlor, metolachlor, alachlor, pretilachlor and fluochloralin. All forms of 2, 4-D resulted in complete drying of Mikania. Even the lowest dose (0.25 kg ha') tested gave 92-99 per cent control of Mikania. Other herbicides in the order of effectiveness were glyphosate, glufosinate ammonium and paraquat. 3 Eighteen insect pests were found infesting Mikania. The major pests were aphid, tea mosquito bug, thrips and the lepidopteran pest, Spilosoma obliqua. However, since all these insect pests are polyphagous in nature, their utility for biological control is limited. Pathogens infecting the weed were identified as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Alternaria alternata, Curvularia lunata Var. aria and Corynespora cassicola. The toxic metabolites (both endotoxin and exotoxin) isolated from Colletotrichum sp. and Alternaria sp. produced necrotic symptoms on Mikania. Size of the leaf spot increased with time leading to complete drying of the leaf by four days. Biornass yield of single Mikania plant was 2.25 kg fresh weight (18.25 % dry weight). Under natural field condition biornass yield from one square metre area was 2.012 kg fresh weight. Average increase in the length of vine per day was 6.29 cm. The mean content of different nutrients in Mikania was 2.35 per cent N, 0.39 per cent P, 3.58 per cent K, 0.82 per cent Ca, 0.42 per cent Mg, 0.013 per cent Mn, 0.167 per cent Fe, 0.0045 per cent Cu and 0.022 per cent Zn. Rate of decomposition of Mikania was faster during the initial period and decreased towards the end of the study, reaching almost 100 per cent decomposition by one year. <, Fodder value was studied by estimating the chemical composition and fibre fraction of Mikania. It contained an average of 14.63~ cent crude protein, 2.36 per cent fat. ~:3.2 per cent crude fibre, 48.75 per cent nitrogen free extract, 8.92 per cent ash, 0.87 per cent calcium and 0.42 per cent phosphorus. The fibre fractions 4 contained 42.42 per cent neutral detergent fibre, 33.22 per cent acid detergent fibre, 0.096 per cent cellulose, 9.2 per cent hemicellulose and 10.84 per cent lignin. The analysis for anti-nutritional factor hydrocyanic acid showed negative result. Allelopathic effect of Mikania when used as mulch or incorporation as well as the effect of the Mikania extract were studied using the test crops, rice, cowpea and rubber. Mikania had an inhibitory effect on growth of rubber, but the growth of rice was enhanced by its application. Treatment with Mikania extract did not have any influence on germination and radicle length of rice seeds where as in cowpea seeds the allelopathic effect was very much pronounced.