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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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2017 - 2019600
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Author: KAU × End date: 2019 × Start date: 2017 × Thesis Type: M.Sc ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Study on marketing management of Sitaram ayurveda pharmacy Ltd. for Narasimham oil
    (College of Co-operation Banking and Management, Vellanikkara, 2017) Bhagyasree, K G; KAU; Smitha, Baby
    Marketing management is the organizational discipline which focuses on the practical application of marketing orientation, techniques and methods inside enterprises and organizations and on the management of a firm's marketing resources and activities. Marketing management employs tools from economics and competitive strategy to analyze the industry context in which the firm operates. The scope of a business' marketing management depends on the size of the business and the industry in which the business operates. Effective marketing management will use a company's resources to increase its customer base, improve customer opinions of the company's products and services, and increase the company's perceived value. The project entitled “A study on marketing management of Sitaram Ayurveda Pharmacy Ltd. for Narasimham oil” were undertaken with the objectives vii. To understand the marketing management practices followed by Sitaram Ayurveda Pharmacy Ltd for the promotion of Sitaram Narasimham oil. viii. To evaluate consumers, retailers and dealers perception towards the maketing of Sitaram Narasimham oil. ix. To suggest improved marketing strategies for Sitaram Narasimham oil. The sample size of the study was 60 consumers, 8 distributors and 15 retailres of Sitaram Narasimham oil , in Thrissur Corporation. Consumers were selected by using convenience sampling method. The study was based on primary data and secondary data, the primary data were collected from the sample respondents through personal interview. The collected data were analyzed using percentage and ranking index method. In order to keep the company vibrant and responsive to the needs of the customers, it is vital to regularly monitor the level of consumer satisfaction and marketing management practices.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Morphological variations of root knot nematode in vegetables and banana
    (Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Chinchu, P Babu; KAU; Narayana, R
    The study entitled “Morphological variations of root knot nematode in vegetables and banana” was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2015-17 with the objective to study the morphological and morphometric variations of root-knot nematode in brinjal, okra, tomato and banana in Kerala. Morphological and morphometrical studies of females, perineal pattern, second stage juveniles and males of root knot nematodes collected from Dhanuvachapuram, Kattakada and Vellayani of Thiruvananthapuram district; Balagram, Pampadumpara and Thovalappady of Idukki district; Chazhoor, Thalikulam and Thaniyam of Thrissur district infecting brinjal, okra, tomato and banana were done and the data was analysed to identify the species. M.incognita (Kofoid & White, 1919) Chitwood, 1949, M. javanica (Treub, 1885) Chitwood, 1949, M. arenaria (Neal, 1889) Chitwood, 1949 and M. chitwoodi Golden, O'Bannon, Santo & Finley 1980 were identified from brinjal, okra, tomato and banana in Thiruvananthapuram, Idukki and Thrissur districts of Kerala. The study indicated M. incognita as the major species of root knot nematode in Thiruvananthapuram district (91.66%) with highest percentage of occurrence in brinjal and tomato (27.77). In Idukki district, the major species of root knot nematode was M. javanica (66.66%) with highest percentage of occurrence from brinjal and banana (33.33). In Thrissur district, M. arenaria was found to be the major species (66.66%) with highest percentage of occurrence in okra (37.5). M. incognita was found to be the major species in brinjal (55.55%), okra (44.44%), tomato (55.55%) and banana (44.44%) in Thiruvananthapuram, Idukki and Thrissur districts. The extent of parthenogenesis of root knot nematode was found to be very high (97.22%) in these populations. Intraspecific morphological variations were observed within M. incognita, M. javanica and M. arenaria with respect to shape of females, length and position of neck, perineal pattern morphology, tail characters including rectum dilation. Interpopulation comparison of mature females, perineal pattern and second stage juveniles of M. incognita showed that the characters length, width, neck length, stylet length, LMB, WMB and ratio a of females, LVS, AVS, ATT and IPD of perineal pattern and body length, stylet length, H-MB, ABW, tail length, ratio c and c’ were recorded as stable characters. Interpopulation comparison of mature females, perineal pattern and second stage juveniles of M. javanica showed that all the characters of females, perineal pattern and second stage juveniles were stable characters and in M. arenaria, the characters like body length, width, neck length, stylet length, LMB and WMB of females, LVS, AVS, ATT and IPD of perineal pattern and length, stylet length, H-MB, ABW and tail length were recorded as stable characters and found useful in characterizing species. Intraspecific morphological and morphometric variations of M. incognita, M. javanica, M. arenaria were recorded from four host plants in three districts in Kerala. M. arenaria and M. javanica showed high variability between the populations compared to M. incognita in Kerala. The study indicated that M. incognita, M. javanica and M. arenaria were the major species infesting vegetables and banana in Kerala. Among the sampled populations, M. hapla was not identified which shows that M. hapla is not common in Kerala conditions. The study recorded the first report of species having morphological and morphometrical characters similar to M. chitwoodi from okra in Thiruvananthapuram which opens way to molecular studies in future.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Standardisation of spacing and nutrient levels for fodder rice bean [Vigna umbellata (Thunb.)].
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Ajmal Fayique, C; KAU; Usha C, Thomas
    The study entitled “Standardization of spacing and nutrient levels for fodder rice bean [Vigna umbellata (Thunb.)]” was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala during Kharif 2017 to standardize the spacing and nutrient requirement of fodder rice bean and to study its impact on growth, yield and quality of the crop. The experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design (33 confounded factorial) with three replications.The treatments consisted of three spacings (s1 - 30 cm x 10 cm, s2 - 30 cm x 20 cm and s3 - 30 cm x 30 cm), three levels of nitrogen (n0 - 0 kg ha-1, n1 - 20 kg ha-1 and n2 - 30 kg ha-1) and three levels of phosphorous (p0 - 0 kg P2O5 ha-1, p1 - 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and p2 - 40 kg P2O5 ha-1) . FYM @ 5 t ha-1 and K2O @ 30 kg ha-1 were applied uniformly to all treatments as basal. The treatment s1 resulted in the highest plant height at 30 DAS and leaf: stem ratio at harvest. Application of N @ 20 kg ha-1 registered the highest plant height and was on par with 30 kg N (n2) while leaf stem ratio was the highest at n2. Levels of P had no significant impact on growth characters. The treatment combination s2n2p1 produced the tallest plants (173.17 cm) at harvest and treatments s1n0p1 and s1n2p2 recorded the highest leaf: stem ratio (0.82) but were on par with s1n0p0, s2n0p0, s n0p2, s1n1p0, s2n0p2 and s3n0p1. At 30 DAS, s1 produced the highest LAI (2.27) while at harvest, s2 was found superior. The highest NAR was observed at s1 and was on par with s3. Closer spacing (s1) enhanced the CGR at 30 DAS and harvest. Application of 30 kg N ha-1 (n2) enhanced LAI at both stages. At 30 DAS and at harvest, higher NAR were observed at n1 and n2. At 30 DAS, n2 and p1 registered the highest chlorophyll contents. The treatment s1 n2 p1 (30 cm x 10 cm spacing + 30 kg N ha-1 + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1) resulted in the highest LAI, CGR and chlorophyll content at 30 DAS. Spacing and N levels had significant impact on green fodder yield (GFY) and dry fodder yield (DFY). The highest GFY (12.95 t ha-1) and DFY (2.59 t ha-1) were produced at s1 (30 cm x 10 cm) and was on par with s2. The highest GFY (13.66 t ha-1) and DFY (2.73 t ha-1) were produced at n2 (30 kg N ha-1) and was on par with n1. The S x N x P interaction s1 n2 p1 (30 cm x 10 cm + 30 kg N ha-1 + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1) recorded highest GFY (17.29 t ha-1) and DFY (3.46 t ha-1). The different spacing had no impact on crude protein (CP) but the lowest crude fibre (CF) was observed at s1. Application of 30 kg N ha-1 (n2) resulted in the highest CP content and the lowest CF content was estimated at 0 kg N ha-1. Among P levels, p2 recorded the highest CP (17.69%) and was on par with p1. The lowest CF (16.43 %) was observed at s2n0p1 (30 cm x 20 cm spacing + 20 kg P205 ha-1) and was on par with s1n0p0, s1n0p1, s1n2p0, s2n0p0, s2n0p2, s3n0p0 and s3n0p1. No variation in N uptake was observed due to treatments. Uptake of P varied with N levels only and n1 and n2 recorded the highest P uptake. Spacing and P levels influenced K uptake by the crop and the highest uptake was observed at s1 and p2 but p2 was on par with p1. The three factor interaction s1n2p1 registered the highest P and K uptake. However, it was on par with s1n1p2, s1n1p0, s2n1p1 and s3n0p2 in P uptake and with s1n2p2 in K uptake. Increasing N levels increased pH and EC of soil after the experiment. Soil available N after the experiment was the highest at s3 (on par with s2) and n2 (on par with n1). At wider spacing, application of N enhanced the availability of N in the soil after the experiment. Available P in the soil varied with S x P interaction but all treatment combinations were on par except s2p0 and s3p2. The highest soil available K was observed at n0 among N levels and at p1 among P levels. The interactions S x N, S x P and N x P significantly influenced available K in the soil. Economic analysis revealed the highest net income (₹ 35762) and BC ratio (3.22) at s1n2p1 (30 cm x 10 cm spacing + 30 kg N ha-1 + 20 kg P2O5 ha-1). From the study, it can be concluded that fodder rice bean can be profitably cultivated at a spacing of 30 cm x 10 cm with application of 30 kg N ha -1 in two splits at 15 and 30 DAS and basal application of 20 kg P2O5 ha-1, 5 t ha-1 of FYM and 30 kg K2O ha-1.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Evaluvation of China aster [Callistephus chinensis (L.) Nees.] for cultivation in tropical plains
    (Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Alfin, Santhosh; KAU; Anupama, T V
    China aster [Callistephus chinenesis (L.) Nees.] is one of the most important annual flower crops grown in India for cut flower as well as loose flower purposes. It ranks third next to chrysanthemum and marigold among the annual flowers and has gained popularity due to ease of cultivation, diversity of colours and good vase life. It is also used for bedding purpose in landscapes and as pot plants. In Kerala, the demand for annual flower crops is on the rise, however the cultivation is limited. China aster due to its hardy nature can be grown as a pure crop as well as intercrop in coconut gardens. The investigation entitled ‘Evaluation of China aster [Callistephus chinenesis (L.) Nees.] for cultivation in tropical plains’ was conducted at the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping during 2018-2019 with an objective to evaluate the performance of China aster for cultivation in tropical plains. Ten varieties of China aster viz. Arka Kamini, Arka Shashank, Arka Archana, Phule Ganesh White, Phule Ganesh Violet, Phule Ganesh Pink, Phule Ganesh Purple, AAC-1, Local Pink and Mat White were evaluated for vegetative, floral and post harvest characters. The varieties showed significant variation for vegetative characters. In all the varieties, leaf dentation was present and leaf shape was ovate for all varieties except Arka Shashank which had linear leaf shape. Stem colouration and leaf mid rib colouration were absent in varieties such as Arka Shashank, Arka Archana, Phule Ganesh White and Mat White and the rest of the six varieties showed the presence of purplish stem and mid rib colouration. The variety Phule Ganesh Pink was superior in plant height (68.86 cm) at 3 months after planting. The characters like plant spread (50.08 cm), number of leaves (56.48), number of primary branches (14.25) and stem girth (11.09 cm) were also highest in variety Phule Ganesh Pink. Leaf area was the highest in variety Phule Ganesh White (34.31 cm2). The variety Mat White was significantly inferior for all the vegetative characters observed. Floral characters showed significant variation among the varieties. Powderpuff flower type was observed in Arka Shashank and all the other varieties had semi-double type flower. Days to bud initiation was minimum in variety Arka Shashank (44.40 days) and maximum in Phule Ganesh White (73.67 days). The same trend was observed for days to complete flower opening and days to 50 per cent flowering. The variety Local Pink had the highest duration of flowering (62.40 days) and variety Mat White (45.20 days) had the lowest duration of flowering. The variety Arka Shashank produced highest number of flowers per plant (20.20). The flower stalk length (21.13 cm), flower weight (6.94 g) and flower diameter (7.07 cm) were the highest in the variety Phule Ganesh Pink. The variety Phule Ganesh White was superior in terms of number of disc florets per head (251.00) whereas Phule Ganesh Pink had the highest number of ray florets per head (201.20). The flower yield per plant was highest in variety Phule Ganesh Pink (55.99 g). The variety Phule Ganesh White recorded the highest seed yield per flower (1.27 g) and seed germination (65.27 %). Longest shelf life was observed in variety Phule Ganesh Pink (3.67 days) which was on par with Phule Ganesh White (3.33 days) and physiological loss of weight was recorded highest in Phule Ganesh White (35.70 %). The variety Phule Ganesh Pink had the longest vase life (13.93 days) and total water uptake was also maximum in variety Phule Ganesh Pink (20.27 ml). Anthocyanin content of flowers was recorded highest in the variety Phule Ganesh Violet (51.87 mg/g) followed by Arka Kamini (48.62 mg/g). Dendrogram based on D2 statistics considering qualitative and quantitative characters indicated that high amount of variability is present among the varieties. Correlation and path analysis revealed that the characters such as number of primary branches (0.978), plant spread (0.894), leaf area (0.796) and flower weight (0.933) were having significant positive correlation with flower yield per plant with a direct effect of 0.150, 0.199, 0.281 and 0.498 respectively. Ranking of varieties was done individually for loose flower and cut flower types. In ranking for loose flower types, variety Phule Ganesh Pink scored first position which was followed by Phule Ganesh White and Local Pink. When varieties were ranked for cut flower types, first position was scored by Phule Ganesh Pink while second position was shared by Phule Ganesh White, Phule Ganesh Purple and Local Pink. In overall ranking the variety Phule Ganesh Pink occupied first position followed by Phule Ganesh White and Local Pink and these can be recommended for commercial cultivation in tropical plains of Kerala during winter season.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Standardization of growing media and growth regulators for rose (Rosa ssp.) under top ventilated rain shelter
    (Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Sijo, John; KAU; Mini, Sankar
    Rose is acclaimed as ‘Queen of flowers’ because of its colour, fragrance and elegance. Cut roses are having very high demand in domestic as well as international market due to versatile uses. Roses can be successfully cultivated under top ventilated rain shelters in Kerala. Soilless media consist of vermiculite, perlite, and rockwool are popularly used for commercial production of rose under protected condition. These are costly and not easily available to farmers. Thus, there is a need to develop a cost effective growing media with locally available materials. Exogenous application of plant growth regulators improves the yield and quality of cut flowers by manipulating hormonal regulations in the plant system. Even though commercial formulations of different growth regulators are available in the market, the type and precise concentration of growth regulators are to be standardised. Hence the present study entitled “Standardization of growing media and growth regulators for rose (Rosa spp.) under top ventilated rain shelter” was carried out in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2018-2019. Objective of the study was to standardize growing media and growth regulators for commercial production of cut roses in agroclimatic conditions of Kerala. The experiment consisted of twelve treatments, which included different combinations of three growing media viz; soil + M-sand + cocopeat + FYM (M1), soil + M-sand + cocopeat + vermicompost (M2) and soil + M-sand + cocopeat + poultry manure (M3) in 2:1:1:1 ratio and two levels each of two growth regulators viz; Benzyl adenine (BA) and Gibberellic acid (GA) at 200 and 250 ppm. Six months old grafts of rose variety ‘Tajmahal’ was used for the study. Observations on growth characters, yield, post harvest aspects as well as nutrient status of the growing media were recorded. With regard to vegetative characters, growing media, growth regulators and interaction between growing media and growth regulators had significant influence during the period of observation. Growing media containing FYM (M1) recorded the greatest plant height and was on par with growing media containing vermicompost (M2). Among growth regulators, GA 250 ppm was found to be superior in terms of plant height. With respect to interaction effect, greatest plant height was observed under the media containing FYM (M1) and GA at 250 ppm. Plant spread was highest under medium containing FYM (M1). Growth regulators had significant influence on plant spread and BA at 200 and 250 ppm were superior and on par in terms of this parameter. Regarding interaction, growing media containing FYM (M1) along with 200 ppm BA was observed to have the highest plant spread during the growth period. Media containing FYM (M1) as well as vermicompost (M2) were found to produce more number of branches and among growth regulators, BA at 200 and 250 ppm were on par and superior with respect to this parameter. Regarding interaction effect, highest number of branches was observed under growing media containing FYM (M1) and BA at 200 ppm. Significant effects of growing media could be observed on floral characters and media containing FYM (M1) was found to be superior with respect to floral characters viz; length of flower bud (3.37 cm), diameter of flower bud (2.16 cm), number of flowers /plant (5.04), number of petals/ flower (51.92), stalk length (47.94 cm) and flower diameter at fully opened stage (8.44 cm). Growing media containing FYM (M1) and growing media containing vermicompost (M2) were on par in terms of other floral characters viz; length of flower shoot, neck girth and stalk girth of flower. With respect to the influence of growth regulators on floral characters, a greater number of flowers/plant (5.38 and 5.10) as well as largest flowers at fully opened stage (8.33 and 7.99 cm) were observed under BA at 200 and 250 ppm. Stalk length of the flower was found to be maximum under GA at 200 ppm (47.92 cm). Highest length of flower shoot was observed in GA at 200 ppm and BA at 200 ppm which were on par with each other (38.79 and 36.94 cm respectively). Growing media and growth regulator interaction had significant influence on floral parameters viz; stalk length and number of petals per flower. Media containing FYM (M1) with GA 200 as well as 250 ppm were found to have maximum stalk length (52.48 and 50.09 cm respectively). Highest number of petals were observed under media containing FYM (M1) along with BA 200 and 250 ppm, media containing FYM (M1) along with GA 200 and 250 ppm, media containing vermicompost (M2) along with BA 200 ppm and GA 200 ppm as well as media containing poultry manure (M3) along with BA 200 ppm. Early initiation of flower bud was observed under media containing FYM (M1) along with BA 250 ppm (119.22 days). Regarding post harvest characters, media containing FYM (M1) was superior in terms of fresh weight of flower (16.36 g), total water uptake (49.48 ml) and vase life (8.46 days). Among growth regulators BA 200 ppm had longest vase life which was on par with GA at 200 ppm. Maximum fresh weight was observed under BA 200 ppm (15.17g). With regard to interaction effect, treatment combination of FYM + BA at 200 was found to have maximum vase life and fresh weight of flower (9.38 days and 18.71g respectively). Considering overall performance, growing media combination of soil + M-sand + cocopeat + FYM (2:1:1:1) along with monthly application of BA at 200 ppm can be recommended for commercial cultivation of rose under protected condition in Kerala.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Carbon sequestration potential of selected seaweeds of Thikkodi, Kerala
    (Academy of Climate Change Education and Research, Vellanikkara, 2019) Saranya, M S; KAU; Vinod, K
    The coastal blue carbon is the carbon sequestered by mangrove, tidal marshes, seagrasses and macroalgae which account for less than 0.5% of the seabed. Unlike, other blue carbon sectors (mangroves, tidal marshes and seagrasses), the macroalgae do not have sedimentary substratum. The macroalgae are commonly known as seaweeds. The ‘seaweeds’ as the name suggest is not an unwanted plant or weed. It has an important role in the marine ecosystem by acting as a sink for carbon emissions. The present study is based on the carbon sequestration potential of selected seaweeds of Thikkodi coast, Kerala. The state of Kerala has a long coastline of about 580 km, ranking only third among all the maritime states of the country. Some of these coastline stretches are pegged with areas of seaweed resources. The Thikkodi coast (11º28’30.8” N, 75º37’04.5”E) in the Kozhikode district of Kerala is well known for its rocky intertidal coast with a luxuriant growth of seaweeds of diverse species. An extensive study of seaweeds and their species diversity was carried out for a period of one year from September 2018 to August 2019 along the Thikkodi coast of Kerala. A total of 40 species of seaweeds were recorded which belonged to 23 genera, 18 families and 14 orders. A total of 19 species belonged to Chlorophyta, while 12 species belonged to Rhodophyta and 9 species belonged to Phaeophyta. The distribution and seasonal abundance of different species along the Thikkodi coast was also studied. The biodiversity indices were studied using PRIMER (Plymouth Routines in Multivariate Ecological Research). The biodiversity indices such as Shannon-Wiener diversity (H’), Pielou’s evenness (J’), Margalef species richness (d) were calculated. The seaweeds collected from Thikkodi coast were used to carry out the carbon sequestration potential studies. While comparing the three zones, the highest value of species richness (S) was obtained in zone 1 (S=14.00), followed by zone 2 (S=8.75) and zone 3 (S=7.08). The Margalef’s index (d) which incorporates the number of individuals (N) and species (S) was the highest in zone 1 (2.10), while it was minimum in zone 3 (1.08). The equitability or individuals among the different species showed much variation between the zones and the values ranged from 0.67 (zone 2) to 0.77 (zone 1). In the present study, the Shannon Wiener Index (H’) showed wide variation between the zones ranging from the lowest value of 1.33 (zone 3) to the highest value of 1.99 (zone 1). The Simpson Index (1-Lambda’) showed variations in values ranging from 0.66 (zone 3) to 0.82 (zone 1). The experiments were conducted on selected seaweeds particularly Gracilaria corticata, Caulerpa scalpelliformis and Caulerpa peltata. Carbon dioxide was dissolved in seawater at different concentrations using a soda maker by adjusting the fizz. After determining the initial CO2, the seaweeds were incubated in 125ml light bottles under a water column of 50-60cm for 2 hours. The initial CO2 concentration (mg/l) and the CO2 utilization were examined by titrating the seawater against 0.5N Sodium hydroxide solution using Phenolphthalein indicator. The Gross Primary Production (GPP) and Net Primary Production (NPP) were also estimated. For Gracilaria corticata, the utilization efficiency increased from 33.33% to 83.33% in lower CO2 concentration of 26.4mg/l and 79.2mg/l respectively. For Caulerpa scalpelliformis, the utilization efficiency increased from 25% to 42.86% in a lower CO2 concentration of 17.6mg/l and 30.8mg/l respectively. For Caulerpa peltata, the utilization efficiency increased from 66.67% to 75% in a lower CO2 concentration of 13.2mg/l and 35.2 mg/l respectively. When the concentration of CO2was increased beyond a threshold level, the CO2 utilization efficiency decreases and cease down to zero .Same is the case for productivity. Therefore the study implies that the carbon sequestration potential of different species of seaweeds varies. The macroalgae have a greater potential to act as carbon sink and based on the sequestration potential of seaweeds, selection of different species of seaweeds can be made possible for developing Seaweed Aquaculture Beds (SABs). The SABs provide important structure in coastal ecosystem and play an incredible role in climate change mitigation aspects.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    In vitro studies on anti-infective properties of leaf and root extracts of selected medicinal plants against gastro intestinal bacterial pathogens.
    (Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2019) Anjana, Babu; KAU; Shiburaj, Sugathan
    The thesis entitled “in vitro studies on anti-infective properties of leaf and root extracts of selected medicinal plant against gastro intestinal bacterial pathogenes” was carried out in the Microbiology division of Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, during 2018-2019 academic years.The objective of the study was Screening of medicinal plant extracts for anti infective property against gastro intestinal bacterial pathogens and identification of lead compounds, targeted efficacy testing of selected compounds against FtsZ proteins through in vitro and in silico approaches, demonstrating the effect of the compounds identified on virulence factors and bio-film formation of enteropathogens. Diarrhoeal diseases remain a leading cause of preventable death, especially among children under five in developing countries. Acute watery diarrhoea mainly affecting children of developing countries that results in dramatic dehydration and it is most dangerous in the very young. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli or Vibrio cholerae are most common causative agent of acute watery diarrhoea. Diarrhoea also cause huge economic burden on people of impoverished countries. There is need for novel anti-infective agents that can prevent disease and economic burden of diarrhoea. Developing countries are rich source of traditional knowledge and natural resources. These resources can be channelized to develop novel anti-diarrhoeal agents that can prevent emergence and dissemination of gastrointestinal pathogen including drug-resistant strains. Many diarrhoeal diseases are known to be treated with herbal remedies throughout the history of humankind. Even today, plant materials continue to play a major role in primary health care as therapeutic remedies in many developing countries. For centuries, many secondary metabolites present in leaves are found to have an outstanding role in medical world. Most of these compounds belong to alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, saponins, quinones, coumarin and tannins. Leafs and roots are been extensively used in folk and modern medicine for treating various diseases. 105 We have explored anti-infective activity of the leaf and roots ethanol extract of five medicinal plants Moringa oleifera, Bixa orellana, Persicaria glabra, Pimenta dioica and Homonia riparia against enteropathogens like E. coli, V. cholera, E. faecalis, S. Typhi and S. aureus. Among these extractes hot ethanol extracts of persicaria glabra exhibited antibacterial activity against gastrointestinal pathogens such as E. coli, V. cholera, E. faecalis, S. Typhi and S. aureus. It also induced filamentation of Bacillus subtilis 168 which is an indication of cell division inhibition. The active compound present in persicaria glabra extract was identified to be querecetin, this compound can be used to develop novel anti-diarrhoeal agents.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Study the impact of abiotic stress on photosynthetic potential of tropical tuber crops under elevated CO2
    (Academy of Climate Change Education and Research, Vellanikkara, 2019) Ancy, P; KAU; Nameer, P O
    Climate change and agriculture are interconnected processes, both of which take place on a universal scale. Global warming is expected to have significant impacts on agriculture. Most of the studies reported a positive impact in photosynthetic rate of C3 plants due to eCO2. However other players of climate change such as drought and rising temperature can harmfully affect crops. Cassava and sweet potato are two major tropical root crops grown in India. The main objective of the present study was to figure out the impact of adverse conditions of climate change such as water deficit stress and high temperature stress on photosynthetic potential of tropical tuber crops under elevated CO2 and there by identify crop/varieties suitable for changing climate conditions. The study was conducted during the period of October 2018 to July 2019 on four contrasting cassava and four contrasting sweet potato varieties. Observations on photosynthetic parameters viz., the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs) transpiration and sub-stomatal/intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) were recorded using a LI6400 portable photosynthesis system, LI-COR Inc, Lincoln, USA. Elevated CO2 have positive effects on photosynthetic parameters under WDS free as well as WDS conditions in cassava as well as sweet potato. Even though WDS reduces photosynthetic rate, eCO2 could sustain greater Pn rate than ambient CO2 under WDS. Under eCO2 rising temperature can benefit cassava and sweet potato only under WDS free conditions. For cassava Pn was not significantly affected by temperatures. For sweet potato Pn significantly increased with rise in temperature. It indicates that increasing temperature is not a limiting factor for cassava and sweet potato, but beneficial for them under WDS free conditions. Responses of cassava and sweet potato to WDS and rising temperature are also influenced by the variety. Cassava variety Sree Athulya responses well to eCO2 as well as to rising temperature under WDS free conditions. Cassava variety Sree Vijaya can perform well under WDS compared to other varieties. Sweet potato variety Sree Arun exhibits higher Pn under WDS free conditions. Bhu Krishna and Kanhangad had high Pn under WDS as well as at higher temperature. From this study it can be concluded that tropical root and tuber crops especially cassava and sweet potato have a great potential for better adaptation at elevated CO2 environment under adverse climate conditions such as water deficit stress and increasing temperature. They can become crops providing food security for future environment under climate change.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Precision farming techniques for quality seed produciton in okra (abelmoschus esculentus (l.) moench)
    (Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Rosna, S; KAU; Sreelatha, U
    Quality seeds of okra, a popular vegetable crop in Kerala, are in great demand. An experiment was conducted during the period from January to April 2019 at the Centre for High-tech Horticulture and Precision Farming, Vellanikkara, to study the effect of precision farming techniques on growth, fruit and seed yield of okra. The field experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 7 treatments which included two levels of irrigation viz., I1- Drip irrigation at 75% evapo-transpiration (EP) and I2- Drip irrigation at 100% EP and three levels of Fertigation viz., F1: 75% RDF (recommended dose of fertilizer), F2:100% RDF and F3:125% RDF. Fertilizer doses as per POP recommendation for the crop i.e., 110:35:70 kg NPK/ ha was adjusted based on soil test data. Drip irrigation was given daily based on PAN evaporation data while fertigation was administered twice a week. All the drip fertigation plots were mulched with 30 μ silver polythene film. A plot that was administered flood irrigation along with soil application of fertilizer as per POP fixed, vide soil test data, served as the control. The growth parameters of the crop in all the drip fertigation treatments were significantly superior to control. I1F1 exhibited significant superiority over other treatments with respect to plant height (84.40 cm), height of the first bearing node (17.55 cm), LAI (1.19) and fruit set (73.00%). Early flowering (47.33days) was also observed in this treatment. Between the different levels of irrigation, I1 (irrigation at 75% EP) showed significant increase in plant height (79.23 cm), height of the first bearing node (14.40 cm), LAI (1.01) and fruit set (70.33%) when compared to I2 (100% EP). I1 also registered earlier flowering (48.89 days) when compared to I2 (53.33 days). However, LAI was not influenced by different levels of irrigation. No significant difference was exerted by different levels of fertigation on characters like plant height, LAI, days to 50% flowering and fruit set. However, in the case of first bearing node, F1 (15.21 cm) followed by F3 (13.90 cm) was superior to F2 (12.95 cm). Significant interaction effect of irrigation and fertigation levels was evident with respect to LAI and fruit set. Fruit characters like length, girth, weight, mature fruit yield per plant and number of mature fruits per plant were significantly superior in drip fertigation treatments compared to control. Except I2F3, all other fertigation treatment produced significantly thicker fruits than the control (1.90 cm). Mature fruit weight was significantly high in treatments 11F1 (9.10 g) and I1F2 (8.59 g), followed by I2F2 (7.60g). However, mature fruit yield (154.85 g) and number of mature fruits (30.91) were significantly high in I1F1. Fruit characters like fruit length and girth were not influenced by different levels of irrigation and fertigation as well as their interaction effect. However, I1 showed significant increase in fruit weight (8.09 g), mature fruit yield (116.49 g) and number of fruits (25.67g) when compared to I2. Mature fruit weight (8.20 g & 8.09 g) and number of fruits (24.19 & 22.98) were on par in F1 and F2. Among the interactions, I1F1 showed superior performance in fruit weight, mature fruit yield/plant and number of fruits/plant. With respect to seed characters like number of seeds per fruit, seed weight /fruit, seed yield per plant, 100 seed weight, seed germination and seedling vigour index, the drip fertigation treatments were significantly superior to control. Between the irrigation levels, I1 significantly increased number of seeds/fruit, seed yield/plant and seedling root length when compared to I2. But seedling vigour index was significantly higher in I2 (2504) compared to I1 (2424). However, characters like seed weight/fruit, 100 seed weight, 100 seed volume, germination, moisture content, hard seed content and seedling shoot length were not affected by irrigation levels. Among the fertigation levels, seed germination and seedling vigour index was highest in F1 (93.33 % and 2914) while F2 showed increased number of seeds/fruit (42.87) whereas F3 showed increased 100 seed weight (6.70g), seedling shoot length (22.68 cm) and low hard seed content (8.48%). Seed weight and seed yield were not influence by fertigation levels. Significant interaction effect of irrigation and fertigation levels were evident in number of seeds/fruit, 100 seed weight, seed germination and seedling root length. I1F1 was found to be significantly superior for most seed traits studied. But seedling vigour index was significantly higher in I2F1 (2947). Storage studies were conducted with seeds of okra variety, Arka Anamika procured from Centre for High-tech Horticulture and Precision Farming, Vellanikkara. The seeds were treated with polykote (synthetic polymer) @ 5 and 10 ml per kg of seed along with plant protection chemicals viz., carbendazim-mancozeb (Saaf- 2g/kg of seed) and bifenthrin (0.1%) or biocontrol agent- Trichoderma viridae (4g/kg of seed). Untreated seeds served as control. The seeds were packed in 700 gauge polyethylene bags and stored under both cold (refrigerated) and ambient conditions and seed quality parameters assessed at bimonthly intervals. With the advancement of storage period, germination declined irrespective of the treatments in both the storage conditions. Throughout the storage period, performance of treated seeds was found to be significantly superior over control. At the end of twelve months of storage, higher seed germination was recorded in seeds treated with polykote (10ml) + carbendazim- mancozeb (2g) + bifenthrin (0.1%) both under cold (75.33%) and ambient (71.33%) conditions. Lower values were recorded in untreated control (60.33 per cent under cold storage and 56.33 under ambient storage). Both seedling shoot length and root length were significantly higher in treatment with polykote (10ml) + carbendazim- mancozeb (2g) + bifenthrin (0.1%) both under cold and ambient conditions. Seedling dry weight was also significantly higher in the same treatment in the cold storage while in the ambient condition, there was no significant difference among the treatments. The EC of seed leachate and seed microflora also showed the same trend with very low value for polykote (10ml) +carbendazim- mancozeb (2g) + bifenthrin (0.1%) in both cold and ambient conditions. From the study it can be concluded that drip irrigation at 75% EP and 75% of RDF along with mulch, is best for seed production in okra. Storage of seeds treated with polykote (10ml) + carbendazim- mancozeb (2g) + bifenthrin (0.1%) in cold is recommended to ensure minimum seed certification standards.