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Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur
The history of agricultural education in Kerala can be traced back to the year 1896 when a scheme was evolved in the erstwhile Travancore State to train a few young men in scientific agriculture at the Demonstration Farm, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, presently, the Cropping Systems Research Centre under Kerala Agricultural University. Agriculture was introduced as an optional subject in the middle school classes in the State in 1922 when an Agricultural Middle School was started at Aluva, Ernakulam District. The popularity and usefulness of this school led to the starting of similar institutions at Kottarakkara and Konni in 1928 and 1931 respectively.
Agriculture was later introduced as an optional subject for Intermediate Course in 1953. In 1955, the erstwhile Government of Travancore-Cochin started the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Mannuthy, Thrissur for imparting higher education in agricultural and veterinary sciences, respectively. These institutions were brought under the direct administrative control of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Husbandry, respectively. With the formation of Kerala State in 1956, these two colleges were affiliated to the University of Kerala. The post-graduate programmes leading to M.Sc. (Ag), M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees were started in 1961, 1962 and 1965 respectively.
On the recommendation of the Second National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, the then Chairman of the University Grants Commission, one Agricultural University in each State was established. The State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) were established in India as an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System to give the much needed impetus to Agriculture Education and Research in the Country. As a result the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was established on 24th February 1971 by virtue of the Act 33 of 1971 and started functioning on 1st February 1972. The Kerala Agricultural University is the 15th in the series of the SAUs.
In accordance with the provisions of KAU Act of 1971, the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were brought under the Kerala Agricultural University. In addition, twenty one agricultural and animal husbandry research stations were also transferred to the KAU for taking up research and extension programmes on various crops, animals, birds, etc.
During 2011, Kerala Agricultural University was trifurcated into Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU).
Now the University has seven colleges (four Agriculture, one Agricultural Engineering, one Forestry, one Co-operation Banking & Management), six RARSs, seven KVKs, 15 Research Stations and 16 Research and Extension Units under the faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Forestry. In addition, one Academy on Climate Change Adaptation and one Institute of Agricultural Technology offering M.Sc. (Integrated) Climate Change Adaptation and Diploma in Agricultural Sciences respectively are also functioning in Kerala Agricultural University.
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ThesisItem Open Access Genetic studies in red gram (eafanui caiaixL)(Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1988) Radhakrishnan, V V; KAU; Narayanan Namboodiri, K NThesisItem Open Access Studies on induced mutations in rice (Oryza sativa L.)(Division of genetics and plant breeding ,Agricultural college and research institute , Coimbatore., 1971) Gopinathan Nair, V; KAUThesisItem Open Access Effect of planting date, weight of rhizome and spacing on the growth, yield and quality constituents on turmeric (Curcuma longa L)(Department of Horticulture (Plantation Crops & Spices), College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1983) Chatterjee, R K; KAU; Mohanakumaran, NThesisItem Open Access Genetic variability, path analysis and stability parameters in sesame(Department of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1985) Sverup, John; KAU; Gopinathan Nair, VBiometric analysis in a varietal collection of sesame was undertaken to study the genetic variability, correlations, path analysis and stability parameters. One hundred sesame types were evaluated in replicated trials at Vellayani in uplands during rabi and at Kayamkulam in rice fallows during summer. Genetic variability and correlations were estimated and path analysis worked out independently as both the locations. Location trials for estimating stability parameters were conducted at three places viz. in uplands during rabi at Pattambi and Vellayani and in rice fallows during summer at Kayamkulam. Large values for genotypic coefficients of variation were obtained for characters such as number of capsules on branches, number of capsules perplant, number of capsules on main stem and number of branches during rabi as well as summer. The lowest genotypic coefficient of variation was obtained for number of days to maturity during both rabi and summer. High values of heritability were recorded by seed protein content , seed oil content, height upto first capsule and weight of 1000 seeds under both conditions.ThesisItem Open Access Nutrients and tillage interactions in rice fallow cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) production(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2020) Vandana, G Pai; KAU; Prameela, PAn experiment entitled “Nutrients and tillage interactions in rice fallow cowpea production” was conducted during 2017-2019 at College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara of Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur. The study consisted of two experiments. Experiment-1 was a pot culture study undertaken during 2017, to find out optimum dose of potassium and magnesium sulphate for cowpea. The experiment was laid out in CRD with 14 treatments and three replications. The treatments included three levels of K2O (10, 20 and 40 kg/ha), and four levels of MgSO4 (40, 60, 80 and 100 kg/ha). Apart from K: MgSO4 @ 10:80 kg/ha (KAU package of practices) and soil test based nutrition (K: MgSO4 @12:80 kg/ha) were also included. Nitrogen and P2O5 were applied at the rate of 20 and 30 kg/ha, respectively, uniformly to all pots. A bush type variety of cowpea Anaswara released from Kerala Agricultural University was used in the study. In the pot culture experiment, application of K2O: MgSO4 @ 40: 40 kg/ha and 40:100 kg/ha resulted in taller plants. At 60 DAS, POP based nutrient application registered more number of branches (12.7 /plant), which was on par with K2O: MgSO4 @ 10:60 (T2), 20:40 (T5), 20:100 (T8), 40:40 (T9), 40:80 (T11), 40:100 (T12) kg/ha as well as to soil test based nutrition (T14). Highest number of root nodules (201) and higher dry matter production at harvest (44 g/plant) was observed in application of K: MgSO4 @ 40:100 kg/ha (T12). An increase in dry matter production of cowpea was observed with magnesium sulphate nutrition. Various levels of K and Mg resulted in significant variation in chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll content. Application of potassium and MgSO4 @ 40:60 kg/ha resulted in higher number of pods and grain yield (40.3 g/plant) and it was statistically comparable to T11 and T12 (K2O: MgSO4 @ 40:80 & 40:100 kg/ha). Based on grain yield, treatments K: MgSO4 @ 20:60 kg/ha, 20:80 kg/ha, 40:60 kg/ha, 40:80 kg/ha were selected for field trial along with soil test based nutrition as control. The second experiment aimed at assessing the effect of various tillage practices, and varied doses of potassium and MgSO4 on growth and yield of cowpea and to work out economic viability. Field experiments were undertaken in rice fallow during 2017 and 2018 (November/December - March/April). Soil of the filed was high in organic carbon, available N, but deficient in available P, K, and Mg. The experiment was laid out in RBD and the treatments were factorial combinations of three types of tillage and varied doses of potassium and magnesium sulphate and it was replicated thrice. Zero tillage (ZT- M1), minimum tillage (MT- M2) and conventional tillage (CT- M3) were the major factors and five nutrient doses (S1-S5) were soil test based nutrition (S1- 11-13 kg K2O/ha along with 80 kg MgSO4/ha), 20 kg K2O/ha along with 60 kg/ 80 kg MgSO4/ha (S2 & S3) and 40 kg K2O/ha along with 60 kg/ 80 kg MgSO4/ha (S4 & S5). N and P2O5 were applied at the rate of 20 kg/ha and 30 kg/ha in all plots. Seeds were dibbled at spacing of 30 cm x 15 cm. In zero tillage, herbicide glyphosate was sprayed @ 0.85 kg/ha two weeks before sowing. In minimum tillage, strip tillage using spade was adopted at a spacing of 30 cm. In conventional tillage, land was ploughed twice followed by formation of small ridges and furrows at a spacing of 30 cm. The plot size was 6 m x 4.2 m. Germination percentage of cowpea (at 7 DAS) was significantly higher in conventional tillage (79 %), whereas, it was very low in zero till (44 %) and intermediate in MT (58 %). Tillage systems and potassium, magnesium sulphate doses had no significant effect on plant height of cowpea, and at 60 DAS average height was 47.5 cm, 52.9 cm and 48.4 cm under zero tillage, minimum tillage and conventional tillage, respectively. At 45 DAS and 60 DAS minimum tillage resulted in higher number of branches per plant whereas, plants in conventional tillage showed earliness in 50 % flowering. Significantly higher LAI was recorded in zero tillage, followed by minimum and conventional tillage. Application of K: MgSO4 @ 40:80 kg/ha also resulted in higher LAI. Zero tillage along with K: MgSO4 @ 40:80 kg/ha (M1S5) recorded the highest LAI. Tillage had no significant effect on chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll content and on chlorophyll a/b ratio. Whereas, potassium and magnesium sulphate application had significant effect on chlorophyll content. Application of K: MgSO4 @ 20:60 kg/ha and K: MgSO4 @ 40:80 kg/ha resulted in higher as well as comparable chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll content. Among interactions ZT with K: MgSO4 @ 12:80 kg/ha (soil test) and CT along with K: MgSO4 @ 20:60 kg/ha higher chlorophyll a content. Dry matter production at early growth stage was higher under conventional tillage, followed by minimum tillage and zero tillage. Whereas, at 75 DAS, highest dry matter was registered under minimum tillage (3240 kg/ha). However, at 90 DAS, both minimum and conventional tillage resulted in higher as well as comparable dry matter (2043 kg/ha and 2085 kg/ha). Root length and root spread were higher under zero tillage followed by MT and CT. Application of K: MgSO4 @ 40:60 kg/ha also resulted in higher root spread. Zero tillage with K: MgSO4 @ 40:60 kg/ha (45.2 cm) resulted in longest roots and higher root spread (2695 cm2). Conventional tillage along with supply of K and MgSO4@ 40 and 80 kg /ha registered shortest roots and lower root spread. Pooled analysis showed that, among various tillage systems, significantly higher grain yield was realized under minimum tillage (735 kg/ha). This was followed by conventional tillage (648 kg/ha) and zero tillage (618 kg/ha) which were on par. Among varied potassium and magnesium doses, application of K: MgSO4 @ 40:60 kg/ha was found to be the best (grain yield of 806 kg/ha). Hence combination of minimum tillage along with K: MgSO4 @ 40:60 kg/ha resulted in the highest grain yield (915 kg/ha). Uptake of nutrients at 30 DAS followed the order of CT>MT>ZT. At harvest, higher uptake of potassium, and magnesium was noted in K: MgSO4 @ 40:60 kg/ha under minimum tillage. There was no significant variation with respect to grain protein content of cowpea due to various tillage practices whereas higher content was registered with application of K: MgSO4 @ 40:80 kg/ha (26.2 %).ThesisItem Open Access Analysis of soil and water conservation investments in Kerala and farm level financial gains(Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2020) Lokesh, S; KAU; Indira Devi, PClimate change is expected to increase stress on water resources which impacts the agricultural production and farmers’ livelihoods. Tropical high range regions like Wayanad are more vulnerable to climate change because of the faster rate of temperature increase and irregular rainfall pattern. Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) measures assumes significance in such situations in which the gradient, land use and rainfall factors trigger top soil loss. The SWC measures in Wayanad is promoted through four major schemes which are heavily subsidised by the State and Central Governments. This study was taken up with the specific objectives viz., to analyse the institutional credit flow towards soil and water conservation investments in Kerala, to assess the household level investment on soil and water conservation, understand the local preferences for soil/water conservation methods, assess the farm level economic viability and finally efficiency of such investments and understand the farmers’ perceptions on effectiveness of conservation measures. The study was based on both primary data and secondary data. Secondary data on institutional credit support, refinance and rainfall pattern was compiled from various issues of Economic Review, Government of Kerala; Annual Reports and potential linked credit plan documents of NABARD. The samples for the primary data were identified based on the multistage random sampling method. The major interventions in SWC are implemented through four schemes viz. Arable Land Treatment (ALT), Drainage Line Treatment (DLT), Drought Mitigation Scheme (DMS) and Western Ghats Development Scheme (WGDP). Total sample of 360 farmers (30 beneficiaries x 4 schemes x 3 taluks) were identified from the list of beneficiaries collected from the Department of Soil and Water Conservation. One neighboring farmer each to the sample farm was also interviewed. The data was collected through personal interview method employing a structured and pretested interview schedule. The analysis was done using appropriate statistical tools. The major findings of the study are as follows: Institutional credit support to agriculture in Kerala was ₹ 67,089 crore during 2017-18, wherein crop loans constituted major share (72%). The Commercial banks were leading with 65 per cent share. NABARD refinance support to agriculture amounted to ₹ 10024.29 crores. There has been an increasing preference for Non-Farm Sector, which enjoyed two third of total refinance support. Among the major institutions, RRB’s enjoyed the highest share of 33 per cent. In the farm sector, plantation and horticulture sector (31.26%) remained the prime sector in refinance support during the period 1990-91 to 2017-18. The institutional credit support to Wayanad agriculture was ₹ 2469.89 crores (2017-18) which registered a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 18.97 per cent (2007-08 to 2017-18). Though crop loans constituted for 86 per cent of the total credit, the CAGR of term loans was faster (22.77%). Commercial banks were the main provider of credit and plantation and horticulture sector and dairy development sectors were given priority in lending. Considered as the hot spot of climate change in Kerala, the district was regularly facing drought situation and water scarcity was reported as one of the major problems. The irrigated agriculture in the district (44.72% of the respondents) was mainly depending on open wells and facing challenges as the water was enough to irrigate only during 2-3 months. Most of the respondents were middle aged, literate and marginal farmers. The SWC, on an average attracted an investment of ₹ 2,49,217 per household. Overall, nearly 50 per cent (177) of the respondents have adopted SWC structures on individual basis and have paid a share of 10 per cent at the rate of ₹ 24,922/household. About 40 per cent of the respondents adopted on group basis paying a share of five per cent. However, none of the respondents bothered to undertake the annual maintenance of the SWC structures. Impact of SWC measures on cropping pattern, productivity, production and farm income were assessed by comparing it with the situation before the investment. The SWC measures have facilitated the area expansion of ginger (56.94%), banana (38.53%), rubber (32.71%) and turmeric (31.65%). The significance of SWC measures was evident through the positive effect on productivity in all the crops. The significant area expansion and productivity gains in ginger, banana, rubber and turmeric has translated into substantial production gains (95.24% in ginger, 81.80% in banana, 64.77% in rubber, 49.60% in turmeric). The farm income increased to the tune of 45.61 per cent, the major increase being from ginger (95.24%), banana (81.80%), rubber (64.77%) and turmeric (49.60%) cultivation. All the major crops (coffee, pepper, arecanut and banana) performed well with positive indicators of financial viability and efficiency. The relative economic performance with respect to net returns was in the order of arecanut (₹ 4,24,074/ha), banana (₹ 3,42,202), coffee (₹ 2,73,365/ha) and black pepper (₹ 1,86,929/ha). The efficiency of investment as indicated by the BC ratio was in favour of arecanut (5.55) followed by coffee (3.96), banana (3.53) and black pepper (3.26). SWC is expected to improve the water availability and irrigation. Resource use efficiency analysis was done to assess whether it has contributed significantly to the returns. The results confirmed that irrigation has significantly contributed to the returns in arecanut, coffee and pepper. The economic viability of SWC investments was estimated to assess the economic worthiness of the investment as it involves substantial part of public money. The NPW of the investment was positive in all the schemes and averaged at ₹ 3,02,792/farm. DLT scheme was proven to be the best in terms of NPW. The efficiency in investment as measured by the BC ratio was highest in ALT (9.37) which averaged at 2.33, thus confirming the economic efficiency of the investment. IRR averaged at 28 per cent, which is significantly higher than the opportunity cost of capital (interest on fixed investments). The analysis justifies the social investment of SWC, as it leads to higher production and returns which supports the agricultural profession and welfare of the farmers. The impact of SWC measures on farm enterprise diversification, tree diversity, employment generation and ground water level were also found to be positive and helped in improving farm income. The positive externalities of SWC measures were acknowledged by the neighbouring farmers and they were reported to be motivated to adopt the same. However, the adoption of water saving technologies were found to be rather low. The decision to adopt SWC in any farm is decided by demographic, social, economic and institutional factors. Age, education levels, family size and number of literate persons in the family and knowledge on soil erosion influenced the decision to adopt the SWC, in all the cases irrespective of the scheme. Organizational membership also influenced the decisions making except in the case of WGDP scheme. The institutional credit delivery and refinance support in Kerala need to give more focus towards capital formation investments through LT credit support. The analysis justifies the public allocation and investment in SWC measures in farm holdings. The quantified positive impacts and externalities of SWC schemes can be used in educational and awareness creation programmes for wider implementation of the schemesThesisItem Open Access Production dynamics of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) in Kerala(Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2020) Anu Kurian; KAU; Ajith Kumar, KStrawberry is a unique soft fruit crop known for its tantalizing aroma, bright red colour, juicy texture, sweetness and high nutritive value. This is a highly remunerative crop and give quickest returns with in a short period of six months. Temperature and photoperiod are the most important environmental factors that affect the transition from vegetative to flowering phase of strawberry. Previous studies conducted in the department have proved that strawberry can be grown in the plains as well as in hills of Kerala during September to March even in the open condition. The suitable genotypes and good management practices are of paramount importance for successful cultivation of strawberry. With this brief background, the present investigation titled “Production dynamics of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) in Kerala” was undertaken to identify suitable cultivars, better nutrient management, better spacing, suitable growing systems and media for the homestead cultivation of Kerala. Total of four experiments were designed for the study. The study was conducted using eight strawberry varieties under two different agroclimatic zones of Kerala. In Central mid-lands, cv. Winter Dawn recorded signficantly higher number of leaves and number of crowns per plant, whereas in High ranges, cv. Winter Dawn was found significantly superior for maximum plant height, number of leaves and number of crowns per plant. The attributes viz., number of clusters, flowers and fruits per plant were recorded in cv. Winter Dawn which was followed by cv. Sabrina-1 in both locations. Maximum harvesting period was recorded in cv. Winter Dawn in Central mid-lands while it was maximum in cv. Sabrina-1 in High ranges. Quality attributes such as TSS/acidity ratio was recorded maximum in cv. Sweet Charlie under both locations. Winter Dawn recorded maximum ascorbic acid content in both locations while cv. Crystal recorded maximum anthocyanin content. Maximum β-Carotene content was recorded in cv. Sabrina-1 in Central mid-lands while it was maximum in cv. Hadar in High ranges. Evaluating all the parameters during crop period, both Sabrina-1 and Winter Dawn showed stability in their sensory qualities in Central mid-lands. In High ranges, it was recorded in cv. Sweet Charlie. Nine different nutrient combinations were studied using cv. Winter Dawn in Central mid-lands of Kerala. Among the different nutrient combinations, FYM (30 t ha-1), N, P2O5, K2O @ 75:20:100 kg ha-1 (T8) recorded maximum vegetative attributes, number of flowers, fruits and yield per plant (79.92 g) and quality parameters such as TSS and TSS/acidity ratio. Maximum content of total sugars, ascorbic acid and highest sensory score were recorded in the nutrient combination FYM (30 t ha-1), N, P2O5, K2O @ 100:40:50 kg ha-1 (T9). Physiological attributes such as leaf area index was found to maximum in the nutrient combination FYM (t ha-1), N, P2O5, K2O kg ha-1@ 30:100:40:50 (T9), while the relative growth rate was recorded maximum in FYM (30 t ha-1), N, P2O5, K2O @ 75:20:100 kg ha-1 (T8) and 20 t ha-1, 50:40:100 kg ha-1 (T4). Among the nutrients, uptake was maximum in nitrogen and it ranges from 10.66 to 58.65 kg ha-1. The nutrient potassium which favours fruit formation was found maximum in the nutrient combination FYM (30 t ha-1), N, P2O5, K2O @ 75:20:100 kg ha-1 (T8) which ultimately resulted in maximum yield per plant. Different nutrient combinations had significant difference on nutrient content of strawberry fruits except copper content. The highest B/C ratio (0.91) was recorded for the nutrient combination, FYM (30 t ha-1), N, P2O5, K2O @ 75:20:100 kg ha-1 (T8). Six different spacing trials were studied using strawberry cv. Winter Dawn in both Central mid-lands and High ranges. Vegetative attributes viz., plant height, number of leaves and number of crowns were maximum in closer spacing of 20 cm x 20 cm in both Central mid-lands and High ranges which have led to the maximum production of flowers, clusters, fruits and yield per plant (100.03 g; 271.69 g) in both locations. Quality attributes viz., TSS, TSS/acidity ratio and total sugars were found maximum in wider spacing of 30 cm x 50 cm (T2) in Central mid-lands. In High ranges, maximum total sugars was recorded at a spacing of 30 cm x 60 cm (5.37 %) while maximum ascorbic acid and β-Carotene content were recorded at a spacing of 30 cm x 50 cm (T2). The total sensory score was found maximum in 30 cm x 50 cm (T2) in Central mid-lands while it was maximum in 30 cm x 60 cm (T1) in High ranges. Closer spacing of 20 cm x 20 cm did not have significant influence the quality attributes however it recorded highest B/C ratio in both Central mid-lands (1.21) and High ranges (3.28). Six different growing systems viz., hanging pots, hanging pipes, hanging bottles, vertical garden, grow bags and raised beds and four different growing media viz., Soil: Cocopeat: FYM, Soil: Cocopeat: Vermicompost, Cocopeat: Perlite: FYM and Cocopeat: Perlite: Vermicompost in 1:1:1 ratio were studied using cv. Winter Dawn in Central mid-lands. Vegetative attributes viz., plant height, number of leaves, plant spread and number of crowns were recorded maximum in growbags and raised beds with growing medium, Soil: Cocopeat: Vermicompost (1:1:1) which led to the maximum production of number of flowers, clusters, fruits and yield per plant (86.26 g). Quality attributes viz., TSS, TSS/acidity ratio and total sugars were recorded maximum in raised beds with growing medium Cocopeat: Perlite: Vermicompost (1:1:1). The overall sensory score was found maximum in fruits grown in raised beds with medium Soil: Cocopeat: FYM (1:1:1). The highest B/C ratio (1.36) was recorded with raised beds with Soil: Cocopeat: Vermicompost (1:1:1) as growing medium. On evaluation, it is found that cv. Winter Dawn showed significantly superior performance in vegetative, flowering, fruit and yield attributes with resistance to serious pests and diseases. Hence, it can be recommended as a best variety for strawberry cultivation in Kerala. Among the different nutrient combinations, FYM (30 t ha-1), N, P2O5, K2O @ 75:20:100 kg ha-1 (T8) was found suitable for better nutrient recommendation for strawberry. Though closer spacing of 20 cm x 20 cm recorded maximum yield but wider spacing would enhance the quality of fruits. Grow bag is found the best suitable growing system with growing medium Soil: Cocopeat: Vermicompost at 1:1:1 ratio, for home gardening of strawberry.ThesisItem Open Access Biotic agents for the management of American serpentine leaf miner, Liriomyza trifolii(Burgess) (Diptera:Agromyzidae)(Department of agricultural entomology, College of horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2014) Jyothi Sara, Jacob; KAU; Maicykutty P, MathewA study on “Biotic agents for the management of American serpentine leaf miner, Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) (Diptera: Agromyzidae)” was carried out at the Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Horticulture, K.A.U., Vellanikkara during 2011-2013 with the objectives of collection and identification of indigenous natural enemies and to assess the pathogenicity of the entomopathogens to explore the feasibility of utilizing them for its management. Surveys were conducted in the vegetable fields for the collection and identification of natural enemies associated with L. trifolii in three districts, namely, Thrissur, Ernakulam and Kottayam from January to March, 2011. The surveys revealed the occurrence of nine species of hymenopteran parasitoids. The per cent parasitism varied from 10.96 to 58.99 per cent among the crops surveyed. Three species of eulophids, namely, Cirrospilus acadius Narendran, C. brevicorpus Shafee & Rizvi and Aprostocetus sp. as well as the braconid, Toxares sp. are new reports for India. Among the parasitoids, Closterocerus spp. were the dominant group followed by Chrysonotomyia sp. All parasitoids were solitary, larval endoparasitoids except Toxares sp. which was larval-pupal in nature. One species each of small ants (Formicidae) and a dipteran fly (Dolichopodidae) were observed as predators on L. trifolii. In the study, no entomopathogens were observed from L. trifolii. Considering the level of pesticide consumption in vegetable crops that undermine the potential of insect parasitoids and also that no entomopathogens could be observed during the survey, it was decided to evaluate entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) as biocontrol agents against L. trifolii. Isolation of EPNs from 72 soil samples from Thrissur, Ernakulam and Kottayam districts yielded four isolates of Steinernema carpocapsae. Bioefficacy studies carried out on these four isolates along with Steinernema bicornutum and Heterorhabditis indica showed that S. carpocapsae Isolate - 1 had the lowest LC 50 , LC 90 and LT values indicating their higher effectiveness against the maggots of the pest. 50 Pot culture study conducted to compare the potential of S. carpocapsae Isolate - 1 with other treatments showed that azadirachtin 1 EC at 0.005% was the most effective causing 84.51 per cent mortality to the maggots of L. trifolii. This was followed by the foliar application of H. indica at 32 infective juveniles (IJs)/ maggot which caused 18.98 per cent mortality. Application of Beauveria bassiana at 1×10 7 spores/ ml was not effective. In the field evaluation, fipronil 5 SC at 0.002% was found to be the most effective treatment for controlling L. trifolii followed by azadirachtin 1 EC at 0.005%. Compatibility of the IJs of the S. carpocapsae Isolate - 1, S. bicornutum and H. indica was studied with ten commonly used insecticides in the laboratory by direct exposure method. Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC at 0.005% was found to be the most compatible insecticide with S. carpocapsae isolate - 1 causing only 0.17 per cent mortality to IJs at 72 hours after treatment (HAT). Quinalphos 25 EC at 0.05% and chlorpyriphos20 EC at 0.05% were highly incompatible, causing 96.17 and 92.87 per cent mortality of the nematodes. Dimethoate 30 EC at 0.04% was the most compatible insecticide with S. bicornutum and caused only 0.60 per cent mortality at 72 HAT and was followed by azadirachtin 1 EC at 0.005% with 0.78 per cent mortality to the IJs. Quinalphos 25 EC at 0.05% caused 99.93 per cent mortality at 72 HAT. Heterorhabditis indica was compatible with all insecticides except quinalphos 25 EC at 0.05% which was moderately toxic resulting in 39.6 per cent mortality. The virulence, pathogenicity and multiplication of the survived IJs were not affected by the insecticide treatments. Parasitoids and EPNs were observed as potential candidates for the management of L. trifolii. Hence future studies on the bio-ecology and mass production of dominant parasitoids and standardization of methods to improve the efficacy of EPNs are suggested for the successful control of L. trifolii in polyhouses as well as in the field.ThesisItem Open Access Participatory action research for renumerative rice production(Department of Agricultural extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2004) Parvathy, S; KAU; Ahamed, PAs with the Complex, Diverse and Risk- prone (CDR) rice systems of many Asian countries, the Kerala state of peninsular India suffers from the fast depleting paddies and the ' high cost- low remuneration syndrome'. Crucial rice technologies have been blamed by stakeholders for the insensitivity to micro farming situations A multidisciplinary stakeholder Participatory Action Research (PAR) of emancipatory type and collaborative mode was done for three years (2001-2004) on identification and prioritization of constraints to profitable rice production to explore the available cost-reducing and productivity increasing technological options. The project focussed on screening of technological modules through farmer participatory field assessment and arrived at locally adaptable and remunerative technology packages. The project also developed and standardised an extrapolatable stakeholder participatory assessment model and protocol. The programme had a blend of extension approaches, research designs and tools like "ex-post facto", benchmark appraisal through Participatory Learning and Action (PLA), exploratory, diagnostic, evaluative, field experiments and analytical studies. The PAR was done in two rice ecosystems (irrigated and rainfe:l) of the midland, laterite belt of Kerala state, India. Fourteen technology modules were fitted into the PAR, under .. , each of the three treatments, viz., farmers' practice, recommended packages of the formal research system and location specific I technology components" jointly decided by the research team extensionists and farmers. Each technology component was subjected to five types of analysis viz., agronomic, statistical, economic, farmers perceptions and reactions, post-trial follow up analysis of adoption in the succeeding cropping seasons. The participatory interventions significantly influenced the level of technical knowledge and extent of adoption of adaptable technology modules, typifying the cognitive impact of an emancipating action research. The short duration red rice varieties "Kanchana" (Ptb 50) and "Kairali" (Ptb 49) proved to be the best first crop and second crop varieties respectively, to replace the ruling cultivars. The technology modules recommended by the formal research system viz., seed treatment with fungicides for the first crop season and Pseudomonas fluorescence for the second crop season were adaptable technologies. The PAR came out with an efficient planting density and crop geometry package (line transplanting; 15 x 10 cm; 67 . , hills/m'; 2-3 seedlings/hill) to replace the conventional planting system. The existing formal recommendations including IPM and INM practices could enhance and combat weeds, pest and diseases thereby enhancing crop yield. Harvesting with self- propelled reaper and threshing with mechanised thresher were cost effective, drudgery alleviating and time saving. The net result of the action research was a set of adaptable technological package for remunerative rice production in the CDR rice production systems. Cognitive and behavioural impact on the participants; and the standard methodology and protocol for participatory technology validation for rice in particular, and for any farm enterprise in general, with extrapolative effect.
