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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Open Access
Institutional intervention in marketing of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in Kerala
(Department of Rural Marketing Management, College of Co-operation, Banking and Management, Vellanikkara, 2023-05-13) Vijayakumar, N; KAU; Ushadevi, K N
Indigenous communities living in the forests depends on the forest resources like Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) for their survival and livelihoods. The dominance of the middlemen, lack of accessibility of the market and lack of awareness of the price of NTFPs were the main problems faced by tribals in the collection and marketing of NTFPs (Rawal, 2020). There is a growing market for NTFPs, but its large potential still needs to be tapped by both the collectors and the institutions involved. Since efforts have been going on for quite a long time, new agencies and institutions, have been established and programmes and schemes have been implemented to promote the NTFPs and thereby develop the tribal community. It is time that an assessment of these interventions be done to assess whether these interventions are within reach of the tribals, to what extent the policy measures of central and state government have positively affect the marketing of NTFPs and the livelihood of tribes collecting NTFPs, whether the institutions address the problems faced by the tribals and to what extent they succeeded in solving the issues related to marketing of NTFPs. In this context the present study entitled ‘Institutional intervention in marketing of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in Kerala’ was undertaken to analyse the existing market structure of NTFPs, to examine the role of institutional intervention in promoting NTFPs, to examine the extent of awareness, accessibility and impact of institutional interventions among selected tribes and to analyse the problems faced by the selected tribes in the collection and marketing of NTFPs. This study will fulfil the research gap of the institutional contributions towards improving the livelihood of NTFPs collectors and would help the institutions to identify and prioritise the areas in need of their interventions. Both primary and secondary data were collected for the study. As per the data collected from the records of Scheduled Tribes Service Cooperative Society (STSCS) (2018-2019), it was found that Irular, Kattunayakan, Paniyan, and Kadar were the tribes mainly engaged in the collection of NTFPs. Among them Kattunayakan and Paniyan tribes are settled in Wayanad district, Irular tribe is settled in Palakkad district and Kadar tribe is mainly settled in Thrissur district. Through stratified random sampling method, 204 tribals collecting NTFPs, from these four tribes were selected. With respect to the selection of institutions, all the categories of the institutions involved in promoting NTFPs collectors based in Kerala state were selected with a total sample size of 12 viz Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department (KFD), STSCS, Tribal co-operative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), Kerala State Federation of SC/ST Development Cooperative Ltd (SC/ST Federation), Scheduled Tribes Development Department (STDD), Kerala State Development Corporation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (KSDC-ST/SC), College of Forestry (CoF), Kerala Institute for Research Training and Development Studies for SC & ST (KIRTADS), Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) and National Afforestation and Eco-Development Board (NAEDB). Data from tribals were collected through Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) method, by using semi-structured interview schedule. Primary data from the institutions were collected from officials of the institutions by using pre-tested structured interview schedule. Secondary data were collected from annual reports, and official websites of selected institutions. Percentage analysis, pair-wise ranking and seasonal calendar were used to analyse the existing market structure of NTFPs. The role of institutional interventions in promoting NTFPs was examined with the help of Venn Diagram. Awareness was examined with the help of percentage analysis. Mobility Map and Impact Diagram were used to examine the accessibility and impact of institutional interventions respectively. Problems of tribals were identified by using Garret Ranking and by drawing ranking ladder. From the analysis of existing market structure of NTFPs in Kerala, it was found that tribals, SC/ST Federation, STSCS, TRIFED, and KFD are the major players in the market. In addition to this the presence of institutions like STDD, KSDC SC/ST, CoF, KIRTADS, KFRI are also found in promoting NTFPs through conducting training, workshops, exhibitions, promoting NTFPs through social media etc. Tribal community are the sellers and STSCS, KFD and TRIFED are the main buyers. A common market structure for NTFPs does not exist in Kerala .An oligopsony market structure was identified where institutions were present and monopolistic competition was observed in the absence of institutions in certain tribal settlements. The STSCS main activity is regularly procuring NTFPs from tribals and marketing NTFPs with the help of the SC/ST Federation through auction cum quotation and negotiation. Eco-Development Committees (EDC) and Vana Samrakshana Samithi (VSS) of KFSD collect NTFPs from tribals and market through Vanasree eco shops, Vanasree e-portal and exhibitions under the brand name Vanasree. Institutions provide a pool of information to help the tribals to undertake their operations more systematically and scientifically. Majority of the tribals prefer to sell the collected NTFPs to STSCS. They had expressed, better price, spot payment, flexible payment options, bulk procurement and regular consumers as the reasons for preferring STSCS over other institutions. Among the institutions TRIFED offers an effective product differentiation support. TRIFED had trained the tribals to produce seven value added products from honey. KFD have an effective supply chain logistics which facilitates the prompt delivery of the product to the customers. . Majority of the tribal community consider KFD, CoF, STDD, and STSCS as important institutions. Out of these they considered STSCS as effective in rendering the service. Institutions had provided product development and market development supports to tribals in additions to the implementation of various schemes of the central and state government. However, the services and supports of the institutions are not benefitting the tribals to the expected level due to their low level of awareness The awareness of the tribals with respect to the interventions of the institutions are very low as they had not received any awareness programme on services offered by the institutions till now. The officials from the majority institutions were not visiting the colony and disseminating the necessary information to the tribals. Most tribals mentioned the forest office, STSCS, and its depot as being conveniently accessible to them. Many institutions that assisted NTFPs collectors (tribals) were far away from the colony, making it difficult for them to access these institutions. The study brought out that institutional interventions had resulted in increasing tribals income, reducing school dropouts, increasing the number of women collectors, reducing tribals debt, and tribals migrations. The major problems faced by the selected tribals with respect to collection of NTFPs were negative interactions with wild animals, inadequate availability of NTFPs in the forest and low price availability of NTFPs. Lack of guidance and support from government officials for marketing of NTFPs, no institutional support/follow up after training programme and long distance to market place cause considerable interruption in marketing of NTFPs. The study brought out the need for certain policy interventions which will help to improve the lively hood of NTFPs collectors. Many marketing channels exist in Kerala for marketing NTFPs and the procurement price and selling price differs based on the channels. If a uniform marketing channel can be created uniform pricing of the NTFPs would be possible.. Even though most of the selected institutions were conducting training programme the intended benefits are not reaching to tribal communities due to the lack of follow up measures. It would be better if institutions arrange follow-up programmes and making monthly visit to tribal settlements. This would help them to sell NTFPs as value added products and build a good relationship with the institutions. As the tribals were unaware of much information, the timely communication of various programmes, services and implementation of schemes etc is necessary. Institutions should take utmost care in this respect. It is difficult for tribals to access the services of institutions, as tribals were situated far away from the institutions and they don’t have vehicle or public transport services. Therefore, it is suggested that institutions should visit the colony monthly to provide their services and identify the problems of the tribals. Inadequate availability of NTFPs in the forest will make a negative impact in their collection and income. Arrangement for clearing the forest every month from the part of the Forest Department will help to address this issue. Addressing these suggestions will help to make the existing interventions of institutions more effective and bring out better reflection on the socio economic upliftment of tribals in Kerala.
Open Access
Identification of genetic stock for drought tolerance and candidate gene analysis in cocoa(Theobroma cacao L.)
(Department of plantation,spices,medicinal and aromatic crops, college of agriculture ,Vellanikkara, 2023-09-21) Suchithra, M.; KAU; Suma, B
Water deficit stress is considered as one of the most limiting factor for production in cocoa. Preliminary efforts have been made in Kerala Agricultural University to identify drought tolerant cocoa genotypes. The present study was an attempt made to identify the cocoa genotypes and hybrids that can tolerate drought condition. The study was conducted at Department of Plantation crops and spices, College of Agriculture (CoA) and Cocoa Research Centre and College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur. Thirty exotic genotypes and six pre-released hybrids were taken as materials for the study. They were budded on 6 month old rootstock of seedling raised from polyclonal gardens. GIV 18.5 (progeny of pods from Nileshwar) identified susceptible genotype was used as check in the experiment. Five month old budded plants of thirty exotic cocoa genotypes and six hybrids along with check variety were subjected to drought screening by following gravimetric method. Control plants were maintained at fully irrigated condition under 100 per cent field capacity. Field capacity was maintained at 40 per cent for stress condition. Based on the percentage of retained leaves genotypes and hybrids were categorised as highly tolerant (more than 70% leaves retained), tolerant (40-70% leaves retained), susceptible (10-40% leaves retained) and highly susceptible (less than 10% leaves retained). Various physiological and biochemical parameters related to drought were analyzed. The physiological parameters, relative water content, chlorophyll stability index, membrane stability, photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll content were recorded high in tolerant and highly tolerant genotypes and hybrids whereas these parameters were comparatively low in susceptible and check variety. The control plants at 100 per cent field capacity recorded high value for all these parameters. However in terms of transpiration rate a reverse trend was observed among genotypes and hybrids. Low transpiration rate was recorded in highly tolerant and tolerant hybrids whereas ii susceptible genotypes and hybrids had high transpiration rate under stress condition. The control plants under fully irrigated condition of 100 per cent field capacity also had high transpirational rate. This indicated the ability of tolerant genotypes and hybrids to conserve water during stress. The leaf temperature did not shown any significant variation among the genotypes and hybrids studied under both the field capacity level. In case of biochemical parameters, proline content, glycine betaine content and superoxide dismutase activity were found to be high in tolerant and highly tolerant genotypes and hybrids and was low in susceptible and check variety. The control plants kept under 100 per cent filed capacity level shown less values for all these parameters. However, all the plants showed reduced nitrate reductase activity under drought stress. The control plants recorded high nitrate reductase activity at 100 per cent field capacity level. Correlation studies showed that all physiological and biochemical parameters except transpiration rate and leaf temperature have positive correlation with percentage of leaves retained. Effect of these parameters on percentage of leaves retained was estimated using path analysis. Parameters having direct effect on leaf retention were proline, nitrate reductase activity, SOD, glycine betaine, cell membrane stability and relative water content. These characters were analyzed for their genetic parameters and it was found that all these characters are having high heritability and genetic gain. D 2 statistics analysis revealed that the 30 genotypes and 6 hybrids along with check were grouped into 6 clusters indicating the presence of diversity for different traits. Four different isolation methods were compared in this experiment to identify the best method that could produce high-quality total RNA free from contaminants and genomic DNA. RNA obtained through the SDS- tertiary butanol method (Gesteira et al., 2003) has high quantity and quality, followed by the modified SDSphenol method (Deepa et al., 2014) in both fresh and frozen leaves. iii The transcriptome of highly drought tolerant exotic genotype (T85/799) and highly drought sensitive check variety CCRP 5 was analysed using mRNA sequencing under control (100% FC) and drought stress condition (40% FC). Drought has up-regulated 1540 and 1148 DEGs and downregulated 1502 and 1250 DEGs respectively in tolerant and sensitive libraries. The PCA scatter plot shows that replicates of the well watered samples (control) of highly drought tolerant genotype and drought susceptible check variety CCRP 5 form distinct groups highlighting differences between the two genotypes. Volcano plot depicted the significance of differentially expressed genes in control and drought stress treated samples of highly tolerant and susceptible genotype. In both the tolerant and susceptible genotypes, the majority of the genes within the biological process category were linked to GO terms that fall under the subcategories of "metabolic process," "cellular process," and "single organism process." “Enzyme catalytic activity”, “water channel activity”, “binding” and “transporter activity” were the most abundant terms in molecular function category in both the genotypes under stress. There were 17 pathways significantly enriched (FDR-adjusted p-value < 0.05) in tolerant genotype for upregulated genes and the most enriched pathways including metabolic pathways (178 genes) followed by biosynthesis of secondary metabolites (121 genes), phenyl propanoid biosynthesis (29 genes), carbon metabolism (29 genes), glyoxylate and decarboxylate metabolism (16 genes), MAPK signalling pathway plant (14 genes) and starch and sucrose metabolism etc. Most of the Transcription Factors (TFs) identified families were enriched in, B3, bHLH, WRKY, ARF, ARR B, FAR, LBD, MADS and ERF. These TFs could be grouped into 10 families. The major upregulated genes families in tolerant genotype includes protein kinase, protein phosphatase type 2c, zing finger proteins, laccase gene, cytokinin dehydrogenase, cytochrome p450, galactinol synthase, NAC Domain protein, peroxidase, protein ubiquitin E3 ligase, mannitol dehydrogenase, fatty acid desaturase, UDP glycosyl transferase, Aquaporin PIP, Glutathione dependent genes, iv cellulose synthase and heat shock proteins etc.The major upregulated genes families in susceptible genotype includes LEA protein, PSII protein, peroxisomal membrane proteins, ABC transporter, ABA hydrolyse, phenyl alanine n-monoxygenase, tyrosine carboxylase, plastocyanin, trehalose phosphate phosphatase and expansin etc. RNA-Seq analysis showed that highly drought tolerant exotic genotype (T85/799) activated more number of drought responsive genes than drought sensitive check variety CCRP 5. Several drought-responsive genes were upregulated in the tolerant genotype such as those encoding TFs, cytochrome 450, and membrane transporters, and those associated with carbohydrate metabolism and flavonoid biosynthesis. These genes might confer drought tolerance in this cocoa genotype at the molecular level. Identified drought- responsive genes and metabolic pathways were targets for future studies in order to understand the molecular mechanism of drought tolerance in cocoa. Physiological and biochemical parameters also indicated the better performance of the tolerant genotype over the susceptible genotype under drought stress conditions. These results were a first step to understanding the molecular mechanisms of drought tolerance in cocoa and lay a foundation for its genetic improvement.
Open Access
Traditional therapeutic uses of animals and animal products among indigenous people of Idukki district, Kerala, India
(Department of Wildlife Sciences, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2021-12-31) Shijith S Nair.; KAU; M Shaji
Humans have known about ethnobiological uses since ancient times and rely on fauna and flora for medicines, food, clothing, and other necessities of life. For their basic health-care needs, the world population is looking for an alternative medication generated from natural resources, and this natural alternative, which consists of various bioactive chemicals, may be more effective with less toxicity than manufactured pharmaceuticals. The Western Ghats are home to a diverse range of fauna and flora, with plant-based medicines accounting for the majority of natural medicines discovered thus far. Animal medicines, on the other hand, have a restricted number of references. Rural communities, who have acquired millennium old traditional wisdom from their predecessors and handed it down through generations, are crucial in disease management. Poverty and a scarcity of medical facilities are to blame, they rely mainly on traditional knowledge, hence This knowledge is only available in rural regions. Before it is depleted as a result of rising urbanisation, modernization, and industry, traditional plant and animal recipes must be recorded. It is critical to document particular human societies' plant and animal usage that are passed down through the generations in undiscovered areas. Furthermore, with the growing threat of microorganism resistance to existing allopathic medications, novel natural chemical combinations with synergistic or additive effects are desperately needed. As a result, the project was designed with the goals of 1) analysing and documenting indigenous people's ethnozoological knowledge in Kerala's Idukki area. 2) additionally, document the creation and use of medications derived from animals and animal products, and 3) quantitative indices are used to determine the highly desired ones. This might be the first investigation in the specific location to describe traditionally used medicinal fauna and its recipes. The findings of the study might help preserve traditional knowledge and identify new taxa as a potential source of adjunct to conventional medicine. 84 The outcomes of the reseaech followed imply that local populations in Idukki have a good understanding of how to make ethnomedicine out of faunal diversity based on what's available. This research preserves ethnobiological data while also laying the groundwork for pharmacological, phytochemical, and synergistic research. People employ animal products/parts either alone or in combination with other things to treat a variety of human diseases. The findings also reveal that ethnomedicine is an important part of the primary health care system in the research area, but that it is mostly centred on flora rather than fauna. The animal recipes offer new perspectives on drug research that, through synergistic mechanisms, may pave the way for the development of new and effective therapies. Traditional knowledge is rapidly fading; hence scholars are being encouraged to perform further study in this region so that it may be preserved and documented.
Open Access
Small Grower tea production-a comparative economic analysis of Kerala and Tamil Nadu
(Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2023-02-09) Manoj Kumar C.; KAU; Anil Kuruvila
Tea is the queen of beverages and a commodity of commercial significance. India accounts for about 23 per cent of the area under tea in the world and contributes 21 per cent of the global tea production. India's share in global tea exports in 2021 was 10.18 per cent. The Tea Board of India defines small tea growers as those having areas up to 10.12 hectares and without any processing facility. Small tea growers constitute an integral part of the Indian tea industry. Out of the total tea produced by small tea growers in India, Assam accounted for the highest share of about 49 per cent followed by West Bengal (31%), Tamil Nadu (12%) and Kerala (6.42%) respectively. In this context, a comparative economic analysis of the small grower tea production in Tamil Nadu and Kerala was conducted with the specific objectives viz., to analyze the economics and efficiency of small grower tea production; to study marketing of small grower tea production and identify constraints faced by the small tea growers in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The study was based on primary data collected from small tea growers. Sixty farmers were randomly selected from each state based on multi-stage sampling method. The Nilgiris district was purposively selected as it accounts for 80 per cent of the area under tea cultivation in Tamil Nadu. Idukki and Wayanad districts were selected from Kerala as these districts accounted for 70 per cent and 23 per cent share of the area under tea cultivation in the state, thus making a total sample size of 120. Data was also collected from 20 market intermediaries from each state including green leaf agents, Self Help Groups, Primary Producer Societies, ‘Bought Leaf Factories’ and Farmer Producer Organizations, thus making a total sample size of 40.
Open Access
Management of calcium, magnesium and boron deficiency for enhancing yield and quality in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)
(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture ,Padanakkad, 2022-04-28) Anjitha K.; KAU; Sailaja kumari M S
The investigation entitled ‘Management of calcium, magnesium and boron deficiency for enhancing yield and quality in chilli’ was carried out at Instructional farm, Nileshwar, College of Agriculture Padannakkad, with an objective to develop nutrient management practices for mitigating calcium, magnesium and boron deficiency and to evaluate its effect on growth, yield and quality parameters. The field experiment was carried out during December 2020 to May 2021. The experiment was carried out with chilli variety Anugraha, in randomized block design with ten treatments and three replications. Treatment combinations were T1(KAU POP + lime (based on soil test)), T2 (T1 + 125 kg gypsum per hectare), T3 (T1 + 80 kg magnesium sulphate per hectare), T4 (T1 + 125 kg gypsum per hectare + 80 kg magnesium sulphate per hectare), T5 (T1 + foliar application of borax (0.2%)), T6 (T2 + foliar application of borax (0.2%)), T7 (T3 + foliar application of borax (0.2%)), T8 (T4 + foliar application of borax (0.2%)), T9 (KAU POP + dolomite (based on soil test)) and T10 (T9 + foliar application of borax (0.2%)). Soil application of amendments were done as a single dose and foliar nutrition was given four times in a 20 days interval. Analysis of experimental results showed that various treatments showed significant effect on growth characters, fruit quality parameters as well as nutrient content in both soil and plant, over KAU POP recommendation. Significant positive effect of treatments on plant root characters and total dry matter production was observed whereas plant height and days to 50% flowering were found to be non significant. Among the treatments, maximum tap root length (13.50 cm), root volume (23.23 cm3 ), root shoot ratio (0.16) and total dry matter production (2694.65 kg ha-1 ) were recorded in T8 (KAU POP + lime application based on soil test) +125 kg gypsum per hectare + 80 kg magnesium sulphate per hectare + foliar application of borax (0.2%). Various treatments showed significant influence on yield and yield attributes. Maximum fruit weight (37.16 g) and total fruit yield (4456.79 kg ha-1 ) was also observed in T8 and in case of fruit yield, it was significantly superior to all other treatments. Combined application of gypsum, magnesium sulphate and borax were effective and maximized fruit yield. 94 Soil analysis was carried out at flowering and harvest wherein, the treatments showed significant effect on soil pH, EC, available potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulphur, iron, manganese and zinc content whereas available nitrogen, phosphorus, copper and boron were not influenced by treatments. Addition of calcium and magnesium sources significantly increased available calcium and magnesium content in soil. Among the various treatments, the highest available calcium was recorded in T8 and was on par with T2, T6 and T4 at flowering. Highest available magnesium content was recorded in T9 and T10 at flowering and harvest respectively. Analysis of Index leaves at flowering and total plant analysis at harvest were carried out and it was found that plant nutrient content was significantly influenced by treatments. Significant effect of various treatments on plant nutrients except nitrogen and phosphorus was observed. Foliar application of borax significantly improved boron content in plants. Fruit quality parameters such as capsaicin, oleoresin, ascorbic acid and shelf life and total nutrient content were analysed and results showed significant positive response to treatments. Analysis of nutrient content in fruits showed that primary nutrients mainly, nitrogen and potassium, secondary nutrients and micronutrients in fruits were significantly influenced by various treatments. The treatment, T8 (KAU POP + lime based on soil test) +125 kg gypsum per hectare + 80 kg magnesium sulphate per hectare + foliar application of borax (0.2%)) recorded highest capsaicin (0.352 %), oleoresin (11.00 %), ascorbic acid (96.83 mg 100 g-1 ) and maximum shelf life (13.66 days) in chilli. The results obtained from the experiment revealed the significant influence of soil amendments over KAU POP recommendation and it can be concluded that combined application of gypsum, magnesium sulphate and borax was effective for increasing fruit yield and quality in chilli
Open Access
Controlling seedling height of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) transplants using plant growth regulators
(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2022-04-28) Anu Latha Robi; KAU; C Narayanankutty
Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) is an annual leguminous vegetable crop. It is grown throughout india for its tender green pods used as vegetable. Green cowpea seeds are boiled as a fresh vegetable or may be canned or frozen. The beans are nutritious and provide complementary proteins to cereals diets. Seedlings like cowpea, cucurbits having lanky growth growing in polyhouses is an undesirable quality, especially in plugs intended for mechanized planting and long distance transport. Seed treatment with growth retardants is an effective method for controlling seedling height .However limited studies have been conducted in vegetable crops The present study was undertaken with the objectives of controlling seedling height of vegetable cowpea and to assess the field performance of treated seedlings. The experiment was conducted at the Centre for Hi-Tech Horticulture and Precision farming, Vellanikkara KAU, Thrissur during the year 2020-2021 In seedling stage, highest germination was recorded in control treatment on 5th and 10th days after sowing (89%) and (91%) respectively in Vellayani Jyothika. Minimum germination percentage was recorded in Paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm on 5th and 10th day after sowing (64.3%) and (66.0%) respectively in cowpea genotype Vellayani Jyothika. Significantly lower germination percentage was recorded in treatments receiving Paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm on 5th and 10th day after sowing (70.0%) (72%) in the genotype Kashi Kanchan. In both the genotypes there were no significant difference between the treatments on 15th days after sowing. Paclobutrazol treatment took more number of days for emergence of seedling up to the first node compared to control treatment ie Paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm (8.13) and (8.00) respectively in both the genotypes. Highest shoot length was recorded in control treatment on 5th, 10th and 15 th days after germination in both the genotypes. Significantly lower shoot length was recorded in treatments receiving Paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm irrespective of the number of days after germination. Growth retardants in general reduce root growth, shoot weight and root weight of the seedlings. In both the genotypes (Vellayani Jyothika and Kashi Kanchan) significantly lower root length, shoot weight and root weight was obtained in Paclobutrazol treatments compared to non-treated control. Height of seedling up to the first node was directly linked to shoot length. In both the genotypes of the cowpea significantly lower shoot length was recorded in treatments receiving Paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm (4.09) and (4.03) respectively. Paclobutrazol treated seedlings had dark green leaves when compared to other growth regulator and control treatments on 5th ,10th and 15th days after germination. In both the cowpea genotypes, when compared to other growth retardant and control treatments highest stem girth of the seedlings was recorded in treatments receiving Paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm on 5th (3.19 mm) 10th (3.45mm) and 15th (3.7mm) in Vellayani Jyothika and on 5th (3.3mm ) 10th (3.4mm) and 15th (3.8mm) in Kashi Kanchan. There were no significant difference between the treatments on 5th (2) and 15th days (7-8) after germination in both the genotypes. The total chlorophyll content and carotenoid content was recorded highest in treatments receiving Paclobutrazol treatments on seedling stage. Minimum auxin content and gibberellic acid contents were observed in Paclobutrazol treatments. In the field experiment, in both the cowpea genotypes, plant growth regulator Ethrel recorded maximum plant height where as in Vellayani Jyothika minimum plant height was recorded in Cycocel@ 50 ppm (112.40 cm) .In Kashi Kanchan lowest plant height was recorded in Paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm (33.06 cm) in Kashi Kanchan. In vellayani Jyothika highest internodal length was recorded in Ethrel @100 ppm (3.13 cm) and Ethrel @50 ppm (3.04 cm). Minimum was recorded in Paclobutrazol@ 200 ppm (2.63 cm). In the genotype Kashi Kanchan maximum internodal length was recorded in Ethrel@ 200 ppm (3.34 cm) and minimum was recorded in Cycocel @ 100 ppm (2.53cm). Highest number of primary branches was recorded in treatments receiving Paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm which was on par with Paclobutrazol @ 100 ppm compared to control in Vellayani Jyothika. In Kashi Kanchan there were no significant differences found between the treatments. Growth retardants had significant effect on the viz days to first flowering, days to first harvest and crop duration. Early flowering results in early harvesting of pods. Plant growth retardant Cycocel @ 200 ppm (41day) and Cycocel @ 25 ppm (36.80 days) recorded earliest flowering in the field in both the genotypes. In both the genotypes delayed flowering and maximum crop duration was recorded in Paclobutrazol treatments. Pod length and pod girth are related with pod weight. Ethrel treatment had highest pod length and pod girth compared to control .The higher number of flowers, pod girth and pod length contributed to production of more number of pods which in turn resulted in higher yield per plant. In both the cowpea genotypes, highest number of pods per plant and yield per plant was recorded in Ethrel treatments (Ethrel 100 ppm) in Vellayani Jyothika followed by Paclobutrazol treatment (Paclobutrazol 100 ppm) where as in Kashi Kanchan Paclobutrazol 100 ppm was on par with Ethrel 100 ppm. From the above study it could be concluded that, Paclobutrazol 100 ppm seed treatment was effective in controlling seedling height as well to obtain good yield in vegetable cowpea.
Embargo
Genetic diversity analysis for nutrient efficiency and identification of nutrient responsive genes in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2023-02-10) Swathy Sivan; KAU; Arya, K
The present study entitled “Genetic diversity analysis for nutrient efficiency and identification of nutrient responsive genes in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)” was carried out in the Department of Plant breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani and Division of Crop Improvement, ICAR-CTCRI, Sreekariyam, during 2019-2022. The study was undertaken to screen and characterize N and K-efficient genotypes in cassava and identify the traits contributing to nutrient efficiency and study their gene expression. Thirty genotypes of cassava comprising of landraces, released varieties and pre-release accessions from ICAR-CTCRI and KAU were taken for the study. Field evaluation was done to identify low input nutrient efficient lines where analysis of variance revealed significant difference among the genotypes for all the characters studied except the girth of tuber. High GCV, PCV, heritability and genetic advance were observed for traits like tuber yield, N and K efficiency, plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, stem N and K content. Tuber yield was positively correlated to N and K efficiency, plant height, leaf and stem weight, stem girth, mean weight of tubers, number of nodes, girth and length of tubers, while negatively correlated to tuber starch and dry matter content. Path analysis showed that tuber length gave highest positive direct effect on yield followed by number of tubers, number of leaves, tuber starch content, plant height and nitrogen efficiency. Diversity studies grouped the genotypes into eleven clusters and the characters that gave the maximum contribution to divergence were tuber dry matter content, N and K efficiency. Root studies on thirty genotypes revealed that root traits like number of nodal roots, basal roots, adventitious roots, storage roots and root length displayed significant positive correlations with N and K efficiency. Evaluation of five highly nutrient efficient genotypes at the three levels of fertilizers (0%, 25% and 50% of the recommended dose of fertilizers) showed overall significance for traits like plant height, the number of leaves retained, stem weight per plant, girth of the stem, tuber yield, length of tuber, stem K content, tuber K content, total N and K uptake, N and K efficiency. The highest yielder was KBH 18 followed by 8S501-2. Maximum N efficiency was observed for KBH18 followed by 15S409, while maximum K efficiency was recorded for 8S501-2 followed by 15S409. Results showed that from 0 to 25 % there is an escalation in tuber yield as well as N and K efficiency, while the values at 25 and 50% are on par. All the selected four genotypes showed significant superiority over the K efficient check variety – Sree Pavithra – in terms of tuber yield, N efficiency and K efficiency. The study identified nine nutrient responsive genes in cassava which includes NRT1, NRT3, NLP1, GPT2, AMT1, TAR2 for nitrogen and KUP3, KUP4, KUP8 for potassium. Expression studies done using these genes in contrasting genotypes for N and K efficiency raised under field conditions showed significant upregulations and downregulations in their expression for efficient and less efficient genotypes. Allele mining for allelic variations in contrasting genotypes (15S409 and Export kappa) for two genes (AMT2 and NTR3) didn’t show much significant variation. Although SNP differences were observed for NRT3 gene, further functional studies are required to confirm this result. The study identified three main nutrient efficient genotypes viz., KBH18, which was the highest yielder, highest in N efficiency and third highest in K efficiency, 8S501-2, which was second highest in yield, highest in K efficiency, third highest in N efficiency and also exhibited early bulking and 15S409, which was the third highest yielder, second highest in N efficiency & K efficiency. The superior genotypes identified in the present study can be subjected to field trials for confirming their superiority and release as a variety.
Open Access
Soil quality index and nutrient balance in rice-rice cropping system under long-term fertilizer experiment
(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2021) Drishya, D S; KAU; Thulasi, V
Long-term experiments provide the best possible platform for studying the changes in soil properties and processes, identifying emerging trends in nutrient imbalances and deficiencies and help to formulate future strategies for maintaining soil health and quality. The present study entitled “Soil quality index and nutrient balance in rice-rice cropping system under Long Term Fertilizer Experiment” was undertaken at RARS, Pattambi and College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara. The objectives were set out to estimate soil quality index and NPK balance in rice-rice cropping system as affected by nutrient management practices under Long Term Fertilizer Experiment. The Long Term Fertilizer Experiment (LTFE) in rice-rice cropping system maintained (since 1997) at RARS Pattambi has been laid out in RBD consists of 12 treatments viz.,T1 : 50 per cent NPK, T2 : 100 per cent NPK, T3 : 150 per cent NPK, T4 : 100 per cent NPK + 600 kg ha -1 CaCO3 , T5 : 100 per cent NPK, T6 : 100 per cent NP, T7 : 100 per cent N, T8 : 100 per cent NPK + Farm Yard Manure (FYM) @ 5 t ha -1 , T9 : 50 per cent NPK + FYM @ 5 t ha -1 , T10 : 100 per cent NPK + in situ growing of Sesbania aculeata, T11 : 50 per cent NPK + in situ growing of Sesbania aculeata and T12 : Absolute control (No fertilizer or manures). The soil samples from 0-15 cm depth were collected from the different treatments of LTFE after the harvest of Virippu crop, 2020 and were analysed for various physical, chemical and biological properties. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed to arrive at the Minimum Data Set (MDS) and Soil Quality Index (SQI) was formulated for different nutrient management practices. Integrated nutrient management with FYM and in situ green manuring with daincha recorded higher grain and straw yields of rice. The increase in fertilizer load into the soil resulted in increase in yields while the omission of primary nutrients resulted as decline in yields. Integrated Nutrient Management practice (INM) of application of FYM along with 100 percent NPK had lower bulk density (1.17 Mg m-3 ) and higher water holding capacity (43.65 %), higher levels of available nutrients and enzyme activities in the soil. However, dehydrogenase activity did not follow the same trend as that of microbial biomass carbon in treatments wherein fertilizers alone were applied indicating the chances of shift in the microbial populations as a result of the long term application of nutrient management practices. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed for 28 soil attributes to develop the MDS and SQI was formulated using non linear scoring method. The MDS included bulk density, porosity, soil pH, permanganate oxidizable carbon, available N, total N, available sulphur, microbial biomass carbon, acid phosphatase and aryl sulfatase activities. The SQI ranged from 1.82 to 3.01. The SQI declined in the order of: T8> T10 >T9> T11> T4> T3> T2= T1> T5> T6 >T7> T12. The highest SQI was observed in T8 where 100 per cent NPK and FYM were applied. When the dosage of fertilizers was increased from 50% to 100% NPK on integration with FYM, the SQI increased. The soil quality index of the INM treatments (55.50 to 62.11%) and lime incorporation (52.98%) were categorized under medium category as per the computed Relative SQI (RSQI) values. The virippu crop (2020) under LTFE maintained at RARS Pattambi was monitored and various inputs and outputs regarding primary nutrients were assessed for balance predictions using NUTMON toolbox. The NUTMON toolbox includes five inflows, viz., mineral fertilizers (IN1), manure (IN2), atmospheric deposition (IN3), biological N fixation (IN4), and sedimentation (IN5), and five outflows, viz., harvested product (OUT1), crop residues (OUT2), leaching (OUT3), gaseous losses (OUT4), and erosion (OUT5). Nutrient flows like fertilizers, manures, crop residues and harvested outputs were monitored and measured during the experiment. Other flows like nitrogen fixation, leaching, and erosion were estimated by means of regression models from the data related to climate and crop parameters. Available NPK content of soils, rice grain, straw, stubbles, weeds and all inputs were analysed and stored in background database. The data were fed into the data processing module of the NUTMON toolbox to arrive at the partial and total balance of N, P and K in the experimental soil. The total balance of N, P and K were found to decline in order of: T3>T7>T8>T6>T5>T2>T4>T10>T9>T1>T11>T12 for N, T3>T8>T6>T10>T2>T5>T4>T9>T1>T11>T12>T7 for P and T3>T2>T5>T8>T9>T10>T4>T11>T1>T12>T7>T6 for K Summarizing the results, integrated nutrient management with FYM and in situ green manuring with daincha recorded higher yield and available nutrients in the soil. The incorporation inorganic fertilizers with FYM, daincha and lime maintain the soil quality index in the long run while, SQI was poor in control, imbalanced nutrition as well as in treatments where only fertilizers were incorporated. The balance sheet of P establishes the need for maintenance dose of P fertilizers in rice-rice cropping system. The negative balance of N and K indicate the need for supplementing the nitrogen pool and the possibility of mining of K on long term intensive cropping, respectively. Further study should be focused on monitoring the soil quality index at regular intervals and analyzing the effect of nutrient management practices on microbial diversity in rhizosphere and phyllosphere.
Open Access
Modelling habitat suitability and climate change impacts on endemic birds of Southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India
(Department of wildlife sciences, College of Forestry,Vellanikkara, 2021) Sreehari K Mohan; KAU; Nameer, P O

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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