Loading...
Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur
The history of agricultural education in Kerala can be traced back to the year 1896 when a scheme was evolved in the erstwhile Travancore State to train a few young men in scientific agriculture at the Demonstration Farm, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, presently, the Cropping Systems Research Centre under Kerala Agricultural University. Agriculture was introduced as an optional subject in the middle school classes in the State in 1922 when an Agricultural Middle School was started at Aluva, Ernakulam District. The popularity and usefulness of this school led to the starting of similar institutions at Kottarakkara and Konni in 1928 and 1931 respectively.
Agriculture was later introduced as an optional subject for Intermediate Course in 1953. In 1955, the erstwhile Government of Travancore-Cochin started the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Mannuthy, Thrissur for imparting higher education in agricultural and veterinary sciences, respectively. These institutions were brought under the direct administrative control of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Husbandry, respectively. With the formation of Kerala State in 1956, these two colleges were affiliated to the University of Kerala. The post-graduate programmes leading to M.Sc. (Ag), M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees were started in 1961, 1962 and 1965 respectively.
On the recommendation of the Second National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, the then Chairman of the University Grants Commission, one Agricultural University in each State was established. The State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) were established in India as an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System to give the much needed impetus to Agriculture Education and Research in the Country. As a result the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was established on 24th February 1971 by virtue of the Act 33 of 1971 and started functioning on 1st February 1972. The Kerala Agricultural University is the 15th in the series of the SAUs.
In accordance with the provisions of KAU Act of 1971, the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were brought under the Kerala Agricultural University. In addition, twenty one agricultural and animal husbandry research stations were also transferred to the KAU for taking up research and extension programmes on various crops, animals, birds, etc.
During 2011, Kerala Agricultural University was trifurcated into Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU).
Now the University has seven colleges (four Agriculture, one Agricultural Engineering, one Forestry, one Co-operation Banking & Management), six RARSs, seven KVKs, 15 Research Stations and 16 Research and Extension Units under the faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Forestry. In addition, one Academy on Climate Change Adaptation and one Institute of Agricultural Technology offering M.Sc. (Integrated) Climate Change Adaptation and Diploma in Agricultural Sciences respectively are also functioning in Kerala Agricultural University.
Browse
14 results
Search Results
ThesisItem Open Access Heterosis breeding in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.).(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Gayathri, G; KAU; Dijee, BastianThe study entitled ‘Heterosis breeding in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)’ was undertaken at the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. The objectives of the study were to collect and evaluate different genotypes of sesame for morphological traits and yield attributes, to identify useful parents producing heterotic crosses and developing hybrids in sesame. The study also intended to develop male sterile lines in sesame through interspecific hybridization with Sesamum malabaricum. Sesamum indicum and Sesamum malabaricum accessions were collected from Kerala and Tamil Nadu and evaluated for their morphological traits. Wide range of variation was noticed for characters like plant height, number of days to flowering and seed yield per plant which contributed maximum to genetic divergence. The genotypes studied were grouped into six clusters. High genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) was recorded for number of capsules per plant, plant height, seed yield per plant and number of branches per plant. High heritability with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was recorded for number of days to flowering, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant and seed yield per plant. This indicates that the characters are governed by additive gene effects and selection for these traits will be effective. Association analysis revealed that seed yield per plant was correlated to plant height, number of capsules per plant and number of days to flowering. Path coefficient analysis indicated maximum positive direct effect by number of capsules per plant, capsule length, plant height and 1000 seed weight on seed yield per plant. In order to develop hybrids, fourteen parents were selected based on the per se performance of the genotypes. They were crossed in line X tester mating design. Forty eight hybrid combinations obtained were raised in the field along with the parents and evaluated for their heterosis and combining ability effects. Parental genotypes AVTS-06-5, AVTS-06-10, IVTS-06-12, KYM-1, Tilak and TMV-6 were identified as high combiners based on general combining ability (gca) effects. Two combinations viz. AVTS-06-5 X KYM-1 and IVTS-06-12 X TMV-3 had significant values of per se performance, specific combining ability (sca) effects and standard heterosis for seed yield per plant. They can be evaluated for their hybrid vigour over locations and seasons. The crosses AVTS-06-5 X TMV-3, AVTS-06-5 X TMV-6 and TCR 3279A X KYM-1 have been identified as potential cross combinations for isolation of promising segregants as the parents involved in these crosses had high significant gca effects for seed yield per plant but the hybrids recorded non significant sca effects. Interspecific hybridization between S.malabaricum and S.indicum was attempted to develop male sterile lines. Seed set was noticed in three interspecific hybrids which failed to germinate due to embryo abortion. Hence these embryos were rescued and raised in vitro to obtain the hybrids.ThesisItem Open Access Incorporation of tomato leaf curl virus (Tolcv) resistance in bacterial wilt resistant tomato.(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Koteswararao, Yadav; KAU; Sadhankumar, P GInvestigations on “Incorporation of Tomato Leaf Curl Virus (ToLCV) resistance in bacterial wilt resistant tomato” were undertaken in the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during the period from January, 2009 to May, 2011. Eighty tomato genotypes collected from India and abroad were screened for ToLCV resistance of which 26 were found to be highly resistant under natural screening. Of these, 20 genotypes (LE-474, LE-635, LE-640, LE-658, LE-666, LE-667, Arka Ananya, IIHR-2195, IIHR-2196, IIHR-2197, IIHR-2198, IIHR-2202, IIHR-2747, TLBRH-1, TLBRH-6, Cherry Tomato, H-24, H-86, Hawaii-7998 and Rani) were highly resistant to ToLCV under both graft transmission and whitefly transmission there by confirming their resistance to ToLCV. Seventy six tomato genotypes were screened for bacterial wilt resistance in bacterial wilt sick plot. Spot planting with known suscept Pusa Ruby was done to confirm the presence of virulent bacteria in the field. Anagha, Sakthi, Mukthi, LE-1-2, LE-626 and LE-474 were resistant to bacterial wilt. Three additional sources of resistance were identified viz., LE-628, LE-640 and LE-649. Five bacterial wilt resistant genotypes (Anagha, Sakthi, Mukthi, LE-1-2 and LE-626) were crossed with seven ToLCV resistant genotypes (IIHR-2195, IIHR-2196, H-24, H-86, Hawaii-7998, LE-474 and LE-640) in a line x tester fashion. Thirty five F1 hybrids developed were screened for both ToLCV and bacterial wilt resistance. Thirty hybrids were highly resistant to tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV) among the 35 hybrids. Sixteen F1 hybrids were resistant to bacterial wilt. There were 15 F1 hybrids which were resistant to both ToLCV and bacterial wilt. Line x tester analysis was performed to derive information on general combining ability and specific combining ability effects, gene action and heterosis. Good general combiners for different characters were identified. Among the F1 hybrids Anagha x LE-640 was the earliest to flower and earliest to harvest. Sakthi x LE-640 (1.4 kg/plant) gave the maximum yield among the hybrids and parents followed by Mukthi x H-86 (1.1 kg/plant) and LE-1-2 x Hawaii-7998 (1.06 kg/plant). Maximum number of fruits were produced by LE-1-2 x Hawaii-7998 (39.67 fruits/plant). The maximum sized fruits were produced by Anagha x IIHR-2195 (55.93 g) followed by Sakthi x LE-640 (55.78 g) and Sakthi x IIHR-2196 (55.09 g). F2 segregants of 35 crosses were screened for combined resistance to bacterial wilt and ToLCV. Thirty F2 segregants were resistant to both bacterial wilt and ToLCV. Mukthi x IIHR-2195-F2-47 (1.7 kg/plant) and Mukthi x IIHR-2195- F2-34 (1.5 kg/plant) were the highest yielders among the 30 segregants. Segregation pattern in F1, F2, B1 and B2 of the cross combination Pusa Ruby x IIHR-2195 revealed that the resistance to ToLCV in IIHR-2195 is controlled by a single dominant gene.ThesisItem Open Access Environmental concerns in the development projects on rice farming under decentralized planning(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2011) Smitha, K P; KAU; Anilkumar, AThe study entitled ‘Environmental concerns in the development projects on rice farming under decentralized planning’ was undertaken with the major objective of studying the nature and extent of environmental concerns in planning and implementation of development projects on rice farming under decentralized planning in Palakkad District. Environmental awareness and constraints perceived by stakeholders in planning and implementation of the projects were also studied. The research project was undertaken in Palakkad district, as the district accounts for about 1/3rd of the total area under rice cultivation of Kerala state. Four blocks, viz. Kollengode, Kuzhalmannam, Chittur and Alathur were selected purposively based on the highest area under rice. Thekkinchira, Nelliancaud, Manchira and Kolapadam padashekarams were randomly selected from the above four respective blocks. Ten each of beneficiary farmers, agricultural labourers, people’s representatives/social activists in the same padashekaram were selected randomly for the study. Thus a total of 40 beneficiary farmers, 40 agricultural labourers and 40 people’s representatives/social activists were selected from the study area. In addition to those included in the selected projects / padashekarams, extension functionaries from other regions of the district were also randomly selected, so as to make a sample size of 40. Thus a total of 160 respondents belonging to the four categories constituted the sample of this study. The data collected were statistically analyzed using arithmetic mean, percentage, canonical correlation analysis and principal component analysis. The study on environmental concerns and awareness of stakeholders revealed that the farmer respondents had high to medium level of environmental concerns and awareness. Most of the agricultural labourers possessed medium level of environmental concerns while all of them were in the medium awareness category. All the extension personnel and majority of people’s representatives/social activists had high awareness and concern for environment. In the nature of environmental concerns it was found that in the land and soil management dimension, most of the padashekarasamithi considered three technologies while planning viz. (1) practicing crop rotation with pulses/leguminous green manures /fringe cropping with cowpea (2) application of nitrogen and potassium in two to three split doses and (3) application of lime while all the farmer respondents adopted two technologies viz. (1) applying nitrogen and potassium in 2-3 split doses according to the duration of the variety and (2) incorporation of crop residue in the field. While majority of the samithis considered only a single water management technology in the planning stage (selection of suitable varieties based on water availability) all the respondents adopted three major water management practices viz.(1) summer ploughing, (2) land/leveling/ puddling and (3) maintaining standing water as per crop requirement. All the samithis included augmentation of parasite / predator population in the field / use of natural enemies like Pseudomonas in the planning stage. Majority of the farmers avoided poaching and killing of birds and animals in rice fields. Selection of right season was considered in the planning stage by all the samithis and all the respondent farmers ploughed the field and exposed it to sun as a part of the plant protection practices. With respect to the extent of environmental concerns in the planning stage, majority of the farmers were found to be in the lower class of adoption with regard to land and soil management, water management, biodiversity conservation and plant protection practices while most of them were in the medium category in the implementation stage of all the four dimensions. Percentage adoption of land and soil management practices, water management, biodiversity conservation and plant protection practices was very high over planning and it was the highest in case of water management dimension. The above results show the inefficient planning at padashekarasamithi level and a better adoption and environmental concerns at the farmer level. Analysis of the relationship between the dependent variables (environmental concerns, awareness and extent of environmental concerns reflected in adoption of eco-friendly technologies) and profile characteristics of farmers revealed that environmental concern is the most important dependant variable and the profile characteristics viz. perception on the importance of mitigating environmental degradation, indigenous wisdom orientation, knowledge on eco-friendly rice cultivation, experience in eco-friendly farming, sense of empowerment, risk orientation, export orientation, educational status and participation in environment related activities contributes the most in developing environmental concerns and awareness. In the case of all other respondents out of the two dependent variables viz. environmental concerns and awareness, environmental concern is the most important dependent variable than environmental awareness. The variables sense of empowerment, experience in eco-friendly farming, knowledge on eco-friendly rice cultivation, perception on the importance of mitigating environmental degradation, age and indigenous wisdom orientation play crucial role in developing concern and awareness on environment in agricultural labourers while communication effectiveness, decision making ability and participation in environmental activities have the highest influence on the dependent variables in the case of extension personnel. Perception on the importance of mitigating environmental degradation, educational status, indigenous wisdom orientation, leadership, attitude towards group management and participation in environmental activities play very important role in defining environmental concern and awareness of people’s representatives / social activists. The B-C ratio of eco-friendly rice cultivation, conventional rice cultivation and cow based minimum budget rice farming (Gō-adharitha krishi) was 1.39, 1.79 and 2.2 respectively. The major reason for this is the higher cost of cultivation incurred in the case of eco-friendly rice cultivation which is due to the high cost of organic inputs and its application. But the price in the market is the same irrespective of the methods of production, which reduce the profit for eco-friendly farmers. Cow based minimum budget rice farming (Gō-adharitha krishi) portrays the success of eco-friendly farming by way of value addition and better marketing. The mean social benefit-cost ratio for all the respondents was high, which substantiates the general perception that social benefits derived from eco-friendly rice farming was higher than the social costs. The dimensions such as non- remunerative price, higher cost of cultivation and inconvenience in handling eco-friendly inputs contributed higher magnitude of variation towards social cost and the dimensions, superior quality of rice, enrichment of biodiversity, improvement in water quality and self-development contributed to higher magnitude of variations towards social benefit. Most of the farmers considered padashekarasamithi as a supplier of inputs from krishi bhavans, which was a major constraint in the planning stage while in the implementation stage the major constraint perceived by them was the labour unavailability. The labourers professed labour unavailability, lack of knowledge on eco-friendly techniques, lack of good quality, certified organic inputs in the market and higher cost of these inputs as the major constraints in the implementation stage. The major constraints according to the extension personnel were lack of co-ordination among the members of padashekarasamithi in the planning stage and labour unavailability, lack of good quality, certified organic inputs in the market in the implementation stage. While in the case of people’s representatives/social activists the major constraint perceived in the planning stage was the farmers outlook of padashekarasamithi as a mere input supplier of krishi bhavan. This group of stakeholders felt labour unavailability and problems in marketing organic rice due to its difficulty in getting it certified as the major constraints in the implementation stage. Some of the important policy prescriptions in the light of the study which the government should undertake are (i) offer incentive price for rice produced in an eco-friendly way (ii) provide assured market and farmer-customer networking (iii) simplify procedures of organic certification (iv) develop certification procedures for eco-friendly rice (v) value addition and (vi) offer incentives for farmers practicing clean agriculture (vii) encourage and conscientize farmers for cultivation of traditional varieties and use of indigenous wisdom (viii) redefining and updating organic farming policy (ix) encourge group approach in organic rice farming (x) encourage mixed farming (xi) maintain biodiversity register for grama panchayats and (xii) ensure availability of eco-friendly inputs .ThesisItem Open Access Endophytic microorganism mediated systemic resistance in Cocoa against Phytophthora palmivora (Butler) Butler(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Sainamole Kurian, P; KAU; Koshy AbrahamThe study on 'Endophytic microorganism mediated systemic resistance in cocoa against Phytophthora palmivora (Butler) Butler was carried out during 2005-2010. The pathogen causing pod rot of cocoa was isolated from infected pods , and its pathogenicity established. Based on cultural and morphological characters, it was identified as Phytophthora palmivora (Butler) Butler. Endophytes were isolated from samples of feeder roots, tender shoots, leaves and pods of cocoa collected from various locations of major cocoa growing area of the state. The population of endophytic microflora varied among different locations and parts of the plant, and in general, the population was more in roots. Bacteriaand fluroscent pseudomonads were more abundant than filamentous fungi and yeasts. Out of the 325 endophytic isolates comprising of 116 bacteria, 153 fluorescent pseudomonads, 34 years and 22 fungi, 82 were found exerting antogonism towards the pathogen. These antagonistic endophytes were further evaluated in In vitro by dual culture and by inoculation on detached cocoa pods, and leaves. It was found that, 25 isolates were more efficient antagonists.ThesisItem Open Access Bioefficacy and safety evaluation of biorational insecticides for the management of sucking pest complex of chilli (capsicum annuum L. )(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2011) Thania, Sara Varghese; KAU; Thomas, Biju MathewThe efficacy and safety of biorational insecticides used for the management of sucking pest complex of chilli, viz. mites (Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks), thrips (Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood) and aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover) were tested in laboratory and field conditions. The efficacy of eight new generation insecticides viz., spinosad 75 g a.i. ha-1, spiromesifen 100 g a.i. ha-1 , spirotetramat 60 g a.i. ha-1 , indoxacarb 60 g a.i. ha-1 , imidacloprid 20 g a.i. ha-1, thiamethoxam 40 g a.i. ha-1 , flubendiamide 60 g a.i. ha-1 and acetamiprid 20 g a.i. ha-1 was assessed in comparison with propargite 570 g a.i ha-1 and dimethoate 300 g a.i ha-1 as acaricidal and insecticide check, against three sucking pests of chilli viz, mites, thrips and aphids under laboratory conditions. Based on the laboratory evaluation, acetamiprid, spiromesifen, propargite, spinosad and dimethoate were very effective against chilli mite whereas 100 percent mortality of chilli thrips was obtained in spinosad, spiromesifen, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, acetamiprid, propargite and dimethoate in leaf disc method. The neonicotinoid insecticides viz, acetamiprid, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and other insecticides viz, spiromesifen and dimethoate were found effective against chilli aphids. Spiromesifen was found as the safest insecticide to coccinellid and hemerobid grubs. Flubendiamide, spirotetramat and indoxacarb were also found safe to coccinellid grubs and hemerobid grubs, but they were not effective against the pest complex of chilli. Dimethoate was found toxic to coccinellid and hemerobid grubs. Among the neonicotinoid insecticides, acetamiprid and thiamethoxam were safer than imidacloprid. In the safety evaluation against the predatory mite Amblyseius spp, acetamiprid, thiamethoxam, spiromesifen and spirotetramat were safer than other insecticides. In the pot culture study, significantly lower population of chilli mites were recorded in spiromesifen, propargite, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, thiamethoxam and dimethoate sprayed chilli plants. Chilli thrips were not recorded in acetamiprid sprayed chilli plants upto seven days after spraying. When the damage caused due to the feeding injury of mites and thrips were indexed, (Leaf curl Index) lower indices were recorded in spiromesifen and propargite sprayed chilli plants. Among the different chemicals evaluated in field viz, spiromesifen, imidacloprid, acetamiprid thiamethoxam, propargite and dimethoate, ethion and oxy demeton methyl, the mite population was significantly lower in propargite, spiromesifen and acetamiprid treated plots. Acetamiprid treated plots recorded the lowest thrips population and lowest average leaf curl index (LCI) was recorded in spiromesifen and propargite treated plants. Spiromesifen and propargite treated plots harboured maximum numbers of natural enemies, where as among the neonicotinoids, acetamiprid and thiamethoxam were comparatively safer than imidacloprid. The yield of chilli was more in spiromesifen treated plants followed by acetamiprid sprayed chilli plants. Considering the waiting period of different insecticides worked out in the present investigation, acetamiprid is having the shortest waiting period of 3.51 days and it is the only insecticide which fits well in to the harvest interval of chilli fruits, whereas the conventional insectides like ethion and dimethoate recorded the maximum waiting period of 27.89 and 13.63 days, respectively. The half-life of acetamiprid, ethion and dimethoate were 2.27, 3.43 and 1.94 days respectively. The insecticide spiromesifen, sprayed on chilli fruits had a waiting period of 7.03 days to reach below the MRL of 0.5 ppm and the time taken for half of the spiromesifen to degrade was 1.71 days. Imidacloprid sprayed on chilli fruits took 2.08 days to degrade its residues to half of the initial deposit and the waiting period was fixed as 6.8 days. Propargite had a waiting period of 5.7 days on chilli fruits and the half life was calculated as 0.63 days. The insecticides selected to study the effect of different processing techniques in removing the insecticide residues on chilli fruits harvested at two hours after spraying and at five days after spraying were spiromesifen, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, propargite, ethion and dimethoate. In the case of spiromesifen, maximum residue removal (90.03%) occurred when the fruits were dipped in tamarind 2% solution followed by washing in water. For imidacloprid, all the treatments were very effective in removing residues, more than eighty percent of the residues were removed in all the treatments which justify its high polarity and the maximum removal was recorded when the fruits were dipped in 2% solution of tamarind (96.83%) followed by washing in water. In the case of acetamiprid, mere water wash removed 97.69% of the residues where as in the case of propargite, maximum removal of residues was obtained by dipping in 2% solution of tamarind (96.69%) for twenty minutes followed by washing in water. The extent of residue removal in the OP insecticides viz, ethion and dimethoate was less when compared to other new generation insecticides. In the case of ethion sprayed chilli fruits, maximum residues were removed when the fruits were dipped in 2% solution of lemon juice (83.13%) followed by washing in water. For dimethoate sprayed chilli fruits, maximum removal of residues occurred when the fruits were dipped in 2% solution of tamarind (53.98%). Out of six insecticides studied, dipping insecticide treated chilli fruits in 2% tamarind solution for twenty minutes followed by washing in water removed maximum amount of residues in the case of spiromesifen, imidacloprid, propargite and dimethoate. In the case of ethion also, tamarind treatment removed fairly good amount (60.88%) of residues. Owing to this majority, tamarind can be recommended as a good option for removing insecticide residues from fruits and vegetables.ThesisItem Open Access Nutrient interactions in soil test crop response studies on cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L) in the laterite soils of Kerala.(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Sajnanath, K; KAU; Hassan, M AA comprehensive approach has to be adopted for efficient fertilizer use, incorporating soil test, field research and economic evaluation of the results for providing a scientific basis for the process of enhancing and sustaining food production as well as soil productivity with minimum environmental degradation, it needs more. Soil testing is one of the best scientific means for quick and reliable determination of soil fertility status. Soil test crop response study in the field provides soil test calibration between the level of soil nutrients as determined in the laboratory and the crop response to fertilizers as observed in the field for predicting the fertilizer requirements of the crop. In Kerala, many studies have been conducted to get a fertilizer prescription equation for targeted yield in various crops like rice, banana etc. A programme was formulated to investigate the nutrient interaction in soil test crop response studies on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in the laterite soils of Kerala. In this, the field works were conducted as per the pattern of soil test crop response correlation studies. A gradient crop experiment was conducted in the experimental field of AICRP on STCR using maize. The purpose is to create a fertility gradient in the field by applying different doses of fertilizers. The area was divided into three strips and the doses of nutrients were applied as per STCR pattern of fertilization for maize. The crop was harvested and the plant samples were taken for analysis. The pre and post experimental soil samples were analysed. It was found that fertility gradients were developed in the field. Using the data on dry matter production in various strips, the nutrient uptake was also determined. A test crop experiment was designed in the same field where the gradient crop was raised. There were 24 treatments with three control plots. The treatments included four levels of nutrients and three levels of farm yard manure. The crop, cucumber (Var.: AAUC-2), popularly known as salad cucumber, was raised and managed as per package of practices of KAU. The soil samples were collected before, at flowering and harvest stages during the experiment. The plant samples were collected at flowering and harvesting stages. The total dry matter production and yield were taken treatment wise at the harvest. The soil samples were analysed for various chemical parameters. The data on yield, uptake of nutrients, nutrient status, nutrient requirement, quantity of farm yard manure applied were used for formulating the fertilizer prescription equations for cucumber. Using these equations, the quantity of fertilizers to be used to get a target of yield can be calculated if the available nutrient status is known. The equations thus developed were verified in farmers' field at four locations; Pallikandam, Maraikkal, Ayiloor and Vithanassery. The fields were laid out with five treatments and four replications. The treatments were (i) farmers' practice (ii) KAU package, (iii) soil testing laboratory method, (iv) STCR method with a target of 30 t ha-I and (v) STCR method with a target of 35 t ha-I. The soil samples were analysed before raising the crop and the quantities of fertilizers to be applied were computed for various treatments. The plant and soil samples at flowering and harvest stages were analysed for pH, EC, CEC, Organic Carbon, available N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and micronutrients such as Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn. The total dry matter production and yield were taken treatment wise at the harvest. The data were used for- statistical analysis for assessmg direct and indirect effect of nutrients on yield and nutrient interactions. A positive correlation was observed between organic carbon' and soil parameters at flowering stage. At the harvesting stage, there was a positive correlation was found between yield and major nutrients. The interaction between available P in the soil and Nand K in the plant was observed. The availability ofP in plant was negatively correlated with Fe in the soil. The targeted yield equations for cucumber could produce the yields of 30 and 35 t ha-I from the verification experiments conducted at the different locations. The B:C ratio also was higher in the STCR methods over the farmers' practices, blanket recommendations and STL recommendations. The information generated in the project will help in making the soil testing programme scientifically sound in terms of achieving predicted yields, maintaining soil fertility and helping the extension agencies in ensuring balanced fertilizer use according to the soil fertility status and crop requirement.ThesisItem Open Access Integrated weed management under system of rice intensification (SRI)(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Musthafa, Kunnathadi; KAU; Abraham, C TAn experiment was conducted to assess the performance of system of rice intensification (SRI) vis-à-vis conventional system with special emphasis on weed problems under SRI and to develop an economic weed management strategy. Aiming at reducing drudgery while using manual cono weeder, it was also envisaged to develop the prototype of a self propelled cono weeder. The field studies laid out in randomized block design with 16 treatments in three replications were conducted at RARS, Pattambi in Palakkad district and in farmers’ fields at Alappad Kole in Thrissur district, during the Mundakan seasons of 2007 and 2008. The soil at Pattambi was lateritic sandy clay loam with pH 4.96 and medium fertility, and that at Alappad Kole was clayey in texture with pH 5.0 and of high fertility. At both locations, the density and dry weight of weeds at 45 and 60 days after transplanting (DAT) were higher in all the SRI treatments especially when weed control was done through repeated cono weeding. At Pattambi, weed density and weed dry weight were the lowest in conventional system with post emergence herbicides, which recorded lower nutrient removal by the weeds and the lowest weed index and also higher gross return, net return and B:C ratio. The weed density and dry weight in the SRI fields were the lowest with pre emergence herbicide followed by hand weeding at 30 DAT, but the use of post emergence herbicides showed higher B:C ratio. At Alappad Kole, the weed density and dry weight, both at 45 and 60 DAT, were the lowest in conventional system with cono weeding at 10 DAT followed by post emergence herbicides. Cono weeding followed by hand weeding, pre emergence herbicides followed by hand weeding as well as the use of post emergence herbicides were also equally effective in controlling the weeds 233 in the conventional system, and were on par in the B:C ratios. In the SRI plots cono weeding at 10 DAT followed by post emergence herbicides recorded the lowest weed density and dry weight, however, use of post emergence herbicides recorded the highest net return and B:C ratio among the SRI treatments. Thus, considering the acute shortage and high wages for the labourers in Kerala, weed management through post emergence herbicides will be the preferable option for the farmers in both conventional and SRI systems of rice cultivation. Comparison between the two systems of rice cultivation at two different rice growing ecosystems showed that SRI improved the performance of individual hills through higher number of tillers hill-1, root length and root dry weight hill-1. On the other hand, the tiller number, dry matter production, root dry weight and productive tillers per unit area were higher in the conventional treatments. Owing to higher number of productive tillers per unit area the grain yield of conventional treatments was significantly higher than that of the typical SRI. At Pattambi, conventional system with post emergence herbicides recorded higher number of productive tillers m-2, panicle length, number of filled grains panicle-1, 1000 grain weight and grain yield (2877 kg ha-1), which was 33 per cent higher than the grain yield in the typical SRI. This treatment also recorded significantly higher B:C ratio (1.27) compared to that (0.91) of the typical SRI. However, the highest straw yield (2510 kg ha-1) at Pattambi was observed in ‘SRI with cono weeding at 10 DAT followed by post emergence herbicides’, which was on par with the typical SRI treatment. At Alappad Kole, higher number of productive tillers m-2, more filled grain percentage, highest 1000 grain weight, highest grain yield (6073 kg ha-1) and highest straw yield (5109 kg ha-1) were recorded by conventional system with cono weeding followed by hand weeding, which showed an increase of 93 per 234 cent in grain yield, with an additional yield of 2934 kg ha-1, and 109 per cent in straw yield over the typical SRI and recorded the highest gross return, net return and B:C ratio (2.46). Thus, the study showed the superiority of conventional system of rice cultivation at a spacing of 20 cm x 10 cm over the SRI system at a spacing of 30 cm x 30 cm at both the two different rice growing ecosystems studied viz., the sandy loam soils at Pattambi and the clayey soils at Alappad Kole. Prototype of the self propelled cono weeder was developed and field tested. It works satisfactorily in a single forward pass, and covers an area of 0.1 ha h-1. The field study showed that the self propelled cono weeder is effective for inter row weeding in rice, however, further refinement is needed to improve its weeding efficiency.ThesisItem Open Access Input optimization for medicinal rice (Oryza sativa L.) cv. Njavara.(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2011) Sriramkumar, N; KAU; Geethakumari, V LThe investigation entitled “Input optimization for medicinal rice (Oryza sativa L.) cv. Njavara” was conducted at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, during the summer seasons of 2007 and 2008 (January to April) to standardize an ideal nutrient schedule under two moisture regimes for sustaining Njavara production in lowlands, to investigate the soil physical, chemical and biological properties as influenced by regimes and sources of nutrients and to work out the economics of Njavara cultivation. Both the experiments (submerged and saturated situations) were laid out in randomised block design with ten treatments each and three replications. The treatments comprised four nutrient regimes viz., N1 - 30:15:15, N2 - 30:30:30, N3 - 40:20:20 and N4 - 40:40:40 kg NPK ha-1, two nutrient sources viz., organic nutrient source (S1) and integrated nutrient source (S2) and two controls viz., absolute control (no nutrient was applied) (C1) and POP for local rice variety (C2). Growth components like plant height, leaf number plant-1, leaf area index (LAI), number of tillers m-2, culm strength and flag leaf area, yield and yield attributes like number of productive tillers m-2, panicle length, number of grains panicle-1, number of filled grains panicle-1, 1000 grain weight, harvest index, sterility percentage, dry matter partitioning, paddy grain ratio and grain husk ratio were recorded. Leaf chlorophyll content was also estimated. Uptake of nutrients (N, P, K, S, Fe, Mn and Zn) and economics of cultivation were computed. Biochemical components of grains such as total, free and sulphur containing amino acids, phenols, starch, amylose, amylopectin and protein content were estimated. Data on weed biomass, weed flora and crop duration were also recorded. Soil enzymes (urease, phosphatase and dehydrogenase), soil microbial population (bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes population) and soil fertility status (available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, iron, zinc and manganese) were assessed before and after the crop. Effect of nutrient regimes Effect of nutrient regimes on all growth parameters was significant. Growth parameters like plant height, leaf number plant-1, leaf area index (LAI), number of tillers m-2, culm strength and flag leaf area were significantly higher in N2. N2 recorded leaf chlorophyll content which was significantly higher than N3 and N1 and was on par with N4. All yield attributes except 1000 grain weight were significantly influenced by nutrient regimes resulting in significant variation in the crop yield (grain and straw). Maximum grain yield was recorded in N2 (30:30:30 kg NPK ha-1) (2.78 and 2.66 t ha-1) which was on par with N4 (40:40:40 kg NPK ha-1) (2.67 and 2.58 t ha-1) and was significantly superior to N1 and N3 under submerged and saturated situations respectively. Duration of the crop did not show significant variation due to nutrient regimes. Total amino acid and protein content of grain were significantly influenced by nutrient regimes and were maximum in N2. Nutrient regimes significantly influenced N, P and K uptake. Uptake of N, P and K in N2 was significantly higher than that in the other three nutrient regimes. Nutrient regimes did not significantly influence uptake of S, Fe, Mn and Zn. Results of the study also revealed that Echinochloa colona (L.) Link, Isachne miliacea Roth ex Roem. et Schult; Cyperus iria L., Cyperus difformis L. Fimbristylis miliacea (L.) Vahl.; Marsilea quadrifoliata Linn., Monochoria vaginalis (Burm. f.) Presl. ex Kunth and Ludwigia perennis L were the most predominant weed species in the experimental field under both situations. Weed biomass at 20 and 40 DAS were not significantly influenced by nutrient regimes during both the years of experimentation. Nutrient regimes showed significant influence on available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium status of the soil after the investigation. Available sulphur, iron, zinc and manganese status of the soil after the experiment revealed non-significant effect of nutrient regimes in both the years of study. Among the soil enzymes, urease activity was influenced significantly by the nutrient regimes and it was in the order N4 > N3 > N2 > N1. Bacterial population was influenced significantly by the nutrient regimes and it was in the order N4 > N3 > N2 > N1. Effect of nutrient sources Nutrient sources had significant influence on all the growth characters, yield attributing characters like number of grains panicle-1, number of filled grains panicle-1, harvest index as well as crop yield (grain and straw). Highest number of grains panicle-1, filled grains panicle-1 and crop yield (grain and straw) were realized in integrated nutrient source and they were significantly higher than that realized from organic source. Duration of crop did not differ significantly between the nutrient sources. Integrated nutrient source registered significantly higher nitrate reductase activity and root weight compared to organic source. Biochemical components such as total, free and sulphur containing amino acids, phenols, starch, amylose, amylopectin and protein content of grain did not differ significantly between nutrient sources. Highest uptake of N, P and K was in integrated nutrient source. Sources of nutrients did not influence uptake of S, Fe, Mn and Zn during both the years of experimentation. Weed biomass under different nutrient sources at both 20 DAS and 40 DAS differed significantly from one another. Weed biomass during both stages and both the years of experimentation was more in organic source compared to integrated nutrient source. Highest weed biomass was recorded in absolute control at both stages during both the years. Available nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium status of the soil after the experiment in the plots receiving integrated nutrient source and organic nutrient source differed significantly from each other. Available N, P and K status of the soil were higher in integrated nutrient source. Organic carbon, available sulphur, iron, zinc and manganese status of the soil after the experiment were not significantly influenced by nutrient sources. Urease activity and bacterial population in the soil were influenced significantly by nutrient sources. Highest activity of urease and bacterial population in the soil were recorded in organic source compared to integrated nutrient source. Phosphatase and dehydrogenase activity as well as fungal and actinomycetes population in the soil were not influenced by nutrient sources. Economics of crop production Gross income, net income and BCR were highest in N2S2. Application of FYM @ 5 t ha-1 along with 30:30:30 kg NPK ha-1 (50 % N as organic + 50 % N as chemical fertilizer) (N2S2) recorded a net profit of Rs 57,586 ha-1 and Rs 53,546 ha-1 under submerged and saturated situations respectively. The lowest gross income, net income and BCR were recorded in N1S1 (FYM @ 5 t ha-1 along with 30:15:15 kg NPK ha-1 as organic source). The ideal nutrient schedule for sustaining Njavara production in lowlands under both submerged and saturated situations is N2S2 - FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + 30:30:30 kg NPK ha-1 (50 % N as organic + 50 % N as chemical fertilizer). This nutrient system realised highest grain yield, straw yield and net income.ThesisItem Open Access Standardization of organic nutrient regimes for Anthurium (Anthurium andreanum Lind.) cultivars.(Department of Pomology and Floriculture,College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2011) Jomy, Jacob; KAU; Sabina George, TAnthurium andreanum Lind. is cultivated globally for its attractive flowers and foliage. Kerala is identified as one of the most suitable places for growing Anthuriums because of the congenial climatic conditions similar to its natural habitat. For the nutrition of Anthuriums, standardization of eco-friendly organic manures is a felt need of growers. Though several organic nutrient dosages and an integrated nutrient dosage have been found promising for juvenile to mature tissue cultured plants of the Anthurium, these differed in their content of nutrients, constituent organic-inorganic fractions, components and their frequency of application. Refinement of these dosages and formulation of modified organic nutrient regimes consisting of easily available and eco friendly cost effective organic materials were intended in this investigation. Thus, an investigation was conducted at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani of the Kerala Agricultural University during 2009-2011 for a period of 18 months. The experiment was in CRD with 12 treatment combinations of 2 cultivars ( Anthurium andreanum cv. Acropolis and cv. Tropical) and 6 nutrient regimes The nutrient supplied under N1 to N4 was 2.15: 1.47: 2.37 N:P2O5:K2O g plant-1 (total per bimonth), and under N5 and N6 was 2.41:4.73:1.89 N:P2O5:K2O g plant-1 (total per bimonth)]. All the treatments were given weekly application of cow dung slurry 0.83 g/ plant. N1 comprised of organic manure mix 12.4 g plant-1 applied weekly (containing coir pith compost, bone meal, neem cake and wood ash) + Cow’s urine 8 ml/plant weekly. Modified organic manure mix 25.96 g plant-1 (containing wood ash, cow dung and bone meal) applied weekly for N2, 51.925 g plant-1 applied biweekly for N3, 103.85 g plant-1 applied monthly for (N4). N5 comprised of organic manure mix 40 g plant-1applied bimonthly (containing leaf compost, coir pith compost, bone meal, neem cake, poultry manure and wood ash) +NPK Fertilizer (18:18:18) @1 g plant-1 weekly. N6 comprised of organic manure mix 40 g plant-1 applied bimonthly (containing leaf compost, coir pith compost, bone meal, neem cake, poultry manure and wood ash) + Organic manure mix (containing cow dung, leaf compost, bone meal, and wood ash ) applied weekly. The first experiment was aimed at standardizing organic nutrient regimes for flower production from top cuttings in Anthurium andreanum cv. Acropolis and cv. Tropical. Vegetative characters such as the total number of newly emerged leaves upto 6, 12 and 18 MAP, annual leaf production, total leaf area at 6, 12 and 18 MAP, mean petiole length at 6, 12 and 18 MAP, mean phyllochron, days from emergence to senescence of leaves, rate of sucker production were found to differ significantly among manurial treatments. A comparative enhancement in vegetative characters such as number of leaves, leaf area, petiole length, annual leaf production and leaf duration, and lesser interval between leaf emergence were observed in plants under N2, N3, N4 and N6. These treatments also recorded greater number of flowers as well as annual flower production per plant, shorter mean interval between flower emergence and lesser days to harvestable maturity of flowers than organic treatment with cows urine weekly (N1) and organic inorganic integrated regime (N5). The manurial treatments of modified organic treatment applied biweekly (N3), monthly (N4) and organic treatment with manure mix bimonthly (N6) increased the length and width of the spathe, greater girth of flower stalk. The vase life of flower were found greater under modified organic treatment weekly (N2), biweekly (N3) and organic treatment with cows urine weekly (N1). Similarly, water uptake was higher in plants treated with modified organic treatment applied biweekly and weekly than under organic inorganic integrated regime. The organic inorganic integrated regime was found to effect in higher N and P content of leaves than all other treatments. Higher K content of leaves was recorded under N3 regime. The second experiment was aimed at standardization of nutrient regime(s) for sucker production and subsequent flower production from basal stem stumps in Anthurium andreanum cv. Acropolis and cv. Tropical. Modified organic treatment applied weekly (N2), biweekly (N3) and monthly (N4) recorded greater total leaf area of shoots from 3 MAP until separation, number and length of roots at separation, total length of suckers and number of leaves at retention and thereafter, lesser interval between leaf emergence and greater longevity of leaves and greater petiole length at 18 MAP, length, number of leaves and mean petiole length of retained suckers at 18 MAP, earlier and greater flower production. Modified organic treatment applied biweekly (N3) also recorded higher total number of suckers and rate of sucker production. Cultivar differences in vegetative and floral characters were found to be distinct in both experiments. In the planted basal stumps of experiment 2, sprouting and sucker development was observed. However, earlier sprouting and development of sprouts into shoots was observed in cv. Tropical than in Acropolis. In Experiment 1, though the treatments N2, N3 and N4 had equal effects on leaf production, total leaf area, flower production and shorter interval between flower emergence, in economic analysis, the treatment expenditure increasing from N4 to N2 can be a limiting factor determining their relative feasibility. The advantages in suckering observed in these cultivars in experiment 2, resulted in greater net value realization of cv. Acropolis under modified organic treatment applied biweekly (N3) and monthly (N4) and in cv. Tropical under modified organic treatment applied biweekly (N3).
