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Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur
The history of agricultural education in Kerala can be traced back to the year 1896 when a scheme was evolved in the erstwhile Travancore State to train a few young men in scientific agriculture at the Demonstration Farm, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, presently, the Cropping Systems Research Centre under Kerala Agricultural University. Agriculture was introduced as an optional subject in the middle school classes in the State in 1922 when an Agricultural Middle School was started at Aluva, Ernakulam District. The popularity and usefulness of this school led to the starting of similar institutions at Kottarakkara and Konni in 1928 and 1931 respectively.
Agriculture was later introduced as an optional subject for Intermediate Course in 1953. In 1955, the erstwhile Government of Travancore-Cochin started the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Mannuthy, Thrissur for imparting higher education in agricultural and veterinary sciences, respectively. These institutions were brought under the direct administrative control of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Husbandry, respectively. With the formation of Kerala State in 1956, these two colleges were affiliated to the University of Kerala. The post-graduate programmes leading to M.Sc. (Ag), M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees were started in 1961, 1962 and 1965 respectively.
On the recommendation of the Second National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, the then Chairman of the University Grants Commission, one Agricultural University in each State was established. The State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) were established in India as an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System to give the much needed impetus to Agriculture Education and Research in the Country. As a result the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was established on 24th February 1971 by virtue of the Act 33 of 1971 and started functioning on 1st February 1972. The Kerala Agricultural University is the 15th in the series of the SAUs.
In accordance with the provisions of KAU Act of 1971, the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were brought under the Kerala Agricultural University. In addition, twenty one agricultural and animal husbandry research stations were also transferred to the KAU for taking up research and extension programmes on various crops, animals, birds, etc.
During 2011, Kerala Agricultural University was trifurcated into Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU).
Now the University has seven colleges (four Agriculture, one Agricultural Engineering, one Forestry, one Co-operation Banking & Management), six RARSs, seven KVKs, 15 Research Stations and 16 Research and Extension Units under the faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Forestry. In addition, one Academy on Climate Change Adaptation and one Institute of Agricultural Technology offering M.Sc. (Integrated) Climate Change Adaptation and Diploma in Agricultural Sciences respectively are also functioning in Kerala Agricultural University.
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ThesisItem Open Access Mild storage invigoration with nanoparticles in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)(Department of seed science and technology, College of Agriculture,Vellanikkara, 2023-11-17) Gagana, G; Dijee ,Bastian; KAUThe entitled "Mid storage seed invigoration with nanoparticles in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)" was carried out in the Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during the year 2022-2023. The study aimed to assess the effect of nanoparticles on crop performance, seed yield, quality and longevity when administered as midterm storage treatment. The initial quality assessment of the six-month-old seeds was carried out at the beginning of the experiment. Seeds exhibited an initial germination of 67.37%, with seedling shoot and root length with value of 4.68 cm and 6.81 cm, respectively and seedling dry weight of 24.1mg. The vigour index-I and II were calculated as 774 and 1595 respectively. The electrical conductivity of the seed leachate and initial moisture content were 192.33 μS cm-1 and 7.53 % respectively, and the seed microflora was observed to be 47.15per cent (blotter method) and 53.30 % (agar plate method). The seeds were imposed with different treatments of nano zinc oxide (300, 400, 500, 600, and 700mg of nano ZnO) and 500 mg nanosized custard leaf powder per kilogram of seed. The six treatments along with untreated control formed the basis of the study. The quality parameters of treated seeds were studied and significant variation was noticed among treatments. Seeds treated with 700 mg of nano zinc oxide per kilogram of seed recorded significantly higher seed germination (73.31%) and enhanced seedling vigor indices (945, 1771). Mid storage treatment could enhance the germination and vigour of seeds. The treatments along with control (seven treatments) were raised in a randomized block design with three replications. Observations on growth and yield parameters were recorded at appropriate growth stages in the tagged plants. While all nanoparticles treated seeds performed better than control (untreated seeds) treatments. Seed treatment with nano ZnO @ 700 mg kg-1 of seed (T6) performed superior for plant height (80.40 cm), days to 50% flowering, (82.67 days), fruit length (5.55 cm), 100 seed weight (g). Treatment with nano ZnO @ 600 mg kg-1 of seed (T5) was effective in improving branches per plant (5.80), fruits per plant (112.57), fruit weight at maturity (2.31g), fruit yield per plant (478.73g), seeds per fruit (61.50), seed yield per plant (25.76g) and 100 seed weight (0.433g). Significant effects were recorded when seeds were treated with nanoThesisItem Open Access Biomineral enriched composts (BOKASHI) - a tool for enhancing nutrient availability and enzyme activity in Rhizosphere(Department of soil science and agricultural chemistry, college of agriculture, Vellayani, 2023-08-05) Shilpa, S.; KAU; Aprna, BBiomineral enriched composts (Bokashi) – A tool for enhancing nutrient availability and enzyme activity in rhizosphere The study entitled “Biomineral enriched composts (Bokashi) – A tool for enhancing nutrient availability and enzyme activity in rhizosphere” was carried out during 2020-22 in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. The objective of the study was the production and evaluation of biomineral enriched composts for enhanced nutrient availability, yield of test crop (Bhindi) and enzyme activity in the rhizosphere. The study comprised of three parts viz., production and characterization of biomineral (Bokashi) composts from different organic sources, soil incubation study for evaluating the nutrient release pattern and field experiment for evaluating the performance of the biomineral enriched (Bokashi) compost. Bokashi composts were prepared from two substrates S1 (Aquatic weed Limnocharis flava) and S2 (Aquatic weed Limnocharis flava and banana pseudostem in 1:1 ratio). The substrates were allowed to ferment anaerobically using EM solution and the matured composts were enriched with three minerals like M1 (Calcium apatite), M2 (Epsom salt) and M3 (Sylvinite) at 2% rate in different combinations. The design followed was Completely Randomized Design with 14 treatments replicated thrice. The treatment combinations were T1 – Bokashi compost prepared from L.flava enriched with calcium apatite, T2 - Bokashi compost prepared from L.flava enriched with epsom salt, T3- Bokashi compost prepared from L.flava enriched with sylvinite, T4 –Bokashi compost prepared from 1:1 mixture of L.flava and banana pseudostem enriched with calcium apatite, T5 - Bokashi compost prepared from 1:1 mixture of L.flava and banana pseudostem enriched with epsom salt, T6 - Bokashi compost prepared from 1:1 mixture of L.flava and banana pseudostem enriched with sylvinite, T7- Bokashi compost prepared from L.flava enriched with calcium apatite and epsom salt, T8 - Bokashi compost prepared from L.flava enriched with epsom salt and sylvinite, T9 - Bokashi compost prepared from L.flava enriched with calcium apatite and sylvinite, T10 - Bokashi compost prepared from 1:1 mixture of L.flava and banana pseudostem enriched with calcium apatite and epsom salt, T11 - Bokashi compost prepared from 1:1 mixture of L.flava and banana pseudostem enriched with epsom salt and sylvinite, T12 - Bokashi compost prepared from 1:1 mixture of L.flava and banana pseudostem enriched with calcium apatite and sylvinite , T13 – Bokashi compost prepared from L.flava enriched with calcium apatite, epsom salt and sylvinite and T14 - Bokashi compost prepared from 1:1 mixture of L.flava and banana pseudostem enriched with calcium apatite, epsom salt and sylvinite. To all the treatments (T1 – T4) zeolite was added at a rate of 0.5%. The physico-chemical and biological properties of the produced composts were subjected to analysis. Based on the analysed parameters like major and minor nutrient, enzyme activity, C:N ratio, fertilizing index the best seven composts selected for incubation study and field experiment were T2, T7 , T10, T11, T12, T13 and T14. Among these T13 (Bokashi compost prepared from L.flava enriched with calcium apatite, epsom salt and sylvinite) was selected as the best compost with the highest values of nitrogen, phosphorous, micro nutrients and enzyme activity while the lowest value of C:N ratio was also reported by T13. In part 2 of the study a soil incubation was carried out to investigate the nutrient release pattern of selected composts. The design followed is CRD with 8 treatments which was replicated thrice. One kg soil was incubated at field capacity for four months. The treatments were T1 - Absolute control, T2 to T8 - selected best seven composts. The treatments were imposed at surface of the soil at 20 g kg-1 and thoroughly mixed. Soil sample was drawn at 1st, 4th, 8th, 12th and 16th week of incubation and analysed for organic carbon, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, dehydrogenase and cellulase activity. From the study, it was observed that nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, sulphur, iron, copper, organic carbon and enzyme activity were found to be maximum at the 4th week of incubation. Zinc content was observed to be maximum during 12th week of incubation while magnesium content was highest during 16th week of incubation. Manganese availability was maximum during 8th week of incubation. In part 3 of the study a field experiment was conducted from February – May 2022 with Bhindi (var. Anjitha) as the main crop and Amaranthus (var. Arun) as the residual crop. In the field experiment 9 treatments were imposed viz. T1 - Absolute control, T2 to T8 – selected best seven composts and T9¬ - KAU POP recommendation. Analysis of postharvest soil for chemical properties revealed that the highest value of organic carbon (1.14 %) and nitrogen (319.86 kg ha-1) was recorded for T7. The highest value for available phosphorous (91.65 kg ha-1) was recorded for T8 which was on par with T6 (89.67 kg ha-1) and T7 (88.59 kg ha-1). The potassium content was found to be the highest for T6 (273.91 kg ha-1) which was on par with T8 (270.60 kg ha-1). T7 recorded the highest values of iron (48.54 mg kg-1), zinc (4.79 mg kg-1), copper (1.88 mg kg-1) and boron (0.832 mg kg-1). While manganese (25.62 mg kg-1) was reported to be the highest with regard to T8. The highest value of cellulase activity was recorded by T7 (45.53 µg glucose hydrolysed g-1 soil h-1) while T8 recorded the highest value of dehydrogenase activity (302.68 µg of TPF hydrolysed g-1 of soil 24 h-1). Analysis of rhizosphere soil showed the highest value of microbial biomass carbon (91.14 mg kg-1 soil), glomalin (14.27 mg g-1), humic acid (9.21 %), fulvic acid (9.98), fungi (5.52 log cfu g-1), actinomycetes (5.16 log cfu g-1) and soil respiration (4.17 mg CO2 g-1) for T7 while T8 recorded highest value for bacteria (7.90 log cfu g-1). T7 recorded the highest value for number of fruits per plant (30.67) which was on par with T5, T6, and T8. Fruit girth was found to be the highest for T7 (5.06 cm) which was on par with T6, T8 and T9. T7 also recorded the highest value for fruit length (23.81 cm), yield per plant (570.42 g) and total yield (21.05 t ha-1). The highest B: C ratio (2.26) was reported by T7. The highest yield of amaranthus (130.23 kg ha-1) was recorded for T7. From the study, T13 (Bokashi compost prepared from L.flava enriched with calcium apatite, epsom salt and sylvinite) was concluded as the best compost. T7 (Bokashi compost prepared from L. flava enriched with calcium apatite, epsom salt and sylvinite) and T8 (Bokashi compost prepared from the 1:1 mixture of L.flava and banana pseudostem enriched with calcium apatite, epsom salt and sylvinite) recorded the highest values for the available nutrient status during incubation period like nitrogen, phosphorous, magnesium, sulphur, iron, manganese, zinc, copper, organic carbon and enzyme activity. Considering both the soil parameters and yield parameters T7 (Bokashi compost prepared from L. flava enriched with calcium apatite, epsom salt and sylvinite) was recorded as the best treatment.ThesisItem Open Access Carrier based slow release fertilizer formulations for sustained nutrient release and enhanced crop production(Department of soil science and agricultural chemistry, Vellayani, 2023-08-10) Farha, M K.; KAU; Gladis, RThe study entitled “Carrier based slow release fertilizer formulations for sustained nutrient release and enhanced crop production” was conducted at the Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the year 2022. In this study slow release fertilizer formulations were prepared, characterized and investigated for its nutrient release characteristics through leaching experiment with soil column and incubation study. Based on the stability and sustained release of nutrients throughout the leaching and incubation study, best formulations were selected and evaluated. A pot culture experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design replicated thrice using chilli variety Vellayani Athulya as test crop and evaluated the effect of slow release fertilizer formulations on nutrient availability, uptake, use efficiency, yield and quality of chilli. Carrier based slow release fertilizer formulations containing major, secondary and micro nutrients were prepared using compatible fertilizer sources (urea, rajphos, muriate of potash, phosphogypsum, magnesium sulphate, zinc sulphate and borax), carrier materials (zeolite, humic acid, charcoal, chitosan and nano zeolite) and binding/stabilizing agent carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC). The slow release fertilizer pellets prepared were, T1 - Fertilizer mix: Zeolite+ CMC (1:1), T2 - Fertilizer mix: Zeolite+ CMC (1:0.5), T3 - Fertilizer mix: humic acid+ CMC (1:1), T4 - Fertilizer mix: humic acid+ CMC (1:0.5), T5 - Fertilizer mix: charcoal+ CMC (1:1), T6 - Fertilizer mix: charcoal+ CMC (1:0.5), T7 - Fertilizer mix: chitosan+ CMC (1:1), T8 - Fertilizer mix: chitosan+ CMC (1:0.5), T9 - Fertilizer mix: nano zeolite+ CMC (1:1), T10- Fertilizer mix: nano zeolite+ CMC (1:0.5). The pellets prepared were found to be stable, disintegration time 9-13 hours, moisture 5.75- 8.68 %, pH 6.37- 6.90, EC 17.25- 23.17 dSm-1 , bulk density 0.5-0.58 Mg m-3 and weight 4.0- 4.5 g. They contained 8.21 to 9.02 % nitrogen, 5.36 to 5.76 % phosphorus, 3.0 to 3.50% potassium, 5.40 to 5.68 % calcium, 2.01 to 2.86 % magnesium, 4.10 to 5.30 % sulphur , 1.2 to 1.6 % zinc and 0.17 to 0.23 % boron. A soil column experiment was conducted for two weeks to study the nutrient leaching and to confirm the slow release tendency of formulations. The results showed a gradual increase in the release of nutrients from 2 to 14 days of leachate collected from slow release formulations while, fertilizer mix alone showed increasing trend initially and later decreased. A laboratory incubation study was carried out to investigate the nutrient release patterns of the formulations after addition to soil. The results revealed that the pH of soil remained acidic (5.30- 6.17) throughout the incubation period and the EC was found to be increasing from 0.11- 1.45 dSm-1 . The release of nutrients in soil was found to be increasing gradually from 0 to 90 days of incubation with maximum concentration was observed on 90th day for all the nutrients. Based on the stability of pellets and the release of nutrients throughout the leaching and incubation experiment three promising formulations were selected for the pot culture experiment. They were, T2 (FM: Z+CMC 1:0.5), T4 (FM:HA+CMC 1:0.5) and T5 (FM: CC+CMC 1:1) . The treatments of pot culture experiment were T1 -100% RDF as SRF 1 (FM: Z+ CMC -1:0.5) applied as basal,T2 -100% RDF as SRF 1 (FM: Z+ CMC -1:0.5) applied in two splits (basal & 1 MAP), T3 -75% RDF as SRF 1 (FM: Z+ CMC -1:0.5) applied as basal, T4 -75% RDF as SRF 1 (FM: Z+ CMC -1:0.5) applied in two splits (basal & 1 MAP), T5 -100% RDF as SRF 2 (FM: HA+ CMC -1:0.5) appliedas basal, T6 -100% RDF as SRF 2 (FM: HA+ CMC -1:0.5) applied in two splits (basal & 1 MAP), T7-75% RDF as SRF 2 (FM: HA+ CMC -1:0.5) applied as basal, T8 -75% RDF as SRF 2 (FM: HA+ CMC -1:0.5) applied in two splits (basal & 1 MAP), T9-100% RDF as SRF 3 (FM: CHAR+ CMC -1:1) applied as basal, T10-100% RDF as SRF 3 (FM: CHAR+ CMC -1:1) applied in two splits (basal & 1 MAP), T11-75% RDF as SRF 3 (FM: CHAR+ CMC -1:1) applied as basal, T12-75% RDF as SRF 3 (FM: CHAR+ CMC -1:1) applied in two splits (basal & 1 MAP), T13-Soil test based POP recommendation, T14- Control (No fertilizers). The analysis of post harvest soil showed the highest content of available N (320.8 kgha-1 ), P (87.15 kgha-1 ), K (214.3 kgha-1 ), Ca (351.1 mg kg-1 ), Mg (106.5 mg kg-1 ), S (9.32 mg kg-1 ), Zn (4.25 mg kg-1 ) and B (0.46 mg kg-1 ) in T8 receiving 75% RDF as SRF 2 (FM: HA+ CMC -1:0.5) applied in two splits (basal & 1 MAP). With regard to nutrient content and uptake, the treatment T8 registered the highest value. The growth and yield parameters like plant height (56.52 cm), number of branches per plant (9.5), number of fruits per plant (56.70), fruit length (13.44 cm), fruit girth (6.89 cm), fruit weight (11.03), fruit yield (581.2g plant -1 ) and total dry matter production (89.07 g) were found to be the highest in T8. Quality parameters of chilli such as ascorbic acid and capsaicin content were also found to be the highest in T8.The fertilizer use efficiency, agronomic efficiency, apparent recovery of major nutrients and partial factor productivity were found to be the highest recorded in treatment T8.The highest B:C ratio of 2.41 was recorded by treatment T8. Slow release fertilizer formulations containing macro and micro nutrients can be prepared using compatible fertilizer materials (urea, rajphos, MOP, phosphogypsum, magnesium sulphate, zinc sulphate and borax), carrier agents(zeolite, humic acid, charcoal, chitosan and nanozeolite) and binding agent (CMC). The slow release fertilizer pellets were found to be superior with respect to stability, disintegration time, nutrient content and release of nutrients. From the results it can be concluded that the slow release fertilizer formulations containing fertilizer mix: humic acid+ CMC in the ratio of 1:0.5 applied at 75% RDF in two splits as basal & 1 MAP was able to significantly increase the yield, uptake of nutrients, NUE, B:C ratio and quality of chilliThesisItem Open Access Molecular characterization of promising isolates of trichoderma spp. and their field evaluation against fusarium wilt of vegetable cowpea(Department of plant pathology, college of agriculture,Vellayani, 2023-08-07) Jeevidha, M; KAU; Sible, George VargheseThe present study entitled “Molecular characterization of promising isolates of Trichoderma spp. and their field evaluation against Fusarium wilt of vegetable cowpea” was conducted at the Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2020-2022. The study aimed at molecular characterization of potential Trichoderma isolates and their evaluation against Fusarium wilt of vegetable cowpea under field conditions. Five potent isolates of Trichoderma viz., TRMW-2, TRKR-2, TRPN-3, TRPN-11 and TRPN-17 were obtained from the previous study. The analysis of Trichoderma isolates for cell wall degrading enzymes like chitinase, protease and lipase revealed that TRPN-17 recorded the highest chitinase activity of 88.38 U ml-1 . Protease activity was found to be higher in TRPN-11 (165.86 U ml-1 ) whereas highest lipase activity was exhibited by TRPN-3 (4.86 U ml-1 ). The compatibility test among the five isolates showed that all the combinations exhibited antibiosis, lysis and overgrowth except the isolates TRPN-3 and TRPN-11 which displayed only overgrowth. A mild level of antibiosis and overgrowth was observed in the combination of the isolates TRKR-2 and TRPN-17. Assessment of competitive saprophytic ability of the Trichoderma isolates showed that per cent colonization of TRKR-2 was found to be higher (67.50 %) than other isolates and was followed by TRPN-3 and TRPN-17 (56.25 %) with no significant difference among all five isolates. In vitro screening of Trichoderma isolates by dual culture technique revealed that the per cent inhibition of TRPN-17 (63.71 %) was found to be higher, followed by TRKR-2 (58.76 %) and TRPN-3 (58.21 %). Based on the in vitro studies the effective isolates TRKR-2, TRPN-17, TRPN-3, consortia of isolates TRKR-2 and TRPN-17 and consortia of isolates TRPN-3 and TRPN-17 were selected for the in vivo evaluation against Fusarium wilt of vegetable cowpea. Molecular characterization of the isolates were done using the primers for Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) regions 1 and 4. All the five isolates produced a single, intact amplicon of size 600 bp approximately. The nucleotide sequences of all the ITS PCR products obtained from the five isolates were confirmed through bidirectional sequencing using the Sangers DNA sequencing. The best match of the amplified sequences was obtained from the GenBank database using NCBI-BLAST and their phylogenetic positions were explored along with the referral sequences from BLAST analysis. The oligonucleotide set of genus-specific primer TvP was used for genus-specific PCR analysis and an amplicon of approximately 245 bp was obtained. The DNA barcoding of the amplicon confirmed the genus identity of all the isolates as Trichoderma. The species-specific identification tried with translational elongation factor- 1 (tef1) and RNA polymerase II (rpb2) gene specific primers did not yield any amplicon indicating that the isolates did not belong to the species T. virens, T. longibrachiatum, T. harzianum and T. asperellum. Application of talc-based formulations of the isolates TRKR-2, TRPN-3, KAU strain and consortium of TRPN-3 and TRPN-17 as seed treatment @ of 20 g kg-1 of seed followed by soil drenching @ 2 per cent at 20, 40 and 60 DAS effectively reduced the incidence of Fusarium wilt of vegetable cowpea in pot culture study. The application of isolate TRPN-3 produced highest pod number (19) in pot culture experiment and also yield per plant (369.57 g) on par with the yield per plant produced by consortia application of TRPN-3 and TRPN-17 (344.52 g). Under field conditions, the disease was most effectively reduced by isolates TRKR-2, TRPN-3, KAU strain and consortia of TRKR-2 and TRPN-17. Lengthy pods (48.16 cm) and highest number of seeds per pod (21.73) were recorded by the application of consortium of TRPN-3 and TRPN-17 whereas application of TRPN-3 resulted in highest yield (1172.63 g/plant), number of pods per plant (19) and reduced days of flowering. Enumeration of population of Trichoderma spp. from soil in different treatments at 90 DAS revealed that, highest population was in treatment with isolate TRPN 3 under pot culture (7 ×104 cfu g-1 ) and field conditions (4 ×104 cfu g-1 ) . In the present study, Trichoderma isolates TRKR-2, TRPN-3, and consortium of TRPN-3 and TRPN-17 were found effective against Fusarium wilt of vegetable cowpea under field conditions. The genus of the isolates under study was identified as Trichoderma. The efficacy of the isolates against other soil-borne diseases of vegetable cowpea and species level identification need to be exploredThesisItem Open Access Cataloguing and documentation of diseases of sympodial orchids in kerala(Department of plant pathology,Vellanikkara, 2023-07-15) Anjali, P; KAU; Deepa, JamesOrchids are valued for their exotic beauty and long vase life, making them one of the most popular cut flowers and ornamental plants worldwide. Currently, orchids hold sixth position among the top ten cut flowers in the world, among which, sympodial orchids rank higher in the export market. However, orchid cultivation is challenged by many biotic factors especially fungal, bacterial and viral diseases, which reduce production potential and economic value. Hence, the present study, ‘Cataloguing and documentation of diseases of sympodial orchids in Kerala’ was proposed with the objective to document various diseases affecting sympodial orchids in Kerala. A purposive sampling survey in orchid growing areas of three districts viz., Thrissur, Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram conducted revealed the incidence of leaf blight, leaf spot, wilt, black rot, soft rot, twig blight, petal blight and flower spot diseases in four different sympodial orchids such as Dendrobium spp., Cattleya spp., Oncidium spp. and Spathoglottis spp. Among the 49 diseased samples collected from eight different locations, 21 diseased samples were obtained from Dendrobium spp., 16 from Oncidium spp., six from Cattleya spp. and six from Spathoglottis spp. PDS and PDI were calculated for each symptom from Dendrobium spp., and the highest PDI and PDS were recorded for VY DLB (76.47 %) and MT DLB1 (36.67 %) respectively. In Cattleya spp. highest PDI and PDS were recorded for VY CLS (70.80 %) and VP CSR (48.5 %) respectively. In Cattleya spp. highest PDI and PDS were recorded for VY CLS (70.80 %) and VP CSR (48.5 %) respectively. In Oncidium spp., the highest PDI and PDS were recorded for VK OLS1 with 76.92 per cent and 46.90 per cent respectively. In Spathoglottis spp., highest PDI (48.0 %) and PDS (29.79 %) were recorded for MT SLB1. From the PDS and PDI data, it was found that, leaf blight symptoms were more common and severe in Dendrobium spp. whereas leaf spot symptoms were more severe in Oncidium spp. In Cattleya spp., leaf spot symptoms were most frequently noticed, and soft rot symptom showed highest disease severity. In Spathoglottis spp., leaf blight symptoms were most frequent and severe. PDS and PDI values were correlated with light intensity at different survey locations, and a negative correlation was observed. Isolation of pathogens from diseased samples yielded 52 fungal isolates and one bacterial isolate from different sympodial orchids. A total of 21 fungal isolates were obtained from Dendrobium spp.,18 fungal isolates from Oncidium spp., five fungal isolates and one bacterial isolate from Cattleya spp. and nine fungal isolates from Spathoglottis spp. All the isolates showed different symptoms upon artificial inoculation and these isolates could be reisolated and confirmed as pathogens. The pathogens were identified at generic level based on cultural and morphological characteristics. Different fungal isolates, such as Fusarium spp. (9 nos.), Colletotrichum spp. (6 nos.), Alternaria spp. (2 nos.), Sclerotium spp. (2 nos.), Phytophthora sp. (1 no.) and Curvularia sp. (1 no.) were obtained from various symptoms collected from Dendrobium spp. The pathogens isolated from Oncidium spp. were Colletotrichum spp. (11 nos.), Diplodia sp. (1 no.), Diaporthe sp. (1 no.), Pestalotia sp. (1 no.), Alternaria sp. (2 nos.), Phytophthora sp. (1 no.) and Fusarium sp. (1 no.). Fungal isolates such as Colletotrichum spp. (2 nos.), Fusarium sp. (1 no.), Lasiodiplodia sp. (1 no.), and a bacterial isolate, Pectobacterium sp. were isolated from Cattleya spp, and Colletotrichum spp. (7 nos.), Fusarium sp. (1 no.) and an unidentified fungal culture were obtained from Spathoglottis spp. Molecular characterisation of major pathogens from Dendrobium spp., Oncidium spp., Cattleya spp. and Spathoglottis spp. was done for species level identification. Leaf blight pathogens, VL DF1, VY DF, IK DF1 and MT DF1 were identified as Colletotrichum boninense, Fusarium proliferatum, Fusarium oxysporum and Sclerotium rolfsii respectively, and the leaf spot pathogen, VP DF1 was identified as Alternaria alternata. The leaf spot pathogens, VK OF3 and IK OF1 from Oncidium were identified as Colletotrichum sp. and Diaporthe tulliensis respectively. The isolate, VY CF2 causing leaf spot disease in Cattleya was identified as Lasiodiplodia theobromae and the fungus MT SF1, causing leaf blight symptom in Spathoglottis was identified as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The bacteria (VP CB) causing soft rot symptom in Cattleya was identified as Pectobacterium aroidearum. In vitro studies were carried out using chemicals and biocontrol agents against seven fungal pathogens and one bacterial pathogen. Based on the data, hexaconazole was the most effective among the systemic fungicides, which showed 100 per cent inhibition of Colletotrichum boninense (VT DF1), Fusarium proliferatum (VY DF), Sclerotium rolfsii (MT DF1), Alternaria alternata (VP DF1) and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (MT SF1) at all three doses. The fungicide also showed 100 per cent inhibition of Lasiodiplodia theobromae (VY CF2) at higher dose, while it was least effective (38.33-79.58 %) against Colletotrichum sp. (VK OF3). Bordeaux mixture (1 %) was found to be the most effective contact fungicide, which showed complete inhibition of all pathogens under study except Alternaria alternata (76.25 %). Among two combination fungicides evaluated, carbendazim 12 % + mancozeb 63 % could inhibit all fungal pathogens except Alternaria alternata (52.91 to 65 %). Among the chemicals evaluated against Pectobacterium aroidearum, copper hydroxide showed a maximum per cent inhibition (25.92 %) followed by 1 % Bordeaux mixture (15.5 %) while streptocycline showed per cent inhibition ranging from 0-16.67 per cent. Among the biocontrol agents evaluated, PGPM showed maximum inhibition per cent against the fungal pathogens (60.41-100 %) followed by PGPR-II (50.41-100 %) and Trichoderma asperellum (20.41-91.16 %), while Pseudomonas fluorescens was found to be least effective. In the case of Pectobacterium aroidearum, no inhibition was found when evaluated with P. fluorescens, PGPR-II and PGPM. However, Trichoderma asperellum exhibited a lower inhibition percentage (26.67 %) against the bacterial pathogen. Bioassay studies revealed that carbendazim 12 % + mancozeb 63 % was highly effective against Colletotrichum boninense (VT DF1), followed by Fusarium proliferatum (VY DF), S. rolfsii (MT DF1) and Colletotrichum sp. (VK OF3), whereas the fungicide was found least effective in controlling Lasiodiplodia theobromae (VY CF2) under in planta condition. Hence the study has thrown light upon the diseases affecting sympodial orchids in Kerala and disease management by chemicals and biocontrol agents under in vitro condition.ThesisItem Open Access Lease land farming for sustainable livelihood by women collectives in Thrissur district(Department of Agricultural Extension Education, College of Agriculture,Vellanikkara, 2023-03-16) Swapna, Thomas; Mercykutty, M J; KAULand is considered as the most valuable fixed asset in all economies and more so in agrarian and developing economies like India where it holds a symbol of both status and sustenance. The average size of operational land holding in India has been reduced very drastically over the years from 2.28 Ha in the 1970-71 to 1.08 Ha in 2015- 16 (GOI,2016). The scenario in Kerala is also similar and average operational landholding is 0.18 Ha (Economic review,2021). The land crisis in the agrarian sector is leading to rising number of small and marginal farmers. Kerala, being a consumer state has to depend on its neighbours for food imports. In Kerala, leasing of land is permitted for members of SHGs for improving the livelihood and earnings of the farm families. Collective farming by women is an initiative introduced by Kudumbashree to encourage cultivation among neighbourhood groups. It not only contributes significant changes in the lives of the poor but also helps to increase agricultural production by bringing fallow and cultivable waste land into agricultural use. The study was undertaken to examine the impact of lease land farming on livelihood security of women farmers. Profile characteristics of women farmers and their influence on group dynamics were analysed. Factors affecting lease land farming and the challenges faced by women collectives were also explored. The present study was conducted in Thrissur district. Ex post facto research design was used. Two blocks were randomly selected where each block representing more area under banana and vegetable cultivation in leased land. From these selected blocks of Kodakara and Ollukkara, two panchayats each were randomly selected. From Kodakara block, Mattathur and Kodakara, whereas from Ollukkara block, Nadathara and Puthur panchayats respectively. From these two blocks, fifteen women joint liability groups were selected randomly, comprising 60 women farmers each who cultivate banana and vegetables under leased land. Thus, the total sample comprised of 120 women farmers. Another respondents of 30 facilitators were also randomly selected. Thus, the total sample included 150 respondents comprising 120 women farmers and 30 facilitators. The data were collected with the help of a semi structured pre tested interview schedule. Perceived impact of lease land farming of women farmers showed that 49.17 per cent were under medium followed by 28.33 per cent under high and 22.5 per cent in low categories. This indicated that women farmers were of the opinion that lease land farming had a positive impact on their livelihood security. Regarding facilitators 26.67 percent belonged to medium category while 36.67 percent each were under low and high categories of perceived impact. Comparison of perceived impact score employing Mann Whitney U test revealed that there was a significant difference among banana and vegetable farmers at 0.05 level. The Livelihood Security Index (LSI) developed by Argade (2014) was used with modifications to compute livelihood security of the farmers. Livelihood security analysis showed that 40% of both banana and vegetable farmers possessed medium level. Comparison of LSI of vegetable and banana farmers was done using independent sample t test and it showed that there was significant difference among the respondent categories where the mean index of banana farmers (0.70) was higher than vegetable farmers (0.47). The group dynamics among the JLG members were assessed using the group dynamics effectiveness index (GDEI). Regarding group dynamics effectiveness index, 46.67% of respondents were under medium category followed by 29.17% and 24.17% under high and low categories respectively. Comparison of group dynamics effectiveness index (GDEI) of vegetable and banana farmers showed that there was significant difference among the respondent categories where the mean index of vegetable farmers (57.84) being higher.Spearman's rank correlation between group dynamics effectiveness index and profile characteristics of women farmers revealed that age, education, annual income, trainings received , occupation, social participation, extension agency contact and innovativeness were having positive significant relationship. With respect to the factors affecting lease land farming, binary logistic regression revealed that group dynamics effectiveness, economic motivation, social participation, extension agency contact, and achievement motivation were significant. Garret ranking was employed to explore the challenges faced by women collectives and were categorised under four aspects ie, lease land related, group related, technical and supplies and services. Among lease land related challenges, non-legalized status was ranked as most serious challenge. With regard to group related challenges, absenteeism of members was ranked first. Improper maintenance of records on farm expenses and price fluctuations were identified under technical and supply challenges respectively. In a nutshell, the lease land farming of women collectives has augmented livelihood security of women farmers. It is suggested that policy for legalization of land leasing for agricultural purpose should be reformed so as to promote fallow land farming.ThesisItem Open Access Development of technology for preparation of soft cheese (Paneer) from jackfruit seed milk(Department of community science, vellayani, 2023-09-29) Fathima,Sanam; KAU; Krishnaja, UThe study entitled “Development of Technology for Preparation of Soft Cheese (Paneer) from Jackfruit Seed Milk” was conducted at the department of Community Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during the period 2020-2023. The objective of the study was to develop a dairy analogue using jackfruit seed milk and to evaluate its quality and sensory attributes. Seeds from jackfruit cultivars Varikka and Koozha with two maturity indices (m1) fully ripe, (m2) fully matured, were selected for the study. The jackfruit seeds were manually peeled off using a stainless-steel knife. Seeds were soaked in different soaking media such as (s1) water, (s2) 2% sodium bicarbonate, (s3) 3% sodium hydroxide, (s4) 2% salt water Treatments: 2x2x4 =16, Replication: 3. The seeds from both varieties were cleaned and white arils was peeled off for further processing. The two varieties of seeds with different maturity indices were undergone two heat treatments (h1) steaming, (h2) pressure cooking. Treatments: 2x3= 8, Replication: 3 The extraction of jackfruit seed milk was done by washing and weighing the Pre-processed jackfruit seeds and blend with water (ratio 1:1.5 w/v). The blended mixture was then filtered through cheese cloth into a glass jar, the extracted jackfruit seed milk was stored in refrigerator at 4°C. The screening of the jackfruit seed milk obtained from the 24 treatments were tested for yield ratio, sensory attributes and curd setting properties. The soaking time was standardised to 24 hours. The heat treatments (steaming and pressure cooking) were standardised at 100°C for 20 minutes. Functional characters like yield ratio, sensory attributes, curd setting of the samples were examined. After statistical analysis of sensory evaluation, yield ratio and curd setting properties of the 24 samples varikka fully ripe soaked in water (v1m1s1) with no heat treatments was chosen as the best milk for the preparation of paneer. For the preparation of paneer four combinations of milk was extracted (f1) jackfruit seed milk (100%), (f2) jackfruit seed milk (50%) + groundnut milk (50%), (f3) jackfruit seed milk (50%) + soymilk (50%) and (f4) jackfruit seed milk (50%) + soymilk (25%) + groundnut milk (25%) and selection of coagulum for paneer preparation was done. (c1) vinegar, (c2) lemon juice and (c3) 10% citric acid, these combinations were tested for yield ratio sensory evaluation and coagulation. (c1) vinegar had the highest coagulation among the 3 coagulants. jackfruit seed milk (50%) + soy milk (50%) was selected as the best combination for the preparation of paneer. The preparation of paneer was done by soaking and blending the selected combination and straining it through cheese cloth, extracted milk was coagulated using vinegar and the coagulated mass was collected by keeping weight, the collected paneer was cut into 7-6-inch pieces and immersed in cold water, the paneer was then wrapped in butter paper and stored in polyethylene pouches and refrigerated at ambient temperature. The quality analysis of the paneer show (9.1g/100g) protein, crude fiber (2.38 %), carbohydrate (1.8 mg/100g), calcium (132.40 g/100mg), fat (3.4 g/100g) moisture content (8.75%) and total solid content (12.17±1.3%) the total bacterial count, total fungal count, total coliform count was accessed using microbiological methods. The presence of bacterial colonies, fungal growth and coliforms was not observed in the initial stage (TLTC) but after one-week bacterial count (43x106), fungal count (42x107) and coliform count (36x102) was detected. The preparation of the jackfruit seed milk + soy milk paneer is convenient to prepare, nutritious and will becomes more in demand as a diary alternative once introduced to the market therefore jackfruit seed milk paneer is a great choice as a dairy analogue without preservatives and harmful chemicals to target broader consumer base.ThesisItem Open Access Biochemical response of okra to bhendi yellow vein mosaic virus and production of virus free plants(Department of plant pathology,Vellayani, 2023-11-14) Swetha, B Nair.; KAU; Ayisha, R; KAUThe research entitled ‘Biochemical response of okra to Bhendi Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus and production of virus free plants’ was undertaken at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during the years 2021 to 2023 with the objective of host pathogen interaction of Bhendi yellow vein mosaic virus (BYVMV)infecting okra, screening of different genotypes of okra cultivars for disease resistance and production of virus free plants using meristem culture. Purposive sampling survey was done and samples were collected from AEU8 and AEU 10. The disease incidence of virus infected okra plants in surveyed locations ranged from 37 to 100 %. And vulnerability index varied from 23.40 to 85.20. Highest V. I. was observed in Arka Anamika (85.2) followed by varieties, Varsha Uphar(80) and Anakomban (83.53). The okra variety, Anjitha, recorded lowest disease incidence of 37.20 per cent and vulnerability index of 23.40. Disease incidence was observed to be high at the flowering and fruiting stage. The virus causing BYVMD was serologically detected using ELISA and DIBA and found that BYVMV isolate have close relationship with tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus. The molecular detection of virus was done using PCR and an expected amplicon of size 520 bp was obtained using Deng primer. The BLAST analysis of the sequence of amplicon from okra with vein clearing symptom and enation symptom showed 96.27 % and 96.67 % similarity with DNA-A segment of bhendi yellow vein mosaic virus isolate. Out of 286seeds collected from infected plants seeds sown, only 57.14 % germination was observed. None of the seedlings established symptoms till flowering stage. Molecular analysis of random samples taken from asymptomatic leaves of grow out plants also showed negative reaction to the virus. ELISA also showed negative results confirming absence of seed transmission. But, presence of virus was detected molecularly on whole seeds taken randomly from the seeds collected from infected plants. Out of 20 seeds examined only four seeds showed positive reaction. The presence of virus was also not detected on any of the seed parts examined. Hence it can be inferred that the virus is present on seed samples but there is no seed transmission. On screening of 15varieties, Phule Vimukta variety (V.I.-13.34) was found to be moderately resistant to BYVMD and Anjitha variety (V. I.- 38.30) was moderately susceptible to BYVMD. Arka Anamika, Anakomban, Arka Nikitha and ten NBPGR accessions studied were found to be highly susceptible to BYVMD.(IC 052303, IC 00780, IC 588166, IC 002134, IC 006101,IC 002024, IC 043279, IC 093771, IC 093688, IC 045820)Defense-related enzymes activities varied with genotypes and also with the growth stages of the crop. Tolerant varieties were found to possess the highest content of defence enzymes compared to susceptible varieties. PO activity of moderately resistant variety Phule Vimukta was observed with 270.29 % and 35.02 % more enzyme activity than the susceptible variety, Anakomban at 90 days after sowing and 45 days after graft inoculation respectively. PO and PPO activity showed an increasing trend on inoculation with virus while PAL showed a decreasing trend. Standardisation of production of virus free plants using meristem culture was done. Meristem culture can be successfully done using MS media with BAP (0.5µM), NAA(0.1 µM) and GA3(0.1µM). Virus indexing of meristem cultured plants by PCR confirmed the absence of virus in regenerated plants. Based on the present study, the virus causing BYMD showing symptoms of vein clearing and enation was found to be BYVMV. Presence of virus was detected on seed (20 %) but seed transmission was not observed in grow out test. Breakdown of resistance was observed in Varsha Uphar and Arka Anamika which were earlier reported as resistant. The variety Phule Vimukta, with disease resistance and high defense related enzyme activity can be used for breeding purposes for the development of disease resistant varieties. Meristem culture can be successfully used for the production of disease-free planting materials and production of quality seeds.ThesisItem Open Access Genotype evaluation and production technology development for high density planting system in papaya(Carica papaya L.)(Department of fruit science, college of agriculture,Vellanikkara, 2023-07-21) Amrita Manohar; KAU; Anu, G Krishnan; KAUPapaya (Carica papaya L.) is an evergreen, tropical, herbaceous fruit crop valued for its taste, medicinal, and dietary benefits. Lack of suitable high-yielding dessert purpose papaya genotypes, scarcity of irrigation water, high cost of fertilisers and limitation with respect to land area available for cultivation are the major factors limiting commercial cultivation of papaya in Kerala. In this background, the present investigation on "Genotype evaluation and production technology development for high density planting system in papaya (Carica papaya L.)" was undertaken at the college orchard attached to the Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, during 2021-2022. The study consisted of two separate experiments, experiment I and experiment II. In experiment I, evaluation of genotypes for table purpose under Kerala conditions was carried out in RBD using 25 genotypes. The seeds were collected from research stations and homesteads in Kottayam, Emakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram districts. The nutrient management was done as per PoP recommendations for papaya (KAU, 2016).
