DSpace 8
DSpace is the world leading open source repository platform that enables organisations to:
- easily ingest documents, audio, video, datasets and their corresponding Dublin Core metadata
- open up this content to local and global audiences, thanks to the OAI-PMH interface and Google Scholar optimizations
- issue permanent urls and trustworthy identifiers, including optional integrations with handle.net and DataCite DOI
Join an international community of leading institutions using DSpace.
The test user accounts below have their password set to the name of this software in lowercase.
- Demo Site Administrator = dspacedemo+admin@gmail.com
- Demo Community Administrator = dspacedemo+commadmin@gmail.com
- Demo Collection Administrator = dspacedemo+colladmin@gmail.com
- Demo Submitter = dspacedemo+submit@gmail.com
Communities in DSpace
Select a community to browse its collections.
Recent Submissions
Design and analysis of best-worst scaling studies in agricultural research
(Department of Agricultural Statistics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2026) Anjana Bivas, T
The research study entitled “Design and analysis of Best-Worst Scaling studies
in agricultural research” was undertaken at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during
2023-2025. The primary objective of the study was to develop a comprehensive web
application for designing suitable questionnaires and analysing data for Best-Worst
Scaling (BWS) experiments in agriculture, guided by insights obtained from a
bibliometric analysis of agricultural studies employing the BWS approach.
In agriculture, effective decision-making depends on understanding the
preferences and priorities of various stakeholders, including farmers, consumers,
researchers, and policymakers. Traditional preference elicitation techniques often fall
short in capturing subtle distinctions among choices. BWS offers a robust alternative
for quantifying stakeholder preferences across domains such as technology adoption,
agricultural policies, consumer behaviour, and resource prioritisation.
A bibliometric analysis of agricultural BWS literature from 2011 to 2025 was
conducted to identify how BWS has been applied, the experimental situations where the
three cases of BWS are adopted, commonly used design methodologies, and the
analytical approaches used. These findings provided clarity on current practices and
guided what features and analytical capabilities needed to be prioritised in the system
development for this research.
Despite its growing use, researchers often face challenges in designing BWS
questionnaires and analysing the resulting data, particularly when dealing with multiple
attributes, complex profiles, or multi-profile choice sets. Manual generation of choice
sets can be time-consuming and prone to errors, while advanced analytical models
require considerable statistical expertise. These challenges underscore the need for an
accessible and efficient tool to streamline both stages of BWS research.
To address this gap, the web application, named PEAR-BWS (Preference
Evaluation in Agricultural Research using Best-Worst Scaling), was developed using
the R Shiny framework. It consists of two core modules, Questionnaire Generation and
Statistical Analysis, offering an integrated environment for generating BWS
questionnaires and analysing response data, without the need for programming skills.
The Questionnaire Generation module enables users to build BWS-based choice sets
for all three BWS cases (Object, Profile, and Multi-profile), ensuring balanced
representation of items and profiles. The Statistical Analysis module integrates multiple
analytical approaches, including Count Analysis, Multinomial Logit, Paired, Marginal,
Marginal Sequential, Hierarchical Bayesian estimation, and Latent Class Analysis
models. All questionnaire structures and analysis results generated from both modules
can be downloaded as Word documents, facilitating direct use in research reporting,
thesis writing, publication work, and field data collection.
To demonstrate its analytical capabilities, three hypothetical model datasets
were constructed for the three BWS cases, reflecting realistic response structures and
consistent scoring (1 for best, -1 for worst, and 0 for others). An online survey conducted
among students from different agricultural universities evaluated the usability and
performance of the application. The feedback indicated a high level of user satisfaction,
highlighting its efficiency and practical relevance.
Overall, the study presents PEAR-BWS as a comprehensive and user-friendly
tool that simplifies the design and analysis of BWS experiments, thereby enhancing
accessibility and promoting evidence-based decision-making in agricultural research.
The work provides a foundation that can be further expanded in the future by integrating
more analytical methods with enhanced visualisation and direct data collection
functionality within the web application.
Exploring the potential of spent mushroom substrate extract from pleurotus spp. for the management of leaf blight of amaranthus (Amaranthus tricolor L.)
(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2026) Devika, B S; Heera, G
The study entitled “Exploring the potential of spent mushroom substrate
extract from Pleurotus spp. for the management of leaf blight of amaranthus
(Amaranthus tricolor L.)” was conducted at Department of Plant Pathology, College
of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2023-2025 with the objectives of evaluation of the
efficacy of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) extract for the suppression of the leaf
blight of amaranthus; and detection of associated biomolecule(s).
The pathogen was isolated from the diseased amaranthus leaf and its
pathogenicity was proved by Koch’s postulates. Cultural and morphological studies
of the pathogen on potato dextrose agar medium revealed hyaline to brown, septate
mycelia with right-angled branching and formation of white to brown irregular
sclerotia after eight days of inoculation. Molecular characterization using LSU
primers (LROR and LR7) validated the isolate as Rhizoctonia solani with accession
number (PX411474).
Pure culture of Pleurotus florida, P. ostreatus and P. sajor-caju were obtained
from ICAR- DMR, Solan. Mushrooms were cultivated in paddy straw. Spent
mushroom substrate, the by-product after cultivation (45 days), was collected from
these three species of oyster mushroom. The spent substrates were shade dried,
powdered and used for further studies. The nutrient analysis revealed that all SMS
samples were rich in nutrients. Macronutrient analysis indicated that SMS of P.
ostreatus contained the highest nitrogen (1.77%), potassium (1.40 ppm), and calcium
(2.1%) contents, while SMS of P. florida had the highest phosphorus (0.16%) and
magnesium (1.26%) levels, while the sulphur (0.61%) content was more for paddy
straw (control). Among the micronutrients, boron concentration was highest in SMS
of P. ostreatus (82 ppm), while zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) concentrations
were similar among all the treatments. These findings suggest that SMS has
substantial nutrient value and can serve as a potential organic fertilizer.
Water extracts of SMS (1:3 w/v) was prepared from each Pleurotus spp. after
shaking the powdered SMS for 24-48 h in an incubator cum shaker, filtered and
centrifuged at 10000 rpm for 10 minutes. The supernatant obtained was utilised as
the crude extract which was evaluated against R. solani by poisoned food technique
at different concentrations (250 ppm, 500 ppm, and 1000 ppm). Significant antifungal
activity was observed in all the treatments. When compared to the control, at 250 ppm
concentration of the extract, the radial growth of R. solani ranged from 0.58 to 1.82
cm in all the treated plates. The water extract of SMS (P. florida) treated plates
showed complete mycelial inhibition (100%) of R. solani at 500 ppm and 1000 ppm
concentrations, while the water extract of SMS (P. ostreatus) exhibited complete
suppression of mycelial growth at 1000 ppm. The water extract of SMS (P. sajor-
caju) was less effective with an inhibition percentage of 53 even at 1000 ppm
concentration. Mycelial characters of R. solani in the treated plates was irregular and
sparse compared to the dense, zonations in control. These results indicated that the
SMS of Pleurotus spp., particularly P. florida, possesses potent antifungal
compounds capable of inhibiting R. solani growth.
A pot culture experiment was laid out in completely randomized design
(CRD) to assess the efficacy of extracts of SMS, with 13 treatments and 3 replications,
including foliar and soil applications of SMS extracts (0.2%), chemical (mancozeb
@0.2%), biological control (Pseudomonas fluorescens @20 g/L) check, inoculated
and absolute controls. Among different treatments, the foliar application and soil
drenching with SMS extract (P. florida -T7) recorded the lowest Percent Disease
Index (PDI) and lesion size, followed by foliar application and soil drenching of SMS
extract of P. ostreatus (T8). The highest PDI (56.5%) was observed in the inoculated
control (T12). Plants treated with SMS extracts delayed the symptom development
and reduction in lesion size. In addition to disease suppression, significant
enhancement was observed in the growth and yield attributes of the plants. SMS
treated plants exhibited increased shoot and root length, higher fresh and dry biomass,
compared to the untreated controls. Enhanced shoot and root biomass, and increased
overall yield, were noted in SMS treated plants, particularly in T4 (soil drenching of
P. ostreatus extract) and T7 (foliar spray + soil drenching of SMS extract (P. florida).
The total yield was the maximum in T4 (soil drenching of P. ostreatus- 82 g/pot),
whereas the highest plant height (47.5 cm) was observed in the case of T5 (foliar
spray of SMS extract of P. sajor -caju).
Biochemical assays carried out at 0,1,3,5,7 days after inoculation of the
pathogen revealed significant enhancement in defense related enzymes viz.,
peroxidase (PO), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL)
in the SMS treated amaranthus plants after the inoculation of the pathogen. The
highest activities of PO and PPO were recorded in T7, while PAL activity peaked in
the treatment T8.
Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) analysis of ethyl
acetate extracts of SMS revealed the presence of various classes of bioactive
metabolites including phenols, fatty acids, sterols, terpenoids and esters. Common
bioactive compounds detected in the three Pleurotus spp. included phenolic
compounds, terpenes, fatty acids and carboxylic acids, with reported antimicrobial,
antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
The present study demonstrated that SMS extracts of Pleurotus spp.,
particularly P. florida, possess strong antifungal potential against R. solani causing
leaf blight of amaranthus. The extracts were rich in essential nutrients and bioactive
compounds capable of suppressing pathogen growth, inducing plant defense
responses, and promoting overall plant growth and vigor. Therefore, SMS extracts
represent a promising, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides for the
management of leaf blight of amaranthus.
Nodule associated bacteria for plant growth promotion and nodulation enhancement in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp
(Department of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2026) Jaiba Evans
The study entitled ‘Nodule associated bacteria for plant growth promotion and
nodulation enhancement in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp)’ was carried out at
the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani,
Thiruvananthapuram, with the objective to isolate and characterize nodule associated
bacteria from different varieties of cowpea and assess their nodulation efficiency and
plant growth promotion in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp).
Root nodules of leguminous plants harbour diverse microbial communities that
play crucial roles in nitrogen fixation and plant growth promotion. In this study, nodule-
associated bacteria were isolated from healthy root nodules collected from different
varieties of cowpea from various locations in the (AEU 8) southern laterites of Kerala.
Surface-sterilized nodules were crushed aseptically, and the suspension was serially
diluted and plated on different media including Yeast Extract Mannitol Agar (YEMA),
Nutrient agar, N free malate bromothymol blue media, Tryptic soy agar, Burk’s medium,
Jensen’s medium. The seventy-four isolates were purified and characterized based on
colony morphology and Gram reaction. Of these, thirty-four morphologically distinct
isolates were selected for further studies.
The Indole Acetic Acid (IAA), Gibberellic acid (GA), Extracellular Ammonia
(ECA) production, presence or absence of growth on N-free medium, phosphate
solubilization potential and cellulolytic activity of the thirty-four bacterial isolates were
assessed. The selected isolates produced IAA in the range of 2.64 μg mL-1 (NAB 57) to
63.98 μg mL-1 (NAB 1) of culture filtrate in the absence of tryptophan and 5.12 μg mL-
1 (NAB 63) to 98.18 μg mL-1 (NAB 1) in the presence of tryptophan. The isolate NAB
42 recorded significantly higher gibberellic acid production of 62.24 μg mL-1 and NAB
14 recorded highest extracellular ammonia production of 11.29 μmol mL−1. The isolate
NAB 43 exhibited maximum cellulolytic activity of 5.45 and NAB 57 showed
maximum phosphate solubilization potential of 4.6. Among these isolates NAB 1, NAB
2, NAB 42 and NAB 43 were showed growth on N-free medium.
Plant growth promotion potential in cowpea was assessed by roll towel assay
using standard protocol and NAB 2 exhibited the highest germination rate of 85.3% and
longest root length (22.78 cm), while NAB 15 demonstrated the longest shoot length
(19.81cm). The highest seedling vigour index (4121.5) was recorded for NAB 2,
compared to 2223.75 in the control. Weighted average ranking was done and eleven
isolates were selected for further experiments.
Selected isolates were co-cultured with beneficial microbes, including rhizobial
and non-rhizobial endophytes, to assess compatibility and mutual influence on growth
and metabolic activity. The combinations exhibited compatibility with each other and
with other beneficial microbes.
Dual culture plate assay and agar well diffusion assay were employed to assess
the antagonistic potential of the 34 isolates against Pythium sp., Fusarium oxysporum,
Sclerotium rolfsii, and Rhizoctonia solani. Isolates NAB 51 and NAB 27 showed the
maximum inhibitory activity against Fusarium oxysporum, while NAB 27 was most
effective against Rhizoctonia solani. NAB 33 exhibited the maximum inhibition against
Sclerotium rolfsii, and NAB 42 showed maximum antagonistic activity against Pythium
sp.
The maximum siderophore production was observed in NAB 2 as indicated by
orange halo zone around the colony on CAS agar. All isolates produced volatile organic
compounds, with NAB 2 exhibiting the maximum level and only one isolate NAB 43
tested positive for hydrogen cyanide (HCN) production.
The growth performance and nodulation efficiency of the test cowpea plants were
evaluated under controlled conditions using Leonard’s jar assemblies. Inoculated
treatments with Rhizobium exhibited a marked improvement in growth and nodulation
parameters compared to uninoculated controls. Among the isolates, strain NAB 2
recorded the significant increase in plant height (30.25 cm), root length (19.2 cm), shoot
weight (4.35g), root weight (0.76g), nodule number (16), nodule weight (0.07g)
compared to uninoculated controls, indicating effective symbiotic performance.
Based on the results of the studies on plant growth promotion and nodulation
enhancement, the isolates NAB 2 and NAB 43 were selected for pot culture experiment.
Morphological and biochemical characterization of the isolates revealed that the two
isolates were Gram-negative, rods. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed maximum
sequence similarity of the isolates with Stenotrophomonas hibscicola (NAB 2) and
Enterobacter quasiroggenkampii (NAB 43).
A pot culture experiment was carried out to assess the effectiveness of selected
nodule-associated bacterial (NAB) isolates, both individually and in combination with
Rhizobium, in promoting plant growth and improving nodulation in cowpea variety
Anaswara by seed biopriming. The experimental design was Completely Randomized
Design (CRD) with six treatments, each replicated four times.
Among the NAB isolates, Stenotrophomonas hibiscicola NAB 2 in combination
with Rhizobium sp. showed superior performance, significantly enhancing plant growth,
yield, and nodulation parameters. This treatment resulted in the highest plant height,
leaf and branch number, shoot and root biomass, root development, pod yield, and
nodule number and weight, indicating its strong potential for improving crop
productivity.
The study concluded that the selected nodule-associated bacterial isolate NAB
2, particularly when used in combination with Rhizobium sp., significantly enhanced
plant growth and nodulation in cowpea var. Anaswara. These findings suggest that co-
inoculation of Stenotrophomonas hibscicola NAB 2 with Rhizobium sp. RZB1 can
serve as an effective bioinoculant strategy to improve legume productivity and promote
sustainable agriculture.
Socio -cultural valuation of ecosystem services in paddy wetlands of Kuttanad
(Department of Agricultural Extension Education, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2026) Shraddha, S; Razia Fathima
The research work entitled “Socio-cultural valuation of ecosystem services in
paddy wetlands of Kuttanad” was conducted during the academic year 2023–25 to
understand how local farming communities perceive, value, and interact with the
multiple ecosystem services provided by the unique below-sea-level agro-ecosystem of
Kuttanad. The study examined stakeholder perceptions of socio-cultural dimensions of
ecosystem services, identified key drivers affecting these services, assessed the impact
of land-use and cropping pattern changes, and analysed the sense of connectedness
farmers retain toward their wetland environment, recognising that the paddy tracts
simultaneously deliver provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural functions
essential to livelihood security and ecological resilience.
To address these objectives, an ex post facto research design was adopted since
perceptions, ecological conditions, and cultural values exist independently of researcher
intervention. The study was carried out across the districts of Alappuzha, Kottayam,
and Pathanamthitta, selecting blocks with the largest paddy area, followed by random
selection of six villages and six padasekharams. A total of 180 farmers formed the study
sample, and data were collected using a structured, pre-tested interview schedule and
focus group discussions. A wide range of analytical tools, including the RII, Kruskal–
Wallis test, Dunn’s test, Garrett ranking, Kendall’s W, Spearman correlation, Mann–
Whitney U test, PCA, multiple regression, and ANOVA, provided a comprehensive
assessment of socio-cultural and ecological dimensions.
The personal and socio-economic profile of the respondents revealed a marked
demographic transition within the agricultural sector of Kuttanad. The farming
population is predominantly ageing, with 62.22% of respondents between 51 and 73
years of age and 17.78% above 73 years, while only 20% were below 51 years. All
respondents reported a complete withdrawal of youth from farming, indicating a
looming crisis in generational continuity. The sector continues to be male-dominated,
with 77.78% of farmers being men and women (22.22%) largely participating in
supportive tasks rather than decision-making roles. Educational attainment was
relatively high, with 40.56% having completed secondary schooling and 22.78% having
reached the intermediate level, facilitating better understanding of extension messages.
Economically, the foundation remains fragile as 58.33% are marginal farmers owning
less than one hectare of land and 83.33% do not lease additional land, reflecting highly
resource-constrained operations. Agricultural income was limited, with 58.89% earning
below ₹1 lakh annually, reducing capacity to invest in improved or climate-resilient
technologies. Institutional reliance was strong, evidenced by 68.33% maintaining
regular contact with Krishibhavan staff and 85% availing farming subsidies,
highlighting the critical role of public support in sustaining wetland agriculture.
Results from the RII analysis showed that farmers placed the highest importance
on provisioning and supporting services, particularly food production (RII = 0.992),
groundwater recharge (0.857), and nutrient cycling (0.833), while services such as flood
regulation, fish resources, and cultural rituals were perceived as less important (RII <
0.6). These patterns varied significantly across districts (p < 0.05), with Kottayam
assigning greater value to provisioning, regulating, and supporting services and
Pathanamthitta ranking highest for cultural services. Gender differences were
significant for cultural services (χ² = 6.632; p = 0.01), with women placing greater
emphasis on cultural and spiritual dimensions, while age-wise variations remained
insignificant. Garrett’s ranking mirrored these findings, placing provisioning services
first, followed by regulating, supporting, and cultural services, with a moderate-to-high
level of agreement among respondents (Kendall’s W = 0.554; p < 0.001).
Further analysis of Cultural Ecosystem Services revealed significant spatial
differences in aesthetics, traditional agriculture, social and spiritual significance,
education, and recreation, shaped by differences in tourism intensity, livelihood
dependence, and cultural heritage. Principal Component Analysis extracted five major
dimensions explaining 50 per cent of total variance, led by emotional and physical
connection to the ecosystem (14.07%), cultural and artistic contributions (11.49%), and
heritage and social interactions (9.69%). Together, these components highlight the
deep-rooted emotional ties, artistic inspirations, historical memory, and traditional
ecological knowledge that define the cultural foundation of the Kuttanad wetlands.
Regression analysis showed that multiple categories of drivers significantly
influenced ecosystem services. Among demographic factors, urbanisation (β = 0.304)
and labour migration (β = 0.244) were the strongest predictors, while non-procurement
of harvest (β = 0.214) and land conversion (β = 0.193) were the most influential
economic drivers. Socio-political variables, including agricultural credit (β = 0.368),
farming subsidies (β = 0.320), and decentralised governance policies (β = 0.284),
exerted the greatest overall influence. Technological drivers such as short-duration
varieties, mechanisation, and training were significant, while the loss of traditional
practices (β = 0.571) emerged as a critical cultural driver. Environmental stressors such
as flooding (β = 0.273) and soil acidity (β = 0.220) were major biophysical determinants
affecting ecosystem functions.
Correlation results further revealed that land-use change was positively associated
with regulating (r = 0.256) and supporting services (r = 0.226), implying that awareness
of ecological functions increases as environmental degradation intensifies. District-wise
analysis showed a significant negative association between land-use change and cultural
services in Kottayam (r = –0.265; p < 0.05), pointing to cultural erosion, while in
Pathanamthitta, regulating services showed a positive association with land-use change
(r = 0.309; p < 0.05), likely due to exposure to floods. Mann–Whitney U results
indicated significant differences only for supporting services (p = 0.007), with farmers
experiencing land-use changes assigning higher importance.
The assessment of connectedness to nature revealed that farmers across all
districts demonstrated medium-to-high levels of connectedness, reflecting strong
ecological awareness and emotional attachment to the wetlands. Although Kottayam
showed slightly higher connectedness scores, statistical tests confirmed no significant
district-wise differences, suggesting that livelihood dependence and cultural identity
foster a shared sense of belonging throughout the region.
Overall, the findings demonstrate that farmers primarily value provisioning and
supporting services that directly sustain their livelihoods, while cultural and regulating
services receive comparatively less emphasis. Emotional attachment to the landscape
remains strong, but active cultural practices are declining. The results highlight the
crucial need for integrated wetland management that strengthens traditional knowledge,
enhances ecological restoration, supports diversified livelihoods, and incorporates
cultural values into policy frameworks. Sustaining the ecological and cultural resilience
of the Kuttanad paddy wetlands will require coordinated institutional support and
community participation.
Fertigation regimes for seed rhizome production in ginger (Zingiber offcinale Roscoe)
(Plantation,Spice,Medical and Aromatic Crops,Vellayani, 2026) Fathima Henna
The study entitled “Fertigation regimes for seed rhizome production in
Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)” was carried out inside a naturally ventilated
400 m² polyhouse at RARS, Pattambi, during the period 2024–2025 (Kharif
season), with the objective of evaluating the effect of different fertigation regimes
on seed rhizome production in ginger. Throughout the growth period, polyhouse
conditions averaged 75% relative humidity, 32–35 °C temperature and 4470–8040
lux light intensity during noon hours.
The study used the ginger variety ‘Athira’, which was propagated through
micro rhizomes obtained from the Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Molecular
Biology (CPBMB), College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara. The plants were grown
in polybags filled with solarized potting media (soil, sand, coir pith and farm yard
manure in equal parts). The experiment was conducted using a Completely
Randomized Design (CRD) with six fertigation regimes with three replications.
The treatments consisted of the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF:
0.94:0.63:0.63 g NPK per plant) applied up to 300 days of planting following the
conventional split schedule (T₁), RDF applied up to 240 days of planting using a
modified split method (T₂), a 10% increase in RDF with the conventional split
application (T₃), a 10% increase in RDF following the modified split schedule (T₄),
a 20% increase in RDF under the conventional split application (T₅) and a 20%
increase in RDF applied through the modified split method (T₆). Nutrients were
supplied through fertigation using 19:19:19, urea, potassium nitrate and
monoammonium phosphate. Data were collected on growth, physiological traits,
quality attributes and rhizome characteristics.
Plant growth parameters were recorded at monthly intervals. Observations
were recorded on major growth parameters, including plant height, number of
leaves per tiller, number of tillers, tiller diameter, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area,
internodal length and the fresh and dry matter production of shoots and roots.
Among the treatments, T2 (RDF with split application up to 240 days of planting)
recorded the highest tiller count (29.87). The T6 (20% higher RDF with split
application up to 240 days of planting) showed superiority in plant height (124.92
cm), leaf length (27.69 cm), leaf area (43.63 cm²) and also recorded the highest
shoot fresh weight (746.67 g) and dry weight (121.67 g) at 180 days after planting
(DAP). The T5 (20% increased RDF) produced the maximum number of leaves
(27.80), the highest root fresh weight at 180 DAP (158.34 g) and at harvest (141.67
g), the highest root dry weight at 180 DAP (43.34 g) and the greatest tiller diameter
(0.98 cm). The maximum internodal length (6.13 cm) was recorded in T3 (10%
increased RDF), which was statistically on par with T2 (RDF with split application
up to 240 days of planting) (6.04 cm).
Rhizome characters were analyzed at the 8 months after planting (MAP).
Rhizome fresh and dry weights, finger numbers, finger length, finger girth, number
of nodes per finger and internodal length of fingers were recorded at the time of
harvest. The T₂ (RDF with split application up to 240 days of planting) recorded
the highest rhizome fresh weight (400.33 g), dry weight (85.00 g) and volume
(368.00 cc). It produced the maximum number of primary (8.87) and secondary
fingers (22.33), with the greatest finger length (12.34 cm in primary and 3.24 cm
in secondary), girth (2.75 cm in primary and 1.74 cm in secondary), nodes per
finger (21.35 in primary and 5.57 in secondary) and internodal length (0.80 cm in
primary and 0.57 cm in secondary). The driage percentage of ginger at harvest was
not significantly affected by the different fertigation regimes.
Fertigation regimes significantly influenced leaf nutrient status at 5 MAP.
The highest leaf nitrogen content was observed in T₅ (3.62 %), followed by T₆
(3.15 %). Phosphorus concentration was highest in T₂ (0.30 %), while potassium
content was maximum in T₁ (3.35 %) and T₃ (3.28 %), which were statistically at
par.
Chlorophyll content was recorded at 5 MAP. T₆ recorded the highest
chlorophyll a (1.39 mg g⁻¹), chlorophyll b (0.99 mg g⁻¹) and total chlorophyll (2.37
mg g⁻¹) contents.
Quality parameters of rhizomes were recorded at harvest, with volatile oil
content highest in T₄ and T₆ (3.25%) and oleoresin concentration highest in T₆
(7.65%).
Senescence was observed at 240 DAP, with 100% flowering. Throughout
the growing season, no occurrence of soft rot, bacterial wilt or pest infestation was
recorded.
The study concluded that, for ginger seed rhizome production under
polyhouse conditions, a split application of 0.94:0.63:0.63 g NPK per plant up to
240 days of planting is the most effective fertigation regime. It optimizes rhizome
yield by supplying nutrients during critical growth and bulking stages, whereas
higher nutrient doses primarily enhance vegetative growth.