Browsing by Author "Alice Kurian"

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Characterisation and evaluation of somaclones in ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.)
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2013) Aswathy Dev; Alice Kurian
The present study entitled “ Characterization and evaluation of somaclones in ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.)” was taken up at College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, during 2011-13 to characterize and evaluate twenty five somaclones derived through indirect methods of regeneration along with three parent cultivars (Z-0-78, Z-0-86 and Himachal Pradesh) and two check varieties (Karthika and Varada). The experiment was laid out in an RBD design with 30 treatments in two replications. Wide variability was observed among somaclones for 26 quantitative and four qualitative characters. Extent of variation was more in somaclones when compared to check varieties rather than parent cultivars. Somaclones exhibited superiority over parent cultivars in morphological characters such as leaf area, number of leaves, number of shoots, and girth of pseudostem. Cent per cent of somaclones showed increase over check varieties in plant height, leaf length, leaf width and leaf area. Somaclones derived from Himachal Pradesh registered maximum increase in morphological characters. Among rhizome characters, number of quaternary fingers recorded maximum increase followed by internodal length of primary fingers and number of tertiary fingers in the somaclones. Cent per cent of somaclones showed increase over parent cultivars in length and inter-nodal length of primary fingers while cent per cent showed increase over check varieties for girth of rhizome. Somaclones derived from Z-0-86 recorded superiority in rhizome characters over those derived from Himachal Pradesh and Z-0-78. Ninety two per cent of somaclones showed higher yield over parent cultivars while eighty four per cent of somaclones showed higher rhizome yield over check varieties. Somaclones derived from Z-0-86 alone recorded higher driage and dry yield was also seen to be maximum. Somaclones in general recorded low crude fibre content registering its suitability for fresh ginger and value added products. Volatile oil content was found higher in somaclones, seventy per cent over parent cultivars and seventy four per cent over check varieties. Higher recovery of volatile oil and oil yield was noticed in somaclones of Z-0-86. Oleoresin recovery was high in somaclones derived from HP while oleoresin yield was found high in somaclones derived from Z-0-86. DUS characterization of somaclones based on 17 characters as per PPV & FR Act (2001) was done and this will be useful for plant variety protection. Assessment of variability in somaclones based on 30 characters indicated that number of quaternary fingers had the highest coefficient of variation followed by number of tertiary and primary fingers, number of shoots and number of leaves. Significant and positive correlation with yield was observed for fifteen characters out of the 30 characters studied. GCV was found very near to PCV for 13 characters indicating high effect of genotype on phenotypic expression. Visual characters such as leaf width and length, girth of pseudostem, number of primaries, length, thickness, internodal length of primary and secondary rhizomes and girth of rhizomes having high positive correlation with yield and having high heritability appear to be good selection indices in ginger. Clustering of 30 genotypes based on 26 qualitative characters and four qualitative characters resulted in 13 and five clusters respectively. The accessions belonging to a quantitative cluster fell in different clusters during qualitative clustering suggesting that the somaclones are more divergent in quality attributes. Screening of somaclones for reaction to rhizome rot and bacterial wilt through artificial inoculation could locate 13 somaclones tolerant to rhizome rot and six somaclones tolerant to bacterial wilt which was substantiated by sick plot screening and natural screening. Field tolerance to shoot borer and leaf spot incidence was not observed in the somaclones. Considering yield, quality and reaction to pests and diseases, six promising somaclones were selected (SE 86 81, SE 86 142, SE 86 40, SE 86 131, C 86 139 and C 86 124). The selected somaclones registered a yield increase of 28-85 per cent compared to released varieties and parent cultivars. The somaclone SE 86 40 is promising for high essential oil and oleoresin yield as well. The somaclones are especially suitable as fresh ginger and for value added products. The promising somaclones selected needs to be assessed over seasons and locations to study the stability under different environment. Metabolite profiling of the somaclones enables identification of novel chemotypes. Screening of the somaclones for value added products, taking advantage of low fibre profile of the rhizomes should take precedence as this will diversify the end product utilization and safe guard farmers against price crash of the only one primary product, dry rhizomes.
Effect of weed management on growth and yield of Banana cv. Nendran musa (Aab
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1995) Premalatha, T; Alice Kurian; Suma, B; Radhakrishnan, T C
A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of weed management on growth anil yield of banana cv. Nendran and to identify the critical stages of weeding so as to get maximum returns. Reduction in growth parameters was observed in plots unweeded up to harvest and up to six months after planting compared to frequent monthly weeded plots. Conventional weeding and weeding up to late vegetative phase and bunch maturation phase resulted in more or less similar effect with respect to growth characters, duration and yield. Hence weeding during the first six months is critical for maximum growth and higher yield. Conventional weeding was found to he the most economical practice in banana.
Evaluation for processing characteristics and their expression in a bacterial wilt resistant genetic background in tomato
(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1990) Alice Kurian; Peter, K V
The present study was undertaken to identify ideal processing types suitable for ketchup and paste making and associated shelf life of ketchup. The prospects of growing these processing types are precarious in Kerala, unless processing trails are coupled with bacterial wilt resistance . The outcome of the investigations on evaluation for processing characteristics in tomato and their expression in a bacterial wilt genetic background are briefed below. The processing tomatoes were distinct from fresh market types with respect in their elongated shape index >I, characterised by fewer locules, high pericarp thickness , increased firmness and resistance to cracking . The firm fruits had comparatively high insoluble solids. Ideal types also indicated high total solids , pulp content , consistency and lycopene.
Evaluation of four types of solanum viarum dunal
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1988) Kuriakose, K P; Alice Kurian
Evaluation of turmeric types for yield and quality
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1995) Alice Kurian; Valsala, P A
Exploitation of induced variability for crop improvement in ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.)
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Shankar, G; Alice Kurian
Floral biology of adapathiyan (Holostemma adakodien schult)
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1999) Manju, S; Alice Kurian
An investigation on the floral biology of adapathiyan (Holastemma adakiidian Schult.y was undertaken at the college of Horticulture, Thrissur during the period 1995-1997. The inflorescence is axillary and cymose with bisexual flowers. Flowers open 25 to 28 days after bud initiation and passes through 12 different developmental phases before anthesis. Anthesis commences at 8.30 a.m. and extends up to 10.00 a.m. Anther dehiscence occurs on the fourth day of flower opening from 9.30 a.m. to I p.m. The maximum stigma receptivity was observed on the first day of flower opening. Size of the pollen grains ranged from SO to 75 um with 90-100 % fertility in Brew baker and Kwak's medium.
Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance for yield and processing characteristics in tomato
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1995) Alice Kurian; Peter, K V
Genetic variability and heritability were studied in 64 tomato lines during September 1986 to January 1987. Significant difference was observed for all the characters studied. Index to earliness and fruit cracking showed high genotypic coefficient of variati on. High heritabili ty coupled with high genetic advance was recorded for insoluble solids and storage life.
In situ green manure production as mulch material for ginger
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1997) Alice Kurian; Sreekandan Nair, G; Valsala, P A
Induction of autotetraploid in ginger
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1996) Sheeba, P T; Alice Kurian
Line X tester analysis for yield and processing characteristics in tomato
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1995) Alice Kurian; Peter, K V
Combining ability analysis of 15 hybrids (3 lines x 5 testers) and 8 parents in tomato indicated the role(s) of additive gene action for the characters studied, demanding biparental approach and recurrent selection for improvement. Hybrids LE 206 x Ohio 8129 and Sakthi x TH 318 for total solids, Sakthi x HW 208 F and LE 206 x Ohio 8129 for insoluble solids and LE 206 x Ohio 8129 and LE 206 x St 64 for lycopene are promising for improvement of quality traits.
Morphological and biochemical variations in adhatoda types (Adhatoda spp.)
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2000) Manjusha, C M; Alice Kurian
Pre-zygotic incompatibility and evaluation of open pollinated and hybrid progenies of holostemma adakodien schult
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2001) Sheeba, P T; Alice Kurian
Reproductive behaviour of adapathiyan
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1997) Manju, S; Alice Kurian
Screening somaclones of ginger (Zingiber cfficinale rosc.) for value addition
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2015) Anand Kankanawadi; Alice Kurian
Seed production potential dormancy and seed storage behaviour in sida spp.
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2014) Veeresh Netekal; Alice Kurian
The study entitled “Seed production potential, dormancy and seed storage behaviour in Sida spp.” was undertaken at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2012-2014. The study aimed to assess seed production potential and characterize dormancy in three Sida species (Sida alnifolia, Sida acuta and Sida cordifolia) and to standardize ideal pre-treatment for improving germination and to study seed storage behaviour in Sida alnifolia. Flowering and fruiting in Sida species was staggered and started four months after planting. Flowering and fruiting was earliest in Sida acuta and latest in Sida alnifolia. Maximum seed rain and seed production potential was exhibited by Sida acuta. The fruits and seeds were biggest in Sida cordifolia. Physical characterization of dormancy by analysis of seed coat thickness and embryo size of three species revealed that hard thick seed coat comprising endoderm, mesoderm, periderm and presence of thick corrugated impermeable cuticle was a major limiting factor restricting the exchange of water and gases. Acid scarification brought out reduction in all layers of the seed coat with maximum reduction in cuticle thickness. Upon storage, the total thickness of the seed coat and individual layers was slightly reduced but embryo area, perimeter and cuticle thickness increased slightly. The physiological conditions tried such as exposure of seeds to different temperatures, light and dark and exposure to stress by hydration and dehydration failed to promote germination in fresh seeds. Irrespective of the species, seeds whether fresh or stored, also failed to germinate without pre-treatment. Germination studies under field conditions indicated that seeds exposed to natural weathering showed a spontaneous response on receipt of rain and the germination was completed in ten days with highest germination (74.50 per cent) in Sida acuta followed by Sida alnifolia (67.50 per cent) and least in Sida cordifolia (42.50 per cent). Biochemical analysis of seeds revealed that species differed in the content of total extractives, total phenol and total alkaloid and Sida acuta recorded higher contents of total extractives and total alkaloid whereas total phenol content was higher in Sida alnifolia. Analysis of the seed leachates indicated species difference in the content of minerals and electrical conductivity. Sida acuta recorded the highest potassium and EC values. Among the eighteen pre-treatments tried for improving germination, chemical scarification using Conc. H2SO4 was significantly superior and recorded higher germination per cent and speed of germination. Untreated seeds failed to germinate. Scarification of seeds with Conc. H2SO4 for higher duration of 30 minutes was selected as the best treatment considering improvement in water imbibition, germination per cent, speed of germination, growth and vigour of seedling and significant reduction in the intensity of dormancy. Storage studies revealed that upon storage, germination, vigour of seedling and reduction in dormancy factors were at a positive side compared to fresh seeds. Storage of seeds under cooler atmosphere either refrigerator or freezer was found to improve the water imbibition, content of minerals, germination and vigour of seedling compared to ambient storage. The present investigations could thus establish that seeds of Sida species exhibit coat imposed dormancy and require two months of after ripening period, posing problems in germination. Pre-treatment of seeds with Conc. H2SO4 for 30 minutes is suggested to bring down dormancy and improve germination and vigour of seedlings. Exposing the seeds to natural weathering is a simple way of improving germination. The seeds can be effectively stored under cooler conditions in refrigerator / freezer for one year or longer which also lowered dormancy and improved germination and vigour of seedlings.
Shade effect of other tree species on the growth performance of rubber
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1993) Vijaya Devi, N; Alice Kurian
Standardisation of propagation and stage of harvest in adakodien
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1994) Meera, N; Alice Kurian
Investigations on standardization of propagation and stage of harvest in adakodien (Holostemma annulare k. Schum.) were carried out at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1992-94. The trial was laid out in a factorial RBD with 3 replications. The treatments comprised of fifteen combinations of five planting materials (seedlings, 2 noded vine cuttings, 3 noded vine cuttings, root stumps 10 cm and main root cuttings 5 cm) and three stage of harvest (9, 12 and 18 months after planting). Seedlings were rated as the best planting material realizing maximum yield potential of fresh and dried roots (3.49 t ha-1 and 1.19t ha-1 respectively). Root characters contributing to yield, driage and harvest index and biometric characters related with yield such as internodal length, diameter of the vine and number of branches were highest for seedlings. The soluble carbohydrate content was also maximum for seedlings. Rating of the planting material under field condition followed the same trend as in the nursery. The preference for the five planting material in the decreasing order were seedling, root stump 10 cm, 3 noded vine cutting, 2 noded vine cutting and main root cuttings 5 cm. The presence of large number of seeds in a fruit coupled with high germination per cent and field establishment and the high yielding nature of seedlings make this a commercially acceptable planting material. Harvesting the roots 18 months after planting was found to be most beneficial for achieving maximum yield (4.14 t ha-1 and 1.56 t ha-1 of fresh and dry roots respectively). Biometric characters related to yield such as internodal length, diameter of the vine and number of branches and all the root characters, driage and harvest index were maximum at this stage. Total aminoacid and soluble carbohydrate content showed a progressive increase with advance in age and highest content was recorded at 18 months after planting. Six free aminoacids were isolated from the roots and they were identified as alanine, aspartic acid, glycine, valine, serine and threonine. Seedlings harvested after 18 months was the most desirable treatment combination for realizing maximum yield of roots and chemical components. Characters such as internodal length, diameter of vine, number of branches and root volume could be taken as selections indices for high root yield. The benefit cost analysis suggest that adakodien is a profitable crop which can be groomed as a commercial crop for Kerala.
Standardisation of top working in nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.)
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1994) Beena, S; Alice Kurian
The present investigations on “Standardisation of top working in nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.)” were conducted at the Department of plantation Crops and spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during 1991-1993. For the purpose of the study nutmeg trees available at state seed Farm, Mannuthy and farmers’ field at Mannuthy and Ettumuna in Thrissur district as well as Neduvannur in Ernakulam district were utilized. The presence of two type of buds on the bud stick could be distinguished by the bud scare at the inner side of the bark for the viable buds and absence of scar and browning in the non- viable buds. Among the difference methods tried, in situ budding on hard trunk proved to be most successful. Forkert method with bud selected from brown bud wood with fallen leaves and the buds inserted by leaving space on all the four sides gave maximum success. In order to achieve a quicker bud burst stumping the plants two months after budding was most effective. Budding on hard trunk could be done with maximum success in three year old plants and July was found to be the best season. Trials on topping of male trees indicated that heading back the tree above the first tier during August was found to be the best with regard to sprout production and reducing the time for sprouting. Forkert budding on new sprouts gave only initial success which failed to sprout even with physical and chemical treatments. Grafting on new sprouts showed least response among the method tried. Successful graft union was obtained during March with scion shoots having mature leaf and full green stem and stock having two months growth. The anatomical studies revealed low callus development and sparse differentiation of vascular tissues in the bud shield, presence of necrotic tissues hindering the formation of callus and the lack of union between old and new callus as the probable reasons for bud failure.
Storage studies on lemongrass oil
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1992) Alice Kurian; kuriakose, K P