Browsing by Author "Anitha, S"

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Chilli-amaranth intercropping system under fertigation
(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Anitrosa Innazent; Anitha, S
Intercropping is a way to augment production through intensifying cropping by combining different crops thereby utilisying the available resources more efficiently. The productivity of intercropping system can be enhanced by adopting suitable planting geometry and by proper nutrient and water management. Information on planting geometry and schedules of fertigation and drip irrigation can help in further increasing the productivity of the system. The present study was undertaken to assess the bio economic suitability of chilli- amaranth intercropping system under different nutrient and water regime. The experiment entitled “Chilli-Amaranth intercropping system under fertigation” was conducted at Water Management Research Unit, Vellanikkara during January to July 2017. The trial was laid out in randomized block design replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of chilli- amaranth intercropping system planted at two different planting geometries viz., normal row planting and paired row planting, three nutrient levels viz., 100, 75 and 50 per cent of NPK recommendation for both crops as fertigation and two irrigation levels viz., 100 per cent Epan and 75 per cent Epan and two control viz., chilli pure crop and amaranth pure crop. Performance of crops under intercropping and pure crop system revealed that the yield of intercropped chilli was 41 per cent lower than chilli pure crop. However for amaranth, the yield was 17 per cent higher under intercropping compared to pure crop. In addition to the fertigation of amaranth, amaranth receives nutrients from fertigation given to chilli crop. This resulted in the higher dry matter production and nutrient uptake of intercropped amaranth and finally higher yield. Paired row pattern was adopted to accommodate more intercrops. However planting geometry had no significant influence on the yield performance of intercropped chilli and amaranth. The nutrient levels showed no significant difference on the yield of intercropped chilli, whereas yield of intercropped amaranth was significantly influenced. Intercrop yield of amaranth at 100 per cent of nutrient dose (26,227 kg/ha) was significantly higher than intercrop yield of amaranth at 75 (21,824 kg/ha) and 50 per cent of nutrient dose (24,050 kg/ha) and pure crop yield (20,559 kg/ha). Intercropped chilli receiving irrigation at 100 per cent Epan recorded 37 per cent higher yield compared to lower level of irrigation. However, the performance of intercropped amaranth was not significantly influenced by the irrigation levels. The water productivity increase at 100 per cent Epan for intercropped chilli + amaranth was 170 per cent and 54 per cent higher compared to pure crop chilli and pure crop amaranth respectively. LER (Land Equivalent Ratio), LEC (Land Equivalent Coefficient), ATER (Area Time Equivalent Ratio), RCC (Relative Crowding Coefficient) and CEY (Crop Equivalent Yield) were worked out for assessing biological efficiency of intercropping system. LER more than 1.0, LEC more than 0.25 and higher values of ATER and CEY revealed the biological efficiency of chilli- amaranth intercropping system compared to pure crop system. Intercropping system under normal row planting produced significantly higher LER (2.84) compared to paired row planting. In addition, nutrient level of 100 per cent NPK recommendation showed higher LER (2.81) compared to lower doses. Irrigation at 100 per cent Epan recorded significantly higher value of LEC and ATER. Economic benefit of intercropping system was assessed using gross return, net return and B:C ratio. The net return of chilli-amaranth intercropping system (Rs.428212) was 116 per cent higher compared to pure crop chilli (Rs.197716) and 164 per cent higher to pure crop of amaranth (Rs.24548). The study indicated that there is an effective utilization of space, nutrients and water when amaranth was raised as intercrop with chilli. To get maximum biological and economic benefit from chilli- amaranth intercropping system, planting should be done at normal row with 100 per cent recommended dose of nutrients for both the crops and irrigation at 100 per cent Epan under fertigation during summer season.
Concurrent growing of green manure crops in dry and wet seeded rice
(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2008) Anitha, S; Jose Mathew
Conservation agriculture practices for upland rice based cropping system
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2021) Durga, C; Anitha, S
Crop establishment methods and weed management on productivity of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.)Walp.]
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture,Vellanikkara, 2022-04-27) Ayisha Jezla, P; Anitha, S
Crop establishment methods and weed management on productivity of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.)Walp.]
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2022) Ayisha Jezla, P; Anitha, S
owpea is an important pulse crop grown throughout India and Kerala as a grain and vegetable crop. Weeds possess severe problem in the early growth stages of cowpea due to wider spacing and low initial growth and resulted in yield reduction. Hence the crop requires to be kept weed free particularly during the initial 6-8 weeks, ie the critical period of competition. The present study was carried out with the objective to enhance the productivity of cowpea grown under different crop establishment methods by adopting proper weed management measures. Field experiment was conducted from October to December 2020 at the Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara. The experiment was laid out with factorial RBD with two factors replicated thrice. Factor A with two methods of establishments such as broadcasting and line sowing. Factor B with six weed management practices such as hand weeding @ 20 and 40 DAS , imazethapyr + imazamox, 40 g/ha @ 15-20 DAS , imazethapyr + imazamox, 40 g/ha @15- 20 DAS fb hand weeding @ 40 DAS, imazethapyr, 40 g/ha @ 15- 20 DAS, imazethapyr, 40 g/ha @15- 20 DAS fb hand weeding @ 40 DAS and unweeded control. Cowpea variety PGCP-6 was used as test crop. Results revealed that methods of crop establishment had significant effect on weed density, growth parameters and yield attributes of cowpea. Line sowing resulted in 39% and 31% reduction in weed count and weed dry weight. Weed control efficiency and yield was 14% and 3% higher compared to broadcasting. The lowest weed count, weed dry weight and higher weed control efficiency was recorded in hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS. The lowest weed index was observed in imazethapyr + imazamox, 40 g/ha @15- 20 DAS fb hand weeding @ 40 DAS Application of imazethapyr + imazamox, 40 g/ha @15- 20 DAS fb hand weeding at 40 DAS resulted in taller plants. At 30 DAS higher LAI was noted in imazethapyr, 40 g/ha @15- 20 DAS fb hand weeding @ 40 DAS. Imazethapyr, 40 g/ha @15- 20 DAS recorded higher LAI at 40 DAS.The highest dry matter production was recorded in imazethapyr, 40 g/ha @15- 20 DAS fb hand weeding @ 40 DAS. Application of imazethapyr + imazamox, 40 g/ha @15- 20 DAS fb hand weeding imazethapyr, 40 g/h registered significantly higher number of pods per plant and pod weight. Number of seeds per pod and 100 grain weight was higher in imazethapyr, 40 g/ha @15- 20 DAS fb hand weeding @ 40 DAS. The highest yield was recorded from plots where two hand weeding were conducted (937.67 kg/ha), followed by imazethapyr + imazamox, 40 g/ha @15- 20 DAS fb hand weeding (877.30 kg/ha). Line sown cowpea received two hand weeding recorded higher yield (923.67 kg/ha) compared to other treatment combinations. Adoption of weed management practices resulted in 70 % higher yield in cowpea. Nitrogen uptake by crop was higher in imazethapyr 40 g/ha @ 15- 20 DAS fb hand weeding @ 40 DAS, which was on par with hand weeding twice. Broadcasted plot, where two hand weeding were conducted recorded higher N uptake by crop. Higher P uptake was noticed in hand weeding @ 20 and 40 DAS. Higher soil N availability was observed in imazethapyr + imazamox 40 g/ha @ 15- 20 DAS and P availability was higher in imazethapyr + imazamox, 40 g/ha @ 15- 20 DAS fb hand weeding @ 40 DAS. Among crop establishment methods higher net return and B:C ratio was observed in broadcast sowing compared with line sown cowpea. The highest net return (Rs. 102861) and B:C ratio (2.45) was registered in imazethapyr + imazamox @ 40 g/ha @ 15- 20 DAS fb hand weeding @ 40 DAS. Results of the study indicated that application of imazethapyr + imazamox, 40 g/ha @ 15- 20 DAS fb hand weeding @ 40 DAS can be recommended as a cost effective weed management practice for broadcasted and line sown cowpea.
Crop lodging and management
(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2020) Basila, Y; Anitha, S
Crop lodging management in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2022-09-13) Oormila, T P; Anitha, S
The research programme entitled “Crop lodging management in rice (Oryza sativa L.)” was conducted with the objective of standardizing the agronomic practices for crop lodging management in upland rice. The experiment was carried out in the Agronomy farm of the College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara during the period from June 2020 to September 2020. The upland variety used was Vaishak. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (factorial) and replicated thrice. The treatment consisted of two levels of growth regulator application viz., 50 ppm paclobutrazol and control, three levels of planting method viz., dibbling at 15 × 10 cm, dibbling at 20 × 15 cm and broadcasting and three levels of nutrient application viz., soil-test based N: P2O5: K2O, 75% N, 100% P2O5, 125% K2O, 20 kg/ha Si and 50% N, 100% P2O5, 150% K2O, 20 kg/ha Si. Biometric parameters like plant height, culm length and leaf area of rice were significantly reduced by the foliar spray of 50 ppm paclobutrazol. But the effect was significant only up to 60 DAS indicating the low persistence of the chemical in the plant. Dibbling resulted in the overall improvement of biometric parameters compared to broadcasting. The plant height and number of tillers per hill were high from dibbling at 20×15 cm spacing at 30 and 90 DAS. The number of tillers per hill was on par with dibbling at 15 × 10 cm spacing. Even with a lower plant population than broadcasting, the dry matter production from dibbling at 20×15 cm spacing was on par with broadcasting. The plants which got soil-test-based N: P2O5: K2O had taller plants at 60 and 90 DAS as well as high dry matter production at harvest due to the effect of high N. The number of tillers per hill was also higher from this treatment and on par with 75% N, 100% P2O5 125% K2O, 20 kg/ha Si level. The plants which received 75% N, 100% P2O5 125% K2O, and 20 kg/ha Si recorded the thickest culms at 60 DAS and the plants which received 50% N, 100% P2O5, 150% K2O and 20 kg/ha Si application recorded the thickest culms at 60 and 90 DAS. The Si control had lower culm thickness at all the stages. Application of soil-test-based N: P2O5: K2O resulted in the highest culm length at 90 DAS. At 60 DAS, the lodging index was significantly influenced by the planting method and at 90 DAS by nutrient management. The lodging index from dibbling at 15 × 10 cm was high and on par with broadcasting at 60 DAS. The lodging index was low from dibbling at 20×15 cm spacing at all the stages. The application of soil-test-based N: P2O5: K2O resulted in the highest lodging index. The highest number of panicles per square meter was obtained from 50 ppm paclobutrazol foliar spray, dibbling at 15 × 10 cm spacing and the application of 75% N, 100% P2O5, 125% K2O and 20 kg/ha Si. The number of grains per panicle was high from dibbling at 20×15 cm spacing. The other yield attributing parameters did not register any significant variation among treatments. The grain yield was not influenced by paclobutrazol application. However, the straw yield was significantly reduced and hence harvest index was increased from the treatment. Dibbling at 20×15 cm spacing resulted in the highest grain yield and the highest harvest index due to reduced lodging. Straw yield was highest from dibbling at 15 × 10 cm due to the high plant population compared to dibbling at 20×15 cm spacing. Application of 75% N, 100% P2O5 125% K2O and 20 kg/ha Si recorded the highest grain yield and harvest index. The straw yield was highest from soil-test based recommendation N: P2O5: K2O. When N dose was reduced to half, even though lodging was less, grain yield was significantly affected. Hence a nutrient level of 75% N, 100% P2O5 125% K2O of soil-test-based recommendation and 20 kg/ha Si can be considered optimum both in terms of lodging and grain yield. The application of different N: P2O5: K2O: Si levels had a significant influence on the uptake of N and Si at harvest. The highest and superior nitrogen uptake was recorded in the plants that got 100 % N: P2O5: K2O of soil-test based recommendation. The Si uptake from the nutrient level 75% N, 100% P2O5, 125% K2O, 20 kg/ha Si was higher and on par with that from 50% N, 100% P2O5, 150% K2O and 20 kg/ha Si level and was 56 % higher compared to Si control. The gross return from rice cultivation recorded no significant variation among paclobutrazol treated and control plants because the treatment had no significant impact on grain yield. Hence, the net return and B:C ratio were significantly higher in the control. Dibbling at 20cm × 15cm spacing and application of 75% N, 100% P2O5, 125% K2O and 20 kg/ha Si resulted in the highest gross return, net return and B:C ratio. Planting of rice at 20cm × 15cm spacing and application of 75% N, 100% P2O5, 125% K2O of soil test-based recommendation and 20 kg/ha Si resulted in reduced lodging, increased yield and net return of upland rice variety Vaishak
Customized fertilizer and nutrient scheduling for okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench)
(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Yansin Luikham; Anitha, S
Effect of intercrops on nutrient uptake and productivity of chilli-based cropping system
(Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikara, 2001) Anitha, S; Geethakumari, V L; Raghavan, Pillai
Influence of composting methods on compost maturity and quality
(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2015) Harsha Narayanan; Anitha, S
One of the important factors affecting the successful use of compost for agricultural purpose is compost maturity because immature compost can be detrimental to plant growth and soil environment. Compost obtained from many of the rapid methods is found to be coarser and need to be evaluated for maturity and quality prior to its agricultural use. Although the practical applicability and benefits of composting methods are widely known, there has been very limited effort towards scientific documentation and evaluation of the biodegradation process, along with quality evaluation of its end product and post application efficiency. The present study was proposed against this backdrop to study the influence of various composting methods on its end product quality, particularly in terms of its stability and maturity status and to evaluate whether the compost obtained from these methods can be directly used as manure. An investigation entitled ‘Influence of composting methods on compost maturity and quality’ was conducted at Plant Propogation and Nursery Management Unit, Vellanikkara to study the effect of composting methods on compost maturity and quality and evaluate the suitability of compost obtained from various composting methods as organic manure on the growth and yield performance of bhindi crop. The experiment consisted of eight methods of composting (T1-Aerobic composting using cowdung, T2- Aerobic composting using Bacillus subtilis (KAU culture), T3- Composting using effective microorganisms, T4- Composting with Trichoderma and worms, T5 - Vermicomposting, T6- Varanasi composting, T7- Heap and T8- Pit method of composting). The compost obtained from all the composting methods helped to attain physical, chemical and biological parameters of compost maturity at varying degree. The highest yield was recorded in varanasi composting followed by aerobic composting using cowdung. Based on the recovery percentage, the highest compost recovery was noticed in aerobic composting using cowdung. The nutrient content of compost obtained from all the composting methods was in the permissible limit. Even though the quantity of compost produced was less using microbial culture, compost produced has attained all the maturity parameters. In the absence of cowdung, composting using Bacillus subtilis (KAU culture), and Trichoderma and worms can be used as substitute for cowdung. Germination studies using compost extract and compost as potting mixture revealed that the compost produced were not phototoxic in nature and the heavy metal content was in the permissible limit. Based on the compost yield and better parameters of maturity, aerobic composting, varanasi composting and vermicomposting were found superior. The experiment to evaluate the suitability of compost as organic manure in the performance of bhindi crop consisted of nine treatments including compost obtained from eight different composting methods and farm yard manure. The organic manure requirement of the crop was substituted by compost and the quantity was decided based on nitrogen equivalent basis of farm yard manure requirement of bhindi (12t/ha). Crop performance was significantly higher with varanasi compost, vermicompost and compost using effective microorganisms. There was significant increase in available soil nutrient content after the addition of compost as compared to the initial content in all the treatments.
Microclimatic alteration on water productivity of chilli (Capsicum annum L) under fertigation
(Academy of Climate Change Education and Research Vellanikkara, 2017) Gouthami Deep, K P; Anitha, S
Micronutrient management for okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench ] under diffrent irrigation methods
(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Arya, P; Anitha, S
Nano fertilizers for enchancing the productivity of sunflower (Helianthus annus L.)
(Department of agronomy, collegeof agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2023-07-24) V., Jyothi Swaroopa; Anitha, S
A study entitled ‘Nano fertilizers for enhancing the productivity of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) was carried out at International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad during early summer season of 2021 and 2022 with the objective of productivity enhancement of sunflower through nano N, P, K and nano boron fertilizer application. The research work consists of two field experiments viz., 1) Standardization of nano N P K dose for enhancing the productivity of sunflower and 2) Response of sunflower to foliar application of nano fertilizers. Both the experiments were laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Experiment I consisted of 7 treatments viz., T1-Conventional fertilizers as per recommended dose (75:90:30 Kg ha-1), T2- nano N P K at 100 Kg ha-1, T3 - nano N P K at 80 Kg ha-1, T4- nano N P K at 60 Kg ha- 1, T5- nano N P K at 40 Kg ha-1, T6- nano N P K at 20 Kg ha-1, T7-Absolute control. Among different treatments, application of nano N P K (19:19:19) @ 100 kg ha-1 recorded significantly higher plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf area index and dry matter production at all growth stages except at 30 DAS and it was statistically on par with the application of nano N P K @ 80 kg ha-1. At 0 - 30 DAS & 90 DAS - harvest, both the crop growth rate and relative growth rate doesn’t show any significant difference among the treatments. At 30-60 DAS, highest crop growth rate and relative growth rate was recorded with application of nano N P K (19:19:19) @ 100 kg ha-1. Net assimilation rate doesn’t show any significant difference at different stages of sunflower except at 60-90 DAS. Yield parameters viz., head weight (g), number of seeds per capitulum, filling percentage, seed yield per plant, seed yield (kg ha-1), stalk yield (kg ha-1) and oil yield (kg ha-1) were significantly influenced by nano fertilizer treatments. Application of nano N P K (19:19:19) @ 100 kg ha-1 & 80 kg ha-1 were significantly on par and resulted an yield increment of 16.8% and 13.3 %, when compared to conventional fertilizers. Higher uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium at 60 & 90 DAS was observed with application of nano N P K @ 100 kg ha-1. The highest available soil nitrogen and phosphorus after harvest of sunflower was observed with the application of nano N P K @ 100 kg ha-1. With respect to potassium, highest available soil K was observed with the application of nano N P K @ 100 kg ha-1 in the first year. But, in the second year it doesn’t show any significant difference. Conventional fertilizer treatment recorded the lowest nutrient use efficiency in terms of partial factor productivity, agronomic efficiency and apparent recovery, when compared to nano fertilizer treatments. The result of the experiment indicated, application of nano N P K (19:19:19) @ 100 kg ha-1 & 80 kg ha-1 resulted significantly higher yield when compared to conventional fertilizers and found to be the best treatments in increasing the crop growth, productivity and yield of sunflower. Even though, higher yield was recorded in treatments with the application of nano N P K @ 100 and 80 kg ha-1, higher net returns and B:C ratio was observed in conventional fertilizer treatment because of high cost of nano fertilizers resulted in higher cost of cultivation and reduced net returns and B:C ratio. At present, nano fertilizers are not profitable to the farmers. Experiment II consisted of 12 treatments Viz., T1 - Conventional fertilizers as per recommended dose (75:90:30 Kg ha-1), T2 - Conventional fertilizers as per recommended dose + nano (19:19:19) N P K @ 0.2% as foliar spray at 30 DAS and 60 DAS,T3-Conventional fertilizers as per Recommended dose + N P K (19:19:19) @ 0.2% as foliar spray at 30 DAS and 60 DAS , T4 - Conventional fertilizers 50% as per Recommended dose + nano (19:19:19) N P K @ 0.2% as foliar spray at 30 DAS and 60 DAS; T5: Conventional fertilizers 50% as per Recommended dose + N P K (19:19:19) @ 0.2% as foliar spray at 30 DAS and 60 DAS, T6 - nano (19:19:19) N P K @ 0.2% as foliar spray at 30 DAS and 60 DAS, T7 - T2 + nano boron @ 0.2 % as foliar spray at ray floret opening (RFO) stage, T8 - T3 + nano boron @ 0.2 % as foliar spray at RFO stage, T9 - T4 + nano boron @ 0.2 % as foliar spray at RFO stage, T10 - T5 + nano boron @ 0.2 % as foliar spray at RFO stage, T11 - T6 + nano boron @ 0.2 % as foliar spray at RFO stage, T12 - Absolute control. Soil application of conventional fertilizers as per recommended dose (75:90:30 kg ha-1) + nano (19:19:19) N P K @ 0.2% as foliar spray at 30 DAS and 60 DAS + nano boron @ 0.2 % as foliar spray at RFO stage recorded significantly higher plant height and number of leaves, leaf area, leaf area index and dry matter production at all growth stages except at 30 DAS and it was statistically on par with application of conventional fertilizers 50% as per recommended dose + nano (19:19:19) N P K @ 0.2% as foliar spray at 30 DAS and 60 DAS + nano boron @ 0.2 % as foliar spray at RFO stage. All the yield parameters, seed yield (kg ha- 1) and stalk yield (kg ha-1) were significantly influenced by various foliar treatments except capitulum diameter (cm), test weight (g) and harvest index (%). An increment in seed yield of 22.71 % & 21.97 % was observed with T7 and T9 when compared to conventional fertilizer treatment (T1). Foliar application of nano (19:19:19) N P K @ 0.2% at 30 DAS and 60 DAS resulted in yield increment in the range of 2.23 to 9.68 % compared to the conventional foliar sprays. Similarly, foliar application of nano boron @ 0.2 % at ray floret opening stage resulted in yield increment in the range of 7 to 19.34% compared to the treatments without nano boron spray. At 60 and 90 DAS, higher uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was observed with T7 and was on par with T9. At 90 DAS, highest boron uptake was recorded in T7 and was on par with treatment T9, T8 and T10. After harvest of sunflower, soil pH, EC, organic carbon and available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and boron doesn’t show any significant difference among the treatments. Soil application of conventional fertilizer recorded the lowest nutrient use efficiency in terms of partial factor productivity, agronomic efficiency and apparent recovery, when compared to treatments receiving foliar sprays. The result of the experiment indicated that foliar application of nano (19:19:19) N P K @ 0.2% at 30 DAS and 60 DAS + nano boron @ 0.2 % at ray floret opening stage helped to reduce conventional fertilizers as per recommended dose (75:90:30 kg ha-1) to 50% without effecting the productivity of sunflower. Even though, higher yield was recorded in T7 & T9, but higher net returns and B:C ratio was recorded with application of conventional fertilizers 50% as per recommended dose (75:90:30 kg ha-1) + nano (19:19:19) N P K @ 0.2% as foliar spray at 30 DAS and 60 DAS) because of high cost of nano boron fertilizer resulted in higher cost of cultivation and reduced net returns and B:C ratio in T7 & T9.
Nutrient use efficient technologies for enhancing productivity of cowpea[VIGNA UNGUICULATA (L.) WALP.]
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture ,Vellanikkara, 2024-09-24) Vidhu Priyadarshini, P T.; Anitha, S
Cowpea, a vital leguminous crop in the semi-arid regions of tropics and sub tropics, plays a key role in sustainable agriculture and nutritional security. However, the productivity of cowpea remains low in various regions of India. There is a critical need to enhance the productivity of cowpea with limited resources to achieve nutritional security for the growing population. The research program entitled, ‘Nutrient use efficient technologies for enhancing productivity of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata ( L.) Walp.]’ was conducted from October 2021 to May 2023 at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, with the objective, to enhance the nutrient use efficiency and yield of cowpea through fertilizer microdosing, nano NPK and designer seeds. The investigation consisted of three experiments viz., standardization of fertilizer microdosing and seed treatment for cowpea, standardisation of nano fertilizer dose and seed treatment for cowpea and on field evaluation of nutrient use efficient technologies in two different cowpea varieties (Anaswara and PGCP 6) and the field experiments were repeated for three seasons (summer 2022, rabi 2022 and summer 2023). The experiment on standardization of fertilizer microdosing and seed treatments for cowpea consisted of five levels of fertilizer microdosing (25%, 50%, 75% NPK as per POP, NPK as per POP, and absolute control) and three levels of seed treatments (designer seeds, rhizobium treated seeds, and untreated seeds). Among fertilizer microdosing levels, microdosing (50%) exhibited the best growth and yield parameters followed by microdosing (25%). The percentage increase in grain yield with microdosing (50%) was 19% compared to NPK as per POP. Nutrient uptake and soil nutrient availability were higher in microdosing (50%). Partial factor efficiency (PFE), agronomic efficiency (AE) and apparent recovery efficiency (ARE) of N, P and K were significantly higher in microdosing (25%). Among seed treatments, designer seeds demonstrated superiority in terms of growth, yield and nutrient use efficiency. Designer seeds resulted in earlier flowering and led to a 114 per cent increase in grain yield compared to untreated seeds. Regarding interaction effect of treatments, microdosing (50%) with designer seeds showed the best performance followed by microdosing (25%) with designer seeds. Based on these results, microdosing 50% with designer seeds and microdosing (25%) with designer seeds were selected for field study. The experiment on standardization of nano fertilizer dose and seed treatment for cowpea consisted of six levels of nano fertilizers (2/3, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4 NPK as per POP applied as nano fertilizer (NF), NPK as per POP and absolute control) and three levels of seed treatments (designer seeds, rhizobium treated seeds, and untreated seeds). Among nano fertilizers, 2/3 NPK as per POP applied as NF showed significantly higher growth and yield parameters. This treatment resulted in a 14% increase in grain yield compared to NPK as per POP and a 137% increase compared to the absolute control. Significantly higher PFE and AE of N, P and K were recorded in 1/4 NPK as per POP applied as NF. Among seed treatments, designer seeds demonstrated the highest efficiency in terms of growth, yield, and nutrient use efficiency. Considering interaction effect, the application of 2/3 NPK as per POP applied as NF along with designer seeds resulted in 50 per cent increase in grain yield, while 1/4 NPK as per POP applied as NF along with designer seeds led to a 48 per cent increase in yield compared to the recommended dose of NPK as per POP of KAU with untreated seeds. Based on these findings, 2/3 NPK as per POP applied as NF with designer seeds and 1/4 NPK as per POP applied as NF with designer seeds were selected for field study. Experiment on field evaluation of nutrient use efficient technologies, consists of eight treatments viz., best two treatments from experiment I viz., microdosing (25%) with designer seeds, microdosing (50%) with designer seeds, best two treatments from experiment II viz., 2/3 NPK as per POP applied as NF with designer seeds, 1/4 NPK as per POP applied as NF with designer seeds, STCR equation based NPK with designer seeds, soil test based NPK with designer seeds, NPK as per POP with designer seeds and absolute control. Results on field evaluation of nutrient use efficient technologies using cowpea variety Anaswara revealed that microdosing (50%) with designer seeds showed increased growth parameters viz., plant height, number of branches, dry matter production per plant, crop growth rate and relative growth rate. Significantly highest grain yield was recorded in microdosing (50%) with designer seeds. Despite reducing the fertilizer dose to 50%, this treatment resulted in a 16% yield increase compared to the NPK as per POP with designer seeds. Total chlorophyll content at different growth stages and protein content in grains were higher in 1/4 NPK as per POP applied as NF with designer seeds. Soil parameters did not exhibit a consistent trend across treatments. Regarding nutrient use efficiencies, significantly higher partial factor efficiency and agronomic efficiency of N, P and K were recorded in 1/4 NPK as per POP applied as NF with designer seeds. While considering the economics, microdosing (50%) with designer seeds showed higher net returns and a better B:C ratio. Despite the higher yield observed with 2/3 of NPK as per POP applied as NF with designer seeds, the elevated cost of nano fertilizers rendered it less profitable. The field evaluation of nutrient use efficient technologies using cowpea variety, PGCP 6 revealed that microdosing (50%) with designer seeds and 2/3 NPK as per POP applied as NF with designer seeds performed best in terms of growth and yield parameters. The highest yield was recorded in microdosing (50%) with designer seeds followed by 2/3 NPK as per POP applied as NF with designer seeds. Reducing the fertilizer quantity by 50 per cent from NPK as per POP with designer seeds, microdosing (50%) with designer seeds resulted in an 86 per cent increase in yield. Throughout the growth stages, consistently higher total chlorophyll content and protein content in grains were observed with 1/4 of NPK as per POP applied as NF with designer seeds. Soil parameters did not show a consistent trend across treatments. Significantly higher PFE and AE of N, P and K were recorded with 1/4 NPK as per POP applied as NF with designer seeds. In terms of economics, microdosing (50%) with designer seeds demonstrated higher net returns and better B:C ratio. Despite achieving a higher yield with 2/3 of NPK as per POP applied as NF with designer seeds, the high cost of nano fertilizers made this treatment less profitable. From the results of field experiments conducted for both cowpea varieties (Anaswara and PGCP 6), microdosing (50%) with designer seeds can be recommended as an economically viable and nutrient use efficient technology for enhancing cowpea productivity
Nutritional evaluation of cycas seed flour (cycas circinnalis L.)
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Anitha, S; Indira, V
The study entitled “Nutritional evaluation of cycas seed flour (Cycas circinalis L.)” was undertaken to evaluate the nutritional and antinutritional constituents of cycas flour prepared from seeds collected from forest and non forest areas. The study also aimed to evaluate the effect of processing on the chemical constituents present in the cycas flour. Fresh and matured cycas seeds were collected from forest and non forest areas of Thrissur district during August 2010. The collected seeds were sun dried for 8 to 10 days and pooled separately as forest and non forest samples. The samples were processed by six different methods. The methods included were soaking the seeds in cold water for 12 and 24 hours (T1 and T2), soaking in boiling water for 2 hours after cold water treatment for 12 and 24 hours (T3 and T4) and washing of powdered flour of T1 and T2 for three times in water (T5 and T6). The flour prepared from unprocessed seed was taken as the control (T0). The processed seeds and the control were powdered and dried in a cabinet drier at 60 ± 5◦ C to a moisture level of 10 to 12 per cent. The prepared flour was analysed for different constituents like moisture, protein, starch, total carbohydrate, crude fibre, fat, calcium, phosphorous, sodium, potassium, iron, zinc, crude alkaloid, cycasin and hydrocyanic acid. The flour of cycas seeds collected from forest area was found to be relatively high in starch, total carbohydrate, crude fibre and minerals when compared to the flour prepared from seeds collected from non forest area. The crude alkaloid content was found to be relatively low in forest samples. During processing, the rate of nutrient loss from cycas seed flour increased gradually with advancement in the duration of soaking and increase in the temperature of soaked water. Among the different processing methods, maximum retention of nutrients was noticed in cycas flour prepared from seeds soaked in cold water for 12 hours. The percentage loss of protein, starch, total carbohydrate, crude fibre and fat varied from 2 to 48 per cent. Among minerals, the leaching of potassium was found to be very high. Maximum loss of nutrients was observed in T6, in which the flour was prepared by soaking the seeds in cold water for 24 hours and washed thrice in water. The mean crude alkaloid content in unprocessed cycas flour was 1.58 mg 100g-1 (T0) and it reduced to 0.60 mg 100g-1 during processing (T6). The cycas flour prepared from the seeds collected from forest area was found to be more nutritious. The processing of cycas seed could reduce the antinutritional constituents with considerable loss in nutrients. But, processing is highly essential for cycas seeds to be used as a food ingredient and for product diversification.
Production, characterisation and quality assessment of biochar
(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2015) Ammu Punnoose; Anitha, S
Crop residues in fields can cause considerable crop management problems if they accumulate. Composting is a viable option for crop residue management. However composting of plant twigs and woody plant residues is difficult as they take longer time for decomposition. Conversion of crop residue biomass into biochar and using it as a soil amendment is a nascent approach and then suggested as an alternative to composting and crop residue burning. Biochar is produced by controlled burning of biomass with little or no oxygen, known as pyrolysis. Research information on biochar in agricultural use in India is scanty. Very few reports are available on production, characterization and use of biochar as soil amendment. The present study was proposed against this backdrop to produce biochar from crop residues and to study the effect of biochar on the performance of crops. The investigation entitled ‘Production characterisation and quality assessment of biochar’ was conducted to assess the effect of production methods and materials used on the character of biochar and to study its suitability as soil amendment for amaranth. Woody wild growth, coconut petiole and herbal waste residues left after composting were the three materials used for biochar production. Biochar was produced using heap and drum methods. Biochar was characterised by percentage mass recovery and by physical and chemical distinctiveness. Methods of production and materials used had significant influence on the characteristics of biochar. Drum method gave higher biochar recovery compared to heap method. Porosity, water holding capacity and carbon content were higher in biochar produced from woody wild growth. All biochars showed alkaline pH with the highest pH in coconut petiole biochar. An increase in NPK content was noticed in biochar compared to the materials used. A pot culture experiment was conducted to study the soil amendment effect of biochar on crop performance. The treatments consisted of six biochars produced from three materials using two methods of production, along with three levels of fertilizers ie, 100 per cent recommended NPK, 75 per cent NPK and absolute control( without any fertilizers). Biochar materials were mixed at a 1:1 ratio on volume basis with soil and assessed their effect on the growth and yield of amaranth. They were also compared with treatment of ordinary potting mixture receiving FYM and 100 per cent NPK. A residual crop was raised in the same pot after the experiment and the yield of the crop was noted. For the first crop, the highest yield was obtained in the ordinary potting mixture which received 100 per cent NPK when compared with the biochar treatments. For the second crop, the highest yield was observed in the woody wild growth biochar receiving 100 per cent NPK. This indicated the nutrient retention property of biochar and its long term benefit. Biochar from woody wild growth recorded the highest carbon content, porosity and water holding capacity and produced better yields, among the different biochar materials. Biochar along with 100 per cent NPK recorded the highest yield compared to biochar treatments without fertilizers. Because of the high water holding capacity of biochar, irrigation could be given to the crops once in three days for the biochar applied treatments instead of twice daily as was done in ordinary potting mixture. Increase in pH of the soil was noticed after the experiment indicating its efficiency as a soil amendment in acidic soil. Beneficial properties of biochar like high carbon content, alkaline pH and high water and nutrient holding capacity revealed the suitability of biochar as a soil amendment.
Resource use & plant interaction in chilli intercropping system in summer rice fallow
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, 1995) Anitha, S; Geetha Kumari, V L
An investigation entitled “Resource use and plant interaction in chilli intercropping system in summer rice fallow” was conducted at Rice Research Station, Kayakulam to assess the bio and economic suitability of chilli intercropping system. The experiment consisted of two intercrops (French bean and amaranthus), three nutrient levels (NL 100, NL 75 and NL 50) and two planting methods (normal row planting and paired row planting). Among the three cropping system viz. Chilli – French bean, chilli – amaranthus and pure crop system, performance of chilli in chilli – French bean system was the best. All the growth and yield attributes, nutrient uptake and yield of chilli in chilli – French bean system was superior to chilli – amaranthus system and pure crop system. Better growth and yield performance of chilli was observed at 100 per cent of the nutrient dose for both the crops. The maximum benefit from chilli intercropping system was also realized at this level of nutrient. Intercrop yield of chilli was not influenced by planting geometry. Intercrop yield of amaranthus significantly increased with nutrient levels. Intercrop yield of amaranthus at 100 and 75 per cent nutrient does was significantly higher than intercrop yield of amaranthus at 50 per cent nutrient dose and pure crop yield. Performance of both pure and intercropped French bean was very poor hence this crop could not be recommended for summer rice fallow. Higher LER, LEC, ATER, CEY, monetary return based on LER, gross return, net return, return per rupee invested and per day return revealed the bio and economic suitability of chilli amaranthus system. Bio and economic suitability of chilli intercropping system was maximum when both crops were given 100 per cent of the nutrient dose. Nutrient status of the soil was not affected by intercrops, nutrient levels and planting geometry. A positive build up of all the nutrients in the soil revealed the sustainable nature of these systems. The results indicated that, French bean was not ideal for summer rice fallows. To reap the maximum biological and economic advantage, both the crops should be supplied with 100 per cent of the recommended dose. Chilli – amaranthus intercropping system can be recommended as an economically viable, biologically suitable and a sustainable cropping system for summer rice fallows of Kerala.
Screening of coconut varieties for tolerance to high temperature stress using pollen viability test
(Academy of Climate Change Education and Research Vellanikkara, 2016) Helen Mary Rose; Anitha, S
Weed management for upland rice
(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2020) Basila, Y; Anitha, S
Rice is one of the principal food crops in Asia and can be grown in wetland and upland conditions. Upland rice is grown in rainfed, naturally well drained soils with bunded or unbunded fields without surface water accumulation. Moisture stress, weed infestation, poor soil fertility and incidence of pests and diseases are major problems in upland rice cultivation. Among these, weeds are considered to be most serious. Hence an effective and timely control of weed is essential to achieve higher productivity in upland rice. Field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Farm, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara from June 2019 to September 2019 to develop cost effective weed management strategy for upland rice. The experiment was laid out in RBD with eight treatments and three replications. Treatments were T₁: Brown manuring (Cowpea) by application of 2,4-D on 25 DAS, T₂: In situ green manuring (Cowpea), on 25 DAS, T₃: Oxyfluorfen on the day of sowing fb HW at 30 DAS, T₄: Oxyfluorfen on the day of sowing fb bispyribac sodium on 20 DAS, T₅: Pyrazosulfuron on 6 DAS fb HW at 30 DAS, T₆: Pyrazosulfuron ethyl on 6 DAS fb bispyribac sodium on 20 DAS, T₇: Hand weeded control and T₈: Unweeded control. Dominant grass weed species observed were Echinochloa colona, Digitaria sanguinalis, Eleusine indica, Panicum maximum, Setaria spp, and Brachiaria spp. Dominant broad-leaf weed species were Alternanthera bettzickiana, Mitracarpus hirtus, Euphorbia hirta, Euphorbia geniculata, Ludwigia perennis, Scoparia dulcis, Ageratum conyzoides, Phyllanthus amara, Cleome burmannii, Commelina benghalensis, Lindernia crustacea, Catharanthus pusillus, Trianthema portulacastrum, Mollugo disticha and Hemidesmus indicus. Cyperus iria was the only sedge observed in the experimental field. Lowest weed dry matter production was recorded in hand-weeded control at 20 and 45 DAS. Application of oxyfluorfen fb HW at 30 DAS was as effective as hand weeded control and resulted in lesser weed count, weed dry matter, weed index and high weed control efficiency. Application of oxyfluorfen fb HW at 30 DAS resulted in maximum WCE of 92.60 % at 20 DAS and 98.58 % at 45 DAS. Lowest weed index was resulted from oxyfluorfen fb HW at 30 DAS (5.02 %) and was on par with pyrazosulfuron-ethyl on 6 DAS fb HW at 30 DAS (10.35 %). In situ green manuring and brown manuring resulted in significant reduction in weed dry matter production and high WCE at early stages of crop growth as compared to unweeded control, but it was not as effective as herbicide application. Application of oxyfluorfen fb HW at 30 DAS resulted in highest number of tillers per hill, leaf area index and number of hills/m². Hand-weeded control resulted in significantly higher grain yield (2888 kg/ha) and was on par with application of oxyfluorfen fb HW at 30 DAS (2743 kg/ha) and pyrazosulfuron-ethyl fb HW at 30 DAS (2589 kg/ha). Weed competition resulted in 78.05 % yield reduction in upland rice. Oxyfluorfen fb HW at 30 DAS resulted in highest straw yield (5898 kg/ha), which was on par with pyrazosulfuron-ethyl fb HW at 30 DAS (5886 kg/ha) and hand-weeded control (5415 kg/ha). Unweeded control resulted in significantly lower grain yield (634 kg/ha) and straw yield (943 kg/ha). Application of oxyfluorfen fb HW at 30 DAS resulted in higher N uptake by rice at all stages of observation and higher P uptake at harvest. At 30 DAS, application of pyrazosulfuron-ethyl fb bispyribac sodium resulted in higher P and K uptake by rice. At 60 DAS, the treatment brown manuring resulted in higher P uptake and application of oxyfluorfen fb bispyribac sodium resulted in higher K uptake by rice. At harvest, application of pyrazosulfuron-ethyl fb HW at 30 DAS resulted in higher K uptake by rice. Less N, P and K removal by weeds was observed in treatments oxyfluorfen fb HW at 30 DAS and hand-weeded control. Brown manuring resulted in higher organic carbon and soil microbial biomass carbon. Higher soil N and P availability was recorded in plots sprayed with oxyfluorfen fb bispyribac sodium and higher soil K availability was in pyrazosulfuron-ethyl on 6 DAS fb HW at 30 DAS. Application of oxyfluorfen 23.5 EC @ 0.15 kg/ha on the day of sowing fb HW at 30 DAS resulted in higher gross return, net return and B: C ratio, which was on par with pyrazosulfuron-ethyl 10 WP @ 0.03 kg/ha on 6 DAS fb hand weeding at 30 DAS. Hence, either of these pre-emergence herbicides followed by one hand weeding at 30 DAS can be recommended for a cost effective weed management in upland rice