Browsing by Author "Aravindakshan, M"

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Banana Compendium
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1996) Aravindakshan, M; Pushkaran, K
Correlation studies and the application of discriminant function for selection for yield in brinjal ( Solanum melongena, L.)
(Division of Agricultural Botany, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Vellayani, 1968) Raphael, K A; Aravindakshan, M
The present study was carried out with view to formulate suitable selection index for fruit yield using discriminant function technique and to test its efficiency over direct selection . Twelve established varieties or brinjal were studied for yield and associated characters. The characters studied were, plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, number of flowers, number of fruits, percentage of fruit set, mean weight of fruits and yield . The analysis showed that these varieities do not differ significantly except for the characters, namely, number of leaves and number of flowers.
Cross compatibility of banana clones
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1992) Karmacharya, J K L; Aravindakshan, M; Valsalakumari, P K
Studies were conducted in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Kerala on the cross compatibility of banana clones using 20 female and six male parents. Out of the 27 cross combinations tried, only eight combinations, all between triploid female and diploid male parents, were compatible. The results pointed out that interclonal hybridization is possible in banana using compatible clones. Seed production was maximum in the cross Agniswar x Pisang Lilin followed by Palayankodan x Pisang Lilin (AA) and Palayankodan x Sikuzani. The fertility pattern with reference to hands in a bunch showed varietal variation. Seed fertility was observed for the first time in Nendran, the leading commercial cultivar of Kerala, thus pointing out the possibility of improvement of this clone through hybridization.
Cross-compatibility and seed set in banana cultivars
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1990) Krishnakumar, M P; Valsalakumari, P K; Aravindakshan, M
In the studies undertaken to test the compatibility and seed set in banana cultivars, out of the 18 cross combinations only 3 combinations were found successful. The successful combinations were Palayankodan x Pisang Lilin; Rasthali x Pisang Lilin and Nendran x Pisane Lilin. Seed production was maximum in Palayankodan (102.96 seeds per bunch) followed by Nendran (13.65 seeds per bunch). Rasthali produced the least number of seeds per bunch (10.98). The fertility pattern with respect to position of hands in a bunch showed variation. In Palayankodan, fertility was maximum in the third hand (27.33); while in Nendran second hand was more fertile (7.00). Rasthali produced maximum number of seeds in second and third hands (2.66).
Effect of defoliation on maturity and ripening in grapes
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1969) Aravindakshan, M
Effect of different growth regulators on flowering and fruit development in pineapple
(Department of Horticulture (Pomology), College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1979) Santha, K K; Aravindakshan, M
The present investigations were carried out in College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University during the years 1976-78. The object of the study was to find out the effect of growth regulators and certain other chemicals on flowering and fruit development in pineapple. The growth regulators and chemicals included in this study consisted of ethrel and Planofix at different concentrations and combination of Ethrel, Ca CO3 and urea. Ca C2 was also included in this study. Seasonal variation in the effect of growth regulators and chemicals in two seasons was noticed. Application of growth regulators and chemicals in January resulted in earlier flowering than November application. The differential response of growth regulators in the two seasons might be attributed to the variation in leaf area. Of the different growth regulators and chemicals tried, Ethrel 250 ppm was found to be the for maximum induction of flowering. Ethrel at all concentrations was found to reduce the duration of flowering and also the time for fruit set. Ethrel in combination with urea 2 per cent and Ca CO3 0.04 per cent also showed similar effect. Time taken for fruit maturity was slightly reduced by Ethrel treatment while it was delayed by the application of Planofix. In respect of fruit size, maximum size was obtained by Planofix 20 ppm. None of the growth regulators, chemicals and combinations tried resulted in an over all improvement in quality of fruits, but the number of leaves possessed by a plant profoundly influenced the quality of fruits. While induction of flowering could be achieved by the application of growth regulators and chemicals irrespective of the morphological characters of the plant, the fruit development was found to be associated with the number of leaves possessed by the plant. The fruits produced by plants with higher number of leaves (Class IV) possessed maximum of TSS, reducing sugars, total sugars and sugar acid ratio closely followed by Class III. For a satisfactory fruit development the plant should possess around 40 leaves at the time of application of growth regulators. The nutrient status of leaves was also found to influence fruit development considerably. The largest fruits were produced by plants having leaf nutrient status of 1.40 per cent N, 0.08 per cent P and 3.43 per cent K. The application of growth regulators and chemicals was responsible for low sucker production. Ethrel at 1250 ppm retarded the sucker production to a maximum extent.
Effect of different light intensities on the vegetative characters and leaf analysis of pineapple variety 'kew'
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1980) Radha, T; Aravindakshan, M; Balakrishnan, S
In studies on the influence of different intensities of shade on the growth behaviour and nutrient status of leaves of pineapple plants, it was found that the pineapple plants tolerated shaded situations even upto 75 per cent. Under shaded situations, increased leaf area and higher contents of nitrogen, magnesium and chlorophyll in leaves were recorded.
Effect of ethephon , NAA and GA on flowering and fruit set In mango (Mangifera indica L.)
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1987) Suma, A; Aravindakshan, M
The importance of mango as a commercial fruit crop suffers very much due to the biennial bearing habit observed among most of the superior cultivars. Another important problem faced by mango cultivators is the enormous shedding of young fruits and flowers which will result in great loss. An attempt is made here to induce flowering in mango by application of ethephon at different concentrations in the first experiment. The different concentrations of ethephon tried were 100, 200, 300 and 500 ppm along with water spray as control. These sprays were given at 15 day intervals, the first spray commencing on September 15 th 1981. The varieties tried were Banganapally, Imampasant, Mundappa and Neelum. In all the varieties tried ethrel treatment induced early flowering, the optimum concentration being 200 ppm. By the application of ethephon more number of inflorescences were produced. The optimum concentration which induced maximum flowering in Banganapally and Neelum was 200 ppm, 300 ppm in Imampasant and 100 ppm in Mundappa. The percentage of hermaphrodiate flowers and male flowers produced in a panicle were not affected by treatments. The yield of fruits were found to increase by ethephon treatment. In Banganapally and Neelum maximum number of fruits were produced by 200 ppm, while 300 ppm and 100 ppm were found best for Imampasant and Mundappa respectively, In a overall analysis maximum content of carbohydrates was observed just before flowering and it reduced gradually after flowering. A similar trend as that of carbohydrates was observed for carbohydrate/nitrogen ratio. In Experiment 11 an attempt was made to tackle the premature fruit-drop by application of NAA and GA. Their effect on initial fruit set and quality of fruits were also observed. The treatments were as follows. NAA - 0,10,20,30 and 40 ppm GA - 0,25,50,75 and 100 ppm The chemicals were applied three times at weekely intervals, the first spray commencing when the panicles were in full bloom. The varieties tried were Banganapally, Imampasant, Mundappa and Neelum. Generally GA treatments were found better in increasing fruit set and GA 100 ppm particularly proved most effective in increasing initial fruit set when compared to other treatments in all the varieties studied. Fruit drop at different stages of fruit development viz., mustard, pea, marble and pre-harvest stages were found to be effectively controlled by NAA treatments in all the varieties. Among the NAA treatments NAA 40 ppm proved to be the best treatment. Increased fruit weight was observed by application of NAA 40 ppm in all the varieties. Fruit-length was found to be increased by GA treatment while girth was found maximum for NAA 40 ppm. In all the varieties fruit quality was found to be enhanced by NAA treatments, in general, but notable effects were seen for NAA 40 ppm, the application of which resulted in maximum TSS, sugar content and Vitamin C.
Effect of growth regulators and certain formulations on bunch development in banana var. palayankodan
(Department of Pomology & Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1983) Rajendran, P; Aravindakshan, M
The yield of banana in Kerala remains very low inspite of the adoption of proper manuring and other management practices. Investigations have indicated that the main barrier to the increased production in banana is the lack of sufficient leaf area at the active phase of growth of the plants. The present experiment was conducted with the banana cultivar ‘Palayankodan’ under sparsely irrigated conditions with a view to increase the plant growth and ultimate yield by the use of growth regulators and commercially available formulations. The growth regulators viz., 2-4-D and NAA and the commercially available formulation namely ‘Navras Banana Special’ were tried at four different concentrations as given below:- 2,4-D - 5,10,15 and 20 ppm NAA - 20, 30,40 and 50 ppm ‘Navras’ - 0.25, 0.50,0.75 and 1.00 per cent The various chemicals at different concentrations were applied as two foliar sprays at three and four months after planting. A third spray was also given on the bunches immediately after the female phase of flower opening. On an overall analysis, 2,4-D at 20 ppm and ‘Navras’ at 0.50 per cent were found to be more effective in promoting the vegetative growth of plants. With respect to flowering and duration of the crop, the growth regulators alone had significant effects when compared to the commercial preparation ‘Navras’. The effectiveness also depended on the concentrations of the growth regulators. Thus 2,4-D at 20 ppm induced early shooting of plants by about 12 days whereas NAA at 50 ppm caused substantial delay in shooting. The chemicals at their various concentrations were not effective in influencing the bunch maturity, thus indicating that the applied chemicals caused the earliness or delay observed, through their influencedon the vegetative growth only. Consequent to the application of 2,4-D at 20 ppm the crop duration was advanced by 22 days. Contrary to this, NAA at 50 ppm delayed the duration of the crop. The treatments with 2,4-D at 5 to 20 ppm, NAA at 40 and 50 ppm and ‘Navras’ at 1.00 per cent were found to advance the ripening of fruits. The best quality fruits in terms of TSS and total sugars were obtained by the application of 2,4-D at 20 ppm. Among the concentrations of ‘Navras Banana Special’, o.5 per cent gave the best results with respect to the growth and yield of plants. When the concentration was increased further, there was a decrease in the performance of the plants. The optimum doze of ‘Narvas Banana Special’ was worked out to 0.534 per cent. The correlations worked out from the data collected revealed that the vegetative and bunch characters such as girth of psuedostem, number of functional leaves, total leaf area, length of bunch, number of hands and fingers per bunch, number of fingers per hand and weight of hand, length, girth and weight of fingers amply contributed to the overall yield in the form of bunch weight. The yield increase observed in the present study due to the application of 2,4-D at 20 ppm was by 88 per cent and that for ‘Navras’ at 0.5 per cent was by 96 per cent. The benefit/cost ratio worked out for these treatments did not differ and hence application of 2,4-D (20 ppm) and ‘Navras Banana Special’ (0.5 per cent) were equally good for increasing the yield. The present investigations were conducted under sparsely irrigated conditions where, irrigation was given just for the maintence of the crop. Further investigations with rainfed and irrigated ‘Palayankodan’ bananas may be of particular interest.
Effect of growth regulators on rooting of different types of plating materials in black papper (Piper rigrum.L.)
(Department of Pomology, Floriculture and Landscapping, College of Horticulture, 1988) Gigi Elizabeth Clara Francis; Aravindakshan, M
Systematic studies were carried out in centre for Advanced Studies, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara to study different aspects of rooting of cuttings and anatomy of the root initiation and development in black pepper. For propagation studies, four different types of planting materials viz., runners (stolons), growing shoots (orthotrophs), hanging shoots (geogrophs) and laterals (plageotrophs) were treated with seradix-B, IAA, IBA, and IAA + IBA combination each at 500, 1000 and 1500 ppm concentrations planted under mist and open conditions. The results revealed that in all the planting materials IBA 1000 ppm treatment was superior with regard to rooting percentage and other root growth parameters such as number, length, fresh weight and dry matter production of roots. Regardless of the growth regulator treatments, mist had pronounced influence on root growth in all the planting materials. However, mist decreased the shoot weight and shoot/root ratio particularly in the final stages of observation. All the planting materials except laterals rooted readily during March but laterals recorded maximum rooting during June. Though there was not much difference among the planting materials with regard to their rooting ability, laterals were shy rooters and produced roots only after six weeks of planting while all other types produced root readily within three weeks of planting. For anatomical studies, rooting regions of the cuttings from all the treatments were used. The tissue origin of roots was found to be the parenchyma situated in the interfascicular region and three steps were identified in the process of root development. Structure of the stem and roots were also studied and described.
Effect of growth substances on rooting of planting materials in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1993) Gigi Francis; Aravindakshan, M; Gopikumar, K; Valsalakumari, P K
The study revealed lhat all types of planting materials treated with IBA 1000 ppm were superior wilh regard to rooting percentage and other root growth parameters such as number, length, fresh weight and dry matter production of roots. Regardless of the growth substance treatments, mist had pronounced influence on root growth in all the planting materials. All types, except laterals, rooted readily during March; but laterals recorded maximum rooting during June, though there was not much difference among the planting materials with regard to their rooting ability, laterals were shy rooters and produced roots only after six weeks of planting while all the other types produced roots readily within three weeks of planting.
Effect of NAA on fruit size and maturity in pineapple var. kew
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1984) Babylatha, A K; Aravindakshan, M
Effect of nitrogen nutrition on quality and storage behaviour of pineapple
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1980) Balakrishnan, S; Aravindakshan, M; Marykutty, K C; Valsamma Mathew
In studies on the effect of different levels of nitrogen nutrition on fruit quality and storage behaviour of pineapple, it was found that at harvest, the maximum reducing sugars, brix to acid ratio and sugar to acid ratio were registered at lowest level of nitrogen at 8g/plant As the level of nitrogen was increased to 12g/plant, total sugars increased, but there was a decrease as the level was further increased to 16g/plant. Acidity and TSS showed an increasing trend with increasing levels of nitrogen. During cold storage, higher levels of nitrogen recorded a decrease in reducing sugars. Maximum increase in acidity was recorded by the lowest level of nitrogen under both storage conditions. Increase in nitrogen level upto 12g per plant was found to have a favourable influence on total sugars in both open and cold storage conditions. Better retention of brix to acid ratio in cold storage and to reducing sugars in open storage was observed when the nitrogen dose was increased to 16g/plant.
Effect of Shade on Growth and Fruiting in Pineapple
(Department of Pomology & Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture,Vellanikara, 1979) Radha, T; Aravindakshan, M
The present investigations were carried out in the College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University during the years 1976-1979. The object of the study was to find out the effects of shading on the growth, flowering and fruiting behaviour of pineapple variety ‘kew’. The treatments consisted of four levels of shade viz., 0, 25, 50 and 75 per cent. Shading was provided by coconut leaves on erected pandals over the plants and the intensity adjusted by using an ;Aplab’ lux meter periodically. The number of leaves produced per plant was not influenced by shading. In fact the leaf area was found to increase especially at the later stages of growth under shade. Dry matter accumulation in the leaves also was not reduced considerably in shade indicating the capacity of pineapple to tolerate shade. Early, uniform and increased flowering was noticed in plants grown under shade. Percentage of flowering was maximum at 50 per cent shade which probably indicated that the shade tolerance limit of pineapple is upto 50 per cent. Ethral was found to exhibit an inhibitory effect on flowering in the case of plants grown under shade above 25 per cent intensity. Crown growth of fruits was greatly enhanced by shade treatments and therefore the contribution of crown weight to the total fruit weight was higher in the shaded plants. Fruit weight with crown was comparable in shade and in open. Developmental pattern of fruits was not found to be influenced by shade treatments. Quality of the fruits in general, was decreased by shading. The acidity increased with shade intensity while the sugar and ascorbic acid contents decreased. Nitrogen content of leaves increased by shading, during the later stages of growth. The shaded leaves also possessed higher magnesium and lower calcium contents at all stages of estimation. Chlorophyll ‘a’, ‘b’ and total contents of leaves increased as the intensity of shade increased. Destruction of chlorophyll in the leaves in the open as evidenced by the yellowish appearance of leaves was not noticed under shade. Number of suckers produced per plant was not considerably affected by shading. Suckers produced by shaded plants were more vigorous than those produced by shaded plants were more vigorous than those produced by plants grown in the open.
Effect of split application of fertilizer in banana cv. Nendran
(Department of Horticulture, College of Horticulture,Vellanikara, 1987) Beena Natesh, B; Aravindakshan, M
Effect of the yellow leaf disease on the plant characters of Areca catechu L.
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1970) Nair, R B; Aravindakshan, M
Effect of yellow leaf disease on the physiology of areca palms (Areca catechu L)
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1971) Nair, R B; Aravindakshan, M
Efficacy of certain growth regulators in inducing flowering in pineapple (Ananas Comosus)
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1978) Balakrishnan, S; Aravindakshan, M; Krishnan Nair, N
A study was undertaken at Pineapple Research Centre, University Main Campus, Vellanikkara in 1976—77 to find a cheaper growth regulator for uniform flower induction in pineapple. The findings showed that a combination treatment of 25 ppm ethrel, 2% urea and 0.04% calcium carbonate was much effective than ethrel application alone ensuring higher percentage of flowering and poduction of better sized, shaped and uniform fruits. The cost of treatment was found to be low, 1.2 paise per plant.
Ethnobotany of medicinal plants used by tribes of Kerala
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1992) Sudhadevi, P K; Aravindakshan, M
Investigations were carried out on the Ethnobotany of medicinal plants of the tribes of Kerala in the Centre for Advanced Studies on Humid Tropical Tree Crops and Environmental Horticulture attached to College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1988 – 1991. The study included documentation of ethnomedicines, botanical description and propagation of selected five rare plants and screening of selected plants for antimicrobial activity. The Malayan tribe of the selected localities, viz., Chimminy, Marottichal, Sholayar, Vazhachal and Vazhani were selected for the study. Ethnomedico – botanic information on 212 plant species, belonging to 184 genera of 73 families were documented. According to the magnitude of availability of information and paints, the localities could be ranked as Sholayar > Vazhachal > Marottichal > Chimminy/ Vazhani. Erosion of the knowledge and depletion of the flora as urbanization advances were observed. The tribe knew the remedy for almost all the common diseases. Single plant remedies were observed for alopecia (Nyctanthes arbortristis), bone fracture (Justicia gendarussa), paralysis (Cassia fistula), prolapse of the rectum (Mangifera indica), whitlow (Euphorbia antiquorum) and as analgesic (Thevetia neriifolia), antilactogenic (Jasminum pubescens) and diaphoretic (Oroxylum indicum). Maximum number of plants, either alone or in combination were used for eye diseases followed by diarrhoea and dysentery, loss of hair and snake bite. Plants used as animal and insect repellents and for cattle diseases were also documented. Information was also obtained on diagnostic and prophylactic plants. Use of Allium sativum along with Ocimum sanctum as a prophylactic for mumps, Allanthus excels for lalarial fever, and the leaves of Tragia involucrate for diagnosing pregnancy were very simple and worth mentioning. Plants were used in combination with other plants ; plant products like oils, jiggery, sugar, animals like chiken, crab and tadpole; animal products like butter, honey and milk; and inert materials like ash, clay and salt. Religious or magical rituals accompany the uses of certain plants. They also keep certain taboos about medicinal plants. Five rare plants, Alstonia venenata, Coscinium fenestratum, Habenaria latilabris, Rotula aquatic and woodfordia fruticosa were botanically described and illustrated. Feasibility of multiplication of these species under Vellanikkara conditions revealed that the easiest method of multiplication was through root cuttings in Coscinium fenestratum, pseudobulbs in Habenaria latilabris, hardwood cuttings in Rotula aquatic and seeds in Woodfordia fruticosa. In Alstonia venenata, the treatments tried were not successful. None of the ether and alcoholic plant extracts screened showed any antimicrobial properties while the essential oils from four plants showed remarkable traits in this aspect. Clove leaf oil was found to be inhibitory to all the bacteria and fungi tested . The inhibition was more compared to most of the antibiotics and fungicides available in the market. The essential oil of Coscinium fenestratum and Cinnamomum verum also showed fairly good antibacterial and antifungal properties. The essential oil of Alstonia venenata was able to suppress the growth of bacteria, though ineffective in the case of fungi. However, further in vivo studies are required in order to prove its efficacy in natural/experimental infections before its utility is advocated for field conditions. The information gathered revealed that the tribal community of Thrissur District has a traditionally self managed system of folk medicine. Comprehensive and systematic surveys and documentation are required in other unexploited areas also for gathering such valuable information before they are being lost.
Herbicide screening trials on vegetable crops
(Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikara, 1967) Aravindakshan, M