Browsing by Author "Asha K Raj"

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Abelmoschus esculents
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1999) Asha K Raj; Geethakumari, V L
A fieId experiment was con d u c t e d at the De par t men t 0 f Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani to find out the effect of dual application of phosphate sources and microbial inoculants on the quality of compost and to standardize an organic nutrient schedule for bhindi. Two su c c e s s i v e experiments; (I) standardisation of agro-techniques for enriching compost and (2) organic nutrient scheduling in okra were conducted to achieve the ob j e c t i v e s en vis age d . I nth e fi r s t ex per i men tor din a r y co III P 0 s t (uninoculated a i.d unamended co mp o s t ) was compared with various enriched composts prepared u s r n g phosphate sources such as rockphosphate or bonemeal at var io us levels (5%, 10%, 20%) and microbial inoculants (Azotobacter and Phosphobacter). The experiment was laid out in randomised block design with n m e treatments and three replications. In the second experiment an o r g aru c nutrient schedule was standardised for bhindi, variety Arka anamika by comparing the e ff e c t s 0 f fi v e 0 r g ani c nit r 0 g ens 0 u r c e s [ F Y M a Ion e (S I ), F Y M + poultry manure (S2),' FYM + neemcake (S)), FYM + greenleaf (S4), and FYM + enriched compost (Ss)], three nitrogen levels [50 kg ha-I (Nd, 100 kg ha-I (N2) and' 150 kg ha-I (N))] and microbial inoculation (control and Azospirillum) on growth, yield and quality of bhindi. POP recommendation of Kerala Agricultural University (12t FYM + 50:e:25 kg NPK ha-I) was the absolute control used in the study. The experiment was laid out in 5x3x2+1 factorial randomised block design with three replications. The results of the investigation are summarised below. Addition of phosphate sources and microbial inoculants reduced the decomposition period and improved the manurial value of enriched composts as compared to the ordinary compost. Lowest C:N ratio and ripening period and highest N, P and K content was recorded by the compost enriched with 20 percent bonemeal and microbial inoculants. Compost treated with 20 percent rockphosphate and bonemeal was comparable with bone meal with respect to C:N ratio, ripening period and P content. Ordinary compost was the most inferior treatment in the study. Among nitrogen sources, all organic nitrogen sources (neemcake, green leaf, poultry manure and enriched compost) except FYM (Sd were superior to POP recommendation. FYM + neemcake (S3) recorded the maximum germination percentage and number of fruits plane I , where as plant height, LAI, fruit weight and fruit length were highest for FYM + green leaf (S4), which also took the' minimum days for 50 percent flowering. All the growth and yield parameters were highest at N3 level of nitrogen and with Azospirillum inoculation. FYM + neemcake recorded the maximum yield (158 q h a") and was on par with FYM + green leaf. Yield was maximum at N3 level and with Azospirillum inoculation. Crude protein content and ascorbic acid content were maximum for FYM + poultry manure and FYM + enriched compost respectively. FYM + enriched compost and FYM + neem cake re cor d e d co m par a b I e and low est c r u d e fi b r e con ten tan d h i g h est keeping quality of fruits. Various quality attributes were better under N3 level of nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation. Nand P uptake were highest for FYM + neem cake where as K uptake was maximum for FYM + poultry manure, at N) level of nitrogen and with Azospirillum inoculation. The available N, P and K status of the soil were highest in FYM + neemcake, FYM + enriched compost and FYM alone treated plots respectively, at N3 level of nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation. FYM + neem cake recorded the rn a x i mum profit and was comparable with FYM + green leaf and FYM + poultry manure. B:C ratio was highest in FY M + nee m cake. P rofi t was max I mu m at N 3 level of nitrogen and Azospirillum inoculation. In the case of interactions S3N3A (FYM + neem cake at N3 level and with Azospirillum) recorded the highest fruit yield and profit ha-I and was comparable with S4N3A (FYM + green leaf at N3 level with Azospirillum) and S2N3A (FYM + poultry manure at N3 level and Azospirillum) The present study revealed that the substitution of chemical fertilizers with organic manures such as neem cake, green leaf, poultry manure and enriched compost was beneficial for increasing the yield and improving the quality of bhindi.
Biomass production, root distribution and yield responses of green leaf manure trees on wetland paddy bunds
(Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2024-02-28) Aravind, R.; Asha K Raj
India's agriculture sector, which accounts for 18.2 per cent of the GDP and employs nearly half of the workforce, is heavily dependent on imported fertilizers, placing a significant fiscal burden on the economy. To mitigate this dependency and enhance soil fertility, the practice of green leaf manuring offers a sustainable solution. Traditionally, green leaf manuring in paddy fields was a popular practise among Kerala paddy farmers by gathering green leaves from nearby trees, but changes in cropping systems, reduced tree availability, land constraints, and labour shortages hindered this practice. Planting green leaf manure trees directly on bunds can address these issues. This study assesses the growth and green biomass production of selected green leaf manure tree species on wetland paddy bunds, as well as root distribution patterns and interactions with adjacent paddy crops. This study was conducted at paddy fields of State Seed Farm, Mannuthy, Kerala, on existing bund-grown trees comprising of nine different species such as Sesbania grandiflora, Terminalia arjuna, Gliricidia sepium, Cassia siamea, Gmelina arborea, Calliandra calothyrsus, Morus indica, Neolamarckia cadamba, and Cajanus cajan. The study was designed using a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Trees were planted at 1-meter spacing and maintained as hedgerows. Growth, yield and root distribution parameters were measured during the second year after establishment. The results revealed significant variation in growth and green biomass production among the bund-grown tree species. N. cadamba excelled in collar diameter, while Morus indica underperformed. C. cajan exhibited complete mortality after one-and-half years, resulting in a survival percentage of zero by the end of the study. N. cadamba and T. arjuna showed notably high annual green biomass yields, at 7.03 kg and 4.54 kg per tree, with survival rates of 96 and 90 per cent, respectively. Other species produced moderate levels of green biomass, with the exception of G. arborea and M. indica, which yielded minimal to no biomass. Root distribution analysis revealed that T. arjuna demonstrated a pronounced rooting depth of 106 cm and a taproot length of 75.67 cm. The maximum lateral root spread was observed in N. cadamba (1.96 m) and G. arborea (1.94 m), both exhibiting a high number of roots with substantial diameter, enhancing bund stability and resource utilization. Root angle analysis showed a preference for lateral spread in G. sepium (82.62°) and C. siamea (80.57°). Conversely, M. indica and C. cajan underperformed across most of the root parameters. 124 Paddy beneath S. grandiflora showed highest grain yield of 5.31 Mg ha-1 within 1m distance from the tree and 5.22 Mg ha-1 at 1-2 m, which indicates the complementary interactions. Moreover, paddy yield under all other tree species were comparable to the control plot except M. indica, T. arjuna and C. calothyrsus, which exhibited competitive interactions with paddy up to a distance of 2 m from the tree base. Paddy nutrient content analysis revealed that paddy fields adjacent to C. cajan exhibited higher concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compared to other treatments. Soil pH significantly influenced nutrient availability, with C. cajan showing the highest pH (6.06) and C. siamea the lowest (4.31). Electrical conductivity (EC) was highest in treeless bunds (0.17 dS m-¹) and T. arjuna (0.13 dS m-¹), while C. cajan and N. cadamba exhibited lower EC (0.06 dS m-¹). Soil organic carbon (SOC) was highest in open fields (1.21%). Soil beneath T. arjuna had the highest nitrogen (172.20 kg ha-¹) and potassium (41.44 kg ha-¹), while C. cajan had the highest phosphorus (62.09 kg ha-¹). In conclusion, the study highlights N. cadamba and T. arjuna as the most productive and adaptable species, demonstrating superior growth and green biomass production on wetland paddy bunds. S. grandiflora and C. siamea also produced considerable green biomass with minimal interactions with paddy crops. T. arjuna and M. indica were associated with reduced paddy yields, likely due to competition and pest pressures. G. sepium is also a potential species, however, it may perform optimally under conditions that include seedling planting and specific management practices. However, long-term studies are required to get more concluding results on crop interactions and soil fertility changes
Carbon storage potential of intensive silvopasture systems in humid tropics of kerala
(Academy of Climate Change Education and Research, Vellanikkara, 2016) Varsha, K M; Asha K Raj
Comparative performance of mulberry (Morus indica L.) and subabul (Leucaena leucocephala Lam.) under diverse management regimes in a coconut based fodder production system
(Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2016) Reshma M Raj; Asha K Raj
Ecofriendly production of slicing cucumber (cucumis sativus L) through organic sources
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2006) Asha K Raj; Lakshmi, S
Forage yield, soil fertility and carbon dynamics of calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus meissn,) in coconut plantation
(Departament of Silviculture and Agroforestry , College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2017) Jilna Joy; Asha K Raj
A study entitled “Performance of calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus Meissn.) under diverse management regimes in a coconut based hedge row fodder production system” was carried out at Instructional Farm, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2014-2015. The main objective of the study was to assess the influence of management practices like tree density, pruning height and pruning frequency on initial growth, forage yield and nutritional qualities of calliandra intercropped in coconut gardens under humid tropical conditions of Kerala. The treatments consisted of three levels of plant density (27,777; 22,222 and 17,777 plants ha-1), three levels of pruning frequency (8, 12 and 16 weeks interval) and two levels of pruning height (0.5m and 1m) in all possible combinations laid out under factorial randomized block design with three replications. The results revealed that various management practices had a profound influence on the forage yield and quality aspects of calliandra when grown as an intercrop in coconut garden. Comparing plant densities, highest density stand (27,777 plants ha-1) yielded 55 percent more forage (11.73Mg ha-1yr-1, dry basis) than the lowest density (17,777 plants ha-1), with higher foliage fraction. Quality parameters of forage like crude protein, ash, dry matter, phosphorus and potassium content increased and crude fibre content decreased at higher densities indicating closer spacing for production of tender nutritive fodder. Pruning at the prolonged interval of 16 weeks yielded more total forage, but the majority of the fodder comprised of stem fraction as indicated by the poor leaf-stem ratio. Leaf –stem ratio of fodder harvested at 8 and 12 weeks showed an increment of 125 percent over that of the 16 weeks interval, indicating more foliage production than stem fractions when harvested at shorter intervals. Pruning frequencies also had profound influence on nutritive value of the forage. Harvesting at shortest interval of 8 weeks and 12 weeks yielded fodder with maximum crude protein, phosphorus and potassium content when compared to 16 weeks. Ash and dry matter content in 99 fodder was significantly higher at the longest interval of 16 weeks. Crude fibre content of forage increased sharply from 28.33 to 49.98 percent by prolonging the harvest interval from 8 to 16 weeks thereby adversely affecting the palatability of the forage. Pruning height showed more prominent influence on forage yield of calliandra than the nutritive parameters. Dry fodder yield increased from 8.11 to 10.81 Mg ha-1yr-1 with increasing pruning height from 0.5 to 1m, with a higher leaf-stem ratio for taller stocks. Similarly there was a significant improvement in CP yield from taller stocks (1.67 Mgha-1 )when compared to shorter ones (1.23 Mgha-1) The interaction effects of plant density, pruning height and pruning frequency had no significant effect on yield and quality parameters of callianrda. The highest yielding combination (13.39 Mg ha-1dry basis) was found to be D1H2F2 (27,777 plants ha-1 + pruning height 1 m + pruning interval 12 weeks ) with higher foliage fraction and better nutritive parameters, compared to all other management levels, which were inferior either in forage yield or nutritive value or palatability of forage. On the whole, the study revealed that forage yield and quality of young stands of calliandra underneath coconut garden could be optimized at the cheapest level by adopting a tree density of 27,777plants ha-1, pruning height of 1m and pruning interval of 12 weeks. Moreover, based on the growth and yield performance and quality aspects, it is found that calliandra is a promising fodder tree, which can be successfully integrated with the existing coconut gardens of Kerala. Establishment and proper management of calliandra in coconut garden at appropriate management levels thus offers a cheap source of quality forage to Kerala farmers against the highly expensive concentrate feeds.
On-farm evaluation of selected cereal fodders in prominent land use systems of Kerala
(Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry,Vellanikkara, 2021) Shahina, N N; Asha K Raj
The field study entitled “On-farm evaluation of selected cereal fodders in prominent land use systems of Kerala” was carried out as two separate experiments in homegarden and coconut garden with livestock component in Madakkathara panchayath, Thrissur, Kerala during 2020-21. The study aimed to evaluate the forage yield and nutritive value of three cereal fodders viz., maize, sorghum, and bajra in major land use systems of Kerala viz., homegarden, coconut garden, and under open conditions with full sunlight. The study also assessed the relative performance of cereal fodders with hybrid napier, the popular fodder grass in Kerala. In each system, the treatments were laid out in Randomized Block Design replicated three times. The crops were cultivated during two different seasons viz., rabi and summer. In homegarden trial, all the crops established well in homegarden and contiguous open areas. In general, the growth parameters of crops were better in the open field. Among crops, maize showed better growth followed by hybrid napier, bajra, and sorghum. In open field, maize recorded significantly higher cumulative green fodder yield (93.27 Mg ha-1 in rabi and 93.32 Mg ha-1 in summer) followed by hybrid napier (70.42 Mg ha-1 in rabi and 79.20 Mg ha-1 in summer), while in homegarden, the yield of maize (57.16 Mg ha-1 and 73.50 Mg ha-1 ) and hybrid napier (60.42 Mg ha-1 in rabi and 73.51 Mg ha-1 in summer) was on par. The productivity of sorghum and bajra was poor in both land use systems. The shade tolerance of fodder grasses in homegarden is in the order; hybrid napier>maize >bajra >sorghum. Dry fodder yields also followed a similar trend. The fodder production was generally higher during the summer season than in rabi. The per day productivity was higher for bajra and maize in both land use systems. The PAR availability in homegarden as compared to open conditions during rabi and summer season was 31.72 and 49.18 percent respectively. Considering the quality aspects of fodder, the crude protein content was higher and crude fibre content was lower in homegarden than in open field, whereas xvii the dry matter and ash content showed the reverse trend. In homegarden and open field, maize had more crude protein content followed by hybrid napier, bajra, and sorghum during both seasons. The order of CF content in homegarden was in the order; maize maize > bajra > sorghum. The dry fodder yields also followed a similar trend. Per day productivity of fodder grasses was noticed more in open contiguous areas as compared to coconut garden. The maximum per day productivity was obtained by bajra and maize in both land management systems. The mean daily PAR transmittance in coconut garden during the rabi and summer season was 55.74 and 56.83 percent respectively. In the second experiment also, the crude protein content was higher and crude fibre content lower in coconut garden, whereas the dry matter and ash content observed more in open fields. In coconut garden, maize had more crude protein content followed by hybrid napier and the crude fibre content was minimum in maize. The ash content was also maximum in maize. The grasses in the coconut garden showed more N content and were recorded highest in maize. The P and K content recorded higher values in open conditions than in coconut garden. The P concentration was maximum in hybrid napier, while K content was highest in fodder bajra. In both systems, maize recorded the highest B: C ratio followed by hybrid napier. xviii Thus, the study indicates that cereal fodder, maize can be successfully and cost effectively cultivated in partially shaded tree-based systems like homegardens and coconut gardens with minimal yield loss. In comparison, yield reduction was higher under homegarden with low PAR transmission (41 percent) than that of coconut garden with higher light availability (56 percent). The study also indicated that maize outperformed hybrid napier both quantitatively and qualitatively under coconut garden with more availability of light, whereas it showed a comparable response in homegarden with intense shade indicating higher shade tolerance of hybrid napier. Bajra showed moderate performance under shady situations whereas sorghum yielded very poor results.
Performance of calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus meissn.) under diverse mangement regimes in a coconut based hedge row fodder production system
(Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2017) Anu Sagaran, K; Asha K Raj
A study entitled “Performance of calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus Meissn.) under diverse management regimes in a coconut based hedge row fodder production system” was carried out at Instructional Farm, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2014-2015. The main objective of the study was to assess the influence of management practices like tree density, pruning height and pruning frequency on initial growth, forage yield and nutritional qualities of calliandra intercropped in coconut gardens under humid tropical conditions of Kerala. The treatments consisted of three levels of plant density (27,777; 22,222 and 17,777 plants ha-1), three levels of pruning frequency (8, 12 and 16 weeks interval) and two levels of pruning height (0.5m and 1m) in all possible combinations laid out under factorial randomized block design with three replications. The results revealed that various management practices had a profound influence on the forage yield and quality aspects of calliandra when grown as an intercrop in coconut garden. Comparing plant densities, highest density stand (27,777 plants ha-1) yielded 55 percent more forage (11.73Mg ha-1yr-1, dry basis) than the lowest density (17,777 plants ha-1), with higher foliage fraction. Quality parameters of forage like crude protein, ash, dry matter, phosphorus and potassium content increased and crude fibre content decreased at higher densities indicating closer spacing for production of tender nutritive fodder. Pruning at the prolonged interval of 16 weeks yielded more total forage, but the majority of the fodder comprised of stem fraction as indicated by the poor leaf-stem ratio. Leaf –stem ratio of fodder harvested at 8 and 12 weeks showed an increment of 125 percent over that of the 16 weeks interval, indicating more foliage production than stem fractions when harvested at shorter intervals. Pruning frequencies also had profound influence on nutritive value of the forage. Harvesting at shortest interval of 8 weeks and 12 weeks yielded fodder with maximum crude protein, phosphorus and potassium content when compared to 16 weeks. Ash and dry matter content in 99 fodder was significantly higher at the longest interval of 16 weeks. Crude fibre content of forage increased sharply from 28.33 to 49.98 percent by prolonging the harvest interval from 8 to 16 weeks thereby adversely affecting the palatability of the forage. Pruning height showed more prominent influence on forage yield of calliandra than the nutritive parameters. Dry fodder yield increased from 8.11 to 10.81 Mg ha-1yr-1 with increasing pruning height from 0.5 to 1m, with a higher leaf-stem ratio for taller stocks. Similarly there was a significant improvement in CP yield from taller stocks (1.67 Mgha-1 )when compared to shorter ones (1.23 Mgha-1) The interaction effects of plant density, pruning height and pruning frequency had no significant effect on yield and quality parameters of callianrda. The highest yielding combination (13.39 Mg ha-1dry basis) was found to be D1H2F2 (27,777 plants ha-1 + pruning height 1 m + pruning interval 12 weeks ) with higher foliage fraction and better nutritive parameters, compared to all other management levels, which were inferior either in forage yield or nutritive value or palatability of forage. On the whole, the study revealed that forage yield and quality of young stands of calliandra underneath coconut garden could be optimized at the cheapest level by adopting a tree density of 27,777plants ha-1, pruning height of 1m and pruning interval of 12 weeks. Moreover, based on the growth and yield performance and quality aspects, it is found that calliandra is a promising fodder tree, which can be successfully integrated with the existing coconut gardens of Kerala. Establishment and proper management of calliandra in coconut garden at appropriate management levels thus offers a cheap source of quality forage to Kerala farmers against the highly expensive concentrate feeds.
Productivity of tree fodder banks in selected homegardens of central Kerala
(Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2019) Anush Patric; Asha K Raj
The field study entitled “Productivity of tree fodder banks in selected homegardens of Central Kerala” was carried out as three separate experiments in selected small, medium, and large scale homegarden with livestock component in Arimboor panchayath, Thrissur, Kerala during 2018-2019. The study aimed to assess the forage yield and nutritive value of five fodder tree species viz. Mulberry (Morus indica), Agathi (Sesbania grandiflora), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) and Calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus) under hedgerow planting (45 x 45 cm spacing) in homegardens; and to explore the short term changes in soil nutrient status of homegardens with tree fodder integration. The treatments were laid out in randomized block design replicated four times. The trees were harvested at 1m height and at the interval of two months during rainy season and three months during summer season The result revealed that all the tree species established well in the homegardens after planting. Initial growth of Agathi and Calliandra was faster in terms of plant height, whereas Gliricidia showed excellence in lateral branching. In general, coppice parameters were better for Gliricidia followed by Agathi and Calliandra. The annual green and dry forage yields were higher for Gliricidia (24.27 & 4.39 Mg ha-1) and Calliandra (16.38 & 4.60 Mg ha-1) respectively followed by Agathi and Mulberry. The yield from Moringa was comparatively poor. Seasonal fodder yields were higher for rainy period than summer. Forage quality also differed among tree species. Calliandra (22.57 %) and Gliricidia (19.99 %) fodder had more crude protein content and yield followed by Mulberry (16.74 %). Crude fibre content was lower in Gliricidia, Calliandra and Mulberry than other species. Mulberry (7.93 %), Moringa (7.61 %) and Agathi (7.12 %) had higher ash content, whereas Moringa and Mulberry had higher P and K content. Dry matter content was significantly higher for Calliandra (30.40 %) and Mulberry (28.73 %). Higher leaf-stem ratio was observed in Mulberry (2.09) and Gliricidia (2.05), followed by Calliandra (1.67). In general, Gliricidia and Calliandra had higher forage yields and protein content, followed by Agathi. Mulberry showed intermediate performance with respect to yield and quality. Moringa was inferior in forage yields but rich in quality attributes like ash, minerals and P content. Comparing homegardens, yield performance of fodder banks was higher in medium homegarden (MHG) followed by large (LHG) and small homegarden (SHG). Whereas reverse trend was observed in quality attributes of fodder. Survival count of the trees after one year of planting was significantly higher in Mulberry (80.06 %) and Calliandra (71.13 %), followed by Gliricidia (44.35 %), whereas survival was drastically lower for Agathi (31.55 %) and Moringa (31.55 %). Inspite of poor yields of Mulberry in the initial year, higher persistence of Mulberry indicates its better performance in the subsequent years. Comparing different homegardens, survival percentage was higher for SHG (59.47 %) and MHG (54.46 %) followed by LHG (41.07 %). Low survival in LHG was due to waterlogging during rainy season. In general, the soil organic carbon, N and P content improved with fodder tree integration in SHG and MHG. There was no visible changes in K content. Soil N and P levels also improved in LHG whereas SOC showed a declining trend. Comparing tree species, Agathi plots showed more soil improvement with higher SOC and NPK levels whereas soil depletion was more evident in Moringa with respect to carbon, P and K, and in Calliandra in terms of carbon and nitrogen. PAR transmittance ranged from 50.10 % in SHG to 52.75 % in MHG and LHG which were on par. PAR transmittance levels in various tree plots ranged from 45.50 – 58.57 % with no statistical significance. A marginal reduction in transmittance was observed in Mulberry (45.50 %) when compared to other species. The economics of fodder bank cultivation in homegardens varied significantly with respect to tree species. Gliricidia fodder banks generated higher returns and B: C ratio (1.28) whereas all other species showed B: C ratio of less than one. The initial cost for raising fodder banks in homesteads is high whereas the forage yield in the initial year of planting is comparatively less as trees are under the establishment phase. Hence, in conclusion, fodder trees like Gliricidia, Calliandra, and Mulberry with good yield/persistence are found to be ideal for hedgerow planting in the understorey of homesteads. Agathi is not amenable to heavy pruning, hence frequent replanting is a management option due to its faster growth. Cultivation of Moringa should be confined to light intensive as well as dry areas of homesteads. Moreover, pruning of overhead trees in homesteads to enhance understorey light regimes can further elevate the yield levels of fodder banks. Scientific cultivation and management of multispecies tree fodder banks and feeding mixed forages will provide quality and balanced nutrition to enhance livestock production at minimal cost in homegardens.
Productivity, carbon and nutrient stocks in mulberry (Morus indica L.) and subabul (Leucaena leucocephala Lam.) based high density fodder production system in coconut
(Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2018) Acsah Rose John; Asha K Raj
Standardization of vegetative propagation of fodder calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus Meissn.) using coppice cuttings
(Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2023-02-17) Aiswaryalakshmi, A R; Asha K Raj
Calliandra calothyrsus Meissn is a leguminous fodder tree that has recently become the subject of intensive study and cultivation due to its protein-rich foliage and other uses. The species is especially useful in humid tropical climates and on acidic soils, where other agroforestry plants struggle. It is predominantly used outside its native range, in areas where high population density places pressure on limited land resources, and where agroforestry systems are developed mainly to maintain and sustain agricultural production. Vegetative methods of propagation have been examined due to the limitation in the availability of calliandra seeds for planting. C. calothyrsus cannot be easily multiplied by planting leafless stakes directly in the ground, however various low-cost vegetative propagation techniques have been studied for the growth of C. calothyrsus plants. However, detailed studies on vegetative propagation are absent in this species especially under humid tropical conditions of Kerala. With this background, the present study was conducted to standardize a protocol for large scale planting stock production of fodder calliandra from coppice cuttings, by assessing the influence of types of cuttings and concentration of growth regulators such as IBA and NAA; and the influence of season on the root and shoot development in vegetatively propagated calliandra. The proposed nursery study was conducted as two separate trials during rainy period (June 2021 to December 2021) and dry period (January 2022 to August 2022) at College of Forestry, Vellanikkara. An existing 4-year-old calliandra plantation was cut back at 30 cm height from the ground during June 2021(rainy season trial) and during January 2022 (dry season trial) and allowed to coppice. Two-month-old coppice shoots were taken for vegetative propagation during both the seasons. Three- nodded softwood and semi hardwood cuttings of uniform size were prepared from the apex and basal portions of the coppice shoot. The cuttings were treated with the solutions of two plant growth regulators NAA or IBA in different concentrations i.e., 0, 50, 100, 200 and 250 mg l-1 overnight and kept in soil based/vermiculite rooting media and under mist/non-mist propagation chambers for rooting. There were 19 treatments for each trial laid out in CRD design, which included all possible combinations of soft wood/semi hardwood cuttings treated with 4 concentrations of NAA/IBA along with untreated control, and one absolute control viz., calliandra planting stock raised from seeds, for relative comparison. Fifteen branch cuttings constituted one replication and there were three replications per treatment. All the treated as well as untreated cuttings failed to sprout and root under non-mist propagation conditions like that of shade house and polytunnels during both the seasons. However, 6 treatments in rainy season and 8 treatments in summer season were successful when kept under the controlled conditions of mist chamber. Cuttings placed in soil based rooting medium failed under both mist and non-mist conditions. Vermiculite medium was also unsuccessful under non-mist conditions, while successful sprouting and rooting of cuttings was recorded when kept in vermiculite rooting medium under the mist chamber. Calliandra calothyrsus coppice cuttings showed significant improvement in sprouting percentage, number of days to initiate sprouting, shoot length, rooting percentage, number of days to initiate rooting, fresh and dry weight of stem, root and leaves and overall survival percentage, when treated with 50 ppm NAA. In general, softwood cuttings performed better than semi hardwood cuttings. However, apparently better response was observed for number of sprouts, number of leaves and root length with IBA at 50 ppm. The overall survival percentage of cuttings with successful rooting and shooting was higher for soft wood cuttings treated with 50 ppm NAA during rainy (68.8%) and summer season (80%), followed by respective value of 48.88% for 50 ppm IBA in both seasons. While the calliandra planting stock raised from seeds showed 100 per cent survival during both the seasons. Among treated cuttings, duration of planting stock production was also lower for 50 ppm NAA during both the season (100 and 110 days) followed by 50 ppm IBA treated cuttings. In general, the lower concentration (50ppm) of NAA/IBA gave higher shoot and root parameters for calliandra coppice cuttings and was found to be on par with that of calliandra seedlings. Comparing seasons in general, shooting and rooting parameters was higher in summer season compared to rainy season for most of the treatments. In conclusion, calliandra can be vegetatively propagated from softwood coppice cuttings by overnight soaking with 50 ppm of NAA and using vermiculite as rooting medium under controlled conditions of mist chamber, preferably during summer season. 50 ppm IBA was the second-best treatment. The shoot and root parameters of vegetatively propagated calliandra planting stock was on par with that of calliandra seedlings.