Browsing by Author "Bindu, B"

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Characterization of off-season bearing jackfruit(Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.)
(Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2023-01-22) Arathi Balan.; Bindu, B
The study entitled ‘Characterization of off-season bearing jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.)’ was undertaken at the Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period September 2022 to July 2023. The primary objective of the current study was to identify the superior types of off-season bearing jackfruit and to evaluate the variations in their quantitative and qualitative characters. The research approach centered around locating, conducting surveys, morphological characterizations, recording the incidences of pest, disease and physiological disorders, biochemical analysis and organoleptic evaluation of the flakes, to gain insights into the diverse characteristics of the off- season-bearing jackfruit accessions. A preliminary survey was conducted across different locations in Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Thrissur districts to identify off- season bearing jackfruit accessions. Forty-four elite performing accessions were located and their fruits were collected for biochemical analysis. The distributions of these selected accessions were as follows: 18 accessions from Kozhikode, 14 from Malappuram, 7 from Kannur, 3 from Thrissur and 2 from Kasaragod. Observations were documented through the examination of the agro-morphological characters of the tree, leaf, inflorescence, fruit, seed and other yield contributing factors based on the IPGRI descriptor for jackfruit (2000) and geo-tagging was also done. An agglomerative hierarchical clustering analysis was carried out using fifteen key quantitative characters contributing to the yield. The results of the analysis categorized the accessions into eight clusters based on the similarity of these quantitative characters. Clustering of the accessions revealed that the elite ones with desirable characters are present in cluster IV and cluster V. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed using ten quantitative characters influencing yield: fruit length (FRL), fruit diameter (FRD), fruit weight (FRW), flake length (FLL), flake width (FLW), weight of flakes per kg of fruit (WFPKF), weight of fresh flake without seed (WFFWS), flake to fruit ratio (FFR), flake to seed ratio (FSR) and yield per tree (YPT). The ordination biplot results identified YPT, FRL, FRW, FRD, WFPKF, FLL, FSR and FFR as the primary variables contributing positively to PC1. In contrast, FLW and WFFWS were the variables contributing negatively to PC1. Similarly, for PC2, the variables contributing positively were FRL, FRD, FRW, YPT, WFFWS and FLW. While FSR, FFR, WFPKF and FLL contributed negatively to PC2. MPM9 had the longest fruit (64cm), KZK16 had the largest fruit diameter (28.648cm) and MPM1 had the heaviest fruit (16.1kg). KZK11 had the highest flake-to-seed ratio (1.909), while KZK5 and KZK7 had the highest flake-to-fruit ratio (0.723). KZK5 and KZK7 also had the greatest weight of flakes per kg of fruit (723g), and KNR3 had the highest weight of fresh flakes without seed (36g). Accession KZK18 had the longest flake (7.9cm) and widest flake (5.8cm). The highest yield was recorded in MPM9 (880 kg tree year-1). PCA of biochemical parameters was carried out based on Total Soluble Sugars (TSS), acidity (AY), TSS-acidity ratio (TAR), ascorbic acid (AA), reducing sugars (RS), non-reducing sugars (NRS), total sugars (TS) and total carotenoids (TC). NRS, TS, TSS, RS, TC, TAR and AA are identified as the most important variables positively contributing to PC1. Whereas AY negatively contributed to PC1. Similarly, for PC2, AY, NRS, TS, TSS and RS contributed positively, while TC, TAR and AA contributed negatively. TSS (32°B) peaked in KSD2 and KZK9. Maximum acidity was found in KNR5 and KNR7, while KZK9 exhibited the least acidity. KZK9 had the highest TSSAcidity ratio (264.463), followed by KZK18 (171.764). Ascorbic acid was most abundant in KNR2 (22.430 mg/100g). KZK9 had the highest percentage of reducing sugar (12.315%), and KNR6 had the highest percentage of non-reducing sugar (13.939%). KSD2 ranked highest for total sugars (19.531%) and KSD1 had the highest total carotenoid content (1276.667 μg/100g). The organoleptic assessment of the flake was done using a hedonic scale rating and statistical analysis was carried out using Kendall's and Kruskal-Wallis tests. KZK15 had the highest rank for appearance (8.6), MPM9 scored the highest for color (8.6) and KZK1 had the highest score for flavor (8.6). Texture scores were highest for MPM13 (8.2). Accessions KZK5, KZK8, KZK9 and MPM7 scored 8.2 for taste. Overall acceptability scores were highest for KZK5, KZK8 and KZK15 (8.2). In this study, various jackfruit accessions were evaluated for their utility. Accessions, such as KNR1, KNR3, KNR5, KNR6, and KSD1, were found to be suitable for both table purposes and chips making. Other accessions like KNR2, KNR4, KNR7, KZK1, KZK3, KZK5, and KZK11 were primarily identified for culinary use. Accessions including KSD2, KZK2, KZK4, KZK6, KZK9, KZK10, KZK13, MPM3, MPM4, MPM5, MPM8, MPM9, MPM11, MPM12, and TSR2 demonstrated dual utility, serving both table purposes and culinary use. Additionally, specific accessions like KZK7, KZK12, KZK15, MPM6, MPM7, MPM10, MPM13, and TSR1 were specifically noted for their suitability in chips making. The findings of this research highlight wide range of variations in both quantitative and qualitative characters, as well as in biochemical and organoleptic parameters among off-season bearing jackfruit accessions. This variability underscores the potential for diverse applications and preferences in terms of fruit quality and composition. Understanding these variations are crucial for further exploration and utilization of off-season jackfruit germplasm, offering valuable insights for agricultural practices, breeding programs, and meeting market demands during the lean season. Further research and development in this area could contribute significantly for enhancing the cultivation and commercial availability of off-season jackfruit varieties. Hence, all the accessions found promising in this study need closer observation and evaluation in subsequent years for future breeding purposes and crop improvement programme
Characterization of selected exotic jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) varieties
(Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2025) Neha, A R; Bindu, B
The study entitled ‘Characterization of selected exotic jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) varieties’ was conducted at the Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, from November 2024 to July 2025. Fifteen exotic jackfruit varieties were identified from South Kerala, covering the districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, and Kottayam. No systematic study has been conducted so far regarding the evaluation and morphological characterization of exotic jackfruit varieties under Kerala conditions. Keeping this in view, the present study is proposed with the aim of morphological characterization and evaluation of selected exotic jackfruit varieties grown in South Kerala. Observations were recorded on quantitative, qualitative, biochemical and organoleptic parameters. A preliminary survey was conducted in various locations across Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, and Kottayam districts to identify exotic jackfruit varieties. The preparations included contacting KVKs, research stations, various private and public nurseries and contacting farmers in order to collect information regarding the same. A traditional variety popular in Kerala, Muttom Varikka, was taken as control in order to compare the differences in characters with the exotic varieties. Seven of the exotic varieties were collected from Kollam, six from Thiruvananthapuram and each from Alappuzha and Kottayam district. Field observations for the selected exotic varieties were conducted by documenting the morphological characteristics of the tree, leaves, inflorescences, fruits, seeds, and other contributing traits, following the IPGRI (2000) descriptor for jackfruit. The incidence of pests, diseases, and other physiological disorders were also monitored and recorded. Regarding the important qualitative characters, most of the exotic varieties exhibited an irregular crown shape (40.00%) and irregular branching pattern (53.33%). All the exotic varieties were regular bearers, with 66.66% of them being early-bearing. Considerable variations were observed in qualitative, quantitative and biochemical characters of exotic varieties. Among the varieties, 26.66% exhibited a twisted flake shape, 20% each displayed obovate and rectangular shapes, 13.33% had an irregular shape, and 6.66% each showed spheroid and cordate forms. 86.66% of the exotic varieties were sweet in taste, while 13.33% of them were insipid. Most of the varieties had yellow pulp color (40 %), followed by light yellow (33.33%), followed by coppery red (20 %) and creamy white (6.66%). An agglomerative hierarchical clustering was performed using 12 yield contributing quantitative parameters. The analysis classified the varieties into three clusters according to the similarities of these traits. The clustering results showed that the elite varieties with desirable traits were predominantly found in Cluster III. An agglomerative hierarchical clustering based on biochemical analysis was conducted using eight key biochemical traits that contribute to yield. The analysis classified the varieties into two clusters according to the similarities in these traits. The results indicate that the elite varieties with desirable characteristics were grouped in Cluster II. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed using ten quantitative characters contributing to yield, including fruit length (FRL), fruit diameter (FRD), fruit weight (FRW), flake length (FLL), flake width (FLW), weight of flakes per kg of fruit (WFPKF), weight of fresh flake without seed (WFFWS), flake to fruit ratio (FFR), flake to seed ratio (FSR) and yield per tree (YPT). The PCA biplot results show that FFR, FRW, FRL, and FLL contribute positively to PC1. Gumless, White Jack, Red Jack, Thailand Red, J 33, and Dang Surya are found to have high values for these parameters. Similarly, FSR and YPT contribute positively to PC2 while FLW contributes negatively to PC2. Vietnam Super Early, Seedless are found to have high values for FSR but low values for FRL, FRD, FRW and FLW. Among the quantitative characters, J 13 had the longest fruit (57 cm), White Jack had the largest diameter (84.10 cm) and heaviest weight (14 kg). White Jack had the highest weight of flakes per kg of fruit (876 g), and Red Jack had the highest weight of fresh flake without seed (29 g). White Jack had the longest flake (8.50 cm) and the widest flake was present in Red Jack (11.10 cm). The highest yield per tree was recorded in the Gumless variety (326.80 kg). The traditional variety, Muttom Varikka taken as control, exhibited a fruit weight of 7 kg, fruit length of 58 cm, and fruit diameter of 70.50 cm. PCA on biochemical parameters was carried out based on Total Soluble Sugars (TSS), acidity (AY), TSS-acidity ratio (TAR), ascorbic acid (AA), reducing sugars (RS), non-reducing sugars (NRS), total sugars (TS) and total carotenoids (TC). The PCA biplot shows that TSS, TS, TAR, RS and AA have positive contributions to PC1 while AY has a negative contribution to PC1. Exotic varieties such as J 33, Pink Jack, Dang Surya, Thailand Red and Cambodian Orange have higher values for TSS, TS, TAR, RS and AA, whereas J13, Seedless, Thailand Pink and Vietnam Early have higher values of AY. TSS peaked for the J33 variety (40.7 ºBrix) while maximum acidity was found in Thailand Pink and J13 varieties (0.64%). Vietnam Red and Pink Jack exhibited the least acidity (0.21). Pink Jack variety had the highest TSS-acidity ratio (167.62), followed by Vietnam Red (121.90) and ascorbic acid content was high in White Jack (20.19 mg/100g). Among the biochemical parameters, J33 had the highest percentage of non-reducing sugar (11.38 %) as well as total sugars (17.92%) and the Red Jack variety had the highest total carotenoid content (4430.13 μg/100g). For the identification of elite varieties based on the parameters, scoring was given based on the economic characters like tree vigour, fruit weight, pulp colour, flake to fruit ratio, TSS, acidity, carotenoid content, flake to seed ratio, number of fruits per tree and yield per tree. The elite exotic jack fruit varieties identified based on the study were Vietnam Super Early, J33, Thailand Red, Red Jack, Gumless, Cambodian Orange and Dang Surya. These elite varieties were compared with the traditional control variety, Muttom Varikka. The PCA analysis with traditional as well as selected elite varieties were done on 15 yield contributing quantitative and biochemical factors: fruit length (FRL), fruit diameter (FRD), fruit weight (FRW), flake length (FLL), flake width (FLW), weight of flakes per kg of fruit (WFPKF), weight of fresh flake without seed (WFFWS), flake to fruit ratio (FFR), flake to seed ratio (FSR), yield per tree (YPT), Total Soluble Sugars (TSS), acidity (AY), TSS- acidity ratio (TAR), ascorbic acid (AA), reducing sugars (RS), non-reducing sugars (NRS), total sugars (TS) and total carotenoids (TC). The PCA biplot showed that the traditional variety had comparatively higher values for FFR, WFPKF, FLL, FRL, FRD, while other parameters were found in higher values in exotic varieties. The organoleptic assessment of the flake was done using a hedonic scale rating, ranging from 1 (indicating poor quality) to 9 (representing excellent quality), and underwent statistical analysis using Kendall's and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Red Jack had the highest rank for appearance (8.6), Dang Surya scored the highest for colour (8.8), Dang Surya and Thailand Red had the highest score for flavor (9). Texture scores were highest for Dang Surya (8.4). J33 scored 9 for taste. Overall acceptability scores were highest for Thailand Red and J33. Overall assessment revealed that exotic jackfruit varieties, Vietnam Super Early, J33, Thailand Red, Red Jack, Gumless, Cambodian Orange and Dang Surya were identified as elite types. The results of the study showed significant variation in both quantitative and qualitative traits, as well as biochemical and organoleptic parameters among the different exotic varieties. The findings indicate that exotic jackfruit varieties possess distinct advantages over traditional types, particularly in yield potential and fruit quality attributes. Further exploration and utilization of these varieties is essential for identifying superior genotypes, promoting commercial cultivation, conserving promising varieties, developing value-added products, and improving the economic potential of exotic jackfruit varieties.
Fertigation studies in papaya (Carica papaya L.)
(Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2021) Karishma Sebastian; Bindu, B
The investigation entitled “Fertigation studies in papaya (Carica papaya L.)” was carried out in Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period 2018 – 2020 with the objectives to standardize the nutrient level for yield improvement through fertigation and foliar nutrition in papaya variety Surya and to study the postharvest management practices for extending the shelf life of papaya fruits. The experiment was undertaken in two parts. In part I, standardization of nutrient level for fertigation and foliar nutrition was carried out in RBD with 14 treatments replicated thrice. A combination of four fertigation doses of 75 %, 100 %, 125 % and 150 % RDF of N (304.89, 406.52, 508.15 and 609.78 g urea plant⁻¹ year⁻¹ respectively based on soil test data in 76 fertigation) and K (426.25, 568.33, 710.42 and 852.50 g MOP plant⁻¹ year⁻¹ respectively based on soil test data in 76 fertigation) and three foliar sprays (1.0 % 19:19:19 at bimonthly interval starting from 4 MAP to 16 MAP, 0.5% ZnSO4 + 0.3% borax at 4 th, 8th, 12th and 16th MAP and water spray at bimonthly interval starting from 4 MAP to 16 MAP) were compared with soil application of recommended dose of NPK (187:170:341 g NPK plant-1 year-1 based on soil test data) (control 1) and 187:170:341 g NPK plant-1 year-1 based on soil test data as organic manures as combination of FYM, poultry manure and vermicompost in the ratio of 2:1:1 (control 2). In control 2, additional requirement of P and K were met through the application of rock phosphate and potassium sulphate respectively. Organic manure (15 kg FYM plant-1 ) was given uniformly to all treatments as basal. Lime and rock phosphate (500g and 850g respectively based on soil test data) was applied uniformly for all treatments as basal except controls. Urea and Muriate of Potash (MOP) were used as fertilizer sources for fertigation and applied weekly from 1 MAP to 20 MAP. Application of different levels of fertigation and different foliar sprays had significant effect on growth, yield and quality of papaya. Growth parameters viz., plant height, stem girth and number of leaves were significantly higher in plants receiving 100 % RD of N and K through fertigation and foliar sprays of 1.0 % 19:19:19 (T4) at bimonthly interval starting from 6 MAP to 16 MAP. T4 also recorded highest leaf area index at 6, 12, 18 MAP and at final harvest, flowering at the shortest height, highest number of female plants and highest fruit set (86.27 %). However, application of 100 % RD of N and K through fertigation and foliar sprays of 0.5 % ZnSO4 and 0.3 % borax at 4 th, 8th, 12th and 16th MAP (T5) initiated earliness in flowering (142.67 days) and harvest (275.00 days). Treatments T4 and T5 were on par in fruit length, fruit girth, fruit volume, pulp percentage, flesh thickness and yield contributing characters like fruit weight, number of fruits per plant and yield per plant (38.30 kg plant⁻1 and 37.60 kg plant⁻1 respectively). Fruit quality parameters viz., TSS, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, total sugar, reducing sugar and non reducing sugar were found highest in T5. Fruits from T5 also registered longest shelf life (5.78 days) and highest mean sensory score for all parameters. Index leaf analysis at 6 MAP revealed highest nitrogen and potassium content of leaf in T10 (150 % RD of N and K through fertigation and foliar sprays of 1.0 % 19:19:19). Calcium, magnesium and sulphur content of leaves were highest in T5, whereas boron and zinc content were highest in T8 (125 % RD of N and K through fertigation and foliar sprays of 0.5 % ZnSO4 and 0.3 % borax). Highest nitrogen and potassium of fruits were observed in T12 (150 % RD of N and K through fertigation with water spray). Highest nitrogen content in soil was noticed in T11 (150 % RD of N and K through fertigation and foliar sprays of 0.5 % ZnSO4 and 0.3 % borax) and T10 witnessed highest potassium content. T4 and T5 were at par regarding B : C ratio (2.58 and 2.54 respectively). In part II of the investigation, postharvest management for extending shelf life of papaya was carried out with nine treatments replicated thrice. Different postharvest treatments given were precooling - hydro cooling (S1), surface sanitization with 150 ppm sodium hypochlorite (S2), external coating with 1% chitosan (S3), precooling followed by external coating with 1% chitosan (S4), packaging with ethylene scrubber 8% KMnO₄ (S5), precooling followed by packaging with ethylene scrubber 8% KMnO₄ (S6), precooling followed by external coating with 1% chitosan and packaging with ethylene scrubber 8% KMnO4 (S₇), hot water treatment followed by waxing with 6% carnauba wax and packaging with ethylene scrubber 8% KMnO₄ (S8) and control (S9). Papaya variety Surya was raised at Instructional Farm, Vellayani and fruits at fully mature green stage were harvested, subjected to different postharvest treatments and packaging was done in CFB boxes and stored under ambient conditions till the end of shelf life. Papaya fruits subjected to precooling followed by external coating with 1% chitosan and packaging with ethylene scrubber KMnO₄ (S7) recorded the longest shelf life of 9.67 days, which was at par with S8 (hot water treatment followed by waxing with 6% carnauba wax and packaging with ethylene scrubber KMnO₄). Physiological loss in weight, ion leakage, percentage disease index, bacterial and fungal count were significantly lowest in S7 and S8 after three days of storage. These treatments also recorded maximum total carotenoids, total soluble solids, total sugar, reducing sugar and minimum acidity after nine days of storage which indicated extended shelf life. Highest mean rank score for sensory attributes were also recorded in treatments S7 and S8 after nine days of storage. In conclusion, application of 100 % recommended dose of N and K (406.52 g urea plant⁻¹ year⁻¹ and 568.33 g plant⁻¹ year⁻¹ respectively) through weekly fertigation from one to 20 months after planting and foliar sprays of 0.5 % ZnSO4 + 0.3 % Borax at 4 th, 8th, 12th and 16th MAP, along with basal application of 850g rock phosphate and 15 kg FYM resulted in increased growth, yield and quality characters of papaya variety Surya with highest B: C ratio. Fruits at fully mature green stage when subjected to precooling followed by external coating with 1% chitosan and packaging with ethylene scrubber 8% KMnO₄ in CFB boxes exhibited a shelf life of 9.67 days in storage under ambient condition in papaya variety Surya.
Foliar nutrition of secondary and micronutrients for enhancing growth, yield and quality of Passionfruit (Passiflora edulis f. edulis Sims)
(Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2022-07-29) Sharanesha, D; Bindu, B
The study entitled “Foliar nutrition of secondary and micronutrients for enhancing growth, yield and quality in passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f.edulis Sims.)” was conducted in Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture Vellayani, from 2019 April to 2020 April. Micronutrients and secondary nutrients play a major role in crop production due to their essentiality in plant metabolism and adverse effect that manifest due to their deficiency. The present work was undertaken to assess the effect of foliar application of secondary and micronutrients on growth, yield and quality of passionfruit. The field experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 11 treatments and 3 replications. 134P, variety was used for the research purpose. Treatments were T1- Borax (0.5%), T2 - Zinc sulphate (0.5%) T3 - Calcium nitrate (0.5%), and T4 – Magnesium sulphate (0.5%), T5 - T1 + T2 + T3. T6 – T1 + T2+ T4. T7 - T1 + T3 + T4. T8 - - T2 + T3 + T4. T9 – T1 + T2+ T3+ T4. T0 –Water spray and T11 – Control (Ad hoc POP). Treatments from T1 to T10 were applied at bimonthly interval starting from first flowering up to 12 months after planting. Organic manure (10 kg FYM plant-1 ) and NPK (25: 10: 25 g plant-1 year-1 ) were given uniformly to all treatments as soil application as per Ad hoc POP recommendation. Treatment with foliar application of Borax (0.5%), Zinc sulphate (0.5%) and Calcium nitrate (0.5%) and Magnesium sulphate (0.5%), increased the biometric parameters like plant girth from flowering to 12 MAPS. Number of flowers per month and total flower production were also enhanced. From the present investigation, it was found that foliar application of Borax (0.5%), Zinc sulphate (0.5%) along with Calcium nitrate (0.5%), Magnesium sulphate (0.5%), reduced the number of days for first fruiting, duration from flowering to harvest of passion fruit. The results indicated that yield characters such as fruit weight, pulp weight, fruit girth, fruit diameter, rind weight., seed weight,100 seed weight, rind thickness, number of fruits per vine and total fruit per vine were highest with the combined application of Borax, Zinc sulphate, Calcium nitrate and Magnesium sulphate @ 0.5% respectively as foliar spray, rind and pulp colour were also improved for the same treatment. With regard to qualitative attributes studied TSS, total carotenoids, ascorbic acid, total sugar, reducing sugar, sugar: acid ratio were shown positive response with the spray of Borax (0.5%), Zinc sulphate (0.5%), Calcium nitrate (0.5%) along with Magnesium sulphate @ 0.5% however, reduction in acidity was found with the same treatment. The foliar application of Borax (0.5%), Zinc sulphate (0.5%) Calcium nitrate (0.5%) and Magnesium sulphate @ 0.5% increased the organoleptic qualities like appearance, colour, texture, taste, flavour and overall acceptability. Shelf life of papaya fruits were longer with the same treatment. From this study it was observed that soil parameters like soil pH,EC and organic carbon, did not show any significant variation but available nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium, boron and zinc show significant variation with the foliar application of secondary and micronutrients. Data from the plant analysis and fruit analysis of passionfruit showed that nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium, boron and zinc and content was highest with the foliar application of Borax (0.5%), Zinc sulphate (0.5%) Calcium nitrate (0.5%) and Magnesium sulphate @ 0.5%. Brown spot incidence were observed in the passion fruit field. Proper plant protection measures controlled the infestation which was less than 1 percent. The highest net income and benefit cost ratio was observed with the foliar application of Borax (0.5%), Zinc sulphate (0.5%) and Calcium nitrate (0.5%) and Magnesium sulphate @ 0.5%. From the above findings, it was concluded that foliar application of Borax (0.5%), Zinc sulphate (0.5%), Calcium nitrate (0.5%) and Magnesium sulphate (0.5%), at bimonthly interval after planting along with the application of organic manure (10 kg FYM plant-1 ) and NPK (25: 10: 25 g plant-1 year-1 ) had increased the growth, yield and quality characteristics of passionfruit and it was economically viable too.
Foliar nutrition with calcium and micronutrients for growth and yield enhancement in papaya (Carica papaya L.)
(Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2020) Anju, P; Bindu, B
Integrated nutrient management for enhancing growth, yield and quality of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. edulis Sims.)
(Department of fruit science, college of agriculture , Vellayani, 2023-08-22) Akshara Rakesh.
INTEGRATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT FOR ENHANCING GROWTH, YIELD AND QUALITY OF PASSION FRUIT (Passiflora edulis f. edulis SIMS.) The study entitled “Integrated nutrient management for enhancing growth, yield and quality of passion fruit (Passifloraedulis f. edulisSims.)”was carried out in the Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during December 2020 to December 2021, with an objective of development of integrated nutrient management practice for passion fruit and to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of passion fruit. The field experiment was conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Ambalavayal in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 12 treatments and 3 replications. Purple passion fruit variety 134P was used for the experiment. The trial was conducted in combinations in which nitrogen requirement of the crop as per Ad hoc POP (25: 10: 25 g NPK vine-1 ) were replaced 25% and 50% with enriched vermicompost mixture which include neemcake, poultry manure, Azospirillum and PGPR mix-I, 1.5 times the Ad hoc Package of practice recommendation (37.5: 15: 37.5 g NPK vine-1 ) and lime application. The fertilizers were applied in three equal split doses, at planting, flowering and fruiting stage. Organic manure (10 kg FYM plant-1) as per Ad hoc POP was given uniformly to all treatments as basal except T12 (absolute control - no fertilizer application) .Urea, Rajphos and Muriate of Potash were used as fertilizer sources. Required quantity of lime based on soil analysis was applied in pits 10 days prior to planting. The results indicated that the application of N (25 %) as poultry manure enriched vermicompost + N (75%), P and K of Ad hoc POP recommendation, increased the total yield of passion fruit. Plant girth was found to increase in treatment, N (25 %) as poultry manure enriched vermicompost and it showed highest plant girth at 4, 10 and 12 months after planting. Number of flowers produced per vine was highest with Ad hoc POP recommendation. The vines treated with N (25 %) as poultry manure enriched vermicompost + N (75%), P and K had the highest number of flowers produced per vine and the same treatment decreased the days taken for first flowering, days taken for first fruiting and days from flowering to harvest. There was also an increase in the number of fruits produced at 5, 6, 7 and 8 months after planting and total fruit production per vine in the treatment N (25 %) as poultry manure enriched vermicompost + N (75%), P and K of Ad hoc POP recommendation. Fruit characters like the rind and pulp colour also improved with application of N (25 %) as poultry manure enriched vermicompost + N (75%), P and K, which recorded an increase in the fruit weight, seed weight and pulp weight while a decrease in rind weight100 seed weight was highest in fruits from the vines treated with N (50 %) as poultry manure enriched vermicompost + N (50%), P and K of Ad hoc POP recommendation. Regarding the fruit quality characters N (25 %) as poultry manure enriched vermicompost + N (75%), P and K of Ad hoc POP recommendation, showed highest TSS, total sugar, sugar-acid ratio, carotenoid and ascorbic acid with lowest acidity level. The highest score for organoleptic evaluation of fruits were noticed with the application of N (25 %) as neem cake enriched vermicompost + N (75%), P and K of Ad hoc POP recommendation Shelf life at ambient condition was increased with the application of enriched vermicompost in which N (25 %) as poultry manure enriched vermicompost + N (75%), P and K showed the highest value. The soil analysis revealed that pH could be brought to near neutral with initial lime application in N (25 %) as Azospirillum enriched vermicompost + N (75%), P and K of T1, NPK (25 %) as PGPR mix-1 enriched vermicompost + N, P and K 75% and N (50 %) as Azospirillum enriched vermicompost + N (50%), P and K . Highest EC value was recorded in 37.5: 15: 37.5 g NPK vine-1 + 10 kg FYM. Available Nitrogen was highest in N (25 %) as poultry manure enriched vermicompost + N (75%), P and K of Ad hoc POP recommendation and available potassium was highest in N (50 %) as poultry manure enriched vermicompost + N (50%), P and K while NPK (50 %) as PGPR mix-1 enriched vermicompost + N, P and K 50% showed highest available phosphorous content.N (25 %) as Azospirillum enriched vermicompost + N (75%), P and K seemed to have the highest dehydrogenase activity in soil and organic carbon content was highest in N (25 %) as poultry manure enriched vermicompost + N (75%), P and K of Ad hoc POP recommendation. Analysing the plant sample shows that the Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium contents were highest in leaf samples from vines treated with 37.5: 15: 37.5 g NPK vine-1 + 10 kg FYM, N (50 %) as neem cake enriched vermicompost + N (50%), P and K and N (25 %) as poultry manure enriched vermicompost + N (75%), P and K respectively. Application of N (25 %) as poultry manure enriched vermicompost + N (75%), P and K of Ad hoc POP recommendation recorded highest nitrogen content in fruits. Plants treated with 37.5: 15: 37.5 g NPK vine-1 + 10 kg FYM reported highest phosphorous content in the fruit sample. Regarding the net income and B:C ratio obtained, the application of N (25 %) as poultry manure enriched vermicompost + N (75%), P and K of Ad hoc POP recommendation recorded the highest. Overall assessment indicated that adoption of Integrated Nutrient Management through application of N (25 %) as poultry manure enriched vermicompost + N (75%), P and K of Ad hoc package of practice (25: 10: 25 g NPK vine-1) given as three equal split doses (at time of planting, flowering and fruiting stage) was economically viable and it improved the growth, fruit yield and quality of passion fruit under Kerala conditions.
Nano nitrogen application in papaya (Carica papaya L.) for growth, yield and quality enhancement
(Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2024-02-02) Sneha, J V; Bindu, B
Nano nitrogen application in papaya (Carica papaya L.) for growth, yield and quality enhancement The study entitled “Nano nitrogen application in papaya (Carica papaya L.) for growth, yield and quality enhancement” was conducted in the Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture Vellayani, from 2022 April to 2023 June. Nitrogen plays a major role within the plant to ensure energy is available when and where the plant needs it to optimize yield. The present work was undertaken to assess the effect of foliar applied nano nitrogen on growth, yield and quality enhancement in papaya. The field experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 10 treatments and 3 replications. The papaya variety Arka Surya was selected for the experiment purpose. Treatments were T1-POP (25% N) (soil) + Nano N (6 foliar sprays at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 MAP), T2-POP (25% N) (soil) + Nano N (5 foliar sprays at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 MAP), T3-POP (25% N) (soil) + Nano N (4 foliar sprays at 2, 4, 6 and 8 MAP), T4-POP (50% N) (soil) + Nano N (6 foliar sprays at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 MAP), T5-POP (50% N) (soil) + Nano N (5 foliar sprays at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 MAP), T6-POP (50% N) (soil) + Nano N (4 foliar sprays at 2, 4, 6 and 8 MAP), T7- POP (75% N) (soil) + Nano N (6 foliar sprays at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 MAP), T8-POP (75% N) (soil) + Nano N (5 foliar sprays at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 MAP), T9-POP (75% N) (soil) + Nano N (4 foliar sprays at 2, 4, 6 and 8 MAP), T10-KAU POP (240:240:480 g NPK plant per year) (control). Foliar application of nano nitrogen was given @ 4ml per litre and FYM was applied at the rate of 10kg per plant as per KAU POP uniformly to all treatments as basal dose. The requirement of lime, phosphorus and potassium were met on the basis of calculated value as per initial soil status. Application of 75% nitrogen through soil along with 6 foliar sprays nano nitrogen (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 MAP) in bimonthly interval increased the biometric characters like height of plants, girth of plants, number of leaves, number of flowers per cluster, number of female flowers, fruit set and decreased height at first flowering, days taken for first flowering, and flowering to harvest duration. The results reveals that yield characters such as fruit weight, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit volume, pulp percentage, flesh thickness, number of fruits per plant and total yield per plant was increased and days taken for maturity of fruit was decreased while application of 75% nitrogen through soil along with 6 foliar sprays of nano nitrogen (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 MAP). Each character among the qualitative ones examined varied significantly. Application of 75% nitrogen through soil along with 6 foliar sprays of nano nitrogen (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 MAP) reduced the titrable acidity and recorded maximum TSS, total sugar, reducing sugar, ascorbic acid, carotenoid whereas plants treated with 25% nitrogen through soil along with 4 foliar sprays nano nitrogen (2, 4, 6 and 8 MAP) reported the lowest values for these characters. Pulp and peel color also improved in this (T7) treatment. Application of 75% nitrogen through soil along with 6 foliar sprays nano nitrogen (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 MAP) increased the organoleptic qualities like appearance, colour, taste, flavour and overall acceptability. Shelf life of fruits were longer with the same treatment. According to data on the soil analysis there was a reduction in soil available nitrogen and in plant analysis, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium,content was the highest with the plants treated with 75% nitrogen through soil along with 6 foliar sprays nano nitrogen (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 MAP). Similarly data on fruit analysis showed that nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium content was the highest with the T7. The Foot rot caused by Phytophthora palmivora was noticed in the field with less than 1 per cent incidence rate. Also red spider mite infestation was noticed in some plants. The pest and disease incidence were controlled by taking appropriate remedial measures as and when noticed. The highest net income and benefit cost ratio was observed while applying 75% nitrogen through soil along with 6 foliar sprays nano nitrogen (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 MAP) followed by plants that treated with Ad hoc recommendation (240:240:480 g NPK plant per year). From the above findings, it was concluded that application of 75% nitrogen through soil along with 6 times foliar sprays of nano nitrogen (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 MAP) along with the application of organic manure (10 kg FYM plant-1 ) increased the growth, yield and quality characteristics of papaya and it was economically viable too
Nutrient standardization in banana (Musa AAB. POPOULU)
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2019) Sruti S Nair; Bindu, B
Organic nutrient management of papaya (Carica papaya L.)
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Divya Hari; Bindu, B
Pruning and foliar nutrition for rejuvenation in passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f.edulis Sims.) for enhancing growth, yield and quality
(Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture Vellayani, 2022-11-11) Sooraj, C S; Bindu, B
The study entitled “Pruning and foliar nutrition for rejuvenation in passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. edulis Sims.) for enhancing growth, yield and quality” was conducted in the Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, from 2020 December to 2021 December. Micronutrients and secondary nutrients play a major role in crop production due to their essentiality in plant metabolism and adverse effect that manifest due to their deficiency. The present work was undertaken to assess the effect of pruning and foliar nutrition on growth, yield and quality of passionfruit. The field experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 12 treatments and 3 replications. The purple passion fruit variety 134P was selected for the research purpose. Treatments were T1- Removing quarter portion (25%) of current fruiting branch + 19:19:19 @ 1 % , T2 - Removing quarter portion (25%) of current fruiting branch + 19:19:19 @ 1 % + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture @1 % T3 - Removing quarter portion (25%) of current fruiting branch + Water spray (control) T4 – Removing half portion (50%) of current fruiting branch +19:19:19 @ 1 % T5 – Removing half portion (50%) of current fruiting branch +19:19:19 @ 1 + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture @1 % T6 – Removing half portion (50%) of current fruiting branch + Water spray (control) T7- Removing three quarter portion (75%) of current fruiting branch +19:19:19 @ 1 T8 - Removing three quarter portion (75%) of current fruiting branch + 19:19:19 @ 1 + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture @1 % T9 –Removing three quarter portion (75%) of current fruiting branch + Water spray (control) . T10 – No pruning (control) + 19:19:19 @ 1 T11- No pruning (control) + 19:19:19 @ 1 + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture @1 % and T12 –.- No pruning (control) + Water spray (control). Pruning was done in the month of December and foliar nutrient application was done at three times- one month after pruning, at time of flowering and at the time of fruiting. As per Ad hoc recommendation organic manure 112 (10 kg FYM plant-1 ) and NPK (80: 30: 60 g plant-1 year-1 ) were given uniformly to all treatments as soil application. Treatment combination with 75% pruning of current fruiting branch followed by application of 19:19:19@1% + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture at one month after pruning at the time of flowering and at the time of fruiting increased the biometric characters like number of newly emerged branches per vine and reduces the days taken for emergence of new branches. Treatment combination with 50% pruning of current fruiting branch followed by application of 19:19:19@1% + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture at one month after pruning at the time of flowering and at the time of fruiting increased the biometric characters like length of vine, girth of the vine, number of flowers produced per vine per month, total number of flower production and decreased the days taken for first flowering, days taken for first fruiting and flowering to harvest duration. The results revealed that yield characters such as fruit weight, pulp weight, fruit girth, fruit diameter, rind weight, seed weight, rind thickness, number of fruits per vine and total fruit per vine were the highest with the combined application of 50% pruning and foliar nutrition of 19:19:19@1% + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture @1%.100 seed weight was highest for treatment combination of 25% pruning and foliar nutrition of 19:19:19@1% + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture @1% Each character among the qualitative ones examined varied significantly. Combined application of 50% pruning and foliar nutrition of 19:19:19@1% + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture @1% reduced the titrable acidity and recorded maximum TSS, total sugar, reducing sugar, ascorbic acid, carotenoid whereas control plants reported lowest values for these characters. Rind and pulp color also improved in this treatment. Highest non-reducing sugar was recorded in the treatment which received 75% pruning and foliar nutrition of 19:19:19@1% + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient @1% 50% pruning and foliar nutrition of 19:19:19@1% + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture @1% increased the organoleptic qualities like appearance, 113 colour, taste, flavour and overall acceptability. Shelf life of fruits were longer with the same treatment. According to data from the plant analysis, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, zinc content was highest with the treatment combination which includes 50% pruning of current fruiting branch and foliar application of 19:19:19 @ 1% + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture @ 1%. Similarly data from fruit analysis showed that nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, boron and zinc content was highest with the treatment combination which includes 50% pruning of current fruiting branch and foliar application of 19:19:19 @ 1% + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture @ 1% The Brown spot caused by Alternaria passiflorae and scab caused by Cladosporium oxysporum was noticed in the field with less than 1 per cent incidence rate. Also termite infestation was noticed in four plants. The pest and disease incidence were controlled by taking appropriate remedial measures as and when noticed The highest net income and benefit cost ratio was observed with treatment combination which includes removing half portion (50%) of current fruiting branch +19:19:19 @ 1 + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture @1 %. From the above findings, it was concluded that removing half portion (50%) of current fruiting branch and foliar application of 19:19:19 @ 1 % + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture @1 % at 1 month after pruning, at the time of flowering and at the time of fruiting along with the application of organic manure (10 kg FYM plant-1 ) and NPK (80: 30: 60 g plant-1 year-1 ) had increased the growth, yield and quality characteristics of passionfruit and it was economically viable too.
Pruning and foliar nutrition for rejuvenation in passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f.edulis Sims.) for enhancing growth, yield and quality
(Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture ,Vellayani, 2022-11-18) Sooraj C S.; Bindu, B
The study entitled “Pruning and foliar nutrition for rejuvenation in passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. edulis Sims.) for enhancing growth, yield and quality” was conducted in the Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, from 2020 December to 2021 December. Micronutrients and secondary nutrients play a major role in crop production due to their essentiality in plant metabolism and adverse effect that manifest due to their deficiency. The present work was undertaken to assess the effect of pruning and foliar nutrition on growth, yield and quality of passionfruit. The field experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 12 treatments and 3 replications. The purple passion fruit variety 134P was selected for the research purpose. Treatments were T1- Removing quarter portion (25%) of current fruiting branch + 19:19:19 @ 1 % , T2 - Removing quarter portion (25%) of current fruiting branch + 19:19:19 @ 1 % + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture @1 % T3 - Removing quarter portion (25%) of current fruiting branch + Water spray (control) T4 – Removing half portion (50%) of current fruiting branch +19:19:19 @ 1 % T5 – Removing half portion (50%) of current fruiting branch +19:19:19 @ 1 + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture @1 % T6 – Removing half portion (50%) of current fruiting branch + Water spray (control) T7- Removing three quarter portion (75%) of current fruiting branch +19:19:19 @ 1 T8 - Removing three quarter portion (75%) of current fruiting branch + 19:19:19 @ 1 + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture @1 % T9 –Removing three quarter portion (75%) of current fruiting branch + Water spray (control) . T10 – No pruning (control) + 19:19:19 @ 1 T11- No pruning (control) + 19:19:19 @ 1 + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture @1 % and T12 –.- No pruning (control) + Water spray (control). Pruning was done in the month of December and foliar nutrient application was done at three times- one month after pruning, at time of flowering and at the time of fruiting. As per Ad hoc recommendation organic manure 112 (10 kg FYM plant-1 ) and NPK (80: 30: 60 g plant-1 year-1 ) were given uniformly to all treatments as soil application. Treatment combination with 75% pruning of current fruiting branch followed by application of 19:19:19@1% + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture at one month after pruning at the time of flowering and at the time of fruiting increased the biometric characters like number of newly emerged branches per vine and reduces the days taken for emergence of new branches. Treatment combination with 50% pruning of current fruiting branch followed by application of 19:19:19@1% + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture at one month after pruning at the time of flowering and at the time of fruiting increased the biometric characters like length of vine, girth of the vine, number of flowers produced per vine per month, total number of flower production and decreased the days taken for first flowering, days taken for first fruiting and flowering to harvest duration. The results revealed that yield characters such as fruit weight, pulp weight, fruit girth, fruit diameter, rind weight, seed weight, rind thickness, number of fruits per vine and total fruit per vine were the highest with the combined application of 50% pruning and foliar nutrition of 19:19:19@1% + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture @1%.100 seed weight was highest for treatment combination of 25% pruning and foliar nutrition of 19:19:19@1% + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture @1% Each character among the qualitative ones examined varied significantly. Combined application of 50% pruning and foliar nutrition of 19:19:19@1% + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture @1% reduced the titrable acidity and recorded maximum TSS, total sugar, reducing sugar, ascorbic acid, carotenoid whereas control plants reported lowest values for these characters. Rind and pulp color also improved in this treatment. Highest non-reducing sugar was recorded in the treatment which received 75% pruning and foliar nutrition of 19:19:19@1% + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient @1% 50% pruning and foliar nutrition of 19:19:19@1% + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture @1% increased the organoleptic qualities like appearance, 113 colour, taste, flavour and overall acceptability. Shelf life of fruits were longer with the same treatment. According to data from the plant analysis, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, zinc content was highest with the treatment combination which includes 50% pruning of current fruiting branch and foliar application of 19:19:19 @ 1% + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture @ 1%. Similarly data from fruit analysis showed that nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, boron and zinc content was highest with the treatment combination which includes 50% pruning of current fruiting branch and foliar application of 19:19:19 @ 1% + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture @ 1% The Brown spot caused by Alternaria passiflorae and scab caused by Cladosporium oxysporum was noticed in the field with less than 1 per cent incidence rate. Also termite infestation was noticed in four plants. The pest and disease incidence were controlled by taking appropriate remedial measures as and when noticed The highest net income and benefit cost ratio was observed with treatment combination which includes removing half portion (50%) of current fruiting branch +19:19:19 @ 1 + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture @1 %. From the above findings, it was concluded that removing half portion (50%) of current fruiting branch and foliar application of 19:19:19 @ 1 % + Sampoorna KAU micronutrient mixture @1 % at 1 month after pruning, at the time of flowering and at the time of fruiting along with the application of organic manure (10 kg FYM plant-1 ) and NPK (80: 30: 60 g plant-1 year-1 ) had increased the growth, yield and quality characteristics of passionfruit and it was economically viable too.
Response of papaya (Carica papaya L.) to major mineral nutrients
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2003) Bindu, B; Jayachandran Nair, C S
An experiment was conducted in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2001-2002, to study the response of major plant nutrients viz., nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on growth, yield and quality of papaya under Kerala conditions and to standardise the optimum dose of these nutrients. The experiment was conducted in 33 confounded factorial RBD, confounding NPK in replication 1 and Np2K2 in replication 2. The present study revealed that application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium increased plant height, girth and number of leaves. The highest plant height was obtained with the combined application of 200 g N, 300 g P and 500 g K plan' year-', while the highest plant girth was obtained with application of 250 g N, 300 g P and 500 g K. Combined application of 300 g N, 250 g P and 500 g K p lant' year-' resulted in the maximum number of leaves. Plants receiving a dose of nitrogen at 250 g, 300 g phosphorus and 500 g potassium plant" took the shortest time for flowering. Combined application of nitrogen at 250 g plant.", phosphorus at 250 g plant" and potassium at 500 g planr' considerably shortened the time for harvesting the first fruit. Fruit weight, number of fruits plant", yield planr' and papain yield increased by application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Application of 250 g N, 250 g P and 500 g K planr' year-' gave highest yield. Maximum fruit girth was obtained from 200 g N, 200 g P and 500 g K, whereas maximum fruit volume and pulp percentage was obtained from 250 g N, 250 g P and 500 g K. Levels of nitrogen and phosphorus tried had no significant influence on TSS and ascorbic acid content of fruits. Nitrogen at 200 g, phosphorus at 250 g planr' produced. fruits of low acidity, while potassium had no significant influence. The combination of 200 g nitrogen, 300 g phosphorus and 500 g potassium plane 1 year" increased carotenoids, total sugars, reducing sugars and organoleptic qualities of fruits. Most of the treatments had light yellow peel colour, orange pulp colour and firm flesh. Nitrogen at 200 g, phosphorus at 250 g and potassium at 500 g plant" was found to increase the shelf life of fruits. Application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium increased soil and leaf petiole content of the respective elements. Highest benefit: cost ratio was obtained from the combination of 250 g N, 250 g P and 500 g K I -I -I P ant year . Over all assessment indicated that application of N, P and K at the rate of 250 : 250 : 500 g plant" year-I in six equal splits was economically viable and improved growth, yield and quality of papaya.