Browsing by Author "Elsy, C R"

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Adaptability and acceptability components of the rice cultivar kunjukunju
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1995) Elsy, C R; Sukumara Dev, V P; Rosamma, C A; Rajan, K M; Nadarajan, L
Aryan muthal aiswarya vare /ആര്യൻ മുതൽ ഐശ്വര്യ വരെ
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1993-07) Rosamma, C A; Elsy, C R; Rajan, K M
Biochemical and molecular characterisation of njavara types of rice (Oryza sativa L.)
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2005) Sanal Kumar, P; Elsy, C R
Characterisation and evaluation of Njavara types of rice (Oryza sativa L.) was under taken in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics and Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2001 - 2005 with the aim to characterise the Njavara genotypes based on morphological, biochemical and molecular characteristics, to evaluate its nutritional qualities and to analyse the stability of quantitative and nutritional traits. Morphological characterisation indicated that seven Njavara genotypes included in the present study exhibited similarity among themselves and with check variety for most of the qualitative characters. Some variations were observed with panicle type, panicle axis, apiculus colour, lemma and palea colour, seed coat colour and presence of awn. The Njavara genotypes viz., N1 and N2 (both Njavara types from Chittoor, Palakad) and N6 (Njavara type from Alwaye, Ernakulam) showed lemma and palea colour of black patches or furrows on straw background with black coloured apiculus, N3 and N4 (both Njavara types from Telllicherry, Kannur) showed lemma and palea colour of brown furrows on straw background with brown coloured apiculus, while N5 (Njavara type from Kottakkal, Malappuram) and N7 (Njavara type from Thrissur) showed a lemma and palea colour of gold furrows on straw background with an apiculus colour of straw. Njavara genotypes showed lesser days to maturity (67.9 to 79.1 days) with an average grain yield for Njavara genotypes ranging between 945.56 kg ha-1 and 2127.14 kg ha-1 was low compared to that of check varieties (2491.73 kg ha-1). Majority of the Njavara genotypes expressed high protein content than check varieties. The geotypes N2 and N6 were recommended to be included in weaning and invalid foods and diets during pregnancy and lactation. The genotypes N1, N2, N6 and N7 appeared to have better nutritive value based on the content of free amino acids. Most of the Njavara genotypes had intermediate amylose content ensuring consumer acceptance. Among the Njavara genotypes N3 has highest soluble carbohydrate content while others showed medium soluble carbohydrate content and are desirable as component of weaning and invalid food due to reduced gelatinization period and easy digestibility. Variability studies indicated that grain yield, straw yield and amylase activity provided a good genetic base for selection. The Njavara genotypes showed high heritability with high genetic gain for quantitative and nutritional characters. Correlation studies revealed that grain yield showed high positive correlation with high leaf width, days to 50 per cent heading, panicle length, days to maturity, straw yield, 1000 grain weight, grain width and amylose content. Nutritive factors like protein content and soluble carbohydrate content showed significant negative genotypic correlation with grain yield. Genotype x environment interaction showed that, N1 was stable for plant height panicle length, straw yield and protein content where as N2 was stable for traits like days to 50 per cent heading, culm diameter, days to maturity, grain yield, grain width and amylose content. N3 was stable for leaf length, days to 50 per cent heading and amylase activity where as N4 for leaf length and leaf width. The performance of N5 was stable for seedling height, plant height, panicle length, days to maturity, grain length and width, protein content, free amino acid content and amylose content while N6 was stable for ligule length, culm number, grain yield, 1000 grain weight, soluble carbohydrate content, free amino acid content and amylase activity. N7 had recorded stable performance for 1000 grain weight and soluble carbohydrate content. Biochemical characterisation indicated the possibility of utilising alcohol dehydrogenase polymorphism for identifying Njavara as a cultivar and also for identification of Njavara genotypes N1, N6 and N7. RAPD analysis of Njavara genotypes revealed good amplification with polymorphism for primers OPE 4, 6 and 16, OPP 7, 11, 12 and 19 and amplification with primers OPE 6, OPP 6 and OPP 11 exhibited unique bands for Njavara genotypes. The dendrogram drawn with two molecular markers viz., isozyme and RAPD revealed that the Njavara genotypes were grouped in one cluster whereas check varieties in another.
Breeding for photosensitive high yielding rice variety
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1994) Rosamma, C A; Elsy, C R
An ideal rice variety with high gram and straw yield, adaptability to the rabi season and consumer preference was evolved at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, i'attambi from the cross between Co 25, Triveni and Vellathil Kolappala. This variety called Niln (Ptb 48) combines in itself high grain and straw yield under average management conditions, adaptability to the season and tolerance to most of the pests and diseases.
Characterisation and evaluation of the rice cultivar njavara
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2000) Srinivasa Reddy, G; Elsy, C R
Characterization and evaluation of the rice (Oryza saliva L.) cultivar Njavara was undertaken in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics and Biochemistry Laboratory, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1997-1999 with an aim to characterize Njavara genotypes based on morphological and biochemical studies and to evaluate its nutritional qualities. Morphological characterization indicated that the thirteen Njavara genotypes were distinct among themselves and the Njavara genotypes NI (Njavara type from Mulloorkara, Thrissur), N2 (Njavara type from Chittoor, Palakkad), N5 (Njavara type from Edavanna, Malappuram), NIl (Njavara type from Pattambi, Palakkad) and NI3 (Njavara type from Thootha, Palakkad) yielded on par with the check variety Ptb-IO, eventhough they were having extra short growth duration compared to Ptb-I 0. Biochemical characterization revealed the possibility of utilizing peroxidase, esterase and protein polymorphism for identifying the Njavara genotypes especially NI (Njavara type from Mulloorkara, Thrissur) , N2 (Njavara type from Chittoor, Palakkad), N3 (Njavara type from Chittoor, Palakkad) and N4 (Njavara type from Chittoor, Palakkad) and also for the identification of Njavara as a cultivar. Selecting some other isozymes coupled with enzyme activity studies and opting for molecular markers were the other strategies suggested for characterization of Njavara genotypes. Majority of the Njavara genotypes expressed high protein content than Ptb-l O. The genotypes N2 (Njavara type from Chittoor, Palakkad) and N8 (Njavara type from Alwaye) were recommended to be included in weaning and invalid foods due to high protein content. The genotypes N2 (Njavara type from Chittoor, Palakkad), N3 (Njavara type from Chittoor, Palakkad) and NI2 (Njavara type from Thrissur) appeared to have higher number and content of free amino acids. Most of the Njavara genotypes had intermediate amylose and as such may not have any problem with respect to consumer preference. Starch grain characterization revealed that starch grain size could be used for varietal characterization in conjunction with morphological and biochemical markers. Absence of flavonoids in Nj avara grain indicated its nonaromatic nature. The genotype N7 (Njavara type from Tellicherry, Kannur) was found to have better digestibility due to low amylose content, high amylase activity and high soluble carbohydrate content. Variability studies indicated that fat content, straw yield and grain yield provided a good genetic base for selection. Correlation and path studies revealed that grain yield could be improved by simultaneous selection for high straw yield and longer leaves while selection for wider leaves, longer ligules, increased number of days to 50 per cent heading, longer panicles and long duration genotypes favour high free amino acid content. Low amylase activity, short and narrow leaves, shorter panicles, low 1000 grain weight, slender grains, short duration genotypes and smaller starch grains were observed to favour high protein content and selection for tall culms, high 1000 grain weight and bold grains was found to favour high amylase activity:
Characterization of betel vine (piper betle L) types of Malappuram district
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2012) Preethy, T T; Elsy, C R
The present investigation on “Characterization of betel vine (Piper betle L.) types of Malappuram district” was carried out at the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, KAU, Vellanikkara and farmer’s field in Malappuram district during 2013 – 2014 aiming to study the diversity of betel vine types in Tirur and nearby areas of Malappuram district and to characterize the types based on morphological and biochemical features. Puthukodi, Chelan, Karinadan and Nadan were the betel vine cultivars recorded from Malappuram District. Puthukodi and Nadan were the most common cultivars whereas Chelan and Karinadan were the cultivars conserved by few farmers. Morphological characterization revealed distinctness of Karinadan and Chelan from other cultivars. Karinadan had dark green leaves with even leaf margin, short petiole, mostly ovate lanceolate leaf lamina, high brittleness and medium pungency. Leaf characters including leaf length, leaf width, leaf area and leaf weight per unit area were comparatively high in this cultivar. Orthotropic shoots of this cultivar showed uniform purple – green color. It produced hanging lateral branches. The plant growth parameters like plant height, total number of leaves, number of lateral branches and number of leaves per lateral branch were significantly low in this cultivar. On the other hand, Chelan had light green leaves with wavy leaf margin, long petiole, ovate leaf lamina and round leaf base. Leaf characters including leaf length, leaf width, leaf area and leaf weight per unit area and brittleness were significantly low in this cultivar leading to low market preference. In this cultivar, internodes of orthotropic shoots showed light green colour with purple tinge. Lateral branches of Chelan were semierect in nature. The plant growth parameters like plant height, total number of leaves, number of lateral branches and number of leaves per lateral branch were significantly high in this cultivar, resulting in higher number of leaves per plant. Nadan, Puthukodi and Muvattupuzha Local cultivars had green leaves with even margin and medium brittleness. Puthukodi recorded maximum leaf weight per unit area and optimum leaf parameters, making it as the most preferred cultivar in Malappuram district. Profuse flowering was observed in all cultivars during the study period. Chelan was identified as male cultivar and all others were female cultivars. Spikes produced on Chelan were long, slender with short peduncle. Female cultivars produced medium lengthy spikes having medium diameter. Spikes were axillary and opposite to leaf. Sessile naked florets were compactly arranged on the inflorescence axis. A bract subtended each floret, both in male and female spikes. Female spike was very distinguishable with the presence of 6 - 9 white coloured sessile stigmatic lobes on each floret. Male spikes were yellow in color and at the stage of anthesis, two black stamens protruded from each floret protruded. Essential oil content was maximum in Muvattupuha Local, a cultivar with high pungency and it was low in Chelan. GC studies revealed that, eugenol was the major component of essential oil in all cultivars with high content (20.80 per cent) in Chelan. Possible compounds identified from the chromatograms of oil from different cultivars were hydroxychavicol, β caryophyllene and 5-(2-propenyl)-1, 3- benzodioxole. Karinadan was rich in biochemical constituents whereas Chelan was significantly low in biochemical constituents. Puthukodi with optimum leaf characters recorded medium pungency. Studies on genetic parameters revealed that most of the characters were less affected by environmental factors. Many of the characters under study showed high heritability with high genetic gain, indicating additive gene effects and selection must be effective. Correlation studies showed that the highest significant positive genotypic correlation of total number of leaves was with number of leaves per lateral branch followed by plant height and number of lateral branches. Number of leaves per lateral branch showed highest positive direct effect and all other characters showed negative direct effect on total number of leaves.
Characterization of kuttiattoor mango (Mangifera indica L.) Cultivar of Kannur district, Kerala
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Reshma Reghu; Elsy, C R
Diversity analysis in landraces of rice(oryza sativa L.) in Wayanad through morphological and molecular polymorphism study
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics,College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, 2018) Manjunatha, G A; Elsy, C R
The present investigation entitled “Diversity analysis in landraces of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Wayanad through morphological and molecular polymorphism study” was conducted at the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur and Regional Agricultural Research Station, Ambalavayal, Wayanad during the period 2015- 2018. The study aimed to collect and characterize the rice landraces of Wayanad at morphological level and also to characterize the popular aromatic genotypes of the area at molecular level. DUS characterization revealed that, all the landraces under the study exhibited presence of leaf collar, absence of anthocyanin colouration of leaf collar, presence of leaf ligule, split shape of leaf ligule, absence of anthocyanin colouration for plant parts like lemma (keel), area below apex of lemma, stem nodes and presence of secondary branching in panicle. Variability was exhibited for majority of characters namely coleoptile colour, basal leaf sheath colour, intensity of green colour of leaf, anthocyanin colouration of plant parts like leaf, leaf sheath, auricles, ligules, lemma apex, area below apex of lemma, distribution of anthocyanin colouration in leaf, pubescence of leaf blade surface, leaf auricles, culm attitude, density of pubescence of lemma, colour of stigma, attitude of flag leaf blade, curvature of main axis of panicle, lemma and palea colour, presence and colour of awns, distribution of awns in panicle, secondary branching in panicle, attitude of branches in panicle, panicle exsertion, leaf senescence, sterile lemma colour, shape, colour and aroma of decorticated grain, gelatinization temperature and lodging nature.Thavalakannan, Mullan puncha and Sugandhamathi exhibited distinct morphological characters. Among the 60 landraces, Kanni kayama, Ambalavayal-1, Kothandan, Onamottan, Thondi-2, Chenthadi, Kannali and Thondi-1 exhibited significantly high grain yield per plant, which was on par with that of Uma and Aathira (high yielding check varieties), indicating the possibility of commercial cultivation of these cultivars. High PCV value than GCV for all the characters under study, indicated the influences of environmental factors on the characters. High heritability and high genetic gain was exhibited by the characters like length of leaf blade, width of leaf blade, stem thickness, stem length, number of tillers per plant, number of panicles per plant, length of panicle main axis, number of spikelets per panicle, number of grains per panicle, seed setting (per cent), 1000 grain weight, grain length, grain L/B ratio, decorticated grain L/B ratio and grain yield per plant, indicating that these characters could be used in crop improvement programmes. Character association studies including correlation and path-analysis revealed that, five characters viz., width of leaf blade, stem length, number of panicles per plant, weight of 1000 grains and decorticated grain width showed both positive correlation and positive direct effect on grain yield per plant. Cluster analysis based on qualitative characters categorized 60 landraces into 11 clusters at 74 percent similarity level. Based on D2 statistics analysis, the landraces were grouped into seven clusters with variable number of landraces in each cluster, indicating wide genetic diversity in the Wayanad landraces. All the inter-cluster distances were higher than the intra-cluster distance, indicating the wider genetic diversity among landraces of different clusters. Molecular characterization of aromatic rice genotypes of Wayanad by SSR (RM) profiling revealed high level of genetic polymorphism among the genotypes studied. Out of 86 SSR markers used for molecular characterization, 44 markers were polymorphic and remaining 42 were monomorphic. Maximum number of amplicons was exhibited by RM247 with five amplicons, followed by RM85, RM251, RM248 and RM493 with four amplicons each. The highest PIC value was exhibited by RM247 (0.90), followed by RM85, RM251 and RM493 with 0.88 PIC value each. Out of 86 SSR (RM) markers, 21 markers distinguished Basmati from traditional aromatic landraces of Wayanad viz., Gandhakasala and Jeerakasala. Seven SSR markers distinguished Gandhakasala from Jeerakasala, whereas 23 markers distinguished Basmati from Jeerakasala. Twenty-two markers distinguished Basmati from Gandhakasala and 23 markers distinguished aromatic group from non-aromatic group. Cluster analysis for molecular characterization revealed maximum similarity coefficient (1.00) within all the Jeerakasala morphotypes and all the Gandhakasala morphotypes. Cluster analysis effectively differentiated Basmati, Jeerakasala, Gandhakasala, Uma and Aathira from each other. Among the five clusters formed, cluster III was the largest one comprising all the 12 Gandhakasala morphotypes, followed by cluster IV with all Jeerakasala morphotypes. Cluster I, Cluster II and Cluster V exhibited one genotype each namely Aathira, Uma and Basmati, indicating their genetic distinctness.
Genetic diversity and combining ability in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Suma, A; Elsy, C R
Assessment of genetic diversity is the key tool in any crop improvement and germplasm management programme. Evaluation of genetic variation will help to provide valuable information about new sources of genes. The studies on combining ability and heterosis can support utilization of promising lines in further crop improvement programmes. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. 2n= 2x= 14) is an indigenous vegetable crop of India. Even though rich diversity for cucumber is available in India, studies on genetic diversity of this crop are scanty. Therefore, the present project was proposed to explore genetic diversity in cucumber using morphological and molecular markers and to study combining ability and heterosis in selected genotypes. Morphological characterization of 50 accessions of cucumber revealed presence of significant difference among accessions for majority of vegetative, floral and fruit characters. Mean days to first male and female flower opening was 36 and 43 days respectively. Majority of the accessions possessed elliptical elongated fruits with light green skin colour and white flesh colour. Sixteen accessions exhibited significantly higher fruit length than AAUC-2, the standard check, the maximum being exhibited by IC613472 (20.85 cm). Accessions with oblong ellipsoid fruits possessed higher fruit diameter. Mean fruit weight showed high variability among accessions with a range of 33 g to 343 g. Fourteen accessions exhibited significantly high yield than AAUC-2. Number of fruits per plant, yield per plant, loss of weight during storage and sex ratio showed high values for all the genetic parameters studied. IC613481 was the promising genotype identified in morphological characterization, followed by IC613480. Cluster analysis grouped accessions into seven distinct clusters based on the level of similarity in quantitative characters. Random grouping of accessions into various clusters indicated absence of parallelism between genetic diversity and geographical diversity. Cluster II and III were the largest clusters, with 14 accessions each and Cluster V and VI, the smallest ones with single accession each. Results of Principal component analysis revealed that first three principal components, with Eigen values more than unity accounted for 85.80 per cent of cumulative variance, contributed by fruit weight, fruit length, fruit diameter and days to first harvest. The diversity analysis of the accessions was done using DIVA-GIS by generating grid maps. The results of the study indicated that highly diverse accessions with respect to the selected characters were sourced from Mizoram, Tripura and West Bengal. Molecular characterization revealed high level of genetic distinctness between genotypes. SSR11742 and AF202378 were found to be highly polymorphic markers, with high polymorphism information content and number of polymorphic bands. In-depth evaluation of selected 22 genotypes revealed significant difference for all fruit characters except days to last harvest and harvest duration and further revealed the superiority of IC613480. Evaluation of 15 hybrid combinations developed through half diallel mating design and their parents indicated presence of significant difference among parents and hybrids for various characters studied. Among the parental genotypes, IC613480, exhibited significantly high GCA effects for fruit length, number of fruits per plant and yield per plant whereas IC595508A, for fruit weight and loss of weight during storage, and IC613485 for fruit diameter, thus proving to be promising parents for accumulating genes for these characters. The hybrids, IC613480 x IC595508A and IC613480 x IC613471 showed significant SCA effects for yield per plant and sex ratio. IC613480 x IC613471, IC613480 x IC595508A and IC613471 x IC595508A were exhibiting significantly high relative heterosis, heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis for number of fruits per plant and yield per plant. IC613480 and IC613485 were the most promising genotypes identified from the study whereas IC613480 x IC613471 was the most promising hybrid based on SCA effects, heterosis, per se performance on yield contributing characters and organoleptic qualities. This hybrid showed high fruit length (17.01 cm), yield per plant (2163.45 g), number of fruits per plant (11.43) and sex ratio (0.11). IC613480 x IC613476 and IC613485 x IC595508A were the other promising hybrids.
Genotype - environment interaction in new plant type (npt) lines of rice (oryxa sativa L)
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2007) Marimutthu, M; Elsy, C R
The present study on Genotype - Environment interaction in New Plant Type (NPT) lines of rice was carried out in the Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara. Eight selected NPT rice lines (developed at IRRI) along with Jyothi as check variety were evaluated for ten agronomic characteristics and seven grain quality characteristics across three low land rice ecosystem in Palghat district in central zone of Kerala during rabi season 2005. In the experiment, variability, heritability, genetic advance, correlation, path analysis and stability were disclosed. Mean performance of NPT rice lines across three locations revealed that in general NPT rice lines performed significantly better than check variety at two locations for grain yield. Characters like days to 50 per cent flowering and number of productive tillers and harvest index did not differ significantly than that of Jyothi at all the test locations. With respect to grain quality parameters such as L/B ratio, 1000-grain weight, milling percentage and head rice recovery. NPT-8 had shown better grain qualities except amylose content.Jyothi showed superior performance for this character. In general, panicle length and mean number of spikelets were high in most of NPT rice lines than Jyothi.The average plant height of NPT lines was same or higher than that of Jyothi.None of the NPT rice lines showed tendency to lodge. Grain yield was positively and significantly correlated with days to 50 per cent flowering, number of spikelets per panicle, panicle length and straw yield .Path analysis indicated that characters like days to maturity, number of spikelets per panicle, straw yield and 1000-grain weight had the positive direct effect on grain yield. Based on the economical important agronomic characters, promising NPT rice lines for each location were identified. At Nenemni, the promising NPT lines identified were NPT-2, NPT-3 and NPT-4.Taking into consideration of grain quality parameters like medium shaped grains, high 1000-grain weight and head rice recovery, NPT-8 was adjudged as a best NPT line at Nenmeni.NPT-2, NPT-5, NPT6 and NPT-8 were identified as the promising four NPT rice lines at Thenkurissi. At Mathur, NPT-4, NPT-7 and NPT-8 were identified as the promising NPT rice lines. Based on the performance for yield, agronomic characters, grain characteristics and stability NPT-7 had shown better performance in the present study.
Genotype X environment interaction in aromatic rice (Oryza sativaL.) cultivars of Wayanad district of Kerala
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2012) Adheena Ram, A; Elsy, C R
Genotype x environment interaction in commercial rice (Oryza sativa L.,) hybrids
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2004) Somanagoudra S Chandrashekhar; Elsy, C R
The present study on “Genotype x Environment interaction in commercial rice (Oryza sativa L.) hybrids” was carried out under the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara. Seven commercial rice hybrids and two check varieties were evaluated for eighteen characters across three farming situations of central zone of Kerala during kharif, 2003. In the experiment, variability, heritability and genetic advance, path coefficients, stability, standard heterosis and inbreeding depression were estimated. Mean performance of hybrids across the locations revealed that, in general hybrids performed better than check varieties with respect to yield and yield attributing characters like grain yield ha-1, straw yield ha-1, number of grains panicle-1, productivity day-1 and productivity plant-1. With regard to grain quality parameters such as 1000 grain weight, milling percentage and head rice recovery, check varieties showed superior performance over hybrids. High variability and heritability was noticed for most of the yield characters. High genetic advance coupled with high heritability were observed for plant height, grain yield ha-1, straw yield ha-1, number of grains panicle-1 and 1000-grain weight. The traits such as days to 50 per cent flowering, plant height, straw yield ha-1, harvest index, number of days to physiological maturity, productivity day-1 and volume expansion ratio can be used for direct selection for yield improvement since they had exhibited significant positive correlation with grain yield. Stability analysis revealed that the hybrid KRH-2, which had recorded highest mean value and regression coefficient less than unity, performed well even under poor management conditions. Therefore KRH-2 can be recommended for general cultivation in central zone of Kerala. For better management conditions, NSD-2 that had responded well to good management, can be recommended. Heterosis studies revealed the presence of significant amount of standard heterosis in most of the hybrids for yield and yield attributing traits. Significant inbreeding depression was also observed for yield and yield attributing characters.
Inter-seasonal stability of high yielding rice genotypes
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1995) Elsy, C R; Rosamma, C A; Jose Mathew
Molecular documentation of njavara types of rice (Oryza sativa L.) for cultivar identification
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2007) Shareesh, N; Elsy, C R
Characterisation and evaluation of Njavara types of rice (Oryza sativa L.) was under taken in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics and Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2005 - 2007 with the objective of molecular characterization and gene sequencing in Njavara for developing suitable molecular markers for cultivar identification. Njavara genotypes exhibited high variability with respect to lemma and palea colour with two major classes viz., yellow (straw colour) and black types. Detailed characterization revealed that yellow type could be further grouped into gold furrows on straw (N3 & N5) and brown furrows on straw (N4 & N7). Three genotypes viz., N1, N2 and N6 exhibited a lemma and palea colour dominated by black. N1 and N2 exhibited variations in black colour for lemma and palea as pure black, black furrows/black patches on straw background whereas N6 exhibited light shade of black. Variations in seed coat colour as red, light brown and brown were also observed among the genotypes. The method suggested by Dellaporta et al. (1983) with slight modifications was found to be effective in isolating good quality genomic DNA from Njavara. Good amplifications were observed when RAPD analysis was performed with sequences OPA 1, OPA 4, OPA 6, OPA7 , OPA 9, OPN 6, OPN 18, OPP 6, OPP 11 and OPE 6. OPA 1 and OPP 11 were found to be promising in the amplification of rice genomic DNA with maximum amplification. Amplification of Njavara DNA with primer OPE 6 exhibited unique bands (1.375 kb , 1.29 kb and 0.44 kb ) for Njavara genotypes and hence are valuable as DNA markers for the identification of this unique cultivar. The dendrogram with RAPD markers showed distinct clusters for Njavara. Cloning and sequencing of the unique molecular band with M 13 primer gave the sequence data of a gene segment of size 762 bp.The homology search of this sequence with BLASTN showed that it has maximum identity with genes from Oryza sativa (japonica cultivar-group) mitochondrial gene for tRNA-Asn, complete sequence, O. sativa mRNA for chilling-inducible protein, O.sativa rbbi2-5 gene for putative Bowman Birk tryspin inhibitor, O.sativa rbbi2-3 gene for putative Bowman Birk trypsin inhibitor, O.sativa rbbi2-4 gene for putative Bowman Birk trypsin inhibitor and O. sativa (japonica cultivar-group) mRNA for chilling tolerance related protein.The homology of cloned DNA fragments of Njavara (N5) with BBI genes (rbbi 2-3, rbbi 2-4 and rbbi 2-5 ) is a preliminary indication of the medicinal property (anticarcinogenic) of this unique medicinal cultivar of Kerala and also its thermostable nature. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of five ORF’s . The longest open reading frame had 180 bases encoding 59 amino acids in the predicted coding region. Among the amino acids, serine was occurring more frequently than other amino acids. ORF in +3 reading frame was found to be of a residue length of 102 bases, encoding 33 amino acids. Genscan tool determined two internal exons from the clone with a length of 91 and 129 residues. Sequence analysis of the data with VecScreen showed strong match to vector sequences in the database eventhough the sequences were not matching with pSCA (vector used in the present study) vector. Alignment of sequences through CLUSTAL W programme revealed poor homology with query sequence and vector sequence used for cloning. Homology was shown between the sequences when BLAST 2 SEQUENCES programme was used. These results are to be confirmed through further studies.
Morphological and biochemical characterization of aromatic rice(Oryza Sativa L.) cultivars of Wayanad district of Kerala
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2010) Sumalatha, T V; Elsy, C R
The present study was undertaken in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics and in the Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, College of Horticulture, Ve!!anikkara and at RARS, Ambalavayal during 2008-2010 with an aim to characterize the aromatic rice cultivars of Wayanad district, based on morphological, nutritional and biochemical studies. Gandhakasala and Jeerakasala are two popular and traditional non-Basmati aromatic ricecultivars of Wayanaddistrict, Kerala. In Wayanad Gandhakasala is cultivated in an area of 327 ha, while Jeerakasala in 22 ha. Based on grain characters 10 samples of Gandhakasala and two samples of Jeerakasala were selected for characterization. Deepthi (WND.3) was used as check variety. Among morphological studies, qualitative characters like leaf bladepubescence, . panicle exsertion, spikelet awning, awn colour, lemma and palea pubescence and seed . . coat colour showed variation and hence these can be used as morphological markers to distinguish aromatic genotypes among themselves and with Deepthi. Straw coloured short and partial awns were the characteristic feature' of Jeer aka sa I a grains, while awns were absent i!1 Gandhakasala and Deepthi. Aromatic genotypes exhibited well exserted panicles and white seed coat colour whereas Deepthi showed moderately welIexserted . . panicles and red seed coat colour. Mean performance of aromatic genotypes indicated that ligule length, grain length, grain breadth, 1000 grain weight, days to 50 per cent heading, milling recovery and maturity days provided a good base for selection. Jeerakasala genotypes took more days to 50 per cent heading and to maturity than Gandhakasala genotypes and Deepthi . . In general Gandhakasala genotypes had lesser 1000 grain weight with a mean value of 13.78 gm compared to Jeerakasala (19;82 gm) and Deepthi (26.17 gm). High grain breadth and grain length would have added to high 1000 grain weight in Deepthi. In general aromatic genotypes have lesser milling recovery than Deepthi, indicating the need [or specially designed milling machines for maximum milling recovery. The genotype GT2 appeared to have higher total carbohydrate content of 81.87 per cent/while it Was Iow for JT12 (58. 40%). Jeerakasala genotypes exhibited low mean carbohydrate content of 61.06 per cent' compared to Gandhakasala( 69.56%) and Deepthi (71.73%). The three Gandhakasala genotypes GT3, GT9 and GT7 exhibited intermediate proteincontent, indicating their nutritional superiority. The amylose content of aromatic genotypes ranged between 17.87(GT4) and 23.07 (GT2) percent. Five aromatic genotypes GT1, GT2, GT8, GTlO and JT12 had intermediate amylose content. Since intermediate amylose rice is preferred in most of the rice growing regions of the world, these genotypes will have better preference in market. Most of aromatic genotypes under study were moderately aromatic, indicating their suitability for commercial cultivation. Biochemical characterization based on isozyme studies revealed the possibility of utilizing peroxidase polymorphism for identifying the aromatic rice genotypes especially Gandhakasala genotypes from other cultivars. Studies on esterase. polymorphism revealed the presence of EST-2 band only in Deepthi indicating its use as a biochemical marker to distinguish aromatic rice genotypes from Deepthi. Heritability and genetic gain studies indicated that selection of characters like length of sterile glumes, lOOO grain weight, grain length and peroxidase activity may be effective in crop improvement programme. Correlation and path studies revealed that grain yield could be improved by simultaneous selection for high seedling height, grain breadth, milling recovery and straw yield.
Pigmented high yielding genotypes for wild rice infested wet lands
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1994) Rosamma, C A; Elsy, C R
Pollination studies in cashew
(Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1985) Elsy, C R; Narayanan Namboodiri, K M
Investigation on the various aspects of pollination viz., flower opening, fruit set and fruit drop under natural pollination and assisted pollination, effect of pollinating agents and intensity of pollen in the atmosphere were undertaken at the Cashew Research station, Madakkathara and Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1983-84, on six year old BLA-139/1 trees (air layers) under uniform cultural and manurial conditions. The data were subjected to various statistical analysis. The results have shown that the period of flower opening in both male and hermaphrodite flowers was same, starting after 23 hr and extending upto 15 hr next day. The peak period of flower opening for male flowers was between 7 and 9 hr and for hermaphrodite flowers between 9 and 11 hr. Climatic factors such as temperature, sunshine hours, relative humidity and wind velocity have not shown any significant influence on the magnitude of flower opening. Type BLA-139/1 has a relatively low sex-ratio of 1: 2. 83 resulting a higher percentage of hermaphrodite flowers. There is variation in sex-ratio even within the panicles of the same tree. When compared to natural pollination, assisted pollination resulted in significantly higher initial fruit set indicating the inefficiency or inadequacy of pollinating agents. But the higher initial fruit set was not fully reflected in the percentage of fruits harvested since a major portion of the set fruits dropped at different stages of development. In both cases of natural and hand pollination, fruit droop was more in early stages of nut development. This necessitates the need for improving the initial fruit set and more over reducing post fertilization drop for higher yields in cashew. In completely bagged panicles no fruit was set, confirming the cross pollinated nature of cashew. The failure of fruit set in water sprayed panicles rules out the possibility of water as a pollinating agent. Wind plays a significant role in cashew pollination along with insects like red and black ants, honey bees and butterflies which frequently visit cashew inflorescence. The intensity of pollen grains on the atmosphere was 20 times higher than that of hermaphrodite flowers in a unit area.
Stability of new rice genotypes for grain yield
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1994) Elsy, C R; Rosamma, C A; Prabhakaran, P V
The yield potential and grain yield stability of three medium duration rice cultures were studied over six cropping seasons at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, 1'attambi. Cul-8770 and Cul-8772 had shown stable high yield potential over the seasons. These two cultures recorded high mean yield and lesser deviation from regression. BR-51-46-1 with its lower mean yield and higher deviation from regression, is not suited for general cultivation, especi.illy during kharif season. The added advantage of Cul-8770 and Cul-8772 is the good straw yield and red bold grains which are highly preferred in Kerala. All these attributes make Cul-8770 and Cul-8772 suited for release as varieties for general cultivation.