Browsing by Author "Geetha, C K"

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Developing technology for production of dry flowers
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Priyesh, S; Geetha, C K
Effect of repeated subculturing on somaclonal variation in banana (Musa aab group) cv. Nendran
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1995) Mini Balachandrail; Valsalakumari, P K; Geetha, C K
Continuous subculturing of regenerated shoot initials of banana cv. Nendran was carried out at two-week interval to assess the variation induced due to repeated subculturing. It was found that the number of shoots produced per culture varied in different subcultures. Chromosome counts made at the root tips of Ihe plaatlets from ten subcultures indicated that all the plants were triploids (2n = 33). However, the plantlets from the different subcultures varied significantly with respect to the rate of growth in height and leaf area.
Environmental effects on the growth of philodendron wendlandii
(Department of Pomology & Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1996) Swapna, S; Geetha, C K
Estimation of leaf area in banana var. nendran (Musa aab group) using linear parameters
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1984) Rajeevan, P K; Unnithan, V K G; Geetha, C K
Evaluation of fragrant vandaceous orchids for ornamental traits
(Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Deepa, T; Geetha, C K
Twenty five fragrant vandaceous orchids were evaluated in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping during the period from June 2016 to May 2017 with the objective of classifying them based on aesthetic and economic parameters for commercial exploitation as value added plants. The varieties exhibited wide variation in both vegetative and floral characters. Considering quantitative characters, Vasco Crownfox Red Gem recorded the maximum plant height (68.73cm), spread (52.23cm), internodal length (1.95cm) and leaf length (33.83cm). V. Pranerm Prai x V. tessellata showed maximum shoot girth (4.99cm), leaf area (105.54cm2), leaf number (37) and root length (181.75cm). The least values for all these characters were for Neostylis Lou Sneary. Duration from spike emergence to opening of florets was the maximum in Ascda Peggy Foo x Rhyn. Coelestis Blue and minimum in Neostylis Lou Sneary. Maximum spike longevity was recorded in V. Rothschildiana (29.30 days) whereas it was minimum in Rhy Sri Siam x Rhy gigantia (7.50 days). Interval of spike production was also the longest in Ascda. Peggy Foo x Rhyn. coelestis Blue and the minimum in Rhynchorides Bangkok Sunset. Spike production was the maximum in Neostylis Lou Sneary, followed by Ascda Srichai and Vasco Crownfox Red Gem. The varieties/ hybrids varied with regard to blooming period. The peak flowering was from May to July. Longer spike and rachis were noticed in Aerides quinque Vulnera Rhy. Coelestis. Vasco Blue Bay Pink had the highest number of florets/ spike and the shortest internodal length. Largest flowers were observed in V. Rothschildiana. Petal and labellum of the varieties also exhibited different colour patterns such as uniform, spotted, netted, tessellated and shaded. All the evaluated varieties were fragrant and were categorized based on different notes such as floral, fruity, spicy, green, sweet and miscellaneous. Fragrance was very faint in V. Rothschildiana whereas it was musty in Darwineria Cream Puff. With respect to the post-harvest characters longevity (vase life) was the maximum in V. JVB X Ascda Yip Sum Wah (17.30 days) and individual floret life (8.13 days) in V. Rothschildiana. Colour and pigmentation, texture, shape, pattern and size of florets as well as arrangement of florets on the spike were considered for the visual evaluation of a variety for use as cut flower. Considering the overall qualitative and quantitative attributes, Vascostylis Crownfox Red Gem, Vasco Blue Bay Blue, Rhynchorides Bangkok Sunset, V. Mimi Palmer, V. JVB X Ascda Yip Sum Wah and Vasco Blue Bay Pink were excellent for cut flower production. Plant quality evaluation was done based on fullness, growth and visual appearance, flower colour and pigmentation, spike longevity, shape and arrangement of foliage during the growth period. Fragrance scoring was also done based on intensity and diffusiveness, newness and beautifulness of fragrance. Based on the flowering phenology, four phenophases, namely, November – January, February – April, May – July and August – September were recorded and the varieties were categorized accordingly. Side-runs with different colour combinations were observed within a phenophase. The varieties were also categorized on the basis of flower colour, number of florets/ spike and floret size, longevity of spike on the plant , number of spikes produced / year and fragrance. Considering overall quantitative and qualitative characteristics, the evaluated varieties/ hybrids were categorized for cut flower, indoor and outdoor gardens for commercial exploitation as value added plants. The fragrance also makes it a novelty in landscaping to create a peaceful, relaxing environment.
Evaluation of monopodial orchids for cut flower
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2007) Kaveriamma, M M; Geetha, C K
Evaluation of nutrient uptake in black pepper (Piper nigrum L .)
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1990) Geetha, C K; Aravindhakshan, M
Experiments on the nutritional aspects of black pepper were carried out at the Centre for Advanced Studies on Humid Tropical Tree Crops, College of Horticulture , Vellanikkara and at the Banana Research Station, Kannara, during 1986-1990. The pattern of growth and nutrient- uptake in bush pepper and vine pepper, the relative efficiencies of black pepper varieties in the utilization of applied P and the soil zone of maximum nutrient absorption in pepper vines trailed on dead and live standards were investigated . All the nutrients tried , namely, N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S,had influence on one or more of the growth parameters of bush pepper as well as vine pepper. Application of Ca improved the root characters markedly. Vine pepper had superiority in terms of height, number of leaves and number of roots . Bush pepper produced more number of branches, larger leaves and longer roots. In both the types, the total biomass was a good indicator to applied nutrients . Among the nutrients applied , only N and S increased their concentrations in the stem and leaf of bush pepper and vine pepper. In both the types, treatment devoid of N produced typical N deficiency symptoms. The nature o f response in uptake was more or less similar in all the treatments. The variability in biomass production and nutrient uptake in bush pepper and vine , pepper could be explained by quadratic models for all the nutrients , except Ca. On comparing the quadratic responses In biomass production between the two types of plants, vine pepper revealed an additional response over bush pepper. The differences in nutrient uptake between the two type s of pepper were also highly significant, except for P. Hence, bush pepper cannot be used as a suitable substitute for vine pepper, for purpose o f investigations on nutrient requirements. However, in the context of studies on fertility status and nutrient supplying power of soils , there is scope for using bush pepper as substitute for vine pepper.
Evaluation of some culinary varieties of banana
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1988) Rajeevan, P K; Indira, V; Geetha, C K; Varkey
Evaluation of vanda orchids for commercial traits
(Department of pomology and floriculture, College of horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2015) Minnu Sebastian; Geetha, C K
The investigation on the evaluation of Vanda orchids was conducted at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, during 2013-‘14 with the objective of evaluating the field performance for commercial exploitation. Thirty Vanda varieties/ hybrids were selected for the study. They were evaluated for their height, spread, shoot characters (nature, girth, internodal length), leaf characters (length, breadth, area, number, interval of leaf production, leaf sheath characters), root characters (length, girth, number), floral characters (days from spike emergence to opening, longevity of spike, interval of spike production, annual production of spike, blooming period, number of florets per spike, individual flower life, flower size, features of petal, lip and column) under field conditions, as well as post harvest parameters (spike longevity, number of buds opening in vase, physiological loss in weight, water uptake and floret span). The varieties exhibited wide variation in both vegetative and floral characters. Maximum plant height was observed in V. Pompimol and the minimum in V. Thailand Beauty. V. Kasem’s Delight x V. Bitz’s Heartthrob recorded the maximum plant spread and V. Pachara Delight Pink the minimum. Shoot girth and internodal length were the maximum in V. Taweesuksa x V. Kultana Gold x V. Green Gold and V. Pakchong New Land x V. Annette Jones, respectively while the minimum was recorded by V. Varuvathe Pink and V. Thailand Beauty, respectively. Leaf number was maximum in V. Prapawan and the minimum in V. Apec Blue. Leaf length as well as leaf area were the maximum in V. Pompimol, whereas the least values for these characters were for V. Prapawan and V. Anek Delight, respectively. V. Lumpini Red x V. Taweewan recorded the maximum leaf breadth and V. Fuchs Delight, the minimum. Interval of leaf production was the maximum in V. Katsuura x V. Fuchs Delight and the least in V. Lumpini Red x V. Taweewan. Among the vanda varieties, V. Apec Blue recorded, the maximum number of roots whereas V. Anek Delight and V. Lumpini Red x V. Taweewan had maximum root length and girth, respectively and the minimum was in V. Varuvathe Pink, V. Urbchitr x V. Bitz’s Heartthrob and V. Dr Anek x V. Bitz’s Heartthrob, respectively. The duration from spike emergence to opening of florets was the maximum in V. Urbchitr x V. Bitz’s Heartthrob. Time required for opening florets (first and 50%) was the least for V. Apec Blue and V. Anek Delight, respectively. Spike longevity was the maximum for V. Madame Rattana and the minimum for V. Anek Delight. Interval of spike production was the maximum in V. Pompimol and the minimum in V. Pranermprai x V. tessellata. Accordingly, annual spike production was the minimum in V. Pompimol and it was the highest in V. Pathum Gold. Spike characters, like length was maximum in V. Kultana Delight Red, while girth in V. Urbchitr x V. Bitz’s Heartthrob .The rachis length and number of florets were the maximum in V. Thailand Beauty and the minimum in V. Varuvathe Pink. The internodal length between florets was the maximum in V. Prapawan and the minimum in V. Red Gem. Lip length and flower size recorded the highest values in V. Pompimol whereas column length was the highest in V. Dr Anek x V. Mimi Palmer. All these characters were the lowest in V. Red Gem. The life of individual floret on the spike was the maximum for V. Katsuura x V. Fuchs Delight and the minimum in V. Pakchong New Land x V. Annette Jones. Among the post harvest characters, spike longevity (vase life) was the maximum in V. Katsuura x V. Fuchs Delight followed by V. Thailand Beauty and the minimum in V. Lumpini Red x V. Taweewan. The life span of each floret was also high in V. Katsuura x V. Fuchs Delight. The qualitative characters of vanda varieties/hybrids differed in all aspects. The leaves were channelled, smooth, rigid and green coloured, with no pigmentation. Three types of leaf apex, viz., tridentate, praemorse and emarginate were observed. The leaves were arranged alternately and were oriented as straight or horizontal with an arching tendency. Varying petal shapes and curvatures were observed. The petal margin was undulated in most of the cases and rarely entire. Uniform, spotted as well as blotched colour patterns were seen in the petals. Lip-lobe shapes and lip curvature were varying in the varieties. Lip apex was bilobed in most cases; acute or truncate apices were also noticed. Lip surface was glabrous, usually single or double coloured whereas it was triple coloured in V. Pathum Gold and V. Robert’s Delight. Lip colour pattern was uniform or streaked or spotted. The column colour pattern was uniform, streaked, blotched or spotted. Spur type was found to be cylindrical in most varieties and saccate in some. The variety V. Pranermprai x V. tessellata possessed good fragrance. Considering the overall quantitative and qualitative parameters, V. Pathum Gold, V. Lumpini Red x V. Taweewan, V. Pachara Delight Pink, V. Apec Blue, V. Prapawan, V. Urbchitr x V. Bitz’s Heartthrob and V. Thailand Beauty were excellent, both for cut flower production and as pot plants. V. Pranermprai x V. tessellata and V. Katsuura x V. Fuchs Delight have more potential for use as cut flower whereas V. Red Gem and V. Anek Delight were excellent as pot plants.
Flowering and post harvest dynamics of heliconias (Heliconia spp)
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2013) Liju Abraham; Geetha, C K
Floriculture has become an important business sector all over the world. In India, it has been associated with culture and heritage since very ancient times. Apart from the growing domestic demand in the last few years, export has also shown an upward trend. In the increasingly competitive international cut flower and pot plant market, new and indigenous ornamental plants play a major role. Hence it is imperative that the potential new ornamentals are evaluated so as to create further diversity in flori-businesss. Heliconias are wonderful tropical plants with multi-colour bracts, varied flower structure and long shelf life. It is the only genus in the family Heliconiaceae, which is a member of a largest taxonomical category, the order Zingiberales. Its demand for cut flower trade is increasing day-by-day because of the long vase life, attractive colour, massive appearance and exotic shape. Seven varieties of heliconia, viz., Heliconia bihai (L.) L. cv. Banana Split, H. caribaea Lamarck x H.bihai (L.) L. cv. Kawauchi, H. psittacorum L.f cv. Lady Di, H. psittacorum L.f. cv. Rubra Red, H. psittacorum L.f. x H. spathocircinata Aristeguieta cv. Golden Torch, H. psittacorum L.f. x H.spathocircinata Aristeguieta cv. Golden Torch Adrian and H. stricta Huber cv. Firebird, were evaluated for suitability for planting in landscapes and as cut flower, based on various quantitative and qualitative characters. There were significant differences in the flowering behaviour of heliconia varieties. Certain varieties were free flowering, whereas others were seasonal. Flower production was seen in all the varieties, except in Kawauchi, Golden Torch Adrian and Firebird. The varieties exhibited significant variation in all the quantitative and qualitative characters studied. Considering the bract arrangement, wax on inflorescence and fresh weight of stem, the varieties were classified as cut flowers of high performance (Golden Torch, Firebird, Lady Di, Rubra Red and Golden Torch Adrian) and low performance (Banana Split and Kawauchi). The variety Golden Torch excelled in all quantitative and qualitative characters of flowering stems, like, continuous flowering, number of spikes produced/year, fresh weight of stem less than 100 g, absence of wax and one plane arrangement of bracts. These characters have made it more ideal as cut flower and for landscape use. Firebird was promising as cut flower and landscape plant, though flowering was seasonal. Lady Di, Rubra Red and Golden Torch Adrian were ideal for the landscape, and as a cut flower for the local markets. Stage of harvest significantly influenced the vase life of heliconia flowers. At the stage when 1-2 bracts opened, the post harvest life was the best. Maximum vase life was observed in all the varieties when pre cooled at 200C for 4 hours. The flowers remained for a longer period, when pulsed with a solution containing sucrose 5 per cent + HQ 200ppm for 6 hours. Among the different holding solutions used, maximum vase life was recorded in sucrose 5 per cent + HQ 100 ppm. A storage temperature of 170C was the best for all the heliconia varieties tried, recording a life of 8.6 to 11.6 days. Packing the flowers with wet cotton plug at the peduncle end and with polythene lining was found to be the best. Based on the results obtained from the studies, a protocol for post harvest handling has been developed.
In vitro multiplication and genetic improvement of tuberose (polianthes tuberosa linn.)
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Anu Krishnan, G; Geetha, C K
Investigations on in vitro propagation and genetic improvement of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn.) were carried out in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1999-2002. The main objectives were to develop techniques for in vitro regeneration of commercial varieties of tuberose, viz., Single, Double, Shringar and Suvasini from different explant sources and attempt to create variability through mutation breeding for cormnercial exploitation. The scale stem sections from bulbs Were found to be the ideal explant for the enhanced release of axillary buds.Inflorescence segments containing immature flower buds were ideal for somatic organogenesis, whether direct or callus mediated. The best sterilization treatment was treating with Bavistin 0.1 per cent for 30 minutes, followed by ethyl alcohol 50 per cent for 3 minutes and mercuric chloride 0.10 per cent for 30 minutes for scale stem sections. For inflorescence segments treatment with 0.10 per cent mercuric chloride for 10 minutes alone was enough. Early release of buds and further growth of buds were better in MS medium supplemented with BAP 6.0 mg r' + KIN 4.0 mg r', in all the varieties. On subculturing elongated buds onto the same medium, high rate of multiple axillary bud production was observed. The rate of axillary bud production and callusing were low with BAP in combination with NAA. Elongation of multiple -axillary buds was obtained in half strength MS medium devoid of growth regulators. The elongated shoots produced maximum number of roots in MS medium supplemented with IBA 4.0 mg r' + 0.2 per cent activated charcoal. Plantlet survival was maximum when the cultures were left in the culture vessels till the media dried out partially and planted out in disposable cups containing cocopeat under mist chamber. Field performance of plants derived from tissue culture was comparable with the plants produced by conventional methods. Direct organogenesis could be obtained from immature inflorescence segments in MS medium supplemented with NAA 0.2 + BAP 2.0 + KIN 1.0 to 3.0 I -I mg . Among the various explants tried for callus mediated organogenesis, the inflorescence segments containing immature flower buds were the most ideal for callus initiation, growth and differentiation. Callus index was maximum when inoculated into the modified MS medium supplemented with NAA 15.0 to 20.0 mg r' + adenine sulphate 10.0 mg r'. The callus differentiated into shoots in MS medium supplemented with BAP in combination with KIN. Mutation breeding has been attempted to induce variability via. in vitro mutagenesis and in vivo methods. For in vitro mutagenesis, safest dose of irradiation at culture establishment stage, shoot proliferation stage and callusing stage were 15 Gy, " 15 Gy and 10 Gy, respectively. Some variations noticed in the plantlets reverted to normal behaviour after planting out. Considering the efficacy of different doses of mutagens in creating variability through in vivo methods, gamma rays at 15 Gy and 20 Gy as well as EMS at 1.0 and 2.0 per cent, were most effective. Morphological variants like chlorophyll mutants, branched flower stalk mutants compact inflorescence mutants and non flowering mutants were observed at different levels of mutagens. Based on growth parameters and floral characters, mne mutants were isolated, viz., dwarf mutants, high tiller mutants, non tillering mutants, compact inflorescence mutants, tall mutants, long leaf mutants, broad leaf mutants, large flower mutants and large inflorescence mutants. They retained the characters in V:rxh generation also and were evaluated for genetic parameters. High estimates of heritability coupled with high genetic gain were noticed for number of flowers per spike, spike length, flower diameter, leaf length and leaf width which indicate that the observed variability is heritable and that there IS considerable scope for genetic improvement with respect to these traits. Comparisons made between parents and mutants based on Isozyme analysis revealed differences in banding pattern. The banding pattern of esterase, peroxidase and catalase were different in mutants and their parents.
Influence of corm size, depth of planting and division of corms on propagule production in gladiolus
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1995) Geetha, C K; Valsalakumari, P K; Rajeevan, P K; Sakeer Hussain, C T
Performance of gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus) cultivars under hydroponics
(Department Of Pomology And Floriculture, College Of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Arathi, C S; Geetha, C K
Pookrishi : sasthravum prayogavum
(Kerala Agriculture University, 1999) Geetha, C K
Response of gladiolus to rapid cloning through in vitro techniques
(Department of pomology and floriculture, College of horticulture,Vellanikkara, 1995) Sakkeer Hussain, CT; Geetha, C K
Investigations were carried out to study the response of gladiolus to rapid cloning through in vitro techniques at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture and Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory of All India Co-ordinated Floriculture Improvement Project, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, during 1992-94. The main objective was to identify the most suitable explant and media combination for in vitro cloning. The explants used were corm axillary buds, cormel tips, inflorescence nodal segments (for enhanced release of axillary buds), inflorescence internodal segments, flower buds, flower bud bracts, root segments (for somatic organogenesis) and leaf segments (for somatic embryogenesis). The best season for the collection of corm axillary buds and cormel tips was from September to May. Surface sterilization of the explants could be effectively done with 0.1 or o.2 per cent mercuric chloride and the duration of treatment varied from I to25 minutes. Culture establishment of the corm axillary bud, cormel tip explants were better in MS medium supplemented with BAP ranging from 1.0 mg 1 -1 to 4.0 mg 1-1. The concentration of BAP required varied according to the stage of development of corms and cormels. Higher levels of BAP was ideal during early stages of development of corm and cormels. Of the different media (White’s, SH and MS) tried, MS medium was found to be the best culture establishment (Stage 1) when supplemented with 3.0 mg 1-1 BAP. Elongated shoots of Stage I were subjected to shoot proliferation (Stage 2). Multiple axillary bud production was very high when the MS medium was supplemented with BAP 1.0 mg 1-1 and NAA 0.5 mg 1-1 or BAP 2.0 mg 1-1 and NAA 0.5 mg 1-1. Callus production from the base of the elongated shoots were observed when the concentration of NAA increased in the medium. Of the different cytokinins (BAP, kinetin and 2ip) tried, BAP was found to be the best in Stage 2. Frequent subculturing onto the MS medium containing BAP 2.0 mg 1-1 and NAA 0.5 mg 1-1 increased the production of multiple axillary buds. These when transferred to the MS medium devoid of growth regulators resulted in elongation of shoots. The elongated shoots produced maximum number of roots in the MS medium containing 1.0 mg 1-1 IBA under the exclusion of light. However, early rooting was obtained in MS liquid medium devoid of growth regulators. Plantlet survival was maximum when treated with 0.2 per cent Bavistin immediately after removing from the culture vessels, followed by treatment with 0.2 per cent mancozeb and norfloxacin at the time of transplanting and post planting treatment with 1/10 MS solution and drenching with triadimefon 20.0 mg 1-1 at three days interval inside improvised mist chamber. Direct organogenesis could be obtained from immature inflorescence segments in modified MS medium supplemented with 15.0 mg 1-1 NAA and 3.0 mg 1-1 BAP. Among the various explants tried for callus mediated organogenesis, callus index was the maximum (400) when immature inflorescence segments were inoculated to the modified MS medium supplemented with NAA 15.0 mg 1-1 in 16 h photoperiod and also in the medium supplemented with 15.0 mg 1-1 NAA + 2.0 mg 1-1 BAP and kept under exclusion of light. The callus derived from inflorescence segments differentiated into shoots in the MS medium supplemented with 3.0 mg 1-1 BAP and also in the medium supplemented with 1.0 mg 1-1 BAP and 0.5 mg 1-1 NAA. Callus also could be obtained from flower buds and flower bud bracts. The callus derived from the corm axillary buds and cormel tip explants in Stage 2, differentiated in the basal MS medium devoid of growth regulators or supplemented with 20.0 ml 1-1 coconut water and also in the medium with 0.5 mg 1-1 BAP. The root segments (both in vitro and in vivo) produced callus in MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg 1-1 NAA and the differentiation was obtained in the medium containing 3.0 mg 1-1 BAP an 1.0mg 1-1 NAA. Leaf segments failed to develop callus. However, the explants collected from the leaf covering the inflorescence boot leaf) when cultured in modified MS medium supplemented with 15.0 mg 1-1 NAA and 1.0 mg 1-1 BAP and incubated under darkness for three months developed somatic embryos. In vitro corm production was noticed in the cultures, if planting out was delayed. Earliest and large sized corm induction was made possible in elongated shoots of gladiolus from Stage 2 in Ms medium containing 5.0 per cent sucrose, 0.5 mg 1-1 NAA and 5.0 mg 1-1 triadimefon kept under etiolated condition. The size of the in vitro produced corms enlarged from 0.2 cm to 2.3 cm in the MS liquid medium containing 5.0 per cent sucrose and 3.0 mg 1-1 triadimefon.