Browsing by Author "Jyothi Bhaskar"

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Characterization of avocado(Persea americana Mill)
(Department of fruit science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2020) Anu Ann Augustine; Jyothi Bhaskar
Ecophysiology and screening for climate change resilience in Mango (Mangifera indica L.) genotypes
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2019) Aswini, A; Jyothi Bhaskar
Effect of crop regulation on yield and quality of mango (Mangifera indica L.) under high density planting system
(Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Amritha Manohar; Jyothi Bhaskar
Evaluation of dragon fruit (hylocereus spp.) genotypes grown in Kerala
(Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2021) Keerthana Sethunath; Jyothi Bhaskar
Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) commonly known as the pitaya, is a perennial climbing vine belonging to the Cactaceae family. The present work carried out in the Department of Fruit Science during the period 2019-2021 to study the morphology, flowering, yield and quality attributes of dragon fruit grown in four districts of Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam and Thrissur) is of vital importance with respect to the popularity dragon fruit has gained within a very short span of time in Kerala. A total of 100 plants, 10 each from 10 different locations were evaluated based on the UPOV descriptor guidelines to characterise the different genotypes that are being cultivated in Kerala. The plants were denoted as P1 to P10, prefixed with the first two letters of the location to which they belong. The commercial cultivation of dragon fruit in Kerala was found to be dominated by the dark pink/purple fleshed dragon fruit (Hylocereus costaricensis). Within this species, more than one genotype was identified. The stem, flower, yield and quality attributes were found to vary widely. The stem characters included stem segment length (33-210 cm), stem segment width ((1.80-6.60cm), distance between areoles (2.00-5.50 cm), arch height (1.00-4.20 cm), stem waxiness (strong and weak), stem sturdiness (high and low), margin of rib (convex and flat), number of spines per areole (3-5), spine colour (medium brown and dark brown), height of the pole (6.5-8 ft with 1-2 ft buried underground), number of branches (numerous) and number of stem segments per branch (1-6). Variations were also observed for the flower characters such as bud shape (ovate and elliptic), shape of bud apex (acute and rounded), secondary colour pattern of sepal (slightly red edged and red edged), intensity of red colour on bracts (weak, medium and strong), length of style (23.50-31.00 cm) and number of stigma lobes (26-36). The yield characters studied were fruit weight (84-896g), length of fruit (4.60-10.40 cm), width of fruit (4.40-10.40 cm), length/width ratio of fruit (1.00-1.21), number of bracts (18- 50), length of apical bract (3.00-6.30cm), width of base of the bract(1.40-5.70 cm), position of bracts towards the peel (adpressed, slightly held out and strongly held out), fruit weight without peel (52-592 g), fruit shape (oval or spherical), colour of peel 2 (medium pink and dark pink), flesh colour (dark pink and purple) and yield per post (5- 20 kg per year based on the age of the plants). The values ranged from 11 to 18 °B with respect to the TSS of the fruits whereas the titrable acidity was found to be 0.12 per cent in all the fruits. The plants KoP1 to KoP10 from Kozhenchery received the maximum score for appearance, taste, flavour, after taste and overall acceptance. Plants came into bearing within 1.5 to 2 years of planting when stem cuttings were used as the planting material. The duration from flower bud initiation to anthesis was 12-15 days in general and anthesis took place during the night time after 10 p.m. If the pollination was successful, fruit could be visible after 5 to 7 days of anthesis and the harvest was possible in 23-25 days from fruit set i.e., one month after anthesis. When the phenology of the plants was studied, flowering started in the month of March in two locations (Athikkayam and Vaniyampara) whereas in all the other locations, it started in the month of April. The flowering season extended till September to October. The fruiting season started exactly one month after the anthesis and ceased one month after the flowering has stopped, i.e., April to November. As dragon fruit was a perennial crop, different orchards were grouped into three phases based on the age of the plants, namely the establishment phase (0-2 years), yield increasing phase (2-4 years) and yield stabilizing phase (4 years and above). Considering the phases, total cost of cultivation was calculated and it was found to be ₹8,29,393 per year per hectare. The maximum cost during establishment phase was incurred for the planting material and construction of posts. During the maintenance phase, maximum expenditure was for the manure and fertilizer application. Average yield per year per hectare was observed to be around 21 tonnes and the average price received by farmers was ₹174 per kg. Net return from one hectare was around ₹27,32,768. The B:C ratio was 4.29 when the farmers received ₹174 per kg fruit. The B:C ratio obtained with the least price (₹120 per kg) was 3.04. Being a highly remunerative crop, area under dragon fruit cultivation was found to be expanding year after year, as more under-utilized lands are being brought under this crop. Major constraint identified in the cultivation of dragon fruit was the bud and flower drop due to excessive and continuous rainfall during the flowering season. Weed 3 growth was also found to be a major problem. The source of planting material in all the locations under study were found to be either from Malaysia or Cambodia. Since dragon fruit was a crop introduced recently to India, the incidence of pests and diseases were less compared to other fruit crops. But the menace caused by ants was common and rarely, mealy bugs and beetles were found. Fruits were found to be damaged by birds. Disease symptoms similar to canker were observed on the fruits and stem in one of the locations. Physiological disorder like yellowing during extreme summer was common in most of the orchards and these symptoms vanished immediately after a shower or with irrigation. The variability within the species was analysed using statistical techniques like factor analysis and cluster analysis. Maximum variability (59.38%) in the stem and flower characters was explained by two dimensions. The characters that contributed to the variability were intensity of red colour of bract, stem waxiness, stem sturdiness, margin of rib, spine colour, bud shape, bud apex shape, number of stigma lobes, length of style and distance between areoles. Similarly, maximum variability (62.74%) in the quality attributes were contributed by the first two dimensions out of four significant dimensions. The characters responsible for creating the variability were fruit weight, position of bract towards peel, fruit width, fruit weight without peel, fruit length, flesh colour, fruit shape, width of base of bract, length of apical bract, outer TSS, TSS-acid ratio and core TSS. Cluster analysis of the qualitative traits formed six different clusters. When the mixed data with both qualitative and quantitative characters were analysed through clustering, there were three clusters based on the stem and flower characters and four clusters based on the yield and quality attributes, which indicated variability within the species. Other species of Hylocereus namely H. undatus and H. megalanthus, and other types known as Bruni and Frankis Red imported from countries like Thailand and Vietnam are also under cultivation by farmers and are getting popular in different parts of Kerala.
Integrated nutrient managment in dendrobiums
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture,College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2008) Meghana, Davis; Jyothi Bhaskar
Production technology for augmenting yield and quality of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.)
(Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2025-07-17) Rajendra, B N.; Jyothi Bhaskar
Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.), known as the ‘Queen of Tropical Fruits’ is a parthenocarpic, evergreen fruit tree which is native to the Malay Archipelago. Fruits are valued for its exquisite luscious and delicious snow-white arils. It has numerous health benefits due to its rich content of glucose, vitamins (A, B, and B2), minerals (Ca, P, and Fe), fibre, tannins, xanthones, and antioxidants. The major cultivated countries are Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India and China. In India, commercial cultivation is restricted to southern states particularly Kerala with warm, humid climate, followed by Tamil Nadu and some parts of Karnataka. The fruits are highly priced domestically and globally. Farmers engaged in mangosteen cultivation are facing a lot of problems, mainly, low availability of seeds, poor seed viability, low germination percentage, and sluggish growth of seedlings. Additionally, they are also facing constraints such as lack of quality planting materials, protocol for microbial inoculation, proper nutrient management practices, usage of bio-stimulants and so on. To address these issues, this research project on “Production technology for augmenting yield and quality of mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.)” was undertaken with the objective of fostering seedling growth and enhancing the quality yield of mangosteen by adopting balanced nutrition practice. The study was conducted at Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, and at a farmer’s field in Pariyaram village near Chalakudy town in Thrissur district, Kerala, during September 2022 to August 2024. In the first experiment on ‘Microbial consortium seed treatment for improving germination attributes of mangosteen’ the results were found to be non-significant, however, the seeds treated with microbial consortium (100 g/kg of seeds) took only minimum number of days for germination with increase in germination percentage compared to the control. Microbial consortium seed treatments showed its effect at later stages of growth at 30 and 45 days, as compared to 15 days after germination. Among the treatments, the treatments T3 (PGPR Mix-1 + Piriformospora indica) and T4 {Arka Microbial Consortia (AMC)} were comparable. At 45 days after germination, treatments T3 and T4 recorded notable results regarding seedling height (6.34 & 5.80 cm), number of leaves (3.71 & 3.49), length of leaves (5.62 & 5.16 cm), breadth of leaves (2.79 & 2.56 cm), total leaf area (42.21 & 32.54 cm2), chlorophyll-a (0.749 & 0.715 mg/g), chlorophyll-b (0.712 & 0.706 mg/g), total chlorophyll (1.460 & 1.421 mg/g), in addition to length of roots (6.19 & 5.76 cm), girth of roots (1.90 & 1.81 mm), number of secondary roots (12.00 & 10.50), seedling fresh weight (3.33 & 2.74 g), and seedling dry weight (644.75 & 546.00 mg). This result might be due the better nutrient availability facilitated by the microbial consortium through atmospheric nitrogen fixation, mineral nutrient solubilization, mobilization, and presence of phytohormones, which in turn enhanced the efficiency of photosynthesis and seedling development and their characteristics. The study thus recommends the incorporation of PGPR Mix-1 + Piriformospora indica (T3) or Arka Microbial Consortia (AMC) (T4) into the seed treatment protocol to improve germination and to accelerate growth performance of mangosteen seedlings. The impact of microbial consortiums in combination with foliar application of NPK @ 3:1:1 ratio, on the growth and development of mangosteen seedlings were assessed over an eight-month period in the second experiment ‘Triggering seedling growth in mangosteen using microbial consortium and by foliar nutrition’ wherein the observations were recorded at two-months interval. After eighth month, two treatments, namely treatment T5 (PGPR MIX-1 (10 g/plant) + AMF-Glomus fasciculatum (5 g/plant) + foliar spray NPK (3:1:1) at 0.5 %) and T6 {Arka Microbial Consortia (20 g/plant)} recorded significant values regarding growth metrics such as stem diameter (3.60 & 3.34mm), number of leaves (13.13 & 12.03) and breadth of leaves (2.87 & 2.75 cm); biochemical traits including total chlorophyll (1.330 & 1.293 mg/g) and carotenoid (0.301 and 0.283 mg/g); biomass accumulation such as seedling fresh weight (11.02 & 9.43 g) and seedling dry weight (3.30 & 2.81 g); root characters including root length (20.70 & 19.70 cm) and number of secondary roots (19.33 & 17.33). The highest seedling survival rate and lowest mortality were also observed in T5 and T6. The enhanced overall growth of mangosteen seedlings in T5 and T6 can be attributed to the inoculation of microbial consortium, which assisted in biological nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, micronutrient mobilization, production of growth promoters (IAA, Cytokinin, & Gibberellin). Additionally, they enhanced root surface area, thereby improving nutrient and moisture absorption and highest seedling survival rate by imparting physical blockage to entry by pathogens, inducing systemic resistance, and producing antimicrobial compounds (peptides and polypeptides), besides producing exopolysaccharides which improved soil aggregation, leading to better water retention and aeration. Furthermore, the foliar application of NPK (3:1:1) promoted vegetative growth by involving in the photosynthesis process. In the third experiment, ‘Impact of balanced nutrition on the development of mangosteen’, the application of balanced nutrition in the treatments T4 (460:180:600 g NPK + 50 kg FYM + 600 g calcium nitrate + 80 g borax/tree/year) and T5 (460:180:600 g NPK + 3 kg neem oil cake + 2 kg bone meal + 600 g calcium nitrate + 80 g borax/tree/year) remarkably improved vegetative growth characters {mean canopy diameter (6.72 & 6.58 m), new flush leaf breadth (11.33 & 10.63 cm)}, biochemical contents {total chlorophyll (1.707 and 1.667 mg/g) and carotenoids (0.268 and 0.259 mg/g)}, yield attributes {yield per tree (15.68 & 13.60 kg) and yield per hectare (2.445 & 2.122 t)}, fruit quality traits {vitamin-C (18.67 & 17.34 mg/100mg) and overall acceptability (7.80 & 7.70)}. Besides, it also improved the availability of key nutrients {N (389.19 & 352.56 kg/ha) and B (0.70 & 0.68 ppm)} in soil and in plant {N (2.68 & 2.57%) and B (15.50 & 14.75 mg/kg)}. Additionally, from the economic point of view, the highest gross (6,12,500 & 5,30,000 Rs/ha) and net returns (5,08,237 & 4,13,881 Rs/ha) along with excellent benefit-cost (B:C) ratio (4.87 & 3.56 respectively) were documented in the treatments T4 and T5. The superior results obtained could be due to the availability of all essential nutrients in sufficient quantities in the leaves, achieved through the integrated application of organic and inorganic nutrient sources. This nutrient availability might have supported the synthesis of chlorophyll and carotenoids, subsequently, favouring the overall growth of trees, indicating the use of balanced nutrition for profitable commercial mangosteen cultivation. Both in T4 and T5, the whole quantity of P, FYM, neem oil cake, bone meal and 25% of N and K were applied as basal dose (October). The remaining N and K were applied in 3 splits (December, flowering, and fruit development stage). Additionally, calcium nitrate and borax were applied in the soil one week later after the 3rd (flowering stage) and 4th (fruit development stage) split application of N and K. In the fourth experiment ‘Role of bio-stimulants on the performance of mangosteen’, foliar application of biostimulants in treatments T6 (seaweed extract spray at 2%), T5 (seaweed extract spray at 1.5%), and T8 (humic acid spray at 1% + seaweed extract spray at 1%) were found to significantly enhance majority of the growth metrics {mean canopy diameter (6.28, 6.08 & 5.83 m) and new flush leaf breadth (11.70, 11.20 & 10.90 cm)}, biochemical contents {total chlorophyll (1.794, 1.742 & 1.706 mg/g) and carotenoids (0.282, 0.272 & 0.267)}, yield attributes {yield per tree (21.72, 18.76 & 18.24 kg) and yield per hectare (3.39, 2.93 & 2.85 t)} and fruit quality traits {total sugar (15.44, 14.68 & 14.75 %)} respectively. In addition, it also enhanced nutrient status in plant tissues {N (3.08, 2.94 & 2.80%), P (0.22, 0.20 & 0.19%), K (3.37, 3.12 & 2.85%), and Ca (0.89, 072 & 0.68%)}. Further, from the economic point of view, the highest gross (8,47,500, 7,32,500 & 7,12,500 Rs/ha) and net returns (6,12,091, 5,06,447 & 6,00,359 Rs/ha) along with high benefit-cost (B:C) ratio (5.90, 5.08 & 5.35) were also observed in treatments T6, T5, and T8 respectively. The superior outcome could be attributed to foliar spray with seaweed extract, which contained proteins, carbohydrates, macro- and micronutrients, phytohormones, amino acids and polysaccharides in addition to the presence of antioxidants (which protects oxidative stress), and vitamins (further support overall plant health). The role of humic acid was also significant, as it aided in nutrient chelation, improved nutrient availability and cation exchange capacity, and provided amino acids, peptides, and essential trace elements. These components collectively contributed to numerous biochemical processes, primarily enhancing photosynthesis and overall plant growth which substantiates the economic advantage of using biostimulants for enhancing the productivity and profitability of mangosteen cultivation. To conclude the results, seed treatment with microbial consortium (100 g/kg of seeds){PGPR Mix-1 + Piriformospora indica or Arka Microbial Consortia (AMC)} led to better germination and superior initial growth characteristics of seedling. When three-month-old seedlings were inoculated using microbial consortium sprayed with NPK {PGPR MIX-1 (10 g/plant) + AMF-Glomus fasciculatum (5 g/plant) + foliar spray NPK (3:1:1) at 0.5 %) or Arka Microbial Consortia (20 g/plant)} resulted in significant seedling growth and development. Further, higher yield, good quality of fruits, and high B:C ratio could be achieved through the application of 460:180:600 g NPK + 50 kg FYM + 600 g calcium nitrate + 80 g borax/tree/year or 460:180:600 g NPK + 3 kg neem oil cake + 2 kg bone meal + 600 g calcium nitrate + 80 g borax/tree/year in the soil. Additionally, foliar spray of bio-stimulants {seaweed extract spray (2% or 1.5%) or combined spray of humic acid (1%) + seaweed extract (1%)} gave excellent B:C ratio with superior quality fruits and higher yield in mangosteen. Based on the study conducted, research is needed to standardize a comprehensive nutrient package of practice of nutrients from seed to commercial yielding stage. Growth and development of mangosteen seedlings to a greater extent rely on environmental factors, such as optimum shade level, relative humidity, and temperature. As seed propagation is associated with long gestation period, alternative and more efficient methods for propagation has to be explored. Furthermore, fruits are with short shelf life and to address this challenge, development of improved storage, packaging, and handling techniques for extending the fruits shelf life is essential. It is also needed to focus on formulating effective integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for controlling the emerging insect pests such as mangosteen caterpillars, thrips and so on, through a detailed study.
Production technology of dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.)
(Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2025-10-08) Keerthana Sethunath; Jyothi Bhaskar
Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp./ Selenicereus spp.) is a perennial climbing cactus belonging to the family Cactaceae. Though the botanical names Hylocereus and Selenicereus were being used as synonyms, the name has been changed to Selenicereus spp. recently. It is commonly known as Pitaya, Pitahaya and Strawberry pear. The fruit has anti-cancerous, anti-diabetic, anti-Parkinson and anti-aging properties. The high price and increasing demand for dragon fruit makes it a highly remunerative crop with immense potential for commercialization in Kerala. Dragon fruit has emerged as a promising fruit crop with increasing consumer demand due to its nutritional value, unique appearance, and health benefits. Despite its growing popularity, organized scientific efforts to optimize its cultivation practices under Indian tropical conditions, particularly in Kerala, remains limited. The current study on "Production technology of dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.)" was done at Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur during 2022-2024. The main objective of the study was to develop a package of practices recommendations for dragon fruit cultivation in Kerala, through a series of five independent but interrelated experiments. These experiments focused on the influence of planting time, planting method, fertilizer application, potting media, and foliar nutrition on the growth, yield, and quality of dragon fruit. The planting materials were 3 ft long rooted cuttings of Cambodian Red dragon fruit (purple-fleshed) obtained from the nursery and were planted in containers of 100 L capacity (except for ground planting in Experiment 2). Experiment 5 was conducted in two-year-old plants planted in the same manner. The experiments 1, 2, 3 and 5 were conducted in the field of College Orchard, Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara. Whereas, experiment 4 was conducted in Fruits Crops Research Station, Vellanikkara. The experimental setup employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Potting media consisted of coirpith compost, rocksand, vermicompost, Trichoderma enriched goat manure and bonemeal in the ratio 1:1:1:1:1 (on weight basis) except for experiment 4. At the time of planting, Arbuscular Mycorhizal Fungi (AMF) was applied at a rate of 0.5 kg. For container planting, before filling the media in the containers, cement poles (6 feet height and 4 inch thickness) were erected and centrally positioned in the containers using iron rods. Baby metal was laid at the bottom of the container for proper drainage. Each container was planted with two cuttings and were fastened carefully to the the poles. A spacing of 2 m x 2 m was followed. Irrigation was done as and when required, usually twice a week (when there were no rains), based on moisture levels in the media. Preventive plant protection measures were adopted to reduce the severe incidence of pest and diseases. Manual weeding and application of pre-emergence herbicide like Indaziflam 500 gL-1(Alion 500 SC) were followed to control weeds in the orchard. The first experiment aimed at evaluating the performance of dragon fruit based on month of planting. Planting was done every month starting from January 2023 till December 2023 (T1 to T12). The results indicated that fruiting can be obtained in the same year (within 6 months of planting), if planting was done from January to March. January planting significantly influenced not only the vegetative characters like stem segment length (284.40 cm), stem segment width (6.25 cm), distance between areoles (4.50 cm) and number of branches (37.50) but also the flower production (30.00) and fruit yield (9.40 kg) in the second year. This was followed by February and March plantings. The second experiment dealt with standardizing the most effective planting method for maximizing growth and fruit yield. Four treatments were compared, namely, ground planting with vertical support and a rubber tyre on top (T1), ground planting with vertical support and trailed on a ladder (T2), container planting with vertical support and rubber tyre on top (T3), and container planting with vertical support and trailed on a ladder (T4). Container planting significantly enhanced vegetative growth, root development, and yield compared to ground planting. Treatments with ladder training showed higher number of branches compared to the other treatments initially and became on par with time. Treatments T3 and T4 recorded significantly higher flower production (24.25 and 25.00 respectively), fruit yield (6.94 kg and 6.11 kg respectively), stem segment length (265.00 cm and 276.38 cm respectively), stem segment width (4.31 cm and 4.62 cm respectively), number of branches (36.25 and 36.00 respectively) and root biomass (164.81 g and 172.23 g respectively). In the third experiment, the effect of application of graded levels of fertilizers on the growth and yield of dragon fruit was investigated. The treatments included three levels of NPK fertilizers, T1 (N 337.5 g: P₂O₅ 262.5 g: K₂O 225 g per pole), T2 (N 225 g: P₂O₅ 175 g: K₂O 150 g per pole), T3 (N 112.5 g: P₂O₅ 87.5 g: K₂O 75 g per pole) and a control (T4) with no fertilizer application. Fertilizers were applied in four splits, i.e., at pre-flowering, fruit set, harvest, and post-harvest. Treatment T1 recorded highest fruit weight (491.75 g), pulp weight (365.75 g), shelf life (7 days), and flushes (7). Treatment T3 showed superior flower production (45.5) and anthocyanin content (329.93 mg/100g). Treatment T2 had higher TSS (15.63 °Brix), chlorophyll (0.14 mg/g), and carotenoids (0.06 mg/100g), though it recorded lower yield compared to T1 and T3. The control (T4) recorded the highest TSS (15.83 °Brix) but with lowest yield (7.29 kg). Thus, T1 is ideal for higher yield, while T2 and T3 enhanced quality traits. The fourth experiment focused on the standardization of suitable potting media composition to support optimal growth of dragon fruit, particularly in systems involving container cultivation. The base medium (P) consisted of coirpith compost, rocksand, vermicompost, Trichoderma-enriched goat manure, and bone meal mixture in equal proportion (T1). This was compared with P supplemented with sawdust (T2), rice husk (T3), and burnt rice husk (T4), respectively. Early flowering was observed across all treatments except T1 (289.50 days), with T2, T3, and T4 showing comparable earliness (254.50, 260.00 and 254.50 days respectively). In the second season, T2 and T3 recorded more flowers (38.28 and 32.25) and higher yields (14.38 and 12.36 kg), followed by T1 and T4. Treatment T3 had the highest number of branches (72.00) and best fruit traits, namely, fruit weight (355.40 g), pulp weight (253.79 g), rind weight (102.00 g), and TSS (13.50 °Brix). Treatment T4 had the highest seed count (54.17) but with lowest yield (10.72 kg). Total sugars were higher in T4 (5.43%) and T2 (5.23%), while chlorophyll peaked in T3 (0.43 mg/g). Anthocyanin content was highest in T2 (360.66 mg/100g). Overall, T3 (P + rice husk) was most effective in supporting yield and fruit quality. The final experiment assessed the influence of foliar nutrition on the growth and yield of dragon fruit. Four treatments imposed were foliar application of KNO₃ (5g/L) (T1), NPK 13:27:27 (5g/L) (T2), KAU Sampoorna multimix (5g/L) (T3), and control (T4). Earliest flowering was observed in T1, although branch emergence appeared more climate-dependent than treatment-driven. Across two seasons, T3 consistently had the highest flower production (22.00 and 33.75), followed by T1 (20.00 and 29.00) and T2 (18.00 and 31.75). Yield was highest in T1 (6.29 kg and 12.95 kg), followed by T2 and T3. Traits such as fruit weight (490.68 g), pulp weight (378.38 g), rind weight (112.30 g), and TSS (16.49 °Brix) were highest in T1. Treatment T3 had the highest anthocyanin content (241.37 mg/100g), while T2 recorded maximum chlorophyll (0.46 mg/g). Treatment T1 (KNO₃) improved yield and quality and T3 (KAU Sampoorna) enhanced flower production and anthocyanin. The study demonstrated that cuttings planted at the beginning of the year can yield in the same year i.e., within 6 months. Container planting was found to be better compared to ground planting irrespective of the training system. Application of fertilizers at the rate of N 337.5 g: P2O5 262.5 g: K2O 225 g (per pole) in four splits and foliar nutrition with KNO3 (5 g/L) were beneficial in increasing fruit size, yield and quality of fruits. Whereas, NPK 13:27:27 (5g/L) and KAU Sampoorna (5g/L) was found to be beneficial in enhancing flower production and a greater number of medium-sized fruits under tropical humid conditions of Kerala. Rice husk incorporated in the planting media showed better yield and quality parameters. These findings provide region- specific recommendations for improving dragon fruit productivity in Kerala and other similar agro-climatic zones.
Standardisation of in vitro propagation technique in banana
(Department of Pomology & Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1991) Jyothi Bhaskar; Aravindhakshan, M
Investigations were carried out at the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory of the College- of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1988-90 to standardise the in vitro propagation technique in banana. Three banana cultivars namely Nendran (AAB) , Palayankodan (AAB) and Red banana (AAA) were utilised for the study. For standardising the explant, three types of explants were used namely shoot tip , eye bud and floral apex. For culture establishment, axillary shoot initiation and in vitro rooting studies different types of growth regulators were made use of. They were auxins (NAA, IAA and IBA) , gibberellin (GA) and cytokinins (BA andkinetin) . The plantlets produced _in vitro were subjected to different types of hardening treatments to secure a better establishment of planted out plants For shoot tip and eye bud explants, surface sterilization using mercuric chloride (0.2 per cent) for 5 min. was' found to be the best, but for floral apex ex plant an initial rinsing of the explants with 95 per cent absolute alcohol for 30s followed by mercuric chloride treatment (0.05 per cent) for 10 min. was found to be best. Better and speedier ex plant establishment and growth of shoot tip, eye bud and floral apex explant was observed in MS (semi-solid) medium containing NAA 0.5 ppm and BA 3.0 ppm Gibberellic acid was found to have unfavourable effect on culture establishment and growth. Shoot tips collected during November to April recorded maximum surviva l percentage. Among the physical injury treatments for enhancing the release of axillary buds in culture splitting the apical dome of shoot tip longitudinally into two halves and culturing each half separately was found to be the best. The addition of ascorbic acid into the media at the rate of 50 mg/1 reduced media and ex plant discolouration due to polyphenol oxidation. When the performance of the three explants w.ere compared', floral apex ex plants took more time for culture establishment. The three banana cultivars used for the study responded differently in culture.
Standardization of in vitro male bud culture in banana musa (AA) 'kadali'
(Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture Vellanikkara, 2018) Lakshmi, K S; Jyothi Bhaskar
Standardization of propagation techniques in avacado (Persea americana Mill.)
(Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2020-08-19) Swega Antony, K; Jyothi Bhaskar
Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is one of the choicest salad fruit in the world. It is also known as butter fruit and belongs to the family Lauracaeae. The fruit is rich in Mono Unsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA), vitamins, minerals and hence considered as an ideal fruit crop for nutritional security. Avocado fetches very high price in the market and so it is highly remunerative for the farmers if grown on a commercial basis. Being a region of humid tropics, Kerala is ideal for the cultivation of avocado. Though there is enough potential to commercialize this crop the lack of awareness about the benefits of this fruit and the low availability of quality planting material limits its commercial cultivation in our state. So the present study entitled “Standardization of propagation techniques in avocado (Persea americana Mill.)” was carried out in the Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during the year 2019-2020 with the objective of standardizing an effective method of propagation in this crop. The research programme was conducted as two experiments. In the first experiment, trials were conducted to standardize the media for seed propagation. The experiment was laid out in CRD with four treatments replicated four times with six plants in each replication. Treatments included four different media like T1 (Rock sand), T2 (Rock sand+Soil+FYM, 1:1:1), T3 (Soil+Cocopeat+Goat manure, 1:1:1) and T4 (Soil+Cocopeat+Vermicompost, 1:1:1). The treatment T3 was found to be the best media as early seed germination and highest germination percentage was observed in this media. A trial was also conducted to know whether seed treatment if given to the seeds before sowing have any effect on improving seed germination and germination percentage of the seeds. The media used for sowing seeds was T3 (Soil+Cocopeat+Goat manure, 1:1:1). Seed treatments included S1 (seed sown without seed coat), S2 (seed sown after mechanical scarification), S3 (seed sown after giving a cut both at the top and bottom portion of the seed) and S4 (seed sown with seed coat) replicated four times with six plants in each replication. Observations on vegetative and root characters were noted at 15 days interval for three months after sowing. Second experiment was conducted to evaluate various vegetative propagation methods in avocado. Experiment was laid out in CRD with twelve treatments replicated four times with six plants in each replication. Treatments included T1 (Terminal leafy cutting), T2 (Softwood cutting), T3 (Semi hardwood cutting), T4 (Hardwood cutting), T5 (Air layering (coirpith compost as the media), T6 (Air layering (sphagnum as the media), T7 (Epicotyl grafting), T8 (Softwood grafting), T9 (Whip grafting), T10 (Whip and tongue grafting), T11 (T Budding) and T12 (Patch budding). Observations on vegetative characters were noted at 15 days interval for three months. From the results of the first experiment it was found that both media and seed treatments were having significant influence on time taken for initial seed germination. Seeds grown in T3 media (Soil+Cocopeat+Goat manure, 1:1:1) germinated early (21.4 days after sowing) but when S3 (seed sown after giving a cut both at the top and bottom portion of the seed) treatment was given to seeds, germination was speeded up (18.9 days). Similarly, germination percentage was also seen enhanced by S3 treatment in T3 media from 87.75 % to 91.5%. Potting media was found to have no significant effect on plant height. The treatment S3 recorded highest plant height at 45, 75 and 90 days after sowing. Among media, T2 (Rock sand+Soil+FYM,1:1:1) was found to be superior with respect to number of leaves per plant at 30, 75 and 90 days after sowing . With regard to seed treatment, maximum number of leaves were noted in S1 after 30, 45, 60 and 75 days after sowing. No significant difference was observed among the treatments with regard to number of branches, number of seedlings arising from a seed and girth of seedlings. Longest roots were noted in T4 media (Soil+Cocopeat+Vermicompost, 1:1:1). In the second experiment propagation methods like terminal leafy cutting, softwood cutting, semi hardwood cutting, hardwood cutting and air layering were not found to be successful in multiplying avocado plants. Though the treatment T7 (Epicotyl grafting) took only minimum number of days for initial sprouting (25.37 days), survival percentage was found to be the highest (72.17%) in T8 (softwood grafting). With regard to maximum number of leaves (25.62) and branches (4.19), T10 (Whip and tongue grafting) was found to be superior over all the other methods but with very low survival percentage (20.77 %) when compared to softwood grafting. Again T8 (Softwood grafting) recorded maximum shoot length (36.38 cm) among all the other treatments during the period of observation. In the present study, the best media was found to be T3 (Soil+Cocopeat+Goat Manure (1:1:1)) and and the best seed treatment was S3 (seed sown after cutting the top and bottom of the seed) with early seed germination, highest germination percentage, seedling height. Root length was found to be the highest in T4 (Soil+Cocopeat+Vermicompost, 1:1:1). In the second experiment, softwood grafting (T8) was found to be the best among the vegetative propagation methods with highest survival percentage (72.17 %) and shoot length (46.64 cm).
Vegetative propagation in jamun (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels)
(Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2023-03-17) Vishnupriya, V.; Jyothi Bhaskar
Jamun (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels) is a popular, but underutilised indigenous fruit crop in India with high nutritive value. It can be multiplied through both seed and vegetative propagation methods. Due to the long juvenile period, huge size of the tree and short shelf life of fruits, jamun is not preferred for commercial cultivation in Kerala. As jamun fruits are highly nutritious and possess good medicinal properties, there is an urgent need to commercialise this crop in Kerala. To achieve this goal, availability of true to type, early bearing and dwarf statured clones of superior jamun types should be assured in sufficient quantity and this can be achieved only through vegetative propagation methods. Under this context, the present study entitled “Vegetative propagation in jamun (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels)” was carried out in the Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara during the year 2021-2022 with the objective of standardizing an effective vegetative method of propagation in this fruit crop. The research programme consisted of four experiments. The first experiment was on propagation by hardwood cuttings which was laid out in CRD with two factors and was done during June (2022). The first factor was growth stimulants with six treatments viz., T1 (AMF), T2 (IBA), T3 (Pseudomonas fluorescens), T4 (Aloe vera gel), T5 (Cow dung slurry) and T6 (Tender coconut water). The second factor was growing condition with two treatments, T1 (Mist chamber) and T2 (Shade house). All these treatments were replicated thrice with twenty plants in each replication. The cuttings kept under mist chamber started sprouting earlier (8.49 days) than those cuttings kept under shade house (11.09 days). Though sprouting was observed, after one month the plants started to dry up and failed to develop roots and did not survive under both growing conditions. The second experiment, propagation by air layering was done during November (2021) and was laid out in CRD with five treatments replicated thrice with twenty plants per replication. Treatments were T1 (Coir pith compost), T2 (Vermicompost), T3 (Sphagnum moss), T4 (Saw dust), and T5 (FYM). Minimum number of days for the emergence of roots (55 days) in air layers was recorded in T2 (Vermicompost) and longest root was observed in T1 (Coir pith compost). Though the air layers produced using sphagnum moss (T3) and coir pith compost (T1) survived during the experiment period, the survival percentage (6.67% and 5.00% respectively) was very low and were found to be on par with each other. Air layers produced using vermicompost, saw dust and FYM as the media rooted but failed to survive till the end of the experiment. The third experiment (propagation using budding) was also laid out in CRD with six treatments replicated thrice with twenty plants in each replication and it was carried out during the month of June (2022). The budding methods tried were T1 (T budding), T2 (Patch budding), T3 (Forkert budding), T4 (Flute budding), T5 (Ring budding) and T6 (Yemma budding). These budding methods failed to sprout except patch budded plants which took 102.78 days for initial sprouting and about 10.00 per cent of patch budded plants were found to survive 190 days after budding. The fourth experiment, propagation using grafting, was also laid out in CRD with eight treatments replicated thrice with twenty plants in each replication and it was also done during June (2022). The methods of grafting tried were T1 (Epicotyl grafting), T2 (Softwood grafting), T3 (Whip grafting), T4 (Whip and tongue grafting), T5 (Veneer grafting) and T6 (Approach grafting), T7 (Wedge grafting on one year old rootstock) and T8 (Wedge grafting on three year old rootstock). Results from the present study showed that hardwood cuttings, air layering and budding methods were not suitable for commercial propagation of jamun plants under the climatic conditions prevailing in Thrissur. Among the grafting methods, wedge grafting done on three year old rootstock showed better growth performance with respect to production of maximum number of leaves and shoots and also longest shoot (17.73, 3.55 and 16.40 cm respectively). With regard to survival rate, wedge grafting performed on one year old rootstock of jamun was found to be the best (53.33% survival) among the different methods of grafting carried out during the period under study.