Browsing by Author "Kumaran, K"

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Correlation between seed and seedling characters in jack (Artocarpus Heterophyllus L.)
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1980) Nazeem, P A; Gopikumar, K; Kumaran, K
Curing bud wood and method of budding on 'bud take' in cocoa var. forastero (Theobroma cacao L.)
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1982) Kumaran, K; Sivaraman Nair, P C
Effect of methods of fermentation on temperature, acidity and quality of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) beans
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1981) Adomako, D; Vikraman Nair, R; Kumaran, K
The trend of variation in temperature, and pH of cocoa beans in heap and tray methods of fermentation was studied at the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana. Heaps of sizes having 50 kg, 150kg, and 450 kg and the standard tray method of fermentation were tested and the grades of dried beans obtained from the different methods were compared. In the heaps, a higher peak temperature was reached as compared to the trays. The beans in the heaps followed regular fluctuations in temperature during fermentation while the temperature fluctuations were low in the trays. The final pH values of pulp and beans were not much affected by the method of fermentation and heap size However, the decrease in pH of cotyledons was slower in the largest heap The fermentation methods and heap sizes did not markedly affect the grade of the dried beans.
Effect of time of planting on growth and yield of irrigated Nendran banana
(Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikara, 2001) Susamma P, George; Nybe, E V; Gopalakrishnan, T R; Manomohandas, T P; Kumaran, K
Field experiments were conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Ambalavayal for three years to standardize the best time of planting of irrigated banana var. Nendran (AAB) for maximum growth and yield of quality bunches. Suckers were planted at monthly interval on the first of every month starting from July to December. July to October plantings were equally good for mean bunch weight (7.83, 8.38, 8.10 and 8.20 kg respectively) and were superior to November and December plantings (5.28 and 4.14 kg respectively). November and December plantings recorded minimum value for all the growth and bunch characteristics studied except crop duration. Planting of Nendran beyond October enhances the crop duration.
Evaluation of jack fruit (type 'varikka') for pectin
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1982) Vilasachandran, T; Kumaran, K; Gopikumar, K
Exploitation of male sterility in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2001) Veena Vighneswaran; Kumaran, K
Floral biology and fruit development in varikka and koozha of jack (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.)
(Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1983) Tessy Joseph; Kumaran, K
The present investigations were carried out in the Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during the year 1981-82. The object was to study the pattern of flowering, floral biology, fruit set, fruit drop and fruit development in jack types ‘Varikka’ and ‘Koozha’. The studies were conducted on 14 trees, eight belonging to ‘Varikka’ and six belonging to ‘Koozha’, which were about 50 years old, and maintained under uniform management conditions, located at the Instructional Farm and Research Station, Mannuthy. There was difference in pattern of male and female spike production. The male spike production commenced from October and extended for a period of five months, while female spike production was confined to only three months, starting from late November. The peak time of male and female spike production was in December-January. The inflorescence in jack is a catkin. The process of development of spike took on an average 33.7 days in male and 59.7 days in female. The individual flowers were radially arranged on a fleshy peduncle. The perianth tubes of male flowers were free from each other while that of female were fused in the middle. In a male spike anthesis continued upto 5 to 7 days, on a particular day, anthesis started at 6 am and reached a peak between 12 noon and 4 pm and continued upto 6 pm. The emergence of stigma on a female spike was highly eratic and continued for about three weeks. The peak time for anther dehiscence was between 6 pm and 7 pm, on the day of its emergence. In a female spike complete fading away of stigma occurred in 21 to 30 days after anthesis started. The percentage pollen fertility ranged from 89 to 93 per cent, and mean pollen diameter ranged from 16 to 22 u. 10 per cent sucrose-1 per cent agar media was found to be the best media for pollen germination. The viability of pollen was lost completely within 24 hours after dehiscence. The chief agent of pollination was found to be wind. Fruit set under natural conditions was 83.33 per cent. Hand pollination gave decreased set. Apomictic fruit development was absent in Jack. The percentage fruit drop ranged from 30 to 40 per cent. The whole spike after anthesis developed into a large composite fruit which was a ‘false fruit’, with the persistent perianth forming the bulk of the fruit. Among the flowers on a spike few showed normal development rest got aborted. The time required for full development of fruit ranged from 100 to 138 days, the growth showed a sigmoid pattern. The two types ‘Varikka’ and ‘Koozha’ did not vary significantly for most of the flower and fruit characters except for the texture of flakes; ‘Varikka’ had hard flakes while ‘Koozha’ had softy mushy flakes.
Flowering, floral biology and pollination in hard and soft flaked types of jack (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.)
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1996) Tessy Joseph; Kumaran, K
Investigations'on the floral characters of "Varikka' and "Koozha' types of jack (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) were conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy, Trichur on 14 mature trees. There was no significant difference between 'Varikka' and 'Koozha' types in respect of any of the characters studied. The pattern of male and female catkin production was found to differ in jack, the former occurred from October to February while the later was confined to only three months starting from late November to February. In a male catkin, anthesis started by 6 a.m. and continued up to 6 p.m. in a day. This pattern continued for 5 to 7 days in a catkin. Anther dehiscence occurred between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. on the day of its emergence. The sequence of emergence of stigma on the female catkin was highly erratic and continued for 3 to 4 weeks. Complete fading away of the stigma occurred in 21 to 35 days after anthesis started. The chief agent of pollination was found to be wind although certain amount of insect pollination cannot be ruled out.
Fruit set, fruit development and eruit drop in hard and soft flaked types of jack (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.)
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1996) Tessy Joseph; Kumaran, K
Studies on fruit set, fruit drop and fruit development in ' Varikka' and ' Koozha' types of jack (Artocarpus heteropkylhis Lam.) have indicated that the fruit set under natural condition was 83.335?,. The post-set drop ranged from 3040% in the two types studied. The peak period of drop was observed between the 60th and 80th day after emergence of the catkin. The time required for full development of fruit ranged from 100 to 138 days. Growth of fruit showed a sigmoid pattern, the rate being rapid up to the first 80 days and thereafter declined gradually The two types 'Varikka' and 'Koozha' did not vary significantly in any of the above characters.
Genetic variability and correlation studies in cocoa
(Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1983) Gregory Zachariah; Kumaran, K
Investigation on the generic variability and correlation studies in cocoa were undertaken in the Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during the period from July 1980 to August 1981 in a well established cocoa garden at Alpara in Trichur district, to elucidate information on the extent of variability and the degree of association existing among the 26 important plant, pod and bean characters, in a group of 135 cocoa tress, variety Forastero. Considerable variability was noted among all the characters of the sexually reproduced population of cocoa trees. Number of flowers per unit length on the trunk, number of pods per tree per year, weight of pod, volume of pod and wet weight of beans per pod showed maximum variability. Shell percentage and seed index manifested considerable variability among the bean characters. Phenotypic coefficient of variation (P.C.V.), genotypic coefficient of variation (G.C.V.) and heritability were estimated for 7 pod and bean characters. Both (P.C.V.) and (G.C.V.) were highest for attributes such as thickness of pod husk, number of beans per pod and weight of pod. Moderately high heritability was observed for weight of pod, thickness of pod husk and number of germinated beans. Volume of beans showed the lowest heritability. Yield from trees was found to be positively correlated with 6 of the characters studied, while number of germinated beans per pod and pod value were negatively correlated with yield. Out of the eight characters, pod value had the maximum contribution to yield. Number of pods per tree per year was found strongly associated with yield. Seed index and trunk girth also were positively and significantly correlated with yield. Phenotypic (rp) correlations among seven characters indicated that number of beans per pod was positively correlated with weight of pod. Positive correlations were also established between volume of beans and wet weight of beans per pod. Among the seven characters observed for genetypic (rg) correlations, wet weight of beans showed positive correlation with diameter of the pod and pod weight. Positive phenotypic as well as genotypic correlations were established in the case of wet weight of beans per pod with number of beans per pod and volume of beans. Number of beans per pod in turn, showed positive correlation with weight of pod at both levels. From the present studies it was evident that characters like diameter of pod, wet weight of beans per pod, number of beans per pod, number of germinated beans per pod, volume of pod, volume of bean, pod value, number of cushions on trunk, trunk girth, number of pods per tree per year and seed index have direct influence on the yield of cocoa. These traits can be considered while selecting cocoa trees for using in breeding programmes.
Genetic variability and correlation studies in cocoa (Theobroma cacae L.)
(Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1983) Gregory Zachariah; Kumaran, K
Investigation on the generic variability and correlation studies in cocoa were undertaken in the Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during the period from July 1980 to August 1981 in a well established cocoa garden at Alpara in Trichur district, to elucidate information on the extent of variability and the degree of association existing among the 26 important plant, pod and bean characters, in a group of 135 cocoa tress, variety Forastero. Considerable variability was noted among all the characters of the sexually reproduced population of cocoa trees. Number of flowers per unit length on the trunk, number of pods per tree per year, weight of pod, volume of pod and wet weight of beans per pod showed maximum variability. Shell percentage and seed index manifested considerable variability among the bean characters. Phenotypic coefficient of variation (P.C.V.), genotypic coefficient of variation (G.C.V.) and heritability were estimated for 7 pod and bean characters. Both (P.C.V.) and (G.C.V.) were highest for attributes such as thickness of pod husk, number of beans per pod and weight of pod. Moderately high heritability was observed for weight of pod, thickness of pod husk and number of germinated beans. Volume of beans showed the lowest heritability. Yield from trees was found to be positively correlated with 6 of the characters studied, while number of germinated beans per pod and pod value were negatively correlated with yield. Out of the eight characters, pod value had the maximum contribution to yield. Number of pods per tree per year was found strongly associated with yield. Seed index and trunk girth also were positively and significantly correlated with yield. Phenotypic (rp) correlations among seven characters indicated that number of beans per pod was positively correlated with weight of pod. Positive correlations were also established between volume of beans and wet weight of beans per pod. Among the seven characters observed for genetypic (rg) correlations, wet weight of beans showed positive correlation with diameter of the pod and pod weight. Positive phenotypic as well as genotypic correlations were established in the case of wet weight of beans per pod with number of beans per pod and volume of beans. Number of beans per pod in turn, showed positive correlation with weight of pod at both levels. From the present studies it was evident that characters like diameter of pod, wet weight of beans per pod, number of beans per pod, number of germinated beans per pod, volume of pod, volume of bean, pod value, number of cushions on trunk, trunk girth, number of pods per tree per year and seed index have direct influence on the yield of cocoa. These traits can be considered while selecting cocoa trees for using in breeding programmes.
Hybrid inviability and weakness in certain indica rice crosses
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1980) Kumaran, K; Madhava Menon, P; Rathinam, A
The existence of a partial reproductive isolation in the form of hybrid inviability and weakness supplemented by hybrid sterility was evident in four crosses of PTB 7 with PTB 10 and CO 29. F: plants were inviable or weak and were characterised by stunted growth, less tillering, late flowering and high spikelet sterility. Selfed progenies of weak Fj plants showed segregation for weak and inviable and normal plants in definite ratios. However, hybrids between PTB 10 and CO 29 were normal. The lethality and weakness of plants in fl and later generations were found to be determined by the action of a pair of complementary dominant lethal genes, one of which was present in PTB 7 and the other present commonly in both PTB 10 and CO 29.
Influence of weather on the yield of pepper cv. panniyur 1 (Piper nicrum L.)
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1999) Pradeepkumar, T; Kumaran, K; Aipe, K C; Manomohandas, T P
Influence of weather on the yield of black pepper variety Panniyur 1 was studied by resorting correlation and regression analysis. Among the different weather variables, mean maximum temperature in March first fortnight and June second fortnight, total sunshine hours received during February first fortnight, March first fortnight and April second fortnight, total rainfall during March second fortnight and September second fortnight- mean maximum relative humidity during March first fortnight and mean minimum relative humidity during March second fortnight and July first fortnight were found to be significantly correlated with the pepper yield of succeeding year. By combining three weather variables viz., mean maximum temperature during March first fortnight, mean maximum temperature during June second fortnight and mean minimum relative humidity during July first fortnight, a regression equation was derived with an R2 can be used in predicting the pepper yield at the end of July first fortnight.
Morphology of the inflorescence and fruit in jack (Artocarpus Heterophyllus Lam.)
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1995) Tessy Joseph; Kumaran, K
The iiiflorescence in jack is a catkin. The individual flowers are radially arranged on a lleshy peduncle. The perianth tubes of male flowers are free from each other, while those of female (lowers are fused in the middle region. Androecium consisted of a single stamen with a hasifixed four celled anther. Gynoecium consisted of a white waxy clavate stigma, a slender style and a unicelled ovary with a solitary ovule inside, attached by marginal placentation. The female catkin after pollination developed into a large composite fruit (sorosis) which is a 'false fruit', with the persistent perianth forming the hulk of the f r u i t . The 'tnie fruit' resembled an achene. Except for the texture of the flakes after ripening, the two types studied had the same morphological features; the 'koo/.ha' with soft mushy Hakes an 'varikka' with crisp hard flames.
Pollination, pod set and compatibility studies in open pollinated progenies of cocoa var. Forastero
(Department of Plant Breeding, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1984) Madhu, P; Kumaran, K
Investigations were carried out at the College of Horticulture Vellanikkara, Thrissur, to study the polination , pod set and compatibility aspects of open pollinated progenies of cocoa, var. Forastero. It was found that eventhough cocoa flowered thoughout the year, maximum flower production was between November and April. The flower opening was a slow process starting from 2 to 4 pm and lasting upto 2 to 4 pm on the subsequent day . Maximum stigma receptivity was found between 10 am and 12 Noon. Natural pollination was through the agency of insects. By controlled pollination there was 48 per cent increase in the pod set. Hand pollination by forceps was found to be the best method of artificial pollination. A large number of pod set was not carried to maturity due to the incidence of cherelle wilt. The loss due to Cherelle wilt ranged from 37.04 percent to 70.37 per cent. Most of the trees studied were self-incompatible , while two of them were self compatible. The self - incompatibility in the materials investigated herein could be exploited for production of hybrid pods.
Variability studies on certain T X CDO F, hybrids of coconut (Cocos nucifera L)
(Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1987) Sreelatha, P C; Kumaran, K
Investigations conducted on variability in 14 F1 parental combinations of T X CDO coconut hybrids at the KADP farm attached to the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara revealed no significant difference between pollen parents in their contribution to the progenies in any of the 17 characters studied, unlike the female parents. The number of spadices was found to be highly correlated with the number of buttons set followed by the number of functional leaves and number of female flowers produced. The fourteen parental combinations were grouped into three clusters using Mahalanobis’ D2 analysis. Clusters I and II were the most divergent ones. Production of spadices and female flowers were found to be high during March, April and May and absent during October, November and December. Heavy rain during active female phase was found to affect setting of button adversely. Fertility and viability of pollen were found to be very high except during April and May due to high temperature.
Vegetative propagation in jack (Artocarpus Heterophyllus Lam)
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1984) Nazeem, P A; Gopikumar, K; Kumaran, K
Studies were conducted on vegetative propagation of jack. Grafting, budding and layering were tried. Approach grafting was found successful. All other methods of grafting, budding and layering on bearing tree gave negative results. Layering on one year old seedlings gave very good results. Best results were obtained with ring layering done within 10 cm from bottom of the plant with coconut pith as the media. Since juvenile factor is supposed to play an important role in rooting, it may be possible to propagate jack vegetatively by inducing new shoots near the collar region of the selected mother plants and then undertaking layering on these new shoots.