Browsing by Author "Mercy, S T"

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Anatomical studies of the aerial stem, rhizome, leaf sheath and root of elettaria Cardamomum (Maton)
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1977) Mercy, S T; Luckins, C Babu; Mary, K George
The detailed anatomy of the aerial stem, rhizome, leaf sheath and root of cardamom is studied in the present investigation. The aerial shoot has a typical monocotyledonous stem known as 'culm' with nodes and inter-nodes protected by long sheathing leaf bases. In the rhizome the nodes and internodes are crowded together. It can be differentiated from the aerial stem due to the presence of scale leaves and adventitious roots. The aerial stem, rhizome, leaf sheath and root have typical monocotyledonous anatomy.
Anthesis in Indian lemongrass Cymbopogon Flexuosus, stapf
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1979) Mercy, S T; Gopinathan Nair, V; Luckins C Babu
Studies were undertaken on the mechanism of anthesis in Indian lemongrass. An inflorescence takes 25 to 32 days for completion of anthosis. The peak period of anthesis is from the 6th day from commencement of anthesis to the 11th day. About 80% of spikes complete anthesis by the 15th day. Anthesis takes place in the morning between 7 and 8.30. !n the sessile spikelets anthesis appears earlier than its appearance in the pedicellate ones. There are four distinct stages in the anthesis of sessile spikelet which take plrce one after the other in quick succession. The most characteristic featrue of anthesis is the slight protogynous nature of the sessile spikelet. Though this is a basic adaptation for cross pollination, the large number of spikeleis opening in a short span of time indicate the possibility for self pollination under field conditions.
Chromosome behaviour and pollen analysis in anthurium sp
(Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1992) Bindu, M R; Mercy, S T
Chromose behaviour and pollen characters had been studied in five commercially important varieties of Anthurium andreanum viz. Honeymoon Red, White (album), Lady Jane (Pink), Chillired and Pink. Some morphological characters were also recorded. The varieties show distinct differences in morphological characters. They can be identified from one another even in the absence of their typical spadices. All the varieties have a somatic chromosome number of 30+2B. The basic chromosome number is x=15. Two B chromosomes are present irrespective of the varietal type. The B chromosomes are either acentric or telocentric and round or rod shaped. Their size is always smaller than the smallest A chromosome. The karyotype of all the five varieties was analysed. On the basis of total chromosome length (TCL), average chromosome length (ACL) and arm ratio (r), the variety Pink appears to be most advanced. When the relative chromosome length (RCL) was taken in to consideration, the variety Chillired is found to be most advanced. With regard to the character, chromosome asymmetry, Lady Jane appears to be most advanced. When the karyotype asymmetry as a whole is considered, all the varieties are falling in the '3B' category which represents a high position in evolution. During meiosis, all the varieties exhibited a wide range of abnormalities like univalent formation, unequal seperation, presence of laggards, micronuclei etc. This point out the hybrid nature of the species. All the varieties are found to be protogynous with distinct interphase. This is an adaptation for natural cross pollination. However, natural crossing is occuring only to a limited extent. The pollen production capacity of the varieties varies significantly. The varieties Honeymoon Red and Pink produce the highest amount of pollen. All the varieties have round pollen with a single germ pore. The pollen size among the varieties does not vary significantly. However, the variety Lady Jane has the largest pollen. Pollen fertility is very low, when it was tested by acetocarmine staining and in vitro pollen germination methods. The latter is found to be more reliable in estimating the pollen fertility. All the varieties have paracytic type of stomata. But the varieties vary widely in their size and distribution. Morphological variations, karyotypic differences, meiotic abnormalities, high pollen sterility and the wide variability in stomatal characters point out the basic hybrid nature of the species.
Cross compatibility in Anthurium andreanum. Lind.
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1995) Sindhu, K; Mercy, S T
Crossability studies and analysis of incompatibility in three species of capsicum
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1977) Radhakrishnan, K P; Mercy, S T; Mary K George
In the present study interspecific hybridization could be successfully done among 3 species of Capsicum viz., C. annuum, C. fruiteseens and C. pendutum by the technique of cross pollination after amputation of the upper part of style along with the stigma followed by application of 5% sucrose solution on cut surface of the style. Embiyological analysis of the fertilized ovaries of self and cross combinations showed that in the incompatible combinations the embryosacs degenerated indicating failure of fertilisation. Further when pollination was done on the cut surface of the amputated styles after the application of 5% sucrose solution normal embryo development could be observed as in the case of selfed ovaries.
Effect of growth regulators on the growth and flowering of anthurium (Anthurium andreanum Linden)
(Department of Plant Physiology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2000) Beena, R; Mercy, S T
An investigation on the effect of growth regulators on growth and flowering of Anthurium andreanum Linden was conducted in the Department of Plant Physiology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 1998-2000. Mature plants of three varieties of Anthurium andreanum Linden formed the material. The varieties used were Liver Red (L.R.), Ceylon Red (C.R.) and Kalympong Orange (K.O.). Three growth regulators namely Gibberellic Acid (GA), Tri Iodo Benzoic Acid (TIBA) and Kinetin (K) were used at 100 ppm, 300 ppm and 500 ppm concentrations. Two controls i.e., distilled water spray and no spray were also included. Each concentration of the growth regulator was sprayed three times at one month intervals. Observations were taken three months after the first spray and then at three months intervals, twice more. The effect of treatments on morphological floral, physiological and bio-chemical aspects was studied. Results of the experiments revealed that growth regulators had significant effect on most of the characters under study. They are listed below. ;.. Maximum plant height was obtained nine months after the first spray for K.O. treated with GA at 500 ppm (69.82 cm). ;.. Minimum plant spread (EW) - nine months afte~ the first spray was obtained for K.O. treated with TIBA at 100 ppm (28.44 cm) and minimum plant spread (NS) was recorded by K.O. - no spray (28.02 cm) in the ninth month of observation. 8J ~ Maximum number of leaves/spadices per year (9.0) was recorded by C.R. treated with GA at 300 and 500 ppm. ~ Minimum number of days (40.8) taken for successive leaf production was obtained for C.R. treated with GA at 300 and 500 ppm. ~ Highest" number of suckers/plant (4.6) was produced by K.O. treated with GA at 500 ppm, obtained nine months after the first spray. ~ The highest length of spadix (43.52 cm) was showed six months after the first spray by L.R. treated with GA at 500 ppm. ~ Largest spathe (95.4 cm2) was recorded three months after the first spray by K.O. treated with GA at 500 ppm. ~ Highest longevity of spadix (103 days) was obtained for L.R. treated with kinetin at 500 ppm. ~ Smallest candle size was obtained nine months after the first spray by the variety C.R. treated with TIBA at 500 ppm (4.1 cm). ~ Highest chlorophyll content (2.16 mg/g tissue) was recorded rune months after the first spray by K.O. treated with GA at 500 ppm. ~ Highest carotenoid content (10.41 mg/lOO g sample) was obtained six months after the first spray by L.R. treated with GA at 300 ppm. ~ Highest anthocyanin content (388.2 mg/l OOg sample) was recorded six months after the first spray by L.R. (control 1) distilled water spray. ~ Highest protein content (109 mg/ g tissue) was obtained six months after the first spray by K.O. treated with kinetin at 500 ppm. ~ Highest phenol content (121.2 mg/g tissue) was recorded three months after the first spray by K.O. treated with kinetin at 500 ppm. Based on the economics of growth regulator application, G.A. 500 ppm was the best treatment with positive profit increase in all the three varieties. This treatment achieved an enhanced profit of Rs. 133.70 per plant per year in the variety L.R., Rs. 86.30 enhanced profit in K.O. and Rs. 70.10 in the variety C.R.
Effect of herbicides of cell division sterility and yield in rice
(Division of Agricultural Botany, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1981) Kishore Kumar, K; Mercy, S T
Herbicides have become a very important tool for weed control and research in this line has been progressing ever since their invention. Studies on the possible damages which herbicides cause at the chromosomal level have been undertaken under laboratory conditions by many workers. But only a few studies have been on this aspect under field conditions. This study was done with the aim of finding the extent of chromosomal aberrations and consequent deterioration of yield attributes in rice caused by the application of five selective herbicides. Observations on the herbicidal influence on weed population have also been taken. From this study it has been found that herbicides do cause chromosomal changes during cell division. Pollen mother cell studies revealed that highest number of chromosomal abnormalities occur in 2,4-D and nitrofen treatments when applied at a dose of 1kg and 1.5 kg a.i. per hectare, eighteen days after transplanting. Such abnormalities caused pollen sterilityand consequent spikelet sterility leading to reduction in yield . These parameters showed significant positive correlation.
Effects of colchicine and the induction of polyploidy in sorghum (sorghum vulgare pes.)
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1979) Miranda, J H; Mary K, George; Mercy, S T
Floral abnormalities induced by colchicine on impatiens balsamina
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1973) Mary K. George; Mercy, S T
Floral biology of Indian lemongrass Cymbopogon flexuosus stapf
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1982) Luckins C Babu; Mercy, S T; Gopinathan Nair, V
Genetic divergence in anthurium andreanum linden
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2001) Maya Devi, P; Mercy, S T
Genetic divergence studies were conducted on 100 different genotypes of Anthurium andreanum Linden, comprising of 20 varieties and 80 F I hybrids generated from a previous hybridization programme in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. As the parental varieties themselves had a long history of hybridization in their background, the entire material was highly heterozygous. Significant genotypic differences were observed among the hundred genotypes for all the ten characters namely plant height, spathe length, spathe width, number of suckers per plant, length of leaf blade, width of leaf blade, candle length, inclination of candle with the spathe, number of spadices per plant per year and leaf area. Except for number of spadices/plantlyear, all the characters were highly influenced by genotypic variation. High heritability with a good genetic advance was found for all the characters studied, except for number of spadices/plantl year which exhibited medium heritability and low genetic advance. These results indicate that selection of plants which are phenotypically superior with respect to nine of the characters studied will certainly result in a significant improvement in the next generation. Environmental correlation was absent for all the characters except for number of spadices/plantl year indicating the influence of environment on this character suggesting 3 Based on the gca and sea effects, the parent 'Honeymoon Red' was found to be the best general combiner for several traits like plant height, width of leaf blade, length of spathe, number of spadices/plant/year, duration of female phase, days of interphase, life of spadix and carotene content. For the characters, length and width of leaf blade, leaf area, time taken for first flowering, inclination of candle, days to intiation of female phase, duration of male phase, duration of female phase, total anthocyanin content and total carotenoids, the best general combiner was 'Kalympong Red'. For the characters, plant height, length and width of leaf blade, suckering ability, the best general combiner was 'Pink'. The parent 'Chilli Red' was the best general combiner for characters viz., days from emergence to maturity of leaves, length and width of leaf blade, leaf area, candle length, inclination of candle, number of flowers/candle, total anthocyanin content and days of interphase. The parent 'Liver Red' was the best general combiner for characters namely candle length, inclination of candle, internode length, length and width of leaf blade, leaf area, suckering ability, number of flowers/candle, pollen fertility, total anthocyanin content and total carotenoids. The heterosis of F l's over parent 'Liver Red', which is the most acceptable semi-commercial variety under the study, was worked out. Most of the F 1 hybrids registered negative heterosis, for characters such as plant height, length and width of leaf blade, days from emergence to maturity of leaves, leaf area, time taken for first flowering and inclination of candle. This is highly desirable in the case of Anthurium, because, the best commercial varieties of Anthurium should have medium plant height with medium sized leaves for accommodation of more plants within 4 a unit green house area, earliness to maturity of leaves and shorter time taken for first flowering for enhancing the number of leaves and flowers/ plant/year and a reduced inclination of candle for accommodating more flowers at the time of packing for transportation. Based on the anthocyanin contents, the probable spathe colour genotypes of fi ve selected parents and their lO F I hybrids of the present study have been worked out for the first time in Anthurium by correlating the total average anthocyanin content of the spathe of each variety to the incremental effect of the two anthocyanin producing genes, M and o. To sum up, this pioneering study, the first of its kind in Anthurium, indicates that hybridisation is the easiest and sure method for achieving genetic improvement in this export oriented cutflower crop. Reductions in plant height, leaf size, leaf area, days to maturity of leaves, days to first flowering and inclination of candle observed in the hybrids when compared with the parents are highly desirable attributes of commercial hybrids. The fact that the character number of spadices/plant/year is controlled by the environment indicates that flower productivity can be enhanced by judicial manipulations of environmental conditions. Spathe colour genotypes of five parents and their ten hybrids have been determined for the first time based on the anthocyanin pigment assay of their spathes. The study highlights the feasibility of producing commercially viable indigenous anthurium hybrids for commercial cultivation in Kerala.
Intervarietal hybridization in Anthurium andreanum Linden
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1999) Renu, R S; Mercy, S T
The present study on evaluation of morphological characters and compatibility reactions among ten selected Anthurium andreanum varieties, was undertaken to analyse the scope for genetic improvement in this crop. The analysis of variance revealed significant variation among the ten varieties for the twelve quantitative characters studied. This reveals the high genetic potential for the improvement of this crop. Variability studies indicated that high phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation for the characters plant height, position of candle, days to initiation of female phase, number of days in female phase and spathe size. The characters with heritability coupled with high genetic advance values were plant height, spathe size, spathe-candle ratio, position of candle, number of flowers per candle and days to initiation of female phase, indicating additive gene action. Plant height was found to be positively correlated with number of leaves or spadices per year. Spathe size and candle length were positively correlated. Candle length had high positive genotypic correlation with position of candle and number of flowers per candle. Pollen fertility ranged from 42 per cent in Liver Red to 13.7 per cent in Mauritius Orange. Study of pollen emergence pattern revealed significant differences among the varieties. Pollen emergence was completely absent in Pompon Red, Nitta Orange and Midori Green during the period of study. Pollen production was high in the cooler months of October to December and was suppressed during the hot months of March to June. Cross compatibility analysis based on the results of intervarietal hybridisation was done using the three parameters; i.e., percentage of candles bearing fruits, percentage fruit set and percentage seed •germination. The percentage of fruit bearing candles were highest for Nitta Orange (51.93 per cent) and lowest for Mauritius Orange (9.51 per cent). The only two selfings that produced fruiting candles were LR x LR and DT x DT. The number of fruits per candle ranged from five to 183. The variety Pompon Red had the highest average number of fruits per candle and it was lowest for Lady Jane. The percentage of fruit set was below 50 per cent for all the crosses except PR x LR. The crosses involving Pompon Red as female parent had the highest percentage of fruit set. The number of days taken for seed germination varied from three to twelve days. The seed germination was highest (87.5 per cent) for the cross DT x MW. Among the varieties it ranged from 69 per cent in Tropical Red to 2.3 per cent in Midori Green. Seedling survival at four to six month stage was highest for the crosses of Mauritius Orange and the lowest for those of Midori Green. The cross TR x MW showed 100 per cent seedling survival. Scoring of the compatibility reactions based on fruiting candles, fruit set and seed germination, on a scale ranging from O to 9, showed the highest compatibility' score of nine for PR x LR and CR x MW crosses. The best female parents were identified as Nitta Orange, Liver Red and Pompon Red based on the overall performance. The analysis of the performance of varieties as pollen parents on the same basis showed that Ceylon Red, Merengue White and Liver Red are the best pollen parents. These observations showed that the performance of a variety as female parent was different from its performance as male parent. Only the variety Ceylon Red and Liver Red performed well both as female and male parent.
Intra and interspecifif hybridization in dendrobium spp.
(Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2002) Lekha Rani, C; Mercy, S T
An investigation on "Intra and interspecific hybridization in Dendrobium spp." was carried out in the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 1998-2001 with the objective of developing new hybrids of Dendrobium with novel, commercial cutflower qualities for the export market. Fourteen genotypes of Dendrobium comprising of nine commercial varieties, three semi- commercial varieties and two species were selected as parents after initial evaluation. The parental genotypes differed significantly with respect to all the 21 characters studied. High heritability combined with high GCV and genetic advance were observed for length of inflorescence, length of scape, number of flowers per inflorescence and number of nodes per cane. Significant positive inter-correlation in all pair-wise combinations at genotypic and 'phenotypic levels was observed between seven characters viz., number of leaves per clump, height of cane, leaf area per cane, age at first flowering, cane to flower first, vase life and length of inflorescence. The 14 parental genotypes were crossed in all possible combinations (196) after preliminary studies on floral biology, anthesis and pollination. Six combinations could not be attempted as the flowering seasons of the genotypes concerned did not synchronise. A total of 1696 2 pollinations were done covenng 190 (88 crosses + 88 reciprocals + 14 selfs) combinations. Pollinated flowers/immature capsules from 106 combinations abscised at different stages. Green capsules were harvested from 84 combinations. Capsules from three combinations did not contain seeds and seeds from five combinations did not germinate on inoculation. Protocorms/developing seedlings from seven combinations aborted at various stages of in vitro development. Seedlings from 69 combinations were deflasked and transplanted. Two combinations failed to get acclimatized. Progeny from 67 (62 crosses and five selfs) combinations were established successfully in the green house. The levels of incompatibility reactions were grouped under nine heads ranging from flower abscission before the onset of any visible post pollination change to failure of hybrid seedlings to get acclimatized to the ex vitro green house conditions. A total of 123 combinations attempted succumbed to incompatibility at these different stages. Percentage capsule yield ranged from 8 to 33 in the various hybrid combinations. Percentage filled seeds ranged from 10.79 to 75.93 and percentage seed germination ranged from 8.00 to 70.73. The basal medium MS half strength was the best for early germination and rapid in vitro development as compared to MS quarter strength and MS, KC and VW full strengths. The effects of growth hormones, organic additives, sucrose and charcoal on in vitro seed germination and seedling growth were studied and the best concentrations were identified. Transplanting into the humidity chamber under conditions of high relative humidity (85-95%) and controlled irrigation resulted in 94 per cent survival after four weeks. The best among the potting media tried 3 was broken tiles + charcoal + Soilrite (2:2:1), favouring high survival and well balanced post transplantation seedling growth. The 67 hybrid combinations differed significantly with respect to all the eight vegetative characters studied at 1.5 to 2.0 years after transplanting. A partial diallel established with 18 cross combinations revealed the gca effect of P3 to be beneficial for number of shoots per clump, as it was positive and significant. Non additive gene action was responsible for character expression, as dominance variance was higher than additive variance. Sixteen hybrid combinations flowered, recording significant differences for all the 12 floral characters studied. Economic heterosis, relative heterosis and heterobeItiosis of the hybrid combinations were studied for all vegetative and floral characters recorded. Considerable vegetative vigour, earliness and increase in the size of flowers and inflorescences were registered by the hybrid combinations. From the 16 flowering combinations, about 40 promising hybrids were identified. Based on three important criteria viz., novelty, distinctiveness and uniformity of the floral characters, 25 out of these 40 new hybrids were selected. These hybrids show the potential for development into new, indigenous commerical varieties.
Pollen germination and tube growth of the incompatible pollinations of strain Kanpur lotni x Kanpur lotni belonging to Brassica campestris L.
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1974) Mercy, S T
In the incompatible pollination of strain Kanpur Lotni x Kanpur Lotni of B. campestris, the inhibitory substnnce preventing self-fertilization was found to be concentrated on the stigma and the stylar region adjacent to it. Applying the pollen grains directly on the stylar tissue after removal of stigma was found to by-pass the stigmatic barrier and thus allowed normal pollen tube growth, fertilization and seed set.
Pollen studies in Anthurium andreanum Lin.
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1996) Bindu, M R; Mercy, S T
Floral biology and pollen characters of five varieties of Anthurium andreanum Lin. have been studied. It was observed that the species is protogynous. Anthesis occurred during early morning hours. The plant produces a large number of pollen grains per anther which are more or less uniform in size, round in shape with a single germ pore. Only a small percentage of pollen grains is fertile which reflects the hybrid nature of the species. Determination of pollen fertility by in vitro pollen germination method is found to be more accurate than by acetocarmine staining
Pollen studies in anthurium andreanum lin.
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1996) Bindu, M R; Mercy, S T
Floral biology and pollen characters of five varieties of Anthurium andreanum Lin. have been studied. It was observed that the species is protogynous. Anthesis occurred during early morning hours. The plant produces a large number of pollen grains per anther which are more or less uniform in size, round in shape with a single germ pore. Only a small percentage of pollen grains is fertile which reflects the hybrid nature of the species. Determination of pollen fertility by in vitro pollen germination method is found to be more accurate than by acetocarmine staining.
Radiosensitivity analysis in Cucumis sativus L.
(Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1994) Raju, K M; Mercy, S T
The effect of five doses of gamma rays viz. 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 kR in ten Cucumis sativus L. varieties was studied in M1 generation. Enhanced germination was observed in some varities in laboratory condition whereas in field condition a reduction in germination percentage was noticed in all treatments compared to control. Reduced survival percentage as a result of gamma irradiation was noticed on 40th day after sowing. Morphological abnormalities such as leaves with short petioles, half leaf blade only and chlorophyll deficient patches were obtained as a result of gamma irradiation. Increased sex ratio as a result of gamma irradiation was noticed in the present study. No variation was noticed on floral morphology. Variations in fruit morphology, reduced fruit weight and mean yield per plant were observed in certain treatments. Gamma irradiation increased pollen sterility. Cytological aberration were not observed in the present investigation. Different varieties of Cucumis sativus L. showed differential response to gamma rays. The characters studied in the M1 generations indicate the scope for selection of beneficial mutants in the segregating generations.
Selection index in horse gram (Dolichos biflorus L.)
(Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1980) Suraiya, D; Mercy, S T
The present biometric study was carried out in the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the year 1979-80 with fifteen varieties of horse gram (Doliches biflorus L.) to formulate a suitable selection index for yield. The observation plants were studied individually for the following characters. (1) Seed yield per plant (2) Number of pods per plant (3) Number of seeds per pod (4) 100-seed weight (5) Pod length (6) Days to 500 flowering (7) Height of plant (8) Number of branches (9) Days to maturity (duration). The data obtained in the study were subjected to statistical analysis viz. estimates of mean for all the different varieties, analysis of variance in respect of the nine selected characters, estimates of components of variances, genotype, environmental and phenotypic coefficients of variations, heritability, genetic advance and studies of discriminant function and path coefficient analysis.
Studies on interspecific hybrids of five species of Capsicum with special reference to its qualitative and quantitative characters
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1977) Somanatha Pillai, E R; Mary K George; Mercy, S T
Investigations on the inheritance of quantitative and qualitative characters and hetrosis among five species of Capsicum were carried out in the present study. Though crosses were made in all combinations, there was fruit setting in only ten crosses. Of these 2 crosses produced no viable seeds and in another cross, the seedlings did not survive. C anmtum as female parent failed to cross with any other species In the cross CF x CP, the embryo started normal development but collapsed in the early stage The F, hybrids exhibited heterosis for several economically desirable characters. All the hybrids showed a conspicuous reduction in the number and germination capacity of I1 ' , and I , seeds. Among the seven hybrids studied, the best economic combinations were Capsicum frutescens X C. baccatum and C. pendulum X C. microcarpum. These results indicate the possiblity of selecting desirable typss combining the economic attributes of both the parents from the segregating generations and by back crossing.
Studies on pollen tube growth amd in vitro storage of pollen grains in Cicer arietinum L. and C. Soongaricum J & S
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1979) Mercy, S T; Kakar, S N; Verghese, T M
Pollen storage experiments showed that pollen of C. arietinum and C. soongaricum could be successfully stored below 0° for upto 40 or more days if necessary. In vitro pollen germination and tube growth studies showed best germination in 0.5 M sucrose 100ppm boric and medium. Boric acid increased the germination percentage significantly in both species as compared to the germination percentage in sucrose alone, thus indicating the presence pollen dimorphism is C. arietinum and C. soongaricum.