Browsing by Author "Mini Raj, N"

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Characteization and evaluation of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) accessions
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Vikram, H C; Mini Raj, N
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) is an introduced crop to India. There exists tremendous variability in the nutmeg population in Kerala, which is the major nutmeg growing state in the country. Assessment of the existing variability is a prerequisite for taking up successful crop improvement programmes, which is very much limited in this tree spice. In this context, the present study entitled “Characterization and evaluation of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) accessions” was taken up exclusively with the specific objectives to characterize nutmeg accessions based on morphological, biochemical and molecular parameters so as to scale the variability in a multidimensional way. Select fifty nutmeg accessions from a core germplasm collected and maintained in a private plantation in the Chalakudy river basin, belonging to age of fifteen years, formed the material for the study. Among the select fifty accessions, forty two were females, four monoecious and four males. In the morphological characterization, 51 qualitative and 38 quantitative characters were recorded from two trees per accession. Biochemical characterization was done in the select seventeen distinct accessions. GC-MS profiling was done in kernel and mace oils. Biochemical constituents of fresh pericarp were estimated. Isozyme profiling was done for peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase enzymes. The molecular characterization was attempted with 21 RAPD and 12 ISSR primers after screening. A key for identification of an elite nutmeg tree was developed. A descriptor for nutmeg with a set of 51 qualitative and 38 quantitative parameters and descriptor states for each of these characters was developed as the first step. This is the first study of its kind to develop a minimal descriptor for nutmeg. The descriptor developed from the present study was simultaneously utilised for morphological characterization and evaluation of the accessions. Wide variability was noticed among the accessions for 47 out of 51 qualitative characters. Four characters viz., leaf margin, fruit pubescence, grooves on nut and nature of fruit dehiscence were noted as non variable characters and hence, these were not included for further analysis. Based on the qualitative characters, accessions were classified into 11 clusters at 66 per cent similarity level. Accessions differed significantly for all the quantitative characters except shelling percentage. Performance evaluation of the accessions brought out the superiority of accession 8, 9 and 22 for yield. The accessions showed high GCV, PCV, h2 and genetic gain for most of the characters. Number of fruits per tree, fruit set percentage, number of fruits per m2, fresh and dry weight of mace, mace volume as well ratio of nut to mace exhibited high genetic gain. Hence, selection programme based on these characters will be very effective in improving the base populations. Based on Mahalanobis D2 analysis, accessions were grouped into 10 clusters. Wide range of variation was observed in contents of volatile oil, oleoresin and fixed oil of kernel and mace. Based on these constituents accessions were grouped into 26 clusters, which indicated their distinct quality. Based on the results of the morphological characterization, seventeen distinct accessions were selected for further biochemical and molecular analysis. GC-MS analysis of kernel and mace oils exhibited 20 and 24 constituents respectively. Volatile oil composition exhibited wide variability for the major constituents viz., myristicin, elemicin, safrole and sabinene apart from the presence of some unique compounds. Grouping of the accessions was done based on the per cent content of these important compounds. Two accessions recorded high contents of both myristicin and elemicin whereas another two accessions were in the complimentary; belonging to low myristicin group. High sabinene combined with low myristicin was the intrinsic quality attribute of one of the accessions. Change, as well as addition/deletion of specific constituents was also noticed in the volatile oils after storage for one year. Accessions exhibited wide range of variation in the biochemical constituents of pericarp, a valuable information for the value addition of pericarp. Total phenol and tannins exhibited high variation. The accessions were ranked based on the content of biochemical constituents. Isozyme profiling using peroxidase enzyme produced four bands and that based on polyphenol oxidase exhibited three bands. Molecular markers could assess the variability among the accessions. The selected 21 RAPD primers produced a total of 164 amplicons of which 63.21 per cent were polymorphic. The 12 ISSR primers selected produced a total of 87 amplicons of which 69.44 per cent were polymorphic. Few unique bands were detected for specific characters. Inter cluster association of each of the qualitative clusters with other clustering patterns was worked out. The results indicated the differences as well as similarities of the qualitative clusters with other clustering patterns. Finally, key quantitative characters were identified based on their direct and indirect effect on yield as also economic importance. The statistical key thus developed using 13 key quantitative characters will serve as a preliminary tool for identification of an elite nutmeg tree.
Collection and characterization of unique genotypes of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.)
(Department of Plantation and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Priyanka Chandran, S; Mini Raj, N
Evaluation of neikumbalam (Benincasa hispida thunb.) Collections for yield and quality
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Manisha Elza Jacob; Mini Raj, N
Habit and habitat analysis of select medicinal plants in native and domestic environments
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1997) Mini Raj, N; Nybe, E V
Investigations on 'Habit and habitat analysis of select medicinal plants in native and domestic environments' was undertaken at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara 680 654, Kerala, during the period 1994-97. The first two experiments viz., survey and natural habitat analysis were carried out in the Peechi forests and the last two viz., domestic environment analysis and biochemical analysis in the College of Horticulture. Ethno-medicines practiced by the 'Malayans' of the Peechi forests were documented. The floristic survey identified 226 medicinal plants distributed over several habits, habitats, plant families etc. There were 22 endemic, ten endangered, six rare and nine threatened species. Extraction procedures of the drugs were documented which varied with the plant and the part used. Practice of substitution/adulteration was noticed in a few drugs. Based on the survey, six species were chosen for detailed habitat analysis. They were Piper longum, Naravelia zeylanica, Sida rhombifolia ssp. retusa, Desmodium velutinum, Baliospermum solanifolium and Barleria prattensis. Ten different habitats were selected in the MDF and they were characterised by physiographic, climatic, edaphic and biotic variables. Habitats were also grouped by cluster analysis. The growth pattern of the select species in the forest showed that it was almost linear upto November in all the habitats. Among the ten habitats, KC-I appeared to be congenial for the natural growth and productivity of Piper. Naravelia, Desmodium and Barleria. The habitat, KP-I appeared to support maximum growth of Baliospermum and the habitat M-I for Sida. Piper and Naravelia did not flower in the forest whereas in the remaining species, flowering occurred during October-January. Among the six species, Barleria and Naravelia recorded maximum regeneration- and forest fire was not a limiting factor for the regeneration of these species. In the domestic environment, all the species grew flowered and seeded well with a strictly linear growth pattern upto January. The plant habit changed in the domestic environment in all the species. Except Naravelia all the species recorded higher biological and economic yields in the domestic environment. Phytoconstituents of Desmodium velutinum, Barleria prattensis and Naravelia zeylanica were reported for the first time. The nature and content of the primary and secondary metabolites of all the species varied with the change of habitat. The study indicated the possibility of cultivating these species by providing conditions similar to that of the natural habitat; thereby assuring the quality of the drug. Necessity for regulating the collection of medicinal plants from the Peechi forests was also highlighted.
Habitat analysis and domestication studies on orilathamara (Nervilia aragoana Gaud)
(Department of Plantation crops and spices,College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Anulakshmi Sankar; Mini Raj, N
The present investigations on “Habitat analysis and domestication studies on ‘Orilathamara’ (Nervilia aragoana Gaud.)” was carried out at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2009 – 2011, with the objectives to collect the source plants of the drug Orilathamara from wild, to carry out detailed natural habitat analysis and to analyze the response of the species to domestication. The study was conducted in four separate experiments as exploration and collection of source plants of Orilathamara from forest, natural habitat analysis, domestication trial and biochemical studies. Forest explorations were carried out in the Peechi – Vazhani wild life sanctuary. Information regarding the occurrence of the plant was collected from tribal herb gatherers, voucher specimens collected and herbarium made. Four species of Nervilia were identified from Peechi forests. They were Nervilia infundibulifolia (Blatt. & McCann), Nervilia plicata (Andr.), Nervilia crociformis (Zoll. & Moritzi) and Nervilia aragoana Gaud. All the four species were categorised as endangered. Natural habitat studies were also carried out in the Peechi forests. It was mainly confined to Nervilia aragoana, the only species available in sufficient numbers. Complete life cycle of the plant was studied in the natural habitat. The habitat characteristics indicated that Nervilia aragoana is a delicate orchid found in the ground vegetation of moist deciduous forest. Physical properties including soil aggregate analysis and chemical properties of the forest soil were analysed and results presented. Domestication trial was carried out in the field attached to the Department. There were two shade levels (50%, 25%) and four growing media as FYM + sand + soil (1:1:1), leaf compost + sand + soil (1:1:1), coir pith compost + sand + soil (1:1:1) and vermi compost + sand + soil (1:1:1). All the growing media were analysed for their physical properties, aggregate stability and chemical properties and results presented. From the study it was observed that there was no significant difference in sprouting percentage, days to leaf emergence, complete unfurling of leaves and total biomass production of Nervilia aragoana under different treatments. Significant differences were observed in growth parameters like petiole length, leaf length, leaf width and leaf area and also tuber yield per plot. For all these parameters, performance was better under 50% shade level and in the growing medium containing FYM, sand and soil in equal proportions. Tuberization and tuber development of the species was also documented during the study and the same was correlated with weather data during the period. Biochemical analysis was also carried out to estimate the constituents like chlorophyll, starch, soluble sugars, protein, amino acids and soxhlet extractables. Both the wild and domestic samples were analysed. The results indicated that constituents like sugars, protein and amino acids were higher in domestic tubers and starch was higher in wild tubers. TLC profile of sugars and amino acids revealed the presence of seven sugars and five amino acids in Nervilia aragoana. Anatomical study of the tuber was carried out which revealed the presence of starch grains, Calcium oxalate crystals and mycorrhizal associations in the ground tissue. In short, the study identified four species of Nervilia in Peechi forests and they were categorised as endangered. Natural habitat characteristics of the species have been described and complete life cycle documented. Domestication proved to be successful in Nervilia aragoana. 50% shade level and normal potting mixture containing FYM, sand and soil proved to be the ideal one for growth and tuber production. Domestication also did not affect the quality of the drug in respect of components studied.
Morphological and phytochemical investigations on St.John`s Wort (Hypericum spp.), a potential source of ant-HIV compounds
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Ganapathy, V; Mini Raj, N
Performance analysis of medicinal kaempferia species
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Akoijam Ranjita Devi; Mini Raj, N
Proceedings of the seminar of Post Graduate students (2005 admission) - Vol III -Biotechnology
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices,College of Agriculture,Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, 2006) Sujatha, V S; Mini Raj, N
Proceedings of the seminar of Post Graduate students (2005 admission)-Vol.1 Contd.-Crop management
(Dept of Plantation Crops and Spices,College of Agriculture,Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, 2006) Sujatha, V S; Mini Raj, N
Proceedings of the seminar of post graduate students (2005 admission)-Vol.1- Crop management,
(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture,Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, 2006) Sujatha, V S; Mini Raj, N
Spatio-temporal variations and DNA fingerprinting in elite genotypes of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.)
(Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, Vellanikkara, 2023-05-19) Priyanka S Chandran; Mini Raj, N
The present study entitled “Spatio-temporal variations and DNA fingerprinting in elite genotypes of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.)” was carried out at the Department of Plantation Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic crops, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur with three objectives: (a) to assess the spatial and temporal variations on performance of a set of elite nutmeg genotypes in terms of growth, flowering, yield as well as quality and their response to weather parameters, with a view to identify genotype-environment interactions (b) DNA fingerprinting of the select elite nutmeg genotypes, (c) to assess the performance of nutmeg trees budded on wild (Myristica beddomei King) as well as self-rootstock (Myristica fragrans Houtt.).
Standardization of package of practices for leaf coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) under rain shelter
(Department of Plantation and Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2020) Anjukrishna, V U; Mini Raj, N
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is an annual seed as well as herbal spice which belongs to the family Apiaceae. Whole part of the plant possesses specific aroma and flavour. Apart from the use of coriander as a flavouring and preservative agent, consumption of coriander leaves have multiple health benefits too. Coriander cultivation is confined to specific regions as it needs cool and dry climate for flowering and seed set. But for leaf purpose, cultivation is possible in non-conventional areas too with the advent of protected cultivation under rainshelter. The present study entitled “Standardization of package of practices for leaf coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) under rainshelter” was carried out in the Dept. of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University during July 2019 to March 2020 with four experiments to standardize seed treatment, spacing, manurial schedule and harvest maturity of coriander . Two varieties viz. CO-4 and Theni Local were used in the study and all the experiments were conducted in two seasons ie July-September and October - December. Results indicated that presowing seed treatments can be adopted in coriander as priming of seeds significantly enhanced the sprouting, growth and yield. Hydropriming for 24 h and seed treatment with 50 mg L-1 GA3 for 8 h enhanced the growth, yield and quality of both the varieties. Priming with NAA for 8 h and hydropriming for 12 h also improved the growth and yield of coriander than untreated seeds. Highest vitamin C content in CO-4 and Theni Local was recorded in seed treatment with 50 mg L-1 GA3 for 8 h and hydropriming for 24 h respectively. Medium spacing of 20 cm x 10 cm significantly increased the single plant biomass and herbage yield in coriander variety CO-4, whereas closer spacing of 10 cm x 10 cm spacing was found to be the best spacing for Theni Local. Highest herbage yield and biomass yield of CO-4 (683.43 g m-2 and 653.00 g m-2) as well as Theni Local (1477.57 g m-2 and 1448.00 g m-2) from unit area was obtained from the closer spacing which accommodated maximum number of plants per unit area. Vitamin C content in CO-4 was highest in closer as well as medium spacings in both the varieties compared to wider spacing. Growth parameters such as plant height and number of leaves and, yield parameters such as biomass (10.27 g plant-1) and herbage (10.04 g plant-1) yield were highest with the application of 5 t ha-1 FYM alone followed by 2.5 t ha-1 vermicompost alone in the variety CO-4. The vitamin C content of CO-4 was highest in the plants supplemented with basal application of 2.5 t ha-1 vermicompost (65.78 mg per 100g). A fertilizer schedule of 5 t ha-1 FYM+20:10:10 kg ha-1 NPK+ 1.5 per cent urea (foliar) was found to the best for improving the biomass (14.30 g plant-1), herbage (13.96 g plant-1) and vitamin C content (87.05 mg per 100g) in the variety Theni Local. The harvest maturity was indicated by emergence of serrated leaf. The plants of CO-4 entered to reproductive phase by the emergence of serrated leaf on 37 DAS and completed the life cycle within 75 DAS. Harvest maturity of CO4 for leaf purpose was concluded as 40 DAS. The variety Theni Local exhibited infinite growth and the crop was harvested at 60 DAS for leaf purpose. The harvesting on 60th day exhibited a percentage increase of 35.89 per cent in herbage yield from 40th day yield. Quality parameters were also found to be highest at 60th day harvest. Irrespective of the seed treatments, spacing, fertilizer schedule and harvest maturity, both the varieties performed well during during October – December under rainshelter. There was 5.06 and 1.72 fold increase in herbage yield of CO-4 and Theni Local respectively during October – December. The quality parameters were also found to be highest during the same season. The best treatments in all experiments and October – December season was found to be the best combination in both the varieties for getting better growth, yield and quality coriander leaves. From this study, it was concluded that the early variety CO-4 and late variety Theni Local are suitable for rainshelter cultivation. Presowing seed treatments with 50 mg L-1 GA3 for 8 h and hydropriming for 24 h are effective for both the varieties to improve growth and yield. A closer spacing of 10 x 10 cm can be adopted in both the varieties for getting maximum yield from unit area. Basal application organic fertilizer such as 5 t ha-1 FYM and 2.5 t ha-1 vermicompost alone is enough for better performance of CO-4. The fertilizer schedule of 5 t ha-1 FYM+ 20:10:10 kg ha-1 NPK+ 1.5 per cent urea (foliar) at 20 DAS is best for Theni Local. Harvest at 40 DAS and 60 DAS respectively is ideal in CO-4 and Theni local for getting maximum herbage yield. The ideal season for coriander cultivation under rainshelter is October – December in Kerala.
True coriander and its mimics
(Department of Plantation crops and spices, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, 2020) Anjukrishna, V U; Mini Raj, N