Browsing by Author "Mini Sankar"

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Crop management and post harvest techniques of Dracaena reflexa song of India
(Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture,Vellanikkara, 2024-02-23) Faheema Jahan, N K.; Mini Sankar
The investigation entitled ‘Crop management and post-harvest techniques of Dracaena reflexa ‘Song of India’ was carried out in Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara from February, 2023 to December, 2023. The objective of the study was to standardize spacing, nutrient management and post-harvest techniques of Dracaena reflexa ‘Song of India’. The experiment on spacing and nutrient doses was carried out in Randomized Block Design (RBD factorial) using six months old rooted cuttings of Dracaena reflexa ‘Song of India’ by adopting two different spacing viz., 45 cm x 45 cm and 45 cm x 30 cm and three fertilizer schedules viz., 24:6:12 N: P2O5: K2O g/ plant/ year, 48:6:12 N: P2O5: K2O g/ plant/ year, 100g farm yard manure/ plant at four months interval along with absolute control. Foliar spray of N: P2O5: K2O 1:1:1 (19:19:19) at 0.5 per cent was given at three months interval for all treatments, except absolute control. Observations on growth characters, nutrient status of soil, plant nutrient content, plant nutrient uptake and total chlorophyll content were recorded. Among the growth characters such as plant height, plant spread and days taken for first harvest, number of shoots harvested, spacing was found to have no significant influence. Application of N2 (48:6:12 N: P2O5: K2O g/ plant/ year) was found to be superior with respect to plant height over control. Similar trend was observed in plant spread and days taken for first harvest. Regarding interaction effect, treatment combination of 45 x 45 cm spacing and the nutrient dose of 48:6:12 N: P2O5: K2O g/ plant/ year (S1 x N2) as well as S2 x N2 (45 x 30 cm spacing and N: P2O5: K2O @ 48:6:12 g/ plant/ year) were superior and on par in terms of plant height, plant spread, and days taken for first harvest during the experimental period. Plant nutrient content and plant nutrient uptake were was found to be higher in wider spacing (45 x 45 cm). Total chlorophyll content was highest in closer spacing (45 x 30 cm). Nutrient content, nutrient uptake and total chlorophyll content in plants increased as the dose of nutrients applied increased. Application of N2 48:6:12 N: P2O5: K2O g/ plant/ year was found to be superior among the treatments with respect to all these parameters. In interaction effect, treatment combination of S2 x N2 (spacing of 45 x 30 cm with a nutrient dose of N: P2O5: K2O @ 48:6:12 g/ plant/ year), S1 x N1 (spacing of 45 x 45 cm with a nutrient dose of N: P2O5: K2O @ 24:6:12 g/ plant/ year), S1 x N2 (spacing of 45 x 45 cm with N: P2O5: K2O @ 48:6:12 g/ plant/ year) were on par having highest plant nutrient content. Plant nutrient uptake was found to be highest in S1 x N2 (spacing of 45 x 45 cm with N: P2O5: K2O @ 48:6:12 g/ plant/ year) and total chlorophyll content was highest in S2 x N2 (spacing of 45 x 30 cm with a nutrient dose of N: P2O5: K2O @ 48:6:12 g/ plant/ year). Results showed that treatment combination of S1 x N2 (45 x 45 cm spacing and N: P2O5: K2O @ 48:6:12 g/ plant/ year) and S2 x N2 (spacing of 45 x 30 cm with a nutrient dose of N: P2O5: K2O @ 48:6:12 g/ plant/ year) exhibited superiority in terms of growth characters, plant nutrient content, plant nutrient uptake and total chlorophyll content. Even though these two treatments were on par, 25% more plants can be accommodated under the spacing of 45 x 30 cm (S2). Hence spacing of 45 x 30 cm and nutrient dose 48:6:12 N: P2O5: K2O g/ plant/ year can be recommended for enhanced growth and cut foliage yield of Dracaena reflexa ‘Song of India’. Post-harvest studies included standardization of precooling, pulsing, packaging and storage, and holding. Experiment on precooling consisted of three treatments viz., precooling at 10⁰C for six hours, precooling at 15⁰C for six hours and control (without precooling) laid out in CRD with eight replications. After precooling the vase life of shoots were observed and it was found that the maximum vase life (16.25 days) exhibited by the shoots under control (without precooling). The lowest rate of change in fresh weight after the vase life was observed under treatment T3 (control). Hence it could be concluded that no precooling treatment is required for Dracaena reflexa ‘Song of India’. Standardization of pulsing consisted of ten treatments and three replications each, laid out in CRD. The shoot were kept in sucrose 5% for four hours and six hours, sucrose 10% for four hours and six hours, acidified water four hours and six hours, filtered water for four hours and six hours and one 500 mg paracetamol tablet in five litres of water for four hours and six hours. The longest vase life (19 days) was observed in shoots treated with a pulsing solution of sucrose 5% for six hours (T2). This result was on par with T1 (sucrose 5% for 4 hours). And the lowest percentage change in fresh weight was observed in treatment T1 (sucrose 5% for 4 hours). During the vase life, maximum water uptake was observed under the treatments T2 (sucrose 5 % for 6 hours), T6 (acidified water for 6 hours), T1 (sucrose 5 % for 4 hours), and T10 (one 500 mg paracetamol tablet in 5 litres of water for 6 hours). Hence pulsing with sucrose 5% for four hours can be recommended for Dracaena reflexa ‘Song of India’. Packaging and storage study was laid out in CRD with two factors, namely the packaging materials and storage duration. The shoots were subjected to different treatments of packaging viz., cut end plugged with moistened cotton, covered with polyethylene and packed in corrugated fibre board boxes with KMnO4 sachets and without KMnO4 sachets, cut ends plugged with moistened cotton, covered with newspaper and packed in corrugated fibre board with KMnO4 sachets and without KMnO4 sachets and control (without cotton and KMnO4). Shoots under each treatment were stored for durations viz., 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours under air conditioned room at 20⁰ C. Cut ends plugged with moistened cotton, covered with polyethylene and packed in corrugated fibre board boxes with KMnO4 sachets for 6 hours was found to be superior in terms of vase life (19.40 days). Experiment on holding was conducted in CRD with five treatments viz., sucrose 1%, sucrose 2%, distilled water, tap water, one 500 mg paracetamol tablet dissolved in five litres of water and four replications each. Maximum vase life was exhibited by the shoots kept in distilled water (21.38 days) closely followed by sucrose 2% (18.63 days). Treatments viz., Sucrose 2%, sucrose 1% and distilled water were on par in terms of percentage change in fresh weight and total water uptake. As the availability of distilled water is difficult for farmers, sucrose 2% can be recommended as holding solution. Based on the results of the study, spacing of 45 x 30 cm with a nutrient dose of N: P2O5: K2O @ 48:6:12 g/ plant/ year (S2 x N2) can be recommended for enhancing the growth and yield of Dracaena reflexa ‘Song of India’. A protocol for post-harvest management of Dracaena reflexa ‘Song of India’ developed from the study is stage of harvest when plant reaches a height, of 3 feet, conditioning by the removal of dried and diseased plant parts, followed by pulsing with sucrose 5% for four hours. After pulsing, packaging can be done by plugging cut ends with moistened cotton, entire shoots covered with polyethylene and packed in corrugated fibre board boxes with KMnO4 sachets. The recommended storage duration is six hours in air conditioned room of 200 C. Sucrose 2% can be used as the holding solution.
Evaluation of rose varieties for commercial cultivation under the warm humid tropics of Kerala
(Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Priya Philip; Mini Sankar
Morphological characterisation and crop Management practices of cut foliage fern
(Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, college of agriculture,Vellanikkara, 2026) Panchami. K P; Mini Sankar
Ferns represent one of the most ancient and diverse groups of plants, valued for their ecological significance and ornamental beauty. These ferns have unique shapes, sizes, and textures, making them ideal for use in floral designs and urban landscaping. One of the major challenges in utilizing native ferns is the lack of detailed information about morphological traits and adaptability. Among different species of ferns, Rumohra adiantiformis G. Forst, commonly known as leather leaf fern, is the leading tropical foliage species with long, attractive fronds, and widely used in floral arrangements. Even though it is cultivated by farmers, the crop management practices are yet to be standardised. Hence, the current study was undertaken to evaluate different species of ferns for cut green and landscape uses and to standardize the crop management practices for leather leaf fern. In the first experiment, thirty fern genotypes were collected and evaluated for various quantitative and qualitative characters. Among quantitative characters, Nephrolepis exaltata cv. Fluffy ruffles exhibited the highest plant height (59.00 cm), Cristella dentata showed maximum spread (47.50 cm), Nephrolepis exaltata cv. Furcans showed maximum frond length (59.00 cm), Asplenium nidus exhibited maximum stipe girth (5.5 mm), frond production interval (155 days), and longevity of frond (255 days). The number of fronds per plant was found to be highest (45.5) with Nephrolepis cordifolia cv. Duffi, and the maximum (58.00) number of pinnae was observed in Nephrolepis exaltata cv. Tiger fern. Among qualitative traits, most of the genotypes exhibited the smooth texture except Adiantum hispidulum and Cristella dentata. Genotypes were also evaluated for other qualitative characters such as the shape of the frond, nature of the margin and tip of pinnae, markings on the foliage, and foliar colour. Most of the ferns evaluated were unbranched except for Adiantum sp. Based on the performance, the suitability of ferns for various landscape uses was identified. All the species evaluated were found to be suitable for the pot plant purpose. Species such as Nephrolepis cordifolia cv. Duffi and Anemia rotundifolia were found suitable for hanging baskets. Fern species such as Pteris parkerii and Doryopteris concolor were found suitable for indoor gardens due to their lush green foliage. A climbing fern, Lygodium flexuosum was suitable for trailing on walls and pergolas. Fern species such as Adiantum latifolium, Adiantum peruvianum, and Adiantum hispidulum were low-growing and had soft-textured fronds. These species were ideally suited for ground cover purposes. Nephrolepis exaltata cv. Fluffy ruffles, Nephrolepis exaltata cv. Furcans were found suitable for border plants in landscaping due to their tall growing nature. Species such as Rumohra adiantiformis G Forst., Davallia fijiensis, and Nephrolepis exaltata were well-suited as fillers in bouquets and flower arrangements due to attractive fronds and good postharvest life. The second experiment was conducted to standardize the spacing and nutrient doses for Rumohra adiantiformis G. Forst. The study was carried out by adopting three different spacing viz, 45 x 30 cm (S1), 45 x 45 cm (S2) and 60 x 45 cm (S3) and four fertilizer schedules viz., 80:40 N: K2O kg/ha/year (N1), 100:60 N: K2O kg/ha/year (N2), 120:80 N: K2O kg/ha/year (N3) and absolute control (N4). FYM @ 5t/ha and P2O5 @ 30 kg/ha and NPK 1:1:1 (19:19:19) at 0.4% (as foliar spray) were applied uniformly in all treatments except control. The results showed that spacing had significant influence on the vegetative characters and the spacing S1 (45 x 30 cm) was found superior in terms of plant height, frond length, stipe length, longevity of the frond, whereas the treatment S3 (60 x 45 cm) was outperformed in the parameters such as plant spread, number of fronds per plant, number of fronds per harvest, interval between two harvests throughout the experimental period. The nutrient dose N3 (120:80 N: K2O kg/ha/year) was found to have a significant impact on plant height, plant spread, number of fronds, frond length, stipe length, days taken for first harvest, number of fronds per harvest, and interval between two harvests. Regarding the interaction effect, the treatment combination of S1 x N3 (45x 30 cm spacing and nutrient dose of 120:80 N: K2O kg/ha/year) was found to be best for plant height, frond length, and stipe length. In case of plant spread and the number of fronds per plant, the treatment S3 x N3 (60 x 45 cm spacing and nutrient dose of 120:80 N: K2O kg/ha/year) was found to be best. Considering the parameters such as the length of the frond, stipe length, vase life, yield of fronds per hectare, cost of production, and net return, a combination spacing of 45 x 30 cm and the nutrient dose of 120:30:80 N: P2O5: K2O kg/ha/year along with FYM @ 5t/ha and NPK 1:1:1 (19:19:19) at 0.4% (as foliar spray) can be recommended for the cultivation of leather leaf fern. Findings of the study establish a clear baseline for selecting landscape-specific native fern genotypes and optimizing spacing and nutrient application for Rumohra adiantiformis G. Forst. to maximize yield and commercial viability.
Refinement of nutrient management practices in dendrobium orchids
(Department of Floriculture and Landscapingp, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Shilpa, P; Mini Sankar
Twenty five fragrant vandaceous orchids were evaluated in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping during the period from June 2016 to May 2017 with the objective of classifying them based on aesthetic and economic parameters for commercial exploitation as value added plants. The varieties exhibited wide variation in both vegetative and floral characters. Considering quantitative characters, Vasco Crownfox Red Gem recorded the maximum plant height (68.73cm), spread (52.23cm), internodal length (1.95cm) and leaf length (33.83cm). V. Pranerm Prai x V. tessellata showed maximum shoot girth (4.99cm), leaf area (105.54cm2), leaf number (37) and root length (181.75cm). The least values for all these characters were for Neostylis Lou Sneary. Duration from spike emergence to opening of florets was the maximum in Ascda Peggy Foo x Rhyn. Coelestis Blue and minimum in Neostylis Lou Sneary. Maximum spike longevity was recorded in V. Rothschildiana (29.30 days) whereas it was minimum in Rhy Sri Siam x Rhy gigantia (7.50 days). Interval of spike production was also the longest in Ascda. Peggy Foo x Rhyn. coelestis Blue and the minimum in Rhynchorides Bangkok Sunset. Spike production was the maximum in Neostylis Lou Sneary, followed by Ascda Srichai and Vasco Crownfox Red Gem. The varieties/ hybrids varied with regard to blooming period. The peak flowering was from May to July. Longer spike and rachis were noticed in Aerides quinque Vulnera Rhy. Coelestis. Vasco Blue Bay Pink had the highest number of florets/ spike and the shortest internodal length. Largest flowers were observed in V. Rothschildiana. Petal and labellum of the varieties also exhibited different colour patterns such as uniform, spotted, netted, tessellated and shaded. All the evaluated varieties were fragrant and were categorized based on different notes such as floral, fruity, spicy, green, sweet and miscellaneous. Fragrance was very faint in V. Rothschildiana whereas it was musty in Darwineria Cream Puff. With respect to the post-harvest characters longevity (vase life) was the maximum in V. JVB X Ascda Yip Sum Wah (17.30 days) and individual floret life (8.13 days) in V. Rothschildiana. Colour and pigmentation, texture, shape, pattern and size of florets as well as arrangement of florets on the spike were considered for the visual evaluation of a variety for use as cut flower. Considering the overall qualitative and quantitative attributes, Vascostylis Crownfox Red Gem, Vasco Blue Bay Blue, Rhynchorides Bangkok Sunset, V. Mimi Palmer, V. JVB X Ascda Yip Sum Wah and Vasco Blue Bay Pink were excellent for cut flower production. Plant quality evaluation was done based on fullness, growth and visual appearance, flower colour and pigmentation, spike longevity, shape and arrangement of foliage during the growth period. Fragrance scoring was also done based on intensity and diffusiveness, newness and beautifulness of fragrance. Based on the flowering phenology, four phenophases, namely, November – January, February – April, May – July and August – September were recorded and the varieties were categorized accordingly. Side-runs with different colour combinations were observed within a phenophase. The varieties were also categorized on the basis of flower colour, number of florets/ spike and floret size, longevity of spike on the plant , number of spikes produced / year and fragrance. Considering overall quantitative and qualitative characteristics, the evaluated varieties/ hybrids were categorized for cut flower, indoor and outdoor gardens for commercial exploitation as value added plants. The fragrance also makes it a novelty in landscaping to create a peaceful, relaxing environment.
Standardization of growing medium and growth retardants for compact growth of potted African marigold
(Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2021) Niranjana Gopal; Mini Sankar
The study entitled “ Standardization of growing medium and growth retardants for compact growth of potted African marigold” was carried out in the Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara during 2020-2021. The objective of the study was standardization of growing medium and growth retardants for regulating growth of potted African marigold for display purpose. The experiment consisted of five different media viz; cocopeat (60%) + vermicompost (20%) + vermiculite (10 %) + rice husk (10%) [M1], cocopeat (60%) + FYM (20%) + vermiculite (10%) + rice husk (10%) [M2], cocopeat (40%) + soil (20%) + vermicompost (20%) + vermiculite (10%) + rice husk(10%) [M3], cocopeat (40%) + soil (20%) + FYM (20%) + vermiculite (10%) + rice husk (10%) [M4] and soil: FYM: sand (1:1:1) [M5] and two growth retardants in three different levels viz; cycocel [750 ppm (GR1), 1000 ppm (GR2) and 1500 ppm (GR3)] and paclobutrazol [30 ppm (GR4), 60 ppm (GR5) and 90 ppm (GR6)] along with a control group of each media without application of growth retardants. Four week old seedling of marigold variety ‘Double Orange’ was used for the study. Observations on vegetative characters, Floral characters as well as the nutrient status of growing media were recorded. With regard to vegetative characters, growing media, growth retardants and interaction between growing media and growth retardants had significant influence. Shortest plants were observed in M1 [cocopeat (60%) + vermicompost (20%) + vermiculite (10 %) + rice husk (10%)] and among the growth retardants, paclobutrazol at 90 ppm [GR6] was found to produce short plants. The same treatment were also found superior with respect to plant spread, number of branches and number of leaves. Regarding interaction effect an improvement in all vegetative parameters was observed in M4 [cocopeat (40%) + soil (20%) +FYM (20%) + vermiculite (10%) + rice husk (10%)] x GR6 [paclobutrazol 90 ppm]. Significant effects of growing media could be observed in floral characters and M4 was found superior with respect to floral characters Viz; number of flowers per plant (10.14), flower diameter (4.61 cm)and field life of individual flowers (9.21 days). M2 was found superior in terms of other floral ABSTRACT characters viz; days taken for first flower bud emergence and days taken from flower bud initiation to flower opening. With respect to the influence of growth retardants on floral characters, a greater number of flowers per plant (9.50), flower diameter (4.22), flowering duration (96 days) and field life of individual flowers were observed by the application of paclobutrazol at 90 ppm. Growing medium and growth retardant interaction had significant influence on floral characters. Lowest days for first flower bud emergence and from flower bud initiation to flower opening were observed in M2 [cocopeat (60%) + FYM (20%) + vermiculite (10%) + rice husk (10%)] x GR1 [cycocel 750 ppm]. Number of flowers per plant was highest in M4 x GR6, M5 x GR6 and M4 x GR5 [paclobutrazol 60 ppm]. Treatment combination M4 x GR6, M5 x GR6 and M4 x GR4 [paclobutrazol 30 ppm] were superior with respect to flower diameter and field life of individual flowers. Analysis of growing media before and after the experiment for differentphysio- chemical properties revealed that M1 had the lowest bulk density (g/cm3 ) highest porosity (%) and water holding capacity (%).The chemical properties pH and EC of all the media were found in the favourable range [pH - 5.8- 6.2; EC<1.5dS/m] both before and after the experiment. Available N, P, K before and after the experiment was found highest in M4 .Plant nutrient content (NPK), Total chlorophyll content and uptake of nitrogen and potassium by plants were also found higher in M4. From the overall performance, it could be noted that the vegetative parameters viz; plant spread, number of branches and number of leaves as well as floral parameters such as number of flowers, size of flowers and field life of individual flowers were in desirable range in treatment combination M4 x GR6. Hence the medium M4 [cocopeat (40%) + soil (20%) + FYM (20%) + vermiculite (10%) + rice husk (10%)] along with application of paclobutrazol 90 ppm [GR6] 20 and 35 days after pinching can be recommended for compact growth of potted Africanmarigold
Varietal evaluation of gerbera (Gerblera jamesonii Bolus) under low cost green house
(Department Of Pomology And Floriculture, College Of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Mini Sankar; Sreelatha, U
Studies were conducted at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara.: to evaluate the performance of five gerbera varieties, viz., Essandre, Juvena, Lindessa, Tamara and Yanara and to compare ground planting with pot culture under low cost green house. The varieties differed significantly with respect to vegetative and floral characters. Variety Essandre was found to have maximum plant height, number of leaves, petiole length and leaf area. Plant spread was maximum in variety Yanara and variety Lindessa had maximum number of lobes on leaves. Variety Essandre produced maximum number of flowers per plant whereas variety Tamara was very poor in flower production. Flower diameter and stalk length were maximum in variety Yanara, while maximum stalk girth was recorded in variety Lindessa. Variety Juvena took minimum number of days for the emergence of first flower bud and from flower bud emergence to flower opening. Field life was maximum in variety Tamara. No significant variation was observed in the vase life of flowers of different gerbera varieties. A significant negative correlation was observed between relative humidity and number of leaves. A significant positive correlation was observed between plant height and number of leaves, petiole length and leaf area. Correlation between number of leaves and leaf area was also positive. No significant correlation was observed between weather parameters and floral characters. Period from flower bud initiation to flower opening was significantly and positively correlated with flower diameter, stalk length, stalk girth and field life of flowers. A significant negative correlation was observed between number of flowers and flower diameter, whereas flower diameter had a positive correlation with stalk length. Field life had a significant positive correlation with stalk length and stalk girth. As far as method of planting was concerned, it could be observed that varieties recorded better plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and more number of flowers in ground planting than in pot planting. Regarding the incidence of pests and diseases attack of flower thrips was a major problem during flowering season, especially during March-April when temperature was high. Varieties Juvena and Tamara were more prone to the attack. Even though there was no severe incidence of pathogens leaf blight was observed during May-June.