Browsing by Author "Nimisha Mathews"

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Growth and development of rhizomes in small cardamom [Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton]
(Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Agriculture, 2025) Devika, M P.; Nimisha Mathews; Reji Rani, O P.
The thesis work entitled “Growth and development of rhizomes in small cardamom [Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton] types” was conducted at Cardamom Research Station, Pampadumpara, Idukki during 2023 to 2025. The study aimed at identification of variations in growth and development of rhizomes as well as rhizomatization behaviour of cultivated small cardamom types in the high ranges of Idukki. The present study was conducted through two experiments to assess the growth and development of rhizomes in small cardamom types at monthly interval for period of one year. The first experiment involved plants raised from suckers, while the second focused on those raised from seedlings. Completely Randomised Design (CRD) consisting of 3 treatments (cultivated types) with 5 replications each were followed. The three treatments were T1 (Malabar), T2 (Vazhukka) and T3 (Mysore). The growth parameters, physiological parameters, qualitative as well as quantitative characters of rhizomes and rhizome and root anatomy were recorded and analysed statistically. Significant cultivar-wise differences were observed. For growth parameters, In sucker raised plants, T3 (Mysore) recorded the highest mother tiller height (190.56 cm at 3 MAP) subsequent senescence caused a gradual decline in height. T3 (Mysore) recorded the highest tiller thickness (3.04 cm at 5 MAP) in sucker propagated plants, 2.75 cm at 12 MAP in seedling raised plants. In physiological parameters study, T3 (Mysore) exhibited significantly higher dry matter content of leaves at 12 MAP in suckers (59.40 g) and T2 (Vazhukka) in seedlings (40.03 g). T3 (Mysore) exhibited significantly higher dry matter content of pseudostem at most of the observation stages in both sucker (322.99 g) as well as seedling raised plants (69.85 g). T3 (Mysore) exhibited significantly higher dry matter content of pseudostem at most of the observation stages in both sucker (322.99 g) as well as seedling raised plants (69.85 g). 150 In sucker-propagated small cardamom, the plant base colour remained relatively stable over the 12-month period. T1 (Malabar) exhibited a consistent medium purple pink (N66B), T2 (Vazhukka) showed dominant shades of medium brown green (146C) and medium blue pink (N66D), while T3 (Mysore) featured medium green (140B), light blue pink (69A), and medium blue pink (68C). In seedling-raised plants, the base colour across all types was initially medium green (144A, 140B) from 1 to 4 MAP, transitioning to medium purple pink (N66B) and medium blue pink (N66D) from 5 MAP onward. Rhizome shape in sucker-propagated small cardamom plants showed distinct cultivar-specific patterns: T1 (Malabar) maintained a straight form throughout, T2 (Vazhukka) consistently displayed a curved shape, while T3 (Mysore) exhibited both straight and curved forms. In seedling-propagated plants, T1 retained straight rhizomes, T2 shifted from straight to curved over time, and T3 showed a consistent mix of both shapes. Rhizome skin and flesh colours varied dynamically over the 12-month period in both propagation methods. Skin colour transitioned from lighter yellow-green (154D) to darker green-brown shades (152D, 153D), while flesh colour shifted from light green (145C) to light yellow (150D). Surface texture in sucker-grown plants remained rough throughout, except in newly emerging finger rhizomes, whereas in seedlings, the texture gradually changed from smooth to rough over time. In quantitative rhizome characters, significant difference were observed at early (1-4 MAP), mid (5-8 MAP) and late (9-12 MAP) stages of observation. In sucker-propagated plants, T3 (Mysore) recorded the highest rhizome length during early to mid growth stages (9.24–10.30 cm), while in seedlings, it declined to 2.56–6.74 cm at later stages. T2 (Vazhukka) consistently showed greater rhizome width in suckers (23.17–39.20 mm), while in seedlings, significant differences were noted only at the mid stage. Finger rhizomes in suckers showed a steady node increase, with T2 (Vazhukka) highest (3.00–14.00), followed by T3 (Mysore) (4.80–12.40) and T1 (Malabar) (2.80–12.75). In seedlings, nodes appeared after 3 MAP; T1 (Malabar) had the highest count (1.90–9.40), followed by T2 (2.57–9.40) and T3 151 (2.40–8.63), with no significant differences. Internodes in seedlings increased steadily, with T3 leading (2.60–9.20), followed by T2 (2.20–9.60) and T1 (2.40–8.80). In suckers, internodes rose progressively with T2 (Vazhukka) showing significantly higher mid-stage values (2.40–13.00), followed by T3 (4.00–11.40) and T1 (2.20–11.75). In seedlings, internodes appeared post 3 MAP with no significant variation; T1 (1.50–8.40) led, followed by T2 (1.97–8.40) and T3 (1.80–7.83). T3 (Mysore) seedlings had the longest roots by 12 MAP (6.12–39.07 cm), followed by T1 (6.06–34.27 cm) and T2 (5.73–33.59 cm). In sucker-raised plants, root width was highest in T2 (3.70–7.69 mm), followed by T3 (3.60–7.35 mm). In seedlings, T2 (1.75–4.98 mm) and T3 (1.76–4.89 mm) showed comparable higher widths, with significant variation only at 12 MAP. Fibrous root mat diameter was highest in sucker-grown T2 (24.37–70.16 cm) across early to mid stages. T1 (Malabar) exhibited significantly higher shoot emergence in suckers at later growth stages (1.40–12.80). The study revealed distinct patterns in rhizome growth, development, and behavior, along with associated morphological and anatomical traits, across the three major cultivars—Malabar, Mysore, and Vazhukka—under both seedling- and sucker-origin propagation. Notably, variations in rhizome dynamics were closely linked to differences in vegetative performance, emphasizing the influence of cultivar type on both below- and above-ground growth throughout the study period. Plants raised from suckers consistently exhibited earlier and more vigorous vegetative growth, stable rhizome pigmentation, and better mineral accumulation compared to seedling-derived plants. Among cultivars, T3 (Mysore) showed superior vegetative traits and higher biomass accumulation; T2 (Vazhukka) displayed early bud initiation and delayed senescence; while T1 (Malabar) produced more tillers in sucker-propagated plants. Both Mysore and Vazhukka demonstrated strong potential for rhizome improvement. 152 Anatomically, all cultivars exhibited typical monocotyledonous structures closely resembling ginger, with no significant differences among them, reflecting structural consistency within the Zingiberaceae family. Rhizome traits showed progressive improvement across treatments and proved to be reliable indicators for selection, characterization, and crop improvement. These findings support the development of a standardized rhizome descriptor by integrating rhizome-specific traits into the existing cardamom descriptor framework, thereby enhancing cultivar identification accuracy, facilitating effective germplasm management, and supporting Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) testing.
Screening ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) genotypes under different growing conditions and for value addition
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Nimisha Mathews; Krishnakumary, K
Ginger is an important commercial spice crop grown in India for culinary and medicinal purposes. The present study entitled “Screening ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) genotypes under different growing conditions and for value addition” was taken up at College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2015-18 to evaluate the performance of ginger genotypes with respect to yield and quality, growth under different growing conditions, quality of different maturity stages and to identify types suitable for different value added products. A total of fourteen somaclones developed through indirect organogenesis and indirect embryogenesis were selected for the study. Genotypes exhibited wide variability in plant characters, yield characters and quality attributes. Plant height was maximum in the somaclone SE 86102 (107.35 cm) at 6 months growth stage. Number of tillers was maximum in CHP118 (20.33) at 6 months stage. Number of leaves per shoot was found higher in CHP 118 (28.67) and in SE 86 26. Leaf area was the highest in CHP 118 at 4 months stage and C8632 at 6 months stage. Among the physiological parameters recorded, photosynthetic and transpiration rates were the highest in CHP 118 and SE 86 42. Number of primary and secondary rhizomes was maximum in SE 8626, CHP 118 and C8632 (>30 t/ha). Weight of primary and secondary rhizomes was highest in SE 8626 and SE 8642. Fresh yield was highest in SE 8626, CHP 118, SE 8642 & C 8632. Driage (23%) and dry yield (7.9t/ha) were the highest in SE 8626. The quality attributes such as volatile oil, oleoresin and crude fiber contents varied significantly among the genotypes. The highest content of volatile oil (3.62%) was recorded in CHP 118. Oleoresin content (>6%) was maximum in Rio-de- Jenairo. Fibre content increased with age of rhizomes recording lowest values (< 2.5%) in SE 86 83, C 86 26 and SE 86 42. Highest content of Gingerol (1.48 %) and Shogoal (0.16%) was recorded in Rio –de- Janeiro and CHP 282 respectively. Among the genotypes evaluated under different growing conditions, variability in plant height was observed. During the growth stages, all the genotypes exhibited higher plant height under rain shelter condition, whereas at 6 months stage plants were taller in open field. Number of tillers and leaves were significantly higher in open condition. Tiller number ranged from 14 to 17 under open field and 6 to 7 in rain shelter. Leaf area was the highest at 5 months growth stage which later decreased. Among the two growing conditions, the highest leaf area was observed in open condition in SE 8640 and SEHP 9. Generally, somaclones grown in open condition recorded higher yield and SEHP 9, SE 8081 and SE 8640 were identified as higher yielders. But in SE 86 40, the yield was on par both in open and rain shelter conditions indicating its suitability for growing under rain shelter condition. Driage did not differ significantly between the two growing conditions. Driage and dry yield were higher in SE 86 81 and SEHP 9. Higher values for photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance were recorded in open field. Among the two growing conditions, quality parameters were higher in rainshelter cultivation though not significant. SE 8640 recorded the highest volatile oil content under both growing conditions (open field -4.45 % and rain shelter -4.67 %). All genotypes except SE 8640 recorded an oleoresin content of more than 5 %. Fibre content increased with maturity recording maximum values at 7 months stage. Lower fibre content was recorded under rain shelter condition. Among the somaclones, SE 8681 and SE 86131 recorded lower values for fiber content at 5 months stage. Elite varieties satisfying the requirements for specific end products are the need of the hour to capitalize on the processing front. Biochemical parameters such as moisture content, TSS, titratable acidity, pH and colour were recorded for analyzing the storage stability of the products viz., candy, flakes and powder. The somaclones SE 8683, C 8626 and SE 8642 were found to be the best for candy preparation based on its overall consumer acceptability and storage stability. SE 8683, C 8626 and SE 8642 were found suitable for flakes preparation and SE 8683, C 8626, SE 8642 and C8632 for making quality ginger powder.
Standardization of techniques for better rooting and growth of orthotropic shoots in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)
(Department of plantation crops and spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2014) Nimisha Mathews; Sulekha, G R
The present study on “Standardization of techniques for better rooting and growth of orthotropic shoots in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)” was carried out at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2012- 2014. The objective of the study was to standardize techniques for profuse rooting and vigorous growth of orthotropic shoots of black pepper so as to produce quality planting material. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design consisting of 10 treatments with 3 replications. All the treatments were tried using 2 node and 3 node semi hardwood cuttings of orthotropic shoots of black pepper. The treatments consisted of IBA (500 ppm and 1000 ppm), common sugar solution (1 per cent, 2 per cent and 3 per cent), AMF, Azospirillum 15 per cent and Psuedomonas 15 per cent. Solarized potting mixture enriched with Trichoderma was used for all the treatments including control and PGPR Mix -II was drenched uniformly in all treatments except absolute control. In the experiment with 2 node cuttings, T7 (Azospirillum 15 per cent) was found to be superior for most of the growth characters like minimum number of days for sprouting and number of days for 50 per cent sprouting . The same treatment recorded the highest value for height of sprouted cutting, length of leaf, breadth of leaf and leaf area. But the maximum values for number of leaves, petiole length, internodal length, root volume and number of roots was recorded in T2 (IBA 1000 ppm). In experiment with 3 node cuttings, T2 registered minimum number of days for sprouting, number of days for 50 per cent sprouting, highest values for height of sprouted cutting, number of leaves, petiole length, number of roots and root volume. The anatomical characters when studied, leaf cuticle thickness was highest in 2 node cuttings treated with T5 (common sugar solution 3 per cent) and in 3 node cuttings treated with T6 (AMF). The number of vascular bundles in leaf was found highest in T2 (IBA 1000 ppm) for both 2 node and 3 node cuttings. But the number of vascular bundles in root was highest in T1 (IBA 500 ppm), both in the case of 2 node and 3 node cuttings. For stomatal frequency, T7 showed maximum value in both the cases. The treatment T8 (Psuedomonas 15 per cent) recorded highest value for total dry matter production in both the experiments. The biological properties of potting mixture (after the experiment) showed that, AMF colonization and spore count was maximum in T6 for 2 node and 3 node cuttings .The observation on total actinomycetes load was highest in T7 in both the experiments. The treatment, T7 showed the highest percentage of success in the establishment of 2 node orthotropic cuttings which was on par with T1 and T2. With 3 node cuttings also T7 and T1 showed highest percentage success in the establishment of cuttings. From the results, it can be concluded that 2 or 3 node cuttings with Azospirillum 15 per cent or IBA 1000 ppm or IBA 500 ppm were found to be the best treatments for better rooting and growth of orthotropic shoots in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) when planted in solarized potting mixture enriched with Trichoderma. However, 2 node cuttings are preferred because the availability of orthotropic shoots are scarce in black pepper.