Browsing by Author "Nybe, E V"

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Analysis of growth and yield in Plumbago spp.
(Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikara, 2001) Jalaja S, Menon; Prasannakumari Amma, S; Nybe, E V
Studies on growth and yield of Plumbago rosea and Plumbago zeylanica were undertaken in the College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur during 1995 to 1998. Studies on growth up to 18 months after planting revealed that the two species exhibited a linear pattern of growth. There was no significant difference in fresh root yield of the two species. However, P. rosea recorded 7.78 per cent higher yield than P. zeylanica at 18 months after planting. The dry root yield was found to be significantly higher in P. zeylanica and the percentage of increase in yield in P. rosea was 83.5. It was observed that retention of crop in the field up to 18 months increased dry root yield by 2.27 times in P. rosea and 2.01 times in P. zeylanica as compared to harvesting at 12 moths after planting.
Characterization of dioecy and standardization of propagation through cuttings in allspice
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1999) Sreeja, V S; Nybe, E V
Comparative study on the perfomance of RRII 105 under high and low density planting in Chirayinkeezh taluk
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1996) Abdul Hameed, A; Nybe, E V
With a view to evaluate the performance of RRII 105 under different planting densities, 25 villages in Chirayinkeezh taluk of Thiruvananthapuram district were selected covering an area of 1915 hectares. Fifty units selected were categorized into three groups based on the number of plants per hectare. Group one comprised of those with 450 to 500 trees per hectare; group two, 501-600 trees per hectare and group three, above 600 trees per hectare. The holdings selected were planted during 1985 and 1990. Observations pertaining to growth, yield, incidence of diseases, wind damage, brown bast, etc. were recorded by periodical visit to the holdings as well as from the records maintained in the Regional Office, Rubber Board. The results of the present study generally agree with the results of experiments reported earlier. It is a fact that plants under wider spacing will be vigorously growing and is likely to attain tappable girth comparatively earlier. At lower densities, per tree yield is higher but the per hectare yield is low when compared to high densities of planting. The effect of close planting can be seen in the net income from a unit area of rubber plantation. Though the per tree yield is low in medium and high densities of planting, the total net income is always high. The high density also leads to high cost of maintenance. For meeting the tapping charge alone. Over 45 per cent of the maintenance cost is to be set apart. This item of expenditure goes upto 50 per cent in highest densities of plantation. The general notion is that if family labour is employed, the closer plantings will be more profitable as there is considerable savings towards labour cost. The peculiarity observed in Chirayinkeezh taluk is that even the smallest units measuring around 0.20 hectare in extent are engaging paid tappers and estate workers. This is because no grower is entirely dependent on rubber or agriculture in particular as a sole source of income. Under the circumstances it is advisable to recommend an initial stand between 550-600 per hectare subsequently reduced to 500 hectare at the time of tapping for small holders of Chirayinkeezh taluk as there is not much difference between the stand groups of 450-500 and 501-600 per hectare with respect to yield, net return and on various growth parameters. Keeping in view the recommendation in Malaysia (750 per hectare for small holders), it is suggested to undertake in depth studies in this direction before giving a specific recommendation with regard to high density planting considering the unique local situations. The findings of the study can be summarized as follows: Generally, plants in lower planting densities had medium to dense canopy Plants under wider spacing were comparatively more vigorous Height of branching was at higher level in close planting The intensity of common diseases affecting rubber tree could be rated as ‘low’ and large scale preventive/remedial measures were not warranted Daily tapping was the common accepted system of tapping in small holdings Brown bast symptoms started appearing notably and would intensify in the coming years Though per hectare yield was positively correlated with planting density, the per tree yield recorded a negative correlation. Higher BCR (2.28) was recorded in the case of normal planting density (450-500 trees/ha).
Economic analysis of banana, tapioca and ginger as intercrops in rubber plantations of Trichur taluk
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1993) Kingsly, P S; Nybe, E V
Effect of certain agronomic practices on the performance of kokkan affected nendran banana
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1992) Nybe, E V; Pushkaran, K; Suma, A; Darley Jose
The effects of certain agronomic practices on the performance of kokkan affected banana, cv. Nendran were studied at the Banana Research Station, Kannara during 1987. The results of the study revealed that the different agronomic practices such as application of K at double the recommended dose, MgSO4, fresh cowdung and neem cake snowed no significant improvement in kokkan affected plants with respect to yield, yield contributing characters and overall appearance of the bunch.
Effect of IBA on induction of rooting in stem cuttings of plumbago (Plumbago rosea L.)
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1996) Jalaja S Menon; Nybe, E V
Effect of planting density on the growth of rubber in the Vellanikkara estate
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 1993) Karthikeyan, K V; Nybe, E V
The present observations on the influence of different planting densities on the performance of two clones namely RRII 105 and RRII 118 are in conformity with the results of other field experiments reported earlier. In lower planting densities, trees produced good girth, high yield per tree, thick virgin bark and high rubber content. Whereas, high planting densities contributed to poor tree girth, high yield per tree, thick virgin bark and high rubber content. Whereas , high planting densities contributed to poor tree girth, thin virgin bark and lower yield per tree. However, planting density is dependent on various other factors viz. topography of the land, system of planting to be adopted, the planting materials, cost of labour and price of rubber. Anyway, a comprise between labour cost and rubber price is needed. As far as small holders are concerned, a higher stand per hectare is preferred, since the question of labour does not arise. Therefore, for small holding sector a higher stand is recommended in order to get high per hectare yield. But there should be an optimum stand. In Malaysia, for small holders having available family labour, a planting density of approximately 740 trees per hectare is recommended. However, indepth studies are required for a meaningful recommendation in our country. Salient results The trees were taller in high density planting The trees were more vigorous in low density planting. The highest mean girth of 64.7 cm was recorded by RRII 118 at a population density of 420 plants/ha.The percentage of weaklings increased with increase in population.The highest weakling percentage of 35.8 was recorded by the planting density of 824 plants per hectare. Poor bark growth in high density planting Per tree yield was more for low density planting whereas per hectare yield was less. With regard to high density planting , per tree yield was less and per hectare yield was more. Dry rubber content (drc) was more in low density planting. The highest percentage of 44.5 was recorded by RRII 118 at a planting density of 420 plants/ha. Light penetration was more in low density planting. The maximum light penetration recorded was 110.0 micromole/sec/m2 at a density of 420 plants per hectare.
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.
Growth, development and quality of vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Andrews) as influenced by organics and growth regulators
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2005) Anuja Gopal; Nybe, E V
Investigations on “Growth, development and quality of vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Andrews) as influenced by organics and growth regulators” were conducted under three experiments at College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2002-2004. The salient findings are abstracted below: Vegetative characters such as like the number of leaves, leaf length, breadth of leaf, leaf area, number of nodes, internodal length, girth of vine, duration of leaf emergence to maturity and number of aerial roots failed to exhibit any significant differences among treatments except for the length of vine. With respect to rate of growth of vine the treatment POP + biogas slurry showed maximum growth rate during December and POP+ biogas slurry + groundnut cake slurry showed maximum growth rate during February. With respect to foliar nutrient content, only potassium showed significant difference among the treatments. The vines which received POP + 17: 17: 17 complex spray recorded the highest value for potassium (3.80 per cent). The results of the experiment to induce parthenocarpy revealed that the treatments significantly influenced the parthenocarpic development of beans. Both growth regulators 2,4-D and GA recorded cent per cent fruit set. The length and volume of beans were more in PT2 (2,4-D- 0.20 mg/ flower bud, swabbing). Maximum girth and weight of beans were observed in hand pollinated beans. The experiment to improve the vanillin content of beans revealed that the growth regulators significantly influenced the quality of beans. The moisture content was recorded maximum in beans sprayed with IBA 100 ppm. It was observed that the vanillin content varied significantly among the treatments through out the curing period. After sun drying, the hand pollinated beans showed a high vanillin content of 3.98 per cent. After slow drying period VT4 (IBA – 200 ppm) recorded the highest vanillin content of 4.22 per cent and after conditioning VT6 (Kinetin – 200 ppm) recorded high vanillin content (4.20 per cent). Phenol content after curing was more in beans which received 200 ppm Kinetin spray and the highest sugar content was recorded by VT1 (NAA – 100 ppm).
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.
Impact of rubber plantation development schemes among small holders of rubber In Malappuram district
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, Horticulture College,Vellanikkara, 1994) Vijayakumar, V R; Nybe, E V
Impact of rubber plantation insurance scheme in traditional rubber growing tracts of Kerala
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1996) Mohamed Abdul Kader, S S; Nybe, E V
The study on the ‘Impact of rubber plantation insurance scheme in the traditional rubber growing tracts of Kerala’ has revealed that the scheme, being a recently introduced subject, has not gained much popularity. The ongoing scheme had covered only seven per cent of the total rubber area in the State, for the period upto 1994. Out of this, the percentage share of immature area is 22 and mature area a meagre two per cent. It was also observed that the scheme is highly solvent and profitable from the angle of the insurance company, in that the company had paid as compensation only 27 per cent of total premium amount collected. Thus the insurance company was left with a surplus of 73 per cent of the total premium collected, excluding the possible interest accrued on the same periodically. It was found that in mature as well as immature plantations, the major causes of damage was wind/storm. Damages due to agencies like fire, flood, lightning and drought were very minimal. The limitations of the scheme were found to be less coverage, the arbitrary franchise limit, lack of provision for payment of compensation for loss of prospective yield and lack of no claim bonus. Considering the solvency there is scope for further reduction of premium, including perils like drought permanently, considering for yield loss due to diseases etc. One of the reasons for low insuring in mature area is because of lack of any promotional effort by insurance companies. The field survey was extended to 50 insured units only in the Thrissur district out of 1398 units insured. Moreover, the rubber holdings insured in traditional rubber growing tracts of Kerala are spread over to 30235 units in 14 districts. To have an indepth analysis on the impact of the scheme, further studies covering the entire tract is necessary. Highlights of the study The scheme, even after seven years of its launching, had benefited only a small percentage of growers in the traditional rubber growing tracts of Kerala. More awareness campaign among small and marginal farmers, especially who own mature uninsured rubber areas, will be of much use. Insurance cover provided for different perils other than wind/storm, fire, lightning and land side reflects academic coverage only. The insurer is financially benefited by the scheme as the situation stands now. The stand per hectare now in vogue requires upward revision atleast in the immature phase. Considering the solvency there is scope for further reduction of premium.
Influence of methods of planting and shade on growth ,yield and plumbagin content of ‘Chethikoduveli’ (Plumbago rosea Linn)
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1994) Jalaja S Menon; Nybe, E V
Investigations on “ Influence of methods of planting and shade on growth, yield and plumbagin content of ‘Chethikoduveli” (plumbago rosea Linn.)” was conducted at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1993-’94. The study was undertaken with the main objectives of identifying suitable method of planting for better growth, root yield and plumbagin content and to assess the effect of shade on growth, yield and quality of plumbago. The investigation was also aimed at gathering information regarding the suitability of growing plumbago an intercrop in young coconut garden. A preliminary trial was carried out in order to study the influence of rooting hormone on rooting of plumbago cuttings. Dipping the cuttings in 500 ppm IBA for 30 seconds was found to give a higher survival percentage, higher root number and root length and recorded a lesser time for bud break. Two sets of experiments. One under full sunlight and another under the natural shade of coconut were laid out. The four planting methods tried were ridge and furrow, flat bed, mound and pit followed by mound. The morphological characters studied in the present investigations were the height, spread, number of suckers, total number of leaves, leaf area per plant and internodal length. The yield parameters such as number, length, girth and volume of root and fresh and dry weights of shoot and root per plant, shoot : root ratio and chlorophyll content were also studied. The plumbagin content in the root was also studied. When the two growing conditions were compared, a higher field establishment could be observed under natural shade of coconut. Among the biometric characters studied, shade had a positive influence on internodal length during the entire period of growth. However, the favourable effect of shade on plant height could be observed only during the initial periods of growth. There was not much variation in the total chlorophyll and ratio of chlorophyll a to b under partial and full sunlight. There was no significant difference in the root yield under open and shade conditions. But the crops under partial sunlight recorded a higher shoot weight. Eventhough the crude plumbagin was higher under shade condition, there was no marked difference in the purified plumbagin. The intensity of flowering was found to be high under open condition. The leaf blight incidence, mite damage and nematode attack were also more under open condition. When different plating methods were considered irrespective of shade and open conditions, the four methods studied viz. ridge and furrow, flat bed, mound and pit followed by mound had no significant influence on biometric character, root yield and plumbagin content. The study revealed the possibility of successfully cultivating plumbago as an intercrop in young coconut plantation adopting any method of planting such as ridge and furrow, flat bed, mound and pit followed by mound.
Investigations on the nutrition of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1986) Nybe, E V; Sivaraman Nair, P C
Isoenzyme variation and species relationship in genus piper
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1996) Abraham Sebastian; Sujatha, V S; Nybe, E V; Sreekandan Nair, G; Augustine, A
Eleven species of Piper including Piper rugrum were studied for variations in isoenzymes of three enzymes viz., peroxidase, esterase and glutaraate oxaloacetate transaminase. On grouping based on isoenzyme similarity, P. nigrum Linn.. P. pseudonigrum Velayudhan and Amalraj, P. bababudani Rahirnan and P. galeatum DC formed one group while P. argyrophyllum Miq. and P. attenuatum Buch-Hara constituted the second group and P. chaha Hunter, P. hapnium Miq. and P. colubrinum Link emerged as the third group. P. betle Linn, and P. longum Linn, showed their distinctness from the rest of the species. Least similarity was observed between P. colubrinum on one side and P. pseudonigrum and P. bahabudam on the other side.
Isoenzyme variation in Piper nigrum L.
(Kerala Agricultural University, 2000) Abraham Sebastian; Sujatha, V S; Nybe, E V; Sreekandan Nair, G; Mallika, V K
Isoenzyme patterns of 26 varieties of P. nigrum were compared for three enzymes viz., csterase, peroxidase and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase. Similarity among the varieties ranged from 0.40 1.00. Wide variation was observed among the cultivated types of P. iiignini for the three enzymes analysed.
Marketing of rubber by small growers in Nedumangad taluk
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1996) Abdul Rasheed, M; Nybe, E V
The study “Marketing of rubber by small growers in Nedumangad taluk” revealed that a major portion of the sheet rubber produced by the small holders is of inferior quality. It is a fact of differential pricing based on quality of sheets is not in vogue in the locality where the study was conducted . For the production of better quality grades , the existing facilities for processing as well as infrastructure should be further developed.With regard to the system of tapping adopted , it was observed that majority of the growers adopted daily tapping and not bothered about the ill effects due to daily extraction . Albeit, the beneficial effects of scientific processing of sheet rubber is well established , it is paradoxical to note that majority of the farmers are not aware/following scientific aspects of processing like use of correct concentration of acid , sodium bi sulphate, paranitrophenol, sieving, smoking etc. for the production of sheet. The reason for this anomaly is clearly understood that there is no marked variation in prices of quality and ungraded sheet rubber. However, an interesting factor to be noted in this aspect is that the difference between the farmgate price and terminal market price is negligible as the producers received more than 80 percent of the price paid by the consumer It was also found that planters are opportunistic in the sense, very often they switch over from sheet rubber production to sale of latex as such and vice versa depending up on the prevailing market conditions. Regarding the mode of disposal, periodicity and marketing certain peculiarities were revealed during the study. The frequency of sales varied from monthly to yearly. In the case of small holders(up to 1.00 ha ) majority of them have sold their crop monthly because they were in need of money frequently ; and farmers who are financially sound resort to year wise sales for their seasonal capital expenditure . It was a general trend that the farmers who are having estates far away from residences sold their produce as latex. It was also revealed that the common farmers are unaware of the technique of calculating DRC which led to the deception of the farmers by the dealers causing heavy loss to the growers. It was also found that the primary dealers sell their produce to the secondary dealers as lot of rubber and secondary dealers sort out the lot rubber in to different grades gaining much profit out of it . As a remedial measures for improving the quality of processed rubber, long term policies should be taken to start central processing factories to produce quality rubber sheets or technically specified form of crumb/block rubber from latex collected from small rubber growers. The dealers chain can therefore be by passed and the financial benefit of small holders increased . It is a suggestion that the long term measures can be undertaken by the present Rubber producers Societies scattered throughout the taluk. The latex/scrap collected by the RPS’s can be processed into technically specified form of quality rubber or block rubber, as the case may be , in the factory owned by the apex society/ company of the Rubber Producers Societies. The Rubber Board has drawn up a scheme for assisting RPS’ s to set up smoke house . These smoke house will procure latex from the member growers, process it in to higher grades of sheet rubber and sell it in bulk to secure maximum prices . The Rubber Board provides all help and assistance in these efforts . The main trust is in strengthening of RPS’s. The Board operate a scheme for giving subsidy for the construction of smoke houses. The RPS at the grassroot level is the foundation on which this view marketing set-up is being built. Its success, therefore, depends on the active participation , patronage and involvement of the R P S’s . If this is successfully accomplished, no doubt it will usher in an era of prosperity to the small farmers.
Morphological studies and quality evaluation of ginger (zingiber officinale rosco) types
(Department of Horticulture (Plantation Crops), College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1978) Nybe, E V; Sivaraman Nair, P C
A detailed study of 25 ginger types was conducted during the period from April 1977 to June 1978 at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara with a view to find out the feasibility of fixing up specific morphological characters to identify different types, to screen out ginger types with high yield, high quality and resistant or tolerant to pests and diseases and to study the quality variations at different periods of maturity. The study revealed that morphological characters are not reliable to classify the ginger types, although some of them can be identified by rhizome characters. The morphological characters such as length of leaf, leaf area index and number, length and girth of primary and secondary fingers were found to be positively correlated with yield. All the types studied are susceptible to the incidence of soft-rot, leaf –spot and shoot-borer. The type Maran was relatively tolerant to soft-rot whereas Rio-de-Janeiro was found to be the most susceptible type. Yield was found to vary significantly among the types studied. Maximum yield was recorded in Nadia followed by Bajpai, Maran and Narasapattom. Maximum oleoresin percentage was in Rio-de-Janeiro and highest percentage of oil recovery in Karakal. But the maximum yield per hectare of oleoresin and oil was in the type Maran. Fibre content was minimum in China and maximum in Kuruppampady closely followed by Maran. The yield, dryage and percentage of oleoresin, oil and crude fibre varied significantly among the different maturity periods studied. The percentage of oleoresin, oil and fibre was maximum at 165 days after planting. But the maximum yield per hectare of oleoresin and oil were found at 270, 195, 225 and 225 days after planting in Rio-de-Janeiro, Maran, Kuruppampady and Wynad Local respectively. Cultivation of the types Nadia, Bajpai and Maran is recommended for higher total yield of dry ginger for the plains of Kerala. Considering the low incidence of soft – rot and higher yield of oleoresin and ginger oil the type Maran is preferred.
Nusery Manual for Pepper
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1997) Nybe, E V
Nutrient deficiency in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) - calcium, magnesium and sulphur
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1987) Nybe, E V; Nair, P C S
Studies conducted to induce deficiency symptoms of Ca, Mg and S in pepper revealed that the deficiency symptoms were first manifested on the younger leaves except in the case of Mg. Calcium deficiency symptoms appeared as tiny brown necrotic spots on chlorotic area near margins which later enlarged to form black necrotic areas. Visible symptom of Mg deficiency was oval interveinal chlorotic area followed by black necrotic patches. Sulphur deficiency was manifested as uniform yellowing with brown necrotic spots. The reduction in shoot growth and leaf area index was maximum in the case of deficiency of S (48% and 17%) whereas the effect of Ca and Mg deficiency on vegetative growth was comparatively low. However, the deficiency of Ca resulted in a marked reduction in root growth which extended upto 61 per cent. The growth of the vine was completely arrested at a very early stage of 4.5 months after treatment due to S deficiency whereas no cessation of growth occurred in the case of deficiencies of Ca and Mg. Concurrent with the manifestation of deficiency symptoms, there was a reduction in the foliar levels of the concerned elements. Initial symptoms of deficiency were manifested when the foliar level was reduced to 1.51 per cent in the case of Ca, 0.913 per cent in Mg and 0.121 percent in S. Antagonistic effects among K, Ca and Mg were also observed. The deficiency symptoms could be recovered by the application of the nutrient element which was deficient.