Browsing by Author "Rafeekher, M"

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Development of micropropagation protocols for aquascape plants
(Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2025-05-30) Greeshma Baby; Rafeekher, M
The thesis work entitled “Development of micropropagation protocols for aquascape plants” was carried out at Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2022-2024. The study was conducted to standardize in vitro propagation protocol for three aquascape plants Hydrocotyle verticillata, Rotala wallichii, and Echinodorus grisebachii using stem node explants. The study comprised of five experiments. The first experiment was to standardize surface sterilization of explants; explants of three plants were separately treated with mercuric chloride in concentrations (0.08 %, 0.1 %) for durations (5 minutes, 7 minutes), mercuric chloride (0.03 %, 0.05 %) for durations (5 minutes) and sodium hypochlorite (1 %, 1.5 %) for durations (10 minutes, 15 minutes). The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design consisting of eleven treatment combinations along with control (distilled water) with three replications and carried out separately for three plants. In Hydrocotyle verticillata 0.08% HgCl₂ for 7 minutes was the best treatment resulted in maximum survival with no contamination. In Rotala wallichii 0.03 % HgCl₂, 5 minutes was most effective with no contamination and maximum survival. In Echinodorus grisebachii 0.05 % HgCl₂, 5 minutes was the best surface sterilization treatment with maximum survival and no contamination. The second experiment was to standardize tissue culture medium for culture establishment and shoot induction. The explants were inoculated in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium and half-strength Murashige and Skoog (1/2 MS) medium, with different combinations of growth regulators, namely BAP (0, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0) mg L⁻¹, NAA (0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5) mg L⁻¹, and Kinetin (0, 1, 3, 5) mg L⁻¹. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design with twenty-six treatment combinations and three replications. In Hydrocotyle verticillata, MS +1.5 mg L-1 BAP was found to be the best in all shoot initiation parameters. MS + 2 mg L-1 BAP was found to be best shoot initiation medium in Rotala wallichii and Echinodorus grisebachii. Third experiment was to standardize the rooting medium. Explants were inoculated in different combinations of IBA (0, 1, 3, 5) mg L-1 and IAA (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5) mg L-1. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design with fourteen treatment combinations and three replications. The Best rooting medium in Hydrocotyle verticillata and Rotala wallichii was ½ MS + 1.0 mg L-1IBA with maximum root initiation percentage and rapid root emergence. In Echinodorus grisebachii ½ MS + 3.0 mg L-1 IBA was the best. Fourth experiment was to standardize sucrose concentration for both shooting and rooting medium. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design with eight treatments each for shooting and rooting medium. Explants were inoculated in best shooting and rooting medium along with different sucrose concentrations (10, 20, and 30) g L-1. For Hydrocotyle verticillata, among various sucrose concentrations tested, 1.5 mg L-1 BAP medium along with 30 g L-1sucrose was found to be most effective for enhancing all vegetative attributes, including shoot initiation, elongation, and leaf production. Additionally, the best rooting response was achieved in half strength MS with 1 mg L-1IBA and 30 g L 1sucrose, resulted in maximum root initiation. The combination of 30 g L-1sucrose with MS medium containing 2 mg L-1 BAP was the most effective for promoting shoot initiation, elongation, and leaf formation in Rotala wallichii and maximum root initiation was obtained in half strength MS medium with 1 mg L-1 IBA and 30 g L-1 sucrose. In Echinodorus grisebachii, supplementation of MS medium with 2 mg L-1 BAP and 30 g L-1 sucrose significantly enhanced shoot initiation, elongation, and leaf production and maximum rooting response was observed in half-strength MS medium enriched with 3 mg L-1 IBA and 30 g L 1sucrose. The fifth experiment was to standardize hardening medium. Soil, aqua soil, LECA pebbles, sand, gravel and coco fiber were used in this experiment. These substrates were filled in net pots and kept inside containers filled with water for hardening. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design consisting of eight treatments with five replications. Among these aqua soil proved to be the most effective medium for hardening in all three plants. The protocols for Hydrocotyle verticillata, Rotala wallichii, and Echinodorus grisebachii were standardized. For Hydrocotyle verticillata, the shoot initiation medium was 1.5 mg L-1 BAP, rooting with ½ MS + 1.0 mg L-1 IBA, 30 g L-1 sucrose, and aqua soil as the hardening substrate. In Rotala wallichii, 2 mg L-1 BAP for shoot initiation, rooting with ½ MS + 1.0 mg L-1 IBA, 30 g L-1 sucrose, and aqua soil for hardening. For Echinodorus grisebachii, shoot initiation medium was 2 mg L-1 BAP, rooting with ½ MS + 3.0 mg L-1 IBA, 30 g L-1 sucrose, and aqua soil as the substrate for hardening.
Enhancing fruit set and yield of tomato (solanum lycopersicum L.) in polyhouse using artificial pollination and growth regulators
(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2018) Gayathri, G; Rafeekher, M
Evaluation of Herbicidal properties of Horticultural crop products and by-products in Organic Farming of Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L..) Moench]
(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2019) Saranya Sasikumar; Rafeekher, M
The study entitled “Evaluation of herbicidal properties of horticultural crop products and by-products in organic farming of okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]” was conducted in the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2018-19. The study aims to evaluate the herbicidal properties of different horticultural crop products and by-products such as coconut vinegar, cashew nut shell liquid, lemon extract, clove leaf oil and eucalyptus oil and to study their herbicidal efficacy in organic farming of okra. The study was conducted in two parts: 1) Preliminary evaluation of horticultural crop products and by-products as herbicides and 2) Evaluation of herbicides in organic farming of okra. For preliminary evaluation of herbicides, seed beds were prepared by tilling with rotavator and weeds were allowed to grow for 45 days. The emerged weeds were smothered by herbicide preparations in randomly selected mini plots in separate experiments for each horticultural product and by product in Completely Randomised Design replicated five times. For preliminary evaluation as herbicides, acetic acid content of coconut vinegar was enhanced from 4 to 5, 7.5,10 and 12.5 percent by freeze distillation (CVH), cashew nut shell liquid was emulsified to 5, 10, 15 and 20 percent (CNSLH), citric acid in lemon extract was enhanced to 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 percent by evaporation (LEH) and sprayed on weeds @ 50mlm-2. CVH at 12.5 percent consistently reduced absolute density of grasses, sedges and broad leaved weeds at 15 and 45 days after spraying as well as lower root biomass, shoot biomass and higher weed control efficiency (70.37 and 56.3% at 15 and 45 DAS). Among CNSL emulsions 20 percent CNSLH consistently reduced absolute density of grasses, sedges and broad leaved weeds as well as recorded lower root biomass, shoot biomass and higher weed control efficiency. Among LEH though, absolute density of grasses and sedges were not significantly reduced by any of the concentrations. 10 percent lemon extract significantly reduced absolute density of broad leaved weeds at 15 DAS (32.97) at 15 and 45 DAS as well as recorded lower root biomass and shoot biomass and weed control efficiency. Enhanced weed growth at 45 days compared to 15 days after spraying warrant repeated application of herbicides for adequate control. CVH with 12.5percent acetic acid along with 1, 2, 3 and 4 percent clove leaf oil (CLOH) was sprayed on weeds @ 50mlm-2. CLOH consisting 4 percent clove leaf oil consistently reduced absolute density of grasses, sedges and broad leaved weeds at 15 and 45 DAS as well as recorded lower root biomass, shoot biomass and weed control efficiency. CVH with 12.5 percent acetic acid along with 1, 2, 3, 4 percent eucalyptus oil (EOH) was sprayed on weeds @ 50mlm-2. EOH consisting 4 percent eucalyptus oil consistently reduced absolute density of grasses, sedges and broad leaved weeds at 15 and 45 DAS as well as recorded lower root biomass, shoot biomass and weed control efficiency (96.96 and 67.46% at 15 and 45 DAS). In part II of the study 12.5 percent CVH, 20 percent CNSLH, 10 percent LEH, 4 percent CLOH and 4 percent EOH were sprayed on the 45 day old weeds on stale seed bed, repeated application thirty days after sowing of okra variety Anjitha seeds in comparison to organic mulching with mango leaves, hand weeding till 7th week and weedy check. All treatments controlled weeds compared to weedy check with regard to growth parameters and CLOH spray at 15 days before and 30 days after sowing, performed on par with hand weeded plot for higher germination of okra (90.97%), plant height (114.20cm), branches (2.87), number of leaves (20) and lower duration for 50 percent flowering (49.20 days). All treatments improved yield parameters compared to weedy check except number of flowers per plant wherein lemon extract did not differ. CLOH performed on par to hand weeding for more harvests (17), flowers per plant (10.18), fruit set (87.42%), number of fruits per plant (8.90) yield (9.89tha-1) and extended crop duration (105 days). All treatments reduced absolute density of grasses, sedges and broad leaved weeds except LEH on entire crop duration. Hand weeding reduced absolute density of grasses and sedges up to 30 days after sowing but CLOH and EOH were on par for control of broad leaved weeds only. After the second spraying at 30 days after sowing, CLOH and EOH performed on par with hand weeding for controlling grasses, sedges and broad leaved weeds. Hand weeding reduced root and shoot biomass up to 60 days after sowing but CLOH performed on par after second spray at 30 days after sowing. Hand weeding and CLOH were on par for weed control efficiency, weed index, lower nutrient uptake by weeds and higher nutrient uptake by okra. CLOH reduced pH, but on par for organic carbon content and EC of soil compared to hand weeding. CVH improved microbial population of soil, but on par with CLOH for fungi. Herbicide application did not change population of earthworms but improved dehydrogenase activity over weedy check. Single spray of CLOH 15 days before sowing recorded highest B:C ratio (1.54) In conclusion, Clove Leaf Oil Herbicide (mixture of coconut vinegar with 12.5% acetic acid and 4% clove leaf oil) performed on par with hand weeding for improving major growth and yield parameters, control of grasses, sedges and broad leaved weeds with similar weed control efficiency, weed index without adversely affecting the organic carbon content, EC, nutrient and microbial composition of soil when sprayed on stale seed bed 15 days before and 30 days after sowing but highest B:C ratio was obtained for single spray at 15 days before sowing in organic okra. Hence, strategies to flush out maximum weeds out of weed seed bank for smothering in the stale seed bed itself and technologies for reducing cost of herbicidal components are essential. Moreover, long term impact on ecosystem need to be assessed.
Instant juice powders of cashew apple (Anacardium occidentale L.) and pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.)
(Department of Processing Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Rafeekher, M; Mini, C
The present investigation entitled ‘Instant juice powders of cashew apple (Anacardium occidentale L.) and pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.)’ was carried out in the Department of Processing Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2013-2016 to optimise the process parameters for micro encapsulation through spray drying of cashew apple and pineapple juices, to evaluate the effect of drying on physical, chemical and nutritional quality parameters of fruit powders, to formulate blended fruit powder and to assess organoleptic quality, storage stability, economics and consumer acceptability of the standardised formulations. Fruit juice mixed with a carrier, maltodextrin or resistant dextrin in 80: 20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50 and 40: 60 solid ratios were fed to co-current spray drier at inlet temperatures of 150oC, 160oC, 170oC, 180oC, 190oC and 200oC for optimization of drying parameters of cashew apple, pineapple and their equal blend independently. Feed rate was varied to maintain the outlet temperature at 88 ± 2OC with 4 bar atomization pressure and 2000 rpm blower capacity. Carrier resistant dextrin, juice solid to carrier ratio of 40:60 and 160oC inlet temperature resulted in high recovery of fine, coarse and bulked fruit powders. This combination recovered 72.09, 85.62 and 74.70 per cent of total solid content from juice carrier mix of cashew apple, pineapple and their equal blend respectively of which 40.55, 47.06 and 42.02 per cent were from cyclone. Based on higher recovery percentages, five treatment combinations (150oC to 190oC with 40:60 ratio) from each carrier were selected and subjected to physicochemical analysis. Resistant dextrin yielded fruit powders with low moisture, dispersible solids, viscosity, angle of repose and with high per cent soluble solids, lightness and hue angle, whereas maltodextrin yielded fruit powders with high total soluble solids. Resistant dextrin lowered chromaticity of pineapple and blended juice powder in contrast to the effect in cashew apple. Resistant dextrin produced pineapple powder with low water activity while maltodextrin improved bulk density of cashew apple and blended powder. Inlet temperature of 160oC yielded fruit powders with higher bulk density whereas powder moisture and angle of repose were low at 190oC. Drying at 160oC could decrease water activity and improve total soluble solids of cashew apple powder whereas reduction in water activity and chromaticity along with improvement of hue angle were observed in blended juice powders. Powders with resistant dextrin had high glass transition temperature and low hygroscopicity. Powder particles were spherical with 3 - 30 μm size and had occasional surface dents. None of the treatment combinations influenced sinkability of powders. Maltodextrin yielded fruit powders with high sugars and resistant dextrin yielded cashew apple powder with high vitamin C. Carriers did not significantly influence the energy value of fruit powders. Inlet temperature of 160 oC yielded vitamin C rich powders from all fruits as well as β-carotene rich pineapple powder. None of the treatment combinations influenced crude fibre, pH, total ash or titrable acidity. Fruit powders with resistant dextrin dried at 160oC had superior scores in sensory analysis. Good quality fruit powders produced at 160oC using each carrier, when subjected to a storage study for six months under four packaging atmospheres, microbial growth was totally absent. Refrigerated storage could maintain vitamin C, β-carotene, moisture content, titrable acidity, total phenol and high sensory acceptability of fruit powders. Cost of production of fruit powders with carrier resistant dextrin was comparatively less and highest consumer preference was for pineapple powder. Instant juice powders of cashew apple, pineapple and their equal blend produced by spray drying at 160oC with resistant dextrin as carrier in 40:60 juice solid to carrier ratio had optimum physical, chemical, nutritional and sensory qualities with six month shelf stability under refrigeration. Further studies to improve shelf life of the product in ambient temperature, exploration on nutraceutical functions and development of spray drier for small scale industries with higher efficiency will be highly beneficial for improving cost effectiveness and commercialization of the technology.
Irrigation scheduling for potted gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus.) under rain shelter
(Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2023-05-27) Bhuvana, C M.; Rafeekher, M
The study entitled “Irrigation scheduling for potted Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus.) under rain shelter’’ was undertaken with the objectives of evaluating different methods of irrigation and standardizing of irrigation schedule for the quantity of water and frequency of application. The study was conducted at the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. Tissue culture plantlets of gerbera variety ‘Samara’ were planted in polybags (40cm×40cm) containing soil, sand, and coir pith mixed in a ratio of 1:1:1 as substrate. Fertilizer dose of 1.6g N, 1.6 g P2O5, and 1.6 g K2O were applied at monthly basis. Bimonthly application of 30 g dried cow dung manure and foliar application of 13:27:27 (0.4%) @ 100 ml per plant was also done. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design with two factors ie, irrigation method and water deficit level. Drip irrigation, wick irrigation, wick+supplementary overhead irrigation and overhead irrigation were the irrigation methods and 100%, 80% and 60% field capacity were the levels of water deficit. The daily water consumption of plants was calculated using gravimetric and the computed amount of water was added to compensate the transpiration loss to keep the plants at their appropriate soil moisture levels. Vegetative parameters, floral parameters, physiological parameters, yield, analysis of irrigation and computed parameters like survival percentage, water use efficiency and leaf area observations were taken at monthly intervals. Among the treatments, M1 (drip irrigation) recorded the higher for vegetative parameters like number of leaves (15.67) at 10 MAP, breadth of leaves (11.58cm) at 10 MAP and sucker yield (3.94) at 10 MAP. Overhead irrigation was significantly superior in plant spread (69.28cm) at 10 MAP. Highest leaf length was observed (32.76 cm) in wick and supplementary overhead irrigation at 5 MAP. The water deficit level at 60% field capacity produced significantly highest plant spread (68.57cm) at 10 MAP, number of leaves (14.08) at 9 MAP, length of leaves (31.68) at 6 MAP and breadth of leaves (9.93cm) at 9 MAP. The water deficit level at 100% field capacity was significantly superior in sucker yield. Plants provided with drip irrigation at 60% field capacity recorded significantly highest plant spread (75.73cm) at 6 MAP, number of leaves (20.67) at 10 MAP, breadth of leaves (14.20cm) at 10 MAP and sucker yield (4.83) at 9 MAP. Wick and supplementary overhead irrigation at 60% field capacity was significantly superior in leaf length (35.80cm) at 5 MAP. Regarding floral characters, drip irrigation with 60% field capacity recorded lowest value for number of days taken for bud initiation (23.82 days). Wick irrigation with 80% field capacity recorded lowest value for number of days taken from bud initiation to harvest (10.43 days). Highest flower longevity was observed in drip irrigation with 60% field capacity (8.14days). Highest flower characters were exhibited by drip irrigation at 60% field capacity (flower diamter-15.63cm, length of ray floret- 4.67cm,width of ray floret-1.10cm, length of flower stalk-55.83cm and girth of flower stalk-2.20cm). Most visually appealing flowers were produced in drip irrigation at 60% field capacity. Regarding yield parameters, highest flower yield (7.40) per plant per month was observed for drip irrigation with 60% field capacity at 9 MAP. There was no significant effect of irrigation methods and water deficit level on flower yield in relation to season. Among physiological parameters, no significant effect was observed on relative water content. In irrigation analysis, the highest irrigation frequency was exhibited for overhead irrigation with 60% field capacity (4.01days) at 9 MAP. The highest cumulative water transpired per plant (24940 ml) was observed in overhead irrigation with 100% field capacity at 10 MAP. Among computed parameters, the plants treated with drip irrigation at 60% field capacity showed 100% survival percent in two weeks and 90% in four weeks after planting. The highest interaction effect on water use efficiency (343.04g/ml) was observed in drip irrigation with combination of 60% field capacity at 10 MAP. Highest leaf area was observed in the treatment combination of drip irrigation at 60% field capacity (99.00cm²) at 10 MAP. The most economically feasible treatment combination was drip irrigation at 60% field capacity which recorded B.C ratio of 1.53. The results of the present study suggested that application of water at 60 % field capacity through drip irrigation system improved vegetative characters, flowering characters, flower yield and visual appearance of flowers in gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus.) variety ‘Samara’ growing under rain shelter followed by drip irrigation at 80% field capacity. The future line of work may be development of an automated precision farming technique and standardization of fertigation using different water-based nutrients in gerbera
Management of water stress in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) through beneficial root endophytic fungus, piriformospora indica
(Department of vegetable science, college of agriculture,Vellayani, 2023-09-25) Aruna, S; Rafeekher, M
Precision farming techniques for tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.)
(Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2025-05-20) Hasna, P M; Rafeekher, M
A study entitled “Precision farming techniques for tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.)” was undertaken during 2022-2024 at Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. The main objective of the study was standardization of manuring, drip irrigation, fertilizer levels, spacing and mulching in tuberose hybrid Arka Prajwal. The study consisted of two experiments. The first experiment on “Standardization of manuring, irrigation and fertilizer level in tuberose” was laid out in split-split plot design with 16 treatment combinations and replicated four times. The main plot treatments were two manures (M1-FYM and M2- Poultry manure), the subplot treatments were two levels of irrigation (I1- IW/CPE 1 and I2-IW/CPE 0.8) and the sub sub plot treatments were four levels of fertigation (F1- 75 per cent recommended dose of N and K, F2- 100 per cent recommended dose of N and K, F3- 125 per cent recommended dose of N and K and F4- half N and full K of recommended dose). Control plot was laid out based on conventional farming practices. FYM @ 30 t ha-1 and poultry manure based on nitrogen equivalence were applied. Soil test-based recommendation for fertigation was derived based on 100: 50: 50 kg ha-1 as per KAU POP. Full dose of phosphorus was applied at the time of land preparation. Urea and sulphate of potash were used as fertilizer source for fertigation. Observations were recorded on vegetative, floral, post-harvest characters, plant and soil nutrient content. Among manures, poultry manure recorded superior results as compared to FYM for most of the parameters that were studied. Levels of drip irrigation had no considerable effects on plant characters, however in consideration with moderate water usage irrigation at IW/CPE 0.8 can be recommended. Within different levels of fertigation, drip fertigation of ½ N and full K had given the best results. Application of higher dose of fertilizers had no remarkable effects over growth, yield and quality. Results revealed that combined effect of poultry manuring, drip irrigation and fertigation proved superior to their individual effects. Vegetative parameters viz., plant height, no. of leaves, leaf length, leaf breadth, leaf area and LAI were significantly improved in treatment M2I2F4 (poultry manure+ IW/ CPE 0.8+ ½ N and full K through fertigation). As far as floral characters are concerned, M2I2F4 had positive influence on early spike emergence, minimum days to first floret opening and 50% flowering. Quality attributes of spikes such as spike length, rachis length, girth of peduncle, number of florets per spikes and number of spikes per hill exhibited improvement under M2I2F4. This treatment also had positive influence on length, diameter and weight of florets and loose flower yield. Among post- harvest parameters, fresh weight, vase life, water uptake and concrete recovery also higher under M2I2F4. Hence application of poultry manure, irrigation at IW/ CPE 0.8 and ½ N and full K through fertigation can be recommended for improved growth, yield and quality of tuberose hybrid Arka Prajwal. Synergistic effect of organic manuring, drip irrigation and fertigation with water soluble fertilizers paved the way for effective and efficient utilization of water and nutrients by the plants, thereby resulting in better plant growth. The second experiment on “Standardization of spacing and mulching in tuberose” was laid out in split plot design with eight treatment combinations and each replicated four times. The main plot consisted of plastic mulching (P1- Mulched, P2- Non mulched) and sub plot consisted of four levels of spacing (S1- 20 cm × 15 cm, S2- 20 cm × 20 cm, S3- 20 cm × 25 cm, S4- 20 × 30 cm). The best treatment combination from experiment I were selected for conducting experiment II. The treatment combination P1S4 (plastic mulching + 20 × 30 cm spacing) exhibited superior performances across vegetative, floral and post-harvest characters. Plant and soil analysis also resulted in highest nutrient content in this treatment combination. Planting at wider spacing under plastic mulching can be recommended for improved growth, yield and quality of tuberose. Regarding economics of cultivation, the treatment combination P1S4 recorded highest BC ratio for loose flowers. However, for cut flowers, P1S1 (plastic mulching + 20 × 15 cm spacing) achieved the highest BC ratio, followed by P1S4. A precision farming package of “application of poultry manure @ 10.60 t ha-1 and full dose of phosphorous (30 kg ha-1) as basal at the time of land preparation, along with drip fertigation of ½ N and full K (35.50 kg N and K per ha) at IW/ CPE 0.8 and planting at a spacing of 20 × 30 cm under plastic mulching” can be recommended for improved vegetative, floral and post-harvest characters of tuberose hybrid ‘Arka Prajwal’. A semi-automatic fertigation system that can be controlled and monitored remotely using GSM technology has been developed based on the nutrient utilization model derived in terms of growth parameters of the crop as well as the nutrient content of soil and plant.
Smart hydroponic system for indoor foliage plants
(Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2025-01-24) Anaswara, S J.; Rafeekher, M
The thesis work entitled “Smart hydroponic system for indoor foliage plants” was carried out at Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2021-2024. The study was conducted to standardize deep flow technique (DFT) and media culture technique in hydroponics, as well as to develop a smart hydroponic system for indoor foliage plants. The study comprised of three experiments. Syngonium podophyllum cv. White Butterfly was used for standardization of solution culture in DFT technique of hydroponics (experiment I) and standardization of media culture technique of hydroponics (experiment II). Two standard nutrient solutions were selected (s1- Hoagland solution and s2- Cooper’s solution) in four different nutrient doses (d1- 50%, d2- 100%, d3- 150% and d4- 200%) for DFT technique. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design consisting of eight treatment combinations and a control (water) with ten replications. Hoagland solution + 150% nutrient dose (s1d3) exhibited superior performances across various growth parameters such as plant height, plant spread, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf breadth, petiole length and leaf area. Plant sample analysis also revealed the highest nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, iron, boron and chlorophyll content in s1d3 combination, while, s1d4 combination resulted in highest leaf area index, number of roots, plant fresh weight and dry weight characteristics. Longest roots were produced by s1d2 and s2d1 combinations. Four different soilless media (m1- metaljelly, m2- vermiculite, m3- expanded clayballs and m4- quartz sand) were selected for media culture technique. Four different nutrient solution application intervals were also given (a1- daily, a2- alternate day, a3- two days interval and a4- three days interval). The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design with sixteen treatment combinations with five replications. The best treatment from experiment I (Hoagland solution +150% nutrient dose application) was selected as nutrient solution in this experiment. The treatment combination m3a2 (expanded clay ball media + alternate day nutrient solution application) exhibited superior performances across growth parameters such as plant height, plant spread, leaf length, leaf breadth, petiole length, leaf area, number of roots, root length, fresh weight and dry weight. Plant sample analysis also resulted in highest nitrogen content, manganese content, zinc content, copper content and chlorophyll content for m3a2 combination. m2a1 combination resulted in production of highest number of leaves. Third experiment was to standardize hydroponic technique in different indoor foliage 350 plants using automated system. Other than Syngonium podophyllum cv. White Butterfly, aquascaping plants such as Alternanthera reineckii, Anubias gracillis, Cryptocoryne wendttii were used. There were two treatments (best treatment from experiment I and II) in ten replications and comparison within the plants was done using t-test. A smart hydroponic DFT system was developed using pH, Ec and water level indicator sensors. Smart hydroponic media culture was set up using moisture sensors and weight sensors. An arudino mega 2560 was used as micro controller board in both the systems. Levels for pH and Ec were set up as 5.5-6.5 and 1.00 respectively and water level as 75% in DFT system. Moisture levels in media culture was set up as 70%. Google spread sheet integration was done in both the systems for getting observations in every 15 minutes through Wi-Fi connection. Syngonium podophyllum cv. White Butterfly exhibited superior performances for parameters such as plant spread, number of leaves per plant, petiole length, leaf area, number of roots, root length, calcium content, iron content, copper content and boron content under smart hydroponic DFT technique. Alternanthera reineckii recorded the highest plant height, plant spread, number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf breadth, petiole length, leaf area, number of roots, root length, plant wet weight, plant dry weight, calcium content, manganese content, zinc content and chlorophyll content under smart hydroponic DFT technique. Anubias gracillis also recorded significantly highest plant spread, leaf length, leaf breadth, petiole length, leaf area, plant fresh weight, nitrogen content, calcium content, iron content, manganese content, zinc content and chlorophyll content under smart hydroponic DFT technique. Cryptocoryne wendttii exhibited superior performances for the growth parameters plant spread, number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf breadth, petiole length, leaf area, root length, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, nitrogen content, phosphorous content, potassium content, calcium content, magnesium content, iron content, manganese content, zinc content, boron content and chlorophyll content under smart hydroponic media culture technique. A crop simulation model “SyCSM” was developed using the result from experiment I (leaf area index, petiole length and root length) and weather parameters during the period (maximum temperature (0C), minimum temperature (0C), relative humidity (%), sunshine hours (h) and solar radiation (mj/m2)) for predicting the plant parameters according to change in the environmental parameters in Syngonium podophyllum cv. White Butterfly. Unlike an independent situation, the applicability under the treatment combinations has been investigated using data generated from the experiment. The model performed better for all the treatment combinations. Model performance was assessed by D- index and normalized 351 objective function (NOF) analysis. D- index are 0.991-0.999 for leaf area index, 0.924-0.997 for petiole length and 0.661-0.921 for root length. A convolution neutral network (CNN) model was developed to classify leaf area index into different classes ranging 1-2, 2-3, 3-4 and 4-5. The model consisted of nine layers with prediction accuracy 70.47% for class 1-2, 65.83% for class 2-3, 67.90% for class 3-4 and 73.13% for class 4-5. Another attempt was made to calculate leaf area index from results driven from CNN model and it accurately predicted the actual leaf area index of the plant. Improvement and application of the developed smart hydroponic technique in other ornamental plants and extension of applicability of simulation model and leaf area classification to other varieties of syngonium in varying growth periods and situations may be done in future.
Standardisation of grafting in bitter gourd (Momordica charanita L.)
(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2020) Aiswarya V Dev, K P; Rafeekher, M
The study entitled "Standardisation of grafting in bitter gourd{Momordica charantia L.)" was conducted in the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2017-2019 in order to identify suitable rootstocks, standardise grafting techniques and evaluate growth and performance of grafts in bitter gourd. The study was conducted in two parts. Standardisation of grafting in bitter gourd using four rootstocks was done in part I and evaluation ofthe grafted bitter gourd for growth, yield and quality was attempted in part II. Bitter gourd scion (Preetlii) and four rootstocks (sponge gourd, pumpkin, bottle gourd and bittCT gourd) were raised in protrays. Separate experiments for each roolstock, were laid out in CRD, replicated thrice for standardization of grafting. Growth regulators (alar and cycocel) at two different concentrations /.e.,10 mgL"' and 50 mgL*' were sprayed at second leaf stage forreducing seedling height of rootstocks and then grafted using three methods (hole insertion grafting, one cotyledon grafting and cleft grafting). Alar @10 mg L*' reduced plant height(7.50 cm) and enhanced diameter (2.97 mm) in sponge gourd rootstock. Faster graft union(4.11 days) was recorded forfiole insertion grafting withhighest success percentage (77.07 %). Spraying of cycocel @ 50 mg L ' resulted in the highest success percentage of 56.44 per cent. Combination of cycocel @ 50 mg L"'+ hole insertion grafting recorded highest success percentage of 86.67 when bitter gourd grafted onto sponge gourd. Though cycocel @ 10 mgL"'and 50 mgL"'improved the diameter of pumpkin rootstock, alar@ 10 mgL"' and 50 mgL'reduced the height ofthe rootstock. New leaf emerged faster (3.51 days) in hole insertion grafting but one cotyledon grafting recorded the highest success percentage (68.60 %). Cleft grafting not only took more days for graft union but also recorded least success percentage (11.20 %). Though alar @ 10 mgL*^ alar@50 mg L'* and cycocel @10 mg L'' were equally effective to improve success percentage but the combination of alar @ 10 mg L'^ + one cotyledon grafting recorded the highest success percentage of 81 per centwhen bitter gourd was grafted onto pumpkin. Application of alar @ 10 mg L'onto bottle gourd rootstock improved diameter (4.65 mm) and @ 50 mg L"'reduced height (12.61 cm). Among the grafting methods, graft united faster (3.69 days) in hole insertion method, while success percentage was tlie highest (86.40 %)for one cotyledon grafting. Growth regulator had no role in days taken for graft union and could not improve success percentage over distilled water. Application of alar @ lOmg L*' cycocel @ 10 mg L*' and 50 mg L*' were equally effective in reducing the height of bitter gourd rootstock. Alar @ 50 mg L"\ cycocel @ 10 mg L'and @ 50 mg L ' improved the diameter of the rootstock. Among grafting methods, hole insertion grafting exhibited faster union (3.57 days) with highest percentage of success (68.13 %). Cycocel @ 50 mg L"' recorded the highest percentage success among growth regulators. Based on the results of part I, grafts produced by cycocel @ 50 mgL*^ + hole insertion grafting in sponge gourd, alar @ 10 mgL'^ + one cotyledon grafting in pumpkin, distilled water (control) + one cotyledon grafting in bottle gourd and cycocel @ 50 mg L*^ + hole insertion grafting in bittergourd were selected and planted in main field along witli non grafted control in randomised block design replicated four times for evaluating growth, yield and quality of grafted bitter gourd. All grafts exhibited lower establishment over non grafted control.Bitter gourd grafted onsponge gourd andbottle gourd rootstocks as well asnon grafted control had similar vine length. Inlemodal length was more in non grafted control (6.00 cm). More branches were produced when bitter gourd and sponge gourd were used as rootstocks.Pumpkin rootstock produced longer primary root, higher root volume and root weight. Early appearance of first male and female flowers at lower nodes was also recorded in bitter gourd grafted on pumpkin rootstock. Though grafting did not significantly influence number of male flowers, the number of female flowers was higher in non grafted control and bitter gourd grafted on sponge gourd. Non grafted control, bitter gourd grafted on sponge gourd, bottle gourd and bitter gourd rootstock exhibited on par sex ratio.Non grafted control, bitter gourd grafted on pumpkin and bitter gourd recorded early harvest but bitter gourd grafted on sponge gourd and bottle gourd rootstock extended duration of the crop. Non grafted control and bitter gourd grafted on sponge gourd rootstock recorded more fruits per plant and yield per plant. Non grafted control, bitter gourd grafted onto bitter gourd and bitter gourd grafted on to sponge gourdexhibited on par fmit length. Bitter gourd grafted onto pumpkin, bitter gourd grafted onto sponge gourd, non grafted control and bitter gourd grafted onto bitter gourd had similar flesh thickness. Bottle gourd and bitter gourd rootstock enhanced fruit weight (181.50 g). Grafts did not differ for fruit girth, vitamin C content and organoleptic properties. Nongrafted control recorded highest B:C ratio (1.67)followed by sponge gourd (1.50). In conclusion, grafts of bitter gourd variety Treethi' can be produced with highest success percentage by cycocel @ 50 mgL'' + hole insertion graftingusing sponge gourd as rootstock, alar @ 10 mgL"' + one cotyledon grafting using pumpkin as rootstock, one cotyledon grafting without growth regulator using bottle gourd as rootstock. Among these grafts, sponge gourd as rootstock produced longest vine, more branches, longer crop duration, on par female flowers, sex ratio, fruits per plant and yield per plant compared to control. However, cultivation of non grafted plants recorded higher B:C ratio which necessitate further evaluation of biotic and abiotic tolerance of grafts for benefitting farming community.
Standardization of grafting and evalution for growth, yield, quality and stress tolerance in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
(Department of vegetable science, college of agriculture ,Vellayani, 2023-10-25) Pooja, P Gowda; Rafeekher, M
The study entitled “Standardization of grafting and evaluation for growth, yield, quality and stress tolerance in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)” was conducted in the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2019-2021 in order to identify suitable rootstocks, standardise grafting techniques and evaluate growth and performance of grafts in cucumber. The study also aims to evaluate cucumber grafts for nematode and salinity stress. The study was conducted in three parts. Standardisation of grafting in two cucumber scions using five rootstocks was done in part I and evaluation of the grafted cucumber for growth, yield and quality was attempted in part II. In part III, stress tolerance study was conducted in cucumber grafts. Cucumber scion (KPCH-1 and Heera) and five rootstocks (culinary melon, oriental pickling melon, pumpkin, ash gourd and bottle gourd) were raised in protrays. Separate experiments for each rootstock, were laid out in CRD, and replicated thrice for standardization of grafting. Growth regulators (alar and cycocel) at two different concentrations ie., 20 ppm and 100 ppm were sprayed at second leaf stage for reducing seedling height of rootstocks and then grafted using two methods (hole insertion grafting and one cotyledon grafting). Culinary melon and oriental pickling melon germinated faster (3.83 days) but pumpkin attained graftable size earlier (11.67 days) compared to other rootstocks. Bottle gourd was slower to germinate (5.83 days) but early germinated culinary melon took longer time (15.50 days) to attain graftable size. Alar @ 100 ppm significantly reduced the height of rootstock to 8.10 cm and increased the diameter to 1.29mm in culinary melon. Faster graft union was recorded for one cotyledon grafting with highest success percent in both the scions (7.60 and 7.53 days). Spraying of cycocel @20ppm+ one cotyledon grafting recorded highest success percent when culinary melon was grafted onto both KPCH-1 and Heera scions (57% and 35.33%). Application of alar @ 100ppm not only enhanced the diameter of rootstock (1.2mm) but also decreased the height (7.87cm) of oriental pickling melon. Graft success percent of 39% in KPCH-1+Oriental pickling melon and 60.27% in Heera+Oriental pickling melon was observed in the combination of cycocel 20ppm + one cotyledon grafting. Though alar @ 20ppm improved the diameter of pumpkin rootstock (3.80 mm) and shortened the height of pumpkin rootstock (7.37cm). Significant difference was not observed for days taken for graft union formation in any growth regulator spray. KPCH-1 took lower days (3.80 days) for graft union formation in hole insertion grafting whereas the scion Heera took 4.13 days in one cotyledon grafting. The combination of alar @ 20ppm + one cotyledon grafting recorded higher percent of graft success (83% and 77.33%). Cycocel @ 20ppm reduced plant height (6.90cm) and enhanced diameter (2.03 mm) in ash gourd rootstock. Faster graft union (8.67 and 7.87 days) was recorded for one cotyledon grafting and highest success percent (67.33 and 57.40 %). Growth regulators did not exert any significant effect on days taken for graft union but spraying of alar @ 20ppm resulted in the highest success percent of 69.83 % and 53.50 in the scions KPCH-1 and Heera respectively. Combination of alar @ 20ppm and one cotyledon grafting recorded highest success percent of 71.33 % and 63.67% in ash gourd. The treatment of alar @ 100ppm reduced the height of bottle gourd (12.77cm) and alar @ 20ppm enhanced the diameter of rootstock (4.52mm). Among the grafting methods, faster graft union formation (4.73 and 4.27 days) and higher success percent (78.47 and 77.87%) was observed in hole insertion grafting method. Graft success percent of 82.33% in KPCH-1+bottle gourd and 86.67% in Heera+ bottle gourd was observed in the combination of alar 20ppm + hole insertion grafting. Based on the results of part I, uniform grafts from the graft combination of cycocel @ 20 ppm + one cotyledon grafting in culinary melon, cycocel @ 20 ppm + one cotyledon grafting in oriental pickling melon, alar @ 20ppm + one cotyledon grafting in pumpkin, alar @ 20ppm+ one cotyledon grafting in ash gourd and alar @ 20ppm + hole insertion grafting in bottle gourd were selected and planted in main field along with non grafted control in randomised block design replicated thrice for evaluating growth, yield and quality of grafted cucumber under rain shelter condition. The highest vine length (4.37m) was observed in Heera scion grafted onto bottle gourd rootstock followed by Heera scion grafted onto pumpkin rootstock (4.13m). KPCH-1 grafted on bottle gourd (29.33 days) and culinary melon (31 days) rootstocks showed early female flower initiation. The number of fruits was higher in graft combination of KPCH-1 and bottle gourd (32) followed by parthenocarpic grafts with pumpkin (30.33) and ash gourd (30.33) rootstocks. A greater fruit weight was observed in graft combination of Heera and bottle gourd (7.51kg) followed by Heera grafted onto pumpkin (7.14kg). According to Kruskal Wallis test on organoleptic properties, there is no significant difference in appearance, texture, taste, and flavor of cucumber grafts and non-grafts. The graft combination of KPCH-1 with bottle gourd (1.60) and Heera with bottle gourd (1.78) recorded higher benefit cost ratio over the non-grafted control Heera (1.51) and KPCH-1 (1.42). In part II, the best performing graft from each of the scion was selected and evaluated with the non-grafted control under poly house and open field conditions. KPCH-1 grafted onto bottle gourd was evaluated over the non-grafted control KPCH-1 under poly house using replicated t-test. In fruit yield parameters, grafted combination (7.67kg vine-1) outperformed the check variety KPCH-1 (7.06kg vine-1). Under open field condition, the number of fruits per vine was higher in the graft combination Heera and bottle gourd (26.97 vine-1) over the non-grafted control Heera (24.25 vine-1). Experiment V entitled ‘Evaluation of selected grafts for nematode tolerance in pot culture’ revealed that Heera grafted onto pumpkin had highest vine length (1.31m), shoot fresh weight (34g), shoot dry weight (3.15g), root fresh weight (2.62g) and root dry weight of 1.22g among different graft combinations. Number of root galls was low in case of KPCH-1 with pumpkin, Heera with pumpkin and Heera on Ash gourd graft combinations. Based on number of roots galls, rook knot index was calculated and it showed that the above mentioned graft combinations with lower root galls had root knot index score of 3 ie., Moderately resistant. The graft combination KPCH-1 with pumpkin had higher enzyme activities of peroxidase (2.55), poly phenol oxidase (1.965) and phenyl alanine lyase (11.655) reflecting that nematode resistance. The fruit yield parameters like fruit weight (290g) and yield per plant (4.64kg) were higher in the graft combination of Heera and pumpkin. Number of fruits per plant (19.72) was greater in plants of KPCH-1 grafted with pumpkin. However, these graft combinations were not out performing over the nematicide treated non-grafted control plants. The study ‘Evaluation of selected grafts for salinity tolerance in pot culture’ showed that higher survival rate (75%) and lower defoliation rate (32.14%) was observed in graft combinations with pumpkin as rootstock. The vegetative parameters like vine length (0.68m), shoot dry weight (10.07g), root length (9.10cm) were higher in graft combinations of KPCH-1 and pumpkin whereas root fresh weight (4.47g) and root dry weight (0.51g) was higher in the grafts of Heera and oriental pickling melon. The biochemical and physiological parameters Na-K ratio (0.16), proline (15.01 µg g-1), total chlorophyll (1.22 mg g-1), total phenol (1.66 mg 100 g-1) and membrane stability (68.87%) were higher in the grafts with rootstock pumpkin. It can be concluded that, grafting can be commercialized in protected cultivation of cucumber for parthenocarpic and non-parthenocarpic cultivars. According to this study, the scions, KPCH-1 and Heera performed better with the bottle gourd rootstock for almost all vegetative and fruit yield attributing traits. Therefore, this graft combination can be used in sustainable horticulture with higher yield. Further, KPCH-1 and Heera grafts can be utilized for cultivation under nematode and salinity stress conditions using pumpkin as the rootstock.
Standardization of grafting for water stress tolerance in Papaya (Carica papaya L.)
(Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2025-05-05) Dhanyasree, K.; Rafeekher, M
The study entitled “Standardization of grafting for water stress tolerance in papaya (Carica papaya L.)”was carried out at Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvanathapuram, during the period 2020-2023 with the objectives to identify water stress tolerant rootstocks from Carica papaya and Vasconcellea species, hormonal induction of side shoots in papaya variety Red Lady, standardization of grafting techniques using induced side shoots onto water stress tolerant rootstocks and evaluation of these grafts for water stress tolerance. The study was designed in a sequential manner in which the first experiment was to identify water stress tolerant rootstock among the papaya varieties Red Lady, CO-2 and CO-8 and Vasconcellea species, such as V. cauliflora, V. cundinamarcensis and V. goudotiana under water stress conditions, followed by experiment on hormonal induction of lateral shoots on papaya variety Red Lady. In third experiment the grafting was standardized by using all subjected rootstocks and lastly, the combined evaluation of papaya graft with the rootstock that exhibit higher drought tolerance and higher survival rate. The first experiment, six rootstocks were evaluated under varying drought stress and flooding stress conditions. The drought stress treatments (D1- Control (100% FC), D2-75% FC, D3-50% FC, D4-25% FC) were induced by gravimetric method and the flooding stress treatments by submerging each plant along with roots containing bag filled with water (100% of the roots submerged) and it was maintained 0 hours (control), 12 hours, 24 hours or 48 hours on 3rd month. The per cent change in plant height and leaf area were maximum (97.27%, 46.79%) in the control plants of V. cauliflora in all stress levels and the root parameters including fresh and dry root weight, fresh shoot weight, fresh and dry root: shoot ratio was observed to be highest in control plants of V. cauliflora. The physiological parameters such as RWC and chlorophyll content exhibited a notable decline as water stress levels increased, with reductions up-to 50% observed in RWC under extreme stressed plants of Red Lady. The lowest decrease of leaf RWC and chlorophyll content were noted in V. cauliflora (30%, 21.5%) under different drought stress regimes. Highest up-regulation in the superoxide dismutase activity (214.50 mg g-1FW) and proline (22.12 µg-1 DW) content were recorded in V. cauliflora, while the highest catalase activity was recorded in V. cauliflora (264.34 units/min/g FW) and peroxidase activity in V. goudotiana (38.26 units/min/g fw) under extreme drought stress condition. Maximum decrease in transpiration rate (E) under the decreasing field capacities were observed in V. cauliflora (2.60 mmol m-2s-1) and the photosynthesis rate (A) and stomatal conductance (gs) were recorded minimum per cent decrease in V. cauliflora with values of 10.2% and 36.2% respectively. The genotype V. cauliflora was found to accumulate the lowest malondialdehyde content (34.80nmol g-1 FW) at 4th month under 25% filed capacity. The rootstocks under flooding conditions noted the per cent change in plant height (107.44%) as the highest in the control plants of V. goudotiana whereas the leaf area and number of leaves were highest in V. cauliflora. The lowest decrease of leaf RWC and chlorophyll content were noted in V. goudotiana with values of 26.25% and 20.2% under different flooding stress regimes. Highest up-regulation in the superoxide dismutase activity (216.68 mg g-1FW) and catalase activity (263.70 units min-1 g -1 fw) were recorded in V. cauliflora which was statistically similar with V. cundinamarcensis and V. goudotiana while maximum proline (23.38 µg-1 DW) content and peroxidase activity (39.49 units min-1 g -1 fw) were recorded in V. goudotiana exposed to 48hrs of submergence. The maximum per cent decrease in transpiration rate (E) under the different flooding conditions was observed in V. cauliflora (47.57%). The photosynthesis rate (A) was recorded maximum in V. goudotiana with value 18.13 µmolm-2s-1 and stomatal conductance (gs) was higher in controlled plants of Red Lady. The control plant of V. cauliflora was found to accumulate the lowest malondialdehyde content (33.89nmol g-1 FW) at 3rd month of flooding. In second experiment the papaya variety Red Lady were treated with two plant bio regulators, separately and their combinations at different levels viz., (T2) GA3 125 mg/L (T3) GA3 250 mg/L, (T4) GA3 500 mg/L, (T5) BA 125 mg/L (T6) BA 250 mg/L, (T7) BA 500 mg/L, (T8) GA3 125 mg/L + BA 125 mg/L, (T9) GA3 250 mg/L + BA 250 mg/L (T10) GA3 500 mg/L + BA 500 mg/L along with (T1) control. The treatment combinations were tried three times at weekly intervals on field grown papaya plants just after flowering (6 month old). Among the treatments, the combination GA3 500 mg/L + BA 500 mg/L recorded minimum number of days for shoot initiation (3.74) and BA 500mg/L produced a higher number of shoots per plant (32.58 and 38.72) at 15 and 30 days after spraying respectively. Whereas, GA3 250 mg/L + BA 250 mg/L recorded more number of shoots per plant at 45 and 60 days after spray (40.50, 41.43) respectively. The plants sprayed with GA3 250 mg/L + BA 250 mg/L registered the maximum number of graftable shoots of 24.08 at 45 days after spraying. GA3 500mg/L recorded maximum length and girth at 60 (13.29, 4.78) days after spray respectively. Third experiment was undertaken to standardize grafting in papaya with six types of rootstocks at one month and two month old using cleft and side grafting. The early first sprout (15 days) was observed in the treatment of cleft grafting on one month old Red Lady rootstock whereas shoot length, shoot girth, number of leaves and leaf area were recorded highest in cleft grafting of two month old Red Lady rootstock at 60 days after grafting. Highest graft success rate of 72.20% and survival percentage of 66.14% were recorded in treatment with cleft grafting of two month old Red Lady rootstock. Among the wild papayas, the treatment combination, two month old Vasconcelleacauliflora rootstock with cleft grafting exhibited higher success rate (62.29%) and survival rate (56.51%). The physiological parameters such as photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance were recorded highest Vasconcelleacauliflora rootstock and the same recorded least transpiration rate among the rootstocks. Fourth experiment was conducted with the identified rootstock with ideal grafting combination, ie., papaya graft with two month old rootstock of V. cauliflora grafted by cleft grafting were subjected to water stress condition. The per cent increase in plant height, girth and leaf area showed consistency up-to moderate stress levels (75% FC and 12hrs submergence). The control grafts in both stresses recorded maximum values in root parameters, RWC, chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, MDA activity than the stressed grafts. High up-regulation of enzyme activity (SOD, catalase and peroxidase) and proline content were recorded in extreme water stressed grafts at 4th month of drought stress experiment while it was higher at 3rd month in flooded regimes. In conclusion, amongst the papaya genotypes screened Vasconcelleacauliflora tolerated drought condition of 50% field capacity up-to 6th Month and V. goudotiana and V. cauliflora tolerate flooding stress of 12 and 24hrs of submergence. The best combination for lateral shoots development in papaya var. Red Lady is GA3 250 mg/L + BA 250 mg/L and papaya varieties out-performed the species Vasconcellea with 2 month old rootstock by cleft grafting. Lastly, the cleft grafted plant with two-month old rootstock of V. cauliflora showcased better tolerance of drought and flooding with 75 % field capacity and 12hrs of submergence respectively. Further studies should be conducted to identify the genes/markers for drought and flooding tolerance using molecular techniques and optimization in grafting technique with different rootstocks and grafting conditions.