Browsing by Author "Ramachandran Nair, S"

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Development pattern, storage behaviour and variability in processing characters of cashew apple
(Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2000) Narayanan Kutty, M C; Ramachandran Nair, S
Studies were conducted at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara to analyse the fruit development pattern in cashew. The changes associated with growth and development of cashew apple and nut were evaluated. Storage behaviour of cashew apple was assessed under different conditions of storage. Cashew apple from different varieties/types were evaluated based on apple quality characteristics. Fruit development in cashew was completed in 52 to 60 days after fruit set. In early varieties like Anakkayam-I and Madakkathra-I fruit development and ripening of apple was completed in 52 days after set while in mid and late season varieties the period varied between 55 to 60 days after fruit set (DAFS). Difference between varieties in terms of apple length, circumference, fresh weight and dry weight at all stages of growth was significant. Absolute growth rate in terms of apple length, circumference, fresh weight and dry weight was also significantly different between stages of growth. The increase in fresh weight of cashew apple ranged from O.666g per day in variety Anakkayarn-I to 1. 129g per day in variety Madakkathara- 2 among the varieties studied. Absolute growth rate in terms of apple fresh weight was maximum during the period between 40 and 60 DAFS stage. The relative growth rate was maximum between 'Pea' stage and 20 DAFS stage. Volume of cashew apple showed a marked increase from 35 - 40 DAFS stage onwards. The specific gravity of cashew apple decreased from 1.072-1.14 at the early stages of growth to less than one in the ripe apple. Apple colour also changed along with ripening. Typical colour of the variety/ type was observed at the fully ripe stage of apple. Flesh firmness also showed a sharp decrease during ripening phase. Critical dependence of apple on presence of nut for its growth was observed till 45 DAFS stage. Removal of nut up to 25 DAFS stage resulted in termination of apple growth. Increased rate of growth for a short period was observed when nut was detached after 35 DAFS stage. Highest rate of growth for cashew nut was observed during the early stages of growth. Nuts attained maximum size and fresh weight at 30 to 40 DAFS stage. The Relative Growth Rate (RGR) was maximum during the first fifteen days after 'pea' stage. A second peak in RGR was observed between 41 and 50 DAFS stage. Kernel formation commenced from 20 DAFS stage and the dry weight increase of kernel continued throughout the growth period. Composition of cashew apple changed with maturity. There was an increase in moisture, total soluble solids (TSS), carbohydrate content and ascorbic acid content in cashew apple as the maturity advanced Acidity of cashew apple pulp and pectin content decreased during development. The crude fibre content increased up to the ripening stage and declined during ripening. The content of phenolic constituents decreased as the apple ripened. Peak activity of Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzyme was observed at 30 DAFS stage and 50 DAFS stage. The activity of PPO was stable at ambient temperature. Rate of respiration of cashew apple at all sta~es of growth was observed to be very high. The rate of respiration declined as the maturity advanced indicating non-climacteric behaviour. The rate of release of ethylene also declined during ripening. The cashew apple had typical dicot stem anatomy. Presence of lysogenously formed resin ducts was a characteristic feature. Accumulation of phenolic substances and starch grains was observed. Formation and expansion of resin ducts had a major role in the growth of cashew apple. Ripe cashew apples suffered severe damage by insect and non-insect pests as well as pathogens. More than 63 per cent of cashew apple collected at ripe stage had moderate to heavy damage. Cashew apples collected from fallen fruits suffered heavily due to mechanical damage. Storage of cashew apple under ambient conditions resulted in of 35 to 100 per cent spoilage by the second day. Storage up to 12-13 days was possible under refrigerated conditions with 15 to 1 ri: temperature and 85 per cent relative humidity. Apple collected from fallen fruits could be stored for 6-11 days under similar conditions. Packing cashew apple in polythene bags with or without ventilation decreased the storage life. Fungal decay and shrinkage were the main causes of spoilage of cashew apple. Pre storage treatments with warm water influenced storage life of cashew apple under refrigerated conditions. Calcium chloride dip treatment as well as vacuum impregnation could not improve the storability of cashew apple. Pre storage treatment with chemicals such as potassium meta-bisulphite, sodium benzoate or hydrogen peroxide was also not effective. Storage at temperature lesser than 8°C resulted in chilling injury. Appearance of sunken spots, pitting, water soaked lesions and discolouration was observed when apples were stored under freezing temperature. Twenty-five varieties/types of cashew were evaluated with reference to their apple quality characters. Significant variation in apple size, weight, juice yield, TSS, acidity, phenolic substances, ascorbic acid and TSS/acid ratio was observed. Varieties were grouped into six clusters based on Euclidean distance coefficients. Varieties H-1593, H-1600, V-4, K-19-1, Madakkathara-2, Dhana, Kanaka and M 2612 had desirable attributes with reference to quality parameters.
Effect of growth regulators on fruit set and yield of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata. Poir)
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1984) Mohan Kumar, S; Ramachandran Nair, S
An experiment was conducted at the College of Horticulture, Kerala Agriculture University, Vellanikkara during December-April 1983-‘84 to study the effect of six levels of growth regulators viz., alar (100 and 200 ppm), CCC (500 and 1000 ppm) and ethrel (100 and 200 ppm) and of the two different stages of application (four leaf and six leaf stage) on growth, sex-expression, fruit set, yield and quality of two distinct pumpkin genotypes (Cucurbita moschata Poir.) collected from Palghat district of Kerala State. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with three replications. The effect of plant growth retardant to suppress the luxuriant growth of the crop is further confirmed by the results of the present study. All treatments caused a significant reduction in the length of the main vine and all other vegetative characters under study. There was a drastic reduction in the number of male flowers and an increase in the female flower number, altering an otherwise male dominated sex-ratio of the crop. CCC 1000 ppm was found to be effective in promoting early fruit set and harvest of both the genotypes tried. However there was no significant increase in the number of fruits per plant, average weight of the fruit, flesh thickness and the number of seeds per fruit. CCC treatments followed by alar 200 ppm was found to be the most effective in increasing the yield. Type T1 gave maximum yield with CCC 1000 ppm whereas type T2 responded well to CCC 500 ppm concentration. CCC 1000 ppm however caused a slight reduction in the yield of this genotype. There was also a slight increase in the carotene content with CCC treatments. Type T1 recorded a slight decrease in yield with both ethrel (100 and 200 ppm) treatments. No significant difference was noticed when growth regulator sprays were given at two different stages (four leaf and six leaf) of the crop. The study thus also proved that the response of pumpkin to growth regulators sprays is governed by the genotype and the concentration of the growth regulators used.
Effect of mist and growth regulators on the rooting behaviour and growth of ornamental plants
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1988) Rita Ramachandran; Ramachandran Nair, S
Effect of nutrition on the establishment and bud take in budded roses
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1986) Ushakumari, S; Ramachandran Nair, S
Effect of season and position of bud in budding of rose
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1989) Anitha, I; Ramachandran Nair, S
A research programme was carried out for a period of one year from January 1987 to December 1987, to study the effect of season and position of bud in budding of rose. The experiment was laid out in factorial CRD with three replications. The treatments consisted of combinations of three varieties, ‘Ambassador’, ‘Pink Panther’ and ‘Princess’, with scion buds from five positions, starting immediately below the flower. Budding was done at fortnightly intervals. The effect of environmental parameters on success of budding; influence of period of budding, varieties and scion bud position on further vegetative growth and flower; influence of C/N ratio on bud take have been proved by the results of the present study. There was no significant difference among the three varieties, ‘Ambassador’, ‘Pink panther’ and ‘Princess’ in respect of success in budding. A high rate of 82-98 per cent success was recorded during the rainy season of second fortnight of August to first fortnight of October. The period from first fortnight of February to second fortnight of March was the least favourable season. Higher temperature was found to be detrimental for the success in budding. Rainfall and relative humidity favoured the bud take. More sunshine hours was detrimental. The preceding, current and succeeding fortnights of budding, were found to be critical, as far as success in rose budding is concerned. The period of budding significantly influenced the biometric characters under study. The variety and bud position was found to exert significant influence on some of the biometric characters. The first and second buds were early to sprout and flower till the production of first flower bud, but the plants were comparatively weak. The fourth and the fifth buds were found to be better for budding when plant vigour was considered. Correlations were worked out between the thirteen biometric characters under study. The scion C/N ratio significantly influenced the bud take while the rootstock C/N did not significantly influence the take. The carbohydrate and nitrogen content varied significantly throughout the year and with scion bud position and variety.
Effect of split application of N, P and K on the growth and flowering of rose cv happiness
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1989) Nirmala George; Ramachandran Nair, S
An experiment was conducted to study the effect of split application of N, P and K on the growth and flowering of rose plants. The experiment was laid out in factorial CRD with two replications. Three levels each of N, P and K applied at three different intervals were compared with one absolute control. The effect of split application of nutrients has been proved by the results of the present study. In general, the mean increase in plant height was not affected by various treatments. The treatment combinations did not influence the production of sprouts also. Higher levels of K application increased the number of flowers produced, whereas higher levels of N reduced the flower yield. Maximum number of flowers were recorded by treatment with 10 g N: 30 g P: 10 g k applied at 30 days interval (n1 P2 K2 t2). The longest flower shoot was produced by the treatment combination of 20 g n:30 g p: 5 g k applied at 45 days interval (n2 p2 k1 t3). All the treatments resulted in an increase in thickness of the flower shoot, and also the number of leaves in the flower shoot. Diameter of the flower was found to increase significantly with increase in N level. The treatment with 20 g N: 15 g P: 10 g k applied at 15 days intervals (n2 p1 k2 t1) recorded the maximum diameter for the flower. The treatments were not maximum diameter for the flower. The treatments were not found to be affective for increasing the petal number compared to control. Opening of the flower bud was delayed by an increase in the level of phosphorus and also by the application of fertilizer at longer intervals. All the treatments were found effective in increasing the flower life. The treatment combination of 10 g N: 45 g P: 15 g k applied at 45 days interval (n1 p3 k3 t3) recorded the maximum value for the flower life. Diameter of the flower was seen to be highly correlated with nitrogen application. Phosphorus application showed highest correlation with the mean life of flower. All the biometric characters under the study showed highly significant positive correlation among themselves and also with the application of potassium.
Effect of varying light intensities on the growth and development of indoor foliage and flowering plants
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1986) Aasha, K; Ramachandran Nair, S
An investigation was carried out in the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during the year 1985-86 to find out the effect of various light intensities on the growth and development of the important indoor foliage and flowering plants such as aglaonea, aralia, alocasia, chlorophytum, coleus, cordyline, dieffenbachia, dracaena, maranta, peperomia, pleomale, rheo, balsam, begonia and verbena. The treatments consisted of five intensities of light as follows, Full sunlight 75,50, 25 and 10 per cent light. The experiment was laid in a Completely Randomised Design.Shading was provided by using gunny cloth streched over g.1 poles. Plant height increased with decrease in light intensities in most of the plants except in aralia, coleus, maranta, pleomele and aglaonema. In aglaonema the height of the plants were influenced by the treatments only at the initial growth stages. In other staller plants were produced under high light intensities. In general diminishing light intensities enhanced leaf production , leaf area and chlorophyll content in all plants except in coleus where leaf area increased with increase in intensities of light. Destruction of chlorophylll in the leaves of plants kept in the open as evidenced by the yellowish colour was not observed for those plants in shade.
Etiology of marbled disease of pineapple (Ananas Comosus L. Merr.)
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1999) Sheela Paul, T; Nandini, K; Ramachandran Nair, S; James Mathew
Genetic variability and correlation studies in winged bean [Psophocarpus tetragonolobus(L) DC]
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1984) Ancy Philip; Ramachandran Nair, S
Growth pattern, flowering and yield potential of tissue cultured plants of banana "Musa (AAB Group) Nendran" and standisation of fertilizer schedule
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1995) Sheela, V L; Ramachandran Nair, S
The present study was under taken with the objective of comparing the growth pattern flowering and yield potential of tissue cultured plants of Nendran banana with that of plants produced from suckers and to formulate a suitable fertilizer schedule for the tissue cultured plants Two separate experiments were conducted for this purpose in the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani for two seasons from March 1991 to February 1993. The first experiment was laidout in split split plot technique and the second in confounded factorial design in RBD. Tissue cultured plants recorded an increase in yield of 25.63 per cent compared to plants from suckers. The highest yield were obtained in both seasons with the application of 300g nitrogen and 450g potash per plant NK interaction on yield was also significant . Treatments with fertilizer application exceeding six splits did not enhance yield . The optimum nitrogen and potash for the two seasons was 299. 5g and 465. 5g per plant respectively.
Growth, flowering and yield potential of tissue culture banana (Musa AAB cv. Nendran)
(Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikara, 2001) Sheela, V L; Ramachandran Nair, S
The present experiment in split-split plot technique was laid out at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 1991-1993 to evaluate the growth, flowering and yield potential of tissue culture plants of Nendran banana Musa (AAB group) compared to plants from suckers. The initial establishment and early growth phase of tissue culture plants were comparable with that of the suckers. But their growth rate become faster during the later stages and ultimately they recorded an increase of 6.7 per cent in height, 11.92 per cent in girth and 3.35 leaves more than the plants from suckers. They showed less variability in time taken for flowering and recorded an increase in yield of 25.63 per cent compared to plants from suckers. The attributes responsible for the increase in yield were length of bunch, number of fingers and length and girth of finger.
Heliothis armigera, a new pest of bittergourd
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1996) Maicykutty P Mathew; Sheela Paul, T; Ramachandran Nair, S; Madhu, S
Improvement of Anthurium andreanum Lind. in vitro
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1998) Mini Balachandran; Ramachandran Nair, S
Improvement of propogation efficiency of anthurium species in Vitro
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1992) Sreelatha, U; Ramachandran Nair, S
Attempts were made, to improve the propagation efficiency of Anthurium species through enhanced release of axillary buds and callus-mediated somatic organogenesis/embryogenesis, in the plant tissue culture laboratory of the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 1990-92. Four species of Anthurium namely, A. andreanum, A. crystallinum, A. veitchii and A. grande were selected for the study. Shoot tips from in vitro grown seedling were used as explants for the enhanced release of axillary buds. Cent percent survival was observed in all the cytokinin treatments. The maximum number of shoots (4.50) was observed with kinetin 2.0 mg/1 as well as BA 1.0 mg/1. Treatments with kinetin was free of callus growth. In treatments with BA and 2ip, callus growth was observed at the base of the explant. Treatments with Ms inorganic salts as well as sucrose did not influence multiple shoot formation. One fourth strength of MS major rutrients with full strength of micro nutrients was ideal for multiple shoot induction. Glucose produced less number of shoots than sucrose. One percent sucrose did not influence multiple shoot induction. The longest shoot (0.95cm) was observed at 0.4 percent agar. Light was necessary for the enhancement of axillary buds. In darkness, callus growth was observed, from which many adventitious shoots were produced. Segments of leaf, petiole, spathe, spike and inflorescence stalk were used a explants for callus initiation. Combinations of 2, 4-D and BA were efficient in initiating callus. In A.andreanum, 2, 4-D 0.08 mg/1 and BA 1.0 mg/1 was ideal for callus initiation. Combination of 2, 4-D, 0.2 mg/1 and BA 1.0 mg/1 was the best for callus initiation in A. veitchii. In A. grande, the best callus initiation was observed with 2, 4-D 0.5 mg/1 and BA 1.0 mg/1. Modified MS medium with reduced salt concentrations was ideal for callus initiation in all the species. Inositol when reduced to half concentration (of the normal) influenced callus initiation. The leaf explant (with the smallest vascular bundles) among the other explants, had the highest number of cultures free of microbial contamination. Basal portions of leaf responded, better than the apical portions, to in vitro culture. Continuous darkness was necessary for callus initiation and growth. MS medium with ¼ strength major nutrients was ideal for callus multiplication. Attempts,made on callus-mediated somatic embryogenesis, were not successful. Shoot regeneration and growth of the shoots were the best in MS medium with BA 0.5 mg/1 and IAA 2.0 mg/1. No rooting treatments were required as the shoots rooted spontaneously. Plantlets survived, better than micro shoots, exvitro. The plantlets required less hardening treatments. Sand was the best potting medium for planting out. Nutrient solutions when used for the irrigation the plantlets, had a negative influence on the survival of plantlets. Treatments with VAM (Glomus constrictum and G. etunicatum) was beneficial for the survival as well as growth of the plantlets. Cytological examinations of the root tip squashes made on random number of plantlets, at planting out, showed a normal diploid chromosome count. Attempts, to correlate the biochemical properties with in vitro response, of different explants as well as species, were not successful. Based on the existing facilities of the plant tissue culture laboratory of the department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, the cost of single anthurium plantlet was worked out to be Rs.3.00/=.
Kayikapravardhanam
(Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, 1980) Ramachandran Nair, S; KAU
Micropropagation in selected varieties of Anthurium andreanum Lind.
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1996) Anitha Susan Thomas; Ramachandran Nair, S
Nutritional requirement of Nendran banana under rice fields
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1988) Geetha V Nair; Ramachandran Nair, S
Orchid seed germination and carbohydrate mobilization pattern
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1986) Ramachandran Nair, S; Fojasingh; Shyama Sundara Joshi
The mobilization pattern of carbohydrate is quite specific in orchid seedlings. Its movement in the PLB is acropetal and in the pseudobulb is basipetal, A neutral zone is formed in between the two which lacks mobilization.
Quality and storage life of oriental pickling melon [Cucumis melo var.conomon(L) Makino] as influenced by major nutrients
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1985) Lissamma Joseph; Ramachandran Nair, S
The oriental pickling melon (Cucumis melo var. cocomon (L) Makino) was grown in a randomised block design under different organic and inorganic fertiliser treatments, with four replications at the Main Campus of Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, to study the effect of organic and inorganic manures on the yield, quality and storage life of this crop. The yield response of oriental pickling melon to different treatments was found to be significantly different. The treatment which received the highest dose of NPK in the organic and inorganic combination recorded the maximum yield per plot and number of fruits per plot whereas the treatments which received NPK through organic manures alone recorded relatively low yield. The weight and size of fruits were maximum when the highest dose of NPK was given completely in the inorganic form. The quality of the fruit was assessed by estimating the nutrient content at harvest; moisture, acidity, vitamin C, starch, total soluble solids and crude fibre content of fruits at harvest and thereafter at monthly intervals during storage. Significant difference was observed between treatments for these quality characteristics. During storage moisture, starch and vitamin C content of fruits showed steady decline irrespective of the treatments, whereas acidity and total soluble solids showed an initial increase followed by a gradual decline. The effect of organic and inorganic manures on storage life of oriental pickling melon was assessed by recording the rotting percentage of fruits during storage and it was found that increased degree of rotting occurred in treatments which received inorganic form of NPK, during all periods of storage. The organic form of manures showed a definite advantage over inorganic fertilisers in respect of the storability of oriental pickling melon.
Relative response of explant material of myristica fragrans houtt to in vitro culture
(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1990) Jayasree, K; Ramachandran Nair, S