Browsing by Author "Salikutty Joseph"

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Cataloguing and identification of promising ashgourd ecotypes in relation to season and maturity
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 1998) Mini Menon, P; Salikutty Joseph
An experiment was conducted during 1995-96 in the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara to catalogue and identify promising ashgourd ecotypes in relation to season and maturity. 1birty ecotypes of ashgourd were studied for their variability. The experiment was laid out in randomised block design with three replications. High heritability along with high genetic gain was observed for the characters primary branches per plant, fruit yield per plant, seeds per fruit and average fruit weight. Yield was positively and significantly correlated with length of main vine, nodes on main vine, primary branches per plant, internodal length, leaves per plant at 30 days after sowing, male flowers per plant, female flowers per plant, per cent of female flowers, average fruit weight, fruits per plant, percent of fruit set, circumference of fruit, length of fruit, seeds per fruit and 100 seed weight. Average fruit weight exhibited the highest positive direct effect on fruit yield per plant. The ecotype BH 21 possessing highest values for characters like length of main vine, number of nodes, number of female flowers, fruit yield per plant and number of seeds per fruit was selected to study the effect of sowing time and periodicity of harvests on yield. This experiment was laid out in split plot design taking months of sowing as main plot treatments and intervals of harvesting as subplot treatments. All biometric characters were significantly influenced by the sowing time. The crop sown in October was superior to other crops with regard to number of nodes, earliest node at which the first female flower was formed and fruit retained, number of female flowers, per cent of female flowers, number of fruits per plant, number of seeds per fruit and fruit yield per plant. In general the crops sown during August, September and October performed better in yield contributing characters when compared to the crops raised during other months of the year. The plants under the harvest interval of 14 days produced the highest number of female flowers and fruits per plant. Average fruit weight, circumference, fruit shape index, flesh thickness and number of fully developed seeds were highest for fruits harvested at full maturity. Though more number of fruits were obtained from plants' under a harvest interval of 14 days the highest yield in terms of total fruit weight was realised from plants harvested at full maturity. The crop was succumbed to the attack of pests and diseases throughout the year. Fruit fly infestation was severe in April, May and June sown crop. Incidence of pumpkin beetle was severe 111 February, March, April and May sown crop. Mosaic was severe 00 crops sown in November, December, January and February. June and July sown crops exhibited downy mildew disease. The better expression of yield contributing characters and lower incidence of pests and diseases tor the crops sown during August, September and October indicated that these months are most ideal for raising a crop of ashgourd. The crop weather relationship revealed that maximum temperature during first and second weeks after anthesis had a significant positive correlation with' yield at full maturity. Minimum temperature and sunshine hours also have a positive correlation though not significant. A negative correlation exist between relative humidity and yield.
Effects of graded doses of nitrogen , phosphorus and potassium on the growth and leaf nutrient status in cocoa
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1981) Salikutty Joseph; Mohanakumaran, N
Investigations were carried out at the College of Horticulture , Vellanikkara during 1979-80 to study the effect of graded doses of nitrogen , phosphorus and potassium on the growth and leaf nutrient status of cocoa . The results of a pot culture experiment in completely Randomised Design revealed that growth parameters (height, girth and number of leaves) as well as dry matter production remained unaffected following the application of nitrogen , phosphorus and potassium. The studies indicated that addition of fertilisers to seedling grown in potmixture may not be necessary . It has also been observed that the uptake of nitrogen , phosphorus and potassium by cocoa seedlings was not affected by varying levels of these nutrients. Leaf ranked fifth from the apwas found to be suitable for leaf analysis in cocoa seedlings. Field grown young cocoa trees were utilised for evaluating the relationships between soil test values and leaf nutrient concentration vis a vis plant growth.The studies indicated the suitability of either fan or chupon leaves for foliar nutrient analysis in cocoa. However, indiscriminate sampling between the two types is to be avoided . No significant correlations existed between phosphorus and potassium contents in soil leaf, and tree growth.
Factor analysis of bitterness in cucumis melo var.conomon Mak
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2005) Annie Mathew; Salikutty Joseph
The research project entitled ‘Factor analysis of bitterness in Cucumis melo var. conomon Mak. was carried out in the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, during the period 2000-2003. The objective of the study was to characterize bitterness and its’ persistence under varying genetic, physiologic and management contexts. The material selected was Mudicode, which is a well accepted non bitter variety. Homozygous bitter and non bitter lines obtained by continuous selfing for four generations was utilised for the study. The bitter and non bitter parental lines were crossed and F1, F2, BC1, and BC2 populations were generated. The 2 test for F2 and backcross generations with the ratio 13:3 (bitter:non bitter) showed the presence of inhibitory gene action for bitterness suggesting the possibility of introduction of inhibitory gene from wild bitter forms to the cultivated non bitter types. This is supported by the studies of the cross between oriental pickling melon and Cucumis melo var. callosus. The F1 of this cross produced small bitter fruits with characteristics similar to the bitter parent and the segregation pattern in F2 generation revealed the presence of inhibitory gene action in the ratio 13:3. To find the metaxenic effect of bitterness, several bitter wild and four cultivated cucurbitaceous species including the bitter type of Mudicode Local were used as pollen source on non bitter oriental pickling melon. The resultant fruits of these crosses were non bitter, thus ruling out the possibility of metaxenia. The study on effect of different sources of nutrients on bitterness revealed that the application of chemical fertilizers or organic manures viz., farmyard manure, neem cake, groundnut cake, poultry manure and goat manure will not modify bitterness in fruits of oriental pickling melon. Application of lime or furadan also did not change expression of bitterness. The change in physiological condition of the plant by pruning operations also did not alter the innate nature of bitterness. Similarly, the age of the plant did not show any relation with the existence of bitterness in oriental pickling melon. Comparison of morphological characters of bitter and non bitter plants showed that seeds from bitter fruits were smaller having more initial seedling vigour. Also, the fruits borne on bitter plants were more in number with smaller size, indicating the closeness of bitter plants to wild relatives. It was observed that the seeds are always non bitter irrespective of its origin from bitter and non bitter plants. But the cotyledon, hypocotyls and radicle of seedlings will remain bitter. Hence organoleptic evaluation of a part of the cotyledon, which will not hinder further development of the plant can be used as a method for identification of bitterness at an early stage. Results of biochemical analysis revealed that the content of cucurbitacin, phenol, aminoacid and polyphenol oxidase activity was higher in bitter fruits compared to non bitter fruits. The bitter principle was the highest at placental region followed by flesh and rind. In general, stalk end of the fruit was more bitter than blossom end of the fruit. The results also revealed that bitterness decreased with fruit maturity. This was substantiated using thin layer chromatography. Electrophoretic studies of seed protein showed no difference in banding pattern for bitter and non bitter seeds, indicating the closeness of the two types.
Fertigation and mulching studies in yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata var-sesquipedalis (L.) verdcourt)
(Department of Olericulture, College of horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2014) Mahasuma Puthuppalli; Salikutty Joseph
The investigations on ‘Fertigation and mulching studies in yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata var. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdcourt)’ were carried out in the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during January –May 2014. The study was conducted in the yard long bean variety Vellayani Jyothika to standardize the fertigation requirement and to assess the relative efficacy of fertigation and mulching over the conventional method. The experiment was laid out in strip plot design with two replications. There was a total of 17 treatments consisting of combinations of two irrigation levels (60 and 80 per cent pan evaporation (Ep) through drip irrigation) and four fertilizer levels (75, 100 and 125 per cent recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and 100 per cent RDF with water soluble fertilizer) with and without mulching and a control treatment (channel irrigation once in three days with 100 per cent RDF). The study revealed that irrigation, mulching and fertilizer levels had significant effect on vine length. Scheduling of irrigation at 80 per cent Ep resulted in significantly higher vine length. At higher levels of irrigation (80 per cent Ep) yield and number of pods per plant were higher whereas, length and weight of pods, and number of seeds per pod were not influenced by the levels of irrigation. Mulching significantly influenced yield and yield attributing characters like number of pods per plant, and length and weight of pods but had no influence on number of seeds per pod and protein content of pods. Plants receiving 125 per cent RDF resulted in significantly higher yield and yield attributing characters like number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, length and weight of pods compared to 75 and 100 per cent RDF. Per se and interaction effects of irrigation, mulching and fertilizer were not significant with respect to days to first flowering, first fruit set, first harvest, days from flowering to harvest, number of harvests, duration of the crop and protein content. Weed growth in terms of fresh and dry weight was not influenced by levels of irrigation while mulched plots recorded significantly lower weed growth than the unmulched plots. Among the fertilizer levels, 125 per cent RDF resulted in higher weed growth. Organic carbon content, available nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium on 45 DAS and at final harvest were the highest in treatments receiving 125 per cent RDF whereas, the highest pH and the lowest EC were recorded in 75 per cent RDF. Interactions between levels of irrigation, mulching and fertilizer when considered together, had significant effect on vine length, all yield attributes, weed growth and all soil parameters. The vine length, yield, yield attributes like length and weight of pods and soil nutrients were the highest when irrigation was given at 80 percent Ep along with mulching and 125 per cent RDF (I1M1F3). This was statistically on par with the treatment I2M1F3 in which irrigation was limited to 60 per cent Ep. An increase of 3.4 times was there in yield in the treatments I1M1F3 and I2M1F3 over conventional channel irrigation at 3 days interval with 100 per cent RDF (control). The highest BC ratio of 1.83 was obtained for the treatments I1M1F3 and I2M1F3 (60 and 80 per cent Ep with mulching, 125 per cent RDF). Irrigation at 60 or 80 per cent Ep along with 125 per cent RDF and mulching with white on black polythene was found to be the best treatments.
G x E interaction of semi- erect cowpea genotypes
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2005) Ampily, M; Salikutty Joseph
Genetics of resistance to aphids (Aphis craccivora Koch) and utility of line mixtures in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1990) Salikutty Joseph; Peter, K V
Direct damage caused by aphids by sucking plant sap and indirect damage caused by transmitting many viral diseases are serious havocs in cowpea. The constitutes a formidable obstacle in realisation of its yield potential, unless protected with insecticides. This is turn, leads to high cost of production, serious health hazards and atmospheric pollution . In this contest host plant resistance appears to hold great hope for cowpea production. Experiments on "Genetics of resistance to aphids (Aphis craccivora Koch) and utility of line mixtures in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)" were carried out during 1986-1990 at Department of Olericulture, Kerala Agricultural University at Vellanikkara to isolate cowpea line(s) resistant to aphids, to study mechanism of resistance, Inheritance of resistance and to develop physical mixtures to manage aphids. Three resistant and six moderately resistant lines were identified. The resistant lines are Vs 350, Vs 438 and Vs 452. The moderately resistant lines are Vs 350, Vs 438 and Vs 452. The moderately resistant lines are Vs 306, Vs 307, Vs 147, Vs 456, Vs 457 and Vs 458.
GxE interaction of semi-erect cowpea genotypes
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2005) Ampily, M; Salikutty Joseph
Experiments on “G x E interaction of semi-erect cowpea genotypes” were carried out at the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during Kharif, Rabi and summer 2004-2005. Fifty accessions of cowpea collected from various parts of Kerala were used for the study. The study was aimed at identification of stable high yielding and dual purpose semi-erect cowpea accessions over different seasons. With regard to yield and yield contributing characters, summer season was found to be best. The performance of all the accessions during Rabi was inferior as compared to Kharif and summer. The accessions VS-1177, VS-1025 and VS-1179 performed better with a green pod yield of 9.5 tonnes, 6.9 tonnes, 6.2 tonnes per hectare respectively and a seed yield of 3.3 tonnes, 2.1 tonnes, 2.3 tonnes per hectare respectively tonnes per hectare. Along with these three accessions during summer the accessions VS-1172 and VS-1170; during Kharif the accessions VS-1174 and VS-1042 during Rabi the accessions VS-1175 and VS-1015 were also superior. The pest and disease infestation scenario during cultivation showed that the accession VS-1111 had a pod borer infestation below 2 per cent and can be recommended as a resistant variety. The coreid bug infestation was maximum during summer followed by Kharif and was nil during Rabi. None of the accessions were found to be resistant to coreid bug. The incidence of aphids was lowest during Kharif followed by summer and Rabi. The accessions VS-1230 and VS-1231 were free from aphid attack during all the seasons and can be considered as resistant varieties. There was no incidence of anthracnose during Rabi season. Considering all the seasons, the accessions VS-1294, VS-1047, VS-1171, VS-1286 (Varun), VS-1276 (Kanakamony), VS-1179, VS-1213, VS-1160, VS-1263, VS-1032, VS-1266 (Kairali) and VS-1248 were free from anthracnose. The incidence of collar rot was lowest during summer followed by Kharif and Rabi. There was no incidence of mosaic during Rabi. The study on analysis of variance revealed the presence of considerable variability for most of the characters among the genotypes. The magnitude of PCV was higher indicating a higher degree of environmental fluctuation in the case of green pod yield per plant (42.13), number of pods per plant (35.75) and seed yield per plant (35.33). GCV also revealed the same pattern of genetic variability as shown by the PCV for all the characters. High heritability of more than 60 per cent was noticed for characters like 100 seed weight followed by pod length, seed yield per plant, green pod yield per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and number of clusters per plant. The estimates of genotypic correlation coefficient were higher than the phenotypic correlation coefficient. Considering the G x E interaction, the accessions VS-1177, VS-1025 and VS-1179 were highly adaptable for green pod yield and seed yield per plant during all the seasons. Hence these accessions can be recommended as dual purpose, adaptable semi-erect cowpea for large scale cultivation throughout the year in Kerala.
Performance analysis of clove bean ipomoea muricata (L) jacq. genotypes
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2008) Malsawmkimi; Salikutty Joseph
An experiment was carried out in the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara during August 2007 - January 2008 to analyze the performance of different accessions of clove bean Ipomoea muricata (L.) Jacq. The major objectives of the study were to genetically catalogue the germplasm and to assess the genetic variability, divergence, heritability, genetic gain and correlation of different traits with yield. Twenty five accessions collected from different parts of Kerala were grown in randomized block design with three replications. Cataloguing of the germplasm evidenced significant differences for the characters like vine length, days to first flower production, days to first harvest, length and weight of pedicel, length of fruit, yield per plant, duration of the crop, number of harvests and contents of vitamin C, calcium and crude fibre. There was also much variability in the germplasm with regard to colour shades of vine, flower and fruit. The accession IM-14 was found to be the highest yielder (4.24kg/plant) coupled with maximum length (3.675cm), girth (4.49cm) and weight of pedicel (93.27g) and length (2.8cm), girth (6.61cm) and weight of fruits (3.27g). Maximum vine length was observed in IM-7 (414.48cm). The accession IM-15 was the second best yielder (4.13 kg/plant) with superior yield contributing characters. Among quality attributes, protein content was found to be highest in IM-21, phosphorus in IM-2 and crude fibre in IM-10 and IM-3. The iron content ranged from 0.13mg/100g to 0.19mg/100g, vitamin C ranged from 24mg/100g to 48 mg/100g and calcium content ranged from 230.67mg/100g to 209.79mg/100g. Highest genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were observed for weight of pedicel, yield per plant and crude fibre content. High heritability coupled with genetic gain was observed for yield per plant. The 25 accessions were grouped into six clusters and no parallelism between geographical distribution and genetic diversity was observed. Strong association was revealed between yield and length, girth and weight of pedicel and weight of fruit. Highest positive direct effect on yield was contributed by weight of individual fruits. A selection model was also formulated using characters like length, girth and weight of pedicel, length and girth of fruit, days to first flower production, vine length, protein, phosphorus, iron, ascorbic acid and crude fibre. Based on selection index accession IM-14 was identified as the best performer followed by the accessions IM-15, IM-12 and IM-11
Performance analysis of snap melon(Cucumis melo L.momordica Duth&Full)
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2012) Priya T Joseph; Salikutty Joseph
An experiment was carried out in the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, during February- April 2011 to analyse the performance of different accessions of snap melon (Cucumis melo L. var. momordica Duth. & Full.). The major objective of the study was to identify superior snap melon genotypes with high yield and T.S.S. The other objectives were to genetically catalogue the germplasm and to assess the genetic variability, divergence, heritability, genetic gain and correlation of different traits with yield. Twenty five accessions collected from different parts of India were grown in randomized block design with two replications. Cataloguing of the germplasm evidenced significant differences for all the characters studied viz., vine length, nodes to first male flower appearance, nodes to first female flower appearance, days to first male flower appearance, days to first female flower appearance, days to first fruit set, maturity period, days to first harvest, duration of crop, number of harvests, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, flesh thickness, fruit cavity length, number of fruits plant-1, number of seeds fruit-1, yield plant-1, pulp placenta ratio, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, reducing sugar and non reducing sugar. Accession CMM-11 was the highest yielder with 7.97kg/plant followed by CMM-12 (7.62kg/ plant). Maximum fruit length was observed in CMM-11(49.65cm). The fruit diameter was highest in CMM-2 (22.25cm). It was observed that collections of snap melon from the state of Kerala were higher yielders than the North Indian collections. But, North Indian collections exhibited more shelf life (3days) due to their high rind firmness. Among quality attributes total soluble solids (5.30Brix), reducing sugar (3.01%) and non reducing sugar (3.03%) were found to be highest in CMM-21. During organoleptic evaluation, accession CMM-9 had the highest mean score for appearance (8.3), colour (8.6), texture (7.8) and flavour (7.5). Accession CMM-21 had the highest mean score for taste (8.8) and over all acceptability (8.3). The highest genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were observed for average fruit weight, shelf life and number of seeds fruit-1. High heritability coupled with high genetic gain was observed for most of the characters. Yield had strong association with average fruit weight, fruit diameter, flesh thickness, fruit length, length of fruit cavity and vine length. Highest positive direct effect on yield was contributed by average fruit weight and number of fruits plant-1. The 25 accessions were grouped into five clusters based on genetic distance. Intra cluster distances were much lower than inter cluster distances, suggesting homogeneity and heterogeneity of the accessions within and between the clusters respectively. Based on selection index, the accession CMM-11 was identified as the best performer followed by the accessions CMM-12 and CMM-20.
Productivity of ashgourd as influenced by crop combinations
(Department Of Olericulture, College Of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1998) Bavrah Balan; Salikutty Joseph
An investigation on the produtivity of ashgourd as influenced by crop combinations was conducted at the Vegetable Research Plots of the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara in 1997. The study evaluated the biological efficiency and economic feasibility of various intercropping systems. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with four replications. The base crop ashgourd was raised in pit and trench system along with intercrops cucumber, pole cowpea, bush cowpea and amaranthus in two and three crop combinations. In addition to these treatments sole crops were raised as control plots. Observations were made on growth characters and yield and yield attributing characters. The calculations on biological efficiency and economic suitability were worked out using different indices. The results revealed that planting patte.rn did not significantly influence most of the growth and yield contributing characters in ashgourd, cucumber and pole cowpea. The yield was maximum in the trench system of planting due to more number of plants that could be accomodated in this system. The performance of bush cowpea and amaranthus were similar when grown as pure crop or intercrop in this particular system. In the case of other crops, pure cropping recorded a higher growth than when intercropped. Fruit characters like length, circumference and flesh thickness of ashgourd also were not significantly influenced by planting pattern but the pit system gave a higher value than trench system. Effective weed suppression was obtained due to intercropping than in the pure crops but there was no difference in the pest and disease attack in pure and intercropped conditions. LER, LEe, ATER and aggressivity values revealed the biosuitability of ashgourd based cropping system. As pure crops, ashgourd, cucumber, pole cowpea, bush cowpea and amaranthus recorded maximum growth and yield contributing characters and yield as compared to the intercropping treatments. However, economic analysis revealed that intercropping is advantageous than their respective sole crops. Economic indices like gross return, net return and per day return was higher for the combination of ashgourd + cucumber + amaranthus. This was closely followed by ashgourd + cucumber + bush cowpea combination which recorded only a difference of Rs.1318.75 and Rs.620 1.39 during first and second seasons respectively. Performance of pure and intercropped pole cowpea was poor in these two seasons hence its performance in these cropping system need to be further evaluated. Growing ashgourd and cucumber in trenches of size 2 m x 60 cm x 60 cm with amaranthus as intercrop in an area of 4 m2 was found to be the best treatment. Thus the study conclusively revealed the scope of recommending ashgourd-cucumber-amaranthus intercropping system as an economically viable, biologically suitable and sustainable cropping system to increase vegetable production in Kerala.
Screening of chilli genotypes for resistance to bacterial wilt and mosaic
(Department Of Olericulture, College Of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1999) Fatima, A G; Salikutty Joseph
The investigation on "Screening of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) genotypes for resistance to bacterial wilt and mosaic" was conducted at the vegetable research farm of Department ofOlericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1997-'98. Fifty three chilli accessions collected from various parts of the country and abroad were evaluated in the wilt sick soil. The level of resistance to bacterial wilt varied with the accessions, Out of the 53 accessions tested, 15 were resistant, 16 were moderately resistant, 13 were moderately susceptible, and the remaining nine were highly susceptible. Among the 15 resistant accessions nine were short fruited, five were long fruited and remaining one was medium long fruited. The chilli lines were catalogued as per the IBPGR descriptor. The extent of genetic variability for 13 characters viz. plant height, plant spread, days to first flower, days to first harvest, fruit length, fruit girth, pedicel length, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, fruit yield per plant, driage, number of harvests and total . duration were studied. The genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, heritability, genetic advance and genetic gain were estimated. Significant differences were observed among the 53 genotypes for almost all the characters studied. Among the 53 genotypes the earliest flowering (59 days) genotype was CA 715 and the highest yielding (352.75 g) genotype was CA 728. CA 731 recorded the maximum number of fruits (108.50) per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic gain was observed for the characters - fruit length, fruit girth, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight and fruit yield per plant. The highest positive correlation with yield was expressed by the total duration. Average fruit weight exhibited the highest positive direct effect on yield. Based on the genetic divergence the 53 genotypes were grouped into seven clusters. Out of 53 accessions evaluated for mosaic resistance, nine were resistant, twelve moderately resistant and the remaining 32 were susceptible. The resistance showed by the nine accessions was confirmed by standard methods. The accessions CA 337, CA 731, CA 738, CA 739 and CA 744 were found to possess the resistance to both bacterial wilt and mosaic and can be recommended for disease prone areas. The F IS developed using the resistant parents were found susceptible to both bacterial wilt and mosaic.
Standardisation of leaf sampling technique in cocoa seedling
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1990) Salikutty Joseph; Mohanakumaran, N
Standardization of hydroponics in tomato
(Department of Olericulture, College of horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Reshma, T; Salikutty Joseph
Validation of farmers practice of organic manuring in OKRA (abelmoschus esculentus (L.) moench)
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Ankitha Singh; Salikutty Joseph