Browsing by Author "Sivaraman Nair, P C"

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Curing bud wood and method of budding on 'bud take' in cocoa var. forastero (Theobroma cacao L.)
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1982) Kumaran, K; Sivaraman Nair, P C
Cytotaxonomical studies on banana cultivars
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1984) Valsalakumari, P K; Sivaraman Nair, P C
Variability in banana are wide and complex with different degrees of expression of the characters of the parental species, Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana. Commercial cultivars are many, ranging in levels of productivity and quality characters. Investigations were conducted at the College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Trichur during 1981-83 on 100 cultivars of banana to study the cytotaxonomical aspects. Studies on morphological characters, taxonomic scoring and chromosome number revealed that many of the cultivars were identical and ultimately the cultivars were confined to 64 distinct ones. The taxonomic scoring did not indicate the ploidy. Eight cultivars with the scores of triploids, were identified as diploids. The quantitative, quality and pollen characters showed a significant variation among the cultivars. The characters were influenced by the ploidy and the genomic constitution. The presence of ‘B’ genome increased plant height and girth, leaves per plant, leaf area per plant and petiole length. Musa balbisiana (BB) recorded the highest values for all the above characters. The triploids were more vigorous than the diploids and the tetraploids as indicated by their higher growth rates. The triploids were also better than the other groups for bunch and finger characters. Among them, the triploids of hybrid origin were better for bunch characters while the Musa acuminata triploid group (AAA) was superior to the other groups for finger characters. Longer pedicel was a characteristic feature of Musa balbisiana( BB). The genomic constitution of the cultivars influenced the contents of total soluble solids, sugars and acids in fruits, more than the ploidy. Musa acuminata group AAA, had the highest sugar/acid ratio. Studies on pollen viability, size and production in cultivars revealed the possibility of including a few of them as male parents in the banana hybridization programme. Forty of the cultivars studied were polleniferous. Pollen viability and production were more in pure Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana groups than in groups of hybrid origin. Musa acuminata cultivars had larger pollen grains than cultivars belonging to the other genomic groups.Estimates of genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, heritability in the broad sense, genetic advance and genetic gain for the 26 characters indicated the scope for selection among the cultivars. Petiole length, pulp/peel ratio on volume basis, weight and volume of fruit showed higher heritability values combined with high genetic gain. Estimation of genetic divergence among the cultivars showed that the cultivars ‘Mannan’ and ‘Pacha chingan’, belonging to the genomic group AAB, were the closest and a Musa acuminata cultivar, ‘Harichal’ (AAA) and Musa balbisiana (BB) were the farthest. The 62 cultivars were grouped into eight homogeneous clusters. Similar clustering pattern was obtained in the canonical analysis also. The study revealed the predominance of the cultivars of the hybrid origin, with different degrees of expression of the characters of the parental species, in the South Indian bananas. The taxonomic scoring system was not always appropriate to find out the ploidy of the cultivars. The study also indicated the scope for selection among the cultivars and the possibility of inclusion of the cultivars with viable pollen as male parents in the hybridization programme.
Deficiency symptoms of mineral nutrients in clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. and Perry).
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1989) Nazeem, P A; Sivaraman Nair, P C
Experiments were conducted at the College of Horticulture on nutritional aspects of clove, to study the nutrient deficiency symptoms as well as the distribution pattern of nutrients in starved clove plants. The deficiency symptoms were induced in clove seedlings in sand culture. The distribution pattern of P, S (anions) and Ca (cation) were studied in the nutrient-starved seedlings employing radio isotopes. Besides, the annual nutrient removal and the seasonal fluctuations in the foliar nutrient concentration were studied in bearing clove trees. Older leaves were the first to exhibit 'hunger signs' due to the stress induced by N, P, K and Mg starvation whereas the symptoms, were manifested on the younger growth due to deficiency of Ca, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and B. General yellowing of the older leaves and early defoliation were the symptoms expressed by N-starved plants. Phosphorus stress resulted in small brownish spots to appear on older leaves of clove seedlings which later coalesced to form necrotic patches.
Effect of pre and post -harvest treatments on storage and quality of banana cv. Nendran
(Department of Horticulture (Pomology & Floriculture and Landscaping), College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1981) Aravindakshan, K; Sivaraman Nair, P C
The present investigations were carried out in the College of Horticulture, during the year 1978-1980. The objectives were to study (i) the growth and development of banana fingers cv. Nendran and to fix optimum tine for harvest (ii) the effect of pre-harvest sprays of growth regulators on post harvest quality of the fruits (iii) the effect of different storage methods on prolonging the shelf life and (iv) to assess the efficacy of different fungicidal treatments on controlling anthraonose disease of ripened fruits. Fruit growth in rainfed ‘Nendran’ was found to be a continueous process till it reaches maximum maturity at 90 days after shooting. The length, girth, volume and weight of fingers continued to increase rapidly during early stages of growth, accounting for 90 per cent of growth by 60 days after shooting. The accumulation of dry matter and the starch took place at increasing rates during the first two month of fruit growth resulting an increase in specific gravity from 0.36 at shooting to more than one after 70 days of shooting and pulp to peel ratio from 0.32 to 1.50 on 70th day. The study showed that rainfed ‘Nandran’ can be harvested from 70 days after shooting without impairing the quality but with light reduction in quantity. The growth regulators if applied as pre-harvest sprays on 60th day after shooting increases size, weight and quality of the fruits; the maximum Increase in size and weight was resulted by the application of 2, 4-D at 10 ppm. The quality was improved by way of increased TSS, total and reducing sugars by treatments of ethrel 400 ppm, NAA 50 ppm, 100 ppm and 2, 4-D at 4 ppm and 10 ppm. Improvement in quality followed by growth regulator application was more evident in ease of 70th day harvest than the harvest at full maturity. The comparative study of different storage methods have revealed that, the polythene bag with potassium permanganate increases the storage life by 10 days, polythene bag alone by 6 days as compared to smoke treatment and open storage. Eventhough the fruits in polythene bag with and without KMnO4 showed a reduction on TSS, total and reducing sugar content, the appearanoe of the fruits were much better than that of smoked fruits and open stored fruites and the eating quality were also good. The study on the Incidence of anthracnoae disease In the storage showed that all the fungicides used at both concentration viz. anthracol at 0.05% and 0.1 % Bavistin 500 ppm and 1000 ppm; Thiride 0.1% and 0.2%| were equally effective In reducing the black spot development on ripened fruits. Though few spots were present In spite of the treatments, the quality and colour were not effected. Among the storage conditions. Polythene bag + KMnO4 showed least lncidence of the spots while It was maximum In case of smoke treatment.
Effect of pruning on growth, quantity and quality of produce in pepper (Piper nigrum. L)
(Department of Horticulture (Plantation Crops & Spices) College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1982) Sajan Kurien; Sivaraman Nair, P C
The present investigations were carried out at the Pepper Research Schema, Vellanikkara during the period December 1980 to February 1982. The objectives were to find out. (1) Whether pruning encourages more lateral growth and thereby an increase in yield. (2) Whether it is necessary to retain large volume of unproductive shoots. Studies were conducted on six year old bearing vines and the following inferences were drawn. The nutrient removal was significantly superior in higher intensity pruning. Pruning of hanging shoots recorded significant difference in mean extension of growth and spread of plants after full growth. There were two growth flushes in May and October- November. The later was relatively smaller. Significant difference was noted in the production of shoots, number of bearing shoots, and number of spikes. In all the above three characters, hanging shoot removal was best. Spike and berry characters were unaffected by pruning.
Fruit set, fruit development and fruit drop in nutmeg (Myristica Fragrans Houtt.)
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1981) Nazeem, P A; Sivaraman Nair, P C
Studies on fruit set, development and fruit drop in nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) conducted in Kerala, India have indicated that the fruit set was only 33.7 per cent while the post-set fruit drop was 74.4 per cent. The ultimate harvested yield accounted to only about 8.2 percent of the total flower production. Therefore, the best method to increase fruit production is to increase the set and to lower the fruit drop. Hand pollination increased the set by about 2.5 times as compared to the natural set. The fruits showed a sigmoid growth pattern and took seven to eight months to attain maturity Maximum drop period synchronised with the peak development period of sixth to sixteenth week after set, indicating nutritional imbalance as one of the major factors influencing fruit drop
Genetic divergence in banana
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1985) Valsalakumari, P K; Sivaraman Nair, P C; Prabhakaran, P V
On the basis of multtvariate analysis 62 cultivars of banana belonging to different genomic groups were grouped into 8 clusters considering 22 characters simultaneously. The characters pulp/peel ratio on volume basis followed by the weight of fruit contributed the maximum towards divergence.
Genetic variability in banana
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1986) Valsalakumari, P K; Sivaraman Nair, P C
Growth, Flowering, Floral biology and spike shedding in pepper (Piper nigrum L.)
(Department of Horticulture (Plantation Crops), College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 1981) Rema Menon; Sivaraman Nair, P C
The present studies were carried out in the College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, during the year 1979-80. The object was to study the pattern of growth and flowering, floral biology and spike shedding in pepper (Pipernigrum L.) . The studies were conducted on four year old pepper vines (c.v. Panniyur-1 and Karimunda) receiving uniform cultural and manurial practices of the Kerala Agricultural University. Shoot growth in pepper was observed during four months of the year, from May to August, with maximum in July and minimum in August. The mean growth and the percentage of shoots that showed growth varied significantly from month to month and standard to standard. The flowering followed a pattern similar to growth. The percentage of aborted spikes ranged from 40.1 to 26.31 per cent.
Investigations on the nutrition of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1986) Nybe, E V; Sivaraman Nair, P C
Mineral nutrition of nutmeg (Myristica Fragrans Hout.) in relation to deficiency symptoms and flowering
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1986) Joseph Philip; Sivaraman Nair, P C
Detailed investigations were carried out at the College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara from 1982 to 1985 with a view to study the nutrient deficiency symptoms by inducing deficiency and to study the influence of carbohydrates, nutrient elements and their ratios on flowering of nutmeg. Deficiency symptoms of macro-nutrients except Ca and S were first manifested on the older leaves while that of micro-nutrients on younger leaves. Symptoms of N deficiency were expressed as yellowing of leaves with orange tinge except the midrib and lateral veins followed by development of brownish necrotic blotches with bright orange yellow halos. Bronze green to purple discolouration of leaves with purplish brown necrotic blotches were the symptoms of P deficiency. Potassium deficiency symptoms were characterized by chocolate brown necrosis along the leaf tip and margins which later progressed to the distal one third to two third portion of the laminae. Due to Ca deficiency, the younger leaves became thick, brittle and reduced in size with blunt end. Light orange yellow chlorosis developed along the leaf margins and tips followed by the development of necrotic spots with bright orange yellow zone adjacent to the necrotic areas. Magnesium deficiency was characterized by the yellowing of the midrib and lateral veins and adjacent areas starting from the base of the leaf followed by yellowing of the entire laminae, necrosis and outward cupping of margins. In the case of S deficiency, the younger leaves became uniformly lemon yellow which later developed characteristic ‘birds eye spot’ and ‘shot holes’. Interveinal chlorosis of the young leaves was the most commonly observed symptom of micro-nutrient deficiencies. However, the chlorosis was specific to the concerned nutrients. Uniform straw yellow discoloration of leaves with pale green midrib and lateral veins followed by development of necrosis from leaf tip towards base, downward cupping of leaves and asymmetrical laminae were the symptoms of Fe deficiency. Manganese deficiency symptoms were characterized by pale yellow interveinal chlorosis and crinkling of leaves. Development of water-soaked spots from margins and tips in a wavy pattern towards the midrib followed by downward cupping, coppery red necrosis and leaf distortion were the characterization symptom of Cu deficiency. Symptoms of Zn deficiency were expressed as abnormally long and narrow leaves with characteristic mottling and reduced internodes. Boron deficiency symptoms were expressed as crinkling and orange yellow chlorosis of leaf tip of younger leaves which were thick and brittle. Later on, bright orange yellow chlorotic patches developed in between the lateral veins followed by the development of necrosis from margins and tips at the distal portion. Cracks developed at the necrotic areas and torn off. Among the macro and micro-nutrients, the earliest deficiency symptoms were manifested by the element Fe (3rd month), followed by Mg and S (4th month) N (5th month) P and B (7th month), K, Cu and Zn (8th month), Ca (9th month) and Mn (9.5th month). Vegetative growth was markedly reduced due to the deficiency of macro and micro-nutrients. Calcium, P, K, Mg and Zn were the elements which showed profound influence on root growth. The growth of plant was found to be completely arrested at a comparatively early stage (5th month) due to Mg, S and Fe deficiencies, followed by B (7th month), N (9th month), P, K, Ca, Cu an Zn (10th month) and Mn (10.5th month) deficiencies. Visual symptoms of deficiencies were concurred with a marked reduction in the foliar level of the concerned element. The influences of macro and micro-nutrient deficiencies on the foliar level of other nutrients are furnished below. Comparative foliar concentration of nutrients Nutrient deficiency --------------------------------------------------------------------- Elements increased Elements decreased Nitrogen P, Zn, B Mg, Fe, Mn Phosphorus N, Zn Mg, Mn Potassium Ca, Mg Nil Calcium K, Mg, N B Magnesium Ca, K, Cu N Sulphur N, P Nil Iron P, Zn, Mn K, Ca Manganese Fe, K, N Nil Copper Fe, Mg Ca Zinc P, Fe Mg Boron N, P Ca, K The deficiency symptoms could be recovered by the application of the deficient nutrient element. The flowering shoots of nutmeg were found to be associated with a significantly higher concentration of carbohydrates in leaves. The flowered shoots had a relatively lower amount of N in leaves prior to flowering and the N content increased slightly towards flowering. It was observed that the P, K, Ca and Mg were higher in the flowering shoots. But the variation was significant only in the case of Ca and Mg, that too in three flushes out of the normal four. The flowering shoots had a relatively lower concentration of foliar S than that of the non-flowering shoots. The flowering shoots registered significantly higher C/N ratio in leaves than that of the non-flowering shoots. The flowered shoots always registered a relatively higher P/S, Ca/S and Mg/S ratios and a lower foliar level of Ca/Mg, N/P and N/K ratios. The flowered and non-flowered shoots showed an erratic trend with respect to K/Ca, K/P and Ca + Mg ratios.
Morphological studies and quality evaluation of ginger (zingiber officinale rosco) types
(Department of Horticulture (Plantation Crops), College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1978) Nybe, E V; Sivaraman Nair, P C
A detailed study of 25 ginger types was conducted during the period from April 1977 to June 1978 at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara with a view to find out the feasibility of fixing up specific morphological characters to identify different types, to screen out ginger types with high yield, high quality and resistant or tolerant to pests and diseases and to study the quality variations at different periods of maturity. The study revealed that morphological characters are not reliable to classify the ginger types, although some of them can be identified by rhizome characters. The morphological characters such as length of leaf, leaf area index and number, length and girth of primary and secondary fingers were found to be positively correlated with yield. All the types studied are susceptible to the incidence of soft-rot, leaf –spot and shoot-borer. The type Maran was relatively tolerant to soft-rot whereas Rio-de-Janeiro was found to be the most susceptible type. Yield was found to vary significantly among the types studied. Maximum yield was recorded in Nadia followed by Bajpai, Maran and Narasapattom. Maximum oleoresin percentage was in Rio-de-Janeiro and highest percentage of oil recovery in Karakal. But the maximum yield per hectare of oleoresin and oil was in the type Maran. Fibre content was minimum in China and maximum in Kuruppampady closely followed by Maran. The yield, dryage and percentage of oleoresin, oil and crude fibre varied significantly among the different maturity periods studied. The percentage of oleoresin, oil and fibre was maximum at 165 days after planting. But the maximum yield per hectare of oleoresin and oil were found at 270, 195, 225 and 225 days after planting in Rio-de-Janeiro, Maran, Kuruppampady and Wynad Local respectively. Cultivation of the types Nadia, Bajpai and Maran is recommended for higher total yield of dry ginger for the plains of Kerala. Considering the low incidence of soft – rot and higher yield of oleoresin and ginger oil the type Maran is preferred.
Morphological studies and quality evaluation of turmeric types
(Department of Horticulture (Plantation Crops), College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1978) Joseph, Philip; Sivaraman Nair, P C
A study using 19 turmeric types was conducted during the period from April 1977 to June 1978 at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara with a view to find out the possibility of distinguishing different types based on morphological parameters, to screen out the types with high yield and quality, to evaluate their relative susceptibility or tolerance to important pests and diseases and to study the yield and quality variations at different periods of maturity. The study revealed that morphological characters are not reliable to classify the turmeric types, although some of them can be distinguished by rhizome characters. The morphological characters such as the height of plant, length and breadth of leaf, leaf area index, petiole length, number of leaves per tiller, number of roots per plant, length of root, length of primary fingers and girth of mother rhizome were positively correlated with yield, whereas the intensity of shoot borer attack was negatively correlated with yield. All the types were susceptible to the incidence of ‘leaf spot’, ‘leaf blotch’ and shoot borer infection. The type VK5 (Mannuthy Local) showed the minimum incidence of pest and diseases. The yield of turmeric showed significant variation among the types. Maximum yield of green turmeric was noticed in the type VKI (Chayapasupa) whereas the type VK5 (Mannuthy Local) recorded the maximum yield of cured produce. Significant variation was noticed among the types with regards to the oleoresin and curcumin content. The oleoresin content varied between 12.1 and 21.1 per cent and the variation in curcumin content was from 2.33 to 6.55 per cent. The uncured turmeric samples had a higher content of oleoresin and curcumin than that of cured samples. The yield, percentage recovery of dry produce, oleoresin and curcumin varied significantly among the different periods of maturity in case of the types VK4 (G.L.Puram-II), VK5 (Mannuthy Local), VK17 (Armoor Cll-324) and VKII (Vontimitta). The dry yield, curcumin and oleoresin per hectare were maximum on 270th day whereas the maximum percentage recovery of oleoresin was on 180th and 270th day after planting. The types VK5 (Mannuthy Local), VK1 (Chayapasupa), VK2 (Kuchupudi) and VK3 (Kodur) can be recommended for large scale cultivation in the plains of Kerala as these types are found to be superior in yield of dry produce, oleoresin and curcumin per hectare. Of these VK5 (Mannuthy Local) and VKl (Chayapasupa) are preferred because of the low incidence of pest and diseases. The optimum time of harvesting turmeric is found to be on 270th day after planting under Vellanikkara conditions.
Research notes observations on the floral biology and fruit set in vanilla
(Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikara, 1969) Sivaraman Nair, P C; Leelamma, Mathew
Research notes on the performance of some introduced varieties of banana in Kerala
(Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikara, 1969) Sivaraman Nair, P C; Chandrasekharan Nair, M K
Studies on growth ,flowering ,fruit set and fruit development in nutmeg (Myristica fragrans hout.)
(Department of Plantations Crops, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1979) Nazeem, P A; Sivaraman Nair, P C
The present investigations were carried out in the College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University during the year 1978-’79. The object was to study the pattern of growth and flowering, floral biology, fruit set, fruit drop and fruit development in nutmeg. The studies were conducted on male and female trees of about 17 years old receiving cultural practices as recommended by Kerala Agricultural University. Shoot growth in nutmeg was found to be cyclic, a period of growth followed by a quiescence. Six flushes were observed during the period of one year. All the flushes were not seen in all the shoots which resulted in continuous growth in nutmeg. The mean growth varied significantly from month to month, with minimum in summer months. Two peaks were observed in May, June and September. Nutmeg trees were found to be slow growers when compared to other prerennial trees. Flowering pattern of male and female trees differed. There was monthly variation in the extent of flowering of both male and female trees. In females, flowering was constrained to seven months whereas in male, flowering was observed through out the year. Maximum flowering in both the cases was in July followed by October. The flower bud development in male and female trees followed specific pattern. The male flowers took only about half the period taken by the female flowers to develop. The female flowers took 154 days for complete development. Three types of flowers were observed in nutmeg which resembled and differed each other for different characters. In male flowers, peak anthesis was between 1900 hours and 0100 hour and in females, it was between 2100 hours and 0300 hours. Anther dehiscence occurred about 24 hours prior to anthesis. The stigmatic receptivity lasted for six days after anthesis with the maximum for the first three days. The chief agent of pollination was wind. Anther number and pollen production per flower varied from tree to tree. Sucrose at concentrations of 2, 4, 6 and 8 per cent, boric acid and calcium nitrate at concentrations of 25, 50, 75 and 100 ppm each were found to promote pollen germination. A combination of the three (4% sucrose, 25 ppm calcium nitrats and 75 ppm boric acid) gave maximum germination (96.9%). Pollen was found to be viable for three days in the dehisced bud condition and the viability was greatly reduced thereafter. The percentage set varied for different trees and for different aspects with maximum set on Western and eastern aspects. Hand pollination increased the percentage set than open pollination, indicating the possibilities of assisted pollination for better production. There was no apomictic fruit development. The mean percentage drop after set was 74.4 per cent. The number of fruits harvested accounted to only 8.47 per cent of the total flowers produced. The period of maximum drop after set coincided with the period of maximum development of the fruit. The fruits attained maturity in 206 to 237 days after fruit set. The developing fruits followed a sigmoid growth pattern. The peak harvest season ranged between April and July. The trees varied for the percentage drop and number of fruits harvested.
Varietal screening in ginger
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1981) Nybe, E V; Sivaraman Nair, P C
Twcntyfive ginger types were screened at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1977-78 for the yield and quality attributes such asdrying percentage, oleoresin, oil and crude fibre contents. There was highly significant differences in yield, drying percentage, oleoresin, oil and crude fibre contents among the types studied. Maximum yield was recorded in the type 'Nadia' closely followed by 'Bajpai', 'Maran' and 'Narasapattom'. The maximum oleoresin percentagewas in the type 'Rio-de-Janeiro' and the highest percentage of oil recovery in 'Karakal'. But the yield per hectare of oleoresin and oil was maximum in the type'Maran' Crude fibre content was minimum in 'China' and the maximum in 'Kuruppampady"' The type Thodupuzha' recorded the maximum drying percentage of 25'20 and minimum in Karakal (15.20%). The types 'Nadia', 'Bajpsi' and 'Maran' were found to be relatively superior in performance in view of the higher yield of dry ginger, oleoresin and oil contents.