Browsing by Author "Sudhadevi, P K"

Now showing 1 - 9 of 9

Effect of N, P and K on the growth of Costus speciosus (Koening) Smith
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1987) Sudhadevi, P K; Mohanakumaran, N
A field trial was conducted to find out the role of major nutrients on different growth characters of Costus speciosus and the important characters which had a bearing on diosgenin yield were identified. The results showed that N application increased the growth of plants in terms of height, length and breadth of leaves, area per leaf and total leaf area per plant. P had a depressing effect, especially on the number of leaves and area per leaf. The beneficial effect of K was only marginal, as compared to that of N. Application of N increased the yield of rhizomes. The diosgenin content of the rhizomes was found to be significantly influenced by N, P and K application while the yield of diosgenin was significantly influenced by different levels of N and K. Of the growth characters studied, the total leaf area and plant height were found to be significantly correlated with diosgenin yield.
Ethnobotany of medicinal plants used by tribes of Kerala
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1992) Sudhadevi, P K; Aravindakshan, M
Investigations were carried out on the Ethnobotany of medicinal plants of the tribes of Kerala in the Centre for Advanced Studies on Humid Tropical Tree Crops and Environmental Horticulture attached to College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1988 – 1991. The study included documentation of ethnomedicines, botanical description and propagation of selected five rare plants and screening of selected plants for antimicrobial activity. The Malayan tribe of the selected localities, viz., Chimminy, Marottichal, Sholayar, Vazhachal and Vazhani were selected for the study. Ethnomedico – botanic information on 212 plant species, belonging to 184 genera of 73 families were documented. According to the magnitude of availability of information and paints, the localities could be ranked as Sholayar > Vazhachal > Marottichal > Chimminy/ Vazhani. Erosion of the knowledge and depletion of the flora as urbanization advances were observed. The tribe knew the remedy for almost all the common diseases. Single plant remedies were observed for alopecia (Nyctanthes arbortristis), bone fracture (Justicia gendarussa), paralysis (Cassia fistula), prolapse of the rectum (Mangifera indica), whitlow (Euphorbia antiquorum) and as analgesic (Thevetia neriifolia), antilactogenic (Jasminum pubescens) and diaphoretic (Oroxylum indicum). Maximum number of plants, either alone or in combination were used for eye diseases followed by diarrhoea and dysentery, loss of hair and snake bite. Plants used as animal and insect repellents and for cattle diseases were also documented. Information was also obtained on diagnostic and prophylactic plants. Use of Allium sativum along with Ocimum sanctum as a prophylactic for mumps, Allanthus excels for lalarial fever, and the leaves of Tragia involucrate for diagnosing pregnancy were very simple and worth mentioning. Plants were used in combination with other plants ; plant products like oils, jiggery, sugar, animals like chiken, crab and tadpole; animal products like butter, honey and milk; and inert materials like ash, clay and salt. Religious or magical rituals accompany the uses of certain plants. They also keep certain taboos about medicinal plants. Five rare plants, Alstonia venenata, Coscinium fenestratum, Habenaria latilabris, Rotula aquatic and woodfordia fruticosa were botanically described and illustrated. Feasibility of multiplication of these species under Vellanikkara conditions revealed that the easiest method of multiplication was through root cuttings in Coscinium fenestratum, pseudobulbs in Habenaria latilabris, hardwood cuttings in Rotula aquatic and seeds in Woodfordia fruticosa. In Alstonia venenata, the treatments tried were not successful. None of the ether and alcoholic plant extracts screened showed any antimicrobial properties while the essential oils from four plants showed remarkable traits in this aspect. Clove leaf oil was found to be inhibitory to all the bacteria and fungi tested . The inhibition was more compared to most of the antibiotics and fungicides available in the market. The essential oil of Coscinium fenestratum and Cinnamomum verum also showed fairly good antibacterial and antifungal properties. The essential oil of Alstonia venenata was able to suppress the growth of bacteria, though ineffective in the case of fungi. However, further in vivo studies are required in order to prove its efficacy in natural/experimental infections before its utility is advocated for field conditions. The information gathered revealed that the tribal community of Thrissur District has a traditionally self managed system of folk medicine. Comprehensive and systematic surveys and documentation are required in other unexploited areas also for gathering such valuable information before they are being lost.
Evaluation of aquatic plants for water gardening
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2009) Deviprasad, B P; Sudhadevi, P K
Evaluation of differential effects of coloured shade nets on selected ornamentals
(Department Of Pomology And Floriculture, College Of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Andrew L Myrthong; Sudhadevi, P K
Evaluation of differential effect of coloured shade nets on selected ornamentals was undertaken in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. Six plant species viz., Nephrolepis exaltata, Asparagus sp. (green leaf type); Spathiphyllum wallisii, Chrysothemis pulchella (flowering type); Tradescantia spathacea „Sitara‟ and Cordyline terminalis (coloured leaf type) were selected for the evaluation. The plants were grown under shade nets of five different colours viz., red, yellow, green, blue and black. Morphological data (both quantitative and qualitative), weather data including temperature, relative humidity, light intensity and PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) were recorded for a period of one year from March 2015 to February 2016. The total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were evaluated twice, at six and twelve months after planting. The plant growth in terms of height and spread was found to be greatly influenced by red and black coloured nets as the plants under these two nets were the tallest with more spread. Except for Cordyline terminalis, the growth of all plants was the least when grown under blue coloured net. Height and spread of Cordyline terminalis was the lowest under black colour net. Leaf characteristics like area, length and breadth were the highest when grown under black, followed by red coloured nets. The effect of yellow, green and blue coloured nets was not significant. Red net only significantly increased the number of leaves in all plants except Spathiphyllum wallisii, in which it was the highest under blue colour net. The internodal length was the longest in plants under red and shortest under blue coloured nets except in Cordyline terminalis which recorded shortest internodes under black net. Length and girth of petiole of all the plants were more when grown under black net except that of Cordyline terminalis in which it was the longest under red and blue nets.The floral characters of Chrysothemis pulchella were homogeneous under nets of all colours while Spathiphyllum wallisii had bigger flowers with longer stalks under black and red nets. The interval of flower production was the least in red and maximum in plants under blue nets for both the plants. Vase life was studied for those leaves that could be used as cut foliage. No detectable difference in vase life of Asparagus sp. and Spathiphyllum wallisii could be observed. But, leaves of Nephrolepis exaltata had maximum vase life under black and red; medium under yellow and green and minimum under blue nets. The vase life of Cordyline terminalis was minimum under blue net and maximum under all the other net colours which were on par with each other. A higher concentration of total chlorophyll as well as carotenoid were found under black coloured net in all plants except in Spathiphyllum wallisii, in which the maximum concentration was under blue net. The maximum and minimum temperatures and relative humidity were always higher inside the shade nets compared to the open condition. Both light intensity and PAR were reduced inside the shade nets and the reduction was in the ascending order of black, yellow, green, blue and red nets. Overall growth of all the plants was higher under red and black nets, while leaf characteristics were better under black net. Quality wise, the plants under black net overshadowed those under red, yellow, green and blue coloured nets. It was observed that all the plant parameters could not be improved by a single net colour. This study will form a base for future works through which we can draw a clear recommendation on the colour of shade net to be used for obtaining the desired plant architecture which will enhance the commercial value of ornamentals.
Evaluation of foliage plants for interior plantscaping
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2012) Alex, R; Sudhadevi, P K
Studies were undertaken in Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2010-2012 to evaluate the foliage plants for interior plantscaping. The study comprised of four experiments in which fifty foliage plant species were selected for evaluation under two growing structures having two different systems viz., open ventilated and fan and pad. Air Pollution Tolerance Index of all the selected species of foliage plants were computed and based on that, ten species was selected and their performance under different indoor light conditions was studied. The air borne microbes and dust filtering efficiency of these ten indoor foliage plant species were also evaluated. When the growing structures, viz., open ventilated & fan and pad greenhouses were compared, the plants kept in fan and pad system were found to be superior than the plants kept in open ventilated greenhouse with regard to most of the characters. So the fan and pad system could be considered as the best for growing the foliage plants. But precautions should be taken to check the humidity levels. Fifty selected species of foliage plants were classified into six categories namely rosette, tree-like, flowering, upright, grass-like and climbing and trailing based on their growth habit. Among the rosette type, Anthurium crystallinum, Calathea zebrina, Philodendron wendlandii and Homalomena wallisii could be recommended for their compactness. Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Codiaeum variegatum ‘Punctatum aureum’, Ficus benjamina, Licuala grandis, Rhapis excelsa and Schefflera arboricola could be recommended among the tree-like species which could be utilized to decorate bigger indoor places. In flowering foliage plants, Anthurium andreanum ‘Bonina’, Spathiphyllum wallisii and Kalanchoe blossfeldiana could be recommended for any indoor conditions as they would improve the interior environment with their attractive flowers as well as foliages. Aglaonema pseudobracteatum, Dieffenbachia amoena, Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’, Dracaena ‘Purple Compacta’, Peperomia obtusifolia ‘Sensation’ and Zamioculcas zamiifolia could be recommended in upright foliage plants. Among grass-like species, Cyperus alternifolius, Chlorophytum ‘Charlotte’ and Ophiopogon jaburan ‘Variegata’ were found to be good and recommended to place them in groupings. Among climbing and trailing plants, Scindapsus aureus, Syngonium podophyllum, Philodendron ‘Ceylon Gold’ and Philodendron elegans were found best and recommended for places like staircase, balcony etc. The Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) of the foliage plant species under the study was computed for three different seasons, viz., March-April, June-July and October- November and based on this they were categorized into sensitive, intermediately tolerant, moderately tolerant and tolerant. It was observed that Anthurium andreanum ‘Bonina’, Calathea zebrina and Dracaena ‘Purple Compacta’ had the highest APTI value and was tolerant to air pollution irrespective of the seasons. In all the seasons, Aglaonema pseudobracteatum, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Hahnii’, Spathiphyllum wallisii, Syngonium podophyllum, Tradescantia spathacea ‘Sitara’ and Zamioculcas zamiifolia were found to be the most susceptible and they could be recommended to be used as indicator plants for pollution. Other species could also be utilized based on their tolerance levels with respect to the seasons. Based on the APTI value, ten species were selected (two from each category) and their performance was studied under five different indoor light conditions viz., low (<800 lux), medium (800-2000 lux), high (>2000 lux), supplementary (800-2000 lux) and supplementary light with air condition. From the results, it was found that most the foliage plants could thrive well under medium light condition. In addition with that, under air conditioned zone with supplementary light, species like Anthurium andreanum ‘Bonina’, Philodendron elegans and Syngonium podophyllum could be recommended. Species like Chrysalidocarpus lutescens, Rhapis excelsa and other palms could be recommended for areas with high light intensity. The performance of Scindapsus aureus was found good with regard to almost all the desirable characters in all the light conditions. The foliage plants were found very effective in reducing air borne microbes present in indoor conditions. The maximum amount of reduction (35.43 %) was recorded in the zone with medium light intensity where there were 127 Total colony forming units (Tcfu) without plants, which was reduced to 82 Tcfu when foliage plants were kept under the same zone. Regarding the dust filtering efficiency, the maximum amount of dust (3.57 gm-2) was found to be removed from the atmosphere by Syngonium podophyllum. Based on the amount of dust collected by the species, they could be arranged as Syngonium podophyllum > Philodendron elegans > Ficus benjamina > Philodendron ‘Ceylon Gold’> Anthurium andreanum > Schefflera arboricola > Chrysalidocarpus lutescens > Rhapis excelsa > Spathiphyllum wallisii > Scindapsus aureus.
Evaluation of philodendrons for landscaping and interior plantscaping
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2014) Sadhana, K; Sudhadevi, P K
Studies were undertaken in Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2011-2013 to evaluate the philodendrons for landscaping and interior plantscaping. The study comprised of four experiments in which twenty-five species/varieties were selected for evaluation. Based on the growth habit, thirteen species/varieties were selected and their performance under different indoor light conditions was studied. Air Pollution Tolerance Index of all the species /varieties was computed and they were evaluated for their use as cut foliage. Twenty-five selected species/varieties of philodendrons were classified into two categories namely heading and climbing types based on their growth habit. Wide variation was observed in their growth characters. Among the heading types, Philodendron lacinatum‘Variegata’, Philodendron x Magnificum and Philodendron ‘Majesty’ were found to have maximum growth. In climbing types of philodendrons, Philodendron bipinnatifidum, Philodendron lacerum and Philodendron williamsii recorded maximum growth. Based on the growth habit, thirteen species/varieties of philodendrons were selected for evaluating their performance under five different indoor light zones viz., low (<800 lux), medium (800-2000 lux), high (>2000 lux), supplementary light without air condition (800-2000 lux) and supplementary light with air condition. It was found that most of the philodendrons could thrive well under supplementary light zone with and without air condition. Species/varieties like Philodendron x Magnificum, Philodendron ‘Black Prince’ and Philodendron ‘Majesty’ could be recommended for all the light intensities tried. Philodendron ‘Red Sunlight’ and Philodendron ‘Black Beauty’ could be recommended for areas with low light intensity. Plant quality rating of the philodendrons was done by visual scoring based on growth and fullness, color and pigmentation, suitability to indoor conditions and pest and diseases incidence. Based on this the selected philodendrons were classified into excellent, good, medium, low and not acceptable. It was observed that Philodendron ‘Majesty’ had the highest score and Philodendron 'Moonshine', the lowest. The Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) of philodendron species/varieties under the study was computed. Based on this, they were categorized into sensitive, intermediately tolerant, moderately tolerant and tolerant. It was observed that Philodendron ‘Majesty’ and Philodendron serratum had the highest APTI values and were tolerant to air pollution.xv Philodendron sagittifolium, Philodendron karstenianum, Philodendron x Magnificum, Philodendron wendlandii, Philodendron bipinnatifidum, Philodendron ‘Ceylon Gold’, Philodendron superbum and Philodendron ‘Smithi’ were found to be the most susceptible and they could be recommended as pollution indicator plants. Vase life and leaf characters are important for use of any foliage as cut foliage. Philodendron pertusum, Philodendron ‘Pluto Red’ and Philodendron ‘Black Prince’ are the species/varieties with longest vase life while Philodendron superbum, Philodendron ‘Moon Shine’, Philodendron williamsii are the species/varieties that had the shortest vase life. Based on the leaf characters like texture, color and pigmentation, shape and pattern and size, the leaves were visually scored for use as cut foliage and were classified into excellent, good, medium, low and not acceptable. Philodendron ‘Majesty’ and Philodendron ‘Pluto Red’ were found to possess the highest and lowest scores, respectively.
Evaluation of selected underutilized flowers of Kerala for commercial exploitation
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Sameera Sharief; Sudhadevi, P K
Floriculture industry is unique among agricultural industries where novelty is an important attribute. World floriculture is expanding rapidly and new innovations and introductions are in great demand to feed the ever hungry market needs. It is in this interest that neglected or underutilized flower crop species (NUS) comes to the picture from which we could identify and develop diversified uses of floriculture. Even the present day top charactered crops of the industry are nothing but just derived and developed only from wild germplasm resourses, the most prominent among them being rose, chrysanthemum, carnation, gerbera and what not, the orchids and anthurium. Thirteen underutilized plants of Kerala were evaluated for use as cut flowers, dry flower, for essential oil extraction and pigment extraction and identification of components in their essential oils and pigments using GC-MS by conducting both field studies as well as postharvest studies. Out of the 10 plants selected for studying their use as cut flower, none were found suitable. Five plants were selected for their suitability for dry flower production. Among them, Cassia fistula got the highest cumulative score followed byAntigonon leptopus,Calicopteris floribunda and Barleria obtusa. Least cumulative score was obtained for Clerodendrum paniculatum. In Antigonon leptopus and Clerodendrum paniculatum best method of drying was microwave oven drying. Press drying was selected as the best method for Barleria obtusa and Calicopteris floribunda. Embedded drying was found the most suitable method of drying in Cassia fistula. The fragrant flowers selected for extraction of essential oils were Gardenia jasminoides, Plumeria spp and Quisqualis indica.Maximum essential oil yield was observed in Gardenia jasminoides (0.61%). The components in the essential oils were identified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. In Gardenia jasminoides the components identified were Ascalbin (0.7%), Nonadecane (0.80%), Dendaralasine (0.96%), Alpha famesene (1.12%), Linalool (1.38%), Beta famesene (2.75%), Famesene (3.04%), Henecosane (5.26 %), n-Tricosane (6.91%), n-octacosane (10.43%), Pentacosane (13.19%), Monoethylhexyl phthalate (44.74 %). The volatile components identified in Plumeria were α-Farnesene (1.08%), Benzoic acid, [(E,E)-3,7,11-trimethyl- 2,6,10-dodecatrien-1-yl] ester (1.08%), 1,6,10-Dodecatriene, 7, 11- dimethyl- 3- methylene-E(1.17%), Cyclohexasiloxane, dodeca methyl (1.92%). Phenyl ethyl alcohol (2.20%), 1,3,6,10-Dodecatetraene, 3,7,11-trimethyl-(Z,E)(2.93%), Oxalic acid, decyl 2-phenyl ethyl ester (4.3%), Triphenyl phosphare (4.3%), Heptacosane (6.32%), Nonacosane(6.40%) and Z-14-Nonacosane (6.40%) and Z-14- Nonacosane(11.65%). The components responsible for fragrance in Quisqualis indica were 2 H- Pyran-3-ol, 6-ethenyl tetra hydro-2,2,6-trimethyl(1.24%), Heptacosane (1.44%), Cyclotetra siloxane, octamethyl (1.95), Triphenyl phosphate (2.30%), Nonacosane(2.89%) and 5-Isoquinoline carbonitr (12.5%). The flowers selected for extraction of pigments were Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Cassia fistula, Clerodendrum paniculatum and Delonix regia. Two methods of extraction selected were solvent extraction after fermentation and solvent extraction after pretreatment with NaOH. In the entire species pigment yield was higher for solvent extraction after pretreatment. Highest oleoresin yield was observed in Clerodendrum paniculatum (0.60g), which was followed by Delonix regia (0.5g) and Cassia fistula(0.39). The lowest yield was observed in Caesalpinia pulcherrima (0.38g). After fermentation, Clerodendrum paniculatum gave highest oleoresin yield (0.43g). This was followed by Delonix regia(0.4g), Cassia fistula(0.3g) and Caesalpinia pulcherrima(0.28g). Highest carotenoid yield was observed in Cassia fistula (70.04mg/ 100 g) and highest anthocyanin yield was in Clerodendrum paniculatum (574.76mg/100g)). In Caesalpinia pulcherima carotenoid content was recorded as 15.35mg/100g and anthocyanin 488.75mg/100g. Anthocyanin yield of Cassia fistula was 0.35mg. Clerodendrum paniculatum recorded 2.98mg of carotenoid. Delonix regia recorded carotenoid and anthocyanin yield of 60.2 mg and 510 mg respectively. In the present study none of flowers were found suitable for use as cut flower. Out of the 5 plants selected for studying for use as dry flower, Cassia fistulawas the most suitable one. All the species selected for essential oil extraction were suitable for the purpose .In pigment extraction, highest oleoresin yield was observed in Clerodendrum paniculatum (0.60g), which is followed by Delonix regia (0.5g) and Cassia fistula(0.39). Future line of work suggested in this aspect based on the light of results are evaluation of more underutilized ornamental flowers available in our locality with a view of their commercialisation for specific traits and further evaluation of extracted pigments for their use in food industry.
Standardisation of propagation through cuttings in Gymnema sylvestre R. Br.
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1998) Rajesh, D; Sudhadevi, P K
Investigations were carried out at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara to standardise the propagation through cuttings in Gymnema sylvestre R.Br., a much sought rare medicinal plant most valued for its hypoglycaemic property. Being a difficult-to-root species through cuttings, the study included vegetative propagation measures with treatment combinations involving two different environments, four different growth regulator treatments and three different types of vines. The investigation conclusively proved that softwood cutting comprising of terminal ends and young lateral shoots is the ideal propagule in Gymnema. Intermittent mist was found to significantly increase the rooting efficiency. Treatment with growth regulators in general gave higher rooting success and among the growth regulators IAA was found to be superior than NAA and IBA. Significant interaction effect was noticed among different treatments. The softwood cuttings treated with IAA 500 mg l-1 and kept in mist showed maximum synergetic effect with regard to rooting success and other qualitative root characters. It was followed by softwood cuttings treated with NAA 500 mg l-1 and kept in mist. The study also showed that presence of leaves was essential for enhancing rooting efficiency in Gymnema cuttings. The rooted cuttings did not ., significantly differ in their field establishment rate irrespective of the type of cuttings or the environment provided for rooting. The root initials were found to be originating from secondary phloem cells. There was hardly any anatomical difference among the different type of cuttings. No anatomical barriers for rooting could be located. Biochemical analysis revealed that the carbohydrates, nitrogen, protein content and CIN ratio increased during root initiation and primordia formation but decreased during emergence of roots.
Yield and quality constituents in costus speciosus under varying levels of N, P and K
(Department of Horticulture (Plantation Crops and Spices), College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1981) Sudhadevi, P K; Mohanakumaran, N
An experiment was conducted at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during May to December, 1980 to study the effect of three levels (15, 30 and 45 kg per hectare) each of N, P2O5 and K2O in a 33 partially confounded design on the yield and quality constituents of Costus speciosus (koening) Smith. Application of nitrogen increased the growth of plants in terms of height, length and breadth of leaves, area per leaf and total leaf area per plant. A mathematical equation, Y = 0.6341x + 4.008 (where x is the product of the length and breadth of leaves and Y is the leaf area) was derived which enabled the rapid estimation of the leaf area. Yield attributes like green yield, percentage dry matter, dry yield, percentage content of diosgenin in the rhizomes and total yield of diosgenin per hectare were also influenced by nitrogen. Phosphorus, in general, showed a depressing effect on the growth of the plant, which was minimised in the presence of either nitrogen or potassium. Phosphorus favourably influenced the percentage of diosgenin content in the rhizomes. The effect of potassium on growth characters was observed to be more or less similar to that of nitrogen, Potassium also influenced the percentage of diosgenin in the rhizomes and yield per hectare of diosgenin. Addition of phosphorus was found to generally improve the diosgenin content at higher levels of either nitrogen or potassium. Following fertilizer application, nitrogen content of above-ground parts and rhizomes increased significantly. Phosphorus content of the rhizomes was increased by the application of potassium, while the potassium content of both parts increased followed by the application of phosphorus. Among the various biometric characters, plant height and total leaf area per plant were found to be highly correlated with diosgenin yield. It was also observed that the diosgenin content of the plant contributed more towards the diosgenin yield per hectare than did the dry matter yield. The tentative optimum dose for the maximum yield of diosgenin was observed to be 45:30:30 kg/ha of N, P2O5 and K2O), respectively. The cultivation of the crop was found to be economic under our agroclimatic conditions, netting a profit of Rs. 7,500/- per hectare. It is evident from the present study that cultivation of Costus speciosus as a field crop is feasible. However, the popularisation of the crop can be done only after conducting detailed studies on the market demand, the fluctuations in the price level, diversified uses of diosgenin, etc.