Browsing by Author "Valsalakumari, P K"

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Canopy management in foliage plants for interiorscaping
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2015) Chaitanya, V; Valsalakumari, P K
Cross compatibility of banana clones
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1992) Karmacharya, J K L; Aravindakshan, M; Valsalakumari, P K
Studies were conducted in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Kerala on the cross compatibility of banana clones using 20 female and six male parents. Out of the 27 cross combinations tried, only eight combinations, all between triploid female and diploid male parents, were compatible. The results pointed out that interclonal hybridization is possible in banana using compatible clones. Seed production was maximum in the cross Agniswar x Pisang Lilin followed by Palayankodan x Pisang Lilin (AA) and Palayankodan x Sikuzani. The fertility pattern with reference to hands in a bunch showed varietal variation. Seed fertility was observed for the first time in Nendran, the leading commercial cultivar of Kerala, thus pointing out the possibility of improvement of this clone through hybridization.
Cross-compatibility and seed set in banana cultivars
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1990) Krishnakumar, M P; Valsalakumari, P K; Aravindakshan, M
In the studies undertaken to test the compatibility and seed set in banana cultivars, out of the 18 cross combinations only 3 combinations were found successful. The successful combinations were Palayankodan x Pisang Lilin; Rasthali x Pisang Lilin and Nendran x Pisane Lilin. Seed production was maximum in Palayankodan (102.96 seeds per bunch) followed by Nendran (13.65 seeds per bunch). Rasthali produced the least number of seeds per bunch (10.98). The fertility pattern with respect to position of hands in a bunch showed variation. In Palayankodan, fertility was maximum in the third hand (27.33); while in Nendran second hand was more fertile (7.00). Rasthali produced maximum number of seeds in second and third hands (2.66).
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.
Effect of growth substances on rooting of planting materials in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1993) Gigi Francis; Aravindakshan, M; Gopikumar, K; Valsalakumari, P K
The study revealed lhat all types of planting materials treated with IBA 1000 ppm were superior wilh regard to rooting percentage and other root growth parameters such as number, length, fresh weight and dry matter production of roots. Regardless of the growth substance treatments, mist had pronounced influence on root growth in all the planting materials. All types, except laterals, rooted readily during March; but laterals recorded maximum rooting during June, though there was not much difference among the planting materials with regard to their rooting ability, laterals were shy rooters and produced roots only after six weeks of planting while all the other types produced roots readily within three weeks of planting.
Effect of repeated subculturing on somaclonal variation in banana (Musa aab group) cv. Nendran
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1995) Mini Balachandrail; Valsalakumari, P K; Geetha, C K
Continuous subculturing of regenerated shoot initials of banana cv. Nendran was carried out at two-week interval to assess the variation induced due to repeated subculturing. It was found that the number of shoots produced per culture varied in different subcultures. Chromosome counts made at the root tips of Ihe plaatlets from ten subcultures indicated that all the plants were triploids (2n = 33). However, the plantlets from the different subcultures varied significantly with respect to the rate of growth in height and leaf area.
Effect of seed treatment on germination of seeds in banana
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1991) Krishnakumar, M P; Valsalakumari, P K
Evaluation of ornamental bananas and bromeliads for tropical landscapes
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2007) Hazmin, H; Valsalakumari, P K
Evaluation of Ornamental flowering shrubes for Tropical landscapes
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, Colege of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2012) Najeeb Naduthodi; Valsalakumari, P K
The present study entitled “Evaluation of ornamental flowering shrubs for tropical landscapes” was carried out at the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara from Jan. 2011 to Dec. 2011. The objectives were to evaluate ornamental flowering shrubs for suitability to various landscaping uses and to compute Air Pollution Tolerance Index. The study involved evaluation of 30 tropical ornamental flowering shrub species or varieties. The selected shrubs were four years old, maintained in the shrubbery of the Department of Pomology and Floriculture. The experiment was laid out in CRD with three replications. Various vegetative and floral characters were recorded and data analysed and correlation studies were made with weather parameters. Shrubs selected for the study were described based on morphological characters. Growth of shrubs was measured in terms of height and spread. Based on the manageable height, they were classified into three groups, i.e. Tall (height above 2 m), Medium (height 1m- 2m) and Dwarf (height below 1m). Among the 30 shrubs evaluated, the maximum height was observed for Calliandra haematocephala (319.4 cm) and the minimum for Lonicera japonica (49.9 cm). Plant spread varied from 43.4 cm in Wrightia antidysenterica to 269.7 cm in Calliandra haematocephala. Regression equation of height for predicting spread was formulated using the monthly data on height and spread. Foliage characters like leaf length, leaf area, petiole length, girth and internodal length were measured. Based on leaf area, plants were categorized into medium coarse, medium, medium fine and fine textured. Qualitative characters of the foliage like shape of leaf, base, tip, margin and colour of leaf were observed and used for plant description as well as categorizing them into different texture classes. Shrub canopy shape (silhouette) was observed and used for making schematic diagram. Qualitative characters of flowers like type of inflorescence, position of inflorescence, colour and fragrance were observed. Time taken to open up the inflorescence from bud stage, persistence of single flower as well as the inflorescence were also observed. Quantitative characters like inflorescence diameter, single flower length and diameter and number of flowers per inflorescence were also recorded. Flowering seasons of the shrubs were observed and accordingly they were categorized into four different phenological phases i.e. Dec-Feb, Mar-May, June- Aug and Sep-Nov. Sideruns were observed and phenological configurations were made. Air Pollution Tolerance Indices of the shrubs were calculated. Calliandra haematocephala (31.7) showed the highest APTI value and the minimum value was observed for Allamanda cathartica ‘Dwarf’ (9.2). Shrubs were categorized into sensitive (value ≤14), intermediate (15- 19), medium tolerant (20-24) and tolerant (> 24) groups based on their APTI values. Based on the different characters studied, shrubs were classified into different landscape utility groups such as, accent plant, foundation planting, screening and privacy, hedges and topiary, shrub border, background planting, corner planting, Shrub group and mass planting, Pot and Container planting, fragrant garden, moon garden, xeriscaping, rock garden, covering sloppy banks and butterfly garden. Shrubs were observed for pest and disease incidence. Major pests were leaf eating caterpillars in Mussaenda erythropylla, Nerium indicum, Calliandra haematocephala and Ixora coccinea, flower bud borer in Wrightia antidysenterica, mealy bug and scales. Shrubs were not severely affected by diseases. Minor leaf spots were observed in certain shrubs. In the present study, shrubs were recommended for various functional uses in the landscapes based on their growth, flowering and morphological characters. Based on flowering season, they were categorized into four phenological phases. Side-runs were observed and phenological configurations were made. Air Pollution Tolerance Indices of the shrubs were also computed and the plants were categorized according to their APTI values.
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
Hybridisation in banana - Cytomorphological evaluation of hybrids and embryo culture studies
(Department of. Horticulture (Pomology, Floriculture and Landscaping) , College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1989) Lekshmy, M L; Valsalakumari, P K
Investigations on the evaluation of three banana hybrids evolved in Kerala Agricultural University t vis. Agniswar x Pisanglilin, Mannan x Pisanglilin and Vannan x Pisanglilin and standardisation of embryo culture technique for hybrid, seed* of banana were carried out,in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture during the year 1987-88 The hybrids were evaluated for their morphological characters duration aspects, bunch characters, finger characters and quality aspects. Male and female fertility status of the hybrids were also studied. The three hybrids differed significantly for the characters studied. Among the hybrids, Agnisvar s Pisanglilin was the dwarfeat (228*33 can) and had maximum number of functional leaves (it flowering. The hybrid Hannan x Pisanglilin recorded highest values for total duration (210.33) duration of male phase (111.67 days) finger weight (114.55 g) acidity (0.67) reducing sugers (15.38 per cent) end total sugers (16.79 per cent). The hybrid Vannan x Pisanglilin recorded the highest values for duratlon of female phase (7 days) bunch weight (12.70 kg) number of fingers (127.67) and pulp peal ratio (4,6)
In vitro germination of hybrid seeds of banana
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1992) Lekshmy, M L; Valsalakumari, P K; Rajmohan, K
Influence of corm size, depth of planting and division of corms on propagule production in gladiolus
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1995) Geetha, C K; Valsalakumari, P K; Rajeevan, P K; Sakeer Hussain, C T
Influence of using polyembryonic rootstocks in the grafting of mango in the establishment of grafts
(Department of Horticulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1993) Geetha, T K; Valsalakumari, P K
Investigations were carried out in the Department of pomology and Floriculture, Vellanikkra, Thrissur 680654, Kerala, during the period from April 1990 to March 1991 to find out the varietal differences of polyembryonic rootstocks with respect to percentage of success, survival and growth parameters of softwood grafts of mango. Also anatomical studies of graft union were done to find out the different stages of healing process and the possible reasons for graft failure. Five polyembryonic varieties of mango (Puliyan, Chandrakaran, Olour, Tolikaipan and Muvandan) and one monoembrynoic variety (Bangalora) were selected as rootstocks. Scions of two varieties, Viz. Neelum and Banganapally were used for softwood grafting. One month old rootstocks were grafted in June, July and August. The results of the study showed that the germination percentage of all polyembryonic varieties are comparatively higher than Bangalora, the monoembryonic variety. Tolikaipan gave the maximum germination percentage. It was observed that percentage of polyembryony ranged from 9.76 to 49.54 for the polyembryonic varieties, the lowest for chandrakaran and highest for Muvndan variety. The observation on the effect of rootstock, scion and month of grafting on sprouting and survival of graft revealed that puliyan rootstock was most ideal with regard to sprouting and survival. Success percentage was higher for Muvandan - Neelum and Muvandan-Banganapally combinations followed by Puliyan - Neelum and Puliyan Banganapally combinations. However, Puliyan rootstocks grafted with Neelum and banganapally scions gave higher survival percentage. Poor success rate was noted for chandrakaran - Banganapally and Bangalora-Neelum combinations. Survival of grafts was least for Tolikaipan rootstock grafted with Neelum or Banganapally scions. As to the combined effect, Muvandan and Chandarakaran rootstocks grafted with Neelum during June resulted in better initial success. Whereas, survival was higher for Puliyan Banganapally August combination. With regard to growth parmeters studied, girth of stock, girth of scion and length of sprout are much influenced by rootstock, scion, month of grafting and their interactions. Bangalora, the monoembryonic rootstock, produced the thickest stock and scion throughout the period of study. Among the polyembryonic varieties, Muvandan produced thicker stock and scion. 01 our and chandarakaran rootstocks produced lesser girth of stock and girth of scion respectively. Longer sprouts were also produced by Bangalora. Sprout length was minimum for 01 our. Among the scions, Neelum was found to be superior producing thicker stock, scion and longer sprouts. Similarly, grafting in July was found to be better with respect to these growth parameters. The monoembryonic rootstock, Bangalora, grafted with Neelum either in July or August recorded higher girth of stock, scion and sprout length. Polyembryonic rootstocks grafted with banganapally, generally, found to be less vigorous with respect to these parameters. Anatomical studies revealed four different stages of graft union i.e. callus initiation stage, callus tissue formation and cambial cell developmental stage, cambial bridge formation stage and a healed union stage. Graft take was faster in Bangalora and Puliyan varieties where as it was slower in Chandrakaran and 01 our varieties. Graft failure was mainly due to failure in callus initiation, formation of necrotic layer and improper alignment of stock and scion.
Interclonal hybridisation in banana
(Kerala Agricultural University, 1987) Aravindakshan, M; Valsalakumari, P K; Karmacharya, J K L
Interclonal hybridization studies in banana
(Department of Pomology, Floriculture and Landscapping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1987) Krishnakumar, M P; Valsalakumari, P K
Investigations were carried out on the interclonal hybridization in banana, involving six female parents, viz: ‘Palayankodan’, ‘Rasthali’, ‘Nendravannan’, ‘NeyPoovan’, ‘Karpooravally’ and ‘Nendran’ and three male parents, viz: ‘Pisang Lilin”, Tongat’ and ‘Sanna chenkadali’, with a view to make a detailed study on pollen production, fertility and viability in different nodes of the male parents and female fertility pattern in different hands of the six female parents, compatibility and seed set in 18 cross combinations involving six female parents and three male parents, effect of different seed treatment on germination of banana seeds and evaluation of existing interclonal hybrids already available, in the Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture during the year 1985-86. Pollen production, fertility and viability studied in the three male parents, viz: ‘Pisang Lilin’, ‘Tongat’ and ‘Sanna Chenkadali’ revealed that there was marked variation among the parents in all these pollen characters. Within each parent, all these characters varied greatly with the age of bud. ‘pisang Lilin’ recorded the maximum pollen production per anther (8431.12) and highest pollen fertility (53.74 per cent). The pollen production varied from 3875.41 in the 1st node to 947.14 in the 55th node and fertility from 46.14 per cent in the 1st node to 28.45 per cent in the 55th node, with the maximum pollen production and fertility in the 25th and 20th nodes. In ‘Sanna Chenkadali’, the maximum pollen production and fertility were obtained in the 27th and 28th nodes and in ‘Tongat’ in the 20th and 16th nodes respectively. Standardisation of media for pollen germination and tube growth indicated that a medium consisting of 35 per cent sucrose was the best. The germination of pollen grains was found to be maximum after 24 hours of dusting on the medium. The pollen viability in terms of germination per cent and tube growth was also found to be maximum in ‘Pisang Lilin’ which varied between 19.63 in the 1st node to 6.14 in the 50th node, with a maximum of 31.15 in the 15th node. The pollen tube length varied between 210.12 µ in the 1st node to 112. 40 µ in the 50th node, with a maximum tube length of 410.83 µ in the 25th node. Out of the 18 cross combinations studied, only 3 combinations, involving, ‘Palayankodan’, ‘Rasthali’ and ‘Nendran’ as female parents and ‘Pisang lilin’ as male parent were compatible. Among the three male parents used for hybridization, only ‘Pisang Lilin’ was found to be compatible with the fertile female parents. Seed production was found to be maximum in ‘Palayankodan’ (102.96 seeds per bunch). ‘Rasthali’ produced the least number of seeds per bunch (10.98). The fertility patteren with respect to position of hands in a bunch showed variation. In ‘Palayankodan’, fertility was maximum in the third hand (27.33), while in ‘Nendran”, second hand was more fertile (7.00). ‘Rasthali’ produced maximum number of seeds in second and third hands (2.66). Among the various seed treatments tried, only two seeds subjected to acid treatment, from the cross ‘Palayankodan’ x ‘Pisang Lilin’ germinated. However, the treatments were not found to be effective. The three hybrids from cross, ‘Agniswar’ x ‘Pisang Lilin’, were found to be triploids (2n = 33) with AAB genomic group. With respect to various growth parameters, duration aspects, bunch characters, finger characters and quality aspects, the three hybrids differed significantly between parents and also among themselves. Among the hybrids, ‘Hybrid No. 111” was superior in characters such as height (285.00 cm), number of functional leaves (8.33), leaf area (9.3 M2), petiole length (47.66 cm), bunch yield (9.10 kg), number of hands (7.00), number of fingers (95.00) and quality aspects, viz: total soluble solids (21.17 per cent) and total sugars (15.5 per cent), to both the parents and other two hybrids. The hybrids were found to be male fertile n pollen studies and female fertile on artificial pollination, excepting ;Hybrid No. 11’which was only male fertile. However, hybrids were inferior in pollen production, fertility and viability as compared to the paternal parent and poor in seed yield as compared to the maternal parent.
Introduction and evaluation of new ornamentals for commercial exploitation
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2013) Femina; Valsalakumari, P K
Microclimatic relations on the growth, yield and quality of Anthurium (Anthurium andreanum Linden) under different growing systems
(Department of Pomology and Floriculture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2006) Femina; Valsalakumari, P K
One hundred papers in Floriculture
(Kerala Agricultural University, 2003) Misra, R L; Rajeevan, P K; Valsalakumari, P K