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Item Vegetative malformation in Malabar Tamarind [Garcinia gummi-gutta (L.) N Robson](Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2026) Aswathy Suresh; Vikram, H CMalabar tamarind [Garcinia gummi-gutta (L.) N. Robson] is a multipurpose tree belonging to the Clusiaceae family and is native to the Western Ghats of India. The species has attained commercial importance due to the presence of Hydroxycitric Acid in its fruit rind, which exhibits anti-obesity properties and is also valued for its antioxidant activity attributed to polyphenols, anthocyanins, and garcinol. In Kerala, the fruit rind, locally referred to as kudampuli, is utilized as a condiment to impart a distinctive sour flavour to traditional cuisine. Previous studies on Malabar tamarind have primarily focused on its taxonomic diversity and phytochemical composition. However, limited research has addressed vegetative malformation, a disorder characterized by stunted leaves, loss of apical dominance, formation of scaly leaf shootlets, shortened internodes, and hypertrophied vegetative buds. These symptoms closely resemble those observed in mango malformation, a condition that substantially reduces flowering and fruit yield. Despite this similar resemblance, comprehensive information regarding the etiology of vegetative malformation in Malabar tamarind is lacking. The present study entitled “Vegetative malformation in Malabar tamarind [Garcinia gummi-gutta (L.) N. Robson]”, aims to elucidate the physiological, biochemical, and nutritional factors associated with this disorder. The research work was carriedout at the Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, during 2023-2025.The study utilized genetic resources of Malabar tamarind conserved at ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), Regional Station, Vellanikkara, and Regional Agricultural Research Station, Kumarakom, Kerala Agricultural University, in addition to germplasm obtained through purposive sampling. A comprehensive survey of 352 genotypes across three locations in the first experiment revealed varying levels of malformation incidence. The genotypes conserved at the Regional Agricultural Research Station in Kumarakom exhibited the highest rate of malformation, followed by those conserved at the ICAR-NBPGR, Regional Station, Vellanikkara, whereas the Garcinia block, Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara showed a minimal incidence. Based on symptoms, trees were graded on a scale of 0-5. Eleven accessions, comprising ten malformed and one healthy genotype, were selected for detailed monthly observations from January to September 2025. Analysis of weather parameters revealed significant variations between environmental factors and malformation progression, as well as vegetative parameters. Total sunshine hours showed a significant and negative correlation with malformation incidence (r = -0.854), while relative humidity (r = 0.752) and rainfall (r = 0.703) also exhibited significant and positive correlations. Maximum temperature (r = -0.472) and minimum temperature (r = -0.514) were negatively correlated. Vegetative parameters, such as leaf length, leaf width, petiole length, internodal length, and leaf area, exhibited significant and positive correlations with relative humidity (r = 0.885 to 0.938) and rainfall (r = 0.681 to 0.909), and significant and negative correlations with total sunshine hours (r = -0.583 to -0.880). The nutrient analysis evaluated the concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulphur in healthy and malformed tissues across four seasons. Significant interaction effects between season and tissue type were identified. Healthy tissues consist of higher levels of nitrogen (1.33%), calcium (1.10%), magnesium (0.30%), and sulphur (0.32%) compared to malformed tissues. In contrast, malformed tissues exhibited elevated potassium (0.51%), while phosphorus levels remained similar between tissue types. Nitrogen concentrations were highest during the post-monsoon and monsoon seasons (1.26%). Phosphorus (0.18%) and potassium (0.52%) peaked in winter. Calcium reached its maximum during the monsoon (1.56%), and magnesium was most abundant in summer (0.29%). Malformed tissues had significantly greater protein content (11.62%) than healthy tissues (6.36%), with the highest value observed in winter (17.62%). Ascorbic acid concentrations were significantly higher in healthy tissues (257.42 mg 100 g⁻¹) than in malformed tissues (224.42 mg 100 g⁻¹), with winter exhibiting the highest levels (264.89 mg 100 g⁻¹). Endogenous ethylene was substantially increased in malformed tissues (0.24 µL kg⁻¹ h⁻¹) compared to healthy tissues (0.18 µL kg⁻¹ h⁻¹), supporting the stress ethylene hypothesis. Auxin content was significantly reduced in malformed tissues (1790.24 µg g⁻¹ h⁻¹) relative to healthy tissues (2212.38 µg g⁻¹ h⁻¹), with the highest auxin levels recorded post-monsoon (3078.46 µg g⁻¹ h⁻¹) and the lowest during the monsoon (1285.58 µg g⁻¹ h⁻¹). Light microscopy of hand-microtome sections indicated normal cellular morphology in both healthy and malformed tissues. Vegetative malformation in Malabar tamarind appears to be a multifactorial disorder influenced by environmental stress, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal imbalances. A significant and positive correlation with monsoon conditions, combined with deficiencies of nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium, as well as elevated stress ethylene and reduced auxin levels in malformed tissues, suggests that the disorder develops under physiological stress. These findings offer comprehensive insights into the etiology of vegetative malformation and provide a base for integrated management strategies. Further, research into pathological mechanisms, soil rhizosphere dynamics, and hormonal regulation may help identify the precise causes of these conditions. Additionally, screening and characterizing resistant genotypes will support breeding programmes aimed at developing malformation-tolerant cultivars and conserving genetic resources, thereby promoting the sustainable production of this economically important crop.Item Standardization of nursery technique and growth media foe peppermint (Mentha piperita L.)(Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2026) Aswathi, KThe study entitled “Standardisation of nursery technique and growing media for peppermint (Mentha piperita L.)” was conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Pattambi, Palakkad, Kerala, during 2024-2025. The investigation aimed to standardise the planting material and rooting media for peppermint seedling production in the nursery and to identify suitable growing media for grow bag cultivation. The research was carried out in two distinct phases. In the first phase, a nursery experiment was undertaken to standardize the planting material and rooting media for the nursery. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Factor 1 consisted of three types of stem cuttings - apical (S₁), middle (S₂), and basal (S₃) three node cuttings with leaves, while Factor 2 comprised five rooting media combinations: cocopeat (M₁), cocopeat + FYM (1:1) (M₂), cocopeat + vermicompost (1:1) (M₃), cocopeat + FYM + vermicompost (1:0.5:0.5) (M₄), and cocopeat + vermiculite + perlite (1:1:1) (M₅). The results indicated that both the type of cuttings and rooting medium had a significant influence on sprouting, rooting, and growth parameters. Among the treatments, apical three node cuttings with leaves planted in cocopeat + vermicompost (1:1) exhibited superior performance regarding the highest sprouting percentage (83.33%), earliest sprouting (5.5 days), longest shoots (10.84 cm), maximum shoot biomass (fresh weight 1.06 g; dry weight 0.32 g), longest roots (9.7 cm), and greater root biomass (fresh weight 0.29 g; dry weight 0.057 g). Hence, this combination was standardized for quality seedling production in peppermint nursery. The second phase focused on evaluating various organic growing media for peppermint grow bag cultivation under a CRD with eight treatments. The best treatment from experiment 1 i.e., three node cuttings from apical region with leaves in cocopeat + vermicompost (1:1) was transplanted to growbag for further field study. The treatment containing soil + cocopeat + vermicompost + bone meal + neem cake (1:1:1:0.005:0.005) (T₈) recorded the highest values for major growth and yield parameters, including plant height (89.70 cm), number of leaves (574.27), number of primary (26.73) and secondary branches (20.07), root length (28.89 cm), and herbage yield (fresh: 337.67 g plant⁻¹; dry: 51.60 g plant⁻¹). Physiological parameters such as leaf area (11,572.18 cm² plant⁻¹) and total dry matter accumulation (60.04 g plant⁻¹) were also superior in this medium. However, essential oil and menthol content were not significantly influenced by the growing media. Economic analysis revealed that the medium containing soil + cocopeat + vermicompost + bone meal + neem cake (1:1:1:0.005:0.005) (T₈) recorded the highest gross return (₹12,156 per 100 m²), net return (₹2,856 per 100 m²), and benefit-cost ratio (1.31), indicating its commercial viability. Overall, the study established that three node apical cuttings rooted in cocopeat + vermicompost (1:1) provide the best planting material for peppermint nursery production. For growbag cultivation, the medium containing soil + cocopeat + vermicompost + bone meal + neem cake (1:1:1:0.005:0.005) can be recommended for achieving optimal growth, yield, and economic returns. These findings provide a scientific basis for the sustainable and efficient propagation and cultivation of peppermint.Item Phenology and physico -chemical characterization of cinnamon buds.(Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Agriculture ,Vellanikkara, 2026) Amritha, M SCinnamon (Cinnamomum verum Presl.) assumes considerable importance among the world's perennial spices, which is extensively used in food and therapeutic applications. The dried inner bark is the primary trade commodity in cinnamon. In addition to the bark, immature fruit buds are also internationally traded as cinnamon tree flowers. However, the phenological stages of cinnamon have not been systematically characterized, and information on the morphological and biochemical changes during bud development remains limited. The present study aims to identify and describe the phenological growth stages of cinnamon using the extended Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt, and Chemische Industrie (BBCH) scale, and to evaluate the morphological and biochemical variations that occur throughout the development of cinnamon buds. The phenological studies, morphological, and biochemical observations of cinnamon buds were conducted on the IISR-Navasree variety, maintained at the Model Nursery for Spices, Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara. Comparative analyses of C. verum, C. malabatrum, and C. cassia were carried out using trees maintained at the Departmental Farm, Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, and at ICAR-IISR, Kozhikode, respectively. The study was conducted from 2023 to 2025. The present study identified and described eight principal growth stages and 40 secondary growth stages as per the extended BBCH scale. The principal growth stages include three vegetative stages (bud, leaf, and shoot development), one economically significant stage (development of harvestable vegetative plant parts), two flowering stages (inflorescence and flower development), and two fruiting stages (fruit development and maturity). The duration of each principal stage exhibited considerable variation. The complete cinnamon growth cycle required 27,337.95 °C day, with the development of harvestable vegetative plant parts registered the longest duration, followed by shoot development and fruit development. Physico-chemical analyses of cinnamon buds were performed in distinct phenophases, include inflorescence development (517), flowering (615-619), fruit development (710 and 719), and fruit maturity (819). These analyses showed significant variations in morphological, biochemical, and volatile characteristics. Inflorescence positions were predominantly terminal to axillary. The number of flowers per inflorescence remained constant from early to peak flowering stages (517-617), followed by a sharp decline at stage 619. The number of fruits per inflorescence remained consistent throughout fruit development. Floral and fruit size, as well as weight, increased progressively with the advancement of phenophases. Most flowers exhibited six tepals and nine stamens, with three staminodes present in the innermost whorl. At phenophase 615, floral abnormalities were detected, with varied tepal numbers from 4 to 10 in flowers. Biochemical analyses revealed significant developmental changes. Moisture content declined from 72.00 per cent at flowering (615) to 43.06 per cent at fruit maturity (819). Total carbohydrate content increased from 5.46 per cent at early flowering (517) to 14.26 per cent at fruit development (719). Ash content ranged from 5.92 g per 100 g at early flowering (517) to 8.10 g per 100 g during complete fruit development (719). Total phenolic content (TPC) decreased from 419.93 mg GAE g-1 DW (517) to 62.50 mg GAE g-1 DW (819). Coumarin content ranged from 0.01 per cent to 0.05 per cent, with the highest concentration observed in early floral stages (517 and 617). Volatile profiling of cinnamon buds at selected developmental stages exhibited considerable diversity in both composition and relative abundance. Flowering stages (517-617) were enriched in δ-cadinene and caryophyllenyl alcohol. Later, fruiting stages (710-819) were characterized by the dominance of β-caryophyllene and δ- cadinene. Cinnamyl acetate, an important aromatic ester, reached its maximum concentration at 619 (37.52%). Phytochemical profiling of C. verum, C. cassia, C. malabatrum (bark, leaves and buds) and market samples revealed significant interspecific and organ-specific variations in coumarin content and volatile oil composition. Coumarin content exhibited variation among species and plant parts, ranged from 0.02-0.09 per cent (C. verum), 0.02-0.55 per cent (C. cassia), and 0.01-0.03 per cent (C. malabatrum), whereas market samples recorded the highest levels (0.60% in bark). GC-MS profiling revealed significant qualitative and quantitative differences in volatile composition among bark, bud and leaf oils. In C. cassia, (E)-cinnamaldehyde was the major compound in bark (84.03%) and buds (73.99%). Whereas C. verum showed (E)-cinnamyl acetate dominance in buds (68.91%) and leaves (81.30%), with bark rich in (E)- cinnamaldehyde (73.41%) and benzyl benzoate (8.52%). C. malabatrum was characterized by a linalool-rich bark (42.68%) and β-caryophyllene-enriched leaves (32.08%) and buds (9.95%). Market samples exhibited elevated (E)-cinnamaldehyde (91.7%) in bark and sesquiterpenes such as τ-cadinol (17.16%) and δ-cadinene (14.49%) in buds. The detailed description of phenological growth stages based on the BBCH scale, along with information on morphological and biochemical changes identified in this study, will facilitate the scientific cultivation of cinnamon, particularly in the planning and timing of crop production, processing, and protection practices. Further, the developed BBCH scale serves as a valuable tool for crop improvement programs, including the conservation and characterization of germplasm, as well as the assessment of climate change impacts on cinnamon production. Future research should prioritize biochemical profiling of cinnamon buds in other promising varieties and conduct multi- location characterization across diverse agro-ecological zones of Kerala to evaluate environmental influences on bud quality.Item Growth and development of rhizomes in small cardamom [Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton](Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Agriculture, 2025) Devika, M P.; Nimisha Mathews; Reji Rani, O P.The thesis work entitled “Growth and development of rhizomes in small cardamom [Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton] types” was conducted at Cardamom Research Station, Pampadumpara, Idukki during 2023 to 2025. The study aimed at identification of variations in growth and development of rhizomes as well as rhizomatization behaviour of cultivated small cardamom types in the high ranges of Idukki. The present study was conducted through two experiments to assess the growth and development of rhizomes in small cardamom types at monthly interval for period of one year. The first experiment involved plants raised from suckers, while the second focused on those raised from seedlings. Completely Randomised Design (CRD) consisting of 3 treatments (cultivated types) with 5 replications each were followed. The three treatments were T1 (Malabar), T2 (Vazhukka) and T3 (Mysore). The growth parameters, physiological parameters, qualitative as well as quantitative characters of rhizomes and rhizome and root anatomy were recorded and analysed statistically. Significant cultivar-wise differences were observed. For growth parameters, In sucker raised plants, T3 (Mysore) recorded the highest mother tiller height (190.56 cm at 3 MAP) subsequent senescence caused a gradual decline in height. T3 (Mysore) recorded the highest tiller thickness (3.04 cm at 5 MAP) in sucker propagated plants, 2.75 cm at 12 MAP in seedling raised plants. In physiological parameters study, T3 (Mysore) exhibited significantly higher dry matter content of leaves at 12 MAP in suckers (59.40 g) and T2 (Vazhukka) in seedlings (40.03 g). T3 (Mysore) exhibited significantly higher dry matter content of pseudostem at most of the observation stages in both sucker (322.99 g) as well as seedling raised plants (69.85 g). T3 (Mysore) exhibited significantly higher dry matter content of pseudostem at most of the observation stages in both sucker (322.99 g) as well as seedling raised plants (69.85 g). 150 In sucker-propagated small cardamom, the plant base colour remained relatively stable over the 12-month period. T1 (Malabar) exhibited a consistent medium purple pink (N66B), T2 (Vazhukka) showed dominant shades of medium brown green (146C) and medium blue pink (N66D), while T3 (Mysore) featured medium green (140B), light blue pink (69A), and medium blue pink (68C). In seedling-raised plants, the base colour across all types was initially medium green (144A, 140B) from 1 to 4 MAP, transitioning to medium purple pink (N66B) and medium blue pink (N66D) from 5 MAP onward. Rhizome shape in sucker-propagated small cardamom plants showed distinct cultivar-specific patterns: T1 (Malabar) maintained a straight form throughout, T2 (Vazhukka) consistently displayed a curved shape, while T3 (Mysore) exhibited both straight and curved forms. In seedling-propagated plants, T1 retained straight rhizomes, T2 shifted from straight to curved over time, and T3 showed a consistent mix of both shapes. Rhizome skin and flesh colours varied dynamically over the 12-month period in both propagation methods. Skin colour transitioned from lighter yellow-green (154D) to darker green-brown shades (152D, 153D), while flesh colour shifted from light green (145C) to light yellow (150D). Surface texture in sucker-grown plants remained rough throughout, except in newly emerging finger rhizomes, whereas in seedlings, the texture gradually changed from smooth to rough over time. In quantitative rhizome characters, significant difference were observed at early (1-4 MAP), mid (5-8 MAP) and late (9-12 MAP) stages of observation. In sucker-propagated plants, T3 (Mysore) recorded the highest rhizome length during early to mid growth stages (9.24–10.30 cm), while in seedlings, it declined to 2.56–6.74 cm at later stages. T2 (Vazhukka) consistently showed greater rhizome width in suckers (23.17–39.20 mm), while in seedlings, significant differences were noted only at the mid stage. Finger rhizomes in suckers showed a steady node increase, with T2 (Vazhukka) highest (3.00–14.00), followed by T3 (Mysore) (4.80–12.40) and T1 (Malabar) (2.80–12.75). In seedlings, nodes appeared after 3 MAP; T1 (Malabar) had the highest count (1.90–9.40), followed by T2 (2.57–9.40) and T3 151 (2.40–8.63), with no significant differences. Internodes in seedlings increased steadily, with T3 leading (2.60–9.20), followed by T2 (2.20–9.60) and T1 (2.40–8.80). In suckers, internodes rose progressively with T2 (Vazhukka) showing significantly higher mid-stage values (2.40–13.00), followed by T3 (4.00–11.40) and T1 (2.20–11.75). In seedlings, internodes appeared post 3 MAP with no significant variation; T1 (1.50–8.40) led, followed by T2 (1.97–8.40) and T3 (1.80–7.83). T3 (Mysore) seedlings had the longest roots by 12 MAP (6.12–39.07 cm), followed by T1 (6.06–34.27 cm) and T2 (5.73–33.59 cm). In sucker-raised plants, root width was highest in T2 (3.70–7.69 mm), followed by T3 (3.60–7.35 mm). In seedlings, T2 (1.75–4.98 mm) and T3 (1.76–4.89 mm) showed comparable higher widths, with significant variation only at 12 MAP. Fibrous root mat diameter was highest in sucker-grown T2 (24.37–70.16 cm) across early to mid stages. T1 (Malabar) exhibited significantly higher shoot emergence in suckers at later growth stages (1.40–12.80). The study revealed distinct patterns in rhizome growth, development, and behavior, along with associated morphological and anatomical traits, across the three major cultivars—Malabar, Mysore, and Vazhukka—under both seedling- and sucker-origin propagation. Notably, variations in rhizome dynamics were closely linked to differences in vegetative performance, emphasizing the influence of cultivar type on both below- and above-ground growth throughout the study period. Plants raised from suckers consistently exhibited earlier and more vigorous vegetative growth, stable rhizome pigmentation, and better mineral accumulation compared to seedling-derived plants. Among cultivars, T3 (Mysore) showed superior vegetative traits and higher biomass accumulation; T2 (Vazhukka) displayed early bud initiation and delayed senescence; while T1 (Malabar) produced more tillers in sucker-propagated plants. Both Mysore and Vazhukka demonstrated strong potential for rhizome improvement. 152 Anatomically, all cultivars exhibited typical monocotyledonous structures closely resembling ginger, with no significant differences among them, reflecting structural consistency within the Zingiberaceae family. Rhizome traits showed progressive improvement across treatments and proved to be reliable indicators for selection, characterization, and crop improvement. These findings support the development of a standardized rhizome descriptor by integrating rhizome-specific traits into the existing cardamom descriptor framework, thereby enhancing cultivar identification accuracy, facilitating effective germplasm management, and supporting Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) testing.Item Characterization of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum Presl.) Accessions(Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2024-03-05) Muhammed Musthafa, T M; Vikram, H CCinnamon assumes considerable importance among the perennial spices of the world as one of the most extensively used spices in the food and beverage industries. The commercial form of cinnamon is derived from the dried inner bark of the Cinnamomum verum Presl., a member of the Lauraceae family. Sri Lanka has a unique identity I producing the world’s finest quality cinnamon. In India, Meghalaya is the primary producer, though Meghalaya predominantly contributes tejpat (Cinnamomum tamala Th. Nees & Eberm) Kerala ranks sixth in the contribution of true cinnamon, making up 0.17 per cent of the total national production. The present study entitled “Characterization of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum Presl.) accessions” aims to systematically examine the morpho-biochemical characteristics and evaluate the yield of cinnamon accessions grown in the high-altitude region (AEU 21) of Kerala. The study was based on cinnamon accessions of seedling origin conserved as ex-situ at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Amabalavayal. These accessions aged about 25 years were collected from various cinnamon-growing regions and maintained through regular coppicing. A single tree represents each accession. The morphological characterization of 21 qualitative and 16 quantitative characters from the selected accessions were recorded. In the biochemical characterization, volatile oil and oleoresin from dried bark and fresh leaves from all fifty accessions were analysed. Chemical profiling of bark volatile oil was performed for superior cinnamon accessions. A modified minimal descriptor for cinnamon with a set of 21 qualitative parameters as well as descriptor states for each character was developed as the first step of the study, referring to the previous work (Krishnamoorthy et al., 1996, Azad et al., 2019 and Liyanage et al., 2020). The developed minimal descriptor for cinnamon was further subjected to the characterization of cinnamon accessions. A wide variability was further subjected to the characterization of cinnamon accessions. A wide variability was observed for 13 out of 21 qualitative characters. The study revealed that, 7 out of 11 leaf characters; 3 out of inflorescence and floral characters; all four bark characters showed variability in the cinnamon accessions. However, no variation was observed in the fruit characters. Overall, eight qualitative characters were noted as non-variable characters; hence, these were not considered for further analysis. Based on the 13 qualitative variables, accessions were delineated into four discernible clusters at a scale height nine. In the present study, considerable variation was observed among the cinnamon accessions for most of the quantitative characters. The maximum coefficient of variation was observed for inflorescence length (41.72%). Quantitative characters, viz., number of shoots per stump and dry weight of quill, were found to record more than 30 per cent of coefficient of variation. Characters recorded more than 20 per cent coefficient of variation were fresh weight of quill, leaf area, dried bark thickness, plant height, leaf oleoresin and bark volatile oil. The quill dry weight varied among the accessions and ranged from 26.50 g (Acc.20) to 103.00 g (Acc.34) per coppice. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) distinguished the distribution of quantitative characteristics into two dimensions. The first two principal axes (Dim.1 and dim. 2) explained 49.40 per cent of the total cumulative percentage of variance. The contents of volatile oil (0.35 to 1.10%; 0.5 to 2.05%) and oleoresin (7.30 to 19.40%;1.65 to 7.75%) differed significantly in both bark and leaves of cinnamon accessions, respectively. The association study through Pearson’s correlation coefficient method revealed that the fresh weight of the quill was found to have a positive and significant correlation with the dry weight of the quill, plant height, and mean firth of the coppice. Meanwhile, dry weight of the quill was found to be positive and significant with the fresh weight of the quill, plant height, bark recovery, and mean girth of the coppice. Fifty selected cinnamon accessions were ranked based on the four key yield and quality parameters namely, number of shoots per stump, bark recovery, dry bark yield, and bark volatile oil, which have a direct effect on economic importance. Subsequently, five cinnamon accessions, viz., Acc. 12, Acc. 28, Acc. 34, Acc. 39, and Acc. 56, were identified as superior performing accessions and further subjected to chemical profiling using the GC-MS technique. About fifteen constituents were identified through the analysis of bark volatiles using GC-MS. Cinnamaldehyde was a prime constituent present in cinnamon bark oil. Of the five accessions, cinnamaldehyde was present in four, and content ranged from 27.77 (Acc.28) to 40.32 (Acc.56) per cent. The Acc. 12 was dominated by linalool (34.35%). The cinnamyl acetate was predominant in all five accessions. The PCA revealed the distribution of biochemical constituents among the different principal components. Which was mainly focused on the first two principal axes (Dim. 1 and Dim. 2, constituting 86.50 per cent of the total cumulative percentage of variance. From the study considerable variation was observed between the accessions for the morphological and biochemical characters. Based on yield, its components and other quality parameter, five promising accessions were identified. These accessions varied significantly for organic acides and had high cinnamaldehyde as well as unique in linalool content. These genotypes may be targeted for further genetic improvement or be utilized in selection method of breeding programme for developing high yielding cinnamon varieties which is also rich volatile constituents for high altitude tropical conditions.Item Drought stress mitigation in Piper longum L.using chitosan(Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2024-12-12) Vishnu, V; Deepa, S NairItem Chitosan Mediated growth,yield and bioactivities of sweet basil [Ocimum basilicum (L.)](Department of Plantation Crops, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2024-03-27) Amritha Lal,P.; Deepa, S NairThe present study entitled “Chitosan mediated growth, yield and bioactivities of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)” was conducted at the Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala during 2022- 2023 with the objective to evaluate the plant growth and biological activities of Ocimum basilicum L. in response to foliar application of chitosan at varying concentrations and frequencies. The seeds of O. basilicum used for the study were sourced from from Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru. The seeds were sown in portrays filled with potting mixture comprising of coir pith and vermicompost in the ratio 3:1. The 30-day-old seedlings were transplanted to grow bags and maintained organically up to 120 days after sowing (DAS). Chitosan was applied at varying concentrations (0.5 g L-1, 1 g L-1 and 2 g L-1) and frequencies viz., 15 days after transplanting (45 DAS) and 30 days after transplanting (65 DAS) to growbags. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized block design with fifteen treatments and three replications. The treatment consisted of base solution (chitosan 0 g L-1) sprayed at 15 DAT (T1), at 30 DAT (T2), at 15 & 30 DAT (T3), chitosan 0.5 g L-1 sprayed at 15 DAT (T4), at 30 DAT (T5), at 15 & 30 DAT (T6), chitosan 1 g L-1 sprayed at 15 DAT (T7), at 30 DAT (T8), at 15 & 30 DAT (T9), chitosan 2 g L-1 sprayed at 15 DAT (T10), at 30 DAT (T11), at 15 & 30 DAT (T12), water sprayed at 15 DAT (T13), at 30 DAT (T14), at 15 & 30 DAT (T15). The plant growth parameters viz., shoot length, number of branches, leaf area, collar girth and number of flowering branches were recorded at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after sowing (DAS). The growth parameters exhibited a significant variation among the treatments. At harvest (90 DAS), the plants treated with chitosan 2 g L-1 at 15 & 30 DAT (T11) recorded the highest shoot length (59.37 cm) and number of branches (42), The highest 114 leaf area (8892.96 cm2) was observed in chitosan 1 g L-1 at 30 DAT (T8) and was on par with T11. The highest number of flowering branches was observed in treatment chitosan 2 g L-1 at 30 DAT (T11). The treatment chitosan 2 g L-1 at 15 & 30 DAT (T12) recorded early flowering (57.67 days). The data on yield parameters on leaf biomass, stem biomass and herbage yield were recorded at 90 DAS. The seed yield parameters viz., seed yield per plant and thousand seed weight were recorded at 120 DAS. The treatment chitosan 1 g L-1 at 30 DAT (T8) exhibited higher fresh leaf biomass (254.40 g per plant), dry leaf biomass (12.54 g per plant-1), fresh stem biomass (216.73 g plant-1), dry stem biomass (19.0 g plant-1), fresh herbage (485.24 g plant-1) and dry herbage (32.06 g plant-1) yield. The oil yield (210.36 g plant-1), seed yield (66.08 g plant-1) and test weight (10.57 g) were also observed to be maximum in treatment chitosan 1 g L-1 at 30 DAT (T8). The effect of chitosan on biochemical parameter, plant pigments were recorded at 30, 60, 90 and 120 DAS. The treatment T11 exhibited the highest chlorophyll and carotenoid content. The biochemical parameter, secondary metabolites viz., total alkaloids, flavonoids, total phenol content and tannins were recorded at 90 DAS and was found to be significantly influenced by the application of chitosan. The treatment T8 exhibited highest phenol (33.75 ug GAE mg-1) and alkaloid content (91.61 ug AE mg-1). The highest flavonoid and tannin content were recorded in the treatment T11. In HPTLC comparative chemical profiling analysis, the leaf extracts of O. basilicum showed 38 phytochemical constituents corresponding to specific Rf values. T8 had more number, 19 phytochemical constituents out of 38 total constituents recorded during the analysis. This was followed by T10 and T11 , which were observed to show 16 constituents among the 38 constituents recorded in the analysis. The treatment T8 (chitosan 1 g L-1 sprayed at 30 DAT) selected as the best treatment in terms of herbage and oil yield was compared with the corresponding control treatment, T14 (water sprayed at 30 DAT) to study the effect of chitosan on bioactivities. The study revealed that the defatted ethanolic leaf extract of T8 showed better performance in terms of antifungal (against Colletotrichum capsici MTCC 9691), antioxidant and enzyme 115 (peroxidase and catalase) activities compared to T14. Both the treatment (T8) as well as the control treatment (T14) did not show any antibacterial property when tried against Escherichia coli MTCC 40. The T14 leaf extract gave better cytotoxicity against HCT 116 colon cancer cell lines compared to that of T8. Among the treatments T8 (chitosan 1 gL-1 sprayed at 30 DAT) exhibited the best results in terms of yield, secondary metabolites and bioactivities. This was followed by T11 (chitosan 2 gL-1 sprayed at 30 DAT) with respect to these parameters. From the study it can be concluded that one time spray of chitosan 1 g L-1 at 30 DAT could be selected as the best treatment for enhancing yield, secondary metabolites and bioactivities of O. basilicum.Item Seed requirements for quality cashew sprout production(Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, Vellanikkara, 2023-03-23) Suma Madhavan; Jalaja S MenonCashew is an important dollar earning plantation crop grown for its delicious kernels. In Kerala, during harvest few nuts may escape collection and the hidden ones will germinate with the onset of rain. These germinated nuts called as cashew sprouts are traditional delicacy among rural people. Cashew Research Station, Madakkathara has commercialised the traditional technology of sprout production which open up an alternative market to cashew growers. Sprout and micro greens are now popular owing to its nutritive value. Commercialization of traditional technology of cashew sprout production needs systematic study on influence of seed nuts characteristics on quality of produce. In this context, the study was formulated to evaluate the response of seed nut size, pre-soaking treatments and varieties on production of quality cashew sprout. The cashew seed nuts available at cashew research station Madakkathara used as study material and the production was done in a specially designed germination chamber. The seed nut size had significant influence on sprouting behaviour and recovery of sprout. Small (below 5 g) and medium (5-7 g) sized nuts recorded lowest mean sprouting time (14.02 and 14. 52 respectively), days to sprout (12 and 12.33 respectively). But there was no significant difference in percent sprouting. Whereas cotyledon recovery (5.76g) and total weight of sprout (7.73g) were significantly high in sprout produced from large seed nut (above 7g). However, the total outturn of sprout from one kilogram of seed nuts was significantly high when small seed nut of below 5 g was used for sprout production (710.5g/kg). The study also elucidated that total outturn had significant negative correlation with seed size, mean sprouting time and days to sprout and significant positive correlation with percent sprouting and sprouting index. Influence of storage of seed nuts on sprouting has shown that there was no significant difference in percent sprouting and sprouting behaviour in seed nuts of current season harvest and seed nuts of previous season harvest stored under temperature 21 0C and relative humidity of 65 %. All seed nuts of previous season harvest stored under ambient condition failed to germinate even with various presoaking treatment. While evaluating the 14 pre-soaking treatments of seed nuts of current season on sprouting behaviour, it was observed that highest percent sprouting (87.5%) was observed in treatment T3 (soaking in water for 72 hours). The days to sprout (11.5 days), days to fifty percent sprouting (13.83days) and mean sprouting time (13.62 days) was significantly low in the same treatment. The seed nut of previous season harvest stored in storage chamber recorded the highest percent germination (80%) days to sprout (12.50 days), days to fifty percent sprouting (14.12 days) and mean sprouting time (13 days) in treatment T4 (soaking of nuts in water for 96 hours.).The pre-soaking has no significant difference in cotyledon characters, total weight of sprout and cotyledon recovery of sprout. The outturn of sprout from one kilogram of seed nut was significantly high when seed nut were pre-soaked in water for 72 hours. The harvested sprouts stored in aluminium laminated cover recorded the lowest physiological loss in weight. The overall acceptability of stored sprout was also significantly good when stored in aluminium laminated cover. The colour of the sprout retained when stored in aluminium laminated cover up to 4 days (150- medium yellow green – A). The viable bacterial count and fungal count was significantly low in sprout stored under aluminium laminated cover. Cashew varieties showed significant difference in sprouting behaviour and recovery of cashew sprout. The percent sprouting was significantly high in variety Anakkayam-1 (97%) and VRI-3 (96%). The total weight of sprout and cotyledon recovery recorded significantly high values in variety NRCC Selection-2 (8.67, 6.76 g respectively).The outturn of sprout from one kg of seed nut was significantly high in variety Anakkayam-1 (675 g/ kg). The outturn of variety Madakkathra-1 (588.4g/kg) was at par. The bio chemical qualities of sprout viz. total sugar (3.3 %), iron (18.65 mg/100g), protein (3.05g/100g) free amino acid (3.33g/100g) were significantly high in variety Anakkayam-1 .The tannin content was the lowest in variety Anakkayam-1 (2.82mg/100g) and Madakkathara-1 (3.70mg/100g).The organoleptic qualities of variety Anakkayam-1, was also preferred over other varieties.Item Diversity analysis of Chittamruthu [Tinospora cordifolia (wild)] ecotypes of southern districts of Kerala(Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2024) Revathy, U.S.; Sonia, N.S.The study titled "Diversity analysis of Chittamruthu [Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.)] ecotypes of Southern districts of Kerala" was conducted at the Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2021-2023. The study aimed to assess morphological, phytochemical and genetic variation in Chittamruthu using SSR markers. Chittamruthu ecotypes, 27 nos. were identified from different locations in the ten distinct Agro-Ecological Units (AEUs) of Southern Kerala viz., AEU 1 (Chirayinkeezhu, Kottiyam, Kundara), AEU 3 (Suranad), AEU 4 (Thiruvalla, Ambalappuzha), AEU 5 (Mala), AEU 8 (Neyyattinkara, Kalliyoor, Kattakkada), AEU 9 (Ponkunnam, Mylom, Vembayam, Pala), AEU 12 (Vannapuram, Nanniyod, Vellanad), AEU 14 (Kulathuppuzha, Nemmara, Vellathooval, Nelliyambathi, Adimali, Vithura), AEU 16 (Kattappana, Pambadumpara, Shanthanpara) and AEU 17 (Kanthalloor). Chittamruthu stem is being used by the localites for curing kidney-related ailments in Chirayinkeezh, Thiruvananthapuram. Chittamruthu stem powder could improve digestion as opined by the localites in Kottiyam, Kollam. Amrithasatwa is a unique Chittamruthu preparation revealed by a traditional medicinal practitioner in Suranad, Kollam for treating acidity. In addition, local use of Chittamruthu for addressing health issues viz., menstrual irregularities, post-partum care, managing rheumatic fever, diabetes, joint pain, arthritis and dengue fever were documented. Chittamruthu ecotypes showed significant morphological variations in stem diameter, density of lenticels, petiole length, leaf length, leaf breadth and leaf area. Ecotype (T6) collected from Ambalappuzha (AEU 4) recorded the highest stem diameter (2.00 cm), petiole length (12.60 cm), leaf area (153.78 cm2), laminar length (12.37 cm) and laminar breadth (12.67 cm). The highest density of lenticels was observed in the ecotype (T14) obtained from Pala (AEU 9). Genetic variation among the 27 Chittamruthu ecotypes were assessed using ten SSR markers viz., TCTSSR 59, TCTSSR 104, TCTSSR 126, TCTSSR 92, TCTSSR 37, TCTSSR 18, TC 23, TC 8, TC 9, and TC 1. Among these primers, TCTSSR 104, TCTSSR 92, TC 23, TCTSSR 59, TCTSSR 126 and TC 1 exhibited polymorphism, while the remaining four were monomorphic. TCTSSR 104 recorded the highest Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) value (0.49). A dendrogram developed using NTSYS-pc software demarcated the 27 Chittamruthu ecotypes into 96 seven clusters at a similarity coefficient, 0.86. Cluster I comprised of 20 ecotypes, Cluster II to VI were comprised of one ecotype each and Cluster VII comprised of two ecotypes. A single representative ecotype from each cluster was used for phytochemical diversity analysis. Vellanad ecotype (AEU 12) recorded the highest total alkaloid (183.96 μg AE mg -1) and total flavonoid (162.62 μg QE mg-1) content. The highest total phenol content (55.21 μg GAE mg -1), total saponins (99.29 μg DE mg-1) and cardiac glycosides (42.09 μg DE mg -1) were recorded by Chirayinkeezhu (AEU 1), Kulathuppuzha (AEU 14) and Nemmara (AEU 14) ecotypes, respectively. The study revealed that 27 Chittamruthu ecotypes collected from ten distinct AEUs from the Southern districts of Kerala showed significant diversity in their morphological, molecular and phytochemical characteristics. Ambalappuzha ecotype (AEU 4) recorded superior morphological characteristics. Molecular diversity analysis using SSR markers had demarcated the 27 Chittamruthu ecotypes into seven genetically diverse clusters. Pharmacological properties of Chittamruthu are mainly attributed to alkaloids. In this study, Vellanad ecotype (AEU 12) is identified as potential alkaloid yielding Chittamruthu (183.96 μg AE mg -1).Item Physico-chemical and nutritional analysis of seed and seed-butter of Garcinia spp.(Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Agriculture , Vellanikkara, 2023-01-17) Urati , Mahesh; Vikram, H C