PG Thesis

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://localhost:4000/handle/123456789/2

Browse

Has files: YesSubject: search.filters.subject.Biofertilizers

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Physiological, biochemical and yield attributes of bell pepper (Capsicum annum var.grossum) as influenced by biochar amended with biofertilizers
    (Department of Plant Physiology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2023-02-07) Simhi Samyukta S M
    The programme entitled “Physiological, biochemical and yield attributes of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum var. grossum) as influenced by biochar amended with biofertilizers” was carried out at the Department of Plant Physiology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2021-2022. The objective of the programme was to evaluate the physiological, biochemical and yield attributes of bell pepper as influenced by biochar amended with biofertilizers. A pot culture study was carried out with bell pepper variety “California Wonder” in completely randomized design (CRD). It involved a combination of eight treatments which is inclusive of a control also, with three replications in each. The different treatments were T1-control, T2-biochar, T3-Azospirillum, T4-VAM, T5-Piriformospora indica, T6-biochar + Azospirillum, T7-biochar + VAM and T8-biochar + P. indica. Different morphophysiological parameters like plant height, number of branches, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, chlorophyll content, leaf area index, root weight, root volume, shoot weight, root:shoot ratio, days to first flowering and days to first fruiting were studied. Of all the eight treatments that were studied, biochar + VAM (T7) was found to be the best treatment in increasing the morphophysiological parameters. Biochar + Azospirillum (T6) was observed to be on par with biochar + VAM (T7) in terms of photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, leaf area index and shoot weight. Whereas, P. indica treated plants were found to be on par with biochar + VAM (T7) in terms of root characteristics. Also, P. indica proved to reduce the vegetative period and induce earliness of flowering in bell pepper plants. Considering the biochemical parameters, flavonoid content, total soluble proteins and ascorbic acid content were found to increase under the influence of Azospirillum. Polyphenol content was found to increase upon the treatment with VAM. However, with the application of biochar there was enhancement in all the biochemical parameters, viz. biochar + Azospirillum (T6) proving to be the best in terms of flavonoids (4.87 mg g-1), total soluble proteins (23.67 mg g-1) and ascorbic acid content (129.92 mg 100g-1) while biochar + VAM (T7) in terms of polyphenols (24.34 mg g-1). 104 VAM and Azospirillum were found to be on par with each other in terms of yield parameters, viz. number of fruits per plant, fruit weight and yield per plant. However, among all the treatments, biochar + VAM (T7) resulted in higher number of fruits per plant (7.33), fruit weight (76.42 g) and yield per plant (0.61 kg). Biochar + Azospirillum (T6) was found to be on par with biochar + VAM (T7) pertaining to fruit weight (74.72 g). Among the biofertilizer treatments, nitrogen uptake by the crop was found to be significantly higher in Azospirillum (T3) while phosphorous and potassium uptakes were found to be higher in VAM (T4). Of all the eight treatments, biochar + Azospirillum (T6) recorded the highest nitrogen uptake (131.47 kg ha-1). Biochar + VAM (T7) recorded the highest phosphorous uptake (30.97 kg ha-1) by the crop and was significantly on par with VAM (T4). Also, biochar + VAM (T7) recorded highest potassium uptake (121.60 kg ha-1) which was significantly on par with biochar + Azospirillum (T6). VAM was found to increase the organic carbon content of soil to a higher extent than other biofertilizers. Biochar amendment (T2) significantly recorded highest organic carbon content in the soil (2.99%). Microbial characteristics study also evidently proved that biochar increased the Azospirillum population (40-40.74%) in rhizosphere soil and VAM colonization percentage (5.88-7.5%) in root bits of bell pepper plants when compared to sole application of biofertilizers alone. Based on the present study, it can be concluded that combined application of biochar and VAM biofertilizer could increase the performance of bell pepper plants and improve its physiological, biochemical and yield attributes while also improving the soil organic carbon content and microbial de
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Productivity and biological efficiency of sorghum + cowpea in response to row configuration and biofertilizers
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2024-11-27) Kasapogu Rachel Madhurima; Shalini Pillai, P
    The study entitled “Productivity and biological efficiency of sorghum + cowpea in response to row configuration and biofertilizers” was undertaken at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 2022-2024. The objectives were to assess the performance of sorghum + cowpea intercropping system at varying row configuration, to evaluate the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Rhizobium on the competitive behaviour of intercrops and to work out the economics of the system. The field experiment was carried out at the Instructional Farm, Vellayani, from December 2023 to April 2024. The experiment was laid out in randomised block design with 3 x 4 treatments, replicated thrice. The treatments comprised combinations of three row ratios (r1-1:1, r2-1:2, r3- 2:1) and four levels of biofertilizer (b0 – No biofertilizer, b1- AMF, b2 – Rhizobium, b3 – AMF + Rhizobium). The inoculation of AMF and Rhizobium was done for sorghum and cowpea respectively. Sole crops of sorghum and cowpea were raised for computing the intercropping indices. The varieties used for the study were CO-32 (sorghum) and Kanakamony (cowpea). Except nutrient recommendation for sorghum (50:25:75 kg NPK ha-1), all other management practices of both sorghum and cowpea were carried out as per the Kerala Agricultural University Package of Practices (KAU POP) recommendations. Sorghum intercropped with cowpea in 2:1 row ratio (r3) resulted in significantly higher leaf area per plant, dry matter production (DMP), grains per panicle (424.13 nos), grain yield (3122 kg ha-1), and green stover yield (11731 kg ha-1) of sorghum. The treatment b3 (AMF + Rhizobium) resulted in the highest DMP (6270 kg ha-1), grains per panicle (384.49 nos), grain yield (2909 kg ha-1) and green stover yield (11595 kg ha-1) of sorghum. The application of AMF + Rhizobium resulted in a 2.34 per cent higher yield of sorghum than its sole crop. The treatment combination r3b1 (2:1 + AMF) resulted in the highest DMP, grains per panicle and grain yield of sorghum. Rooting depth (13.33 cm) and DMP of cowpea (3254 kg ha-1) were observed to be higher in r3 (2:1 row ratio). Application of Rhizobium alone (b2) resulted in deeper roots in cowpea (11.93 cm). Cowpea raised as intercrop in sorghum in 1:2 ratio along with Rhizobium (r2b2) resulted in more number of nodules per plant (21.93), which was 51.24 per cent more than the sole crop. Significantly higher yield of cowpea (1498 kg ha-1) was observed in r2 (1:2 row ratio). Application of AMF (b1) resulted in higher seed yield (1571 kg ha-1) and haulm yield (2334 kg ha-1) of cowpea. The treatment combination r1b1 (cowpea raised as intercrop in sorghum in 1:1 row ratio along with AMF) exhibited the highest number of pods per plant (9.73) and seeds per pod (10.60) and consequently the highest seed yield (1765 kg ha-1) and haulm yield (2477 kg ha-1) of cowpea. The treatment combination r1b1 recorded 32.5 per cent and 16.56 per cent higher seed yield and haulm yield respectively, when compared to the sole crop of cowpea. At 15 DAS and 30 DAS, the weed density was observed to be lower (7.08 m-2, 14.33 m-2) in r2 (1:2 row ratio). Application of AMF + Rhizobium (b3) resulted in the least weed dry matter at 45 DAS (18.00 g m-2). Sorghum + cowpea at 1:1 row ratio with Rhizobium (r1b2) resulted in lower weed DMP at 15 DAS and 30 DAS. Higher LER (1.93) was observed in the treatment r3b1 (sorghum intercropped with cowpea in 2:1 ratio along with AMF). Aggressivity values of cowpea in combination with sorghum were positive irrespective of biofertilizer application. Competition index (-0.05), sorghum equivalent yield (6411 kg ha-1) and percentage yield difference (117.93 %) were higher in r1b1 (sorghum intercropped with cowpea in 1:1 row ratio along with AMF). The competition ratio was observed to be higher (0.91) in r2b3 (1:2 ratio along with AMF and rhizobium) for sorghum and r1b0 (1:1 ratio without biofertilizer) for cowpea (2.82). The NPK uptake of sorghum + cowpea system (133.33 kg ha-1, 24.88 kg ha-1 and 92.08 kg ha-1) were observed to be higher in r3 (2:1 row ratio). While AMF application (b1) resulted in significantly higher N and P uptake, AMF + Rhizobium showed higher K uptake. The crude protein in sorghum grains and cowpea seeds was higher (10.16 %, 23.33 %) in r2b1 and r3b2 respectively. Iron and copper content in sorghum grains were observed to be higher with the application of AMF (b1) (5.29 mg 100 g-1 and 0.33 mg 100 g-1) Application of Rhizobium (b2) resulted in higher manganese content in sorghum grains (1.77 mg 100 g-1).While the calcium content in sorghum grains was higher in r2b1 (1:2 + AMF), the content of manganese was noted to be higher in r1b2 (1:1 + Rhizobium). . Post-experiment soil analysis revealed higher organic carbon, electrical conductivity and available P in r1b2. The available N and K status were observed to be higher in r3b1 (246.33 kg ha-1) and r2b1 (275.20 kg ha-1) respectively. The soil pH was observed to be higher (5.77) in r2b0, which was 0.31 units higher than the initial pH (5.46). Sorghum + cowpea in 1:1 ratio along with AMF (r1b1) resulted in higher net income (₹126922 ha-1) and monetary equivalent ratio (MER) (2.06). However, benefit cost ratio was observed to be higher (2.00) in r3b0 (sorghum + cowpea in 2:1 row ratio without biofertilizer) and r3b1 (sorghum + cowpea in 2:1 row ratio along with AMF). From the experiment it was concluded that compared to the respective sole crops, sorghum + cowpea intercropping system excelled in terms of overall productivity and biological efficiency. In terms of land equivalent ratio, sorghum + cowpea (2:1) along with AMF (r3b1) was more productive. However, considering the sorghum equivalent yield, percentage yield difference, net income and monetary equivalent ratio, intercropping sorghum with cowpea in 1:1 row ratio along with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi could be recommended as a viable combination for higher productivity and profitability.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Response of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) to biofertilizers.
    (Department Of Olericulture, College Of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Anisa, N A; Baby Lissy Markose
    An investigation on the effect of biofertilizers on growth and yield of okra was carried out in the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2010-11. Okra variety Arka Anamika was used for the study. The experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design with thirteen treatments and three replications. The biofertilizers (Azospirillum, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Frateuria) were applied @ 2 kg/ha. The treatments included sole inoculation of biofertilizers along with FYM (T1, T2, T3), dual inoculation along with FYM (T4, T5, T6), inoculation of all the three biofertilizers along with FYM, applied as single dose (T7) and double dose (T8), inoculation of all the three biofertilizers along with FYM and inorganic (½, ¾, full dose) fertilizers (T9, T10, T11), application of all the three biofertilizers without FYM (T12) and control (T13- KAU POP). The study revealed that the treatment where Azospirillum, AMF and Frateuria were inoculated along with double dose of FYM (T8) and the treatment where all the three biofertilizers were applied along with FYM and ¾ NPK (T10) exhibited superiority in terms of growth parameters. The relative chlorophyll content (48.73 SPAD Units) and total dry matter production (350.50 g/plant) were the highest in plants supplied with double dose of FYM along with biofertilizers. The earliest flowering (39.67 days) and harvesting (46.33 days) were recorded in plants inoculated with AMF and Frateuria along with FYM (T6). The treatment T8 (double dose of FYM along with Azospirillum, AMF and Frateuria) recorded the maximum fruit weight (19.80 g), fruit girth (6.17 cm) and number of seeds per fruit (82.89). It was followed by the treatment T10 (FYM, inorganic fertilizers (¾) and biofertilizers). Plants treated with double dose of FYM, Azospirillum, AMF and Frateuria (T8) recorded the highest number of fruits per plant (31.67), fruit yield per plant (544.40 g) and total fruit yield (16.33 tha-1). It was followed by integrated application of FYM, inorganic fertilizers (¾) and biofertilizers (T10). The crude protein content of okra fruit was higher in treatments where all the three biofertilizers were applied. The treatment T10 where FYM, inorganic fertilizers (¾) and biofertilizers were applied, recorded the highest beta carotene content (94.33 µg/100g). Shelf life (6.67 days) was more in plants treated with all the three biofertilizers and FYM (T7 and T8). Higher nutrient content and uptake was observed in treatments where all the three biofertilizers were applied. Application of biofertilizers resulted in improvement of soil parameters like organic carbon, available N, P2O5 and K2O, pH and electrical conductivity. The population of Azospirillum, AMF and Frateuria in the rhizosphere was also enhanced by the use of biofertilizers. Regarding the economics of cultivation the highest B:C ratio of 2.49 was recorded in T8, where double dose of FYM was applied along with all the three biofertilizers. It was followed by the treatment T10 which recorded a B:C ratio of 2.42. It can be concluded that inoculation of biofertilizers enhanced the growth, yield and quality of okra. The available nutrient status and health of the soil was also improved by biofertilizer application. Overall assessment indicated that combined application of all the three biofertilizers along with double dose of FYM was the best, with respect to growth and yield. The second best performance was obtained when FYM, inorganic fertilizers (¾) and biofertilizers were applied signifying that a reduction of 25 per cent chemical fertilizers is possible by using biofertilizers.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Organics and biofertilizers in improving the yield and quality of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)
    (Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2002) Filitte Stephen; Nybe, E V