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Item Physiological effect of seed priming and foliar application of growth regulators in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)(Department of Plant Physiology, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, 2022-05-24) Swathy, P.; Sudarsana Rao, G VAn investigation entitled “Physiological effect of seed priming and foliar application of growth regulators in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)” was carried out in two experiments during the period 2020-2021. The objective of the study was elucidation of influence of seed priming and foliar application of growth regulators on morpho-physiological changes, yield and quality in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.). Experiment-1 on seed germination and early seedling growth was conducted at College of Agriculture, Padannakkad. It was carried out in complete randomized design with eight treatments and three replications. Treatments included seeds primed with growth regulators viz., thiourea @ 500 ppm (T2); salicylic acid @ 50 ppm (T3); salicylic acid @ 100 ppm (T4); salicylic acid @ 150 ppm (T5); brassinolide @ 0.1 ppm (T6); brassinolide @ 0.3 ppm (T7); brassinolide @ 0.5 ppm (T8) and control (T1) without growth regulators. Minimum number of days taken for 50 per cent seed germination in T4, T6 and T7. 100 per cent seed sprouting and seed germination were recorded in T4 and T7. Maximum seedling survival was recorded in T4 and T7 which was on par with T5 and T6. Whole seedling dry weight and seedling vigour index were significantly enhanced in T7 followed by T4. Based on statistical analysis T4 and T7 were considered as best treatment for further field studies. Experiment-2 was conducted as field study at Instructional Farm II, Karuvacheri, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad. The best seed priming results obtained from Experiment -1 were further studied under field condition in Experiment- 2. It included 14 treatments viz., Standard POP recommendation without thiourea (KAU, 2016) (T1); standard POP with thiourea foliar spray @ 500 ppm (T2); T₁ + salicylic acid foliar spray @ 50 ppm (T3); seed priming with 100 ppm salicylic acid + salicylic acid foliar spray @ 50 ppm (T₄); T₁ + salicylic acid foliar spray @ 100 ppm (T₅); seed priming with 100 ppm salicylic acid + salicylic acid foliar spray @ 100 ppm (T₆); T₁ + salicylic acid foliar spray @ 150 ppm (T₇); seed priming with 100 ppm salicylic acid + salicylic acid foliar spray @ 150 ppm (T₈); T₁ + brassinolide foliar spray @ 0.1 ppm (T9); seed priming with 0.3 ppm brassinolide + brassinolide foliar spray @ 0.1 ppm (T₁₀); T₁ + brassinolide foliar spray @ 0.3 ppm (T₁₁); seed priming with 0.3 ppm brassinolide + brassinolide foliar spray @ 0.3 ppm (T₁₂); T₁ + brassinolide foliar spray @ 0.5 ppm (T₁₃) and seed priming with 0.3 ppm brassinolide + brassinolide foliar spray @ 0.5 ppm (T₁₄). The foliar sprays were given at 20 and 40 DAS. Regarding morphological observations, T6 and T14 significantly superior in plant height, leaf area per plant and number of compound leaves per plant at 25, 45 and 60 DAS. Minimum number of days taken for 50 per cent flowering in T₁₄ which was on par with T6. Minimum number of days for first harvest were recorded in T6 and T₁₄. Duration of crop and greater number of productive flower setting were significantly superior in T14 and T6 which was on par with T12. Efficient translocation of assimilates increased pod length and pod diameter in T6 which was on par with T14. Leaf area index and SPAD chlorophyll meter readings were maximum in T6 and T14 at 25, 45 and 60 DAS. The increase in net photosynthetic area and assimilate translocation, enhanced the total dry matter production, relative growth rate and crop growth rate in T14 followed by T6 during vegetative stage and reproductive stage as well. Maximum relative leaf water content was observed in T6 which was on par with T5, T8, T12 and T14 at 25 DAS and T5, T8, T12, T13 and T14 at 60 DAS. The ratio of variable fluorescence to maximum fluorescence (Fv/Fm) was recorded maximum in T14 which was on par with T6 and T12 at 25 DAS. The maximum effective quantum yield of PS II (Y (II)) were recorded maximum in T6 and T14 which were on par with T10 and T12 at 25 DAS. At 45 DAS, T14 was on par with T6, T8, T10 and T12. At 60 DAS, T14 was on par with T4, T6, T8, T9, T10, T11, T12 and T13. Electron transport rate (ETR) were observed maximum in T6 and T14 which were on par with T8, T10 and T12 at 25 DAS. At 45 DAS, T14 was on par with T6, T8, T10 and T12. At 60 DAS, T14 was on par with T2, T4, T6, T8, T10, T11, T12, and T13. A perusal of biochemical data showed that T6 and T14 had maximum leaf chlorophyll content at 25 DAS. At 45 DAS, T6 had the highest chlorophyll content which was on par with T8, T12 and T14. At 60 DAS, maximum chlorophyll content was recorded in T6 which was on par with T14. Maximum proline content was recorded in T1 at 25, 45 and 60 DAS. Regarding yield parameters average number of pods per plant and average number of seeds per plant were recorded maximum in T6 and T14, Seed yield was found to be increased by 43 per cent in T6 when salicylic acid @ 100 ppm seed priming and foliar application were given and 42.11 per cent increase in seed yield was noticed in T14 when seed priming was given with brassinolide @ 0.3 ppm and foliar spray at 0.5 ppm. Among only foliar spray of growth regulators without considering seed priming, brassinolide @ 0.5 ppm (33.74 per cent) and salicylic acid @ 100 ppm (33.29 per cent) were recorded maximum increase in seed yield. Foliar spray of thiourea was increased the yield by 26.32 per cent over control. Maximum net returns were obtained from treatment of seed priming and foliar spray with salicylic acid 100 ppm (T6) followed by T8 and T5. Even though, the gross returns were maximum from brassinolide treated plants, the net return was less due to higher cost of brassinolide. The highest BC ratio was from salicylic acid treated plants T6 (2.86) followed by T8 (2.73) and T4 (2.67). Among foliar sprayed treatments T5 recorded maximum BC ratio (2.66) and thiourea treatment recorded BC ratio 2.52. Results of the study revealed that seed priming and foliar spray of salicylic acid 100 ppm was significantly superior to all other treatments with respect to yield and net return. It can be concluded that among the treatments seed priming and foliar application of salicylic acid 100 ppm and seed priming with brassinolide @ 0.3 ppm and 0.5 ppm foliar spray showed the best results. Among foliar spray without seed priming salicylic acid 100 ppm and brassinolide 0.5 ppm superior in all parameters. Maximum economic returns were recorded from salicylic acid treated plants, even though highest seed yield and gross returns observed from brassinolide treatment because of high cost of chemical, net returns were minimised. Therefore, seed priming and foliar application of salicylic acid (100 ppm) significantly enhanced seed yield and net returns in cowpea.Item Seed treatment and foliar nutrition on yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) intercropped in coconut(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture ,Vellayani, 2023-01-30) Vanam, Joshna.; Sharu, S RItem Crop establishment methods and weed management on productivity of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.)Walp.](Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture,Vellanikkara, 2022-04-27) Ayisha Jezla, P; Anitha, SItem Physiological effect of seed priming and foliar application of growth regulators in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)(Department of Plant Physiology, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, 2022) Swathy, P; Sudarsana Rao, G VAn investigation entitled “Physiological effect of seed priming and foliar application of growth regulators in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.)” was carried out in two experiments during the period 2020-2021. The objective of the study was elucidation of influence of seed priming and foliar application of growth regulators on morpho-physiological changes, yield and quality in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.). Experiment-1 on seed germination and early seedling growth was conducted at College of Agriculture, Padannakkad. It was carried out in complete randomized design with eight treatments and three replications. Treatments included seeds primed with growth regulators viz., thiourea @ 500 ppm (T2); salicylic acid @ 50 ppm (T3); salicylic acid @ 100 ppm (T4); salicylic acid @ 150 ppm (T5); brassinolide @ 0.1 ppm (T6); brassinolide @ 0.3 ppm (T7); brassinolide @ 0.5 ppm (T8) and control (T1) without growth regulators. Minimum number of days taken for 50 per cent seed germination in T4, T6 and T7. 100 per cent seed sprouting and seed germination were recorded in T4 and T7. Maximum seedling survival was recorded in T4 and T7 which was on par with T5 and T6. Whole seedling dry weight and seedling vigour index were significantly enhanced in T7 followed by T4. Based on statistical analysis T4 and T7 were considered as best treatment for further field studies. Experiment-2 was conducted as field study at Instructional Farm II, Karuvacheri, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad. The best seed priming results obtained from Experiment -1 were further studied under field condition in Experiment- 2. It included 14 treatments viz., Standard POP recommendation without thiourea (KAU, 2016) (T1); standard POP with thiourea foliar spray @ 500 ppm (T2); T₁ + salicylic acid foliar spray @ 50 ppm (T3); seed priming with 100 ppm salicylic acid + salicylic acid foliar spray @ 50 ppm (T₄); T₁ + salicylic acid foliar spray @ 100 ppm (T₅); seed priming with 100 ppm salicylic acid + salicylic acid foliar spray @ 100 ppm (T₆); T₁ + salicylic acid foliar spray @ 150 ppm (T₇); seed priming with 100 ppm salicylic acid + salicylic acid foliar spray @ 150 ppm (T₈); T₁ + brassinolide foliar spray @ 0.1 ppm (T9); seed priming with 0.3 ppm brassinolide + brassinolide foliar spray @ 0.1 ppm (T₁₀); T₁ + brassinolide foliar spray @ 0.3 ppm (T₁₁); seed priming with 0.3 ppm brassinolide + brassinolide foliar spray @ 0.3 ppm (T₁₂); T₁ + brassinolide foliar spray @ 0.5 ppm (T₁₃) and seed priming with 0.3 ppm brassinolide + brassinolide foliar spray @ 0.5 ppm (T₁₄). The foliar sprays were given at 20 and 40 DAS. Regarding morphological observations, T6 and T14 significantly superior in plant height, leaf area per plant and number of compound leaves per plant at 25, 45 and 60 DAS. Minimum number of days taken for 50 per cent flowering in T₁₄ which was on par with T6. Minimum number of days for first harvest were recorded in T6 and T₁₄. Duration of crop and greater number of productive flower setting were significantly superior in T14 and T6 which was on par with T12. Efficient translocation of assimilates increased pod length and pod diameter in T6 which was on par with T14. Leaf area index and SPAD chlorophyll meter readings were maximum in T6 and T14 at 25, 45 and 60 DAS. The increase in net photosynthetic area and assimilate translocation, enhanced the total dry matter production, relative growth rate and crop growth rate in T14 followed by T6 during vegetative stage and reproductive stage as well. Maximum relative leaf water content was observed in T6 which was on par with T5, T8, T12 and T14 at 25 DAS and T5, T8, T12, T13 and T14 at 60 DAS. The ratio of variable fluorescence to maximum fluorescence (Fv/Fm) was recorded maximum in T14 which was on par with T6 and T12 at 25 DAS. The maximum effective quantum yield of PS II (Y (II)) were recorded maximum in T6 and T14 which were on par with T10 and T12 at 25 DAS. At 45 DAS, T14 was on par with T6, T8, T10 and T12. At 60 DAS, T14 was on par with T4, T6, T8, T9, T10, T11, T12 and T13. Electron transport rate (ETR) were observed maximum in T6 and T14 which were on par with T8, T10 and T12 at 25 DAS. At 45 DAS, T14 was on par with T6, T8, T10 and T12. At 60 DAS, T14 was on par with T2, T4, T6, T8, T10, T11, T12, and T13. A perusal of biochemical data showed that T6 and T14 had maximum leaf chlorophyll content at 25 DAS. At 45 DAS, T6 had the highest chlorophyll content which was on par with T8, T12 and T14. At 60 DAS, maximum chlorophyll content was recorded in T6 which was on par with T14. Maximum proline content was recorded in T1 at 25, 45 and 60 DAS. Regarding yield parameters average number of pods per plant and average number of seeds per plant were recorded maximum in T6 and T14, Seed yield was found to be increased by 43 per cent in T6 when salicylic acid @ 100 ppm seed priming and foliar application were given and 42.11 per cent increase in seed yield was noticed in T14 when seed priming was given with brassinolide @ 0.3 ppm and foliar spray at 0.5 ppm. Among only foliar spray of growth regulators without considering seed priming, brassinolide @ 0.5 ppm (33.74 per cent) and salicylic acid @ 100 ppm (33.29 per cent) were recorded maximum increase in seed yield. Foliar spray of thiourea was increased the yield by 26.32 per cent over control. Maximum net returns were obtained from treatment of seed priming and foliar spray with salicylic acid 100 ppm (T6) followed by T8 and T5. Even though, the gross returns were maximum from brassinolide treated plants, the net return was less due to higher cost of brassinolide. The highest BC ratio was from salicylic acid treated plants T6 (2.86) followed by T8 (2.73) and T4 (2.67). Among foliar sprayed treatments T5 recorded maximum BC ratio (2.66) and thiourea treatment recorded BC ratio 2.52. Results of the study revealed that seed priming and foliar spray of salicylic acid 100 ppm was significantly superior to all other treatments with respect to yield and net return. It can be concluded that among the treatments seed priming and foliar application of salicylic acid 100 ppm and seed priming with brassinolide @ 0.3 ppm and 0.5 ppm foliar spray showed the best results. Among foliar spray without seed priming salicylic acid 100 ppm and brassinolide 0.5 ppm superior in all parameters. Maximum economic returns were recorded from salicylic acid treated plants, even though highest seed yield and gross returns observed from brassinolide treatment because of high cost of chemical, net returns were minimised. Therefore, seed priming and foliar application of salicylic acid (100 ppm) significantly enhanced seed yield and net returns in cowpeaItem Standardisation of jackfruit and breadfruit incorporated meat analogues(Department of Community Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2023) Nova, Henna Jemimah Kaila; Lakshmy, P SIn the study entitled "Standardisation of jackfruit and breadfruit incorporated meat analogues", meat analogues using cowpea (CWP), chickpea (CP), tender jackfruit (TJ), breadfruit (BF), wheat gluten (WG), defatted soy flour (DSF) and oyster mushroom flour (OMF) were formulated, developed and standardised. Tender jackfruit and breadfruit incorporated cowpea and chickpea meat analogues were developed in varied combinations of pulse, tender jackfruit or breadfruit and wheat gluten. Defatted soy flour (DSF) and oyster mushroom flour (OMF) were added (5 %) to all the treatments except in controls (T0 - 100 % CWP and T6 - 100 % CP). The developed fresh meat analogue cubes were soft, springy with distinctive texture which in cut surface showed defined interconnected inner framework of its ingredients. Organoleptic evaluation was conducted in which sensory attributes of tender jackfruit and breadfruit incorporated cowpea and chickpea meat analogues were evaluated. From both tender jackfruit and breadfruit incorporated cowpea and chickpea meat analogues, the treatments T5 (40 % CWP + 25 % TJ + 25 % WG + 5 % DSF + 5 % OMF) and T10 (50 % CP + 20 % TJ + 20 % WG + 5 % DSF + 5 % OMF); T4 (50 % CWP + 20 % BF + 20 % WG + 5 % DSF + 5 % OMF) and T11 (40 % CP + 25 % BF + 25 % WG + 5 % DSF + 5 % OMF)were selected respectively as best treatments based on their organoleptic evaluation scores. The selected treatments along with their controls were evaluated for their quality attributes such as nutritional studies, in vitro investigations and shelf life studies. The range of moisture content in the meat analogues was from 9.25 to 10.62 per cent. Meat analogues of this study were observed to contain total carbohydrate, protein, total fat, total ash and fibre content in the range of 32.46 to 53.29, 20.79 to 38.03, 1.06 to 1.92, 2.92 to 5.55 and 2.23 to 7.30 g 100-1 respectively. Proximate analysis also showed that meat analogues were abundant in minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc whose contents ranged from 80.25 to 94.67, 255.62 to 325.46, 23.52 to 74.43, 510.49 to 631.50, 103.64 to 181.69, 4.17 to 5.73 and 3.1 to 3.96 mg 100g -1 respectively. The protein in vitro digestibility of meat analogues was in the range of 62.12 to 80.30 per cent. High in vitro protein and mineral availability in most of the treatments was observed in tender jackfruit and breadfruit incorporated meat analogues compared to the controls. The in vitro availability of minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc of the selected treatments and the controls was in the range of 34.43 to 87.62, 47.62 to 71.43, 57.66 to 77.20, 62.54 to 82.85, 54.40 to 63.73, 52.40 to 73.32, 55.89 to 64.28 per cent respectively. The selected meat analogues and the controls were packed in food grade HDPE covers (250 gauge) and were stored at both ambient and refrigerated temperature for a period of three months. Organoleptic evaluation of meat analogues at monthly intervals showed that meat analogues stored under refrigerated condition showed better sensory qualities than their ambient stored counterparts throughout storage. The meat analogues stored at ambient and refrigerated storage were analysed for their nutritional and in vitro aspects. In both the storage conditions, an increase in the moisture content was observed on storage. In both the storage conditions, a general change in the total carbohydrate content, protein, total fat, total ash, fibre and minerals was observed. However, this change was less in most of the treatments under refrigerated storage when compared to ambient storage. Protein in vitro digestibility and in vitro availability of minerals such as calcium, phosphorous, sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron and zincshowed a general change in all the treatments. Meat analogues stored in refrigerated condition also showed a change in their protein in vitro digestibility and in vitro mineral availability after storage but this change difference was not significant in most of the meat analogues. A gradual increase in microbial count was detected on storage but the increase was very meager. However, the respective viable counts were lower in treatments of meat analogues stored under refrigerated condition against ambient condition. During storage of three months, insect infestation was not observed in any of the different treatments of meat analogues stored in both ambient and refrigerated condition. In the present study, among the organoleptically selected the treatments T5 (40 % CWP + 25 % TJ + 25 % WG + 5 % DSF + 5 % OMF) and T11 (40 % CP + 25 % BF + 25 %WG + 5 % DSF +5 % OMF) were nutritionally superior with higher protein and fibre content and therefore are considered the best treatments from tender jackfruit and breadfruit incorporated meat analogues respectively. The cost of production of the selected meat analogues and their controls ranged from Rs. 34.00 to 60.00/ 100g in the selected treatments of meat analogues. The current research found that meat analogues with improved organoleptic properties, nutritional profiles, and shelf stability could be developed using indigenous plant foods such as tender jackfruit and breadfruit, which could be a better, healthier, more cost effective and versatile alternative to other commercial meat analogues and meat.Item Controlling seedling height of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) transplants using plant growth regulators(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2022) Anu Latha Robi; Narayanankutty, CCowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) is an annual leguminous vegetable crop. It is grown throughout india for its tender green pods used as vegetable. Green cowpea seeds are boiled as a fresh vegetable or may be canned or frozen. The beans are nutritious and provide complementary proteins to cereals diets. Seedlings like cowpea, cucurbits having lanky growth growing in polyhouses is an undesirable quality, especially in plugs intended for mechanized planting and long distance transport. Seed treatment with growth retardants is an effective method for controlling seedling height .However limited studies have been conducted in vegetable crops The present study was undertaken with the objectives of controlling seedling height of vegetable cowpea and to assess the field performance of treated seedlings. The experiment was conducted at the Centre for Hi-Tech Horticulture and Precision farming, Vellanikkara KAU, Thrissur during the year 2020-2021 In seedling stage, highest germination was recorded in control treatment on 5th and 10th days after sowing (89%) and (91%) respectively in Vellayani Jyothika. Minimum germination percentage was recorded in Paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm on 5th and 10th day after sowing (64.3%) and (66.0%) respectively in cowpea genotype Vellayani Jyothika. Significantly lower germination percentage was recorded in treatments receiving Paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm on 5th and 10th day after sowing (70.0%) (72%) in the genotype Kashi Kanchan. In both the genotypes there were no significant difference between the treatments on 15th days after sowing. Paclobutrazol treatment took more number of days for emergence of seedling up to the first node compared to control treatment ie Paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm (8.13) and (8.00) respectively in both the genotypes. Highest shoot length was recorded in control treatment on 5th, 10th and 15 th days after germination in both the genotypes. Significantly lower shoot length was recorded in treatments receiving Paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm irrespective of the number of days after germination. Growth retardants in general reduce root growth, shoot weight and root weight of the seedlings. In both the genotypes (Vellayani Jyothika and Kashi Kanchan) significantly lower root length, shoot weight and root weight was obtained in Paclobutrazol treatments compared to non-treated control. Height of seedling up to the first node was directly linked to shoot length. In both the genotypes of the cowpea significantly lower shoot length was recorded in treatments receiving Paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm (4.09) and (4.03) respectively. Paclobutrazol treated seedlings had dark green leaves when compared to other growth regulator and control treatments on 5th ,10th and 15th days after germination. In both the cowpea genotypes, when compared to other growth retardant and control treatments highest stem girth of the seedlings was recorded in treatments receiving Paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm on 5th (3.19 mm) 10th (3.45mm) and 15th (3.7mm) in Vellayani Jyothika and on 5th (3.3mm ) 10th (3.4mm) and 15th (3.8mm) in Kashi Kanchan. There were no significant difference between the treatments on 5th (2) and 15th days (7-8) after germination in both the genotypes. The total chlorophyll content and carotenoid content was recorded highest in treatments receiving Paclobutrazol treatments on seedling stage. Minimum auxin content and gibberellic acid contents were observed in Paclobutrazol treatments. In the field experiment, in both the cowpea genotypes, plant growth regulator Ethrel recorded maximum plant height where as in Vellayani Jyothika minimum plant height was recorded in Cycocel@ 50 ppm (112.40 cm) .In Kashi Kanchan lowest plant height was recorded in Paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm (33.06 cm) in Kashi Kanchan. In vellayani Jyothika highest internodal length was recorded in Ethrel @100 ppm (3.13 cm) and Ethrel @50 ppm (3.04 cm). Minimum was recorded in Paclobutrazol@ 200 ppm (2.63 cm). In the genotype Kashi Kanchan maximum internodal length was recorded in Ethrel@ 200 ppm (3.34 cm) and minimum was recorded in Cycocel @ 100 ppm (2.53cm). Highest number of primary branches was recorded in treatments receiving Paclobutrazol @ 200 ppm which was on par with Paclobutrazol @ 100 ppm compared to control in Vellayani Jyothika. In Kashi Kanchan there were no significant differences found between the treatments. Growth retardants had significant effect on the viz days to first flowering, days to first harvest and crop duration. Early flowering results in early harvesting of pods. Plant growth retardant Cycocel @ 200 ppm (41day) and Cycocel @ 25 ppm (36.80 days) recorded earliest flowering in the field in both the genotypes. In both the genotypes delayed flowering and maximum crop duration was recorded in Paclobutrazol treatments. Pod length and pod girth are related with pod weight. Ethrel treatment had highest pod length and pod girth compared to control .The higher number of flowers, pod girth and pod length contributed to production of more number of pods which in turn resulted in higher yield per plant. In both the cowpea genotypes, highest number of pods per plant and yield per plant was recorded in Ethrel treatments (Ethrel 100 ppm) in Vellayani Jyothika followed by Paclobutrazol treatment (Paclobutrazol 100 ppm) where as in Kashi Kanchan Paclobutrazol 100 ppm was on par with Ethrel 100 ppm. From the above study it could be concluded that, Paclobutrazol 100 ppm seed treatment was effective in controlling seedling height as well to obtain good yield in vegetable cowpea.Item Characterisation of a tospovirus causing necrosis disease of cowpea (vigna unguiculata (L.) walp.)(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2005) Ayisha, R; Umamaheswaran, KItem GxE interaction of semi-erect cowpea genotypes(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2005) Ampily, M; Salikutty JosephExperiments on “G x E interaction of semi-erect cowpea genotypes” were carried out at the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during Kharif, Rabi and summer 2004-2005. Fifty accessions of cowpea collected from various parts of Kerala were used for the study. The study was aimed at identification of stable high yielding and dual purpose semi-erect cowpea accessions over different seasons. With regard to yield and yield contributing characters, summer season was found to be best. The performance of all the accessions during Rabi was inferior as compared to Kharif and summer. The accessions VS-1177, VS-1025 and VS-1179 performed better with a green pod yield of 9.5 tonnes, 6.9 tonnes, 6.2 tonnes per hectare respectively and a seed yield of 3.3 tonnes, 2.1 tonnes, 2.3 tonnes per hectare respectively tonnes per hectare. Along with these three accessions during summer the accessions VS-1172 and VS-1170; during Kharif the accessions VS-1174 and VS-1042 during Rabi the accessions VS-1175 and VS-1015 were also superior. The pest and disease infestation scenario during cultivation showed that the accession VS-1111 had a pod borer infestation below 2 per cent and can be recommended as a resistant variety. The coreid bug infestation was maximum during summer followed by Kharif and was nil during Rabi. None of the accessions were found to be resistant to coreid bug. The incidence of aphids was lowest during Kharif followed by summer and Rabi. The accessions VS-1230 and VS-1231 were free from aphid attack during all the seasons and can be considered as resistant varieties. There was no incidence of anthracnose during Rabi season. Considering all the seasons, the accessions VS-1294, VS-1047, VS-1171, VS-1286 (Varun), VS-1276 (Kanakamony), VS-1179, VS-1213, VS-1160, VS-1263, VS-1032, VS-1266 (Kairali) and VS-1248 were free from anthracnose. The incidence of collar rot was lowest during summer followed by Kharif and Rabi. There was no incidence of mosaic during Rabi. The study on analysis of variance revealed the presence of considerable variability for most of the characters among the genotypes. The magnitude of PCV was higher indicating a higher degree of environmental fluctuation in the case of green pod yield per plant (42.13), number of pods per plant (35.75) and seed yield per plant (35.33). GCV also revealed the same pattern of genetic variability as shown by the PCV for all the characters. High heritability of more than 60 per cent was noticed for characters like 100 seed weight followed by pod length, seed yield per plant, green pod yield per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and number of clusters per plant. The estimates of genotypic correlation coefficient were higher than the phenotypic correlation coefficient. Considering the G x E interaction, the accessions VS-1177, VS-1025 and VS-1179 were highly adaptable for green pod yield and seed yield per plant during all the seasons. Hence these accessions can be recommended as dual purpose, adaptable semi-erect cowpea for large scale cultivation throughout the year in Kerala.Item Productivity enhancement of rice based cropping system with pulses(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, 2019) Adarsh, S; Jacob JohnItem Ecofriendly management of collar rot and web blight of cowpea(Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2007) Bhadra Sree, S; Gokulapalan, CThe study “Ecofriendly management of collar rot and web blight of cowpea was conducted at the Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2004-2007. Different plant oils, oil cakes, indigenous materials like turmeric power – baking soda and rice husk ash and biocontrol agents like Trichoderma harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens were used in the study to manage R. solani causing the disease. Among the seven plant oils tested odal and pongamia oil emerged as the most potential ones. Of the four oil cakes gingelly and coconut cakes were identified as the best treatments. The different combinations of turmeric powder – baking soda and rice husk ash did not inhibit the growth of R. solani. Pot culture experiments were conducted to assess the efficacy of plant oils, oil cakes, biocontrol agents and indigenous materials in enhancing the growth of cowpea. Both the plant oils used in the study were successful in managing the disease. Of the three oil cakes used in the study gingelly cake exhibited best performance in disease management and growth enhancement. Of the indigenous materials used 10:1 combination of turmeric powder – baking soda and 1000gm-2 concentration of RHA were found to be excellent in enhancing growth and disease suppression. Biocontrol agents T. harzianum and P-22 culture of P. fluorescens were found to be superior in disease suppression and growth enhancement. Changes in levels of total phenols, proteins, carbohydrates and activities of defense related enzymes like PO, PPO and PAL due to above treatments were estimated. The treatment 10:1 ratio of turmeric powder – baking soda recorded highest protein and PO content. Soil application of oil cakes gave increased activity of PAL and carbohydrate.