PG Thesis

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    Diversity spices richness of pollinators in cashew
    (Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, 2025-03-27) Aparna Krishnan; Nisha Lekshmi, V
    The study entitled "Diversity and Species Richness of Pollinators in Cashew" (November 2023–March 2024) conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Pilicode, investigated pollinator diversity, species richness, and foraging behaviour in cashew (Anacardium occidentale Linn.), a vital insect-pollinated cash crop. Observations were made on early (Nov–Dec), mid (Dec–Jan), and late (Feb Mar) flowering types through hourly monitoring of 10 inflorescences from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Pollinator species were identified and analysed for abundance, foraging behaviour (peak foraging hours, foraging rate and foraging speed), and correlations with weather conditions. A bagging experiment was done to assess their role in fruit set. Nesting sites and bee pasturage were also documented. The study identified 12 pollinator species, including 11 hymenopterans from Apidae (Apis cerana indica Fabricius, Tetragonula sp., Ceratina hieroglyphica Smith, C. binghami Cockerell), Halictidae (Halictus sp. 1, Halictus sp. 2, Lasioglossum sp., Hoplonomia sp.), and Megachilidae (Megachile cephalotes Smith, M. lanata Fabricius, M. laticeps Smith), along with one dipteran (Mesembrius sp., Syrphidae). Halictidae had the highest distribution (49%). Species abundance varied with flowering type: Tetragonula sp. dominated early flowering (30.435%), A. c. indica Fabricius mid flowering (41.176%), and Lasioglossum sp. late flowering (46.296%). Overall, A. c. indica Fabricius was most abundant (21.85%). It also exhibited the highest foraging rate (15.4 flowers/trip), while Tetragonula sp. had the lowest (2.8 flowers/trip). Tetragonula sp. showed the highest foraging speed (6.19 sec/flower), while Hoplonomia sp. had the lowest (1.49 sec/flower). Peak activity of most pollinators were during the forenoon, aligning with flower anthesis. Diversity indices showed variations in species richness, diversity, and evenness by flowering type and time. Mid-season flowering types displayed the highest richness and diversity, while early types had greater evenness. Highest diversity was recorded between 11:00–12:00 AM. The overall species richness was 12, with high diversity indicated by Shannon-Weiner and Simpson indices. The Berger-Parker index suggested high evenness, with no single species dominating the pollinator population. 101 Weather significantly influenced pollinators. A. c. indica Fabricius and Tetragonula sp. were negatively correlated with maximum temperature and wind speed but positively with relative humidity. Tetragonula sp. also showed a negative correlation with bright sunshine. Halictus sp. 1 and Halictus sp. 2 positively correlated with relative humidity, with Halictus sp. 2 also negatively correlated with wind speed. Mesembrius sp. showed a negative correlation with wind speed, while Lasioglossum sp. positively correlated with maximum temperature, bright sunshine, and wind speed but negatively with relative humidity. Hoplonomia sp. was negatively correlated with relative humidity and positively with wind speed. The bagging experiment underscored essential role of pollinators in fruit set, as open-pollinated inflorescences achieved 7.17% fruit set, while bagged ones had none. This highlights the importance of pollinator conservation for enhancing cashew productivity and sustainability. Nesting sites for C. hieroglyphica Smith and C. binghami Cockerell were found in pruned cashew stumps, with stages separated by powdered wood. Weeds like Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Linn., Mimosa pudica Linn. and Rungia sp. in orchards attracted pollinators, offering crucial bee pasturage. This pioneering study at RARS, Pilicode, provides foundational insights into cashew pollinators, acknowledging variations in pollinator diversity across different locations. It underscores the critical role pollinators’ play in boosting cashew productivity and advocates against using chemical pesticides between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM to avoid disrupting their activity. Preserving pollinator populations is vital for maintaining cashew production and addressing the increasing demand for cashew nuts.
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    Horticultural mineral oil for the management of tea mosquito bug Helopeltis antonii signoret in cashew
    (Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture , Padanakkad, 2024-08-30) Shilpa, T; Sreekumar, M
    An investigation entitled “Horticultural Mineral Oil for the management of tea mosquito bug Helopeltis antonii Signoret in Cashew” was conducted during 2022-2024 to evaluate the efficacy of horticultural mineral oil (HMO) for the management of tea mosquito bug in cashew. Laboratory experiments were conducted at the laboratory of Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad. Phytotoxicity evaluation of different concentrations of HMO (T1: 2.0%, T2: 2.5%, T3: 3.0%, T4: 3.5%, T5:4.0%, T6:4.5%, T7:5.0%, T8: Control) in one year old cashew graft revealed that there was no phytotoxicity symptoms at the above concentrations and hence two higher concentrations viz., 5.0% and 4.5% were selected for laboratory bioassay. Evaluation of HMO against nymphs and adults of tea mosquito bug (TMB) under laboratory conditions showed that HMO at a concentration of 5.0% and 4.5% caused 64.76% and 48.57% mortality of TMB respectively, at 72 HAT. When HMO was evaluated against cashew aphids, at a concentration of 5.0% and 4.5% resulted in 85.17% and 81.64% mortality respectively, at 24 HAT in the laboratory study and 98.29% and 97.71% mortality respectively, at 8 HAT under field conditions. Since HMO at a concentration of 5.0% and 4.5% produced statistically similar results, 4.5% concentration was selected for field studies. Field evaluation of HMO was carried out at cashew estate, Cheemeni, Plantation corporation of Kerala under Randomized Block Design with nine treatments and three replications. The treatments were T1: HMO 4.5%, T2: HMO 4.5%+ λ cyhalothrin 5 EC 0.0015%, T3: λ cyhalothrin 5 EC 0.003%, T4: HMO 4.5% + Quinalphos 25 EC 0.025 %, T5: Quinalphos 25 EC 0.05 %, T6: HMO 4.5% + Mancozeb 75 WP 0.1%, T7: Mancozeb 75 WP 0.2%, T8: Quinalphos 25 EC 0.05 % + Mancozeb 75 WP 0.2% and T9: Control. Observations on mean damage score indicated that T2 was more effective in reducing the mean damage score during first and third spray application and it was on par with T3, T4, T5 and T8. The best treatment during second spray application was T4 which was on par with T2, T3, T5, T6 and T8. There was effective reduction in the mean population of TMB with T4 (1 DAT, 3 DAT, 5 DAT and 14 DAT in first spray, 3 DAT and 7 DAT in second spray) and T2 (7 DAT in first spray, 1 DAT and 7 DAT in second spray and 1DAT, 3 DAT and 5 DAT in third spray). HMO in combination with chemical insecticides resulted in effective control of TMB which ensure the application of lower doses of pesticides.
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    Evaluation of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) hybrids for yield and quality
    (Department of Plantation crops and spices, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2021) Jintu Varghese; Jalaja S Menon
    The demand of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) for export and local consumption is increasing in the country and there is a gap of 7 lakh tonnes in the production to meet the requirement. Due to pressure on land, the possible way to increase production is to increase productivity by adopting improved varieties. Hybrid vigour was well exploited in cashew. Cashew Research Station, Madakkathara has developed many hybrids through hybridization programmes which are maintained in the farm. In the present study 19 hybrids of stabilized yield along with 11 cross parents and check variety Poornima were evaluated for yield and quality traits during the year 2020-2021. Qualitative and quantitative parameters including those of growth, inflorescence, apple, nut, yield and biochemical attributes revealed a spectacular array of variations among the tested genotypes. Among hybrid population, upright and compact canopy with intensive branching habit, yellowish red flush colour and pyramid shaped loose inflorescence were predominating. Early flowering from October was recorded in 13 cashew hybrids and four parents. Cluster bearing habit was observed in hybrids H03-113/1 (4.65 fruits), H03-55/10 (4.55 fruits) and H03- 53/9 (4.10 fruits). The apple weight varied from16.83 g (H03 55/10) to 137.49g (Priyanka). Nut weight of more than 10g was observed in hybrids H03-21/10, H03- 97/2, H03-36/8, H03-110/1, H03-52/6, H03-52/7, H03-52/5, HO3-95/4 and H03- 18/17 and these can be represented as bold nut hybrids. The average kernel weight varied from 1.62g (H03-55/10) to 4.19g (H03-95/4). Nut yield above 18 kg/tree was recorded in hybrids, H03-92/3 (20.2 kg), H03-52/5(21.5kg), H03-36/8(22.10 kg), H03-110/1(23.40 kg), H03-97/2 (24.50 kg), H03-21/10 (25.20 kg) and in parent, Amrutha (21.3kg) and check variety, Poornima (20.0 kg). In biochemical analysis, TSS ranged from 13.150Brix (H03-18/17) to 17.40Brix (H03-53/9). Vitamin C content ranged from 107.5 to 220.15mg/100ml. Lowest tannin content was shown by hybrid H03-55/11(0.085%), H03-92/3(0.09%) and H03-55/10(0.09%). The hybrids H03-57/4, H03-110/1, H03-113/1, H03-52/5 and xx H03-21/10 and parents, Dhana, Madakkathara-1, Vridhachalam-3, and K-22-1 were less susceptible to TMB. Nut yield per tree was found to possess significant positive correlation with nut weight, kernel weight, apple weight, number of bisexual flowers and shelling percentage. In the principal component analysis 85.92% of total variability was explained by the first three components with an eigen value greater than one. The characters like yield per plant, apple weight, shelling percentage, kernel weight, nut weight and bisexual flowers contributed more towards diversity. Eight hybrids viz., H03-21/10, H03-97/2, H03-36/8, H03-110/1, H03-52/6, H03-52/7, H03-52/5 and H03-95/4 were placed in the first quadrant along with check variety Poornima. Magnitude of heterosis was calculated for 19 hybrids over mid parent (relative heterosis), better parent (heterobeltiosis) and standard variety (standard heterosis). The above eight hybrids along with H03-18/17 exhibited better heterosis. The hybrids, H03-36/8, H03-97/2, H03-110/1, H03-21/10 and H03-52/5 which exhibited heterosis and nut weight above 10g, tree yield above 18kg, kernel weight above 2.5g and shelling per cent above 28 were selected as promising types. Hence these hybrids may be recommended for commercial cultivation. Further studies should be undertaken with different traits for exhaustive evaluation for commercialization. The hybrids H03-52/6, H03 -52/7, H03-95/4 and H03-18/17 having good yield and quality traits can be utilized for crop improvement programmes.
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    Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSl) formulation for the management of banana pseudostem weevil, odoiporus longicollis (Oliver)
    (Department of Agricutural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2020) Archa Nair, S; Fazil, M H
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    Product development from tender cashew nut
    (Department of post harvest Technology ,College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2020) Sharon Jacob; Sobhana, A
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    Forecasting models for crop yield in cashew (anacahdium occident ale l.)
    (Department of statistics College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1987) Usha Menon, R; George, K C
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    Nonlinear models for major crops of Kerala
    (Department of Agricultural Statistics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2007) Joshy, C G; Krishnan, S
    Nonlinear modelling techniques are the most suited tools for describing any time series phenomenon. Among the various nonlinear models in vogue monomolecular, logistic, gompertz and mixed-influence models find a prominent place. With this idea the agricultural scenario of Kerala was measured through the three important descriptors namely area, production and productivity of the major crops viz; coconut, rubber, paddy, pepper, tapioca, cashew and banana for all the districts and the state as such. Monomolecular model was the most apt model in most of the cases. The data sets were further explored based on the carrying capacity achieved by 2002-03 coupled with intrinsic growth rate. When none of the nonlinear models were found satisfactory either simple linear regression model or quadratic model was tried to explore the nature of trend. Coconut production was found to have reached its near maximum in all the districts where it was a major crop but the productivity figures gave a warning note for increasing the productivity. Rubber was found to be one of the most gifted crops, which was not devoid of proper attention. Even with this stature, production of rubber can be improved through uniform management practices. Usually nonlinear and quadratic models aptly describe a time series data on crop production. It is astonishing that simple linear regression model aptly described the paddy production in the state. The regressive value of the regression coefficients indicated that paddy production in the state is facing extinction.Paddy production in the state has at least to be protected. The lack of fit of most of the nonlinear models and even quadratic models to the data of pepper production indicate the various devastating hazards that the crop faced with. These contrasting features bring out the fact that pepper cultivation be not allowed to be toyed with. The area specific crops like cashew, cardamom, coffee and banana be made nonspecific through innovative technologies. A concerted effort with valid stresses specific to each crop will make the agricultural scenario bright.
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    Recycling of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) leaf litter and cashew apple through vermitechnology
    (Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Indu, V K; Jayasree Sankar, S
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    Species diversity and community structure of reptiles of selected agroecosystems in Thrissur, Kerala
    (Department of Wildlife Science, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2017) Abhirami Jayakumar, M; Nameer, P O
    Species diversity and community structure of reptiles of selected agroecosystems in Thrissur, Kerala was studied during January 2017 to May 2017. The agroecosystems chosen for the study were Coconut Plantation, Cashew Plantation, Rubber Plantation, Botanical Garden, Home garden and Wetland. Time-constrained visual encounter survey was the method used for the study, and a total effort of 360 man hours were spent in the field. The highest number of individuals were recorded from the Botanical Garden with 159 individuals of reptiles. While, the species richness was highest in the Coconut Plantation and Cashew Plantation with 11 species each. 18 species of reptiles belonging to six families were observed during the study. This include six species of geckos, four species of skinks, one agamid species and seven species of snakes. Bronze Grass Skink Eutropis macularia, was the most abundant species. More reptiles were recorded during night hours than morning hours. Correspondence analysis was deployed to compare the reptilian diversity between the habitats. Home garden and Wetland were found distinct in reptilian species composition from the rest of the agroecosystems. The effect of habitat variables on the presence of reptile species was analysed using canonical correspondence analysis. Litter cover, litter depth, canopy height, canopy cover, shrub cover and herb cover were found to influence the presence of the species Russell’s Kukri Snake Oligodon taeniolatus. Relative humidity was found to influence the presence of the reptiles such as Oriental Garden Lizard Calotes versicolor, Beddome’s Cat Snake Boiga beddomei, Termite Hill Gecko Hemidactylus triedrus, Spotted House Gecko Hemidactylus brookii, Common Wolf Snake Lycodon aulicus, Trinket Snake Coelognathus helena and Checkered Keelback Xenochrophis piscator. Maximum temperature was found to influence the presence of reptiles such as Common Krait Bungarus caeruleus, Dussumier’s Litter Skink Sphenomorphus dussumieri and Bark Gecko Hemidactylus leschenaultii. Two species of reptiles that are endemic to Western Ghats such as Beddome’s Cat Skink Ristella beddomii and Dussumier’s Litter Skink Sphenomorphus dussumieri were recorded. Of these, the report of the Ristella beddomii from the KAU campus is of interest, as it has been reported from a lower altitude (50m) than the already known lowest altitude range (400m) for this species. This documentation is important as it highlights the significance of agroecosytems in conserving the reptilian fauna of the region, including some of the Western Ghats endemic species.
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    Food preference and dietary habits of adolescents among agricultural laboures
    (Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Mony Paul, E; Mary Ukkuru
    A study entitled food preference and dietary habits of adolescents among agricultural labourers families was undertaken to assess the socio economic personal characteristics food consumption pattern food preferences and the nutritional status of adolescents boys and girls. Majority of the families surveyed belonged to Hindu community and were under privileged. The families were nuclear type with medium size. Father was the main bread winner and major share of the income was earned by the male member. The per capita income of majority of families were found to be between 100 to 200. All the surveyed adolescencts were found to be well educated. All of the surveyed adolescents were non vegetarian cereals, vegetables, roots and tubers, milk fish fats and oils , sugar and jiggery and spices were found to be high frequently used foods among the adolescents. Pulses and fruits were medium frequently used foods . Green leafy vegetables meat and egg were low frequently used foods among them. Cereal based preparation were liked by both adolescents boys and girls. They liked fried foods and sweet preparations. Adolescents most preferred foods were found to be egg, apple, grapes, plantain, sapota and cashew nuts and low preferred foods were ragi, raddish, bittergourd , ivy gourd, star gooseberry and watermelon. Food preference of adolescent boys and girls were not found to vary very much. Factors such as total income of the family, type and size of family, educational status of adolescents and their parents, and the influence of peers were not found to influence the food preferences of the studied adolescents. Consumption of cereals, and fish met above the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) and nutrients such as protein , energy thiamine and niacin was met above 90 percent of RDA in adolescent boys and girls apart from vitamin C in adolescent girls. Weight for age and height for age of the adolescents were below the NCHS standard as well as Indian standards. Anaemia, pigmentation of skin , dental caries were the most common clinical manifestations in both adolescent boys and girls. Normal haemoglobin level was observed only in negligible adolescents. Nutritional status of adolescent girls were found to be better than adolescent boys in the present study.