PG Thesis

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    Productivity of upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) at diffrerent nk ratios and spacings
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2019) Greeshma, S; Jayakrishnakumar, V
    Abstract: A field experiment on ‘Productivity of upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) at different NK ratios and spacings’ was conducted during Kharif, 2018 at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani to study the influence of different levels of N and K, their ratios and spacing on growth and yield of upland rice and to work out the economics of cultivation. The variety used for the experiment was Prathyasha (MO 21). The technical programme consisted of 12 treatment combinations with six NK levels and two spacings laid out in 6 x 2 factorial RBD. The treatments were NK levels ( L) (kg ha-1 at 2:1 and 2:1.5 ratios) l1: 60 kg N : 30 kg K2O (Control), l2 : 90 kg N : 45 kg K2O , l3 : 120 kg N : 60 kg K2O, l4: 60 kg N : 45 kg K2O, l5 : 90 kg N : 67.5 kg K2O, l6 : 120 kg N : 90 kg K2O. There were two spacings (S) viz s1 : 20 cm x 15 cm and s2 : 20 cm x 10 cm. Uniform dose of 30 kg ha-1 P2O5 was given to all plots. The crop was sown on 29 -05-2018 and harvested on 14-09-2019. The soil of the site was sandy clay loam with available NPK content of 250, 31.5 and 244 kg ha-1respectively. The treatment l3 (120 kg N: 60 kg K2O) produced the tallest plants and maximum DMP at harvest. The spacing s2 (20 cm x 10 cm) recorded maximum DMP at harvest.Tillers m-2 and LAI were significantly influenced by treatments and l6 (120 kg N: 90 kg K2O) produced maximum tillers m-2 and LAI. Among the spacings, s2 (20 cm x 10 cm) recorded maximum tillers m-2. Spacing did not significantly influence LAI. The yield attributes viz., number of productive tillers m-2 , length of panicle , grain yield and straw yield were favourably influenced by treatment l3 (120 kg N: 60 kg K2O) except weight of panicle for l6. The treatment l3 recorded maximum grain and straw yields of 3123 and 4030 kg ha-1 respectively and was on par with l6. Among spacing, s2 (20 cm x 10 cm) recorded maximum number of productive tillers m-2, grain and straw yields. Grain and straw yields were significantly influenced by the interaction and l3s2 recorded the highest grain yield and was on par with l2s2, l3s1, l6s1 and l6s2. With regard to straw yield, l3s2 recorded the highest straw yield and was on par with l3s1, l6s1 and l6s2. The results showed favourable influence of treatments on protein content of grain. The treatment l3 recorded maximum grain protein content of 5.51 per cent and was on par with treatment l6 (5.39 per cent). The lowest grain protein content was recorded by l1 The uptake of nutrients was profoundly influenced by the treatments. Increased uptake of nutrients was recorded at an NK level of 120 kg N: 60 kg K2O. The spacings did not significantly influence nutrient uptake. Increasing the levels of N, P and K increased the soil available nutrients. Application of NK at 120 kg N: 60 kg K2O significantly improved nutrient status of soil. The results of the economic analysis revealed that net income and BCR were maximum in plots supplied with 120 kg N: 60 kg K2O ha-1. Spacing (20 cm x 10 cm) significantly influenced net income. Based on this investigation, it can be concluded that application of 120 kg N: 60 kg K2O along with 30 kg P2O5 ha-1 and sowing in a spacing of 20 cm x 10 cm was found to favourably influence growth characters, yield attributing characters, yields and economics of upland rice and it was further noted that increasing N dose from 60 to 120 kg ha-1 significantly influenced the growth,yield attributes, yield and net income irrespective of K dose.
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    Development of small scale equipment for extraction of Cocoa butter and production of cocoa powder
    (Department of Agricultural Engineering, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1982) Ganeshan, V; George, T P
    The primary objective of this project was to evolve a viable technology and equipment system for small scale processing of cocoa beans. The study mainly concentrated on the development of an extraction unit for the separation of butter from cocoa mass. Various equipment required for small scale processing of cocoa beans were either identified or designed.
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    Nitrogen nutrition and rhizobial inoculation on soybean
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1978) Geethakrishnan Nair, P; Vikraman Nair, R
    An experiment was conducted at the Research Station and Instructional Farm, Mannuthy during 1976 on the nitrogen nutrition and rhisobial inoculation on soybean ( Glycene max (L.) Marrill). The investigation was undertaken to assess the nitrogen requirement of the crop under inoculated and uninoculated conditions. Also the study was aimed to arrive at the fertiliser equivalent of rhisobial inoculation. The experiment was laid out in factorial in randomized block with 12 treatments and 4 replications. The study revealed that nitrogen fixed symbiotically, was adequate for the crop. Application of nitrogen depressed symbiotic nitrogen fixation and with increasing levels of nitrogen, there was depression in symbiotic nitrogen fixation. The study also revealed that introduced strain of Rhizobium japonicum was less effective in nitrogen fixation on soybean than the strains already present in the soil. Application of nitrogen didi not influence the stover yield. Inoculation of an ineffective strain tended to depress the stover yield. Application of nitrogen increased the plant height in the early stages when symbiotic nitrogen fixation could not make any substantial contribution towards nitrogen supply. Significant increase is test weight with increasing levels of nitrogen indicated that enhanced soil nitrogen supply was beneficial towards the later stages of crop growth. The quality of nitrogen fixed by the soybean plant appears to exceed the fertiliser equivalent of 250 kg N/ha applied basally.
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    Effects of planting dates and floral preservatives on spike qualities of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus)
    (Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1994) Suneetha, S; Vasanthakumar, K
    Investigations were carried out at the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 1992-93 to gather information on the effect of six planting dates at monthly intervals from mid-August to mid-January on the general performance of three gladiolus cultivars. A post-harvest study was also conducted to find out the effect of seven holding solutions on the post-harvest spike characteristics. Studies revealed that corms planted during October were the earliest to complete sprouting. October plantings also produced the tallest plants with maximum leaf number and leaf area. Delayed plantings took more time to attain 100 per cent sprouting and the plants were shorter with less number of leaves and leaf area. The earliest plants to complete spike emergence were the ones planted during November. Among the three cultivars tested, Oscar was the earliest to sprout and Vinks Glory the latest. Maximum plant height, leaf number and leaf area were recorded in the cultivar Vinks Glory. Vinks Glory also produced the maximum number of tillers per plant. Her Majesty was the earliest of the three cultivars to complete flowering, while Vinks Glory took the longest time. Maximum susceptibility to Fusarium wilt was exhibited by the cultivar Her Majesty, whereas Vinks Glory was the least susceptible. Observations on the effect of planting dates on spike characteristics indicated that September plantings registered the maximum spike and rachis lengths. In general, delayed planting resulted in reduced spike and rachis length, floret size and number of florets per spike. Early plantings done in August September and October also produced the maximum number of florets per spike and floret size. The longest spikes with the maximum rachis length, number of florets and floret size were observed in Oscar. The spikes of Oscar also recorded the maximum girth of spike stalk. Early plantings done in August, September and October increased the time taken from spike emergence to opening of first floret, blooming period and vase life of spikes. Delayed planting produced spikes witch were inferior in this respect. Vinks Glory was the cultivar with spikes of maximum blooming period and vase life. Weight of corms produced was highest in the cultivar vinks Glory and lowest in Her Majesty. Her Majesty registered the maximum number of cormels per plant while Oscar produced the maximum cormel weight per plant. Delayed plantings resulted in a reduction of number of cormels per plant. Vase life studies conducted on the spikes of all the three cultivars revealed that the spikes held in preservative solutions produced better results when compared to those held in distilled water. The optimum holding solution for maximising the number of days to full bloom and vase life of spikes was a 5 percent sucrose solution containing 8-hydroxyquinoline (300 or 600 ppm). Holding solutions containing 5 percent sucrose and silver nitrate (100 or 200ppm) gave the next best results. Floret size and number of open florets was maximum in spikes held in 5 percent sucrose + 8-hydroxyquinoline 600 ppm. This holding solution also significantly delayed the bending of spikes in vase. Sucrose solutions containing aluminium sulphate produced superior results only when compared to control. Estimation of anthocyanin colour pigments in flower petals 2 and 10 days after harvest also revealed better retention of colour pigments in spikes held in sucrose plus 8-hydroxyquinoline solutions, when compared to the other solutions.
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    Design development and evaluation of a low cost paddy thresher
    (Department of Farm Power Machinery and Energy, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 1991) Mathew John; Sankaranarayanan, M R
    Though several high capacity threshers are available in the country for different crops, no thresher is found suitable for small and marginal rice farmers. Hence a low cost portable paddy thresher was developed and tested. The power operated machine consists of base, side frames, front grain shield and wire-loop cylinder. The power from the 0.5 hp motor is transmitted to the cylinder shaft by belt and pully arrangement. The optimum cylinder speed is 400 rpm. The capacity of the thresher at 14.26 per cent moisture content is 451.84 kg paddy per hour and threshing efficiency is 95.08 per cent. The mechanical damage of the grain is negligible. Two labourers are required for the whole operation. The size of the thresher is 635 x 500 x 715 mm having a gross weight of 47 kg. The cost of the thresher was worked out to be around Rs. 3600 and the cost of operation for threshing paddy was Rs. 3.00 per quintal. The unit can be fabricated by local artisans from the readily available materials and can successfully be maintained by small and marginal farmers.
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    Response of upland rice(Oryza sativa L.) to NK ratios and S under partial shade
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2005) Mini Gopalakrishnan; Jayakrishnakumar, V
    A field experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm of the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the first crop season of 2004 to study the response of upland rice to NK ratios and S nutrition under partial shade of coconut garden. The treatments included six levels of N and K in 2 : 1 and 2 : 1.5 ratio (T1 – 80 kg N : 40 kg K2O, T2 – 80 kg N : 60 kg K2O,T3 – 100 kg N : 50 kg K2O, T4 – 100 kg N : 75 kg K2O, T5 – 120 kg N : 60 kg K2O, T6 – 120 kg N : 90 kg K2O) and two levels of sulphur (S0 – 0 kg ha-1, S1 – 15 kg ha-1). Farmyard manure @ 5 t ha-1, P @ 30 kg P2O ha-1 were applied uniformly to all the treatments. Experiment was laid out in 6 x 2 randomized block design with three replications. Results of the experiment revealed that NK ratio and S application had significant influence on most of the yield attributing characters and yield of upland rice. Fertilizing the crop with 100 kg N ha-1, 50 kg K2O ha-1 and 15 kg S along with 30 kg P2O5 was found to significantly influence the growth characters, yield attributes and yield of rice. The physiological characters like chlorophyll content and relative leaf water contents were significantly influenced by NK ratio of (100 kg N : 50 kg K2O). Application of S significantly increased the physiological parameters. Application of 15 kg S in combination with 100 kg N and 50 kg K2O ha-1 significantly influenced the physiological parameters over control. Quality attributes like protein content of grain was significantly influenced by the application of 100 kg N and 50 kg K2O in combination with 15 kg S ha-1. The uptake of nutrients was profoundly influenced by the treatments and their interactions. Increased uptake of nutrients was recorded at an NK ratio of 100 kg N : 50 kg K2O. Application of S @ 15 kg ha-1 in combination with 100 kg N and 50 kg K2O ha-1 had a significant influence on uptake of nutrients. Increasing the levels of nitrogen, potassium and sulphur increased the soil available nutrients. Application of N at 120 kg, K at 90 kg K2O ha-1 and S at 15 kg ha-1 significantly improved the available nutrient status of soil. The results of the economic analysis revealed that benefit cost ratio was maximum in plots supplied with 100 kg N, 50 kg K2O and 15 kg S ha-1. Based on this investigation, it can be concluded that application of 100 kg N, 50 kg K2O and 15 kg S ha-1 along with 30 kg P2O5 ha-1 is necessary for obtaining economic yield of upland rice variety Harsha under partial shade.
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    Agrotechniques for safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum Sandaou and Fernandes) in Kerala
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2005) Suma, V K; Girija Devi, L
    A field experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm attached to the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the year 2004-2005, to study the adaptability and performance of safed musli under different sources of organic manures. Standardization of agro techniques such as planting weight of tuber and doses of nutrients were also undertaken. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomised block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of five sources of organic manures - M1 – FYM @ 30 t ha-1 (farmers’ practice), M2 – vermicompost, M3 – 50 per cent FYM + 50 per cent vermicompost, M4 – 50 per cent FYM + 50 per cent groundnut cake, M5 – 50 per cent FYM + 50 per cent neem cake and M6 (control), viz., FYM @ 10 t ha-1 as basal + NPK @ 100 : 80 : 80 kg ha-1 and two different planting weight of tubers such as 10 g unit-1 (P1) and 15 g unit-1 (P2). Organic manure and planting weight of tuber had significant influence on most of the growth and yield attributing characters of safed musli. The fresh and dry tuber yield of safed musli as well as saponin content were also influenced by treatments. Results of the study revealed that application of organic manure as 50 per cent FYM + 50 per cent groundnut cake significantly improved the growth characters like plant spread, number of suckers hill-1 and number of leaves plant-1 and physiological parameters like LAI, LAD and TBR. Similar trend was also observed for yield and yield attributing characters like length, diameter and number of tubers. Among the quality parameters, fresh and dry weight of tuber after peeling and saponin content were highest in the treatment where 50 per cent FYM + 50 per cent groundnut cake was applied as organic source. The N, P and K uptake were maximum in 50 per cent FYM + 50 per cent groundnut cake applied plots. The available N and K content in soil were the highest in 50 per cent FYM + 50 per cent neem cake treated plots where as P availability was maximum in plots that received nutrients as 50 per cent FYM + 50 per cent groundnut cake. Planting weight of tuber also significantly influenced the various growth and yield attributing characters. The growth characters like plant spread, number of suckers hill-1 and number of leaves plant-1 and physiological parameters like LAI, LAD and TBR were the highest in treatments where 15 g unit–1 weight of tuber was used as planting material. The yield, yield attributing characters and quality parameters were also the maximum in the same treatment. The uptake and availability of nutrients were also the maximum in the treatment where higher planting weight of tuber was used (15 g unit–1). Economic analysis revealed that planting safed musli @ 15 g unit-1 weight of tuber and applying nutrients as 50 per cent FYM + 50 per cent groundnut cake could fetch maximum net return whereas for getting the highest BCR, it is wise to use 10 g unit-1 weight of planting material along with 50 per cent FYM + 50 per cent groundnut cake.