1. KAUTIR (Kerala Agricultural University Theses Information and Retrieval)
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Item Performance of Maize (Zea mays L.) intercropping systems in lowlands(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture ,Vellayani, 2024-02-26) Meera, L Raj; Jacob JohnThe study entitled “Performance of maize (Zea mays L.) intercropping systems in lowlands” was undertaken at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2021-2023. The objective was to evaluate different maize based intercropping systems in the summer fallow of double cropped lowland rice field in terms of weed dynamics, biological efficiency and economics. The field experiment was carried out at the Integrated Farming System Research Station (IFSRS), KAU, Karamana from January to May 2023 in Randomized Block Design with 10 treatments and three replications. The treatments comprised of T1: maize + bush cowpea (1:2), T2: maize + green gram (1:2), T3: maize + black gram (1:2), T4: maize + fodder cowpea (1:2), T5: sole crop of maize, T6: sole crop of bush cowpea, T7: sole crop of green gram, T8: sole crop of black gram, T9: sole crop of fodder cowpea and T10: fallow. Maize (var. TNAU maize hybrid Co-6) was raised as main crop and bush cowpea (var. PGCP-6), green gram (var.TM 96-2), black gram (var. VBN-6) and fodder cowpea (var. Aiswarya) were raised as intercrops. Maize was raised as per the recommendations of TNAU (CPG, 2005) and the intercrops as per KAU Package of Practice Recommendations (KAU, 2016). The results revealed that intercropping had significant effect on the growth and yield of the main crop and intercrops. Growth attributes of maize viz. plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf area per plant and leaf area index (LAI) showed significant variation with intercropping. The treatment T5 resulted in taller plants, highest number of leaves per plant, leaf area per plant and LAI and it was followed by T1. Seed weight per cob (63.02 g), grain yield (4566 kg ha-1) and stover yield (13122 kg ha-1) were also highest in T5, which was followed by T3. Growth and yield attributes of intercrops were significantly reduced under intercropping systems. Sole crop of bush cowpea (T6), green gram (T7) and black gram (T8) recorded greatest plant height, number of branches per plant, leaf area per plant and LAI. Yield attributes like number of pods per plant, grain yield and haulm yield were also higher in sole cropping system. The plant height, number of branches per plant, leaf area per plant, leaf area index, leaf stem ratio, green fodder yield and dry fodder yield were higher in the sole crop of fodder cowpea (T9). Intercropping with maize profoundly reduced the weed count, weed dry matter production (DMP) and NPK removal by weeds. The lowest weed count was recorded in T9 at 30 DAS. At 60 DAS, lowest weed count was recorded in T3 and T1. The highest weed count was recorded in T10, both at 30 and 60 DAS. Lowest weed DMP was recorded in T1, 30 and 60 DAS. The weed smothering efficiency of maize + bush cowpea system was the highest among the different intercrops at 30 and 60 DAS (41.46 % and 59.04 % respectively). The N removal by weeds was lowest in T1(1.15 kg ha-1), which was on par with T4 (1.54 kg ha-1) at 30 DAS. At 60 DAS the lowest N removal was recorded in T1 (5.58 kg ha-1). P removal by weeds was lowest in T1 (0.62 kg ha-1, 0.64 kg ha-1) which was on par with T3 (1.78 kg ha-1,1.85 kg ha-1) both 30 DAS and 60 DAS respectively. K removal by weeds was lowest in T1 at 30 DAS (0.92 kg ha-1) and 60 DAS (2.22 kg ha-1). All the crops recorded higher values of NPK uptake under sole cropping of main crop and intercrops. The dehydrogenase activity was the highest in the maize + bush cowpea (T1) (175.52 µg TPF g-1 soil d-1) system compared to the others. The highest amount of available N in the soil found after the experiment was in T8 (472.29 kg ha-1) which was on par with T7 (397.23 kg ha-1) and T9 (397.23 kg ha-1). The highest amount of available P was found in T9 (71.00 kg ha-1) while available K was higher in T8 (168.64 kg ha-1). Analysis of the competitive indices of the intercropping system revealed that the land equivalent ratio (LER), monetary advantage index (MAI) and maize equivalent yield (MEY) were highest in the maize + black gram system (T3). The highest relative crowding coefficient and positive aggressivity value of maize indicated the dominance and competitive nature of maize over intercrops. The maize + black gram (T3) intercropping system recorded the highest net income (₹ 102262 ha-1) and B:C ratio (2.15). From the present study, it is inferred that in summer fallows of double cropped lowland, maize + black gram (1:2) system was more suitable in terms of maize equivalent yield, land equivalent ratio, monetary advantage index, net income and benefit cost ratio. Based on weed dry matter production, weed smothering efficiency and nutrient removal by weeds, the maize + bush cowpea (1:2) system was the best.Item Bio fortification of rice (Oryza sativa) with zinc under organic and integrated nutrient management practices(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, 2019) Wayoolang Talang; Suresh, P RAn investigation entitled “Biofortification of rice (Oryza sativa) with zinc under organic and integrated nutrient management practices” was carried out in Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Pilicode during June to October 2018. The study was conducted in rice variety Uma (MO 16). The main objective of this research was to check the zinc nutrient content under organic and integrated nutrient management practices (INM). The field experiment was laid out under Randomized Block Design (RBD) with nine treatments and one control each replicated three times. The treatments consisted of soil application of Zn and combined soil and foliar application of Zn under organic (Organic Package Of Practice) and INM practices (Package Of Practice Kerala Agricultural University). Zn was applied as zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) at the rate of 1 per cent and 20 kg ha-1 as foliar application and soil application respectively. Foliar application of ZnSO4 was done at three growth stages of rice viz tillering, panicle initiation and flowering stage. Single foliar application of Zn was done at only tillering stage. Double foliar application of Zn was done at tillering and panicle initiation stages and triple foliar application of Zn was done at all the three growth stages. The effect of different treatments significantly influenced plant growth attributes like plant height, number of tillers per hill and panicles per hill. At harvest stage, the highest plant height (99.9 cm) was recorded in T8 (POP KAU + soil application of Zn + triple foliar spray of Zn) which was on par with T7. The minimum plant height was recorded in control (92.3 cm). Similarly, the maximum number of tillers per hill (15.5) and maximum number of panicles per hill (15.5) was recorded in T8 at harvest stage. Soil and foliar application of Zn along with soil application of NPK fertilizers as per POP KAU significantly improved the grain yield and other crop yield attributes. The treatment that recorded the highest grain yield was T8 (6.7 t ha-1) which was superior as compared to other treatments. The treatments that recorded the highest straw yield (6.5 t ha-1) and highest 1000 grain weight (27.1g) was with treatment T7. 127 The nutrient content in the plant samples (shoot and straw) analyzed at different growth stages of paddy was studied. The results revealed that nutrient content of N, K and Zn was highly improved in treatments under INM practices. At the harvest stage, treatments T7 recorded the highest N (0.62 %) and K (1.9 %) whereas Zn (85.7 mg kg-1) content in straw was highest with treatment T8. However, the nutrient content of P in plant samples declined with the increase in the number of foliar application of Zn. The treatment that recorded the lowest P content (0.19 %) in the straw at harvest was T5 (Organic POP + soil application of Zn + triple foliar application of Zn). The effect of treatments on Zn and P content in rice grains were also studied. Grain analysis results revealed that the treatment that recorded the highest Zn content (55.8 mg kg-1) was in T8 and the lowest Zn content (18.2 mg kg-1) was recorded in T10 (control). Similarly, P content was also analyzed in rice grains to study the interaction between Zn and P. The treatment that recorded the highest P content (0.61 %) in the grain was T2 and lowest P content (0.44%) was recorded in T5.Item Varietal suitability and crop geometry of baby corn (Zea mays L.) in coconut garden(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, vellayani, 2016) Dona Scaria; Rajasree, GThe experiment entitled “Varietal suitability and crop geometry of baby corn (Zea mays L.) in coconut garden” was undertaken at the Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, during the summer season (March to May) and the Kharif season (August to October) of 2015. The main objectives of the study were to understand the feasibility of introducing baby corn as intercrop in coconut garden, to assess the effect of varieties and spacings on its growth and productivity and to work out the economics of cultivation. The field experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design with 9 treatments replicated thrice. The treatments comprised of combinations of three varieties and three spacings. The three varieties were Rasi 4212 (V1), G 5414 (V2) and CO-6 (V3) and the three spacings were 30 cm x 20 cm (S1), 45 cm x 20 cm (S2) and 60 cm x 20 cm (S3). The variety G 5414 recorded significantly higher baby cob weight with husk of 47.01 g cob-1 and 35.74 g cob-1, cob yield with husk of 10.97 t ha-1 and 9.98 t ha-1 and marketable baby cob yield of 3.67 t ha-1 and 3.36 t ha-1 in summer and Kharif respectively. This variety took less number of days from tasseling to harvest (2.11) and recorded the highest net income of RS. 133698 ha-1 and RS. 116629 ha-1 and B:C ratio of 2.70 and 2.49 in summer and Kharif seasons respectively. The variety G 5414 was followed by CO-6 in producing higher baby cob yield with husk and marketable baby cob yield. The growth attributes viz., plant height, number of leaves and leaf area index (LAI) at 15, 30 and 45 days after emergence (DAE), dry matter content and light interception were significantly higher for the variety CO-6. Green Stover yield was significantly higher for CO-6 (19.39 t ha-1 and 17.86 t ha-1 in summer and Kharif respectively) followed by G 5414 (16.08 t ha-1 and 14.35 t ha-1 in summer and Kharif respectively). The study revealed that spacing significantly influenced the growth attributes viz., plant height, number of leaves and LAI. The row spacing of 45 cm x 20 cm recorded the highest baby cob yield with husk of 10.90 t ha-1 and 9.63 t ha-1, marketable baby cob yield of 3.49 t ha-1 and 3.24 t ha-1 along with the highest net income of RS. 125839 ha-1 and RS. 114287 ha-1 and B:C ratio of 2.69 and 2.55 in summer and Kharif respectively. Baby cob weight with husk was significantly higher at 45 cm x 20 cm and baby cob-baby com ratio was the most desirable at 30 cm x 20 cm in summer. In summer, the interaction of CO-6 at 45 cm x 20 cm recorded the highest baby cob weight with husk (56.25 g cob-1), marketable baby cob yield (4.21 t ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.16). Net income was the highest with G 5414 at 45 cm x 20 cm and was on a par with CO-6 at 45 cm x 20 cm. In Kharif, CO-6 at 45 cm x 20 cm resulted in the highest baby cob yield with husk (11.16 t ha-1), marketable baby cob yield (3.68 t ha-1), net income (RS.145237 ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.03). The variety G 5414 at 45 cm x 20 cm was on a par with the variety CO-6 at 45 cm x 20 cm with respect to baby cob yield with husk (9.91 t ha-1) and marketable baby cob yield (3.49 t ha-1). The study revealed that, among the varieties tested, the variety G 5414 was superior and among the spacings, 45 cm x 20 cm was significantly superior in both summer and Kharif seasons. The interaction effects revealed that the variety G 5414 at 45 cm x 20 cm and the variety CO-6 at 45 cm x 20 cm were equally superior in terms of yield and economics. In baby com cultivation, detasseling is an important operation which is labour intensive. The variety G 5414 exhibited 50 per cent silking prior to tasseling and hence the detasseling before first harvesting could be avoided. This variety had a better appearance and uniformity compared to CO-6. In general, the baby com yield was higher in summer season compared to Kharif season. To conclude, the result of the study indicated that baby corn can be profitably intercropped in coconut gardens in summer and Kharif seasons. The baby corn hybrid G 5414 at 45 cm x 20 cm spacing resulted in higher baby cob yield with husk, marketable baby cob yield, net income and B:C ratio during both seasons in southern Kerala. The maize variety CO-6 also performed well in coconut garden during both summer and Kharif seasons.Item Rhizosphere priming effects of conventional and non conventional organic manures on c and n dynamics(Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Geethu Jacob; Sudharmai Devi, C RItem Modeling the rice production under varied agro ecological situations of Palakkad district and its vulnerability to climate change(Academy of Climate Change Education and Research Vellanikkara, 2018) Anandu S Hari; Sunil, K MThe research project entitled "Modeling the rice production under varied Agro-Ecological Situations of Palakkad district and its vulnerability to climate change". Was carried out at RARS Pattambi and the daily rainfall data for the period 1991-2014 was collected from the India Meteorological Department, Thiruvananthapuram. The weather data from General Circulation Models based on RCP 4.5 and 8.5 were used for the analysis and projections were made up to 2050. Weather cock v.1.5 was used for converting the daily weather data into standard week, month and seasonal formats. The rainfall parameters or indices like seasonal and monthly rainfall, rainy days and high rainfall events were calculated. It is also used to compute PET and Thornthwaite water balances. The crop simulation model DSSAT-developed by IBSNAT was used for studying the impact of climate change on these ecosystems. The monthly rainfall of various Agro ecological units of Palakkad district indicate an increased rainfall during the months June, July and August in Projected climate as per RCP 4.5 a weakening in rainfall can be noticed during the months January, February, September and December in projected climate, annually, the number of rainy days indicates a declining trend in projected climate. In a nut shell, the wet months will be watter and dry periods will be drier. The south west monsoon and summer season shows an increasing tendency in the number of rainy days and amount of rainfall in projected climate. Most of the agro-ecological units in Palakkad district showed a decreasing pattern in the length of growing period in projected climate as per RCP 4.5 In projected climate, the maximum amount of potential evapotranspiration can be observed during the months May, July and September whereas the minimum will be in January, November and December. The yearly potential evapotranspiration shows an increasing trend in projected climate as per RCP 4.5. The number of periods where deficit will happen indicate a decreasing trend whereas the annual amount of deficit shows an increasing pattern in projected climate. As per the projections maximum amount of water deficit will happen during the month March in most of the agro ecological units of central Kerala. Annually the amount of water surplus indicates an increasing trend in projected climate based on RCP 4.5. In RCP 4.5, which is the most likely scenario for India, the yield reduction will be 10 per cent by 2030s and 2050s respectively. It can be observed from the study that the impact of climate change on rice production varied widely under different agro ecological situations. The major rice growing tracts of Palakkad district except Palakkad eastern plains (AEU 23) showed decline in productivity.Item Tillage and water saving techniques for black gram in rice fallows(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Aisha Mol, P B; Latha, AItem Determination of phytotonic effect of insecticides on rice crop(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1982) Gade Krishna Kumari; Mohan Das, NWhen applied at 15 DAS alone carbofuran at 0.5 kg ai/ha, phorate 1.25 kg ai/ha and monocrotophos and quinalphes at 0.25 kg ai/ha increased the yield significantly over control.Monocrotophos and quinalphes at 2 kg ai/ha wore found phytotoxic The higher doses of 4 kg ai/ha of carbofuran c and 10 kg al/ha of phorate were on par with the lower doses of the insecticides. This revealed the lower. dose were the maximum levels to which the plants in nursery could respond to the toxicants.Item Molecular characterization of male sterility in ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb.)(Centre for plant biotechnology and molecular Biology, College of horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2014) Sonwane Shital Marotirao; Deepu MathewThe development of hybrids with desirable heterosis is a major goal in plant breeding. In traditional hybridization, following the emasculation which is a labour intensive process, pollen is manually transferred to the female organs. The higher cost of the hybrid seeds, considerably owing to the labour costs for emasculation, is the major constraint in achieving more rapid adoption of vegetable hybrid technology. Use of male sterile parent is understood to reduce the cost of hybrid seed production by avoiding the manual emasculation. In this context, the recently reported male sterile line of ridge gourd from Kerala Agricultural University, is commercially very important. A system to confirm the male sterility at an early phase of parent itself, is very important since any kind of fertility restoration at a later phase will fail the hybridization programme. A molecular marker associated with the male sterility will be enormously useful at this phase, to confirm the male sterility of the female parent used in the hybridization programme. The study entitled “Molecular characterization of male sterility in ridge gourd Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb.” was carried out at Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, with the objective to identify the molecular marker/s linked with the male sterility in the newly reported sterile line of ridge gourd from KAU, using SSR and ISSR marker systems. Plant materials used in this study were three male fertile lines, Haritham, Deepthi, and Arka Sumeet and the Haritham (male sterile line of KAU). In the male sterile line, unopened rudimentary male buds with poorly developed anthers containing shrunken, non viable pollen grains were observed. In male fertile plants, the anthers were well developed with viable pollen grains. Total genomic DNA was extracted from the young leaves, using CTAB method and SSR and ISSR marker systems were employed for characterizing the male sterility. SSR primers are highly genus specific and since genomic data on Luffa is lacking, suitability of SSR primers from the related genus such as Citrullus and Cucumis was attempted. Initial attempts on electrophoresis of SSR amplicons on 2 per cent agarose gel were successful for few primers only. Thus, to resolve the small fragments, 10 per cent native PAGE was subsequently used. In SSR assay 25 primers were screened, among which 14 were selected. Total genomic DNA of the male fertile and sterile lines were amplified with these SSR primers. The primers CI1-21, DE0144 and CsWCT25 have yielded distinctly polymorphic bands associated with the male sterility with 125, 50, 350 bp sizes, respectively. In ISSR assay, among the 49 primers screened initially, 16 were selected for the study. UBC841 has yielded a distinctly polymorphic band for male fertility at 1185bp. This marker was missing in the male sterile line. Dendrogram was generated based on the ISSR study in order to study genetic relationship among the ridge gourd lines. Haritham (fertile) and Haritham (male sterile) showed 82 per cent similarity. The universal mitochondrial primers were additionally screened in this study and among them; Rps14 gave polymorphic band linked with male sterility, at 80 bp size. Direct sequencing with NGS platform was done of the identified polymorphic bands, it was failed with CI1-21, Rps14, DE0144 and UBC841. Only with CsWCT25 sequence of 225 bp was obtained. CsWCT25 is already reported to be tightly linked with gynoecy in cucumber, SCAR primers are also designed using this sequence. These markers will have wide application in marker assisted selection and hybrid seed production.