1. KAUTIR (Kerala Agricultural University Theses Information and Retrieval)
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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 MThe 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 deItem Associative effect of Azospirillum and Bradyrhizobium on nodulation and growth of cowpea (viqna unquiculata (l.) walp,(Department of Plant Pathology College of Horticulture Vellanikkara, 1992) Sunitha Menon, S; Rajendran Pillai, M VItem Economising nitrogen in rice production with azospirillum(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Resmi S; Muraleedharan VWith a view to assess the role of Azospirillum on growth and productivity of rice as ameans of economising fertilizer nitrogen application, a field experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period from June 1992 to September 1992. The variety used as Red Triveni. The experiment was laid out as 4x3x2+1 factorial experiment in randomised block design with two replications. The treatments includes four methods of inoculation of Azospirillum (seed, seedling root dip, soil and combined inoculation), three levels of nitrogen (50, 75 and 100 per cent recommended dose of nitrogen) and two levels of lime (without and with lime) along with a control (KAU Package of Practices). An abstract of the results is given below. Among the different methods of Azospirillum inoculation, combined application influenced almost all the growth characters significantly. Application of 100 per cent recommended dose of nitrogen and lime application also influenced the growth characters significantly. Among the yield attributes, productive tillers per square metre, and panicle weight were significantly influenced by various treatments. The combined application of Azospirillum recorded the highest grain yield. Similarly 75 per cent recommended dose of nitrogen and liming also recorded higher grain yields. A significant change in harvest index was also observed due to various treatments. Uptake of nutrients was significantly influenced by all the treatments. Among the inoculation methods, combined method of inoculation recorded the maximum uptake. Similarly highest level of nitrogen and lime application showed the highest uptake of nutrients. Combined method of inoculation, highest level of nitrogen and lime application recorded the highest value of protein content. Economic analysis of data revealed that combined application of Azospirillum plus 75 per cent nitrogen plus lime produced a net income which is comparable with the highest net income produced by combined application of Azospirillum plus 100 per cent nitrogen plus lime. When compared to control the net income produced by these treatments are higher, indicating the superiority of the above treatments. Thus it is seen that we can save atleast 25 per cent of the fertilizer nitrogen by incorporating the Azospirillum through combined application.Item Bioefficacy and soil health impact of flucetosulfuron in wet seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.)(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Arya, S R; Elizabeth K SyriacItem Standardization of liquid formulation of PGPR MIX-1 and its evaluation for plant growth promotion in amaranthus(amaranthus tricolor L.)(Department of Agricultural Microbiology,College of Agriculture, Vellayani,Thiruvananthapuram, 2018) Gokul K Gopi; Meenakumari, K SItem Standardisation of nursery management practices in pachotti (Symplocos cochinchinensis (Lour.) S. Moore)(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Ajil, M S; Deepa S NairThe study entitled “Standardisation of nursery management practices in pachotti (Symplocos cochinchinennsis (Lour.) S. Moore)” was carried out in the Department of Plantation Crops and spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani durng 2017-18. The objective of the study was to evaluate the propagation efficiency of different propagules viz., seeds, stem cuttings and root cuttings and to standardise the potting media for the nursery plants of pachotti. The propagules viz., seeds, stem cuttings and root cuttings for the study were sourced form Jawaharlal Nehru tropical Botanical Gardens and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram and from Wayanad district. The seeds were subjected to in vivo and in vitro germination studies. In in vivo study, among the pretreatments tried, viz., physical treatments, chemical priming and bio priming, only physical treatment of scarification (with sand paper) responded with a very low germination of 2 per cent. The germination commenced after two months of the treatment. Other in vivo pretreatments as well as in vitro treatments did not give any germination. In vegetative propagation, stem cuttings were exposed dto hormone/chemicals (auxins, phloroglucinol and salicylic acid (SA) pretreatments for two hours before planting. When pretreated with SA @ 10 and 20 mg L -1, at three months after planting, the hardwood cuttings responded with 30 pere cent survival, whith a shoot length of 2.99 mcm and 3.62cm, respectively. The semihardwood cuttings pretreated with SA@ 20 mg L-1 responded with 23.33 per cent survival with a higher shoot length of 3.72 cm. Both the hardwood and semi hardwood cuttings pretreated with SA 20 mgL-1 had on par values with respect to shoot length. Root cuttings were pretreated with different concentrations of various types of auxins. Root cuttings pretreated with IAA @ 250 mg L -1, after three months of planting responded with 33.33 per cent survival with a shoot length of 5.73 cm. Though root cuttings had slightly higher survival percent and shoot length, hardwood cuttings were selected for the valuation of potting media due to better availability and ease in procurement. The three month old hardwood cuttings pretreated with SA @ mgL-1 were then transplanted to ten different potting media comprising of two basal media viz., soil:coipith compost :cowdung (1:1:1) (B1) and soil : soirpith compost : vermicompost (1:1:1) (B2), and each in combination with biofertilisers @ 5g plant -1 viz., PGPR (Plant Growth Promotng Rhizobacteria) Mix I, Azospirillum, PSB (Phosphorus Solubilising Bacteria ) and AMF (Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi). At fourth month after transplanting, B2 in combination with biofertilisers were found to be significantly superior to B2, B1 and B1 in combination with biofertilisers with respect to morphological parameters. B2 +PGPR Mix I recorded highest shoot length (11.50 cm) and number of leaves (10.50) which was on par with B2+Azospirillum, B2+PSB and B2+AMF; the highest number of branches (1.92) was observed in B2+ Azospiriillum which was on par with the treatments , B2+ PGPR Mix I, B2+PSB and B2+AMF. The fresh and dry weight of shoots were the highest (21.35 g and 4.78 g respectively) in B2 +PGPR Mix I which was on par with B2+ AMF. B2+ AMF recorded highest values (4.77 cm, 0.30 mm, 3.28 g and 0.0092 g, respectively) with respect to root growth parameters viz., root length, root girth , fresh and dry weight of roots. The physiological parameters, leaf area index (1.36) and leaf area duration (34.63 days) were the highest in B2+ PGPR Mix I which was on par with B2 in combination with other biofertilisers. The phytochemical analysis indicated that carbohydrate content (80.9 mg g-1) of plant tissue was the highest in B2+PGPR Mix 1, which was on par with B2+PSB, B2+Azospirrillum and B2+AMF. Chlorophyll content was found to the highest (1.20 mg g-1) in B2+ Azospirillum which was on par with B2+PGPR Mix I. The same treatment recorded the highest soluble protein content (20.31mg g-1) and it was on par with B2 in combination other biofertilisers. The nutrient analysis of plant tissue showed that nitrogen (2.22 percent ) and potassium (2.15 per cent ) content was significantly higher in B2+ Azospirillum. B2+PSB Recorded higher phosphorus content (0.26 per cent) among the treatments. The study indicated that nursery plants in the potting media B2 in combination with biofertilizers gave better performance with respect to morphological parmeters, physiological parameters, phytochemicals and plant nutrients. Among the various potting media tried, B2+AMF recorded significantly higher plant growth potential (0.522) followed by B2 + PGPR Mix I (0.428). In the study, hardwood cuttings were identified as the preferred planting material for the nursery establishment of pachotti. The cuttings could be treated with salicylic acid @ 20 mg L-1 for initial establishment of nursery plants. The preferred potting media for transplanting the established cuttings for raising the nursery plants of pachotti is Soil : Coirpith compost : Vermicompost (1:1:1) +AMF (5g/plant).Item Economic assessment of the use of microbial inoculants in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) in Idukki district(Department of Agricultural Economics, Vellayani, 2017) Salma Muslim; Santha, A MThe research entitled ‘Economic assessment of the use of microbial inoculants in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) in Idukki district. The objectives of the study were to quantify the extent of use of microbial inoculants (MI) used in black pepper, assess the economics of microbial inoculants (MI) application and identify the constraints of microbial inoculants adoption in pepper cultivation. At the first stage two blocks namely Kattappana and Nedumkandam were selected purposively and Irattayar and Nedumkandam panchayat were selected respectively from the 2 development blocks. The required information was collected from 30 MI using farmers and 30 non-MI farmers of black pepper by simple random sampling from the two panchayats. Thus the total sample size was 60. Percentage analysis was done to analyze socio economic variables and extent of adoption of MI. Cost ABC concept was used to calculate the cost of cultivation of MI using farmers and non-MI farmers separately. Resource use efficiency was calculated using Cobb Douglas production function and constraints were ranked by Garret’s ranking technique. Black pepper occupied about 45 per cent of cropped area and 30 per cent area occupied by cardamom. Plantation crops like cocoa, coffee, spices like nutmeg clove, vanilla and annuals like banana and vegetables were also cultivated in this area. Major varieties of black pepper cultivated were Panniyur I, Panniyur 4, local varieties like Karimunda, Neelamundi, Vellamundi, Kottanadan, Kuthiravaly, Kalluvallyand major standards for trailing pepper were Murukku, Silver Oak and Kilinjil. Average size of land holding was 1.85 ha for MI using farmers and 2.10 ha for non-MI farmers. Seventy three per cent of MI using farmers and 56 per cent of non-MI farmers had holdings ranging from 0.4-1.2 ha under pepper. Forty percent of high income farmers were following non-MI pepper farming. Analysis of extent of use of microbial inoculants revealed that only 33 per cent were following the recommended rate of MI whereas 46.6 per cent of farmers used in excess.Total cost of cultivation of black pepper per hectare was more for non-MI farmers when compared to MI using farmers. Cost A1 of MI adopted farmers was Rs. 133797.24 ha-1 and that for non-MI was Rs. 155720.64 ha-1. Cost C was calculated as Rs. 295050.13 ha-1 and Rs. 439399.87 ha-1 for MI using famers and non-MI respectively. Major share of cost A1 was contributed by cost of hired labourfor both categories followed by cost of manures, fertilizers and soil ameliorants. Yield of black pepper did not show much difference, but the farmers using MI were mostly following organic farming, fetches a higher price of Rs.700 per kg against the price ofRs.680 per kg for the non-MI famers. Net returns at cost C for MI using farmers was Rs. 135749.75 which was higher than that of non-MI farmers. BC ratios were 1.8 and 1.23 for MI adopters and non-MI farmers respectively at cost C. The Cobb Douglas production function analysis showed that number of bearing pepper vines had a positive and significant impact on yield in both the cases. In case of MI using farmers along with number of bearing vines, quantity of manures had positive and significant impact on yield. Quantity of MI showed positive coefficient but was non-significant. For the non-MI pepper farmers, number of hired labour and quantity of manures showed positive and significant impact in addition to number of bearing pepper vines. Difficulty in proper identification of pests and diseases in the study area, less availability of microbial inoculants other than Pseudomonas and Trichoderma, Lack of knowledge about recommended method, dose and time of application of MI and climate change were the major constraints observed. Present research revealed that by using MI, farmers could reduce the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides; thereby they could reduce the cost of cultivation and increase profitability. Excess adoption of MI was prominent among the users and proper guidance is required to the farmers on the application of recommended dose of microbial inoculants along with adequate availability of all microbial inoculants.Item Refinement of nutrient management practices in dendrobium orchids(Department of Floriculture and Landscapingp, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Shilpa, P; Mini SankarTwenty five fragrant vandaceous orchids were evaluated in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping during the period from June 2016 to May 2017 with the objective of classifying them based on aesthetic and economic parameters for commercial exploitation as value added plants. The varieties exhibited wide variation in both vegetative and floral characters. Considering quantitative characters, Vasco Crownfox Red Gem recorded the maximum plant height (68.73cm), spread (52.23cm), internodal length (1.95cm) and leaf length (33.83cm). V. Pranerm Prai x V. tessellata showed maximum shoot girth (4.99cm), leaf area (105.54cm2), leaf number (37) and root length (181.75cm). The least values for all these characters were for Neostylis Lou Sneary. Duration from spike emergence to opening of florets was the maximum in Ascda Peggy Foo x Rhyn. Coelestis Blue and minimum in Neostylis Lou Sneary. Maximum spike longevity was recorded in V. Rothschildiana (29.30 days) whereas it was minimum in Rhy Sri Siam x Rhy gigantia (7.50 days). Interval of spike production was also the longest in Ascda. Peggy Foo x Rhyn. coelestis Blue and the minimum in Rhynchorides Bangkok Sunset. Spike production was the maximum in Neostylis Lou Sneary, followed by Ascda Srichai and Vasco Crownfox Red Gem. The varieties/ hybrids varied with regard to blooming period. The peak flowering was from May to July. Longer spike and rachis were noticed in Aerides quinque Vulnera Rhy. Coelestis. Vasco Blue Bay Pink had the highest number of florets/ spike and the shortest internodal length. Largest flowers were observed in V. Rothschildiana. Petal and labellum of the varieties also exhibited different colour patterns such as uniform, spotted, netted, tessellated and shaded. All the evaluated varieties were fragrant and were categorized based on different notes such as floral, fruity, spicy, green, sweet and miscellaneous. Fragrance was very faint in V. Rothschildiana whereas it was musty in Darwineria Cream Puff. With respect to the post-harvest characters longevity (vase life) was the maximum in V. JVB X Ascda Yip Sum Wah (17.30 days) and individual floret life (8.13 days) in V. Rothschildiana. Colour and pigmentation, texture, shape, pattern and size of florets as well as arrangement of florets on the spike were considered for the visual evaluation of a variety for use as cut flower. Considering the overall qualitative and quantitative attributes, Vascostylis Crownfox Red Gem, Vasco Blue Bay Blue, Rhynchorides Bangkok Sunset, V. Mimi Palmer, V. JVB X Ascda Yip Sum Wah and Vasco Blue Bay Pink were excellent for cut flower production. Plant quality evaluation was done based on fullness, growth and visual appearance, flower colour and pigmentation, spike longevity, shape and arrangement of foliage during the growth period. Fragrance scoring was also done based on intensity and diffusiveness, newness and beautifulness of fragrance. Based on the flowering phenology, four phenophases, namely, November – January, February – April, May – July and August – September were recorded and the varieties were categorized accordingly. Side-runs with different colour combinations were observed within a phenophase. The varieties were also categorized on the basis of flower colour, number of florets/ spike and floret size, longevity of spike on the plant , number of spikes produced / year and fragrance. Considering overall quantitative and qualitative characteristics, the evaluated varieties/ hybrids were categorized for cut flower, indoor and outdoor gardens for commercial exploitation as value added plants. The fragrance also makes it a novelty in landscaping to create a peaceful, relaxing environment.Item Rhizosphere management for higher root production in ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal)(Deparment of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, 2017) Ashiba, A; Anilkumar, A SItem Evaluation of abiotic stress tolernant PGPR and trichoderma sp. for growth and disease management in black pepper (piper nigrum L.)(Department of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2017) Sri Vithya, R; Surendra Gopal, K