1. KAUTIR (Kerala Agricultural University Theses Information and Retrieval)
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Item Fertigation studies in papaya (Carica papaya L.)(Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2021) Karishma Sebastian; Bindu, BThe investigation entitled “Fertigation studies in papaya (Carica papaya L.)” was carried out in Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period 2018 – 2020 with the objectives to standardize the nutrient level for yield improvement through fertigation and foliar nutrition in papaya variety Surya and to study the postharvest management practices for extending the shelf life of papaya fruits. The experiment was undertaken in two parts. In part I, standardization of nutrient level for fertigation and foliar nutrition was carried out in RBD with 14 treatments replicated thrice. A combination of four fertigation doses of 75 %, 100 %, 125 % and 150 % RDF of N (304.89, 406.52, 508.15 and 609.78 g urea plant⁻¹ year⁻¹ respectively based on soil test data in 76 fertigation) and K (426.25, 568.33, 710.42 and 852.50 g MOP plant⁻¹ year⁻¹ respectively based on soil test data in 76 fertigation) and three foliar sprays (1.0 % 19:19:19 at bimonthly interval starting from 4 MAP to 16 MAP, 0.5% ZnSO4 + 0.3% borax at 4 th, 8th, 12th and 16th MAP and water spray at bimonthly interval starting from 4 MAP to 16 MAP) were compared with soil application of recommended dose of NPK (187:170:341 g NPK plant-1 year-1 based on soil test data) (control 1) and 187:170:341 g NPK plant-1 year-1 based on soil test data as organic manures as combination of FYM, poultry manure and vermicompost in the ratio of 2:1:1 (control 2). In control 2, additional requirement of P and K were met through the application of rock phosphate and potassium sulphate respectively. Organic manure (15 kg FYM plant-1 ) was given uniformly to all treatments as basal. Lime and rock phosphate (500g and 850g respectively based on soil test data) was applied uniformly for all treatments as basal except controls. Urea and Muriate of Potash (MOP) were used as fertilizer sources for fertigation and applied weekly from 1 MAP to 20 MAP. Application of different levels of fertigation and different foliar sprays had significant effect on growth, yield and quality of papaya. Growth parameters viz., plant height, stem girth and number of leaves were significantly higher in plants receiving 100 % RD of N and K through fertigation and foliar sprays of 1.0 % 19:19:19 (T4) at bimonthly interval starting from 6 MAP to 16 MAP. T4 also recorded highest leaf area index at 6, 12, 18 MAP and at final harvest, flowering at the shortest height, highest number of female plants and highest fruit set (86.27 %). However, application of 100 % RD of N and K through fertigation and foliar sprays of 0.5 % ZnSO4 and 0.3 % borax at 4 th, 8th, 12th and 16th MAP (T5) initiated earliness in flowering (142.67 days) and harvest (275.00 days). Treatments T4 and T5 were on par in fruit length, fruit girth, fruit volume, pulp percentage, flesh thickness and yield contributing characters like fruit weight, number of fruits per plant and yield per plant (38.30 kg plant⁻1 and 37.60 kg plant⁻1 respectively). Fruit quality parameters viz., TSS, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, total sugar, reducing sugar and non reducing sugar were found highest in T5. Fruits from T5 also registered longest shelf life (5.78 days) and highest mean sensory score for all parameters. Index leaf analysis at 6 MAP revealed highest nitrogen and potassium content of leaf in T10 (150 % RD of N and K through fertigation and foliar sprays of 1.0 % 19:19:19). Calcium, magnesium and sulphur content of leaves were highest in T5, whereas boron and zinc content were highest in T8 (125 % RD of N and K through fertigation and foliar sprays of 0.5 % ZnSO4 and 0.3 % borax). Highest nitrogen and potassium of fruits were observed in T12 (150 % RD of N and K through fertigation with water spray). Highest nitrogen content in soil was noticed in T11 (150 % RD of N and K through fertigation and foliar sprays of 0.5 % ZnSO4 and 0.3 % borax) and T10 witnessed highest potassium content. T4 and T5 were at par regarding B : C ratio (2.58 and 2.54 respectively). In part II of the investigation, postharvest management for extending shelf life of papaya was carried out with nine treatments replicated thrice. Different postharvest treatments given were precooling - hydro cooling (S1), surface sanitization with 150 ppm sodium hypochlorite (S2), external coating with 1% chitosan (S3), precooling followed by external coating with 1% chitosan (S4), packaging with ethylene scrubber 8% KMnO₄ (S5), precooling followed by packaging with ethylene scrubber 8% KMnO₄ (S6), precooling followed by external coating with 1% chitosan and packaging with ethylene scrubber 8% KMnO4 (S₇), hot water treatment followed by waxing with 6% carnauba wax and packaging with ethylene scrubber 8% KMnO₄ (S8) and control (S9). Papaya variety Surya was raised at Instructional Farm, Vellayani and fruits at fully mature green stage were harvested, subjected to different postharvest treatments and packaging was done in CFB boxes and stored under ambient conditions till the end of shelf life. Papaya fruits subjected to precooling followed by external coating with 1% chitosan and packaging with ethylene scrubber KMnO₄ (S7) recorded the longest shelf life of 9.67 days, which was at par with S8 (hot water treatment followed by waxing with 6% carnauba wax and packaging with ethylene scrubber KMnO₄). Physiological loss in weight, ion leakage, percentage disease index, bacterial and fungal count were significantly lowest in S7 and S8 after three days of storage. These treatments also recorded maximum total carotenoids, total soluble solids, total sugar, reducing sugar and minimum acidity after nine days of storage which indicated extended shelf life. Highest mean rank score for sensory attributes were also recorded in treatments S7 and S8 after nine days of storage. In conclusion, application of 100 % recommended dose of N and K (406.52 g urea plant⁻¹ year⁻¹ and 568.33 g plant⁻¹ year⁻¹ respectively) through weekly fertigation from one to 20 months after planting and foliar sprays of 0.5 % ZnSO4 + 0.3 % Borax at 4 th, 8th, 12th and 16th MAP, along with basal application of 850g rock phosphate and 15 kg FYM resulted in increased growth, yield and quality characters of papaya variety Surya with highest B: C ratio. Fruits at fully mature green stage when subjected to precooling followed by external coating with 1% chitosan and packaging with ethylene scrubber 8% KMnO₄ in CFB boxes exhibited a shelf life of 9.67 days in storage under ambient condition in papaya variety Surya.Item Foliar nutrition in nendran banana using multinutrient water soluble fertilizers(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Bashma, E K; Sudha, BItem Chilli-amaranth intercropping system under fertigation(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Anitrosa Innazent; Anitha, SIntercropping is a way to augment production through intensifying cropping by combining different crops thereby utilisying the available resources more efficiently. The productivity of intercropping system can be enhanced by adopting suitable planting geometry and by proper nutrient and water management. Information on planting geometry and schedules of fertigation and drip irrigation can help in further increasing the productivity of the system. The present study was undertaken to assess the bio economic suitability of chilli- amaranth intercropping system under different nutrient and water regime. The experiment entitled “Chilli-Amaranth intercropping system under fertigation” was conducted at Water Management Research Unit, Vellanikkara during January to July 2017. The trial was laid out in randomized block design replicated thrice. The treatments consisted of chilli- amaranth intercropping system planted at two different planting geometries viz., normal row planting and paired row planting, three nutrient levels viz., 100, 75 and 50 per cent of NPK recommendation for both crops as fertigation and two irrigation levels viz., 100 per cent Epan and 75 per cent Epan and two control viz., chilli pure crop and amaranth pure crop. Performance of crops under intercropping and pure crop system revealed that the yield of intercropped chilli was 41 per cent lower than chilli pure crop. However for amaranth, the yield was 17 per cent higher under intercropping compared to pure crop. In addition to the fertigation of amaranth, amaranth receives nutrients from fertigation given to chilli crop. This resulted in the higher dry matter production and nutrient uptake of intercropped amaranth and finally higher yield. Paired row pattern was adopted to accommodate more intercrops. However planting geometry had no significant influence on the yield performance of intercropped chilli and amaranth. The nutrient levels showed no significant difference on the yield of intercropped chilli, whereas yield of intercropped amaranth was significantly influenced. Intercrop yield of amaranth at 100 per cent of nutrient dose (26,227 kg/ha) was significantly higher than intercrop yield of amaranth at 75 (21,824 kg/ha) and 50 per cent of nutrient dose (24,050 kg/ha) and pure crop yield (20,559 kg/ha). Intercropped chilli receiving irrigation at 100 per cent Epan recorded 37 per cent higher yield compared to lower level of irrigation. However, the performance of intercropped amaranth was not significantly influenced by the irrigation levels. The water productivity increase at 100 per cent Epan for intercropped chilli + amaranth was 170 per cent and 54 per cent higher compared to pure crop chilli and pure crop amaranth respectively. LER (Land Equivalent Ratio), LEC (Land Equivalent Coefficient), ATER (Area Time Equivalent Ratio), RCC (Relative Crowding Coefficient) and CEY (Crop Equivalent Yield) were worked out for assessing biological efficiency of intercropping system. LER more than 1.0, LEC more than 0.25 and higher values of ATER and CEY revealed the biological efficiency of chilli- amaranth intercropping system compared to pure crop system. Intercropping system under normal row planting produced significantly higher LER (2.84) compared to paired row planting. In addition, nutrient level of 100 per cent NPK recommendation showed higher LER (2.81) compared to lower doses. Irrigation at 100 per cent Epan recorded significantly higher value of LEC and ATER. Economic benefit of intercropping system was assessed using gross return, net return and B:C ratio. The net return of chilli-amaranth intercropping system (Rs.428212) was 116 per cent higher compared to pure crop chilli (Rs.197716) and 164 per cent higher to pure crop of amaranth (Rs.24548). The study indicated that there is an effective utilization of space, nutrients and water when amaranth was raised as intercrop with chilli. To get maximum biological and economic benefit from chilli- amaranth intercropping system, planting should be done at normal row with 100 per cent recommended dose of nutrients for both the crops and irrigation at 100 per cent Epan under fertigation during summer season.Item Microclimatic alteration on water productivity of chilli (Capsicum annum L) under fertigation(Academy of Climate Change Education and Research Vellanikkara, 2017) Gouthami Deep, K P; Anitha, SItem Productivity of spinach beet as influenced by varieties and nutrient doses(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Vinod Alur; Sheeba Rebecca IsaacThe investigation entitled “Productivity of spinach beet as influenced by varieties and nutrient doses” was carried out at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram to assess the suitability of five varieties of spinach beet under protected and open conditions, to standardize the nutrient doses and to work out the economics. The experiment was laid out in split plot design in the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture Vellayani at 8.50 N latitude, 76.9 0 E longitude, under protected and open conditions as two separate experiments during August- November 2015 and 2016 respectively. The treatments included five varieties (V1: All Green; V2: Pusa Bharathi; V3: Punjab Green; V4: Indam Kolkatta; V5: Trendy) in main plots and three nutrient levels ( N1: 40:20:40 kg NPK ha-1; N2: 60:30:60 kg NPK ha-1; N3: 80:40:80 kg NPK ha-1) in sub plots with four replications. The soil belonged to the order oxisol. The results of the experiment under protected condition revealed that among the five varieties tested, Punjab Green was found superior in terms of the number of leaves, leaf area index (LAI) and yield. The maximum leaf yield recorded by Punjab Green was 4.78 kg m-2 followed by All Green (4.56 kg m-2). Plant height, total number of leaves plant-1 and LAI were significantly higher at N3 (80:40:80 kg ha-1)compared to the lower doses. The same NPK level recorded the highest yield of 4.70 kg m-2 which was significantly superior to the other levels. The interaction effects were significant with v1n3 recording maximum leaf yield (5.06 kg m-2) followed by v3n3 (5.01 kg m-2). Nutrient uptake (NPK), protein and Fe contents were the highest in Punjab Green which was significantly superior to the other varieties, while vitamin C was the highest in Pusa Bharathi. Spinach beet fertilized with 80:40:80 kg NPK ha-1 showed significantly higher values for NPK uptake, Ca content and vitamin C. Soil pH was found to increase with higher levels of nutrients and organic carbon content decreased from the initial values. Available NPK status in soil were found to increase with the increased NPK application. The var. Punjab Green showed maximum net returns ( 881.59from 10m2) and benefit-cost ratio (1.44) and among nutrient levels, nutrient dose of 80:40:80 kg NPK ha-1 was found to be the most economical (net returns from 10 m2 - 835.54, B:C ratio- 1.42). Taking into account the interaction effects, the varieties All Green and Punjab Green at 80:40:80 kg NPK ha-1 could be recommended for cultivation under protected conditions. In open field condition, the var.All Green recorded significantly taller plants with the highest number of leaves, LAI and leaf yield. Among the different nutrient levels, N3 (80:40:80 kg NPK ha-1) was found to be significantly superior in yield attributes and leaf yield in spinach beet. The interaction of Pusa Bharathi and 80: 40: 80 kg NPK ha-1 registered significantly higher yield (4.14 kg m-2) followed by All Green at 80 :40 : 80 kg NPK ha-1 (4.02kg m-2). Nutrient uptake, vitamin A, C, protein and Ca contents were significantly high in the var. All Green and inthe nutrient dose of 80 :40:80 kg NPK ha-1. Interaction effect of the above combination (v1n3) also recorded higher values for the plant nutrient contents. Available N, P and K contents in soil significantly increased with increase in NPK levels. Economic analysis revealed that the interaction v2n3 (Pusa Bharathi and 80 :40 : 80 kg NPK ha-1) was most profitable ( net returns 495.39 from 10 m-2 and B:C ratio 1.25) followed by v1n3( net returns 418.36 from 10 m-2 and B:C ratio 1.21). The variety Punjab Green and All Green were the most suitable varieties for cultivation in polyhouse while All Green and Pusa Bharathi could be recommended for cultivation in the open. The Ca, protein chlorophyll content and NPK uptake were the highest in Punjab Green and All Green in the polyhouse and open respectively. The NPK dose of 80:40:80 kg NPK ha-1was found to be the suitable nutrient dose under both conditions irrespective of the variety. Taking into account the economics of cultivation, the combinations, All Green + 80:40:80 kg NPK ha-1 was the most profitable in the polyhouse while Pusa Bharathi + 80:40:80 kg NPKha-1, for cultivation in the open.Item Standardization of agrotechniques for precision farming in watermelon [Citrultus lanatus (Thunb.) Mastum. & Nakai](Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Nisha, S K; Sreelathakumary, IItem Comparative evaluation of naturally ventilated polyhouse and rainshelter on the performance of tomato(Department of Land and Water Resources and Conservation Engineering, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 2017) Pooja, B G; Abdul Hakkim, V MA study was conducted in the Instructional Farm of KCAET, Tavanur, Kerala, during the period from December 2016 to April 2017 to compare the performance of tomato grown under polyhouse and rainshelter cultivation. Tomato variety Akshaya, released by KAU, was used for the study. Drip irrigation system using venturi assembly was used for fertilizer application. The variation of weather parameters such as maximum and minimum temperature, relative humidity and soil temperature during the crop growth period was studied. Mean monthly values of temperature, relative humidity and soil temperature inside the polyhouse was higher than that in rainshelter throughout the growth period. The maximum temperature (36.4 0C) was recorded inside the naturally ventilated polyhouse during the month April and minimum temperature (22.3 0C) was observed in the rainshelter during month of January. The maximum relative humidity (83.82 per cent) was observed in the month of December in the polyhouse and the minimum relative humidity (70.2 per cent) was observed in the month of April in the rainshelter in the morning. The maximum soil temperature (37.8 0C) was observed under the polyhouse in the month of March at the morning and minimum soil temperature (25 0C) was observed inside the rainshelter in the month of February. Crop growth parameters such as plant height, inter-nodal length, number of branches, stem girth, number of leaves and time taken for flower initiation were noted during various crop growth stages for all the treatments. During all growth stages, the plant height and inter-nodal length were significantly higher inside the polyhouse than rainshelter. Stem girth of the plant was higher under rainshelter than the rainshelter. The higher numbers of leaves per plant were observed under rainshelter structure than polyhouse. Among the different treatments, early flower initiation (45 days) was observed in the polyhouse and late flower initiation (49 days) in rainshelter. Yield parameters such as number of fruits per plant and total yield per plant for each treatment were noted during various crop growth stages. Number of fruits per plant was maximum under rainshelter than naturally ventilated polyhouse at all the growing stages of the plant growth. The fruit diameters, average weight per fruit are significantly higher in polyhouse compare to rainshelter. The total yield of tomato observed from polyhouse and rainshelter were 1.31 kg/m2 and 4.15 kg/m2 respectively. Quality parameter of tomato like TSS content of tomato under the polyhouse system was found 4.56 0B and rainshelter was found 4.0 0B. Water use efficiency was observed higher under rainshelter (165.41 kg/ha.mm) than the polyhouse (52.12 kg/ ha.mm). Cost Benefit (B:C) ratio for each treatment was calculated. The maximum benefit cost ratio of 2.00 was observed in rainshelter than the 0.46 under polyhouse cultivation. From the results of the study it was evident that growing of tomato inside the rainshelter is more profitable than growing it inside naturally ventilated polyhouse.Item Fertigation in sprinkler irrigated upland rice (Oryza sativa L.)(Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2015) Shahanila, P P; Prameela, PItem Fertigation and mulching studies in yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata var-sesquipedalis (L.) verdcourt)(Department of Olericulture, College of horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2014) Mahasuma Puthuppalli; Salikutty JosephThe investigations on ‘Fertigation and mulching studies in yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata var. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdcourt)’ were carried out in the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during January –May 2014. The study was conducted in the yard long bean variety Vellayani Jyothika to standardize the fertigation requirement and to assess the relative efficacy of fertigation and mulching over the conventional method. The experiment was laid out in strip plot design with two replications. There was a total of 17 treatments consisting of combinations of two irrigation levels (60 and 80 per cent pan evaporation (Ep) through drip irrigation) and four fertilizer levels (75, 100 and 125 per cent recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and 100 per cent RDF with water soluble fertilizer) with and without mulching and a control treatment (channel irrigation once in three days with 100 per cent RDF). The study revealed that irrigation, mulching and fertilizer levels had significant effect on vine length. Scheduling of irrigation at 80 per cent Ep resulted in significantly higher vine length. At higher levels of irrigation (80 per cent Ep) yield and number of pods per plant were higher whereas, length and weight of pods, and number of seeds per pod were not influenced by the levels of irrigation. Mulching significantly influenced yield and yield attributing characters like number of pods per plant, and length and weight of pods but had no influence on number of seeds per pod and protein content of pods. Plants receiving 125 per cent RDF resulted in significantly higher yield and yield attributing characters like number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, length and weight of pods compared to 75 and 100 per cent RDF. Per se and interaction effects of irrigation, mulching and fertilizer were not significant with respect to days to first flowering, first fruit set, first harvest, days from flowering to harvest, number of harvests, duration of the crop and protein content. Weed growth in terms of fresh and dry weight was not influenced by levels of irrigation while mulched plots recorded significantly lower weed growth than the unmulched plots. Among the fertilizer levels, 125 per cent RDF resulted in higher weed growth. Organic carbon content, available nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium on 45 DAS and at final harvest were the highest in treatments receiving 125 per cent RDF whereas, the highest pH and the lowest EC were recorded in 75 per cent RDF. Interactions between levels of irrigation, mulching and fertilizer when considered together, had significant effect on vine length, all yield attributes, weed growth and all soil parameters. The vine length, yield, yield attributes like length and weight of pods and soil nutrients were the highest when irrigation was given at 80 percent Ep along with mulching and 125 per cent RDF (I1M1F3). This was statistically on par with the treatment I2M1F3 in which irrigation was limited to 60 per cent Ep. An increase of 3.4 times was there in yield in the treatments I1M1F3 and I2M1F3 over conventional channel irrigation at 3 days interval with 100 per cent RDF (control). The highest BC ratio of 1.83 was obtained for the treatments I1M1F3 and I2M1F3 (60 and 80 per cent Ep with mulching, 125 per cent RDF). Irrigation at 60 or 80 per cent Ep along with 125 per cent RDF and mulching with white on black polythene was found to be the best treatments.