1. KAUTIR (Kerala Agricultural University Theses Information and Retrieval)
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Item Performance evaluation of guava(Psidium guajava L.) in containers(Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2024-01-30) Tharene, R S; Manju, P RThe present research work entitled “Performance evaluation of guava (Psidium guajava L.) in containers” was conducted at Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, from 2022 November to 2023 October. The study was undertaken to evaluate the growth response of different planting materials of guava plants to different types and sizes of containers. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 18 treatments and 3 replications using the guava variety Arka Kiran. The treatments included two container types (C1- Plastic container and C2- Air-pot), three container sizes (V1- 40L, V2- 60L and V3- 80L) and three different planting materials (P1- Air layers, P2- Rooted cuttings and P3- Grafts). Three month old planting materials were used in the study. The medium of planting consisted of soil, coir pith, and farm yard manure in 1 : 1 : 1 ratio across all treatments. The plants were trained by promoting scaffolds at 8-10 cm height from the soil level to achieve a pyramidal / bush shape. Regular pruning was followed to remove upright, criss-cross and drooping branches. Management practices were given uniformly across all treatments. Irrigation was done in alternate days in summer and at regular intervals based on prevailing climatic conditions. Plastic containers (C1) in comparison to air-pots registered significantly taller plants with higher plant spread, stem girth, leaves per plant (3 MAP, 6 MAP, 9 MAP and 12 MAP), primary branch girth (6 MAP, 9 MAP and 12 MAP), root dry weight, shoot dry weight and leaf area (12 MAP). While plants in air-pots showed early flowering along with more number of flowers, flowering duration and higher root : shoot ratio. Among different container volumes, 80 L (V3) had taller plants (3 MAP, 6 MAP, 9MAPand12MAP)withmore plant spread in both E-W (3 MAP and 6 MAP) and N-S (3 MAP, 6 MAP, 9 MAP and 12 MAP) directions. Earliness in flowering along with higher stem girth (3 MAP), primary branch girth (3 MAP and 9 MAP), leaves per plant (3 MAP, 6 MAP, 9 MAP and 12 MAP), flowering duration, number of flowers, shoot dry weight (12 MAP) and leaf area was also observed in V3. 40 L (V1)recorded the maximum root dry weight which was also on par with 80L (V3). 146 Among different planting materials, air layers showed taller plants with more plant spread in E-W (3 MAP, 6 MAP, 9 MAP and 12 MAP) and N-S (3 MAP, 6 MAP and 9 MAP) directions. In addition to this, early flowering and increased leaves per plant (3 MAP, 6 MAP, 9 MAP and 12 MAP), flowering duration, number of flowers, leaf area and root: shoot ratio (12 MAP) were also observed in air layers. Grafts (P3) recorded the highest stem girth, primary branch girth, root dry weight and shoot dry weight. Leaf tissue was analysed for physiological and biochemical parameters viz., chlorophyll content, total carotenoids, total reducing sugars and total soluble proteins at 12 MAP. Container type and planting material did not show any significant effect on these parameters, while 80 L container volume showed significantly higher total soluble proteins than 40 and 60 litres. The two factor interaction between container type and size (C x V), showed that 80L plastic containers (C1V3)recorded significantly higher plant spread (E-W and N-S), stem girth, leaves per plant, leaf area and root dry weight. The shoot dry weight was higher in both plastic container and air-pots with 80 L (C1V3 and C2V3). Air-pots with 80 L (C2V3) observed early flowering with more flowers per plant and enhanced flowering duration. Interaction between container type and planting material (C x P) also confirms similar results in air-pots with air layers (C2P1). Root : shoot ratio was highest in air-pots with grafted plants (C2P3). The two factor interaction between container size and planting material (V x P) showed 80 L having air layers (V3P1) outperformed other combinations with respect to plant height, leaves per plant, number of flowers, leaf area, flowering duration and days to flowering. Shoot dry weight was highest in 80 L with grafts (V3P3). In three factor interaction, 80 L plastic container with grafts (C1V3P3) showed higher shoot dry weight, while leaves per plant and leaf area was maximum for air layers in 80L plastic container (C1V3P1). Early flowering with more number of flowers was observed in 80L air-pots with air layers (C2V3P1). Another notable feature observed in the study is the presence of root coiling in plastic containers with 40 and 60 litre sizes irrespective of the type of planting material. Again, air-pot being a porous container showed a lower media temperature across all sizes. Correlation analysis revealed that container size is positively correlated with plant height, plant spread (N-S), leaves per plant, leaf area, number of flowers, shoot dry weight, total soluble protein and negatively correlated with root shoot ratio. The present investigation pointed out that an increase in container size enhanced shoot and root growth in guava. Considering the perennial nature of the crop and the superior attributes of air-pots over plastic containers, it can be concluded that 80 L air-pots with air layers (C2V3P1) can be suggested as the best option for growing guava in containers.Item Standardization of vegetative propagation techniques in dragon fruit( Hylocereus spp.)(Department of Fruit Science, College of Agriculture , Vellanikkara, 2023-02-02) Mohammed Billal, M.; Aswini, ADragon fruit which belong to the family Cactaceae is commonly referred to as Pitaya, Pithaya, Queen of the Night, Night blooming Cereus. It is one among the exotic fruits, cultivated primarily for its attractive and highly nutritious fruit. It is native to Costa Rica, Guatemala and Southern Mexico, and are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions. Though this can be easily multiplied through seeds, seedlings are not preferred as they have a long pre-bearing age and also not true to type in nature. Among the vegetative propagation methods, cuttings alone are used for mass multiplication of planting materials all over the world, whereas layering, grafting and budding are not in commercial use. Hence, the present study entitled “Standardisation of vegetative propagation techniques in dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.)” was carried out in the Department of Fruit Science during 2022-2023, comprising three experiments: standardisation of length of rooted cuttings for propagation, standardisation of propagation by air layering and standardisation of propagation by grafting with the objective of evaluation of different vegetative propagation methods in dragon fruit. In the first experiment, the performance of different length of rooted cuttings were evaluated. Rooted cuttings of 120 cm length (T4) were found to be the best as it produced the maximum number of segments (13.10), number of newly emerged segments (3.70), number of spine areoles (556.00), number of roots (14.00), longest root (52.50 cm), duration of flowering (107.80 days), number of fruits (19.2 fruits/pole) and fruit yield (4.96 kg/pole). Flower and fruit morphology did not exhibit any significant variation with the treatments, as the same variety (“Cambodian Red” – red fleshed variety) was used for the study, and the flowering and fruiting characters are associated with the genetic nature of the variety. In the second experiment, the different rooting media for air layering were evaluated. Coirpith compost (25.00 days) and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) with perlite and vermiculite (26.50 days) recorded the minimum number of days for root emergence. Sphagnum moss recorded the maximum number of adventitious roots per air layer (15.30). Longest roots were observed in AMF with perlite and vermiculite (11.04 cm) and sphagnum moss (10.85 cm) and were found to be on par with each other. The AMF with perlite and vermiculite (5.45 mm) and sphagnum moss (5.38 mm) recorded maximum root diameter. In terms of survival percentage, sphagnum moss recorded the highest survival percentage of 81.25%. Sawdust (3.33 air layers) and sphagnum moss (3.25 air layers) produced the maximum number of rooted air layers after 90 days of air layering. In the third experiment, different grafting methods were evaluated with two varieties of dragon fruit, Mexican Red and Malaysian Red. When Mexican Red was used as the rootstock, horizontal grafting (T1) (16.00 days), shoot grafting (T3) (18.50 days) and seedling grafting (T6) (18.80 days) recorded the minimum number of days taken for sprouting. Horizontal grafting recorded the maximum number of segments (2.00). V-cut bud grafting (T5) and seedling grafting (T6) did not produce any segments. Shoot grafting recorded the longest segments (101.80 cm) and maximum survival percentage (100%). The girth of the rootstock did not vary in both the rootstocks. The maximum girth of the scion (135.20 mm), maximum scion length (117.40 cm) and taller grafts (158.40 cm) were observed in shoot grafting. When Malaysian Red was used as the rootstock, the minimum number of days for sprouting were recorded for seedling grafting (15.75 days) and horizontal grafting (16.20 days). Bone grafting (T4) (1.40), horizontal grafting (1.33) and shoot grafting (1.33) recorded the maximum number of segments. Horizontal grafting produced the longest segments (115.50 cm). Shoot grafting and L-grafting recorded the maximum survival percentage (100%). The maximum girth of the scion was observed in shoot grafting (148.50 mm). The length of the scion was the maximum for horizontal grafting (T1) (131.30 cm) and shoot grafting (T3) (116.50 cm). Both horizontal grafting (165.10 cm) and shoot grafting (158.80 cm) produced taller grafts. Initially, the success percentage was the highest in horizontal grafted plants thereafter shoot grafting recorded the highest percentage throughout the study when Mexican Red was used as the rootstock. When Malaysian Red was used as the rootstock horizontal grafting recorded the highest success percentage at 15 days after grafting. But, 30 to 75 days after grafting shoot grafting recorded the highest percentage. Finally, shoot grafting and L-grafting were found to be the best with maximum success percentage. The percentage of graft establishment was highest in shoot grafting at 30, 60 and 90 days after grafting when both rootstocks were used. Additionally, L-grafting recorded the highest graft establishment at 90 days after grafting when Malaysian Red was used as the rootstock. The method of V-cut bud grafting (T5) was considered as a failure one with no success percentage. The present research revealed that using 120 cm long rooted cuttings (T4) (4 feet) is the most suitable planting material for dragon fruit in order to produce the highest yield, longest fruiting period, the largest number of fruits and significant improvement in vegetative characteristics. Sphagnum moss (T3) was found to be the most effective rooting medium for air layering in dragon fruit due to its higher success rate. The best grafting technique for dragon fruit was found to be shoot grafting (T3), which produced maximum scion girth, scion length, graft height and success percentage.Item Standardisation of epicotyl grafting in mango(Department of Pomology and floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture,Vellanikara, 1985) Jombo Ratan; Aravindakshan, MThe season of epicotyl grafting, age of root stock and scion and precurring of scions were standardised by Dhungana (1984) in the earlier studies. The present series of experiments were undertaken with the objective to enhance the grafts ‘take’ by different methods. Studies reported in this thesis were carried out during the period from June 1983 to March 1985 and consisted of experiments on standardisation of the height of root stock, length of scion, effect of covering material, effect of different plant growth regulators and different fungicides on dieback disease. Anatomical studies were also undertaken to find out the possible reasons of graft failures. The results of the experiments on the influence of the height of rootstocks (2 to 4 cm, 4 to 6 cm, 6 to 8 cm and 8 to 10 cm) and the length of scion (5 cm, 6 cm and 8 cm) indicated that the height of rootstock and length of scion had significant effect on the success of epicotyl grafting in mango. It was observed that when mature 3 to 4 months old, ten days procured scion of 8 cm were grafted on five to ten days old rootstock at 6 to 8 cm height gave maximum percentage of sprouting and survival during July-August. In the experiments to find out the influence of covering the grafts with polythene bags both transparent and black polythene bags were used. The grafts were covered with bags (15 x 20 cm) leaving sufficient space at the top. It was observed that covering the grafts with transparent polythene bags and retaining them for one month gave maximum percentage of success as well as final survival compared to control. Black polythene material was detrimental for graft ‘take’. In another experiments the grafts were sprayed with IAA and GA each at 100, 250 ppm immediately after grafting in order to find out whether these growth regulators would help to increase the graft ‘take’. Although no significant effect could noticed, it appeared that IAA at 100 ppm had some beneficial effect. The dieback disease of grafts was found to be caused by colletotrichum gloeosporioides and the disease was more sever during August to October. The trials with different fungicides viz., Bordeaux mixture at 1%, Thiram at 0.2% and Caftafol at 0.2%, revealed that Bordeaux mixture was the most effective in controlling the disease when applied one month after grafting and subsequently sprayed at an intervals of 15 days till 90 days. Anatomical studies of the successful and failed grafts were also studied in order to understand the possible reasons for graft failures. It was observed that in successful grafts callus proliferation commenced from 5th day onwards and the completion of cambial bridge of the stock and scion was attained 15 days after grafting. The completion of cambial union was indicated by sprouting of grafts. There were four district stages in the healing of the grafts. In unsuccessful grafts there was no indication of callus proliferation. Thicker necrotic layers were also formed in the region of graft union. In grafts which remained alive up to 60 days, but did not sprout there were wide gap between stock and scion which perhaps inhibited sprouting of the scions.Item Standardization of grafting techniques in african marigold (tagetes erecta L.) for combating bacterial wilt(Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Athira Baburaj; Sreelatha, UThe present study entitled “Standardization of grafting techniques in African marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) for combating bacterial wilt” was taken up in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture, during the year 2017-2018. The work was carried out under three experiments viz.,standardisation of grafting techniques, assay of enzyme activity and histological studies. The rootstock used in the study was the bacterial wilt resistant local collection M- and the wilt susceptible F1hybrid Maria 91 was used as scion. Grafting was done in the month of January. Three methods of grafting viz., cleft, splice and hole insertion were tried at different ages of rootstock (4, 5, 6 and 7 weeks after sowing) and different ages of scion (3, 4 and 5 weeks after sowing). Observation of graft survival was taken at 15 DAG (Days after grafting). It was observed that cleft grafting four week old scion on to six week old rootstock was found to be the best with a graft survival of 61 percent. It was also observed that there was no survival when grafting was done on four week old rootstock irrespective of age of scion and grafting method followed. Estimation of catalase and peroxidase was carried out to study the activity of these enzymes in graft union formation. Sampling was done at 4,8 and 15DAG. It was observed that, activities of both the enzymes increased from 4DAG to 15DAG. Highest catalase activity at 4th (0.85 EU/g), 8th (1.39 EU/g) and 15th (1.60 EU/g) DAG was observed in cleft grafting of four week old scion on to six week old rootstock. Similar results were also observed in peroxidase activity. Correlation of catalase and peroxidase activity with survival of grafts indicated that both the enzymes are positively correlated with graft survival. Histological studies of the grafts consisted of both anatomical studies and histochemical staining for lignin. It was observed that there was an intensification of the stain from 4DAG to 15DAG with advancement of lignification process in graft union. Histological studies also revealed the formation of necrotic layer in the graft union, as a result of wound repair and cell proliferation. Cleft grafting of four week old scion on six week old wilt resistant rootstock is the best method in African marigold for combating bacterial wilt.Item Standardisation of top working in nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.)(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1994) Beena, S; Alice KurianThe present investigations on “Standardisation of top working in nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.)” were conducted at the Department of plantation Crops and spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur during 1991-1993. For the purpose of the study nutmeg trees available at state seed Farm, Mannuthy and farmers’ field at Mannuthy and Ettumuna in Thrissur district as well as Neduvannur in Ernakulam district were utilized. The presence of two type of buds on the bud stick could be distinguished by the bud scare at the inner side of the bark for the viable buds and absence of scar and browning in the non- viable buds. Among the difference methods tried, in situ budding on hard trunk proved to be most successful. Forkert method with bud selected from brown bud wood with fallen leaves and the buds inserted by leaving space on all the four sides gave maximum success. In order to achieve a quicker bud burst stumping the plants two months after budding was most effective. Budding on hard trunk could be done with maximum success in three year old plants and July was found to be the best season. Trials on topping of male trees indicated that heading back the tree above the first tier during August was found to be the best with regard to sprout production and reducing the time for sprouting. Forkert budding on new sprouts gave only initial success which failed to sprout even with physical and chemical treatments. Grafting on new sprouts showed least response among the method tried. Successful graft union was obtained during March with scion shoots having mature leaf and full green stem and stock having two months growth. The anatomical studies revealed low callus development and sparse differentiation of vascular tissues in the bud shield, presence of necrotic tissues hindering the formation of callus and the lack of union between old and new callus as the probable reasons for bud failure.