1. KAUTIR (Kerala Agricultural University Theses Information and Retrieval)
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Item Variability studies in Bhringaraj(Eclipta prostrata L.)(Department of Plantation ,Spices, Medicinal And Aromatic Crops, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2024-12-23) Anite Titus.; Sangeetha, K SEclipta prostrata L. (Bhringaraj), a member of the Asteraceae family, stands out as a well-known medicinal plant, popularly surged due to its historical therapeutic use in Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha formulations and acknowledged pharmacological properties. Bhringaraj is popularly known as the king of hairs due to its immense potential to promote hair growth. Furthermore, it is renowned for its hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, immunostimulant, antitumor, memory- enhancing, and anti-diabetic properties. Eclipta prostrata L. (vernacular names: false daisy, Bhringaraj, Keshraj, Karisalankanni, Kayyonni) is a herbaceous plant with diminutive branches and clusters of white axillary or terminal inflorescences, flourishes as an annual plant in moist habitats, where the whole plant holds substantial economic value. Despite its classification as Least Concern by the IUCN in 2016, there is a pressing necessity for the exploration and conservation of E. prostrata germplasm due to heightened demand for natural products leading to unsustainable harvesting practices. Scientific investigation is essential to elucidate the morphological characteristics, agronomic properties, and sustainable harvesting practices necessary for the conservation of its ecosystems, mainly focusing on the variability of genotypes suitable for commercial cultivation in India, especially in Kerala, where wild habitats are a primary source for medicinal plants. In this framework, the present investigation entitled “Variability studies in Bhringaraj (Eclipta prostrata L.)” was taken up with the objective of assessing the variability in morphological, yield, and quality parameters of Bhringaraj genotypes. The study was conducted at the experimental farm of the Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal, and Aromatic Crops, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, from 2023 to 2024. The study encompassed a total of twenty-five genotypes, which comprised collections from the ICAR-NBPGR Regional Station, Thrissur, as well as local collections sourced from various districts within Kerala, including Kottayam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Idukki, Trivandrum, Kasaragod, and Kollam. Significant variations in morphological, yield, and quality characters were identified through the examination of both qualitative and quantitative attributes. Qualitative traits, encompassing growth patterns, stem morphology, leaf and inflorescence characters, and seed attributes, weresystematically recorded, with the leaf attachment, leaf margin, inflorescence shape, and seed colour exhibiting no variability. Furthermore, considerable variations were noted in the quantitative characters pertaining to plant, leaf, inflorescence, and yield parameters. The biochemical metrics, encompassing total alkaloid, phenol, and saponin concentrations, exhibited a range of 0.60 to 6.20 per cent, 41.35 to 180.29 milligrams per gram, and 1.20 to 3.25 per cent, respectively, demonstrating notable variations. The comparative study of different solvents, comprising aqueous, ethanol, and methanol, in the preliminary phytochemical screening of E. prostrata demonstrated that ethanol was the most efficacious solvent for phytochemical extraction, followed by methanol for optimal yield. The evaluation of genotypic and phenotypic variance coefficients (GCV and PCV), alongside heritability and genetic advancement in E. prostrata accessions, indicated significant genetic diversity, as reflected by elevated GCV and PCV values across various traits such as plant height, number of primary and secondary branches per plant, number of nodes per plant, internodal length, leaf dimensions, days to first and 50 per cent flowering, and yield metrics. Thus, it suggested a broad genetic base with notable heritability and genetic gain, underscoring the significance of additive gene effects. Correlation analyses utilizing Pearson’s correlation coefficient indicated a noteworthy positive association between fresh whole plant yield per plant and various morphological traits, including plant height, internodal length, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, and inflorescence diameter. Additionally, the total alkaloid content showed a substantial positive correlation with plant height, internodal length, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, days to first flowering, and days to 50 per cent flowering. In contrast, a negative correlation was observed with the number of primary branches per plant. The evaluation and ranking of 25 E. prostrata genotypes based on yield-correlated traits led to the recognition of nine elite genotypes: EP 24, EP 7, EP 4, EP 11, EP 12, EP 16, EP 17, EP 20, and EP 15. Chemo profiling of methanolic extracts from selected nine superior genotypes and prostrate type, EP 23, through GC-MS analysis demonstrated a diverse range of phytochemicals, with n-hexadecanoic acid predominating in seven out of 10 genotypesWhile EP 15, EP 24, and EP 11 were characterized by major compounds including 6- [[5-(Hydroxymethyl)-2,5,8a-trimethyl-1,4,4a,6,7,8-hexahydronaphthalen-1-yl]methyl] -3-methylidene-7-oxabicyclo[4.1.0]heptane-2, 2-Hydroxy-3,5,6-trimethyl-benzo-1,4- quinone, and Quinic acid, respectively. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of quantitative traits identified 19 principal components, where the leading five components collectively explained 78.39 per cent of the variance with eigenvalues greater than one, alongside with significant clustering in the second and third quadrants and a scattered distribution of accessions across all quadrants. Further, the K prototype cluster analysis utilising the Gower distance and Ward D2 clustering methods grouped the genotypes into five clusters based on 16 qualitative and 19 quantitative traits. The majority of accessions were classified within Cluster II (12), with lesser representation in Cluster III (6) and Cluster V (4). Conversely, Cluster I (1) and Cluster IV (2) exhibited the lowest number of accessions. The current study revealed substantial diversity in 41 traits, comprising 12 qualitative, 22 quantitative, and three biochemical, associated with morphological, yield, and quality characteristics among 25 genotypes of E. prostrata. Ethanol is the most efficient solvent for phytochemical extraction, with methanol being the second most effective. The nine superior genotypes were identified as superior with a noteworthy positive correlation between fresh whole plant yield and yield-associated morphological traits, combined with distinct phytochemical profile variations among accessions identified through GC-MS analysis. These genotypes could be pivotal in advancing crop enhancement and breeding high-yielding varieties through selective breeding, thus facilitating the commercial cultivation of the crop. Further evaluation may be done on the vegetative propagation of E. prostrata for quick enhancement of elite types. Comprehensive chemo profiling and molecular characterization of genotypes, alongside the assessment of their pharmacological properties and potential clinical trials involving animal experimentation, as well as screening for downy mildewresistance, may be conducted.Item Medicinal plants as intercrops in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2021) Dayana Samson; Sindhu, P VKerala is considered a treasure house of medicinal and aromatic plants, however, due to indiscriminate harvesting; the existence of most of these plants is under threat. Cultivation is the only option to ensure the continual supply of high quality raw materials without diminishing natural resources. Due to small holding size and a greater focus on cash crops, the scope for commercial production of medicinal plants as a pure crop in Kerala is restricted. So, the practical alternative is to bring them under intercropping with priority crops such as food and commercial crops. Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is the most important starchy root crop grown in the tropics. The wide spacing, together with slow initial growth and development, makes cassava compatible to intercropping with short duration annual crops. The present study entitled “Medicinal plants as intercrops in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)” was carried out at the Agronomy farm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellanikara from September 2020 to April 2021 to assess the feasibility of intercropping cassava with the medicinal plants Indigofera tinctoria, Plectranthus vettiveroides and Sida alnifolia. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 10 treatments replicated thrice. The treatments included sole crops of cassava and medicinal plants, cassava + single row of medicinal plants, and cassava + double rows of medicinal plants. The observations on growth, yield and yield attributes of main and intercrops, and quality parameters of medicinal plants were recorded. Competitive indices and economics of cultivation were also computed. Intercropping significantly influenced the growth and yield attributes of both main and intercrops. With respect to plant height of cassava, significant variation was observed only at later stages of crop growth. Shorter cassava plants were observed when intercropped with Sida alnifolia (162.84 cm). In general, medicinal plants grown under intercropping system recorded taller plants, except for Indigofera, where sole cropping resulted in taller plants.The sole crop of cassava produced higher per plant tuber yield of 3.24 kg (32417 kg/ha) and was at par with cassava with single row of Plectranthus (3.12 kg/plant). The lowest tuber yield was recorded when cassava was intercropped with double row of Sida (1.77 kg/plant). Similar trend was observed in itop yield and dry matter production per plant. The yield of medicinal plants was the highest in sole crops, followed by single row intercropping and double row intercropping. Same trend was observed for quality parameters of medicinal plants. The quality of Indigofera tinctoria, expressed by indican content, was higher in sole crop (1.40 per cent) and was on par with single row inter crop (1.39 per cent). Sole crop of Plectranthus vettiveroides registered the highest essential oil content of 0.60 per cent, followed by cassava + single row of Plectranthus (0.40 per cent). Sole crop of Sida alnifolia produced highest total alkaloid (3.07 per cent) and was at par with single row intercrop (2.94 per cent). Cassavas intercropped with double rows of medicinal plants were more efficient in controlling weeds than sole crop of cassava or cassava + single row of medicinal plants. Sole crop of cassava recorded the highest total weed density and dry matter production at 30 DAP, 60 DAP and 90 DAP. Sida alnifolia controlled the weeds more effectively than other medicinal plants, both as sole crop or as intercrop with cassava. Competition indices like land equivalent ratio (LER), relative crowding coefficient (K or RCC), competitive ratio (CR), cassava equivalent yield (CEY) and aggressivity were assessed for evaluating intercropping efficiency. All intercropping systems recorded LER of values greater than one, indicating the yield advantage over sole cropping. The highest LER (1.41) was recorded when cassava was intercropped with double row double row of Plectranthus vettiveroides and LER was lower when Sida alnifolia was intercropped either as single row or as double rows (1.01 and 1.05 respectively). Higher RCC and CR values and positive aggressivity values for cassava indicated dominance of cassava over medicinal plants. K (RCC) of all treatments was greater than one, indicating yield advantage of the system. The highest CEY was recorded for cassava + Indigofera as double row, with cassava equivalent yield of 43895 kg/ha, and the lowest CEY was for sole crop of Sida alnifolia (3000 kg/ha). Among the medicinal plants evaluated, Indigofera tinctoria, either as double row or as single row, could be recommended as the best medicinal intercrop for cassava. Intercropping cassava with single row Plectranthus vettiveroides was the next best alternative.Item Optimizing propagation techniques in neelayamari (Indigofera tinctoria L.)(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Mekha Mariam, Abraham; Krishnakumary, KIndia is acknowledged as one of the world’s richest treasure trove of medicinal plants. Neelayamari (Indigofera tinctoria L.) commonly known as ‘Indian indigo’, is a commercially grown leguminous plant of medicinal importance. The extract of the leaves is reported to have remarkable effect on hair growth and in preventing juvenile greying of hair. Due to the presence of many worthy phytochemicals, the crop is being documented in ‘Ashtangahridaya’ and is being cultivated by several pharmaceutical entrepreneurs, both in public and private sector. Like most of the medicinal plants, the cheapest method of propagation of this crop is through seeds. However, poor germination and vigour of seeds is a major problem in Neelayamari. In addition, heavy loss in seed yield occurs due to the splitting of pods at maturity. The study ‘Optimizing propagation techniques in Neelayamari (Indigofera tinctoria L.)’ was conducted in the Department of Plantation crops and Spices, with the objectives of standardizing the physiological maturity stage in Indigofera tinctoria L. for seed harvest, presowing seed treatments to enhance seed quality and longevity and vegetative propagation technique in Indigofera tinctoria L. through stem cuttings. In order to assess the stage of attainment of physiological maturity for seed harvest in Neelayamari, flowers were tagged on the day of anthesis and the pods were harvested at five days interval from 30 days of anthesis up to the pod splitting stage (63 days after anthesis). It was observed that the values of pod, seed and seedling characters increased up to 45 days after anthesis to reach their highest and thereafter declined till the pod splitting stage (63 days after anthesis). Germination and vigour indices at 45 days after anthesis were 73.80 per cent, 485 and 294 respectively and those at the pod splitting stage were found to be 31.33 per cent, 132 and 65 respectively. Hence, it was inferred that the seeds of Neelayamari reached physiological maturity stage by 45 days after anthesis. The seeds harvested at physiological maturity were dried to 8 per cent moisture content and subjected to various seed treatments before being packed in 700 gauge polyethylene bags. Untreated seeds served as the control. The seeds were stored under ambient conditions upto six months. The scarification treatments included treatment with Conc. H2SO4 for 5, 10 and 15 minutes, mechanical scarification with sand, hot water treatment at 80oC for 20 minutes and 60oC for 30 minutes and hydration for 24 hours. The quality parameters of the stored seeds were recorded at monthly intervals during the storage period and were put for germination test in sterilized sand media. Results pointed out that most of the seed treatments were effective in enhancing germination. High initial germination was recorded in mechanically scarified (95.83 %) and hydrated seeds (93.27%), while the untreated seeds showed a germination of 74.33 per cent. Vigour index I (703 and 698 respectively) and II (430 and 428 respectively) were also the highest in these treatments. Seed treatment with sulphuric acid, however, proved to be detrimental. Seed treatment also helped in extending the viability of the seeds. Mechanically scarified and hydrated seeds retained their germination above 60 per cent for six months during storage (65.67% and 63.67% respectively), while, in untreated seeds, germination reached 61.33 per cent at four months of storage and declined to 44.34 per cent by six months of storage. Seeds treated with sulphuric acid never attained the germination of sixty per cent throughout the storage period and those treated with sulphuric acid for 15 minutes failed to germinate at sixth month of storage. EC was found to be the lowest in hydrated seeds (0.0011 dSm-1) and mechanically scarified seeds (0.0012 dSm-1). The results thus indicated that mechanical scarification of seeds or hydropriming for 24 h can not only improve seed germination and seed quality but also prolong the longevity of the seeds. It was also noticed that all the seed quality parameters declined along the storage period. Attempt to assess the possibility of vegetative propagation in Neelayamari was carried out using hardwood, semi-hardwood and softwood cuttings, exposed to varying doses of IBA (250 ppm, 500 ppm, 750 ppm, 1000 ppm, 1500 ppm, 2000 ppm and 2500 ppm) and charcoal slurry dip. The cuttings were planted in polythene bags and were maintained in a mist chamber. Initially, the experiment was conducted during summer season and only the softwood cuttings treated with 2000 (8.89%) and 1500 ppm IBA (5.53%) survived after 60 days of planting, while all others withered and dried off. The experiment was then repeated during rainy season and the best results were obtained in the season. Softwood cuttings treated with 2000 ppm IBA during rainy season exhibited early sprouting (7.18 days) and a field establishment of 70.67 per cent. In comparison, the semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings exhibited very low establishment rates of 21.77 per cent and 17.90 per cent respectively. Hence, it was evident that vegetative propagation using softwood cuttings treated with 2000 ppm IBA during rainy season can be relied upon as an alternative propagation method in Neelayamari.Item Assessment of antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties of chlorophytum laxum R.Br.(Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Arundhathy, G B; Suja, S RThe thesis entitled ‘Assessment of antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties of Chlorophytum laxum R. Br.’ was carried out in the Ethnomedicine and Ethnopharmacology Division of Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI), Palode, Thiruvananthapuram during the academic year 2017-2018. The objective of the study was to scientifically evaluate antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties of an ethnomedicinal plant Chlorophytum laxum R. Br. (Neeruvatti). Chlorophytum laxum R. Br. (Neeruvatti), herbaceous plant of family Liliaceae is one of the important medicinal plant seen in grasslands. The tubers of Chlorophytum laxum R. Br. were collected from the hills of Western Ghats and maintained at JNTBGRI to conduct the pharmacological studies. Extraction procedures were carried to prepare the drugs of different doses for the study. Acute oral toxicity studies in mice and antiinflammatory studies in rats, were done as pharmacological analysis. The preliminary phytochemical investigation, tubers of Chlorophytum laxum has shown the presence of secondary metabolites like carbohydrates, phenols, alkaloids, proteins, steroids, tannin, saponins and glycosides that may be responsible for its medicinal properties. The content of total phenols in the ethanolic extract of Chlorophytum laxum expressed as gallic acid equivalents per gram of dry extract is 5.12 mg GA/g of extract. Toxicity studies of tuber extract were investigated in Swiss albino mice for 14 days by the administration of 4 doses 5, 50, 300 and 2000 mg/kg body weight and no symptoms of toxicity were seen in the animals even up to the highest dose. In detailed pharmacological studies, antiinflammatory potential of tuber extract was investigated in vivo by carrageenan induced paw oedema and formalin induced paw oedema and in vitro by HRBC membrane stabilization assay. The extract were administered at doses of 50, 150 and 450 mg/kg body weight orally in adult wistar rats and the maximum percentage inhibition of paw oedema in the right hind limb was shown by ECL 450 mg/kg in both the methods. ECL at higher concentration protect significantly the hypotonicity induced haemolysis of HRBC by in vitro antiinflammatory analysis. The antioxidant effect of ethanolic extract of C. laxum showed IC50 of 36.62 μg/mL in hydroxyl radical scavenging, 68.91 μg/mL in nitric oxide radical scavenging and 135.67 μg/mL in antilipid peroxidation assay. Total antioxidant capacity of ethanolic extract of tubers of C. laxum was found to be 90.04 μg AAE/g of dry extract. The antioxidant potential of C. laxum was compared with a standard and the results obtained gives the significant effect and almost equal effect. The results of current study will help to develop a monograph of the drug for reference. These results substantiate the traditional claim of the plant for its medicinal use.Item Physiological and biochemical studies on growth, development and yield of ginger (Zingiber officinale rosc.)as influlenced by bioinoculants and phosphorus fertilization(Department of Plant Physiology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Amritha Lekshmi, M G; Viji, M MItem Prospects and challenges of medicinal plant cultivation in homesteads of Thrissur district(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2018) Roshni Thampi; Mercykutty, M JMedicinal plants are priceless gifts of nature. The State of Kerala is enormously graced with a rich biodiversity of medicinal plants due to its diverse agro-climatic conditions. In Kerala, cultivation of medicinal plants is confined to homesteads, along the boundary of farms, forest areas, leased land and as intercrops in coconut or rubber plantations. Ayurvedic medicine manufacturing units and practitioners use considerable quantities of parts of medicinal plants as raw drugs. Consequently there is excessive harvest of medicinal plants from forest areas which seriously threatens not only the future supply but also leads to extinction of medicinal plant species. For sustainable utilization of medicinal plants these species are to be conserved, hence it is necessary to cultivate medicinal plants to meet the internal and external demand. The study was primarily intended to assess the knowledge of homestead farmers on cultivation of medicinal plants, profile characteristics of homestead farmers and the influence of socio-economic attributes on knowledge level. The medicinal plant diversity, use of medicinal plants as home-remedies and ITK were documented and challenges in medicinal plant cultivation were analyzed. The study also tried to prescribe suggestions for popularization and area expansion of medicinal plant cultivation. The study was conducted in the Thrissur district of Kerala state. The sample included 90 farmers drawn from 3 blocks of the district namely Kodakara, Pazhayannur and Wadakkanchery and 30 extension personnel. Data were collected by using structured interview schedules and focused group discussions. The results revealed that 68.90 per cent of medicinal plant cultivators had medium knowledge level on cultivation of medicinal plants with Mean Score Index (MSI) of 65.26. It was observed that Kodakara block had highest MSI in production (93.30) followed by plant protection (70.00) technologies. However, all the three blocks had comparatively low MSI for post-harvest technologies. Correlation of profile characteristics with knowledge level showed that out of 20 variables, 16 variables had significant and positive relationship. The variables mass media exposure, social participation, trainings undergone, education and attitude towards organic farming had shown higher positive correlation with knowledge. The study also assessed the diversity of medicinal plants in homesteads. Pazhayannur and Wadakkanchery blocks recorded almost similar high diversity (0.905 and 0.904 respectively) of medicinal plants followed by Kodakara block (0.861). Sixty two medicinal plants were identified which are very commonly seen in the study area including 11 medicinal trees, 17 medicinal shrubs, 27 medicinal herbs and 7 climbers. Documentation of indigenous traditional knowledge on use of medicinal plants was done along with identification of common home remedies. The study revealed that respondents are highly knowledgeable about use of medicinal plants as home remedies. The major challenges in medicinal plant cultivation perceived by farmers of Wadakkanchery and Pazhayannur blocks were lack of marketing facilities, poor knowledge on cultivation aspects and post-harvest handling, exploitation of middlemen and inadequate storage facilities. However, Kodakara farmers had perceived differently. These could be overcome by providing peripatetic trainings focused on knowledge and skills, promoting group farming and buy back arrangements with medicine manufacturers and ensuring adequate price. Major interventions required for promotion of medicinal plant cultivation are providing proper marketing channels and minimizing involvement of middle men. Farmers should be made aware of the agencies through which they could possibly sell their products. For fostering medicinal plant cultivation, awareness cum training programmes on production practices, preservation, processing and cluster farming under societies can be popularized among homestead farmers and self-help groups. For promising areas, strategies for encouraging entrepreneurship may be designed and implemented.Item Scientific validation of antiinflammatory, antinociceptive and antioxidant potential of malavirinji (Actinodaphne bourdillonii Gamble)(Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Adarsh Prathap; Suja, S RItem Analysis of marketing management practices of cosmetic products in Oushadhi(College of Co-operation Banking and Management, Vellanikkara, 2017) Aswini, V S; Smitha BabyItem Diversity analysis and reproductive biology of milk yam (Ipomoea digitata L.)(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2017) Vidya, K M; Jessykutty, P CItem Diversity, structure and standing stock of timber in the homegardens of Thrissur district, Kerala(Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2017) Subu R Unnithan; Kunhamu, T K