1. KAUTIR (Kerala Agricultural University Theses Information and Retrieval)
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Item Ethnopharmacology and technology standardisation for quality retention of hepatoprotective phyto resources.(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2022-03-09) Nimisha Roslin Benny; Sonia N SThe present study entitled “Ethnopharmacology and technology standardisation for quality retention of hepatoprotective phyto resources” was carried out in the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period 2019-2021 to identify the potential hepatoprotective medicinal plants used by Kuruma tribes in Wayanad district and standardise the drying and extraction techniques for retention of hepatoprotective activity. Ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological survey was carried out among Kuruma tribes of seven different tribal settlements from Sulthan Bathery taluk of Wayanad district viz., Choyimoola, Kayappura, Kottanod, Mathamangalam, Oorankunnu, Pilakkavu and Valluvadi recorded 37 different phyto resources and its 46 indigenous hepatoprotective remedies. Among them the most effective and the frequently used hepatoprotective phyto resources are Adhatoda vasica Nees (leaves), Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa. (leaves), Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br (bark), Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. (bark), Centella asiatica L. (leaves), Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. (rhizome), Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. (leaves), Eclipta prostrata (L.) (leaves), Lawsonia inermis L. (leaves) and Tinospora cordifolia Miers. (stem). Macerated acetone extracts of T.cordifolia stem (24.02%), followed by E. prostrata (L.) leaves (27.27%), C. dactylon leaves (30.42%), C. asiatica L. leaves (32.84%) and A. scholaris bark (36.84) prepared by conventional drying method (sun drying) showed superior in vitro hepatoprotective activity (HepG2 cell toxicity) and hence were selected for further study on drying protocol development. The crude drugs were subject to five different drying methods viz., shade drying, sun drying, drying in cabinet drier at 50ºC, 60ºC and 70ºC and two extraction techniques viz., soxhlet extraction and maceration. The prepared crude drug acetone extracts were analysed for physical and phytochemical quality parameters. Acetone extract of all the crude drugs contained alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phenols and saponins. Phytosterols were absent. A. scholaris bark acetone extract prepared through drying the crude drug in cabinet drier at 60°C (21.40 h) and extracted through soxhlet extraction (24.08 h) recorded significantly higher total alkaloids (33.26 μg AE mg-1), cardiac glycosides (2.87 μg DE mg-1) and total phenols (148.08 μg GAE mg-1). C. asiatica leaf acetone extract prepared through drying the crude drug under shade (167.68 h) and extracted through soxhlet extraction (21.15 h) recorded significantly higher total alkaloids (50.86 μg AE mg 1), cardiac glycosides (9.48 μg DE mg-1) and total flavonoids (81.88 μg QE mg-1). C. dactylon leaf acetone extract prepared through drying the crude drug under shade (144.21 h) and extracted through soxhlet extraction (20.20 h) recorded significantly higher cardiac glycosides (11.53 μg DE mg-1), total flavonoids (44.64 μg QE mg-1), total phenols (262.92 μg GAE mg-1) and total saponins (40.81 μg DE mg-1). E. prostrata leaf acetone extract prepared by drying the crude drug in cabinet drier at 50°C (10.17 h) and extracted through soxhlet extraction (22.20 h) recorded significantly higher total flavonoids (42.99 μg QE mg-1), total phenols (71.14 μg GAE mg-1) and total saponins (49.31 μg DE mg-1). T. cordifolia stem acetone extract prepared by drying the crude drug in cabinet drier at 50°C (14.27 h) and extracted by soxhlet extraction (24.10 h) recorded significantly higher cardiac glycosides (13.49 μg DE mg-1), total phenols (76.81 μg GAE mg-1) and total saponins (50.11 μg DE mg-1). The crude drug extracts prepared through standardised protocol were subjected to in vitro pharmacological studies. T. cordifolia stem acetone extract prepared by drying the crude drug in cabinet drier at 50°C and extracted through soxhlet extraction recorded significantly highest in vitro antioxidant activity (80.33% DPPH radical scavenging activity) as well as in vitro hepatoprotective activity (15.72% cytotoxicity). The study revealed that acetone extracts of the crude drug prepared using standardized protocol could retain 8.30% (T. cordifolia), 10.15% (E. prostrata), 6.99% (C. dactylon), 4.79% (C. asiatica) and 6.40% (A. scholaris) more in vitro hepatoprotective activity (cytotoxicity) than the conventionally dried ones.Item Identification and characterisation of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) genotypes of southern Kerala(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2021-11-21) Nainu Joseph.; Sreekala, G SThe research work on “Identification and characterisation of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) genotypes of Southern Kerala” was undertaken during 2020-21 at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. A survey was conducted in the nutmeg growing belts of Agro-Ecological Unit (AEU) 4 of Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts, AEU 8 of Thiruvanathapuram district, AEU 9 of Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Thiruvanathapuram districts, AEU 12 of Kottayam and Kollam districts and AEU 14 of Pathanamthitta district for identification of nutmeg genotypes with superior yield and variability. Among the fifty nutmeg genotypes surveyed twenty one genotypes were selected for characterization and in situ evaluation. The twenty one selected nutmeg genotypes from homesteads and estates were denoted as KDR 1, MNA 2, MNA 3, MNA 4, MPY 5, MPY 6, MPY 7, MPY 8, NLD 9, NLD 10, PND 11, PND 12, PKM 13, PLA 14, PLA 15, PLA 16, PLA 17, PRA 18, VNI 19, VNI 20 and VNI 21 based on the location of study. Qualitative and quantitative characterization of twenty one genotypes was undertaken for tree, leaf, flower, fruit and seed characters. Based on the DUS guidelines provided by PPV & FRA (2015) and minimal descriptor developed (Vikram, 2016) on nutmeg, thirty six qualitative characters were observed in the study in which height of tree, sex form, presence of caruncle and fruit length were non variable characters. The thirty two variable qualitative characters were subjected to hierarchical cluster analysis. UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetical Averages) dendrogram was generated from the qualitative characters and fourteen clusters were formed at 65 percent similarity. Based on the clusters formed in the dendrogram, genotypes namely, MNA 3, NLD 9, NLD 10, PRA 18 and PLA 16 were closely related (cluster II), MPY 5 and PKM 13 (cluster III), PKD 11 and PLA 15 (cluster IV) and PLA 17 and VNI 20 (cluster VI). KDR 1 with yellow mace formed a separate cluster (Cluster I). The monoecious genotype VNI 21 was distinctly different from other clusters. Thirty two quantitative characters including biochemical characters were observed in the selected genotypes. Under the multivariate analysis for quantitative characters, principal component analysis was used as a statistical tool to interpret the parameters. The thirty two quantitative characters were reduced to eight principal component groups contributing a total variance of 84.518%. Based on the loadings in principal components 1 and 2, score plot and biplot was generated. The score plot grouped genotypes into 15 clusters in which genotypes with superior yield namely, PKD 11, PLA 14, NLD 9, PKM 13 and PRA 18 formed unique clusters. The pooled mean of yield characters revealed that five genotypes namely PKD 11, PLA 14, NLD 9, PKM 13 and PRA 18 were superior in yield. Significantly superior number of fruits per tree, fresh and dry mace yield and fresh nut yield per tree was observed in PKD 11 which was followed by PLA 14 with high yield in terms of number of fruits per tree, mace, nut and kernel yield. Significantly superior dry nut and kernel yield was obtained in NLD 9. PKM 13 and PRA 18 also recorded significantly high number of fruits per tree, dry mace, dry nut and dry kernel yield as compared to other genotypes. Thirty six qualitative characters were reduced to a minimal descriptor of eight characters namely, crown shape, shape of leaf blade, number of flowers per cluster, nature of fruit bearing, colour of mace (fresh), mace covering pattern, attachment of mace to nut and seed colour. Thirty two quantitative characters was reduced to a minimal data set of five characters such as number of flowers per cluster, height of tree, fruit weight, single kernel weight (dry) and fruit set percentage. Those genotypes with best combinations of these qualitative and quantitative characters can be selected for yield in nutmeg. Thus based on the identification, characterization and in situ evaluation for two years, PKD 11, PLA 14, NLD 9, PKM 13 and PRA 18 with superior yield and yellow maced genotype KDR 1 were selected for future crop improvement studies in nutmeg.Item Ethnopharmacology and technology standardisation for quality retention of anti-diabetic phyto resources(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture ,Vellayani, 2022-03-15) Arya ,S S; Sonia ,N SThe present investigation entitled “Ethnopharmacology and technology standardisation for quality retention of anti-diabetic phyto resources” was carried out in the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period 2019-2021 to identify the potential anti-diabetic medicinal plants used by Kuruma tribes in Wayanad district and standardise the drying and extraction techniques for retention of anti-diabetic activity. Analysis of phytochemical composition as well as pharmacological activity of crude drugs was also envisaged in the study. An ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological survey conducted in Kuruma tribes of seven different tribal settlements from Sulthan Bathery taluk of Wayanad district viz; Choyimoola, Kayappura, Kottanod, Mathamangalam, Oorankunnu, Pilakkavu and Valluvadi recorded 31 different phytoresources and its 47 indigenous anti-diabetic remedies. Among them the most effective and frequently used antidiabetic phytoresources are Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. Leaves, Cassia fistula L. flowers, Coscinium fenestratum (Goetgh.) Coleb. stem, Desmodium gangeticum (L.)DC. stem, Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. bark, Saraca asoka Roxb. Willd. Flowers, Simarouba glauca DC. leaves, Syzygium cumini L. Skeels. seeds, Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wight & Arn. Bark and Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers. stem. Macerated acetone extracts of T. arjuna (Roxb.) Wight &Arn. bark (71.36%), P. marsupium Roxb. bark (70.66%), S. cumini L. Skeels. seeds (56.9%), S. asoka Roxb. Willd. flowers (50.36%), D. gangeticum (L.)DC. stem (36.53%) through conventional drying method (sun drying) showed superior in vitro anti-diabetic activity (alpha amylase enzyme inhibition) hence selected for further drying protocol development study. The crude drugs were subjected to five different drying methods viz., shade drying, sun drying, drying in cabinet drier at 50ºC, 60ºC and 70ºC and two extraction techniques viz., soxhlet extraction and maceration. The prepared crude drug acetone extracts were analysed for physical and phytochemical quality parameters. Acetone extracts of all crude drugs contain alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phenols and saponins. Phytosterols was absent. T. arjuna bark acetone extract prepared through drying the crude drug in cabinet drier at 60°C (17.00 h) and extracted through soxhlet extraction (24.20 h) recorded higher quantity of total alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, total flavonoids, total phenols and total saponins, 70.02 μg AE mg-1 , 11.05 μg DE mg-1 , 52.67 μg QE mg-1 , 310.36 μg GAE mg-1 and 77.72 μg DE mg-1 . P. marsupium Roxb. bark acetone extract prepared through drying the crude drug in cabinet drier at 70°C (21.00h) and extracted through soxhlet extraction (22.30h) recorded significantly higher quantity of cardiac glycosides and total phenols, 11.54 μg DE mg-1 190.29μg GAE mg-1 . S. cumini seed acetone extract prepared through drying the crude drug in cabinet drier at 50°C (15.00 h) and extracted through maceration extraction (47.78 h) recorded higher quantity of total alkaloids, cardiac glycosides and total phenols, 77.75 μg AE mg-1 , 11.49 μg DE mg-1 , and 142.82 μg GAE mg-1 . S. asoca Roxb. Willd. flowers acetone extract prepared through drying the crude drug under shade (102.10h) and extracted through maceration extraction (47.60h) recorded higher quantity of total alkaloids, cardiac glycosides and total phenols, 65.95 μg AE mg-1 , 11.03 μg DE mg-1 , and 145.62 μg GAE mg-1 . D. gangeticum (L.)DC. stem acetone extract prepared through drying the crude drug in cabinet drier at 60°C (12.05h) and extracted through maceration extraction (20.36 h) recorded significantly higher quantity of cardiac glycosides, total flavonoids and total saponins, 11.67 μg DE mg-1 , 53.53 μg QE mg-1 and 39.06 μg DE mg-1 . The crude drug extracts prepared through standardised protocol were subjected to in vitro pharmacological studies. T. arjuna (Roxb.) Wight & Arn. bark acetone extract prepared by drying the crude drug in cabinet drier at 60°C and extracted through soxhlet extraction recorded significantly highest in vitro anti-oxidant activity (72.62% DPPH radical scavenging activity) as well as in vitro anti-diabetic activity (73.21% alpha amylase enzyme inhibition). This study revealed that acetone extracts of crude drugs prepared using standardised protocols could retain 1.85% (Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wight &Arn. bark), 1.83% (Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. bark), 2.40% (Syzygium cumini L. Skeels. seed), 2.61% (Saraca asoka Roxb. Willd. flowers) and 2.22% (Desmodium gangeticum (L.)DC. stem) more in vitro anti-diabetic activity than the conventionally dried ones.Item Development of coconut [Cocos nucifera (L.)] inflorescence based dietary supplement(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2023-03-18) Keerthy Chandran; Sonia N SThe present investigation entitled “Development of coconut [Cocos nucifera (L.)] inflorescence based dietary supplement” was carried out in the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period 2020-2022 with the objective to identify the ideal maturity stage of harvesting coconut inflorescence, development of good quality coconut inflorescence powder, protocol for development of coconut inflorescence based dietary supplement having superior nutritional and pharmacological properties along with shelf-life assessment of the developed dietary supplement. Coconut inflorescence at four different stages viz., 7 – 10 months before inflorescence opening (S1), 5 – 6 months before inflorescence opening (S2), 3 – 4 months before inflorescence opening (S3) and at inflorescence opening (S4) were dried, powdered, analysed for in vitro antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging assay) and sensory quality was analysed by using a porridge out of it. S2 stage recorded the highest antioxidant activity, 88.77% DPPH free radical inhibition and sensory quality viz., colour (97.65), taste (100.20), flavour (103.00), consistency (95.22) and mouth feel (94.35). Hence, coconut inflorescence harvested at five to six months before inflorescence opening (S2) was identified as the ideal stage for the development of coconut inflorescence powder (CIP). CIP having superior nutritional and sensory quality could be prepared by soaking the chopped inflorescence in anti-browning agent combination: citric acid (1%) + sodium chloride (1%) for five minutes followed by drying in hot-air oven at 60°C. The nutritional composition of the developed CIP (100 g) is carbohydrate (4.67 g), protein (8.82 g), fat (1.96 g), calcium (195.25 mg), iron (0.84 mg), sodium (16.54 mg), vitamin A (973.50 µg), vitamin C (33.46 mg), crude fibre (57.14 g) and total ash (0.82 g). Mean rank value for the sensory attributes viz., colour, consistency, flavour, mouth feel and taste were 546.23, 527.35, 526.28, 541.35 and 525.15, respectively. Coconut inflorescence dietary supplement (CIDS) containing CIP, ragi, green 128 gram and sesame in the proportion 70: 10: 10: 10 (DS3) recorded 81.14% DPPH radical scavenging inhibition (in vitro antioxidant activity), 84.97% alpha amylase inhibition (in vitro anti-diabetic activity) and superior sensory attributes (mean rank value- colour: 162.95, taste: 162.47, flavour: 162.00, consistency: 163.05, mouth feel: 162.07). The nutritional composition of the of the developed CIDS (100 g) is carbohydrate (18.40 g 100 g-1), protein (13.42 g 100 g-1), fat (2.01 g 100 g-1), calcium (202.40 mg 100 g-1), iron (1.82 mg 100 g-1), sodium (19.81 mg 100 g-1), vitamin A (963.70 µg 100 g-1), vitamin C (39.80 mg 100 g-1), crude fibre (43.68 g 100 g-1) and total ash (2.57 g 100 g-1). The CIDS was subjected to further storage study for shelf life assessment. Coconut inflorescence dietary supplement packaged using aluminium foil covers and stored under refrigerated condition (P4S2) recorded the lowest peroxide value (8.01 meq. O2 kg-1), bacterial count (1.00 cfu g-1 × 107), fungal count (1.67 cfu g-1 × 105) and yeast count (1.00 cfu g-1 × 103) after three months of storage. The study revealed that the ideal maturity stage for harvesting coconut inflorescence for the development of dietary supplement is five to six months before inflorescence opening. Coconut Inflorescence Powder (CIP) could be prepared by soaking the chopped inflorescence pieces (1cm3) in a combination of 1% citric acid and 1% sodium chloride for five minutes followed by drying in hot-air oven at 60°C. Coconut inflorescence dietary supplement (CIDS) could be prepared by compositing CIP, ragi, green gram and sesame in 70:10:10:10 ratio. CIDS could be packaged using aluminium foil covers and stored under refrigerated condition for an improved shelf life of three months.Item Standardization of propagation and performance assessment of mechanical harvesters in clove (Syzigium aromaticum (L) Merr. & Perry)(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2023-05-08) Rejith, S; Sreekala, G SThe present investigation entitled “Standardization of propagation and performance assessment of mechanical harvesters in clove (Syzigium aromaticum (L) Merr. & Perry).” was carried out in the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period 2020-2022 with the objective of standardization of seed treatment for improved seed germination, grafting method and performance assessment of mechanical harvesters in clove. Clove is commercially propagated by seeds but the viability of the clove seed is less and germination is generally poor. Hence, to improve the seed germination rate an experiment was conducted using seven seed pretreatments and were compared with the control. Freshly harvested fully matured clove fruits are collected and subjected to different pretreatments viz. IAA 20 ppm (T1), GA3 50 ppm (T2), GA3 100ppm (T3), PGPR Mix Ⅰ 5 per cent formulation (T4), PGPR Mix II 5 per cent formulation (T5), Piriformospora indica 105cfu/ml (T6), carbendazim 0.1% (T7) and control (T8). These pretreated seeds were sown in protrays and kept under two growth condition viz. polyhouse with temperature and humidity control (C1) and polyhouse without temperature and humidity control (C2). T1 C1 recorded the highest germination and survival percentage of 90% at 3MAS, basal shoot girth of 0.42cm, mean germination time of 33.15 days, mean germination rate of 3.02 x10-2day-1, coefficient of velocity of germination of 3.21x10-2, germination rate index of 26.82 %/day, germination index of 1477.30, root shoot ratio of 0.50 and allometric index of 0.99. At the same time T2C1 recorded the highest number of leaves of 7, leaf length of 6.90cm, leaf breadth of 2.76cm, leaf area of 12.37cm2, shoot length of 15.51cm, fresh shoot weight of 2.28g, dry shoot weight of 0.48g, root length of 13.85cm, fresh root weight of 0.43g, dry shoot weight of 0.17g, seedling vigour index Ⅰ of 2598.26 and seedling vigour index Ⅱ of 55.02. Even though seed treatment of IAA 20ppm along with growth condition in Polyhouse with temperature and humidity control was identified as ideal for better seed germination, seed treatment of GA3 50ppm along with growth condition in polyhouse with temperature and humidity control showed superior seedling growth characters. 138 Clove is commercially propagated by seed and development of any vegetative method of propagation can be helpful in reducing the height of the crop, early yield and true to type. The percentage of success to propagate clove by vegetative method was less. The production of phenol content may be one reason for this. Hence methods to overcome the phenol content was tried along with different grafting methods. The treatments included approach grafting without antioxidant treatment (T1), approach grafting with antioxidant treatment (T2), soft wood grating without antioxidant treatment (T3), soft wood grafting with antioxidant treatment (T4), epicotyl grafting without antioxidant treatment (T5), epicotyl grafting with antioxidant treatment (T6), patch budding without antioxidant treatment (T7), patch budding with antioxidant treatment (T8) kept under two growth conditions viz. polyhouse with temperature and humidity control (C1), polyhouse without temperature and humidity control (C2). At the end of 6 months, T2C1 recorded higher number of leaves (13.30), length of leaves (4.51) and breadth of leaves (2.46). Hence approach grafting with antioxidant treatment with growth condition of Polyhouse with temperature and humidity control is found to be best for the vegetative propagation of clove Performance assessment of mechanical harvesters and manual harvesting in clove were analysed. Mechanical harvesters such as VIMAL 2 stage tree pole pruner (T1), Wolf-Garten Bypass steel Telescopic pruner (T2), SHAFIRE Steel Blade Hand Pruner (T3) and Manual harvesting(T4) were compared. Manual harvesting was found to be more economically feasible, taking only less time for postharvest cleaning operation with significantly lower operator fatigue and high field coverage.Item Growth responses in Curcuma longa L. to application of chitin and chitosan(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2023-05-06) Karthika ThankachanThe present study entitled “Growth responses in Curcuma longa L. to application of chitin and chitosan” was conducted at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during 2020-2023 with the objective to evaluate plant growth, yield and curcumin content of Curcuma longa L. in response to soil application of biopolymers, chitin and its deacetylated derivative, chitosan. The planting material of turmeric variety Sona for the study was procured from College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara. The rhizomes were cut into small bits of 8-10g, each consisting of two buds and were sown in protrays. After 30 days, the plantlets were transplanted to growbags. Chitin was applied to potting media and chitosan solution was applied as soil drenching (SD) at varying concentrations and frequencies viz., at transplanting (0 MAT) and 60 days after transplanting (2 MAT), to study the growth responses in C. longa. A foliar spray (FS) with chitosan @ 0.1% at monthly intervals was given as positive control. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with ten treatments and three replications. The treatment consisted of chitin 10 g per plant applied at 0 MAT (T1), chitin 10 g per plant applied at 0 MAT and 2 MAT (T2), chitin 15 g per plant applied at 0 MAT (T3), chitin 15 g per plant applied at 0 MAT and 2 MAT (T4), chitosan 0.2 % SD at 0 MAT (T5), chitosan 0.2 % SD at 0 MAT and 2 MAT (T6), chitosan 0.6 % SD at 0 MAT (T7), chitosan 0.6 % SD at 0 MAT and 2 MAT (T8), chitosan 0.10% FS at monthly intervals (T9) and absolute control without chitin or chitosan (T10). The observations on plant growth parameters viz., plant height, number of leaves, number of tillers and leaf area were recorded at monthly intervals from 0 to 6 MAT. These parameters showed significant variation among the treatments. At 6 MAT, T9 recorded maximum plant height (116.76 cm) which was observed to be on par with T3. The number of leaves (24.95) and leaf area (896.27 cm 2 ) were also observed to be maximum in T9 which was on par with T3 and T4. T9 reported maximum number of tillers (6.83) also. The data on rhizome and root parameters were recorded at harvest. The rhizome spread (25.48 cm) and thickness (3.79 cm) were found to be maximum in T9 and was on par with T2, T3 and T4. The application of chitin and chitosan did not influence root length and root spread of turmeric rhizome. The root weight was found highest in T9 (fresh - 29.58 g plant-1 and dry – 13.66 g plant-1 ), which was on par with T1, T2, T3 and T4. The effect of chitin and chitosan application on chlorophyll content and defense enzymes (peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase) were recorded at 4 and 6 MAT. T9 exhibited higher leaf chlorophyll, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase content at both the stages. The quality parameters viz., carbohydrate, volatile oil, oleoresin, curcumin content of turmeric rhizome were found to be significantly influenced by the application of chitin and chitosan. The carbohydrate content was also observed to be higher in T9 (14.49 mg g-1 ) and was on par with T3 and T4. T9 reported the highest volatile oil (5.13 %), oleoresin (13.30 %) and curcumin (8.06 %) content, which was found to be on par with T1, T2, T3 and T4. The population of beneficial microorganisms present in the plant root zone was significantly influenced by the application of chitin and chitosan. T4 recorded the highest nitrogen fixing bacterial count (72.20 x 103 cfu g-1 soil). The largest population of phosphate solubilizers (7.10 x 103 cfu g-1 soil) was also recorded in T4, which was on par with T3 and T8. The chitin and chitosan treatments significantly influenced the yield parameters of turmeric. The number, length, girth and weight of mother, primary and secondary rhizomes were found to be highest in T9. The number of fingers were found to be the highest in T3 (32.27) which was on par with T9 (31.40). T9 recorded significantly higher fresh (504.93 g plant-1 ) and dry (137.23 g plant-1 ) rhizome yield. Total dry matter content (191.27 g plant-1 ) was found to be the highest in T9. This value was on par with T3. The uptake of N and P was found to be significantly higher in T3 and T9. There was no significant variation among the treatments in the uptake of K. The harvest index of turmeric plants showed significant variation among the treatments. The harvest index was reported to be the highest in T9. Among the various treatments tried, significantly higher benefit cost ratio (1.88) was observed with T9. In the study, among the treatments involving foliar and soil application of chitin and chitosan, the foliar spray of 0.1% chitosan at monthly intervals exhibited the best results in terms of growth, metabolite production, yield and benefit cost ratio. On comparing the soil application of chitin and chitosan, chitin 15 g per plant applied at transplanting showed better performance with respect to growth, metabolite production and yield. This treatment (T3), though followed chitosan foliar spray with respect to yield, was observed to be on par with respect to quality parameters. All the treatments involving chitin application gave better performance in terms of yield and quality (volatile oil, oleoresin and curcumin content) over the control and in comparison to the soil application of chitosan. Based on the observations of the presentItem Diversity analysis of chittamruthu [Tinospora cordifolia (WILLD.)] accessions from the northern districts of Kerala(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2023-02-10) Dhanya, T; Sonia, N SThe present investigation entitled “Diversity analysis of Chittamruthu [Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.)] accessions from the Northern districts of Kerala” was carried out in the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period 2020-2022 with the objectives to estimate the genetic variation in Chittamruthu accessions using SSR markers and its phytochemical screening. Chittamruthu plant samples (25 nos.) were identified and collected from 25 different locations in the 13 Agro-Ecological Units (AEUs) of North Kerala viz., AEU 2 [Mundayad, Kannur and Elathur, Kozhikode], AEU 6 [Thavanoor, Malapuram and Iringalakkuda, Thrissur], AEU 7 [Cherukunnu, Kannur and Pilicode, Kasaragod], AEU 10 [Chelakkara, Thrissur and Madakkathara, Thrissur], AEU 11 [Kakkodi, Kozhikode and Elamkulam, Malappuram], AEU 13 [Nilamboor, Malapuram and Peravoor, Kannur], AEU 15 [Kelakam, Kannur and Kottiyoor, Kannur], AEU 18 [Attapadi, Palakkad and Sholayur, Palakkad], AEU 19 [Attapadi, Palakkad and Pudur, Palakkad], AEU 20 [Ambalavayal, Wayanad and Kalpatta, Wayanad], AEU 21 [Pulpalli, Wayanad and Thirunelli, Wayanad], AEU 22 [Puthuppariyaram, Palakkad and Vadakkancherry, Palakkad] and AEU 23 [Pattancherry, Palakkad]. The indigenous traditional uses of Chittamruthu plants documented through a survey done in these locations are as follows. The plant could cure cough and cold, acts as an anti-arthritis agent, a remedy for headache, treatment for indigestion and constipation, cure skin issues, cure fever, relieve pain and inflammation in joints, cure for urinary infection, treating diabetes, remedy for piles, control complications of dengue fever, control the risk of cardio- vascular disorders and used as a liver tonic. Morphological diversity analysis of Chittamruthu accessions had identified a superior accession from North Kerala viz., accession 1 (T1) from Mundayad- Kannur (AEU 2) possessing significantly higher stem diameter (1.93 cm), density of lenticels (141.33 no.s), leaf petiole length (11.13 cm), laminar length (11.07 cm), laminar breadth (12.03 cm) and leaf area (117.67 cm2 ). Molecular diversity analysis of Chittamruthu accessions were carried out using 10 SSR primers. Among them, four primers viz., TCTSSR 104, TCTSSR 92, TCTSSR126 and TCTSSR-59 found to be polymorphic in nature. The primer TCTSSR 104 was found to be more informative for diversity analysis since, it has got higher polymorphism information content (PIC) value, 0.46. The dendrogram obtained from polymorphic SSR markers using NTSYS-pc software had grouped the 25 Chittamruthu accessions into four major clusters. Cluster I and II included two accessions, cluster Ⅲ contained three accessions and cluster Ⅳ was the largest cluster containing total of 18 accessions. There exists phytochemical diversity among the 25 Chittamruthu accessions. Qualitative analysis of Chittamruthu accessions exhibited the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins and cardiac glycosides. Quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed that T3, the accession obtained from Thavanoor, Malappuram (AEU 6) recorded the highest total alkaloid (102.89 µg AE mg-1 ), total flavonoid (54.29 µg QE mg-1 ), total phenol content (116.54 µg GAE mg-1 ) and cardiac glycosides (25.87 µg DE mg-1 ). Total saponins were found to be high (72.84 µg DE mg -1 ) in the accession, T13 obtained from Kelakam, Kannur (AEU 15). The study revealed that Chittamruthu accessions collected from 13 different AEUs of Northern districts of Kerala were found to be diverse in morphological, molecular and phytochemical characteristics. The accession collected from Mundayad, Kannur (AEU 2) found to possess superior morphological parameters and accession collected from Thavanoor, Malappuram (AEU 6) found to be superior in phytochemical quality. In addition, the Chittamruthu accessions collected from different AEU’s of Northern Kerala could be clustered into four main clusters based on molecular diversity.Item Evaluation of promising brahmi (Bacopa monnieri Linn.) accessions for yield and quality(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture , Vellanikkara, 2022-10-11) Sreelakshmi , P K; Ancy , JosephBrahmi (Bacopa monnieri Linn.), belonging to family Plantaginaceae, is a herb of immense pharmaceutical significance owing to the presence of the saponin ‘bacoside’. It is widely distributed in warmer parts of the world and grows in damp or marshy areas near streams or along borders of ponds, being abundant particularly in monsoon. It is also an endangered species due to excessive collection from the wild. This necessitated the identification of varieties of brahmi suitable for commercial cultivation, in order to meet the rising demands. Hence this study was aimed at identifying suitable accessions of brahmi for cultivation, wherein 13 ecotypes selected through the preliminary screening of 52 ecotypes were evaluated for yield and secondary metabolite production. Some of the accessions under our experiment have proven to be promising in terms of high herbage yield and secondary metabolite accumulation. Thirteen promising accessions (ODBm-11, ODBm-30, ODBm-31, ODBm-32, ODBm33, ODBm-34, ODBm-35, ODBm-36, ODBm-37, ODBm-38, ODBm-39, ODBm-42, ODBm-52) identified based on yield index and bacoside content from a preliminary screening of 52 accessions at AMPRS, Odakkali, were evaluated under this study in Randomised Block Design (RBD) with three replications in one square meter plots. Two crops of 60 days duration each were taken in September and December months of 2020. Vegetative parameters were recorded at one month interval. The crop was harvested at sixty days of planting, and fresh and dry herbage yield and quality parameters were compared. Some of the accessions showed significant variation in the vegetative growth parameters of the accessions. Accessions ODBm-31, ODBm-33, ODBm-34, ODBm-36, ODBm-37, ODBm-38 and ODBm-39 showed significantly higher vine length at 1 month after planting in Season II. Accessions ODBm-33, ODBm-34, ODBm-35, ODBm-38, ODBm-39 and ODBm-42 showed higher cumulative number of branches at 1 month after planting. All accessions except ODBm-33, ODBm-35, ODBm-38 and ODBm-52 showed higher number of leaves at 2 months after planting in Season II. In terms of fresh and dry herbage yields, the accessions ODBm-33, ODBm-37 and ODBm-39 were found to be superior compared to other accessions. Direct hexane extracts ranged from 0.49 % in accession 38 to 0.69 % in accession ODBm-39 though there was no significant difference among accessions. Sequential acetone extract from hexane-extracted dry powder residue varied significantly among the accessions and ranged from 3.71 % in accession ODBm-42 to 5.61 % in accession ODBm-38. The yield of direct methanol extractives obtained ranged from 15.01 % in accession ODBm-32 to 20.32 % in accession ODBm-36, whereas sequential methanol extractives yield of dry powder residue after extraction with hexane and acetone in sequence varied from 10.60 % in accession ODBm-42 to 15.64 % in accession ODBm31 and showed a significant difference among the accessions. The bacoside content showed variation from 2.16 % to 3.35 % of dry weight. Total phenol content ranged from 6.24 mg GAE/100 mg to 9.32 mg GAE/100 mg of direct methanol extract on dry weight basis whereas the total phenol content ranged from 96.84 mg GAE/100 g to 160.88 mg GAE/100 g of whole plant dry powder. Total phenol content in direct methanolic extractives of accessions ODBm-11, ODBm-31, ODBm-34, ODBm-39 and ODBm-42 were significantly higher whereas total phenolic content in terms of content in dry powder basis were higher in accessions ODBm-11, ODBm-34, ODBm-38, ODBm-39 and ODBm-42 only. Accessions ODBm-33, ODBm-37, ODBm-39 were found to be superior in fresh and dry yield. But for the purpose of selection of high yielding, high quality accessions for cultivation, consistency in yield and quality are to be further confirmed over a few more years.Item Evaluation of promising brahmi (Bacopa monnieri Linn.) accessions for yield and quality(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture,Vellanikkara, 2022) Sreelakshmi, P K; Ancy, JosephBrahmi (Bacopa monnieri Linn.), belonging to family Plantaginaceae, is a herb of immense pharmaceutical significance owing to the presence of the saponin ‘bacoside’. It is widely distributed in warmer parts of the world and grows in damp or marshy areas near streams or along borders of ponds, being abundant particularly in monsoon. It is also an endangered species due to excessive collection from the wild. This necessitated the identification of varieties of brahmi suitable for commercial cultivation, in order to meet the rising demands. Hence this study was aimed at identifying suitable accessions of brahmi for cultivation, wherein 13 ecotypes selected through the preliminary screening of 52 ecotypes were evaluated for yield and secondary metabolite production. Some of the accessions under our experiment have proven to be promising in terms of high herbage yield and secondary metabolite accumulation. Thirteen promising accessions (ODBm-11, ODBm-30, ODBm-31, ODBm-32, ODBm33, ODBm-34, ODBm-35, ODBm-36, ODBm-37, ODBm-38, ODBm-39, ODBm-42, ODBm-52) identified based on yield index and bacoside content from a preliminary screening of 52 accessions at AMPRS, Odakkali, were evaluated under this study in Randomised Block Design (RBD) with three replications in one square meter plots. Two crops of 60 days duration each were taken in September and December months of 2020. Vegetative parameters were recorded at one month interval. The crop was harvested at sixty days of planting, and fresh and dry herbage yield and quality parameters were compared. Some of the accessions showed significant variation in the vegetative growth parameters of the accessions. Accessions ODBm-31, ODBm-33, ODBm-34, ODBm-36, ODBm-37, ODBm-38 and ODBm-39 showed significantly higher vine length at 1 month after planting in Season II. Accessions ODBm-33, ODBm-34, ODBm-35, ODBm-38, ODBm-39 and ODBm-42 showed higher cumulative number of branches at 1 month after planting. All accessions except ODBm-33, ODBm-35, ODBm-38 and ODBm-52 showed higher number of leaves at 2 months after planting in Season II. In terms of fresh and dry herbage yields, the accessions ODBm-33, ODBm-37 and ODBm-39 were found to be superior compared to other accessions. Direct hexane extracts ranged from 0.49 % in accession 38 to 0.69 % in accession ODBm-39 though there was no significant difference among accessions. Sequential acetone extract from hexane-extracted dry powder residue varied significantly among the accessions and ranged from 3.71 % in accession ODBm-42 to 5.61 % in accession ODBm-38. The yield of direct methanol extractives obtained ranged from 15.01 % in accession ODBm-32 to 20.32 % in accession ODBm-36, whereas sequential methanol extractives yield of dry powder residue after extraction with hexane and acetone in sequence varied from 10.60 % in accession ODBm-42 to 15.64 % in accession ODBm31 and showed a significant difference among the accessions. The bacoside content showed variation from 2.16 % to 3.35 % of dry weight. Total phenol content ranged from 6.24 mg GAE/100 mg to 9.32 mg GAE/100 mg of direct methanol extract on dry weight basis whereas the total phenol content ranged from 96.84 mg GAE/100 g to 160.88 mg GAE/100 g of whole plant dry powder. Total phenol content in direct methanolic extractives of accessions ODBm-11, ODBm-31, ODBm-34, ODBm-39 and ODBm-42 were significantly higher whereas total phenolic content in terms of content in dry powder basis were higher in accessions ODBm-11, ODBm-34, ODBm-38, ODBm-39 and ODBm-42 only. Accessions ODBm-33, ODBm-37, ODBm-39 were found to be superior in fresh and dry yield. But for the purpose of selection of high yielding, high quality accessions for cultivation, consistency in yield and quality are to be further confirmed over a few more years.Item Evaluation of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) hybrids for yield and quality(Department of Plantation crops and spices, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2021) Jintu Varghese; Jalaja S MenonThe demand of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) for export and local consumption is increasing in the country and there is a gap of 7 lakh tonnes in the production to meet the requirement. Due to pressure on land, the possible way to increase production is to increase productivity by adopting improved varieties. Hybrid vigour was well exploited in cashew. Cashew Research Station, Madakkathara has developed many hybrids through hybridization programmes which are maintained in the farm. In the present study 19 hybrids of stabilized yield along with 11 cross parents and check variety Poornima were evaluated for yield and quality traits during the year 2020-2021. Qualitative and quantitative parameters including those of growth, inflorescence, apple, nut, yield and biochemical attributes revealed a spectacular array of variations among the tested genotypes. Among hybrid population, upright and compact canopy with intensive branching habit, yellowish red flush colour and pyramid shaped loose inflorescence were predominating. Early flowering from October was recorded in 13 cashew hybrids and four parents. Cluster bearing habit was observed in hybrids H03-113/1 (4.65 fruits), H03-55/10 (4.55 fruits) and H03- 53/9 (4.10 fruits). The apple weight varied from16.83 g (H03 55/10) to 137.49g (Priyanka). Nut weight of more than 10g was observed in hybrids H03-21/10, H03- 97/2, H03-36/8, H03-110/1, H03-52/6, H03-52/7, H03-52/5, HO3-95/4 and H03- 18/17 and these can be represented as bold nut hybrids. The average kernel weight varied from 1.62g (H03-55/10) to 4.19g (H03-95/4). Nut yield above 18 kg/tree was recorded in hybrids, H03-92/3 (20.2 kg), H03-52/5(21.5kg), H03-36/8(22.10 kg), H03-110/1(23.40 kg), H03-97/2 (24.50 kg), H03-21/10 (25.20 kg) and in parent, Amrutha (21.3kg) and check variety, Poornima (20.0 kg). In biochemical analysis, TSS ranged from 13.150Brix (H03-18/17) to 17.40Brix (H03-53/9). Vitamin C content ranged from 107.5 to 220.15mg/100ml. Lowest tannin content was shown by hybrid H03-55/11(0.085%), H03-92/3(0.09%) and H03-55/10(0.09%). The hybrids H03-57/4, H03-110/1, H03-113/1, H03-52/5 and xx H03-21/10 and parents, Dhana, Madakkathara-1, Vridhachalam-3, and K-22-1 were less susceptible to TMB. Nut yield per tree was found to possess significant positive correlation with nut weight, kernel weight, apple weight, number of bisexual flowers and shelling percentage. In the principal component analysis 85.92% of total variability was explained by the first three components with an eigen value greater than one. The characters like yield per plant, apple weight, shelling percentage, kernel weight, nut weight and bisexual flowers contributed more towards diversity. Eight hybrids viz., H03-21/10, H03-97/2, H03-36/8, H03-110/1, H03-52/6, H03-52/7, H03-52/5 and H03-95/4 were placed in the first quadrant along with check variety Poornima. Magnitude of heterosis was calculated for 19 hybrids over mid parent (relative heterosis), better parent (heterobeltiosis) and standard variety (standard heterosis). The above eight hybrids along with H03-18/17 exhibited better heterosis. The hybrids, H03-36/8, H03-97/2, H03-110/1, H03-21/10 and H03-52/5 which exhibited heterosis and nut weight above 10g, tree yield above 18kg, kernel weight above 2.5g and shelling per cent above 28 were selected as promising types. Hence these hybrids may be recommended for commercial cultivation. Further studies should be undertaken with different traits for exhaustive evaluation for commercialization. The hybrids H03-52/6, H03 -52/7, H03-95/4 and H03-18/17 having good yield and quality traits can be utilized for crop improvement programmes.