1. KAUTIR (Kerala Agricultural University Theses Information and Retrieval)
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Item Mode of application of seed protectants for sale storage of rice seeds(Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2024-12-07) Sneha, P; Rose Mary FrancisStorage experiments were conducted in rice variety Mo 16 (Uma) during 2021 2022 to evaluate the efficacy of mode of application of seed protectants in management of storage pests in rice and to assess their impact on seed quality and longevity. The experiment was laid out following a completely randomized block design with 11 treatments and three replications. Three different seed protectants viz., Bifenthrin 10% EC, Deltamethrin 2.5 WP and Chlorfenapyr 10% SC were used in the study. Seeds dried to 12-13 per cent moisture content were filled in 1) Jute bags surface sprayed with the protectants @ 30 g a.i.m-2 [T1: Bifenthrin 10% EC sprayed jute bag (Bifen.10EC Sp.), T4: Deltamethrin 2.5 WP sprayed jute bag (Delta.2.5WP-Sp.) and T7: Chlorfenapyr 10% SC sprayed jute bag (Chlorfen.10SC-Sp.)], 2) Jute bags impregnated with the protectants @ 1000 ppm (T2: Bifenthrin 10% EC impregnated jute bag (Bifen.10EC-Im.), T5: Deltamethrin 2.5 WP impregnated jute bag (Delta.2.5WP-Im.) and T8: Chlorfenapyr 10% SC impregnated jute bag (Chlorfen.10SC-Im.). Seeds treated with protectants @ 0.5 ppm comprised the treatments T3: Bifenthrin 10% EC seed treatment (Bifen.10EC-St.), T6: Deltamethrin 2.5 WP seed treatment (Delta.2.5WP-St.) and T9: Chlorfenapyr 10% SC seed treatment (Chlorfen.10SC-St.), while seeds treated with diatomaceous earth (Diatom-St.) as well as untreated seeds (Control) packed in untreated jute bags, served as T10 and T11, respectively. The packed seeds were stored under ambient storage environment and the impact of mode of application of seed protectants on storage pests population (Experiment 1) and their impact on quality and longevity of stored seeds (Experiment 2), were assessed. Results of Experiment 1 pointed out that the incidence of beetles, the weight of damaged seeds, and the number of infested seeds were significantly low in treatments T8 (Chlorfen.10SC-Im.) followed by T7 (Chlorfen.10SC-Sp.), T9 (Chlorfen.10SC-St.), T5 (Delta.2.5WP-Im.) and T6 (Delta.2.5WP-St.), while the weight of undamaged seed was significantly high in these treatments. Pesticide residue analysis revealed that treating seeds with deltamethrin T6 (Delta.2.5WP-St.) resulted in a higher residue of 92.34 ppm. The residues of Chlorfenapyr did not vary between spraying (T7: Chlorfen.10SC-Sp.), impregnation (T8: Chlorfen.10SC-Im.), and seed treatment (T9: Chlorfen.10SC-St.), with the residues being 0.047 ppm, 0.048 ppm and 0.046 ppm, respectively. With bifenthrin, T3 (Bifen.10EC-St.) registered the highest level of residue (78.47 ppm) followed by 36.67 ppm in T1 (Bifen.10EC-Sp.) and 38.83 ppm in T2 (Bifen.10EC-Im.). However, in all the treatments, the residues were below detectable level after nine months of storage. Results of Experiment 2 revealed that seed quality and longevity during storage were significantly influenced by the mode of application of seed protectants. Longevity of seeds in T4: Delta.2.5WP-Sp., T5: Delta.2.5WP-Im., T6: Delta.2.5WP-St., T7: Chlorfen.10SC-Sp., T8: Chlorfen.10SC-Im. and T9: Chlorfen.10SC-St., was found to be high. These seeds retained viability (Germination > 80 %) for seven months of storage (7 MAS) compared to six months (6 MAS) in the case of other seeds stored in Bifenthrin 10SC impregnated jute bags (T2), seeds treated with diatomaceous earth (5g per kg of seed: T10) and untreated control. However, seeds stored in surface sprayed bags 9T1) lost viability at 6 MAS. Germination, shoot and root length, seedling vigour indices I and II and field establishment of seedlings, were found to be significantly high in T7: Chlorfen.10SC Sp., T8: Chlorfen.10SC-Im., T9: Chlorfen.10SC-St., T5: Delta.2.5WP-Im. and T6: Delta.2.5WP-St., at both 7 MAS and at the end of storage period (9 MAS). The seed moisture content and electrical conductivity of seed leachate were also found to be significantly low in these treatments. Significantly low germination and seeds quality parameters were observed in T1: Bifen.10EC-Sp., T2: Bifen.10EC-Im. and T3: Bifen.10EC-St., as well as the untreated control (T11). Application of Bifenthrin 10% EC, thus proved to adversely impact seed quality. The correlation between weekly storage temperatures recorded during the 40 weeks of storage period and germination per cent of Uma variety was analyzed. Temperature within the storage environment during 1st and 3rd week was found to exhibit a significant positive correlation with germination in Uma. Relative humidity in the storage environment registered a significant positive correlation with germination (%) during 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th weeks of storage. In addition to the above, the seeds where subjected to accelerated ageing for a period of 0-14 days. The quality parameters of samples drawn at an interval of two days from the accelerated aged lots indicated that treatments T8: Chlorfen.10SC-Im., followed by T9: Chlorfen.10SC-St., T7: Chlorfen.10SC-Sp. and T5: Delta.2.5WP-Im., were significantly high compared to other treatments. It was evident that application of seed protectant Chlorfenapyr.10SCeither as spray over the jute bags (T7) or using it for impregnating the seed bags (T8), or utilizing it directly for seed treatment (T9), was helpful in protecting the seeds from insect pest during storage. These modes of application of seed protectant Chlorfenapyr.10SC, were beneficial in maintaining higher seed quality parameters including seed health of rice variety Uma during storage. From the above, it is hence summarized that although the use of pesticide impregnated bags or seed treatment with the protectants were beneficial, spraying the seed protectant over the bags containing the seed would be a more viable, less cumbersome and environmentally safe mode of application of seed protectant.Item Evaluation of pre-sowing interventions on seed quality, storage and field performance of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)(Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2024-04-09) Adheena, P; Namboodiri Raji VasudevanThe research work entitled ‘Evaluation of pre sowing interventions on seed quality, storage, and field performance of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)’, was conducted as two experiments in the Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, during 2022-2023. Five months old seeds (variety – Arka Anamika) were subjected to fourteen pre sowing treatments namely, T1-Control, T2-Hydration-Dehydration (12 hours), T3-PEG 6000-13.5% (-0.25Mpa) 6 hours, T4-KNO32%(6hours), T5-sandmatric (60% WHC-3hours), T6-Trichoderma viride 4g/kg of seed, T7-Pseudomonas fluorescens 10g/kg of seed, T8-Hydration-Dehydration (24 hours), T9-PEG 6000-13.5% (-0.25Mpa) 12 hours T10-KNO3 2% (12 hours) T11-sand matrix (60% WHC -6 hours), T12-T.viride 4g/kg+P indica 5x105 spores Ml-1) 10 ml/kg were carried out. The initial seed quality parameters such as germination per cent -94%, vigour index I-1474, vigour index II-2.73, and moisture percent – 7.2 respectively, were assessed before storage and field experiments. In experiment I, the seeds were subjected to eleven of the fourteen presowing treatments mentioned earlier with three replications. These were then dried to less than eight percent moisture, packed in 700g polythene bags and stored under ambient conditions. The observations for all quality parameters were recorded immediately after the treatments and at monthly intervals for six months of storage period. The treatments displayed significant variations across all the investigated seed quality parameters. Among the treatments, treatment T9(PEG 6000-13.5% (-0.25Mpa) 12 hours) recorded the best seed qualities in all months of storage, followed by treatment T4 (KNO3 2% - 6 hours). The storage study clearly demonstrated that the quality of seeds consistently diminished with an extended storage period, regardless of the treatments applied. In the case of germination, all treatments, including control maintained the Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standard (IMSCS) of 65 percent up to the sixth month of storage. Seed quality parameters such as germination percent, vigour index I, vigour index II, seedling length, seedling dry weight and seedling fresh weight decreased with the advancement of the storage period. The electrical conductivity of seed leachate, mean germination time, time taken for 50% germination, seed moisture percent and seed microflora percent were found to be increasing over the period of storage. In experiment II, the seeds were subjected to thirteen treatments and control mentioned earlier. Among these, seven best treatments along with control were selected based on germination percentage and vigor index for the field experiment. The experiment was laid out in RBD (Randomized Block Design), with three replications. Maximum germination percentage was obtained in T4 (PEG 6000-13.5% (-0.25MPa) 6 hours -99.66) and it was on par with T10(Trichoderma viride at 4g/kg of seed), T5(PEG 6000-13.5% (-MPa) 12 hours), T6 (KNO3 2% (6 hours), T3 (hydration-dehydration (24 hours), T9 (sandmatric (60% WHC – 6 hours) and T11 (P. fluorescens at 10g/kg of seed). The results indicated that the pre sowing treatments showed significant differences for all the characters studied. In terms of growth characters, T3 (PEG 6000-13.5% (-0.25MPa) 6 hours) had the maximum number of branches per plant. T8 also had the least number of days to first and 50% flowering. All the fruit characters such as fruits per plant, fruit length (cm), fruit weight (g) at maturity and fruit yield (t/ha) were recorded maximum in treatment T8(P. fluorescens at 10g/kg of seed) which was followed by T7 (Trichoderma viride at 4g/kg of seed). Similarly, all the seed yield characters such as, sees per fruit, seed yield per plant (g) and 100 seed weight(g) were also highest in T8 followed by T7. This underscores the significant impact of biocontrol agents such as P. fluorescens and T. viride on both fruit yield and seed yield characters. The ranking of traits in Experiment II aimed to identify the most effective treatments for enhancing the field performance of okra. Based on the total scores, T8(P. fluorescens at 10 g/kg of seed) emerged as the best treatment followed by T7(T. viride at 4g/kg of seed). In conclusion, treatments T9(PEG 6000-13.5% (-0.25Mpa) 12 hours) and T4 (KNO3 2% (6 hours) were found to be maintaining the seed quality. Additionally, treatments involving P. fluorescens and T. viride proved to be valuable for enhancing fruit yield and seed yield in okra variety Arka Anamika.Item Seed invigoration studies in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench](Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2025) Kota Harshitha Padmaja.; Namboodiri Raji VasudevanThe study entitled “Seed invigoration studies in okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]”was conducted at the Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, during 2022-2024. This research investigated the effects of osmopriming with PEG 6000 (13.5% at -0.25 MPa for six hours) and biopriming with Pseudomonas fluorescens @10g/kg on growth, yield, seed quality and seed longevity of five okra varieties—Aruna (V1), Anjitha (V2), Pusa-5 (V3), Salkeerthi (V4), and Varsha Uphar (V5). The study comprised two experiments. Experiment 1 focused on the effects of priming treatments on the varietal performance of okra in terms of growth, yield, and seed quality, while experiment 2 examined seed longevity under storage conditions. Experiment 1 followed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications, resulting in 15 treatment-variety combinations. Seeds of the five okra varieties were subjected to three priming treatments: T1 (osmopriming with PEG 6000 solution at -0.25 MPa for six hours), T2 (Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g/kg of seed), and a control (non-primed seeds). Experiment 2 followed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with the same priming treatments and varieties replicated three times. Seed initial quality parameters were assessed immediately after priming treatment. Among the varieties Salkeerthi (V4) achieved the highest germination rate followed by Varsha Uphar and showed superior performance over other varieties due to high seed vigour indices and lowest EC. The combination Salkeerthi-PF (V4×T2: 93.66 %) followed by Varsha Uphar-PF (V5xT2: 90.66%) showed superiority in seedling vigour and growth attributes of okra In the Experiment 1, the results indicated that both priming treatments significantly enhanced field performance across all varieties compared to the control. Varieties displayed significant variation in growth, yield, and seed quality traits. Varsha Uphar (V5) emerged as the top performer for field emergence, early flowering plant height and seed yield per plant under priming conditions. Pusa-5 (V3) showed superior fruit weight and yield per plant, with the combination Pusa-5 x Pseudomonas fluorescens recording the highest number of fruits per plant and Pusa-5 x PEG producing the highest fruit weight and yield. Salkeerthi (V4) exhibited the highest seed count per pod. Among the treatments, T2 (Pseudomonas fluorescens) consistently demonstrated a greater positive impact on growth, fruit yield, and seed quality compared to T1 (PEG 6000 (13.5% at -0.25 MPa for six hours). In the Experiment 2, storage study was conducted with the same five okra varieties, using the same priming treatments along with control. Seed quality parameters were monitored for six months. All varieties and treatments maintained germination rates well above the Indian Minimum Seed Certification Standard (IMSCS) threshold of 65 percent. However a progressive decline in seed quality was observed over time. This decline was evident in reductions in key traits such as shoot length, root length, seedling dry weight, vigour indices, and enzymatic activities including dehydrogenase, α-amylase, and catalase. Concurrently, negative trends were noted, with increases in parameters such as electrical conductivity (indicating membrane deterioration), mean germination time, time to 50 percent germination, seed moisture content, and the percentage of microflora contamination, all of which are indicators of seed aging and reduced vigour. Among the varieties evaluated, Salkeerthi (V4) consistently emerged as the top performer in maintaining superior seed quality during the storage period followed by Varsha Uphar. This was particularly notable when the seeds were treated with T2 (Pseudomonas fluorescens). Seeds treated with T2 retained higher enzymatic activity, including significantly enhanced levels of dehydrogenase, α-amylase and catalase, which are critical for metabolic processes during germination. These enzymes are known to play essential roles in energy production, starch breakdown, and oxidative stress management, contributing to better seed vigour and viability. This superior performance highlighted the potential of biological priming with Pseudomonas fluorescens not only improved seedling vigour during cultivation but also mitigate the negative effects of storage, ensuring sustained seed quality over time. The findings of this study highlighted the significant role of priming treatments in improving the growth, yield, and seed quality of okra varieties. Among the varieties studied, Varsha Uphar (V5) and Pusa-5 (V3) demonstrated superior field performance, with Pseudomonas fluorescens (T2) emerging as the most effective priming treatment. Although Salkeerthi (V4) demonstrated superior initial seed quality, its field performance was comparatively lower, highlighting the role of environmental factors and genotypic traits in bridging the gap between seed quality and productivity. Biopriming has demonstrated significant efficacy in maintaining seed viability and quality during storage. Notably, the okra varieties Salkeerthi and Varsha Uphar have shown exceptional resilience, consistently preserving seed quality parameters. These results underscored the potential of incorporating Pseudomonas fluorescens as a seed priming agent to enhance both okra productivity and seed longevity. Furthermore, research exploring the molecular mechanisms behind the observed enhancements in seed vigor and resilience, particularly focusing on enzyme activities such as dehydrogenase, α-amylase, and catalase, could offer a deeper understanding of the biological processes involved.Item Impact of seed exposure to simulated microgravity on growth and development in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)(Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2025-02-12) Ram Ambiya; Beena, RThe study titled “Impact of seed exposure to simulated microgravity on growth and development in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L)” was undertaken with the objective to evaluation of morpho-physiological, anatomical and biochemical changes in growth and development in tomato after exposure of seeds to different simulated microgravity. The experiments were conducted using seeds of the tomato variety 'Anagha,' which were exposed to simulated microgravity conditions. Microgravity is characterized by a reduction in gravitational force, which can create stress in organisms and plants, affecting their metabolism, growth, and development. Simulated microgravity was created using a Random Positioning Machine (RPM), which rotates seeds slowly at speeds of (25-40 rpm), reducing the effect of gravity to around 10-3 g. Seeds were exposed to (4hr, 8hr, 12hr, 24hr and control different durations of simulated microgravity. Two experiments were carried out in a completely randomized design (CRD). In both experiments, the seeds were sown, and the seedlings were transplanted into pots 30 days after sowing. They were maintained under standard cultural practices, including irrigation. The study was conducted across two growing seasons: Summer and Kharif. The results revealed that exposure to simulated microgravity significantly influenced tomato growth. The simulated microgravity treatment (T4) enhanced the germination rate, which reached (95%) in the summer and (97%) in the kharif season by the seventh day. Additionally, treatment (T3) exhibited the highest seedling vigor in the summer (13.75), while treatment T4 showed the highest seedling vigor in the kharif season (15.32). Moreover, treatment T4 also displayed the highest germination speed in both seasons. In the summer, the earliest flowering occurred in treatment T4 (23.5 DAT), while in the kharif season, treatment T3 exhibited early flowering (24.75 DAT). The pollen viability in treatment T4 was enhanced, exceeding (80%) during the kharif season. Furthermore, the study reported an increase in chlorophyll content under simulated microgravity conditions, with treatment T4 reaching (1.785 mg/g) in the kharif season. Various enzymatic activities, such as peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, increased, while malondialdehyde (a marker of lipid peroxidation) also increased. These responses suggest that the plants developed better stress tolerance under microgravity conditions. The study found that simulated microgravity significantly influenced various growth and biochemical parameters in tomato plants. In the summer season, treatment T1 showed the highest ascorbic acid content (12.62 mg g-1), plant height (87.175 cm), fresh weight (378.75 g), and root growth. In the kharif season, treatment T3 exhibited the highest ascorbic acid content (20.37 mg/g-1), anthocyanin (0.448 mg/g), and total sugar content (1.305 mg/g), while treatment T4 had the highest lycopene content (3.143 µg/g), plant height (98.4 cm), and yield (842.25 g). Root length, volume, fresh, and dry weight were significantly enhanced under treatment T3 in the kharif season. Overall, seeds exposed to simulated microgravity showed increased growth, improved biochemical composition, and enhanced fruit yield, highlighting the potential of microgravity as a tool for crop improvement in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial agriculture. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that simulated microgravity has a positive impact on the growth, development, and biochemical characteristics of tomato plants. Improved germination rates, enhanced seedling vigor, increased chlorophyll content, and higher yields were observed, suggesting that microgravity could be a useful tool for crop improvement. Furthermore, increased enzymatic activity and better root growth under stress conditions indicate the potential applications of simulated microgravity in agriculture, both on land. This is the first of its kind of study performed on Anagha seeds and such studies on other species developed within KAU can lead to interesting results and important clues on enhancing crop yield and productivity. Future research should focus on long-term exposure to simulated microgravity and its effects on other crop species. This knowledge can help optimize crop production in space missions and challenging terrestrial environments, contributing to sustainable food security on earth and beyond.Item Standardisation of seed biopriming for seedling establishment, growth, yield and nutritional characters in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)(Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 0022-02-01) Diya Amreen; Beena RThe present study entitled “Standardisation of seed biopriming for seedling establishment, growth, yield and nutritional characters in tomato Solanum lycopersicum L.). was conducted in the Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala during 2020-21. The objective of this study was to standardize the biopriming methods in tomato for germination, seedling vigour, yield and nutritional characteristics using three biopriming agents Trichoderma asperellum 106 spores mL-1and 108 spores mL-1), Pseudomonas flourescens 106 CFU mL-1 and 108 CFU mL-1) and Piriformospora indica 106 spores mL-1 and 108 spores mL-1) for one and two hours. The study was divided in to two experiments. Experiment I was conducted in Completely andomized Design C D) with fourteen treatments and three replications. During experiment I germination studies were conducted using roll towel method. Best three treatments were selected from experiment 1 based on the germination parameters. Experiment II was also conducted in Completely andomized Design with five treatments and four replications. The pot culture experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of these best three treatments on phenological, physiological, growth, quality, biomass and yield parameters. During experiment I, among various treatments employing T. asperellum, T2 T. asperellum 106 CFU mL-1 for two hours) recorded the highest germination percentage 88.67 ), shoot length 7.60 cm), root length 6.39 cm), shoot dry weight 0.92 mg), root dry weight 0.45 mg), seedling vigour index 1 1240.09), seedling vigour index II 121.30) and speed of germination 7.28). On biopriming with P. flourescens T8 P. flourescens 108 CFU mL-1 for two hours) reported the maximum germination percentage 86.67 ), shoot length 7.56 cm), root length 7.63 cm), shoot dry weight 0.91 mg), root dry weight 0.45 mg), seedling vigour index 1 1316.26), seedling vigour index II 117.54) and speed of germination 7.23). On biopriming with P. indica maximum germination percentage 91.33 ), shoot length 7.67 cm), root length 7.82 cm), shoot dry weight 0.97 mg), root dry weight 0.54 mg), seedling vigour index 1 1414.73), seedling vigour index II 137.46) and speed of germination 7.68) was obtained from seeds bioprimed with P. indica 106 CFU mL-1 for one hour. Based on the above results the best three treatments selected were T. asperellum 106 CFU mL-1 for two hours T1), P. flourescens 108 CFU mL-1 for two hours T2) and P. indica 106 CFU mL-1 for one hour T3) along with appropriate control. Then pot culture experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of these three biopriming treatments on phenological, physiological, growth, quality, yield and biomass parameters. Among the phenological parameters days to first flowering and days to first fruiting was minimum in T3 P. indica 106 CFU mL-1 for one hour) 51.92 and 78.75 days respectively). Biopriming with P. indica 106 CFU mL-1 for one hour T3) recorded the maximum physiological and growth parameters including chlorophyll content 2.82 mg g-1 fresh weight), specific leaf area 3.96 m² g-1), crop growth rate 0.912 g m-2 day-1) and net assimilation rate 0.027 g m-2 day-1). Among the various quality parameters analyzed, there was no significant difference observed for TSS and soluble sugar content. Highest Lycopene content 2.81 mg g-1) and vitamin C 35.56 mg g-1) content was noted in T3 P. indica 106 CFU mL-1 for one hour). Highest titrable acidity 0.68 ) was recorded in T1 T. asperellum 106 CFU mL-1 for two hours). Plant height was also maximum in T3 P. indica 106 CFU mL-1 for one hour) during vegetative 80.20 cm) and flowering stages 127.37 cm). Biopriming with P. indica 106 CFU mL-1 for one hour recorded the maximum shoot dry weight 8.31g), root dry weight 0.97 g) and total dry weight 9.28 g). There was no significant difference observed in root shoot ratio. The yield parameters including number of fruits per plant 7.25 ), fruit set percentage 56.78 ), average fruit weight 36.60 g) and yield per plant 263.56 g) was maximum in T3 P. indica 106 CFU mL-1 for one hour).The intensity of fruit drop 4.96 ) was minimum in T3 P. indica 106 CFU mL-1 for one hour). Biopriming is reported to have exerted significant influence on the growth, yield and nutritional characters of tomato. Among various biopriming agents P. indica 106 CFU mL-1 for one hour outperformed T. asperellum and P. flourescens in improving phenological, physiological, growth, quality, biomass and yield parameters. Thus being an eco-friendly technique, the farmers can adopt biopriming with P. indica as a great alternative for conventional chemical seed treatments.Item Irradiation and organic grain protectants for enhancing strorability of rice seeds(Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture,ellayani, 2025) Rampurapu Jessica Blessy.A field experiment on “Millets for crop diversification in summer rice fallows under minimum tillage” was conducted at Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2022 to 2024. The main objectives were to standardize the establishment method of small millets under minimum tillage in summer rice fallows and to evaluate their production potential and economics. The field experiment was conducted during summer season, 2023-24 at IFSRS, Karamana. The field experiment was laid out in split-split plot design with 12 treatment combinations and three replications. The main plot treatments were tillage methods (M1- minimum tillage and M2- conventional tillage), sub plot treatments were crops (C1 – little millet, C2 – foxtail millet and C3- proso millet) and the sub-sub plot treatments were establishment methods (P1: solid row planting and P2: broadcasting). The varieties used for the study for little millet, foxtail millet and proso millet were ATL 1, DHFT-109-3 and TNAU 202, respectively. FYM was applied to all plots @ 5 t ha-1 and crops were fertilized with NPK @ 40:20:20 kg ha-1(IIMR, 2022). The growth attributes of millets were recorded at 15 DAS, 30 DAS, 45 DAS, 60 DAS and at harvest. The results revealed that growth attributes were significantly influenced by treatments. Between the tillage methods, the highest plant height, number of tillers m-2, root weight and dry matter production per plant were observed in conventional tillage (M2). Among the crops, little millet recorded the highest plant height, root weight and dry matter production per plant. The proso millet recorded the highest number of tillers m-2. Between the establishment methods, broadcasting was found to be significantly superior to solid row planting. The results revealed that the yield attributes and yield of millets viz; productive tillers (223.28 no m-2), earhead length (26.76 cm), grain yield (2112 kg ha-1), stover yield (5060 kg ha-1) and harvest index (0.30) were significantly influenced by conventional tillage method. Between the establishment methods, the highest number of productive tillers (222.00 m-2), earhead length (25.21cm), grain yield (2028 kg ha-1) and stover yield (4987 kg ha-1) were recorded in broadcasting method. Proso millet took least days to 50 per cent flowering (35.42 days) and recorded the highest number of productive tillers m-2 (310.92). The longest earheads (38.78 cm) and stover yield (6434 kg ha-1) were recorded in little millet. Foxtail millet recorded 101 the highest earhead weight (3.75 g) and grain yield (2239 kg ha-1), respectively. Grain yield was 38 per cent more compared to little millet (1626 kg ha-1). The grain yield of proso millet was 27 per cent more than that of little millet. The predominant weed flora of the experimental field were grassy weeds followed by broad leaf weeds and sedges. The tillage and establishment methods had significant influence on weed density and weed dry weight. Between the tillage methods, the lowest weed density and weed dry weight were recorded in conventional tillage. Between the establishment methods, the lowest weed density and weed dry weight were observed in solid row planting. The proso millet showed the highest weed density at 15 DAS and the highest weed dry weight at 45 DAS. The nutrient removal (N, P and K) by weeds were the highest in minimum tillage and broadcasting method. The highest N, P and K uptake by crop at harvest was in conventional tillage method followed by broadcasting method. The highest N, P and K uptake (175.56, 30.68 and 118.82 kg ha-1, respectively) was recordedby little millet. The lowest bulk density (1.42 Mg m-3) was observed in conventional tillage method. The results revealed that the highest organic carbon (2.09 %) was recorded in minimum tillage. The highest available N and P were recorded in minimum tillage and solid row planting. Among the crops foxtail millet recorded the highest available N and also had higher available P and it was on par with proso millet. Proso millet had the highest available K, and it was on par with foxtail millet. The analysed data revealed that tillage method, crop and establishment method had significant influence on net income and BCR. The conventional tillage method recorded the highest net income of ₹ 40789 ha-1 with a BCR of 1.75. Among the crops, foxtail millet recorded the highest net income of ₹ 46987 ha-1 with a BCR of 1.87. Broadcasting method recorded the highest net income of ₹ 38248 ha-1 with a BCR 1.72. From the study it could be concluded that, broadcasting is the most effective establishment method for small millets under minimum tillage. However, conventional tillage with broadcasting method could be adopted as a viable cost-effective method for foxtail millet, proso millet and little millet for enhanced productivity and profitability in summer rice fallows.Item Seed treatment in cowpea (vigna unguiculata L.) for seed quality enhancement using botanicals(Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, 2024-03-27) Kottagorla Venkata Satya Sai Krishna.; Roshni VijayanThe present investigation entitled “Seed treatment in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) for seed quality enhancement using botanicals” was carried out at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS) Pattambi, Kerala. The study aimed to assess the effect of seed hardening with organic leaf extracts on filed performance, seedling quality parameters and nutritional attributes of cowpea during the storage period. This study consists of three experiments (Experiment -1) Effect of seed hardening with organic leaf extracts on field performance of cowpea. It was evaluated by using randomized block design (RBD) with nine treatments including control (5% leaf extracts of Calotropis, Papaya, Pongamia, Castor, Moringa, Vitex, Neem, Tulsi and Control) and 3 replications. Seeds were soaked in 5% leaf extracts for four hours and then shade dried to their original moisture content. Crop raised as per POP recommendation of KAU (2016). Observations were recorded on growth and yield parameters during crop growth stages. The results revealed that the performance of seeds treated with organic leaf extracts was better compared to the control. A significant effect was observed in seeds treated with Pongamia leaf extract had given the highest values for plant height (145.07 cm), number of branches per plant (10.27), number of clusters per plant (7.53), number of pods per plant (12.13), seed yield per plot (353.62 g), dry matter production at harvest (56.95 g), and nodule count per plant (17.78). Seeds treated with Calotropis leaf extract had given the highest values for, pod length (17.18 cm) and pod weight (10.63g). Similarly, neem leaf extract had given the highest values for pod girth (2.2 cm) and 100 seed weight (12.88 g). (Experiment-2) The effect of seed treatment with organic leaf extracts on the seedling quality parameters of cowpea was evaluated in a completely randomized design with three replications. Seed treatment was done as in the previous experiment and then shade-dried the seeds for two days, bringing the moisture content to less than 8 %, and packed in a 700-gauge polythene bag kept for storage in ambient conditions. Observations were recorded on seedling quality parameters at the start of the storage, 45 DAS and 3 months after storage. It was observed that seeds treated with organic leaf extracts had better performance compared to control. A significant effect was observed in seeds treated with Pongamia leaf extract had given the highest values for emergence per cent (61.67 %), root length (10.33 cm), seedling dry weight (0.048 g), low electrical conductivity of seed leachate (0.467 dSm -1), emergence index (21.38) and seedling vigour index-II (3.03). Seeds treated with Calotropis leaf extract had given the highest values for germination per cent (63.67 %), low pulse beetle infestation (16.33 %), germination index (324), mean germination time (3.87 days), time taken for 50 % germination (3.34 days) and seedling vigour index-I (2259) by the end of the storage period. Seeds treated with Papaya leaf extract had given the highest values for shoot length (25.65 cm). Similarly, low seed microflora per cent (19.05%), was recorded in seeds treated with neem leaf extract by the end of the storage period. (Experiment-3) The effect of seed treatment with organic leaf extracts on the nutritional attributes of cowpea. Experiments 3 was carried out simultaneously with Experiment 2 by using the same seeds kept for storage in the Experiment 2. Observations were recorded on nutritional attributes which include crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, vitamin C, calcium content, iron content, ash content, carbohydrate content and phytic acid content at the start of storage, 45 DAS and 90 DAS . A significant effect was observed in seeds treated with Pongamia leaf extract, which had given the highest values for calcium content (48.03 mg/100 g), iron content (2.42 mg/100 g), ash content (4.07 %) and carbohydrate content (51.03 %) by the end of the storage period. Among all the treatments, seeds treated with Pongamia leaf extracts had given the better performance compared to control in field performance as well as improvement in seedling quality parameters and preserving the nutritional attributes of cowpea during the storage period.Item Seed treatment in cowpea (vigna unguiculata L.) for seed quality enhancement using botanicals(Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2024-03-27) Kottagorla Venkata Satya Sai Krishna.The present investigation entitled “Seed treatment in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) for seed quality enhancement using botanicals” was carried out at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS) Pattambi, Kerala. The study aimed to assess the effect of seed hardening with organic leaf extracts on filed performance, seedling quality parameters and nutritional attributes of cowpea during the storage period. This study consists of three experiments (Experiment -1) Effect of seed hardening with organic leaf extracts on field performance of cowpea. It was evaluated by using randomized block design (RBD) with nine treatments including control (5% leaf extracts of Calotropis, Papaya, Pongamia, Castor, Moringa, Vitex, Neem, Tulsi and Control) and 3 replications. Seeds were soaked in 5% leaf extracts for four hours and then shade dried to their original moisture content. Crop raised as per POP recommendation of KAU (2016). Observations were recorded on growth and yield parameters during crop growth stages. The results revealed that the performance of seeds treated with organic leaf extracts was better compared to the control. A significant effect was observed in seeds treated with Pongamia leaf extract had given the highest values for plant height (145.07 cm), number of branches per plant (10.27), number of clusters per plant (7.53), number of pods per plant (12.13), seed yield per plot (353.62 g), dry matter production at harvest (56.95 g), and nodule count per plant (17.78). Seeds treated with Calotropis leaf extract had given the highest values for, pod length (17.18 cm) and pod weight (10.63g). Similarly, neem leaf extract had given the highest values for pod girth (2.2 cm) and 100 seed weight (12.88 g). (Experiment-2) The effect of seed treatment with organic leaf extracts on the seedling quality parameters of cowpea was evaluated in a completely randomized design with three replications. Seed treatment was done as in the previous experiment and then shade-dried the seeds for two days, bringing the moisture content to less than 8 %, and packed in a 700-gauge polythene bag kept for storage in ambient conditions. Observations were recorded on seedling quality parameters at the start of the storage, 45 DAS and 3 months after storage. It was observed that seeds treated with organic leaf extracts had better performance compared to control. A significant effect was observed in seeds treated with Pongamia leaf extract had given the highest values for emergence per cent (61.67 %), root length (10.33 cm), seedling dry weight (0.048 g), low electrical conductivity of seed leachate (0.467 dSm -1), emergence index (21.38) and seedling vigour index-II (3.03). Seeds treated with Calotropis leaf extract had given the highest values for germination per cent (63.67 %), low pulse beetle infestation (16.33 %), germination index (324), mean germination time (3.87 days), time taken for 50 % germination (3.34 days) and seedling vigour index-I (2259) by the end of the storage period. Seeds treated with Papaya leaf extract had given the highest values for shoot length (25.65 cm). Similarly, low seed microflora per cent (19.05%), was recorded in seeds treated with neem leaf extract by the end of the storage period. (Experiment-3) The effect of seed treatment with organic leaf extracts on the nutritional attributes of cowpea. Experiments 3 was carried out simultaneously with Experiment 2 by using the same seeds kept for storage in the Experiment 2. Observations were recorded on nutritional attributes which include crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, vitamin C, calcium content, iron content, ash content, carbohydrate content and phytic acid content at the start of storage, 45 DAS and 90 DAS . A significant effect was observed in seeds treated with Pongamia leaf extract, which had given the highest values for calcium content (48.03 mg/100 g), iron content (2.42 mg/100 g), ash content (4.07 %) and carbohydrate content (51.03 %) by the end of the storage period. Among all the treatments, seeds treated with Pongamia leaf extracts had given the better performance compared to control in field performance as well as improvement in seedling quality parameters and preserving the nutritional attributes of cowpea during the storage period.Item Midstorage seed invigoration to enhance seed viability and longevity in rice (Oryza sativa L.)(Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture , Vellanikkara, 2024-05-24) Monicasri, A.; Vidhu Francis PalathingalThe present investigation entitled storage seed invigoration to enhance seed viability and longevity in Rice (Oryza sativa L was carried out at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS) Pattambi, Kerala. The study aimed to assess the effect of seed treatments on seed quality parameters and seed microflora of paddy seeds variety Jyothi under ambient condition and low temperature condition during the storage period. This study consisted of two experiments: Effect of mid storage correction in paddy seeds stored under ambient conditions was studied in the first experiment. It was evaluated by using a Completely Randomized design (CRD) with ten treatments including control with three replications. Six and eight months old of Jyothi variety were subjected to the treatments including Control, T2: Hydration - dehydration treatment, T3: Ascorbic acid, T4: Calcium chloride, T5: Albizzia leaf powder, T6: Neem cake, T7: Neem leaf powder, T8: Neem oil, T9: Red chilli powder and T10: Vayambu leaf powder. Seeds packed in gunny bags were stored under ambient conditions. Observations were recorded on seed quality parameters, seedling parameters and seed microflora. The results revealed that the performance of treated seeds including viability and vigour were better compared to the control. A significant effect was observed in seeds treated with neem oil, hydration dehydration and red chilli powder irrespective of the age of the seeds. Neem oil treatment recorded better germination per cent (93.25%), seed vigour index (2694), less moisture content (10.76%), dehydrogenase activity (0.792 OD value), -amylase activity (2.56 mg maltose/min), protease activity (2.43 OD Value), plant height (78.40cm), number of tillers (11.66) and less seed microflora infection per cent (8.00%). Hydration dehydration treatment recorded better performance in shoot length (11.24cm), root length (17.55cm), seedling dry weight (0.19g), seed vigour index (2684), electrical conductivity (0.637 dSm-1), mean germination time (4.07 days), time taken for 50% germination (3.5days) and number of tillers (11.33). Effect of mid storage correction in paddy stored under low temperature condition (4-5 °C) was evaluated in a completely randomized design with three replications in the second experiment. Six, eight and ten-month-old seeds were used. Seed treatments, sample size and packaging of seeds were as in the experiment I. The treated seeds were then stored under low-temperature condition (4-5°C). Observations were recorded on seed quality parameters, seedling quality parameters and seed microflora during storage. It was observed that seed treatments and lowtemperature condition helped to improve the seed quality compared to control. Under low temperature conditions the ten-month-old treated seeds found to have extended viability and vigour over control. A significant effect was observed in seeds treated with Neem oil, hydration dehydration treatment and red chilli powder irrespective of the age of seeds. Neem oil treatment recorded better germination per cent (94.75%), seed vigour index (2739), less moisture content (10.76%), dehydrogenase activity (0.789 OD value), -amylase activity (2.58 mg maltose/min), protease activity (2.44 OD Value), plant height (78.66cm), number. of tillers (11.66) and less seed microflora infection per cent (8.00%). Hydration dehydration treatment recorded better performance in seedling shoot length (11.29cm), seedling root length (11.60cm), seedling dry weight (0.25g), seed vigour indices (2730), electrical conductivity (0.582 dSm-1), mean germination time (4.01 days), time taken for 50% germination (2.77 days) and number of tillers (11.33). Among all the treatments seeds treated with neem oil, hydration and dehydration and red chilli powder had given better performance compared to control in improvement in seed quality parameters. Low storage condition extended the storability of the seed in terms of quality parameters to two additional months compared to ambient condition.Item Impact of seed priming on psychological and biochemical mechanisms under water stress condition in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)(Department of Seed Science and Technology, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2023-12-16) Madamsetty Phani Kumar; Beena, RA study entitled “Impact of seed priming on physiological and biochemical mechanisms under water stress condition in chilli (Capsicum annuum L)” was undertaken with the objective assessment of the effect of seed priming on physiological and biochemical mechanisms and yield components under water stress condition in chilli. For both experiments I & II seeds of the chilli variety ‘Vellayani Anugraha’ were primed with 2.5% potassium nitrate (KNO3), 3% silicon dioxide (SiO2), and unprimed were soaked in distilled water for 24 hours and subjected to control and water stress levels at flowering stage. The first experiment was carried out in a factorial completely randomized design (FCRD) with the first factor being stress levels and the second-factor being priming agents using different solutions replicated thrice. The seeds primed with 2.5% KNO3, 3% SiO2, and unprimed seed treatments were sown in protrays. Seedlings were transplanted to pots 35 days after sowing (DAS), irrigation, and other cultural practices were followed according to KAU POP (package of practices). Water stress was induced by withholding irrigation for three days where the relative water content (RWC) of leaves reached 70% during the flower initiation stage. The results of the first experiment revealed that seeds primed with 3% SiO2 resulted in early flowering and first fruiting. Under water stress conditions, seeds primed with 2.5% KNO3 recorded significantly higher values for RWC (69%), cell membrane stability Index (CMSI) (42.16%), malonaldehyde (0.62 μmole ml-1), H2O2 (0.62 μmol g-1), trehalose (0.15 μmol g-1 FW), α-amylase activity (14.68 μmol maltose formed min-1 mL-1), specific leaf area (15.99 cm2 g-1) total chlorophyll content (TCC) (1.92 mg g-1), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (491.3 units mg-1 of protein), total soluble sugars (TSS) (1.53 mg/g) and total soluble protein (TSP) (1.017 mg g-1) however 3% SiO2 primed seeds recorded significantly higher values for total proline content (3.12 μmoles of proline g-1 of tissue). 136 Under control conditions, 2.5% KNO3 primed seeds recorded significantly high values for RWC (92%), trehalose (0.17 μmol g-1 FW), α-amylase activity (16.76 μmol maltose formed min-1 mL-1), specific leaf area (20.88 cm2 g-1) total chlorophyll content (TCC) (4.54 mg g-1), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (491.32 units mg-1 of protein), total soluble sugars (TSS) (3.22 mg g-1) and total soluble protein (TSP) (2.06 mg g-1) however 3% SiO2 primed seeds recorded significantly higher values for total proline content (1.31 μmoles of proline/g of tissue) and CMSI (91.0%). Under water stress conditions, capsaicin content was recorded higher in seeds primed with 2.5% KNO3 (144.6 μg g-1), and ascorbic acid was recorded the highest in seeds primed with 3% SiO2 (3.89 mg g-1). In contrast, in control, both capsaicin content (224.0 μg g-1) and ascorbic acid content (4.81 mg g-1) were recorded higher in seeds primed with 2.5% KNO3. Under water stress conditions, the yield components were higher in seeds primed with 2.5% KNO3. The plant height (60 cm), number of flowers plant-1 (24 number), number of fruits plant-1 (20 number), and fruit yield (44.29 g), were recorded as significantly higher in seeds primed with 2.5% KNO3. however, the seed yield (3.60 g) was recorded as significantly higher in seeds primed with 3% SiO2, and the number of flowers plant-1 (22 number) was found the highest in unprimed seeds. Whereas in control, 2.5% KNO3 primed seeds recorded significantly higher plant height (65.3 cm), fruit yield (90.4 g), number of fruits plant-1 (23.4), and 3% SiO2 primed seeds recorded significantly higher seed yield (4.03g). The second experiment was carried out in a factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with the first factor being stress levels and the second factor being priming using different solutions which were replicated thrice. the seeds primed with 2.5% KNO3, 3% SiO2, and unprimed seeds treatments were sown in protrays. Seedlings were transplanted to the field 35 days after sowing (DAS) and irrigation and other cultural practices were followed according to KAU POP. Water stress was induced by withholding irrigation for seven days where the (RWC) of leaves reached 70% during the flower initiation stage. During this period, physiological parameters were taken from the stress and control plants. The results revealed that seeds primed with 3% SiO2 recorded early flowering whereas seeds primed with 2.5% KNO3 recorded the first fruiting stage. Under water stress conditions, seeds primed with 2.5% KNO3 recorded significantly high values for RWC (68.16%), CMSI (46.66%), malonaldehyde (0.73 μmole ml-1), H2O2 (0.71 μmol g-1), trehalose (0.13 μmol g-1 FW), α-amylase activity (13.93 μmol maltose formed min-1 mL-1), Specific leaf area (13.47 cm2 g-1) TCC (1.93 mg g-1), SOD (520.03 units mg-1 of protein), TSS (1.55 mg g-1) and TSP (1.05 mg g-1) where 3% SiO2 primed seeds recorded significantly higher values for total proline content (3.12 μmoles of proline g-1 of tissue). For control conditions, 2.5% KNO3 primed seeds recorded significantly high values for (RWC) (79 %), trehalose (0.17 μmol g-1 FW), α-amylase activity (14.77 μmol maltose formed min-1 mL-1), Specific leaf area (18.47 cm2g-1) TCC (3.86 mg g-1), SOD (405.60 units mg-1 of protein), TSS (3.16 mg/g) and TSP (2.0 mg/g) however 3% SiO2 primed seeds recorded significantly higher values for total proline content (1.31 μmoles of proline/g of tissue) CMSI (91.16%).Under water stress conditions, capsaicin content was recorded higher in seeds primed with 2.5% KNO3 (90.5 μg g-1), and ascorbic acid was recorded the highest in seeds primed with 3% SiO2 (3.78 mg g-1). In control, capsaicin content (232.0 μg g-1) and ascorbic acid content (4.75 mg g-1) were recorded higher in seeds primed with 2.5% KNO3.Under water stress conditions, the yield components were recorded as higher in seeds primed with 2.5% KNO3 like plant height (55 cm), number of flowers plant-1 (22.8 number), number of fruits plant-1 (19 number), and the fruit yield (45.3 g), were recorded as significantly higher in seeds primed with 2.5% KNO3. The seed yield (3.16g) was recorded as significantly higher in seeds primed with 3% SiO2, under, the control condition, 2.5% KNO3 primed seeds recorded significantly higher plant height (60 cm), fruit yield (84.93 g), number of fruits plant-1 (22.4) and 3% SiO2 primed seeds recorded significantly higher seed yield (3.18 g). According to our results, seed priming with 2.5% KNO3 and 3% SiO2 enhanced the capacity of the plant to absorb water by preserving the least amount of cell damage and shielding the macromolecular structures from membrane damage, Thus, seed priming with 2.5% KNO3 and 3% SiO2 can be recommended.
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