1. KAUTIR (Kerala Agricultural University Theses Information and Retrieval)
Permanent URI for this communityhttp://localhost:4000/handle/123456789/1
Browse
12 results
Search Results
Item Influence of cold plasma and nano zinc oxide seed treatment on the growth development of seedless watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai](Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture,Vellanikkara, 2025-11-02) Bhagya Prakash.Watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai] is one of the important crop belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae. Globally, it is considered as one of the most consumed cucurbit fruits. Triploid (seedless) watermelon has gained significant market share due to consumer preference, accounting for about 60 per cent of fresh cut and whole watermelon products in retail stores. The major problems with growing seedless watermelons are poor, inconsistent germination and the high seed cost. Triploid watermelon, like its tetraploid parent, has a hard and thick seed coat, which could serve as a physical barrier to radicle protrusion and contribute to seedcoat adherence to the cotyledons after emergence. Cold plasma (CP) treatment of seeds is a new approach that is being proposed to improve the germination and survival of seedlings. Plasma, the fourth state of matter, is a partially or fully ionized gas consisting of neutral and excited atoms, free radicals, negative and positive ions and UV photons. It increases water permeability through surface coat etching and stimulation of seed germination and seedling growth. Similarly, seed treatment with nanoparticles is an emerging technology which positively influences the seed metabolism and signaling pathways. Seed treatment with nano zinc oxide (nZnO) effectively improves seed germination, seedling vigour, yield and quality of the crop. Due to their plant growth-enhancing properties, nZnO has emerged as the most widely produced, utilised and studied nano zinc formulations in recent years. In this study, the optimum voltage and treatment time for two methods of CP exposure (direct CP and seed-in-water CP) were standardised. With respect to characteristics like germination percentage, germination velocity index, length of shoot and root, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root, seedling vigour index 1 and 2, direct CP at 20 kV for 30 min and seed-in-water CP at 25 kV for 15 min were positively influenced. Among these two methods, direct CP was found to be superior, hence this method was followed for further experiments. Seed treatment with nZnO at 20 ppm exhibited the highest germination percentage, germination velocity index, shoot and root length, fresh weight of shoot and root, dry weight of shoot and root, seedling vigour index 1and 2. The individual seed treatments with CP and nZnO were compared with their combination treatment (CP+nZnO) to ascertain any complementary effect. However, the individual CP treatment was found to be superior to combination and nZnO seed treatment with respect to seedling growth characteristics like shoot and root length, fresh weight of shoot and root, dry weight of shoot and root. The same treatment showed an increase in the biochemical characteristics of the seedlings like chlorophyll a and b, carotenoid content, catalase content, DPPH free radical scavenging activity, peroxidase content and phenol content. In the field evaluation, the plants raised from CP treated seeds showed greater vigour and earliness of the crop which was evident from the observations, viz. more number of primary branches, highest internodal length, lowest nodal position for first female flower, less number of days for first female flower opening and for first harvest. The growth characters like number of primary branches, internodal length, days to first female flower opening and node number of the first female flower of the plants under CP+nZnO treatment were found to be on par with CP treatment. The fruits of plants raised from CP treated seeds were harvested 58.3 days after pollination as well as enhanced the yield and quality attributes like TSS, lycopene, beta carotene, citrulline content, potassium and sodium content compared to the untreated control plants. The mode of action of CP is by increasing the porosity of the seeds by creating micropores and channels on the seed surface which was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging. The present study provides insights into an innovative method of seed treatment by exposing the seeds to CP resulting in enhanced seed germination, growth, yield and quality in triploid watermelons. The study also explores the effects of nZnO and the combined effect of CP and nZnO on seed germination and plant growth. Upon evaluating the morphological and biochemical traits of the seedlings, it was found that seeds treated with CP were better than those treated with nZnO alone or in combination with CP. Hence CP treatment could be used as a viable technique in alleviating the low germination problem in seedless watermelon, which is a major bottleneck in seedless watermelon cultivation as well as improving the yield and quality.Item Performance of Brocoli (brassica oleracea L. var.italica) genotypes for growth, yiled and quality(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2025-01-28) Sandra, K P.; Nisha, S KThe study entitled ‘Performance of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) genotypes for growth, yield and quality’ was carried out at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 2023 to 2025. The objective of the study was to identify broccoli genotypes with high yield and quality adaptable to Kerala conditions. The experimental material consisted of sixteen broccoli genotypes collected from different parts of India. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with two replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant difference among the sixteen genotypes for all the characters studied. The highest plant height at harvest was recorded in Waltham 29 (71.42 cm) which was on par with Saki (68.47 cm) and Palam Samrudhi (68.09 cm). Saki recorded the highest plant spread at harvest (6024.75 cm2) which was on par with Green Diamond 909 (5758.54 cm2). Highest number of leaves per plant at 30 DAT and at harvest was recorded in Saki (10.84 and 32.51 respectively). Chevalier recorded the highest leaf length at harvest (51.41 cm) which was on par with Saki (49.99 cm). Highest leaf breadth at harvest was observed in Saki (24.22 cm) which was on par with Palam Samrudhi (22.85 cm). The leaf area was the highest in Saki at harvest (1485.54 cm²), which was on par with Chevalier (1439.43 cm²) and Marathon (1379.95 cm²). Marathon recorded the highest stem girth (16.78 cm) which was on par with Saki (15.69 cm). Saki recorded highest foliage weight at harvest (0.60 kg) which was on par with Supreme (0.59 kg), Palam Samrudhi (0.58 kg) and NS 50 (0.53). Highest gross plant weight was observed in Saki (3.05 kg) followed by Palam Samrudhi (2.09 kg). Fiesta was the earliest in head initiation (51.60 days) which was on par with Festival (53.83 days). Minimum days to 50 per cent head initiation was recorded in Festival (54.54 days). Waltham 29 recorded the highest number of days to 50 per cent heading (91.09 days). NS 50 recorded the lowest number of days to head maturity from head initiation (10.00 days) which was on par with Palam Samrudhi (10.60 days), while Waltham 29 (18.10 days) recorded the highest number of days to head maturity from head initiation. Festival was the earliest to harvest (64.40 days) which was on par with Supreme (65.90 days) and Fiesta (66.10 days) and Waltham took the highest number of days to harvest (108.39 days). Palam Samrudhi recorded the highest head diameter (12.25 cm), which was on par with Captain 488 (11.84 cm) and Saki (11.62 cm). The highest head depth was recorded in Saki (9.14 cm). Out of sixteen broccoli genotypes, ten were sprouting type. Among these, Marathon produced the highest number of sprouts per plant (9.00) which was on par with Green Magic (7.99). Green Magic recorded the highest weight for sprouts per plant (58.99 g). Waltham 29 recorded highest stalk length per plant (6.69 cm). The highest net head weight, total head weight, yield per plant, head yield per plot and marketable yield per plot was observed in Saki (360.04 g, 458.01, 360.04 g, 5.54 kg and 4.95 kg respectively). The highest value of harvest index was observed in Palam Samrudhi (0.14), which was on par with Lucky (0.14), Iris Cali 09 (0.13), Waltham 29 (0.13), Festival (0.13), Green Magic (0.12), Captain 488 (0.12) and Saki (0.12). Marathon recorded the highest heading percentage (99.00 per cent) which was on par with Iris (92.5 per cent), Palam Samrudhi (90.00 per cent), Iris Cali 09 (87.50 per cent), Saki (86.00 per cent) and Waltham 29 (82.50 per cent). The highest head size index was recorded in Saki (106.41 cm2) which was on par with Palam Samrudhi (93.83 cm2). Supreme recorded the highest head compactness (40.61 g cm-3) which was on par with NS 50 (37.68 g cm-3), Festival (34.35 g cm-3), Fiesta (34.07 g cm-3) and Saki (32.27 g cm-3). The TSS content was highest in Palam Samrudhi (8.84°Brix), which was on par with Fiesta (8.35°Brix), Marathon (7.78°Brix) and Captain 488 (7.47°Brix). Waltham 29 recorded the highest carotene content (207.22 µg 100 g-1) which was on par with Festival (188.92 µg 100 g-1). Palam Samrudhi recorded the highest ascorbic acid content of (74.77 mg 100 g-1). The highest reducing sugar was recorded in Saki (2.55 per cent) which was on par with Lucky (2.14 per cent). Festival recorded the highest amount of non reducing sugars (0.62 per cent) which was on par with Saki (0.58 per cent). The head colour retention was the highest in Chevalier (3.95 days), which was on par with NS 50 (3.35 days) and Supreme (3.35 days). NS 50 recorded the highest number of days in storage (3.98 days) which was on par with Fantasy (3.38 days). The estimates of PCV and GCV were high for plant height, plant spread, leaves per plant at harvest, leaf length at 30 DAT, leaf area, foliage weight at harvest, gross plant weight, head depth, sprouts per plant, weight of sprouts per plant, stalk length, net head weight, total head weight, yield per plant, head yield per plot, marketable yield per plot, harvest index, percentage heading, head size index, head compactness, TSS, carotene, protein, ascorbic acid and non reducing sugars. Moderate PCV and GCV were observed for leaf length at harvest, leaf breadth at harvest, stem girth, days to head initiation, days to 50 per cent head initiation, days to head maturity from head initiation, days to head harvest, head diameter and shelf life. High estimates of heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean were recorded for all traits. Yield per plant exhibited significant positive correlation at genotypic and phenotypic levels with gross plant weight, head size index, harvest index, head depth, head diameter, plant height at harvest, leaves per plant at harvest and plant spread at harvest. Path coefficient analysis revealed that head size index exerted highest positive direct effect on yield per plant followed by gross plant weight, days to head initiation, plant height at harvest, harvest index, sprouts per plant and leaves per plant at harvest. In sensory analysis, Saki ranked first for appearance, colour, flavour and taste, whereas Green Magic exhibited the highest mean score for texture and ranked second for appearance and flavour. Based on the yield, quality, sensory evaluation and selection index, the genotypes Saki and Palam Samrudhi were found best performing and suitable for growing in open field condition.Item Influence of Piriformospora indica on the growth, yield and quality of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Mastum. & Nakai)(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2023) Aparna Kaladhar; Sangeeta Kutty, MPiriformospora indica is a novel, and adaptable root endophyte which colonizes a wide range of plant species. The colonisation of P. indica in the roots results in improved plant performance including seed germination, seedling development, early blooming, improved fruiting, increase in secondary metabolites as well as resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai) is one of the most important crops coming under the family Cucurbitaceae. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, nutritional components and other polyphenolic components. About 93 per cent of the fruit contains water. However, there is no report on the association of P. indica with watermelon. Considering the several benefits of the fungus for crop production, the present investigation entitled “Influence of Piriformospora indica on the growth, yield and quality of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai) was conducted out at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, during December-April 2020-2021. Four different watermelon varieties viz., Swarna, Shonima, Sugarbaby, and Durgapur Lal were used in the experiment, both with and without P. indica colonisation. It was conducted as two experiments (Influence of P. indica on seed germination and seedling growth and Influence of P. indica on yield and quality of watermelon). Analysis variance revealed significant differences among most of the characters studied. In the evaluation of the influence of P. indica on seed germination and seedling growth, except days taken to germination and germination percentage all the other parameters like root length, shoot length, fresh and dry weight of root and shoot and phytohormones were highly variable with respect to P. indica colonisation. P. indica colonized Swarna and Shonima possessed the longest shoot and root (10.63 and 19.53 cm respectively). P. indica colonized Shonima had the heaviest fresh root weight (0.12 g) and the highest dried root weight (0.007g) whereas fungal inoculated Sugarbaby had the highest fresh and dry shoot weights (0.96 g and 0.06 g, respectively). The presence of chlamydospores in the stained root bits after 10 days of germination interpreted the presence of fungus which was absent in the non-colonized plants. P. indica colonized Shonima had the greatest levels of auxin and Gibberellic acid (22.53 µg /g and 0.19 µg /g, respectively). Similarly, the effect of colonisation was highly significant with respect to days to the first female flower, the node number of the first female flower, the number of flowers, the number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, fruit girth, rind thickness, no of seeds per fruit, yield per plant, TSS, lycopene, beta carotene, citrulline and pest and diseases. P. indica colonized Durgapur Lal took the fewest days to first female flower (24.46). P. indica colonized Swarna (5.26) was the earliest in the node number of the first female flower. The highest number of fruits was observed in P. indica colonized Shonima (6.40) whereas the highest yield per plant (10.33 kg), TSS (11.770 B) and the number of seeds (862.33) were seen in P. indica colonized Sugarbaby. Lycopene and beta carotene were highest in P. indica-colonized Shonima (5.43 mg/g and 0.65 mg/g respectively). Citrulline content was higher in P. indica colonized Swarna (2266.00 ppm). Under field conditions, P. indica colonisation reduced the prevalence and severity of pests and diseases. Moreover, it showed a marked decline in the severity of the Bud necrosis virus and the least affected was the P. indica colonized plants (33.33%). It also reduced some physiological disorders like white heart. Correlation analysis revealed that the shoot length of plants indicated a significant and positive correlation for auxin (0.56). The number of female flowers exhibited a significant positive correlation with Gibberellic acid (0.81). The percentage disease index displayed a profound and significant negative correlation with yield per plant (-0.80). The number of seeds of seeded varieties had a strong positive correlation (0.94) with fruit girth. Thus, the present study reveals that P. indica is most effective for promoting the growth, yield and quality parameters of watermelon. The study also revealed that the fungus is very efficient in managing pests and diseases. Hence there is a vast scope for further improvement of watermelon through P. indica inoculation.Item Influence of Piriformospora indica on the growth, yield and quality of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Mastum. & Nakai)(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture , Vellanikkara, 2023) Aparna Kaladhar.; Sangeeta Kutty, M; Dhanya M KPiriformospora indica is a novel, and adaptable root endophyte which colonizes a wide range of plant species. The colonisation of P. indica in the roots results in improved plant performance including seed germination, seedling development, early blooming, improved fruiting, increase in secondary metabolites as well as resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai) is one of the most important crops coming under the family Cucurbitaceae. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, nutritional components and other polyphenolic components. About 93 per cent of the fruit contains water. However, there is no report on the association of P. indica with watermelon. Considering the several benefits of the fungus for crop production, the present investigation entitled “Influence of Piriformospora indica on the growth, yield and quality of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai) was conducted out at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, during December-April 2020-2021. Four different watermelon varieties viz., Swarna, Shonima, Sugarbaby, and Durgapur Lal were used in the experiment, both with and without P. indica - colonisation. It was conducted as two experiments (Influence of P. indica on seed germination and seedling growth and Influence of P. indica on yield and quality of watermelon). Analysis variance revealed significant differences among most of the characters studied. In the evaluation of the influence of P. indica on seed germination and seedling growth, except days taken to germination and germination percentage all the other parameters like root length, shoot length, fresh and dry weight of root and shoot and phytohormones were highly variable with respect to P. indica colonisation. P. indicacolonized Swarna and Shonima possessed the longest shoot and root (10.63 and 19.53 cm respectively). P. indica colonized Shonima had the heaviest fresh root weight (0.12 g) and the highest dried root weight (0.007g) whereas fungal inoculated Sugarbaby had the highest fresh and dry shoot weights (0.96 g and 0.06 g, respectively). The presence of chlamydospores in the stained root bits after 10 days of germination interpreted the presence of fungus which was absent in the non-colonized plants. P. indica colonized Shonima had the greatest levels of auxin and Gibberellic acid (22.53 µg /g and 0.19 µg /g, respectively). Similarly, the effect of colonisation was highly significant with respect to days to the first female flower, the node number of the first female flower, the number of flowers, the number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, fruit girth, rind thickness, no of seeds per fruit, yield per plant, TSS, lycopene, beta carotene, citrulline and pest and diseases. P. indica colonized Durgapur Lal took the fewest days to first female flower (24.46). P. indica colonized Swarna (5.26) was the earliest in the node number of the first female flower. The highest number of fruits was observed in P. indicacolonized Shonima (6.40) whereas the highest yield per plant (10.33 kg), TSS (11.770 B) and the number of seeds (862.33) were seen in P. indica colonized Sugarbaby. Lycopene and beta carotene were highest in P. indica-colonized Shonima (5.43 mg/g and 0.65 mg/g respectively). Citrulline content was higher in P. indica colonized Swarna (2266.00 ppm). Under field conditions, P. indica colonisation reduced the prevalence and severity of pests and diseases. Moreover, it showed a marked decline in the severity of the Bud necrosis virus and the least affected was the P. indica colonized plants (33.33%). It also reduced some physiological disorders like white heart. Correlation analysis revealed that the shoot length of plants indicated a significant and positive correlation for auxin (0.56). The number of female flowers exhibited a significant positive correlation with Gibberellic acid (0.81). The percentage disease index displayed a profound and significant negative correlation with yield per plant (-0.80). The number of seeds of seeded varieties had a strong positive correlation (0.94) with fruit girth. Thus, the present study reveals that P. indica is most effective for promoting the growth, yield and quality parameters of watermelon. The study also revealed that the fungus is very efficient in managing pests and diseases. Hence there is a vast scope for further improvement of watermelon through P. indica inoculation. List(s) this item appears inItem Fertigation scheduling for vegetable cowpea (Vigna unguiculata ssp. sesquipedalis) under naturally ventilated polyhouse(Department of Vegetable science, College of Agriculture,Vellanikkara, 2024) Sai Lakshmi Mithila, U.Vegetable cowpea stands out as a highly valued crop in Kerala, commanding lucrative prices due to its versatility and significant nutritional advantages for human health. The cultivation of this crop proves to be financially rewarding when meticulous inputs are provided. Precision farming offers a method to precisely apply fertilizers, and the primary objective of this study is to establish a standard fertilizer recommendation for applying fertilizers in a precise manner. Vegetable cowpea exists in three distinct types: bush cowpea, trailing, and semi-trailing. These varieties exhibit significant differences in growth habits, spacing requirements, yields, biomass, and cultural practices. Consequently, a standardized fertigation schedule can be proposed, taking into account the distinct characteristics of bush and trailing cultivars of cowpea. The Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has an ad hoc recommendation for precision farming in yard-long beans (170:105:310 kg N: P: K/ha). This study focused on standardising fertigation schedule and evaluating the effects of various fertigation levels on a bush-type cultivar, Kashi Kanchan, and a trailing-type variety, KAU Deepika. Fertigation involves delivering water-soluble fertilizers through irrigation water, offering a more superior nutrient and water use efficiency compared to traditional methods of fertilizer application. The research was conducted at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, from November to January 2024. The first experiment, focusing on fertigation scheduling for yard-long bean cv. Deepika, employed a randomized block design featuring seven fertigation levels: 50% RDF, 60% RDF, 70% RDF, 80% RDF, 90% RDF, 100% RDF, and 110% RDF. The second experiment (fertigation scheduling for vegetable cowpea cv. Kashi Kanchan), also utilized a randomized block design with seven fertigation levels: 40% RDF, 50% RDF, 60% RDF, 70% RDF, 80% RDF, 90% RDF, and 100% RDF. Fertigation was administered at three-day intervals, and Trichoderma-enriched farmyard manure (FYM) was uniformly applied at a rate of 15 t/ha across all treatments. In all the treatments, basal application of phosphorus was given. Hundred percent recommended dose of fertilizers was 170:105:310 kg N: P: K/ha (40 splits). In the present study, only 21 splits of fertilizers were applied because the crop ended early, 70 days after sowing due to high temperature, phytotoxicity and sucking pest infestation. The actual quantity of fertilizer (21 splits) applied was at the rate of 89.25:80.09:162.75 kg N: P: K/ha (100% RDF). Findings of the first experiment in yard long bean cv. Deepika revealed that fertigation had significant effect on internodal length, number of pods per plant and yield. 110% RDF registered maximum internodal length (34.53 cm), maximum number of pods per plant (19.97). Highest yield per plant (0.55 kg) was recorded in 110% RDF and it was statistically on par with 100% RDF (0.53 kg). Fertigation had significant effect on average pod length and weight. Pod girth did not show any marked difference with different levels of fertigation. In KAU Deepika, highest average pod length (62.63 cm) was recorded in 110% RDF which was statistically on par with 100% RDF (61.80 cm) and highest average pod weight (27.60 g) was noticed in 110% RDF and it was statistically on par with 100% RDF (27.37 g) and 90% RDF (27.37 g). Fertigation had no significant effect on number of flowers per cluster, pod colour, crude fiber and trypsin inhibitor content of the pods. Days to first flower opening, days to first harvest and number of harvests were significantly influenced with fertigation doses. Treatment seven (110% RDF) took lower days to first flower opening (40.2 DAS) and days to first harvest (51.20 DAS) and it was statistically on par with T6 and T5. Maximum number of harvests were recorded in 110% RDF (6.67) which was statistically on par with 100% RDF, 90% RDF, 80% RDF and 70% RDF. Water content was highest in the pods of 100% RDF (91.10%) and it was statistically on par with 110% RDF (91.02%). T6 showed less Physiological loss in weight (15.35%) and it was statistically on par with 110% RDF (15.76%). Benefit-cost ratio was found to be highest for 110% RDF (1.52) and the second highest B:C ratio was obtained for 100% RDF (1.49). Findings of the second experiment in Kashi Kanchan revealed that 100% RDF registered maximum internodal length (23.47 cm). Maximum number of pods per plant (26.18) and highest yield per plant (0.25 kg) was recorded in 100% RDF and it was statistically on par with 90% RDF. Maximum average pod length (31.80 cm) and average pod weight (9.60 g) were observed for 100% RDF which was statistically on par with 90% RDF. Average pod girth, number of flowers per cluster, days to first flower opening, days to first harvest, number of harvests, crude fiber, trypsin inhibitor and colour of the pod were not influenced by nutrition level. T7 (100% RDF) registered maximum water content (89.66%) and less physiological loss in weight (16.18%) and it was statistically on par with 90% RDF. Benefit-cost ratio was found to be highest for 100% RDF (1.18) and the second highest B:C ratio was obtained for 90% RDF (1.15). Incidence of pests like cut worm, leaf miner, whitefly, thrips, mites, aphids were observed during the study. The crop was affected by diseases such as powdery mildew, alternaria leaf spot and cercospora leaf spot. Thus, based on the present study it can be concluded that 110% RDF (98.18:88.1:179.03 kg N: P: K/ha) for yard long bean cv. Deepika and 100% RDF (89.25:80.09:162.75 kg N: P: K/ha) for vegetable cowpea cv. Kashi Kanchan is the best fertigation dosage for obtaining maximum yield and B:C ratio grown inside polyhouse.Item Floral induction and seed yield in amaranthus (Amaranthus tricolor L.) as influenced by plant growth regulators(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture ,Vellayani, 2023-03-20) Sreelakshmi, S; Sarada, SThe project entitled "Floral induction and seed yield in amaranthus (Amaranthus tricolor L.) as influenced by plant growth regulators" was carried out at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 2020–2022, to study the effect of different plant growth regulators on floral induction in the amaranthus variety KAU Vaika, a short day cultivar, during non-inductive period, for seed production. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Treatments consisted of three foliar spray intervals (10 days after transplanting, 20 days after transplanting, and 30 days after transplanting) in the main plot and four growth regulators in two different concentrations consisting of eight treatments (BA at 50 and 100 ppm, GA3 at 50 and 100 ppm, TIBA at 100 and 200 ppm and Triacontanol at 50 and 100 ppm) in the subplot. Observations on vegetative, flowering, yield and seed quality characters were recorded. Foliar spray application interval at 10 days after transplanting resulted in the highest growth characters in amaranthus, such as stem girth (6.40 cm), internodal length (5.16 cm) and number of braches per plant (11.44) whereas at 20 days after transplanting the total leaf weight (493.52 g) and total stem weight (334.10 g) were highest. The foliar spray application interval at 20 days after transplanting resulted in the earliest days to first flowering (114.72 days), earliest seed maturity (161.07 days), and longest terminal panicle (24.92 cm). The yield characters like seed yield per plant of 6.65 g was highest for foliar spray at 30 days after transplanting. Significant difference could not be recorded in main plot treatments for growth characters like plant height, fresh yield, leaf to stem ratio, leaf node to first inflorescence and height at first flowering and seed quality characters like seed recovery percent, percent of chaffy seeds, percent of bold seeds, 1000 seed weight and germination percent except for the chaffy weight per plant (30.77 g), which was lowest for foliar spray at 10 days after transplanting. The highest plant height (86.27 cm), internodal length (6.44 cm) and stem weight (384.09 g) were recorded in plants treated with GA3 at 50 ppm, while the longest 128 terminal panicle (28.09 cm) was recorded with the application of GA3 at 100 ppm. Plants treated with BA at 50 ppm and 100 ppm recorded the highest leaf weight (533.61 g) and stem girth (6.84 cm), respectively. The highest number of branches per plant (13.78), earliest emergence of the first flower (70.57 days) and earliest seed maturity (116.68 days) were recorded with the application of TIBA at 100 ppm. Yield characters like yield per plant (982.26 g) were highest for plants treated with BA at 100 ppm, while the highest seed yield per plant (8.91 g) and lowest chaffy weight per plant (34.41 g) were recorded for the foliar spray treatment of triacontanol at 50 ppm. On analysing the interaction between foliar spray application interval and concentrations of growth regulators, the highest growth characters were observed on plants treated with BA or GA3, 10 days after transplanting. Growth characters like internodal length and plant height were observed the highest with the application of GA3 at 50 ppm and 100 ppm respectively at 10 days after transplanting, while the longest terminal panicle (29.50 cm) was recorded for GA3 at 100 ppm at 30 days after transplanting. The highest stem girth of 8.44 cm was recorded for BA 100 ppm, 10 days after transplanting whereas the highest leaf weight of 693.30 g was recorded for BA 100 ppm, 20 days after transplanting. TIBA at 100 ppm, 20 days after transplanting recorded the earliest flowering (52.60 days) and seed maturity (97.94 days) while TIBA 100 ppm, 10 days after transplanting recorded the highest number of branches per plant (17.60). Yield characters like yield per plant (1115.22 g) was recorded the highest for BA 100 ppm, 20 days after transplanting while seed yield per plant (10.54 g) was the highest for triacontanol 50 ppm, 30 days after transplanting. Significant interaction could not be observed for seed quality characters except for the chaffy weight per plant (28.60 g), which was the lowest for TIBA 200 ppm, 10 days after transplanting. The results of this experiment suggested that tri-iodobenzoic acid (TIBA), gibberellic acid (GA3) and triacontanol have the capacity to trigger off-season flowering in the amaranthus variety KAU Vaika. Application of TIBA and GA3 at 100 ppm, 20 days after transplanting could potentially cause early flowering, whereas the application of Triacontanol at 50 ppm, 30 days after transplanting resulted in the highest seed yield per plant.Item Nutrient profiling of yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdcourt) genotypes(Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture ,Vellayani, 2023-03-25) Anitt Joseph; Sarada SThe project entitled "Nutrient profiling of yard long bean [Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis (L.) Verdcourt] genotypes" was carried out at the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 2020–2022, to analyze the nutrient composition in green pods of yard long bean genotypes and to identify of the best genotype based on nutrient content. The experimental material consisted of 20 yard long bean genotypes, which was laid out in RBD with two replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant difference for all the characters studied among the twenty genotypes expect for sodium content. Among the genotypes, the highest pod length was observed for KAU Deepika (66.25 cm) and Kanjikuzhipayar (64.45 cm), FH-7 (63.60 cm) and NS- 621 (61.50 cm) being statistically on par with it. The highest pod girth was recorded in NS 621 (4.20 cm), which was on par with Supreme (3.80 cm) and Kanjikuzhipayar (3.80 cm). The highest pod weight of 33.60 g was recorded by FH 7, which was on par with Kanjikuzhipayar (32.45 g) and KAU Deepika (31.25 g). The highest number of pods per plant was recorded in Githika (47.00). VS 38 (46.00), Manjari (45.00), VS 54 (44.00) and KMV 1 (43.50) were on par with it. The highest yield per plant of 1087.15 g was recorded by Githika which was on par with KAU Deepika (1031.52 g). The highest moisture content of 89.77 % was recorded by NS 621 which was on par with FH 7 (89.53 %), Supreme (88.55 %), Kanjikuzhipayar (87.94 %), KAU Deepika (89.94 %) and Vellayani Jyothika (87.47 %). The lowest fat content was recorded in KAU Mithra (1.15 %) which was statistically on par with KAU Deepika (1.25 %), VS 16 (1.25 %), Supreme (1.35 %), Malika (1.40 %) and Lola (1.40 %). The lowest carbohydrate content was recorded in Lola (6.69 %) which was on par with VS 54 (7.05 %), Arka Mangala (7.15 %), Sharika (7.23 %), KMV 1 (7.27 %) and Harry (7.27 %). The highest ash content of 0.91 % was recorded in Vellayani Jyothika. The highest crude fibre content was observed in Lola (1.90 %) which was on par with VS 54 (1.90 %), Harry (1.86 %) and Vyjayanthi (1.85 %). The highest crude protein content was recorded by Arka Mangala (34.12 %). Kanjikuzhipayar (31.93 %), Manjari (31.81 %) and KAU Mithra (31.805 %) were found to be statistically on par with it. The highest beta carotene of 512.87 µg 100 g-1 was recorded in Vyjayanthi. The genotype KMV 1 recorded the highest vitamin B1 content of 0.94 mg 100 g-1 of dry weight. Githika (0.92 mg 100 g-1 of dry weight) and Lola (0.900 mg 100 g-1 of dry weight) were on par with it. The highest vitamin B2 and vitamin B3 content was recorded in Githika (0.40 mg 100 g-1 of dry weight and 2.21 mg 100 g-1 of dry weight respectively). Vitamin C content was the highest in Noori (26.28 mg 100 g-1 of fresh weight) which was statistically on par with Vyjayanthi (25.96 mg 100 g-1 of fresh weight), KAU Deepika (25.96 mg 100 g-1 of fresh weight), Githika (25.96 mg 100 g-1 of fresh weight), FH 7 (25.96 mg 100 g-1 of fresh weight) and Vellayani Jyothika (25.32 mg 100 g-1 of fresh weight). The highest potassium content of 1.83 % was recorded in Manjari. Two genotypes, viz., Kanjikuzhipayar (1.80 %) and Noori (1.75 %) were on par with it. Githika recorded the highest phosphorous content of 0.60 % which was on par with VS 38 (0.55 %). Vyjayanthi registered the highest magnesium content (0.63 %), which was on par with VS 16 (0.54 %), Githika (0.54 %), Manjari (0.48 %), VS 38 (0.48 %) and VS 54 (0.48 %). The highest iron content of 190.00 ppm was observed in VS 54, being on par with Lola (185.00 ppm). The highest zinc content was recorded in Manjari (82.50 ppm). FH 7 (77.50 ppm) and VS 54 (75.00 ppm) were found to be statistically on par with it. The lowest phytic acid content was recorded in Lola (825.63 mg 100 g 1).Vyjayanthi (832.69 mg 100 g-1), KAU Deepika (853.91 mg 100 g-1), Githika (853.94 mg 100 g-1), Sharika (853.94 mg 100 g-1) and NS 621 (859.24 mg 100 g-1) was found to be statistically on par with it.The lowest oxalate content was recorded in Supreme (2.20 mg g-1), which was statistically on par with Kanjikuzhipayar (2.25 mg g-1), Arka Mangala (2.30 mg g-1), Sharika (2.35 mg g-1) and KAU Deepika (2.70 mg g-1). The highest antioxidant content was recorded in Vellayani Jyothika (94.05 %). Arka Mangala recorded the highest mean score for colour/appearance and doneness. Highest mean score for flavour and taste was recorded in NS 621. The lowest bitterness was also recorded in NS 621. High phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation coupled with high heritability and high genetic advance was recorded for the characters pod length, pod weight, pods/plant, yield/plant, ash, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, potassium, phosphorous, iron and zinc. The genotypes were ranked based on selection index score considering the characters viz., carbohydrate, crude fibre, crude protein, beta carotene, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, potassium, calcium, iron and antioxidant. Lola recorded the highest selection index score of 824.222 followed by Vyjayanthi (804.255) and VS 54 (789.976). The best genotype based on nutrient content was Lola, which recorded the highest crude fibre content, high vitamin B1 and iron content and the lowest carbohydrate and phytic acid content.Item Standardisation of fertigation and evaluation of chitosan as a bio stimulant on the biochemical and morphological traits of seedless watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum and Nakai](Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2023-03-13) Jayalakshmi, T; Aswini, AWatermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum and Nakai] is a popular dessert vegetable of the Cucurbitaceae family. Even though the demand for fruit is very high, watermelon production confines to a limited area of 100 hectares with a production of 840 metric tonnes in Kerala. Precision farming is gaining importance in vegetable production and fertigation is an integral part of it. Watermelon responds well to fertigation in terms of growth and yield enhancement at different stages of crop like establishment phase, vegetative phase, flower initiation and at the time of harvesting. Erratic rainfall is the main limiting factor for watermelon cultivation in southern Kerala. Chitosan as a bio stimulant has a potential role in improving yield, quality, biotic and abiotic stress resistance of agricultural crops which can be exploited in the production of watermelon also. Researchers reported that bio stimulant effect of chitosan on plants was not much clear and it might be due to the increased photosynthetic rate by its application. Hence the present study was undertaken with an objective to standardise fertigation and to evaluate the effect of chitosan on biochemical and morphological characters of triploid seedless watermelon hybrid, Shonima from December 2021 to March 2022 at the Department of Vegetable Science. The experiment was conducted in split plot design with four levels of fertigation (50 % RDF, 75 % RDF, 100 % RDF and 125 % RDF) in main plots and three chitosan concentrations as foliar application (0.1 %, 0.2 % and 0.3 %) in subplots. Control was maintained with a level of fertilizer application @ 70: 25: 25 kg NPK/ha (KAU POP) and without any foliar application of chitosan. Fertigation was scheduled at three days interval and foliar application of chitosan was done at the pre flowering and fruit setting stages. Weather parameters like maximum temperature, minimum temperature, relative humidity and rainfall were recorded. As the crop duration during the summer season was shortened from 120 days to 90 days, only 25 splits of fertigation (6, 12, 7 during establishment, vegetative and fruiting stages respectively) were completed out of 40 (6, 12, 22 during establishment, vegetative and fruiting stages respectively). Fertigation doses given were 21.87: 15.62: 37.5 kg NPK/ha (50% RDF), 32.81: 23.44: 56.25 kg NPK/ha (75 % RDF), 43.75: 31.25: 75 kg NPK/ha (100% RDF) and 54.68: 39.06: 93.75 kg NPK/ha (125 % RDF). Fertigation levels significantly influenced vegetative and floral characters of watermelon. Longest vine length (3.87m) was recorded by 125% RDF. Male flower anthesis (24.39 days) was found to be early in 50 % RDF. Fruit and yield characters along with quality parameters were significantly influenced by fertigation doses. 100% RDF recorded maximum equatorial diameter (16.90 cm), polar diameter (17.55 cm), fruits/plant (4.52), average fruit weight (1.61 kg), yield/plant (5.97 kg/plant) and lycopene content (5.76 mg/100g). Maximum TSS (8.64°Brix) was recorded in 75 % RDF and maximum total sugar (5.38%) in 50 % RDF which was on par with 75 % and 100 % RDF. Chitosan concentrations influenced fruit, yield and quality parameters of watermelon. Foliar application of 0.1 % chitosan recorded maximum fruit equatorial diameter (16.76 cm), polar diameter (17.43 cm), fruits/plant (4.25), average fruit weight (1.94 kg), yield/plant (6.23 kg/plant), TSS (8.87 °Brix), lycopene content (4.96 mg/100g), reducing sugar (3.54 %) and total sugar content (5.38 %). 50% RDF recorded lowest rind thickness (1.17 cm). Interaction effect of fertigation doses and chitosan concentrations on fruit and yield characters and quality parameters was found to be significant. Treatment combination of 100 % RDF + 0.1 % chitosan spray recorded maximum equatorial diameter (18.08 cm), polar diameter (18.87 cm), average fruit weight (2.38 kg), yield/plant (8.06 kg/plant) and lycopene content (6.72 mg/100g). Maximum TSS (9.46 °Brix) and reducing sugar (3.98 %) was recorded by 75 % RDF + 0.1 % chitosan spray. Maximum total sugar content (5.67 %) was observed by 50 % RDF + 0.1 % chitosan spray. BC ratio (2.01) was found to be maximum with 100 % RDF + 0.1 % chitosan. Soil nutrient status was increased after the crop duration. Vulnerability index of watermelon bud necrosis virus, percentage disease index (PDI) of fusarium wilt and gummy stem blight reduced after foliar application of chitosan. The crop duration was reduced during the summer season hence, the recommended dose of fertigation for Shonima (90 days duration) was 43.75: 31.25: 75 kg NPK/ha. The recommended chitosan concentration was 0.1 % and treatment combination 100 % RDF + 0.1 % chitosan was found to the best for yield and quality parameters of watermelon. Fertigation enhanced the nutrient uptake thereby improved the growth, yield and quality of watermelon. Chitosan having potential role in biotic stress tolerance by regulating the jasmonic acid responsible for this by generating hydrogen peroxide. Enhanced yield and quality of fruits with foliar application of chitosan could be studied further with reference to physiological aspects like photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate etc. Biochemical and morphological traits of seedless watermelon was improved with influence of fertigation and foliar application of chitosan compared to conventional method of fertilizer application without any foliar spray of chitosan.Item Standardization of agrotechniques for vertically trained watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.)Matsum. & Nakai](Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture ,Vellayani, 2023-05-30) Naveda Murthy; Nisha, S KThe experiment entitled “Standardization of agrotechniques for vertically trained watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai] under rain shelter” was carried out at Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala, during the period 2021-2022, to study the effects of spacing, training and pruning on yield and quality of watermelon hybrid ‘Saraswati’ under rain shelter. The treatments were factorial combinations of three planting densities viz., D1- 1.5 m × 0.6 m, D2- 1.5 m × 0.45 m and D3-1.5 m × 0.3 m; two training levels viz., T1– nipping into single vine and T2– nipping into double vine) and two pruning heights viz., P1- pruned at 2 m and P2- unpruned) arranged in randomized block design with two replications and control with horizontal training of vines in open condition. Planting densities significantly influenced all growth parameters while training affected only flowering characters and number of leaves. Plants at wider spacing, D1 recorded longest vine (3.84 m), earliest flowering (15.56 for male flower and 22.41 for female flower), lowest node of flowering (4.68 for male flowers and 13.64 for female flowers), highest number of leaves (14.21 at 20 DAT and 34.63 at 45 DAT), highest chlorophyll content (1.69 mg 100 g-1 at 20 DAT and 2.93 mg 100 g-1at 45 DAT) and highest dry matter production at harvest (29.15 g). Highest leaf area per plant (2211.50 cm2 at 20 DAT and 2266.02 cm2 at 45 DAT) and longest internodes (7.84 cm) were recorded in closer spacing, D3. The chlorophyll content was found to be higher in open condition (3.00 mg 100 g-1) than under rain shelter. All yield parameters other than rind thickness, fruits per plant and seed characters were significantly influenced by spacing. Plants at wider spacing recorded highest value for fruit equatorial diameter (15.15 cm), fruit polar diameter (18.90 cm), fruit weight (2.84 kg), yield per plant (5.50 kg), harvest 86 index (0.79) and longest crop duration (102.62 days). Medium spacing noted least days to first harvest (46.84 days). Closer spacing, D3 had fruits at lower nodes (15.31) and recorded highest values for yield per plot (78.37 kg). Training to single vine recorded earliest flowering (16.79 days for male flower and 23.14 days for female flower) and lowest node of flowering (5.36 for male flowers and 14.36 for female flowers). Training to two vine noted highest number of leaves (13.37 at 20 DAT and 34.43 at 45 DAT) and highest dry matter production at harvest (28.14 g). Plants trained to single vine produced fruits with highest fruit weight (2.84 kg) and longest polar diameter (18.17 cm). However, plants trained to double vine recorded highest number of fruits (2.56), yield per plant (5.28 kg), yield per plot (72.32 kg) and harvest index (0.79). Pruning had significant influence on vine length, days to flowering and number of leaves at 45 DAT. Unpruned plants recorded longest vine (5.00 m), higher number of leaves at 45 DAT (32.98) and highest dry matter production (27.88 g). Pruned plants noted earliest flowering (16.88 days for male flower and 23.24 days for female flower). Pruned pants recorded highest value for fruit polar diameter (18.39 cm) and fruit weight (2.56 kg) while unpruned plants had highest number of fruits per plant (2.26), yield per plant (3.03 kg), yield per plot (69.47 kg) harvest index (0.74) and longest crop duration (115.38). Seeds per fruit and weight of 100 seeds were not significantly influenced by any of the treatments. Among treatment interactions, D×T significantly influenced chlorophyll content at 45 DAT, leaf area index, days to first harvest, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight and dry matter production at harvest. D×P combinations had significant effect on vine length, fruit polar diameter chlorophyll content at 45 DAT, days to first harvest, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, yield per plant, yield per plot and harvest index. Interaction of P×T and D×T×P influenced chlorophyll content at 87 45 DAT, number of fruits per plant, yield per plant, yield per plot and harvest index. On analysis of economic parameters, highest net returns (Rs. 10,06,729) and B:C ratio (3.02: 1.00) were recorded in double vine unpruned plants at closer spacing (D3) under rain shelter. The study revealed growing watermelon vertically trained watermelon at 1.5 m × 0.3 m resulted in highest yield per unit area (78.37 kg) and B:C ratio (3.02: 1.00). Unpruned plants trained as two vines recorded highest number of fruits per plant, yield per plant, yield per plot and harvest index. So, the present study suggests cultivation of vertically trained watermelon under rain shelter as double vine at closer spacing without pruning the main vineItem Standardisation of fertigation and evaluation of chitosan as a bio stimulant on the biochemical and morphological traits of seedless watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum and Nakai](Department of Vegetable Science, College of Agriculture , Vellanikkara, 2023-03-13) Jayalakshmi, T; Aswini, AWatermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum and Nakai] is a popular dessert vegetable of the Cucurbitaceae family. Even though the demand for fruit is very high, watermelon production confines to a limited area of 100 hectares with a production of 840 metric tonnes in Kerala. Precision farming is gaining importance in vegetable production and fertigation is an integral part of it. Watermelon responds well to fertigation in terms of growth and yield enhancement at different stages of crop like establishment phase, vegetative phase, flower initiation and at the time of harvesting. Erratic rainfall is the main limiting factor for watermelon cultivation in southern Kerala. Chitosan as a bio stimulant has a potential role in improving yield, quality, biotic and abiotic stress resistance of agricultural crops which can be exploited in the production of watermelon also. Researchers reported that bio stimulant effect of chitosan on plants was not much clear and it might be due to the increased photosynthetic rate by its application. Hence the present study was undertaken with an objective to standardise fertigation and to evaluate the effect of chitosan on biochemical and morphological characters of triploid seedless watermelon hybrid, Shonima from December 2021 to March 2022 at the Department of Vegetable Science. The experiment was conducted in split plot design with four levels of fertigation (50 % RDF, 75 % RDF, 100 % RDF and 125 % RDF) in main plots and three chitosan concentrations as foliar application (0.1 %, 0.2 % and 0.3 %) in subplots. Control was maintained with a level of fertilizer application @ 70: 25: 25 kg NPK/ha (KAU POP) and without any foliar application of chitosan. Fertigation was scheduled at three days interval and foliar application of chitosan was done at the pre flowering and fruit setting stages. Weather parameters like maximum temperature, minimum temperature, relative humidity and rainfall were recorded. As the crop duration during the summer season was shortened from 120 days to 90 days, only 25 splits of fertigation (6, 12, 7 during establishment, vegetative and fruiting stages respectively) were completed out of 40 (6, 12, 22 during establishment, vegetative and fruiting stages respectively). Fertigation doses given were 21.87: 15.62: 37.5 kg NPK/ha (50% RDF), 32.81: 23.44: 56.25 kg NPK/ha (75 % RDF), 43.75: 31.25: 75 kg NPK/ha (100% RDF) and 54.68: 39.06: 93.75 kg NPK/ha (125 % RDF). Fertigation levels significantly influenced vegetative and floral characters of watermelon. Longest vine length (3.87m) was recorded by 125% RDF. Male flower anthesis (24.39 days) was found to be early in 50 % RDF. Fruit and yield characters along with quality parameters were significantly influenced by fertigation doses. 100% RDF recorded maximum equatorial diameter (16.90 cm), polar diameter (17.55 cm), fruits/plant (4.52), average fruit weight (1.61 kg), yield/plant (5.97 kg/plant) and lycopene content (5.76 mg/100g). Maximum TSS (8.64°Brix) was recorded in 75 % RDF and maximum total sugar (5.38%) in 50 % RDF which was on par with 75 % and 100 % RDF. Chitosan concentrations influenced fruit, yield and quality parameters of watermelon. Foliar application of 0.1 % chitosan recorded maximum fruit equatorial diameter (16.76 cm), polar diameter (17.43 cm), fruits/plant (4.25), average fruit weight (1.94 kg), yield/plant (6.23 kg/plant), TSS (8.87 °Brix), lycopene content (4.96 mg/100g), reducing sugar (3.54 %) and total sugar content (5.38 %). 50% RDF recorded lowest rind thickness (1.17 cm). Interaction effect of fertigation doses and chitosan concentrations on fruit and yield characters and quality parameters was found to be significant. Treatment combination of 100 % RDF + 0.1 % chitosan spray recorded maximum equatorial diameter (18.08 cm), polar diameter (18.87 cm), average fruit weight (2.38 kg), yield/plant (8.06 kg/plant) and lycopene content (6.72 mg/100g). Maximum TSS (9.46 °Brix) and reducing sugar (3.98 %) was recorded by 75 % RDF + 0.1 % chitosan spray. Maximum total sugar content (5.67 %) was observed by 50 % RDF + 0.1 % chitosan spray. BC ratio (2.01) was found to be maximum with 100 % RDF + 0.1 % chitosan. Soil nutrient status was increased after the crop duration. Vulnerability index of watermelon bud necrosis virus, percentage disease index (PDI) of fusarium wilt and gummy stem blight reduced after foliar application of chitosan. The crop duration was reduced during the summer season hence, the recommended dose of fertigation for Shonima (90 days duration) was 43.75: 31.25: 75 kg NPK/ha. The recommended chitosan concentration was 0.1 % and treatment combination 100 % RDF + 0.1 % chitosan was found to the best for yield and quality parameters of watermelon. Fertigation enhanced the nutrient uptake thereby improved the growth, yield and quality of watermelon. Chitosan having potential role in biotic stress tolerance by regulating the jasmonic acid responsible for this by generating hydrogen peroxide. Enhanced yield and quality of fruits with foliar application of chitosan could be studied further with reference to physiological aspects like photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate etc. Biochemical and morphological traits of seedless watermelon was improved with influence of fertigation and foliar application of chitosan compared to conventional method of fertilizer application without any foliar spray of chitosan.