Kerala Agricultural University RESEARCH REPORT 2018 Compiled and Edited by Dr. P. Indira Devi Director of Research Kerala Agricultural University Vellanikkara, Thrissur. Kerala. December 2018 Kerala Agricultural University RESEARCH REPORT 2018 Dr. P. Indira Devi December 2018 Copies: 500 © Authors Published by Kerala Agricultural University Vellanikkara, Thrissur. Kerala. Printed at Lumiere Ptinting Works Thrissur 680 020 FOREWORD Kerala has been a fore runner in many of the development indicators, developing models which others can emulate. Despite being a service sector oriented economy, agricultural sector of the state was showing a positive growth rate during the recent past. The role of science based policy intervention in attaining the growth is evident, as the cropped area has not been increasing. The research focus by Kerala Agricultural University in developing technologies that aim at productivity, sustainability and social acceptance has played a significant role in maintaining and promoting the agriculture sector in the state. Continuing the efforts, Kerala Agricultural University is proud to present the major research findings during the year 2017-18, from various projects implemented by us. We reaffirm our commitment towards the agricultural development of the state especially in rebuilding a new Kerala. The devotion and commitment of Kerala Agricultural University fraternity towards the achievements are to be remembered and acknowledged in this juncture. I may take this opportunity to congratulate all those who have contributed to this endeavor. Dr. R. Chandra Babu Vice-Chancellor PREFACE Agriculture in Kerala is distinctly different from the rest of India, in many ways. Predominance of non- food-plantation sector, multi cropping systems, homestead farming and abundance of biodiversity are a few among these specific features. The proportion of farming households in the state is reported to be the lowest among the states in India. The socio economic and demographic setup have resulted in further diversity in farming objectives and practices. The farming practices range from micro level terrace and backyard systems to large scale commercial plantations. The objectives in this sector have undergone drastic changes with focus on quality rather than volume of production. So also, a shift from domestic to export and direct consumption to processing and value addition is also being witnessed. Simultaneously the demand for green technologies arise from the public, owing to higher literacy and awareness. The research system in Kerala Agricultural University is tuned to address these challenges. There are research results that offer solutions to many of the problems at field level. The research projects in Kerala Agricultural University is mainly funded by the public sector which include Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Indian Council for Forestry Research and Education, Directorate of Biotechnology, Department of Science and Technology, Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment. Prominent among them are the All India Co-ordinated Research Projects (AICRP’s), which are mainly funded by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). These together enjoyed funding support to the tune of Rs. 25.23 crores. Support from State government constituted 35.31 per cent of research grants. The total amount obtained for implementing research projects was to the tune of Rs. 39 crores in 2017-18. The projects are implemented by the scientists working in the seven colleges and 26 research stations of the university. These scientists are also discharging extension and teaching duties. Apart from this, the results from post graduate and Ph.D academic programmes are also there. The research management in the university is done by the Directorate of Research, where the Director of Research is supported by Associate Directors of Research, one each for the five zones and four in the Head Quarters. There are three faculties, Agriculture, Forestry and Agricultural Engineering, where the research implementation is vested with the Research Coordinator, who is a senior Professor. There are twenty four subject specific Project Co-ordination Groups, 19 in agriculture, 2 in Forestry and 3 in Agricultural Engineering. The Project Co-ordinators monitor the research project implementation. It is worth mentioning that our scientists have published quality research articles is reputed journals. With great pride, I may also mention that Kerala Agricultural University has released 23 varieties in different crops during this period (17-18). We could also make 65 technologies ready for transfer to potential entrepreneurs. In this background, it is worth pointing out the fact that the achievements of the university are on account of the united work of all sections of farm workers, supportive ministerial and the scientific community. The role of the Research Associates and other temporary employees are also equally acknowledged. We also thank all the funding agencies and other organizations, who supported us for effectively discharging the responsibilities. The post flood scenario of the State demands a paradigm shift in the research policy of university for rebuilding the agricultural sector of the state. KAU has initiated efforts to strengthen the research programmes for addressing the same, which is the need of the hour. The support of one and all in this regard, is solicited. Dr. P. Indira Devi Director of Research The Newly Released Crop Varieties from Kerala Agricultural University The Newly Released Crop Varieties, KAU (vide 27th State Seed Sub Committee held on 12/12/2017) Kerala Agricultural University has released 23 improved varieties in rice, vegetables, tuber crops, spices and medicinal plants, at the 27th State Seed Sub Committee held at Thiruvananthapuram on 12/12/2017. The formal release of these varieties was done by Sri. Pinarayi Vijayan, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Kerala on 26/05/2018 at KAU, Head Quarters, Vellanikkara. Rice Oryza sativa) KAU Pournami KAU Manuratna KAU Lavanya KAU Jyotsna KAU Supriya KAU Akshaya Yard long bean (Vigna ungiculata var. sesquipedalis) KAU Manjari KAU Mithra Culinary melon (Sambar Vellari) Cucumber (Cucumis melo var. acidulous L.Naudin) (Cucumis sativus L) KAU Vishal KPCH 1 Tapioca (Manihot esculentaCrantz) Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L) KAU Uthama Panniyur 9 Cardamom (Elettariacardamomum M) KAU PV 3 KAU PV 5 Camboge/ Malabar Tamarind (Garcinia gummi-gutta) Nutmeg (Myristicafragrans H) KAU Nithya KAU Punnathanam Nutmeg (Myristicafragrans H) KAU Pullan KAU Kochukudy Nutmeg (Myristicafragrans H) KAU Mundathanam KAU Poothara Ginger (ZingiberofficinaleRosc) KAU Chandra KAU Chithra Chethikoduveli (Plumbago rosea) KAU Swathi Faculty - Agriculture Dr. Vijayaraghava Kumar Professor (RC) Name of Project Coordination Group : (01) Rice Compiled by: Dr. Reena Mathew, Protect Coordinator Plan & External Aided Projects Ongoing Projects: 73 Nos. Post Graduate Projects Concluded Projects: 5 Nos. Ongoing Projects:2 Nos. 4 Kerala Agricultural University Research Report 2018 ONGOING EXPERIMENTS 2017-2018 1. Genetic conservation of rice germplasm, collection, maintenance, cataloguing and evaluation Dr.Faseela.K.V Asst.Professor [email protected] New entries were included in germplasm collection which comprised of farmer varieties, varieties released from other institutes and recent breeding lines. Characterization of 443 accessions including 93 short duration, 226 medium and long duration, 124 traditional rice varieties under the germplasm collection in Pattambi were completed under this project. The pure seeds multiplied were stored under Medium Term Storage facility developed at RARS, Pattambi under this project. Molecular characterization of germplasm is progressing using SSR markers. Molecular characterization of 58 varieties and released from Pattambi was completed using markers RM 19, RM 25, RM 44, RM 55, RM 72, RM 152, RM 201, RM 202, RM 205, RM 212, RM 219, RM 225, RM 228, RM 259, RM 263, RM 334, RM 336, RM 431, RM 433, RM 518 AND RM 3586. Forty six traditional rice varieties were characterized using 14 SSR markers. Chennellu, Kalluruli, Karanellu, Kalladiaryan, Thondi Navara, Anjali, N-22 were characterized using ten drought specific molecular markers. Traditional varieties- Ponkuruka, Chenkayama, Pallippuram pokkali, Cheriya oorpandi, Karuthakuruka, Chettivirippu, Gandhakasala, Pandichampan, Kuttithekkan, Veluthavattan, Mundakan, Vellari, Velutharikayama, Thekkan chitteni and high yielding varieties were also characterized for ten molecular markers specific for salinity. Molecular characterization of the germplasm collection is progressing. The result generated from molecular study will be highly useful in breeding for varieties with biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. Selections from land races Veluthitaryan and Kalluruli were tested for yield performance along with check varieties during 2017-18. 2. Breeding high yielding, tall, photo sensitive varieties with good straw yield specifically suited for the mundakan season of Kerala. Dr.Faseela.K.V Asst.Professor [email protected] During 2017-18, Cul 5(0614-1-6-21 IET 26080) was tested under Advance variety trial -1-late in AICRIP. Quality characters of Cul 5 were found to be excellent on assessment at IIRR, Hyderabad. Cul 6(0614-7-8-24 KAU Supriya), Cul 14(0615-01- 25-17 KAU Akshaya) and Cul 19(0615-01-28-34-1) were tested under Initial varietal trial as IET 27244, 26951 and 26941 respectively. 3. Collection, maintenance and evaluation of rice