Giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta) is a problematic aquatic fern found in wetlands. Recently, severe infestation of the weed has been observed in the low-lying rice fields in India. An experiment was conducted at Kerala Agricultural University to investigate the effectiveness of different rice herbicides and soil amendments for managing salvinia. The trials were conducted in tanks, and a few effective herbicides were subsequently tested in the field. Changes in major water quality parameters were also monitored. The tank study comprised 15 treatments; lime and gypsum (each at 0.1 kg/m2), acetic acid, salicylic acid, NaCl, and CuSO4, (each at 5

The study on optimizing soilless growing media for compact growth of Philodendron xanadu was conducted at the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, India. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with five different growing media, viz., M1: cocopeat (50%) + vermicompost (30%) + perlite (10%) + vermiculite (10%), M2: cocopeat (50%) + vermicompost (20%) + neem cake (10%) + perlite (10%) +vermiculite (10%), M3: coco chips (50%) + vermicompost (30%) + perlite (10%) + vermiculite (10%), M4: coco chips (50%) + vermicompost (20%) + neem cake (10%) + perlite (10%) + vermiculite (10%) and M5: cocopeat (60%) + vermicompost (20%) + perlite (20%). The study revealed that plants grown in media M2 and M4 showed significant variations and superior performance in vegetative and root parameters. These media also exhibited the highest chlorophyll content and favorable physical and chemical properties, enhancing nutrient uptake and plant growth cost-effectively. The inclusion of cocopeat in M2 and coco chips in M4, along with organic amendments such as vermicompost, perlite, and vermiculite, provided excellent water retention, aeration, and nutrient content, promoting root and vegetative growth. Additionally, the neem cake amendment contributed to the superior performance of plants in these media. Conclusively, these growing media M2 and M4 are recommended for achieving the compact growth of Philodendron xanadu, emphasizing the potential of optimized soilless growing media for sustainable and efficient Ornamental Horticulture.

A research experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm of the College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), Vellanikkara, Thrissur from October to December 2021. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of nano fertilizer and designer seeds on the growth and yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp). The experimental design employed was Completely Randomized Design (Factorial), comprising three replications. The experimental treatments encompassed application of various concentrations of nano NPK fertilizer at different rates (2/3, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4) of the recommended dose of NPK as per package of practices (POP) of KAU, NPK as per POP (20:30:10 kg/ha), and absolute control. Three levels of seed treatments were also applied; designer seeds, rhizobium treated seeds and untreated seeds. The findings of the study revealed that both nano fertilizers and designer seeds exerted a significant positive influence on the biometric and yield parameters of cowpea. Among the nano fertilizers, nano NPK (2/3) as per POP demonstrated the highest chlorophyll content at harvest (5.01 mg/g) compared to the absolute control (2.11 mg/g). Moreover, the synergistic application of nano NPK (2/3) as per POP in conjunction with designer seeds demonstrated remarkable efficacy, yielding the highest recorded grain yield at 838.47 kg/ha.

Rice is the most important agricultural crop which sustains more than 60% of the world's population as a dietary staple. Nano urea produced and patented by Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited [IFFCO] is developed to replace conventional urea and it can curtail the requirement by at least 50 percent and it will increase the nutrient use efficiency (NUE) by 80-90 percent. The main aim of the experiment was to assess the effect of nano fertilizers on the growth and yield of rice. The eight treatment combinations were T1- Nano urea (foliar) at active tillering & panicle initiation, T2 - Urea spray at active tillering & panicle initiation, T3 - Nano Urea followed by nano K (foliar) at active tillering & panicle initiation, T4- Nano K (foliar) at active tillering & panicle initiation, T5- Nano NPK (foliar) at active tillering & panicle initiation, T6 - 19:19:19 spray at active tillering & panicle initiation, T7- 90:45:45 kg N, P2O5 & K2O (KAU POP) and T8- Absolute control. The results showed that the application of nano urea @ 4ml/L as foliar topdressing at active tillering & panicle initiation recorded statistically similar results as that of 90:45:45 kg N, P2O5 & K2O (KAU POP) in terms of growth, yield and nutrient use efficiency in rice.

Aquatic weeds often pose a serious threat to wetland rice production. An experiment was conducted at All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Weed Management, Kerala Agricultural University, India to evaluate the performance of post-emergence herbicides for the management of two broad-leaf aquatic weeds Limnocharis flava and Monochoria vaginalis during the rainy (Kharif) and winter (Rabi) seasons of 2022. The experiment was laid out with eleven treatments, consisting of recommended dose of 2,4-D-sodium salt, penoxsulam + butachlor, penoxsulam + pendimethalin, metsulfuron-methyl + chlorimuron-ethyl, florpyrauxifen-benzyl, bispyribac-sodium, penoxsulam + cyhalofop-butyl, carfentrazone-ethyl, pretilachlor + pyrazosulfuron-ethyl, hand weeding at 20 and 40 days after transplanting and un-weeded control. Weed management treatments had significant effect on the weed density, weed dry matter, and crop yield. Post-emergence application of 2,4-D-sodium salt and florpyrauxifen-benzyl as well as hand weeding twice resulted in total control of both Limnocharis falva and Monochoria vaginalis. All the herbicides applied along with a wetting agent recorded 70-100% weed control efficiency. 2,4-D Na salt and hand weeding twice produced the highest grain yield and straw yields followed by florpyrauxifen-benzyl. Season-long weed competition caused 68% reduction in the grain yield in un-weeded plot. The findings provide an array of herbicides which can be included in herbicide rotation for broad-spectrum weed control, especially Limnocharis and Monochoria in wetland rice fields.

A field experiment was conducted to understand the effect of organic manures on the crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), and nutrient uptake of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) from April to August of 2022 and 2023 at the Agronomy farm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with 7 treatments replicated thrice which consisted of different levels of organic manures viz., three levels of farmyard manure (FYM@ 5, 10, 15 t ha­-1), three levels of vermicompost (VC@ 2.5, 5, 7.5 kg ha-1) and a control. The organic manure treatments significantly affected crop growth rate (CGR) and relative growth rate (RGR) in all the growth periods. The two-year pooled mean of CGR of stevia was significantly superior in FYM@15 t ha-1 over control in all the three growth periods i.e., at 0-30 DAP, 30-45 DAP and 45 DAP to harvest. Whereas, the two-year mean of RGR of stevia was found statistically higher in FYM@15 t ha-1 over control in the first two growth periods only. The organic manure treatments had a significant influence on the plant nutrient (NPK) uptake as well in both the years. The two-year pooled mean data regarding plant uptake of nitrogen and phosphorous was found significantly higher in FYM@15 t ha-1 over control whereas statistically higher pooled mean potassium uptake by stevia was found in VC@7.5 kg ha-1 over control. Overall, the higher levels of organic manure, especially FYM, significantly improve growth and nutrient uptake in stevia.

A pot culture study was conducted from February to May 2020 at the Agronomy Farm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala to study the effects of short-term flooding on the growth, physiology, and yield of four high-yielding cultivars of hybrid napier (Pennisetum purpureum x Pennisetum glaucum) cultivated in Kerala. The experiment followed a 4 x 2 factorial Completely Randomized Design with three replications. The treatments comprised two factors: varieties and flooding treatments. The four hybrid napier varieties used in the study were CO-3 (V1), CO-5 (V2), IGFRI -3 (V3), and Suguna (V4). The flooding treatments included no flooding (F0) as a control and short-term flooding stress treatment (F1) at three different growth stages: 30 days after planting (DAP), 60 DAP and just after the first harvest (75 DAP). Flooding stress was imposed for seven days by inundating water in the pots up to 3-4 cm above the soil level. Flooding at all three stages resulted in a significant reduction in plant height, tiller number, leaf number and above-ground biomass for all varieties. A severe reduction in growth and yield parameters was observed when flooding stress was imposed immediately after the first harvest. Among the varieties, CO-5 had the tallest plants, followed by Suguna, CO-3, and IGFRI-3. When exposed to flooding stress, variety CO-5 was also found to be significantly superior in terms of above-ground biomass production, followed by CO-3. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased in all varieties due to flooding stress, with a pronounced increase observed in Suguna. Variety CO-5, which exhibited greater plant height and above-ground biomass production, was found to be more tolerant to flooding stress, while variety IGFRI-3, with a dwarf plant stature and the lowest biomass yield, was identified as sensitive to short-term flooding stress.

Rice grains rich in GABA, a major inhibitory neurotransmitter, are gaining popularity, particularly, in the health food market, for their nutritional, brain, and nerve functions. Many factors like variety, soaking, and germination time influence GABA levels in rice. We evaluated a few indigenous rice varieties/cultivars for their potential to enhance GABA content by varying the soaking and germination durations. GABA content of rice varieties Jyothi and Chitteni and the cultivar Njavara increased steadily from 19.18 mg/kg, 26.67 mg/kg, and 28.63 mg/kg at 0 h soaking and germination to 116.89 mg/kg, 127.97 mg/kg and 130.29 mg/kg after 72 h soaking and germination. The GABA enriched rice extracts showed moderate antioxidant activity in DPPH radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 121.01 μg/mL, 101.38 μg/mL, 119.14 μg/mL,and high reducing activity in ferric oxide radical scavenging assay with an IC50 value of 53.81 μg/mL, 47.30 μg/mL, and 52.15 μg/mL in Jyothi, Njavara, and Chitteni, respectively. GABA content enhanced significantly with the increase in the duration of soaking and germination. The germination process for all rice varieties/cultivars significantly (P ≤ 0.05) enhanced protein, fat, and dietary fibre, while the energy and carbohydrate decreased slightly. Among the three rice varieties/cultivars, germinated brown rice from Njavara was superior, having the most GABA content, antioxidant activity, and nutritional qualities. The GABA content in the germinated Njavara was superior or comparable to the GABA content in most of the earlier reported Indian rice varieties. Germinated brown rice from indigenous rice varieties such as Njavara can be exploited as a potential source for a nutritionally rich and balanced diet.

A field study was carried out at College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara during October- December 2020 to study the effect of different crop establishment and weed management methods on the productivity of cowpea. Treatment consisted of two crop establishment methods, viz. broadcast seeding and line sowing and six weed management treatments, viz. hand weeding twice 20 and 40 days after seeding (DAS), post-emergence application (PoE) of imazethapyr + imazamox (premix) 40 g/ha at 15-20 DAS, imazethapyr + imazamox 40 g/ha (pre-mix) PoE at 15- 20 DAS followed by (fb) hand weeding at 40 DAS, imazethapyr 40 g/ha PoE at 15- 20 DAS, imazethapyr, 40 g/ha PoE at 15- 20 DAS fb hand weeding 40 DAS and unweeded control. The highest cowpea yield was recorded with hand weeding twice (937.67 kg/ha), followed by imazethapyr + imazamox 40 g/ha PoE at15- 20 DAS fb hand weeding (877.30 kg/ha). Line sown crop recorded higher cowpea yield compared with broadcasting. Imazethapyr + imazamox 40 g/ha PoE at 15- 20 DAS fb hand weeding at 40 DAS use in broadcasted seeded and line sown cowpea resulted in higher grain yield, net return and B:C and hence can be recommended as a cost effective weed management practice for enhancing productivity of broadcasted seeded and line sown cowpea.

Finger millet is one of the most healthy and nutritious crop grown all over India. A field experiment was conducted to standardize nutrient requirement of HYV of finger millet “Hima” at the Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala from October 2021 to February 2022. Randomized block design was followed with 8 treatments replicated thrice. The experiment comprised of eight treatments ie; T1 - Farm Yard Manure @ 5t ha-1 alone and six N: P2O5: K2O fertiiser doses along with FYM @ 5t/ha T2- NPK 90: 45: 45 kg ha-1 T3- NPK 60: 30: 30 kg ha-1 T4- NPK 50: 25: 25 kg ha-1 T5- NPK 40: 20: 20 kg ha-1 T6- NPK 30: 15: 15 kg ha-1 T7- NPK 20: 10: 10 kg ha-1 compared with an absolute control (without manures & fertilizers) (T8). Net plot size was 19.2m2 [640 plants per plot]. Finger millet was transplanted at a spacing of 30cm x 10cm at 30 DAS. Application of Farm Yard Manure @ 5 t ha-1 along with different N: P2O5: K2O levels resulted in higher plant height, leaf area index, dry matter production, grain yield and crude protein content in finger millet compared to absolute control. At all stages, the plants that received FYM @ 5 t ha-1 along with N: P2O5: K2O levels of 90: 45: 45 kg ha-1, 60: 30: 30 kg ha-1 and 50: 25: 25 kg ha-1 registered statistically comparable plant height and were superior compared to other levels of N P K. The plants which got the highest fertilizer dose (90:45:45 kg ha-1 N: P2O5: K2O) had the highest LAI (2.91), dry matter production (3874kg/ha) and grain yield (1523 kg ha-1) which was superior to all other N: P2O5: K2O levels and absolute control. The highest B: C ratio (1.43), grain and straw yield in finger millet was recorded with application of Farm Yard Manure @ 5t ha-1 + 90:45:45 kg N: P2O5: K2O ha-1 applied in two splits (at basal and 30 DAT) under north central laterites of Kerala.

The study was carried out (2019-2022) to formulate nutritionally superior waffles with pearl millet. Pearl millet was used as the major ingredient in varying proportions starting from 90% to 50% along with 10% to 50% refined wheat flour and tapioca flours. Based on the organoleptic evaluation, nutri waffles prepared with pearl millet flour and refined wheat flour (RWF), PWT3 (70% PMF + 30% RWF) had goodsensory qualities. Pearl millet centered nutri waffles with tapioca flour (TF), the treatment PTT4 (60% PMF + 40% TF) secured the top mean score of 8.47 for overall acceptability. The study showed the scope for value addition of pearl millet for nutri waffles incorporated with refined wheat flour and tapioca flour.

Background: Potassium is a major nutrient needed by the crops including tuber crops. It is essential for tuber initiation and bulking process. Varietal differences in potassium uptake and utilization in many crops were reported. As many varieties of sweet potato are released so far, studies on understanding the variations in potassium accumulation and its influence on tuber yield are essential. Methods: Field experiments were conducted during kharif and rabi seasons, 2021 with an objective to assess the seasonal influence and potassium nutrition [0 kg K2O/ha (K1), 50 kg K2O/ha (K2), 75 kg K2O/ha (K3) and 100 kg K2O/ha (K4)] on growth and tuber yield of five sweet potato varieties - four high yielding varieties (HYV) and one local variety [Bhu Krishna (V1), Sree Arun (V2), Sree Bhadra (V3), Bhu Sona (V4) and Kanjanghad Local (V5)]. There were 20 treatment combinations replicated thrice in a randomized block design. Result: Significantly higher tuber yield (17.01 t/ha) during kharif season was recorded by variety Bhu Sona. But during rabi season, Sree Arun was superior with a tuber yield of 23.92 t/ha. The potassium nutrition up to 75 kg K2O/ha increased the yield of sweet potato in rabi season. Interaction effect of two factors was also significant with respect to tuber yield, total chlorophyll content and tuber K content. Potassium Harvest Index (%) and Potassium Accumulation Value (g/plant) also significantly varied between varieties and K levels.

A study was conducted at Rice Research Station, Vyttila to assess the effect of seed priming in improving the salinity tolerance of rice varieties. The study consisted of two parts. In the first part, screening of rice varieties for salinity tolerance was done and in the second experiment, the effect of priming on salinity tolerance was assessed. The first experiment was a laboratory study to screen three rice varieties, namely, Jyothi, Uma and Vyttila-10 at five salinity levels i.e., non-saline, 3 dS m-1, 6 dS m-1, 9 dS m-1 and 12 dS m-1. Results showed that Jyothi was susceptible to 6 dS m-1 salinity at 16 days after sowing (DAS). Uma was moderately tolerant and became susceptible to 6 dS m-1 at 21 DAS. Vyttila-10 was highly tolerant to 6 dS m-1 salinity but it was susceptible to the salinity level of 9 dS m-1 at 21 DAS. In the second experiment, seeds of these varieties were primed with three chemicals namely beta-amino butyric acid @ 1 mmol L-1, calcium chloride @ 2% and sodium nitroprusside @ 100 µM and with water as control. The seedlings of Jyothi and Uma were raised at salinity levels of 6 dS m-1 and 9 dS m-1, while seedlings of Vyttila-10 were raised at salinity levels of 9 dS m-1 and 12 dS m-1. The efficacy of each priming chemical was analyzed based on germination percentage, growth parameters and visual salt injury symptoms. Priming seeds with calcium chloride was found to improve the growth and salinity tolerance of rice seedlings and could be a reliable method to combat the salinity stress of rice in the initial stages of crop growth.

In sweet potato, though a number of high yielding varieties are available for cultivation, there is lack of information on suitability of various varieties to different seasons. The results of the study will be useful to recommend varieties ideal for different seasons. Field experiments were conducted during Kharif, Rabi and Summer seasons from 2021 to 2022 with an objective to assess the seasonal influence on growth and tuber yield of five sweet potato varieties [High yielding varieties were Bhu Krishna (V1), Sree Arun (V2), Sree Bhadra (V3), Bhu Sona (V4) and local variety was Kanjanghad Local (V5)]. Randomized Block Design was followed with four replications. Variety Bhu Sona recorded significantly the highest vine length (211.38 cm) compared to other varieties and variety Sree Bhadra (114.71 cm) and variety Kanjanghad Local (112.54 cm) recorded significantly lower vine length. Sree Arun and Bhu Sona were the superior varieties and recorded significantly higher average tuber weight (236.77 g/plant and 219.14 g/plant, respectively), tuber yield per plant (514.65 g/plant and 404.22 g/plant, respectively) and tuber yield per ha (18.92 tha-1 and 15.96 tha-1, respectively). Rabi season was found ideal for all sweet potato varieties with higher average tuber weight (188.96 g/plant) and tuber yield per ha (20.17 tha-1). Per cent contribution of total dry matter to tuber dry matter was more in Rabi season for Sree Arun and Sree Bhadra varieties. Among the varieties, Sree Arun can be recommended for Rabi and Summer seasons and Bhu Sona for Kharif season.

Parapoynx diminutalis was observed in Hydrilla verticillata (a weed) in artificial tanks at Kerala Agricultural University. The incidence was so severe that the entire biomass of hydrilla was eaten away by the larvae which pupated in water. Pupal case was made of stem pieces of hydrilla, thus curtailing the growth and multiplication of the weed was suppressed in a period of one month indicating that this is a potential biocontrol agent for the weed.

Singapore daisy is an invasive alien weed, now a problem in non-cropped areas as well as in perennial crop based systems. Two different experiments were conducted to find the most effective chemical and cultural method to manage Singapore Daisy. In the herbicidal study, 2,4-D, glyphosate, tank mix of 2,4-D + glyphosate, metsulfuron-methyl and premix of metsulfuron-methyl + chlorimuron-methyl were used. Of these, metsulfuron-methyl + chlorimuron-ethyl @ 10.0 g ha−1 and metsulfuron-methyl alone @ 10.0 g ha−1 were found very effective for controlling of this problem weed, followed by combination sprays of 2,4-D @ 1000 g ha−1 + glyphosate @ 820 g ha−1 and glyphosate alone @ 820 g ha−1 and 1640 g ha−1. The visual symptoms of phytotoxicity appeared around 4–7 days after the application of herbicides. Among the cultural control methods, removing the weed along with top 5 cm of soil followed by sowing cowpea was found to be very effective.

A field experiment was carried out to standardize spacing and pinching time to enhance the yield and quality of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) at the Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Thrissur, Kerala, from September 2021 to May 2022. The design of the experiment was factorial RBD and replicated thrice. The experiment comprised three levels of spacing (15 cm × 10 cm, 20 cm × 10 cm, and 15 cm × 15 cm) and four pinching intervals (pinching at 20 days after planting (DAP), pinching at 30 DAP, pinching at flower bud initiation and no pinching) in all possible combinations. The plants grown with closer spacing (15 cm × 10 cm) were the tallest at all growth stages. The pinching of the apical bud caused a reduction in plant height and increased the number of branches. Pinched plants recorded higher fresh and dry leaf weights than plants left non-pinched. More leaves were registered under the wider (15 cm × 15 cm) spacing than narrower spacings. Pinching favored the formation of more lateral buds, producing a more significant number of branches and, finally, more leaves per plant. High-density planting of stevia yielded the highest aboveground fresh mass (10925 kg ha-1), whereas lower plant densities yielded the lowest aboveground fresh mass (7330 kg ha-1). The stevia planted at a spacing of 15 cm × 10 cm and pinched at flower bud initiation (11980 kg ha-1) produced higher herbage.

Field experiment was conducted at International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad during early summer season in 2021 and 2022 to study the “Effect of integrated use of Nano and Non–Nano fertilizers on the growth and yield of sunflower under semi-arid conditions”. The experiment was carried out using randomized block design with 3 replications and comprised of 12 treatments. The averages of all study indicators were compared according to L.S.D test at a probability level of 0.05. Results revealed that application of conventional fertilizers as per recommended dose (75:90:30 kg/ha) along with foliar application of nano (19:19:19) N P K at 0.2% at 30 DAS and 60 DAS + nano boron at 0.2 % at ray floret opening stage (T7) recorded highest plant height (195,197 and196 cm), number of leaves (27.43, 28.12 and 27.78), leaf area (7632, 7665 and 7649 cm2 plant-1), leaf area index (LAI) (4.24 4.25 and 4.25), and dry matter production (98.96, 97.64 and 98.30 g/plant) at 90 DAS in both the years and on mean basis. However, treatment T7 was statistically on par with the treatment T9 - Conventional fertilizers 50% as per recommended dose + nano (19:19:19) N P K at 0.2% as foliar spray at 30 DAS and 60 DAS and nano boron at ray floret opening stage. Seed yield (1961,1915 and 1938 kg/ha), stalk yield (4193, 3918 and 4055 kg/ha) were also significantly influenced during both the years respectively with the treatment (T7) was statistically on par with the treatment T9. Lowest seed yield (758, 710 and 734 kg/ ha) and stalk yield (1684, 1702 and 1693 kg/ ha) and oil content (40.73 %, 39.67% & 40.20) was recorded with the control in both the years and on mean basis.

Freshly harvested seeds of chilli variety Anugraha were treated with halogens namely Calcium oxy chloride (CaOCl2) and Iodine crystal (I2) indirectly through a carrier Calcium carbonate (CaCO3). The treatments included Control (Untreated), CaOCl2 + CaCO3 (2g each/kg seed), CaOCl2 + CaCO3 (4g each/kg seed), Iodine crystal + CaCO3 (50mg each/kg seed) and Iodine crystal + CaCO3 (100mg each/kg seed). Seed treatment with CaOCl2 + CaCO3 @2g each/kg seed registered significantly higher values for fruits per plant, fruit weight, seed yield per plant and hundred seed weight followed by CaOCl2 + CaCO3 @4g each/kg seed. The treatments, CaOCl2 + CaCO3 @2 g each/kg seed and Iodine crystal + CaCO3 @100mg each/kg seed performed superior in seed quality with higher seedling vigour and lower electrical conductivity of seed leachates over other treatments, while untreated control recorded least seedling vigour indices and highest electrical conductivity.