j I.) L.V ::J ~J .

k
3-1.4 240.l) :W. l ~ J .15
30.2 124.2 21.8 31.1 312.2 21.5
Palode 196.9 23.4 30.6 335.6 22.3 32 .0 3.2 18.0 35.0
32.0 334.2 20.5 33.3 189.0 14.5
385.7 21.5 34.0 388.9 21.5 32.0 351.5 20.0
Kannara 228.0 18.0 16.0 15.5 8.5
22.5 219.5 23 .5 2\5.0 21.5
Kahikuchi 36.4 29 .5 86.0 20.0 28.0 7.0 \6.0 30.0
32.0 273.2 19.5 29 .0 32.0 \5.0
Hirehalli 89 .0 20.5 33.0 42.4 19.0

("")
rn
:2 J>

"""i
::JJ Z

»
r­
.."
Z

A ~ C

» :2
Cf) --t
~ » J>

» --t r

G) ­
o 0
o :2
(j) ('")
JJ

-....J ::JJ
~ 0
m

N '"'0
!'­ CJ)
~~ --0

A ::a
m m 0

::IJ CJ)
~ m JJ

» »
""­
z ("")
::JJ ~
o ~
~
-
» :2
en CD

--t
- -t
- CO

c: ~
-I
m

.=-.;,
 Published by:

MK Nair

Director, Central Plantation Crops Research Institute

Kasaragod 670 124, KeraIa, India.

CONTENTS

Page
Dlrec:tor's introduction i to iii
August. 1988
REPORTS ON ONGOING PROJECTS
Root (wilt) disease of coconut 1
Yellow leaf disease of arecanut 8
Thanjavur wiltJGanoderma wilt and stem bleeding diseases of palms 13
Tissue, anther and cell culture research 18
Perennial crop based farming systems 20
Complied and edited by

Collection, conservation, evaluation and documentation of genetic

PK Das, KKN Nambiar, V. Rajagopal and P. Sundararaju

resources in plantation crops 33

Evolving high yielding varieties by selection and hybridisation 40
Water management and stress physiology 49
Nutritional requirement and crop management 54
Increasing nutrient availability and disease alleviation by micro-organisms
in plantation crops 58
Soil fertility, nutrient dynamics and crop production 61
Front Cover
Production Physiology 66
Top Hybrid Coconut Pest Management 68
Middle (L to R) Oil Palm Arecanut Cocoa Disease Management 76
Bottom Coconut-based Mixed Farming Integrated Nematode Management 79
Tatipaka disease of coconut 81
Photographs by M. Narayanan Vertebrate Pest Management 82
Harvest and Post Harvest Technology Research 85
Refinement of experimentation techniques in plantation crops 88
Estimation of crop losses 91
Economics on plantation crops 94
Agriculture, Animal Sciences and Fishery Research in ICAR
Researc.h Complex, Goa 97
Agricultural Research in ICAR Research Complex, Lakshadweep 104
Strategy for the production of parental materials and breeder's stock
of different plantation crops 107
~creasing the production of coconut, arecanut & oilpalm 109
ransfer of Technology network III
Printed at: Sharada Press, Mangalore. All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Palms 116
REPORTS ON CLOSED PROJECTS 121
Root (wilt) disease of coconut 126 Director'S Introduction
Production physiology of plantation crops
128
Pest Management
133
Disease Management
135 Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCR!) was
Refinement of experimentation techniques in plantation crops established in 1970 by the Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR) at Kasaragod for taking up research 011
145 all aspects of plantation crops excluding Tea, Coffee and
GENERAL INFORMATION
Library and documentation services 147 Rubber. Besides the headquarters at Kasaragod the Institute
Crops and problems investigated at different centres of CPCRI 148 has at present two Regional Stations at Kayangulam and
Budget for the year 1987-88 149 Vittal, two Research Complexes at Goa and Lakshadweep,
Membership of Director and scientists in committees 152 five Research Centre at Palode, Peee'hi , Hirehalli,
Participation in symposia/Seminars 156 Kahikuchi and Mohitnagar, one seed farm at Kidu and a
159 World Coconut Germplasm Collection (WCGC) at Sipighal
Important visitors
Apex PG Committee 160 (Andamans). During 1986, the research on Spices and
Deputation of Scientists Abroad
161 Cashew was delinked from CPCRI and separate National
publications
167 Research Centres were established for Cashew and Spices at
Staff of the institute
174 Puttur and Calicut respectively.
Weather dat3.
The mandate of CPCRI after delinking Oil Spice and
Cashewnut is as follows:

• to serve as a National Centre for improving

the genetic potential of palms and cocoa and
conduct basic and applied research on
various production and processing aspects of
coconut, arecanut, oil palm and cocoa. (.

• to coordinate the research being done in the

above mentioned crops in other institutions
and agencies in India.
• to produce elite planting materials,
• to service the All India Co-ordinated Crop
Improvement Project on Palms.

• to serve as a mother Institute to oversee the

research being conducted on spices and
cashew at the two National Research Centres
and
(i)
 council meetings. The following three Cess fund projects
sanctioned by ICAR for supplementing research in critical
to serve as an information centre
areas are being continued.

• disciplines related to these crops.

I. Biology and physiologic races of burrowing
nematode.
During the establishment of the Institute in 1970 it had II 2. Tissue culture for rapid clonal multiplication of elite,
Staff and Budget: staff strengTh of 90 scientists, 93 technical, 64 administrative disease-free coconut palms .
and 2JO supporting persol/ nels . After the deployment Of 3. Studies on Yellow Leaf Disease of arecanut.
scientists and other swff 10 the tWO National Research
Centres at Ca/ictlt and Ptltlllr for spices and cashew In addition the Institute is servicing the All Indian
respectively, the presellt staff strength in the IllStitutt Coordinated Research Project on palms and also functions
consists of 170 scientists. They are assisted by a team of 171 as one of the centres for the All India Coordinated Research
technical, 26 auxiliary, 119 administrative and 560 Project (I) Biological control of crops and weeds and (II)
supporting staff. The annual blulg et of the Institl/te has Harvest and post harvest technology,
increased from Rs .4.6 million in the initial year to Rs.29.5
million durillg 1987-88. Support to Developmental Agencies:
The important activities of the Institute include efforts to
The Illstitute is vested with (f mandate 10 c(lrry out problem.
give technical support and disseminate the research results
Research Activities: oriented research programmes on coconut, arecanl/l, oil
to appropriate agencies, The Institute also is engaged in
palm and cocoa ill different agroC/imatic conditiol/s /IIultr
giving technical guidance for establishment of hybrid
various cropping systems so as to achieve higher and stablt
coconut seed gardens in different states and also in
yield, and I1lso to improve the quality charaoeristics. Tht
supplying of planting materials in coconut, arecanut and
major research programmes reoriellted dl/ring 19R2 wert
oilpalm for the seed gardens, and to the Department of
further consolidated and 25 n1l'ga projects were idelllified
lls Agriculture/Horticulture. With a view to ensuring effecrive
dtlring the year (IS against 26 dtlring tile prel'io year. All
transfer of technology for the benefit of the farming
tiJe mega projects were hroadly grol/ped IIl1der two-majol
community. The Institute continues to publish literatures of
heads viz., projects on COCOII/ll and oilpalm I/nder mission
extension value and also ensures publicity through press,
project and lIon -missioll projects all arecal1ll1 and cocoa,
radio and TV. Regular training programmes on production,
Certain priorities \\'e re also changed hased Ofl tile
protection and processing aspects of plantation crops, post
need . Since th e major lJOtllefleck ill tile prodllCtioll of
harvest technology for plantation crops, rodent pest
plalltation craps contilllles to he the diseases, the Iirst
management, biological suppression of coconut pests etc.
priority areas ill research dllfillg 19H7 are projects
were organised during the year for the benefit of research
diseases of coconut (llId arecalll//' TIle next priority
workers and development personnels and farmers.
been given 10 the missioll oriented biotechnology
llt
consistillg of tisslle cllltllfe in COCOll and About this Report: The 1987 annual report of the Institute has been arranged
Research programmes all evolving crop combillatiClI
according to the priority areas of the research under mission
developing coconllt alld arecanut-hased farming S)'
and non mission projects. At the beginning of the report
and increasing the nutriell t al'llilahility alld
itself a portion is included on the research highlights under
alleviation by micro-organisms are gelling added "tTI'II/lV"
es the various research programmes for the. year 1987, The
Other major ongoing research l"ogrll/1/nr ll
detailed reports on the on going research programmes have
collect ion, can servotion, ewd /latiOfl aII d d OCl/men/(/tiO
been presented in the succeeding pages. This is following by
genetiC resources in plantation cropS, drought tolert/llct
plantatioll crops, arrangement of a cOllntrywide lIet work
seed gardens to ensure adequate supply of
a wmp"hensi" on 'h~::
my "po"
materials and developillg effectil'e systems of transfer
available technology. A 10/(11 of seven sub projectS
closed dl/ring the year ill viC'\\' of the completion of
22-8-88
research programmes en visaged in me prel'ious
kasaragod.
(~ KJT

(ii)
 ~
,(..)
,,
II)
z
on
Q

~n
0::
~~

~Z

~
z

 PRIORITY AREA I

Root (wilt) Disease of Coconut

Electron and light microscopic investigations undertaken in the past established

the constant association of phloem-limited mycoplasma-like organisms (MLOs) with
the root (wilt) disease (RWD). Consistent detection of MLOs in the salivary glands of
the putative vector, lace-bug (Stephanitis typica) fed on RWD affected coconut foliage
for required period has also been achieved. Information on the successful transmission
of the disease to test-coconuts through the lace bug accrued during this year confirms
the role of lace bug as a vector of this disease. Dodder transmission of MLOs to test­
periwinkles has already been reported. Evaluation of the effect of antibiotics on disease
affected palms in a field trial also helps in establishing the role of MLOs as the
etiological agent of this malady.

Involvement of mycoplasma-like organisms

(JJ Solomon, MP Govindankutty, K. Mathen, CP Radhakrishnan Nair, P. Rajan, M.
Sasikala, NG Pillai, N. Srinivasan, P. Chowdappa, M. Gunasekharan and AI< Shukla).

1. Electron microscopy
Transmissibility of MLOs through seed coconuts was investigated by examining
embryos and sprout tissues. Embryos of nuts from five disease affected palms and
tender roots of four sprouts were examined. MLOs could not be detected in any of
these samples. These results along with similar observations gathered in light
microscopy (see :~em 2 below), and those of last year conclusively suggest that MLOs
are not seed borne.

Root apices and rachillae of juvenile inflorescence of three symptomatic coconut

palms in predominantly arecanut yellow leaf disease prevalent gardens at Palode
(Southern Kerala) were studied. Typical MLOs were observed in all the coconut
samples. Presence of MLOs could be verified in the three symptomatic seedlings
employed for tissue culture work also.
 Root and inflorescence samples from seven OTC (oxytetracycline hydrochloride)­
treated palms in two locations were utilized for electron microscopy. Fewer MLOs were
observed in the samples examined in comparison with the pretreatment condition.
2. Light microscopy
Twenty seven embryos from six palms in diferent stages of RWD and roots of
sprouted nuts from these did not yield any positive staining or fluorochrome reaction
indicative of the presence of MLOs. Similar observations were gathered from electron
microscopy (vide supra). Stem and petiolar tissues from periwinkle under dodder
transmission in insect proof (IP) cages over field tanks sampled twice have so far not
shown positiveness, whereas the source coconut and dodder laurel on the palm were
reactive. Periwinkles under test transmission with the lace bug have so far been
negative. Tests were also performed on representative elite palms and RWD affected
palms in the field used in tissue culture as well as palms under OTC trial.
3. Transmission
Inoculation of the coconut seedlings in fumigated soil and under IP cages with
infective lace bugs initiated in September 1985 was continued . Three out of four
experimental seedlings have shown positive reaction in light microscopy and the
serological test and phloem in roots contained MLOs as confirmed by electron
microscoPY. Two of these seedlings have since then developed flaccidity of leaflets, the
decisive and diagnostic symptom of RWD.
Attempts at transmitting MLOs from coconut to coconut in IP cages through the
dodder laurel and inoculation of periwinkle with lace bugs are being carried out.
To confirm the preliminary observation made during last year that MLOs are not
transtadially carried over to imago of lace bug, adult bugs the third instar nymphs of
which had access to disease affected coconut foliage for five days, were fixed following
an incubation period (13-18 days) on healthy palms. Ultrathin sectioning of the insects
is in progress. Samples of leafhoppers and plant hoppers with various acquisition +
incubation periods are also being investigated.
Insecticidal trials were initiated in June and November 1985 respectively under
clearance-planted and under-planted conditions, to determine whether the suppression
of aerial vectors could prevent/reduce fresh incidence of the disease. The spraying of
insecticides as scheduled was carried out and the palms are under observation. A fresh
trial in underplanted condition has been laid out in October 1987. Insect populations on
palms have been monitored every month.
4. Culturing
a. In cell free media and chick embryos:
Attempts on isolation of the root (wilt) mycoplasma from host or vector tiSSUesides
were continued on new media formulations enriched with sera, nucleos
nucleotides etc. Tissue extracts of symptomatic periwinkle and infective lace bugs were
inoculated (a) directly into different media with enrichments, (b) embryonated eggs
and (c) cross inoculation of egg contents into the various media. Embryonated eggs out
of 300 hatching eggs were inoculated with the tissue extracts by allantoic cavity and
yolk sac routes. Allantoic fluid and yolk from incoulated eggs were retrieved and used
for further inoculation on other media. Egg contents, culture media receiving inoculum
directly , and media inoculated with egg contents were transferred to 169 coated grids
and scanned under EM. Typical MLOs could not be located in these grids. The results of
attempts at culturing undertaken so far point to a fastidious nature of the mollicute
involved .
b. ln tissue culture:
Tender leaflets from seven coconut trees showing RWD symptoms in the field and
two healthy palms were employed in tissue culture work. Slight expansion and
development of chlorophyll in the exptants were observed. Cultures of test periwinkles
and dodder laurel were also initiated. About 50% of embryos from RWD-affected
coconuts germinated in culture and some are in different stages of growth. Attempts
were made to initiate primary cell cultures using infective lace bug.
5. Antibiotic therapy
a. Field trial:
Post-treatment observations were made on all the antibiotic (OTC) treated palms
three years after the initiation of the trial. The condition of the palms as reflected in
disease indexing and yield attributes was recorded. Evaluation of the results has shown
a reduction in disease index score in OTC-treated palms. Improvement in the foliar
condition over distilled water and penicillin-injected controls was statistically
significant. As flaccidity is the decisive and diagnostic symptom of RWD, this factor was
separately analysed. The post-treatment score of flaccidity in OTC-treated palms was
markedly low. The improvement in foliar conditions in OTC treated palms is regarded
as due to the mycoplasmastatic effect of the antibiotic.
Trials with Neomycin and Tylotrate are being continued. Test trial with Primycin
(Gentamycin sulphate of Mis. Hindustan Antibiotics Ltd) has been initiated.
b. Residu,e analysis:
Bacillus mycoides cultures (received from ATCC) were revived and a standard
Curve between concentration of OTC and zone of bacterial inhibition was prepared. A
method for extracting OTC from the different parts of coconut was standardized and its
efficacy determined in detached pinnae in vitro using the test organism.
Four 12 year-old WCT coconuts with clearcut RWD symptoms were
pressUre-injected with 3g a.i. of OTe. The uptake, translocation and persistence of the
chemical in the foliage are being monitored at weekly intervals employing the bioassay
methOd.
6. Sero-diagnosis
,
Specificity of the RWD antiserum was further enhanced by cross absorbing with
host proteins or by passing through immuno-absorbent column. Attempts were also
 made to prepare an antiserum specifically against MLOs using symptomatic periwinkle
and infective lace bug. Standardization of the ELISA - indirect method is being
attempted. First results in ELISA test indicated a higher absorption value for diseased
samples than healthy ones.
Forty one post-treatment samples collected from the OTC treated palms were
tested against the RWD antiserum. Although all the samples showed positive reaction
the intensity of the precipitin reaction was faint .
Leaf samples from thirty apparently healthy (disease escapes) in hot spot survey
and six disease suspects were tested. Nine of the former and all of the latter reacted
positively. In addition fourteen out of seventeen coconut palms with quick yellow
decline symptoms also showed positive reaction , whereas three yellow leaf disease
affected areca tested were negative.
II. Studies on the relationship between endogenous growth hormones with
particular reference to cytokinins and MLOs in RWD affected coconut and
yellow leaf disease (YLD) affected arecanut palms.
(B. Sumathykutty Aroma, KD. Patil and B. Chempakam)
The objective of this study is to assess the relationship between endogenous
cytokinin and MLO in RWD affected coconut jJalms and YLD affected areca palms and
to see whether the symptoms could be mitigated by exogenous application of kinetin.
Ten palms each of apparently healthy and RWD were injected with 25 ppm kinetin
at quarterly intervals. An equal number of palms were kept as control. Pre and post
treatment of the chlorophyll content of the first fully opened leaf was determined. The
diseased palms were indexed and physio-morphological observations viz. total number
of leaves, number of flaccid, yellow, rotten , senescent/dry leaves and condition of
spindle leaf were recorded before the commencement of the experiment and at half
yearly intervals.
Confirmation Of bioassay of cytokinins in spear leaf and the youngest spathe of
apparently healthy and diseased coconut and arecanut palms is in progress.
Twenty apparently healthy and twenty YLD affected areca palms were selected at
Palode and half the number of palms in each category were treated with 25 ppm Kinetin
by stem injection technique. An equal number in each category was kept as control.
Chlorophyll content was analysed and the palms were indexed before the starting of
the experiment as in the case of coconut.
III. Manag ement practices for the root (wilt) affected coconut gardens.
( A. Muralidharan and M. Gopalakrishnan Nair)
~ The objective of this study was to incorporate all appropriate crop management
echnology available into one integrated field experiment in order to study its influence
~n the yield potential of RWD affected coconut gardens.
Six coconut gardens in farmers' fields under rainfed conditions, in and around
Krishnapuram village, were chosen during 1982 for the study. In 1983 six more gardens
were added, but they were under irrigated conditions. Three of the irrigated plots were
however, discontinued since 1985 based on the recommendation of the midterm review
committee.
The plot size was 0.20 ha. The management practices, which consisted removal of
disease advanced palms and replanting with hybrid seedlings, application of balanced
doses of fertilizers, green manuring in basins, application of farm yard manure, spraying
against leaf rot, leaf axil filling with BHC-sand mixture for control of red palm weevil
and rhinoceros beetles, intercropping in rotation and restructuring of other perennial
crop canopies, were adopted during the yei,l.r also in all plots except in one in which no
Intercropping could be taken up.
The disease index and yield of the palms were estimated at six monthly intervals.
The data revealed a spectacular increase in the yield of the palms ranging from 30 to 70
per cent over the control in the different plots due to the integrated management
practices. The major share of the increase in yield was derived from the apparently
healthy and disease early palms. The disease middle and disease advanced palms did
not respond even marginally to the treatment.
In a similar set of plots laid out in the Institute Farm there was however, no
significant difference in the yield due to the treatment, probably due to the higher level
of management initially received by the palms.
IV. Screening of coconut germplasm for resistance/tolerance to root (wilt)
disease.
(PM. Jacob, TSS Rawther, A. Muralidharan, M. Sasikala, KD Patil, JJ Solomon, MP
Govindankutty and K. Mathen)
All the 24 screening trial plots in cultivators' gardens and the four in the CpeRI
farm, Kayangulam were maintained for yield and disease reaction. Among the 27
tultivars, planted in 5 locations during 1982 in cultivators' gardens, except for Kenthali
all the other cultivars have taken up the disease in varying degrees. AU the 11 hybrid
Combinations and the F2 OP populations of TxD and DxT have taken up the disease.
Of the two hybrid combinations and the three cultivars planted during 1983, the
maximum disease incidence was recorded in MYD (48.3% ) followed by Laccadive
Ordinary (33.3%) and the minimum was recorded in COD x WCT (2.6%) and WCT (6.9%).
. .. In the third phase of the programme on screening in the Kayangulam Kayal Farm,
initiated during 1985, in collaboration with the Kerala State Agricultural Department,
eleVen more untested cultivars were planted, raising the total number of cultivars and
 Table 1. Details of RWD affected palms eradicated and compensation paid
hybrids to 47. The gaps occurred in the previous years' plantings, due to the
unprecedented drought during the year were also filled. Pueraria seeds were sown on RWD Palms Compen5ation
the already formed bunds as cover crop. Glyricidia cuttings were also planted on the District Amount paid
bunds as green manure crop. Observations on the disease incidence and yield of adult Confirmed Removed No. of palms in Rs.
palms, surrounding the new trials in the Kayal farm indicated that nearly 64% of the
1. Palghat 2 2 2 110.00
palms are affected by RWD. Among the diseased palms, 34.3% are in the disease early,
2. Malappuram 45 39 21 1155.00
26.4% are in the disease middle and 3.1 % in the disease advanced stages. There was a
3. Trichur 35 12 11 150.00
gradual decline in yield of nuts from healthy (35.5 nuts) to disease early (34.3 nuts),
4. Kozhikode 25 41 44 2420.00
disease middle (29.9 nuts) and disease advanced (I6.l nuts). 2 110.00
5. Wynad
6. Cannanore 86 211 391 21340.00
Crossing has been eftected in the following combinations
Total 193 305 471 25285.00
No. of inflorescences
Crosses Besides, the following amounts have been given to the Joint Directors for making
18 .payment to the cultivators who have re,moved their diseased palms recently:
1. COD X CGD 24 Cannanore (Rs. 1768.00), Kozhikode ( Rs. 2044.25), and Pal ghat (Rs. 110.50).
2. COD X WCT 23
3. CGD X WCT 22 Total number of RWD affected palms confirmed and removed so far (1979-1987)
4. WCT self (,hotspots') under the area of operation of this project is furnished in Table 2.
A total of 682 COD X WCT and 32 CGD X WCT hybrid nuts were harvested and
sown in the nursery. One hundred and five selfed nuts of disease-free WCT ('hotspots') Table 2. Details of RWD affected palms removed in different districts from
were also sown. Three hundred and ninetyone COD x WCT hybrid seedlings were 1979-1987.
supplied to different sections for planting in their experimental plots. RWDpalms

A survey was initiated in Tiruva\la and Kumarakom areas to locate healthy and Confirmed Removed Balance

high yielding CGD paims to be used in the crossing programme. A total of 24 such Palghat 47 47 Nil
palms were identified. After serological and physiological tests on these palms, 19 of · Malappuram 136 120 16
them were found to be free from RWD . Trichur 1434 1366 68
Wynad 14 14 Nil
Among the 9 elite palms under observation, three of them have been affected by Kozhikode 267 255 12
the RWD (Thazhava, Champakulam and Krishnapuram) and their yield level ranged Cannanon~ 1955 1373 582
from 96 to 156.
V. Prevention of spread of coconut root (wilt) disease in mildly affected areas.
A training programme was organrsed for the agricultural officers and
(KJ Antony and P. Rethinam) in the Kunnumel Agricultural Development area (Calicllt Dt.) to train
Earlier studies have indicated that removal of root (wilt) diseased palm in isolated
to identify RWD affected palms. With their assistance a hOllse to house survey
dise.~
and mildly affected areas prevented further spread of the disease. The objective of this
study is to make a smveillance 01 all disease affected gMdens Iwm whe,e conducted in selected locations of Perambra and Kunnumel villages for locating
palms.
palms were removed and to record disease recurrence if any. Surveillance work oCS In
vilfages 01 Teich'" Dt. and manming 01 seedlings supplied to the cultivat ..... One day 'Kisan Melas' were organised at Irikkur and Keezhoor in Cannanore district
completed . Details 01 ,oot (wilt) diseased palms conlinnedlcemoved dueing the yeo! '" create an awareness among the farmers on the seriousness of RWD and the
furnished in Table 1. of· the eradication programme.
CPCRf's conteibutio 01 Rs. 50/- and 50% cost 01 "edlings have been paid to II>' (General leader: JJ Solomon)
n
cullivatocs woug the concemed Joint Dicectocs 01 Agricultuce as ,"own in Table \ .
h
 Root samples of 8 YLO affected palms were employed in determining their
fluorochrome and staining reactions. All the affected palms showed positive reactions.
Three palms in which symptoms were masked also gave positive results.
High level of moisture in the environment and ar.ound the foliage of host palm
enhanced the molting and biological function of the spindle bug. The longevity of the
bug was 28 and 22 .5 days for female and male respectively. The salivary glands of the
insect were processed after 27, 30 and 33 days of A+IP for electron microscopic
observations.

The population of the plant hopper Anigris sp. was high on grass when compared
with areca leaves. The results of the surveys conducted over 377 palm from 28 gardens
of Trivandrum and Quiolon Districts revealed that arecanut is rather free from this
PRIORITY AREA 1\ insect. The longevity of the insect was 30 days in grass and 15 days in areca leaves. The
insects were given 5 days acquisition on diseased areca palms and they were then
maintained on grass to complete the desired incubation period. Insects with 5 and 15
Yellow Leaf Disease of Arecanut days acquisition and 25 days incubation were fixed for electron microscopic
observations. Nine periwinkle plants were inoculated with the , insects with 5 days
acquisition and 15 days incubation. The test plants developed chlorotic symptoms.
Yellow leaf disease (YLO) of arecanut reported since 1949 has now become very
serious in most of the arecanut growing tracts in Kerala and in Koppa, Sringeri and The dodder laurel Cassytha filiformis was established on 5 YLO affected areca
Sullia areas of Karnataka State. Involvement of mycoplasma like organisms (MLOs) in palms and were bridged to 2 areca, 15 periwinkle, 6 brinjal, and 5 Dodonaea plants
the disease was reported in 1978 and confirmed in 1983. Since constant association of under insect proof cages for transmission.
MLOs with the diseased tissues was recorded, the research programmes were oriented
towards obtaining evidence to prove or disprove the mycoplasmal etiology. The Three injections at quarterly intervals with 4 concentrations of terramycin, single
present studies included further electron microscopic studies and light microscoPY of concentration each of tetracycline-hydrochloride and Penicillin on palms with low
plant and vector tissues, histochemical studies, antibiotic therapy and transmission disease index were continued. Individual leaves were tagged and monitored at monthly
trials through insect vectors and dodder. Attempts were also made to identify resistant! intervals. None of the treatments could reduce the foliar yellowing as well as nut
tolerant genetic materials of arecanut as well as to manage the disease through the discoloration even after 7 quarterly injections. The data are given in Table 3.
adoption of suitable agrotechniques and soil management practices.
Table 3. Effect of antibiotics on YLD of arecanut.
I. Studies on mycoplasma like organisms
(JJ Solomon, MP Govindankutty, RR Nair, KN Ponnamma, SA. Jacob, R. Chandra Mean Disea~e Index
Sl.No. Treatment 1985 1986 1987
Mohanan, G. Rajeev and S. Leena)
Sixty three samples comprising tissues from YLO affected, symptomless and 1 Terramycin 0.5 g 11.2 11.3 12.1
apparently healthy areca palms, dodder laurels, periwinkle, sesamum and saliVary 2 Terramycin 1.0 g 12.3 7.3 15.2
glands of Carvalhoia arccae, Proutista moesta and Anigris sp. were processed for 3 Terramycin 1.5 g 16.5 8.8 1l.0
electron microscopic observations. MLOs could be observed in the symptomless YLD 4 Terramycin 2.0 g 13.5 4.4 15.0
affected areca palms even during the period when symptoms were masked while MLOS 5 Tetracycline HCI 3.0 g 15.0 6.9 lO.6
6 Penicillin 3.0 g 8.0 3.3 8.9
were absent in the 2 apparently healthy palms examined. 7 Control (OW) 10.8 10.4 14.2

3~
Brain and salivary gland preparations of spindle bug subjected to 22, 28,31 and
Atte~Pg
resembl1~p
days acquisition and incubation period (A+IP), also did not contain any MLO.
Serodiagnosis for identification of diseased palms was attempted. Partially purified
to examine the haemolymph of this insect was not successful. Bodies
preparations of samples from disease affected palms showed higher 00 at 260 nm. The
mycoplasmas could be observed in the salivary glands of P. moesta given 31 dayS A+
antiserum prepared from this fraction gave a faint reaction against diseased samples.
on diseased palms.
 Table 5. Effect of varietal hybrids OD ye Uow leaf disease
1\ Va.,ietal reaction studies
No. 01 Palms % Mean disease Mean no. of
P.S. Ravirrdran and AA Mohammed Sayed)
SI. No. Cross combination palma diseased incidence index inflorescence

Seven different experiments were maintained to screen arecanut varietieslhybrids 1. Dwarf X VTL 3 27 2 7.4 4.0 2.1
against YLD. Among the bybrids involving escape palms planted in 1981, Saigon x 2. VfL 3 x Dwarf 27 1 3.7 5.0 6.0
Mangala continued to be superior in their disease reaction as well as nut yield. The 3. South Kanara x VTL 12 26 3 11.5 1.3
data are given in Table 4. 4. VfL 12 x South Kanara 27 0 0 0 7.0
5. VfL 12 x VTL 3 16 2 ]2.5 7.5 3.0
Table 4. Disea se incidence and yield of arecanut bybrids 6. VfL 12 x Dwarf 25 4 16.0 2.5 3.8
Mean
7. VfL 12 x Sreevardhan 20 2 10.0 17.5 5.8
51. No. Cross combination Total no. Palms % inci· disease Mean no. of
8. VfL 3 x South Kanara 19 1 5.3 17.0
of palms diseased dence index nuts 9. Dwarf x VTL 17 27 2 7.4 3.5
10. Mangala 25 4 16.0 11.0
1. 300 Saigon x 108 Mangala 21 0 0 0 270 11. South Kanara 27 2 7.5 17.5 5.0
2. 300 Saigon x 125 Mangala 25 7 28.0 7.6 392
3. 28 Aryankavu x 115 Mangala 28 8 36.4 14.4 377
4. 159 Peechi x 122 Mangala 18 4 22.2 5.3 144 III. Management practices for Yellow Leaf Disease of Arecanut
5. 105 Mangala x 299 South Kanara 23 6 26.1 9.7 366 (KJ Abraham and KJ Antony)
6. 105 Mangala x 108 Mangala 21 1 4.8 7.0 282
7. 28 Aryankavu X 28 Aryankavu 18 10 55.6 14.4 306
In the trial initiated at Palode during 1982, the effects of four management
practices on YLD are being tested. The fresh incidence during this year in the Whole
The cross combination 300 Saigan x 125 Mangala gave the highest fresh fruit plot was only 1%. This year also Mangala showed its superiority over others in reduced
weight per palm (15.9 kg) as well as maximum fruit weight per 100 nuts (4.06 kg). disease incidence. Fresh incidence of the disease on true Mangala was 4, Mangala
segregants 6, Mangala crosses 6, Dwarf I and South Kanara 13. The response of Mangala
The experimental palms in another field trial involving eleven varietal crosses and South Kanara to management practices was not consistent. However, the minimum
planted in 1984 flowered during this year. Among the treatments none of the palms in incidence was recorded in plots which received high dose of P (160 g). The number of
the combination VfL 12 x South Kanara took up the disease. The same combination yielding palms incresed to 86 during this year as against 40 during last year. Fifty one
produced maximum number of inflorescences ( 7.0). The data are given in Table 5. percent of the Mangala palms started yielding as against 14% in South Kanara.
Maximum number of yielding palms (62.5) was in plots receiving high dose of P and
organic matter.
As there was high mortality in the treatment 260 x 96 in experiment no. 7 at
Kannara, it was replaced with Dwarf x VTL 13. A secondary nursery was raised at
Kannal7a with inter-se material of 10 cultivars and VI'L-3, VfL-ll , VTL-17 and 50th In the management triallaidout at Kannara during 1983, the effect of application of
Kanara for a demonstration trial (Experiment No. 8). The hybrid nuts from 5 fungicides and nematicides on YLD is being tested in addition to the 2 varieties and 4
combinations received from Vittal were raised for experiment No. 9. Two hundred and management practices . The incidence of the disease was as high as 56.1 % in the whole
fifty Mangala inter-se seed nuts brought from Vitta) were raised to study the genetic eXperimental plot. Application of fungic ide and nematicide had no effect on the
disease.
reaction of true Mangala and Mangala sergregants.

Among the exotic types and species planted in 1968 at Kannara, only 2 plams 'V. Soil management in relation to Yellow leaf disease
(Indonesia II and British Solomon Island l) have remained free from the disease. (NT Bhat)

None of the arecanut seeds collected from the disease escape palms in severely
diseased gardens in Arantbode at Sullia germi nated at Kannara.
Out of the 61 disease escape palms identified from 7 Districts of Kerala. through the
hot spot survey conducted in 1986, 13 palms took up the disease this year.
10
A new garden was ·selected at Sampaje for the management trial in addition to the
~sting one at Badagannoor. In the Badagannoor garden there was an overall '
Improvement of the palms irrespective of the treatments. All the experimental palms
appeared healthy and the yield has also increased.
11
V. Operational research project for Yellow Leaf Disease of arecanut.
(R. Chandra Mohanan)
In Sullia Taluk, the incidence of the YLD was recorded on 9188 palms from 184
gardens in 16 villages as against 114 palms from 26 gardens in 6 villages of Puttur
Taluk. The data are given in Table 6.
Table 6. Incidence of Yellow leaf disease of arecanut in Puttur and Sullia
Taluks of Dakshina Kannada District in Karnataka (I 987)
Di:;ease incidence
Taluk Vill age No. of gardens No. of palms

1. Halaneranki 14 54
2. Kavmudnur 3 18
3. Kodimbady 1 1
Puttur 4. Koila 4 10 PRIORITY AREA III

5. Narimogru 2 19
6. Ramkunja 2 12 Thanjavur wiltiGanoderma wilt and Stem bleeding
Total 26 114
1. Aletty 11 984
diseases of palms
2. Amaramudnur 36 318 This Is a COliabomUve pmject 01 Inte,dISC;Pllnary natu'e Involving dllfe,ent
3. Amarapadnur 12 57 "'1!<UllsaUons like CP(]<I, Ag,lcuJtuml un've,,'tles etc. The pmject Was st.,ted In 1983.
4. Aranthode 10 216 The wo,k done In othe, Institutes v;z. Razole (APAU), Veppankulam (TNAU) and
5. 8 alpa 1 4 ""'ke", (UAS) "e given sepa'ately unde, the coo,dlnated pmject wo,k, Ea,lIe, w",k
6. Devachalla 1 9 bas helped
stem establishing the etiologic mle 01 Th;elav;ops;s pamdoxa In the case 01
In disease.
bleeding
7. Hariharapattathadka 1 5
Sullia 8. Kanakama jalu 1 23
I. Stem bleeding disease of coconut
9. Kodiala 3 827
10. Kollamogaru 1 3 Namb;ar, Sastry. Ann Kuma,. VG Uily, SNS Kumar, Yateend,a Josh;,
(KKN
AS Mathew and Kalpana
Jacob Mathew).
11. Markanja 2 4
12. Murulya 1 15
Nellurkemraje 232
I. Etiology of bacterial isolate
13. 21
14. Sampaje 71 6301 The Isolate was Iden!Uled as Protam;nobacter 'ub,,, (Pseudomonas sPp.). This Was
15. Subramanya 1 72 prodUced.
Used 10' the pathogenldty tdals on th'ee COConut palms at HI,ehalll . No symptom was
16. Ubaradkamithur 11 118
Total 184 9188 2. SYIllPtomatology

Among the palms ;noculated with Th;elav;ops;s pamdoxa at dillerent pedods Imm

1985·1987 at Kasa,agod, obsen-allons We'e 'eco,ded on 29 palms dUdng Decembe"

(General Leader: RR Nair) 1987 (Table 7). Young WeT palms (lO·12·yea,,) showed gene'alIy mO'e ;ntemal decay

" C()ITJpa,ed to 45·60 yea,·old palms. The ;nlectlon was ",wded upto a depth 017.7.5
On ;n Yaung palms ;noculated dUdng July to Novembe, as against 5.5 Col ;n old palms

~
OIter 24 months 01 ;noculatlon. The les;on size 10' both age groups howeve, did not
ITJuch.lnlection
o decay ;5 mthe,
increased with slowof0,time.
progress nil dudng sUmme, months. In gene'al , the extent

Among ten Palms each ;noculated with T. paradoxa, Phomops;s COCO;na and
l:!
13
 1986, one palm in()culated with T 1.7 1 + 4 t. where 'I' is the lesion size in 1000 cm z and '1' is the score for stem tapering
SchizophyJIum commune at Kayangulam during
symptoms. [n all Qlher palms n~ -varying from 0 to 4.
paradoxa showed further progress in bleeding
progress of infection was recorded. 4. Nutritional relationship
Sixty soil and thirty leaf samp~es were collected from 20 healthy and 10 diseased
Lesion size and depth in coconut stem (West Coast Tall Variety) of palms at Kandalloor, Kayangulam. The leaf samples were analysed for N, P, Ca, Mg and
Table 7. chloride and sulphate (Table 8). The results show that there is no significant difference
different ages, inoculated with Thielaviopsis parai;loxa duriOC
between healthy and diseased samples with respect to the factors studied.
different periods.
Palms of 45-60 yrs
Months after Palms of 10·12 yrs. Table 8: Analytical data of soil and leaf samples
Palm No. Lesion Lesion
vat ions were Palm No. Healthy Nutrient status (% )
depth size
taken' Samples Year N P Ca Mg B
(cm) (cm)
Diseased (ppm)

4.5 7.0 3.0 Leaf 1986 H 1.86 0.10 11.8

Not inoculated 1 X
26-11-85 24 5.0 X 2.5
0 1.84 0.10 13.5
2 3.5
17.0 X 3.0
1987 H 1.8 0.11 0.31 0.37 10.8
3 5.5
4.5 12.0 X 2.0
0 1.8 0.12 0.30 0.36 15.0
4
inoculated 1 0 OxO Diseased Exchangeable Exchangeable CI-
28-4-86 20 Not Sor
2 0 OxO Ca (Me/ IOOg) Mg(Me!100g) (%) (%)
2.5 4.0 X 2.5 1 0.5 4.0 X 2.5 0-50 cm 50-100 cm 0-50 cm 50-100 cm 0.50 50-100 0-50 50-100
29-5-86 19 1
4.0 x 2.0 2 2.0 3.5 X 2$ Soil 1986 H 2.50 1.80 0.9 1.00 0.002 0.047 Traces
2 3.0
6.5 x 2.5 1 3.5 5.0 X 2.5 0 2.90 2.80 0.9 1.40 0.010 0.092 Traces
31-7-86 17 1 4.0
2 0.5 7.5 Y 2,.5 2 5.0 7.0 X 3.5 1987 H 2.65 2.01 0.9 0.86 om 0.017 Traces
7.0 x 2.0 Not inoculated 0 2.68 2.34 1.9 0.96 0.01 0.02 Traces
27-9-86 15 1 6.0
2 3.0 5.0 x 2.5
7.0 x 2.0 1 2.0 5.5 X 2.0
29-11-86 13 1 7.0
5.0 x 2.0 2 3.0 12.0 X 6.0
2 7.0 5. Management trials
3 2.0 5.5 X 2.5
Management trials laid out in 1986 were continued, at Kasaragod, Kayangulam and
4.5 x 2.0 Not inoculated
6-4-87 9 3.5 Goa. At Kasaragod, root feeding with four systemic fungicides namely, Bavistin, Vitavax,
2 2.0 3.0 x 2.5 Calixin and Aureofungin sol was done thrice in February, September and December in
£3 2.0 3.0 x 2.0 addition to application of recommended dose.s fertilizers and 5 kg of neem cake in
£4 1.5 3.5 x 2.0 September. Observations were recorded on lesion size, lesion height and canopy
1 3.0 2.5 X 2.0
6 1 3.0 3.5 x 2.5 characters. At Kayangulam, the fungicide was given as band application at the bole
4-7-87 2 4.0 4.5 X 2.5
2 3.0 3.0 x 2.0 region. It is too early to draw any conclusions from this,

* Observations were taken on 22 December 1987

6. Residue analysis
£ Chowghat Orange Dwarf
Bavistin residues from tender nut water were analysed at Kasaragod from two
palms (about 25 yrs-old) which were fed with the chemical through roots at the rate of
0.7 g/palm. Traces of methyl-2-benzimidazole carbamate (MBC) were detected from
3. Indexing both the palms.
To quantify the severity of stem bleeding symptoms in coconut, observations ion
860 adult diseased palms were recorded at Kasaragod. Height at which the les :
7. Antagonistic fungi (M.Phil. work)
a~
developed, lesion size, total number of leaves, number of leaves which shOW
yellowing and drooping, presence of tapering at trunk apex and number of bunches ~his work was done by Shri PV Gowda, M.Phil. Student (Mangalore University)
nuts were recorded. The data were analysed and the following formula was develop . Working in Pathology Division at Kasaragod under the guidance of Dr. KKN Nambiar.

15
14
Various fungi namely, Acremonium sp., Aspergillus niger, A. terreus, Cha/aropSis sp.
Table 10. Anabe disease of arecanut:Pathogenicity tests
Mucor sp, Paece/omyces varioti, Penici/ium citrinum, P. diverseum, P. janthinelJum
Pesta/otiopsis pa/marum, Trichoderma harzjanum, T. Viride etc were isolated from old No. of palms N,1. of palms
stem bleeding patches of infected coconut palms or soil from the basin of infected Treatment inoculated showing infection
palms. T. harzianum (two isolates), T. viride (three isolates) and A. niger (one isolate)
inhibited the in vitro growth of different isolates of T. paradoxa (Table 9). When the I. Stem inoculation:
magnitude of inhibition of these fungi were compared, maximum growth inhibition of T. Ganoderma /ucidum culture 4 2
paradoxa was caused by T. viride followed by T. harzianum when they were inoculated 2. Stem inoculation:
12 hrs before the inoculation of T. paradoxa. Infected stem block 4 3
3. Root inoculation 4 0
4. Planting diseased stump beside healthy palm 8 6
Table 9. Inhibition of growth of T. paradoxa by three antagonistic fungi. [The 5. Planting healthy stump and inoculating 6 0
antagonists were inoculated 12 hr before the inoculation of the
pathogen in the Petriplate.)
values for diseased samples at Hirehalli. The OD values in diseased leaf was 0.311 as
% growth inhibition 72 hrs after inoculation of T. paradoxa
against 0.248 in healthy leaf. The corresponding values in case of roots were 0.298 and
0222.
T.paradoxa
isolate No. T. harzianum T. viride A. niger
(ij) Studies conducted a Hirehalli using fluorescent antibody technique in the
I 2 2 3
case of anabe-infected arecanut roots showed brilliant apple-green fluorescence in the
phloem cells as against pale green fluorescence in healthy roots.
2 84 87 57 90 50 50
3 80 50 68 57 50 39 4. Field control trial
5 85 63 90 90 68 50 (i) A field control trial on anabe of arecanut was laid out at Hirehalli using Calixin
6 67 63 77 80 60 37 and Captan for root-feeding or drenching, with and without neemcake application in
the basins. The trial is in progress.
Average 79 66 73 79 57 44
(ii) A research cum demonstration tri.e.llaid out in Palghat District in 1986 for the
control of Thanjavur wilt is in progress. Root feeding of Aureofungin sol (36 palms) and
CaIixin (15 palms) was taken up during February and August 1987 in a total of 4
II. Studies on Thanjavur wilt/Ganoderma wilt.
gardens . Preliminary results show that the treatments have helped in enhancing the
(KKN Nambiar, P. Rethinam, SNS Kumar)
yield in most of the treated palms and in arresting further progression of bleeding
symptoms. These trials are in progress.
1. Isolation of the pathogen
Out of six root-samples collected from disease affected ,coconut at Hirehalli, two
(General Leader: KKN Nambiar)
yielded Ganoderma, while one out of two root samples from arecanut yielded the
fungus . The fungus could be isolated from sporophores obtained from both coconut
and arecanut.

2. Pathogenicity
In the case of anabe disease of arecanut, stem inoculation, using either pure fungus
culture or by insertion of infective stem blocks (1 cm dia x 5 cm) or planting diseased
stump near the healthy palm gave positive pathogenicity tests at Hirehalli (Table 10.).

3. Early diagnosis:
(i) The OD values of leaf and root samples from both diseased and healthy
coconut palms by colorimetric method using EDTA (0.3 M, pH 7.0) showed higher

16
17

PRI ORITY AREA IV
Tissue, anther and cell culture research
This project started in 1977 was primarily aimed at developing suitable tissue
culture procedure for rapid clonal multiplication of elite genotypes in plantation crops,
protoplast culture and somatic cell hybridization. Two major missions for the
production of clonal material in coconut and oilpalm were started in 1987. The
emphasis was on the standardization Qf the tissue culture procedure from mature trees.
I. Tissue cult ure for rapid m ultiplication of elite genotypes and for basic
studies in coconut.
(MSK Shetty and CR Raju)
The tender leaf explants continued to produce embryoids. Histological studies
have shown that the shoot development is inhibited in the course of development in
most of these embryoids. Only less than 5% of them showed well-formed shoot pole.
Since synthetic hormone supplements did not induce proper shoot development, native
growth promoting substances from maristematic regions of coconut tree are being
supplimented for initiating shoot development.
When as an alternate method to direct somatic embryogenesis, different
meristematic tissues were cultured for the induction of callus, zygotic embryos from
6-7 months old nuts showed callusing from the haustorial region of the embryo in
about 5% of the cultures.
II. Tissue cult ure for rapid m ultiplication of elite genotypes and for basic
studies in oilpalm.
(CRRaju)
Plantlets were produced from both seedling tissues as well as mature palm tissues.
A method for the nondestructive extraction of tissues from seedlings as well as mature
18
palms was standardized. All the 14 trees from where tissues were extracted by this
method. The tree after extraction recoups in six months. Another great advantage of
thiS technique is that the tissues are extracted in such a way that the tender tissues do
not get contamination soon.
The seedling tissues were inoculated on 'R' medium containing 2, 40 and BAP to
Induce callus lining which were then transferred to new media for somatic
embryogenesis . These somatic embryos were germinated to get clonal plantlets in R
medium supplemented with NM & IBA.
Of the several methods tried for establishing the in vitro plants in soil directly,
planting the 5 cm sized plants in polybags containing sand, farm manure and coir dust
soaked in 500 ppm solution of KH2P04 has been found to be the best, the establishment
was over 90%. High humidity was provided for about two weeks by covering with .
polybags. Plants were kept in green house which provides approximately 50% shade.
Two clonal plants were planted in the field during March 1987. The growth of
plants in the field was found to be much faster than in polybags. Few plants were sent
to Palode station for field testing.
There was no morphological variation among the plantlets produced by in vitro
technique. There was no variation noticed in the pattern of distribution of isozymens in
the preliminary studies. All the 20 in vitro plants studied for their chromosome number
had 32 chromosomes in root tip squashes.
Tissues from tenera palms of three age groups: 8 years, 12 years and 23 years were
extracted by nondestructive method and cultured on nutrient media. The polyphenol
production was more in mature palm tissues than in seedling tissues. The tissues from
8 year old trees showed callus induction in 2 weeks while it took over 12 weeks to
observe callus induction in 2 tissues of 23 years old palm. Calli from the 23 year bid
palm could not however be subcultured. The calli from the 8 and 12 year old palms
Were subcultured for somatic embryogenesis. Seven lines of somatic embryos were
produced of which one has germinated to produce plantlets.
The zygotic embryos from nuts of different maturity were cultured for developing a
technique for in vitro transfer of germplasm and planting material. The ideal stage of
embryo for culturing was found to be just after the solidification of the endosperm. The
embryos on MS medium with NM 0.5, 2.4-0 0.1 and BAP 0.1 mg 1-1 germinated
prodUCing the shoot and primary root in about 2 weeks. They were then transferred to
~ medium containing IBA 1.0 mg-l to realise plants. The method standardised for in
\litro plants was applicable for embryo cultured plants as well.
II. Tissue culture for rapid multiplication of elite genotypes and for basic
studies in ca rdamom.
(MSK Shetty)
c: The toxin was collected from the culture filtrate of PhyJ10sticta eiettariae and
.:ancent~ated. The callus cultures were plated on fresh media for regenerating callus
In thin resIstant cells. Several media combinations are being tried to induce regeneration
ese calli.
(General Leader: CR Raju)
 cocoa and pepper (trained on coconut palm trunk and Glyricidia planted in the
interspaces of coconut palms). Manuring and irrigation were given as per schedule.

The yield data of the different crop combinations during 1986-87 are given in
Table-ll . The yield of coconut in the different treatments ranged from 75 to 124
nuts/palm. The increase in yield over the pretreatment period (1969-72) was 79, 77, 50
57 and 46 nuts/palm in Tl, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. It was observed that the
increase in yield was more in the crop combinations (Tl to T4) compared to control
(TS). Among the crop combinations, the increase was more in treatments involving
G1yricidia. As observed during 1986-87 also, the per plant pod yield of cocoa was more
in single hedge system of planting (28 nos. 9.5 kg) compared to double hedge system
(16 nos; 5.6 kg). However the unit area yield was marginally higher in double hedge
PRIORITY AREA V system (16,800 nos/ha, 5,880 kg/ha) than in single hedge system (14700 nos Jha; 4983
kglha). The yield of Panniyur-l pepper trained on coconut palm trunk ranged from
0.646 to 1.536 kg/standard. The yield was less in the crop combination involviltg cocoa
Perennial crop based farming systems in the double hedge system.

Table 11. Yield of different crops under the multistoreyed cropping system
Introduction during 1986-87.
Sole cropping of coconut and arecanut do not give the farmers adequate income
and employment potential. There is enormous scope for increasing the productivity of
Crop combinations Coconut Cocoa
coconut and arecanut plantations by inter and mixed cropping. With this in view
experiments were started since 1963, but they were strengthened only since 1972. In During During (nuts/palm) No. of pods Wt. of pods Panniyur·1
1983 all these experiments and many new ones started were brought under this mega 1972-84 1984-85 per tree per tree pepper
project with a multidisciplinary approach involving scientists from disciplines viz. Soil kg) ( kg/standard)
Science, Plant Physiology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Entomology, Rodentology,
Nematology and Economics. Of the 18 ongoing experiments under this megaproject 15 1. C+PPC+ C+PPC+ 124 28 9.5 1.069
experiments are under the High Density Multispecies Cropping systems at different CO-SH+Pi CO-SH
centres. The project aims at developing coconut, arecanut and oilpalm based farming 2. C+PPC+ C+PPC 113 16 5.6 0.646
systen." , suitable for the different agrociimatic regions of the country which produce CO-OH+Pi CO-DH
maximum biomass and returns per unit area of land, time and inputs and generate 3. C+ PPC+ 75 1.318
C+PPC
different products that would meet the diverse needs of farm families such as cash, Ci-SH+Pi PKG-SH
food, fuel, fodder and timber. Among the number of annual crops tried , tuber crops, 4. C+ PPC+ C+PPC+ 97 1.536
• pineapple and banana were found to be promising. The perennials tested as mixed Ci-DH+Pi PKG-DH
crops were cocoa, pepper, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, coffee and mulberry. Of these S. C+Ci-DH C 87
cocoa and pepper performs well under coconut and arecanut.
C = Coconut, PPC = pepper (Panniyur-l) on coconut; CO = Cocoa;

I. Studies on agronomic aspects of high density multispecies cropping Ci = Cinnamon; PKG = Pepper (Karimunda) on Glyricidia;

SH = Single hedge; DH = Double hedge, Pi = Pineapple.

~
systems (HDMSCS)
(MK Nair, K VenugopaJ, M. GopaJa KrishQan Nair, KBA Khader, A MuraJidharan,
Abraham, M. Sannamarappa, Thomas Varghese, M Mohammed Sayed, VK Baran\+'<
and AK Roy).
1. Multistoreyed cropping - at Kasaragod
This experiment originally laid out in 1972 and modified during 1984 aims at
studying the compatibility and productivity of crop combinations involving coconut.
2. Mixed fanning in coconut garden - at Kasaragod
This farming system model initiated in 1972 and remodelled during 1983 aims at
S~dYing the production potential. profitability and social benefits of coconut based
IIlixed farming system. The system was maintained with the scheduled management
: actices. During 1986-87, the farming system in 1.04 ha yielded 13281 coconuts, 158 kg
pper, 317 kg banana and 4584 litres milk. The total revenue from the farming system
 the yield of different crops did not vary much among the three different levels of
was Rs.64443 and expenditure excluding the cost of family labour was Rs.27453
fertilizer application.
resulting in a net income of Rs.36990. The cost of family labour was Rs.24251.
4. Arecanut based multispecies cropping model at Vittal
3. Coconut based high density multispecies cropping model - at Kasaragod.

This experiment was initiated in 1983, with the objective of maximising biomass

This crop model was established during 1983 with 18 crop species which aims at
production and returns per unit area, by planting pepper, cocoa, clli)Ve, banana, coffee
identifying coconut based crop combinations that are self sustaining and produce

and pineapple in the interspaces of a 17 year old areca plantation of one hectare.

maximum biomass and returns with least inputs. Of the 18 crop species, four species

Banana was removed from the system. The remaining crops are maintained with the

were withdrawn from the system after their harvest in the first two years. There was no

recommended practices. Data on inputs and outputs were recorded. All the speCies

change in the third year. Therefore, during the fourth year (the year under report) the

have started yielding except clove. The details of produce harvested are given in

.model had 14 species. At the end of the fourth year (June 1987) banana (Mysore) and

Cdffee (Sanramon) planted during 1983 were removed. In the space thus made available
table-l3.

banana (Kathali) was planted during July 1987 identifying planting points suitably. It

Table 13: Yield of different crops in arecanut based cropping model

was planted in such a way that there are 4 banana plants for every caconut palm. The

crops in the model were maintained by carrying out the scheduled manuring irrigation Name of produce Quantity (kg)

and other management practices.

l. -Aiecanut (ripe) 15784.4

In general, among the different. crop species planted, the performance of pineapple 2. Pepper (green) 958.5
and banana was good and that of subabul was satisfactory. The coverage of the 3. Cocoa (Pods) 941.5
standards by pepper was slow. The growth of bread fruit, jack, nutmeg and clove was 4. Banana fruits 1421.5
good. Mango, Sapota, acid lime and guava though established well, are not making 5. Pineapple fruits 244.0
satisfactory growth due to the thick shade of coconut palms. The growth and 6. Coffee (dry berries) 30.5
performance of cofee (Sanramon) did not improve, hence it was removed and
withdrawn from the crop model. 5. Coconut-cocoa mixed cropping - at Kayangulam
The experiment was originally started in 1975 by planting cocoa in the interspace
The yield obtained from different crops in the model during 1986-87 is given in
of coconut planted in 1961. The experiment was remodelled in 1983 and aims at
table-12. The yield of coconut during the year was marginally less compared to the
increasing the production and returns from an unit area of root (wilt) disease affected
coconut plantation. In plot 1 (0.56 ha) the component crops include coc9nut, cocoa in
Table 12: Yield of crops in the coconut based HDMSC model during 1986-87.
Single hedge, pepper, subabul and coffee. The plot 2 (0.26 ha) consists of coconut,
Fertilizer levels COCoa in double hedge, pepper and coffee. All the crops were maintained by adopting
Crops and produce the recommended management practices. During the year the plot 1 yielded 2713 nuts
Recommended Two third of One third of and 2306 kg of cocoa pods. The plot 2 yielded 755 nuts and 1076 kg of cocoa pods.
recommended recommended

6. Mixed farming in root (wilt) affected coconut garden - at Kayangulam

Coconut nuts/ha 21,852 20,991 21,266
50 This experiment was initiated to develop a system of mixed farming in disease
Acid lime (fruits-nos. per ha) 88 200

2.3 affected coconut gardens with fodder grasses and legumes for building up and
Pepper (dry-kg/ha) 1.4 1.0
780
maintaining soil fertility and to assess its effects, on the disease affected palms. It was
Subabul (Prunings) Green matter kg/ha 1,014 1,146
893
remodelled in 1983 by including pepper, clove and subabul. During the year five cows
Stem (fresh wt kg/ha) 1,290 1,284
293
and two calves were maintained. The crops and animals were maintained by adopting
Banana (fruits kglha) 332 285
35 the scheduled management practices. One Leifer and a calf were disposed during the
Coffee (fruits-kg/ha) 37 54

4,126 Year as they were surplus. Sufficient fodder was produced to meet the requirement of
Pineapple (fruits kglha) 4,693 4,155
the animals from one hectare. The disease advanced palms were removed and gap
:led with DxT seedlings. The growth of young palms and pepper was satisfactory but
~t of cloves was poor. During 86-87 the system yielded 7416 nuts, and 6692 litres of
previous year. However: it was more than double compared to the pre-experimental
~tlk, The system provided employment of 827 man days. The cost of inputs Cincluding
yield. This was due to the combined effect of crop combinations and irrigation abour) was Rs.38,192 and the receipts were' Rs.47 ,529/-.
provided since the establishment of the crop model. As observed during the past years.
.3
23

22

7. Mixed farm ing in yenow leaf disease affected arecanut garden at Palode Table 14: Yield of coconut palms (nuts/palm/year) under coconut based
The experiment was started in 1975 to study the effect of raising fodder gras~ agroforestry.
and legumes in the inters paces of diseased arecanut palms and recycling of organ:S
manure, on the yellow leaf disease affected arecanut palm. The cropping w~ PlOt. Crop Combination Prior to planting After planting of forest species
of forest species
intensified during 1983 by planting pepper, clove, banana and subabul. The farmi
~
No· (July 1979 July 1983 July 1985 July 1986
system in 0.4 ha area include arecanut (Mangala and local) banana, pepper trained to June to June to June to June
arecanut and subabul, cowpea/stylosanthes and NB 21 grass. There was an overall yield 1983) Mean 1985 trans· 1986 1987
increase in arecanut by 155% as compared to the pretreatment yield. While the yield of 4 years itional period
increase in Mangala was to the extent of 284%, the local type gave an increase of onl Mean of 2 years
91 %. The mean disease index also decreased from 22% (pretreatment) to 17% durin~
the year under report. The output from the system for the year (1986-87) is 199.6 kg 1. Coconut alone 118 85 96 60
chali, 252 kg banana fruits, 1522 kg cocopea fodder, 21573 kg. NB 21 grass, 2007 kg 2. Coconut + Ailanthus 95 58 98 123
subabul cuttings, 3572 Htres of milk and 95 kg of dry pepper. 3. Coconut + Eucalyptus
citriodora 109 109 96 120
8. Arecanut based multispecies cropping model - I - at Hirehalli 4. Coconut + Subabul 81 74 19 35
The experiment started in 1983 in 0.92 ha arecanut garden aims at studying the 5. Coconut + Casuarina 58 67 9 35
feasibility of increasing the biomass production and returns from an unit area of 6. Coconut + Eucalyptus
arecanut garden in maid an parts of Karnataka. The component crops in the model territicornis + subabul 78 52 13 23
include arecanut, cocoa, coffee, elephant foot yam and mulberry. Elephant foot yam 7. Coconut + Casuarina +
was withdrawn from the model during 1985-86. All the crops were maintained by Subabul 19 13 12 8
adopting the scheduled management practices. During the year (1986-87) a total 8. Coconut + mango 58 47 54 109
quantity of 31 42 kg chali, 1279 kg cocoa pods, 590 kg coffee berries (wet), 58 kg dry 9. Coconut + Jack 29 25 35 39
pepper and 6574 kg mulberry leaves was obtained (rom the system.

9. Arecanut based multispecies cropping model- ll _. at Hireballi

This crop model was laid out to study the feasibility of increasing the biomass
Table 15: Growth parameters of the tree species under the coconut based
production and returns from an unit area of arecanut garden in maidan parts of
agroforestry.
karnataka. It was initiated during 1984 in an area 01 0.89 ha of arecanut garden. The
component crops are arecanut, banana, lemon, coffee, betelvine and tapioca. During
Plot Crop combination Tree Growth parameters
1986 tapioca was withdrawn from the model. During 1986-87 the model yielded 3408 kg No. species September 1987
chali , 1248 kg banana fruits , 94 kg coffee sp. berries (wet), 5 kg lemon and 5,55750 Nos.
of betel leaves. Plant Stem girth at
height breast height
(m) (1.37m) in em.
10. Coconut based a groforestry - at Kasaragod
This experiment was initiated during 1983 to study the effect of growing AilanthuS,
Eucalyptus, subabul, casuarina, mango and jack in the interspaces of coconut palms on
2. Coconut + Ailanthus Ailanthus 3.48 14.6
3. Coconut + Eucalyptus citriodora Eucalyptus 6.63 11.8
the productivity of coconut and to estimate the biomass production and returns from
citriodora
an unit area of coconut plantation. As some of the fores t species affected the yield of 4. Coconut + Subabul Subabul 8.87 24.7
coconut in the third year of their planting, population of these species were brought 5. Coconut + Casuarina Casuarina 8.64 14.7
down during 1986 by thinning. The remaining population of the tree species and 6. Coconut + Eucalyptus Eucaiyptus 6.71 12.4
coconut were maintained during the year by adopting the scheduled management territicornis + Subabul terri ticornis
practices under rain fed conditions. Subabul 8.65 18.5
. 7. Coconut + Casuarina + Subabul Casuarina 6.70 10.4
The yield of coconut palms under different crop combinations for different periodS
are given in Table - 14. .

~.,
- Subabul 9.40 22.3
 14. Arecanut based muJt ispecies cro pping m odels for West Bengal - at
Mohitnagar.
11. Oilpalm based agroforestry - Palode. This experime nt consists of five diffe rent crop models, three initiated in 1983 and
This experiment was started during 1983 with a seven year old oil palm plantatio
to study the effect of growing Albizzia, Australian blackwood, Ailanthus, sUbabu~
twO in 1986. The experiment aims at identifying arecanut based crop models with
potential for high biomass production and returns, suitable for West Bengal conditions .
Casuarina, Eucalyptus and cocoa in the interspaces of oilpalm , on the productivity oi 1'he palms were 16 years old when the experiment was started. Half the area in each
oilpalm and to work out the biomass production and return from unit area of oilpalm
model is under irrigated condition while the other half is rainfed. The crops in the
plantation. during 1986-'87 treatments with nine forest tree species failed to show any different models excluding arecanut are as follows:
significant effect on yield of oil palm FFB produced. The yield data is given in Table-16.
Modell Pepper + Banana + Cocoa
Tabl e 16: Yield of oilpalm under oilpalm based agroforestry. Pepper + Banana + Acid lime
Model II
Oil palm yield 1986-87 Model III Betelvine + Banana + Pineapple
Crop combination
No. of bun ches FFB wei ght in kg Model IV Coffee + Dioscorea + Banana + Turmeric
Model V Cinnamon + Betelvine + Banana + Turmeric
Oil Palm -t- Albizzia 2.0 :!4.8
1.
Oil Palm + Australian black wood 0.7 8.0 Table 17: Net returns Rs/ha from different models
2.
Oil Palm + Ailanthus 2.3 30.8
3.
Oil Palm + Subabul 1.7 23.5 Modell Model II Model III Model IV Model V
4.
Oil Palm + Casuarina 1.0 25.7
5. Irrigated i8609 17916 19558 2911 10549

3.6 56.5
6. Oil Palm + Eucalyptus 9004 14831 16106 12570 11804

2.3 31.8 Rainfed

7. Oil Palm + Subabul + Casuarina
Oil Palm + Subabul + Eucalyptus 1.7 30.3
8. 9(J.5
6.0
9. Control The low Ilet returns in the irrigated plot in Mode l IV (Table 17) is due to mortality
3.7 66.7
JO. Oil Palm + Cocoa
2.9 N.S. of a large number of areca palms.
Sig. CD.

12. High density multispecies cropping in early stages o f establishing coconut
plantation - at Kayangulam.
This crop model was designed and laid out during 1984 to study the potential for
increasing the biomass production and returns per unit area of coconut plantation from
the early stage onwards. The crop model in 0.26 ha area consists of young coconut
palm, banana, subabul and elephant foot yam. Fifteen coconut seedlings took up root
(wilt) disease and were removed and gap filled with COD x WCT seedlings. Banana was
withdrawn from the model during 1986. During the year the model yielded 762 kg of
elephant foot yam, 322 kg of banana fruits and 11·5 numbers of banana suckers .
13. Arecanut based multispecies cropping models for Central Kerala - at
Kannara.
This experiment was initiated during 1984 with the objective of maximising
biomass production and returns from an unit area of arecanut plantation . There a~
IS. Areca nut based multispecies cropping models for Assam at Kahikuchi.
This experiment having two crop models aims at identifying arecanut based crop
models with potential for high biomass production and returns, suitable for Assam
conditions. Betelvine, banana, Pineapple and ginger were planted in Model I in 1985 in
the inters paces of an arecanut garden planted in 1961, having an area of 0.31 ha. In
model II having an equal area pepper, banana, pineapple and turmeric were planted.
The area in the models were divided into three and were given full two third and
one-third dose of fertilizers . The models yielded the followin g produces (Table 18 )
Table 18:
Modell Model II
-
Arecanu t (nos .)
Ful !

207-57
23

15018
13

23504
FuJI

46688 34140
2 :3 13

31 201
8etelleaves ( nos.)
three different crop models laid out in a 25 year old arecanut plantation. The modell l~
2600 2800 3900
:Banana (kg) 758.7 614.5 652.7 678.5 724 408
0.36 ha area consists of arecanut, pepper (on all arecanut palms), banana, clove an P'llleapPle (kg) 12.5 13.0 7.2 0.63 7.2 2.12
coffee . The model yielded 407 kg of Chali, 1067 kg of banana fruits, 100 banana suckers
C
:
-­
('Jinger (kg) 225.8 149.4 175
and 16 kg of coffee berries . The model III in 0.13 ha area has arecanut , pepper f ,Turmeric (kg) 210.0 246 280
alternate palms), coffee, subabu! and Ailanthus. It produced 122 kg of Chali, 7 kg co ef

berries, 929 kg of subabul stem, 1191 kg of subabul prunings and 171 kg of green matt

from Ailanthus. 2i
 II. Studies on nutrient and moisture dynamics in high density multispecies
Inter and mixed crop ping trials with annuals and perennials in cocOnut
cropping through system approach .
p,ardens.
(CC Biddappa. MC Bopaiah, AR Mohapatra. NT Bhat and PC Kamalakshiamma.
Mixed cropping coconut and cocoa

To study the profitability of growing cocoa as a mixed crop with coconut and
evaluating the advantages or otherwise of single and double hedge systems of planting l(asarag od
Soil fertility potential within soil profile in agrostology experiment has been
cocoa, this experiment is being conducted since 1970. It consists of three treatments
evaluated as a function of grass species. The grass species included guinea grass,
viz (i) coconut alone (control), (2) Coconut + cocoa (SH) and (3) Coconut + Cocoa
(DH) in seven replications. The yield of coconut palms in the different treatments for guinea grass - legume mixture, NB-21 and control. The data indicated that the organic
different periods is given in Table-8. The mean increase in coconut yield during the carbon content progressively decreased in the soil profile upto a depth of one metre
Guinea grass and NB-21 showed high organic matter content in 1st 20cm depth
period of 15 years of experimentation (1972-87) was 51.6, 49.4 and 38.6 in coconut +
cocoa SH, coconut + cocoa DH and coconut monocropping systems respectively over followed by guinea grass-legume (GL) and control. The results of available nitrogen
the pre-experimental period (1966-70). The crop combination of cocoa increased the showed that NB-21 and guinea grass recorded high available nitrogen in the surface soil
followed by control and grass-legume. The available phosphorus was low in control
yield of coconut by 13.0 and 10.8 nuts/palm/year respectively in single hedge and
throughout the depth of soil , while guinea grass and NB-21 showed an accumulation at
double hedge systems over monocropping. During 1986-87, cocoa yielded 17 pods (4.1
20-30 cm depth and GL at 40-60 cm depth. The K content in the soil profile was uniform
kg)/tree in single hedge and 10 pods (2.5 kg)/tree in double hedge system of planting.
in the case of GL and NB-21. But it showed a sharp depletion zone between 20-40 cm
depth in the case of control and 10-30 cm in the case of guinea grass. However a clear
Mixed cropping of arecanut and cocoa. zone of exhaustion was noticed in 30-60 cm. Fe and Zn contents showed a decrease in
This experiment was initiated during 1970 at Vittal to determine the optimum
spacing for arecanut and cocoa under mixed cropping system for maximum returns. the surface soil (0-30 cm) beyond which the decrease was marginal. Control plot
recorded highpr concentration than rest of the plots. In Mn the control plot recorded
During the year, the crops were maintained by carrying out the scheduled management
lower concentration than the cultured plot. The copper content in the cori.trol plot
practices. The spacing 2.7m x 2.7m both for arecanut and cocoa was found to be
exceeded the cultured soil profile.
optimum for maximum returns. The yield of arecanut and cocoa pods per hectare in
the particular spacing was 14169 kg and 25887 kg respectively.
The gain and loss of nutrients in soil was computed on volume basis (kg/'halm).
The data indicated that the soil has gained organic carbon, available N, available Mn
Mixed cropping of arecanut and pepper. and Zn due to growing of different grasses in the interspaces of coconut. Growing
This experiment was initiated at Vittal in 1977 to study the shade tolerance of four
pepper cultivars, viz. Panniyur-1, Karimunda, Uddakare and Malligesara. The pepper grasses on the other hand has depleted P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Cu. Potassium followed by
vines have been trained on arecanut palms grown under different spacings. Karimunda magnesium showed greater loss than the rest. The nutrient budget for the system was
variety gave significantly more yield than others. Yields of Karimunda and Panniyur-l computed annually and represented for a block period of 5 years. The data indicated
cultivars were 5177 kg/ha and 3774 kg/ha of green pepper. The growing of pepper had that a net gain of nutrients was there by the system. N, P, K, Fe , Cu and Zn were gained
by growing grasses in all the three block peFiods, while Ca, Mg and Mn were of negative
no effect on the yield of arecanut. budget in all the years. There was a net depletion of N, Fe, eu and Zn in the control
Table 8: Yield of coconut palms during different period in the coconut-cocoa plot. The increase of nutrients over control in cultured plots (grasses ) was marginal for
mixed cropping systems in comparison with monocropping of coconut. many of the nutrients.
Yield of coconut palms ( nuts/palm/year)
Crop combination Vlttal
Experimental Increase during Investigation on nutrip.nt additions through rainfall , and through areca canopy,
Pre-experimental Transitional
period 1972-87 experimental
period 1966-70 period 1970-72 depletion losses of soil and nutrients in the runoff waters was done.
mean of 2 years Mean of 15 years. period over the
Mean of 4 years pre experimental
period The rains received in June_added 3 kg N as NH 4 , 4 kg N as NO:l , 7 kg K, q7 Kg Ca
and 11 kg Mg per ha. The arecanut canopy washings supplied 4.5 kg K, 6.0 kg Ca per ha.
106.6 38.6 :"e nutrients present in the leacheate of the fertilized I-IDMS plot were 10 kg N as NH4 ,
68.0 70.1
Coconut alone
56.7 85.7 108.3 51.6 ~ Kg N as N03 , 0.25 kg P, 225 kg K. 281 kg Ca and 80 kg Mg per hectare. Similarly the
Coconut + Cocoa - SH 88.5 49.4 C eck plot (without fertilizer) in arecanut garden contained 5 kg N as NH4, 93 kg K. 15
59.0
Coconut + Cocoa - DH 39.1
~ICa and 9 kg Mg in the leacheate per ha. Leaching in the virgin soil was stimulated in the
----------------------------------------------------------------'­
SH - Single hedge DH - Double hedge umn under laboratory conditions by adding NPK fertilizers. Losses of nutrients m

29
28

the treatment N alone, were 0.06 kg P, 31 kg K, 77 kg Ca and 23 kg Mg per ha. The
recovery of nutrients was 62% N, 44% P and 13% K based on the applied fertilizers .
Leaching losses of water soluble nutrients through soil analysis in the HDMS plot were
0.16 kg P, 1.5 kg K, 90 kg ca and 31 kg Mg per ha. Similar losses in the NPK experiment
on arecanut were upto the extent of 15 kg P, 268 kg K, 225 kg ca and 39 kg Mg per ha.
Studies on the losses of soil in the runoff water were carried out on garden soils in
the laboratory as well as on the leacheate from the field. The soil loss decreased with
depth from 3-0.6 tonlha. The leacheate from HDMSCS plot carried 6 tonsl.ha of soil.
Losses of soil and nutrients in the event of erosion are estimated in the HDMS plot.
III. Physiological investigations in the high density multispecies cropping
system.
(D. BaJasimha, LP Misra , KV Kasturi Bai, SR Voleti, KD PatiJ, BSK Amma,and T. Varkey)
The growth measurements of arecanut intercrops showed that the development of
canopy was 2.7 , 1.6, 1.4 and 1.3 folds in cocoa, clove, coffee and pepper respectively
over the previous year. The yield and input data obtained were converted to energy
values for computing energy budget. The output/input ratio based on economic yield
was 1.12 and 1.28 respectively for arecanut alone and HDMSCS respectively. This was
lesser than the previous year because the inputs were higher during 1
this year while
output remained stable. The energy output/labour was 38.54 x 10: K Cal.
In coconut based HDMSCS , the canopy growth and air-space availability was
calculated using mathematical models. Since banana and coffee were removed from the
system, the air-space increased. There was a 16% increase in canopy development and
airspace utilization in clove under 2/3 fertilizer dose than full dose. The output/input
ratio of energy during the year was 4.29, 5.72 and 9.52 at full, 2/3 and 113 levels of
fertilizers respectively.
IV. Pathological investigations
(Rohini lyer, RR Nair, N. Saraswathy, SNS Kumar, NG PiJJai, and Anil Kumar)
Plant diseases were monitored and plant protection measures adopted as and
when required. In general there was no high rate of disease incidence in HDMSCS plots.
V. Microbiological and biochemical studies in relation to high
density ~arbofuran @ 3 g a.i. per sucker/vine in July and phorate @ 3g a.i. per palm/sucker/vine
multispecies cropping systems.
(BM Bopaiah, Mathew George, B. Chempakam and EV Daniel)
1. Microbiological studies
Soil microflora ( bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes) were enumerated at monthly
intervals iIi areca to monitor the changes over a period. The study showed that the
bacterial £ounts were low from March to June and the fungal count was highest during
Sept.-Oct. The phosphatase activity of the soil was low in the root region of clove,
coffee, and inters paces of areca as compar~ to areca and cacao in the HDMSCS
30
cropping system. The studies on the enume ration of soil rni croflora of coconut based
Agro-forestry indicated that the population of bacteria, asymbiotic N2 fixers and P
solubilizers were less in subabul , Ailanthus, Eucalyptus and coconut in the
agro-forestry system. The soil enzyme activities (Urease, d.."hydrogerJase and
phosphatase) were also deleteriously affected in Eucalyptus, Casuarina and Ailanthus
treatments.
The enumeration of asymbiotic N2 fixers and P solubilizers (bacteria and fungi)
revealed that the counts were more in coconut cacao mixed cropping and coconut
mixed farming experiment as compared to coconut r ')nocropping.
2. Biochemical studies
The soil biochemical constituents of coconut based agro forestry and coconut
monocropping indicated 110 variation in sugars and aminoacid contents, while the
phenol content increased by 17% in coconut soil grown with tree species. A
comparative study of soil phenol contents of areca grown as monocrop, areca with
pepper and areca under HDMSC system indicated no variation.
VI. Studies on plant parasitic nem atodes in high density multispecies cropping
systems.
( VI( Sosamma, PK Koshy, P. Sundararaju and Sudha Sukumaran)
Infestation of root-knot and burrowing nematodes is one of the important
problems that exists in high density multispeci es cropping systems. Choice of correct
crop combinations and sequences need to be made on the basis of their susceptibility/
resistance to these nematodes. Soil and root samples were collected from all the crops
in coconut and arecanut based farming system experiments at various CPCR! centres.
The results confirmed that papaya, 21ephant foot yam , coleus, ginger, turmeric and
subabul are highiy susceptible to root knot nematode, whereas cacao, cinnamon, clove,
nutmeg, pineapple , colocasia and hybrid napier were found free of nematode problems.
Cyst-form ing nematode, Heterodera oryzicola was found associated with bunch failure
in banana variety Nendran. The average nematode popUlation causing this was found to
be 2240 second juveniles per gram of secondary and tertiary fibrous roots . Banana and
black pepper were found highly susceptible to both root-knot and burrowing
nematodes at all centres. Disinfestation of banana suckers and raising of black pepper
nurseries in methyl bromide fumigated potting mixture is recommended. Application of
In October is recommended to infested plants.
J
'-"'"'
VII. StUdies on insect and mammalian pest complex in the high density
multispecies cropping system.
(PSPV Vidyasagar, AS Sukumaran, Mariamma Daniel, CP Ramachandran and KN
Ponnamma )
The aim of the project is to study the incidence, biology and nature of damage of
31
pests occurring on crops in HDMSCS and to develop suitable integrated control
measures.

Kayangulam
The pest complex on the crops in HDMSCS system was monitored at fortnightly
intervals. Maintenance of a trap crop of Stylosanthes gracilis, raised on beds
(distributed in 10 m 2 in a cacao garden of 0.82 ha) with phorate granules applied to soil
@ 30 g/m2 , thrice a year, was found to be quite effective in reducing Myllocerus
curvicornis infestation on cacao. This has helped in total elimination of foliar
application of insecticides against the pest at reguiar intervals.

Kasaragod
Fortnightly observations on the pest complex of different crops in HDMSCS system
were recorded. Several species of insects were infesting the coffee plants before it was
removed. Acid lime plants were infested by leaf miner and suitable control measures
were adopted. On pepper top shoot borer, aphid, mealy bug and whitefly population
was controlled with one round of endosulfan 0.05% spray during December. Other
crops were free from any pest damage.
Palode
The pest complex on arecanut, pepper, clove, subabul, banana and NB 21 were
monitored at fortnightly intervals. The leafaxils were provided with perforated
polybags containing 2g of phorate lOG as a prophylactic measure against spindle bug,
Carvalhoia arecae. One round of dimethoate 0.05% spray and a second round with
Anthio 0.05% was given to control red mite Raoiella indica on arecanut. When the
population of Dasychira mendosa was high one round of spray with quinalphos 0.05%
was given. The hairy caterpillars feeding on the spindle of arecanut·were controlled by
monocrotophos 0.1 % spray. For the control of leaf eating caterpillars infesting pepper
one round of dimethoate 0.05% spray was effective.
Vittal
Observations were recorded on the incidence of insect pests on all the crops in
HDMSCS system. No serious damage was noticed on pepper, arecanut, coffee, clove and
pineapple. On cacao the membracids Leptocentrus sp. and Gargara were found
infesting tender shoots, cherelles immature pods and green mature pods, throughout
the year. Besides these pests, aphids, mealy bugs and some caterpillars were also found
on cacao. The cacao trees were given a spray of dimethoate 0.05% for;:ontrollin g these
pests. Rodent damage was observed on cacao and pineapple fruitV
'VIII. Economics of High Den sity Multispecies Cropping systems
PKDas
The input output data in respect of HDMSCS models were compiled and tabulated.
(General Leade r: MK Nair)
PRIORITY AREA VI
Collection, conservation, evaluation and documen­
tation of genetic resources in plantation crops
Under this mega project, collection, conservation, evaluation and documentatiion
of genetic resources were done on coconut, arecanut, oil palm and cacao. The present
holding of germplasm includes 86 exotic and 41 indigenous coconut accessions, 18
exotic and 41 indigenous areca cultivars, 13 exotic introductions and 3 indigenous
collections of oil palm and 86 cacao accessions. Significant progress was made for
developing descriptors in coconut. Emphasis couJd be placed on producing parental
materials for seed production.
I. Collection conservation cataloguing and evaluation of coconut germplasm.
(PM Kumaran, RV PiUai, S. Damodaran, and S. Chander Rao)
The present status of the germplasm collection of coconut consists of 127
collections from 28 countries. The exotic collections (86) comprise 72 tall, twelve
dwarf, one semi-tall and one hybrid and the indigenous collections (41) include 32 tall,
~ht dwarf and one semi-tall. Out of these collections 24 exotic and 6 indigenous are
ing maintained at World Coconut Germplasm Centre at Andamans and the rest at
Kasaragod.
AsSisted pollination viz. selfing and inter-se mating was carried out in seventeen
:::ted cultivars for screening the progenies against root (wilt) disease. A total of 6363
be I~ flowers was pollinated which include 2281 selfs and 4082 inter-se. Breeding
f ~a\'tour o~ these cultivars was also noted for collecting open pollinated nuts. A total
o 739 polhnated nuts of the previous year was harvested and sown in the nursery.

32 33
This include 932 selfs, 1202 inter-se and 605 of open pollination. A new set of 12
cultivars with 48 seedlings per cultivar comprising of 16 self, 16 inter-se and 16 open
pollination were planted at the Kayangulam Kayal Farm for screening against root (wilt) Table 21 . Table of Mean showing flowering behaviour and fruit set in 20 coconut
disease. cultivar.

The breeding behaviour studies have been completed in nine cultivars. The details Age Age Av. Av. Gap Over- Over- No. of Percent
of the observations recorded are g)ven in table 20. The male phase varied from 12 to 20 at at Male female betwee lapping I'l-pping spathe cent
flm"­ hilr­ phase phase male & same h(:tween
S.No.Name of th e c ultivar set
ering pst. female spadi« sllcces­
Table 20. Details of Breeding behaviour studies in 9 coconut cultivars ( mon- ( mon- (days ) phase (days) sive (days)
Table of Mean ths) (days ) spadices

S.No.Name of .. ultivar Male Female In te rval No. of Over· Over- Nut '% set 1.
Borneo 104 146 21 4 3 0
phase phase between female lapping lapping in set 2 11 27
2.
Zanzibar 85 112 19 3 3 0
(days ) (days) male and flowers in same successive 0 8 17
female spadix spadices 3.
Sanramon 95 117 20 4 2 4 12 8 22
phase ) (days ) (days) 4.
Ceylon Tall 114 138 19 5 3 0 2 9 24
(days) 5.
5t. Vin cen t 118 150 20 5 3 0 4 9 15
6.
Philippine Lono 121 153 20 5 3 0 5 12 22
l. Karkar 16.4 4.1 4.4 23.6 0 l.3 4.5 25.2 i.
Malayan Green
2. Dwarf Spikata 12.2 5.0 0.2 37.6 2.8 0.3 3.6 1l.9 Dwarf 74 92 14 4 0 3 4 8 34
3. Car Nicobar 19.8 4.8 4.5 3l.2 0.1 2.0 5.l 33.3 8. Andaman Ordinary 78 97 20 4 3 0 2 13 40
4. Niu Lekha 14.9 3.6 4.2 28.8 0.0 l.9 3.3 13.8 9_ Spikata 84 127 22 6 1 2 0 12 14
5. Jamaica 16.3 3.6 3.3 33.1 O.l l.2 7.4 24.6 10. Laccadive Ordinary 64 77 19 4 3 0 3 12 40
6. Markham T<l1I 17.4 3.7 3.0 17.l 0 l.5 5.0 28.7 11. Chowghat Orange
7. Lifou Tall 20 .6 4.2 2.3 13.8 0.9 1.5 3.8 28.9 Dwarf 42 63 18 5 0 4 0 9 39
8. WestAfrican Tall 16.4 3.4 5.1 16.3 0.1 0.7 4.5 27.4 12. Chowghat Green
9. Surinam 'Dwarf 16.3 5.3 2.5 22.5 1.9 0.3 8.2 39.3 Dwarf 41 49 16 5 0 4 0 9 38
13. Leccadive Micro 98 114 20 5 5 0 4 10 40
14. Jamaica (San bias ) 86 138 20 4 3 0 4 9 33
15. Nadora Tall 120 145 19 4 3 0 0 8 33
days and female phase from 3-5 days. The interval between the male and female phase 16. Benaulim Tall 102 119 19 4 3 0 2 10
was maximum in tall and minimum in dwarf and in dwarf spikata there was no interval. 17. Nicobar Tall 36
138 157 18 3 :3 0 0
There was no overlapping in Karkar, Niulekfia-and Markam Tall cultivars and the others 7 26
18. Andaman Ranguchan 122 136 18 3 3
showed 1-2 days overlapping. Overlapping between successive spadices for 1-2 days 0 0 10 25
19. West Coast Tall 98 127 19 4 3 0 0 12 38
was also noticed. In dwarf cultivar this was negiigeble. Maximum female flowers were 20. Malayan yellow
noticed in dwarf spikata (38) and minimum in Lifou Tall (1'4,). The fruit set varied from Dwarf 66 79 18 4 0 4 0 10
12 (Dwarf Spikata) to 39 (Surinam Dwarf). 36

Observations recorded on age at flowering, age at harveSt, duratien of male and

female phases, overlapping and nut set in 20 cultiVars were tabulated for the
preparation of a coconut descriptor. The data was analysed with the help of computer.
The table of means for nine characters are given in table 21. Early flowering was noticed
in CGD (41 months) followed by COD (42 months ). The maximum time taken for
flowering was noticed in Nicobar Tall (138 months). The same cultivars have given early
fruit set in relation to the early flowering i.e. CGD in 59 months, COD in 63 months and
Nicobar Tall in 157 months. Male phase varied from 16 days (CGD) to 22 days (Spikata)
and female phase from three days (Zanzibar tall, Andaman Ranguchan, Nicobar Tall) to
34
six ?aYs (Spikata ). Over lapping in the same inflorescence was noticed in a.ll the dwarf
lUlt~vars. Overlapping between successive spadices was noticed in six tall and 3 dwarf
CUltlVars. Spathe production varies from seven (Nicobar Tall) to 12 (WCT, LO . Spikata
and Phi. Lono.). Maximum setting was noticed in Laccadive Micro, Laccadive Ordinary
: Andaman Ordinary (40% each) and minimum in Spikata (14%). A descriptor was
<it eloped for 18 cultivars (14 tails and 4 dwarfs) covering 40 characters of which 25
aracters were reported earlier.
\V Preliminary screening of 46 coconut cultivars for a 'suitable tender nut cultivar'
as done for one season at the rate of one nut each from four trees per cultivar. Based
on the organoleptic test, six cultivars viz. Guam-III, COD, Gangabondam, Andarnan Table 22 Descriptor of Mohitnagar arecanut cultivar
Ranguchan, MOD, K1apawangi were identified as very good for tender nut purpose.
Description Range Average
Minimum Maximum
The morphological characters of the 30 germp\asm collection of coconut planted
at WCGC, Andaman are being recorded regularly. The spathe production is also 1. Palm type Semi Tall Tall Tall
recorded at regular intervals. So far 90 trees among 15 collections have flowered and 2. Crown shape partially partially
the number of inflorescence per tree varied from 1-9. Assisted pollination (selfing) is dropping droppiing
bejng carried out in 8 trees among four collections. Maximum nut set was recorded 3. Girth above fixed mark ems 8.6 15.5 12.79
(164) in 12 trees of Hari Papua Dwarf in 77 bunches. 4. Internodal length ems 7.32 26.5 16.66
5. NO.of leaves 8 12 9.91
II. Collection, conservation, cataloguing and evaluation of arecanut No.of leaflets (left)
6. 29 49 39.74
germplasm. No.of leaflets (right)
7. 27 57 40.88
(A Rekha, BS Chaudhuary and KS Ananda) No.of midribs (left)
8. 53 91 64.33
9. No.of midribs (right) 51 83 64.68
The present arecanut germplasm includes 23 exotic types and 41 indigenous 10. Length of longest leaf em 135 240 179.53
collection. Apart from Areca catechu there are four species. viz. A. triandra, A. 11. Breadth of the broadest leaf ems 50 151 83.06
concinna, A. normanbyii and Actinorrhytis caJapparia which were planted during 1978. l2. Length of the leaf sheath ems 60 118 93.30
13. Breadth of the leaf sheath cms 30 62 45.92
Eighteen indigenous cultivars were planted in a randomised block design with 14. No.of female flowers in an inflorescence 480 1562 1093.18
three replications and nine palms per plot Measurements on girth at collar, height and 15. No.of nuts in the spike 291 1228 809.94
number of leaves were recorded at the time of planting. 16. No.of bunches produced/year 3 10 6.67
17. No.of of fresh fruits on the crown 291 1228 809.94
18. Fruit length cms. 4.1 6.8 5.34
The Mohitnagar cultivar was described for 26 characters as per the descriptor. The
19. Fruit breadth cms. 2.8 5.3 44.12
data were collected from seven gardens of South Kanara district and the details are
20. Fruit weight (wet) gms 18.1 75.4 36.86
presented in Table 22.
21. Husk thickness cms 0.4 1.4 0.88
22. Kernel length ems 1.2 2.7 2.1
Yield data of 17 exotic and 7 indigenous accessions compiled for two years showed 23.
that VfL 28 C (Saigon) gave highest yields with an average yield of 11.92 kg/palm. The Kernal breadth cms 1.2 3.5 2.29
24. Kernel weight (dry) gms 3.2 12.4
morphological growth characters were recorded on 23 Andamans collections. 6.59
25. Colour of the fresh fruit Orange Orange
26. Shape of the fruit Oval-oblong round round
523 seedlings of different accessions were supplied for screening against yellow
leaf disease and inter se crossed nuts of 10 exotic and 9 indigenous accessions were
supplied to CPCRI Mohitnagar for maintenance of an alternate germplasm centre. A
total of 2230 inter se mated seedlings were supplied to agricultural universities and From a segregating popUlation of tenera x ten era, 28 pisifera palms have been
Horticultural Department for experimental purposes. Identified at Oil Palm Station, Thodupuzha. A detailed classification of 15 pisifera palms
among these was completed. It is seen that though no palm is completely sterile, there
are palms such as No. 113 and 213 which show very high sterility of 96.8 and 91.3 per
III. Collection, conservat ion, cataloguing and evalu ation of oil palm germplasm. cent respectively. These sterile palms are expected to produce superior hybrids when
(RSN Pillai and KUK Nampoothiri) Used as male parents. From the DxP plantation of Palode over 20 suspected Pisifera
palms have been identified. These are under detailed observation.
Twenty dura x pisifera oil palm seedlings were collected from Trichi. The source
of the material is Harrisons and Cross-field, Kaula Lumpur Malaysia. All the seedling in Of the 199 palms available in the txt block of Palode, 57 palms were classified
were planted and have established well in the germplasm block. The present ito. ~ura,
tenera and pisifera. It is seen that the three fruit forms do not show
germplasm assemblage consists of a total of 14 accessions of which 11 are exotic and ~ ~nlflcant
differences in no. of leaves. But the pisifera palm produced more male
three are indigenous. n orescences with no female or bi-sexual inflorescence.
 With a view to isolating the 30.lO3 elite pisifera line from its promising tener Incompatibility studies were completed in 12 trees belonging to seven Nigerian

combinations, 12 tenera palms were selfed/inter se crossed. Out of the ten high yieldina ions and one Malaysian accession. Out of these eight were self incompatible and

dura palms identified at Oil Palm Station, Thodupuzha five palms 'were selfed during th! self compatible. Selfing in Pa 7 x Na 32 was undertaken and 80 selfed seedlings

year. Seedlings of two palms (seJfed P during 1986) are in the nursery. planted in the field to recover Pa 7 and Na 32 types.

The data on different introductions in comparison with the CPCRI material are Germplesm collection by means of budwoods was made from Cad bury's
presented in Table 23. It is seen that the Ivory Coast material has a marginal increase in !plantations at Chundale and Thamarasserry. These materials originated from Malaysia.
Budwoods were collected from trees which were marked either as high yielding or had
Table 23. Performance of tenera introductions 1987 distinct pod characteristics. Budwoods from 14 trees at Chundale and 5 trees at
'(bamarasserry were budded on to root stocks for multiplication at Vitta!.
S.No. Source No. of No. of malt No. of fem ale No. of Wt. of

leaves infloresc en ce infl orescence FFB

FFB Six high yielding COCoa selections with more than one gm. bean weight (I 21, II 11,

l. NIFOR (1981 ) 10.5 7.7 2.9 l.6

D 18, " 67 III 5 and III lOl) identified from Malaysian collections were vegetatively

8.7 multiplied for distribution.

2. Ivory Coast (1981 ) 10.1 7.6 2.9 3.5 9.9
3. Rep. of Zaire (1982) 9.4 7.4 2.5 0.40 1.0
(General Leader: KUK Nampoothiri)

4. CPCRI ( 1982) (Control ) 9.4 6.4 2.1 0.l3 1.5

yield over the NIFOR palms and the CPCRi material over the Republic of Zaire
introduction. No significant variation was ()bserved for growth characters among the
different accessions.

Tenera seeds produced by CPCRI were supplied to vari ous agencies in six
locations viz , Manj ari Farm Poona, Mohitnagar, Thunga Bhadra. Arasikere, Vijayarai and
Gangavathi. Th e performance is being monito red with respect to local conditions.

IV . Collection, conservation cataloguing and evaluation of cocoa germp lasm.

( RV Nair and A Rekha)

Data regarding the plant and pod characteristics of nine cocoa accessions at
Lalbagh were collected. It was observed that lCS-1 followed by ICS6 had the maximum
bean yield/tree/year (3.6 kg and 2.2 kg respectively) whereas lMC 67 followed by lCS/.
ha,d the highest single bean (dry) weight ( 1.8 gm and 1.4 gm respectively). In terms of
plant growth and yield Sca 12 was the least adapted type.

Yield data of 1024 trees of cocoa planted during 1976 at Seed Farm Kidu were

analysed to select high yielding trees with good bean weight and to cull out leSS

productive ones . Seven year's yield data (1980-86) on the no. of pods/tree/year for 1024

trees were statistically analysed. The trees studied had a general mean of
12
pods/tree/year. 92 trees with double the mean no. of pods/tree/year were selected for

further selection based on bean weight.

Pod characteristic studies were completed in 29 trees belonging to 10 Nigerian and

three Malaysian accessions of cocoa. Number of beans/pods ranged from 47 (Tree No.
21 ) to 29.5 (Tree No. 53) and single bean weight ranged from 1.71 gm (Tree N0. 44) to
0.349 gm (Tree No. 231 ).
39

''=-' 0..
 der irrigated condition gave 168 nuts annually while COO x WCT under rainfed
: nditio n gave 124 nuts in its 47th year of age. The growth ch.aracter analysis of 6
brids plante? in 1985 showed that MYO x Kenya, MYO ~ Zanzibar and WCT x COD
hroduced maximum number of leaves when compared with other hybrids and WCT.
~he details are given in Table 25.

Table 25. Growth characters of 6 hybrids (1985 planting)

---
Hybrid No. of plants Girth
(em)
Rate of growth (1986-'87)

Height
(em)
No. of leaves

PRIORITY AREA VII

MYD X WCT 16 20.38 134.30 6.38

WCT x COD 16 23.66 191.84 6.81
Evolving high yielding varieties by selection and COD X WCT 16 14.64 104.23 6.06
hybridisation MYD x Zanzibar 16 22.94 154.66 7.06
MYD x Kenya 16 21.18 136.41 7.50
NHC I 16 17.47 134.94 6.63
I. Genetical investigation and breeding for high yield in coconut.
WCT 16 12.07 101.39 4.60
(RV Pillai, 5 Damodaran, PM Kumaran and KS Ananda)

Statistical analysis of the yield data on the performance of Tall x Tall crosses was
In order to identify prepotent West Coast Tails the progenies of 130 families planted
done and is presented in Table-24. at Kidu farm were analysed for mean, SO and CY. Twenty seven palms have been
identified which gave a mean of 80 nuts and above, five palms among this which are of
Table 24. Comparative performance of Tall x Tall hybrids
very low c.y. are further studied and they are used as pollen parents for the production
Average yield during of COD x WCT hybrids so as to identify palm giving higher recovery of hybrids. A total
No. of Cum. yield (nuts/palm)
upto
of 15,320 female flowers were crossed under various combination and a total of 3731
palms
hybrid X nuts were sown in .the nursery.
19 yr 20 yr Average
15 yr 20 yr 17 yr 18 yr
10 yr
Selfing of dwarfs for developing homogenous lines were taken up in six cultivars
Viz. MYD, MOD, MGO, CGO, COD and Gangabondam A total of 3704 f'~male flowers in
1966 planting 136 inflorescence of 30 trees were selfed.
TxT 117.0 55.7 73.0
12 133.6 450.4 792.4 93.3 26.1
TXC.C. 91.5 49.7 63.9 LO x COD and LO x GB continued to give higher yield during drought periods
71.0 297.0 582.0 90.6 23.6 conformin g their superiority over other hybrids in its tolerance to drought. When other
TxFiji 12 48.3 59.8
294.5 567.5 70.5 32.4 88.0
TxSSG 12 63.8 39.9 62.8 hybrids showed greater decline during drought these hybrids were steady· in its yield.
332.8 608.1 88.8 34.2 88.3
TxKapd 12 98.8 62.9 74.0
412.4 753.8 99.6 26.5 106.9
TxPhil 12 126.2 56.9 73.6
428.7 749.2 101.0 27.5 108.8 It. Evolving high yielding varieties by selection and hybridisation.
WCT 16 128.3 86.0 95.5
530.2 949.7 137.5 23.1 135.4 (BS Chaudhuary, A Rekha, RV Nair and S. Damodaran)
TxO 11 154.2 43.5 97.5
626.4 1038.3 158.3 11.4 178.4
OxT 12 201.3
\I . The yield for the last eleven years (1972-73 to 1982-83) of 13 palms of Thirthahalli
The TxT crosses did not show any superiority over the WCT. However, the T)(
to~ty planted at Hirehalli were compiled and analysed. The average yield was found
. 8.07 kg/palm/year.
(WCT x COD) and OxT (COOxWCT) gave significantly higher yield. WCT X
41
40
 The yield data of Mangala (Vittal) for the last five years (1981-1986) were compiled Table 28. The hybrid nuts harvested from crosses made during 1986 and sown in
and analysed. The average garden yield was found to be 12.59 kg/year/palm. Th the primary nursery.
highest average yield of 35.65 kg/year/palm was recorded from palm no. 162 in Mangal:
No. of nuts sown No. of the Percentage
plot. nuts germinated o f germination

The observation on morphological growth characters of comparative yield trial at

Vittal (planted in 1986) are given in Table No. 26. Comparative Yield Trials at 1. VfL-12 x VTL-3 1159 909 78.4
Thirthahalli and Hirehalli were planted in R.B.D. with 5 replications and 5 treatments 2. Dwarf x VTL-12 223 184 82.5
( cultivars) and 8 plants/plot during this year. 3. VfL-3 x VTL-12 93 45 48.4
4. Andamans x Dwarf 108 104 96.3
Table 26. Annual morphological growth characters of CYT (I 987) 5. VfL-33 x VTL-3 129 III 86.3
6. VfL-14 x VTL-3 41 25 60.9
Total height No. of leaves 32 25 78.1
Girth at coll ar 7. VfL- 11 x Dwarf
Cultivar (cm )
(cm ) 8. Dwarf x Mohitnagar 110 60 54.5
9. Mohitnagar x Dwarf 155 90 58.1
3.90 120.15 5.85 138 92 66.6
l. VTL-ll 10. Dwarf x VTL-3
6.35 219.17 5.83
2. VTL-17 5.40
3.53 119.96
3. Hirehalli 5.70
5.18 164.23 VTI.-12, VTL 12 x H. Dwarf and 65 hybrid seedlings of VTL-12 x VTL-3 and H. Dwarf x
4. Mohitnagar 5.88
5.21 156.30 VTI.-13 were supplied to CPCRI (RC), Kannara. 320 hybrid seedlings of VTL-12 x VTL-3;
5. VTL-3 ( Check)
H. Dwarf x VTL-13 and Mohitnagar x H. Dwarf were supplied to Horticulture
Department, Lalbagh, Bangalore for experime ntal screening at Thirthahalli. Besides this
Hybridisation among Mangala, Saigon , Thirthahalli and Hirehalli (dwarf) were 596 lnter-se seedlings were also supplied for demonstration trial for Kerala and
carried out for screening against the yellow leaf disease. The details are given in Tables Kamataka State Farm.
27 and 28.

Table 27 . Crosses made during 1987 for screening against YLD. A survey was made in the YLD affected gardens of Aranthodu, South Kanara
district, Karnataka to identify the disease free plants. The 18 seednuts collected from
% setting
No . of fl ower No. of nuts set these palms were sent to CPCRI RS, Kannara for further studies.
Crosses
crossed

30.92 Five Cross combination viz., 42 x 300, 19 x ISO , 177 x 95, 124 x 56 and 35 x 214
2.02 62
1. VTL-12 X H. Dwarf 26.92 lIere carried out at Vittal for gap filling in sec. Selection of Mangala plot at Kidu during
260 70
2. VTL-3 x VTL-12 17.50 987. The percentage of seed set varies from 6.25%-60.62%. The cross combination viz.
240 42
3. VTL-12 x Thirthahalli 70 20.00 154 X 17,56 x 300 and 224 x 88 made during 1986 were gap filled in sec. selection of
VTL-3 x Thirthahalli 250 Mangala plot. One hundred forty four gaps of different combinations were filled in sec.
4. 360 92.30
ThirthahaiJi (oblong) x VTL-3 390 selection of Mangala plot. Border planting in sec. selection of Mangala plots was also
5. 220 87.30
Thirthahalli (overlapping) x VTL-12 252 earned ouL In VTL-3 non-Mangala (off type) palms were removed and 200 gaps of true
6. 29.72
7. H. Dwarf x Thirthahalli 286 85
30 11.45 ~gala type were planted at Vittal and Kidu. 5 to 10 gaps were also filled in VTL-17
262 o d) .VfL..12 and VTL-17 (planted 1986). Shading in VTL-17 plot at Kidu was done by
8. VTL-3 x Dwarf 20.33

:n
206 46
9. VTL-13 x VTL-3 planting two rows of Acacia spp. and Ailanthus spp. to south west to safeguard against
270 dried
10. H. Dwarf x VTL-3 SCOrching. The drainage channels and connecting channels were dug for providing
280 dried e proper drainage.
11. H. Dwarf x VTL-12

'ter-se crosses: lnter-se mating in VTL-3, VTL-ll and VTL-17 were carried out at
Eight hundred and ninety one (891) seednuts of different hybrid viz. H. Dwarfi )C
for seed production/seedlings.
Thirthahalli, VTL-3 x VTL-12 , VTL-3 x H. Dwarf, Thirthahalli x VTL-3, Thirthahall )C

13 .
42
VfL-3: Eighteen inflorescence were inter-se crossed and one thousand two hundred f able 30. Yield and yield attributes of Dura x Pisifera combinations in 1987
seventy six (1276) nuts were set. The nut setting showed that in Mangala it ranges frorn (Planted 1976)
3.66% to 77.5%.
S.No. Combination 'Sex ratio
VfL-JJ: Seventeen inflorescences were inter-se crossed and one thousand thirty six No. of bunches Weight of fresh fruit
per palm
(1036) nuts were set. The percentage of nut setting ranges from 3.47% to 34.31%. bunches (kg.) per year.

1. 210 d x 210 d 33.00

VfL-ll: Fourteen inflorescence were inter-se crossed and 958 seednuts were set. The 4.43 65.27
2. 65 d X 30.103 P 54.90
percentage of nut setting ranges from 6.12% to 61.35%. In all these three released 6.35 87.14
3. 271 d X 20.4336 P 32.10
cuItivar the net setting was poor due to high temperature in March and April. 5.69 71.53
4. 139 d X 24.3087 P 52.65 5.00 61.23
5.. 156 d X 30.4336 P 22.07
A total of eleven cross combinations involving seven parents were carried out by 4.40 53.74
6. 61 d X 30.4336 P 32.20
pollinating 4075 female flowers for laying out a comparative yield trial. The percentage 5.92 77.35
7. 125 d X 30.103 P 45.32
of nut set ranged from 10-100. The details are given in Table 29. 6.06 76.97
8. 108 d X 30.4336 P 35.28 6.48 72.89
9. 92 d X 30.3154 P 41.18
'Table 29. Details for crosses carried out for laying out an yield trial. 5.74 90.98
10. 269 d X 30.4336 P 24.87 5.93 69.43
II. 187 d X 24.3087 P 41.60
Crosses No. of female flowers No. of nuts set % of nuts setting 4,73 48.82
12. 120 d X 30.103 P 47.13 6.19 98.30
General Mean 38.53
S.K. X VfL-3 304 260 85.52 5.58 72.81
C.v. (%) 16.42
S.K. X VfL-ll 180 82 45.55 21.71 22.64
CD. 10.71
S.K. X VfL-ll 304 260 85.52 24.91
S.K. X VfL-17 150 40 21.05 *Sex ratio percentage of female inflorescence.
S.K. X VfL-l1 294 56 19.04
VfL-3 X VfL-ll 210 52 21.76
VfL-3 X VfL-17 290 29 10.00 in the number of bunches from 10 to 5.6. The corresponding increase in bunch weight
VfL-3 X Thirthahalli 350 70 26.92 was only one kg. Such reduction in yields in subsequent years after a boost in yield
VfL-3 X Saigon eVfL-12) 260 70 26.92 COnsequent to introduction of the pollinator has been reported from Malaysia. Detailed
VfL-3 X Sreevardhan 408 408 100.00 observations on vegetative and flowering characters showed that there were significant
VfL-17 X VfL-17 355 280 83.58 differences between treatments for number of male and female inflorescences, but not
VfL-ll X VfL-17 340 140 41.17 for number of leaves and bunches (Table-31).
VfL-ll X Sreevardhan 210 dried Nil
VfL-17 X Sreevardhan 420 204 48.47 Out of the 151 seedlings planted in Chithara during 1985, 27 have so far flowered .
flOwering Was noticed as early as in the 21st, month after planting. Maximum number
of seedlings flowered in the combination 271 d X 102 p.

III. Production and Improvement of Oi/palm hybrids
(KUK Nampoothiri, RSN Pillai and KS Ananda)
In the comparative yield trial on dura X pisiiera (tenera) combinations planted in
1976, 120 d X 30.103 p, 65d X 30.103 p and 92 d x 30.3154 P with an FFB yield of 98,81
and 91 kg. per palm respectively were the best combinations (Table-30). The first twO
hybrids have been recording high yields for the last many years.
A secondary nursery was raised from seedlings belonging to 81 tenera
:~~ry ~urse~
CQrnbinations which are to be planted during 1988. There are 83 combinations in the
expected to be planted in the field in 1989. Seedlings for the
UbJocatton tnal at Mohitnagar has been raised there itself.
bulk Ov~r 1.2 la.kh seeds, 32,000 sprouts and 23,000 seedlings were produced and the
of It Was dIstributed to various agencies during the year.

The general mean of yield in the experiment was only 72.81 kg. compared to the
1986 number yield of 121 kg/palm. The yield reduction was mainly due to the reduction
• ~~I"i~g high yielding varieties by selection and hybridisation in cacao.
Nair and PM Kumaran)

44 4S
 Summary observations regarding the growth characteristics of progeny trial I is
Table 31. Vegetative and flowering characters of dura x pislfera combinations.
given in Table-33 and of Progeny Trial II in Table-34.
No. of No. of male No. of female No. of
S.No. Combination Recording of yield data and maintenance of field experiments.
leaves inflorescence inflorescence bisexual
per palm inflorescence The three cocoa progeny trials were maintained in good condition by regular
supervision and adopting timely cultural practices such as pruning/weeding and
5.19 0.1 9 fertilizer application. Yield data was recorded for Progeny Trial I and II.
210d x 210d 21.19 10.55
1.
21.04 5.98 7.19 0.50
2. 65 d X 30.103 P Table 32. Biclonal orchards planted at Kidu.
21.79 11.62 5.50 0.29
3. 271 d X 30.4336 p
22.40 8.26 8.51 0.1 5
4. 139 d X 24.3087 P S.No. Name of plot where planted Clones Nos. planted
21.61 11.89 4.30 0.14
5. 156 d X 30.4336 P
21.74 12.26 5.84 0.07 A. 1. VTL 17 plot I 14 107

6. 61 d X 30.4336 P
21.66 7.06 7.71 0.15 2. NC 31 /94 112

7. 125 d X 30.103 p
21.54 10.25 5.54 0.29 B. 1. Mohitnagar plot I 14 115

8. 108 d X 30.4336 P
21.67 8.52 5.88 0.17 2. 156 98

9. 92 d X 30.3154 P
21.6.4 12.90 4.21 0.27 C. I. Cocoa plot (new area) NC 31 /94 109

10. 269 d X 30.4336 p

21.42 10.31 7.33 0.27 2. IC 56 89

11. 187 d X 24.3087 P

21.62 7.49 6.82 0.10 D. 1. VTL 11 B Plot III 105 122

12. 120 d X 30.103 P

21.61 9.76 6.17 0.22 2. 156 70

General Mean
3.31 22.52 11.72 65.84 E. 1. Mangala plot Sca 6 40

C.v. (%)
3.72 1.22 2. ICS 6 25

C.D.

Table 33. Details of growth characteristics in Progeny Trial I (Mean of 5

Progeny trial at Vittal and Kasaragod

replications)

A cocoa proge l1Y trial involving nine crosses (lCS X Sca 6, ICSI X Sca 12, Na 31 x

S.No. Cross co~bination Plant height Height at Stem girth Canopy

lCS 1, lCS 6 x Sca 6, ICS 6 X Sca 12, lCS 6 X Na 33, IMC 67 X ICS 6, Na 31 X ICS 6, ICS

(meters) jorquetting (cm) spread

89 X Sca 6), F3 progenies of 4 Malaysian hybrids (Pa7 X Na32, Amelanado x Pa7.

(meters) (meters)

Amelanado X Na32, Amelanado X Na33) and seedlings of bulk foresteros as control

were planted at Vittal under arecanut.

1. Na 33 X ICS 39 3.6 1.4 8.5 3.2

2. Sca 6 X IMC 67 3.7 1.5 7.9 3.3

Th~ same progeny trial conslstmg of identical treatments excepting the croSS
3. Na 31 X ICS X 89 3.9 1.4 8.1 3.3

combination IMC 67 x ICS 6 was planted at Kasaragod under coconut in RBO with 3
4. Sca 6 X ICS 6 3.4 1.3 7.3 2.7

replications and 8 plants/plot. 5. Na 31 X ICS 95 3.8 1.6 8.1 3.4

Vegetative propa gation of cocoa and p lanting of biclonal seed garden.

Substantial progress was made in the vegetative propagation of cocoa. Nearly Table 34. Details of growth characteristics in Progeny Trial II (Mean of 3

12000 budding/grafting were made and nearly 1700 clones were produced. This is nearly replications)

four times the number of grafts produced during 1986. Out of these 200 clones each
S.No. Cross combinati~n
- - - ~-

were supplied to Kerala and Karnataka Govt. for Seed Garden. Five blocks of biclonal Plant height Height at Stem girth Canopy
(meters) jorquetting (cms) spread
orchard were planted at CPCRI Seed Farm, Kidu for seed production (Table-32).

Recording of growth characters.

Growth characteristics viz., plant height, height at jorquetting, stem girth and
-
1. 114
2. 114
X NC 31 /94

X IV 20

2.9
(meters)

1.2 8.3
(meters)

3.0
3. 3.2 1.4 8.6 3.6
canopy spread were recorded in Progeny Trial I (300 trees) Progeny Trial II (600 treeS 114 X 156
3.0 1.2 7.5 3.3
and Progeny Trial III (336 trees).
4]
 Plant height Height at Stem girth Canopy
S.No. Cross combination
(meters) Jorquetting (ems) spread
(meters) (meters)

3.0 1.1 7.1 3.1

4. I 14 X III 35
2.5 1.0 5.9 2.3
5. I 14 X III 105
2.8 1.0 7.4 3.1
6. 156 X NC 31/94
3.1 1.1 7.5 3.2
7. 156 X IV 20
2.9 1.0 7.7 3.0
8. 156 X II 67
3.0 1.1 6.7 2.9
9. 156 X III 35
2.3 0.9 5.3 1.8
10. I 56 X III 105
2.9 1.1 7.0 3.1
11. II 67 X NC 31194
12. II 67 X IV 20 2.6 1.1 6.1 2.3 PRIORITY AREA VIII

2.2 1.0 4.5 1.5

13. III 35 X NC 31/94
1.0 6.3 2.5
14. m 105 X NC 31194 2.7
15. m35 X IV 20 2.8 I.l 7.6 3.0 Water management and stress physiology
3.1 1.1 7.1 2.9
16. III 105 X IV 20 1.6
2.2 1.0 4.8
17. m 105 X I 56 1.5 I. Crop productivity in coconut and cocoa.
2.0 1.0 4.7
18. Control 2.5 (V. Rajagopal, KV Kasturi Bai, D Balasimha, KD PaW B. Sumathykuttyamma, T
2.4 0.9 5.1
19. I 14 Clones 1.7 Varkey and M Gopalakrishnan Nair)
2.1 0.6 4.5
20. 156 Clones 2.0
2.7 0.7 5.7
21. II 67 Clones 1.7 The main objective was to determine the relationship between the soil moisture
2.1 0.6 5.0
22. III 105 Clones 1.9 content, plant stress parameters and yield and yield components.
2.5 0.8 5.4
23. III 35 Clones 1.2
1.9 0.6 4.4
24. IV 20 Clones 2.2 Coconut hybrids WCT X COD and COD X WCT could withstand drought better
2.3 0.6 5.9
25. NC 31194 Clones under laterite than under sandy loam soils (the latter with low available soil moisture
!han the former) as revealed by stomatal resistance and leaf turgor potential (Table 35).
This is the reflection of better water holding capacity in laterite soil than in sandy loam.
Compared to irrigated conditions, the nut yield under rainfed conditions was reduced
(General Leader: RV Pillai)
Table 35. Influence of soil type on stomatal resistance (RS) and leaf turgor
potential (TP) of coconut genotypes. (During feb.-March)
Genotypes *ASW. mm ( O- 120em) rs ( sec. em" ) TP (Mpa)

led Sandy Loam:

Wcr 5.97 5.98 0.32
Wcr X COD 5.14 6.10 0.20
COD X WCT 3.98 4.81 0.21
~'erite:
Wcr 23.37 5.16 0.71
\VcrX COD 10.39 9.35 0.64

----
COD X WCT 15.79

*Available Soil Water

9.01 0.68

49
.-tll
by 20%, 22% and 24% respectively in WCT, COD x WCT and WCT x COD (Table 36). nfolding of spindle leaf and the spathe was more during dry season than in wet season
Partitioning of dry matter into husk, shell and copra in the rainfed palms was affected ~ both WCT and COD x WCT (Table 37). In Cocoa, regression equation was developed
more in COD x WCT than in the other two genotypes. The number of days taken for ~o estimate total biomass. The number of branches had significantly positive
correlation with yield (Table-38).
Table 36. Yield and dry matter partitioning in coconut. (Mean of 6 palms 3 years)
II. Studies on button shedding and immature nut fall in coconut.
Genotyperrreatment Nut yield Nut D.wt.g. (")l'"1.' 'tn~ttp:r _ Q
~.) &_---­
(¥. Rajagopal, Md. Yusuf, Chacko Mathew, T. Varkey, CKE Nambiar, AS Sukumaran,
VA Abraham, VG Lily and Anil Kumar)
Husk Shell Copra

WCT, IRRG 120.0 603.4 280.7 132.9 189.9 The aim was to investigate the causes for the abnormal shedding of buttons and
97.8 574.4 257.0 126.5 190.9 immature nutfall by making an interdisciplinary approach.
RF
% 80.7 95.2 9l.5 95.2 95.2
Under rainfed conditions, the percentage of button shedding was 91 % in COD x
WCT x COD IRRG 136.0 623.9 299.6 149.8 174.5 WCT as against only 73% in WCT (Table 39) when irrigated WCT had 63% shedding of
RF 103.3 588.2 295.8 133.4 159.0 buttons. In all cases, most~of the shedding took place during the first three months after
% 75.9 99.1 98.7 89.0 99.1 the opening of the inflorescence. The following pathogens were isolated from the
buttons: Chanophora Cucurbitarum, Chaetomium sp. Fusarium sp, Pestalotia sp, but the
COD x WCT IRRG 129.0 575.4 236.2 145.7 193.5 pathogenicity trial was not successful. None of the insect population identified could be
RF 1Ol.3 485.9 203.4 123.9 158.6 associated with the button shedding.
% 78.5 84.4 86.1 85.0 84.4
Table 39. Button shedding

Table 37. Leaf unfolding and spathe opening in WCT and COD x WCT Total No. Buttons
Variety Female %
retained Shed button
fl owers shedding
Season Days taken for
Leal unfolding Spathe unfolding
WCT (15)' 4009 1108 2901 73
Dry WCT 127 97 Rainfed
(Feb-March) COD x WCT 124 86
Wet WCT 73 69 WCT (15)" 3843
Irrigated 1395 2448 63
(Aug-Sept.) COD x WCT 73 66
(Values are averages of 17 and 27 palms respectively of WCT and COD x WCT tagged COD x WCT (15)' 3441 297 3191
twice for each season) Rainfed 91

Table 38. Growth and yield characters of cocoa (n = 34)

*No. of palms observed
Character Mean ± S.D. Character (Correlation matrix)

2 3 4 5 HI. In'lestigations on screening for drought tolerance in coconut and cocoa.

l. Girth (cm) 5l.84 ± 8.27 0.49' 0.40* 0.52* 0.31

- (D. Ba/asimha, V Rajagopal, KV Kasturi Bai, SR Vo/eti, EV Daniel S. Shivashankar
and CKE Nambiar)
2. St. height (cm) 249.59 ± 50.28 0.48 0.16 -0.05
3. Branches (No .) 19.88 ± 4.85 0.57* 0.33' toeonut
The project has the main objective of screening the germplasm collections of
4. Canopy (m 2 ) 23.44 ± 7.46 0.16 and cocoa for tolerance to drought, using the phYSiological and biochemical
...... il.llleters.
Ib._

5. Cumulative yield (pods/5 yrs.) 239.94

*Significant at P
± 93.93

= 0.05 -­ A. rapid screening method for drought tolerance was developed in coconut and

50 51
cocoa using the leaf water potential determinations. The decrease in leaf Water
IV. Studies on drip irrigation for coconut.
potential with progressive drying in excised leaves was more pronounced in
susceptible as compared to tolerant genotypes/accessions. As per this method LO x (R Dhanapal, Md. Yusuf, MG Bopaiah, V Rajagopal, KV Kasturi Bai and SR Voleti)
GB, LO x COD and WCT among coconut genotypes and NC 23, NC 29, NC 31, NC 39 and
NC 42 among cocoa accessions were found to be tolerant and this confirmed the earlier In this project it is intended to study the water requirement of coconut through
field observations. Further evidence was obtained on the activities of Aph and GOT drip irrigation system.
enzymes in coconut which revealed that the susceptible genotypes had higher activity
than the tolerant ones with dehydration (Table 40). The significance of changes in In laterite soil, there are five treatments viz. (i) basin irrigation (EO = 100%), drip
irrigation with (2) EO = 100% (3) EO = 66% and (4) EO = 33% and (5) rainfed. The
Table 40. Changes in the activities of Aph and GOT and in the level of soluble percent wetted volume of basins with 2 litlh, 3 litlh and 4 litlh discharge rates were
pr otein in coconut genotypes during stress development. Values are 18.1 %, 24.3% 44.7% respectively at the end of 30 days of continuous irrigation. Thus
means of six palms. discharge rate of 4 litres of water per hour was found to be favourable for moisture
(a) Acid phosphatase activity (f.Lmoles PNP liberated g-l dry wt h- 1). movement. Leaf water potential determination revealed that palms under treatments 4
and 5 experienced severe moisture stress, as compared to palms under 66% drip
Genotypes Activity at % increase at the end of system or 100% basin/drip systems. COD x WCT responded better to drip irrigation
Oh 3h 5h 9h with higher yield than WCT. In both the genotypes rainfed palms produced less number
of nuts than the other treatments.
WCT 253.32 0 0 7.1
LO x GB 278.39 0 0 18.1 (General Leader: V Rajagopal)
LO X COD 269.84 0.8 1.5 22.8
COD 283.12 31.3 56.1 130.4
WCT X COD 209.45 0 11.5 143.8
COD X WCT 224.63 16.1 20.6 86.2

(b) Glutamate oxalic acid transaminase (f.Lg pyruvate mg- 1 protein)

WCT 3.056 5.4 5.4 18.1

LO X GB 3.620 0 3.1 12.4
LO X COD 3.813 1.4 2.9 7.6
COD 4.102 16.6 19.1 104.2
WCT x COD 3.755 10.8 17.2 115.3
COD x WCT 3.522 4.5 8.8 86.2

isozyme pattern of polyphenol oxidase in the four genotypes (WCT, COD, COD x WeT
and WCT x COD) in stress studies is highlighted. The hybrids under stress conditions
showed additional bands of the enzyme.

Based on the relationship between leaf characteristics and drought tolerance, the
ranking of 23 coconut genotypes was carried out and the following ten appeared to
possess desirable traits to withstand drought: WCT x WCT, LO x COD, LO x GB, weT,
Andaman Giant, WCT x COD, Java Giant, FMS, Philippines ordinary, WCT x GB. Earlier
a similar ranking was reported in cocoa with five tolerant accessions.

52
'>1
 Nut yield/palm/year (N x K inter action)

KI K2 K3

16.l3 21 .97 9.37

13.43 10.97 16.20
14.47 15.l3 14.30

14.68 16.02 13.29

S.E. ±/plot - 7.14, CD. - N.S.

PRIORITY AREA IX
Table 43 . Nut yield/palm/year (P x K inte raction)
K, K~ KJ
Nutritional requirement and crop management
16.17 14.l7 16.80
I. Nutritional requirement of coconut under different soil types. 7.33 12.00 12.27
20.53 21.90 10.80
(Mohd. Yusuf)
S.E. ± /plot 7.14, CD. - N.s.
The experiment is in progress in littoral sand under rainfed condition. The
treatment consisting of all the combinations of three levels of N (500, 1000 and 1500 g (b) Fertilizer requirement of high yielding coconut genotypes under irrigated
N), p (250, 500 and 750 g P20S) and K (750, 1250 and 1750 g K20 per palm per year) and raillfed conditions.
were laid out in 33 confounded design having one replication. There were three side
treatments also viz. NO pO KO, N' P' K' + Ca(l50g)+Mg (300g) and Np3 K3 + Ca Response of genotypes to fertility levels under rainfed and irrigated conditions
(l50g) + Mg(300g). revealed tha t all the genotypes responded significantly upto only M, level (500g N + 500
aP20S + 1000 g K:zO/palm/year). There was 110 difference between Ml and Mz (lOOOg N
Growth characters, female flower production and nut yields were recorded. The lOOOg P20 5 + 2000 g K2 0 /palrn/year). Thus Ml level appears to be optimal for all the
yield data presented in Table 41-43 clearly shows that in general the yield was very ~types (Table 4). The interaction between genotype and manuring was found to be
poor. Like past years, this year too neither main effects of N, P and K nor their !d8hificant. The hybrids COO x Tall and Tall x COO at Ml level yielded significantly
mteractions influenced the yield Significantly. No defimte trend was also seen in respect bf8ber than Mo.
of effect of different treatments. This might be because of unavailability of nutrients to
the palms due to lower availability of moisture since the experiment is being done IbJe 44. Yield of nuts/palm/ye"r (Genotype x Manuring)
under rainfed conditions.
MU M' M2 Genotypes mean

Table 41. Nut yield/palm/year (N x P interaction)

90.58 123.23 134.57 116.13
P2 P3 Mean 69.92 122.47 137.85 110.08
P,
87.55 147.l0 135.27 122.97
13.77 12.50 21.20 15.82
N,
13.00 13.53
N2
N3

Mean
15.43
17.93

15.71
12.l7
6.93

10.53
19.03

17.74
14.63
- 82.68

± Iplot == 32.59, CD. 5% =39.89

130.60 135.89

SE ± /plot-7.14, CD. - NS. ~ree geno types did not differ significantly in their yield potential (Table 44). The
YIeld of COD x Tall is indicative of more sIlsceptibleness to drought.
54
 Though irrigation produced higher nuts (l2S/palm over rainfed (l08/palm) th hedge planting system followed by 1917 nuts/plot (48 palms) in 6 x 8 m. Single hedge
difference was not significant. e and 1799.5 nuts/plot (100 palm) in 4 x 5 x 9 in double hedge system.

II. Cultural-cum-spacing trials

III. NPK requirement of high yielding varieties of areca nut.
(Mohd. Yusufj (KE Abdulkhader)

a) Long term effects of cultivation, herbicides and manuring. The growth characters such as height. number of nodes, girth at collar and number
Long term effects of cultivation, herbicides and manuring on production of oi leaves were recorded.
coconuts revealed that the highest number of nuts (82.0/palm/yr) was recorded under
cultivation + organic + Inorganic fertilizer application (Table 45). The next best yield IV. Irrigation and manurial experiment in oilpalm
(P. Thomas ~'arghese)
Table 45. Female flower production and nut yield/palm/year.
Treatments No . of No. of Yield Total
The number of bunches produced, FFB yield and average weight of bunches were
'palms in female nutsl yield not significantly influenced by levels of fertilizers. Mean yield of FFB for two years
bearing flowersl palms since (1985-86 to 1986-87) showed that F2 level (1200g N + 600 g P20 + 1200 g K2 0 palm/yr)
(%) palm bearing has recorded maximum FFB (90 Kg/palm) under rainfed condition. The yield under Fo,
nuts/palm FJo F2 and F:Jlevels was 82, 85, 99 and 99 kg/palm. The leaf nutrients analysis indicated N
and K above critical levels at F2 level and low at Fo and F} level. Thus F2 level of
1. Cultivation + organic + inorganic fertilizers 100 215.9 82.0 513 fertilizers seems to be optimum for oilpalm.
2. Cultivation + Inorganic fertilizers 100 181.3 57.3 456
3. Inorganic fertilizers + forking basins 100 173.6 70.6 382
(General Leader: Mohammed Yusuf)
4. Cultivation alone 75 58.9 18.8 90
5. Weed control alone using herbicides 25 28.1 11.5 45
6. No cultivation and no manuring 8 0.0 0.0 1

(70.6 nuts/palm/yr) was obtained under inorganic fertilizer + forking basins. The
neglected plot did not yield any nut. Weed control through herbicides alone improved
the yield by 11.5 nuts/palm/yr. over neglected. Cultivation alone produced 18.8
nuts/palm/yr. which was about 64% higher than weed control alone.

The highest cumulative yield of 513 nuts/palm since bearing was recorded under
cultivation + organic + inorganic fertilizers followed by 456 nuts/palm under
cultivation + inorganic fertilizers and 382 nuts/palm under Inorganic fertilizers
forking basins. Neglected plot yielded only 1 nut/palm (only one palm out of 12, started
bearing) since bearing. Chemical weed control 45 nuts/palm and cultivation alone 90
nuts/palm. This shows the need of better management for higher production.

b) Spacing cum system of planting experiment at Kidu.

The experiment is in progress since 1972. E1ghteen treatments consisting of
various row to row and plant to plant spacing in square, triangular, single hedge a:
double hedge systems of planting have been replicated twice in a randomised blo
design. As about 40 to 60% palms in various treatments are not in bearing, thll
treatments effects cannot be evaluated. However the available yield data for the
(1986-87) indicated maximum yield (2149.5 nuts/plot of 48 palms) in 6 x 9 m

PRIORITY AREA X
Increasing nutrient availability a nd disease
alleviation by micro-organisms in plantation crops.
Investigations of beneficial micro-organisms particularly nitrogen fixing bacteria
and vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi with reference to their role in
nutrition and suppression of root pathogens of plantation crops are being conducted in
this megaproject under the following three subprojects. The synergistic effect, if any, of
simultaneous inoculation of nitrogen fixing bacteria and VAM is also being studied in
this project.
I. Biological nitrogen fixation studies by management of basins and
interspaces in plantation crops.
(SK Ghai and Geroge V. Thomas)
Population of asymbiotic nitrogen fixing bacteria associated with eight coconut
genotypes was determined by analysing soil samples from root region at two depths viz.
0-25 and 25-50 cm. Tall cultivars and hybrids harboured more population of nitrogen
fixing bacteria than dwarfs . Nitrogenase activity of 22 more cultures of Beijerinckia
isolated from coconut soils was determined by acetylene reduction method during the
year. There was a great variation in the nitrogenase activity of various isolates obtained
from same source as well as from different sources. Attempts were made to standardise
a technique to assay nitrogenase activity of soil cores using samples from basins and
interspaces of coconut in the HDMSC plot. An experiment was initiated to test the
growth promoting efficiency of Beijerinckia isolates on coconut seedJings using methyl
bromide fumigated soil in cement tubs.
Twenty five isolates of Beijerinckia obtained from coconut soils were tested to
know whether they exhibit antagonistic properties against fungal pathogens of
plantation crops. The pathogens used in this study were Thielaviopsis paradoxa,
Pythium aphanidermatum. Phytophthora palmivora and P. aracae Most of the
58
Beijerinc~i~1 .isolates did not show antifungal properties whereas a few isolates caused
slight inhibition of growth of the pathogens.
The effect of dual inoculation with Rhizobium and VAM fungi on nodulation and
rowt h of green manu.re legumes ~iz. Pu.eraria phaseoloides, Mimosa invisa and
~alol'Ogonium mucunol.des was studied usmg three cultures each of Rhizobium VAM
and fungi. Dry matter Yield and nodule number were more when inoculated with both
Rhizobium and VAM fungi together as compared to their individual inoculations. A
combination of Rhizobium sp. 32 HI and Glomus fasciculatum gave the best results in
Calopogonium.
II. Associative nitrogen fixation studies in plantation cro ps and intercrops.
(Mathew Geroge and SK Ghai)
Pure cultures of local isolates of AzospiriJIum were characterised. On screening,
the representative local isolates reduced acetylene to ethylene at a range of 3.18 to 6.36
n M C2 H2/h · A pot culture experiment was initiated with Karimunda and Panniyur-I
varieties of pepper. The experiment has seven treatments viz. control (Ao No),
AzospiriJIum I(Al). AzospiriJIum 2(A2), N50, NlOO, Al + N50 and A2 + N50, with seven
replications each. Ninety eight pots were filled with 15 kg each of methyl bromide
fumigated potting mixture and planted with rooted pepper cuttings.
HI. Symbiotic associat ion of vesicular-a rbuscular mycorrhizae with coconut and
other plantation crops.
(Rohini Iyer, George V. Thomas. BM. Bopaiah. P. Sundararaju, Sudha Sukumaran
and SK. Ghai)
I. VAM in cropping systems:
Root and soil samples collected once in every two months from coconut and
intercrops in the agroforestry plot were analysed for the incidence of VAM. Mycorrhizal
colonisation was more in roots of coconut mix cropped with subabul, eucalyptus
casuarina and mango as compared to control. Seasonal fluctuation studies revealed
more mycorrhizal development in summer months. Mycorrhizal colonisation of
Coconut and intercrops in HDMSCS plots was studied by analysing samples collected in
every two months from the three fertilizer treatments viz. One-third. two-thirds and full
doses of recommendation. The data presented in Table 46 show that root infection was
low in coconut under full dose of fertilizers as compared to other fertilizer treatment.
In arecanut based HDMSCS at Vittal, VAM colonisation in pineapple, coffee and
~ana was studied in HDMSC and mono cropping systems. More root colonization by
AM Was seen in pineapple than in banana or coffee.
2. Role of VAM in crop growth and nutrition
rOOtsEleve~ lo~al ~ultures of VAM fungi were isolated from the soils of root region and
of high Yleldmg coconut trees. The cultures were multiplied using sorghum as the
59
Table 46. Mycorrhizal status of coconut and i nte rcrops in coconut
based
HDMSCS at Kasaragod (Mean of six analyses)

Infection grading Spore count per g soil

Crop

1!3rd dise 2!3 rd dose Full dose !l3rd dose 2/3rd dose Full dose

Coconut 20.8 25.9 17.2 1.8 1.8 1.8

Banana 36.2 40.3 28.8 1.4 1.3 1.4
Subabul 32.8 19.0 34.3 1.6 1.7 1.3
Pineapple 17.4 23.3 21.4 1.9 1.5 1.3
Coffee 19.0 29.7 23.7 1.5 1.3 1.6
Pepper 24.6 19.8 19.7 1.6 1.4 1.4
Clove 20.5 39.4 27.0 1.3 1.4 1.4 I PRIORITY AREA XI

host plant to develop inoculum for further testing. Response to mycorrhizal inoculation
was studied in nutmeg using six known species and two local isolates of YAM fungi.
Data on growth characters revealed that Glomus fasciculatum was the most effective
YAM fungus in enhancing growth. An inoculation experiment was also initiated on clove
using eight cultures to elucidate the role of YAM to increase growth and nutrient
uptake. In order to study the effectiveness of YAM at different doses of phosphorus
application, Glomus versiformae was inoculated on to pepper CY Karimunda and four
treatments viz. 0, l!3rd, 2/3rd and full doses of recommended P, were imposed. Growth
characters of YAM inoculated coconut seedlings were recorded at different intervals
and five seedlings of each treatment were transplanted in the field.
3. VAM - Pathogen interaction
Interaction studies between YAM fungi and root pathogenic fungus, Pythium
aphanidermatum and nematode, Meloidogyne incognita in ginger revealed suppression
of deleterious effects of both the pathogenic fungus and nematode when ginger was
inoculated first with YAM fungi and then challenged with the pathogens. Beneficial
effects of YAM inoculation was not observed in simultaneous inoculations of pathogens
and YAM and when YAM was inoculated after the inoculation of pathogens.
Three YAM fungi were inoculated to pepper CY. Karimunda to develop mycorrhizal
plants for the interaction studies of YAM and Phytophthora palmivora in pepper. A pot
culture experiment was initiated to study the interaction of YAM and root-knot
nematode in subabuI. YAM fungus, Glomus macrocarpum and root knot nematode were
inoculated simultaneously and in different sequences. Observations are in progress.
(General Leader: George V Thomas)
,fIas
' reCorded high concentration of phosphorus in lipid, organic acids, cellulose and
Soil fe rtility, nutrient dynamics and crop
pro d uction
I. Soil testing and plant analysis for coconut.
(CC Biddappa)
Leaf nutrient imbalance and deficiency in WCT coconut variety was predicted
based on the ORIS norms utiliSing the nutrient ratios in tissue rather than
concentration per se. For this purpose, leaf samples from 14th leaf were collected from
a population of hundred palms comprising high «50 nuts/palm) and low (> 50
nuts:palm) yielders . The data indicated that the Standard deviation of Ni P, N!K and KIP
for high yielding popUlation was more than that of low yielding popUlation. Similarly,
1he variance was also high for high yielders. The pooled ORIS norm for NPK were 0.486,
107 and -0.594 respectively showing the order of requirement as K>P>N to achieve
Ihe yield of 88.8 nuts/palm/year. If suitable adjustment of NPK in the plant is made , the
'yield could be substantially increased. The ORIS norms indicated that in the nitrogen
'Jeries, the yield appear to decrease with increasing level of N concentration in the 14th
. The NPK norm changes according to the leaf nutrient concentration . In low
=trog~n series, K appeared to be the most limiting element followed by P, whereas in
gh nitrogen series P and K are the most limiting elements. In the P series , almost a
:I~ar t.rend as that of N is seen. In low P series P followed by K is the limiting element,
at ~ In high level, N becomes the limiting element. In the K series, the order of nutrient
n;w
res
K. level was P followed by N and in high K series, K itself is the limiting element.
oPtJum NP, NK, PK and NPK ratios was found to be 17.2 , 1.6, 10.8 and 17.2, 1.0, 10.8
Jlectively.
If) SUb-cellular fractions in hybrids.
'r rei rdistribution
1 The . of nutrients in various sub-cellular fractions of six genotypes and
a lonshlp to nut yield has been worked out. It is seen that Tall x Gangabondam

61
60
nucleic acid, while OxT showed high concentration in polar compounds and prot.
The K content was high in organic acids, cellulose and proteins isolated from T~I~
whereas Ox T showed higher concentration in lipids, acid soluble polar compou ds
and nucleic acid. The genotype OxT recorded high concentration of Ca in org~.
acids, polar compounds, proteins and lipids followed by T x GB in pectates and LQ Ie
GB in cellulose and nucleic acid. The Mg content was high in lipid, organic acids, pol
compounds and nucleic acids of Ox T followed by T x GB in cellulose and protein. Dx~
recorded high concentration of F~ in . lipids, organic ~cids, polar compounds and
pectates. T x GB was found to contam high content of Mn In cellulose, nucleic acids and
proteins a~d Ox T in ~igments and organic acids. LO ~ COO wa~ found to contain high
concentration of Mn m polar compounds and protems. The Zmc concentration Was
maximum in porar compounds, cellulose , nucleic acid and proteins isolated from DX T
while it was in pectates of T x D; pigment of T x GB and organic acids of LO x COO
The copper content of pigment and organic acids of WCT was high followed by protein
of OxT, pectates and nucleic acids or T x GB, polar compounds of LO x COO and
cellulose of LO x GB. In general, 0 x T was found to contain high concentration of
different nutrient elements in different sub-cellular fractions followed by T x GB
further supporting the claim that they are high yielders.
The correlation studies between nutrient content in sub cellular fractions with thai
of yield has indicated that the P fraction in pigment gave negative correlation (-0.3999)
while insoluble constitutents gave positive correlation (0.356). The K content in polar
compounds and insoluble constitutents gave negative relationship with yield (-0.435
and 0.350 respectively). The calcium copper content in cellulose and lignin were
correlated po~itively with yield.
II. Integrated fertilizer management in coastal coconut growing soils
(MG Bopaiah, CC Biddappa, CKE Nambiar and PG Kamalakshiamma)
i) Slow release fertilizer trial on coastal sandy soil. Phosphrous fractionation in
the soil (0-30 cm) collected in 1986 was done during this year and the data indicated
that in single super phosphate treated samples, the saloid bound P was upto an extent
of 70 ppm showing an increase in the applied N source like ureaform, neem cake
coated urea and coir dust coated urea. This fraction was low (35 ppm) in mussorie
phosphate treated samples under all nitrogen sources.
AI-p was higher in all the treatments under super phosphate as compared to rock
phosphate treated samples, the highest quantity being in coir dust and ureafon11
nitrogen sources. It can be seen from the data that the AI-P increased with progress of
time in all the treatments. Considering the Fe-P content, there is no definite trend
between the super phosphate and mussorie phosphate. There is a general trend. of
increase in the Fe-P with increase of time. Among the nitrogen treatments, urea With
mussorie phosphate and coir dust plus urea with rock phosphate gave higher contenL
In reductant soluble P and calcium bound P there was no distinct difference between
super phosphate and mussorie phosphate.
62
The soil samples collected periodically during the current year from zero day upto
~o days were analysed for nitrogen fractions. Highest ammonical nitrogen was released
~y the lac coated urea followed by coir dust blended urea and plain urea on the zero
day. These s?urces tended to show higher NH4 - N almost at all the sampling time. In
respect of mtrate N, a general low level on zero day and an increasing trend with
progress of time was recorded. On zero day ureform and lac coated urea showed higher
v;!,lu~s of urea N than others. The values in these treatments showed an increase with
progress of time as compared to others.
The leaf nutrient concentration (NPK) in the samples showed that none of the
treatment of differences in respect of NP and K were significant. Therefore we may
surmise that the effect of ureaform and other slow release sources of N is on par with
normal urea. Highest coconut yield was recorded in urea plus super phosphate.
ii) Effect of slow release NP tablets with drip irrigation.
It has been revealed that NP tablets with drip irrigation. 180 mg of N per day per
palm from a supplied quantity of 1.92kg ureform NP tablets from four spots. There is
also profuse growth of roots in and around the tablets thus indicating injury to the
roots. The leaf concentration of NPK showed that there is no significant difference
between urea treated (1.74% N) and NP tablet treated (1.71 %) palms. Nitrate nitrogen
was prevalent in urea treated palms as compared to NP tableted palms .
l5
Hi) Study on the nitrogen balance using N urea under coconut mono and inter
crops.
A field stuciy wa!' initiated in microplots using Nl5 urea on one year old 0 x T
l5
coconut and tapioca and ginger as intercrops. The 5.32 atom percent N urea was
applied and soil , leaf samples were collected before and after application for
determination and computation.
III.' Investigation on organic and inorganic soil toxicants on growth, yield and
nurtrition of coconut.
(CC Biddappa)
A management study to ameliorate the adverse effects of the toxicants was
undertaken in the laboratory. The treatments included compost, phosphate, lime and
Control under two types of soils.
The extractability of chromium indicated that the extractability of chromium
p~ogress ively decreased with time upto 150 days in both the soil types under acetic
alcd and EOTA extracts. In general EOTA has extracted higher concentration of Cr. than
acetic acid. Compost and phosphate amendments have decreased the Cr extractability
by acetic acid in both the soils while lime application has induced greater desorption
OVer control. On the other hand none of the soil amendments has decreased the Cr
extr~ctability by Sodium EOTA - compared to untreated soil. This indicates that the
apphcation of compost or phosphate could suppress the Cr availability to the plants.
63
 It was revealed that the Nickel extractability slightly increased with time in both
soils and extractants. Sandy soil desorbed more Ni than laterite. Among the
amendments, compost and lime application significantly decreased the Ni extractability
in both the soils and both extractants. This is especially true with lime. Lime
application significantly reduced the nickel extractability indicating that lime could be
recommended to suppress the Ni uptake by coconut. The results of cadium
extractability showed that the desorption of Cd markedly reduced with time on
different soil management treatments and extractants upto 150 days. However, different
management practices do not seem to influence significantly the Cd availability by
acetic acid and sodium EDTA. However, phosphate and lime application tended to
decrease Cd desorption compared to compost and untreated soils. However, sandy Soil
showed lesser extractability of Cd than laterites.
V secondary and micronutrient requirement of arecanut in relation to growth,
• yield and nutrition.
(NT Bhat, AR Mohapatra)
Soil and tissue samples from different arecanut gardens located in Sullia and
Puttur taluks were collected during September October 1987 for evaluation of
rnicronutrient status. Soil and tissue samples have been processed and analysis is in
progress.
(General Leader: CC Biddappa)

The extractability of Bismuth slightly increased in sandy soil while it decreased in

laterite with progress of time upto 150 days. The data showed that compost and
phosphate application significantly decreased the acetic acid extractable Bi in both the
soils while lime has induced greater availability in the sandy soil over control. In the
case of EDTA extractable, the phosphate application in sandy soil and lime application
in laterite soil has a profound influence in decreasing the plant available Bi in all the
intervals studied. This suggests that all the three management practices could be
recommended in ameliorating Bi enriched soils for coconut.

It is also seen that the applied amendments had influence on soil pH, which was
noticed at all intervals. In general, the pH of both the soils increased slightly with the
progress of time upto 150 days. Lime application followed by compost and phosphate
treatment increased soil pH over control. The order of the increase was lime >
compost> phosphate> control.

IV. Studies on micronutrient requirement in coconut.

(CC Biddappa)

During the period under report, soil and leaf samples collected in 1986 from
healthy and 'crown choking' affected coconut gardens in West Bengal and Assam, were
analysed for calcium and boron. The coconut leaf were also collected from Kasaragod
and analysed for calcium and boron. In all the gardens the Ca/B ratio in the leaf was
worked out.

Calcium content of the diseased palms in Assam and pooled data (Assam + W.
Bengal) showed significantly higher values than the healthy palms. In case of boron in
leaf, disease affected leaves showed lower concentration in Assam and West Bengal
samples which were significant. Leaf boron content in Kasaragod was fairly high (10.2
ppm) and the CalB ratio was 71.0. The soil analysis in the samples of Assam and west
Bengal showed on an average 0.22 ppm and 0.19 ppm boron in the healthy and diseased
gardens respectively.

64 65
 weT. A thin layer chromatographic procedure for qualitative identification of
epicuticular wax components was standardized.

Table 48. Enzyme activities in coconut hybrids

MOD x WCT MYD x WCT COD x WCT

APH motes/hlmg Protein 49.52 60.06 120.55

GOT j.Lg/hlmglProtein 5.13 6.12 13.46
NR nanomoles 22.47 36.24 33.05
MOH 0.375 0.447 0.322
PRIORITY AREA XII
Protein mg/g fr tissue 2.503 2.053 0.811

Production Physiology (General Leader: LP Mishra)

Physiology of growth and development of promising coconut hybrids.

(SR Vo/eti, S. Shivashankar and V. Rajagopa/)

The main objective of the investigation is to identify the physiological and

biochemical characters associated with early growth and development in coconut
hybrid seedlings.

In continuation of earlier work coconut hybrid seedlings viz. COD x WCT, MYD x
WCT and MOD x WCT planted in field were studied for some of their physiological and
biochemical parameters. At the end of 1987 MYD x WCT exhibited better performance
over other genotypes in growth attributes namely rate of leaf production, leaf area, leaf
dry weight, increase in girth and height that the other two hybrids. (Table-47) COD X
WCT had higher epicuticular wax content, total sugars and lower respiration rate. APH

Table 47. Growth parameters of coconut hybrid seedlings

Hybrids
Parameters MOD x WCT MYD x WeT COD x WCT

Rate of leaf production 5.70 7.86 6.16

Leaf C!r:ea x 103 cm 2 31.27 44.32 39.00
Leaf dry weight (gms) 163.54 206.11 191.50
Increase in height (cm) 134.5 156.50 144.50
Increase in ~irth (cm) 32.75 38.00 38.00
ECW j.Lglcm 69 82 97
Total sugars mglg fr. wt. 7.378 9.821 13.49
Respiration rate j.L10 2/dm 2/hr 743 633 554

and GOT enzyme activities were also found to be higher in cob x WCT. MYD
WCThad higher NR and MDH activities. Leaf protein was found to be highest in MOD

66
l~7
 Eighty six Oryctes beetles collected from Port Blair, Andamans were infected with
baculovirus inoculum (prepared from infected grubs) and sent to CARl, Port Blair for
release in the Island. Forty baculovirus infected grubs were also sent to CARl for
preparing virus inoculum and infecting the field collected beetles for release in the
field. A total of 206 beetles were infected with baculovirus inoculum and released at
twO locations in the Island during May 1987 (as was intimated) by the collaborating
scientist from CARl.

Laboratory culturing of the fungal pathogen Metarhizium anisopliae in COLonut

water, which is being wasted from copra industry, was continued. Comparison of the
dry mycelial weights and spore counts of the fungus cultured in coconut with those of
the fungus cultured in potato dextrose broth showed that higher values of mycelial
PRIORITY AREA XIII
weight and spore count per ml medium were obtained in coconut water. Details of the
data collected are summarised in the following (Table-49 ).

Pest Management Table 49. Growth and sporulation of Metarhizium anisopliae in potato dextrose
broth and coconut water media (Mean of 10 replications)
Nine sub-projects covering investigations on the bionomics and control of pests of Day of Dry mycelial No. of spores/ml No. of spores/mg
coconut, arecanut, oilpalm and cacao and studies on developing electronic devices for Observation Weight per 200 IfIJ of culture medium of dry mycelial
detection of tissue borer infestation in plantation crops are included in this mega medium weight
project. Salient features of results achieved during the period under report are PDB CW PDB CW PDB CW
summarised sub-project. wise:
Tenth day 0.612g 1.028g 5.42 X 106 6.8 x 106 0.87 x 10 4 O.66 x 10 4
Twentieth day 1.419g 1.662g 9.0 x l06 21.1 x 106 0.63 x 104 1.27 x lO'l
I. Biological control of pests of coconut. Thirtieth day 2.168g 2.493g 18.75 x 106 52,65 x 10 6 0,86 x 10 4 2, ll x lOl
(GB Pillai and B. Sathiamma)
POB: Potato dextrose broth
I. Oryctes rhinoceros L. CW: Coconut water
Preliminary studies on the microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained smears of
gut aspirate and gross morphology of midgut of Xylotrupes gideon L., collected from It is clear from the above data that coconut water is an ideal medium for mass
South Kanara district of Karnataka, had indicated baculovirus disease incidence in culturing the fungus. Thus, culturing of a biocontrol agent is possible in a locally
them. Subsequent electron microscopic examination of ultrathin sections of midgut a\'ailable agricultural material which is being wasted now.
tissues confirmed the occurrence of typical baculovirus particles. The gut aspirate of
infected beetles fed to healthy Oryctes grubs by mixing with the feed (cattle dung) alsO 2. Opisina are nosella Wlk.
produced typical symptoms of baculovirus disease. Thus, it has been confirmed that Field release of laboratory reared larval , prepupal and pupal parasitoids such as
baculovirus disease is prevalent in the natural population of X. gideon, which alsO GoOiozus nephantidis, Elasmus nephantidis, Brachymeria nosatoi and Xanthopimpla
infests coconut palms and causes more or less similar damage as that of rhinoceros ~nctata were made in a heavily pest-infested coconut plantation at Thrikkakkara,
beetle. ~Ulam District, Kerala during August and September, 1987 and at Kayangulam
Of yat Farm of the Department of Agriculture, Kerala, during December 1987. Monitoring
Limited number of Oryctes beetles collected and sent from the Regional Research ad pest population and periodic releases of appropriate species of parasitoids in
Station, Ratnagiri (Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, OapoJi) and the ICAR Research Com~Iet.. I\s eq~ate numbers are being done for evaluating the field performance of lab reared

Goa were screened for baculovirus disease incidence. No symptoms of b~cuIOVl;4, -rasltoids.
disease infection could be detected from the gross morphology of mldgut
microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained smears of gut aspirate. More samples ar:;
be screened before attempting introduction of baculovirus to these tracts for bioloSl '
~nthopimpla punctata, X. nana nana and Xanthopimpla sp. (undet.) are the three
dornlOant species of pupal parasitoids affecting a high degree of pest suppression
suppression of the pest. towards the latter half of the year. These species breed in separate territories , where

b _Q
 relative humidity is quite high. XanthopimpJa spp. have greater searching ability and
they colonise in areas of high pest population close to sea shore or backwaters.
Comparative studies on the bioecology of these species were made. Under identical
conditions of temperature and relative humidity, X. punctata completed its total
development period in 10-20 days, X. nana nana in 12-21 days and XanthopimpJa sp. in
10-20 days. X. punctata is an outstanding example of a polyphagous species of
parasitoid, which turned out to be a better killer of the pest than even other
host-specific and gregarious species of parasitoids of the pest. Average maximum
parasitism by X. punctata was 43.59% in the territory occupied by the same.
Laboratory reared carabid predators such as Parena nigroJineata and CalJeida
spJendiduJa were released in a pest-infested garden at Kannetty, Quilon Dist, Kerala
during May 1987. Monitoring of pest and natural enemy population is being done in the
released site at regular intervals.
Attempts to rear the braconic larval parasitoid ApanteJes taragamae Wilkinson
using the early instar caterpillars of O. arenoseJJa as hosts were unsuccessful.
3. Studies on predacious mites:
Observations on the biology and feeding potential of the phytoseid predators were
made. AmbJyseius sp. completed its life cycle in 4-5 days, as compared to that of 7-10
days of the prey, OJigonychus iseilemae. The predator-prey ratio was observed to be 1:6
with a maximum population of the pest and its predator during May. AmbJyseius sp.
consumed 19-42 eggs of 0. iseilemae during its entire life period. The cemaxid predator
consumed the immature and adult stages of O. iseilemae. Rate of prey consumption
ranged from 3.3 to 31.0 mites per female predator. Fecundity ranged from 1.2 to 12 eggs
per female and longevity of female 13 to 17 days under laboratory condition.
4. Studies on the natural enemies of the lace bug Stephanitis typica (D).
Observations on the seasonal abundance of the lace bug Stephani tis typica (Dist.)
and its natural enemies were recorded from 50 samples of coconut palms (seedlings) at
weekly intervals. The major natural enemies observed included the mirid predator
stethoconus praeiectus, the Chrysopid AnkyJopteryx octopunctata and several species
of spiders. A fungal pathogen was also isolated from diseased bugs collected from the
field . The same is yet to be identified.
Attempts on standardiSing techniques for culturing the mirid predator, S.
praeiectus in the laboratory were continued. Preliminary trials to rear the same on an
artificial medium containing the extract of the prey, S. typica were unsuccessful. Efforts
to rear the predator on Corcyra eggs , as was done in the case of Cyrtorhinus
Jividipennis by Sentur and Kalode, 1985 also did not meet with success. At present the
predator is being reared on S. typica colonies maintained on potted coconut seedlingS.
A method to mass rear the same is yet to be developed.
II. Genetical investigations on the vectors of coconut root (wilt) disease.
(CP Ramachandran and KV Joseph)
Arcylamids gel electrophoresis using disc and slab was carried out to standardise
teChJ1 ique for protein assay of Stephanitis typica. Insect samples of 25, 50, 100, 200 and
JOO numbers, both males and females, were homogenised in appropriate buffer
ately and centrifuged. Running of gels with the above samples resulted in
~ing due to particles of lipids and lipoproteins. Running of the samples on gradient
gets resulted in better band separation. The voltage and running period for slab 200 and
dIsC gels was standardized.
II. Investigations on O/igonychus iseilemae (Hirst) Aca rina and other
tetranychid mites infesting coconut f oliage.
(8. Sathiamma)
Studies on the number of generations completed by OJigonychus iseilemae on
coconut foliage revealed that within a period of eleven months the mite could complete
nearly thirty -generations.
Areca catechu, EJaeis guineensis, CaJamus rotang, Cyperus rotundus, Zea mays,
Sorghum \'l1Jgare and hybrid Napier were tested for their susceptibility to infestation by
O. iseiIemae. Observations were also made on the life cycle, fecundity and longevity of
the mite, on these host plants.
The work done on natural enemies of 0. iseiJemae is reported under biological
control project.
IV. Investigations on mealy bugs associated with coconut palms.
(VA Abraham)
Three species of mealy bugs were collected from the crown of coconut palms , of
which two species collected from the spindle leaf and spathes and bunches were,
n!Spectively, identified by CAB International Institute of Entomology, London as
Palmicutor? paJmarum (Enrhorm) and Pseudococcus? cocatis (Maskel). The third
speCies is yet to be identified. Three species of symbiont ants collected from mealy bug
colonies included OecophyJJa smaragdina (Fabricius), Technomyrmex sp. (o.Jbipes
grOUp) and SeJenopsis oeminata (Fabricius). Other associated insects included the
COccinelIid beetIe, Scymanus sp., grub of mycetophagid Berginus maindroni Grouvette
IQd cecidomyid DicrodipJosis sp. and Cocoxenis (Gitonides) perspicax (Knale).
\IrIth Wh~m attempts to rear the insect on pumpkin fruit, coconut leaflets and their tips
1IJo' mlCrocages failed, ripe pumpkin fruits cut into 5 x 5 xl cm size placed on
a.e:tened cotton pad kept in petri dish were tried as medium. Just emerged crawlers of
'i bugs were liberated on to the bits of pumpkin and the petridish was partially
~ed. The ~otton pad :vas moistened regularly and the pumpkin remained for about
~Weeks WIthout drymg and the mealy bugs grew normally. Then they were
~t;'~e.d to fresh fruit pieces. One generation could be successfully completed in one
tIme. Detailed studies on the biology will be carried out using this method.
~,
 Bioassay of seven insecticides was carried out against the two identified spec'
mealy bugs and LO 50 and LO 90 values were worked out. Dimethoate, monocrot~~ Of
and fenthion . which recorded lower values for the insect were selected for the ~ OSI
. I
tna. ~d
A field control trial was laid out at Kayangulam Kayal Farm on RBD, with thr
doses each of the above three insecticides and an untreated control, with t~
replications. Pretreatment observations were recorded during November 1987 from 120
experimental palms. Mealy bugs were harboured in 95 per cent of spindle leaves, 66,9
per cent of unopened spathes, 44.2 per cent of bunches, 7.3 per cent of rachillae and 9,2
per cent nuts of the 120 experimental palms. Colonies of red ants were observed on 92
palms and black ants on 27 palms. The first round of insecticide treatment Was givtn
during December 1987.
V. Tender nut drop in arecanut.
(Mariamma Daniel)
Chemical control trial against the pentatomid bug Halyomorpha marmorea F., the
insect responsible for tender nut drop in arecanut was laid out at Karapady, 0
district, Karnataka. The design in :---.30 with eight treatments (seven insecticides
control) and three replications with a plot size of 25 - 30 palms each. Pre-treatmea'
examination of the shed nuts revealed 37.67% insect damage. Two rounds of spray
were given and the post-treatment observations were recorded on the 7th and 25th day
after treatment.
VI. Distribution of the spindle bug of arecanut Carvalhoia arecae M, & C In
Kerala, its bioecology, suspected role 8S a vector of YLD and control.
(SA Jacob)
Monthly surveys of sample areca palms of the age group of 2-12 years
Nedumangad, Trivandrum and Neyyatinkara taluks of Trivandrum district showed that
spindle bug population was present in all the gardens and the same was dependent on
rain .
YLO was observed in Ne:dumangad and it was nil or negligible at the other
places. No useful natural enemies have been recorded . Associated fauna included
earwigs, roaches and spiders.
Insecticidal trial with phorate lOG and carbofuran 3G each at four levels
that phorate lOG capsules at 2g and 4g levels were superior to carbofuran at the
level , though both afforded control of spindle bug for different duration of time.
The capsule placing device for tall areca palms Ctotta') developed was found to
useful, cheap and long lasting. However, it has got some defects viz (1 ) on palms
massive crown the inner most leaf axil cannot be located from ,oe ground
hatchet may be required to trim a few lower leaflets for a clearer view to place
c;apsule in the leaf axil (2) The 'totta' has to be tied with a rope on the stem without
obStrUcting the fall of spathes.
Spindle bug infestation was occasionally observed in young and secondary
nurseries of oil palm. Biology was also studied on oilpalm host.
Average longevity of spindle hug on arecanut was 28 days for females and 22.5
daYS for males.
Salivary glands of spindle bugs with an acquisition (A) and incubation (lP) period
on YLD affected palms for 30 and 33 days were dissected for EM examination. Bugs with
25,27 and 34 days A + IP were also dissected. Haemolymph of spindle bug with 10 days
A + IP did not show any MLO.
VII, Bioecology of pest complex of cacao other than mealy bugs.
(Mariamma Daniel)
Surveys were conducted in the cacao gardens of Oakshina Kannada and Kasaragod
area. Leaf feeding insects mainly Lymantria sp.,Euproctis spp. and Dasychira sp., two
species of loopers and six species of bagworms, shoot, flower and cherelle feeding
aphids, membracids, the mirid HelopeJtis antonii infesting the cherelles , pods and
tender shoots were the major insect pests collected.
A severe incidence of tea mosquito, H. antonii on pods and tender shoots was
noticed for the first time in 16 year old cacao trees at Vittal and also at Kidu and
Sampajee from September 1987. The crazy ant Anoplolepis Jongipes Jerd was seen
foraging the mirid-colonised cacao trees. Monthly observations on the nature and
extent of damage of major insect pests were recorded from 260 trees at Vittal and 150
trees at Kasaragod.
Biology of the major pests such as Lymantria sp. and H. antonii is being worked
out. Lymantria females exhibited the presence of sex pheromones.
Two species of membracids, one species each oi a fulgorid, a ricamid and a f1atid
were very commonly collected from cacao. Of these the membracids caused cherelle
"'ilt and die back of tender shoots. The crazy ant was always associated with these
IIlembracids.
1 Natural enemies associated with aphids and leaf feeding caterpillars were
Co lected. The most common predator observed on cacao trees is a chrysopid larvae
ilnd adults of which were regularly collected.
'1111. Investigations on pests of oilpalm in India.
(K. DhiJeepan)
73
 aI11pli fier circuits were tested with various optocouplers like MC T2E, photodarlington
d 4N28. Among them 4N28 was found to give better isolation and maximum
Survey of oil palm plantations at Palode, Chithara, Yeroor and Kulathupuzha w
:nsmission of signals. The band width of the signal was narrowed down to between
continued and -54 species of insects including 11 species of pests, 5 species of Parasit:
and 28 species of predators were identified. S
200. and 400 cyclers. Different circuits with different power amplifiers and
.amplifiers were tested and suitable circuit with less feed back was designed.
~rophones like vibration pick up dynamic and condenser microphones were found to
Studies on the impact of re-release of baculovirus of Oryctes at Palode indicated
generate inadequate energy signals. An elect.romagnetic pick up was tested and found
46% reduction in O. rhinoceros infestation, one year after re-release of the pathogen
to be superior to the above and less expensive. Two circuits are designed and
into the area. Site occupancy studies on O. rhinoceros grubs also indicated higher
incidence of baculovirus infection in breeding sites of the pest in and around the prototype is expected to be completed shortly.
plantation.
Preliminary studies on the characteristics of the feeding sound of cashew stem
borer grubs showed that the gnawing sound is very low and the snapping sound is
Natural suppression of the diaspid, ChrysomphaJous aonidum L. infesting oil piam
leaves at Palode was obtained by the activity of the indigenous coccinellid predator, audible. Detailed analyses of the same could not be carried out.
ChiJocorus nigrita.
To study the effect of ultrasonics on grubs of red palm weevil, variable frequency
generator with suitable transducers is required. Efforts are being made to work out a
Studies conducted during the period from January 1986 to June 1987 revealed that
programme with RRL, Trivandrum who are in possession of such a unit.
the pollinating weevil EJaeidobius kamerunicus increased the fruit set from 36.8% to
56.l % resulting in 40% increase in FFB weight and 11 % increase in FiB ratio. Similarly.
(General Leader: GB Pillai)
the percentage of parthenocarpy was also reduced from 34.3 to 24.3 resulting in 23.4%
reduction in PIF ratio. The maximum attainable pollination potential was as much as
70%, with 57% increase in ITB weight and 15.5% increase in Fi B ratio suggest that the
efficiency of the weevils under Indian condition is comparatively less than that
reported from Malaysia, Indonesia and Solomon Islands.

Introduction of E. Kamerunicus into the oil palm plantations at Little Andamans

increased the FFB weight from 5 to 12 kg.

During 1987 a wide fluctuation in the population density of weevils as well as the
number of weevils emerging from each male inflorescence was also noticed.

When no control measures were adopted nearly 86% of the oil palm bunches were
damaged by avian pests. Shooting and scaring of birds is expensive (Rs.2260;ha/year)
and reduced the avian pest damage by lO% only. Setting up of trap bunches is less
expensive (Rs.l245/ha/year) and this method reduced bird damage by 15% only.
Protecting the ripe fruit bunches with wire net, though expensive (Rs. 2300/ha/year)
was most effective resulting in 72% reduction of bird damage.

IX. Electronic devices for detection and control of inesect t issue borers in
plantation crops.
(CP Ramachandran, Collaborators: Prof. BS Nair and N. Kumlldini)

The weevil sensor prototype fabricated in January 1987 was put to field tests.
With the prototype it was possible to detect the presence of grubs on the basis of
feeding sounds produced by the grubs. However, it was found to pass feeding sounds
signals as well as the feed back noise.

During the later half of 1987, to avoid the feed back noise isolation of filter and 75

PRIORITY AREA XIV
Disease Management
This mega project includes diseases of coconut, arecanut, oilpalm and cacao.
Investigations on these maladies are being undertaken at Kayangulam, Kahikuchi,
Mohitnagar, Palode and Vitta!.
I. Quick (yellow) decline of coconut
( TSS Rawther, Thomas Joseph, JJ Solomon, KD PaW and M. Sasikala)
Samples of apical meristem, inflorescence, root tip and petiole of four palms
affected by Quick (yellow) decline (QYD) alone and two palms having QYD in
combination with RWD were examined so far using electron microscope for the
presence of MLO. The organism was present in all the samples.
During 1985 fifty QYD affected palms (22 showing symptoms of QYD alone and 28
showing QYD in combination with (RWD) were eradicated within the CPCRI RS Farm,
Kayangulam. Recurrence of QYD was noticed on twenty two palms II showing QYD
alone and 12 showing QYD symptoms in combination with RWD by the end of 1986.
These were also eradicated. During 1987, eleven palms took up infection afresh (6
showing QYD alone and five showing QYD and RWD in combination).
Twenty palms showing symptoms of QYD alone and five palms showing QYD and
RWD in combination were subjected to serodiagnostic test using RWD antiserum.
Seventeen of the former and four of the latter gave positive reaction. Eleven palms
showing QYD symptoms and two hea lthy ones were studied for their stomatal
resistance and transpiration. The diseased palms registered 35% less diffusive
resistance and 25% more transpiration as compared to the healthy.
QYD is restricted to RWD affected areas and not reported from places beyond. The
results obtained so far indicate that both QYD and RWD are manifestations of one and
the same malady, perhaps with a difference in severity of decline.
76
crolilfO choking disease of coconut
(AI< RoY and 8aranwal)
field survey f~r th: incidence of crow~ c~oki~g disease of coconut was completed
major distncts In Assam and two dlstncts In West Bengal. Tbe survey data are
,fWe analysed. Large scale field control trials were taken up in Assam and West
~ Borax @ 50 g/palm was applied at the base of diseased palms in addition to
fe~tilizers. Majority of the treated palms showed signs of recovery. The palms are
IlePt under observation.
Leaf spot disease of areca nut in North Kanara
Ramanujam and R. Chandra Mohan)
Fifteen areca gardens in North Kanara were surveyed for the incidence of leaf spot
during April, 1987. Incidence of the disease varied from 7.2 to 24% in the gardens
~.
Two types of leaf spot were noticed in the outer whorl of leaves. One type of leaf
yielded Phyllosticta arecae while the other Yielded Colletotrichum
posporioides. These fungi, when inoculated on healthy leaves singly and in
lbination, produced leaf spots as observed in nature but with less severity.
• Epidemiology of Phytophtho ra of arecanut and arecanut based cropping
system.
(N. Saraswathy)
Studies on the effect of temperature and light on the differe nt isolates of
lbytophthora showed that continuous light at a temperature of 27" C favoured
IDrmation of both sporangia and oospores in areca isolates . In cocoa isolates
~lnuous darkness caus.ed reduction in number oi s porangia irrespective of
temperature. Pepper isolate produced good number of sporangia under continuous
at 2r C. Studies on the production of oospores in synthetic media revealed that
ro's medium did not induce oospore formation in any of the heterothallic isolates
lilted. Leal's medium with asparagine induced formaUon of oogon ia in cocoa isolates.
.:J Paired cultures of cocoa x pepper and pepper x cocoa fa nned oospores within
o days under laboratory conditions. No oospore was formed in paired cultures of
t isolates of cocoa or pepper alone. Chlamydospore formation by Phytophthora
CIIIItures was studied using roots of sprouted cocoa beans and carrot broth. All cocoa
es produced chlamydospores in both cocoa roots and carrot broth. Pepper
H . did not produce chlamydospores. Two of the 15 areca isolates (VTL H and
( 1)) produced chlamydospores in cocoa roots. In carrot broth areca isolates VfL
1 C produced chlamydospores. Studies on the sensitivity of Phytoph thora
to antibiotics revealed that penicillin and vancomycin did not affect the rate of
Is° f the CUlture whi le streptomycin sulphate caused suppression of oospores in
Olates. Excreta ot slugs fed on media containing Phytophthora culture , when
77
microscopically examined, revealed the presence of oospores, mycelial bits
sporangia of the fungus . i1Ild
Screening trials using Phytophthora cultures on arecanuts including A. triandra
were conducted. Nuts from A. triandra and VfL 29b inoculated with cocoa isol
(CPSI) and areca isolate (VfL H) showed lesions within 36-42 h after inoculation. ate
A field trial using fungicides Ridomil, Aliette and Bordeaux mixture wa§ laid 0 t.
CPCRI Farm, Vittal. U III
V. Soear rot disease and other diseases of oil palm
(M. Kochu Babu)
A ~urvey of 140 spear rot affected Tenera x Tenera oil palms revealed that 28 Of
them had Oryctes infestation. Infestation by spindle bug was also noticed in some cases
of spear rot attack. The disease has not so far been noticed in Dura and Pisifera palms.
Incidence of spear rot was more during rainy seasons. The malady is so far absent in
Andamans. Analysis of five micronutrients in ten spear rot affected and fifteen healthy
palms showed that both the categories contained optimum levels of micronutrients.
Recovery of spear rot was noticed in palms sprayed with carbendazim 0.2%. Symptom
expression was monitored on 15 palms from the very initial stage of the disease. The
disease caused reduction in vigour. The meristem of the affected palms did not show
any rotting. Inflorescence produced in the axils of affected leaves were unproductive.
Ten species of fungi were isolated from the spear rot affected palms of which Fusarium
moniIi/ormae was predominent. Pathogenicity trials using this fungus did not produce
typical symptoms.
Studies on the elimination of microflora from oil palm seeds revealed that dippin8
the seeds in fungicidal solution (captan O.2%/emisan 0.1 %/thiram 0.2%) prior to sowin.
increased germination and seedling vigour. Methyl bromide fumigation even at higher
doses did not reduce seed microflora and even lower doses adversely affected
germination and seedling vigour.
VI. Black pod and ca nker diseases of cocoa
(R. Chandra Mohan and B. Ramanujam)
Twenty six isolates of Phytophthora spp. were collected from cocoa grown under
different cropping systems in different localities in Kerala and Karnataka states. Of
these, 22 are from black pod affected cocoa pods and 4 from stem canker lesions.
Cultural and morphological studies of the isolates revealed that they belong to
Phytophthora palmivora MF 1.
(General Leader: TSS Rawther)
78
PRIORITY AREA XV
Integrated Nematode M anagement
The megaproject includes studies on biology, physiologic races and pathogenicity
of root knot and burrowing nematodes on plantation crops and development of
integrated management schedule against them.
I. Studies on Radopholus similis on coconut
(PK Koshy and \11( Sosamma)
The pathogenicity of Radopholus similis on coconut under field conditions has
been very well established by the experiment initiated in October 1982 in 6' x 6' X 4'
field tanks. In general the nematode caused yellowing, loss of vigour and stunting of
plants. An inoculum level of 10 nematodesJ35,640 ml of soil caused 13, 12 and 24 per
cent reduction over control with regard to height, number of leaves and girth compared
to 17,14 and 35 percent reduction with an inoculum of 100 nematodes/35,640 ml of the
soil. The average field population at Kayangulam is 26 nematodes per 35,640 ml of soil.
At a higher inoculum level of one nematode in 3.5 ml of soil, the percentage reduction
OVer control in height, number of leaves and girth were 44, 30 and 51 respectively.
Population assessment and lesion indexing in roots of five seedlings each of 20
C:Ultivars (inter-se pollinated) has been done to study their susceptible/resistant
reaction to R. similis.
•• StUdies on the biology and physiologic races of the burrowing nematode,
Radopholus similis.
(PK Koshy, Geetha 5 Menon and Jasy Thomas)
Q' The burrowing nematode occurs widely on a large number of crops in South India.
in~ste~ce of different pathotypes is weB k~o~n among populations that. !nfests various
OIVlOg banana and black pepper. Nematlcldes and 011 cakeS were applied in hllyand
79
crops in different areas. Cross inocuiation studies revealed definite differences in the
pathQgenecity of different isolates from the same crop within the same area. Isolates
from the same crop in different areas also differed in their reactions. Chromosome studies
recorded the presence of a haploid number of four chromosomes (n=4) in one more
isolate from coconut (n=24) and two isolates from banana (B\ and 8 29 ). Development
of chlorophyll on the callus growth of carrot discs were found to inhibit nematode
multiplication. Effect of different temperatures on the multiplication of R. similis in
carrot discs revealed that maximum multiplication occurred at a temperature of 25 ±
1°C. Studies on survival of R. simiJis within roots and soil under field conditions
revealed that annual recurrence of infestation is brought about by the persistence of
the nematode as adult females through summer in infested roots.

III. Studies on the burrowing nematode of arecanut. PRIORITY AREA XVI

(P. Sundararaju)

The burrowing nematode Radopholus similis has been identified as a major Tatipaka Disease of Coconut
constraint in arecanut production in infested areas through the studies carried out on
survey, population fluctuation, pathogenicity and control. Screening of available areca
Tatipaka disease of coconut
germplasm collections at CPCRI Regional Station, Vittal conducted in the past identified
(P. Rethinam, CL Narasimhachari and JJ Solomon)
many sources of resistance/tolerance in many cultivars and hybrids. Ten seedlings each
of six month old hybrids viz. VfL-3 x VfL-17, VfL-3 x VfL-13, VfL-ll x VfL-3 and
Survey and confirmation
Sreevardhan x Thirthahalli were planted in Methyl bromide fumigated soil. Five A survey was conducted in East Godavari District in collaboration with
seedlings each of these hybrids were inoculated with 2000 nematodes during May and ,~ents of Horticulture/Agriculture and Agricultural University, Andhra Pradesh.
September in 1987.
~Ing was given to the field staff for identification of the disease. A total of 26,889
IV. Integrated nematode management in plantation crops and cropping ~~ were identified as Tatipaka disease affected in 16 mandals of which 4785 palms
systems. confirmed diseased. Further confirmation is in progress. The department of
(P. Sundararaju. PK Koshy, VK Sosamma and Sudha Sukumaran ',culture has been requested to start the eradication process.
Development of integrated management schedules for root knot and burrowing
nematodes in coconut and arecanut based farming systems have been identified as a Antibiotic treatment
priority area. _ A field experiment was started during February in farmers' fields involving stem
Cultures of biocontrol agents sue;l as fungi (Paeciliomyces lilacinus, JlJlection of 3 and 6 g tetracycline to the disease affected palms. Regular observations
Cylindrocarpon ef!usum, Verticillium lecanii and Arthrobotrys sp.) bacterium (Pasteuria being recorded.
penetrans) and Azotobacter sp. are being maintained. Coconut and marotti
(Hydnocarpus wightiana) oil cakes were found to be excellent media for multiplication (General Leader: P Rethinam)
of the biocontrol fungus, P. lilacinus. Neem and groundnut oil cakes and cowdung
were also found to support the growth of the fungus. Experiments have been initiated
to study the effect of P. lilacinus on root-knot and burrowing nematodes on plantation
crops.
An experiment using neem oil cake and lower dosages of nematicides is in
progress at CPCRI Regional Station, VittaJ in an arecanut based farming syste~
October. Pretreatment soil and root samples were collected for population assess men
in October.
Trials are in progress to study the antagonistic effect of Tagetes patula on
population build up of R. similis on potted plants of coconut, arecanut and pepper.
(General Leader: PK Koshy)

80 81·
 bffUS rattus wroughtoni
The development, persistence and home range of R. r. wroughtoni in the field were
~. Of the 70 individuals trapped, marked and released, 56(80%) were recaptured
tor 1-20 times. As many as 16(22.9%) animals were recaptured for five or more times
'able-5l).
Table 51. Recapture frequency in R. r. wroughtoni

Times of recapture
Total
0 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 9-10 11 -12 13- 14 15-16 17-18 19-20

PRI ORITY AREA XVII

Animals 14 30 10 5 4 2 2 1 1 0 1
% 20.0 42.9 14 .3 7.1 5.7 2.9 2.9 1.4 1.4 0 1.4

Vertebrate Pest Management

Most of the juveniles emerged out of their nests when they attained 20-30 body
I. Ecology, biOlogy, economic st at us and controf of economically important weight. Such juveniles became adults within 2-3 months of their emergence. Nearly 50%
rodents in plantation crops. of the rats captured as juveniles for the first time did not remain in the population
(5. Keshava Bhat) beyond four months and none for 12 months (Table-52 ).

Rodents are important pests of plantation crops. The damage caused by rats to
Table 52. Persistence of R. r. wroughtoni in the field
coconut was assessed to be around 21 % in the mainland and 55% in Lakshadweep. 1be
rats and squirrels together cause about 29% damage to cocoa. The project aims at
flnlatence of Months after first capture
developing effective and viar Ie rodent pest management practices in plantation crops
-*'-Is 0 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 II 12
Studies on the species composition of rodents in coconut-cocoa mixed habitat, the
bait preferences of certain rodents , toxicity and field efficacy of multiple dose antI­ Number 15 11 10 8 6 5 5 4 3 2 1 1 0
coagulants, etc., were already completed. The work done during 1987 is summarised 100.0 73.3 66.7 53.3 40.0 33.3 33.3 26.7 20.0 13.3 6.7 6.7 0
below.

Ecology of rodents
I. Mus booduga booduga
The home ranges of seven adult male and four adult female R. r. wroughtoni,
-uJated by the minimum home range method (Flyger, 1960) were 661.60 sq.m.
During 1987 a total of 326 specimens of M.b. booduga were collected from the field ,.9-934.4 sq.m) and 557 .78 sq.m. (313.6 - 767.0 sq.m.), respectively the range
for ecological observations. The males constituted nearly 54% of the population. The lengths being 48.79 m (33.8-70.0 m) in males and 46.25 01 (41.3-56.9 01 ) in females.
pregnancies were more common during September to November. Correspondingly,
maximum number of subadults emerged from the burrows during December to
February (Table-50). The litter size was 4.68(2-8 ).
I aspects.
Table-50. Percentage of pregnant females and juveniles in the For the mechanical control of M. b. booduga wooden snap traps were found to be
M.b. booduga in different months . ficantly (P<0.05) more efficient tban the Sherman 'live' traps.
Month
F M A M J A S 0 N
Am?ng the two second generation rodenticides, viz. Brodifacoum and
Pregnancies 0 10.0 0 14.3
Juveniles 46.7 42.9 39.3 30.4
10.0 12.5 20.0 16.7 44.4 22_2 45.5 ~Ione, ~e former was found to be more toxic to R. r. wroughtoni than the
13.0 16.7 3.9 4.2 4.6 20.0 31.0 8 e S.tudles on the acute toxicity revealed that at a dosage of 0.50 mg/kg body
rOdlfacouln killed all the test animals, while the Bromadiolone killed only 50%
(Table-53).
82
. ~
Table-53. Acute toxicity of Brodifacoum and Bromodiolone to R. r. wrougbtOlJ,.

Mortality percentage with ---.........

Dosage (mglkg) Brodifacoum BromadiolOrie

0.0625
0.1250
0.2500
o
40.0
60.0 o
--­
0.5000 100.0 50.0
0.7500 66.7
1.0000 83.3
1.2500 100.0
PRIORITY AREA XVIII
Exposure of R. r. wroughtoni to wax formulations of Brodifacoum and
Bromadiolone baits (0.005% a.i.) for one day resulted in 100% and 93.3% mortality,
respectively in laboratory.
Harvest a nd Post-harvest Technology Research
(General Leader: PSPV Vidyasagar) Research on harvest and !Jost-harvest technology of plantation crops was initiated
dlfri ng 1977 at this Institute. Multipurpose dryer using agricultural waste as fuel,
arecanut and coconut dehuskers , solar dryer and copra moisture meter are some of the
salient research achievements under this project. During the year, researches on a
tractor mounted driller, modification of cardamom drier and sprayers have been taken up.

I. Evaluation of dryers, dehuskers and other equipments developed by CPCRI

in farmer's field.
(S.lD Bosco)

Demonstration of the drying operation of the small holder's dryer and medium
holder's dryer was done in farmers' fields. Small holder's dryer was also field-evaluated.
For proper operation of the dryer, a manual, entitled "Do's and Don'ts while using
COpra dryer of 400 coconutslbatch capacity" was prepared for use by the farmers .

II. Design, development and testi ng of copra dryer using agricultural waste as
fuel.
(SJD Bosco)

Testing and evaluation of copra dryer of 3000 coconuts per batch capacity will be
~en up as Soon as the fabrication work of the dryer is completed at Central State
arm, Aralam .
To know a simple procedure suitable for operating the dryer using agricultural
waste and also to know the effect of heat treatment on drying rate of copra, trials were
=ducte~ in dryers with 400 cocunutslbatch capacity or 1000 coconutslbatch capacity
be ' hot aIr oven. To prevent copra from fungal and bacterial attack drying time should
Increased to 8-10 hours on the first day of drying operation. Experiments were also

85
 \

carried out to know the fuel feeding rate in small holder's dryer. For obtaining more
heat distribution in drying chamber, welded mesh may be replaced by wire mesh
platform.

III. Design and development of cardamom dryer suitable for small and medium
holders.
(SJD Bosco )
From the field evaluation report. it was clear that the design of the dryer should be
modified to get more green colour. To avoid condensation inside the drying chamber
and entry of sunlight (diffused radiation) which are the probable major causes for
discolouration of cardamom, the drying chamber has been modified. For easy
transportation, the dryer was designed in such a way that it can be dismantled into
three parts viz. fuel and. plenum chamber, drying chamber and cover of the drying
chamber. Fabrication and testing of the equipment will be taken up next year.
=The hole driller was tested in the field in the laterite rocks. The following problems
..observed in the hole driller: (a) scooping out of the soil by the drilling bit of the
r was not proper, and (b) it was a bit difficult to rotate the manually operated
~ontal handle, for up and down motion of the drilling bit.
Efforts are being made to modify the hole driller.
VI. Design, development and . testing of high lance spraying equip ments for
coconut and arecanut.
(Sunil Gulati)
A study of the existing sprayers showed that some of the sprayers used for
spraying tree crops cannot be used for arecanut or coconut palms due to the following
I!8SOns: (i) these sprayers are not economical, ( ii) the spray fluid does not reach the
aown of the palm, and (iii) to operate some sprayers, man power requirement is more.

IV. Design and assembly of moisture meter to read moisture content in copra.
(K. Madhavan)
The copra moisture meters supplied to Mis . Kerala State Warehousing Corporation
were field evaluated. They have reported that the meter is handy, compact, time saving
and reliable. They have suggested that the size of the instrument may be reduced. Thi$
has been already done. An extension bulletin on copra moisture meter has been
published for the benefit of the users.
V. Tractor PTO shaft operated hole driller for laterite rocks.
(Sunil Gulati)
A prototype machine of the hole driller for laterite rocks has been fabricated. It has
been designed to driB a hole of 6 feet depth and about 7 inches diameter. It consists 01
the following parts: i) Drill bit with cutting tools, ii) Pulley, iii) Main shaft with key way,
iv) Depth controlling square threaded shaft, v) crown and pinion arrangement.
vi) Wheel and axle assembly and vii) Handle, frame.
Rocker sprayer is being increasingly used for spraying coconut and arecanut
palms. But it is not possible to spray taller palms from ground with this sprayer and
more-over being designed for high volume spraying it does not give fine droplets and good
coverage. The defects in the spraying lance for areca palm, developed at CPCRI, Palode,
also studied.
A design drawing of engine operated hydraulic energy sprayer with a hydraulic
PIJIIIp for arecanut palms was also prepared. Fractional H.P. Engine will help in creating
IIIOre pressure in the pressure chamber. Pressure release valve shall also be provided
the pressure chamber. A plastic tank having partition and containing both fuel oil
WId spray fluid, shall also be provided.
(General leade r: K Madhavan)

The power for driving the hole driller was taken from a tractor PTO shaft with the
help of V"beit and pulley mechanism. For drilling in the laterite rocks, the rpm required
is below 100. This is achieved (i) by keeping the tractor accelerator in low, medium and
. high positions, the PTO shaft rpm also get adjusted in the same way, (ii) by way of the
difference in diameters of the pulleys on PTO shaft and on pinion shaft, the rpm is alSO
reduced accordingiy and (iii) by way of the bevel gear arrangement.

The horizontal rotatory motion is received at the main shaft with key-way, at the
bottom of which is attached the drill bit with cutting tools. Up and down motion of ~
drill bit is controlled by square threaded shaft with the help of two spur gears (no. 0
teeth 45 each) and a manually operated handle.

PRIORrTY AREA XIX
N) Oilpalm: Data collected for 50 palms, for 1985-86, is under processing.
Refinement of Experimentation Techniques in
Plantation Crop.
Estimation of optimum size and shape of plots and blocks for experiments with
cashew and coconut (tall x dwarf hybrids) forecast of annual yield based on
biometrical characters and/or partial harvest data in coconut, arecanut, cardamom and
oilpalm, and study of regularity of bearing in coconut, are some of the important items
of work undertaken during the year. The other items envisaged are path coefficient
analysis of crop weather data in coconut and software development.
I. Optimum size and shape of plots and blocks in experimentation w ith
plantation crops.
(MVGeorge)
Yield data pf 288 cashew trees recorded for two years (1983 and 1984) were
.!be bienniaIity index came down from 3.80 (pre-irrigation) to 0.56 (post irrigation)
analysed taking into consideration the cost of experimentation. A plot size of six trees
.He it remained more or less steady (3.87 and 3.03) for the corresponding periods in
across the fertility line was found to be optimum, for experiments with cashew for all
~ COlttrQI (rainfed) plot, when palms were more or less of comparable age.
the four different cost ratios considered viz. Cl:C2:C3::1:4:0, 1:8:0, 1:4:1 and 1:8:1 where
Cl, C2 and C3 are the cost of maintaining an experimental plot, experimental plant and
border plant respectively.
Data for TxD coconut palm for four years were also analysed for individual years
as well as for groups of years, considering the cost factor. Six palm per plot were found
to be the optimum when the data was considered for individual years and three planll
per plot where data were pooled for three years and more.
II. Refinement of experimentation techniques in plantation crops
(Jacob Mathew, MV George, S. Bhagavan, PTN Nambiar and K. Vijayakumar)
a. Forecast of yield b.a sed on bi~~~trical characters,. . D and
i) Coconut: To examine the feaSibility of forecast of Yield In W.C. Tall, TX
Palms, growing under rainfed and irrigated conditions, based on a count of tender
lMJIS
in the crown at any time of the year, monthly observations are being recorded
'~arIY for a group of 214 palms.
Ii) Afecanut: Second round of annual observations on biometrical characters and
yield were recorded for a group of 100 palms at Vittal.
iii) Cardamom: Combined analysis of data collected from Appangala (for 1986 and
1987) and Sakelakshpur (for 1986) showed that the annual production of cardamom
plaDts can tie es~imated during A.ugust, using the formula Y ::= 8.59 + 1.03C (R 2 = 0.84)
where Y is the Yield (gm) and C IS the count of capsules.
... Forecast of yield based on partial harvest data.
I) Arecanut: Harvest-wise yield data of nearly 200 palms collected from Research
('.entre Kannara, for three rears showed that forecast of yield is possible during
November-December with R around 0.75 using the independent variables namely no.
«wt. of nuts harvested during the month , and the number of bunches remaining in the
;crown, after harvest.
I) Oilpalm: Month-wise yield data collected for sets of 64 and 51 palms from
'l esearch Centre, Palode showed that the yield for July, August and September and
having significant positive correlation with annual yield.
Co Regularity of bearing in coconut.
Based on the rank -correlation co-efficients for yields obtained in adjacent years
II1d alternate years, an index for bienniality for coconut yields was worked out. With
the use of this index, it was seen that irrigation brought down bienniality in coconut, as
fteld evaluation of the ,Methodology for forecasting cashew yield from estates.
Tbe methodology developed earlier (Annual Report 1985) was field tested in the
tlshew estates belonging to the Plantation Corporation of Kerala in Kasaragod District
lind at NRC Cashew Seed Farm, Shantigodu, DK Dist. Using a double sampling
PI'o<:edure, the mean yield was estimated to be 3.37 kg per tree at Kasaragod area ,
=::eas the actual yield obtained for a population of 4127 trees in this location was as
doser~ 3.16 kg per tree. At Shantigodu the observed and expected values were still
Multivariate treatment and interpretation of available data in plantation
crops.
S. Bhagavan, K. Vijayakumar and PTN Nambiar)
on
 The studies conducted on the relationship between weather variables ilIl<J
quarterly yields in coconut identified seven lag periods viz. 6-8, 10-12, 17-18,22_23
30-31,35-36 and 45-48 months before harvest as important. These correspond to so~
of the important development phases of the inflorescence.
Path coefficient analysis for finding the effect of weather variables on the next
three years yield indicated that direct effect of some of these variables is minimum.
even when they are having a high correlation with yield. Relative humidity generally
had negative direct effct for next two years yield. Hours of sunshine had positive direct
effect during 17-20 weeks and negative during 49-52 weeks, for next years yield.
Similarly total rainy days during 25-28 weeks had a high negative direct effect over next
years yield.
IV. Software development and computerised data base management.
(K. Vijayakumar, S. Bhagavan, CH Amarnath BP Nair and CT Jose)
A total of 29 programmes were written and perfected. Of these 22 were for
statistical analysis which included some special application programmes for Genetics.
Soil Science and YLO survey. The other seven programmes were for data base
application. In addition to this, the payroll package was revised to suit our needs.
(General Leader: Jacob Mathew)
9Q
PRIORITY AREA XX
Estimation of Crop Losses
This project was started during 1984 as an inter-institutional collaborative
gogramme with the objective of working out reliable estimates on the extent and
]ntensity of the major diseases of plantation crops and its impact on yield, by
conducting suitable sample surveys. Comprehensive surveys were conducted in Kerala
during 1984-85 on root (wilt) dlsease of coconut. Another comprehensive survey was
ClllTied out during 1986, in three taluks of OK district of Karnataka for estimating the
Joss in yield due to yellow leaf disease of arecanut.
Estimation of crop losses in arecanut
(MV George, RC Mohan)
YLD Survey in Karnataka:
. Based on the garden to garden survey conducted during 1986 in Sullia, Puttur and
luntwal tal oks of OK district in Karnataka; the number of healthy and diseased palms
bOder various age groups, production of arecanut and loss in yield due to YLO were
~ed out for Sullia taluk. Out of the 8.23 million arecanut palms 13630 palms were
. ted by YLD (Table 54.). The total arecanut production in Sullia was estimated at
_:.116 million nuts (Table 55). The total loss due to disease was estimated at 2.76
mlIIion nuts Annually (Table 55). .
~e average yield per palm below 15 years, 15-30 years and above 30 years were
. ted for healthy, diseased early and diseased advanced palms (Table 56).
\'I.D Survey inKerala:
Garden to garden cum sample survey was carried out in Kasaragod and Cannanore
of Kerala with the help of the Department of Agriculture, Kerala. The area
91
 arecanut, and number of palms (healthy and diseased) under various age groups
Table 54. Sullia Taluk: Number of PalIl\s (in '000) ecorded from all the gardens in the prescribed proformae. Further, detailed
r such as soil type, source of planting, manurial and cultural practices,
Non Bearing Total Bearing Total B~
< 5 yrs.~ 5 yrs. < 15 yrs. 15·30 yrs table, water stagnation etc. were also recorded from all the diseased gardens in
Non. ~her proforma. Three gardens were selected at random among the diseased gardens
bearj"
1P'''~eld recorded on 5 palm each of healthy, diseased early and diseased advanced
Local Ii 1728.68 82959 258827 1408.91 2841.68 1237.62 5488.21 80'76:48 these gardens. The data are being compiled.
DE 2.62 0.30 2.92 1.47 1.28 0.47 3.22 6.14 fIOIP
DA 0.12 0:32 0.44 2.51 3.06 1.48 7.05 7.49
Total 1731.40 86021 2591.61 1412.89 2846.02 1239.57 5498.488090.09 (Gent:ral Leader: MV George)
Mangala H 124.93 326 128.19 11.47 0.30 0-30 12.07 140,26
Ratnagiri H 0.50 0.15 0.65 0.00 0.73 0.00 0.73 1.38
Singapore H 0.20 0.00 0.20 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.20

H 1854.31 863.00 2717.31 1420-38 2842.71 1237.92 5501.01 8218,32

DE 2.62 0.30 2.92 1.47 1.28 0.47 322 6.14
DA 0.12 0.32 0.44 2.51 3.0{) 1.48 7.05 7.49

Grand Total 1857.05 863.62 2720.67 1424.36 2847.05 1239.87 5511.288231.95

H - Healthy; DE - Diseased Early; DA - Diseased Advanced.

Table 55. Estimated Yield

Estimated Yield ('000 nuts) Loss in Yield ('000 nuts)
< 15 yrs 15·30 yrs. ~ 30 yrs Total < 15 yrs. 15·30 yrs ~ 30 yrs. 1D111

Local H 397311 1778893 632422 2808626

DE 191 727 37 955 222 76 201 -499
DA 78 958 83 1119 631 958 674 2263
Mangala H 3233 188 1533 4954
Ratnagiri H 375 375

Total H 400544 1779456 633955 2813955

DE 191 727 37 955
DA 78 958 83 1119
Total 400813 1781141 634075 2816029

Table 56. Average yield per palm

Category/Age group. 15 15·30 Average 30

H 282 626 511

DE 13(} 567 80
DA 31 313 56

93
92
 Only a few beneficiaries have been found to take some care of their allotted palms
d are getting as high as 75 nuts/palm. The net return from 20 palms come to Rs, 1500­
~o/annum. Another small proportion of beneficiaries have leased out their palms to
me other middlemen for a small amount of Rs.500/annum. The remaining lot seems
SO be indifferent and does not have any sort of interest on this scheme. These palms
:ffer very badly giving very low yield.

It is suggested that this scheme may be converted into a commercial project which
could give more beneficial returns to the local people through employment and
earnings from the plantations as wage earners instead of involving them merely as
palm watchers.
PRIORITY AREA XXI

Table 57. Cost of Production and Net Return for Coconut Cultivars Grown without
Fertilizer
Economics of Plantation Crops W~ ~tCOClst T<l1I Oxt TxO
Particulars Rainfed Irrigated Rainfed Irrigated Rainfed Irri~ated

1. Cost-benefit study: 1. Wages 3250 3950 3250 3950 3250 3950

Economics of coconut genotypes experiment at Kasaragod involving WCT Plant Protection 400 400 400 400 400 400
cultivars, DxT and T x D hybrids were worked out. The details of the costs Contingencies 400 600 400 600 400 600
production and net profits under different situations are shown in Tables 57 to 59. Total Direct Cost (1 to 3) 4050 4950 4050 49:;0 4050 4950
Annuity Value 9050 13000 6500 9300 6500 9300
2. Coconut holding survey: Gross Cost (4+5) 13100 17950 10550 14250 10550 14250
A study on the nature of cultural practices followed by the coconut holdings was Return from Byproducts 900 1000 900 1000 900 1000
carried out in Kuttanad area in which both the SADU participants and non-participants Net Cost (6-7) 12200 16950 9650 13250 9650 13250
were included as respondents. It was observed that while 89 per cent of the holdings Average Yield (Nut/Palm) 82 90 78 116 65 131
under the SADU Scheme were applying fertilizers to the palms , in the case of Average Yield C :Nut'Ha) 14300 15800 13600 20300 11400 22900
non-participants mere 7 percent were found to do that. As regards the disease Cost of Production (Rs/Nut) 0.85 1.08 0.71 0.65 0.85 0.58
management and inter-mixed cropping practices, there was no marked difference Net Profit RslHa 16400 14500 17500 27400 13100 32500
between the two categories of the holdings. The average number of nuts harvested per
palm was 44.6 for the SADU scheme participants and 33 for the non-participants.
3. Economic evaluation of development project: Table 58. Cost of production and Net Return for coconut cultivars grown with
The coconut plantation scheme on canal embankment of Puri District ot OrisSa fertilize (NPK: 500:500: 1000 gm/palm/year)
was started as a pilot scheme in 1970-71 with 2000 palms. The present scheme began
1977-78 to cover proposed area of 400 Km of Main canal and another 400 Km out West Coast Tall Ox T Tx O
2400 Km of minor canal. The palm density considered for this scheme was
Rainfed Irrigated Rainfed Irrigated Rainfed Irrigated
palms/'Km of main canal and 320 palmslKm of minor canal which amount to a
Wages 3900 4600 3900 4600 3900 4600
potentialof 3,28 ,000palms. However by the end of 1985-86,2,31,218 palms were planted-
Fertilizers 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400
The scheme is operated by the Horticulture Dept. (Govt. of Orissa) with the suwc-. Plant Protection 400 400 400 400 400 400
of Coconut Development Board (Govt. of India) and CD Dept. (ERR? Fund). It Contingencies 400 600 400 600 400 600
observed that three different scales of finance for the first year of planting i ota I Direct Cost 7000 7000 6100 7000
6100 6100
followed by different agencies - Rs.20/palm by Horticulture Dept. Rs.25/pal m AnnUity Value 9100 13000 9300 6500 9300
6500
Coconut Development Board; and Rs.31/palm by ERRP Fund. The maintenance of Gross cost (5+6) 15200 20000 12600 16300 12600 16300
is then carried out by the Govt. agencies for four years. So far, only 65,280 palms Return from Byproducts 900 1000 900 1000 900 1000
allotted to 3264 families @ 20 palms/family. Net cost (7-8) 14300 19000 11700 15300 11700 15300
94 95
 West Coast Tall Dx t TXd
Parti culars
Rainfed Irrigated Rainfed Irrigated

10. Average yield (nuUpalm) 112 147 132 151 149

11. Average yield (nutJha) 19600 25700 23100 26400 26100
12. Cost of prodcution Rs ./nut 0.73 0.74 0.51 0.58 .45
13. Net Return (Rs/ha) 24900 32400 34400 37500 40400

Table 59. Cost of production and Net return for coconut cultivars grown
fertilizer (NPK: 1000:1000:2000 gm/palm/yr.)
West Coast Tall Dx T
PRIORITY AREA XXII
Particulars
Rainfed Irrigated Rainfed Irrigated Rainfed
1. Wages 3900 4600 3900 4600 3900 , Animal sciences a nd Fishery research
2. Fertilizers 2800 2800 2800 2800 2800 in ICAR Research Complex, Goa.
3. Plant protection 400 400 400 400 400
t; . Contingencies 400 600 400 600 400
5. Total direct cost (1 to 4) 7500 8400 7500 8400 7500 ICAR Research Complex for Goa (CPCRl) was established in the year 1976. It
6. Annuity Value 9100 13000 6500 9300 6500 hmctioning in the present location at Ela, Old Goa since 1983. The mandate
7. Gross cost (5+6) 16600 21400 14000 17700 14000 Research Complex is mainly to serve the State of Goa in backing its research
8. Return from Byproducts 900 1000 900 1000 900 needs effectively in the lields of agriculture, horticulture, and animal
9. Net cost (7-8) 15700 20400 13100 16700 13100 including fisheries. A Krishi Vigyan Kendra has also been functioning since
10. Average yield (nut per palm) 132 150 143 170 117 a unit of this Research Complex. Salient features of research and training
11. Averge yield (NutJha) 23100 26300 25000 29800 20500 carried out during the year are detailed below.
12. Cost of production Rs / Nut. 0.68 0.78 0.52 0.56 0.64
13. Net return (Rs./palm) 30500 32100 37000 42900 27,900 ~h projects in agriculture

varietal trials.
(General Leader: P K Oas) ViraJctamath and JR. FaJeiro)

-=.£UCaIvarieties (Nerrnar, Bharni, Sal , Korgut, Azgo, Kendal, Patni, Kousthali and
were collected for systematic evaluation and use in breeding programme.

~nll rice varieties against pests and diseases.

1987 observations were recorded on the number of brown plant
60 and 70 days after transplanting on
NiJaparvata Jugens Stal per hill at
received from the Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad.

BPH incidence of 0-2 hoppers per hill was recorded on these cultivars.
for BPH attack in a replicated trial involving different combinations of
that the level of nitrogen was directly proportional to the incidence of
75 and 150 Kg N/ha the average BPHItiller was 2.48, 4.48 and 7.19,

96 97
performace of the cUltivars.
0::
In field trials to evaluate rice cultivars for resistance to Gall midge, ( PachYdip/
oryzae Wood Mason) attack, the incidence of the pest was too sporadic to rate
3. Nutritional requi rem ent
(HM Wasnik)
In rice (Variety lET 6223) an NPK nutritional trial was conducted adOPting in
33 factorial confounded design and 0,75 and 150 kg N/ha, 0,40 and 80 kg P20 S and 0 40
and 80 kg K20 per hectare with four replications during the kharif season. The
observations on number of tillers, panicles per m2 , number of grains per earhead.
thousand grain weight and yield of grain as well as straw were recorded. There Was no
significant yield increase due to N, P or K applications. It was noticed that damage by
8PH was more in plots that received higher doses of nitrogen. The incidence of BPH
nullified the effect of nitrogen in increasing the yield level.
B. SUGARCANE
1. Varietal evaluation of sugarcane for high yield, high recovery and early
maturity.
(BC Viraktamath, HM Wasnik and K. Venugopal)
Twenty two varieties identified during 1987 at 581 , Coimbatore were planted for
preliminary evaluation.
2. Nitrogen requirement of promising varieties of sugarcane.
(HM Wasnik and K Venugopal)
The experiment involving six peninsular varieties of sugarcane with four levels of
nitrogen @O, 125, 250 and 375 kg/ha in split plot design was repeated for ratoon crops.
The variety CO 7527 yielded significantly more canes (119 tlha) as well as C.C.S. (I
tlha) compared to all the other varieties. Regarding the reponse of N application.~
nitrogen at 250 kg/ha was found to be most economical dose resulting in higher yield
Nitrogen levels higher than 250 kg/ha were not economical with ratoon crop.
C. CROPPING SYSTEMS
I. Development of cropping pattern for Goa.
(PA Mathew and K. VenugopaJ)
I. Rice based cropping system.
The local rice variety 'Val' and lET 6223 were grown in the trenches in between
rows of the bananas. lET 6223 yielded 32 q/ha as against II q/ha by 'Val'.
performance of tapioca and Amorphophallus has not been good.
Pest Management of veg etables in rice based cropping system.
(JR Fa/eiro)
In order to study the pest complex of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentes)
98
'ncidence of insects associated with the crop on Var. Pusa, Savaki were recorded
~aritl 987 periodically.
Amongst the insect pests infesting Okra, the leaf eating chrysomelid beetle,
toma subcostatum Jocoby, was recorded throughout the period of crop growth
(rOm 2 leaf stage to the I.ast harv.est.. The beetI~ infe.s~ation rea~hed a peak in. 60
after sowing (DAS). AphIds and )asslds (to be Identlfted) constItuted the suckmg
complex of Kharif Okra in Goa. The aphids attained a peak (158 per plant) in 30
while a peak jassid population of less than 1 per plant was recorded at 45 DAS.
um number of ants per plant were recorded when the aphid population was at its
The ladybrid beetle and spiders were the two important biotic agents recorded. In
control trial involving 7 insecticidal treatments at different days after sowing, it
found that the crop sprayed with 0.07% Endosulfan 35 EC at 30, 45 and 60 DAS
IliiItmrded the highest yield of 1.76 q/ha
Tuber crops intercropping in coconut.
~ Mathew and K. Venugopal)
The yield of Dioscorea alata clones indicated that Da 80 (16.03) and Da 60
tIha) were the best yielders. The performance of D. esculenta was not
Tapioca varieties H-123 and H-1687 yielded 5.98 tlha and 3.98 tlha
IlMPeCtively. The pineapple plants are coming up well.
Research project in horticulture.
A. Cashew and Mango
(S. Nagabhushanam and PA Mathew)
In a survey, 12 individual cashew trees were identified based on yield , nut weight,
of apple etc. Steps were taken to multiply these trees vegetatively so that these
can be maintained ina conservation plot for further multiplication. Similarly 40
-.vidual trees in mango have also been identified and multiplication of these trees is
Out of 11 varieties of mango planted during 1982-84, Amrapali and Ratnagiri
have flowered now. The quality of the fruit was found to be good. A scion bank
Vo4I cashew was established to facilitate availability of scions for grafting in the
years. With a view to upgrading unproductive but healthy cashew trees, 63
~hew trees have been top-worked using V-4 as scion. Cashew grafts required to
lDUltilocation trials are being made for planting in the ensuing season. A total
of 800 grafts of released cashew varieties and about 100 mango grafts have
Pfoduced for supply to growers.
~lts, Vegetables, Tubers and Ornamentals
~~g of promising varieties of fruits, vegetables, tubers and ornamentals.
...athew)
99
 Trials of tuber crops revealed that the tapioca clones H-123, H-2304 H-165 and ~
sweet potato varieties Cross-4 and 76(OP) 217 were high yielding. About one ha
has been planted with the promising tapioca clones H-123, H-2304 and M-4 ina;:
farmers field. Three varieties of tomato BWR-1, BWR-5 and MST 20113 and 5 M-6 van
of brinjal were found resistant to bacterial wilt. Set-4, Sel-JO and Parbhani Kranti am ely
bhendi varieties were observed to be free from yellow vein mosaic (YVM) during
Evaluation of the papaya varieties was being continued. One ornamental plot with
Kh:f.
varieties of roses has been established. Besides, 10 hibiscus, 11 chrysanthenum and 93
s2
croton varieties have been procured. Desirable types of ornamentals were multiplied.
III. Mine rejects for crop production
(HM Wasnik, K. Venugopal and CC Biddappa)
Crops like fodder grass, Dhaincha, Subabul, Acacia auriculiformis and cashew w~
planted in mine reject soil areas. The growth of these crops was satisfactory. The Soils
of mining rejects contained the following fractions : coarse sand 26.5%, fine sand 30.4"
silt 22.0% and clay 18.1%, pH 6.0. Electrical conductivity normal (0.31 mmhos/crn
DTPA extractable micronutrients were analysed and contents in ppm were: Zn, 0.7, eu.
0.5; Fe, 18.0, Mn, 7.5; Cd, 1.2; Bi, 1.0, Cr. 1.1 and Co 1.1. Neutral ammonium acetall.
extractable nutrients in ppm were: K 6.7; Na, 24, Ca 58.0, Mg 122.3. These analyses
reveal that the soil has good physical properties and does not pose any problems ci
mineral toxicity. Initial success in establishing crops also corroborates this view.
IV. Research Projects in Animal Sciences
A. Cattle
1. Reproduction
Studies on physio-pathology of bovine reproduction to
reproductive efficiency for milk production.
(AR Bhattacharyya and RNS Sundaram)
In the cross bred cows, it was found that the cooler months from November
February were the favourable period for ovulatory oestrous. The normal oestrous _
length during these months was 21 days. Menestrual bleeding was observed in a1~
all cases between 2nd and 3rd after the end of standing heat.
For oestrous synchronisation clomiphene citrate © 3 mg/kg body weight
administered orally between 55-65 days post partum in six cross breds. A concep­
rate of 66% was obtained which supported the earlier findings.
Complete involution of uterus occurred in crossbred cows between 28-60
(average 43 days). The inter-calving period was about 400 days which is slightly
possibly because of the experimental feed.
2. Nutrition.
1. Feeding practices.
A feeding schedule was formulated with two different proportions of roughage
'__ntreu.:; to study the effect on milk production in 4 dairy cows. During the summer
(May-June) the proportion of concentrate to roughage in the feeding schedule
7:3. In the post monsoon period, the schedule was reversed by increasing gradually
,odder proportion. It was observed that the milk yield was maintained without any
..dverse effect with the increase of fodder up to 70%. The daily average milk yield with
:n
~'-lWO feed regimes was 6.3 and 6.2 litres, respectively. Thus, it can be noticed that
the fodder is available in plenty the ration could be reconstituted to contain more
roughage.
Te.ting of fodder varieties and methods to improve their nutritive value.
Green fodder production under the subabul based cropping system was recorded.
~mum green fodder yield of 17.6 tlha was obtained in subabul alone. Subabul + NB
subabul + cowpea and subabul + tapioca recorded 15.4, 8.9 and 5.9 tlha
ilellJectively. Digestible dry matter yi~ld was 3.13, 2.19, 1.70 and 1.06 tlha for subabul,
iubabul + NB 21, subabul + ,c owpea and subabul + tapioca respectively. The above
. . indicated that subabul as a pure crop was more productive and the intercrop
fanbination with Napier grass, cowpea and tapioca was not found to improve the
fIIdder yield. Probably the reduction in fodder yield in the inter cropped plots may be
to limitations in soil moisture, since this cropping system was tested under rainfed
eendition.
PIGS
hrformance of crossbred pigs.
~ Bhattacharyya, RNS Sundaram and HN Singh)
Two exotic breeds namely Yorkshire and Landrace and the indigenous breed have
. . . Introduced and maintained under optimal management conditions.
Pure breeding and crossbreeding of the exotic breeds with local one are being
tinued. In the pure bred Yorkshire, an average litter size of 8 and birth weight of 1.2
... \¥ere obtained. The sex ratio was 3.2. Weaning was done on the 8th week and the
~e weaning weight was 10.25 kg. The gestation period ranged from 112 to 120
The body weight at the time of disposal of the male pigs at the age of 7 months
45 kg. The average daily weight gain was 200g. Agalactia was observed in one
"ftII'bhire Sow.
CrOSs breeding was successfully done overcoming the disparity of body sizes
Landrance and local, a litter size of 4 was obtained.
PIg Nutrition
Tapioca Was incorporated in a commercial pig feed at 30% level to enrich the
Content of feed and the effect on growth rate was studied for one month on
and Yorkshire piglets, keeping a control group. The daily average weight gain was
190 g for experimental and control groups respectively.
IABOITS
~~nnance of meat type rabbits.
IJndaram, AR Bhattacharyya and NS Nair)
 Age at maturity of exotic, crossbred and local rabbits was 8, 7 and 6 months
body weight at maturity was 2.8, 2.1 and 1.6 kg respectively. Kindling percentage ~
53.3, 77.8 and 52.8 for exotic, crossbred and local does. Gestation period varied fro­
30-31 days for local, 30-32 days for cross bred and 31-32 days for exotic rabbi:
Average litter size for exotic crossbred and local does recorded during the year Was 6,3'
6.8, and 4.6 respectively. For adult rabbits were slaughtered in which the averag'
dressing percentage was 59.8 and the average skin weight was 356g. Feed efficiency ~
exotic, crossbred and local rabbits upto 90 days of age was 3.3, 3.4 and 4.1 respectively
Total feed intake upto 90 days (age at slaughter) was 5.4, 4.2 and 4.3 kg to attain the
body weight of 1.3, 1.2 and 1.3 kg in local, cross bred and exotic rabbits respectively.
'The Japanese quail unit was established and maintained both in cages and deep
tern. They attained the sexual maturity by 8th week with a body weight of 140
~as found to be a prolific breeder. They reached peak production of 82% at 20th
A high hatching percentage upton was obtained with an average of 65%.
Normal chick fed was found to be suitable for quails and the average intake was
Ire!. The birds could be disposed for meat purpose at a body weight of 75g by 5th
No major disease and health problem was observed.

D. POULTRY FI.lteries

1. Performance of broilers fish-livestock farming systems.

(NS Nair, RNS Sundaram, and AR Bhattacharyya) (5. Subramanian, AR Bhattacharyya. and NS Nair)

Second batch of 125 broiler parental chicks were procured from AICRP Centre.
Bangalore and were reared under deep litter system. The age at first egg was 6 months,
and peak production (60%) was attained at 7th month. With an average hatching
percentage of 53.6% a total of 680 broiler chicks were produced. The mortality was
negligible (2%).
The major difference in the performance of the two batches was indicative of that
the summer hatched chicks of the parental stock performed more satisfactorily than
winter hatches (introduced during 1986).
The hybrids attained average body weight of 995 g at 8th week and 1.3 kg at 10th
week with an average weekly growth rate of 120g. The feed consumption was 2.78 kS
with feed efficiency of 2.8 upto the 8th week. No major disease problem was noticed.
Apond of 0.15 ha size was established and stocked with fingerlings of Indian major
aI:p8 (catIa, rohu and mrigal) and Cyprinus. White Pekin ducklings were raised and
··tained in the pond for the r~cycling of its droppings. A floating duck house and a
'rm for poultry are under establishment.
RIce cum-fish culture
(5. Subramanian and D. Sundararaju)
Advanced fingerlings of carps are being raised in the irrigation tanks and
r.-mtalned in plastic pools for stocking in the next season.
Bunds are constructed and a paddy plot with a pond within is being established for
rice-fish combination under fresh water conditions.

2. Performance of ducks and quails (General Leader: K Venugopal)

A second batch of 125 khaki campbell ducklings were procured and maintained ID
deep litter system. The duckling mortality was within normal range (9.6%) contormill8
the findings of their first batch. As regards growth, they showed faster initial growth
rate upto 10 weeks, attaining a body weight of 1.35 kg. Later growth rate was slower
and the body weight at 22nd week was 1.5 kg. They started laying by 6 months and the
peak production (60%) was during 8th month. The average feed intake was 120 per day,

In both groups it was observed that the performance of laying was less than their
performance in Bangalore (80%). This may be due to environmental effect. Howe~f
the growth up to 10th week (1.5 kg) was observed to be faster in both batches. From thiS
it appears that khaki campbell ducks could be used as a dual purpose breed under GOII
condition.

A meat type duck breed 'White Pekin' was also introduced and being
The body weight at 10th week was 1.96 kg as compared to 1.35 kg of khaki
breed.
lIYl
 Effect of treatments on rate of frond production, number of
functioning leaves, yield and yield attributes. (means)

No. of fronds No. of function· No. of No. of female % Nut set No. of nuts/
produced in ing leaves in bunches flowerslbunch palm
\987 Dec. \987

12.1 19.8 4.5 18.4 29.1 22.5

- NoPoKo
14.3 31.2 7.5 12.5 36.3 31.2
- NoPoKl
14.8 29.1 6.9 9.0 39.9 25.1
T~- NoPoK2
-N\PoKl 15.2 31.5 7.2 11.4 35.4 26.2
15.3 32.9 9.6 19.0 31.6 55.9
PR IORITY AREA XXIII'II T.-N.P.K
T.- N2P~21 14.7 32.2 8.5 15.7 31.0 39.9
-N2P2K2 16.0 34.1 10.6 17.4 35.4 44.9

Agricultural Research in ICAR Research Complex,

Lakshadweep
1. Ag riculture Research in ICAR Resea rch Complex for Lakshadweep.
'fI!IPIya variety as a mixed crop was remunerative. Even in the first year of planting an
This project was initiated in 1983 with the main objective of increasing the yield d
coconut as well as the overall productivity of the islands by introducing modem
methods of cultivation and high density multispecies cropping models, producing
distributing coconut hybrids and other superior quality planting materials,
adopting suitable control measures against coconut pests like rodents and
beetle.
Results from other studies showed that growing pumpkin as an intercrop in
Inut garden is highly encouraging. The yield of fruits per year harvested from a plot
0.14 ha was 656.6 kg (equivalent to 4700 kg/ha). Similarly the performance of CO 2
'age yield of 19.4 kg fruit/plant was recorded.
Hybrid production of coconut.
For the production of hybrid planting materials, crossing between Lakshadweep
and Dwarf coconuts was initiated. Nineteen inflorescences from five palms each of
Orange and Dwarf Green were pollinated with pollen collected from selected
lIitbadweeD Ordinary male parents.

1. Manurial experiment on coconut. ~ent management in vegetables.

In order to study the NPK requirement of coconut for optimum growth
productivity in the island, a fertilizer experiment with seven selected combinations
N, P and K , each at 3 levels. was started in 1983 on 3 to 5 year old r ~1r"h",lwe
Ordinary palms. Observations on the growth characters of all the 140
palms were recorded at half yearly intervals in June and December, 1987. The
data were also collected. The results are presented in Table 60. Higher
production rate (10.6) was noticed at N2 P2 K2 (500-320-1200) while female
production (19.0) and nut yield (55.9) were maximum at N2 PoK2 .
2. Higb density multispecies cropping model.
The two experimental plots under this programme were continued as
schedule. Since the density of coconuts in the plots is at the rate of 312/ha,
interspace is too little to allow normal growth of the associated crops, and hence
plots were discontinued by the end of the year. Fresh trials are being laid out in
where alternate rows 01 palms were removed to reduce the palm density to 156/ha
Field demonstrations of 'Agromin' (a micronutrient preparation containing iron,
~ese, copper and zinc in the chela ted form and boron and molybdenum in the
soluble form) sprays were conducted in the farm of the Dept. of Agriculture. Two
trials were carried out one each on cowpea and bhindi. There was a 40%
in yield in bhindi as a result of the treatment.
~ culture experiment on the effect of graded levels of magnesium sulphate with
out farm yard manure on the growth of tomato plants was conducted during
and the results are presented in Table 61.
of FYM with soil had a profound influence on the growth of tomato
increase in dry matter production was about 175 per cent. Addition of
a: MgI level along with FYM helped in increasing the dry matter yield to the
p~el. However, MgS04 and Mg2 level had adverse effect on the growth of
ants, both in the presence and absence of FYM.

\04 lOS
Table 61. Effect of magnesium sulphate and FYM on the dry matter Yield
tomato plants. (75 days after transplanting) (mean of4 replicates) Of
Treatments Dry weighUplant (g)

Plant Root

Tl - Control 7.5 2.4

T2 - Mgl 15.5 2.9
T3 -Mg2 6.8 2.1
T4 ­ FYM 25.2 3.2 1.9
T5 ­ T4 + Mg) 38.1 6.7 3.8
T6 ­ T4 + Mg 2 16.1 2.2 0.6
PRIORITY AREA XXIV
Mg j - 15.0 g MgS04/plantJplot
Mg 2 - 30.0 g MgSOi plantJplot ~ rategy for the production of parental materials
T4 - Soil and FYM in 9:1 proportion by weight. d breeder's stock of different plantation crops
5. Control of rodents.
Regular rodent control operations within the Research Complex farm were Production of parental materials and breeder's stock of coconut, arecanut,

out using wooden live traps and rodafarin cakes and this has enabled to bring down oIlpalm and cacao.

pest damage to the minimum. (RV Pillai, 5 Damodaran, R DhanapaJ; RSN PiJJai and RV Nair)

6. Setting up of demonstration plots.
In all the three demonstration plots laid out in previous years, the young
show very good growth compared to palms of similar age in the neighbouring fields.
In the first two plots due to the enlarged growth of young palms the growth
~ion
some of the associated crops was adversely affected. However, the growth and yield
banana were satisfactory. The yield of banana from plots I and II in 1987 was 252.5
(42 bunches) and 195.0 kg (26 bunches) respectively. Since the growers are convin t
of the beneficial effect of taking banana as a mixed crop in coconut garden as
model is proved to be highly remunerative, the first two demonstration plots
1984 were discontinued. A new demonstration plot in South Minicoy area will
started instead.
In the third plot, papaya (50 nos), pumpkin (16 nos) and arecanut (35 nos)
planted during the year as per the layout plan. Fifty two banana bunches having a
weight of 441.5 kg and 24.0 kg pumpkin were harvested from this plot during the
(General Leader: SRobert Cecil)
The main objective of this project is to produce parental materials and breeder's
of coconut, arecanut, oilpalm and cacao and supply them to various agencies
in the establishment of seed gardens for the large scale production of these
lor general supply. It also envisages the large scale production of genetically
planting materials and supplying the same to farmers , so as to increase the
During the year under report emphasis was given to produce maximum parental
required for the seed gardens in the count!"'; with regard to coconut. In
however, commercial production of Tenera hybrid was undertaken for
sprouted nuts to various agencies. In arecanut selected seeds and seedlings
yielding selections were distributed to farmers, while in cacao a biclonal
Was planted in the Institute seed garden for the production of hybrids .
kidu farm, 22197 WCT seednuts were produced of which 8000 were supplied to
gardens. In COD, 20,000 seednuts were produced and supplied to various seed
The seed gardens of the Oilseeds Department of Tamil Nadu. Seed Garden
Munderi and Central State Farm, Aralam were the major beneficiaries. In
to the above, seed nuts of LO and AO were also supplied to seed gardens. Over
seed nuts of Dwarfs and Tall have been sown at Kasaragod for raising seedlings
to seed gardens. Over 2000 Dwarf seedlings were supplied to seed gardens
the Year.

107
lf1 ~
Arecanut
Over two lakh seed nuts and 2,130 seedlings of Mangala (VTL-3) 27395
, ...."''CUllttLJ
and 1,380 seedlings of Sreemangala (VTL-ll), 23,120 seednuts of Sumangala
4,600 seednuts and 1,358 seedlings of VTL-12 and 615 seednuts and 235 seedlin
Mohitnagar were supplied to farmers from Kidu farm. Sreemangala continued to gs
better than any other cultivars.

Oilpalm
Crossing work was carried out at Thodupuzha as well as at Palocle Using tb!E
indigenous Pisifera pollen for the production of Tenera hybrid. Forty selected Durar
and 12 selected Pisifera palms were used for the crossing. Over 36,450 sprouts, 3,61
seedlings and 11,300 seeds were supplied during the year to various agencies.
PRIORITY AREA XXV
Cacao
Four blocks of biclonal orchard consisting of 200 clones each have been planted
the seed garden Kidu to generate hybrid planting materials . The clones planted .uea~jlIlK the Production of Coconut, Arecanut &
1-14, 1-56, NC 3194 and 111-105. The polyclonal orchard planted at Kidu is Oilpalm.
maintained.

(General Leader: RV Pillai)

Coconut bybrid seed gardens

1be hybrid seed gardens at Ettankulam in Tamil Nadu, Dharmaveera in Karnataka,
and Biswanagagani in Orissa were visited and technical guidance were
for increasing the efficiency of hybrid production, water management and
of rhinoceros beetle and mealy bugs.

Training to identify tbe disease

Training to identify RWD was given to the field staff of Agril. Department, Badagara.
~g to identify RWD and Thanjavur wilt was given to the officials of Agriculture
OiIseeds Departments in Tamil Nadu.

Arrangements for survey for Tatipaka and Ganoderma diseases in East Godavari
(AP), RWD and Ganoderma in Tamil Nadu and Survey for RWD in Badagara
ID-Givision (Kerala) were made.

DiscUSSions for YLD survey in Cannanore, Kasaragod and Karnataka were also
Proposal for eradication of YLD in South Kanara district of Karnataka was
to the Arecanut Development Council and was accepted in principle. RWD
~ Campaign was held at Iritty (Cannanore Dist.) to accelerate the eradication
. palms.

~alm. P~ojects.
. feasibility studies for growing oil palm in Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tripura,

108
109
Assam and Orissa were made and a comprehensive report for Tamil Nadu,
Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura
identifying about 6 lakh hectares was submitted to the Government of
Arrangements were also made to supply the pre-germinated tenera seeds t
De~artments of Horti~ultur~ in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Madhya prades~
laying out demonstration tnals.

(General Leader: P Rethinam)

PRIORITY AREA XXVI

Transfer of Technology net work

One of the important activities of the Institute is to make available the
technologies developed by the Institute from time to time to the farming community.
-. this purpose the Institute is regularly organizing training courses on various
·asoects of plantation crops for the benefit of extension and research workers and also
farmers. The technologies are also taken to the farmers' fields through lab-to-Iand
1W.dP"mmes (LLP) Research-cum-demonstration plots, Operational Research Projects
Exhibitions, Kisan Melas, Seminars , Extension publications etc. In addition, elite
\Plmling Illaterials are produced and s upplied to both developmental agencies and

Training extension and research w orkers and farmers.

(MK Mu}iyar, PL Ramanandan, A5 Sllkllmaran, TSS Rawther, Thomas Joseph, KUK

Nampoothiri and R Chandra Mohan)

A total of ten training courses on palms and cocoa production and protection and
!fIOtessing technology were organised during 1987 involving 266 officials and scientists
15 States and two Union Territories. Training was also given to 35 Bank officers
NABARD and 35 farmers from Lakshadweep. Apart from ' this, practical classes
conducted for 33 first year and 48 second year students of Vocational Higher
~dary School, Karadka, on all aspects of plantation crops. 796 farmers and 2563
Visited the Institute to acquire knowledge on different aspects of plantation
Illanagement At Krishi Vigyan Kendra Goa, twenty six short duration (1-7 days)
two long duration (l-3 months) courses in 50 batches were conducted and total of
I'lInn.. were trained on various aspects of crop production, horticulture, livestock
fisheries and home science.

~ to I~nd programme
Mullyar, PL Ramananda, Pai, KSMenon, A5 Sllkllmaran, BM Bopaiah, NT Bhat,

lID III
 K. Venugopal, D. Sundararaju, Thomas Joseph, TSS Rawther,
At Kayang ulam under the Ox T hybrid performance experiment, out of 40 seedlings
Nair, Chacko Mathew, PM Jacob and KV Joseph).
in a farmer's plot of 0.22 ha during 1984, five have flowered during the year. The
Under the phase IV of the LLP started during 1986, all the 305 farm famil' .
adopted at different centres were continued. lea
At Kasaragod C~ntre, pre.-trea~me~~ yield of coconut was estimated to bp. 41.6
nuts/palm/year. Plantmg matenals hke seasamum seeds - (3 kg) vegetable seeds (7 kg)
coconut seedlings (225 nos. - WCT-150, DxT-75), arecanut seedlings (50 nos.) ilIl4
Panniyur-l pepper vines (200 nos.). costing a total of Rs. 2334/- were supplied. A total of
12799 kg fertilizers worth Rs.22,759/- were also supplied during the period under report
At Kayangulam, 282 uneconomic RWD affected palms (202 adult and 80 youns)
were removed and a sum of Rs.23,000/- was paid to the farmers as compensation.
Gap-filling of 327 coconut seedlings (213 DxT and 114 WCT), spraying against leafrllt
disease in 1123 adult and 273 young palms, leaf axil filling for 273 palms against black
beetle and Red palm weevil and planting of 3000 Karimunda pepper cuttings were
undertaken.
At Vittal, inputs like fertilizers (3 tonnes), coconut seedlings (TxD - 119, WCT-SO).
arecanut seedlings (250 nos.) and pepper cuttings (400 nos.) costing a total of Rs.8,587/­
were supplied. An average YIeld of 1830 kglha from arecanut and 7lO nuts/acre from
coconut was obtained compared to 1500 kg and 420 nuts respectively during the
previous year. Dairy Unit and sericulture have been introduced to two householda
each.
At Goa, for improving crop production, high yielding crop varieties like paddy
(Goa-I), Tapioca (H-I23), Sweet potato papaya (coorg honeyde-w), cowpea (c-I52)j
groundnut (Spanish improved and JL-24), Sugarcane (co-7527) were introduced.
Fertilizers and pesticides were also supplied. Units of exotic meat type ;abbi~
Crossbred pigs, Austro-white poultry birds, Khaki Compbell ducks, and Japanese quailf.
were established. Technical guidance and breeding stocks were provided to the fanneJS.
for setting up commercial units of rabbits and quails.
3. Research cum demonstration plots.
(MK Mulilyar, KS Menon, AS Sukumaran, B. Ramanujam, Robert Cecil, All,
Bhattacharya, VI( Baranwal, S. Subramanian, Thomas Joseph. and A. MuralidharaB
Out of 51 research cum demonstration plots approved for different centreS.
were established and maintained in farmers' field to demonstrate the mod
technology to increase productivity. The material inputs were supplied free of cost.
total of 10 kg furadan , 2 kg BHC, 30 rooted pepper cuttings, 449 kg urea, 694
Mussoriefos and 728 kg Muriate of potash were supplied to 6 demonstration plots
Kasaragod. An increase of 41.4% and 17.3% yield of coconut under mixed farming
coconut based farming system respectively over control was noticed at Kasaragod .
112
obtained a net income of Rs. 1,475/- from ginger and Rs. 3201- from banana
. . g the period. From the second plot of 0.17 ha the farmer could get a net income of
~1 0/- from ginger, cO\.~'pea and banana together. Tapioca is yet to be harvested.
. . iog of 24 uneconomIC RWD - affected palm.s identified in five different RWO
RoSU ment plots was completed and a compensatIOn ((I Rs.IOOl- per palm. was gIven.
~ng was done with 92 quality coconut seedlings and 850 Karimunda pepper
tting were planted in the plots. Two hundred and seventy nine adult and 27 young
s
~ were sprayed with Oithane-M 4S against leaf-rot. Leafaxils were filled with SHe
sand mixture in 27 young palms to control black beetle and red palm weevil.
At Goa, 14 crossbred cows and five buffaloes belonging to a neighbouring
llJissionary were routinely observed for the maintenance of proper reproductive
efficiency. For the establishment of paddy-cum-fish culture and composite fish culture .
out of 11 fields and eight ponds surveyed, two have been identified to initiate the work
In the next season.
At Vittal centre, two Mangala demonstration plots in Perla and Padnur were
mlng up wel l. About 8S% and 90% of the palms are in bearing stage at Perla and
tadnur respect ively during the fifth year of planting. The yield obtained at Perla and
Padnur plots are 4S,OOO nuts and SO ,OOO nuts at an average of :ns kg and 4.14 kg ripe
'IlUblpalm/year respectively.
In Minicoy. lhe three demonstration plots laid out earlier were continued. By the
~tion of 1he recommended package of practices, the newly planted coconut palms
'~ shown very good growth compared to similar aged palms in the neighbouring
fteIds. The yield of banana harvested during the year from I, II and III plots were 252.5
. (42 bunches), 19S.0 kg (26 bunches) and 441.S kg (S2 bunches ) respectively. Twenty
- kg of pumpkin was also harvested from plot III. The two demonstration plots are
being maintained properly at Mohitnagar.
Operational Research Project
ORP for containment of Root (wilt) disease
(KJ Antony and MK Muliyar)
. !he project on containing the RWO which was in operation at Trichur is being
: : nued as the Operational Research Project since 1986. Recording of pre-treatment
.. . I data, manuring of experimental palms, surveillance of the diseased gardens,
pp y ~f coconut seedlings against the diseased palms removed etc. were done during
~rlod. A total of 11 diseased palms in 4 villages were removed by giving a
.. Be .nsation of Rs.lSO/- per palm. Coconut seedlings required for gap filling, number
,~lle palms to be replaced during the ensuing season etc. are assessed. A pepper
~phas been raised at Kannara with a view to providing quality rooted cuttings in
area.
11 3
B. ORP for YLD of Arecanut
(R Chandramohan, MK Muliyar and B. Ramanujam) ~tepsion. lite~atu re published/reprinted
'The followmg li teratures were brought from the Institute during 1987.
The survey of 26 gardens done during 1987 revealed fresh incidence of YLD in 11 BoOk entitled 'Research at CPCRI'
palms in Puttur Taluk in addition to the 103 palms identified in 1986. pamphlet on drip irrigation
pamphlet on Oil Palin

Occurrence of YLD of arecanut was observed in CPCRI Seed Farm,

Kidu, folder on Copra moisture meter, and
Subramanya, Sullia Taluk during 1987. In this garden 72 palms were found to be folder on rodent pest management in coconut and cocoa

affected with YLD. Thus in Sullia Taluk a total of 9188 YLD affected palms were noticed

in 184 areca gardens in 16 villages.

(General Leader: MK Muliyar)

5. Other extension activities

a) Kisan Mela
One Kisan Mela was held .in Collaborati0!l with the Department of Agriculture
Kerala State at Iritty on 5-7-1987 with a focus on eradication of RWD affected palms In
Cannanore District to contain the disease.

b) Participation in exhibition
The Institute participated in exhibition in the following places.
Vidyadayani High School, Suratkal, OK (31-1-87 to 1-2-87), Kera!a Agril. Department
(MSCP), Kasaragod) 31-1-87), Agiil. Deptt., Karnataka at Polali, OK (15-2-87 to 18-2-87).
Science Exhibition, Vevikananda College, Puthur, OK (27th to 28th Feb. 1987), Village
Development Programme, Devinagara, OK (1st and 2nd October, 1987), Science and
Technology exhibition in USSR (24-12-87) and Vijaya College Mulki in connection with
the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the College. (24-12-87).

c) Radio and Television

Scientists of the Institute gave 19 radio talks on AIR on several aspects 01
plantation crops management in different languages and also assisted in shooting a T.V,
film and a documentary film in the achievements and activities of ICAR.

d) Popular articles
Name of the article Author Published in
1. Rodopholus similis Sudha Sukumaran Mathrubhumi daily
2. Mycorrhiza-Karashakante Manju Phlip & Malayala Manorama
Kumi! suhruthukkal Rohini Iyer daily

e) Planting materials distributed .

During the year the following planting materials were produced and supplied
the Institute to different developmental agencies and farmers.

Name of Crops Seeds Seedlings

Coconut 25,554 15,564
Arecanut 2,89,667 54,871
Pepper cuttings (rooted) 23,224
Cocoa 5401 pods
114
II<;

All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Palms
of Promising Seed Material
The All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Palms started in 1972 (earlier
known as All India Co-ordinated Coconut and Arecanut Improvement Project) has
completed fifteen years of research. With the addition of a new crop - Oilpalm, the
project has now 18 centres distributed in 10 States and one Union Territory. Of the
three new centres for coconut, only two centres viz. Jagadalpur (Madhya Pradesh) and
Jalalgarh (Bihar) have started functioning, and the Aliyarnagar centre (Tamil Nadu) is
yet to be started. Of the four Oilpalm centres, two centes viz. Vijayari (A.P.) and
Gangavathi (Karnataka) have started functioning and the other centres viz. Aduthurai
(TN) and Mulde (Maharashtra) are yet to be started. The research on arecanut 1$
carried out at Andamans and Coimbatore centres while work on coconut is carried out
in fourteen centres including Andamans and Kasaragod.
SALIENT ACHIEVEMENTS
Crop Improvement
Utilization of existing Germplasm: At Arnbajipet centre, exotic cultivar Philippines
recorded the highest nut yield per palm per year (107.8) followed by Java (82.9). Dwarf
orange yielded 97.3 nuts/palm per year followed by Port Blair tall (81.6) and AndamaD
Tall (80.3) in Andamans. At Arsikere (Karnataka) Zanzibar stood first with regards to
palmheight, number of leaves and the total number of leaves produced so far. At.
Konark, due to replanting of the entire experiment, heavy mortality occurred and 33'
seedlings were gap filled and now the crop is coming up well. Maximum height ~af
noted in Jamaican Tall (146.9 cm) and maximum girth of trunk in Bornec at Mondurl. Af·
Ratnagiri, Lakshadweep Ordinary produced the highest average nut yield (
nuts/palm) per year followed by Federated Malayan States (FMS) (117) and Fiji (1
However, nuts of the Lakshadweep ordinary were the smallest. Among £anawali
Banawali green round stood first which produced 151 nuts followed by Banawali
"round with 134 nuts. Banwali green round was recommended for large scale cu
in Maharashtra during the 8th Workshvp.
116
Giant recorded the highest copra yield of 14.6 kg/palm closely followed by
dwarf green (14.3g), Andaman Ordinary (12.8 kg) and FMS (12.4 kg) at
Kulam. The copra weight per nut was the highest 200g in Andaman Giant.
~dweep ordinary, Lakshadweep micro and FMS were the best varieties recording
jIkshthan 70% oil whereas the oil content of East-Coast Tall (ECT) and Andaman Giant
:em
auoreonly 64%. At Jagadalpur (MP) the seedlings are planter! in polybags during
ber 1987. Field planting will be taken up during June 1988 only.
PnJduction of New Cro~s Combinations .. .
. Planting the progemes of the already produced cross combmatIOns at Arslkere,
~iri and Veppankulam has been taken up and the crop in in ~egetative phase.
At Ambajipet the maximum nut yield was obtained in Tall x Dwarf hybrid (59
...,mtpalm) followed by East coast Tall (54 nuts/palm) and Andaman Ordinary (40
autsJpalm). At Arsikere growth performance of Laccadive ordinary, SS Green, Andaman
Ordinary and local tall were superior to others. The cuItivars S.S. Green and D x T
~rld were the first to]lllt forth inflorescence in 2035 and 2045 days respectively.
At Coimbatore, TxD recorded the highest cumulative yield of 512 nuts followed by
hybrid (439 nuts). At Kahikuchi (Assam) Mondouri (West Bengal) and Konark
r....~JSSa) the crop is in vegetative phase only. At Jagadalpur (M.P) the seedling are put
~ JM)lyba~s during December 1987.
.ation of Tall x Dwarf and their Reciprocals.
At Veppankulam ECT x MDY hybrid was the highest yielder recording a mean
yield of 107.3 nuts which was 26.7% higher than the yield of ECT (84.7 nuts).
recorded 98.6 nuts.
'lr.ftNDlaing Arecanut Varieties.
The mean cumulative yield over a period of ten years at Coimbatore indicated
VfL..3 (Mangala) rec~rded the h-ighest yield of 156.5 kg/palm followed by
lpaIayam local selection (147.1 kg/palm). However, during the year 1987,
!. -ntIpalavam local yielded 15.0 kg/palm while the yield of VfL-3 is only 12.9 kg/palm.
requirement of Tall Coconut.
At Ambajipet, the initial yield of palms indicated that the highest nut yield was
(292) in palms which received N3 P2 K] treatment (1500:500:750g/palmlyear)
. . by 28.5 nuts in N2 P2 K1 (100:500:750 gmlpalmlyear). At Coimbatore maximum
~Iabve yield of nuts (330) was obtained in plots which received (N2 P3K3
1750 gmlpalmlyear). At Mondouri, palms receiving the highest dose of
(1500:750:1750 g/palmlyear) showed on earliness in flowering. At Konark, the
.of. N, P and interactions NP, NK had significant influence on the girth of stem.
II'a"II00h",_ fC . )
. 0 a + Mg alongwlth the highest level of NPK (1500:750:1750 g/palmlyear
tt7
increased the production of leaf and inflorescence. In the coastal sandy soils of
Kasaragod the palms were severely affected due to drought and hence the yield of
palms was very low. At Veppankulam the treatment combination N2P2K3 (lkg N + 0.5
kg P205 + 1.75 kg K20/palm/year) recorded the highest cumulative yield of 320
nuts/palm over a period of 7 years compared to 141 nuts in control.
Nutritional Requirement of High Yielding Hybrids.
This experiment with COD x WCT hybrids were planted at Arsikere in 1983 and at
Ratnagiri, Kahikuchi and Mondouri (Kalyani) in 1985 and the palms are in the
vegetative phase only.
Irrigation-cum-Fertilizer Requirement of Coconut.
The fertilizer level 1000:660:1500 g/palm/year together with the irrigation at ASM
80-100% gave maximum cumulative yield of 286 nuts/palm at Arsikere.
Coconut Based Cropping System
The coconut based cropping system trials in progress at Arsikere, Ambajipet.
Veppankulam, Ratnagiri and Kahikuchi centres. At Arsikere , pomegranate and pineapple
have reached in the bearing stage and at Ambajipet, acid lime did not perform well. At
Veppankulam in the plots where these crop models are being tried, there is
considerable increase in the nut yield. At Ratnagiri, clove , cinnamon, allspices , pepper
and banana are coming up well. Garcinia indica was also added to the model during
this year. At Kahikuchi, except Khasi mandarim, the other crops have reached bearing
stage.
Drip irrigation-cum-slow release fertilizer on young and adult ~oconut palms.
Of the three centres, the drip irrigation system was installed only at Ratnagiri.
Arsikere and Veppankulam centres are yet to layout the system.
Studies on the Adaptability of Oilpalm.
The tenera seedlings at Vijayarai centre are one year old and have good growth.
The existing adult oilpalms at Ambajipet and Veppankulam have started yielding after
proper irrigation and manuring. Planting will be taken up at Gangavati in early 1988.
DISEASE AND PEST MANAGEMENT
Tatipaka disease of coconut.
Out of 8680 diseased palms identified in 62 villages by the field staff of Dep~rt~
of Horticulture & Agriculture, Andhra Pradesh, 4785 palms.were' confirmed as dlse
by the Scientists at Razole. Another 18209 diseased palms distributed in i46 vill~g:
have yet to be confirmed in the East Godavari District. Etiological studies, vanet
screening, chemical control and management of diseased gardens are in progress.
Thanjavur/Ganoderma wilt disease of coconut.
Ganoderma iucidum and Ganoderma appianatum were isolated from the roots
Thanjavur · wilt-'affecte~ palms ~t Veppankulam. Appli~ation of .5 kg ~tetll:
cake/palm/year, drenchmg of 40 iItres of 1% Bordeaux mixture solutIOn and :l.
IH<
tion of 2g Aureofunginsol + 19 copper sulphate in 100 ml water thrice a year is the
~t recommendation to manage the disease. I
At Arsikere and Razole centres also, the management treatments are able to
.educe the intensity of Ganoderma wilt disease. Varietal screening trial is in progress at
RaZOle.
Leaf eating caterpillar of coconut.
Survey for the incidence of Opisina arenosella Wlk. was done at Ratnagiri and the
blghest population of pest was observed in March followed by February. Biological and
cbemical control studies are yet to be started.
i'aDlfer of Technology
Farmers Day was held on 6th April 1987 at AICRPP Centre, Veppankulam (TNAU) in
which about 200 farmers and officials of.Department of Oilseeds Agriculture attended.
. ~onut production technologies and disease management were explained.
Research-cum-Development Seminar was conducted at Arsikere in collaboration
wltb Horticultural DepttiCoconut Development Board and about 300 farmers from
6ent parts of Karnataka participated besides the officials of Development
Departments, Scientists from UAS, Bangalore.
J!lutingMaterial Supply
Ambajipet centre supplied 1020 seedlings to the farmers. 600 ECT 967, ECT x GB
lAd 47 GB x ECT seednuts were sown in the nursery. Arsikere centre supplied 15,000
seedlings to the farmers. Ratnagiri centre supplied 20,000 T x D hybrid
during 1987 and 12,000 seedlings are available for supply in 1988.
~nkulam centre supplied 120 ECT, 6145 ECT x CDG (VHC-1) 147 ECT x MDYand
£CT x AY seedlings to the farmers .
Workshop of AICRPP
The Eighth Workshop of All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Palms was
fueted at OUAT, Bhubaneswar during 24-27, October 1987. The workshop was
l"'*Ugurated by the Hon'ble Agril. Minister, Orissa Shri Rasabehari Behara under the
of Shri. K. Ramamurthy, Vice Chancellor, OUAT. Dr. KL Chadha, Dy.
General (H) delivered the Keynote address. Dr. S.N. Das, Dean of Research,
briwelcomed the gathering. Dr. P. Rethinam, Project Coordinatior (Palms) presented
ef report of the co-ordinated project. Dr. M.K. Nair, Director, CPCRI proposed the
or thanks.
!::~i~~_ the workshop exhibition depicting the salient achievements of different
: centres under AICRPP and AICCIP was organised and the same was
by the Hon'ble Union Minister for Agriculture & Co-operation, Dr. G.S.
were about 140 delegates consisting of scientists from co-ordinating centres,
11Q
Agril. Universities, ICAR Institutes, officials from. Development Directorates, Boards.

Forest Corporations, State Departments of Agril.IHort.

A special session on 'Management of Drought Situation in Palms and Cashew' w

also conducted and the strategies were prepared to meet the drought situation. as

The significant recommendations of the workshop are:

1. In coconut, Banawali green round cultivar and hybrid ECT x MDY were fOUnd
to be superior and the same were recommended for commercial cultivation ill
Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, respectively.

2. It is suggested to take up research programmes on Palmyrah under paJl1I&

project.

3. Cocoa may be included in the mandate of the project and varietal evaluation In
four southern states may be taken up in arecanut and coconut gardens.

(Project Coordinator: P Rethinam)

REPORTS ON

CLOSED PROJECTS

1')0
 Root (wilt), disease of coconut

r.
Role of green manuring in relation to root (wilt) disease in coconut and
investigations on asymbiotic nitrogen fixation in plantation soils.
(George V Thomas, MV Shantaram and Mathew George)

OBJECTIVES
This project was proposed with the objective of developing a basin management
:hnique for root (wilt) disease of coconut using green manure legumes and to study
,the distribution of asymbiotic N2 fixing bacteria in coconut soils.

1. Testing the feasibility of utilizing coconut basins for cultivation of green

manure legumes and to select suitable legumes by screening trials.
2. Monitoring the effect of in situ green manuring in basins on soil fertility
parameters, root (wilt) disease and yield of coconut palms.
3. Developing rhizobial inoculants for promising green manure legumes.
4. Investigating the occurrence of asymbiotic N2 fixing bacteria in coconut soils.

:rERIALS AND METHODS

Green manure legumes were screened for their ability to grow and establish in
nut basi ns in farmers ' gardens in two locations, Vayanakam and Memana in sandy
type (9 legumes) and one location, Vallikunnam in laterite soil type (10 legumes).
legumes tested were MacrotyJoma axilla ire, Sesbania aegiptica, MacroptiJium
urpureum, CaJopogonium mucunoides, StyJosanthes guianensis, Mimosa invisia,
wightii, Pueraria phaseoJoides, Leucaena JeucocephaJa , Centrosema pubescens,
~talaria juncea and Mucuna bracteata . Seeds of each legume was sown in basins of
COconut palms each in June and plant tops were harvested after 4-5 months
~ and incorporated in respective basins. The data on green matter yield, nitrogen
trlburIons and nodulation were recorded .

~.ect on biological and chemical properties of soil

II samples were collected from coconut basins during maximum vegetative
and at different intervals after incorporation of green manures. Population of

121
various groups of micro-organisms viz. bacteria, fungi , actinomycetes, Growth and nodulation of green manure legumes in coconut basins in
fixing bacteria, phosphate solubilizing bacteria and fungi were enumerated by laterite soil
plating technique using specific media recommended for each group of
Growth Nodulation
Activities of soil enzymes such as dehyrogenase , phosphatase and urease Were
employing standard procedures. Carbon mineralisation was studied by monitor' Green matter Nitrogen yield Nodule Nol S Nodule dry wI
evolution at regular intervals from incubated soil samples. Percentage Illy, Jog yield kglbasin glbasin plants g/5 plants
colonisation in roots and spore counts in soil were also determined. Chemical
of soil was done to estimate organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus ~omulU mucunoides 27.21 186.51 177.83 0.413
potash. ..-hlloma axillaire 3.98 29.54 51 .33 0.138
24.97 197.55 225.50 2.372
(li) Effect o n root (wilt) di~ease and yield 15.92 116.58 49.50 0.288
Three promising legumes viz. P. phase%ides, M. in visa, and C. mucunoides 28.45 196.19 238.33 1.720
grown and incorporated in basins of eight coconut palms each for a period of five 4.96 40.25 22.67 0.208
in Vallikunnam plot. Root (wilt) disease index of the palms was recorded 21.06 140.07 59.33 0.330
nut yield monitored at half yearly intervals. Yield and disease index data were .....'Mia juncea 17.57 108.48 117.67 0.403
statistically by covariance analysis. Leucocepha/a 0.74 7.27 45.00 0.278
aegiptica 1.85 10.51 219.00 0.538
(iii) Isolation and testing of rhizobia
Bacterial cultures were isolated from eight forage legumes and tested of two years data
phase%ides and C. mucunoides in Leonard jar assemblies. Lignite based c
two efficient isolates (No.4 and 5) were further tested in the field along with Effect of in situ green manuring on microbial population and enzyme
commercial cultures from Nif TAL, Hawaii in two sq.m. plots in Vayanakam. activities in coconut rhizosphere soil

(iv) Asymbiotic and associative N2 fixers. Microbial population Enzyme activities

Soil samples collected from 32 locations coming under the four soil types Bacteria Fungi Actino­ N2 fixers P-solubi- Dehydro- Phospha- Urease
laterite, sandy, alluvial and clayey, were analysed to estimate the mycetes Iizers genase tase
6 4 4
asymbiotic N2 fixers . Isolates from different locations were tested for N2 fixing X 10 X 10
4
X 10 X 10 J.l.g TPF J.l.g PNP J.l. NH.
by microkjeldahl analysis. To study the occurrence of associative N2 fi.xers , root
coconut and intercrops were cultured on semisolid malate agar and o bserved 39.25 8.80 18.78 6.93 8.60 4.07 62.22 93.08
subsurface pellicular growth. 16.00 11.39 14.67 6.35 6.58 3.28 82.58 97.04
2.84 10.12 5.27 3.01 5.11 3.31 54.11 69.75
RESULTS 18.61 2.30 6.86 4.14 1.87 1.57 50.93 68.29
1. Green matter production and nitrogen yield 10.08 2.75 2.98 NS 1.41 14.75 11.41
The data on growth and nodulation of green manure legumes in coconut
the Vallikunnam plot are presented in Table-I. P. phase%ides, M. invisa = Users (Table-2). The activities of three soil enzymes dehydrogenase, urease and
mucunoides were superior to the other legumes tested in laterite and sandy hatase als o increased significantly in green manured basins.
Maximum green matter yield of 19.43 and 28.45 kg/basin was recorded
phase%ides in sandy and laterite soils respectively. Nit(ogen yield was maximum laterite soil, microbial population was high in coconut basins at maximum
M. invisa (153.19 and 197.55 g N/basin in sandy laterite soils) in both soil types. _ l i IlIVP stage of green manure crops and at 30 days of thei~ incorporation when
on natural nodulation status of the legumes revealed that P. phase%ides and M. with corresponding controls. The increase in population was less at 60 days
nodulated better than other legumes in both locations. IJlCnrnoration. The activity of dehydrogenase enzyme was also significantly
as a result of cultivatior. and incorporation of the legumes whereas urease
2. Effect on soil fertility parameters. did not increase to significant level. Green manuring treatment was also
Analysis of soil from coconut basins of Vayanakam plot at 10 days of . . in increasing intensity of mycorrhizal colonisation and number J mycorrhizal
of green manures showed a high level of zymogenic response by total micrc In root region soil of coconut as compared to control (Table 3). Net carbon
as well as by beneficial microbes such as nitrogen fixing bacteria and on was also more in green manured basins. The concentration of three

122 123
Table 3. Vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae of coconut as influenced by gree bacteria compared to sandy and alluvial soils. Twenty five cultures of bacteria isolated
manuring in basins. Q
ffO rn different
.
locations were tested for N2 fixing efficiency. The range of nitrogen
rxation vaned from 0.6 to 10.5 mg N per g carbon source. The rootlets of coconut,
Treatment Spore count per 50 ml soil Per cent infection in r~
'ubabul, guinea grass, cacao and sugarcane showed subsurface pellicular growth
Control
P. phaseoloides
C. mucunoides
240
362
401
62.7
79.4
73.6
--- ~haracteristic of AzospiriJ1um when cultured on semi-solid malate medium.
CONCLUSIONS
The green manure legumes capable of yielding large quantities of green matter and
M. invisa 271 69.7
nitrogen in coconut basins were identified. The beneficial effect of green manuring in
LSD at 5% 76
basins in increasing microbial population, enzyme activity, mycorrhizal association and
the concentration of major nutrients was brought out. The green manuring technique
Table 4. Effect of in situ green manuring in basins on root (wilt) disease and was found to be effective in increasing yield of coconut palms without causing
yield of coconut palms deterioration in the root (wilt) disease condition.
Root (wilt) disease index Nut yieldlpalmlyr
PUBLICATIONS
Treatment
Pre treatment Post treatment Pre treatment Post treatment
1. George V. Thomas and Shantaram, M.Y. 1984. In situ cultivation and incorporation
of green manure legumes in coconut basins; an approach to improve soil fertility
C. mucunoides 21.12 20.91 42.96 52 .21 and microbial activity. Plant and Soil 80: 373-380.
M. invisa 18.00 17.91 32.32 54.46 2. George V. Thomas and Shantaram, M.Y. 1984. Grow leguminous green manure crops
P. phaseoloides 12.38 16.38 39.51 63.84 in coconut basin. Indian Fmg. 34: 5 & 14.
Control 19.38 24.18 26.50 38.93 3. George V. Thomas, Shantaram, M.V. and Hegdae, S.Y. 1985. Response to rhizobial
LSD at 5% NS 17.12 inoculation in Leucaena leucocephala (Lam) de wit. Indian 1. Microbiol. 25 (1&2):
103-104.
major nutrients viz. total nitrogen, available P and Potash and organic carbon content 4. George V. Thomas 1987. Microbial population, enzyme activity and VA mycorrhiza
also increased in green manured basins, in the root region of coconut in relation to in situ green manuring. In Proc.
Placrosym VI. 1984. pp. 267-274.
3. Root (wilt) disease and yield
The green manuring treatment did not cause any significant change in the rool
(wilt) disease index of the treated coconut palms over a period of five years (Table 4
There was increase in the nut yield of coconut palms under the green manuring
treatment when compared with fertilizer alone applied control palms. Maximum
increase was recorded in P. phoseoloides treated basins.

4. Response to rhizobial inoculation

Eight bacterial cultures isolated from forage legumes were identified as Rhizobium
based on morphological and biochemical tests. Leonard jar testing of the isolates
revealed the superiority of isolate No.4 (from Desmoidum intortum) and is~late ~eJd
(from Macrotyloma axiJJaire) for nodulating C. mucunoides and P. phaseolOldes. F.
testing of these two isolates and two Nif TAL cultures showed that Nif TAL culture lei
Centrosema was effective in increasing nodulation and dry matter production ill
mucunoides. In another inoculation trial on Leucaena leucocephala, rhizobial
got from UAS, Bangalore was found to be better than the local isolate in
K-67 cultivar. Among the two cultivars tested K-67 responded better than K-4.

5. Asymbiotic and associative N2 fixers

Clayey and laterite soils harboured higher population of asymbiotic N2

124 125
 RESULTS
1. Major differences in the total protein patterns of San Ramon, Gangabondam
and Chowghat Orange Dwarf were observed while West Coast Tall and Tiptur Tall
0
wed a high degree of resemblance.
sh "2. The peroxidase isozymes were stable in different seasons.
3. The Peroxidase isozyme banding pattern in COO x WCT and WCT x COO was
the sum total of the banding exhibited by WCT and COO individually.
4. The polyphenol oxidase isozymes in WCT x COO and COO x WCT showed
two additional fast moving bands when subjected to stress.

CONCLUSIONS
The isozyme analysis in coconut genotypes has shown that it can be used with
Producti o n physiology of plantation crops
advantage for classification and identification of genotypes. It can serve as a valuable
adjunct to the traditional methods of determining the true identity of individuals in a
II. Identification of coconut genotypes by isozyme analysis. population. However it is important to note that a large number of isozymes should be
(5. 5hivashankar and A. Ramadasan) tested in order to confirm the cultivar status of individual palms.

OBJECTIVES RECOMMENDATIONS
To study the pattern of a few isoenzymes systems and the total protein pattern 01 1. Peroxidase isozyme pattern couid be used to distinguish the COO x WCT and
various cultivars by means of electrophoretic procedures , trace the variation in the WCT x COO hybrids frc !Tl their parents.
pattern and identify the genetically determined variants with a view to developing a 2. The polyphenol oxidase isozymes under stress could be employed to screen
method capable of characterising each genotypes. for drought to!er:l:1ce.

,PUBLICATIONS
TECHNICAL PROGRAMME 1. S. Shivashankar (1988). Polyphenol oxidase isozymes in coconut genotypes under
i) Standardization of methods including. water stress. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 15(1 ).
(a) electrophoretic methods of separation and is isoenzyme staining. Enzymes as indicators of water stress in coconut. Paper presented at the Workshop
(b) selection of samples in relation to stability of isoenzyme patterns. on Impact of drought on plantation crops held at CPCRI Kasaragod May 1986,
(c) the leaf position for sampling. Extended Summary pp. 35.
(d) the isoenzyme pattern in relation to age, environment and sampling time.
ii) Study of the electrophoretic pattern of the available cultivars for estimating
the gene frequency distribution of the suitable isoenzyme loci.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Standard methods of extraction and separation were used with
modifications, wherever necessary.

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was done according

(1964) in anionic buffer system.

Extraction of enzymes from leaves was done in buffered medium, pH 7.0

concentrated several fold before running the electrophoresis.

Isoenzymes of peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, acid phosphatase and

dehydrogenase were located on gels by activity staining procedures.

126 127
 d adult weevil was held in traps and the adults of the other sex were liberated.
IJIlrnate
ber of insects attracted and trapped were recorded. Whole body extract of R.
~;gineuS in methylene chloride was also tested in similar method. [n another
!"erim ent individual sexes were caged iil bread boxes containing moistened filter
~r for four days and the same was used as attractants.

II) Attractants for red palm weevil

In<tigenous materials viz. sugarcane, banana, papaya, mango, jack, love-love and
cacao seed mucilaginous coat with yeast/acetic acid/molasses were applied separately
to coconut log traps. Weevils caught in each trap were recorded. Attractiveness of
Pest Management &,ucose , maltose and extract of coconut petiole in methylene chloride assessed by
counting the insects trapped after the release of adult weevils.
III. Study of sex pheromons and other attractants for the management of major
pests of coconut. Synthetic materials viz. diethylene dioxide, isopropyl alcohol, tert-butyl alcohol,
(VA Abraham, Chandy Kurian and KV Joseph) Isoamyl alcohol and n-butanol were tested in coconut log traps in the field. Materials
for testing as traps for red palm weevil included fresh coconut husk, peeled coconut
OBJECTIVES petioles stem of Pandanus and pseudostem of banana. Macerated sugarcane + yeast in
Opisina arenoseJIa walker, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Fab. and Oryctes coconut logs was maintained as control.
rhinoceros L. are the most important pests of coconut in India. To augment the efficacy
of the available control measures, isolation of sex pheromones and field testing was In coconut log traps treated with sugarcane + yeast, insecticides viz. HCH 50%
attempted in Opisina arenoseJIa and Rhynchophorus ferrugineus. Testing of some WP., 2g or Z ml of endosulfan per trap were added and placed in field. Control was
synthetic attractants for R. ferrugineus and O. rhinoceros was also contemp1ated to iaalntained without any insecticide treatment. Observation was recorded after 10 days.
ascertain their usefulness. The project also envisages to find out more indigenous
Table 1. Number of weevils trapped in the laboratory bioassay using opposite sex
attractants and improved trapping methods.
Sex and no. of No.of weevils
TECHNICAL PROGRAMMES Replication No. No. of adult opposite sex trapped
i) Isolation of sex pheromones from O. arenoseJIa and R. ferrugineus.. and liberated
laboratory and field bioassy studies.
ii) Testing of synthetic and indigenous materials as attractants for R. ferrugineIJS. 1 10 14F 6
2 10 9F 5
MA TERIALS AND METHODS 3 10 lOF 6
4 7 7F 5
J) Sex pheromone studies 5 13 lOF 8
Laboratory bioassy of 0. arenoseJIa was conducted using Olfactometer. One-day­
old males were caged in the introduction chamber in the outlet end oJ the
Olfactometer. One-day-old females were caged in the glass test chamber of the
Olfactometer. Purified air was pumped. The experiment was conducted for five days 1 10 10M 2
during night and observed for response of the test insects. Field bioassay 'll'" 2 10 10M 2
conducted using 'Delta' sticky traps in which males/females were held in glass tubdt 3 9 12M 1
whose both ends were covered with nylon net. The traps were examined daily (of' 4 10 8M 0
insects trapped. Similarly methylene chloride extract of the abdominal tip of 5 11 10M 1
females of O. arenoseJIa was tested in the above traps.
5 50 50 6
Bioassay R. ferrugineus was conducted in aerated closed rooms. Opposite se~
M = Male
128
] ')Q
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Pandanus, attracted 4 and I weevil respectively whereas others
i) Sex pheromone studies
Bioassay studies for the detection of the presence of pheromones in O. arenosell
using virgin adults and extract of abdominal tips of virgin females did not yield ana I a trial coconut log treated with macerated sugarcane + yeast and coconut
positive indication. Bio<..ssay studies for the detection of pheromones in R. ferrugine~ . ~ arranged in trays and treated with same attractants were tested for weevil
using live males and females have indicated that males are capable of attracting °i~g efficiency. Results are furnished in Table :~
females (Table 1).
Table 3. Showing th.e number of weevils trapped in coconut log and peeled
While body extract of adult male/female R. ferrugineus prepared in methylene coconut petiole h'aps.
chloride and tested in the laboratory did not attract the weevils of the opposite sell
However, filter paper contacted with male adult red palm weevil attracted females in \Veevils per trap

the laboratory assay, but the same with females did not attract males (Table 2). Replicatioli I Replication II Replication III
TrilP Tr'!p Trap
2 :l 2l .) :l
Table 2. Number of weevils trapped in the laboratory bioassay using filter
paper contacted with adult red palm weevils of opposite sex onut log + sugarcane -+ yeast 2 o 3 o 2
onut petiole + sugarcane +
Number of weevils
No. of weevils trapped ~ast in trays 2 :3 o ()
Test material Sex of weevil liberated liberated

Filter paper Female 16 6

Thus it has been proved that the coconut petioles can be used as a suitable
(contacted with males) .,bstitute for coconut logs for trapping red palm weevils.
Filter paper
(contacted with females) Male 16 o Feasibil ity of mixing insecticides in red paint weevil traps for killing the trapped
viis in situ and thereby to avoid daily examination of traps for collection and
1Jestruction of weevils was tested. HCH 50"" WP 2 g and endosulfan 35 EC 2 ml were
ii) Attractants for red palm weevil ~d. to coconut log traps and one set was maintained without any Illsecticide
Indigenous attractants like sugarcane, banana, papaya, mango jack, love-love and
treatment. Three log traps per treatment were placed in the field.
the mucilaginous seed coat of cacao, in different combinations with yeast/acetic acid!
molasses were tested by applying them in coconut log traps. There were three
replications for each combinations. able 4. Showing the number of weevils trapped in the presence of insecticides
in coconut log traps.
Sugarcane + acetic acid trapped on an average 6.5 weevils, while papaya + acetiC
:"Jo. of wt't'\'ils trapped
acid 4, mango + acetic acid 4, sugarcane + molasses 3, love-love + molasses + yeast
Total
1 and mango + yeast 0.5 weevil. The remaining combinations/treatments did not Rl·p . 1 Rt'p . II Rl'p III
attract any weevil.
2 4
Glucose and maltose in combination with acetic acid and extract of ( °onut () () () ()
petiole also did not attract weevils in laboratory tests. 0 I () I

Synthetic chemicals viz. diethylene dioxide (dioxan) isopropyl alcohol, tert.b~

alcohol, iso-amyl alcohol and n-butanol were tested by applying to coconut logs pia Iff ~he above result reveals that HCH can be added to weevil traps without adversely
in farmers' gardens. Dioxan attracted 7 weevils while n-butanol attracted 4 and iSOaIfl~ . ect~ng the attractiveness of the traps, for killing wevils in situ. By this daily
alcohol 2 weevils and 1 O. rhinoceros. tlrammation of traps for collection and destruction of trapped weevils can be avoided.

Different materials viz. coconut husk, stem of Pandanus, pseudostem of

CONCLUSIONS
and peeled coconut petiole arranged in trays were tested as trapping materials. All .
i) Mdles of red palm weevil R. ferrugineus are capable of attracting female
test materials were treated with macerated sugarcane + yeast and replicated thrl

"j().
 ii) Macerated sugarcane + acetic acid were proved to be a good attractant ~
trapping red palm weevils. or
iii) Diethylene dioxide is a good attractant for red palm weevil.
iv) Peeled fresh coconut petioles arranged in trays and treated with macerated
sugarcane + yeast or acetic acid are suitable substitute for coconut log/traps.
v) HCH 5.0% WP @ 2~/trap can be added to red palm weevil .traps Without
adversely affecting the attractIveness of the attractant and at the same tIme killing the
trapped weevils in situ.

PUBLICATIONS
Abraham, VA., Abdulla koya, K.M. and Kurian, C. (1986). Integrated Management of red
palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus F. in coconut gardens. VII PLACROSYM
Coonoor 13-15 Oct. 1986. Disease Management

Bunch failure in oil palm

'5. Chander Rao)

:CllVES
To study the incidence of bunch failure problem, distribution of the disease and to
suitable control measures to overcome the malady in the oilpalm plantation of
Ltd.. Hut Bay, Little Andamans.

~ICAL PROGRAMME
Studies on symptomatology
Distribution pattern of the disease
Control trials with sanitation , assisted pollination and fungicidal spraying.

rrERIAl..s AND METHODS

Out of the 1600 ha. of oil palm plantation of Hut Bay, 640 ha Plantation was taken
study. Random samples of failure bunches were selected and nature of symptoms
studied.
For asseSSing the distribution pattern of the disease , three (age) groups viz.
1980-81 and 1981-82 plantations were selected. In each group uf plantations, 5
with 10 bearing palms in each were taken for study. Stage of selected palms
taken into account. The individual bunches of the palms were graded in 0-4 scale
on the visual observations.

No failure (Full bunch set)

1 - 25% of failure bunch (75 - 99% setting)

26 - 50% of failure bunch (50 - 74% setting)

51 - 75% of failure bunch (25 - 49% setting)

76 - 100% of failure bunch ( 0- 24% setting)

!the disease index has been prepared for each tree , then block wise as per the
formula.

1 <)')
 Sum of all numerical ratings
Disease Index of the bunches 100
(% of bunch failure) x
Number of bunches assessed

RESULTS
The symptomatological studies reveal that the bunch failure problem is of
concern to the oil palm plantation of Hut Bay. The failure bunches were different
the healthy fertile bunches as the first symptom is the loss of glossy appearence
is characteristic of healthy fruits. This was observed as scattered irregularly, Partial
even whole bunches without any fruits or the fruits were dead at their stage$
development. The group of distal fruits that are aborted can be sharply delineated
Refinement of experimentation techniques in
the remainder of the bunch. The affected portion of the bunch when detached Plantation Crops
ripening were observed to have a large crater in the proximal part of the
When the failure bunches were left over on the crown itself high humidity and
Optimum size and shape of plots and blocks in experiments with plantation
favour other diseases like bunch rot and bunch stalk rot. Marasmins invasion
crops.
white mycelial strands spread over the surface and in between the fruits.
(MV George, M Sannamrappa, 5 Bhagavan, R Balakrishnan, N Sampath Kumar, PTN
bunches were rapidly invaded by a large number and wide range of insects and
Nambiar, K Vija.vakumar and Jose Abraham)
micro organisms.

The following table shows the mean percentage of the failure bunches observed
The object of this study is to find out the effect of plot size on the variability of
relation to the total production of female bunches.
and to wor~out the optimum size and shape of plots and blocks in
Group (year) of Plantation Block Block Block
source of seed I II III
~"I\..I'\L PROGRAMME
1975-76 (Zaire) 512 52.0 55.2 60.5 57.8 Collection of yield data after conducting uniformity trials wherever possible or
1980-81 (Harrisons and cross 50.5 55.2 51.5 53.7 49.8 existing plantations . Wherever such data are 110t- available the possibility of
fields, Malaysia) any other data can be explored. Working out the size and shape of plots and
1981-82 (Felda Malaysia) 53.2 51.5 50.2 60.0 54.5

It is observed that inadequate pollination and poor sanitation of the crown
factors that favour or predispose bunch failure .
CONCLUSION
This study shows that the bunch failure problem was very high ranging
52 -55.4% in the oil palm plantation of Andamans . The left over bunches on the
become prone to invasion by other diseases like bunch stalk rot and bunch rot etc,
The Forest and Plantation Development Corporation has released poll
weevil (Elaeidobius kamerunicus) in September 1986, which has been brought
CPCRI (RC), Palode. As the literature says pollinating weevil plays a major
control of bunch failure problem by assured pollination. Hence the envisaged
trials using artificial methods has not been conducted. The project has, therefore.
conducted.
are Cardamon: Yield data from 432 (36 rows of 12 plants each) cdfdamom
from the uniformly grown cardamom plantations at Regional Research Station,
for the year 1972-73.
Ii) Turmeric and
iii) Ginger Uniformity trials were conducted at CPCRI (RC), Hirehalli for the
1976-77 and 77-78 with 24 beds of size I x 24 m. During the year 1976-77. there
4 rows of 120 plants each in a bed and during 1977-78. there were 5 rows of 120
each. Ultimate unit was taken as the yield from a row of 5 plants each in case 2.
reSulted in 96 rows of 24 units during 1976-77 and 120 rows of 24 units during
Plots of different sizes and shapes were formed and CV's were worked out.
ultimate units are further altered to I m x I m plot for both the years so as to suit
practices of raising the crop in beds of I m breadth by adding 4/5 rows. This
in 24 row of 24 units each for both the years.
1<5
 CI is the cost of maintaining the experimental plants
iv) Turmeric: Size, shape and direction of experimental plots. C? is the cost maintaining experimental plants
Uniformity trials were laid out at CPCRI (RC) Hirehalli on turmeric during 1981-82 C~ is the cost of maintaining border plants
with 24 beds of size 1m x 12m in the North-South direction and another in the r 'is the number of replications .
East-West direction. Ultimate unit was taken as the total produce from 1m x 1m area of E is the number of experimental plants and
the bed . This resulted in 12 rows of units each. B is the number of border plants.

v) D x T Coconut palms from fertilizer trial. The arbitrary cost ratios C1:C2 :C 3 for price situations K1, K2 , K3 and K4 are
Yield data from 250 Dx T coconut palms for the year 1981 and 1982 were collected i) Cardamom 2:4:0, 4:2 :0; 2:4:1; 4:2:1
from the NPK fertilizer trial in coconut at CPCRI (RS) Kayangulam and another set of ii) Turmeric and
160 palms from Aralam for the years 1982 and '83 . The individual treatments effects iii) ginger 1:1 :0; 2:1 :0; 1:2:0; 1:4:0
were estimated and removed for the individual tree yield to get the uniformity trial iv) Turmeric lInd trial 1:2:0; 1:3:0; 1:4:0
data. v) Cashew 1:4;0; 1:8:0; 1:4:1 ; 1:8:1
vi) WCT Coconut palms from fertilizer trials vi) T x D Coconut 4:2:0 ; 2:4:0; 4:2:1 ; 2:4:1
Data from 197 we Tall coconut palms under NPK fertilizer trial at Kasaragod were
collected for the years 1981-82 and 82-83. The treatment effects were estimated and
eliminated from the tree yields . Maximum curvature method
Maximum curvature method was also tried for the data on cashew, oil palm and
vii) Oil Palm: From fertilizer trial, palm wise yield data from 350 oil palm under
the NPK fertilizer trial experiment were collected from Bharathipuram estate for 3 years TxD coconut palm. The optimum plot size (x) is that value of the size of the plot, which
(1981 to 83 ). Eliminating the treatment effect, the entire data were considered as that of lies just beyond the point of maximum curvature. The curvature at any point on a curve
a uniformity trial. As the planting was done in irregular contours the entire data could y.,
where Y1 and Y2 are the first and second derivatives of
not be formed as rows and columns. However a few combinations ie. 4 x 2, 2 x 4 and Yii/2
II defined by C = (1 +
1 x 8 were tried. The data was considered for the individual years and combined for 81 functional from (Y) of the curve. The point at which the curve attains. the maximal
+ 82 and 82 + 83.
de
value is obtained by differentiating the expression for the curvature and setting
viii ) Cashew: Uniformity trials in cashew (air layers) were laid out in the existing dx
cashew estate at Periya belonging to the Plantation Corporation of Kerala with 24 roWS
of 12 trees each. The yield data for two years (1982-83 & 83-84) were collected by daily 10 zero. For the smiths function the resultant equation is
harvest.
X2 (g+ l ) = (ag i (2g+ 1)
ix) T x D coconut palm Data on 216 T x D coconut palms (18 rows of 12 palms (g+2 )
each) collected for 4 years 1979, 80, 81 and 82 were used for analysis for individual
years and combinations of 2,3 , and 4 years. fIESuLTS AND DISCUSSION
Cardamom
I) Fairfield Smiths Law The C.v. decreased with an increase in plot size in both directions but the
Using Fairfield Smith law Y = a x- g , the relationship between plot size (X) and c.~ decrease was more rapid row wise. The C.v. averaged over all the different shapes of
(Y) was verified where g is the heterogeneity coefficient. Generalisation of this la:': 't follOwed closely the relationship Y = a x-g. The equation obtained was Y = 61.66
2
the form Y = a r- g 1c- g2 was also tried to compare the heterogeneity of rowS (r) (R =0.98). The C.V. (Y) of a plot size x with r rows and c columns was
columns (c ) where the g's denote the corresponding heterogeneity coefficients. ~ntOri by the relationship Y = 63.10 r-046C-0.27 (R 2 = 0.92). The row-wise
was significantly highe r than columnwise heterogeneity. As such
2) Cost of experimentation . of plots with more number of rows will give more homogeneous blocks for
~rn .o. ....,,_
The plot size and shape giving the required information at a minimum cost VI,
taken as optimum. For this the relative cost of experimentation per treatment
estimate the means for a given S.E. (at 5% for turmeric , ginger and T x D coconut Graphical representation of the relationship between observed C.v. for the
10% Cardamom and Cashew) were worked out under different price situations 1<.. •• 1MICt" plot sizes showed that when the plot size exceeded 8, there was considerable
K:l and ~ using the relationship Ck i '-" CI.r + C2 .E + C:l . B where CKi is the cost of Inn in the per unit decrease in C.v. It was found that for smaller blocks sizes (4

ith price situation.

137
and 6 plot blocks) a plot size of 12 plants arranged in 4 rows of 3 plants each has the each for 12 plot block. Hence a plot size of 6 rows of one column in case of
"" Ie unit of one row of 5 plants each and 3-4 rows of one column in case of
minimum cost and for large plot blocks a plot size of 6 x 3 was found to be ...,tlrfla
optimum. The number of rows were found to be more than the number of plants Wit~
unit of plants in 1m x 1m bed were found to be optimum.
a row for the optimum plots in different block sizes which was also confirmed by high ita
. h eterogenel'ty .
row-wise et' Turmeric
I) Size, shape and direction of forming experimental plots in turmeric.
2) Turmeric
For both the years and in both the cases a decrease in C.Y. was observed With
increase in plot size , however the decrease was more rapid in row-wise direction.
observed C.V. (Y) and the plot size (X) in r rows of c plants each closely followed the
r: table 2.
...-
Fair field Smiths law and its generalisation for ginger

Y = ax-ll Y = a gl r g2

fairfield smiths law and its generalisation (Table 1). The row-wise heterogeneity Was a g R2 a gl g2 R2
YtIJSICases
significantly higher than the column-wise heterogeneity thereby emphasising the
formation of plots with more number of rows will give more homogeneous blocks for -1976-77 Case 1 56.48 0.30 0.98 46 .54 0.21 0.24 0.92
experiments. A close study of the cost of experimentation reveals that a plot size or 6 Case 2 33.75 0.22 0.97 31.32 0.18 0.19 0.88
units arranged in 6 rows and 1 column for small block sizes and a plot size of 4 units in
4 nos. of 1 column for larger block sizes were found to correspond to the minimum cost 1971·78 Case 1 73.19 0.17 0.96 78.23 0.17 0.23 0.89
for case 1 for both the years (Table 3 and 4). In case 2, plot size of 24 rows and I Case 2 57.37 0.19 0.96 63.66 0.14 0.32 0.92
column was found to be optimum for the year 1976-77 and plot size 30 x 1 for the year
1977-78 which confirms the results in case 1, both corresponding to a plot size of 6 x ) Case lone row of 5 plants
Although plot sizes 24 x 1 and 30 x 1 correspond to the minimum cost, the cost Case 2 Plants in 1m x 1m bed
corresponding to 12 x 1 were not much different. Hence a plot size 12 x 1 can be taken Y is the C.Y. for the plot size (x) with r rows and c columns
as optimum for all practical purposes.
T~le 3. Fair field Smiths low and its generalisation for turmeric on the
Table 1. Fair field Smith law and its generation for turmeric data direction of forming beds

Y = ax- & y = ar­ g 1 c-ll 2

Y = ax- g Y = ar-ll l c-s2
DIrection
a g R2 a gl g2 R2
Years/Cases a g R2 a gl g2 R2

1976-77 Case 1 22.90 0.366 0.996 6.54 0.43 0.37 0.92 North South 41.33 0.10 0.94 40.58 0.09 0.10 0.82
Case 2 41.23 0.387 0.998 11.30 0.43 0.38 0.93 fast West 59.96 0.08 0.96 58.50 0.08 0.Q7 0.82

1977-78 Case 1 23.01 0.100 0.790 2J.24 0.19 0.11 YIs the C.V for the plot size x with r rows and c columns
Case 2 37.61 0.207 0.923 17.47 0.26 0.19 The observed C.V. for the different sizes and shapes of plots closely followed the
relationship y = ax-g and its generalised form for both the experiments (Table 3). The
Case lOne row of 5 plants ,tV. decreased with the increase in plot size in both the directions. However when the
Case 2 Plants in 1m x 1m bed beds are formed in the North South direction column-wise heterogeneity was
Y is the C.v. for the plot size x with r rows and C columns = cantl y more than row-wise heterogeneity indicating that the gradient was in the
• South direction. But in the case of beds formed in the Ea~t West di.rection as s.e:n
~ ern. Table 3, row wise heterogeneity was more than column-Wise, showing that fertility
3) Ginger
In case of ginger also the decrease in C.v. was found to be more rapid
(Table 2) suggesting that formation of plots with more number of rows will give
:ss
ll'adlent was again in the North South direction. Hence it is advantageous to form plots
the fertility gradient and the blocks along it. Table 4 gives the C.Y.%, minimum
'.~ ber of repl.ications (r) required and the relative .cost. of .experimentation per
homogeneous blocks for experiments. Plots of 6 rows of one column gave the
cost for both the years in case 2. The plot size obtained by the graphical method
' ~ trnent to estimate the means at 5% SE under three pnce situatIOns. A close study of
. ~ble reveals that relatively a plot size of 3 units of one column gave the minimum
confirmed this result. In case 1 where the ultimate unit is 1m x 1m, 3 rowS of
In almost all price situations.
column was found to be optimum for block sizes 4, 6 and 8 plots and 4 rowS of

138 139
 A similar trend was observed in the case of beds formed in the North So . 6. Fair field Smiths low for Dx T coconut for Kayangulam and Aralam.
direction also except that the rows and columns are inter changed (Table 5). The ~Ib Y = ax- £
size obtained by graphical method also confirmed the result. Hence 3 plots of size lot.
x 1m across the fertility gradient was found to be optimum. 11\ a g R2
IPtioniyear
Table 4. Relative cost of experimentation per treatment at different ......----;:-: 1981 34.29 0.50 0.98
~yangularn 0.99
situations turmeric (East West direction) 1982 45.79 0.45
1981+82 30.08 0.48 0.99
Size and 4 plot block 12 plot block 1982 66.60 0.39 0.99
shape of ,valam 78.64 0.36 0.98
CV% 0 KJ K2 K3 CV% KJ 1983

­
pl ot
1982+83 67.82 0.33 0.99
1X 1 32.30 504 672 840 42.07 2556 3408 4260
1X2 29.15 408 544 680 48.45 3484 4512 5640 Y"b the coefficient variation for the plot size x.
2X1 28.04 384 512 640 45.97 3010 4080 5100
1872 Table 7. Fair field Smiths law for OiIpalm yield.
3X 1 24.44 288 384 480 35.92 2496 3120
4 X 1 25.70 324 432 540 35.05 1980 2640 3300 Y = ax- s
3X2 26.41 336 448 560 46.67 3168 4224 5280
g R2
6X 1 23.46 264 352 440 34.68 1764 2354 2940 Years
a
12 X 1 19.48 192 256 320 32.07 1522 2016 2520
6X2 25.10 312 416 520 45.01 2916 3888 51.30 0.44 0.99
4860 1981
47.79 0.44 0.98
1982
56.48 0.46 0.98
1983 0.99
Table 5. Relative cost of experimentation per treatment at 1981 +82 40.09 0.44
situations turmeric (North South direction) 1982+83 43.60 0.43 0.99

Size a nd 4 plot block 12 plot block

shape of
Yis the CY for the plot size x.
plot CV Kl K2 K3 CV Kl K2 K3 .plot. Using Fairfield Smiths cost function for g values ranging from 0.5 to 0.6 and Co/Ci
from 4 to 8 the optimum plot size ranged from 4 to 12 palms/plot.
J X 1 23.68 276 368 460 29.31 1260 1680
2X 1 27.11 360 480 600 33.21 1620 2160
Oil Palm from fertilizer trials
1X 2 19.40 180 240 300 25.80 972 1296 _ Table 7 gives the equations fitted on the observed C.v. (4) on the varying sizes of
1X 3 17.03 144 192 240 24.48 864 1152 .ptot. sizes (X). The optimum plot size obtained by the maximum curvature was around
1X 4 16.98 144 192 240 23.69 828 1104 palms.
2X 3 24.11 288 382 480 30.22 1332 1776
1X 6 14.54 108 144 IbO 21.75 684 912 Cashew
1X 12 12.94 84 112 140 19.46 576 768 . . :me C.Y. averaged over the different shapes of plot followed closely the
2X 6 22.28 240 300 400 28.33 1188 1584 ~lionship Y = ax- g and its generalisation. The Smiths' index of soil heterogeneity was
~ around 0.5 indicative of the high variability present in the cashew crop as well as
5) D X T Coconut palms from fertiliser trials I the soil, generally used for planting cashew Cfable 8). The maximum curvature
Fairfield equations fitted for the data are given in Table 6. The per unit decrease found at X = 11.9 and 12.1 for the years 1982-83 and 83-84 respectively showing
CY was minimum when the plot size exceeded 8 palms per plot. 12 is the optimum plot size.

6) WCT palms from fertilizer trials For the year 1982-83 the plot size of 6 X 2 and 3 X 4 were found to give the
Fairfield Smiths equation fitted for the pooled data was of the form Y = 35.72 X ~fIIIQlmurn cost. However for smaller number of treatments the plot size of 1 X 6 was
(R2 =0.98). The decrease in C.v. was minimum when the plot size exceeded 8 paltnS to have the minimum cost.

141
140
Table 8. Fair field Smiths law its generalisation a nd the point of maXirnUIll eu out at different price situations, it can be seen that for the year 1979 a plot size
curvature for Cashew. ~)II: 4 and 3 x 2 were found to have the minimum cost for small plot and large plot
Y = ax- g Y = ac­ g1 r ~2
.'1 kS respectivley. However a plot size of 3 x 2 and 1 x 6 for small plot blocks and 6
Year
b ~ for large plot blocks were also not much different from the minimum cost. For the

:=ti
-
a g Rl a gl g2 Rl )( 1980 and 1982 a plot size of 6 x 1 was found to be optimum for all the cost
o ns tried. But for the year 1981 both the plot sizes of 1 x 4 and 1 x 3 were found
1982 91.82 0.51 0.98 90.29 0.54 0.46 0.94 11.9 have minimum cost. When the data were pooled for two years each 6 xl, 1 x 3 and
1983 93.96 0.50 0.98 96.03 0.59 0.43 0.90 12.1 f)( 3 were showing the minimum cost for the years 1979 + 80,80 + 81 and 81 + 82
respectively. When pooled over for 3 years a plot size of 1 x 3 and 6 x 1 were found to
Y is the CY for the plot x with r rows and a columns have the minimum cost for the years 1979 + 80 + 81 and 80 + 81 + 82 respectively.
However 1 x 3 and 3 x 1 were also found very close to the minimum. For the 4 year's
Table 9. Fair field Smith Law, its generalisation and the point of maximulIl average 1979 + 80 + 81 + 82 a plot size 1 x 3 was found to have the minimum cost. A
curvature for TxO coconut. dose perusal of the results show that a plot size of 6 trees was found as optimum when
the data is considered for individual years, is reduced to 3 when pooled over for four
Y = ax- g Y = ac­ g1 r-g2
maximum
Year
years. Considering the results obtained from the method of maximum curvature also it
curvature
a g R2 a gl g2 R2 can be concluded that for T x 0 coconut palms d plot size of 6 trees is optimum when
the data in considered for individual years and 3-4 when the data is considered for 4
1979 33.03 0.39 0.99 37.40 0.58 0.37 0.81 5.67 years together.
1980 35.40 0.35 0.99 32.55 0.36 0.26 0.91 5.74
1981 30.88 0.44 0.98 33.76 0.53 0.45 0.90 5.59 CONCLUSIONS
1982 38.08 0.38 0.91 36.17 0.47 0.24 0.96 6.20 1. Cardamom: Four and 6 rows of three plants each were found to be optimum
1979-80 30.43 0.42 0.94 29.66 0.51 0.30 0.86 5.45 plot for small and large number of treatment respectively.
1980-81 27.79 0.43 0.98 27.76 0.49 0.38 0.93 5.16 2. Turmeric: Plot size consisting of 6 rows of 1 column for the case of ultimate
1981-82 30.64 0.47 0.89 28.78 0.57 0.30 0.88 5.66 size of 1m x 1m bed and 12 rows of 1 column for the case of ultimate unit of one row
1979-80+81 28.19 0.44 0.94 28.39 0.54 0.34 0.84 5.24 of 5 plants each were found to be optimum.
1980+81+82 27.74 0.40 0.97 27.01 0.50 0.28 0.95 5.05 3.Ginger: A plot size of 3-4 rows of one column in case of ultimate units of plants
1979+80+81 +82 25.82 0.36 0.96 29.74 0.57 0.34 0.86 4.60 In 1m x 1m bed and a plot size of 6 rows of one column in case of ultimate unit of one
row of 5 plants each were found as optimum.
4. Turmeric: Size, shape and direction of forming beds.

This also confirm the results obtained by the maximum curvature method and A plot s ize of 3 beds of size 1m x 1m across the fertility gradient is optimum.

graphical method. However, it can be seen that the cost with respect to the plot size I
x 6 is very close to the minimum for both the years and for almost all the cosl
functions considered. Further we do not see any significant difference in the reductiOll
of C.Y. in any specific direction. It shows that the shape of plot is not of much
importance except that the length of the plot should be across the fertility line so thai
the variability between the plots is reduced to the minimum. Hence for all practical.
purposes a plot size of 1 x 6 trees can be taken as optimum.
5. Dx T Coconut Palm: 8 palms per plot was found optimum.
6. WCT Palm: 8 palms per plot was found optimum.
7. Oil Palm: 8 palm per plot was found optimum.
8. Cashew: 6 trees across the fertility gradient was found optimum.
9. TxD Coconut: A plot size of 6 trees when the data is considered for
individual years and 3-4 palms when the average of more than three years were taken
Fe found to be optimum , the palms being taken across the fertility gradient.

T x 0 Coconut
The C.Y. values observed for the various sizes and she.pes of plots followed vert
closely the Fairfield Smiths law and its generalisation (Table 9). The column-wise:
heterogeneity was found to be more than row-wise. For individual years the
was found 6 but when the average of the data on more number of years are taken
curvature was found reduced to 4.5 in case of 4 years average (Table 9).
From the cost of experimentation per treatment to estimate the means at 5%
;USUCATlONS
1. Ge?rge, M.Y., Sannamarappa, M. and Bhagavan , S(1979). Uniformity trials; Optimum
SIze and shape of plots for experiments in Turmeric. Presented in the Symposium
~esign and Analysis of Experiments on Horticulture and plantation crops' 33rd
G nnual Conference of ISAS Trichur 20-25 Dec. 1979. '
eorge, M.Y., Pattan Shetti, M.Y., Narasimhayya G, Nambiar, M.e., and Sathe K.Y.
Y983). Optimum size and shape of plots in blocks for cardamom experimentation'
. Plant. Crops 11: 50-54.

142 143
3. George, M.v., Sannamarappa, M., Bhagavan S. and Sampath Kumar N. , (1982
Uniformity trials: Optimum size and shape of plots in blocks for experiments wi~
Ginger. Proceeding of the fifth Annual Symposium on plantation crops. 1982, PI!
18-23. .
4. George, M.v. and Sannamarappa, M. (1984). Uniformity trials : Size, shape and
direction of experimental plots for turmeric. Proceedings of the Sixth Annual
Symposium on plantation crops. Published by Oxford IBH Pub. Co., Pvt. Ltd., Ne\¥
Delhi 429-434.
5. Nambiar, PTN. (1986). Optimum plot size for D x T coconut palms from fertiliser
trial yield data. 1. Plant. Crops 14: 126-129.

GENERAL INFORMATION

144
 Library and documentation services

Services.
Library continued to provide documentations services to the Scientists, research
L.-kers of the instititute, bonafide research workers and st;Jdents from Uni':crsities
plantation crops industries and othr related organisations . The library has been
both short and long range reference services to its clients both at the
and sub stations . The scientists are kept aware of the inputs to library
the aid of the publication "New Additions list" ( half yearly). The library also
S.o.l . service by scanning the journals received at the central library.
IiWspaper clippings service in the field of plantations crops , especially on palms and
and all ied fields were rendered. Initiated a quarterly publication "Palms and
abstracts", covering the crops on which research is being carried out at the

!!'PJ'OIraphy services
Xerox copying facilities were provided to the scientists working under the institute
also to different institutions within the country and abroad . 22966 pages were
for the purpose during the year.

~tlon services.
A total of 11000 publications were consulted and borrowed during the year by
than 500 registered borrowers as well as by other outside users. The inter library
borrowings among the sub-stations of the institute were also increased
~tiallv during the period .

exchange programme
the publication exchange programme with similar organisations the
annual report, research highlights and other free publications were
More than 330 organisations in India and abroad were covered under this
"'CIIIlllle. The Central library received more than 300 gratis publications, through
programme.

14;:;
Library facilities in various centres.
and problems investigated at different
Research Indian Foreign Back
Books ,,~--...s of CPCRI
Centres Journals Journals volumes

Kasaragod
Vittal
Kayangulam
114
66
66
222
55
87
5225
4190
4416
10202
5071
3006
4420
1668
-
2386
Crops

2
Problems

3
Farm

Area in ha Elevation
(MSL) in m
4 5
Goa 50 26 180 763 337 Coconut. black Breeding, agronomy and nutrition 01
Lakshadweep 1 4 194 74 pepper, cocoa coconut, multi -storeyed high density
Hirehalli 9 9 240 396 38 cropping syst.ems , production physiology 74 10
Kahikuchi 7 3 26 of coconut, crop protection , post harvest
12
technology, cost economics and
Kannara 1 5 199
statistics 01 plantation crops, manpower
Mohitnagar 8 3 185 training and transfer 01 technology.
Palode 11 11 247 320 79
_ /IS
Rl8ional Etiology, management and control 01
root (wilt) and other diseases and pests 27 3
Total 333 425 14498 20362 9014 Kayangulam Coconut 01 coconut.
Vittal Arecanut, Cashew, Production and protection aspects 01
COcoa and black areca nut and cocoa, inter and mixed
pepper cropping in arecanut plantations. 69 58

Field crops,
Adaptive trials on field crops and

plantation crops,
plantation crops, livestock improvement 22 558
animal husbandry pisciculture.
and fisheries.
~p Coconut Crop improvement and management,
mixed and inter cropping in coconut 6 3
and rodent control.

Arecanut, cocoa Agronomic requirements 01 arecanut,

and black pepper inter and mixed cropping, varietal 14 50

evaluation 01 cocoa, yellow leal disease

management, ORP on root (wilt) disease.

Arecanut, oil palm

Etiology, management and control 01

and black pepper

yellow leal disease 01 arecanut, breeding
and agronomy 01 oilpalm, varietal 32 225
improvement in pepper.
Arecanut Agronomy and plant protection
of arecanut, intermixed and high density
cropping in arecanut plantations. 16 845
Arecanut Agronomic requirements o( arecanut,
intermixed and high density cropping in
arecanut plantations. JO 5
Arecanut Agronomic requirements 01 arecanut,
inter and mixed arecanut plantations. 12 48
Coconut, arecanut Production 01 quality planting materials
& cocoa. in coconut, arecanut and .c ocoa. 140 281

Coconut
Maintenance 01 world collection 01
coconut germplasm 32 6

l AG
 iii
~
8~8
q <:5. o.
OON
0.0.0l
NNO
N<.D­
§
N
m.
"<:I'
m
Mom

--M

Ol~
N
-

m M co
co. m. M.
co m <.D
<.D
m.
o
"<:I'
1.1")
<.D_
I'­
co
N N N N

o <.D m 1.1")
88 o "<:1'­ <.D
~ o.q q "<:1'. C'-!. <.D_
:> 00
qq 8. "<:I' ­
m. m.
1.1")
co_
1.1") "<:I' m MM l'­
M M M M
~
tI)
Q,)

Q,)

~ 00
0 001 o Membership of the Director and Scientists in
= 8_
E 00
0 00
00
0 o.q
'"
"3 r--:o r--:
~ 01)
c: o. o. o.
I'- 0
qo.
I'­
0_ Committees
...=

1.1") N I'­ I.1")N I'­

j "<:I' "<:I' "<:I' "<:I'

00 -5
00 ~ ~ 000 0 Mmco
I'- "<:I' m
o Member, Coconut Development Board; Member Research & Development
'" ­
0 000 0 N
I v qo.q q "<:I'NM for Cardamom, Spices Board; Member, Research Review Committee, Spices
t­ '"
v vx OON
m
N cn~c.D
m_
I'­

~~oO
~~ Member, Special Committee on personal matters, Spices Board; Member,
1.1")- 1.1") "<:1'_ C'-!. <.D

OO
~

~
Sduo
NMO r£
N
N MM a-l
.......ting and Development Committee for Spices, Spices Board; Member, Academic
, Kerala Agricultural University; M~mber, ICAR Panel on fruitl>, plantation crops
medicinal & aromatic plants; ICAR Representative, Spices and condiment, Sectional
~
Q,) lDlittee, AFDC 21, lSI; Member, National Council for Tea Research; Editur, Journal of
~ ~-g.2 00 I 0
01.1")1 1.1")
Il!Jintation Crops.

..
:0 '" x 00 0
NO N
Q,) ;:::J {/)~ 0.. 00 0
r ~ "<:1'_ M_
..c: ~ ~ a. ~ MO M· I'- I'­ 1.1")
._ c: E ~ "<:I'm M "<:1'_ 1.1")_ o_
........., <lJ
"uu",
0 "'0
a-lN N ON M
N 1.1") co M 1.1") co

..

~ o..c:: . ..c::
enu ~.;
~
o ~ a
c.: :.:l
"'v~
:2~Sd
Q,)
~
"0
=
c:t:I

c: ~
;:,
.~ .....
.....
r3
:e .'AR
o a3
\Ilailance Officer, CPCRI, Kasaragod; Contact Officer, ICAR Research Complex, Goa,
~j ~ 3j
--0.. -l KYK, Goa; Member. Rural Advisory Committee, AIR, Calicut, Member, Publicity
<1)0.. <t: <J::
~Bj~
Q)
OIl ~z~~ f­ f­ Cocon ut Development Board, Cochin; Member, Department Promotion
" :l ;:,0:» 0
-<:CZo..S;;;:
o of CTCRI, Trivandrum representing ICAR; Member, Institute Policy
(0 CQzo..~ f- f-
Member, Price fixation committee, Vice Chairman , CPCRI Nursery School,
' Institute Joint Council.
]48
PK DAS
Executive Councillor, Indian Society for Plantation Crops, Member, Institute:
Grievance Cell for Scientific Staff; Member, Institute Policy Committee; Chairman.
Publication Committee, Member, Foreign Deputation Committee, Member, PIan
Coordination Committee.
P RETHINAM
Member, Indian Arecanut and Cocoa Development Council; Member, Technical
Advisory Committee on Solid Energy Sources, Member, Team visit to Bastar District of
Madhya Pradesh to study the problems of Sago Palms; Chairman, Committee for
studying the harmful effect of cement factory dust to coconut in Karnataka, Co-opted
Member, Research and Development Committee of Coconut Development Board; ICAR
~ber, Ac~demic C~uncil, Kerala.Agricultural University,. Vellanikkara, Member,
. Society for 011 Palm Breedmg, Kulalumpur, Malaysia.
:' 'KAMALAVIJAYAN . . . . . .
J) Member, Executive Committee, AssociatIOn of Agncultural Libranan and
f)OCUmentalist of Inida; Editor, Alis Bulletin, a library and information science journal;
jelTlber Secretary, Institute Library committee; Vice President Academy of Library and
IIWnnation Services (Alis) Trivandrum, Liaison Officer in India for the coconut
i:Ifor1Dation centre (lDRC Project) Coconut Research Institute, Sri Lanka and Member
,society for information science, New Delhi.
Kf,SHAVA BHAT

Nominee World Bank Expert visit to KAU for establishing advanced centre of excellence Secretary, Indian Society for Plantation Crops.

for training in Plantation crops at KAU, Trichur.

KUK NAMPOOTHIRI
Member, High level committee for identification of suitable vested forest land for
cultivation of oilpalm, Member, Inter-Institutional Committee on Yellow Leaf Disease;
Member, Oil Palm Committee; Member, Committee for selection of Co-ordinated project
centre for oilpalm; Member, Committee on National Oilpalm seed production, KeraJa
State; Member, Advisory Committee for Ph·D. (Breeding), Kerala Agricultural University,
Member, Committee on Fertilizer Policy of oilpalm India Ltd.

RV PILLAI
Member, Technical Advisory Committee, Dharmaveera Horticultural Farm, BeIIarIj
Member, Technical Advisory Committee, Central State Farm, Aralam, Vice-President..
Indian Society for Plantation Crops.
CC BIDDAPPA
Member, Institute Management Committee; Member,
Contact Officer, ICAR Research Complex, Lakshadweep.

KKN NAMBIAR
Member, Institute Management Committe, Member, Editorial Board, JPC; Mernner..:
Editorial Board, Tobacco Research, Member Secretary, Apex Post graduate
of the Institute; Member, Institute Policy Committee.

K VENUGOPAL
Member, Environmental Protection Council, Govt. of Goa, Member,
Agricultural Research and Extension, Advisory Committee, Konkan Krishi \litiva~
Dapoli.
MOHAMMED YUSUF
Member, Institute Management Committee.
D BALASIMHA
Member, Executive Committee, Society for Plant Physiology & BiochemistrY,
Delhi.
151
 KV Kasturi Bai, PTN Nambiar, K.

1IiIIOD"
Workshop on Mycorrhizae, JNU, New Delhi 03-15 March)
GeOrge V. Thomas
on Strategies for Increasing Rice Production, Konkan Krishi
llJaPeeth, Dapoli (22 March)
It Venugopal, HM Wasnik, JR Faleiro.

Partcipation in Symposia/Seminara
WlbOP on Practices for drought management, KAU, Vellanikkara, Trichur (6

International, Symposium on Ganoderma Wilt Diseases on Palms

Perennial Crops, Thanjavur (6-8 January) Symposium on Spicies Industries, New Delhi (9-10 April)

P. Rethinam, KKN Nambiar, SN Sampath Kumar Nair

Workshop on Transfer of Technology, Junagadh (19 January) Seminar on Processing and Marketing of Coconut, Bangalore (19-20
P. Rethinam

Workshop on Strategies of Insect Pest Management in Coffee, Cardamom

Tea Cropping Systems, Coffee Research Institute, Chickmagalur (23-24 January)!. Peppertech Meeting of the International Pepper Community, Hamburg, The
GB Pillai Republic of Germany (4-11 May)
Nair.
VIII Workshop of the All India Coordinated Research Project on Spices,
Lam, Guntur, AP (30 January-I February) Symposium on Electronic Data Processing and computerised
MK Nair " 'Hon systems, IASRI, New Delhi (25-26 May)
JC. Vijayakumar.
XIV Workshop of All India Coordinated Research Project on Harvest and
Harvest Technology, Coimbatore (10-13 February)
Nematode Pests on Crops and their control, MPAU,
S. John Don Bosco

International Workshop on Management of Agricultural Extension for

Alleviation, NIRD, Hyderabad (23-27 February) Seminar on Distributed Databases; Plan for Interaction, on Line
PK Das , MK Muliyar (29 June-I July)
karnalavijayan
III Regional Workshop on Plant Mycoplasma, New Delhi (24-28 February)
JJ Solomon Seminar Cum Sixth Workshop on Biological Control of Crop Pests and
~uJarat Agricultural University, Anand (29 June-2 July)
FAO Expert Consultation on use of Tissue Culture in Plant Quarantine Pillai
Exchange of Planting Material, New Delhi (26 February - 2 March)
CR Raju on Management of Coastal Ecosystems and Oceanic Resources of
National Symposium on Plant Genetic Resources, IARI, New Delhi (3-6 Port Blair (17-18 July)
'I.lUln rl",,~ Rao
MK Nair, P. Rethinam, PM Kumaran.

152 153
Seminar on Coconut Development & Industry, Thanjavur (26 July) ~. .IJi Wrokshop of Region III Under NARP Regional Research Station, Mandya
P. Rethinam . 0-1I November)
(I M. Sannamarappa
9th Zonal Workshop NARP & KAEP, RARS, Pattambi (28-29 July)
KJ Antony. 5elldnar on strategies for increasing cashew production, Konkan Krishi
l'Idy8peeth, Dapoli (13-14 November)
Coconut and Cashew Seminar, Curchorem, Goa. (3 August) K. Venugopal , JR Faleiro, Yateendra Joshi, PA Mathew.
K. Venugopal
Jabi Workshop of NARP RARS, Brahmavar (24-25 November)
10th Workshop of NARP at RARS, Pilicode (13 August) P. Rethinam, M. Sannamarappa.
P. Rethinam.

National Symposium on Growth and Insustry in Agriculture, IASRI, New DI!~

(1 9-21 Augu~t)
Jacob Mathew

15th All India Coordinated Sugarcane Workshop TNAU, Coimbatore (7..1

September)
HM Wasnik.

National Symposium on Sample Surveys in Indian Agriculture

Prospects, IASRI, New Delhi (17-19 September)
MY George

National Symposium on Role of Agricultural Research

Transformations, IARI, New Delhi (19-20 September)
PK Das

Workshop on drought relief measures, Kasaragod (12 October)

Mohd. Yusuf

Meeting of Directors of ICAR Institutes, New Delhi (14-15 October)

MK Nair

National Symposium on Integrated Pest Control - Progress and ProspeGl'

Trivandrum (15-17 October)
K. Dhileepan.

VIII Biennial Workshop of All India Coordinated Research Projects on

and Cashew, OUAT, Bh ubaneswar (24-27 October)
MK Nair, PK Das, P Rethinam, MK Muliyar, KKN Nambiar, PK Koshy, GB
RV Pillai, Mohammed Yusuf, Jacob Mathew, KUK Nampoothiri, M. Kochu
JJ Solomon, K. Shama Bhat.

Third Nematology group meeting, SBI, Coimbatore (29-30 October)

PK Koshy, VK Sosamma, P. Sundararaju , Sudha Sukumaran.

154 155

Important Visitors
fIseX and Bombay-Bunnata, Trading Co. Ltd., Y. Yogeswara Rao, Managing Director,
KASARAGOD
RV. Desh Pande, Hon'ble Minister for Agriculture, Govt. of Karnataka, BangalOfe,
YK Ramaiah, Hon'ble Minister for Horticulture, Govt. of Karnataka; p.v. Shenoi, Director,
Technology Mission on Oilseeds and Additional Secretary, Dept. of Agricultural
Research and Education, Ministry of Agriculture, New Delhi; K. Chandrasekharan.
Hon'ble Minister for Education and Law, Kerala; E. Chandrasekharan Nair, Hon'ble
Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Govt. of Kerala, M.V. Rao, Special Director General,
ICAR, New Delhi.
KAYANGULAM
M.S. Shankarikoppa, Chairman, Expert Committee to study the problems of farmers,
Govt. of Karnataka; Prof. Narasimhappa, Executive Chairman, Krishika Samaja,
Bangalore; SK Sharma, Chief, PRO, ICAR, Ramesh Chennithala, Hon'ble Minister for
Rural Development, Govt. of Kerala; Mohammed EI Hassan Ahammed, Sesamum
Breeder, Sudan; S. Thangavelu, Professor, TNAU; Chokkey Singh, ICAR; Prof.
Shanmughavelu, TNAU, Coimbatore; HR Tyagi, J.N.KVV, Japalpur; Yuhanon Mare
Philoxinos, Bishop of Malabar; VK Agrawal, Collector, Central Excise, Cochin; S.s. Johl,
Chairman, Commission costs and prices, New Delhi; VV. Raghavan, Hon'ble Minister for
Agriculture, Govt. of Kerala, C.E. Tagoe, EA.O. Rome; R. Raturi, FAO, Rome; Aruwa
Cagchee, Director (E&M) Ministry of Agri. Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi; E.
Chandrasekharan, Dept. of Animal Husbandry, Kerala, Justice PCN Menon, Judge, High
Court of Kerala, RLM Synge, Nobel Laureate 19 Meadow Rise NA 230E, England; Prof.
T A. Davis, JBSH Res. Centre, Nagercoi!.
VITIAL
G. Blaak, Senior Officer, Industrial Crops, FAO , Rome, Italy; VD. Tripati, Dy.
t
Director (Hort.), Directorate of Horticulture, Forestry, Bhopal, YK Ramaiah, Hon'bl
Minister for Horticulture, Govt. of Karnataka, RD. Mayah, P.T./., New Delhi.
GOA
A World Bank team along with Dr. Harbans Singh, Dr. Sexena (ADG, NARP) and Dr.
156
Director of Research, Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, GL Kaul, DOG
leAR, New Delhi; G.C. Srivastava, Development Commissioner, Govt. of Goa;
Duratee, Director of Agriculture, Govt. of Goa; PL Digarsey, Regional/Zonal
dinator (LLP), Directorate of Extension, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya,
CO-O~ur; Y.K. Ramaiah, Hon'ble Minister for Agriculture, Karnataka, A press party of
Jebalt twenty newsmen, representing both local and national dailies as well as the Press
;::t of India and the United News of India; P. Swaminathan, Asst. Director (Extension),
])lite<! Planters' Association of South India, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu.
PALODE
MS. Shankarikoppa, Chairman, Expert Committee to study the problems of
Fanners, Govt. of Karnataka, Bangalore; ADH, Macnaghtem, Ashfields Farm. Gr. Canfield,
~DC, Hyderabad, P. Ramakanta Reddy, Director of Agriculture, Andhra Pradesh,
,tfyderabad: S. Sundra Rajan, Commissioner of Agriculture and Rural Development, Govt.
af Orissa, Bhubaneswar, C.J. Mathew, Post Master General, Kerala; SN. Santha Kumar,
Director of Horticulture, Karnataka, Bangalore.
KAHIKUCHI
A.K. Das, Director of Agriculture, Assam, Khanapara; VK Abraham, Managing
Director, Oil Palm India Litd., Kottayam, E. Velappan, Director, Directorate of Cocoa,
~ut & Spices Development, Calicut; P.N. Saikia, Managing Director, Assam Seed
CorPoration Ltd.,
JiiOHlTNAGAR
S.K. Das, Deputy Conservator of Forest, Calcutta; M. Banarjee, Ad!. Conservator of
~t, Calcutta, Isabella Ratey, Paris-92200, France; VK Abraham, Manqging Director,
011 Palm India Limited, Kottayam, Kerala; Siddaramaiah, Joint Director, Spices Board,
Oingtok, R. Sivaramaiah, M.1.0., Spices Board, Siliguri; Busidaalingaiah, M.1.0., Spices
.$card, Siliguri; R. Naidu, Director, Indian Cardamom Research Institute, Myladumppara,
~aJa; GD. Gautam, District Magistrate, Jalpaiguri, N. Trivadi, Joint Dirc;:tor of Agril.
Jalruo i .
-.....gun.
Kunhalan, General Manager, Palghat Industrial Estate, V. Mathew Kurian,
:lI&IPlin....College, Kottayam, N Krishna Swamy, Plant Protection Officer, Central Plant
Station, Panampilly Nagar, Cochin.
Blaak, Senior Officer, Industrial Crops, FAO, Rome; KM Safeeulla, Vice
, Mangalore University.
Hanuman Thappar, PK Malaviya, DC Prashanth, Suraj Prasad and Venkatesh,
arn~ntary Committee on the Welfare of SC/ST, New Delhi, PSRB James, Director,
Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Cochin, Vice Admiral GM Hiranandani,
157
Commanding Officer in Chief, Southern Naval Command, Cochin; SK Misra, Secre~
Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India, New Delhi, C. Arputharaj, Director, Econo I
Research Centre, University of Madras, EC Rajayyan, Scientist, Economics Rese: :
Centre, University of Madras, V Sagar, lAS, Administrator, UT of Lakshadweep, Kavara
Justice HL Agrawal, Chief Justice, Orissa High Court; Defence Planning Staff Comrni~
headed by Air Mars~al Dey, ~ajahat Ha~ibullah, lAS, . Administrator, lIT ~.
Lakshadweep, Kavarattl; Bhee~ Bal, M.P. (Chairman), D.~. Baltha, M.P., VL N0bsana.
M.P., Usha Chathroth, lAS (Jomt Secretary) and RK Snvasthava (Deputy Director)
National Committee on SC/ST.
ANDAMANS
Joseph Ranyel, Chief Wild Life Officer, Department of Forest, Andaman & Nicobar
Islands, MZ Siddiqui, Managing Director, Consumer Co-operative Society Ltd., A&N
Islands; A D'Souza, Inspector General of Police A&N Islands, Bez Boura, lAS, Chief
Secretary A&N; C P Oberoi, Conservator of Forests A&N; MRN Rao, Director of
Agriculture, A&N Islands, ICAR Review Committee consisting of JS Kanwar, 000.
ICRISAT, IP Abrol, DDG (Soils), ICAR and Nandupuri, Director of Research, Punjab
Agricultural University, K.Y. Subramanian, Dy. Director, Coconut Development Board,
Andaman Centre.
158
I
Apex PG Committee
The apex pG Committee was reconstituted with the following members:
1. Dr. MK. Nair, Director (Chairman)
2. Dr. CC Biddappa, Head, Division of Soil Science, Member
3. Dr. P. Rethinam, Project Coordinator (Palms), Member
4. Dr. V. Rajagopal, Scientist S2 (physiology)
S. Dr. KKN Nambiar, Head, Plant Pathology Division, Member Secretary
CPCRI signed a Memorandum of understanding with Tamil Nadu Agril. University,
Coimbatore for collaboration in postgraduate research and education.
The following scientists have been permitted to do Ph.D. on part-time basis during
the year:
1. Shri Kochu Babu, Scientist S2 (Path) CPCRI Research Centre, Palode (Guide:
Dr. KKN Nambiar)
2. Mrs. Sudha Sukumaran, Scientist S1 (Nemat.) CPCRI, Kasaragod, (Guide: Dr. P.
Sundararaju)
Shri Varanasi Krishna Moorthy, a Honorary Research worker at CPCRI Regional
Station, Vittal was permitted to work for Ph.D. under the guidance of Dr. RC Mohan,
Scientist S2 (Path.) on 'cultivation of the oyster mushroom".
a) The following two M, Phil students in Plant Protection submitted their
dissertations to Mangalore University in October, 1987.
i) Shri PV Gowda: In vitro studies on ThieJaviopsis paradoxa the causal agent
" of coconHt stem bleeding disease. (Guide: Dr. KKN Nambiar).
11) Miss. Manju Philip: Effect of pesticides on VAM in plantation crops. (Guide:
Dr (Mrs). Rohini lyer)
Miss. Manju Philip was a recipient of ISPC fellowship during her M.Phil
Course.
l~O
 b) During the year six M. Phil students of Mangalore University

Institute.

Student Discipline Centre Guide

1. Shri NM Usman Plant Protection Kasaragod Dr. KKN Nambiar - ­

2. Miss JJ Merilyn Microbiology -<lo- Dr. George V. Thomas
3. Shri WGK Kurup Plantation Crops -<lo- Dr. V. Rajagopal
4. Shri D. Kulkarni Chemistry -<lo- Dr. CC Biddappa
5. Shri Prakash G Bhat Plantation Crops Vittal Dr. D. Balasimha
6. Shri GK Ramesh Rao Plant Protection -<lo- Dr. RC Mohan
Publications
6. The following scientists acted as examiners for M.Sc. (Ag) M.SclM.PhiI /Ph.D. exams
of various Universities: Dr. RD Iyer, Dr. PK Das, Dr. PK Koshy, Dr. NP Jayasankar, o,.
KKN Nambiar, Dr. KUK Nampoothiri, Dr. P. Rethinam, Dr. V. Rajagopal, Dr. D.
Balasimha, Shri Jacob Mathew and Shri MY George. RESEARCH PAPERS
Balasimha, D. 1987., Cocoa. In Tr~e C~op Physi~logy (eds. Sethuraj, MR and \
Raghavendra, AS), 263-285, ElseVier SCience Publishers, Amsterdam. .

Bavappa, KVA., Kailasam, c., Abdul Khader, K.B., Biddappa, Cc., Hameed Khan, H.,
Kasturi Bai, KV., Ramadasan, A., Sundararaju, P., Bopaiah, B.M., George, V. Thomas,
Misra, L.M., Balasimha, D., Bhat, NT and Shama Bhat, K. 1987. Coconut and
arecanut based high density multispecies cropping systems. J. Plant Crops. 14:
74-78.
Deputation of Scientists Abroad Bhat. SK., Sujatha, A. , Advani, Rand Sukumaran, AS. 1987. Populc:.tion structure and
breeding season in Rattus rattus wroughtoni Hinton. Proc. Indian Acad. Sci. (Anim.
Sci.) 96: 667-672.
'v~
Name of Scientist! Purpose and
Programme under which deputed
country visited Duration Blddappa, Cc., Khan, HH., Joshi, OP., and Manikandan, P. 1987. Effect of root feeding of
heavy metals on the leaf concentration of P, K, Ca and Mg in coconut (Cocos
Dr. R.D. Iyer
nucifera).Plant and soil 101 (2): 295-297 .
Scientist S4 and Head Setting up of a tissue CommonweaUh Fund for
Division of Genetics.
Mauritius
culture laboratory and
training of local personnel
in rapid clonal multiplication
Technical Cooperation
(CFTC) Chandra Mohan, R., Nambiar KKN and Kaveriappa, KM. 1987. Effect of pre and post
inoculation factors on infection of cocoa by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.
Indian Ph.Ytopath. 40 (2):212-1217.
x
26.3.87 to 26.3.89
bas, PK. 1?87. Coconut Mar~blems, Prospects and challenges. Proc. National ~
Semmar on Processing and Marketing of Coconuts. Coconut Development Board, '' '\
Cochin.1 34-141.
0-. PK. 1987. Economics of Cocoa mixed cropping with coconuts in India. PLACROSYM .)
VI, 397-408. J"\

PK' 1987. Trends in Production and Trade of Pepper in India. PLACROSYM VI.
409-418. "
y Eapen, SJ., Geetha, SM and Leemol, M. 1987. A note on the association of RadOPhol
simi/is with the yellow disease of betel vine. Indian J. NematoJ. 17: 137-138.
lls
George V Thomas 1987. Microbial population, enzyme activity and VA mycorrhiza in the
Joot region of coconut in relation to in situ green manuring. PLACROSYM VI, 1984
PP.267-274. '
Georg~ Thom~. ~87. Micrb~al pophtation, enzyme activity and -y.~ mycorrhiza in
the ~ot region 0f coconut in relatiol1 to in situ green manuring. PLACROSYM \II
(l984X,267-274. c ,
Koshy, PK. and Sosamma, VK. 1987. Pathogenicity of Radopholus similis on coconut
(Cocos nucifera) seedlings under green house and field conditions. Indian J.
Neatol. 17: 108-118.
Manikandan, P., Joshi, OP., Khan, HH., Mohapatra, AR and Biddappa, CC. 1987. Nutrient
profile in an arecanut cacao system on laterite soil. Trop. Agric. (Trinidad) 64 (1):
13.
Mathen, K and Govindankutty, MP., 1987. Technique to hold lace bug for feeding,
examining and photography. Invention Intelligence. 22: 176-178.
Mathen K., Solomon, JJ., Rajan, P and Geetha, L. 1987. Electron Microscopic evidence on
the role of Stephanitis typica (Distant.) as supporting evidence on its role as
vector of coconut root (wilt) disease. Curro Sci. 56: 1239-1241.
Mathen, K., Rajan, P and Radhakrishnan Nair, CP. 1987. Description of Salivary gland of
Stephani tis typica (Distant.) Indian Coconut 1. II: 3-4.
Nair MK. 1987. Pepper and Cardamom Spices production development in India-Current
Status and future potential. Invited Paper - FAO Bulletin.
Nair, MK. 1987. Production and Productivity of some important spices in India. Proc.
Nat. Syrup. on Spices Industries. pp 1-6.
Nair, NS., Sundaram, RNS and Bhattacharyya, AR. 1987. Low cost poultry" ration based
on ingredients available in Goa: 1. Starter rations for egg type chicks. Poultry
Adviser 20 (7): 33-35.
Nair, NS., Sundaram, RNS and Bhattacharyya, AR. 1987. Low cost poultry rations oosed
on ingredients available in Goa II. Grower rations for egg type chicks. PoultrY
Adviser 20 (8): 37-39.
Nambiar, KKN., Joshi, Y., Venugopal, MN and Chandra Mohan, R. 1986. Stem bleedi~
disease of coconut: reproduction of symptom by inoculation with ThielaviO(JSil
paradoxa 1. Plant Crops. 14 (2): 130-133 (Published in 1987).
Pillai, GB and Ramachandran Nair, K. 1986. Additions to the natural enemy compleX; '
the coconut caterpillar Opisina arenose/la Wlk. J. Plant. Crops. 14 (2): 138. 1 '
(Published in 1987)
GB., and Keshava Bbat, S. 1987. Biology and feed ing potential of parena
nigroJineata (Chandoir) a predator of tbe Coconut caterpillar, Opisina arenoseJJa
Wlk. Indian Cocon. 1. 17 (2) 6-10.
JlljaBOpal , V., Sumathykutty Arnma, B., and PatH, KD. 1987. Water relations of coconut \
palms affected with root (wilt) disease. New Phytologist )05: 289-393, "" \
agopal, V., Patil, KD and Sumathykutty Amma, B. 1987. In vivo Nitrate Reductase
Jaj activity in the leaves of apparently healthy and root (wilt) affected coconut palms.
PLACROSYM VI (1984): 89-96.
liljagopal, V. , Patil, KD and Sumathykutty Amma, B. 1987. Efficacy of management
practices for increasing the productivity of root (wilt) affected coconut palms. \
-
Indian Coconut 1. 28. 3-6.
JlJJDadasa n. A and RajagopaJ. V 1987. Coconu t in Tree crop Physiology ( eds. Sethuraj.
MR and Raghavendra, AS), Elsevier Publisbers, Amsterdam. PP 169-192. -~
,SC and Singh, SD. 1987. Multiple shoots, suckeriqg and branching in coconut palms
01Andaman & Nicobar Is/ands. J. Andaman Sci. Assoc. 3 (2): 145-147.
:!lDnamarappa, M. 1987 Effect of green manuring o n the production of Arecanut.
Indian Cocoa. Arecanut and Spices Journal, 10 (1): 67-70.
B., PiJlai, GB and Jayapal, SP, 1986. Bioecology of Bracon hebetor Say y
(Hymenoptera: -Braconidae) an indigenous larval parasitoid of the leaf eating - \
caterpillar Opisina arenoseJ/a Wlk. (Lepidoptera: Cryptophasidae). J. Plant. I
Crops. 14 ( 2): 140- 1~ (Published in 1987)
;l Etama, B., Jayapal , SP and PiIlai, GB 1987. Observations on Spiders {Order: Araneae)
predacious on the coconut leaf eating caterpillar, Opisina arenoselJa Wlk. in
!<erala: Feeding potential. Entomon 12 (1 ): 45-47.
8., Jayapal, SP and Pillai, GB. 1987. Observations on Spiders (Order:
Araneae) predacious on the coconut leaf eating caterpillar Opisina arenoseJ/a
WIk. in KercL!a: Biology of Rheneindicus Tikadar (Salticidae) and racanthicum SP.
(Clubionidae). Entomon. 12 (2): 121-126.
B ~ jayapal , SP and Pillai. GB 1987. Observations on Spiders
(Order Araneae), predacious on the coconut leaf eating caterpiUar Opisina
I1'enoselJa Wlk. (Nephantis serenopa Meyrick) in KeraJa. Occurrence and seasonal
abundance. Entomou 12 (2): ] 75-178.
RRS., Bhattacharya, AR and Malviya, HK 1987. Chemical composi tion and dry
ltiatter dil!e!>tibilitv of Karad hay (Themeda quadrjvaJis). Inman Vet. J. 64: 620·621.
flti RN!:l , Bhattacharyya, AR., Malviya, HK and Nair , NS 1987 Low cost economic
2O(~)ns for dairy cattle suitable [or coastal rice growing areas. Livestock Adviser
: 21-24.
163
 Venugopal, K and Wasnik, HM., 1987. Prospects of increasing sugarcane production ilrId
productivity in Goa. Bharatiya Sugar 12(7): 33-35.
J( Vijayaraghavan, H., Ramadas, N., Ramanathan, T and Rethinam, P. 1987. Effect of tOd~
Tapping on Thanjavur wilt disease of coconut. Indian Coconut 1. 17(2):3-5.
POPULAR ARTICLES
Bhat, S.K., Sujatha, A and Thomas, K.G. 1~87 . The palm civet a pest of cocoa. Indian
Cocoa, Arecanut and Spices Journal. 10(3 ):63-66.
Faleiro JR and Venugopal, K. 1987. The ravaging pest - Brown plant hopper. Navhind.
Times (Panaji) 18 Jan . 1987.
Ghai , SK and George V Thomas 1987. Now, Bionitrogen for coconut too 25(10):26-27.
Gulati Sunil 1987. Seed-cum-fertilizer drill for oilseed crops. Green and Glory V.
2(1 ):13-14.
17:150-153.
Jacob Mathew 1987. The new world of computors souvenir
JIIDai, GB 1987. Biological pest suppression in plantation and tuber crops - an overview.
Vidyalaya, CPCRI, Kasaragod pp.21-24 .
Proc. Seminar cum Sixth workshop of Biocontrol of crop pests and weeds 29 June
.y
Rajagopal, V. 1987. Efficacy of management practices for increasing the productivity ar
root (wilt) affected coconut palms . Indian Coconut Journal. 18(8):1-4.
Rethinam, P. 1987. Management of drought situations in coconut plantations. IndillJ
Coconut Journal. 18(6):3-5.
PAPERS PRESENTED IN PRO CEEDINGS, WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS
Bhagawan, S., Sham a Bhat K and Nair, R.V. 1987. Methodology for cacao germplasm
evaluation in areca-cacao intercropp ing experiment with
treatments. Proc. International Cacao Research Conference 1987.
Dhileepan, K. 1987. Integrated Approach for the Management of Avian Pests of VllpW.'"
Elaeis guineensis Jacq. in India. Paper presented in the National Symposium
Integrated pest control - Progress and Prospects. 15-17 October
Trivandrum.
George MY 1987. Some problems in sample survey for the estimation of crop losses
to pests and diseases of plantation crops. Paper presented at the Natid
Symposium on sample surveys in Indian Agricultural Problems and P.-no:nedI
17-19 Sept. 1987. IASRI, New Delhi . by Indian Bureau of Mines, 14 August 1987, Panaji.
George V Thomas, and Ghai SK 1987. Relative efficiency of different VA
fungi on black pepper. Paper presented at National Workshop on
13-15 March 1987. JMU, New Delhi.
Jacob Mathew 1987. Growth of Agriculture in Kerala with special reference to Plantatioi
Crops . Paper presented at the National Symposium on growth and instability
agriculture 19-21 Augus t 1987, IASRl, New Delhi.
Joshi, OP., Gopalas undaram. P and Mohamed Yusuf 1987. Moisture depletion paw:
coconut plantation under rainfed and irrigated conditions. Paper present
National Seminar on Agrometerology of Plantation Crops 12-13 March 87,
PiJicode.
Mathew, PA., Faleiro, JR., Joshi, Y and Venugopal , K 1987. Strategy for increasing
production in Goa. Paper presented in the seminar on strategies for ;nrre3!l··~
cashew production in Maharashtra. 13-14 Nov 1987. Oapoli .
6!1
t:u yusuf and Dhanapal, R. 1987. Soil moisture balance in relation to rainfall and
~aporation. Paper presented at National Seminar on Agrometerology of
~Iantation Crops 12-13 March 1987, RARS, Pilicode.
. ar, MK and Das, PK 1987. Technology transfer problems in plantation crops. _
yuJi}'lnternational workshop on Management of Agricultural Extension for poverty
alleviation, NIRD, Hyderabad Background papers. C 57-62.
biar, KKN and Rethinam, P 1987. Thanjavur wilt disease of coconut comes to
- Kerala. Paper presented at the Interna tional symposium on Ganoderma wilt
disease on palms and other perennial crops 6-8 January 1987, Tanjore.
ppJaI, GB 1987. Integrated pest management in Plantation Crops. Proc. Workshop on
strategies of insect pest management in cofiee. Cardamom and Tea cropping
systems. 23-24, January 1987, CRI , Chikmagalur Supp!. Journ. Coffee Res.
1987, GAU, Anand. pp. 91-107 (Mimeo).
nam, P. 1987. Management of Ganoderma wilt disease in palms. Paper presented at
the International Symposium on Ganoderma wilt disease on palms and other
perennial crops. 6-8 January 1987. Tanjore.
nam, P. 1987. Studies on Ganoderma lucidum associated with coconut as a
common project. Paper presented at the International Symposium on Ganoderma
wilt disease on palms and other perennial crops. 6-8 January 1987, Tanjore.
tl"'lnam, P and Mohamed Yusuf 1987. Micronutrient deficiencies in plantation crops.
Paper submitted for presentation in the National Symposium on Micronutrient
stresses in crop plants. Physiological and genetic approach to control them. 1'6-18
_nam, December 1987, Rahuri .
P and Mohammed Yusuf 1987. Management of drought situation in plantation
crops. Paper presented at the Workshop on Drought relief measures. 12 October
1987, Kasaragod.
Il!I!aUgopal, K 1987. Utilization of mine rejects for agri-horticulture in Goa. Paper
presented in the training programme on requirements of a Mining Plan organized
.
lkumar K., Jacob Mathew, Amarnath CH., Nambiar, PTN., Jose, CT and
Balakrishnan, TK 1987. Influence of weather on coconut yield. Paper presented at
e National Seminar on agrometerology of plantation crops. 12-13 March 1987,
thRARs
, Pilicode.
REVIEWS
PK7 1987. Saving and economic growth in India by AE Granovsky, Review Projector
(7 -9):29-30.
PK 1987. Agriculture and Rural Development in India by Dr. ML Dawan. Review
7(10- 12).
~(lOI987.
-12).
Structural Dimensions of Poverty in India by SP Gupta. Review Projector
165
EDITORIAL WORKS
Das, PK 1987. Proceedings of the Sixth symposium on pLantation crops. Session VI.
397-462 Oxford & lBH, New Delhi. .
Das, PK 1987. Research at CPCRI by KV Ahamed Bavappa, Central Plantation Cr,
Research Institute, Kasaragod.

EXTENSION PAMPHLETS/FOLDERS
Mohamed Yusuf and Dhanapal , R 1987. Drip irrigation for coconut Pamphlet n0.37
Central Pl antati on Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod. '
Advani, Rand Bhat, SK 1987. Rodent pest management in coconut and COcoa. Extensioo
folder No.1, CPCRl , Kasaragod .
Madhavan, K 1987. Copra Moisture Meter. Extension folder No.1 I. CPCRI, Kasaragod.
Staff o f the Institute

KASARAGOD

MANAGERIAL
MK Nair, PhD. Director S5
P Rethinam, PhD. Project Coordinator (Palms) S3

SCIENTIFIC
Genetics and Plant Breeding
RD Iyer. PhD. Head, Division of Genetics S4
RV Pillai, M.Sc. (Ag.) S3
PM Kumaran, Ph.D. S2
S Damodaran, M.sc. 51

Biotechnology
CR Raju, M.sc. S2
Agronomy
Mohammed Yusuf, PhD. Head, Division of Agronomy, S3
P Gopalasundaram, M.sc. (Ag.) S2
M Gopalakrishnan Nair, M.sc. (Ag.) Sl

Son Science
CC Biddappa, PhD. Head, Division of Soil Science, S3
PL Ramanandan, PhD. S2
MG Bopaiah. PhD. S2
Hatneed Khan, M.sc. (Ag) S2
~"nt PhYsiology & Biochemistry
Rajagopal, PhD. S2
kV I<asturi
Bai, M.sc. S2

l G6 167
SR Voleti, M.sc.
Physiology & Biochemistry
S Shivashankar, M.Sc.
G> PatH. Ph.D. Head, division of Plant Physiology, S4
S Chempakam, Ph.D.
8 sumathykutty Amma, M.sc. S2
K'I Joseph, Ph.D. S2
Plant Pathology
OJaCko Mathew, M.Sc. S2
KKN Nambiar, Ph.D. Head, Division of Plant Pathology,
'l1IOrnas Varkey, M.Sc. SI
Rohini Iyer, Ph.D.

Anil Kumar, Ph.D.

Microbiology ,AerOnomy
George V Thomas, Ph.D.
MuraIeedharan, Ph.D. S2
Entomology

PSPV Vidyasagar, Ph.D.

SoJI Science
AS Sukumaran, M.Sc.

As Mathew, M.sc. SI
ro Karnalakshi Amma, M.Sc. SI
Nematology

P Sundararaju, Ph.D.

Sudha Sukumaran, M.sc.

S3
Technology S2
K. Madhavan, S.sc. IETE S2
Sunil Gulati, B. Tech. (Ag. Eng.) S2
S John Don Bosco, ME S2
S2
Agricultural Economics
S
PK Das, Ph.D. Head, division of Agrl. Economics,

KC John, M.Sc. (A g)

Agricultural Statistics

Jacob Mathew, M.Phil

Ph.D. Head, Division of Nematology, S4
ria~a Varghese, Ph.D. S2
MY George, M.Sc.

PTN Nambiar, M.sc.

K Vijayakumar, M.sc.

Agricultural Extension
S3
MK MuJiyar, M.sC. (Ag.) Head, Division of Agricultural Extension,
S3
S2
S2
S2
KAYANGULAM S2
MANAGERIAL SI
NP Jayasankar, Ph.D. Joint Director, SI
SI
SCIENTIFIC SI
Economic Botany
MP Govindankutty, Ph.D.
PM Jacob, M.sc. S2

168
 M.Sc. (Ag). Horticulture , SI
VIITAL SI
joshi, M.sc. (Ag) (PI. Pathology).
SI
.:. .....I..l ro. Ph.D. (Entomology)
MANAGERIAL
K. Shama Bhat. Ph.D. Joint Director PALODE
NaJtlpoothiri, Ph.D. (G.enetics & Cytogenetics), S3
SCIENTIFIC
S2
"'Clillai, Ph.D. (PI. Breedmg),
Genetics & Plant Breeding

Sabu, M.sc. (Ag) (PI. Pathology) S2

RV Nair. Ph.D.
Varghese, M.Sc. (Ag) (Agronomy) S2
BS Chaudhary. M.Sc.
SI
lil.....:nAr;m. M.sc. (PI. Breeding).
A Rekha, M.Sc.
M.Sc. (Ag) (Agronomy), SI
M.Sc. (Ag) (Entomology), SI
Soil Science
SI
k foDnamma, M.Sc. (Entomology),
AR Mohapatra, Ph.D.
SI
.leepan, Ph.D. (Entomology),
NT Bhat. M.Sc. (Ag)

LAKSHADWEEP
Plant Physiology & Biochemistry
Cecil, Ph.D. (Soil Science),
S2
D. Balasimha. Ph.D.

Chenchu Subbaiah. M.Sc.

KANNARA

EV Daniel , Ph.D.
aumadhava Menon, M.Sc. (Agronomy) S2
M.Sc. (PI. Pathology), SI
Agronomy
lo' Unhammpc! Sayed. Ph.D. (PI. Breeding),

SI
KB Abdul Khader, Ph.D .

HIREHALLI

Plant Pathology
, Ph.D. (Agronomy) S2
R Chandra Mohan, Ph.D .
, Ph.D. (PI. Pathology),
S2
N Saraswathy, M.Sc.

Ramanujam Bonam, M.Sc .

MOHITNAGAR

, M.Sc. (PI. Pathology), SI

Microbiology
~~da, M.sc. (PI. Breeding) SI
8M Bopaiah. M.Sc. (Ag)
• M.Sc. (Microbiology) SI
Chenchaiah, M.Sc. (Entomology)
SI
Entomology

Mariamma Dani.el , M.Sc.

KAHIKUCHI

•Ph.D. (Plant Pathology).

SI
GOA
MANAGERIAL KIDU

K. Venugopal. Ph.D. Joint Director, ~l. M.sc. (Ag), (Agronomy),

SI

SCIENTIFIC WCGC ANDAMANS

AR Bhattacharyya, MV .sc . FRVCS (Animal Reproduction) Rao, M.Sc. (PI. Pathology),

SI
S Nagabhushanam, M.Sc. (Ag), Horticulture,
HM Wasnik, Ph.D. (Soil Science), KASARAGOD

C Virakathamath , M.Sc. (PI. Breed ing),

RN Shanm ughasundaram, M.V.sc. (Animal Nutrition) , Farm Supdt. (T6)
NS Nair , M.V. Sc. NDPH ( Poultry Science), Librarian-Cum. Documentation Officer
c
(T6)
S Subramanian , M.sc . ( Fish & Fishery Science).
171
 K Karunakaran Nambiar, Workshop Superintendent
M Narayanan, Photographer
CKB Nambiar, Sr. Technical Assistant
S Keshava Bhat, Sr. Technical Assistant
KV Raghavan, Sr. Civil Engg. Asst.
PS Shivaprasad, Instruments Mechanic
KAYANGULAM
MD Pillai, Sr. Lib. Asst.
VIITAL
A Manjunatha Shetty, Farm Supdt.
KK Krishna Nambiar, Sr. Farm Asst.
K Krishnayya Gopal, Sr. Farm Asst.
MA Rao, Sr. Farm Asst.
GOA
P Mohammed Shaffee, Tech. Officer
Vishram Yashwant Gaunker, Training Associate
Prabhu Moye Sunetra Shantaram, Training Associate
Meter Kusaji Keshav, Training Associate
K. Radha Bai , Training Associate
Borges Vas Maria Avelina Das, Training Associate
K Manikandan, Training Associate
KIDU
K Lakshminarayana, Sr. Farm Asst.
HIREHALLi
T. Kempanna, Sr. Farm Assistant
PALODE
K Ramachandran Nair, Tech. Assistant
KASARAGOD
ADMINISTRATION & ACCOUNTS
KP Karunakaran Nair, Sr. Administrative Officer
M Ravi, Asst. Administrative Officer
K Narayana Naik, PA to Director
F John Sylvester, Supervisor
AV Sankaran Kutty, Superintendent
NK Ammukutty, Superintendent
MA Ismail, Superintendent
KA Keshavan, Superintendent
172
KAYANGULAM
K Sukumaran, Asst. Administrative Officer
TK Abdul Kareem, Superintendent
K Thampi, Superintendent
NG PiIIai, Asst. Accounts Officer
VITTAL
NT Prabhakaran, Asst. Administrative Officer
K Krishnankutty, Asst. Accounts Officer
TK Narayanan Nambiar, Superintendent
GOA
MK Sachidanandan, Superintendent.
STAFF ON STUDY LEAVE
P. Gopalasundaram, Scientist S2 (Agronomy) at TNAU, Coimbatore.
H. Hameed Khan, Scientist S2 (Soil Science) at TNAU, Coimbatore.
RETIREMENTS
Dr. KV Ahamed Bavappa, Director, CPCRI on 31-3-1987
Sri. KM Cheriyan, SS Gr. III on 28-2-1987
SrI. PK Raghavan, SS Gr. II on 30-4-1987
SrI. Krishna Nair, SS Gr. III (Maistry) on 30-6-1987
Sri. James Rozario, Asst. Artist, Photographer on 31-7-1987
Sri. K. Kandappu, SS Gr. III on 31-8-1987
Sri. N. Kunjikrishna PiIIai, SS Gr. II on 30-9-1987
Sri. CV Thomas, Lab. Attender, Gr. III on 30-9-1987
Sri. K. Raghavan , Mazdoor, SS Gr. II on 31-12-1987
OBITUARY
Dr. K. Shama Bhat, Joint Director, CPCRI Regional Station, Vittal passed away on
28-1 0-1987.
173
 Weather Data
(Rainfall and Temperature)

January February March April May June

Location
Rainfall Temp. °C Rainfall Temp. °C Rainfall Temp. °C Rainfall Temp. °C Rainfall Temp. °C Rainfall Temp. °C
( mm ) Min. Max . ( mm) Min. Max. (mm) Min. Max. (mm ) Min. Max. (mm ) Min. Max. ( mm ) Min Max.

Kasaragod 0.0 20.0 32.9 0.0 20.7 32.7 0.0 22.2 32 .9 0.0 24.9 33.9 65.4 24.7 34.9 884.6 23.9 30.7
Kayangulam 0.0 20.9 34.9 3.0 22.2 34.6 4.2 23.3 35.2 78.2 25.l 34.8 398.6 24 .7 33.9 575.5 24.2 31.2
Vittal 0.0 19.1 34.2 0.0 19.4 34 .2 0.0 21.8 35 .7 24.5 36.2 24.9 34.8 818.1 23.2 30.5
Palode 11.8 19.5 33.8 0.0 18.8 34.9 41.8 21.6 35.9 192.6 23.9 35.1 209.2 24 .0 34.4 362.4 23.4 31.1
Kannara 0.0 20.4 32.8 0.0 19.5 34.7 3.2 21.9 36.5 2.4 24.5 37.4 37.3 24.8 37.0 848.3 24.5 33 .5
Kahikuchi 30.0 4.5 lql5 32.2 8.5 13.0 109.0 10.5 19.5 188.0 15.0 20.5 86.5 15.5 24 .0 180.0 20.5 25.0
Hirehalli 0.0 15.0 34.0 0.0 15.0 33.0 0.0 15.0 32.0 8.0 18.5 36.0 33.4 19.0 35.0 44.3 21.0 33.0
Mohitnagar 0.0 6.0 28.0 30.4 10.0 31.0 83.4 12.0 34.0 77.8 17.0 37.0 241.4 17.5 37.0 694.2 19.5 35.0
Kidu 0.0 23.6 36.1 0.0 24.0 36.21 24.0 35.29 24.0 38.57 155 24.0 37.6 522 .0 24.0 29.63
And am an 54.8 21.1 29.4 23.2 20.1 29.7 17.1 22 .7 31.0 7.7 24.5 31.5 155.3 23.6 31.2 363.7 24.2 30.0

July August September October November December

Kasaragod 204.3 24.3 31.2 677.6 22.9 29.7 173.0 23.1 31.0 133.0 22.9 32 .3 143.2 21.9 32 .7 25.4 21.2 33.7
Kayangulam 115.4 24.3 32.3 399.3 23.8 30.6 198.1 23.8 31.6 546.8 23.6 31.7 136.8 22.5 32.l 102.0 22.0 32.4
Vittal 539.0 23.6 29.7 372 .6 23.7 30.9 177.4 23.7 31.5 130.3 23.5 32.5 66.2 22.5 32 .9 7.2 21.9 33 .2
Palode 105.8 23.3 31.6 331.4 23.3 30.7 449.2 23.0 31.8 384.2 23.l 31.3 366.4 22.8 31.6 255.2 22.7 32.1
Kanr.ara 399.8 21.3 31.2 408.0 21.7 29.5 214.8 24.7 32.5 262.5 21.5 31.5 262.1 20.1 31.5 82 .0 16.0 31.5
Kahikuchi 432.5 21.0 24 .0 184.5 21.0 24.0 351.5 20.0 24.0 92.0 15.5 21.5 13.0 17.0 5.5 11.0
Hirehalli 29.6 20.0 34.0 92 .8 20.0 33.0 133.1 20.0 33.0 69.0 19.0 34.0 34.6 12.0 32.0 19.4 12.0 30.5
Mohitnagar 894.3 23.0 33.0 71.1 21.5 32.5 275.7 22.0 34.0 237.7 18.5 32.5 14.0 31.5 9.5 29.0
Kidu 104.0 22.32 25.84 712 2416 25.6 1 412 26.5 29.2 814 25.0 27.47 212.0 24.46 27.26 20 25.4 27.5
Andarnan 27.1 24.5 30.4 66.2 23.7 29.9 447.8 23 .1 28.8 311.4 22.9 31.0 232.1 22.2 29.8 258.5 22.6 28.5

• 2 2
n
~
2!
..;

~
~
;.
>

G) _I-i
ee ~