Browsing by Author "Alwis, L.M.H.R."

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    Analysis of combining ability and heterosis in tomato (solanum lycopersicum) using full diallel cross
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Jayarathna, R.G.Y.H.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.; Fonseka, H.H.; Welegama, H.M.V.T.
    Tomato (Solanumlycopersicum) is the second most important vegetable crop next to potato. Tomato being one of the popular vegetable crops in Sri Lanka is preferred by farmers due to high economic returns, export potentials and nutritive value. Tomato is a rich source of vitamin A, C and minerals like Ca, P and Fe (Dhaliwalet al., 2003). Tomatoes are major contributors of antioxidants such as carotenoids (especially, lycopene and β-carotene), phenolics, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and small amounts of vitamin E in daily diets (Raiet al., 2012). In Sri Lanka, tomato is cultivated in more than 7137 ha, producing nearly 73917 t/year. (Department of Agriculture, 2010) The record lower yields are attributed to multiple of factors inclusive of elevated and frequent incidences of pest and diseases and inadequate accessibility to quality seeds (Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, 2011). Most improvement programmes of many crops use diallel analyses as they provide breeders information on the genetic value of varieties as parents and to assess the gene action which can be directed at improving yield and other related quantitative characters (Vianaet al., 2001). Therefore, an understanding of the genetic control of characters and role of non-allelic interaction is essential to the breeder when deciding of the selection method and breeding procedure to follow (Esmail, 2007). From diallel analysis, plant breeders are able to gather information on heterosis and effect due to maternal, General Combining Ability (GCA) and Specific Combining Ability (SCA) of parents in crosses (Glover et al., 2005). Materials and method Parents were obtained from the germplasm of the Plant Genetic Resource Centre (PGRC), Gannoruwa, Peradeniya.Seeds of the all possible crosses, reciprocals and Bhathiya were obtained from the Horticultural Crop Research and Development Institute (HoRDI), Gannoruwa from the maha season 2013/2014.
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    Assessing Adoption of Organic Pepper Cultivation in Kandy, Matale and Kegalle Districts
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Yallarawa, Y.S.M.M.P.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.; Wickramasinghe, K.
    Increased domestic and international demand for organic products, along with environmental and safety issues have stimulated policymakers and governments in some parts of the world to provide incentives for converting from conventional to organic farming. Sri Lankan agriculture industry is developing its potential to address it. The country is trying to be a quality organic supplier to the world market. This study was conducted to investigate the level of the adoption of organic pepper farming and to identify the factors affecting on intension to conversion of conventional cultivation of pepper to organic cultivation of pepper in Kandy, Matale and Kegalle districts. The data used in the study were collected from a sample of both organic and conventional farmers. A total of 126 respondents were selected from the three different cultivated areas to obtain main objective and 72 respondents were selected from the three different cultivated areas to obtain second objective. Probit model was used in this study to categorize the organic farming into adoption and non-adoption. Age of the household head, experience, land area and number of awareness sources have significant effect on the adoption of organic pepper farming. Gender, age of the household head, primary education, attitude on cost of non-organic farming and price per one kilogram of pepper have significant effect on intension to conversion. Forty three percent of farmers in the study area have adopted organic cultivation of pepper. Assessing the intension to conversion, conventional farmers show some potential for converting to organic practices. Seventy eight percent of the farmers in the study areais having an intension to convert their farms into organic. The institutions related to organic farming are very useful in providing information about organic farming. Government agencies, extension and research institution should play a vital role to strengthen the awareness and advantages of organic farming. Keywords: Organic farming, Intension to conversion, Adoption, Probit model
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    Characterization of Conserved Germplasm of Pungent Chilli Landraces (Capsicum chinense Jacq)
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Jayathissal, K.A.M.Y.O.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.; Kannangara, K.N.
    Morphological and agronomical traits are widely used to study the diversity in Capsicum species, to determine the relationship between various species and to develop an identification key. Capsicum chinense Jacq ("Nai Miris") species are still not properly characterized as the attention has been directed to Capsicum annum species. Hence present study was undertaken to explore the morphological and agronomical diversity of Capsicum chinense Jacq at Regional Agricultural Research and Development Centre, Makandura, low country intermediate zone (IL,a). Thirty three morphological traits and fourteen agronomical traits considered for 48 accessions germinated from 112 Capsicum accessions. Accessions were collected from Plant Genetic Resource Centre and chilli breeder, Mr. K.N. Kannangara. Characterization was based on descriptor for Capsicum produced by PGRC. Based on the results of48 Capsicum accessions, there were no duplicated accessions within the studied accessions. The traits that largely contributed to the variability within and between the accessions included corolla colour, anther colour, fruit colour at intermediate stage, fruit colour at mature stage, fruit shape, mature leaf length, mature leaf width, number of days for flowering, number of days for fruiting, fruit length, fruit wall thickness, fruit weight and 1000 seeds weight. Cluster analysis showed that there are three major clusters in germplasm collection of Capsicum. One major cluster consisted with 23 accessions of pungent chilli having useful and most common characteristics such as: annular constriction of calyx and clusters of flowers or fruits at node, which are exclusively found in the Capsicum chinense Jacq accessions. The twenty three accessions divided in to seven sub clusters and showed wide genetic diversity that exists in Capsicum chinense germplasm. Keywords: Morphological traits, Agronomical traits, Capsicum chinense Jacq, Cluster analysis, Genetic diversity
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    Characterization of Phaseolous vulgaris L.(Common Bean) Accessions Collected from Farmer Fields by Using Morphological Characters
    (Uva Wellassa University of Srilanka, 2011) Kanakwatta, J.M.R.A.B.; Ariyarathna, H.M.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.
    Common bean Phaseolous vulgaris L is a major and popular vegetable in Sri Lanka which belongs to the family Leguminosae. In Sri Lanka, bean is mainly cultivated in Badulla, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Rathnapura and Matale districts (Prabaharan, 2004). Different bean varieties have been recommended by the Department of Agriculture considering their desirable morphological characters. The yield of those recommended Sri Lankan varieties are less than those varieties in the world and they are susceptible to the major diseases and pest attacks (Prabaharan, 2004). The landraces developed by natural process of selection at farmers' fields may bear precious characters. These landraces may be among the accessions collected from the farmer fields. The objective of this research is to characterize different accessions collected from the farmers' fields to be used in bean breeding programs
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    Comparison of High Performing Seedlings and Vegetatively Propagated Tea Cultivars in Selected Tea Estates in Badulla.
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Bandara, M.M.N.T.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.
    Prolonged drought is a major problem that prevails in Badulla. There are well adapted seedling teas in estates which also gives a higher yield like TRI recommended cultivars. This study was conducted for comparison of morphological characters of high performing seedling teas and extensively usedvegetatively propagated tea cultivars in selected tea estates of Badulla. Three estates were selected based on the climatic conditions and the recommendation by the Balangoda Plantations PLC. Fifteen morphological characters were considered for the cluster analysis such as number of pluckable shoots, shoot weight, banji shoots, internodal length, leaf angle and pose, leaf length, leaf width, young leaf pubescence, leaf waxiness, greenness, waviness of leaf lamina, leaf blade attitude, pigmentation of leaf petiole and stomatal density. Measurements were taken from five seedling teas as S 1, S2, 53, S4 and S5 and three recommended vegetatively propagated cultivars from each estate. Mean comparison was conducted for the characters which were significantly different. Selected teas were clustered separately without overlapping and showed each as a specific genotype. S2 seedling clustered with TRI 3015 and showed the highest mean value for considered characters in Uryestate. S3 seedling showed the highest mean values but none of the TRI recommended cultivars were clustered with S3 in Thelbedda estate. In Spring Valley mean values of S5 was the highest andclustered with CY9. Therefore S2 from Ury, S3 from Thelbedda and S5 from Spring Valley can be recommended as potential mother bushes to obtain cuttings for nurseries.
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    Comparison of Morphological Characters of High Performing Seedlings and Extensively Used Vegetatively Propagated (VP) Tea Cultivars in Selected Tea Estates in Passara Region
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Hettiarachchi, H.A.I.L.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.
    Total tea production in Sri Lanka has been declining due to yield reduction. Vegetatively propagated tea cultivars that have a narrower genetic diversity compared to seedling tea are extensively cultivated in the Passara region where prolonged drought conditions were experienced over the past few decades. Further, there is a scarcity of suitable planting materials and well-adapted teas in this area. However, there is high performing seedling tea in the Passara region which is a good source to increase genetic diversity and gives a comparatively high yield. This study was conducted to compare twenty-one of selected high performing seedlings and extensively used vegetatively propagated cultivars in selected tea estates, Passara for ten morphological traits. According to the analysis of variance results, there was a significant difference between selected tea bushes from each estate in consideration of the given quantitative morphological traits. Cluster analysis was performed for all the considered characters to identify whether they are genetically overlapped. A seedling labelled as GS4 from Gonakale estate has been clustered with TRI 2025 while GS2 and GS3 seedlings have been clustered together with TRI 2043. Seedling VS1 from Varellapathna estate has been clustered together with TRI 2023 while seedling VS3 has been clustered with CY9. None of the selected seedlings from Hopton estate were clustered together with selected vegetatively propagated cultivars in the same estate. Therefore, GS2, GS3, and GS4 seedlings from Gonakale estate and VS1, VS3 seedlings from Varellapathna estate can be recommended to maintain as mother bushes to obtain cuttings for nurseries and they can be used to increase the genetic diversity of tea in Passara region. Keywords: Genetic diversity, Morphological characters, Seedlings, Vegetatively propagated tea cultivars
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    A Comparison of Selected Biochemical Parameters in Between Susceptible and Tolerant Tea Cultivars for Glyptotermes dilatatus (Low Country Live Wood Termite)
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Abeyrathna, H.M.D.C.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.; Weerawansha, A.N.R.; Mevan, K.M.; Fernando, M.S.C.; Senanayake, P.D.
    Pest damages are a severe problem to the Sri Lankan tea industry. Low Country Live Wood Termite (LCLWT), Glyptotermes dilatatus is one of the most economically important pests in Sri Lanka as they attack to the low grown teas which have the highest contribution to the Sri Lankan tea production. Introducing highly tolerant cultivar with high yielding is the most promising method among various methods of controlling pest. Feasibility of using biochemical parameters for the screening of new cultivars for the pest attack of LCLWT is a new approach in today's world. This research was conducted to compare selected biochemical parameters; Caffeine, total Catechin and total Polyphenol contents in between tolerant and susceptible cultivars for LCLWT. Healthy and rotted stems of nine cultivars (TRI 4042, TRI 4049, TRI 4053, TM 4054, TRI 4061, TRI 3014, TRI 3025, TM 3055, TRI 3069) which were susceptible and tolerant to LCLWT were collected separately. Caffeine content had increased in all cultivars upon infestation. Tolerant, moderately tolerant and susceptible cultivars had high, moderate and low total catechin content in the healthy stems, respectively. Total catechin and total polyphenol content decreased in all the cultivars upon infestation. There are main three clusters at 0.75 distances according to the biochemical parameters considered in healthy stems and tolerant, moderately tolerant and susceptible cultivars to the LCLWT are divided into clusters separately. Keywords: Low country live wood termite, Semio-chemicals, Cultivar screening
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    Detection and Confirmation of Phytoplasma Disease in Different Crop Species by Using Molecular Technology
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Amarasinghe, A.A.I.M.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.; Silva, P.D.P.M.D.; Basnayake, B.M.V.S.; Tennakoon, T.M.N.D.; Nandasena, K.D.
    Phytoplasma disease is caused by plant pathogenic Phytoplasmas, which are cell wall less bacteria that causes devastating losses in yield and quality of crop production in Sri Lanka. Effective control is required to minimize the spread ofthe disease through identification of the organism. Detection and confirmation of phytoplasma diseases in infected crop species by using molecular technology required to gain rapid accurate results in identification to compete with increment of virulence ofthe pathogens. However, there are least number of research conducted on phytoplasma diseases in Sri Lankan context. Hence, this study was conducted as a molecular approach for phytoplasma detection, identification and confirmation. The Polymerase Chain Reaction based method was used with universal primers for 16S rRNA gene to detect phytoplasma in fifty different suspected crop species and the amplified DNA fragments in 557 by were visualized on 2 % agarose gel. Thirty-six crop species gave positive results with producing DNA fragment in 557 by size. For accurate detection of phytoplasma caused symptoms in Sapota (Manilkara zapota) and Petunia (Petunia sp.) two oligonucleotide primers were designed, using sequenced phytoplasma DNA extracted from infected Sapota and Petunia plants. Those designed primers were characterized, optimized and primer specificity was analysed. Primers Mx for Sapota is forward -5'- GCCAGGCAGTCCACTTATCA-3' and reverse 5'- GTGCACGCCCTAAACGAATC-3'. The length of the primer was 20 bases and detectable band in gel profile was 88 bp. with three unstable hairpin loops. Primer Mx best annealing temperature was 50 and showed 90 % specificity. Primers Px for petunia is forward sequence '5-CGGCTTGGCTACCCTTTGTA-3' and reverse sequence 5' - TACCTGGCCTTGACATGCT-3. The length of the primer was 20 bases and detectable band in gel profile was 288 bp. with eight unstable hairpin loops. Primer Mx best annealing temperature was 45 and showed 30 % specificity. Mx and Px primers can be used for specific, sensitive detection of phytoplasma infect to Sapota (Manilkara zapota) and Petunia (Petunia sp.) plant species. Key words: Phytoplasma, Polymerase chain reaction, Primers, Gene sequencing, Template DNA
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    Determinants of Adoption Decision of Newly Improved Tea Cultivars by Tea Small Holders in Uva Region
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Jayasinghe, W.S.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.
    Tea small holding sector plays a pivotal role in the economy of Sri Lanka. Tea small holders in Uva region face some challenges caused by biotic and abiotic stresses in tea growing as the consequences of them. Therefore these issues such as fungi, bacteria, sun scorch, cold lead the low productivity and poor quality tea. Adoption of newly improved cultivars in tea sector is a vital investment to enhance the productivity and to sustain the yield stability under different environmental stress conditions. The purpose ofthis study is to identify the factors affecting on adoption decision of newly improved tea cultivars by tea small holders. The research was carried out in small holdings areas of Haliella, Bandarawela and Welimada divisions of Uva region. Two hundred tea smallholders were selected from 16 Tea Inspectors ranges in these divisions using cluster sampling and simple random sampling techniques. Population in each Tea Inspector range consists with separate farmer organizations called clusters. Then a simple random sample of clusters selected from the population. Probit model was used to identify the factors affecting adoption decision of newly improved tea cultivars by tea small holders. Results revealed that higher proportion (74%) of tea small holders in Uva region were to adoption of newly improved tea cultivars in their cultivations. 26% of tea small holders in Uva region did not get the adoption decision of newly improved tea cultivars. Tea small holders education, awareness and knowledge level, extension service contact, experienced with drought, membership of agricultural association, field affected by pest and deceases are the factors affecting to increase the adoption decision of newly improved tea cultivars by tea small holders. The factor of constraints to access of newly improved planting materials influences to discourage the adoption decision of newly improved tea cultivars by tea small holders. Key words: Adoption decision, Newly improved tea cultivars, Quality and productivity of tea, Tea small holders
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    Determinants of Value Added Production in Cinnamon Industry
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Jayathilaka, W.S.P.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.; Amarakoon, A.M.C.; Batuwantudawa, T.D.; Palakatiya, G.
    Value addition is currently an important topic in agriculture sector, especially to increase the economic value of agricultural products and to reduce wastage. Value addition has the ability to create employment, absorb excess labour from agriculture, enable rural residents to capture more margins from agriculture, hence raising rural income levels. Spice is one of the key agricultural sub sector of Sri Lanka. True cinnamon (Cinnamomuni zeylanicum) is unique and most economically valuable indigenous crop known as Ceylon cinnamon among all other spices in Sri Lanka. Regardless of the unique benefits associated with true cinnamon, there is limited value added cinnamon products range hence cinnamon processors receive less return from cinnamon industry. Using survey data from 83 cinnamon processors from Galle and Colombo Districts, this study analyzed factors affecting on value added production in cinnamon industry, an economic activity with a potential to improve household livelihoods but whose development has remained rudimentary. Binary logistic regression technique and SWOT analysis were used to identify the potentials and problems in the industry. The results revealed that cinnamon processors involvement in value added production is positively influenced by a number of significant factors including technology, attitude, cost of production, credit access and labour availability. Lack of support services and access to credit, inadequate technology, labour scarcity and high cost of production are the major problems of the value addition in the cinnamon industry. The major potentials of the industry are the established name and reputation of the Ceylon cinnamon around the world, health benefits of true cinnamon and the higher quality of true cinnamon than its major competitor Cassia cinnamon. Study recommended that cinnamon manufacturers should be informed about the benefits and importance of adding value to their agricultural commodities as a tool for poverty reduction, employment creation and economic development. Keywords: Binary logistic regression, Cinnamon industry, True cinnamon, Value addition
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    Determination of Cultivar Differences of Coconut on Heat Tolerance by In Vitro Pollen Germination
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Kiriwandeniya, K.G.S.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.; Ranasinghe, C.S.
    Coconut as one of the main commercial crops in Sri Lanka, it mainly grows in intermediate zone (around 50% of total land), wet zone (around 25% of total land) and the balance in the dry zone. Heat and drought stress are the main impacts of climate change on coconut production. Therefore, development of heat and drought tolerant coconut cultivars has been recognized as a major adaptation measure to climate change. Plant reproductive organs are more vulnerable to changes in short episodes of stress prior and during early stages of flowering (Ranasinghe et al., 2010). The major cause for failures in pollination under high temperature is reduced pollen germination at temperatures as high as 35 C to 39 C during some seasons. Therefore, it is imperative to develop tools for screening coconut for high temperature tolerance with respect to pollen germination. Several recent studies have used the in-vitro pollen germination and pollen tube growth under different temperatures to screen genotypes for high temperature tolerance. This type of pollen characteristics will provide useful insight into the reproductive tolerance of coconut to anticipated climate change. In-vitro pollen germination and pollen tube growth of typica and nana varieties were studied by Ranasinghe et al., (2010) and suggested that the response of in-vitro pollen germination to temperature will be an accurate method to screen coconut varieties to high temperature tolerance,. Therefore, this study focused on identifying the effect of temperature on pollen germination and pollen tube growth of new coconut hybrids. Methodology Six healthy coconut palms of Tall X Tall (TT), Dwarf Green X Tall (DGT), Tall x San Ramon (TSR), Brown Dwarf x Tall (DBT), Tall x Brown Dwarf (TBD), Brown Dwarf x Sa n Ramon (DBSR), Dwarf Green X San Ramon (DGSR) forms were selected randomly from Raddegoda and Mawathagama sites in Kurunegala, IL1a. The experimental design was Complete Randomized Design (CRD). Male flowers were collected from six palms of each cultivar and pollen of three randomly selected flowers was dusted into microfuge tubes with germination media and allowed to germinate in incubators. Incubators were maintained at predetermined temperatures from 16 C to 39 C within 2 C intervals (3 tubes per temperature regime). Pollen grains were counted for pollen germination (3 slides from each microfuge tube) after 22 hrs of incubation under light microscope. Germination percentage (% PG) was determined. The in- vitro elongation of pollen tubes was measured after 3 hrs of incubation by using an ocular micrometer fitted to the eye-piece of the microscope under a high power (x40). There were 18 pollen tubes per temperature regime for each variety. Maximum pollen germination percentage and pollen tube length recorded after incubation, at each temperature were analyzed using linear and non linear regression models (Ranasinghe et al., 2010). The bilinear equation (Equation 1) was used to estimate cardinal temperatures (Tmin ,Topt and Tmax) of all the varieties. Where; t is actual treatment temperature, and a, b1 and b2: equation constants. Topt: the optimum temperature for pollen germination or tube growth.
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    Determination of Effect of Pretreatment and Best Medium for Anther Culture for Selected Potato Varieties (Solanum tuberosum L.)
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Chandrasoma, H.E.L.K.D.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.; Kumari, H.M.P.S.
    Potato (Solanum tuberosum L) is a starchy, tuberous crop and extensively cultivated in Nuwara Eliya and Badulla districts. Among the cultivated varieties in Sri Lanka, Granola was introduced variety and variety Golden Star was developed by Agriculture Research Station, Sitha Eliya. Vegetatively propagated potato using seed tubers are highly susceptible for diseases. Because anther culture can ensure that potato plants are disease-free, objectives were to determine the effective pretreatment, best medium and best performing variety for anther culture to develop a protocol for anther culture. Under glass house conditions during May to September, Golden Star and Granola are the only varieties produced flowers. Flower buds (4 to 6 mm long) of Golden Star and Granola were kept in refrigerator under 4 C for 24 hours and 6 C for 48 hours for pretreatment. Anthers were inoculated in six media in first stage. Number of contaminated petri dishes, number of days taken to anther enlargement, days taken to color change, difference of anther length, callus percentage and average diameter of calli were recorded after 8 weeks from explant establishment. In second stage after callus induction, developed calli will be transferred to a recommended regeneration media containing MS medium + 0.2mg L GA3 + 0.01mg L NAA. Number of days taken to calli regeneration, regenerated calli percentage and total number of shoots were recorded after 6 weeks from transferred. The lowest contamination percentage (16.6%) was observed on anthers pretreated at 4 C for 24 hours. Days taken to anther enlargement, days taken to color change and difference of anther length are not differed significantly.
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    Determination of Genetic Purity of the Yellow Dwarf Coconut Seedlings Rejected from Nurseries Using SSR Markers
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Wijewickrama, W.L.H.; Meegahakumbura, M.K.; Attanayaka, D.P.S.T.G.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.
    Hybrids coconut cultivars usually produce 40% higher yields over commonly grown Sri Lankan Talls. At present about 10,000 yellow dwarf coconut seedlings are rejected yearly from nurseries, as there is not true to type hybrids based on yellow color petiole as a visible marker for hybrid seedlings. The ambiguity of this phenotypic marker for selection often results in considerable wastage of true hybrid seedlings from the nurseries widening the gap between the demand and the supply of hybrid planting material. In the current study, microsatellite (SSR) marker-based approach was used to test the true hybridity of seedlings raised in the nursery. One hundred rejected seedlings were screened with 2 SSR primers, namely CAC 68 and CAC 23 which exhibited potential to distinguish parental varieties, Sri Lanka Tall (SLT), Sri Lanka Yellow Dwarf (SLYD), and resulting hybrids. The results of the study revealed that on average 36% of the rejected plants were true hybrids which are suitable for planting. The percentages of parental types, the true contaminants were 62% comprising with 6% Tall types and 56% SLYD types. As a result the current visible marker used to select off type seedlings from the coconut nursery is inaccurate resulting a loss of 36 true hybrids to the industry for every 100 seedlings rejected. The two SSR markers can be used to confirm the hybridity of seedlings derived from SLT X SLYD crosses reducing the loss by authenticated plants from the nurseries.
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    Determination of Optimal Auxin and Cytokinin Levels for Meristem Culture of Sugarcane (Saccharum Hybrid Spp.): Variety SL 96 328
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Rathnayaka, R.M.B.S.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.; Wijesuriya, A.
    Non-availability of quality sugarcane planting material is a major constraint for cane production and sugar industry expansion in Sri Lanka. The Crop Improvement Division of the Sugarcane Research Institute of Sri Lanka actively engaged in the development of protocols in quality planting material production through micro propagation and in the other rapid sugarcane multiplication techniques (Wijesuriya et al., 2010). Concentration of phyto-hormones has been identified as the most critical factor that controls and interacts with the varieties in formation of multiple shoots and root formation in culture (Wijesuriya and Teruya, 1988). The Sugarcane Research Institute usually uses the standard MS medium with the concentration of 0.2 mg/l 6 - Benzylaminopurine (BA) and 0.001 mg/l Kinetin (KIN) for multiple shoot formation and gelrite medium for first culture and liquid medium for passage culture. For root formation in multiple shoots, MS medium added with α-Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) 0.2 mg/l, Indol-3 butyric acid (IBA) 2 mg/l and sucrose 60 g/l have been identified as the most effective combination. However these phyto-hormone combinations may or may not produce optimum output for different varieties under culture. This study was conducted to determine the optimal levels of shooting hormones (BA and KIN) and rooting hormones (NAA and IBA) in particular to the meristem culture of newly-bred sugarcane variety SL 96 328 that is needed rapid multiplication for commercialization. Methodology This experiment was conducted at the Sugarcane Research Institute, Uda Walawe, Sri Lanka during the period, May to August 2013. Five levels of BA and five levels of Kinetin (Table 1) were tested for their effects on multiple shoot formation and shoot multiplication in passage culture in variety SL 96 328. For root initiation and development in multiple shoots, five levels of NAA and five levels of IBA (Table 2) were tested. Ten and 30 replicates were used respectively, in culturing meristem ex-plants in gelrite medium and in passage culture of single shoots in liquid medium in each hormone combination tested. For rooting, 20 replicates of multiple shoots with more or less similar size and vigour were used for each hormone combination.
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    Developing a Method to Determine 2,4-D and MCPA in Tea with Derivatization by Gas Chromatography-Electron Capture Detector(GC-ECD)
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Chamara, P.G.T.; Jayasundara, M.J.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.; Nagahatenna, D.S.K.
    A gas chromatographic method was developed for the determination of residues two phenoxy acid herbicides. The black tea samples were extracted in methanol: water (8:2) mixture, and then followed by liquid-liquid partition with dichloromethane and water (for 2, 4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid or 4-Chloro-2-methylphenoxy acetic acid). Then the residues were derived with methanol: sulfuric acid (9:1) mixture and the resulting mixture was further cleaned up by hexane and washed with NaHCO3. The esters were analyzed by a gas chromatography equipped with an electron capture detector (ECD) and they were quantified by the external standard method. The recovery percentages of the spiked samples at 0.05, 0.1 and 1.0ppm for 2,4-D were 0.09225, 0.05775 and 0.05325 respectively. Since the recoveries of the spiked samples at 3 spike levels were all below 70%, it was revealed that the method is not up to the acceptable levels for 2,4-D in according to the quality standards of European Union and Japanese. However, the proposed method can be improved with some modifications of methylating reagent, extraction method and clean-up method to determine pesticide residue in black tea. Key words: 2,4-D, MCPA, Black tea, Electron capture detector
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    Development of a Flavored Herbal Tea using Broken Mixed Fannings and Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Leaves
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Athapattu, A.M.D.T.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.; Bandara, S.M.I.P.G.; Thalagoda, U.
    Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) is the second most widely consumed popular non-alcoholic beverage in the world for centuries due to its sensory attributes and health promoting effects. Herbal drinks gain more popularity in recent years due to its associated health benefits. The study was carried out to add value to the tea grade of Broken Mixed Fannings (BMF) by developing a flavored herbal tea by incorporating Moringa oleifera leaves which contains various health benefits. Moringa oleifera leaf powder was prepared. Five treatments were tested incorporating various quantities of Moringa leaf powder and BMF to make final quantity of 2.0 g of herbal tea blend for a tea bag. A sensory evaluation was conducted using ten experienced tea tasters to find out the best combination of Moringa oleifera leaf powder and Broken Mixed Fannings ratio for herbal tea development. Color, aroma, taste, mouth feel and overall acceptability were evaluated as sensory characteristics based on a five-point hedonic scale. Tea is flavored by using lemon flavor. The data was statistically analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test and Conover-Inman method. 0.8 g of Moringa leaf powder and 1.2 g of BMF incorporated combination was selected as the best treatment for the herbal tea development among the five different treatments tested. Total polyphenol content and total antioxidant content of the newly developed product were 0.05 % (g/ml) and 0.19 % (g/ml) respectively as a percentage of the extract. The findings of the microbial studies showed that the newly developed herbal tea blend is safe for the consumption and the physico-chemical analysis revealed that pH and the moisture content of the new product were fulfilled the required standards.
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    Development of a protocol for in-vitro propagation of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) local selections
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Dissanayake, S.G.H.C.K.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.; Jayasinghe, H.A.S.L.; Attanayake, A.M.C.I.M.; Seneviratne, J.M.
    Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) belongs to family Piperaceae and it is one of the most economically important spice crops in the world (Srinivasan, 2007; Mathew et al., 2001). Unavailability of sufficient mother plant stock in the field, obtaining basal runners for propagation and less success and multiplication rate of the high yielding local pepper cultivars are the major problems faced by the farmers who cultivate. Being in vitro propagation a promising option, this study was focused to develop a suitable protocol for in vitro propagation of black pepper local selections. Methodology This research was carried out at Central Research Station, Department of Export Agriculture, Matale. Four experiments were conducted during the research period. Experiment one was conducted to find out the suitable surface sterilization method for the sterilization of black pepper shoot tips. Selecting of appropriate media for the culture establishment of black pepper shoot tips were carried out in second experiment using 1/3Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium and 1/2 Woody Plant Medium (WPM).Experiment three was conducted to find out suitable combination of auxin and cytokinin for the shoot multiplication of black pepper local selections. In fourth experiment, priority was given for the selection of best media and hormonal combination for the callus initiation of TG7 black pepper local selection. Full and half strength MS media were used as the culture media and two different concentration levels of kinetin and NAA were used as the growth regulators. Complete Randomized Design (CRD) was used as the experimental design. ANOVA was used to analyze the statistical difference of parametric data and non-parametric data were subjected for logarithmic transformation. SAS statistical software was used to analyze the data and mean separation was performed using Least Significant Difference (LSD). Results and Discussion As the results summarized in Table 1, sterilization using 10%- 20% Clorox for five to ten minutes (T1 to T5) showed higher percentages of bacterial contamination (40 to 80 %). Lower percentages of fungal contamination was observed in T4 to T8 within the period of three to five days (3% to 7%).The highest survival percentage (66.6 %) was reported in T8, 0.04 % HgCl2 for five minutes. Similarly, the lowest percentages of bacterial and fungal contamination were observed in T8. The highest percentage of phenolic browning (80%) was shown in T6 and lowest percentage of phenolic browning (10.0%) was observed in T2, i.e. 10% Clorox for 10 minutes within four to seven days.
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    Development of a Protocol to Extract Quality DNA from Maha Aratta (Alpinia galangal (L.) Sw.) and Related Species
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Ranasinghe, R.A.S.N.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.
    Alpinia galangal (L.) of family Zingiberaceae is one of the valuable medicinal plants in traditional medicine. There are some morphologically similar plants forAlpinia galangal. Therefore, improper identification creates issues in traditional medicine. DNA barcoding provides correct identification of plants at molecular level. Quality DNA extraction from Alpinia galangal and other related species is needed for DNA barcoding. Thus, this research focused on development of a protocol to extract quality DNA from Alpinia galangal and five related species. Alpinia galangal, Alpinia calcarata, Alpinia malaccensis, Hedychium flavescens, Hedychium coronarivam and Hedychium coccineum leaf samples were used to extract DNA. Extracted DNA was visualized using 0.8 % agarose gel and quantified using UV visible spectrophotometer. The protocol developed to extract genomic DNA of Alpinia galangal and other related species consisted with following steps. In developed promising protocol, the first leaves were sterilized, weighed and kept at -200 °C for one hour, cut in to small pieces, ground with liquid N2 and transferred in to preheated buffer 2x CTAB with pinch of PVP. f3 mercaptoethanol was added. Then chloroform: isoamyl alcohol (24:1) extraction and centrifugation at 13000 rpm were done. After two chloroform: isoamyl alcohol extractions, DNA were left to precipitate at -200 °C for one hour. Then, supernatant was removed and wash buffer was added. Samples were centrifuged at 13000 rpm, and pellets were taken and allowed to dry overnight. Finally, dry pellets were dissolved in TE buffer. This promising protocol confirms that extraction quality DNA is at considerable amount from Alpinia galangal and other related species. Pure quality DNA is having absorbance ratio in between 1.8 to 2. It showed that DNA extracted using this developed protocol can be used to extract quality DNA from Alpinia galangal and other related species. Concentrations of DNA extracted from six Alpinia species, was in range of 150 to 275 ng 1.11-1. It also revealed that this developed protocol can extract considerable amount of DNA from Alpinia galangal and other related species. Keywords: Alpinia galangal, Maha aratta, Identification, DNA barcoding, Adulteration
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    Development of Protocol for in vitro Propagation of Gladiolus
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Liyanage, L.P.H.; Jayasinghe, H.A.S.L.J; Alwis, L.M.H.R.
    Gladiolus, the queen of bulbous flowers belonging to family lridiaceaeis one of the most important and popular cut flower. Gladiolus occupies the first place in the international floriculture trade (Ghanie/ at. 2008). Gladiolus has long lasting flower stalks, attractive colors and numerous forms which make its higher consumer demand in the market. In Sri Lanka, only few farmers have tended to cultivate gladiolus as a commercial crop. Due to high vulnerability to the diseases and pests and unavailability of high quality disease free planting materials, flower growers dis-incline to cultivate gladiolus in their fields. Therefore, mass production of high quality planting materials and continuous supply are essential to promote the gladiolus cultivation in Sri Lanka. Gladiolus is vegetative propagated by corms and cormlets, which is a time consuming method due to very slow rate of mu Itiplication and disease factors (Torabi-Giglou and Hajieghrari. 2008). la vitro propagation methods become a viable alternative to the conventional propagation methods and are widely used for producing high quality disease free planting materials. There Fore, present study was undertaken to develop a protocol for lit vitro propagation of gladiolus by studying the effect of sterility and different hormone combinations for direct and indirect organogenesis
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    Development of Ready to Drink Beverage from Coconut Water of DC Mills
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Kumara, W.G.M.; Alwis, L.M.H.R.; Jayasundera, J.M.M.A.
    Coconut (Cocos nucifera Linn.) is referred to as “Tree of Life”. However, the most used part of the palm is coconut fruit (Damar, 2006). Liquid endosperm is the inner most part of the coconut fruit and it is rich in sugars, vitamins, proteins, antioxidants, minerals etc (Rolle, 2007; Campos et al., 1996; Nadanasabapathy and Kumar, 1999). Although coconut water has numerous nutritional and medicinal properties, mature coconut water is considered as a waste and removed especially from desiccated coconut industries (Damar, 2006). Coconut water discharged from DC mills has a higher biological oxygen demand (BOD) and a chemical oxygen demand (COD) (Kumar et al., 2002). This active pollutant pollutes the surrounding environment mainly by producing bad odours. Growing consumer interest in coconut water as a refreshing beverage and as a sports drink has broadened its market opportunities. The major problem in coconut water beverage is the shorter shelf life. Processing, preservation and proper packaging may be a good solution for extending the shelf life of mature coconut water as a beverage. This study was aimed at developing a processing and preservation method for prolonging the shelf life of coconut water that is discharged from DC mills. Methodology Coconut water was collected from DC mills under hygienic conditions. The pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids (TSS), total sugar and minerals (Ca, Mg, K, Na and Fe) of DC nut water were analyzed. Preliminary studies were carried out to find out the best TSS level (6.0.), the best acidulates (citric acid), the best pH value (pH 4.4), suitable flavor and appropriate flavor concentration (strawberry flavor with 0.2 % v/v). The pH and Brix value adjusted coconut water was pasteurized by heating at 80 C for 5 minutes (T1), heating at 80 C for10 minutes (T2), heating at 90 C for 5 minutes (T3) and heating at 90 C for 10 minutes (T4). KMS (100 ppm) and 0.05 % CMC were added as preservatives and stabilizers, respectively. The treated nut water with the better flavor was filled into sterilized glass bottles and aluminum pouches. Bottles and aluminum pouches were stored separately at both ambient (30±2 C) and refrigerated (4±2 C) temperature. The processed nut water was analyzed for TSS, titratable acidity, pH, mineral content, microbial infestation and sensory properties once in two weeks’ for a period of 2 months. Physio-chemical and microbial data were analyzed by SAS computer software. Kruskal Wallis one way ANOVA non-parametric statistical test was performed to analyze sensory data.