Browsing by Author "Premathilake, U.G.A.T."

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    axonomic Identification of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume) Leaf Miner in Sri Lanka
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Samarasinghe, W.D.; Widanapathirana, C.U.; Jayasinghe, G.G.; Samarasingha, K.G.B.A.; Premathilake, U.G.A.T.
    Cinnamon leaf miner is a minor pest in cinnamon cultivations of Sri Lanka, but causes severe losses in cinnamon nurseries resulting considerable expenditure for its management. Present study was undertaken to identify the larval taxonomy and adult morphology of cinnamon leaf miner, as the first comprehensive research in Sri Lanka. The study was conducted at National Cinnamon Research and Training Center of Sri Lanka. Insects reared both under field and laboratory conditions were observed under the microscope. Published taxonomic keys were referred to identify the larva and external morphology of the adult was compared with the previous reports of the experts. The initial instars of the larva were transparent, whitish in colour and it was changed to a glittering red towards the pupation. Larva was characterized by the strong and sclerotized mandibles which enable it to vigorously devour plant tissues. Antennae were short, three segmented and located towards the front of the head. Unequal, five stemmata were located laterally and posteriorly to the antennae. Four segmented strong thoracic legs ended with a claw. Abdomen consisted of 8 segments while pseudo legs were located on the iii, iv, v and x abdominal segments. Equal crochets were in a complete circle. The larva made an irregular shaped tunnel inside the immature leaf of cinnamon and continued to grow up to a length of 5mm inside the mine before pupating in an external cocoon of 6mm. The adult was a greyish moth of 3 to 5mm in length with a wingspan of 7 to 9mm. Wings are entire, scaled, lack stigma on front wing between C and R. Hind wings are fringed. Filiform antenna not knobbed at the tip with more than 41 segments longer than forewings. Proboscis coiled. Tibial spurs are conspicuous. Basal segment of antennae enlarged forming an eye cap. Present study confirmed that the Cinnamon leaf miner belongs to the Acrocercops spp. under Order Lepidoptera, Family Gracillariidae and Subfamily Gracillariinae. This study laid foundation to further studies on biology and management strategies of Cinnamon leaf miner in Sri Lanka. Keywords: Acrocercops spp.; Cinnamon zeylanicum; Gracillariidae; Taxonomy
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    Effect of Different Fertilizers on Growth Performance and Yield of Lanka Sour Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2021) Meegallage, G.M.S.P.; Chathurika, D.J.G.K.; Weerakkodi, W.A.G.I.S.; Gunathilaka, K.R.K.S.; Premathilake, U.G.A.T.
    Tomato cultivation in Sri Lanka is an intensive and highly commercialized system. The continuous application of inorganic fertilizers leads to a decline of soil characteristics, accumulation of heavy metals in plant tissue, and harm to human health. Application of organic fertilizers a noble and eco- friendly practice to maintain sustainable soil fertility. Currently, there is an emerging trend towards the consumption of organically produced fruits and vegetables. The present study was performed to study the effect of different fertilizers on the growth and yield performance of Lanka Sour tomato, a traditional tomato variety, which has been poorly studied in Sri Lanka. Tomato was cultivated inside a protected house at Uva Wellassa University, Sri Lanka. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design with five treatments and five replicates. The treatments consisted of control (No fertilizer) (To), inorganic fertilizers (Urea, TSP, and MOP according to Department of Agriculture recommendations) (T1), compost (T2), poultry manure (T3), and cow dung (T4). Topsoil and sand (1:1) were used as the potting mixture. The pH, electrical conductivity, available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and exchangeable potassium (K) were analyzed in the potting media. The compost consisted of cattle manure, green manure, coir dust, dolomite, hay, and gliricidia. The highest nutrient composition (N-3.3%, P-4%, and K-3.1%) was recorded in compost. Under growth parameters, plant height, number of leaves, number of branches, stem girth, chlorophyll content of leaves, root dry weight, and root length were measured. The number of flowers per plant, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit pH, and total soluble solid of fruits were taken as yield parameters. Significantly (p<0.05) highest growth performances {plant height (81.10±3.83cm), number of leaves/plant (841.4±81.0), stem girth (3.86±0.15cm), and root weight (28.04±10.12g)} were observed in compost treated plants. Moreover, the application of compost significantly (p<0.05) increased the number of flowers/plant (27.8±6.6) and fruit yield/plant (731.8±55.6g) in tomatoes. Results of the study indicated that Lanka sour tomato well responds to organic fertilizers, and compost application had promising effects on both growth and yield performances. Therefore, the present study suggested that there is a high potential to cultivate Lanka sour tomato under organic fertilizers. Keywords: Compost; Fertilizers; Growth; Organic; Tomato; Yield
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    Effect of Initial Seed Moisture Content on Seed Growth Quality Parameters and Storability of Brinjal (Solanum melongina L.)
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Kayalvizhy, S.; Kaliyadasa, P.E.; Premathilake, U.G.A.T.; Priyantha, M.G.D.L.
    Quality seed is the basis in high agricultural productivity and average seed germination in brinjal was reported as below 70% under local conditions. This problem was reported especially in "Lenairi" and "Padagoda" brinjal varieties. Hence this experiment was carried out to compare the effect of Initial Seed Moisture Content (ISMC) on growth quality parameters under non storage and storage conditions in different brinjal varieties. Experiment was designed in Complete Randomized Design with two and three factors having four replicates in each under non storage and storage conditions respectively. Three ISMC, 9%, 8%, 7% and four different varieties, Lenairi, Padagoda, Thinnavelli purple, Amanda were taken for this study. Brinjal sebds were tested initially for growth quality parameters and samples were stored for two months under ambient and refrigerated conditions. Findings revealed that, there was a highly significant effect of ISMC, variety and storage condition on seed germination and vigor. Under non storage condition, highest germination percentage (79.5%) was recorded in Padagoda at 9% initial seed moisture content. Highest vigor index (2147) was recorded in Thinnavelli purple at 9% initial seed moisture content. Under storage condition highest germination percentage (86.5%) was recorded in Padagoda at 8% initial seed moisture content stored in refrigerator. Highest vigor index (2837) was recorded in Amanda at 9% initial seed moisture content stored in refrigerator. Results indicated that highest germination percentage was observed at 9% ISMC under non storage condition. Seeds stored in refrigerator at both 9% and 8% ISMC were superior in storability compared to those stored in ambient condition in growth quality parameters. However, further studies are necessary to identify more suitable ISMC for commercial scale brinjal cultivation. Keywords: Brinjal, Initial seed moisture content, Germination, Vigor
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    Effect of using Biofilmed Biofertilizer to Control the Tip Burning and Leaf Spot Diseases of Dracaena sanderiana and Cordyline fruticosa
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Udagedara, U.M.C.S.; Kaliyadasa, P.E.; Premathilake, U.G.A.T.; Seneviratne, K.A.C.N.; Seneviratne, G.
    Draceana sanderiana and Cordyline fruticosa are highly demanding cut foliages in foliage industry. Due to its perishable nature in foliage, it is highly susceptible to pest and pathogens which causes loss of appearance and thereby reduce the ornamental value of the plants. Tip Burning, Leaf Spots, Fusarium stem and root rot are some of the major diseases in these plants. High amount of fertilizer and agro chemicals are used to improve the growth of the plants and to control the pest and disease problems. It is an extra cost in floriculture sector and also reduces the quality of the products. Biofilmed Biofertilizer (BFBF) is a cost effective and environmentally friendly bio-fertilizer type. Most importantly it suppresses the pathogens through improved biodiversity and acts as a biological control agent. The research was conducted to identify the possibility of using BFBF to control the Tip Burning and Leaf Spot diseases of Dracaena sanderiana "white", Dracaena sanderiana "gold" and Cordyline fruticosa. Grow More fertilizer was used as the chemical fertilizer in 2.5 g/1 concentration and Biofilmed- F was used in 1: 15 ratio by volume. Five treatments were used namely BFBF alone, full strength chemical fertilizer only, half strength chemical fertilizer only, BFBF with half strength chemical fertilizer and Distilled water as control. The study revealed that the application of BFBF alone is more effective in controlling the Tip Burning and Leaf Spot diseases of Dracaena sanderiana "gold" and Leaf Spots in Dracaena sanderiana "white". Application of BFBF with half strength chemical fertilizer is more effective in controlling both diseases of Cordyline fruticosa and controlling Tip Burning of Dracaena sanderiana "white" when compared to the use of chemical fertilizer alone. In overall, BFBF with half strength chemical fertilizer is more effective in controlling the Tip Burning and Leaf Spot diseases of Dracaena sanderiana and Cordylinefruticosa while promoting a better growth. Keywords: Dracaena sanderiana, Cordyline fruticosa, Biofilmed Biofertilizer, Tip Burning, Leaf Spots