017184   Martinez-Nataren D A;Parra-Tabla V;Dzib G; Acosta-Arriola V;Canul-Puc K A;Calvo-Irabien L M (de Ecologia Tropical Dep, Campus de Ciencias Biologicas y Agropecuaria, Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan, Km, 15.5, Carretera Merida-Xmatkuil, 4-116, Merida, Yucatan 97315, Mexico, Email: lumali@cicy.mx) : Essential oil yield variation within and among wild populations of mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens H.B.K.-verbenaceae), and its relation to climtic and edaphic conditions. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2012, 15(4), 589-601.

Knowledge on the role of climatic and edaphic factors that influence the essential oil production in aromatic plants is essential for the development of strategies for management and conservation. Mexican oregano is a non-timber forest product traditionally harvested from wild populations by the rural Mayan communities. Despite its economic importance, studies designed to evaluate the variation in essential oil production, and its relationship with environmental conditions, are scarce. The main goal of this study was to assess spatial variation in essential oil yield of 14 wild populations located in a bioclimatic gradient in south-eastern Mexico, and explore if such variation was associated with different climatic and edaphic conditions. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between essential oil yield and climatic and edaphic variables. Geographic variation in essential oil yield was observed among bioclimatic regions, among populations within regions and among plants within populations. Populations located in regions of higher aridity presented higher essential oil yield. Additionally, our results suggested that plants in populations with lower soil water availability, higher nitrogen and iron contents and higher pH values presented higher essential oil yield. Finally, this study allowed us the identification of high yield germplasm with potential for commercial exploitation.

3 illus, 4 tables, 66 ref

017183   Mallick R;Sanyal P (School of Oceanographic Studies, Jadavpur Univ, Kolkata) : Sustainable use of plant resources of Kurseonh gills, Darjeeling district. Indian For 2012, 138(6), 531-4.

Plant resources are naturally occurring substances that are considered valuable in their relatively unmodified (natural) form. The value of such resources rest in the amount of the material available and the demand for it. Both extraction of the basic resource and refining it into a purer, directly usable form are generally considered natural-resource activities, even though the latter may not necessarily occur near the former. Conservation and sustainable use of plant resources means an occurrence of improvement by virtue of preventing loss or injury and careful management of the plant resources. The management process includes optimum utilization of natural resources in a scientific manner for the betterment of man and environment and for sustainable development.

7 ref

017182   Lonare M K;Sharma M;Hajare S W;Borekar V I (Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology Dep, Post Graduate Institute of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Krishnagar, Murtizapur Road, Akola-444 104, Email: milindmitra@gmail.com) : Lantana camara: overview on toxic to potent medicinal properties. Int J pharm Sci Res 2012, 3(9), 3031-5.

Lantana camara is more popular as toxic weed rather than medicinal plant in most of the countries responsible for infesting pastures, grazing lands, orchards and crops like, tea, coffee, oil palm, coconut and cotton, and reduces the economic viability of the crops. This plant can grow even in extreme harsh climatic conditions of tropical and sub-tropical areas and has become naturalized worldwide as an ornamental plant including India. The stem, root and leaves contain many of the bioactive compounds responsible for various therapeutic applications such as cancers, chicken pox, measles, asthma, ulcers, swellings, eczema, tumors, high blood pressure, bilious fevers, catarrhal infections, tetanus, rheumatism, malaria, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative and diaphoretic. Besides this, it has some toxic effect by accidental ingestion among the livestock. Best alternate uses of West Indian Lantana started by the people, as it is difficult to eradicate such as household furniture like tables, chairs etc. are made from the stalks.. Present review indicating that Lantana camara is a versatile ornamental plant species having economic importance and can be promoted for diversified applications like medicinal and other potential uses.

1 illus, 32 ref

017181   Lohani H;Chauhan N K;Kamlesh Kumar;Zafar Haider S;Andola H C (Centre for Aromatic Plants, , Industrial Estate, Selaqui-248 197, Email: cap_selaqui@indiatimes.com) : Comparative aroma profile of wild and cultivated Chenopodium ambrosioides L from Uttarakhand. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2012, 15(4), 657-61.

In the present investigation the essential oils of Chenopodium ambrosioides L. aerial parts obtained from wild sources and cultivated field were analyzed by GC and GC-MS. The essential oil yields, obtained by hydro-distillation were 0.28 % in wild and 0.16 % in cultivated Chenopodium. The GC and GCMS analysis of the essential oils led to the identification of 18 components representing 90 % of the oils. The major component in wild sample was α-terpinene (44.68 %) followed by p-cymene (21.28 %) and ascaridole (17.89 %), whereas in cultivated sample ascaridole (44.96 %) was found in abundance. p-cymene (27.14 %) and α-terpinene (8.27 %) were other two major components in cultivated Chenopodium. Wild sample detected major fraction of monoterpene hydrocarbons, whereas as cultivated oil dominated by oxygenated monoterpenes. Study concluded that oil of C. ambrosioides originated from Uttarakhand region can be use pharmaceutical preparations along with combination of other desired molecules for industrial applications.

1 table, 21 ref

017180   Kurdekar R R;Hegde G R;Hebbar S S (P. G. Botany Dep, Karnatak University, Dharwad-580 003, Email: grhbhadran@rediffmail.com) : Antimicrobial efficacy of Bridelia retusa (Linn.) spreng. and Asclepias curassavica Linn. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2012, 3(4), 589-93.

The in vitro bioassay of the bark extracts of Bridelia retusa Spreng. and root extracts of Asclepias curassavica Linn. was done by cold percolation and Soxhlet method against four bacterial species, viz. Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus vulgaris and two fungal species Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. The MIC and MBC values for the extracts obtained by both the methods were tested separately. The acetone extract of B. retusa showed MIC values ranging from 25, 42.5 to 85 mg/mL against the tested strains where as the bactericidal and fungicidal concentrations were found to be ò170 mg/mL. The MIC value for root extract of A. curassavica was 3.06 mg/mL and the bactericidal concentration was found to be 100 mg/mL. The present work is an attempt to justify that the method of extraction influences the efficacy of the plant extracts.

^ssc4 tables, 30 ref

017179   Kshirsagar K;Braganza V J (NO, , ) : Micropropagation of Rosa damascena Mill. through transverse thin cell layer culture. South Asian J expl Biol 2012, 2(4), 184-9.

Basic factor underlying the success of large-scale micropropagation and genetic transformation of any plant species is regeneration. In order to regenerate propagules of Rosa damascene Mill, on a large scale, an efficient and improved in vitro propagation system has been established using transverse thin cell layer culture (tTCL). By optimizing the position of the tissue and applying an improved selection procedure, in vitro shoots were elongated in 8 weeks of culture. Modified Murashige and Skoog (1962)(MS) medium fortified with 4.0 mg l-1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 0.4mg I-1 anaphthalene acetic acid (NAA) gave optimal shoot regeneration. The explant was inoculated on this medium in the upright position and exhibited a high frequency of shoot regeneration (<126>96.66%), and it also gave the highest number of shoots (22.33/explant). The horizontally placed explant on an average 7.66 shoots/explant. The experiments indicate that explant orientation strongly influences the organogenesis response. The frequency of shoot initiation and the number of multiple shoots produced from each explant were significantly dependent on the plant source, concentration of plant growth regulators and the orientation of the explants and contributed significantly to in vitro regeneration. Rooting of well developed shoots was achieved on hormone free 1/4 strength MS medium with 4% sucrose.

7 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

017178   Kiran C (State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, , Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, Email: kiran.cng@gmail.com) : Genotoxicity of benzene in mammalian cells (Rattus rattus) and its minimization by medicinal plant extract and vitamin C. J Indian Soc Toxicol 2012, 8(1), 1-14.

Benzene is an enlisted industrial carcinogen with genotoxic effects. The present work was aimed at studying the genotoxic effects (chromosomal aberrations and mitotic index changes) of benzene on somatic (bone marrow) cells of 10-15 week old albino rats (Rattus rattus). Many medicinal plants and vitamins are known to have antioxidant and anticlastogenic properties. Therefore, vitamin C and crude extracts of fruits of medicinal plants Phyllanthus emblica (Amla) and Allium sativum (garlic) cloves were tested for their comparative effectiveness in minimizing the genotoxicity of benzene. Genotoxicity of benzene was investigated at doses of 1/ 40, 1/20, 1/10, 1/5 oral LD₅₀. Antioxidants vitamin C (10 mg/kg b.wt) and crude medicinal plant extracts (P. emblica=1000mg/kg b.wt., A. sativum=1000mg/kg b.wt.) were tested for their ability to minimize genotoxic effects of benzene (at 1/10 LD₅₀ dose), at pre, concurrent and post treatment levels. Statistical analysis was done by `student t-test'. Benzene was observed to cause significant increase in number of chromosomal aberrations, percentage of aberrated cells and depression in mitotic-index. P. emblica, A. sativum extracts, and vitamin C significantly reduced all the types of observed abnormalities induced by benzene. They showed best results during pre-treatment. Genotoxicity of benzene was best minimized by A. sativum extract. P. emblica and vitamin C showed more or less similar results. Thus, the daily intake of A. sativum extract might prove to be beneficial in minimizing and providing protection against benzene genotoxicity.

017177   Khomdram S D;Nanda Devi Y;Singh P K (Life Sciences Dep, Manipur Univ, Canchipur-795 003) : Family lamiaceae of Manipur, India. Indian For 2012, 138(7), 616-23.

The family Lamiaceae of Manipur which is represented by 110 species distributed under 39 genera is discussed. Among the genera reported, Clerodendrum is represented y maximum number of 14 species. Some species like Clerodendrum lasiocephalum C. B. Clarke, Orthosiphon watt/7 Prain and Premna milleflora C.B.Clarke are found endemic to North-East India. Updated record of Lamiaceae of the state is provided in the present paper.

1 table, 35 ref

017176   Karpe R S;Suryawanshi D S (Botany Dep, Ajara Mahavidyalaya, Ajara. Dist. Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Email: rskarpe1571973@gmail.com) : Weed species composition in maize field of Ajara dist. Kolhapur (M.S.). Life Sci Bull 2012, 9(1), 161-4.

This work was conducted to studied the different weed species in maize crop of Ajara district, Kolhapur (M.S.). The weed species composition of family Asteraceae was enormously distributed in the field of this region. The frequency and density of weed species were higher in the month of November, when the crops were in flowering stage. The weed management was determined by biological and ecological knowledge of weed and crop. The nature of weed and crop both influenced by the action of the weedicides. It is because some crops are sensitive to particular weedicides. The modern methods of weed management such as chemical and biological controls should be implemented by the farmers.

3 tables, 3 ref

017175   Kanthale P R;Biradar S D (Botany Dep, Nutan Mahavidyalaya, Selu, Dist. Parbhani-431 503, Email: knthle@rediffmail.com ) : Ethnomedicinal plants and their utilization by tribals of Mahur range forest of Nanded district of Maharashtra, India. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2012, 3(4), 578-81.

The present paper deals with the observation of ethnomedicinal uses of plant wealth by Gond, Kolam, Pradhan, Naikde and Andh tribes of Mahur range forest of Nanded district. This range was selected for investigation, as the tribals of this area are mainly dependent upon the forest flora for their livelihood and use herbal medicines for curing the ailments and diseases. Altogether 25 plants were recorded which are used by tribal people in formulation of 32 different ethnomedicinal preparation for curing 24 different types of diseases and ailments. Many of these ethnomedicinal preparations are new. Among 32 ethnomedicinal uses 20 are administrated in the form of single drug for curing white discharge, dysentery, fever, cough, kidney stone, asthma, etc. The data of this study provide the botanical name, family, local name, part(s) used, mode of administration, etc. Some noteworthy plants which are used in curing the diseases are: Abelmoschus crinitus Wall., Crotalaria notonii Wight & Arn., Cyperus sanguinolentus Vahl., Gloriosa superba Linn., Indigofera tinctoria Linn., Phyllanthus maderaspatensis Linn., Desmodium velutinum (Willd.) DC., etc.

1 illus, 18 ref

017174   Kamboj O P;Batra B R;Partap P S (Vegetable Science Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar-125 004, Email: op_karrboj68@yahoo.com) : Genetics of some quantitative characters in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). Prog Agric 2011, 11(1), 40-5.

Gene effects in chilli were estimated through generation mean analysis for six characters viz., plant height, plant spread, branches per plant, fruits per plant and total fresh and dried red fruit yield per plant. Additive gene effects (d) were important for the expression of plant height, plant spread, fruits per plant and dried red fruit yield per plant. However, dominance gene effects (h) were found predominant for the control of branches per plant and fresh red fruit yield per plant. Digenic interaction as well as duplicate epistasis also displayed their significance in the inheritance of characters studied. The appropriate breeding strategies such as simple or pedigree selection, heterosis breeding, reciprocal recurrent selection or full sib selection in the populations of eight crosses were advocated for the improvement of these characters.

6 tables, 8 ref

017173   Joshi V;Joshi S P;Chandra S (Ecology Research Laboratory, Botany Dep, D.A.V.(P.G.) College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand) : Contribution to the flora and vegetation of Jaunsar-Bawar, Uttarakhand, India. Indian For 2012, 138(3), 266-83.

Present paper is a result of exploration of entire Jaunsar-Bawar Chakrata, Dehradun, Uttarakhand. In all 706 plants have been listed. Of these 583 belong to dicotyledons and 123 to the monocotyledons. The dicotyledons are distributed with 107 families and 371 genera. While monocotyledons are distributed with 14 families and 81 genera.

4 ref

017172   Joseph S M;Nampy S (Botany Dep, Centre for P.G. Studies and Research, St. Joseph's College, Devgiri, Kozhikode-673 008, Email: santoshnampy@yahoo.com) : Present status of Commelina petersii Ex. Hassk., (Commelinaceae). Indian For 2012, 138(6), 573-4.

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017171   Jamal Z;Ahmad M;Zafar M;Sultana S;Khan M A; Shah G M (Plant Sciences Dep, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad Pakistan) : Medicinal plants used in traditional folk recipes by the local communities of Kaghan valley, Mansehra, Pakistan. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2012, 11(4), 634-9.

Present investigation confined to document traditional folk recipes by using medicinal plants among the inhabitant of Kaghan valley, Northern Pakistan. In this survey 30 different folk recipes were documented in order of recipe preparation, dosage and parts used along with their botanical, local and family name of the plant species. A total of 30 plant species belonging to 19 Angiospermic, 2 Gymnospermic and 1 Pteridophytic family have been reported in this study. Among the angiospermic families, Asteraceae is the dominant one with 5 species followed by Lamiaceae with 4 species and Liliaceae with 2 species. This study can provide some novel recipes commonly practiced among the inhabitants of this region which need systematic and phytochemical proof of these medicinal plants for drug discovery at global perspectives.

1 illus, 14 ref

017170   Jadhav P N;Gangavane L V (Microbiology Dep, Deogiri College, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Email: dhrutirani@rediffmail.com ) : Interaction between Azotobactor chroococcum and rhizosphere microflora of tomato. Life Sci Bull 2012, 9(1), 133-4.

Various interactions between microorganisms those occur in soil and rhizosphere have been discussed in this paper. Growth ofAzotobacter chroococcum and its nitrogen fixation activity were inhibited by common soil inhabitant Cephalosporium sp. Interections between Azotobacter chroococcum and rhizosphere microflora of tomato was studied by agar well technique. It was seen that some of the fungi were inhibitory. Among fungi, Trichoderma viride, Fusarium semitectum, Alternaria solani were more antagonistic.

1 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

017169   Jadhav D (Botany Dep, Govt. Arts & Science PG College, Ratlam-457 001) : Forest plants used in the treatment of various ailments found in the Bhil tribe of Ratlam district (Madhya Pradesh) India. Indian For 2012, 138(8), 733-6.

Frequent ethnomedicinal surveys were conducted between August 2004 to August 2008 in different tribal inhabited villages of Ratlam district, Madhya Pradesh. Results of the use of these survey indicated 50 forest plant species for the treatment of different type of diseases prevalent in the tribal people of the district. Botanical names followed by family, local names, voucher specimen numbers and the ethnomedicinal uses have been provided.

7 ref

017168   Huang B;Lei Y;Qin L;Liu J (School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, , Shanghai-200 433, P.R. China, Email: hbkcn@163.com) : Chemical composition and cytotoxic activities of the essential oil from the inflorescences of Solidago canadensis L., an invasive weed in Southeastern China. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2012, 15(4), 667-71.

Solidago canadensis L. (Asteraceae) is an invasive weed in southeastern China with rich resources. The essential oil of the inflorescences was extracted by hydrodistillation and the components of the essential oil were analyzed by GC-MS. Fifty-three compounds were identified and represent 91.9 % of the total oil constituents. The main components were β-cubebene (26.9 %), α-pinene (13.8 %), D-limonene (12.2 %), β-pinene (9.3 %) and bornyl acetate (3.2 %) . The essential oils were screened for in-vitro cytotoxic activity against LOVO, HL-60, A-549, MDA-MB-435 and HepG2 human tumor cells, and showed mild activity against A-549, MDA-MB-435 and HepG2. This is the first report on the chemical composition of the essential oil from the inflorescences of Solidago canadensis L.

2 tables, 17 ref

017167   Hosagoudar V B;Riju M C (NO, Tropica; Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala-695 562, Email: vbhosagoudar@rediffmail.com) : Three new fungi from Silent Valley National Park, Kerala, India. J Threatened Taxa 2011, 3(3), 1615-19.

3 illus, 12 ref

017166   Gulnaz A R;Savitha G (Biochemistry Dep, Farooqia Dental College & Hospital, Mysore-21, Email: gulnazar75@gmail.com ) : Phytochemical evaluation of leaf and stem extracts of siddha medicinal plant: Sida cordata. J Evolution med dent Sci 2013, 2(15), 2514-21.

Phyto chemicals are the secondary metabolites produce by the plant for its adaptation, which has medicinal value. The plant Sida cordata is a prostrate herb with medicinal value which is found throughout India. The whole plant Sidda cordata is used by the tribal people of Madekeri district to treat various aliment like hepatic disorder, dysentery, cholera etc, it is also one of the component in herbal preparation in Tamilnadu used on cut wounds, to relive pain etc. The traditional medicine involves the use of different plant extracts or bioactive component for the treatment of different health problems at affordable cost. Secondary metabolites are responsible for medicinal activity of plant. Hence, the present study deals with the preliminary phytochemical evaluation of leaf & stem of Sida cordata, the study includes the preparation of different extracts leaf &stem by successive solvent extraction method fluorescence analysis of successive extracts & their powder are noted under visible &UV light, which showed the visibility of varying colors. Further Phytochemical analysis of leaf & stem extracts of Sida cordata was carried out which confirms the presence of primary metabolites like carbohydrates, amino acids, proteins etc and secondary metabolites like the alkaloids, flavonoids, tannin etc. Present study is designed to explore the preliminary phyto-profile and phytochemical analysis of leaf & stem of Sida cordata, which are responsible for its pharmacological properties.

4 tables, 33 ref

017165   Gong H;Zhou X;Zhu M;Ma X;Zhang X;Tian S (NO, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqu, China, Email: tsgyz@sina.com) : Constituents of essential oil isolated from the dried flower and leaf of Agastache rugosa (Fisch. et Mey) from Xinjiang, in China. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2012, 15(4), 534-8.

This article deal with the detailed pharmacognostic evaluation of the crude drug Agastache rugosa. The essential oils isolated from dried flower and leaf of A. rugosa from Xinjiang, in China, were extracted by the method of hydrodistillation and the chemical compositions of these oils have been investigated by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The yields of essential oils from the dried flower and leaf based on the dry weight of the plant were 0.29 % and 0.57 % (w/w), respectively. The flower oil was revealed the presence of 21 components, representing 99.78 % of the total oil. The major compounds of the flower oil were oxygenated terpenes (35.4 %), estragole (29.5 %), p-Menthan-3-one (19.2 %), and monoterpenes (8.8 %). Twenty-six components accounting for 99.62 % of constituents of leaf oil were identified, and the main compounds of the oil were p-Menthan-3-one (48.8 %), estragole (20.8 %), monoterpenes (8.3 %), and oxygenated terpenes (5.6 %). Oxygenated terpenes were the main group of the compounds in the flower oil and p-Menthan-3-one was the main group of the compounds in the leaf oil.

1 table, 17 ref

017164   Godbole M;Murthy H N (Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, Botany Dep, Karnatak University, Dharwad-580 003, Email: nmrthy60@yahoo.co.in) : In vitro production of haploids via parthenogenesis in culinary melon (Cucumis melo var. acidulus). Indian J Biotechnol 2012, 11(4), 495-7.

Parthenogenetic haploid embryos were induced in culinary melon (Cucumis melo var. acidulus) after pollination with gamma irradiated (250 Gy) pollen. Globular to cotyledonary embryos were observed in the fruit harvested 3 wk after pollination. Embryo rescue and plant regeneration was achieved by culturing cotyledonary embryos on E20A medium. Ploidy analysis of regenerates revealed that the plantlets formed were haploids (n=12).

1 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

017163   Ene A C;Atawodi S E (Biochemistry Dep, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, Email: chinednene@gmail.com) : Ethnomedicinal survey of plants used by the Kanuris of North-Eastern Nigeria. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2012, 11(4), 640-5.

Documentation and preservation of indigenous knowledge deserve high priority if future generations are to benefit from it, especially with the current surge of emerging problems in health, agriculture and pharmaceutical industry. To this end, a study was conducted to assess and document plant species used in ethnomedicine by the indigenous Kanuri tribe of North-eastern Nigeria. Based on interview conducted with traditional healers of Kanuri origin residing in Maiduguri, Borno state, a brief account of 29 plant species used by these people to treat various ailments is presented here. It is interesting to note that some plants can be used in treating more than one disease or ailment. The diseases and ailments whose treatments were covered by the plants identified include malaria, anemia, paralysis, impotency, diarrhea, leprosy, cough, catarrh, toothache, ulcer, hypertension, rheumatism, chest pain and general body pain. The manner in which the traditional healers make their prescriptions showed that a seventh of the prescriptions contained composite remedies. There is equally a revelation that a wide range of health problems are treated by the traditional healers using medicinal plants in various combinations and dosage forms.

1 table, 27 ref

017162   Dwivedi N;Tripath M;Tripathi I P (J.R.D. Tata Foundation for Research in Ayurveda and Yoga, Sci, Deendya, , Chitrakoot, Satna, Madhya Pradesh, Email: dirchitrakoot@chitrakoot.org) : Documentation of traditional medicinal knowledge at Chitrakoot region, district Satna (M.P.) with special reference to Janamghutti. Life Sci Bull 2012, 9(1), 139-41.

Health care based on traditional medicine is still primarily an art, though it needs a solid foundation of science to rest on. Traditional medicines may have been used for centuries by communities and found tobe efficacious through long experience. In ancient days such uses came into vogue due to accidental experimentation or observation which subsequently gave rise to practice by laymen called Nostrum or folk-lore. Since Chitrakoot is a treasure of folklore claims and besides qualified practicener certain laymen especially in rural area and tribal area possess a great knowledge on certain typical uses of several plants. Recognition of the native care and time tested ethenomedical practices are therefore highly relevant in childcare even in modern times. In the present study an attempt has been made to record the information on Janamghutti, a common formulation used by several household as preventive health care from five villages of Chitrakoot region. 23 plant species were found to used as a medicament in single or in combination against common ailments of the children.

1 table, 12 ref

017161   Dubey R;Pandey A K (Botanical Survey of India, , Western Regional Centre, Pune-411 001, Email: dr.rashmidubey@gmail.com) : Pseudoacrodictys steviae - a new generic and species record for India. J Mycol Pl Pathol 2012, 42(2), 251-3.

^ssc1 illus, 11 ref

017160   Doshi A;Sharma S S;Ratnoo R S (Plant Pathology Dep, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUA&T, Udaipur-313 001, Email: anila_doshi@yahoo.co.in) : Evaluation of Bio - industrial waste as casing material in Agaricus bisporus cultivation in Rajasthan. J Mycol Pl Pathol 2012, 42(2), 234-7.

In this study 10 different casing materials, such as farm yard manure (FYM 2 yr-old), spent mushroom compost (SMC 2 yr-old), coir pith and burnt rice husk in different combinations were tried with an objective to identify suitable casing media for use in button mushroom cultivation. The different casing materials were analysed for their physio-chemical properties and evaluated in relation to mushroom yield and quality Medium porosity, water-holding capacity and pH (6.5 to 7.6) were found to promote high yield during the early phase of cropping. Casing with spent mushroom compost, FYM + spent compost (1:1 v/v) and coir pith + spent compost (1:1 v/v) resulted in higher number of fruit bodies and higher yield than other materials tried.

3 tables, 19 ref

017159   Dilip Kumar E K;Janardhana G R (Phytopharmacology Laboratory, Studies in Botany Dep, University of Mysore, Manasagangothri, Mysore-570 006, Email: grjbelur@gmail.com) : Ethno botanical polypharmacy of traditional healers in wayanad (Kerala) to treat type 2 diabetes. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2012, 11(4), 667-73.

The aboriginal medical system prevalent among traditional healers of Wayanad has demonstrated a good practice, so bright future in the therapy of type 2 diabetes. Therefore, present study focused on identification validation and documentation such Ethno botanical polypharmacy prevalent in the district. A total of 47 species belonging to 44 genera comes under 29 families were identified being utilized in 23 different compound medicinal recipes for diabetic healthcare in Wayanad. These preparations and the herbal ingredients need scientific evaluation about their mechanism of action in living organism in heath as well as disease condition to confirm their activity against type 2 diabetes.

3 tables, 6 ref

017158   Deepaa C V;Chalchat J C;John J A (Post Graduate and Research Chemistry Dep, Presidency College, Chennai-600 005, Email: cvdeepaa@gmail.com) : Chemical composition of the essential oil from the leaves of Acalypha fruticosa. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2012, 15(4), 609-13.

Essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation of the leaves of Acalypha fruticosa Forssk (Euphorbiaceae) was analysed by GC and GC-MS methods. Forty components were identified in the oil which totally constituted 97.4 %. The oil is characterized by the abundance of caryophellanes with β-caryophyllene (42.0 %), α-humulene (11.1 %), isocaryophyllene (4.3 %) and caryophyllene oxide (5.2 %). Trans-phytol (15.2 %) is the second major component of the oil. This is the first report of the isolation and characterization of the essential oil from an Acalypha genus.

1 table, 23 ref

017157   Chibani S;Bensouici C;Kabouche A;Aburjai T; Touzani R;Kabouche Z (Laboratoire d'Obtention de Substances Therapeutiques (LOST), Faculte d, Universite Mentouri-Constantine, Campus Chaabet Ersas, 25000 Constantine, Algeria, Email: zkabouche@yahoo.com) : Analysis of the essential oil of aerial parts of Ferula lutea poiret from Algeria. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2012, 15(4), 682-5.

The essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation of fresh aerial parts of Ferula lutea Poiret (Apiaceae) was analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Twenty one compounds were characterized representing 84.9 % of the essential oil with the prevalence of 2,3,6-trimethylbenzene (25.0 %), cis-chrysanthenol (20.8 %), α-pinene (10.9 %) and thymol (10.2 %).

1 table, 33 ref

017156   Chen Y;Guo Q;Zhu Z;Zhang L;Dai X (NO, Institute of Chinese Medicinal Materials, Nanjing Agricultural Univer, Nanjing-210 095, Email: gqs@njau.edu.cn) : Comparative analysis of the essential oil of flowers, leaves and stems of Prunella vulgaris L. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2012, 15(4), 662-6.

Essential oils present in the dried flowers, leaves and stems of Prunella vulgaris were investigated for their chemical diversity using capillary GC and GC-MS. A total of 68 compounds were isolated from these three components: 28 from the flowers (representing 83.4 % of the essential oils present), 19 (80.1%) from the leaves and 21 (79.5 %) from the stem. The most abundant components in the flower oil included hexadecanoic acid (70.0 %), (Z)-9-octadecenoic acid hexyl ester (3.8 %) and 2,2,3-trimethyl-decane (2.7 %). Aromadendrene (55.4 %), cucumber alcohol (8.5 %) and phytol (5.1 %) were the main components in the leaf. In the stem, hexadecanoic acid (38.4 %), trans-traumatic acid (22.4 %) and phytol (6.6 %) were the major components.

1 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

017155   Chapade N A;Suryapujary S M;Gawande N G (Agriculture Botany Dep, College of Agriculture, Nagpur, Maharashtra, Email: sanki312@gmail.com) : Genetic studies of half sib families in random mating population of safflower (Carthmus tinctorius L.). Life Sci Bull 2012, 9(1), 165-8.

Present study was undertaken to evaluate the response to recurrent selection for seed yield and its components from half-sib selection in a safflower, to assess the effect of selection on other quantitative traits and to select the half-sib families significantly superior over Bhima and A₁(Standard checks) for further yield testing. The expected genetic advance for seed yield per plant was 11.17% over population mean and 5.82% over check variety Bhima at 20% selection intensity. The seed yield per plant was positively correlated with plant height, number of primary branches, number of capitula per plant, number of seeds per capitulum and 100 seed weight. The correlation between seed yield per plant todays to 50% flowering and days to maturity was non significant, indicating breaking of linkages by recurrent selection method. This indicates that the half-sib recurrent selection is effective for increasing population mean and extraction of superior recombinant lines better than check varieties.

5 tables, 13 ref

017154   Chandel B S;Shukla S;Tripathic S (Zoology Dep, D.B.S. College, C.S.J.M. University, Kanpur, Utta Pradesh, Email: drbschandelsmailbox@rediffmail.com) : Toxicological compatibility of Azadirachta indica and Acorus calamus extracts and their ingredients against mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi kaltenbach (Hemiptera : Aphididae). Life Sci Bull 2012, 9(1), 103-6.

Laboratory experiments were conducted to study the compatibility of plant products and their ingredients viz., Azadirachta indica A.Juss (Meliaceae), Acorus calamus Linn (Areacea) and their active principles against nymphs and adults of mustard aphid, L.erysimi Kaltenbach (Hemiptera : Homoptera : Aphididae) on mustard, Brassica juncea(Czern and Coss) leaves during 2009-2010. The result revealed that nymphs and adults mortality of painted bug, varied significantly with three concentrations i.e., 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0% of Azadirachta indica and Acorus calamus extracts where as 0.005, 0.010 and 0.020% concentrations of ingredients Acorenone, b-asarone and Azadirachtin. The mortality was high with Azadirachtin 81.68% and followed by b-asarone 81.55% mortality of nymphs and adults of L.erysimi. Another Acorenone, Azadirachta indica and Acorus calamus of different concentrations showed moderate (73.05%, 69.44% and 66.50%) aphid mortality. The corresponding mortality for A.calamus was low 66.50%, while the sweetflag (Acorus calamus) rhizomes and neem seed kernele extracts and ingredient, Azadirachtin, b-asarone and Acorenone tested performed better under all the experiment conditions.

2 illus, 4 tables, 23 ref

017153   Celen S;Azaz A D;Kurkenoglu M;Baser K H C (Faculty of Science and Letters, Biology Dep, Balikesir University, Balikesir, Turkey, Email: selcelen@yahoo.com) : Chemical composition of endemic Thymus spathulifolius Hausskn. and Velen. essential oil and its antimicrobial and antioxidant activity from Turkey. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2012, 15(4), 628-36.

Aim of present study was to compare the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of Thymus spathulifolius on the basis of the chemical composition of oil obtained by hydrodistillation. The essential oil was analyzed by GC and GC-MS and 29 components, representing 99.9 % of the essential oil, were identified. Carvacrol (49.0 %), thymol (17.8 %) and p-cymene (12.3 %) were the main components. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was assessed by the disc diffusion and microbroth dilution method. All tested microorganisms were inhibited by essential oil sample. The strongest activity was observed against Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with MIC values of 125 μg/ml. The essential oil is also active on test fungi. A. flavus seemed to be sensitive to the investigated oil with MIC values of 250 μg/ml. The antioxidant activity of the essential oil (100-1000 μg/ml) was determined by means of the DPPH radical-scavenging method. At 1000 μg/ml the essential oil concentration of T. spathulifolius, 77.31 ñ 0.21% DPPH was scavenging.

4 tables, 36 ref

017152   Bhat S A;Tiwari S C (Forestry Dep, Wildlife and Environmental Sciences, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur-495 009) : Regeneration status of important species in Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve due to the extraction of selected non-timber forest products. Indian For 2012, 138(6), 535-40.

Species composition, dominance and regeneration status of tree species were studied in two blocks of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (AABR) namely [Block II (Periphery) and Block I (Interior)]. The tree density, sapling density and seedling density was higher in Block I as compared to Block II. In both blocks, GHB (Girth at breast height) showed decline in density from small girth class to higher girth class. The study also revealed the nature of changes effected on the character and composition of the biosphere reserve as a result of increasing anthropogenic disturbance and simultaneous changes in microclimate particularly in block I. As far as the regeneration status is concerned, maximum tree species was found with fair regeneration in the [Block I (Interior) than Block II (Periphery)] of the AABR. Meanwhile, in block II, nine species, while as in block I four species were not regenerated. There was lower species richness, species diversity, and mean height of trees in the block II which is a disturbed site, when compared with Block I the undisturbed sites. The seedling density and regeneration of plants were also lower in the disturbed site. Very few of the species extracted by villagers regenerated in the disturbed sites. This suggests that NTFP extraction is non-sustainable within the protected area and will eventually lead to loss of biodiversity and degradation of the forest.

1 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

017151   Bessab R;El-Hadi B (Ecole Nationale Polytechnique - Departement de Genie Chimique Laborato, , 10, Avenue Hassen Badi El-Harrach B.P. 182 Alger 16200, Algeria, Email: el-hadi.benyoussef@enp.edu.dz) : Essential oil composition of Arbutus unedo L. leaves from Algeria. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2012, 15(4), 678-81.

Water-distilled essential oil from leaves of Arbutus unedo L. of Algerian origin was analysed by GC-MS. Approximately 95 % of the components were identified among which palmitic acid (35.2 %), linoleic acid (18.8 %) and p-cresol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl- (6.2%) were the major constituents.

2 tables, 14 ref

017150   Balangcod T D;Vallejo V L;Patacsil M;Apostol O;Manuel J;Cortez S;Gutierrez R M (Biology Dep, College of Science, University of the Philippines Baguio, , Email: tdbalangcod@yahoo.com ) : Phytochemical screenig and antibacterial activity of selected medicinal plants of Bayabas, sablan, benguet province, cordillera administrative region, Luzon, Philippines. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2012, 11(4), 580-5.

The traditional knowledge on medicinal plants, when confirmed by antimicrobial and phytochemical studies, can lead to the development of drugs and plant-based medicine. Twenty selected plants that are used for the treatment of various ailments by the Ibaloi tribe in Bayabas, Sablan were tested for antibacterial activity and analysed for phytochemical constituents. A modified Kirby-Bauer method was used to test the antibacterial potential of the plants against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results showed that out of the twenty plant samples, seven showed positive results in varying degrees. Methanol extracts from the same twenty plants were analysed for their secondary metabolites using standard methods. The extracts were macerated with 95% methanol and were tested for the presence or absence of saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, anthraquinones, steroids, flavonoids and tannins. Bidens pilosa gave positive results for all secondary metabolites while the other plants contained one or two metabolites. The presence of the secondary metabolites can contribute to the antibacterial potential of the plants. The information derived herein provides scientific basis for the ethno-botanical knowledge of the local community. The phytochemicals of the plants when developed further, can offer a less-expensive treatment for various ailments.

4 tables, 24 ref

017149   Ashwani Kumar;Sagwal S;Niketa;Rani S (Bioscience Dep, Shri Ram College, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, Email: ashwani8_biotech@yahoo.co.in) : An updated review on molecular genetics, phytochemistry, pharmacology and physiology of black night shade (Solanum nigrum). Int J pharm Sci Res 2012, 3(9), 2956-77.

This article reviews, connected the gap between the folkloric use of Solarium nigrum and the results of evidence based experiments. Although Solarium nigrum is a rich source of one of plants most dreaded toxins solanine, it has appreciably monstrated its potential as a reservoir of antioxidants having hepatoprotective, anti-tumor, cytostatic, anti-convulsant, anti-ulcerogenic and anti-inflammatory.effects. The review encompasses in-vitro, in vivo and clinical studies done on Solarium nigrum, while examining.whether or not correct scientific measures have been taken in generating experimental evidences for its traditional uses. This review would afford research scientist to know how much is known and what is left undone in the investigation of Solanum nigrum. The compounds considered in this revieware flavonoids and other phenolics, alkaloids (especially indole terpenoid and purine alkaloids), essential oils and other terpenoids, cannabinoids, lucosinolates and isothiocyanates, and compounds having human hormone activity. The review concludes with a discussion of the possible evolutionary mechanisms that have led to the evolution of UV-B regulation of secondary metabolite accumulation. Many Ayurveda philosophers and healers praised about the properties of this plant and utilized in various disorders. Here, a review made on the screening of Solanum nigrum for various activities. It is found that the drug is very potential and can be used for various applications as mentioned in Ayurveda. Black nightshade grows as a weed, found in the dry parts of India and other parts of the world. It has a medicinal usage and has been used as a traditional folk medicine for treating various ailments such as pain, fever and liver disorders. Generally, black nightshade is very rich in nutritive values, which are capable of supplying minerals, vitamins, hormones and proteins. This herb elaborates a wide variety of medicinal properties such as anticancer, antioxidant, neuroprotective, cytoprotective, antimicrobial, antinociceptive and antipyretic properties.

169 ref

017148   Alan S;Gokyildiz S;Ozturk M;Senesen R O; Kadioglu S (NO, Cukurova University Adana Health High School, Cukurova Universitesi Ad, Balcali Kampusu 01330 Saricam - Adana/Turkey) : Traditional health practices in mountain, plain and seaside regions of adana in Turkey. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2012, 11(4), 593-601.

Purpose of this study is to identify the traditional medical practices about general health in mountain, plain, and seaside regions of Adana, find out the differences resulting from geographical features, and collect information regarding this issue to hand down the knowledge gathered to next generations. Target population of the study was designed as a qualitative one. The study was conducted with 23 participants who were born and have been living in mountain, plain, and seaside regions of Adana. Data obtained from the study show that people living in mountain, plain, and seaside regions make use of various traditional health practices. As a result of the interviews conducted, health practices were collected under the following subtitles: wound-burn injury, skin diseases, pain, fracture-dislocation, ear-nose-throat diseases, and respiratory system disorders. It was found that there were fewer traditional health practices and more mystical beliefs in plain and seaside regions than in the mountains. It is important for health professionals to know individuals and families for whom they provide care in terms of their attitudes, behaviours and applications regarding the traditional practices, which can help an improvement in the effectiveness of the service provided to them.

1 table, 30 ref

016253   Zanan R L;Nadaf A B (Botany Dep, Pune Univ, Pune-411 007, Email: abnadaf@unipune.ac.in) : Some new record of Pandanus Parkinson species from Maharashtra and Goa states of India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2011, 35(4), 809-15.

During the field survey to South India, some Pandanus Parkinson species were recorded for the first time from Maharashtra and Goa States of India. P. thwaitesii Mart, has been reported from Phonda Ghats, Sawantwadi, Danoli, Hiranyakeshi (Dist. Sindhudurg), Keloshi (Dist. Kolhapur) of Maharashtra State and Valpoi (North Goa District) from Goa State. P. furcatus Roxb. has been reported from Balli (South Goa District) and P. kaida Kurz. from Mudgaon (South Goa District) of Goa State The newly reported species are described in detail with illustrations.

2 illus, 8 ref

016252   Yadav A;Yadav K (Microbiology Dep, College of Basic Sciences & Humanities, Dantiwada Agricultural Univ, S.K. Nagar, Dist. Banaskantha-385 506) : Physiological study of two ectomycorrhizal fungi isolated from Kumaun Himalaya. Indian For 2012, 138(1), 17-21.

Two dominant ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal species viz Cantharellus cibarius and Scleroderma bovista were isolated from respective mushrooms from Nainital hills of Uttarakhand, India. These fungi were extensively studied for three physiological parameters viz temperature, pH and NaCl concentration. Temperature of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35°C, pH of 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5 and 8.0 and NaCl concentration of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 was used to find the optimum growth of these ECM fungi. Temperature of 25°C was found optimum for the growth of C. cibarius and S. bovista. Optimum pH was obtained at 5.5 for S. bovista and 5.0 for C. cibarius (at 25°C, optimum temperature). Presence of NaCl in small amounts somewhat enhanced the fungal growth. Concentration of 30 mM NaCl produced maximum mycelial dry wt of S. bovista (173.6 mg) and 40 mM for C. cibarius (58.4 mg) (after 36 days of incubation at 25°C), significantly higher than control (0 mM).

3 tables, 17 ref

016251   Venkat Ramana M (Andaman and Nicobar Centre, Botanical Survey of India, Andaman and Nicobar Islands) : Sesamum radiatum Schumach. & Thonn. (pedaliaceae): an additions to flora of Andhra Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2011, 35(4), 642-4.

Sesamum radiatum Schumach. & Thonn., collected first time from Greater Hyderabad, forms addition to flora of Andhra Pradesh. Detailed description and photographs are provided.

1 illus, 7 ref

016250   Veeranjaneyulu D;Suresh Babu M V; Bheemalingappa M;Ravi Prasad Rao B (Biodiversity Conservation Div, Botany Dep, Sri Krishnadevaraya Univ, Anantapur-515 003) : Carex rara Boott ssp. patanicola Koyama (cyperaceae): a new distributional record for India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2011, 35(4), 652-3.

Carex rara Boott ssp. patanicola T. Koyama, collected from Gundlabrahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh, India is as new distributional record for India. Brief description, distributional pattern and illustration is provided for the taxon.

1 illus, 4 ref

016249   Vadivelu C;Tangavelou A C;Selvaraj N (Botany Dep, H.H. The Rajah's College, Pudukottai-622 001, Tamil Nadu, Email: selvasarayu@gmail.com) : Floristic wealth of Madhukaattu Kali sacred grove from Pudukottai district, Tamil Nadu, India. Res J biol Sci 2011, 3(4), 19-27.

The floristic wealth of Madhukaattu Kali Sacred Grove of Pudukottai district, Tamil Nadu is documented for the first time. This sacred grove is classified under tropical dry evergreen forest type. This floristic belt is represented by 185 species belonging to 156 genera and 69 families. The dominant genera include Euphorbia, Ziziphus, Cassia, Ficus and Justicia. Euphorbiaceae represents the dominant family. Herbaceous members are predominant (64%) followed by trees (54%) and shrubs (31%). The presence of climbing herbs, shrubs and lianas indicate that this sacred grove might have remained undisturbed over the years. Besides these, this sacred grove boasts rare and threatened species including the insectivorous Drosera sp. A proper management plan has to be developed for protecting this biodiversity wealth for posterity.

2 tables, 28 ref

016248   Tyagi K;Sharma S;Rajat Rashmi;Ayub S (NO, National Medicinal Plants Board, 36, Janpath, Chandralok Building, New Delhi-110 001) : Comparative growth studies of Withania somnifera Dunal. grown in polluted and non-polluted areas. Hippocratic J Unani med 2011, 6(4), 27-34.

Withania somnifera Dunal. is an important drug in the ancient Ayurvedic literature. It is an erect, branched, evergreen, tomentose shrub which commonly known as Ashwagandh, belongs to family Solanaceae and sometimes called "Indian ginseng" in reference to its rejuvenative tonic effect on nervous system. In India several plants are used to cure different ailments since ancient times. The indigenous system of medicine namely Ayurvdic, Unani and Siddha are in existence for several centuries. Withania somnifera Dunal. is also a very important Ayurvdic plant used in many diseases like rheumatism, ulcer, consumption, debility from old age etc. Attempt are made to study the differences in growth parameters of both the plant samples collected from polluted site at Sahibabad Industrial area, Ghaziabad (Dabur India Ltd., Pragati Paper Mill) and from non-polluted site (ALTT centre), Ghaziabad. For one year, monthly visits are made to both the industries where Withania somnifera Dunal. was grown for growth observations. It was observed that the parameters such as root length, shoot length and leaves per plant showed decreasing trend in plant samples collected from polluted site in comparison to plant samples collected from non-polluted site.

2 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

016247   Tripathi P;Rabara R C;Rushton P J (SNP252 Box 2140D, Rotunda Lane, Biology and Microbiology Dep, South Dakota State Univ, Brookings, South Dakota, USA 57007, Email: prateek.tripathi@jacks.sdstate.edu) : Emergence of Omics-approaches for crop improvement during abiotic stress. Int J envir Sci Technol 2012, 1(2), 129-32.

The change in environmental conditions brings various physiological and biochemical changes in plants, which often prove to be deleterious and tends to change the complete physiology and agronomy of the plant and hence results in crop loss. It became quite important to address the various environmental perturbations frequently addressed as biotic or abiotic stresses coherently so that proper understanding towards getting solutions can be achieved. The advent of modern "OMICS" technologies brings a potential approach to get along these serious questions and concerns. The suitable integration of these approaches can be understand as "Systems Biology" which enable us to integrate the knowledge from different level of scientific fronts addressing similar questions to answer one big biological enigma. Here, in short we tried to focus on these approaches.

1 illus, 9 ref

016246   Tiwari L;Sharma R K;Aminuddin;Pande P C (NO, Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Laboratory, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad-201 002) : Therapeutic potential of unani medicinal plants in ethnoveterinary medicine. Hippocratic J Unani med 2011, 6(4), 131-44.

Based on review of literature, the paper deals with 43 taxa of Unani medicinal plants widely used for their ethno-veterinary application for a variety of diseases and conditions. Information on botanical name, family, Unani name, part Used and therapeutic application are given.

^iia65 ref

016245   Thomas B;Rajendran A (Botany Dep, School of Life Sciences, Bharathiar Univ, Coimbatore-641 046) : Leafy vegetables used by Mullu Kuruma tribe in Wayanad district of Kerala. J Econ Taxon Bot 2011, 35(4), 711-4.

During the field survey, 25 plant species belonging to 14 families have been identified as leafy vegetables which are commonly used by Mullu kuruma tribe of the Wayanad district..

1 table, 12 ref

016244   Thaplyal V;Sharma S;Bhatt A B (NO, WWF-India, Field Office, B.C.S., Gate-2, By Pass Road, New Shimla-171 009, Email: vandanathaplyal@gmail.com) : Sacred groves as ethnobotanical gane pools in tribal area of the Western Himalaya in India. Indian For 2012, 138(1), 70-8.

Study of sacred groves of Kinnaur district, based on the field survey, using GPS, topo sheets and village maps, supported with questionnaire survey in 17 sacred groves revealed the presence of 96 plant species of ethnobotanical importance within 77 genera and 41 families, representing 10 gymnosperms and 86 angiosperms. The species distributed as 22 trees, 32 shrubs and 42 herbs. As per the IUCN standards, 15 species are endangered, 17 are vulnerable and 6 are critically endangered.

4 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

016243   Srivastava C;Pande S (Botany Dep, Mahatma Gandhi P.G. College, Gorakhpur-273 001) : Medicinal status of solanaceous plants in Uttar Pradesh: a review. J Econ Taxon Bot 2011, 35(4), 658-67.

The Solanaceae, Nightshade or Potato family, is one of the important plant families in the world. It includes many species which are essential for life. Plants of this family serves as a good source of medicine, e.g. Atropa acuminata Royle, with atropine as a ingredient used in ophthalmology, as a dilator of the pupil of the eyes; Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, Aswagandha, an effective rejuvenator and restoratives, also called "Indian Ginseng"; throne apple leaves (Datura species) used in cigarettes as a bronchodilator for asthmatic patients and (Luxury) tobacco (Nicotiana species). There are also many edible as well as medicinally important species in this family such as potato (Solarium tuberosum L.), eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), tomato (Lycopersicon lycopersicum L.) Karsten., capsicum (Capsicum species) and Cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) etc. The medicinal properties of the plant are due to presence of some active compound or compounds that produce a definite physiological action on the human body. The paper highlights the botanical names, common names, active principles and medicinal uses of solanaceous plants of Uttar Pradesh.

61 ref

016242   Sinha B (Zoological Survey of India, Arunachal Pradesh Regional Centre, Senki Valley, Itanagar-791 113, Email: bjsassam@indiatimes.com) : Albizia odoratissima Bark has insecticidal activity against the cabbage butterfly Pieris brassicae. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad 2012, 78(2), 151-9.

Study reports the toxicity of Albizia odoratissima (a plant used by indigenous farmers) to the 3rd instar larvae of Pieris brassicae - a major pest of cruciferous crops. About 53% larval mortality was recorded after 72 h exposure to 4% bark powder. Methanolic extract of the bark caused almost two times more mortality than that caused by the bark powder. The histo-pathological damage observed on the midgut of the treated insect larvae included loss of continuity of the brush border, partial or total loss of cellularity, and damage of the muscular conjunctive system covering the mid-gut epithelium and breakage of epithelium. The methanolic extract caused more acute damage than the powder.

3 illus, 5 tables, 29 ref

016241   Sidhimol P D;Anitha C T;Praseedha T P (Botany Dep, S.N. College, Nattika-580 566) : Allelopathic effects of the plant Grangia maderaspatena Forsk. on seed germination of three varieties of rice. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2011, 10(2), 303-4.

Allelopathy is the direct influence of a chemical released from one plant on the development and growth of another plant. Chemicals with allelopathic potential exist invariably in all plant tissues including leaves, flowers, stems, rhizomes and roots. Processes such as volatilization, root exudation, leaching and decomposition of plant residues release them into environment. Accumulation of more allelochemicals from weeds in fields causes soil sickness, reduced nitrification and nutrient uptake resulting in loss of crop yield. The present study has been conducted to examine the allelopathic effects of Grangia maderaspatena Frosk. on seed germination of three varieties of rice, i.e., Aiswarya, Kanchana and Marsha.

1 illus, 1 table, 7 ref