012669   Bana A;Singh V (Botanical Survey of India, Arid Zone Circle, Jodhpur) : Taxonomic studies on Indian caprifoliaceae-I genus Triosteum L. J Econ Taxon Bot 2006, 30(3), 646-50.

Faimly Caprifoliaceae, commonly known as "Honey suckle" family, is represented by about- 18 genera and 500 species, distributed mainly in temperate regions of Northern hemisphere. Deals with the taxonomic status and systematic position of genus Triosteum L., represented by 1 species in India. Up-to-date nomenclature with synonyms, detailed description with illustrations, phenology, phytogeography, cytology and affinities are discussed.

1 illus, 14 ref

012668   Aswatha Narayana D S;Shankarappa K S; Govindappa M R;Prameela H A;Gururaj Rao M R;Rangaswamy K T (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, Univ of Agriculture Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore-560 065) : Natural occurrence of Jatropha mosaic virus disease in India. Curr Sci 2006, 91(5), 584-6.

2 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

012667   Aseervadam T;Vidyavati (Botany Dep, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009) : Effect of insecticides on Cladophora crispata (Roth.) Kuetz. Vegetos 2006, 19(1-2), 31-44.

Importance of insecticides increased considerably with the knowledge that the organism may become effected by their application. Two insecticides namely, Nuvacron and Dimecron were tried in various percentage concentrations (0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 and 0.1) for a duration of 2, 4 and 6 hours. One of the Cladophoralean alga, Cladophora crispata (Roth) Kuetz was selected for such studies. Observations were recorded with reference to survival percentage, dry weight, chlorophyll content, morphological and cytological variations.

28 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

012666   Arshad S M;Kumar A (NO, Forest Research Institute(U.P), Kanpur-208 024) : Tissue culture investigation on Elaeocarpus tuberculatus-a highly valued Rudraksha. Vegetos 2006, 19(1-2), 111-4.

Therapeutic, spiritual and ornamental attributes of E. tuberculatus (vern. Rudraksha, family Elaeocarpaceae) made it highly valuable species of South East Asian region especially Himalayas in India and the Nicobar Islands. Its propagation through seed vegetative propagation have not show very encouraging results and being an endangered species, attempts are being made for it multiplication through tissue culture. Multiplication of shoots, through axillary bud proliferation of mature nodal explants has been tried. In vitro axillary bud proliferation occurred on MS medium supplemented with 0.5-1 .Omg/l BAP and shoot multiplication cultures were maintained on MS medium supplemented with 0.5mg/l each of BAP and Kn. In vitro callus formation has been noticed on 2,4-D supplemented MS medium, which is being continued further to induce organogenesis.

1 illus, 4 ref

012665   Ansari A A (NO, Botanical Survey of India, Howrah-711 103) : Taxonomic studies on the genus Crotalaria L. in India - II: infra-generic classification. J Econ Taxon Bot 2006, 30(3), 570-82.

Crotalaria L. (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) is the largest legume genus in India with major concentration in peninsular India and found in open places in plains and hilly regions along forest margins, river banks and in grasslands. It is represented by 93 species, 1 subspecies, 10 varieties and 2 formae. Two species are insufficiently known and the status of 1 species is yet to be decided as herbarium specimens are not available. The generic subdivisions have been reviewed thoroughly. In the present study, 6 sections and 12 subsections are recognized. Five new subsections have been proposed and two lectotypes are designated. Diagnostic characters of sections and subsections, keys to sections, subsections and species are provided. The species are numbered alphabetically in respective keys under sections and subsections.

17 illus, 7 ref

012664   Andhale S B;Papdiwal P B (Botany Dep, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada Univ, Aurangabad-431 004) : Azolla pinnata R. brown - a hitherto unreproted water fern from Marathwada. Bioinfolet 2006, 3(4), 323-4.

5 ref

012663   Anbumalarmathi J;Nadarajan N (Plant Breeding & Genetics Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Agricultural College & Research Institute, Madurai-625 104) : Genetic divergence in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). J Ecobiol 2006, 19(2), 129-32.

Genetic divergence among 26 genotypes for nine characters of Vigna unguiculata was assessed using Mahalanobis D2 statistics. The genotypes were grouped into seven clusters. Cluster I was the largest with nine genotypes and cluster VII contained only one genotype. Composition of clusters indicated non-existence of correspondence between genetic diversity and geographical distribution. The intra cluster distance values indicated that the genotypes of the cluster VI are highly divergent among them. Maximum inter cluster distance was observed between cluster V and VII followed by cluster I and VII. Single plant yield contributed maximum towards divergence followed by 100 seed weight. Based on clustering pattern, average inter and intra cluster distance, cluster mean and contribution of each character in divergence, hybridization of genotypes, CO 2, TY 41, C 152, V 585 and VBN 2 might yield transgressive segregants.

4 tables, 8 ref

012662   Alam Md S;Deshmukh V V (Plant Pathology Dep, Dr Punjabrao Deshmukah Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola-444 004) : Biochemical changes caused due to Colletotrichum gleoesporides in Piper longum. Asian J Bio Sci 2006, 1(2), 114-6.

Piper longum is one of the most important medicinal crops. Pimpri is widely used in ayurvedic and unani systems of medicine. Investigates the biochemical changes occurred due to infection of Colletotrichum gleoesporides. Potato dextrose agar media was found to be support maximum growth of test isolate. Among the amino acid containing media, SB agar was best. The study reveled that sugar, total phenol, chlorophyll and protein contain of disease part have been reduced due to infection of Colletotrichum gleoesporides.

3 tables, 16 ref

012661   Agarwal P K;Singh K P (Dep of Botany, D.A.V. (P.G.) College, Muzaffarnagar-251 001) : Effect of sugar cane factory effluent on seed germination, early seedling growth and pigment content of sunflower (Helianthus annus Linn.) variety PAC 308. J Nat Conserv 2006, 18(1), 55-9.

Bioassay studies were carried out to assess the toxicity of Sugar cane factory effluent on seed germination, seedling growth and pigment contents. Higher concentration (<62>25%) of effluent were found to be toxic but however, can be used for irrigational purpose after proper dilution.

2 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

010598   Vijayvergia R;Jai Kumar (Plant-Biochemistry and Biotechnology Lab, Botany Dep, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur) : Quantification of primary metabolites of Nerium indicum Mill. Asian J expl Sci 2007, 21(1), 123-8.

Medicinal plants are the most exclusive source of life saving drugs for the majority of the world's population. Laboratory evaluations were made to asses the study of primary metabolites of Nerium indicum Mill. It contains soluble sugar and starch in leaves, protein in leaves and flower, lipids in flower and phenol in stem and root showed higher concentration as compared to other parts of the plant.

010597   Tirkey A (School of Life Sciences, Pt Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur 492 010) : Some ethnomedicinal plants of family-Fabaceae of Chhattisgarh State. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2006, 5(4), 551-3.

During ethnobotanical exploration of Chhattisgarh, a number of plants have been collected which are used by the local tribals for the treatment of various ailments. Deals with certain plants of the family Fabaceae, which are ethnomedicinally exploited by local tribals of Chhattisgarh, viz., Abrus precatorius for skin disease and poor eye-sight, Clitoria ternatea as diuretic Crotalaria medicaginea in case of white discharge, Desmodium gangeticum for goitre, Flemingia macrophylla for arthritis and fever, Ougeinia dalbergioides for dysentery, Pueraria tuberosa for chest pain and weakness, Sesbania sesban for abortion and as antifertility agent. A number of ethnomedicinally important plants with their vernacular names and mode of administration are presented.

010596   Thakur S (Department of painting, Faculty of Fine Arts, M S University, Vadodara-390 002) : Natural dyes: exploration of new medium for contemporary expression. J Econ Taxon Bot 2006, 27, 223-30.

India is well known for its clothing and textiles from centuries. India radiates its own tradition of great work of art. Author describes how the tradition of Indian painting reflects the use of natural colours right from its inception.

010595   Soni R C;Arya A (Department of Botany, Faculty of Sciences, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara-390 002) : Antifungal property of two natural dyes used in food. J Econ Taxon Bot 2006, 27, 257-62.

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) are two important plants used to flavour and impart suitable colour to Indian dishes. The antibacterial activity of turmeric is known since antiquity. Antifungal property of these two plants was estimated employing poisoned food technique. Four plant pathogenic fungi, Phomopsis sp., Gloeosporium sp., Colletotrichum capsici, and Myrothecium roridum were isolated from leaves of Terminalia arjuna Wight & Arnott, Syzigium cumini (L.) Skeels, Tectona grandis L. and Lycopersicum esculentum L. respectively. These organisms belonging to Deuteromycotina group were used as test organisms. The two dyes were obtained in 10% and 20% cone, from dried rhizome and stigma of plants. It was evident from the results that Phomopsis sp. showed 66% control at 20% cone, of saffron. The percentage control of this fungus in turmeric was 39% and 11% at 20 and 10% conc, respectively. The turmeric showed more antifungal activity with respect to Gloeosporium sp. and M. roridum. It caused 55% and 37% inhibition on anthracnose fungus. It caused 49% control of C. capsici. No sporulation was observed at this cone. The loss in pigments may be due to change in pH or metabolic activity of fungi. The aqueous extracts of plant parts proved antifungal to all the four test fungi. However, their antifungal property varied with the test fungi. The traditional practice to add these substances in colouring food substances may be to check the degradation of food stuffs from fungal organisms.

3 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

010594   Shukla S;Singh S P (Plant Breeding and Genetics Section, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001) : Genetic divergence in relation to heterosis in opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). J med aromatic Pl Sci 2006, 28(1), 4-8.

Twenty seven parents (24 females and 3 pollinators) along with their 72 hybrids were assessed for genetic divergence and heterosis for different traits in opium poppy (P. somniferum L.). The 27 parents grouped in 8 clusters exhibited no parallelism between genetic divergence and geographical origin of parents. The inter cluster distances ranged from 13.89 to 102.05, the maximum being between cluster III and VI (102.05) followed by IV and VI (93.92) and VII and VIII (73.42). The heterosis was upto 86.58% for seed yield, 43.4% for opium yield, 35% for capsules/plant, 16.12% for capsule size and 11.74% for morphine content. The parents separated by low to intermediate D₂ value had in general, high heterosis for different characters.

3 tables, 18 ref

010593   Sharma P;Sharma N (Botany Dep, D.A.V (P.G) College, Dehra Dun-248 001) : Medicinal value of some host plant species of stem parasite Cuscuta reflexa (Roxb.) of Doon valley. Ann For 2006, 14(2), 292-6.

Highlights several medicinal host plant species of Cuscuta reflexa (Roxb.) of the Doon valley. A total of 36 medicinal plant species was studied which are attacked by Cuscuta reflexa (Roxb.) and are damaged completely.

1 table, 6 ref

010592   Sharma J R;Bisht D;Pandey K N (NO, Botanical Survey of India, 192, Kaulagarh Road, Dehra Dun, Uttaranchal) : New record and an incompletely known puffball from India. Ann For 2006, 14(2), 283-87.

Two species of puffballs are described in detail with illustrations. Bovista echinella is reported for the first time while Lycoperdon asperum is hitherto known incompletely from India.

2 illus, 12 ref

010591   Saikia B (Department of Botany, Chaiduar College, Gohpur, Sonitpur-784 168) : Ethnomedicinal plants from Gohpur of Sonitpur district, Assam. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2006, 5(4), 529-30.

Describes the traditional knowledge related to ethnomedicine of different communities of Gohpur of Sonitpur district of Assam state. Population of the study area is mainly dominated with Assamese, Bodo, Mishing, Napali and Santhal communities. Information was collected on the basis of interview and observation with local healers, generally known as Bej (Vaidya). All together 22 prescriptions were recorded from 20 plant species belonging to 17 families.

1 table, 9 ref

010590   Panda S (Central National Herbarium, Botanical Survey of India, P.O. Botanic Garden, Howrah-711 103) : New record of two varieties of Vaccinium dunalianum Wight (Ericaceae) from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Ann For 2006, 14(2), 278-82.

Vaccinium dunalianum Wight var. megaphyllum Sleumer and var. brevifolium Sleumer are recorded for the first time from Arunachal Pradesh.

2 illus, 3 ref

010589   Natarajan S;Venkatesan A (Department of Botany, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar-608 002) : Effect of salinity on growth and mineral constituents of Excoecaria agallocha L. J theor expl Biol 2006, 2(3-4), 111-17.

Effect of different concentrations of NaCl and KCl on growth and mineral constituents of Excoecaria agallocha was investigated. The morphological parameters such as number of leaves; leaf area and fresh and dry weights were observed in 300 mM NaCl and 200 mM KCl. Beyond these levels the growth parameters reduced drastically. The maximum accumulation of sodium, potassium and chloride ion increased with increasing concentration upto 500 mM NaCl and 400 mM KCl. The other macronutrients such as calcium, nitrogen and phosphorus content increased upto 300 mM NaCl and 200 mM KCl. The micronutrients, i.e., Iron, Zinc, Copper and Manganese also increased upto optimum level, beyond this level these nutrients are reduced gradually in both the salts.

2 tables, 41 ref

010588   Mukherjee S (Department of Environment WCL HQ Civil Lines, , Nagpur, Maharashtra) : Unknown dye-yielding herb from open cast mine of Umrer (Maharashtra). J Econ Taxon Bot 2006, 27, 219-21.

Wealth of India lists a large number of dye-yielding plants, the name of Rivina humilis Linn. is not mentioned in the list. A literature survey of this taxa shows that a few floras have mentioned about this plant. It seems it has been introduced in India quite recently from Florida but its potentiality as medicines and dyes has not been exploited. Only a single plant was observed in the open mines of Umrer (Vidharba). Its seeds were collected and grown in Nagpur for further studies. The plant belongs to the family Phytolacaceae. The berries are fleshy, juicy and contain the red pigment. The pigment is water-soluble. The colour was extracted and filtered. The nitrate was diluted to 1 : 20 ratio. This solution was used in dyeing cotton cloth, which gives a decent yellow colour, which is retained for a long time. The filtrate was also used in coloring the food material like chapattis, hence it could be used in baking industry. The berries were also sun dried and powdered. The powder can be used in Holi (as herbal colour), Rangoli and also for Alpona.

010587   Majumdar K;Saha R;Datta B K;Bhakta T (Plant Taxonomy and Palynology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar-799 130, Email: badal2003@rediffmail.com) : Medicinal plants prescribed by different tribal and non-tribal medicine men of Tripura state. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2006, 5(4), 559-62.

Deals with 33 medicinal plants along with their local names, parts and ethnomedicinal uses prescribed by tribal and non-tribal medicine men of Tripura state. The ethnobotanical field survey was conducted around the tribal areas of the state during 2002-2003 to highlight the ethnomedicinal uses and the herbal formulation/preparations of various traditional medicines. The survey comprised of the medicinal use of 33 species of 31 genera belonging to 25 families of flowering plants used for the treatment of various ailments either single or in combinations. The study provides immense scope for the active principles analysis and clinical studies of these plants for future drug development.

1 illus, 9 ref

010586   Maity D;Maiti G G (Botany Dep, University of Kalyani, Kalyani-741 235) : Recollection of a rare plant Cavea tanguensis (Drumm.) Smith & Small (Asteraceae) from Sikkim. Ann For 2006, 14(2), 288-91.

Cavea tanguensis (Drumm.) Smith & Small, a rare plant has been rediscovered after nearly 100 years from Sikkim Himalaya. A detailed description along with illustration and a field photograph has been provided.

1 illus, 6 ref

010585   Kiruba S;Jeeva S;Dhas S S M (Department of Zoology, Scott Christian College, Nagercoil-629 003, Email: solomon_jeeva@rediffmail.com) : Enumeration of ethnoveterinary plant of Cape comorin, Tamil Nadu. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2006, 5(4), 576-8.

From a survey of ethnoveterinary medicinal plant of Puthalam village on Cape Comorin, Tamil Nadu, 34 species belonging to 30 genera and 21 families of angiosperms were recorded. The medicinal importance of these plants used by the rural peoples as traditional medicine for their cattle is enumerated.

1 illus, 12 ref

010584   Katewa S S;Galav P K (Laboratory of Ethnobotany and Agrostology, Department of Botany, College of Science, ML Sukhadia University, Udaipur-313 001, Email: sskatewa@yahoomail.com) : Additions to the traditional folk herbal medicines from Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2006, 5(4), 494-500.

During the exhaustive ethnomedicinal survey of the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, information on 40 more traditional herbs have been collected. Mode of administration, plant part(s) used and dosages given is also noted. The source of information is based on the personal interviews with local physicians practicing Indigenous System of Medicine, shepherds, Sadhus or holy men and experienced, aged tribesmen and women. Out of 40 herbs, 12 have the property of curing gastrointestinal related ailments, whereas 11 have the property of curing respiratory tract infection and related ailments.

4 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

010583   Kapoor V P (NO, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001) : Natural food colours: Present status and scope. J Econ Taxon Bot 2006, 27, 35-43.

Due to harmful/adverse side effects, 70 odd azo-dyes are banned in India and 118 chemicals have been put up in red-list. At present 11 natural colours and 8 synthetic colours are permitted to be used in food. Not all the natural colours are used in food and the legislation on food colours varies from country to country. Some of the natural colours such as annatto, betanin, anthocyanin, curcuminoids, carmine, chlorophyll, caramel, carbon black and lac are explained and their applications and their health benefits are discussed.

010582   Jeeva S;Mishra B P;Venugopal N;Kharlukhi L; Laloo R C (Forest Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Botany, School of Life Sciences, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong-793 022, Email: solomon_jeeva@rediffmail.com) : Traditional knowledge and biodiversity conservation in the sacred groves of Meghalaya. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2006, 5(4), 563-8.

The people of Meghalaya believe that the sacred groves (forests) are the abode of deities. It bestows the welfare of people, their cattle & land, and keeps the evil spirits away. Those who do not obey the traditional norms of these groves may have to face the wrath of the deity. A religious belief is one of the major factors for conservation of plant resources in such groves. Local people believe that the Sylvan deities would be offended if trees are cut and twigs, flowers, fruits, etc. are plucked. These groves are considered as one of the most species-rich areas for plants, birds and mammals. The mythological stories and indigenous knowledge associated with the groves have been the principal factor in preserving the sacred groves in the immaculate condition.

8 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

010581   Jeeva S;Kiruba S;Mishra B P;Venugopal N;Dhas S S M;Regini G S;Kingston C;Kavitha A;Sukumaran S;Raj A D S;Laloo R C (Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Botany, School of Life Sciences, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong-793 022) : Weeds of Kanyakumari district and their value in rural life. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2006, 5(4), 501-9.

Deals with enumeration of medicinally important weeds frequently used by local communities of Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu. A total of 93 medicinal weedy species from 85 genera used in traditional medicines were identified. Majority of species are used for curing skin diseases, fever, cold and cough, etc. Of 42 families, 20 families were monospecific. Plants of family Fabaceae was largely represented (7 species) family followed by Asteraceae, Lamiaceae and Euphorbiaceae.

6 illus, 1 table, 43 ref

010580   Jain G C;Jhalani S;Agarwal S;Jain K (Centre for Advanced Studies, Zoology Dep, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302 004) : Hypolipidemic and antiatherosclerotic effect of Leptadenia pyrotechnica extract in cholesterol fed rabbits. Asian J expl Sci 2007, 21(1), 115-22.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the hypolipidemic and antiatherosclerotic efficacy of methanolic extract of the aerial part of L. pyrotechnica in cholesterol fed rabbits. Male rabbits were randomly assigned to three groups: Groups I normal control; Group II cholesterol (500 mg / kg b. wt. / day) with coconut oil (5 ml/rabbit / day) and Group III , cholesterol + L. pyrotechnica extract (250 mg / kg b. wt./ day) orally. The whole study lasted for 60 days. Administration of cholesterol caused a significant rise (p<60>0.001) in t4e serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLD-cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol, : HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol : HDL-cholesterol ratios. Simultaneous administration of L. pyrotechnica extract significantly (p<60>0.001) prevented the rise in serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and atherogenic index Hepatic and aortic total cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipid peroxidation (TBARs) were also lowered significantly in the extract treated rabbits. The Plant extracts also significantly prevented the atheromatic changes and plaque Iformation in the aorta and favoured increased fecal cholesterol output. Thus, the results indicate hypolipidemic and antiatherosclerotic effect methanolic extract of L. pyrotechnica.

010579   Deniel M (Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara-390 002) : Analytical methods for natural dyes. J Econ Taxon Bot 2006, 27, 59-66.

The natural dyes belong to various classes of natural products like polyphenols, carotenoids, indoles etc. With increasing demand and awareness, analytical procedures, by which the components are assessed, are to be developed. Most of these compounds can be analyzed by a combination of specific extraction procedures, chromatography (PC & TLC) and spectrophotometry.

2 ref

010578   Daniel M (Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat-390 002) : Scope and challegnges in the field of natural dyes. J Econ Taxon Bot 2006, 27, 1-6.

Natural dyes find application in many ways in clothes, foods, Pharmaceuticals, paintings, paints and cosmetics. The stability of these dyes is poor. This is because most of them are antioxidants and they are interacting with the environment in a manner beneficial to mankind. Except for clothes and paints, where stability is counted, natural colors can be freely used. The biodegradability, the absence of which is the drawback of synthetic dyes, is considered a negative aspect here. Periodic dyeing or periodic painting a surface rectifies this. The prevention of oxidative degradation ensured by these antioxidant dyes in foods and medicines will increase the shelf life of the active components in them and the consumers will get an additional dose of antioxidants also. Natural dyes in cosmetics will protect the body from aging.

010577   Chauhan J K;Pancha Ram;Rathi P;Bohra S P (Stress Physiology Lab, Botany Dep, J.N.V. University, Jodhpur-342 005) : UV-β, stress and triademefon induced effect on nitrogen metabolism and anti-oxidative enzymes of Lablab purpureus seedlings. Asian J expl Sci 2007, 21(1), 109-14.

The role of antioxidative enzymes in protection against UV-β (280-320 nm) stress was studied in L. purpureus seedlings at 5 days after gennination. Treatment of triademefon alone and in combination with UV-β was given in L. purpureus seedlings grown in vitro for soluble protein, proline contents and alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST), nitrate reductase (NR), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POX) activities. Treatment of triademefon -a triazole plant growth regulator had negative impact on protein, proline contents and enzymatic activities of ALT and NR. However, activity of AST was found to be increased with triademefon under UV-β stress. The increased activities of SOD and POX participated in enhanced tolerance to oxidative damage under UV-β stress. Thus, triademefon can alleviate the effect of UV-β stress in L. purpureus seedlings by enhancing the activities of anti oxidative enzymes like SOD and POX.

010576   Chakraborty M K;Bhattacharjee A (Department of Botany, Narajole Raj College, Narajole-721 211, Email: alokebc@yahoo.co.in) : Some common ethnomedicinal uses for various diseases in Purulia district, West Bengal. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2006, 5(4), 554-8.

Purulia, the western most district of West Bengal, covering land area of 6259 sq km is the natural treasure of vast number of plants having ethnobotanical importance. The study enumerates some common and extensively used ethnomedicinal plants. During the ethnobotanical survey in the district, 57 plant species belonging to 57 genera and 40 families have been enumerated. The medicinal information have been collected by personal contact with the aborigines such as Bhumijs, Birhores Kherias, Mundas, Oraons and Santals. Plants with botanical name, family, local names, parts used, mode of preparation and administration are given. These plants may be useful under rural healthcare system & for herbal drug industry.

4 illus, 11 ref

010575   Bharathan (Centre for Documentation, Research and Training on Natural Dyes, Gandh, , Dindigul) : Some new sources of natural dyes. J Econ Taxon Bot 2006, 27, 245-9.

About 90 plants located in and around Tamil Nadu have been documented as sources of natural dyes. They have been selected after a set of both lab scale and bulk level experiments.

1 table

010574   Behera S K;Panda A;Behera S K;Mishra M K (Ecology & Floristics Laboratory, Department of Botany, , Berhampur-760 007, Email: malayabotany@yahoo.co.in) : Medicinal plants used by the Kandhas of Kandhamal district of Orissa. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2006, 5(4), 519-28.

Deals with the ethnomedicinal information on the Kandha tribe of Kandhamal district of Orissa situated on the Eastern Ghats of India. Use of allopathic drugs by the Kandhas inhabiting in the remote part of the district is almost unknown. Several field trips were made to the area and information on the uses of plants was collected along with plant specimens. First hand information on use of 98 plant species under 93 genus and 59 families against 127 ailments was collected from the Kandha community of the district. There is a need for further critical phytochemical analysis and bioactive effects of the information collected on plants used by the tribes. The uses that are recorded are almost new to the literature. Botanical name, local name(s), families and their medicinal uses have been enumerated.

8 illus, 21 ref

010573   Arya A;Arya C;Muliya V K (Department of Botany, Faculty of Sciences, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara-390 002) : Antimicrobial activity of henna used as traditional dye and medicinal plants. J Econ Taxon Bot 2006, 27, 253-6.

Henna (Mehndi) obtained from dried leaves of Lawsonia inermis L. is widely used as a pleasant orange dye. The plant possesses small, elliptical leaves. It is a shrub or small tree belonging to the family Lythraceae. It gives colour to clothes, silk and wool, leather, body parts such as palms, hands, feet, nail, beard etc. Medicinally it is important against skin diseases and headache. The burning sensation in humans may be cured due to lawsdne glycosides found in it. The leaves contain mucilage which is good for skin care. Search for the anti-microbial substances started since late sixties, to reduce the increasing pollution in environment causes by application of large number of synthetic carcinogenic chemicals. Natural substances are safe to use and are biodegradable. Antimicrobial (anti-fungal) property of fresh leaves of henna was studied using four fungal test organisms by poisoned food technique. Crude extract was taken in conc. 2, 5, 10% in potato-dextrose and agar medium. Phomopsis psidii, P. vitivola and Myrothecium roridum showed the percentage spore germination to two Phomopsis spp. The spore inhibition of Phomopsis psidii and P. viticola was 40 and 23.52% at 50% concentration respectively. The antimicrobial nature of henna thus gives an added advantage to the palms of ladies. The dye is said to be prophylactic against skin diseases may be due to this reason. More experiments are desired to test the loss of such properties from beautiful painted hands of brides and eves.

1 table, 10 ref

010572   Ansari M M;Ahmad J;Ahmad A;Ansari S H (Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, New Delhi-110 062) : Pharmacognostic characterisation and standardisation of Morus alba stem bark. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2006, 28(1), 31-6.

Morus alba Linn., commonly known as Shehtoot, is an important medicinal plant. An attempt has been made to find out, botanical, physico-chemical and preliminary phytochemical characteristics of the stem bark of Morus alba. The important parameters studied are macro and microscopical characters, pH analysis, ash analysis, total extractive values, successive extractive values, histochemical studies, thin layer chromatography of different extracts. Besides these, preliminary phytochemical analysis of the different extracts has also been performed.

8 tables, 15 ref

010571   Amole O O;Izegbu M C;Onakoya J A A;Dada M O (Pharmacology Dep, Lagos State University College of Medicine, PMB 21266, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria) : Toxicity studies of the aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina. Biomed Res 2006, 17(1), 39-40.

Aqueous leaf extract, after six weeks administration to the animals showed no difference in the morphology of the heart, liver, kidney and intestinal tissues of the treated and untreated animals. Body weights of both the treated and untreated animals rose progressively as the period increased. Tbe plant extract produced no significant changes in packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts. The plant extract is non-hazardous, even when taken for some time.

2 tables, 6 ref

009733   Zhang G;Zhou W (NO, Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Z, Hangzhou 310029, China, Email: wjzhou@zju.edu.cn) : Genetic analyses of agronomic and seed quality traits of synthetic oilseed Brassica napus produced from interspecific hybridization of B. campestris and B. oleracea. J Genet 2006, 85(1), 45-51.

The heritability, the number of segregating genes and the type of gene interaction of nine agronomic traits were analysed based on F₂ populations of synthetic oilseed Brassica napus produced from interspecific hybridization of B. campestris and B. oleracea through ovary culture. The nine traits-plant height, stem width, number of branches, length of main raceme, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, length of pod, seed weight per plant and 1000-seed weight-had heritabilities of 0.927, 0.215, 0.172, 0.381, 0.360, 0.972, 0.952, 0.516 and 0.987 respectively, while the mean numbers of controlling genes for these characters were 7.4, 10.4, 9.9, 12.9, 11.5, 21.7, 20.5, 19.8 and 6.4 respectively. According to estimated coefficients of skewness and kurtosis of the traits tested, no significant gene interaction was found for plant height, stem width, number of branches, length of main raceme, number of seeds per pod and 1000-seed weight. Seed yield per plant is an important target for oilseed production. In partial correlation analysis, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and 1000-seed weight were positively correlated with seed yield per plant. On the other hand, length of pod was negatively correlated (r = -0.69) with seed yield per plant. Other agronomic characters had no significant correlation to seed yield per plant. In this experiment, the linear regressions of seed yield per plant and other agronomic traits were also analysed. The linear regression equation was y = 0.074x₈ + 1.819x₉ + 6.72x₁₂ -60.78 (R² = 0.993), where x₈, x₉ and x₁₂ represent number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and 1000-seed weight respectively. The experiment also showed that erucic acid and oil contents of seeds from F₂ plants were lower than those of their maternal parents. However, glucosinolate content was higher than that of the maternal plants. As for protein content, similar results were found in the F₂ plants and their maternal parents. It was shown that the four quality traits, i.e. erucic acid, glucosinolate, oil content, and protein content, had heritability values of 0.614, 0.405, 0.153 and 0.680 respectively.

5 tables, 40 ref

009732   Yogeesha H S;Vasantha Kumar T;Bhanuprakash K; Naik L B (NO, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta Lake Post, Bangalore, Email: hsy@iihr.ernet.in) : Hard seed content and seed storage in six accessions of Mucuna pruriens under ambient conditions. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2006, 28(2), 187-9.

Mucuna, commonly known as velvet bean, is medicinally an important genus. Its seeds are rich source of L-DOPA, an amino acid, which is used to treat Parkinson's disease. The crop is propagated through seeds. A study was conducted to know the hard seed content and storability of 6 accessions of Mucuna pruriens L. under ambient conditions. The study revealed that all the 6 accessions exhibited hard seed coat dormancy but the degree varied from 10-78% with the accession MP-7 recording the highest and MP-9 the least. As the seeds aged hard seed content decreased and as a result germination percentage increased. Except MP-7 all other accessions showed no hard seed at the end of 3 years storage under ambient conditions. Though there was a significant difference among accessions for germination and other quality attributes, the seed quality remained unaffected over a period of 3 years storage under ambient conditions.

3 tables, 7 ref

009731   Yadav Y S;Sidiqui A U;Parihar A (Department of Nematology, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap University of Agricu, Udaipur-313 001) : Effect of oil cakes as soil application in management of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita affecting chickpea. Indian J Nematol 2006, 36(1), 153-4.

1 table, 4 ref

009730   Yadav N;Vasudeva N;Singh S;Sharma S K (Pharmacognosy Division, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Jambheshwar University, Hisar-125 001, Email: drsks_gjuhsr@yahoo.co.in) : An overview of Chenopodium: phytochemical profile. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2006, 28(2), 247-62.

Chenopodium (Chenopodiaceae) genus is being used traditionally as medicine throughout the world as stomachic, antispasmodic and anthelmintic etc. The phytoconstituents reported from this genus belong to different classes such as aromatic amides, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids and apocarotenoids. Summarizes the phytochemical profile of Chenopodium.

9 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

009729   Yadav J P;Saini S;Kalia A N (Department of Biosciences, M.D. University, Rohtak-124 001, Email: yadav1964@rediffmail.com) : Botanical, cytological, phytochemical and pharmacognostical studies on Salvadora species. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2006, 28(2), 231-8.

In the review an attempt has been made to find out the botanical, cytological, phytochemical and pharmacognostical characteristics of Salvadora species. Salvadora species are important medicinal plants being used traditionally for the treatment of various aliments. The somatic chromosome number of S. persica and S. oleoides has been observed as 2n=24. Various constituents isolated from different parts of Salvadora species have been described. These includes essential oils, alkaloids, carbohydrates, steroids, terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, amino acids and inorganic constituents. Some useful activities reported from various parts of the plant and from the isolated chemicals are antiulcer, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic and anticonvulsant activities. Due to the presence of benzyl isothiocyanate, it is widely used as oral hygiene tool in different part of the world under the name of 'Miswak'. Both the species of Salvadora have demonstrated antiplaque, anticaries and antimicrobial effects. Salvadora species have good potential to grow on alkaline soil and under drought conditions. Despite its multipurpose utility, the genus Salvadora has not received much attention. It is of interest to update and compile a consolidated review on Salvadora species.

2 tables, 49 ref

009728   Vishram Ram;Singh R N;Singh K (Department of Agronomy, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, (U.P.)-221 005) : Studies of integrated use of FYM, nitrogen and sulphur on growth, yield attributes and yield on winter maize (Zea mays L.). Pl Archs 2006, 6(2), 749-52.

A field experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) season of 1998-2000 to study the integrated influence of FYM, nitrogen and sulphur on the maize (Zea mays L.) cultivar 'Deccan -103' on deep sandy loam soil at Institute of Agricultural Sciences. B.H.U. Varanasi. Enhancement in growth parameters like plant height, leaf area, leaf area index and dry matter production and yield attributes such as cob length, cob girth, grain weight per cob, shelling percentage and test weight as well as grain and stover yields was recorded upto 180 Kg N ha^-1 either applied through 100% through chemical fertilizer or with 50% through chemical fertilizer+ 50% through FYM. However, 180 Kg N ha^-1 applied 50% through chemical fertilizer + 50% through FYM was significantly superior over 100% N applied through chemical fertilizer for the characters leaf area, leaf area index, cob length and stover yield. While both the mode of application were statistically at par among themselves for the characters plant height, cob girth, and grain weight per cob, shelling percentage, test weight as well as for grain yield. Similarly, the above growth parameters, yield attributes as well as grain yield of the year 1998-99 and stover yield increased significantly with increase in sulphur levels upto 60 Kg ha^-1. While grain yields of the year 1999-2000 with addition of 30 Kg S ha^-1 while 30 and 60 Kg S ha^-1 were statistically at par amongst themselves.

2 tables, 5 ref

009727   Vasudeva N;Sharma S K (Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry Division, Faculty of Pharmaceutical S, Guru Jambheshwar University, Hisar-125 001, Email: drks_gjuhsr@yahoo.co.in) : Chemistry and biological activity of Daucus carota. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2006, 28(2), 239-46.

Daucus carota Linn. (Umbelliferae) is a biennial herb, widely grown in India and other parts of the world. Various parts of the herb have been used since ancient times as an abortifacient, carminative, stimulant and digestive in folk remedies. The plant has undergone extensive phytochemical and pharmacological studies. Summarizes mainly the biological activities and phytoconstituents viz; carotenoides, terpenoids, flavonoides etc, associated with this genus.

45 illus, 43 ref

009726   Varadarajan M;Guruchandran V;Nagarajan S M; Natarajan E;Nataraj T;Vignesh G;Rajesh R (Department of Biotechnology, A.V.C. College (Autonomous) Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai-609 305) : Screening for the evaluation of antibacterial activity of Jatropha curcas L. Pl Archs 2006, 6(2), 593-5.

Ethyl acetate, chloroform and methanol extracts of Jatropha curcas L. leaves were investigated individually for in vitro. antibacterial activity by well diffusion method against Aeromonas hydrophila and Staphylococcus aureus. The highest antibacterial activity was found in ethyl acetate leaf extracts, followed by the other extracts. The results of this study indicate that the leaf extracts have more potential of antibacterial activity and concentration dependant.

1 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

009725   Varadarajan M;Guruchandran V;Nagarajan S M; Natarajan E;Jayakumar R T;Nirmal Kumar B;Ganesan P;Somasundaram M (Department of Biotechnology, A.V.C. College (Autonomous) Mannampandal, Mayiladuthurai-609 305, Email: rajapyramid@yahoo.com) : In vitro multiple shooting from the nodal explants of Boerhaavia diffusa L. using biopreserver-first report. Pl Archs 2006, 6(2), 491-3.

Micropropagation technique using nodal explants of Boerhaavia diffusa was standardized by newly designed biopreserver (pyramid). High frequency of multiple shoots were noticed in cultures incubated in biopreserver than the cultures incubated in normal incubation room conditions. Maximum number of shoot were formed in MS-medium with 2-3mg/l of BAP.

1 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

009724   Valvi R J;Yadav S S;Varghese M (NO, North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon-425 001) : New record of orchid species for the flora of West Khandeh Satpuda. Pl Archs 2006, 6(2), 753-5.

Khandesh Satpuda is rich in biodiversity. In the paper 13 unrecorded species of Orchidaceae are reported for the first time. Interestingly all these species are restricted to one/two localities around Toranmal plateau of Nandurbar district of Maharashtra state (India).

8 ref

009723   Vaishnav K;Goyal S;Ramawat K G (Laboratory of Biomolecular Technology, Department of Botany, M L Sukhadia University, Udaipur-313 001, Email: kg_ramawat@yahoo.com) : Isoflavonoids production in callus culture of Pueraria tuberosa, the Indian kudzu. Indian J expl Biol 2006, 44(12), 1012-17.

Isoflavonoid contents of different plant parts and callus tissues of the Indian Kudzu. Pueraria tuberosa (Roxb.ex.Willd.) DC are presented. The initial cultures were slow growing, associated with browning of the tissues. The production of four isoflavonoids (puerarin, genistin, genistein and daidzein) in the callus cultures of P. tuberosa was studied by manipulating the plant growth regulators and sucrose concentration in the medium. Organogenesis was not recorded in callus on any of these treatments. Tuber and stem accumulated puerarin, a glycoside of daidzein, at high amounts, 0.65% and 0.054% respectively. However, the daidzein content of the callus tissues grown on Murashige and Skoog medium containing BA (20.9 μM) and sucrose (60 gl^-1) was significantly higher (0.056%) than in vivo plant material (0.02%) and other comparable culture systems like Genista and Pueraria lobata.

2 illus, 3 tables, 34 ref

009722   Tyagi A K;Sharma R K;Yadav S K (Department of Horticulture, C.S.S.S.(P.G.) College Machhra, Meerut (U.P.)) : Effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and plant spacing on growth and flowering of pansy (Viola tricolor L.). Pl Archs 2006, 6(2), 843-4.

In the experimental field of C.S.S.S. (P.G.) College, Machhra, Meerut during the year 2005. There were 9 treatments which included three levels of nitrogen (10, 20, and 30 gm/m²), three levels of phosphorus (10, 20 and 30 gm/m²) and three plant spacings (20x20, 20x25 and 20x30 cm). It was observed that 30 gm N and 30 gm P/m² to be adequate for the pansy crop, when grown on a soil of average fertility. The spacing of 20x30 cm resulted in maximum growth and flower production per plant over other spacings.

1 table, 4 ref

009721   Tomer A;Singh H (Department of Botany, Meerut College, Meerut-250 001) : Ethnomedicinal uses of some weed plants from Baghpat district (U.P.) India. Pl Archs 2006, 6(2), 691-3.

The paper deals with some interesting informations about 25 ethnomedicinal weed species. These species belong to 20 families and 25 genera. The maximum number of medicinal weed plants species (2 species each) belongs to families Amaranthaceae, Compositae, Papilionaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Solanaceae. About 3% taxa is medicinal weed species in Baghpat district. Medicinal weed taxa is enumerated with focus on their botanical name, family name, local name, medicinal uses, locality and collection number.

1 table, 7 ref