009620   Anuja S;Kader Mohideen M (Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar (T.N.)) : Variability, heritability and genetic advance studies in amaranthus (Amaranthus sp.). Pl Archs 2006, 6(2), 777-9.

Genetic variability and heritability studies involving 100 genotypes of Amaranthus germplasm in summer and monsoon seasons indicated that there were highly significant differences between the genotypes for green yield and thirteen other characters. Comparison of genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation for different traits indicated that the values of PCV were higher as compared to GCV due to the influence of environment. High genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for number of leaves, yield of greens, root weight, leaf weight, stem weight and leaf area. Heritability estimates in general were high for most of the characters studied. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance (as per cent of mean) was observed for number of leaves, root length, root weight, leaf weight and stem weight. Hence, these characters need to be given more importance in selection as these are expected to be controlled by additive genes.

2 tables, 8 ref

009619   Anil Kumar;Kurl S P;Ramkishore (Department of Zoology, M.M. Postgraduate College, Modinagar-201 204) : Alternate food plants of tomato fruit borer Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in Meerut. Pl Archs 2006, 6(2), 769-70.

Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) is a polyphagous noctuid, widely distributed pest all over India. The larvae attack on the crops cause serious damage on various stage of the crop show heavy losses in the production. For the identification of alternate food plants of this pest in Meerut district, a lab study was conducted at Central Potato Research Institute Campus, Modipuram, Meerut in 2004 and 2005. The pest is active throughout the years but most activities were recorded during March and April. It also damages cultivated crops, wild and weed plants. The larvae were found feeding as many as 42 crops species in which 6 wild plants. The higher growth index values were recorded on Brassica oleracea var. capitata followed by Brassica oleracea var. botrytis, Chenopodium quanova and Chenopodium album. Whereas minimum growth index value recorded on Cannabis sativa followed by Sesbania aculeata, Phaseolus mungo and Phaseolus aureus.

1 table, 5 ref

009618   Anil Kumar;Kurl S P;Ramkishore (Department of Zoology, M.M. Postgraduate College, Modinagar-201 204) : Light trap for monitoring fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) infesting tomato in Meerut. Pl Archs 2006, 6(2), 601-2.

Monitoring of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) was carried out during January to June in 2004 and 2005 at Central Potato Research Institute, Campus Modipuram, Meerut by using light trap. In the light trap white coloured tube was used which was operated from 06:00PM to 06:00AM every day. The peak moth catches were observed during the 14th standard week of April in these two years. The larval population in the field on tomato crop closely followed the moth population catches in the light traps. The moth catches in the light trap were positively correlated with the larval counts of H. armigera on tomato in the fields. The temperatures prevailing during second fortnight of February to second fortnight of April favoured the maximum build-up of moth and larval population build-up.

1 illus, 2 ref

008576   Vasnatha Pillay S (Department of Botany, Plant Physiology Lab, P.G. College of Science, Saifabad, Osmania University, Hyderabad-500 004) : Activity of certain enzymes in response to heavy metal stress in Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit and Helianthus annuus L. Bioinfolet 2006, 3(3), 224-6.

Effect of soil applied copper and zinc treatments on different enzymes of Hyptis suaveolens (L.) poit. and Helianthus annuus L. was investigated. Copper treatment caused a decrease in catalase and increase in peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activity in both the plants. Changes in the enzyme activity was more for trend in both the plants. Acid phosphatase and ATPase activity increased significantly in Hyptis plants for both the metal treatments.

1 table, 11 ref

008575   Tufenkci S;Erman M;Sonmez F (Faculty of Agriculture, Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey-65080) : Effect of nitrogen application and Rhizobium inoculation on the yield and nutrient uptake in lucerne (Medicago sativa). Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2006, 25(1), 45-9.

Field experiment was conducted during 2002 and 2003 in Van, Turkey, to determine the effects of Rhizobium inoculation and different levels of nitrogen on the yield and nutrient uptake of lucerne (Medicago saliva). Nitrogen fertilization had significant effects on the plant height, the fresh forage and hay yields, and the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content of plant. The highest plant height, fresh forage and hay yields and nitrogen content were obtained under treatment 120 kg N/ha. Phosphorus and potassium content of plant increased up to the level of 90 kg N/ha application and then decreased as nitrogen increased Inoculation did not significantly affect any of the components measured, as the soil contained a sufficient and efficient native rhizobial population during both seasons.

2 tables, 9 ref

008574   Tripathi S K;Vatsa N;Asthana R K (NO, , ) : Chemical investigation of salvia plebeia. J Biosci, Bangalore 2006, 1(1), 17-18.

Paper deals with Isolation, Extraction and characterization of chemical constituents obtained from Salvia plebeia. Two Aliphatic Compounds isolated from aerial parts of Salvia plebeia have been characterized as 5-ethyletracosane and 5-methylpentadecane.

5 ref

008573   Taspinar M S;Agar G;Sagsoz S (Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ataturk, Erzurum, Turkey, Email: mstaspinar@yahoo.com) : Role of perennial rye (Secale montanum Guss.) on the evolution of cultivated rye (Secale cereale L.). Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2006, 25(1), 1-9.

In order to determine evolutionary relationship of diploid and tetraploid plants of cultivated rye (Secale cereale L.) with perannual rye (Secale montanum Guss.), using Poliacrilamide Slab Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE) on the 3 enzyme systems (PRX, MDH and PPO). Two species had a high level of similarity. The data evidently indicate that S. cereale L. and S. montanum Guss. are closely related species and S montanum Guss. played probably as a genitor role in the evolution of S cereale L.

2 tables, 39 ref

008572   Suneetha Y;Kathiria K B;Srinivas T (NO, B.A. College of Agriculture, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand C, Anand-388 110) : Hybrid vigour acid combining ability studies for fruit quality characters in egg plant (Solanum melongena L.). J Biosci, Bangalore 2006, 1(1), 6-9.

Hybrid vigour and combining ability of 45 egg plant hybrids obtained from the diallel mating (excluding reciprocals) of ten elite homozygous lines obtained from the Main Vegetable Research Station, Anand, Gujarat, India, were studied for different fruit quality characters. Maximum hybrid vigour was observed for total soluble sugars, while high heterosis was noticed for number of seeds per fruit and its ratio with fresh marketable fruit weight and mature fruit weight. Fresh marketable fruit weight had recorded moderate mid-parent heterosis to an extent of 81.17 per cent, and low heterobeltiosis and standard heterosis, to an extent of 39.05 and 27.50 per cent, respectively. High heterosis was observed in crosses involving at least one good parent, identified on the basis of mean performance for the trait. The combining ability analysis also revealed pre-ponderant non-additive gene action for majority of the fruit quality traits studied, indicating the importance of heterosis breeding for improvement of these traits. A perusal of the general combining ability effects of the parents studied revealed Bombay Gulabi and Surati Ravaiya to be good general combiners for fresh marketable fruit weight. These parents were also noticed to be good combiners for mature fruit weight, seed number/mature fruit weight and total soluble sugars. Desirable specific combining ability effects were noticed in several hybrids for the various fruit quality traits studied. Among these, AB 98-13 x Bombay Gulabi and Surati Ravaiya x JBPR 1 hybrids had recorded high mean, heterosis and specific combining ability effects for fresh marketable fruit weight in addition to desirable levels of total phenols and fruit drymatter. The hybrid, Surati Ravaiya x JBPR 1 had also recorded desirable heterosis and specific combining ability effects for total soluble sugars. Hence, these hybrids are identified as potential high yielding, heterotic and quality egg plant hybrids for commercial exploitation.

4 tables, 15 ref

008571   Soni K N (NO, Vivekanand Vigyan Mahavidhyalaya, Betul-460 001) : Biological weapons-spreading fear. J Biosci, Bangalore 2006, 1(1), 23-4.

Weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) is a weapon that lead to destruction of human life. They include nuclear weapons, biological weapon, chemical weapons, and radiological weapons (sometimes known as 'dirty bombs'-regular explosives laced with radioactive material), of all the weapons, bioweapons may pose the greatest threat.

6 ref

008570   Sharma N;Tripathi A;Verma R R (Department of Botany, Mycology and Plant Pathology Division, University of Lucknow, Lucknow-227 007) : Synergistic bio-efficacy of three plant extracts on sporulation of fruit rotting fungi. J mycopathol Res 2006, 44(1), 54-60.

The synergistic effects of medicinal plant extracts were carried out and their fungitoxicity against fruit rotting fungi was determined. The different concentrations of leaf extracts of medicinal plants were tested upon the spore germination of five fruit rotting fungi which caused serious diseases in some important fruits in India. When extracts were applied individually it was found that they were not so effective as compared to synergistic application of plant extracts. In this study it was found that synergistic application of Allium sativum and Azadirachta indica extracts in 1:1 ratio at 700 ppm was sufficient to check spore germination in all the fruit rotting fungi tested. It is considered quite likely that this composition may by useful in controlling fruit rotting diseases under field conditions.

1 table, 18 ref

008569   Sharma A;Mathur P N;Rajamani G;Joshi A (Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap University of Agricu, Udaipur (Raj.)-313 001) : Salicylic acid induced plantlet regeneration in pepper (Capsicum fruitescens) Calli. J Biosci, Bangalore 2006, 1(1), 19-20.

Cotyledonary explants from 4 week-old aseptic seedlings of Capsicum fruitescens cv. California Wonder were cultured on MS medium supplemented with sucrose (5%), agar (0.8%) and 2,4-D (1 mg l^-1) pH 5.7. One month old callus was subcultured on the same medium devoid of 2,4-D but with salicylic acid (0.5 to 2.0 mM) to study the role of Salicylic acid in triggering defense responses. However, the best response for salicylic acid induced plantlet regeneration was obtained at 0.5 mM concentration. Kinetin (0.5 to 5.0 mg l^-1) or Gibberellic Acid (each 0.5 to 5.0 mg l^-1) failed to do so. The salicylic acid induced cytodifferentiation and plantlet regeneration in pepper may function through the response regulator mediated two component signaling system.

3 illus, 26 ref

008568   Sharma A;Joshi A;Rajamani G;Mathur P N (Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, MPUAT, Rajasthan College of Agricultural, Udaipur-313 001) : High frequency callus initiation, somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration in Carica papaya L. Cv. Coorg-honeydew. J Biosci, Bangalore 2006, 1(1), 10-11.

Two month old stem explants of Carica papaya L. cv. Coorg Honeydew showed 80 percent callus initiation on Murashige-Skoog (MS) nutrient medium supplemented with 3.0 μM of 2,4-dichloro phenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Treatment with phytohormones like Kinetin (Kin) or Benzyl adenine (BA) (@ 0.2 to 2.0 mg l^-1) were found to have no role with regard to callus initiation. However, these initiating calli when subcultured on MS + 2,4-D (3.0 μM) + Kin (0.5 mg l^-1) showed a two-fold growth by proliferation within 21 days after the date of sub-culture. During this period, 30 per cent of the callus tissue underwent necrosis. Thereafter, the best of 70 per cent friable, healthy calli were recultured on MS + 2,4-D (3.0 μM) + Napthalene acetic acid (NAA, 2.0 mg l^-1) + Kin (0.5 mg l^-1), also supplemented with casein (50 mg l^-1). This combination for reculture resulted in vigorous callus growth on fresh weight basis. Best somatic embryogenesis was achieved when callus tissue so obtained was further recultured in MS + NAA (1.0 mg l^-1) + Kin (0.5 mg l^-1) + Gibberelic acid (GA31.0 mg l^-1) + L- Ascorbic and (Asc, 50 mg l^-1) alongwith glycine (1.0 mg l^-1) + thiamine (Thia, 1.0 mg l^-1) as adjuvants. The pH of such culture media was maintained at 5.7, incubated under a 16/8-hr light/dark cycle at 25°±1°C in the culture room. This protocol resulted in 80 per cent somatic embryogenesis out of which about 20 per cent yielded regenerants. The plantlets were carefully transferred to half-strength MS medium for further growth and hardening.

4 illus, 12 ref

008567   Sengupta S;Ghosh S N;Das A K (P.G. Department of Botany, Mycology and Plant Pathology Research Labor, Presidency College, Kolkata-700 073) : Antifungal properties of Plumeria acutifolia and their effect on the acid and alkaline phosphatase of the fungal pathogens. J mycopathol Res 2006, 44(1), 125-8.

Present investigation, solvent extract of latex of Plumeria acutifolia Poir was screened for its antifungal properties against twelve fungal strains. It showed antifungal properties against four fungi viz. Acremonium kiliense, Myrothecium roridum, Penicillium expansum and Rhizoctonia solani. The effect of this extract on the acid and alkaline phosphatase enzyme system of this four fungal pathogen was also studied.

2 tables, 18 ref

008566   Sen S;Acharya R;Acharya K (Department of Botany, Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Patholo, University of Calcutta, Kolkata-700 019) : In vitro antagonistic effect of fluorescent Pseudomonas BRL-1 against Aspergillus niger. J mycopathol Res 2006, 44(1), 97-100.

Fluorescent Pseudomonas BRL-1, a rhizosphere isolate, showed in vitro antagonistic activity against Aspergillus niger. Microscopic examination after antagonism showed hyphal shriveling, swelling, vaculation, shortbranching and granulation of cytoplasm resulting in lysis of hyphae of Aspergillus niger. Correlation of antifungal activity of this isolate has been found to be linked with the production of siderophore, proteases and chitinases.

2 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

008565   Saxena N;Raghavender C R (Department of Botany, Mycology and Plant Pathology Lab, Nizam College, Osmania University, Hyderabad-500 001) : Influence of relative humidity on total oil content and production of aflatoxin in safflower seeds. Bioinfolet 2006, 3(3), 212-14.

Fifteen samples of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) were collected from Adilabad, Mahaboobnagar and Nizamabad districts of Andhra Pradesh, India. During isolation studies, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Alternaria alternata and Fusarium moniliforme were frequently found to be present on the seed surface; A. flavus being more dominant. The samples infested by A. flavus were stored both under normal condition and at places with different relative humidities. After 20 days of incubation, it was found that the loss of oil content in seeds stored under humid condition was significantly greater which increased with the increase in humidity. All the samples stored at different relative humidities showed presence of aflatoxin B₁, while six samples were associated with of aflatoxin B₂. The aflatoxins were not present in the samples stored under normal condition.

2 tables, 22 ref

008564   Sangeeth D A;Padmaja C K (Department of Botany, Avinashilingam Deemed University, Coimbatore-613 043) : Efficacy of Phanerochaete chrysosporium (MTCC 767) and Trichoderma viride (MTCC 167) on the biodegradation of sugarcane bagasse. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2006, 25(1), 63-70.

In vitro study was carried to assess the efficacy of Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Trichoderma viride alone and a mixed culture of Phanerochaete chrysosporium, and Trichoderma viride on the biodegradation of sugar cane bagasse. The enzymatic analysis registered varying degrees of activity in which T₂ (Raw bagasse + Phanerochaete chrysosporium, and Trichoderma viride) showed maximum levels of oxidative enzymes like catalase (40.43 Ul^-1) followed by peroxidase and poly phenol oxidase which recorded a highest value of 63.93 Ul^-1 and 34.33 to 41.47 Ul^-1 when compared to the other fungal samples. Thus the waste sugarcane bagasse can be converted into nutrient enriched value added product, organic manure.

3 tables, 20 ref

008563   Salgare S A (Salgare Research Foundation Pvt. Ltd., , Prathamesh Society, Shivaji Chowk, Karjat-410 201, Email: drsalgare@rediffmail.com) : Alteration of resting period of pollen of apocynaceae by herbicide (Sodium penta chloro phenate) and further evidence of a criticism of the hypothesis of Saoji and Chitaley (1972). J Biosci, Bangalore 2006, 1(1), 25-6.

Sodium penta chloro phenate altered the resting period of pollen of 5 series and failed in one series of Apocynaceae.

1 table, 9 ref

008562   Saler R S;Chauhan R (P.G. Department of Botany, K.T.H.M. College, Gangapur Road, Nashik-2) : Tolerance of actioncop by rhizosphere microfungi of groundnut c.v. SB-11. Bioinfolet 2006, 3(3), 151-3.

Use of fungicides has become an integral and economically essential part of agriculture when resistance against a pathogen in a variety fails. Many fungicides are directly introduced into agriculture lands for management of soil borne diseases. Some part of the fungicide compounds administered as spray or dusts ultimately reaches into the soil as run off or drift and thus influence the microbial balance of soil. Actioncop - 50 (Blitox) was used and tolerance was studied by serial soil dilution plate technique. Altogether 36 fungal species were recorded of which 27 occurred in Rhizosphere (R) and 19 in soil (S). Rhizophus stolonifer (R&S), Penicillium brefeldianum (S), Aspergillus aculeatus (R), A. carbonarius (S), A. Flavus (R), A. niger(S), Cephalosporium sclerotiorum (R), Paecilomices varioti (R&S), Penicillium funiculosum (R & S), tolerated 1500 μg/ml actioncop. The species which tolerated 1000 micron μg/ml actioncop were Alternaria humicola (R&S), Aspergillus terreus (S), Fusarium oxysporum (R). The species which tolerated 500 μg/ml actioncop were Aspergillus fumigatus (R), A. sclerotiorum (S), Drechslera longirostrata (R), F. semitectum (R), while those tolerated 100 μg/ml were F. moniliformae (S). F. solani(R), Trichoderma viride (S) and others.

2 tables, 9 ref

008561   Reddy P G (Department of Botany, Padmashri Vikhe Patil College, Pravaranagar, 413 713) : Genus Heptameria from India. Bioinfolet 2006, 3(3), 210-11.

4 illus, 1 ref

008560   Ranade S A;Rana T S;Srivastava A P;Nair K N (Plant Molecular Biology-Genomics, National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow-226 001) : Molecular differentiation in Murraya koenig ex L. species in India inferred through ITS, RAPD and DAMD analysis. Curr Sci 2006, 90(9), 1253-8.

Two species of Murraya, viz. M. koenigii (L.) Spreng. (2n=18) and M. paniculata (L.) Jack. (2n=18), occurring in India and used in indigenous system of medicine, have a long-standing problem on systematic disposition of the wild and cultivated forms (M. exotica/M. paniculata), leading to different tasonomic opinions by previous workers. In the work, ITS sequencing and PCR-based prfiling with RAPD and DAMD methods were used to study the molecular differnetial in Murraya speices collected form different geographical locations of India. The amplified ITS products were analysed using BLAST. The five RAPD and four DAMD primers resulted in discrete polymorphic fragment patterns across the compared taxa, while few other fragments were common to either of the Murraya taxa. All accessions of the two clusters, M. koenigii and M. paniculata respectively. The former were relatively more heterogeneous and had higher genetic deversity. Differences within the 5.8 S gene as well as in the rest of the ITS1 and ITS2 regions, differences in RAPD and DAMD profiles that resluted in separate clusters are all consistent with the differentiation of the two Murraya species. The present work demonstrates the usefulness of molecular analysis to imporve the identification and differentiation of the Murraya speices.

3 illus, 2 tables, 37 ref

008559   Premakumari D;Mary K M;Thomas V;Nazeer M A (NO, Rubber Research Institute of India, Kottayam-686 009) : Morphological symptoms and anatomical explanations for stock-scion incompatibility in Hevea brasiliensis. Nat Rubb Res 2005, 18(2), 142-8.

Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) is clonally propagated through bud grafting. Rough and corky surface of the graft area on the budded stump was observed as a clear symptom of incompatibility of stock and scion. The anatomical consequences of this is the development of a deflected type of vascular connection between stock and scion and an impeded type of vasculature. Though the morphological expression could be a consequence of structural incompatibility, all structural incompatibilities are not morphologically expressed. An undulating surface topography of the scion bark is another symptom indicating a differential cambial activity at the tangential plane of mutual contact which may lead to a weak connection of vascular tissue leading to reduced strength at the union part. The impeded vascular tissue may lead to a reduced translocation of metabolites from scion to stock and changes in carbohydrate level and starch distribution in scion tissue, as reported in other crops. Dissimilarities of the graft partners for growth potential may be one of the factors influencing incompatibility.

2 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

008558   Pawar S;Patil D A (Department of Botany, Pratap College, Amalner-425 401) : Indigenous anti-venin claims in Jalgaon district of Maharashtra. Bioinfolet 2006, 3(3), 215-18.

Traditional ethnomedicinal knowledge of 20 plant species belonging 13 angiospermic families as gathered from tribal Pawara, Bhil, Tadvi and Vanjara communities and the other rural people of Jalgaon district, Maharashtra has been reported. The recipes, dosage, mode of administration and uses especially as anti-venom agents, plant parts, their native names etc. are noted during field study. Out of 20 plant species studied eleven are used as antidote for snake-bite, six for scorpion-sting and four against dog-bite. Sixteen species are being reported for the first time for the said purposes.

13 ref

008557   Pal D K;Nimse S B (Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Natural Products Research Labo, Seemanta Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jharpokharia, Mayurbhanj-757 086, Email: drdilip2003@yahoo.co.in) : Screening of the antioxidant activity of Hydrilla verticillata plant. Asian J Chem 2006, 18(4), 3004-8.

In vitro antioxidant activity of Hydrilla verticillata plant has been investigated by two methods: by estimating the degree of non-enzymatic haemoglobin measured colorimetrically at 520 nm and by assaying DPPH free radical scavenging activity. From the analysis, it is found that the chloroform extract has the highest and petroleum ether extract has the lowest antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activities of these extracts are closely identical in magnitude and comparable to those of the standard antioxidant compounds used.

1 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

008556   Nandan S N;Mahajan K D (P.G. Department of Botany, S.S.V.P.S's L.K.Dr.P.R. Ghogrey Science College, Dhule-424 005, Email: ssvpprgsc@rediffmail.com) : Toxonomical study of Bacillariophyceae of Shindkheda taluka of Dhule district (Maharashtra). Bioinfolet 2006, 3(3), 154-62.

Diatoms belongs to an important group of algae. They differ from almost all other groups of algae by the presence of silicified walls. The collection of samples were made from Burai river, Tapti river and polluted waters of Virdel area of Shindkheda taluka of Dhule district. Twenty seven taxa beloning to twelve genera of diatoms viz.; Fragilaria, Achnanthes, Synedra, Gyrosigma, Pleurosigma, Caloneis, Neidium, Anomoeneis, Navicula, Cymbella, Gomphonema and Nitzschia has been reported. The genera like Navicula, Gomphonema and Nitzschia were dominant.

16 ref, 3 plates

008555   Namdas D D;Bhosale A M;Khilare C J (NO, Radhabai Kale Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Ahmednagar, MS) : Rhizosphere fungi of Sorghum. Bioinfolet 2006, 3(3), 219-21.

Rhizophere and soil mycoflora of Sorghum was studied at different stages of growth during rabi season of 2005. Occurrence of rhizosphere mycoflora was dominant over soil mycoflora with most dominant fungi like Aspergillus, Penicillium, Curvularia over Rhizophus, Philaphora and mycelia sterilia. Significant difference in occurrence of rhizosphere fungi at different stages of crop growth was observed. However some genera were prominent throughout plant growth period up to three months. This finding supported that rhizosphere mycoflora was depend on age of crop plant.

2 tables, 15 ref

008554   Nagaveni T;Kalappanavar I K (Department of Plant Pathology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-580 005) : Biochemical factors imparting resistance to leaf blight of barley. J Biosci, Bangalore 2006, 1(1), 14-15.

Overall the resistant genotypes of barely recorded higher amount of total phenol, total protein, sugars, chlorophyll content as compared to genotypes susceptible to leaf bright disease. The amount of these biochemical components increased from 30 days after sowing (DAS) to 60 days after sowing (DAS). However, healthy counterparts of plant samples recorded higher biochemical content (total phenol, total protein, sugars, chlorophyll content) as compared to inoculated counterparts at both the stages. The study revealed that higher sugars, phenols, proteins, chlorophyll contents are some of the possible reasons for resistance to leaf blight disease in barley.

4 tables, 13 ref

008553   Nagaveni T;Kalappanavar I K (Department of Pathology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-580 005) : Assessment of genetic diversity among leaf blight resistant and susceptible cultivars of barley by RAPD. J Biosci, Bangalore 2006, 1(1), 12-13.

Molecular diversity was assessed using two leaf blight resistant and two susceptible genotypes in barley. Out of 25 RAPD primers used, 20 primers produced polymorphism. Similarity coefficients ranged from 0.65 (PL-760 and RD-2508) to 0.78 (PL-760 and DWR-28) among genotypes. The primers OPA-05, OPM-06, and OPB-11 produced 100 percent polymorphism. Clustering pattern clearly differentiated resistant (DWR-28 and PL-760) and susceptible genotypes (RD-2508 and RD-2653).

2 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

008552   Mukherjee P S;Mukhopadhyay S (R R R Mahavidyalaya, Radhanagar, Hooghly) : Morphological and cultural characteristics of some storage fungi. J mycopathol Res 2006, 44(1), 151-2.

Storage fungi inhabiting the seeds, were sutdied on the basis of their morphological and cultural characteristics. Apart from different parameters tested, conidia production was luxuriant in Aspergillus flavus.

1 table, 7 ref

008551   Mishra B;Singh R;Tripathi S K;Chaturvedi S K (Bio-Physics Lab, Mahatama Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Viswavidyalaya, Chitrakoot, Satna-485 331) : Plant leaf as a new battery material. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2006, 25(1), 31-5.

In investigation the conventional electrolyte system are replaced by bio-electrolyte systems in form of plant leaves. A single unit of bio-emf-device (BED) made using plant leaf is suitable to energize micro electronic gadgets. To achieve better performance from leaf-battery (BED), different factors have been studied.

1 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

008550   Mathur N;Lal S P (Department of Plant Pathology, IARI, New Delhi-110 012) : Mucor thermophilus R. prakash and Sarbhoy-a synonym of Gilbertella persicaria (Eddy) hesseltine. J mycopathol Res 2006, 44(1), 147-9.

Mucor thermophilus and isolates of Gilberiella persicaria were compared for their cultural and microscopic characters followed by their interstrainal matings. The results obtained confirmed Mucor thermophilus to be synonym of Gilbertella persicaria.

1 table, 11 ref

008549   Magare S R;Shukla H S;Karnakar S R;Mahajan S P (Department of Zoology, A.S. Mandal's C.H.C. Arts, S.G.P. Comm, B.B.J.P Science College, Taloda-425 413) : Some traditionally used plants of Satpuda mountain ranges. Bioinfolet 2006, 3(3), 192-6.

Ethnobotany is a multidisciplinary branch encompassing botany, anthropology and medicine. The traditionally acquired knowledge of plant wealth by tribals opened new vistas for unconventional utilization of plants irrespective of their group. A veriety of plant groups in Satpuda mountain ranges contribute a major quantum of ethnobotanical basis. People in remote villages and tribal areas depend upon the folk medicines and household remedies to a great extent. The observations were found in close conformity with that given in ayurvedic literature.

1 table, 7 ref

008548   Kore B A;Kadam D A (Department of Botany, Yashwantrao Chavan Institute of Science, Satara-415 001) : Mineral composition in response to herbicidal treatment of diquat and paraquat in Parthenium hysterophorus Linn. Bioinfolet 2006, 3(3), 197-8.

Minral composition in reponse to foliar application of bipyridylium herbicides, diquat (10 ppm) and paraquat (25 ppm) on Parthenium hysterophorus Linn. was studied. Herbicidal treatment resulted in increased nitrogen and potassium which decreased due to paraquat treatments. The herbicides diquat and paraquat failed to exert any influence on copper content.

1 table, 10 ref

008547   Kadiri A B (Department of Botany and Microbiology, Botany Research Laboratory, University of Lagos, Akoka yaba, Lagos, Nigeria, Email: abkadiri2001@yahoo.com) : Comparative foliar micro-morphological characters of the species of Portulacaceae in Nigeria. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2006, 25(1), 21-6.

Foliar epidermal characters of the six species of Portulacaceae in Nigeria were carried out. Usual characters in the family are cell shape that is irregular; curved to undulate anticlinal wall pattern and stomatal type that is paracytic, though other type may accompany. Stomatal number varies from 4 - 16 on the abaxial surface and 2 - 10 on the adaxial surface in Talinum species whereas it ranges from 4-15 and 4 - 10 on the abaxial and adaxial surfaces respectively in Portulaca species. These epidermal characters have been used to prepare an indented dichotomous key to delimit the species.

1 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

008546   Johnson M E;Sushama P R;Surekha Rani P S; Shailaja K (Department of Botany, Osmania University College for Women, Koti, Hyderabad-500 195, Email: sushama_raji@yahoo.co.in) : Bryoflora from Hyderabad British residency. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2006, 25(1), 27-30.

The bryoflora consists of different mosses belonging to bryidae of various orders, such as Pottiales, Grimmiales and Fissidentales from Hyderabad British Residency. Distributional pattern, taxonomical notes and structural details and ecological parameters like temperature and humidity were studied.

13 ref

008545   Jha K M;Sharma N D (Department of Plant Pathology, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur-482 004) : Factors affecting Rhizoctonia bataticola : IV Fungicide. J mycopathol Res 2006, 44(1), 67-71.

Five fungicides viz., thiram (TMTD), captan (captan 50% WP), mancozeb (dithane M-45 75% WP), carbendazim (bavistin 50% SC) and carboxin (vitavax 75% WP) were investigated in vitro at three concentrations (10, 50 and 100 ppm) against isolates of R. bataticola by employing poisoned food technique to find their effect on growth and sclerotial morphology. Bavstin was the most effective and checked growth of all the isolates at all the concentrations, while thiram checked growth at 50 and 100 ppm concentrations. Vitavax caused growth and sclerotial size inhibition at all concentrations but was pronounced at 100 ppm. Dithane M-45 and captan observed to be less effective at 10 and 50 ppm but caused considerable reduction of growth and sclerotial size at 100 ppm. All the isolates exhibited variable effect on different fungicides. The effect of fungicides on growth and sclerotial characters were observed in the decreasing order of bavistin, thiram, vitavax, dithane M-45 and captan.

3 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

008544   Jash S;Khalko S;Bose S;Roy M;Pan S (Department of Plant Pathology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia-741 252) : Morphological and physiological characterization of some mutant isolates of Gliocladium virens, a Potential mycoparasite of sclerotial plant pathogens. Indian J agric Res 2006, 40(2), 114-8.

Two wild and five mutant isolates of Gliocladium virens were tested for morphological and physiological characterization. On PDA and OMA media all the isolates produced usual green coloured fluffy or submerged colonies with profuse mycelial growth except 50 Gv₁V, which showed albino colour colonies. 50 Gv₁I isolate produced comparatively large size ampuliform phialides whereas larger phialospore was produced by Gv₁, isolates. All the isolates grew more rapidly on PDA than OMA medium. Irrespective of isolates, high sporulation was observed both in OMA and PDA with few exceptions. In case of biomass production the PDB medium was found superior to other media. The mutant isolates 50 Gv₁,V produced higher biomass on the basis of mycelial dry weight (293.00 mg) on PDB whereas on CDB highest mycelial growth (174.67 mg) was recorded with 50 Gv₁I isolate.

1 illus, 4 tables, 18 ref

008543   Hosagoudar V B;Biju H (Microbiology Division, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode-695 592) : Foliicolous fungi-XXII : Microfungi of silent valley National park, Palghat district in Kerala state. J mycopathol Res 2006, 44(1), 39-48.

Reports an account of 25 species fungal parasites. Of which, seven are new species, namely, Asteridiella oreocnidecola, Asterina chukrasiae, A. oreocnidegen, Meliola anodendricola, M. dolichi, M. silentvalleyensis and Sarcinella oreocnidecola are the new species and Meliola daviesii Hansf var. longiseta is the new variety, which are described and illustrated in detail.

8 illus, 7 ref

008542   Ghangaonkar N M (NO, C.T. Bora College, Shirur (Ghodnadi), Pune-412210) : Incidence of mycoflora on onion bulbs during storage. Bioinfolet 2006, 3(3), 186-7.

In order to study the association of mycoflora with onion bulbs two varieties, N-2-4-1 and Phule saphed were selected. From these varieties total 14 fungal species were isolated. It was found that bulbs of Phule saphed were associated with more number of fungal species than N-2-4-1 variety.

1 table, 13 ref

008541   El Olayan H A (Department of Botany, Scientific Section, College for Education for Girls, El-Malaz, El-Riyadh) : Effect of protection on the vegetation of ibex range reserve in Central Saudi Arabia. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2006, 25(1), 51-61.

Evaluates the effect of both partial and complete protection on the natural vegetation of one from the biggest wild conservation center in Central Saudi Arabia, the Ibex Range Reserve (IRR). The study covered the type of vegetation in three chosen locations inside the IRR. The first one was partially protected, while the other two are completely protected. Records of all the species carried out through the period of eight months (from Oct. 2005-May 2006). Soil analyses revealed that the soil in the three locations is alkaline with variable soil texture, color and chemical composition. The recorded species are 25 ones in the partial protected location (A), 11 species in location B and 28 in location C. This variation is mainly due to both soil characters and water availability.

11 illus, 4 tables, 15 ref

008540   Deore C R;Somani V J (NO, J.E.S.S. College, Nandurbar-425 412) : Ethnobotanical studies of Nandurbar district with special emphasis on wild edible plants. Bioinfolet 2006, 3(3), 183-5.

Tribales depend much upon forest products for their various daily needs particularly food. As the cultivable land is scare, acute shortage of food grains is main problem of the tribals. Deals with understanding the problem of the tribles of Nandurbar district and the plant resources used by them in daily diet during the food shortage period.

1 table, 6 ref

008539   Agar G;Adiguzel A;Baris O;Gulluce M;Sahin F; Ozer H (Department of Biology, Faculty of Art and Science, Ataturk University, Erzurum-25240 Turkey, Email: baris26@atauni.edu.tr) : Evaluation of genetic variation among Salvia species grown in Eastern anatolia region of Turkey. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2006, 25(1), 37-43.

Random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPD) were used to examine genetic relationships between six Salvia L. species including S. aetiopis L., S. limbata C.A. Meyer, S. poculata Nab., S. sclarea L., S. syriaca L and S. virgata Jacq., which were wildly growing in Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey. Ten decamer primers were examined, among which three primers were selected to find out polymorphism. Total 34 polymorphic bands were observed, ranging in size from 600 bp to 3000 bp. The results suggested that S. virgala is completely different from other species and that S. sclarea is closely related to S. aetiopis, S. limbata, S. poculata, S. syriaca. Two genetically distinct groups were found between Salvia species with high genetic variation demonstrating that Salvia species wildly growing in Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey may have different origins. This is the first study showing that RAPD is a useful method for determination of genetic fingerprints which may be used for identification of Salvia species.

2 illus, 3 tables, 27 ref

007586   Zengin F K (Dep of Biol Fac of Sci, Firat Univ, Elazig 23119, Turkey, Email: fzengin@firat.edu.tr) : The effects of Co₂₊ and Zn₂₊ on the contents of protein, abscisic acid, proline and chlorophyll in bean (Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Strike) seedlings. J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 441-8.

Seventeen-day-old bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Strike) were used to analyze the effects of Co²⁺ and Zn²⁺ on the time course of proline, total protein, chlorophyll and abscisic acid (ABA) levels in leaves. Controls, Co²⁺ and Zn²⁺-treated plants were grown for 8 days in Hoagland solution. Samples were taken at 2 day intervals. Proline, chlorophyll (a+b) and total protein contents of 17 day old primary leaves were determined by a spectrophotometer. ABA contents in roots and leaves of the seedlings were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The presence of Zn²⁺ and Co²⁺ significantly increased the ABA contents in roots and leaves (p<60>0.05 or p <60>0.01). The increase of the abscisic acid content in the leaves was related to the content of the roots. This was further substantiated by enhanced accumulation of proline in the leaves of seedlings exposed to zinc and cobalt. The contents of chlorophyll (a+b) and total protein decreased with the concentration of both metals (p<60>0.05 or p<60>0.01). Cobalt proved to be comparatively more toxic than zinc.

12 illus, 32 ref

007585   Singh V K;Singh J (Dep of Envir Sci, Dr. R.M.L. Avadh Univ, Faizabad-224 001, Email: jaswant1983@yahoo.co.in) : Toxicity of industrial wastewater to the aquatic plant Lemna minor L.. J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 385-90.

Toxicity evaluation of industrial wastewater has been done by using bioassay system of an aquatic plant Lemna minor at different time intervals. Growth inhibition was measured as reduction in fresh and dry weight in industrial wastewater and sewage water, exposed L. minor plants. Results of fresh and dry weight indicate significant decrease in industrial wastewater and sewage wastewater during the different seasons of the year. At 72 and 96 hr of industrial wastewater exposure, decrease in chlorophyll content was significant in comparison to control. Decrease in total protein content was 32.5%, 14.7% and 30.6% at 96 hr of exposure in industrial wastewater in premonsoon, monsoon and postmonsoon season. Exposure of industrial wastewater to L. minor shows that it is a highly sensitive plant to the pollutants present in industrial wastewater.

6 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

007584   Singh A K;Chaudhary B R (Cytogenetics Lab Cent of Advd study in Bot, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: chaudharybr@yahoo.co.in) : γ-Ray induced chromosome anomalies in two morphologically distinct varieties of Capsicum annuum L. Nucleus 2005, 48(3), 80-4.

Dormant, dry seed of solitary pendent variety (LCA-335) and a clustering erect variety (RHrc-CE) of Capsicum annuum L. were irradiated with gamma-rays. Radiation induced meiotic abnormalities were found to be directly proportional to the Y-ray doses administered. Altered association and other chromosomal aberrations included stickiness, clumping, bridges, laggards, etc. Concomitantly, dose dependent increase in the per cent pollen sterility ensued was directly proportional to the meiotic abnormalities. The per cent frequency of genetic recovery or elimination of defectives in M₂ generation was greater than M₁. The pendent variety is genetically more stable than the clustering erect variety.

1 table, 27 ref

007583   Shailaja K;Johnson M E C (Dep of Zool Limnology Lab, Osmania Univ Coll for Women, Koti, Hyderabad-500 195, Email: K_Shailaja2001@yahoo.com) : Elemental analysis of certain plants growing around Osman sagar lake, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. J Aquatic Biol 2006, 21(1), 231-4.

Chemical analysis of the plants has emerged as an important tool for an agriculturist for determining the nutrient deficiencies and metabolic discrepancies under certain circumstances. In the study Ceropegia pusilla Wight, Parthenium hysterophorus Linn Corchorus acutangulus Linn growing in the pheripheral regions of lake Osman Sagar were analysed for chloride, fluoride calcium and magnesium. Among the three plants Corchorus acutangulus Linn absorbed maximum content of calcium and magnesium while Ceropegia pusilla Wight absorbed highest chloride content.

1 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

007582   Rajesh Kumar;Soodan A S (Dep of Bot and Envir Sci, Guru Nanak Dev Univ, Amritsar-143 005, Email: rkbiodiversity@yahoo.co.uk) : A biodiversity approach to check Parthenium hysterophorus L.. J envir Biol 2006, 27(2), 349-53.

Data collected during on-going studies on the phytodiversity in the Upper Bari Doab Region of Punjab, show an inverse relationship between the level of phytodiversity and incidence of the congress grass-Parthenium hysterophorus. The open vegetation at Khiala Khurd (31°-33 N-74°.18' E), a site typical of the whole region, has a Shannon-Weaver index value of 2.544, which is fairly good for any dry tropical area. At this site the weed has an insignificant presence (IVI = 0.834%). In contrast, at Fatahpur (31°.33' N-74°.21 E'), a site bereft of vegetation, it is the dominant species with an IVI of 79.1%. The corollary emerges that restoration of a natural cover of vegetation is the best strategy to check the weed. However, for replantation, the choice of species depends on the combination of climatic and edaphic factors obtaining at a location.

1 illus, 5 tables, 10 ref

007581   Padmavathi V;Balaiah A;Ravisankar N; Rajagopala Shama M;Padmaja A (Dep of Chem, Sri Venkateswara Univ, Tirupati-517 502) : Toxicity evaluation of some newly synthesized spiro pyrimidines, thioxopyrimidines, pyrazoles and isoxazoles. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2006, 16(2), 139-45.

Toxicity evaluation of some spiro pyrimidine, thioxopyrimidine, pyrazole and isoxazole derivatives has been studied against bacteria and fungi. The results indicated that compounds containing 1,4-dihydropyridine, 4H-thiopyran rings showed greater antimicrobial activity than those of the reference drugs.

2 tables, 12 ref

007580   Ogaraku A O;Onovo J C (Dep of Biol Sci Fac of Nat and Appl Sci, Nasarawa St Univ, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria) : Antimicrobial activity of Sesbania sesban extract on some species of microorganisms associated with ringworm diseases amongst adults in Idah local government area, Kogi state, Nigeria. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2006, 3(1a), 29-33.

Study was carried out on the effect of a local plant; Sesbania sesban (Zamarke) extract on the four most prevalent species of fungi associated with adults ringworm diseases in Idah. One hundred & eighty three clinical specimens were examined, out of which 151 (82.5%) had ringworm diseases. Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton soudanense and Microsporum canis were the most prevalent mycoflora with 17.19, 14.03, 16.29 percentage frequencies of occurrence respectively. Candida albicans had 23.53 percentage frequency of occurrence. The effect of this medicinal plant on these species of microorganisms were also investigated. The results showed that the ethanolic extract exhibited the highest sensitivity against C. albicans. The phytochemical analysis of the extracts was also made to determine the active components responsible for the inhibitory effects. The significance of the results obtained from the study has been extensively discussed.

5 tables, 13 ref

007579   Mehta S K;Tripathi N N;Rakesh Kumar;Chhabra M L (Dep of Pl Path, CCS Haryana Agric Univ, Hisar-125 004) : Influence of light and temperature on induction of pycnidia and germiantion of pycnidiospores. Ann Biol 2006, 22(1), 31-4.

Maximum pycnidia of R. bataticola appeared at 20^oC (20.3/cm² surface area). Among the three isolates, the maximum pycnidia were produced by the isolate okr-II on cowpea stem at 20^oC under 12 h light and 12 h darkness conditions and the maximum pycnidiospores germination (100%) occurred at 20 and 25^oC at 3 h light exposure. The induction of pycnidia and germiantion of pycnidiospores decreased with the increase in temperature beyond 20 and 25^oC, respectively. The pycnidia production decreased significantly when the exposure to light was increased or decreased from 12 h. Germination of pycnidiospores started within 1 h at 20^oC temperature and completed within 3 h, whereas it started within 6-8 h and completed within 12 h in darkness condition.

2 illus, 2 tables, 4 ref

007578   Mehrotra R;Kanti Kiran;Chaturvedi C P;Ansari S A;Lodhi N;Sawant S;Tuli R (NO, Natn Bot Res Inst, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow 226 001, Email: rakeshtuli@hotmail.com) : Effect of copy number and spacing of the ACGT and GT cis elements on transient expression of minimal promoter in plants. J Genet 2005, 84(2), 183-7.

^ssc2 illus, 1 table, 24 ref