006399   Jain S (Bot Dep, Govt J.D.B. Girls Coll, Kota, Rajasthan) : Importance value indices (IVIs) of some plants in protected areas of Haroti region with special reference to floristic diversity conservation. Indian J appl pure Biol 2006, 21(2), 225-30.

The state of Rajasthan has varied ecosystems and their diverse species contain invaluable natural resource. The area of study, as protected areas of Haroti region i.e. Darrah, Ramgarh and Shergarh have one of the best scopes in India for providing genetic resource for future crop development. Ageraturn conyzoides, Lepidagathis trinervis, Lantana camara, Butea monosperma, Anogeissus pendula are the dominant plants in the protected areas of Haroti region and a comparison of Importance Value Indices (IVIs) is presented as the formulative basis of the study. Confirms the declining trend of certain species like Acacia catechu, Boswellia serrata, Butea monosperma, Capparis decidua, Cordia dichotoma, and also an upward trend for some of the plant species like Lantana camara, Parthenium hysterophorus, Ipomoea fistulosa, Alternanthera sessilis and Prosopiss juliflora which may be attributed to change in climatic, edaphic, topographic and biotic factors. Importance Value Indices (IVIs) are considered to be the prime factor for assesing the floristic diversity in the area studided. Effort towards balancing the alternative of deforestation and loss of floristic diversity against the conservation of both flora and fauna has been studied. This strategy still appears to some to be the best long term solution to the problem of saving protected areas in Kota region.

1 illus, 3 tables, 5 ref

006398   Hosagoudar V B (Microbiol Div, Trop Botanic Garden and Res Inst, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram-695 562, Email: vbhosagoudar@rediffmail.com) : Meliolaceous fungi on economically important plants in India - II: on plants of non-wood forest produce. Zoos Print J 2006, 21(8), 2356-71.

^ssc3 ref

006397   Hosagoudar V B (Microbiol Div, Trop Bot Div, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram-695 562) : Foliicolous fungi - XXV : new species and new records. Zoos Print J 2006, 21(8), 2335-8.

Gives an account of three new species of follicolous fungi. Aasterina rhodomyrt sp. nov. has been observed for the first time to occur on this endemic host plant Rhodomyrtus tomentosa; Asterina tylophorae-indicae sp. nov. differs from A. peraffinis in having unicellular appressoria in contrast to bicellular ones; Asterostomella ceropegiae sp. nov. differs from Asterina secamonicola in having gibbous nature of the basal cells of the appressoria. Asterina leptalea and Heteroconium solanium are new records to India.

5 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

006396   Gupta R S;Sharma R (Cent for Advd Stud Reproduction Physiol Sect Zool Dep, Univ of Raj, Jaipur-302 004, Email: gupta_rs@hotmail.com) : A review on medicinal plants exhibiting antifertility activity in males. Nat Prod Radiance 2006, 5(5), 389-410.

Fertility control is an issue of global and national public health concern. Many studies have been done on the male contraception. The traditional used of medicinal plants to treat different sorts of diseases, including fertility related problems is widespread throughout the world as many plant substances are known for their interferences with the male reproductive system. Review is an attempt to summarize the fertility regulatory plants with part used, type of extract/isolated compounds (active principles) along with animal model used. The literature covered is of 25 years i.e. from 1980 to 2005 for 105 plants showing antifertility activity in males.

7 illus, 1 table, 234 ref

006395   Ghoshal P P (NO, Bot Surv of India, P.O. Botanic Garden, Howrah-711 103) : Colour variation seen on the labellum of Eria pubescens (Hook.) (Lindl. (Orchidaceae). J Econ Taxon Bot 2006, 30(1), 201.

Colour variation seen on the disk of the labellum of Eria pubescens (Hook.) Lindl., while it was in cultivation has been reproted.

006394   Ghosh R B (NO, , Sreenagar, South 24 Parganas, Kolkata-700 094) : Observation of seasonal variation of wall vegetation of the district of Bankura, West Bengal. Indian J appl pure Biol 2006, 21(2), 231-4.

Communication gives an account of mural flora of the Bankura district. This account reveals the records of 84 species of Angiosperms of which 14 species belong to Monocots. Only 1 species climbing Ficus i.e. F. pumila is reported to occur on the walls. The dominance of tree species is very rare.

1 table, 8 ref

006393   Diwakar P G;Sumathi R (NO, Bot Surv of India, Andaman & Nicobar Cirlce, Port Blair) : Recollection of Cleisotoma elegans Seidenf - an orchid from Andaman Islands after about a century. J Econ Taxon Bot 2006, 30(1), 180-2.

Cleisostoma elegans Seidenf. is recollected and reported after about a century from Kalpong Botanic Garden in North Andamans.

1 illus, 3 ref

006392   Das S K D;Singh N P (NO, Bot Surv of India, Western Circle, Pune-411 001) : Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb. (Amaranthaceae) - further extended distribution in Maharashtra. J Econ Taxon Bot 2006, 30(1), 198-200.

Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb. (Amaranthaceae) has been found to be spread widely in Maharashtra. Though, it was on record from Pune, but could not be incorporated in published floras of Maharashtra.

1 illus, 3 ref

006391   Das D C;Samanta A K (Bot Dep, Raja Narendralal Khan Women's Coll, Gope Palace, Midnapore-721 102) : Phytosociological status of Typha elephantina Roxb. (Typhaceae) in Midnapore district of West Bengal, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2006, 30(1), 91-6.

Typha elephantina Roxb. is a large, marshy, herbaceous plant, growing in tropical and subtropical regions in India. It has immense diverse economic value. Phytosociologically it is related with seven constant and sixteen flexible associates. Maximum association was noted with Azolla and Salvinia and minimum with Alisma and Nymphaea during the study.

2 tables, 4 ref

006390   Chaurasia O P;Dwivedi S K;Attrey D P;Singh B; Basant Ballabh (NO, Fld Res Lab (DRDO), Leh (Ladakh)) : Wild flora of Ladakh Himalaya : potential ornamental plants. J Econ Taxon Bot 2006, 30(1), 79-82.

Deals with 24 plant species of ornamental value from Ladakh Himalaya, based on ethnobotanical information and aesthetic plant characteristics.

1 table, 5 ref

006389   Chaudhary B L;Khichi Y S (Bryology Dep, Coll of Sci Mohanlal Sukhadia Univ, Udaipur-313 001, Email: yashpal_khichi@rediffmail.com) : Liverworts of Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Rajasthan, India. Indian J appl pure Biol 2006, 21(2), 275-80.

Twelve liverworts have been collected from Kumbhalgarh wild life sanctuary, Rajasthan. These are Riccia billardieri Mont. et. Nees., R. gangetica Ahmad., R. crystallina L, Cyathodium barodae Chavan., Asterella pathankotensis Kash., A. angusta (Steph.) Kachroo., Marchantia polymorpha L., Plagiochasma appendiculatum Lehm. et Lindenb., P. intermedium L. et G., Targionia hypophylla L., Asterella blumeana (Nees) Kachroo., Riccia frostii Aust. Torrey Bull.

2 illus, 7 ref

006388   Chaudhary B L;Khichi Y S (Bryology Lab Bot Dep, Coll of Sci Mohanlal Sukhadia Univ, Udaipur-313 001, Email: yashpal_khichi@rediffmail.com) : Hornworts of Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan, India. Indian J appl pure Biol 2006, 21(2), 245-8.

Hornworts have been collected from Kumbhalgarh Wild Life Sanctuary, Rajasthan. These are Anthoceros erectus Kash., A. subtilis Steph., Phaeoceros himalayensis (Kash) Bapna., Notothylus levieri Schiffn.

2 illus, 6 ref

006387   Chaudhary B L;Dulawat C S;Bhagora F S (Bryology Lab Bot Dep, Coll of Sci Mohanlal Sukhadia Univ, Udaipur-313 001, Email: csdulawat@rediffmail.com) : Mosses of Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan - India. Indian J appl pure Biol 2006, 21(2), 299-304.

Ten moss species belonging to four orders and seven genera distributed over five families have been collected from the Sitamata Wild Life Sanctuary, Rajastan in fruiting as well as vegetative stages. These are Fissidens gaminiflorus var. nagasakinus (Besh.) Dox., Fissidens curvato-involutus Dix., Hyophila comosa Dix. & Varde., Hyophila rosea Williams., Semibarbula orientalis (Web.) Wijk and Marg., Barbula constricta Mitt., Funaria hygrometrica Hedw., Bryum capillare L. ex Hedw.; Bryum argenteum Hedw. Philonotis mollis (Doz. and Molk.) Mitt. Pottiales is the most dominant order represented by four species, three genera and one family. All mosses belong to the group Bryidae.

10 illus, 7 ref

006386   Chaudhary B L;Dulawat C S (Bryology Dep, Coll of Sci Mohanlal Sukhadia Univ, Udaipur-313 001, Email: csdulawat@yahoo.com) : Winter moss Physcomitrium cyathicarpum Mitt. new record from Rajasthan, India. Indian J appl pure Biol 2006, 21(2), 271-4.

Terrestrial winter moss Physcomitrium cyathicarpum Mitt. has been collected from the Sitamata Wild life Sanctuary in Rajasthan. Plants have seta, slender, short, not exserting the capsule, capsule globose, lower leaves smaller, upper ones clustered, oblong obvate, acuminate, margin serrate, operculum apiculate, calyptra small, not lobed. It was growing on the loamy soil, near running water. This is the first record of Physcomitrium cyathicarpum Mitt. from the Rajasthan.

1 illus, 8 ref

006385   Chaudhary B L;Bhagora F S;Sharma T P (Bryology Lab Bot Dep, Coll of Sci M.L. Sukhadia Univ, Udaipur-313 001, Email: fsbhagora@rediffmail.com) : Occurrence of epiphytic mosses of Saputara (Sahyadric region) India. Indian J appl pure Biol 2006, 21(2), 175-8.

Three epiphytic mosses have been collected from various parts of Saputara in different seasons. These are Entodon laetus (Griff.) Jaeg., Stereophyllum anceps (Bosch & Lac.) Broth. and Stereophyllum ligulatum Jaeg.

1 illus, 5 ref

006384   Chandra A;Pathak P S;Bhatt R K (NO, Indian Grassland and Fodder Res Inst, Jhansi-284 003, Email: amaresh_chandra@rediffmail.com) : Stylosanthes research in India: Prospects and challenges ahead. Curr Sci 2006, 90(7), 915-21.

Of many species of Stylosanthes introduced in India since early seventies, the recently added species, S. seabrana shows great promise in terms of seed vigour, establishment as well as nutritional parameters. High regeneration potential further makes this species superior to S. hamata which have been naturalized in India. Molecular marker analysis indicated low level of polymorphism in available accessions of S. seabrana. However, it harbours good seedling vigour and frost tolerance. Being one of the diploid progenitors, it provides an opportunity to artificially synthesize tetraploid S. scabra, a hardy species, using its pre-selected accession along with S. viscosa, a second progenitor. The species is better in checking soil erosion as it covers soil maximally take a look at the prospects of Stylosanthes improvement both for biotic and abiotic stresses initially by screening under different situations, through QTL analysis for disease and then by conventional approach using carbon isotope discrimination function analysis and water use efficiency for drought tolerance.

1 illus, 81 ref

006383   Bujarbarua P;Sarma S K (Bot Dep, Gauhati Univ, Guwahati-781 014) : Note on the diversity of family Popaceae in Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2006, 30(1), 1-5.

Deals with the members of family Poaceae of Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam. A total number of 37 species belonging to 22 genera were collected from the study area. Among these genera, Panicum is the most dominant genus with 6 species, followed by Cyrtococcum and Digitaria with 3 species each.

1 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

006382   Bhaumik M;Pathak M K (NO, Bot Surv of India East Circle, Lower New Colony, Shillong-793 003) : Carex echinata Murray (Cyperaceae) a new record for India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2006, 30(1), 204-5.

Curex echinata Murray (Cyperaceae) is recorded first time for Indian flora from Arunachal Pradesh.

1 illus, 2 ref

006381   Bhattacharya A;Mukherjee A (Bot Dep, Golapbag Burdwan Univ, Bardhaman, West Bengal-713 104) : A preliminary floristic survey in Garh Jangal : Durgapur, West Bengal. Indian J appl pure Biol 2006, 21(2), 293-8.

Considering the preparation of an inventory of vascular plants an important qualitative analytical character of a community, investigation as a preliminary floristic survey was undertaken to bring out a list of 90 vascular plant species occurring in the Garh Jangal (Durgapur Range, Barddhaman Forest Division) of Bardhaman District, West Bengal. These species belong to 75 genera and 39 families of angiosperms and two genera of pteridophytes.

1 illus, 2 tables, 6 ref

006380   Bhattacharya A;Mukherjee A (Bot Dep, Golapbag Campus Burdwan Univ, Bardhaman-713 104) : A checklist of vascular plants in Bhalki-Machan forest, Bardhaman, West Bengal. Indian J appl pure Biol 2006, 21(2), 249-54.

Investigation is a reconnaissance to bring out a taxonomic census of forest plants in the Bhalki-Machan Forest under Bhalki Beat of Guskara Range in Burdwan Forest Division, Bardhaman District, West Bengal. With the objective to handover the foresters and ecologists a picture of the floral composition, presents a list of 108 plant species belonging to 83 genera and 40 families of angiosperms and one genus of pteriodphyte. Out of a total of 108 speciesa, 78 species are dicotyledonous and 29 species monocotyledonous while the remiaining 1 species is a pteridophyte. In terms of the vascular flora, angiosperms score 99.07 percent while pteridophyte. In terms of the vascular flora, angiosperms score 99.07 perecent while pteridophytes score only 0.93 percent. The floristic analysis shows that dicot vis-a-vis monocot ratio at specific level is 2.69:1, at generic level 2.95:1 and at family level 3.44:1. In case of angiosperms, the species quota for each genus is very low and each genus on an average is allotted with 1.29 species. Again, each family is allotted with 2.075 genera and 2.675 species respectively. All these values and the high generic co-efficient (77.57) indicate that the community is more or less heterogeneous and possibly divergence took place at remote past. The vines occupy 14% of the flora indicating that at least at some sites the forest canopy is like an umbrella with small gaps and if the conditions be optimized, a closed canopy could develop.

1 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

006379   Bhatt D C;Patel P K;Dodia S K (Mar Sci Dep, Bhavnagar Univ, Bhavnagar, Gujarat) : Various hosts of two species of Cuscuta L.. J Econ Taxon Bot 2006, 30(1), 170-1.

Various host plants of Cuscuta chinensis Lam. and C. reflexa Roxb. are enumerated. Total one hundred and four host species are being reported from Gujarat, of which there has been no common host.

006378   Bhat S;Badruzzaman Siddiqui M (Bot Dep, A.M.U., Aligarh-202 002, Email: saima81@rediffmail.com) : Amount of fusiform initials in the vascular cambium of Alstonia scholaris R.Br. Indian J appl pure Biol 2006, 21(2), 267-70.

Deals with the amount of fusiform initials in the vascular cambium of Alstonia scholaris R.Br. The anatomical studies of the transverse section of stem, bark with intact wood revealed three different zones viz; bark cambium and wood. The bark as usual is made up or three distinct zones namely conducting phloem, non-conducting phloem and periderm. Arrangement of different components of vascular cambium thus leads to the formation of non-stratified structure in Alstonia scholaris R. Br. It is generally believed that fusiform initials constitute more that 90% of the vascular cambium but 60% to 83% fusiform initials have been observed in different tropical trees and in certain extreme cases their proportion may fall as low as 25%. Analysis of the data obtained reveals that the fusionform cells occupy about 64% area in tangential plane in A. scholaris.

1 illus, 15 ref

006377   Banerjee G;Mukherjee A (Bot Dep, Burdwan Univ, Golapbag, Burdwan-713 104) : Antifungal activity of a common plant - Trianthema portulacastrum L. J Econ Taxon Bot 2006, 30(1), 167-9.

Deals with antifungal activity of Trianthema portulacastrum L. a plant associated with indigenous system of medicine in India and abroad. Ethanol and aqueous extracts of this herb were found to be active against Fusarium sp. and its chloroform extract against Rhizopus artocarpi. These antifungal activities are quite likely to have practical application.

1 table, 3 ref

006376   Balasubramanian S;Koteeswara Rao G (Math P.G. Dep, S.S. & N. Coll, Narasaraopet-522 601, Email: mani55682@rediffmail.com) : Pairwise semi pre (β-) T_i-bitopological spaces. Appl Sci Period 2005, 7(4), 265-74.

Implications have been studied between various separation axioms in a Bitopological Space using semi pre open sets, and weaker versions of Urysohn lemma, Tietze extension theorem, and quasi metrization theorems are verified.

20 ref

006375   Awasya H L;Johnson P L;Nanda H C;Yasin M; Kulkarni A (Pl Breed and Genet Dep, Indira Gandhi Agric Univ, Raipur, Chattisgarh) : Integrated nutrient management in vertisol of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in Chhattisgarh. Indian J appl pure Biol 2006, 21(2), 241-4.

Field experiment was carried out at in Kharif 2002-03 on instructional farm of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur (C.G.) to study the effect of Integrated Nutrient Management practices (INM) on the growth and yield of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications and six treatments. Results revealed that the highest seed cotton yield was registered for the treatment INM3 (120:60:50 kg NPK ha^-1 due to highest plant height, number of branches, leaves, squares, bolls plant^-1 and weight of bolls. Almost similar response was observed with moderate level of nutrients i.e. INM6 (90:50:40: kg NPK ha^-1 blended with FYM). However, yield of seed cotton was at par between INM2 (90:50:30 kg NPK ha^-1) and INM6. The per cent increase in yield of seed cotton over INM1 (60:40:30 kg NPK ha^-1) was 4.6, 46.6, 57.3, 60.3 and 74.5 per cent with INMS (60:40:30 kg NPK ha^-1 blended with FYM), INM4 (60:40:30 kg NPK ha^-1 with 5t FYM), INM2, INM6 and INM3 respectively.

1 table, 8 ref

006374   Andrabi R;Khan A (Bot Dep, Univ of Kashmir, Srinagar-190 006) : Foliar and petiolar anatomy of some species of genus Nymphaea of Kashmir in relation to their taxonomy. Indian J appl pure Biol 2006, 21(2), 353-8.

Species delimitation in genus Nymphaea L. of confused taxonomy in Kashmir valley had been controversial due to high levels of phenotypic plasticity. Several workers including Hooker f. and Thomoson in "FLORA OF BRITISH INDIA" reported only one species from Kashmir. Stewart isolated only 3 species while in his catalogue, he mentioned 5 species. Kak reported 6 species in the genus Nymphaea from Kashmir. Naqshi reported 8 species. Keeping in view the conflicting reports about the genus and its confusing taxonomy, anatomy of leaf and petiole of Nymphaea Complex has been studied to resolve the confusion. Eight samples from two species (N. candida and N. tetragona) have been investigated. The anatomical characters like epidermal cell size and shape, stomatal index, cell inclusions, presence and absence of astrosclereids, range of vasculature in petiole, number and size of air Chambers, depth of collenchymatous-hypodermis, venation pattern and pallisade-spongy parenchyma ratio were investigated, which suggest that the two species are different from each other and results are in conformity with the taxomomical studies.

1 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

006373   Anand Kumar;Jagdish Lal (NO, Bot Surv of India, Central Circle, Allahabad, U.P) : Ex-situ conservation of Amorphophallus longiconnectivus Bogner (Araceae) - an endemic and rare species. J Econ Taxon Bot 2006, 30(1), 161-3.

Deals with ex-situ conservation of Amorphophallus longiconnectivus Bogner in the Experimental Botanical Garden of the Central Circle, Botanical Survey of India, Allahabad. Short description of the species has been provided.

4 illus, 3 ref

006372   Adamu H M (Chem Programme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Univ, PMB 0248, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria) : Proximate and mineral composition of Hibiscus sabdariffa L.. J Econ Taxon Bot 2006, 30(1), 164-6.

Study was carried out on dry flowers of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. to detrmine the amount of moisture, ash, crude lipids, crude protein, crude fiber, and carbohydrte. Vitamin C and mineral contents were also investigated. The results indicate that the flower has low protein (12.30g/100g) and crude lipids (3.13g/100g) and high carbohydrate (71.05g/100g). The vitamin C is appreciably high (100.32 mg/100 g). The major mineral elements of the flower include calcium (424.70 mg/100 g), manganese (61,00 mg/100 g) and magnesium (4.80 mg/100 g); while cadmium (0.07 mg/100 g) is very low. These results suggest that the flower could contribute partially to the overall daily intake of these elements.

2 tables, 5 ref

006371   Abdul Jaleel C;Gopi R;Manivannan P; Kishorekumar A;Sankar B;Panneerselvam R (Pl Physiol Div Bot Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar-608 002) : Paclobutrazol influences on vegetative growth and floral characteristics of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don. Indian J appl pure Biol 2006, 21(2), 369-72.

The investigation was carried out in Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don. in field conditions. The paclobutrazol (PBZ) treatment (15 mg L^-1 plant_-1) was given by soil drenching on 30, 45, 60 and 75 days after sowing (DAS). PBZ treated plants showed reduced plant height and leaf areas. The leaf colours were darkened due to the increased chlorophyll contents. The plant showed increased number of flowers and good floral quality by increased anthocyan in and xanthophylls contents. The results obtained suggested that the growth retarding characteristics of PBZ could well be used to control the growth and there by minimize the laborious manual pruning and also improve the commercial quality in bedding plants like C. roseus.

1 illus, 20 ref

005377   Yuan H;Chen L;Paliyath G;Sullivan A;Murr D P (Dep of Hort, Fruit Res Inst Coll of Agric and Biotechnol Zhejiang Univ, Hangzhou Zhejiang-310 029, P.R. of China, Email: gpaliyat@uoguelph.ca) : Differential incorporation of a fluorescent phospholipid into strawberry fruit protoplast membrane in the presence of calcium and IAA. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2006, 12(1), 35-42.

Turnover of membrane phospholipids is an integral feature of membrane biogenesis. During growth, membrane biogenesis keeps pace with the expanding and dividing cells, whereas during senescence, membrane phospholipids are catabolized leading to membrane deterioration. The growth of strawberry fruits is totally dependent on achene-derived auxins. The effect of IAA and calcium on the incorporation of fluorescent phospholipids into strawberry protoplasts was investigated. Fluorescence imaging of young live strawberry protoplasts labeled with BODIPY-phosphatidylcholine showed the incorporation of the fluorescent phospholipids into the plasma membrane, providing a discrete ring-shaped appearance when examined under the microscope. Protoplasts from mature ripening fruits showed a similar incorporation into the plasma membrane, but the fluorescence was distributed in discrete discontinuous patches. Incubation of the young protoplasts in the presence of 10 μM calcium and a calcium ionophore, resulted in decreasing fluorescence in the membrane. However, in the presence of calcium and IAA or IAA alone, an enhancement in membrane-localized fluorescence was observed. IAA also caused localized increases in calcium in protoplasts as estimated by labeling with the calcium-sensitive dye calcium green-2. The results suggest that IAA may cause enhanced incorporation of fluorescent phospholipids into the membrane suggesting enhanced membrane biogenesis during auxin-induced growth.

6 illus, 24 ref

005376   Yadav S;Singh H K;Saxena M (Lab. of Pl Cytogenetics Dep of Bot, Bareilly Coll, Bareilly-243 001) : Evaluation of mitodepressive and cytotoxic potential of chromium on Allium sativum root meristems. Ecol Envir Conserv 2006, 12(1), 113-6.

The chromium was tested for its cytotoxic effects in form of aqueous solution of chromium sulphate on Allium sativum root tips. The solution showed mitodepressive effect, which increased as the concentration and the time of exposure were increased. The root tips of Allium sativum were treated with different concentrations like 100 ppm, 250 ppm, 500 ppm, 750 ppm and 1000 ppm for 2, 4 and 6 hours that caused various mitotic irregularities such as disturbed metaphase, scattered metaphase, stickiness of chromosomes and condensation of chromosomes at metaphase. The extrusion of chromosome and polarity abolition were observed at anaphase. No aberration was studied in prophase and telophase.

2 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

005375   Vittal B P R;Sarma V V (Cent for Advd Stud in Bot, Univ of Madras Guindy Campus, Chennai-600 025, Email: bprvittal44@yahoo.co.in) : Diversity and ecology of fungi on mangroves of Bay of Bengal region. Indian J Mar Sci 2006, 35(4), 308-17.

Overview on the diversity and ecology of fungi colonizing litter of mangroves in Bay of Bengal region (mangroves of Godavary and Krishna deltas of Andhra Pradesh, Pichavaram of Tamil Nadu, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands) are presented in this paper. A total number of 131 species belonging to 77 genera have so far been reported from the three regions. Verruculina enalia showed highest percentage occurrence at all the sites and on different hosts. The fungi exhibited vertical zonation in their occurrence with more number occurring in the intertidal zone. While some fungi occurred throughout the tidal range many showed affinity to a particular level. Ascomycetes with immersed or semi-immersed fruit bodies occurred in water inundated niches.

5 tables, 30 ref

005374   Vinod Kumar S;Basu B;Rajam M V (Dep of Genet Pl Polyamine and Transgenic Res Lab, Univ of Delhi-South Campus, New Delhi-110 021, Email: mv_rajam@hotmail.com) : Modulation of polyamine levels influence growth and cell division in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2006, 12(1), 53-8.

Report the influence of altered polyamine levels on the growth and cell division in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Polyamine levels in cells were modulated by exogenous addition of polyamines and their inhibitors. PUT and SPD treatments resulted in an increased cell division and the occurrence of high frequency multiple divisions as well as the impairment of flagella formation, which was correlated with increased levels of the respective polyamines. SPM treatment has been cytotoxic. Polyamine analysis has revealed that the SPM treated cells were depleted of SPD, a possible cause of lethality. Transgenic lines of Chlamydomonas with the polyamine biosynthesis genes adc, odc and samdc were generated to study the influence of transgene over-expression and consequent metabolic alterations. Surprisingly, transgenic lines did not show any change in polyamine levels, which can be attributed to inefficient transgene expression or codon bias. Results from the experiments underline the importance of polyamines in growth and development.

5 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

005373   Vasane S R;Kothari R M (R & D Fm Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd, , Jalgaon-425 001, Email: Agrifpark@jains.com) : Optimization of secondary hardening process of banana plantlets (Musa paradisiaca L. var. grand nain). Indian J Biotechnol 2006, 5(3), 394-9.

In view of significance of well hardened planting material for ensuring highest percentage survival upon transplantation of tissue culture derived plants from shade house (secondary hardening) to farm, studies were undertaken to optimize (i) material for plantlet container, (ii) container size, (iii) potting medium, (iv) use of Azolobacter (for nitrogen fixation), Aspergillus (for phosphate solubilization) and Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizae (VAM) like G. intraradices (for growth promotion), (v) spray of organic extracts and (vi) spacing of plantlets in shade house. These studies have revealed that (a) for the time being, there is no substitute to polybags due to susceptibility of jute bags for decay, (b) optimum size of polybag is 20x16 cm (HxW), (c) soil:press mud cake (3:1) is cost-effective and eco-friendly potting medium, (d) incorporation of Azotobacter, Aspergillus and VAMs during media preparation helps in better establishment and growth of plants, (e) sprays of organic extract have insignificant effect on the vitality of plantlets and (f) 1000 cm² provided optimal spacing for 3.8 plants. Financial implications of these findings are enormous.

6 tables, 19 ref

005372   Vaidya G K;Braganza V J (Loyola Cent for Res and Dev Xavier Res Foundation, St. Xavier's Coll, Ahmedabad-380 009, Email: gayatrivaidya@yahoo.com) : Direct organogenesis and qualitative phytochemical analysis of Vigna calcaratus roxb.: An in Vitro study. J Cell Tissue Res 2006, 6(1), 541-4.

Vigna calcaratus Roxb., believed to be a plant of high medicinal value, is extensively used to cure various health ailments. An effort to conserve the plant by establishing a micropropagation protocol has been made to ensure its continuous supply as the plant is confined to the inner areas of the forest region and shows reluctance if grown ex situ. Multiple axillary shoot format ion has been achieved in the laboratory and further efforts for in vitro and ex vitro rooting are underway. Phytochemical analytical experiments were undertaken to isolate an active principle corresponding to medicinal traits of the plant. Qualitative analytical tests showed positive results for the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins to various degrees.

3 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

005371   Tiwari O N;Chauhan U K (Biotechnol Dep, Ministry of Sci and Technol, Lodi Road, New Delhi-110 003, Email: onkart@yahoo.com) : Rhododendron conservation in Sikkim Himalaya. Curr Sci 2006, 90(4), 532-41.

Identification of major gaps and constraints of forestry policy and plans and current practices of rhododendron conservation and management have been made. The impact of land use and management on the conservation of diversity is analysed has been discussed. Species richness and diversity are significantly lower in heavily utilized forest. The study emphasizes that the forest rhododendrons in the habitats are severely threatened. Deforestation is the consequence of the tourist pressure for fuelwood along with other reasons in Himalaya. The degradation of rhododendrons in Himalaya is also due to lack of appropriate policy to guide the legal, institutional and operational development for the conservation. There is a need to implement the conservation obligations by transforming them into regulations in order to make them legally-binding.

^iia3 tables, 81 ref

005370   Tiwari A;Charaya M U (Dep of Bot Microbiol Lab, C.C.S. Univ, Meerut-250 004, Email: Akhil_46@yahoo.com) : Effect of chromium sulphate on soil mycobiota. Biosci Res Bull 2006, 22(1), 53-6.

Soil samples treated with chromium sulphate solution (30 ppm and 100 ppm) for 90 days were analyzed for chromium-tolerant fungal species using dilution plate method, after 30 days and 90 days of treatment. In all, 23 species of fungi were isolated. Slightly greater numbers of fungal species were obtained from the control soils (treated with water only) after 30 days and 90 days as compared to that from initial soil samples. However, treatment with chromium sulphate led to substantial decrease in the number of species isolated, though the number of species isolated from the soil samples treated with 100 ppm chromium sulphate were slightly greater than those treated with 30 ppm chromium sulphate solution. A species of Fusarium was found to be highly tolerant to higher concentration of chromium sulphate even after 90 days. Other species which could tolerate higher concentration of chromium sulphate for 90 days were Aspergillus niger and Penicillum sublateritium, Penicillum fellutanum and Trichoderma lignorum exhibited moderate resistance to the salt as these survive to a significant extent the treatment with chromium sulphate solution for 30 days.

1 table, 12 ref

005369   Taia W K (Dep of Bot Fac of Sci, Alexandria Univ, Alexandria, Egypt) : Magnetic forces and its effect on plants. Biosci Res Bull 2006, 22(1), 61-71.

Plants and animals use electromagnetic pulses in communication, mating, warning, and protection. Pollen-seeking insects attracted to their flowers or their scent by means of these pulses. Before going to the different effects of this mysterious force, remember that plants are the only creature that can make use of solar radiation during photosynthesis. Solar radiations themselves generate electromagnetic fields that can stimulate chemical reactions. Thus, have to go through some of the basics which will help in understanding these effects.

6 illus, 36 ref

005368   Surekha R;Johnson M E S C;Sushama P R; Shailaja K (Dep of Bot, Osmania Univ Coll for Women, Koti, Hyderabad-500 195) : Interesting bryophyte findings from Hyderabad British residency. Biosci Res Bull 2006, 22(1), 31-3.

The bryoflora consists of different mosses belonging to various orders, such as Isobryales and Hypnobryales from Hyderabad British Residency. Morphological characters, distributional pattern, and structural details were studied. Various ecological parameters like temperature and humidity were evaluated. Plants were fertile with distinct sporophytes.

7 ref

005367   Surana S J;Gokhale S B;Rajmane R A;Jadhav R B (Dep of Pharmacognosy, R.C. Patel Coll of Pharm Shripur, Dist. Dhule-425 405, Email: ramjadhav123@yahoo.co.in) : Nonsaccharide natural intense sweeteners. Nat Prod Radiance 2006, 5(4), 270-8.

Global consumption of herbs as medicine, nutraceuticals, food additives, cosmaceuticals, etc. is increasing rapidly. One of such area of high commercial potential is non-saccharide sweeteners. Numerous compounds of plant origin are reported to have different degree of sweetness. In the light of limitations of currently marketed synthetic sweeteners as well as drastic reduction of high-calorific sugar consumption especially in developed countries, an area of low-calorific, non-saccharide natural sweeteners is gaining tremendous commercial significance. However, in recent past non-saccharide natural sweeteners gone through several ups and downs, therefore, before commercialization of non-saccharide natural sweeteners for both pharmaceutical as well as food industry, it needs to undergo rigorous evaluations. A compilation of information on non-saccharide intense natural sweeteners derived from plant metabolites.

^iia9 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

005366   Suneetha Y;Kathiria K B (B.A. Coll of Agric, Guj Agric University,Anand Campus, Anand-388 110) : Combining ability in round brinjal (Solanum melongena L.). Int J Pl Sci 2006, 1(1), 48-51.

Combining ability analysis of a 10 x 10 diallel, excluding reciprocals was undertaken for fruit yield per plant and its component characters in round brinjal. Non-additive gene action was noticed to be pre-ponderant for fruit yield per plant, days to first picking, plant height and primary branches per plant, while additive gene action was predominant for the fruit characters studied, namely, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight and fruits per plant. A perusal of the GCA effects revealed AB 98-13, PLR 1 and JBPR 1 to be good general combiners for fruit yield per plant. These parents had also recorded high per se performance for the trait. Majority of their hybrids had also recorded significant and desirable SCA effects, in addition to high per se performance, for the trait, indicating their suitability in breeding programmes for development of high yielding hybrids. Among the hybrids, 14 crosses had exhibited significant and desirable SCA effects for fruit yield per plant. Of these, nine crosses had recorded desirable SCA effects in addition to high per se performance for the trait. An analysis of these crosses revealed the involvement of a good and a poor general combiner parent for majority of the crosses; and both good or both poor in few cases. The hybrid, PLR 1 x JBPR 1, involving both good combiner parents for fruit yield per plant, had recorded maximum fruit yield, in addition to desirable SCA effects for fruit yield and several other component characters. Hence, it is identified as a potential hybrid for commercial exploitation. Fixation of the heterotic effects may also be attempted through the isolation of desirable and high yielding homozygous lines for the cross.

3 tables, 14 ref

005365   Sridhar K R;Maria G L (Dep of Biosci Div of Microbiol and Biotechnol, Mangalore Univ Mangalagangotri, Mangalore-574 199, Email: sirikri@yahoo.com) : Fungal diversity on mangrove woody litter Rhizophora mucronata (Rhizophoraceae). Indian J Mar Sci 2006, 35(4), 318-25.

Pattern of colonization and diversity of filamentous fungi on naturally deposited and deliberately introduced Rhizophora mucronata Lamk. wood during monsoon and summer in a mangrove of southwest India and compares overall occurrence with three species co-occurrence. The number of fungi ranged between 1 and 9 per naturally deposited wood and 1 and 8 per deliberately introduced wood. Out of 66 fungi recovered, naturally deposited wood showed higher fungi during monsoon (September, 2000) than summer (March, 2001) (48 vs. 24), so also among 40 fungi on wood showing co-occurrence of three fungi (21 vs. 18). Percent frequency of occurrence of fungi was not significantly different between wood types and seasons in overall occurrence and three species co-occurrence (P <62> 0.05). Among 17 core-group fungi (≥10%). Aigialus mangrovei, Cirrenalia pygmea, Lignincola laevis, Lulworthia grandispora, Pnsseriniella mangrovei, Trichocladium linderi, Tirispora sp., Zalerion maritimum and Z. varium were highly dominant (≥20%). On wood showing co-occurrence of three fungi, A. mangrovei, Cirrenalia tropicalis, L. grandispora and T. linderi were highly dominant core-group fungi. Even though A. mangrovei, C. pygmea, C. tropicalis, Halosarpheia cincinnatula, L. grandispora, P. mangrovei, Verruculina enalia and Z. maritimum are typical marine or mangrove fungi, they were core-group fungi on deliberately introduced wood in monsoon season indicates their high colonization activity on wood even under low salinity. Several terrestrial mitosporic fungi (Alternaria, Arthrobotrys, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Phoma and Tetracrium) were found particularly in monsoon season, but none of them belonged to core-group. Irrespective of wood types, overall fungal diversity and richness was highest in monsoon than in summer samples, while in wood showing cooccurrence of three fungi, it was high in naturally introduced wood of summer and deliberately introduced wood of monsoon. Issues related to core-group fungi, seasonal dominance, diversity and co-occurrence have been discussed.

3 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

005364   souza E S de;Stark E M L Martinez;Berbara R L;Magalhaes J R;Fernandes M S;souza S R de (Empresa Pernambucana de Pesquisa Agropecuaria-IPA PE, , Brazil, Email: soniabq@ufrrj.br) : Growth, and accumulation of nitrogen and soluble sugars in carrot and clover hairy roots in two culture media with or without arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Physiol molec Biol Pl 2006, 12(1), 29-33.

With genetic manipulation it is possible to produce transgenic roots (hairy roots) introducing bacterial plasmid DNA of the Agrobacterium rhizogenes (RiT-DNA), so that hairy roots will propagate in culture media, and can be used as substrate for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) cultivation and sporulation. Nevertheless, not much is known about the behavior of hairy roots when infected with AMF. To evaluate the behavior of hairy roots growth of carrots (Daucus carota L) and clover (Trifolium repens L) with or without AMF (Glomus clarum), in two culture media: minimum medium (MM) containing NO₃^- as source of nitrogen and MS medium (containing NO₃^- and NH₄⁺), by establishing the fresh weight, nitrogen fraction and soluble sugars of these roots. When grown in the MS medium, the fresh weight of these roots was smaller. This may be related to the lower sucrose content provided by this medium, which was reduced from 30 g/L to 5g/L. Both carrot and clover roots showed higher amino-N and N-NH₄⁺ contents when cultured in MS medium, whereas the highest content occurred at the beginning of the growth. The clover roots showed N-NO₃^- accumulation; however, such accumulation was only detected at the first sampling. Hairy roots cultivated in MM showed soluble sugar contents twice as high as the contents found in hairy roots cultivated in MS medium. The hairy roots showed greater accumulation of ammonium-N when cultivated in MS medium , probably due to the limited carbon for N-assimilation, which contributed to the stress factor. According to the results obtained, it may be suggested that the availability of the carbon skeleton provided by the hairy root to the mycorrhizal fungi becomes limited, changing preferentially to the maintenance of root activity, and not to the fungi, which may further the AMF sporulation in order to guarantee its survival.

2 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

005363   Singh V;Singh R K (Dep of Hort, C.C.R.(P.G.) Coll, Muzaffarnagar (U.P.)) : Effect of season, time of planting and plant density on the growth, yield and andro grapholide content of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata Nees) under North Indian condition. Int J Pl Sci 2006, 1(1), 6-9.

A field experiment during the Kharif season of 2002-2004 in split plot design with 12 treatments and 3 replications, conducted at the Deptt. of Horticulture, Ch. Chhotu Ram P.G. College, Muzaffarnagar (U.P.) revealed that June 1st (M1) sown plants were taller than the plants, which were sown late viz M₂,M₃, and M₄. The plants sown at a spacing of 15x15cm (S₁) resulted in the highest fresh and dry herb yield (1.25t and 0.75t, respectively) per hectare followed by S₂ (0.90t and 0.50t, respectively) while, the plants spaced at 30x30cm (S₃) recorded the lowest fresh and dry herb yield (0.59t and 0.33t, respectively) per hectare.

2 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

005362   Singh V;Ramesh K;Megeji N W;Kaul V K;Ahuja P S (Div of Nat Pl Products, Inst of Himalayan Bioresource Technol, Post Box 6, Palampur-176 061, Email: vsgahalan@rediffmail.com) : Madhurguna (Stevia rebaudiana): Introduction, research and commercial production in India. Bhartiya Vaigyanik Evam Audyogik Anusandhan Patrika 2006, 14(2), 101-5.

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) indiginously known as 'Madhurguna' is a sweet perennial plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is also called as Sweet herb of Paraguay. This plant is a native of South America which is also the centre of diversity. As a crop it is popular in few countries such as Japan, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Korea, Mexico, USA, Malaysia, Indonesia, Tanzania and Canada. It was introduced for the first time in South India during 1997. However, in North India, this plant was introduced by Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT) during 2000. It is now under cultivation in Uttaranchal, HP, Punjab, Haryana, Chattisgarh, UP, MP and Jammu & Kashmir. S. rebaudiana commercially exploited for the diterpene glycosides, stevioside (10-12%) and rebaudioside A(3-4%). The sweetness of the plant is not only free of calories, but it does not get metabolized in the body. This is used for the manufacture of chewingum, tooth paste, mouth wash and antismoking pills etc. The sweetness in Stevia is attributed to the presence of 10 different ent-kaurene diterpene glycosides and is 300 times as sweet as cane-sugar. The fresh leaves are 30 times sweeter than sucrose obtained from cane sugar. Stevia can be grown as a perennial crop in subtropical regions of Shivalik hills, foot-hills and mild temperate regions of the hills. It may also be grown as an annual crop in high altitude hilly regions during the warmer days of summer and in plains of South India as perennial crop. Farmers from different parts of the country hae adopted this crop and results of productivity and quality are encouraging. IHBT, Palampur played a major role in the development of the sweat herb from seed to product. The work has been carried out on its introduction, propagation, cultivation, quality evaluation and processing. Seed germination problems have been solved by making hybrid seeds from different accessions. Processing technology is available for extention.

4 illus, 8 ref

005361   Shekhawat N S;Kackar A;Rathore M S;Singh M; Dagla H R;Arya V (Dep of Bot, J N V Univ, Jodhpur-342 005) : Establishment and economic evaluation of micropropagated Jeewanti (Leptadenia reticulata Wight & Arn.) plants in field. Nat Prod Radiance 2006, 5(4), 311-4.

Leptadenia reticulata Wight & Arn. is an important medicinal plant. There is heavy demand of the plant and its biomass which can not be fulfilled by the natural/present practices of propagation. Natural propagation of this plant is poor and the plant is threatened in nature. Thus, there is a need for applying biotechnological methods for large scale propagation. Micropropagation studies were carried out by the authors on explants. Multiple shoots were differentiated on Murashige and Skoog's (MS) medium containing 5.0 mg/litre 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). The shoots further multiplied on MS medium + 1.5 mg/litre BAP and 0.5 mg/litre kinetin (KN) and the cloned shoots, treated with 200 mg/litre of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), rooted ex vitro. The plantlets were transferred to bottles containing soilrite moistened with half-strength MS macro salts. The hardened plants were transferred to polybags and kept in shade house for acclimatization. Subsequently field trials were carried out at villages Manai (Jodhpur) and Kachholi (Sirohi) of Rajasthan. Establishment of micropropagated plants, cultivation, growth and net profit from biomass produced has been reported for environmental conditions of Rajasthan. Total dry biomass harvested was 2800 kg/acre/for first year and 3000 kg/acre/for second year.

6 illus, 11 ref

005360   Sankaran M;Prakash J;Singh N P;Suklabaidya A (NO, ICAR Res Complex for NEH Region Tripura Cent, Lembucherra-799 210, Email: sansiva31@yahoo.co.in) : Wild edible fruits of Tripura. Nat Prod Radiance 2006, 5(4), 302-5.

Tripura is one of the eight jewels of the North-Eastern States and the state weather is characterized by subtropical, warm and humid condition, which favours the luxuriant growth of various edible fruit crops. In addition to the major fruits grown (Mango, Litchi, Pineapple, Orange, Banana and Jackfruit) in this state, there are many edible fruits exist naturally in forest as well as in cultivable areas. These fruit plants are playing a vital role in providing nutritional and economic security to the poor masses in rural areas but the commercial importance and market value of these wild fruits is unknown to them. Lists the wild edible fruits and their uses for further exploration.

8 illus, 1 table, 4 ref

005359   Reddy A R;Bavaji M;Rao J V S (Dep of Bot, Sri Venkatesh Univ, Tirupati-517 502, Email: ayyappaneni_raja@rediffmail.com) : Micropropagation of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. via cotyledonary nodes. Indian J Biotechnol 2006, 5(3), 309-11.

Efficient protocol for micropropagation of Azadirachta indica A. Juss., a medicinally important plant, has been standardized. Cotyledonary nodes (1 cm long) excised from 15-20 d old in vitro-germinated seedlings were used as explants. The seeds were germinated on half strength MS medium devoid of phytohormones. Cotyledonary nodes were cultured on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of cytokinins (BA/TDZ/2-ip) and auxins (2,4-D and NAA). Maximum shoot proliferation from single explant was obtained on MS media incorporated with TDZ (1.5 μM), 2,4-D (0.5 μM), adenine sulphate (40 mg/L), glutamine (100 mg/L) and thiamine HCl (10 mg/L). In vitro-produced shoots were induced roots on half strength MS medium supplemented with a range of IBA concentrations (0.5-5.0 μM). However, the highest frequency of root proliferation was observed on half strength MS medium supplemented with 2.0 μM IBA. The regenerants were transferred to field conditions after acclimatization with a success rate of 80%.

^ssc1 illus, 1 tables, 14 ref

005358   Ravishankar J P;Suryanarayanan T S; Muruganandam V (Dep of Pl Biol and Pl Biotechnol, D.G. Vaishnav Coll, Chennai-600 106) : Strategies for osmoregulation in the marine fungus Cirrenalia Sygmea Kohl. (Hyphomycetes). Indian J Mar Sci 2006, 35(4), 351-8.

Marine fungus Cirrenalia pygmea during growth at increased salinities responded by increasing its intramyceliar polyol content. A similar response was noticed when the fungus was exposed to sudden hyper-osmotic shock; this response was irrespective of the osmotic substance (ionic or nonionic) present in the growth medium. A hypo-osmotic shock treatment led to a decrease in the polyol content. Increasing salinity increased the activity of polyol enzymes such as polyol dehydrogenase and mannitol dehydrogenase. These observations suggested that polyols contribute to osmotic regulation in this marine fungus. The fungus accumulated a mixture of polyols, when the mycelium aged. The sodium content of the mycelium increased with salinity, although the potassium content did not. Higher salinity also led to an increase in the amino acid pool size. Proline and Dragendorff - positive compounds were absent from the mycelium growing in higher salinities. The level of mycelial sugars decreased with increase in salinity whereas that of glycogen and sterols increased with salinity. The fatty acid profile of the fungus was also influenced by salinity. Higher salinities brought about a decrease in the extent of unsaturation of fatty acids. The melanin content of hyphae also increased with external salinity. Based on these results, a synthetic approach is attempted here to explain the various strategies evolved by this manglicolous fungus to survive in a vagarious environment.

2 illus, 4 tables, 51 ref

005357   Rao N B;Sobha Rani I;Amena (Dep of Bot, Osmania Univ Coll for Women, Koti, Hyderabad-500 195) : Seasonal periodicity of predominant pollen in Sikh village Secunderabad, India. Ecol Envir Conserv 2006, 12(1), 117-8.

Pollen monitoring was carried out at Sikh village in the out skirts of Secunderabad for 2 years, January 2001 to December 2003. The pollen types, the number and percentage frequencies in different seasons were studied and it was observed that varying weather conditions have a profound influence on the concentration of pollen grains in the air.

2 illus, 2 tables, 4 ref