003223   Baker D A (Department of Agricultural Sciences, Imperial College London, Wye Campus, Wye Ashford, Kent TN25 5AH, UK, Email: dennis.baker@imperial.ac.uk) : Long distance vascular transport of endogenous hormones in plants and their role in source: sink regulation. Indian J Pl Physiol 2003, (Spl Iss Pt 2), 634-8.

Analyses of phloem and xylem saps from a wide variety of plants have demonstrated the presence of the major endogenous plant hormones. The auxin indole-3yl-acetic acid, a number of gibberellins, cytokinins and abscisic acid have been found in one or other or both of these vascular saps, allowing the sites of hormonal synthesis and putative target tissues within the plant to be deduced. Exogenously applied hormones can also be readily taken up into these vascular pathways and may be translocated over considerable distances from a point of application. Observations such as these indicate a potential co-ordination system between root and shoot regulated by the synthesis and transport of endogenous hormones initially through the vascular system followed by extra vascular transport. The partitioning of assimilates between photosynthetic or storage source organs and utilising sink organs is widely accepted to be regulated by endogenous plant hormones. The key intermediate steps, phloem loading and unloading, are responsive to exogenously applied hormones. Vascular saps from different plants have been analysed by various investigators using a range of physicochemical methods. Their observations are evaluated and interpreted here in the light of current models of source:sink regulatory processes and the long-distance transport of endogenous hormones in higher plants.

5 tables, 34 ref

003222   Bains G;Sand N K;Pant R C (Department of Plant Physiology, Department of Chemistry College of Bas, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttaranchal, Email: gurdeepbains@rediffmail.com) : Role of 'stress ethylene' in mango malformation. Indian J Pl Physiol 2003, (Spl Iss Pt 2), 480-2.

Malformation in mango Mangifera indica L., is variously considered to be viral, fungal, acarological or physiological in nature. These etiologic agents are proposed to generate 'stress ethylene' which leads to malformation and manifests in the form of various symptoms. Estimation of endogenous ethylene content revealed higher levels of the hormone in malformed tissues as compared to the respective healthy tissues. It is, therefore, suggested that augmented levels of ethylene may be responsible for the disorder.

3 tables, 22 ref

003221   Ajay;Singh A B;Ramana S;Adhikari T (Division of Environmental Soil Science, Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal-462 038, Email: ajay@iiss.mp.nic.in) : Physiological and biochemical changes in fruit development of lady finger and cluster bean as influenced by sewage water irrigation. Indian J Pl Physiol 2003, (Spl Iss Pt 2), 495-9.

A long-term field experiment is going on, where the micro-plot experiment was carried out to assess the physiological and biochemical changes in lady finger and cluster bean with and without sewage water irrigation. Total organic carbon (TOC), which is an indicator of soil health, showed improvement with sewage water irrigation. Available nitrogen and potassium had also showed similar trends. There was reduction in phosphorus in soil, indicating the higher activity of soil microbes, which mobilize the soil phosphorus into soluble form. Similarly, the heavy metals like Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn content in soil showed slight built up in majority of the cases. Soil respiration was higher in sewage treated plots along with the correlative changes in soil surface temperature, evapo-transpiration and conductivity. Overall, the Cluster bean showed higher metabolic activities than the lady finger and even it improved soil quality. The chemical constituents such as nitrate, phenol and ash content were increased with the sewage water irrigation as compared to control. However, ortho-dihydroxy phenol showed decreasing trend, thus indicating the susceptibility of the plant for disease. The biochemical changes in terms of activities of anabolic enzymes viz. nitrate reductase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase had increasing trend with sewage water irrigation and showed higher activities in cluster bean. These chemical and biochemical changes were recorded highest in semi-mature fruits. The major physiological changes were observed in plant pigments like chl. a, chl. b and total chlorophyll, which reduced in lady finger, while enhanced in cluster bean with sewage water irrigation. In general, there was a accumulation of heavy metals, like Cd, Ni, Cu, and Pb in the soil with sewage water irrigation. The photosynthetic rate was higher in semi-mature fruits with sewage application and similar trends was observed in respect of transpiration rate. However, the stomatal conductivity increased with maturity of fruits.

5 tables, 20 ref

002419   Warrag E I;Eltigani M A (Fac of For, Univ of Khartoum Postal Code-13314, Khartoum North, Sudan) : Breaking seed coat dormancy of Acacia nilotica seeds under simulated natural habitat conditions in Sudan. Trop Ecol 2005, 46(1), 127-32.

To break the seed coat dormancy of Acacia nilotica, a riverine tree species, by simulating natural conditions has been attempted. The effects of extended water soaking, soil burial and shade placement on seeds and pods were studied. Pods, clean-seeds and unclean-seeds were soaked in water for periods up to 24 weeks in two sites with or without forest soil. The seeds were sampled for germination every 3 weeks. The results showed that factors similar to that of the natural habitat had significant effect in breaking the seed dormancy. The length of soaking period of seeds in water was the most critical factor. Germination increased with the length of soaking time up to 18 weeks and then decreased. The 18 weeks is close to the average length of natural flooding period. Water treatment of seeds was suggested as alternative for the sulfuric acid treatment, which is expensive and hazardous.

4 tables, 19 ref

002418   Wani M A;Kurucheve V (NO, Regional Agric Res Stn, Leh, Ladakh-194 101) : In vitro evaluation of fungitoxicity of some natural products on heavy inoculum and conidial germination of Aspergillus spp. Adv Pl Sci 2005, 18(2), 597-600.

Out of several natural products screened for fungi toxicity against Aspergillus niger and A. flavus (garlic bulb extract, cow, buffalo and sheep urine) at 40% concentrations were able to inhibit the mycelial growth of both the fungi when they were incorporated with PDA medium in Petri plates and inoculated with 9mm fungal discs. These natural products were also toxic to heavy inoculum of the fungi weather it was 4 discs of 11 mm or single disc of 40mm. But in case of spore germination inhibition garlic bulb extract even at low concentration of 10% and cattle urine of 20% concentrations recorded total inhibition of spore under cavity slide method.

3 tables, 7 ref

002417   Vidyasagar G M;Gundamma K B;Kotresha D (Dep of P.G. Stud and Res in Bot Pl Path and Fungal Biotechnol Lab, Gulbarga Univ, Gulbarga-585 106, Email: gmvidyasagar@rediffmail.com) : Screening of mulberry yeast for the production of alpha-amylase and ethanol. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(4), 797-800.

Twenty isolates of yeast were isolated from the leaves of twenty mulberry varieties and used them for the production of ∞-amylase and ethanol. Maximum production of ∞-amylase was recorded in isolates. MY-1 (3.84 U/ml), MY-5 (1.60 U/ml) and MY-6 (1.22 U/ml) at 30°C in yeast extract triptone medium. Isolates MY-20 (2.77%) MY-11 (2.72%) and MY-1 (2.52%) produced maximum ethanol on 7th day of incubation in Jaggery medium. Among the isolates, isolate MY-1 found to be superior for both ∞-amylase and ethanol production. However, isolates MY-20 and MY-11 were found superior for only ethanol production.

2 tables, 10 ref

002416   Vardhini B V;Rao S S R (Dep of Bot, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad-500 007) : Influence of brassinosteroids on germination and seedling growth of sorghum under water stress. Indian J Pl Physiol 2005, 10(4), 381-4.

Effect of 28-homobrassinolide and 24-epibrassinolide on germination and seedling growth of Sorghum vulgare pers var. CSH-15 R (susceptible to water stress) was studied under water stress. Both the brassinosteroids were very effective in ameliorating the impact of water stress on seed germination and seedling growth. The stress alleviation by brassinosteroids was associated with type from journal enhance the activity of catalase and reuce the activity of peroxidase.

^ssc2 tables, 20 ref

002415   Tyagi K;Sneh Lata;Johri R M (Dep of Bot, M.M.H.(Post Grad Stud and Research) Coll, Ghaziabad-201 001) : Impact of magnum paper milll industry effluent on germination & early growth performance of achyranthes aspera linn. and ricinus communis linn.. Adv Pl Sci 2005, 18(2), 675-7.

Effluent samples collected from the Magnum Paper Mill at site IV Sahibabad were diluted to 25%, 50%, and 100%. The germination was completely inhibited at 25% dilution in Ricinus communis whereas it was delayed upto 7th day of treatment in Achyranthes aspera. The root length was greatly inhibited in 50% and 100% dilution. The above study revealed that in general amongst treated sets the shoot length and root length, fresh wt. and dry wt. of the selected medicinal plants were maximum in 50% on 5th, 7th and 9th day but less than control.

2 tables, 7 ref

002414   Thakur A S;Thakur P S;Mehta R (Dep of Basic Sci, Dr Y.S. Parmar Univ of Hort and For, Solan-173 230) : Effect of pre-sowing treatments on seed germination in Berberis aristata. Indian J Pl Physiol 2005, 10(4), 338-43.

Seeds of Berberis aristata exhibit late, erratic and poor germination potential with significant loss of germination ability. Pre-sowing chilling treatments at 5, 2 and -5°C for various durations viz, 15 days, 1 month, 2 months and 3 months resulted in early and improved germination and highest (84%) germination was registered by seeds given 90 days of moist chilling at 2°C. Other pre-sowing seed treatments viz. water presoaking, running water leaching and acid scarification were found very effective in induction of early germination with 40-140 per cent improvement in germination and seedling vigour.

4 tables, 16 ref

002413   Tewari A;Srivastava R;Chauhan L K S;Dinesh Kumar;Gupta S K (Cell Biol Sect, Industrial Toxicol Res Cent, Lucknow-226 001) : Genotoxic evaluation of municipal sludge by plant bioassays. J Ecophysiol occup Hlth 2005, 5(1-2), 93-8.

Unsafe disposal of municipal sludge (MS) in the unsecured landfills of the urban and rural areas can cause ecotoxicological problems and affect plants, animals and human beings by the leaching of complex mixtures of toxic metals and chemicals. In the study genotoxic effects of the sludge of an urban population, residing around an automobile industry, were examined on the root meristem cells of Allium cepa and Vicia faba. Root meristem cells of both the plant species were exposed to the sludge: soil mixtures (25, 50 and 100% w/w) for 96 hrs and were examined for chromosomal/mitotic anomalies. All the sludge samples inhibited the mitotic index (Ml) and induced chromosomal aberrations (CA) and mitotic aberrations (MA) in a concentration-related manner. Sludge treatment induced chromosomal breaks and fragments in both the test systems. Stickiness, chromosomal bridges, multipolar anaphase and laggards were found to be frequent MA. Vicia faba appeared to be more sensitive to the sludge treatments as the inhibition of Ml and induction of CA as well as MA were higher in this system as compared to A. cepa. Further, 50% sludge-soil mixture significantly (p<60>0.02) inhibited the Ml in V. faba, whereas the same effect was seen in A. cepa at 100% sludge: soil admixture. The chemical analysis carried out in the raw sludge sample revealed considerable concentrations of Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn and Cu etc. which may be the cause of the cytogenetic alterations. Study indicated that the root meristem cells of plants are suitable for the evaluation of the toxic potential of metal contaminated sludge samples.

3 tables, 31 ref

002412   Tambekar D H;Saratkar K R (Dep of Microbiol, Amravati Univ, Amravati-44 602) : Antibacterial properties of traditionally used medicinal plant for enteric infection by adivasi (Bumaka) in Melghat of Amravati district. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(4), 873-8.

Several plants species reported in folk and traditional system of medicine are therapeutic and possessed antimicrobial properties. In the investigation, 19 plant species from Melghat in the Satpuda ranges utilizing by Korku (Bhumka) to treat many aliments in the community were screened for their antibacterial activity against pathogenic microorganisms. The pathogens which caused diarrhea, gastroenteritis, intestinal problem can be control with gum of Gardenia gumifera, fruit of Heliceres isorn, Aegle marmelos, Embilica offincenali; pyogenic infections, wounds, in skin burning, nosocomial infection with Holorrena antidysentrica, leaves of Cassica torn, leaves of Aloe barbandesis, leaves of Mentha longifolia. If these herbs or vegetable are made a part of our daily diet, which not only provide nutrients but also protect body against infections by its antibacterial activity against pathogen.

2 tables, 11 ref

002411   Swamy K K;Krishna Kumar H N;Ramaswamy S N (Dep of Stud in Bot, Univ of Mysore Manasagangotri, Mysore-570 006) : Studies on in vitro germination of orchid seeds. Adv Pl Sci 2005, 18(2), 481-92.

MS and PM media were used to germinate orchid seeds in vitro. Seeds of Aerides maculosum were germinated on PM medium supplemented with NAA and 2,4D in 0.5mg/l concentration. In Coelogyne nervosa and Cottonia peduncularis, the seeds were germinated on PM medium with the addition of NAA, 2,4D and Kinetin (0.5 mg/l). In the above case seeds did not germinate on MS medium. Seeds of Cymbidium bicolor also germinated on PM medium with supplement of NAA, IAA, 2, 4D (0.5 mg/ml) and adenine sulphate (5 mg/l). In this case seeds inoculated on MS medium shows very poor response. However, in Dendrobium macrostachyum, the seeds were germinated very well on both MS and PM media supplemented with NAA and 2, 4D in 5.0 mg/l. In all the cases protocorms were produced in about 45 days. Addition of coconut water and Casein hydrolysate to the media were found to enhance seed germination and protocorm production. The first leaf is produced after 60-70 days. In the subsequent development, the first root arises resulting in the formation of seedling with 2-3 leaves. The plantlets could be hardened to nursery level about 6 months after the inoculation of seeds.

6 illus, 3 tables, 51 ref

002410   Sukumaran N;Alexander B;Pratheepa V (Dep of Aquacult Biotechnol, Sri Paramakalyani Cent for Envir Sci Manonmaniam Sundaranar Univ, Tamil Nadu-627 412, Email: nsuku@rediffmail.com) : Growth of the Freshwater green algae (Chlorella sp.) and the rotifer (Brachionus calyciflorus) in various organic manure extracts. Ann Natn Acad Med Sci 2004, 40(1-2), 127-37.

Growth of the freshwater green algae, Chlorella sp. in seven organic manure extracts and in an inorganic culture medium, Bristol's Medium, was investigated for a period of 16 days of culture. The organic manures chosen were cow dung, poultry manure, goat manure, swine manure, biogas-spent slurry, vermicompost and biodynamic compost. The culture of the freshwater rotifer, Brachionus calyciflorus Pallas in these media with Chlorella sp. as its feed was also attempted for a culture period of 10 days. Changes in pH, nitrates and phosphates were analyzed ensuing algal culture. While the effects varied considerably, results indicated that all manures tested promoted growth of Chlorella sp. The maximum density of 3630 x 10^{4 cells. ml-1 of Chlorella sp. was obtained in treatment with poultry manure. The organic manures promoted the growth of Chlorella sp., which in turn supported the growth of rotifers which showed significantly better result in the poultry manure enriched medium with 125 ind.mM, obtained on the 6th day after rotifer inoculation. Multiplication of Chlorella sp. in Bristol's Medium was gradual but exponential even up to the final day of culture indicating that the standardized medium is balanced and optimal for healthy algal growth. In comparison to Bristol's Medium, using organic manures for the enrichment of algal medium curtailed the culture period and thereby reduced the cost of maintaining the cultures till it peaks. Treatments with poultry manure and swine manure were found to be an excellent alternative to the more expensive inorganic fertilizers currently used in the culture of live feed organisms required in intensive larval rearing of aquatic animals.}

2 illus, 2 tables, 3 ref

002409   Srivastava G;Bohra A (Dep of Bot Microbiol Lab, J.N Vyas Univ, Jodhpur-342 001) : Antibacterial activity of extract of leaves of some tree plants against salmonella typhi: a study in vitro. Adv Pl Sci 2005, 18(2), 601-3.

Leaves of five plants viz- Dalbergia sissoo, Prosopis cineraria, Terminalia catappa, Albizzia lebbek and Moringa oleifera were taken to test their antimicrobial activity against Salmonella typhi. Aqueous and Alcoholic extracts were prepared and compared with combination of antibiotic with both solvents. It was found that aqueous extract showed less inhibition than alcoholic extract except in Terminalia catappa, where aqueous extract showed better inhibition in comparison with alcoholic extract. When the both extracts were combined with antibiotic, equal inhibition zone was developed in case of Terminalia catappa. Whereas, in Albizzia lebbek and Moringa oleifera aqueous extract with antibiotic showed better inhibition than alcoholic extracts with antibiotic.

2 illus, 7 ref

002408   Srinivasan K;Dheen M A N;Perumal C; Mohanasundari C;Natarajan D (Dep of Microbiol, Kandaswani Kandar's Coll, Velur, Tamil Nadu) : Screening of methanolic leaf extracts of some medicinal plants against pathogenic bacteria. Adv Pl Sci 2005, 18(2), 605-7.

Antibacterial screening of methanolic extracts from Delonix elata, Euphorbia hirta, Asparagus racemosus and Catharanthus roseus was tested again Proteus vulgaris. The extract of all the activity against P. aeruginosa and subtilis less sensitives resistant combination of these extracts showed significant inhibition against all test bacteria strains.

2 tables, 14 ref

002407   Sinha R K;Roy K;Sinha S (Dep of Life Sci Cytogenetics and Pl Tissue Cult Lab, Tripura Univ, Suryamaninagar-799 130) : Foliar morphometric analysis in two species of tinospora - an ethnobotanically important taxon of Tripura. Adv Pl Sci 2005, 18(2), 629-33.

Foliar epidermis and its micromorphometric characters like stomatal index, stomatal frequency/mm², epidermal cell size and frequency/mm² were analyzed in two ethnobotanically related species of Tinospora: a taxon of high medicinal values under the family Menispermaceae. Relatively high quantitative values of micromorphometric characters in T. cordifolia and their differences with T. malabarica was recorded. Presence of characteristic epidermal hairs on either surfaces of T. malabarica was found to be significant and constrasted with that of T. cordifolia leaf. Present foliar morphometric analysis using epidermal characters could be a useful and more appropriate measure in revealing species diversity and genetic variability among the different taxa of ethnobotanical values.

4 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

002406   Singh M P;Singh D B (Bot Dep, U.P. Coll (Autonomous Institution), Varansi-221 002) : A survey of crop weeds and their ethno-medicinal aspects in Chandauli district, U.P.. Adv Pl Sci 2005, 18(2), 653-8.

Weeds have their own medicinal value and are used by tribals and local inhabitants as herbal medicine. Crop weeds of Chandauli district had been studied. In the study 50 species belonging to 48 genera and 27 families have been enumerated.

14 ref

002405   Singh M;Naeem M;Khan M N (Dep of Bot, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002) : Physiomorphological response of withania somnifera as affected by nitrogen fertilization. Adv Pl Sci 2005, 18(2), 669-73.

Experiment was conducted with four nitrogen levels (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg/ha) in simple randomized block design pot with threee replications at Department of Botany. A.M.U., Aligarh, to study the effect of nitrogen on physiomorphological response of Withania somnifera. All does of nitrogen were effective in enhancing all the parameters of the plant but 90 kg/ha gave maximum growth, chlorophyll content, nitrate reductase activity, leaf-protein content and laef-nitrogen content and proved superior to the other doses.

2 illus, 19 ref

002404   Singh K P;Dharke G;Chauhan S V S (Dep of Bot, R.B.S. Coll, Agra) : Effect of mechanical and chemical treatments on seed germination in Pongamia glabra L.. Seed Res 2005, 33(2), 169-71.

Seeds of Pongamia glabra, a medicinally important ornamental tree were subjected to various types of treatments for enhancinjfseed germination. Mechanical treatments enhanced seed germination upto 85%. On the other hand, treatments with H₂SO₄ and HCl also enhanced seed germination and the seeds treated with concentreted HCl just for a minute showed 91.3% germination, while seeds treated with hot water (50°C) exhibited highest germination (98%). Scarified seeds kept at 25°C showed 82% germination, while seeds sown at the depth of 3 cm exhibited 86% germination.

2 tables, 7 ref

002403   Singh A;Haider F;Bagchi G D (NO, Cent Inst of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow-226 015) : Structure of floral nectaries in some medicinally important Phyllanthus species. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2005, 27(2), 257-61.

Plants of different Phyllanthus species, viz. Phyllanthus amarus, P. debilis, P. fraternus and P. urinaria belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae are commonly used in the treatment of hepatitis. These species possess characteristic structures in their flowers, termed as disk segments. These structures are usually found between the calyx lobes and androecium in male flowers and in between the calyx lobes and gynoecium in female flowers. Close microscopic observation showed that these disk segments are actually nectar glands and actively secrete nectar during flowering which attract minute insects for cross-pollination. In male flowers these nectaries are separate, variously shaped and equivalent to the number of calyx lobes present in a particular species. While in female flowers, these nectaries are variously lobed and united at the base forming a cushion below the gynoecium.

2 illus, 19 ref

002402   Shukla A K (Dep of Bot, Arunachal Univ, Itanagar-791 112) : Micro fungal diversity in forest and degraded land soils. Adv Pl Sci 2005, 18(2), 571-6.

Fungal population of forest and degraded land soil was estimated for a period of one year. A total number of 34 and 32 species were isolated from forest and degraded land soil respectively. Numbers of fungal propagules were higher in surface soil, which decreased with increasing soil depth. Acremonium rutilum, Absidia heterospora, Aspergillus flavus, Cladosporium cladosporiodes, Humicola fuscoatra, Mucor hiemalis, Necteria ventricosa and Penicillium chrysogenum were dominant fungi in both the field soils.

4 tables, 16 ref

002401   Sharma S K;Kalia S (Div of Genet and Tree Propagation, For Res Inst P.O. IPE, Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun-2478 195) : Micropropagation of Eucalyptus tereticornis and Eucalyptus interspecific hybrids. Adv Pl Sci 2005, 18(2), 473-80.

Promising interspecific hybrids were developed involving different species combinations were produced at Forest Research Institute, Dehradun. Some of the F₁ hybrids showed very high degree of hybrid vigour and possesses potentialities to produce 3-5 folds more volume of wood than the parental control. To capture the benefits of hybrid vigour micropropagation of some selected CPTs of Eucalyptus tereticornis and promising hybrids combinations were taken up. All the five-species/hybrid combinations have been successfully regenerated in to plantlets and more than 70% success has been achieved in out planting of the tissue culture raised plantlets. This paper describes the comprehensive account of the work done on this line in the laboratory.

5 tables, 10 ref

002400   Sharma S;Johri R M;Snehlata (Dep of Bot, M.M.H.P.G.D. Coll, Ghaziabad-201 001) : Effect of paper mill industry effluent on chlorophyll content of some medicinal plants. Adv Pl Sci 2005, 18(2), 691-2.

Effect of Pragati Paper Mill Industry Pvt. Ltd. Site 4, Sahibabad, U.P. on Chlorophyll content of some medicinal plants such as Calotropis procera R. Br. and Solanum xanthocarpum Schard & Wendl. were studied. The Chlorophyll content showed a decreasing trend in the selected plants growing around the industry, under the impact of paper mill effluent as compared to plant irrigated with normal water. The effluent was found to be acidic in nature (pH 3.6) with higher B.O.D. & C.O.D.

2 tables, 7 ref

002399   Shanti P;Xavier A (Dep of Bot, Holy Cross Coll, Tiruchirapalli-620 002) : Micropropagation of Baliospermum montanum (willd.) Muell. Arg. by shoot tip culture- a rare medicinal plant. Adv Pl Sci 2005, 18(2), 449-56.

Efficient method for plant regeneration from shoot tip explants of Baliospermum montanum (Willd.) MuelL.-Arg. has been developed. The explants were cultured on Murashige & Skoog's medium. The combination of growth hormones used were 6-benzyladenine (0.5 - 4.0 mgl^-1), 6-benzyladenine (1.0 mgl^-1) with . adenine sulphate (0.5 - 4.0 mgl^-1) and 6-benzyladenine (0.5 - 4.0 mgl^-1) with indole -3-aceticacid (0.5 mgl^-1). A maximum of 14 shoots per explant were obtained at 1.0 mgl^-1 6-benzylaenine after 4 weeks of culture. To prevent browning of the medium PVP (800 mgl^-1) and charcoal (50 mgl^-1) were added. Shoots were rooted on half and full strength Murashige & Skoog's medium fortified with naphthaleneacetic acid (0.2 - 3.0 mgl^-1). Rooting was the best in half strength Murashige & Skoog's medium fortified with 2.0 mgl^-1 naphthaleneacetic acid. The rooted plantlets were successfully acclimatized and established in soil. About 95% of plantlets survived in soil condition.

2 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

002398   Saxena D K;Kaur Harinder (Dep of Bot, Bareilly Coll, Bareilly-243 005) : Effect of cadmium and nickel toxicity on the peroxidase activity and carotenoids content in moss Thuidium cymbifolium. Indian J Pl Physiol 2005, 10(4), 397-9.

Effects of two heavy metals (nickel and cadmium) with different phytotoxicity were examined on the activity of peroxidase (POX) and carotenoids content in pleurocarpous moss Thuidium cymbifolium (Doz, and Molk.). Cd treatment for 3 days caused an increase in peroxidase activity only at 0.01 M concentration from 0.464 to 0.514 ΔA₄₇₀ min^-1 g^-1 fw, while for Ni, peroxidase activity was higher for all concentrations in comparison to control. However, carotenoids content after 3 days treatment increased upto 51% for Ni only and decreased upto 5-6% of control for Cd. POX activity after 15 days treatment decreased 74% for Ni and 90% for Cd. Contrastingly carotenoid declined upto 65% for Ni and only upto 26% of control for Cd. Results suggest that both POX and carotenoid content could be used as bio-indicators of metal pollution. Study suggests that Cd is more phytotoxic than Ni.

2 illus, 19 ref

002397   Samuel J Karunyal;Viola V Rafee;Sumathi V Hepsibah;Srividhya B (Dep of Bot, The American Coll, Madurai-621 002, Email: karunyalsco@yahoo.co.in) : Antidandruff activity of the aqueous bulb extract of Allium sativum against Malassezia furfur isolated from human scalp scrappings. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(4), 699-704.

Dandruff causing organism, Malassezia furfur was isolated from the scalp scrapings of ten different women respondents belonging to the age group of 20-25 years from a local institution in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The organism was identified based on the clinical symptoms, colony morphology and the microscopic characteristics (specific budding) as Malassezia furfur. Growth pattern of the isolated organism was investigated following the growth curve and was found to be sigmoid. Factors such as temperature and pH influenced the growth of the organism. Aqueous bulb extract of Allium sativum was used for the study after screening ten different plant species, because only this showed antidandruff activity. When various concentration of the aqueous extract of Allium sativum was used for In vitro antidandruff studies, the results indicate that the activity is concentration dependent and pH dependent.

3 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

002396   Saharia S (Dep of Bot, Tangla Coll, Tangla, Darrang, Assam) : New records of trentepohlia from Assam, India. Adv Pl Sci 2005, 18(2), 911-12.

^ssc1 illus, 5 ref

002395   Robinson R;Bimlendra Kumari;Beniwal V S (Dep of For, CCS Haryana Agric Univ, Hissar-125 004) : In vitro shoot multiplication of Tecomella undulata (SM.) seem.- an endengered tree species. Indian J Pl Physiol 2005, 10(4), 372-6.

Efficient protocol for in vitro propagation of Tecomella undulata through multiple shoot formation from nodal segment explants has been developed. MS basal medium+1.5 mg l^-1 BAP+0.02 mg l^-1 IAA was found to be the most effective media for maximum (95%) regeneration of nodal explant at 25±1°C and 16/8 hours cycle of light (2000 lux fluorescent tubes) and dark. Nodal segment showed maximum (9) shoot induction per explant. Twenty-nine shoots per nodal segment explant were observed on MS+0.75 mg l^-1 BAP+0.01 mg l^-1 IAA within 3 weeks. The rooting percentage (66%) and average number of days (8) for root induction were recorded by following the two-step procedure. In the first step, a 48 hour treatment of 1/2 MS medium (liquid) + 2.5 mg l^-1 IBA was given isolated shoots. In the second step these shoots were transferd to hormone free 1/2 MS medium. Seventy-three per cent survibility of plantlets was recorded in potting mixture composed of drained soil+vermiculture (3:1, v/v).

^ssc1 illus,4 tables, 12 ref

002394   Richa Kumar;Bhargava A K (Bot Dep, M.S. Coll, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh) : Some important medicinal plants of family leguminaceae in district Saharanpur (U.P.). Adv Pl Sci 2005, 18(2), 659-67.

Study describes the medicinally important Leguminous plants of District Saharanpur. In total 40 plants of family Leguminaceae with their medicinal values are given in the form of table with common Sanskrit, Hindi and English names.

1 table, 37 ref

002393   Reshu (Dep of Bot, M.S. Coll, Saharanpur-247 001) : Ageratum conyzoides a source of medicine : an assessment regarding blood coagulation. Adv Pl Sci 2005, 18(2), 625-7.

Paper summarizes some biochemical aspects of Ageratum conzyoides of family Asteraceae. Extract of Fresh leaves of Ageratum is used as Haemostatic, Antihaemorrhage, Antibacterial and Antianxiety. It is used to stop bleeding. Present paper describes some biochemical aspects related to its medicinal value. Thus analysis of total nitrogen, total heavy metal, total calcium, amino acids and quinones have been done to correlate these findings with its medicinal value.

1 table, 12 ref

002392   Prasad K N;Ashok G;Raghu C;Shivamurthy G R; Vijayan P;Aradhya S M (Dep of Stud in Bot, , Manasagangotri, Mysore-6, Email: aradhyasm@yahoo.co.in) : In vitro cytotoxic properties of Ipomoea aquatica leaf. Indian J Pharmac 2005, 37(6), 397-8.

1 table, 9 ref

002391   Patil H E;Mahatma M K;Patel N J;Bhatnagar R; Jadeja G C (Dep of Biochem and Biotechnol, B.A Coll of Agric Anand Agric Univ, Anand-388 110) : Differential response of pearl millet hybrids to water stress in relation to antioxidant enzymes and proline. Indian J Pl Physiol 2005, 10(4), 344-8.

Pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L) R. Br.] is an important crop of semi-arid tropics. Due to erratic rainfall the crop is generally exposed to water stress at different stages, which decreases growth and yield of plants in many ways. In the study the female parent ICMA 94555 was crossed with eight inbred male lines in summer, 2004. Hybrids were evaluated under terminal drought condition at three different stages, each at 10 days interval (i.e. at 60, 70 and 80 DAS) in Kharif, 2004 to assess the antioxidanf enzymes activity and prolific content. Terminal drought condition was created by withdrawing irrigation at 50 days after sowing. Among the eight hybrids tested, four hybrids viz., ICMA 94555 x J 2340, ICMA 94555 x J 2405, ICMA 94555 x J 108 and ICMA 94555 x J 2290 showed increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and non specific peroxidase (FOX) at second and third stage, while catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (AFOX) activity increased only at second stage. The CAT and AFOX activity in these four hybrids recorded 2-3 folds increase as compared to first stage. The results suggested that moisture stress affected the activity of antioxidant enzymes involved in detoxification of activated oxygen species and H₂O₂ differently. Froline content increased in all hybrids at second and third stage but these four hybrids showed 2-3 fold higher proline level as compared to first stage. Thus, these four hybrids indicated biochemical adaptability to tolerate water stress condition.

1 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

002390   Patel P K;Patel I;Parekh P P (Dept. of Biol, P.S. Sci Colleges, S.V. Campus, Kadi-385 715) : Ethnomedicinal study of a few weed plants of Patan district, north Gujarat. Adv Pl Sci 2005, 18(2), 649-51.

Work relates to the ethnomedicinal study of 18 species of field weeds belonging to 18 genera and 17 families as used by the native tribals and local inhabitants of patan district of the North Gujarat. They are mostly used as medicines.

10 ref

002389   Pandey S;Singh B (Dep of Genet and Pl Breed, G.B. Pant Univ of Agric & Technol, Pantnagar (U.S.Nagar)-263 145) : Inter character association and path analysis in indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). Adv Pl Sci 2005, 18(2), 511-14.

Ninety eight germplasm accessions along with two checks (Kranti and Varuna) of Indian mustard were grown in "10 x 10" simple lattice design during rabi 2001 - 02 at Crop Research Center, G.B.P.U.A. & T, Pantnagar. Observations were recorded on five randomly selected plants for thirteen quantitative characters. Seed yield per plant showed significant and positive correlation with number of seconday branches (0.46), length of main shoot (0.37), length of siliqua (0.47), siliqua on main shoot (0.26) and 1000 seed weight (0.56). Oil content had negative correlation with seed yield. Length of siliqua (0.449) had the highest positive direct effect on seed yields per plant followed by 1000 seed weight (0.301), plant height (0.273), number of secondary branches per plant (0.254), length of main shoot (0.084). The results of present investigation suggested that emphasis should be given on plants with more siliqua on main shoot, primary and seconday branches per plant, siliqua length and bold seed while selecting for yield.

2 tables, 9 ref

002388   Padmavathi M V;Raja Rao K G (Dept of Bot, J.M. Patel Coll, Bhandara, Maharashtra) : NMU induced primary trisomic interchange heterozygote of physalis ixocarpa brot.. Adv Pl Sci 2005, 18(2), 543-7.

Investigation deals with morphological and cytological studies on a NMU induced primary trisomic interchange heterozygote in tomatillo. A single trisomic plant 2n = 25 was recovered and isolated from M₂ population using 0.2% NMU. The primary trisomic exhibited, weak and stunted growth possessed pale green leaves and flowered late. Also the flowers were smaller in size and pale yellow in colour with small sized fruits compared to the sibs and the control. Pollen sterility was very high and seed set was very low. Cytological screening revealed a plant carrying an extra chromosome in addition to the normal diploid complement, which was a trisomic condition. Studies at diakinesis revealed the occurrence of an interchange, association of four or three chromosomes in addition to bivalents. At anaphase I chromosome segregation was found to be 13-12 in about 70% of the PMCs. The probable reasons for the occurrence of sterility encountered in the primary trisomic heterozygote are discussed.

8 illus, 2 tables, 4 ref

002387   Neelima P;Reddy K J (Dep of Bot, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009, Email: reddykankanala@yahoo.com) : In vitro callus induction and regeneration with effect of some heavy metals in solanum melongena L.. Adv Pl Sci 2005, 18(2), 457-66.

Callus induction and regeneration was studied by incorporation of some heavy metals both individually and in some of their combination at different concentrations in MS media supplemented with 2mg/l NAA and IAA+BA (0.5+3 mg/1). The study was carried out to see the variation in induction, nature and growth of callus and number of shoots produced in relation to metals. The overall effect of metals in vitro in relation to their concentrations on induction of callus and regeneration has been discussed in detail. The influence of metals in vitro level is key to understand the morphogenetic and developmental processes, apart from secondary metabolites.

6 illus, 4 tables, 24 ref

002386   Mohiuddin G G; (Dep of Bot, Univ of Kashmir, Srinagar-190 006) : Seed germination studies on Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch-a treated medicinal plant of N.W. Himalaya. Indian J Pl Physiol 2005, 10(4), 394-6.

Germinabiliiy and seedling survival studies of the Saussurea costus (Asteraceae) were carried out under ex situ conditions at 1495m. Among various treatments given to the seeds to enhance germinability, scarification/complete removal of the seed coat were found to be most effective and showed 900 ± 4.08% germination against the control of 21.66 ± 2.35%. This was primarily due to the presence of inhibitors in the seed coat. Treatment with GA₃ 20, 50, and l00ppm showed the percentage germination 41.66 ± 6.23, 70.0 ± 12.24 and 70.0 ± 16.32% respectively and that with kinetin 20, 50 and 100ppm showed 31.66 ± 6.23, 60.0 ± 4.08 and 40.0 ± 4.08% germination respectively as against the control of 21.66 ± 2.35%.

^ssc1 table, 8 ref

002385   Mohan V;Molly A G;Eldo A N (Dep of Bot, Post Grad St. Peters Coll, Kolenchery-682 311) : Aegle marmelos extract as a potent bactericide. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(4), 639-44.

Extract of Aegle marmelos, used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various infections were screened for antibacterial activity. In the investigation soxhlet extracts of leaves stem and root of this plant in different solvents at different concentrations were tried against five different strains of bacteria. The extracts tested possessed various degrees of antibacterial activity.

4 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

002384   Mohan Ram H Y (Cent for Environmential Mgmt of Degrated Ecosystems, Univ of Delhi, Delhi-110 007, Email: mohan.ram@indiatimes.com) : On the english edition of Van Rheede's Hortus Malabaricus by K.S. manilal (2003). Curr Sci 2005, 89(10), 1672-80.

Van Rheede, the Dutch Governor of Cochin, a soldier who had no training in botany, became fascinated by the flora of Malabar, compiled and published a unique 12-volume work Hortus Malabari-cus between 1678 and 1693. K. S. Manilal has spent over 35 years rendering Hortus Malabaricus to English. Through this stupendous task, he has opened a vast treasure-house to scientists, medical practioners, linguists and historians.

3 illus, 15 ref

002383   Mishra U;Dhar D W;Pabbi S;Dikshit G;Tiwari G L (Cent for Conserv and Utilisation of Blue Green Algae, Indian Agric Res Inst, New Delhi-110 012) : Distribution and characterization of selected rivulariaceae members of cyanobacteria, order nostocales. Indian J Pl Physiol 2005, 10(4), 404-7.

Cyanobacterial strains from family Rivulariaceae were isolated from various localities of District Allahabad, UP. Variations were observed with respect to photosynthetic rate, respiratory activity, carbohydrates and total soluble proteins amongst strains of Calothrix, Dichothrix and Gloeotrichia. The total N content and nitrogenase activity also varied in the three genera examined. The studies indicated the dominance of cyanobacteria belonging to family Rivulariaceae in the rice field soils and the diversity existed among these with respect to, physiological parameters.

^ssc2 tables, 28 ref

002382   Mendhulkar V D;Gupta D S;Raut R W (Dep of Bot, The Inst of Sci, Mumbai-400 032) : Mitotic depression in trigonella foenum graecum Linn treated with sodium azide (sa). Adv Pl Sci 2005, 18(2), 529-32.

Mitotic depression was investigated in popularly utilized leafy vegetable and medicinally important plant, Trigonella foenum graecum treated with azo group mutagenic compound, Sodium azide (SA). The treatment was conducted for the duration of 2 hours and 4 hours with 0.001, 0.003, 0.006 and 0.009 solution of SA at 10±1°C temp. The depression analysis was done by estimating mitotic index (MI). It was observed that the moderate doses of SA in 2 hours treatment do not reveal remarkable difference on MI compared to control. However the higher concs, (i.e., 0.006 and 0.009% SA) in 2 hours and 4 hours treatment showed low MI. These observations indicate slower rate of mitotic activities in higher does of SA due to mitotic depression. The retardation in somatic growth in experimented seedling with studied concentrations was observed as a supportive evidence on mitodepression.

1 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

002381   Mehetre S S;Aher A R;Gomes M;Eapen S (Biotechnol Cent and all india coordinated cotton improvement project, Mahatama Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413 722, Email: subhasmehetre@rediffmail.com) : RAPD testing of an interspecific hybrid between Gossypium hirsutum and Gossypium sturtianum. J Pl Biol 2005, 32(2), 109-16.

Cotton (Gossypium sp.) is the most important textile fibre crop and is also an important oil seed crop in the world. The genus consists of several tetraploid and diploid species. The wild species are a rich source of useful genes for insect and disease resistance and transfer of these genes into cultivated Gossypium species will have important commercial implications. In the study, Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) was used to characterize the interspecific hybrid of Gossypium. The interspecific hybrid of G. hirsutum 76IH x G. sturtianum was screened using RAPD markers to test the hybrid nature of the offspring. Out of 55 random primers screened, 28 were selected which revealed 229 RAPD markers. Based on the presence or absence of DNA bands in the female parent, offspring and male parent the molecular markers could be classified into seven types. Type I markers shared bands in both parents and offspring, type II markers shared bands in female and offspring, type III markers shared bands in both parents, type IV markers shared bands in male parent and offspring, type V markers were present only in female parent, type VI were present in offspring only and type VII markers were present only in male parent. Of these, only type IV markers are suitable for identifying true male-specific bands. In this study, 53.7% of the RAPD markers revealed additivity among parents and offspring in the hybrid combination G. hirsutum 76IH x G. sturtianum. However 36.7% of parental markers (types III, V and VII) were absent in the offspring while 9.6% unique markers (type VI) were present in the offspring. The hybrid in the study showed type IV markers common with male parent, which clearly show that DNA-based technology such as RAPD could be used with greater speed to detect true interspecific hybrids of Gossypium.

2 illus, 5 tables, 45 ref

002380   Maleeka Begum S F;Subburam V (Dep of Biochem, Karpagam Arts and Sci Coll, Eachanari (PO), Coimbatore, T.N.) : Impact of congored (Textile dye) on soil bacterial population in major soil types on Tamil Nadu. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(4), 737-41.

Soil samples were amended with graded concentration of Congored (25 to 150 mg kg^-1). Samples were drawn at specified intervals of 2, 7, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days. Dilution technique followed by pour plate technique was employed for the enumeration of bacteria. The isolates were divided into various physiological groups on the basis of their ability to elaborate different hydrolytic enzymes. It is evident from studies that the number of bacteria (CPU'S/g dry soil) with time in the control and congored treated soils increased up to 30 days of incubation and then exhibited a decreasing trend. In the treated soils also the same trend was observed. Although increasing concentration and period of incubation caused similar changes in all the soils, the magnitude of inhibitory effect of congored on the growth of the bacterial population varied in soils. In the control soils, amylolytic forms were dominant followed by ureolytic and caseinolytic forms. In Congo red treated soils, however, the order of dominance was altered, even though amylolytic forms showed dominance in five (S1, S2, S3, S4 and S8) out of 8 soils. Further the percentage of isolates capable of elaborating the enzyme activity decreased with increasing concentration and duration of exposure.

4 illus, 5 tables, 15 ref

002379   Mahendra M;Lokesh S;Rai R R (Dep of Stud in Appl Bot Seed Path and Biotechnol, Univ of Mysore, Mysore-570 006) : Evaluation of some forest tree seed samples for mycoflora and their management in vitro. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2005, 7(4), 853-6.

Seeds treated with hot water at 50°C showed enhancement in the percentage of germination. Seeds treated with 0.2% Bavistin showed maximum reduction in the incidence of fungi, there by enhanced the germination to a greater extent. In the seed samples, different fungi like Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. flavus-oryzae, A. columnaris, A. ochraceus, Penicillium spp. Fusarium moniliforme, F. solani and F. oxysporum were recorded at various levels. Leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica, Clerodendron inerme, Tridax procumbens and Plumbago zeylanica showed little effect on mycoflora. Comparatively, the best results were obtained with the seeds treated with 0.2% Bavistin. Seedlings of Gmelina arborea and Bauhinea variegata raised in nursery beds showed high incidence of leaf blight. Powdery mildew in Bauhinea varigata and Fusarium wilt in Hardwickia bipinnata were also noticed at high incidence. In Dalbergia latifolia dead seedlings showed high incidence of Aspergillus flavus-oryzae.

5 tables, 5 ref

002378   Madhurendra ;Prasad N (Dep of Biochem Fac of Basic Sci and Humanitie, Rajendra Agric Univ, Pusa, Samastipur-848 125, Email: nprasad_singh@yahoo.com) : Veratryl alcohol oxidase and laccase activity in Pleurotus spp.. J Pl Biol 2005, 32(2), 129-32.

When seven species of Pleurotus were grown on chopped paddy straw, veratryl alcohol oxidase (VAO) and laccase enzyme were found in the culture filtrate. VAO oxidized a number of aromatic alcohols to aldehydes and reduced O₂ to H₂O₂. The activities of VAO remained low until day 3 of culture but increased later and peaked on the last day of the study in all the species of Pleurotus, while laccase peaked on day 14 in all the species of Pleurotus. The highest activities of VAO in Pleurotus ostrcatus and laccase in Pleurotus sajor caju provide them an edge over the other species.

^ssc3 tables, 17 ref

002377   Latha P;Reddy P V (Regional Agric Res Stn, , Tirupati-517 502, Email: posamreddy@hotmail.com) : Determination of water use efficiency in groundnut by gravimetric method and its association with physiological parameters. Indian J Pl Physiol 2005, 10(4), 322-6.

Water use efficiency (WUE) and associated physiological parameters were measured in fifteen genotypes of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) grown in pots. Accurate measurement of WUE is possible by gravimetric approach. In the study there was an inverse relationship between mean transpiration rate (MTR) and WUE. A positive association between net assimilation rate (NAR) and WUE and total dry matter (TDM) and WUE indicated the possibility of identifying genotypes with WUE under mesophyll control. There was a strong correlation between TDM and LAD suggesting the role of leaf surface area in determining the biomass production. WUE was also estimated in field trials utilizing specific leaf area (SLA) values. The results show that, the WUE in the pot culture experiment was significantly correlated with the WUE estimated under field conditions. Among the genotypes, Tir 16 recorded highest WUE compared to all other genotypes.

2 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

002376   Kundu M;Sett R (Div of Silvic & Joint For Mgmt, Trop For Res Inst (ICFRE) Mandla Road. P.O. RFRC, Jabalpur-482 021, Email: spalliwest@yahoo.co.in) : Development of Aquilaria agallocha Roxb. seeds: acquisition of germinability, desiccation sensitivity and storage responce. Indian J Pl Physiol 2005, 10(4), 362-6.

Studies were undertaken on the development of the recalcitrant seeds of Aquilaria agallocha. Continuous increase in seed dry weight was observed till the time of fruit shedding. The seed acquired germinability at 50 DAA and full germinability was attained at 59 DAA. With the progress of maturity, desiccation tolerance increased, though the tolerance to water loss was not varied so much after the attainment of full germinability. At very early stage of development (41 and 50 DAA) slight reduction in seed moisture content induced germination. Only fully matured seeds were capable to retain viability for few months, if stored at shedding moisture content.

2 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

002375   Kumudha P (Dep of Bot, Vellalar Coll for Women, Erode-638 009) : Studies on the effect of biofertilizers on the germination of acacia nilotica linn. seeds. Adv Pl Sci 2005, 18(2), 679-80.

Study was conducted with the seeds of Acacia nilotica to elucidate the effects of Rhizobium (18g/pot), phosphobacteria (18g/pot) and VAM fungi (45g/pot) individually and in conjunction on the germination, seedling growth, physiological and biochemical parameters such as chlorophyll 'a', chlorophyll 'b', total chlorophyll, total soluble carbohydrates, reducing sugars, total free amino acids, total proteins, total free phenolics N, P, K, Ca and Mg under pot culture conditions. The results indicated that in Acacia nilotica, single inoculation with phosphobacteria improved most of the investigated biometric as well as biochemical parameters. VAM inoculation was found to be effective in chlorophyll pigments accumulation.

4 tables, 18 ref

002374   Krishna Swamy K;Krishna Kumar H N;Ramaswamy S N (Dep of Stud in Bot, Univ of Mysore Manasagangotri, Mysore-570 006) : Contributions to the megasporogenesis and megagametogenesis in Habenaria grandifloriformis Lindl. and Platanthera susannae (L.) Lindl. (orchidaceae). Adv Pl Sci 2005, 18(2), 439-48.

A hypodermal archesporial cell differentiates in the nucellus. The archesporial cell enlarges further and directly develops into a megaspore mother cell. The ovules are anatropus, bitegmic and tenuinucellate. Megasopore tetrad in Habenaria grandifloriformis is of T-shaped. In Platanthera susannae only lower dyad cell undergoes meiosis II and produce a triad. Embryo sac development is of the monosporic 8-nucleate type.

7 illus, 41 ref

002373   Khilare C J;Saindanshiv S E;Shinde H L;Varpe B D;Sanap R R (NO, S.S.G.M. Coll, Kopargaon, Distt- Ahmednagar-423 601) : Survey of genus Ceropegia Linn. for its ex-situ conservation from Western Ghats (M.S). Adv Pl Sci 2005, 18(2), 467-72.

Genus Ceropegia well known for its tubers, is one of the largest genus of family Asclepiadaceae. Some species of the genus Ceropegia are facing very high risk of extinction in wild near future, thus endangering many of its high value gene stock. An extensive and intensive field survey of genus Ceropegia from different corners of Western Ghats during 2001-2002 resulted in record of 11 species. The survey was made for collection of plants and their conservation in Botanical garden of S.S.G.M. College, Kopargaon. Ceropegia sahyadrica, C. media, C. maccannii, C. oculata and C. vincaefolia were collected from Sinhagarh, C.meida from Bhimashankar (Pune district) C. noorjahaniae from Ramghat, C. jainii from Kas (Satara district) C. pusilla from Randha fall, C.hirsuta, C.bulbosa var. bulbosa and lushii from Baleshwari and Chandanapuri Valley (A. Nagar dist.) were collected and multiplied them in pots at botanical garden. Ceropegia oculata, C. bulbosa var. bulosa and var. lushii C. pusilla were found to be multiplied by their stem cuttings, tubers as well as seeds. The rest of species collected were multiplied by their tubers only. It was also found that C.noorjahaniae requires microclimate for its luxurious growth. The present paper is a preliminary report on ex-situ conservation of endangered and rare plants species in botanical garden.

1 illus, 1 table, 17 ref