008110   Mukherji S (Botany Dep, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019) : Reactive oxygen species (ROS) l a dual role in plant biology. J Bot Soc Bengal 2009, 63(1), 1-12.

Nowadays, a dual role for ROS in plant biology has been suggested. Besides being challenged by the ROS as toxic byproducts of aerobic metabolism, plants are now using ROS as signaling molecules to achieve the control and regulation of biological processes. ROS could control gene expression through three principal modes of action :-(i) ROS sensors could be activated to induce signaling cascades like MAPK protein kinases and several protein phosphatases, the activation of which by ROS is required for mediating cellular responses to multiple stresses, and ultimately leading to gene expression, (ii) components of signaling pathways could be directly oxidized by ROS. H₂O₂ is an oxidant which is sensed via oxidation of cysteine thiol group of some phosphatases, and (iii) ROS might change gene expression by targetting and modifying the activity of transcription factors through covalent modification of cysteine thiol groups. The "Reactive oxygen gene network" comprised of a large number of induced genes of which several encode for proteins with either antioxidant functions or associated with defense responses or with signaling functions. ROS plays central role in plant pathogen defense by activating many of the plant defenses including programmed cell death (PCD). During plant-pathogen defense response, the plant simultaneously produces more ROS, specially H₂O₂, while decreasing its ROS scavenging capacity, leading to accumulation of ROS and onset of PCD. Induction of PCD limits the spread of disease from the infection point. Oxidative burst is the primary response to pathogen challenge that leads to PCD. PCD occurs not only as a result of oxidative burst following pathogen challenge, but also following exposure to abiotic Stresses, such as ozone, wounding and high light. ROS are essential signals mediating ABA-induced stomatal closure. One protein kinase functions between ABA perception and ROS signaling. Gravity and asymmetric auxin application induce ROS generation in roots, and a role for H₂O₂ in auxin signaling and root gravitropism has been revealed. ROS are also important regulators of cell and organ growth and operate by controlling the extensibility of the cell wall and modulating intracellular signaling processes. ROS also regulate tip growth of root hairs and pollen tubes. ROS also playa role in the control of PCD during development, exemplified by the death of the xylem vessel cells and aleurone layer cells. It is possible that the ROS involved in developmentally controlled PCD act in a similar fashion to those ROS that are involved in PCD that occurs in response to pathogen infection.

6 illus, 75 ref

008109   Mukherjee D;Chakraborty S;Roy A;Mokthan M W (Agronomy Dep, Regional Research Station (Hill Zone), Uttar Banga Krishi Biswavidyalaya, Darjeeling, Email: dhiman_mukherjee@yahoo.co.in) : Differential approach of germplasm conservation of high value of medicinal plants in north-eastern Himalayan region. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2009, 2(4), 332-40.

A conservation programme on different medicinal plants had been conducted at Regional Research Station (Hill Zone), Kalimpong, U.B.K. V during the year 2005-08. Detailed investigation on distribution pattern of endangered to most vulnerable plants, and their market value were assessed which are found in Darjeeling hills such as Arnebia benthamii, Aconitum deinorrhizum, Aconitum heterophyllum, Angelica glauca, Podophyllum hexandrium, Gentiana kurroo, Acorus calamus, Costus specious, Aloevera and Swertia chirayita etc. Further in-situ conservation of 22 different medicinal herbs had been successfully done at different parts of Darjeeling hills by participatory approach of farnlers at their own field. An ex-situ conservation was conducted and still going on in two medicinal species (Swertia chirayita and Valeriana jatamansi), at four different locations in the upper valley at altitudes ranging from 1200 to 2000 m. above sea level. The objectives of the investigation were primarily focused to: (i) to determine the suitability of ex-situ cultivation of two threatened medicinal species, and; (ii) to assess the survival capacity of medicinal plants in different altitudes of hilly region. Observation revealed that a highest mean survival across all locations was found with Valeriana jatamansi (79-92 %) and the least in Swertia chirayita (34-49 %). Altitudes were generally seemed to vary in case of degree of sprouting in both the species. However, the productive yield of Swertia chirayita was certainly not reduced, but rather slightly enhanced due to favorable climatic niche in the higher altitude sites. Overall, in addition to conservation at Regional Research Station, Kalimpong by constructing field gene banks, cultivation of these two of the investigated species, and other 22 different gelmplasms were appeared successful and potentially economically viqble under farmland conditions. At upper to mid altitude of hills this has been done by participatory approach towards successful germplasm conservation of these plants for future generation.

5 illus, 6 tables, 14 ref

008108   Misra S (NO, Orchid Study Centre, C-89 HIG, Baramunda Housing Board Colony, Bhubaneswar-751 003) : New species of Liparis L C Richard (Orchidaceae) from Odisha, India. J Orchid Soc India 2009, 23(1-2), 87-90.

Liparis udaii S. Misra, sp.nov. (Orchidaceae) is described and illustrated from Odisha, India.

1 illus, 2 ref

008107   Mesta D K;Hegde H V;Upadhya V;Kholkute S D (NO, Smt. Parvatibai Chowgule College of Arts and Science, Gogol-Margao, Goa-403 604, Email: divakarmesta@rediffmail.com) : Burmannia championii Thwaites (Dioscoreales: Burmanniaceae), a new addition to the flora of Karnataka. J Threatened Taxa 2011, 3(1), 1465-8.

008106   Manoj Kumar;Chandrakala J U;Sachdev M S; Sachdev P (Soil Science Div, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam-793 103) : <. J Nucl Agric Biol 2009, 38(1-4), 62-84.

Intensification of agriculture to meet the increasing food demand has caused severe disruption in natural balance of global as well as regional nitrogen cycle, potentially threatening the future sustainability of agriculture and environment. Of the total fertilizer nitrogen used in agriculture globally, only less than half is recovered by crop plants, rest is lost to the environment, resulting in several environmental problems such as ground water pollution and global warming, besides huge economic loss of this costly input in agriculture. Improving fertilizer nitrogen use efficiency and minimising N loss to the environment is the key to regain the lost control of nitrogen cycle in agriculture. Fertilizer nitrogen use efficiency depends largely on N requirement of crops, N supply from soil and fertilizer through N transformations in soil, and N losses from the soil-water-plant system. ¹⁵N isotopic techniques have the potential to provide accurate measurement/ quantification of different processes involved in N cycle such as fixation of atmospheric N₂, transformations- mineralization and immobilization- of soil and fertilizer N which governs N supply to plants, and N losses to the environment through ammonia volatilization, denitrification and nitrate leaching. ¹⁵N tracers can also give precise identification of ways and sources of N loss from agriculture. These informations can be used to develop strategies for increasing fertilizer N use efficiency and minimizing the loss of this costly input from agriculture to environment, which in turn will help to achieve the tripartite goal of food security, agricultural profitability and environmental quality.

3 illus, 70 ref

008105   Mandal N C;Chakrabartty P K (Microbiology Dep, Bose Institute, P 1/12 CIT Scheme VII-M, Kolkata-700 054, Email: mandalnc@rediffmail.com) : Carbon metabolism in Rhizobium sp. (Cicer arietinum L.) BICC620 under anaerobic condition and in its bacteroids. J Bot Soc Bengal 2009, 63(1), 65-8.

Activities of key enzymes of glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway as well as key enzymes for gluconeogenesis and tricarboxylic acid cycle were assayed from cell free: extracts of anaeroªbically grown culture of Rhizobium sp. (Cicer arietinum) BICC 620 and its bacteroids. Level of activities of the enzymes assayed indicate a slow operation of glycolytic pathway in both bacteroids and anaerobically grown culture, whereas, operation of TCA cycle in bacteroids was up to ten times faster than anaerobically grown culture of the strain. Both type of cells operate PP pathway for glycolysis, and bacteroids also operate gluconeogenesis as indicated by the substantial specific activity of fructose-l,6-bisphosphatase.

1 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

008104   Mandal A;Samajpati N;Bera S (Botany Dep, University of Calcutta, Kolkata-700 019) : In situ occurrence of epiphyllous fungus phomites fritel from the lower Siwalik sediments of Darjeeling foothills. J Bot Soc Bengal 2009, 63(1), 37-40.

The study reports in situ occurence of epiphyllous fungus Phomites Fritel on the angiospermic leaf cuticles comparable to modern Anthocephalus A. Rich. (Rubiaceae) from the Lower Siwalik sediments (Gish clay formation, Middle Miocene to Upper Miocene) of Darjeeling foothills, West Bengal, India for the first time. The fossil fungus is comparable to modern plant pathogen Phoma Saccard (Pleosporaceae). The in situ occurence of Phomites on the leaf of Anthocephalus suggests a possible host parasite relationship in the ancient moist evergreen forest of sub-Himalayan West Bengal favoured by high rate of precipitation during Middle Miocene to Upper Miocene.

3 illus, 16 ref

008103   Maity D;Mandal M;Maiti G G (Taxonomy and Biosystematics Laboratory, Botany Dep, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019, Email: debmaity@yahoo.com) : New subspecies of Tibetoseris gracilipes (Hook.f.) sennikov (Compositae-Cichorieae) from the Himalayas. J Bot Soc Bengal 2009, 63(1), 61-4.

A new subspecies of Tibetoseris gracilipes (Hook.f.) Sennikov subsp. duthiei D. Maity, Manasi Mandal & Maiti (Compositae - Cichorieae) is described from the Himalayas and illustrated. This new taxon differs from the typical one having well developed stem, presence of both radical and cauline leaves and the terminal or axillary capitula.

1 illus, 6 ref

008102   Kasim W A;Mohsen A A;Ebrahim S M;El-Sebaie A N (Botany Dep, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt) : Effect of IAA and coumarin on lipid composition in radish. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2009, 2(4), 355-9.

Radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. aegyptiacus) seeds were soaked for 24 hrs in water, 10^-5 M indoleacetic acid (IAA), 10^-3 M coumarin or a mixture of both before sowing in clay soil. Total lipids were estimated in untreated seeds, seeds collected from plants grown from treated seeds, roots and leaves of 30-, 45- and 60-d old plants. Total unsaponifiable matter and total fatty acids were determined in the same organs except the roots. Methyl esters of 23 fatty acids were determined in seeds and leaves of 30-, 45- and 60-d old plants by GLC. Total lipids were consistently higher in leaves than in roots and decreased in both upon hormonal treatments. Unsaponifiable matter and total fatty acids in the seed yield was reduced by IAA, restored by coumarin and exceeded their corresponding controls in response to IAA + coumarin. Unsaponifiable matter attained maximum values in leaves of 45-d old plants. The most common fatty acids in radish seeds and leaves are caproic and palmetic acids, whereas myristic and oleic acids were undetectable. Sterculic acid was undetectable in original seeds and in seed yield, appeared in 30-d and 45-d old leaves, but disappeared almost entirely in 60-d old leaves. Arachidic acid was found in both seed generations, disappeared almost entirely in 30-d and 45-d old leaves, and accumulated excessively in 60-d old leaves.

4 illusl, 1 table, 17 ref

008101   Jana P;Rahaman C H;Banerjee N (Botany Dep, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan-731 235, Email: habibur_dr@yahoo.co.in) : Occurrence of Eleutherine bulbosa (Miller) urban (Iridaceae): a first report from eastern India. J Bot Soc Bengal 2009, 63(2), 101-4.

The medicinal plant Elentherine bulbosa (Miller) Urban (Iridaceae) is characterized by a bulbous rootstock, a large subapical cauline leaf and small, white, stellate, evening blooming flowers. This species extends across South America from Bolivia to Brazil to West Indies and is widely cultivated for its medicinal importance. The underground parts of the plant contain medicinally important compounds like napthoquinone, eleutherinones, eleutherin, isoeleutherin and eleutherol. It is commonly used as a vermifuge, for the treatment of painful and irregular menstruation and cardiac disorders. This plant has been reported earlier from Southern India. Currently this plant has been found in wild from the western lateritic zone of West Bengal and it is a first report from Eastern India.

2 illus, 33 ref

008100   Hossain M M;Khan S N;Sharma M;Pathak p;Hallan V;Zaidi A A (Botany Dep, Chittagong Univ, Chittagong-4331) : Cymbidium mosaic potexvirus and Odontoglossum ringspot tobamovirus: major threats to orchid industry. J Orchid Soc India 2009, 23(1-2), 103-7.

Viral diseases detrimentaly affect the vigour, flowering capacity, and flower quality of orchids, all of these factors impair their commercial significance. Cymbidium Mosaic Potexvirus (CymMV) and Odontoglossum Ringspot Tobamovirus (ORSV) are the most common viruses infecting orchids under cultivation. This paper briefly discusses the symptoms induced by these viruses, techniques for their detection, and measures to control them.

50 ref

008099   Hajra P K;De A (NO, , 29/6, Inder Road, Dehradun-248 001) : Lady's slipper orchids of India. J Orchid Soc India 2009, 23(1-2), 93-8.

The lady's slipper orchids are represented by 2 genera, Cypripedium and Paphiopedilum in India. The former with its 4 species is confined to North-Western and Sikkim Himalaya, whereas all the 7 species in the later genus (except Paphiopedilum druryi) are North-Eastern Indian in distribution. Several varieties and natural hybrids are also on record in Paphiopedilum. This paper provides a brief description of the Indian taxa of Lady's slipper orchids along with their flowering period and distribution. A taxonomic key is also given to facilitate their easy identification.

9 illus, 11 ref

008098   Gurudeva M R (Botany Dep, Visveswarapura College of Science, Bangalore-560 004) : Embryo sac development in Aerides maculosum Lindl (Orchidaceae). J Orchid Soc India 2009, 23(1-2), 15-18.

The development of embryo sac has been traced in Aerides maculosum Lindl. It conforms to monosporic G 1a type of Abe (1972). The ovule is anatropous, bitegmic, and tenui-nucellate; the inner integument alone forms the micropyle. The chalazal megaspore in a triad configuration develops into an eight-nucleate embryo sac. The mature embryo sac contains an egg apparatus, two polar nuclei and three antipodal cells. Double fertilization occurs.

16 illus, 31 ref

008097   Gonsalves S;Kabi M C;Roychowdhury N (Floriculture and Landscaping Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia-741 252) : Effect of biofertilizers on growth and flowering of Gerbera cv. Calcutta red. J Bot Soc Bengal 2009, 63(2), 131-5.

The influence of three main types of biofertilizers-a-N-fixer (Azospirillum brasilense), a P-solubilizer (Bacillus polymyxa) and P-mobilizer (VAM-Glomus fasiciculatum) individually and in combinations (2 g/pot, 1 g/pot) along with inorganic foliar spray (0.2%) containg NPK in four different ratios (20:10:10,20:5:10,10:10:10,10:5:10), on growth and flowering of Gerbera cv. Calcutta Red was observed in an experiment conducted at the Jaguli Instructional Farm (Horticulture) of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, under polyshade as pot culture. The maximum number of leaves, flushes, longest flower stalks, highest flower diameter were obtained in plants receiving NPK≅ 10:5:10 + Azospirillum + VAM. Maximum plant height and earliest occurrence of flower bud were obtained withNPK ≅ 20:10:10 + VAM. Minimum number of days required from flower bud emergence to anthesis was obtained in NPK 10:5:10 + VAM treated plants, while in NPK ≅ 20:10:10 + Azospirillum treated plants, maximum number of days were required from anthesis to fading. The treatment combinations NPK≅20:10:10 + VAM, NPK≅10:5:10 + VAM and NPK ≅ 20:10:10 + Azospirillum were found to be par with NPK≅ 10:5:10 +Azospirillum VAM.

4 tables, 17 ref

008096   Gaikwad S;Pingle S D;Khose R G (Botany Dep, New Arts, Commerce and Science College, Ahmednagar-410 003, Email: sunita_gaikawad@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of aqueous extract of marine algae Ulva lactuca on seedling growth of a crop plant Solanum melongena L. var punch Ganga. Bionano Front 2011, 4(1), 132-4.

Excessive irrigation and continuous use of chemical fertilizers create problem of soild deterioration and decrease in agricultural production. Excessive use of Chemical fertilizer leads to change in soil quality. Therefore, biofertilizers are used as suplement for better agricultural output and to maintain the quality of soil and yield of grain production. Seaweed manure contains about as much nitogen as an equal weight of farmyard manure and twice as potash, thus making it suitable for soils lacking in potash. To find out the effect of different concentration fo fresh aqueous extract of an alga Ulva lactuca extract of different Utva lactuca showed promontory effect on test plant.

1 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

008095   Dange V U;Peshwe S A (Microbiology Dep, Institute of Science, Aurangabad-431 003) : Production, purification and characterization of fungal L-asparaginase. Bionano Front 2011, 4(1), 162-7.

L-asparaginase (L-asparagine amidohydrolase EC 3.5,1.1) has been isolated from number of sources like bacteria, fungi, actinomycete. This enzyrae from bacterial origin can cause hypersensivity in the long-term use, leading to allergic reactions and anaphylaxis. The search for other asparaginase sources, from cukaryotic microorganisms like fungi, actinomycete etc. can lead to an enzyme with less adverse effects, in the present investigation, we report new potential fungal L-asparaginase producer vlz. Aspergillus aculeatus, for enzyme production, purification and characterization. The crude enzyme extract was partially purified using ammonium suifate precipitation, Dialysis and Gel filtration. The partially purified L-asparaginase showed a specific activity of 207 IU/mg protein, 267.75-fold pure and yielded 0.54 per cent protein. The enzyme activity was maximum at pH 9,0 and stable up to 8 hours. The L-asparaginaseshowedmaximumaetivityat30°C and stable up to 2 hours. Further the kinetic studies of partially purified enzyme were carried out. The enzyme showd maximum activity at incubation time of 50 min. The optimum substrate concentration was found to be 250mM. The excellent property of this enzyme such as the activity at the alkaline pH range at physiologicl temperature makes it extremely valuable in the Chemotherapeutic treatment of liukemia.

9 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

008094   Chowdhery H J (NO, Botanical Survey of India Northern Circle, 192, Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun-248 195) : Orchid diversity in north-eastern states of India. J Orchid Soc India 2009, 23(1-2), 19-42.

The Indian region is one of the most diverse biographic and biodiversity rich regions of the world that harbors more than 45,000 species of flora, about 89,000 species of fauna, and an equally rich marine life. Out of the estimated 45,000 species of plants, angiosperms or the flowering plants accounts for about 17,500 species including ca. 1,300 species of orchids. Though the orchids are distributed all over the Indian region, their highest concentration is found in the Himalayan region (Western Himalya ca. 300 sp. and Eastern Himalaya ca. 900 sp.) followed by Peninsular India (ca. 400 sp.) and Andaman and Nicobar islands (ca. 130 sp.). The present paper deals with the history of orchidology in India and the diversity of habit, vegetative forms, and floral structures in the family Orchidaceae besides degree of endemism and various economic uses.

2 tables, 46 ref

008093   Chakrabory M R;Adak M K;Segupta C (Botany Dep, Bankura Christian College, Bankura-722 101) : Glimpse of exploitation of botanicals : an ecofriendly approach for plant disease management. J Bot Soc Bengal 2009, 63(2), 125-9.

During recent years, it has become evident, due to increasing of public awareness and environmental pollution, that new and safer alternative to tradional synthetic pesticides is both desirable and a necessity. The indiscriminate uses of different synthetic chemicals have caused potential threat to human health, increase in pathogen resistance, mutation and may cause various environmental hazards (Sen Gupta eta;., 2008). Botanicals are in general more compatible with environmental components than the chemical pesticides owing primarily due to their susceptibility to degradation by heat, light and microorganisms (Kumar, 2006). That's why use of plan secondary metabolities for the control of fungi and bacteria is gaining importance (Singh and Prasad, 1993). Due to their strong fungitoxicity, redily available sources, nonphyotoxicity and biodegradability fungitoxicants from plants have a promising future. Now-adays for non-chemical sisease management strategy, phytoextracts and their formulations may well be recommended for commercial exploitation to control the diseases. On the earth there are about 4,80,000 plants and 3,22,311 out of 4,80,000 plants have been identified (Shukla and Chandel, 2008). India has about 8,000 species of known medicinal plants and about 1,000 plants are now being used in the traditional system medicine (Anon, 1998b). It is also necessary to search how many plants are tobe used for their antibacterial and antifungal properties. For ecofriendly management of plant diseases, the application of biocides will open up new horizon of further research. Simulteneous investigations are also needed to purify and characterise the active pricipales of plant extracts, formulation and their application (Sen Gupta et al., 2008).

49 ref

008092   Chakraborty C;Palit P (Plant Physiology Section, Central Research Institute of Jute and Alled Fibres (CRIJAR), Barrackpore, Kolkata-700 120, Email: palitpratip@yahoo.co.in) : Morphological and molecular characterization of nine species of Corchorus (L.) grown in India with special reference to their inter-relationship. J Bot Soc Bengal 2009, 63(2), 89-99.

This study aims at developing a morphological and molecular descriptors of the two cultivated (Corchorus capsularis and C. olitorius) and seven wild (C. aestuans, C. tridens, C. trilocularis, C. urticaefolius, C. fascicularis, C. pseudo-capsularis, C. pseudo-olitorius.} species of Corchorus, available in CRIJAF gene bank. Most of the species are grown in India, it also aims in understanding their relatedness to help in the efforts of inter-specific hybridization. Forty macro- and micro-morphological traits, five isozymes and twenty ISSR profiles of all the species were scored to generate binary matrices. Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic mean (UPGMA) was preformed to construct dendrograms showing the relative relationship between the species. Data of each species were used to compute dendrograms separately for each of the three different characterization methods and by combining all the evidences of each species to make a combined dendrogram. There were considerable variations in the proximity of the species measured by three different methods of classifications. The combined analysis, however, showed that the two cultivated species belong to two different clusters and may be considered as tertiary relatives. C. trilocularis and C urticaefoHus closely resemble each other within the same sub-cluster and can be treated as primary relatives. Similarly, cultivated C. olitorius and C. aestuans are also primary relatives. C. pseudocapsularis may be regarded to be close to the cultivated C. capsularis as both of them appeared in the same cluster, and thus can be treated as secondary relatives. In the absence of detailed genomic information, this integrated analysis is proposed to be more realistic in drawing the relationship between the studied species.

22 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

008091   Chakraborti S;Sinha S;Sinha R K (Botany Dep, Tripura Univ, Suryamaninagar-799 130, Email: khsinhark@yahoo.co.in) : Chromosome number and karyotype analysis of wild guava Psidium guineense sw. - a new report from Tripura, India. Indian J Sci Technol 2010, 3(8), 925-7.

The chromosome number and karyotype of Psidium guineense Sw. was investigated. The species had the chromosome count of n = 22 and 2n = 44 with a karyotype formula 2A_sm+8B_m+24C_nm+10D_sm. The karyotype of the species was slightly asymmetric with a little variation in chromosome length. The species revealed 4 pairs of metacentric, 12 pairs of nearly metacentric and 6 pairs of sub-metacentric chromosomes one of which also had secondary constriction. No meiotic irregularities were recorded. The chromosome constancy of the karyotype recorded in the present study justifies a new record of the present endemic threatened species growing wild in Tripura.

1 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

008090   Biswas S;Sarkar S;Saha A;Poddar R;Saha P K (Botany Dep, Bose Institute, 93/1, A.P.C. Road, Kolkata-700 009, Email: pksbi3333@yahoo.co.in) : SEM studies and status of microphyle for germination in the seeds of Bauhinia acuminata Linn. J Bot Soc Bengal 2009, 63(2), 105-10.

The seed lot of Bauhinia acuminata Linn, produces two physiologically different types of seeds. The dormant and non-dormant seeds show variable germinability. The ungerminated seeds when subjected to germination tests showed 2%-95% germination. SEM studies revealed that status of micropyle in terms of openness and closeness determines the germinability due to the differential water uptake patterns during imbibition. Further, the pores and hilum in the testa play subsidiary role in water absorption. Treatment of hydrochloric and sulphuric acid is effective to break the seed dormancy.

4 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

008089   Biswas G;Sarkar S;Acharya K (Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Botany, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, West Bengal-700 019) : Evaluation of pharmacognostic profile of Astraeus hygrometricus (Pers.) Morg. J Bot Soc Bengal 2009, 63(1), 25-30.

Compounds derived from certain medicinal mushrooms are used extensively in the Orient to increase disease resistance and to normalize body functions. The pharmacognostic profile of a wild edible mushroom, Astraeus hygrometricus (Pers.) Morg. was evaluated. These studies inªclude macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, physical constant values, extractive values, preliminary phytochemical testing, fluorescence characteristics and behavioural chracteristics with different chemical reagents of powdered fruit body. The identification of the mushroom at powdered condition is almost impossible. So, the aggregated data from the above mentioned experiments give a clear cut picture at the powdered state which ultimately helps in identificaªtion and purity assessment.

3 illus, 5 tables, 9 ref

008088   Biswas A K;Das D;Dey P (Botany Dep, Plant Physiology and Biochemistry Laboratory, Calcutta Univ, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019) : Selenium: biological impact on growth, nutrition and enhanced stress tolerance. J Bot Soc Bengal 2009, 63(2), 73-88.

Selenium is a non metallic element, essential nutrient for humans and animals but non-essential element in plants. Over a range of concentrations, the effect of selenium on plants changes from beneficial to toxic. Selenium at low concentrations has the capability to increase the antioxidative capacity and stress tolerance of plants including rice and wheat to heavy metals including arsenic by increasing chloroplastie pigments content, decreasing SOD activity, lipid pet-oxidation, proline and H₂0₂ contents and by improving GSH-peroxidase activity. Selenium may serve to reduce the level of reactive oxygen species through its metabolisation to selenate and then to volatile dimethylselenide. Selenium and arsenic exert antagonistic effects on one another in humans and animals, The Chinese brake fern (Pteris vittata) has been identified as selenium and arsenic accumulator. Selenium is taken up via a sulphate transporter located in the plasma membrane of root. Arsenic induced inhibition of seedling growth in wheat is partially overcome by joint application of selenium with arsenic. Selenium can alleviate conditions associated with high levels of oxidative stress in plants and animals. Selenium has an antiviral and anti-carcinogenic effects in humans and animals. The food systems of few countries deliver an optimum level of selenium to their populations. Now many countries begin to address this major public health issue and searching for sustainable ways to increase selenium intakes. The use of cereal grains containing selenium, selenocysteine and selenomethionine as food would be the first choice as an effective way to increase selenium levels in humans. The knowledge of selenium uptake and metabolism in plants will be exploited to develop selenium enrich crop cultivars and for plant mediated removal of excess selenium from soil and water, Work on biofortification of wheat, barley, lentil, cassava is in progress to increase their nutritional value. This review summarizes the results obtained upon selenium application on plants with regard to selenium uptake, transport, biochemical pathways of assimilation, growth and metabolism, incorporation into proteins, ability of plants to remove selenium from the environment, selenium metabolism into volatile selenium and also nutritional aspects of selenium.

1 illus, 171 ref

008087   Bhale U N;Sarwade P P;Murumkar S K;Chatage V S;Wagh P M (Botany Dep, Arts Science and Commerce College, Naldurg Dist., Osmanabad-413 602) : Fungitoxic potential of Cassia fistula (L.) extracts on mycelial growth and spore germination of pathogenic fungi incitant of spinach (Spinacea oleracea L.). Bionano Front 2011, 4(1), 168-72.

Antifimgal activity of crude ethanol & aqueous extracts of Cassia fistula (leaves, flowers, fruits and roots) were assayed against Alternaria, spinaciae md Fusarium oxysporum f. spinaciae incitent of spinach (Spinacea oleracea L.). Alcoholic extracts of Cassia fistula significantly reduced the radial growth of mycelium at 75<37. concentration against Altemaria spinaciae and Fusarium osysporum f. spinaciae. In case of aqueous extracts of C. fistula (flowers) showed complete inhibition of radial growth at 100% conc. aganist A.spinaciae. But, it was unable to reduce the radial growth of F. oxysporum F. spinaciae. However, C. fistula (fruits) showed total inhibition of spore germination in alcoholic & aqueous extracts at 25% conc. against A. spinaciae. But, alcoholic extracts of Cassiia fistula (fruits, leaves, flowers and roots) showed 100% omjonotopm pf spore germination in F. oxysporum f. spinaciae kt 25% & 75% cone. respectively. And in case of aqueous extract of C. fistula (Fruits and flowers) showeed momplete in inhibition of spore germination at 75% conc. only.

2 tables, 19 ref

008086   Baviskar R N;Suryawanshi N S (Botany College, ICLES' M.J. College, Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Email: baviskar_ramesh@yahoo.co.in) : Inetrgreted management of Penicillium expansum causing blue mould disease of apple using plant extracts. Bionano Front 2011, 4(1), 144-7.

Apple is the most important fruit crop in India which is extensively used as nutritious fruit It is well known to cause considerable loss and quality of apple obtained from the markets. A total of 23 isolates of Penciliuni expansum obtained from apple and tested against earbendazim. In the present study in vitro the management of carbendazim resistant isolates, Pe-15 (MIC 870 ug/ml). Penicillium expansion was tested against leaf extracts of 24 medicinal plants out which Eucalyptus globulous, Azadirachta Indica, Sesamum indicum, Catharanthusroseus and Oscimum sanctum extracts were showed PCE (percentage Control Efficacy) range From 65.02-60.29 individually and in mixture with carbendazim PCE range from 79.0-65.23 and fallowed by the other medicinal plants as Polyalthia longifolia, Curcuma longa, Phumbago zeylanicum, Terminalia bellerica, Terminalia chebula, Eugenia jambolana, Asparagus recemosm, Annona squanosa, Annona reticulata, Tinopospora cordifolia, Vitex negundo, Adhatoda vasica, Allium sativum, Phyllanthus emhlica, Allium cepa, extract and carbendazim PCE was increased upto 65.35-42.33.

1 table, 7 ref

008085   Antara Nandi;Choudhuri A R;Chatterjee A; Mukhopadhyay B (Botany Dep, Bethune College, 181, Bidhan Sarani, Kolkata-700 006, Email: bharatidr@hotmail.com) : Some morpho-physiological responses in mungbean and mustard seedings treated with penicillin. J Bot Soc Bengal 2009, 63(1), 13-18.

Penicillin, the well known antibacterial antibiotic, has been shown to be a very active compound in promoting several hormone-controlled phenomena in different plant systems. The present study was made to investigate the pattern of growth and several biochemical parameters following application of different concentrations of penicillin (100, 200 and 400 mgdm^-3) on mustard (Brassica nigra) and mungbean (Vigna radiata) seedlings grown under laboratory condition. Growth data were recorded in terms of shoot and root length of the seedlings following application of penicillin along with their respective fresh and dry weights. Biochemical parameters studied include estimation of total sugar, total DNA, total soluble protein and amino acid content per gram plant tissue, estimation of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and Hill Activity in chloroplast of all treated and untreated seedlings at regular intervals. Results show a promotion in all aspects by penicillin treatment, particularly with 100 mgdm^-3 and 200 mgdm^-3 concentrations, as compared to those of control.

6 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

008084   Agrawala D K;Chowdhery H J (NO, Botanical Survey of India, Northern Circle, 192-Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun-248 195) : On the taxonomy of some Indian species of Eria (Orchidaceae). J Orchid Soc India 2009, 23(1-2), 63-9.

Taxonomy and nomenclature of Eria dalzellii (Hook, ex Dalzell) LindL, Eria filiformis (Wight) Rchb.f., Eria microchips (Dalzell) Lindl., Eria muscicola (Lindl.) Lindl., Eria muscicola var. brevilinguis J. Joseph & Chandras., Eria muscicola var. ponmudiana Mohanan & A. N. Henry, Eria nana A. Rich., and Eria tiagii Manilal et al, are discussed. Based on the study of type and other materials, Eria filiformis (Wight) Rchb.f. is found to be correct name over widely accepted Eria dalzellii (Hook, ex Dalzell) Lindl.; Eria tiagii Manilal et al, is found conspecific with Eria microchilos (Dalzell) Lindi. and Eria muscicola var. brevilinguis J. Joseph & Chandras. is transferred to Eria nana A. Rich, as Eria nana var. brevilinguis (Joseph & Chandras.) Agrawala & H. J. Chowdhery.

19 ref

008083   Acharya K;Pradhan P;Chakraborty N (Botany Dep, Calcutta Univ, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019) : Laccaria amethystina cooke: an addition to the macrofungi of West Bengal, India. J Bot Soc Bengal 2009, 63(2), 137-9.

The vastness of flora and diversity of habit, habitat and topography have made West Bengal a paradise for wide varieties of macrofungi. Laccaria amethystinea, an Agaricales was collected from Mohiary, Howrah and reported first time from West Bengal. A detailed micro-and microscopic features were presented.

1 illus, 14 ref

006992   Yadav R R (NO, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow-226 007) : Tree ring imprints of long-term changes in climate in western Himalaya, India. J Biosci, Bangalore 2009, 34(5), 699-707.

Tree-ring analyses from semi-arid to arid regions in western Himalaya show immense potential for developing millennia long climate records. Millennium and longer ring-width chronologies of Himalayan pencil juniper (.limiperus polycarpos), Himalayan pencil cedar (Cedrus deodard) and Chilgoza pine (Pinus gerardiana) have been developed from different sites in western Himalaya. Studies conducted so far on various conifer species indicate strong precipitation signatures in ring-width measurement series. The paucity of weather records from stations close to tree-ring sampling sites poses difficulty in calibrating tree-ring data against climate data especially precipitation for its strong spatial variability in mountain regions. However, for the existence of strong coherence in temperature, even in data from distant stations, more robust temperature reconstructions representing regional and hemispheric signatures have been developed. Tree-ring records from the region indicate multi-century warm and cool anomalies consistent with the Medieval Warm Period and Little Ice Age anomalies. Significant relationships noted between mean premonsoon temperature over the western Himalaya and ENSO features endorse utility of climate records from western Himalayan region in understanding long-term climate variability and attribution of anthropogenic impact.

6 illus, 35 ref

006991   Wadoodkhan M A;Taur R D;Lakshminarasimhan P; Sardesai M M;Shaikh R I (Botany Dep, Herbarium of Cyperaceae, Majalgaon College, Majalgaon (HCMCM), Dist. Beed-431 131) : Novelties in cyperaceae .IX. New specific and intraspecific taxa of Eleocharis R.Br.. Bioinfolet 2011, 8(1), 5-10.

Three new taxa belonging to genus Eleocharis, including one new species and two varieties, each belongs to E. geniculata and E. atropurpurea have been described and illustrated.

2 illus, ref

006990   Wadoodkhan M A;Bhuskute S M;Kahalkar V I (Botany Dep, Herbarium of Cyperaceae, Majalgaon College, Majalgaon (HCMCM), Dist. Beed-431 131) : Novelties in cyperaceae .VIII. A new section and a new species of Fimbristylis (L.) Vahl from Maharashtra, Inida. Bioinfolet 2011, 8(1), 1-4.

A new section Lineares under the genus Fimbristylis (L.) Vahl and a new species Fimbristylis poklii from Vidarbha region of Maharashtra are described and illustrated.

1 illus, ref

006989   Vijaya Bhasker Reddy A;Chaya P;Ramakrishna H (Botany Dep, P.G. College of Science, Osmania Univ, Saifabad, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh) : Spider webs-a natural trap of spore and pollen. J Palynol 2009, 45(Jan-Dec), 65-73.

This study is concerned with the spore and pollen analysis of 21 spider webs, which were collected from the Eastern, Central and Western zones of the Greater Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. Sixteen pollen taxa belonging to 15 families from Eastern zone, 21 pollen taxa of 15 families from Central zone and 28 pollen taxa of 20 families from Western zone were recorded. The fungal spores and pollen grains extracted from spider webs reflect the distinct characteristics of the regional vegetation, which changes from East to West on both sides of Moosi River of Greater Hyderabad. The Central zone is occupied by the dominance of fungal spores and allergenic pollen grains. The trapped pollen and spores in spider webs and natural traps of these three zones clearly indicate that the Central zone is more allergenic due to effective qualitative and quantitative dispersal of allergenic palynoflora.

8 illus, 1 table, 3 ref

006988   Todawat N J;Papdiwal P B (Botany Dep, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada Univ, Aurangabad-431 004) : Leaf spot diseases of some fruit trees of Aurangabad district, Maharashtra. Bioinfolet 2011, 8(1), 87-90.

Leaf spot diseases of fruit trees from Aurangabad district were surveyed during the years 2008-2010. During this survey of fruit trees, 12 species were found infected by fungal pathogens leading to leaf spot diseases. The diseases were found to be caused by12 species of fungi viz. Alternaria citri, Cercospora mangiferae indicae, Diplodia epicoccos, D.natalensis, Elsinoe zizyphi, Gleosporiumpsidii, Pestalotia annonicola, P.cruenata, P.versicolor, Pestalotiopsis versicolor, Phyllosticta tamarind/cola and Septogloeum feroniae.

16 ref

006987   Thaware J;Saoji A A (Botany Dep, S. K. Porwal College, Kamptee, Dist. Nagpur) : Comparative study on pollen grains of Brassica juncea and Raphanus sativus. Bioinfolet 2011, 8(1), 76.

2 illus, ref

006986   Tewari A K;Singh D;Tripathi S;Mishra N;Singh R B (NO, UP Council of Sugarcane Research, Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh-274 2001, Email: nehaupcsr@gmail.com) : Effect of BAP & kinetin on shoot initiation of Trichosanthes dioica Roxb. an important medicinal plant. Med Pl 2010, 2(1), 59-61.

Nodal and shoot tip explants were collected from field grown mature plants of pointed gourd (T. dioica) for initiation of shoot cultures. The sterilized explants were aseptically inoculated on MS medium supplemented with various concentrations of BAP and kinetin alone and in combinations. Observations were made on 15 explants showing shoot initiation, average length of shoot and number of days taken by nodal/shoot segments to initiate the shoots. Medium containing BAP (1 mg/ml) proved better for establishment of nodal explants. Out of 15, 12 explants established successfully on this medium. The growth of shoots was also found better than on other media tried. It took minimum time (5-6 days) to initiate the culture and the length of the shoot was <126> 1.5 cm with a survival of 80%. BAP at a concentration of 1 mg/ml was found most suitable for shoot initiation from nodal explants of T. dioica in the present study.

2 illus, 1 tables, 18 ref

006985   Suryawanshi N S;Gangawane L V (Botany Dep, Research Laboratory, K.V. Pendharkar College, Dombivli (E). Dist. Thane-421 203) : Integrated management of streptomycin resistant Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. Citri using micronutrients. Bioinfolet 2011, 8(1), 65-6.

Citrus canker caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis Starr & Garces emend,Vauterin et al. pv. C/M(Hasse) Dye (Xac) [Syn. Xanthomonas campestris pv. citri (Hasse) Dye] is a serious disease of citrus. Streptomycin is recommended for the management of this disease, sometime along with Terramycin (Agrimycin-100). Of the 31 isolates of X. axonopodis pv.citri tested for sensitivity against streptomycin, isolate Xac-2 was resistant while isolate Xac-22 was sensitive. Use of streptomycin in combination with Cu, Mg, Fe, Zn, Co and Cd increased its percentage control efficacy (PCE) from 45.46-73.73 percent on agar plates The PCE further increased when the mixture was applied to the leaves and fruits. Fe, Cu, and Zn in combination with streptomycin were most effective.

1 table, 6 ref

006984   Sibi G;Anusuya D (Botany Dep, Bangalore Univ, Bangalore-560 056) : Composting of kitchen wastes from Bangalore university canteen with microbial inoculants. J microbial Wld 2009, 11(1), 126-7.

Kitchen wastes from Bangalore University canteen were collected and subjected to decomposition by using earth worms. The vegetable wastes were decomposed initially by using earthworms and the compost thus obtained was enriched with bioinoculants viz., Phosphate solubilizer (Aspergillus awamori), Potassium mobilizer (Frateuria aurentia), Nitrogen fixer (Azospirillum) and biocontrol agent (Trichoderma viride). Pot experiments were carried out to study the composted kitchen wastes against tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum) and it was found that Frateuria aurentia inoculated plants showed significant increase in growth and nutrient content of tomato plants followed by plants inoculated with Aspergillus awamori enriched compost than the control plants.

1 table, 4 ref

006983   Shah S;Sharon M (nanotechnology Research Centre, Birla College, Kalyan-421 304) : Correlation between plant regeneration by different leaf segments and endogenous level of IAA in leaf segments. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2009, 32(9-10), 263-6.

Different leaf segments of Curculigo orchioides Garten showed differential plantlet regeneration response when cultured on MS basal medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/1 BAP i.e. plant regeneration from different leaf segments did not produce same number of shoot buds. Moreover, it was observed that addition of IAA to the medium completely inhibited the growth of leaf explant. Hence endogenous level of IAA in different segments of the leaf was assayed. It was found that middle part of the lamina had higher amount of IAA which was less in apical and basal leaf segment. This study was to see whether there is any correlation between the endogenous level of IAA and plantlet regeneration capacity of different leaf segments. It was observed that endogenous level of IAA and number of shoots produced was directly proportional.

3 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

006982   Senthilkumar G;Madhanraj P;Kanimozhi K; Panneerselvam A (Botany & Microbiology Dep, A.V.V.M. Sri Pushpam College, Poondi, Thanjavour(Dt.), Tamil Nadu-613 503) : Biodiversity of mycoflora from muthupet mangroves-Tamil Nadu. J microbial Wld 2009, 11(1), 31-6.

15 soil samples were collected from three different stations along the Muthupet mangroves in ' Tamilnadu and examined by dilution plating method on PDA medium to access fungal diversity and the population diversity. The total number of 22 species representing 9 genera were recorded from three sampling stations. Of them many (11 species) were the members of the genus Aspergillus, Penicillium was represented by four species while all others were represented by one species each. Physiochemical characteristics of the soil were also analysed to find out the impact on fungal population.

2 tables, 14 ref

006981   Semwal D P;Kala C P;Bhatt A B (Botany Dep, Dehi Univ, Delhi-110 007, Email: dinusem@rediffmail.com) : Medicinal plants and traditional health care knowledge of Vaidyas, Palsi and others: a study from Kedarnath valley of Uttarakhand, India. Med Pl 2010, 2(1), 51-7.

Systematic surveys of medicinal plants and other ethnobotanical species were conducted in the Kedarnath valley of Uttarakhand state in India by using an integrated approach of botanical collections, group discussions and questionnaires. To examine the distribution of traditional knowledge of local plant species across the different informant's categories, the knowledge was categorized and assessed at three levels - plant identification, plant usefulness and plants uses as medicine. A total of 379 plant species were identified those were distributed among 221 genera and 87 families, of which 59% were herbs, 17% were trees and 13% were shrubs. Results showed differences in ethnobotanical knowledge based on informant's gender, age and cultural sub-groups. In comparison to Vaidyas and Palsi low level of medicinal plant knowledge was found in other group category. Vaidyas and Palsi were the main groups in the region those maintained the traditional knowledge on local flora, especially of medicinal plants. In view of conserving the traditional knowledge of Vaidya and Palsi, it is important to improve their socio-economic conditions through networking and capacity building.

3 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

006980   Sayanika Devi W;Sharma G J (Life Sciences Dep, Manipur Univ, Imphal-795 003, Email: gis1951@rediffmail.com) : In vitro shoot proliferation and enhancement of rooting in Melocanna bambusoides Trin. from nodal explants. J Bamboo Rattan 2009, 8(1-2), 43-52.

An efficient protocol for in vitro propagation of Melocanna bambusoides Trin. is reported. Single nodal segments obtained from mature field grown culm collected during monsoon were tested for bud-break and shoot growth on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of 6- benzylaminopurine (BAP). The early bud-break was obtained on 2-5 mg I^-1 BAP with 1-3 shoots per explants. Axillary shoots produced were multiplied on MS medium supplemented with 3-5 mg I^-1 BAP in liquid medium. Combination of 2 mg I^-1 kinetin (Kn) with 2 mg I^-1 BAP enhanced the multiplication rate. In vitro rooting was carried out in half-strength MS medium. Addition of optimum concentration of 10 mg 1^-1coumarin to 3 mg 1^-1 3- indoleacetic acid (IAA) and 3 mg I^-1 3- indolebutyric acid (IBA) enhanced the rooting percentage. More than 80 per cent of the shoots could be rooted in half-strength MS medium containing 3 mg I^-1 IBA, 10 mg I^-1 coumarin and 0.05 mg I^-1 BAP before transferring them to a semi-solid rooting medium. Synergistic interaction between an optimum concentration of 10 mg I^-1 coumarin with auxins stimulates root growth and development. After a period of in vitro hardening, the propagules were acclimatized and then transferred to the soil with more than 80 per cent success.

3 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

006979   Sawant U J;Karadge B A (Agrochemicals and Pest Management Dep, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur) : Chlorophyll and carotenoids contents of five bryophytes (four liverworts and a hornwort) from Panhala region of Kolhapur district. Bioinfolet 2011, 8(1), 103-4.

Chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations were measured in five bryophytes from Panhala region of Kolhapur district. The concentration of chlorophyll b was greater than that of chlorophyll a in all bryophytes, while that of carotenoids was maximum in Asterella wallichiana and minimum in A. subtilis.

1 table, 9 ref

006978   Sahu S C;Rout N C;Dhal N K (Natural Products Dep, IMMT, CSIR, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Email: sudam_rrl@yahoo.co.in) : Ethnobotany of Eulaliopsis binata (Retz.) Hubbard-poaceae, in Odisha, eastern India: cultivation practice, economics and prospects. J Adv dev Res 2010, 1(2), 155-60.

Eulaliopsis binata (Retz.), locally known as "Sabai grass" is cultivated throughout India especially in Eastern India for its multiple uses in small scale industry sector. The leaves of the plant are used as good raw material for paper industry. The rope prepared from the leaf fiber is a source of many valuable handicraft products practiced by the people of Eastern India. Following traditional methods of cultivation, wastelands are utilized encouraging the rural people as a source of income. This paper describes the morphology, distribution, cultivation, economics, process of rope and craft products preparation along with their commercialization.

2 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

006977   Rajendran R;Saleem Basha N (Pharmacognosy Dep, Mohamed Sathak A.J. College of Pharmacy, Medavakham, Chennai-600 119, Email: rekhacognosy24@yahoo.com) : Antimicrobial activity of crude extracts and fraction of Premna serratifolia Lin. root. Med Pl 2010, 2(1), 33-8.

Premna serratifolia Lin., belonging to the family Verbenaceae was screened to evaluate in vitro antimicrobial activity against the selected human pathogenic organisms. In the present investigation, different extracts (n-hexane, chloroform, ethylacetate, ethanol and ethanol fractions (No. I to VII) of the roots of the plant were obtained. Preliminary phytochemical reports of the extracts and fractions showed the presence of phytoconstituents like flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids, glycosides and phenolic compounds. Findings showed potential antimicrobial properties of the extracts (133.33 mg/ml) and fractions (33.33 mg/ml) of root of Premna serratifolia Lin., against the different bacterial organisms and fungal tested and the zone of inhibition of the extracts and fraction were comparable with that of standard antibiotics. The study suggests that the plant is promising for development of phytomedicine for antimicrobial properties and also indicates the potential usefulness of Premna serratifolia Lin., in the treatment of various pathogenic disease which in future can be developed as a potential antimicrobial agent with reduced toxicity and adverse effects when compared with the synthetic chemotherapeutic agents.

15 ref

006976   Rajendran N K;Ramakrishnan J (School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Univ, Thanjavur-613 402, Email: nandabiotech@yahoo.com) : Polyphenol analysis and antitumor activity of crude extracts from tegmen of Artocarpus heterophyllus. Med Pl 2010, 2(1), 63-6.

Artocarpus heterophyllus are rich sources of the isoprenylated phenolic compounds, including flavonoids. In this study, crude extracts from the tegmen of A. heterophyllus were tested in vitro for their antitumor activity. Total polyphenol content of the extracts ranged from 97.33 to 117.75mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g extract depending on the solvent used and extraction time applied. Among the three solvent extracts, methanol extract showed maximum polyphenol content at 2 hr extraction time followed by ethanol and butanol respectively. The methanolic extract showed maximum cytotoxicity on HEp2 cells up to 1:4 dilution. Cytotoxic changes observed was cell aggregation, cell rounding & cell death. The overall results indicate promising baseline information for the potential uses of crude extract from the tegmen of A. heterophyllus as an antitumor agent.

2 illus, 15 ref

006975   Rajbhoj B G;Rathor O S (P.G. Botany Dep, Science College, Nanded-431 605) : Diversity of rhizobium and its effect on nodulation of urdbean. Bioinfolet 2011, 8(1), 93-5.

Various strains of Rhizobia from different plants of Marathwada region were tested for their nodulation capacity in urid bean. The strain from Parbhani district was found promisina.

2 tables, 2 ref

006974   Prasad V;Farooqui A;Tripathi S K M;Garg R; Thakur B (NO, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow-226 007) : Evidence of late palaeocene-early eocene equatorial rain forest refugia in southern western ghats, India. J Biosci, Bangalore 2009, 34(5), 777-97.

Equatorial rain forests that maintain a balance between speciation and extinction are hot-spots for studies of biodiversity. Western Ghats in southern India have gained attention due to high tropical biodiversity and endemism in their southern most area. We attempted to track the affinities of the pollen flora of the endemic plants of Western Ghat area within the fossil palynonora of late Palaeocene-early Eocene (<126>55-50 Ma) sedimentary deposits of western and northeastern Indian region. The study shows striking similarity of extant pollen with twenty eight most common fossil pollen taxa of the early Palaeogene. Widespread occurrences of coal and lignite deposits during early Palaeogene provide evidence of existence of well diversified rain forest community and swampy vegetation in the coastal low lying areas all along the western and northeastern margins of the Indian subcontinent. Prevalence of excessive humid climate during this period has been seen as a result of equatorial positioning of Indian subcontinent, superimposed by a long term global warming phase (PETM and EECO) during the early Palaeogene. The study presents clear evidence that highly diversified equatorial rain forest vegetation once widespread in the Indian subcontinent during early Palaeogene times, are now restricted in a small area as a refugia in the southernmost part of the Western Ghat area. High precipitation and shorter periods of dry months seem to have provided suitable environment to sustain lineages of ancient tropical vegetation in this area of Western Ghats in spite of dramatic climatic changes subsequent to the post India-Asia collision and during the Quaternary and Recent times.

6 illus, 2 tables, 75 ref

006973   Pawara C M;Patil S Y;Borse B D (Botany Dep, S. P. D. M. College, Shirpur-425 405) : Aquatic fungi from north Maharashtra .II.. Bioinfolet 2011, 8(1), 18-21.

The conidia of two species of the genus Flabellospora belonging to Hyphomycetes were encountered from foam samples collected from the different streams and rivers of North Maharashtra. Flabellospora amphibia is reported for the first time in India. Flabellospora multiradiata is reported for the first time from North Maharashtra. Brief notes and illustrations are given for each species. Geographical distributions of these fungi in India are also provided.

2 illus, 45 ref

006972   Patil K B;Kamble S S (Botany Dep, Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur-416 004) : Efficacy of ridomil gold against Phytophthora palmivora var. Piperina causing 'quick wilt' of black pepper. Bioinfolet 2011, 8(1), 105-6.

There was variation in MIC of Ridomil Gold among the five isolates of Phytophthorapalmivora var. piperina on the agar plates and Black pepper vines. MIC on the agar plates ranged from 2500 to 4600 μg/ml, while it was 2000 to 3000 Mg/ml on Black pepper vines. Isolate PP-3 was sensitive. The resistant isolate PP-1 showed MIC of Ridomil gold as 4600 and 3000 pig/ml, in vitro and in vivo respectively.

1 table, 3 ref

006971   Patil A R;Kawale T R;Patil M S (Botany Dep, Rajaram College, Kolhapur-416 004) : Some additions to the rust fungi of India. Bioinfolet 2011, 8(1), 11-17.

In the present paper, four rust species viz. Phakopsofa blepharidis sp. nov. on Blepharis molluginifolia Pers., Puccinia varioides I.Jorstad on Hygrophila angustifolia Br., Uredo leonotidis P. Henn. var. Indica var. nov. on Leonotis nepetaefolia R.Br., and Uredo state of Puccinia praetermissa J. Parm. on Lagasca mollis Cav. have been reported.

4 illus, 9 ref