022594   Padmavathi L;Raghavendra A S (Plant Sciences Dep, School of life sciences, Hyderabad Univ, Hyderabad-500 046, Email: asrsl@uohyd.erent.in) : Restriction of alternative pathway or cytochrome pathway of mitochondrial electron transport makes mesophyll protoplasts of pea susceptible to photoinhibition at even moderate light. J Pl Biol 2007, 34(1), 49-56.

Mitochondrial oxidative metabolism optimizes and protects photosynthesis against abiotic stress. The present study was made to assess the importance of alternative or cytochrome pathways of mitochondria! electron transport in such protection. Photosynthesis in mesophyll protoplasts and leaf discs of pea was monitored under moderate or high light, with mitochondrial metabolism modulated by suitable inhibitors. Mesophyll protoplasts pre-illuminated at a moderate light intensity of up to 1000 μmol m^-1s^-1, showed no significant photoinhibition. However, when the alternative pathway was inhibited with SHAM, photoinhibition was induced at moderate light intensities. Antimycin A (inhibitor of cytochrome pathway) had similar effect but to a less extent than that of SHAM. At high light (<62>2000 μmol m^-2 s^-1), the control itself showed photoinhibition, which was further aggravated by SHAM and antiniycin A. Similar pattern was observed in the system of leaf discs. Western blot analysis revealed an increase in the levels of the active (<126>30 kDa) form of alternative oxidase (AOX) in the light-treated leaf discs, compared to the dark exposed ones. Further, an additional (possibly light stress responsive) isoform of AOX was detected in extracts of leaf discs exposed to high light. We propose that the alternative pathway of mitochondrial electron transport along with cytochrome path, helps to dissipate photochemically generated excess redox, and thus helps in photoprotection at both moderate and high light intensities.

4 illus, 1 table, 42 ref

022593   Nandakumar K;Perumal G;Sivashanmugam M; Thangaraj N;Saravanakumar G (Botany Dep, Kandaswami Kandar's College, Velur Namakkal-638 182) : Survey of pteridophytes from Kolli Hills, Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu. Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(1), 205-07.

Deals the survey of available Pteridophytic plants, which are prevalent in study area. The botanical name, family, habitat and present status in Kolli hills have been given Huperz.ia phlegm.aria, Lycopodium clavatum, Sellaginella wighti, Sellaginella tenera, Botrychium lanuginosum, Angiopteris evecta, Anemia wightiana, Pteris multiaurita, Pteris pellucida, Pteris argyraea, Pteris linearis, Pteris confuse, Actinioptris radiate, Doryopteris concolor, Cheilanthes farinose, Cheilanthes tenuifolia, Ceratopteris thalictroides, Hemionitis arifolia, Pithyrgramma calomelanos, Adiantum caudatum, Adiantum lunulatum, Adiantum hispidulum, Adiantum raddianum, Adiantum capillus-veneris, Vittaria elongata, Pteridium aquilinum, Odontosoria chinensis, Lindsaea odorata, Lindsaea heterophylla, Araiostegia pulchra, Nephrolepis uriculata, Trichomanes plicatum, Dicranopteris linearis, Cyathea gigantea, Psedocydosorus tylodes, Christella dentate, Asplenium erectum, Asplenium inaequilaterale, Asplenium indicum, Tectaria coadunate, Arachniodes Iripinnata, Arachniodes aristata, Dryopteris cochleata, Dryopteris sparsa, Bolbitis prolifera, Blechunum orientate, Leptochilus lanceolatus, Drynaria quercifolia, Pyrrosia porosa, Pleopltis macrocarpa, Lepisorus nudus, Marsilea minuta and Azolla pinnata.

1 table, 6 ref

022592   Mohite A K;Pingle S D (NO, R.B.N.B. College, Shrirampur, Dist.-Ahmednagar-413 709) : Fresh water green alga Enteromorpha intermedia bliding, ulvales, chlorophyta from Loni, Tal-Rahata, Ahmednagar District (M.S.). Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(1), 197-8.

A fresh water green alga Enteromorpha intermedia Bliding (Ulvales, Chlorophyta) was found abundantly in the campus of P.V.P. College, Pravaranagar, Loni, Tal.- Rahata, Dist. Ahmednagar (M.S.). The alga was studied with respect to morphology and biochemical constituents as total carbohydrates and proteins. The alga exhibits 18.9% total carbohydrates and 6.5% proteins on dry weight basis.

13 ref

022591   Latkowska E;Bialczyk J;Lechowski Z; Czaja-Prokop U (Plant Physiology Dep, Swietokrzyska Academy, Swietokrzyska 15, 24-406 Kielce.Poland, Email: elatko@mol.uj.edu.pl) : Responses in tomato roots to stress caused by exposure to(+)-usnic acid. Allelopathy J 2008, 21(2), 239-52.

The effects of (+)-usnic acid (2,6-diacyl-7,9-dihydroxy-8,9b-dimethyl-odibenzofuran-1,3 (2H,9bH)-dione; UA) stress factor, a secondary metabolite in lichens, on several biochemical and physiological processes in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentuin Mill.) roots were investigated. The tomato plants were cultivated for 21 days (10 to 31 days after germination) in Hoagland's nutrient solution containing 0 to 30 μM of (+)-UA. Some experiments were also done on control roots, incubating for short-term (5.0 h) in solution containing different concentrations of (-i-)-UA. The effects observed depended on the concentration of (+)-UA and the exposure time. In roots incubated for 5.0 h in solution containing 30 μM (+)-UA, electrolyte leakage was increased by 2 times, plasma membrane injury was about 10%, the leakage of inorganic ions was up to 3.1 times higher than in control, while, ion uptake was reduced by 54%. Certain effects occurred only in plants cultivated for long-term (for 21 days) in solution containing (+)-UA; lipid peroxidation was increased by 58%, proline content was up to 33 times of control value, the activities of antioxidative enzymes were increased (catalase by 58%) and plasma membrane H⁺-ATPase activity decreased by 59% than control. Thus UA exerts a multidirectional toxic effects on many physiological processes, which could mutually influence each other.

6 illus, 1 table, 41 ref

022590   Khursheed T;Ansari M Y K;Shahab D (Cytogenetics and Mutation Breeding Lab, Botany Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002, Email: danish18581@yahoomail.com) : Effect of caffeine on seed germination, pollen fertility and seedling survival in Helianthus annuus L. variety Modern. Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(1), 311-12.

Toxic effect of caffeine on seed germination, pollen fertility and seedling survival of Helianthus annuus L. was studied in M, generation. The presoaked seeds of Helianthus annuus L. variety modern were treated with nine different concentrations (0.05%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00%, 1.25%, 1.50%, 1.75% and 2.00%) of caffeine for 24 hours. Significant reduction in seed germination, pollen fertility and seedling survival was recorded with the increase concentrations of mutagen. The maximum seed germination, pollen fertility and seedling survival were found in 0.05% of caffeine among mutagen treated populations.

1 table, 16 ref

022589   Khentry Y;Chowpongpang S;Paradornuwat A; Tantiwiwat S;Thaveechai N (Plant Pathology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand) : Detection of cymbidium mosaic virus in protocorm-like bodies in Dendrobium sonia using one-step RT-PCR. J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2007, 16(2), 123-5.

Dendrobium orchids are clonally mass propagated by tissue culture techniques. However, Cymbidium mosaic virus is prevalent in vegetatively propagated Dendrobium spp. Therefore, a sensitive virus detection method is an important requirement for the production of CymMV-free orchid plants and control of virus spreading in the orchid industry. The presence of CymMV was screened in in vitro PLBs of Dendrobium Sonia using a one-step RT-PCR with specific primers to amplify a 858 bp fragment of a CymMV coat protein gene and flanking regions. Results were compared with those obtained from a conventional indirect ELISA. Only 22% samples showed the presence of CymMV in indirect-ELISA as compared to 78% in RT-PCR. Thus, the one-step RT-PCR appears to be a more sensitive method than indirect-ELISA for detecting CymMV in PLBs.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

022588   Khan M A;Badruzzaman Siddiqui M;Shahab D (Botany Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002, Email: moin_a_khan11@yahoo.co.in) : Seasonal variations in the nuclear number of polynucleate fusiform initials in some myrtaceae. Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(1), 189-92.

While studying the seasonal influence on the cambial make up of three myrtaceae members viz., Callistemon citrinus (Curt.) Skeels Eucalyptus maculata Hook and Syzygium cumini (Linn.) Skeels an interesting feature of nuclear condition was noticed in the fusiform cambial initials. Contrary to the common uninucleate condition, a number of fusiform cambial cells exhibited multinucleate condition. In some extreme cases the nuclear number went as high as six in one cell.

6 illus, 4 ref

022587   Khan M A;Badruzzaman Siddiqui M;Bhat S (Botany Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002, Email: moin_a_khan11@yahoo.co.in) : Dimensional variation of sieve-tube members in some selected species of genus Citrus. Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(1), 193-5.

In formation regarding the systematic morphology and anatomy of bark is insufficient in the literature. How-Iver, a few attempts have been made in the past to utilize bark characters in the identification of different species. the aim to study the dimensional variation of sieve-tube mem-bers in three species of Citrus viz. Citrus Union (Linn.) Burm.f., Citrus reticulala var. tangelos Blanco, and Citrus sinensis Pers. Analysis of the conducting phloem of the three investigated species in transectional view has revealed that sieve-tube members occupy about 22% in Citrus Union, 25% in Citrus reticulata var. tangelos and 23% in Citrus sinensis with averge length of 180 pm, 152.5 pm and 171 pm respectively.

1 table, 25 ref

022586   Karunakar Rao P;Suvartha C (Botany Dep, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009) : Effect of chemical mutagens (EMS & HZ) on seed germination, seedling height and survival percent in tomato. Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(1), 143-6.

Effect of chemical mutagens was studied in tomato on seed germination, seedling height and survival percentage. Effect of chemical mutagens EMS and HZ (0.01%, 0.1%) for 6 hr., 12 hr, 18 hr and 24 hr duration treatments on seed germination,survival percentage and seedling height were found to be progressively decreased in Ml generation. High percentage of seed germination was observed in 0.01% and 0.1% (6 hr, 12 hr,) treatments of EMS and HZ compared to all other treatments both in vitro and in vivo. Highest survival percentage with seedling height was also observed in the same concentrations of EMS and HZ both in vivo and in vitro. Where as the lowest percentage of seed germination, seedling height and survival at 0.01%, 0.1% 24 hr of EMS and HZ both were found in vitro and in vivo.

1 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref

022585   Kalita R;Sarma M K;Borah S P (Botany Dep, Gauhati Univ, Guwahati, Assam, Email: manojksarmal@rediffmail.com) : Karyotype studies in some medicinally important Solanum species of North-East India. Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(1), 151-4.

Karyomorphology of three important wild Solarium species of North - East India was studied. The three species markedly differed with respect to chromosome length, arm ratio and centromeric position although their chromosome number was same (2n = 24). Highest number (9) of A type (length < 7.0 u) chromosome was found in Solanum indicum, while only one chromosome of D type (length > 11.0 u) was observed in this species. In all the three species number of shorter chromosomes were observed to be relatively larger than the longer ones. Chromosomes were mostly found to be metacentric and sub-metacentric in nature. Two sub-telocentric chromosomes were observed in S. khasianum and S. torvum while S. indicum had only one sub-telocentric chromosome.

3 tables, 4 ref

022584   John De Britto A;Jose V;Nirmal Kumar N (Plant Molecular Biology Research Unit, St. Xavier's College, Palayamkottai-627 002, Email: bjohnde@yahoo.co.in) : Molecular analysis of variability in Centella asiatica - a medicinal herb from Southern India. Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(1), 141-2.

Centella asiatica L. has been used as a medicine in the Ayurvedic tradition of India for thousands of years. In order to ascertain the genetic variability, plants of this species were collected from different populations at various localities and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprints were analyzed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) of genomic DNA using random primers. The RAPD fragments were scored for presence/absence, to calculate Jaccard's similarity index. Clustering based on similarity index was done following unweighted pair group with arithmetic mean method and a dendrogram was constructed and analyzed. In the dendrogram based on UPGMA obtained, the populations were highly differentiated by their own genetic distance. The results suggest that Centella asiatica species undergo major part of genetic variation by environmental factors. This information could be very valuable in the management of genetic resources in such medicinally important species.

1 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

022583   Javaid A;Riaz T (Mycology and Plant Pathology Dep, Punjab Univ, Quaid-eAzam Campus Lahore, Pakistan, Email: arshadjpk@yahoo.com) : Effect of application of green leaf manure on growth and mycorrhizal colonization of maize. Allelopathy J 2008, 21(2), 339-47.

In pot culture, the effects of 4 doses (0, 1, 2, 3%, w/w) of green leaf manure of Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Eucalyptus citriodora Hook, Chenopodium album L. and Parlhenium hysterophorus L. were studied on crop growth and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonizauon in maize. All applied green leaf manures adversely affected the plant growth and AM colonization. AH doses (1-3%, w/w) of green leaf manures of A. indica, E. citriodora, C. album and P. hysterophorus reduced the shoot dry biomass (31-66%, 8-44%. 31-43% and 43-54%, respectively). Similarly these doses also significantly reduced the fresh and dry biomass of roots. The green leaf manure of C. album and P. hysterophorus caused most suppression on mycorrhizal development than A. indica and E. citriodora green leaf manures. Root and shoot biomasses were significantly correlated with different parameters of arbuscular and vesicular colonization.

3 illus, 1 table, 39 ref

022582   Javaid A (Mycology and Plant Pathology Dep, Punjab Univ, Quaid-e-Azam Campus Lahore, Pakistan, Email: arshadjpk@yahoo.com) : Allelopathy in mycorrhizal symbiosis in the poaceae family. Allelopathy J 2008, 21(2), 207-18.

Many wild and cultivated grasses, exhibit allelopathy to exclude the associated species by reducing their regeneration, growth and yield. The grasses are less dependent on mycorrhizal symbiosis for nutrient acquisition, because their fibrous roots are efficient in absorption of nutrients. The variation in mycorrhizal colonization of grasses may be due to the presence or absence of allelochemicals in different grass species. The presence of allelochemicals adversely affect the mycorrhizal colonization of plant species. Some cultivated grass species (viz., rice, wheat, maize and sorghum) exhibit allelopathy and show variable response to mycorrhizal inoculation under different soil environments.

4 illus, 3 tables, 53 ref

022581   Harmukh N;Naik M L (School of Studies in Life Sciences, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla Univ, Raipur, Email: nituharmukh@yahoo.co.in) : Seasonal variation in the total alkaloid content in roots of Cocculus hirsutus (Linn.) diels. (menispermaceae). Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(1), 283-5.

Cocculus hirsutus (Linn.) Diels. belonging to family Menispermaceae is a semi woody climber, commonly known as Jal-Jamni. It is an important medicinal plant, common in hedges, open waste lands and near deciduous forests. The whole plant is used in Ayurvedic system of medicine for number of diseases. Root of the plant is highly medicinal value, used in case of rheumatism, fever, diuretics and digestive disorders. It contains a variety of alkaloids including trilobine, isotrilobine, coclaurine and magnoflorine as well as essential oil and B -sitosterol, in all parts of the plant. Present experiments have been done to determine the best month for collection of the plant for alkaloid content. Total alkaloid content was determined by Soxhlet method using methanol as solvent. The month of November and December have been found to be the best months of collection for C. hirsutus roots for obtaining better amount of total alkaloids. Maximum alkaloid yield (1.532%) was obtained in the month of November. Studies on this as well as similar studies on other plants will be helpful to know the best time of the collection or harvesting and yield of medicinally important chemical constituents in different medicinal plants.

1 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

022580   Gul F;Tahir I;Sultan S M (Botany Dep, Kashmir Univ, Srinagar-190 006, Email: inayatullahtahir@indiatimes.com) : Effect of storage temperature on post-harvest performance of Amaryllis belladonna. J Pl Biol 2007, 34(1), 43-7.

A study was undertaken to determine the optimal harvest maturity stage for short term cool wet storage and the postharvest per-formance in preservative solution (sucrose + 8-HQS) after storage of Amaryllis belladonna cv. Rosea (Amaryllidaceae). The scapes were harvested at 0800 h when the tips of the tepals of the first floret were just coloured purple and the stage was designated as tight hud stage. The harvested scapes were cut to a uniform size and held in three separate buckets containing distilled water for 72 h at 5 and 10°C; besides, a separate set was kept at room temperature (27 ± 2°C). After 72 h the scapes were recut and kept at room temperature in the holding solution (sucrose 0.15 M + 8-HQS 200 mg/1). The scapes harvested at tight bud stage and held in distilled water at 5 and 10°C during 72 h storage maintained their premature status, whereas flowers on most of the scapes held in distilled water at room temperature had bloomed. The average vase life of scapes which were previously held in distilled water at room temperature for 72 h was 4 days, whereas the vase life of scapes which had previously received 5 and 10°C temperature treatment for 72 h was 6 and 5 days respectively. The rate of blooming and the number of blooms per scape were appreciably higher in scapes previously held in distilled water at 5 and 10°C respectively as compared to the scapes kept at room temperature. Sucrose 0.15 M + 8-HQS was found to be suitable for maintaining the cut flower performance of A. belladonna. Membrane perme-ability estimated as ion leakage of tcpal discs remained higher in scapes previously held in distilled water for 72 h as compared to the scapes kept at 5 and 10°C. The present results suggest that cool and wet storage of premature scapes of A. belladonna for 72 h in distilled water did not affect the subsequent postharvest cut flower performance in the holding solution (SUC + 8-IIQS) and can be used as an effective postharvest storage system.

4 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

022579   Gayathri T;Kishor Mohan T C;Murugan K (Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Lab, Botany Dep, University College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala-695 034, Email: harimurukan@Gmail.com ) : Purification and characterization of polygalacturonase-3 from jamaica cherry (Muntingia calabura Linn). J Pl Biochem Biotechnol 2007, 16(2), 127-30.

Endo-polygalacturonase-3 (PG-3), the key enzyme of fruit ripening was purified to near homogeneity as judged by native PAGE from the fruit tissues of Jamaica cherry (Muntingia cafabura) using ammonium sulphate fractionation, followed by anion-exchange, gel filtration and affinity chromatography. The molecular mass of the PG-3 enzyme was determined as 85 kD, by size exclusion chromatography. SDS-PAGE of PG-3 revealed two dissimilar bands of 62 and 21 kD as heterogenous subunits. The optimum pH of PG-3 was found to be 4.0. The enzyme had an optimum temperature of 40°C and was relatively stable at 50°C and 60°C. K_m for the substrate polygalacturonic acid was found to be 0.27%. The purified enzyme was a glycoprotein with 6.6 % carbohydrate content.

^ssc2 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

022578   Garg B K;Khan H A;Kavia Z D (NO, Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur-342 003, Email: bkgarg@cazri.res.in) : Interactive effect of senna stems and nitrogen fertilization on net photosynthesis, carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism and yield of wheat. J Pl Biol 2007, 34(1), 5-12.

A field trial was undertaken to study the interactive effects of senna stems (0, 2.5 and 5.0 t ha^-1) and nitrogen (0, 50 and 100 kg ha^-1) on wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Raj. 3077) during rabi season of 2003-04. Senna stems and nitrogen application, either alone or in combination significantly increased leaf area, net photosynthetic rate, levels of total chlorophyll, starch, reducing sugars, soluble protein, free amino acids and nitrate reductase activity at vegetative, flowering and grain development stages. Combined applica-tion of senna stems at the rate of 5.0 t ha^-1 and nitrogen at the rate of 50 kg ha^-1 was most beneficial for enhancement of various leaf metabolites, net photosynthesis and NR activity at all the growth stages, but promotive effects were more pronounced at the vegetative stage followed by flowering stage. Application of senna stems significantly increased grain yield (25.9% increase at 5.0 t ha^-1 over control) and dry matter production (29.2% increase at 5.0 t ha^-1 over control) of wheat. Nitrogen application also increased grain yield by 41.4% and 58.0% at 50 and 100 kg ha^-1 levels, respectively. However, application of senna stems and N fertilization showed additive effects. It was found that 5.0 t ha^-1 senna stems in combination with 50 kg ha^-1 N enhanced grain yield by 76.1% and DMP by 71.0% over control. These results indicate that fertilizer N requirement may be significantly reduced by senna stems application to achieve similar levels of grain yield as achieved with 100 kg ha^-1 nitrogen.

2 illus, 4 tables, 27 ref

022577   Dhivaharan V;Madhavan S;Balu S (Microbiology Dep, Sengamala Thayaar Educational Trust Women's College, Mannargudi-614 001) : Ethnobotany of point calimare wildlife sanctuary, Tamil Nadu : A preliminary survey. Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(1), 343-5.

The study was carried out in the Tamil Nadu region of Nagappattinam District, concerns for the medicinal plants used in home remedy by local inhabitants. Fifty Six plant species belonging 38 families are used for treating varies illnesses. The information on correct botanical identifies, family, local name, plant part used, uses method of preparation of drugs and dosages are appended with each plant.

11 ref

022576   Deshmukh B S (Arts, Commerce and D.R. Science College, Akole-422 601) : Algal diversity of pravara river in Ahmednagar district (Maharashtra). Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(1), 199-204.

Pravara river is the life line of Ahmednagar district. River shows a variety of algal forms of various taxonomic groups in its abundant fresh water ecosystem. 126 species belonging to (66 genera were collected and identified. Typical fresh water red algae like Batrachospermum and Sirodotia were collected at the streams from catchment area of Pravara river. Similarly members of Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae were collected at different stations of river. Some interesting blue green algae like Oscillatoria, Nodularia, Nostoc, Scytonema, Lyngbaya and green algae like Chlorella, Scenedesmus, Draparnaldiopsis, Chaetophora, Oedogonium, Zygnema, Mougeotia and Vaucheria of Xanthophyceae were collected. Out of 126 species 14 species are newly reported for the first time from Maharashtra. The present work can enrich our knowledge of algal flora of this state.

47 illus, 15 ref

022575   Chiramel T;Bagyaraj D J;Patil C S P;Arpana J (Agricultural Microbiology, Univ of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK Campus, Bangalore, India-560 065, Email: djbagyaraj@vsnl.com) : Symbiotic response of Andrographic paniculata to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2007, 29(4), 204-8.

A glasshouse study was conducted to screen and select efficient arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi for inoculating kalmegh (Andrographispaniculata). Seedlings were inoculated with five different AM fungi, two from a preliminary screening trial and the remaining three isolated from the root zone soil of kalmegh singly and in combinations. Kalmegh seedlings raised in presence of AM fungi generally showed an increase in plant growth and andrographolide (active ingredient) concentration over those grown in the absence of the inoculation with AM fungi. The extent of improvement varied (from 2.9 to 19.9 % for shoot biomass and 10.4 to 35.3 % for andrographolide concentration) with the species of AM fungi used for inoculation. Considering the important parameters like plant biomass and andrographolide concentration of the plants, a combination of the 3 native AM fungi isolated from the root zone of kalmegh viz. Glomus fasciciilatum, Gloiinis radiatum and Acaulospora lacunosa form the best consortium for imroving yields of kalmegh.

2 tables, 28 ref

022574   Bhattacharjee P K;Das D;Bhattacharjee S (Applied Botany Laboratory, Botany Dep, M.B.B. College, Agartala, Tripura) : Underexploited wild plants of Tripura : edible fruits. Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(1), 355-7.

Deals with the edible wild fruits of different phytogeographical region of Tripura which botanically come from widely different families. The enumerated data on various wild edible fruits have been arranged into three categories i.e. (I )Ripe Edible Fruits (II) Unripe Fruits used as Vegetable or in Pickles (III) both ripe & unripe fruits. In all about 29 agreeable taxa are screened out of which 10 taxa are first time reported from Tripura and remaining 19 taxa are already reported from the state.

7 ref

022573   Bhagya R;Susheelamma B N (NO, Central Sericulture Research and Training Institute, Srirampura, Mysore-8) : Inter-relationship of physioanatomical characters in mulberry. Adv Pl Sci 2008, 21(1), 137-9.

The correlation between physio-anatomical traits of leaf viz., leaf thickness, palisade parenchyma to spongy parenchyma ratio showed highly significant positive correlation with photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, moisture percentage and moisture retention capacity of leaves are inter-related. Due to the positive significant correlation of palisade parenchyma cells to spongy parenchyma cell ratio, there was a significant increase in the conservation of water in leaf and the thickness of the leaf is very important as thicker leaf results in higher photosynthetic rate, less transpiration rate, higher moisture percentage and retention capacity will be more in the leaf. Hence, physio-anatomical characters which are suppose to influence for the growth and development of silkworm and cocoon characters of B. mori L.

2 tables, 9 ref

022572   Beebi Razeena P M;Khaleel K M (P.G.Studies and Research in Botany Dep, Sir Syed College, Taliparamba-670 142, Email: khaleelchovva@yahoo.co.in) : Efficacy of Excoecaria agallocha plant extract against Fusarium moniliforme and Aspergillus flavus. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2008, 10(1), 47-9.

Efficacy of the plant extract of Excoecaria agallocha is tested against two important human pathogens causing serious diseases to human beings. When the test pathogen Fusarium moniliforme is inoculated, the plate with Excoccarin ngallocha plant extract showed 100% inhibition in its growth after four days. But in the control plate there is 24% growth of the fungus. Similarly when Aspergillus flavus is inoculated to the test plate with Excoecaria 74.6% inhibition is observed after 4 days while the control plate shows 100% growth. After 8 days, inhibition of Fusarium moniliforme is 80.59% compared to the control which has 79.37% growth. The inhibition of Aspergillus flavus is 28.57% after 8 days compared to the control that shows 100% growth. The results show that the active ingredients present in the Excoecaria plant extract is inhibitory to the growth of these pathogens.

1 table, 9 ref

022571   Banerji R;Pandey V;Dixit B S (Lipid Chemistry Div, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001, Email: ranjanbanerji@rediffmail.com) : Composition of oils from four varieties of Carya illinoensis. J Lipid Sci Technol 2007, 39(3), 119-20.

Four varieties of Carya illinoensis viz. Burkett, Mahan, Nelis and Western Schley from Gopeshwar were analysed for oil content and their fatty acid composition. The oil content ranged from 69.7-73.7% and all the oils were found to be rich in oleic acid (68.0-82.9%).

1 table, 6 ref

022570   Auti S G;Apparao B J (Botany Div, H.P.T. Arts and R.Y.K Science College, Nashik-422 005, Email: autisanjay@yahoo.co.in) : Peroxidase isozyme profile in mungbean mutants. J Nucl Agric Biol 2007, 36(1-2), 78-80.

8 ref

022569   Ali B;Hasan S A;Hayat S;Ahmad A (Plant Physiology Section, Botany Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002, Email: aqil_ahmad@lycos.com) : Effect of two natural forms of auxins (IAA and 4-Cl-IAA) on photosynthesis, enzyme activities and ethylene production in Mung bean (Vigna radiata L. wilczek) plants. J Pl Biol 2007, 34(1), 29-33.

The seeds of mung bean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) cv. T-44 were soaked in water (control), aqueous solution of IAA or that of 4-C1-IAA (10^-10, 10^-8 or 10^-6 M) for 8 or 12 h. Treated seeds were sown in earthen pots, placed in a net house. The plants at 30 and 45 day sampling exhibited an elevated level of nitrate reductase (E.C. 1.6.6.1) and of carbonic anhydrase (E.G. 4.2.1.1), the content of chlo-rophyll and rate of photosynthesis. Of the two auxins used, 4-C1-IAA (10^-8 M) proved more effective. However, ethylene production increased proportionately with the concentration of either of the auxins but 4-C1-IAA was more effective. Of the two soaking dura-tions, 8 h proved better than 12 h.

3 illus, 26 ref

021555   Zade V R;Pardey V P;Kargirwar R R (Regional Fruit Research Station, , Katol Dist. Nagpur Maharashtra) : Effect of growth regulators for fruit thinning in Mrig bahar of Nagpur mandrin. Ann Pl Physiol 2007, 21(1), 132-3.

1 table, 4 ref

021554   Yadav R K (Horticulture Div, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umroi Road, Umiam-793 103) : Seed protein electrophoresis studies in cucurbits. Agric Rev 2008, 29(1), 21-30.

Seed protein electrophoresis is increasingly being utilized as an additional approach for species identification and as a useful tool for tracing back the evolution of various groups of plants. This paper summarizes the main features of the seed protein profile-stability, uniformity and additive nature. In addition, the significance of this approach for resolving specific taxonomic and evolutionary problems in cucurbitaceous family has been pointed out.

79 ref

021553   Vij S P;Verma J (Orchid Laboratory, Botany Dep, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014) : Peristylus constrictus (lindl.) Lindl.: a new orchid record for Himachal pradesh. J Orchid Soc India 2007, 21(1-2), 57-9.

Peristylus constrictus (Lindl.) Lindl. is reported for the first time from Himachal Pradesh, extending thereby its North Western limit of distribution in the Himalaya beyond Garhwal region. Description of the species along with illustrations is provided.

2 illus, 9 ref

021552   Vij S P;Verma J (Orchid Laboratory, Botany Dep, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014) : Gastrochilus D. Don (Orchidaceae): a new generic record for Himachal Pradesh. J Orchid Soc India 2007, 21(1-2), 19-21.

Gastrochilus D. Don, a vandoid orchid genus, is reported for the first time from Himachal Pradesh, extending thereby its Northwestern limit of distribution in the Himalaya beyond Garhwal hills of Uttarakhand state. Gastrochilus calceolaris (J. E. Sm.) D. Don is the only species representing this genus in the state. Description and illustrations of the species are provided.

2 illus, 9 ref

021551   Verma M P;Srivastava R B (Botany Dep, L.N. Tirhut College, Muzaffarpur-842 002) : Ophioglossum L. in north Bihar : comparative morphology and spore analysis. Indian Fern J 2007, 24(1-2), 77-81.

North Bihar adjoins Indo Nepal border and collection have been made from Champaran (East and West), Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Darbhanga, Jainagar, Purnea, Kishanganj and Kathihar Districts. Comparative morphology on parameters like Rhizome, Stipe length, Pinna, Spike and Spore have been made. Comparative analysis of rhizome, stipe length inna, spike and spore have been carried in three species of Ophioglossum growing in North Bihar and collected from five different spots.

4 tables, 8 ref

021550   Verma A;Munesh Kumar (Forestry Dep, Mizoram Univ, Aizawl-796 009) : Botanical description and ethno medicinal uses of some important plants of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Prog Res 0000, 2(1-2), 34-8.

The paper present the ethnomedicinal uses and the botanical description of some important naturally occurring plants recorded from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The naturally occurring medicinal plants and their important curing for different diseases played important role especially for the people who are living close to the nature of these areas. There plants are frequently used by the local inhabitant for curing of various diseases. The study reveled that the plants recorded from the site are highly valuable for medicinal uses including diarrhoea, dysentery, gonorrhea, leprosy, paralysis, piles, ulcer, cholera, skin diseases, syphilis, urine complaints and snake bite. Many communities are using these naturally occurring wild plants parts for the primary healthcare, due to belief in its effectiveness, lack of modern medicines and poor economic status of people, and indiscriminate collection and over-exploitation of some commercially important species are declining the population of valuable species for future. Therefore, there is an urgent need to conserve the medicinal resource both macro and molecular level for human health and development of environment, as well as for fulfill the requirement of the people on sustained basis for long term.

7 ref

021549   Trivedi B N;Madhu Pal (Bot Dep, D.A.V. Coll, Kanpur) : Mutation studies in chickpea. Prog Res 2007, 2(1-2), 138-40.

Gamma rays from Co - 60 source were used to irradiate seeds of C. arietinum and C. reticulatum at different doses (5 kR, 10 kR, 20 kR, 30 kR, and 40 kR). Lower doses of radiations upto 15 kR in general increased the height of plants after which there was a regular and steep fall in plant height. The effect of radiation on induction of branching was not consistent. Radiation doses up to 15 kR hastened 50 % flowering. Hybridization studies involving different annuai species of Cicer revealed that C. reticulatum and C. arietinum are crossable to each other and the interspecific hybrids were found economically very much usefull.

7 tables, 8 ref

021548   Srivastava S;Srivastava D K;Gupta U P (Botany Dep, Harish Chandra P.G. College, Varanasi-221 001) : Partial identification of a virus isolate causing leaf crinkle disease on urdbean. Indian J Pl Path 2006, 24(1-2), 111-13.

Symptomatology, transmission, host range, physical properties, electron microscopy and serology of a virus causing leaf crinkle disease in Urdbean was studied. Severe crinkling with corrugated nature of the leaf surface was observed in urdbean plants infected with the virus.The virus was transmitted through sap, seed and aphid vector Aphis gossypii Glov. The virus was systemic only in leguminous hosts viz., Vigna mungo var. Barabanki local, KU-300, Pant Urd-19, IPU 94-1 and PDU-1. Arachis hypogea, Vigna unguiculata and Vigna radiata var. PDM-54 and T-44 also produced leaf crinkle symptoms. The DEP of the virus was 10^-5, TIP 65°C and LIV 4 days at room temperature (25±2°C) and 8 days at 4°C. Electron micrograph of leaf-dip preparation, revealed the presence of flexuous filamentous virus particles. The length of the virus particle was 1019.3549 nm. In serological relationship test, the virus did not give positive reaction in DAC-ELISA with any of the antisera tested.

2 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

021547   Singh Y K;Sharma N (Mycology and PLant Pathology Laboratory, Botany Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow-226 007) : Effect of temperature on growth and antagonistic activity of Trichoderma spp. against Fusarium udum (Butler). Indian J Pl Path 2006, 24(1-2), 69-73.

Studies were carried out to observe the influence of temperature on, growth survival and antagonistic performance of various strains of Trichoderma spp. against pigeon pea wilt pathogen Fusarium udum (Butler). Different isolates of T.hamatum, T. harzianum T. kuningii,, T. longibrachiatum, T. pseudokuningi, and Trichoderma viride, were employed at various temperatures, viz., 15, 20,25,30,35 and 40°C for studying its cultural behavior and antagonistic ability . Increased growth of the pathogen (F. udum) , and growth , sporulation and biomass production of the fungal antagonist (Trichoderma spp.) were observed between 25°C and 35°C Antagonistic activity of Trichoderma spp. against Fudum decreased with increase in temperature except for T. pseudokuningii. which showed maximimum inhibition at 35°C. Survival of Trichoderma spp. on seed coat was maximum at lower temperature (15°C) than higher temperature (30°C). T. harzianum strains Th-5 has shown higher suppression of the pigeonpea wilt pathogen, better growth and survival than strains of other species.

6 tables, 17 ref

021546   Singh G;Guru S K (Plant Physiol Dep, G.B. Pant Univ of Agric & Technol, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: skguru123@yahoo.com) : Multiple shoot induction in intact shoot tip and nodal segment explants of Rauwolfia serpentina. Indian J Pl Physiol 2007, 12(4), 360-5.

Effect of different plant growth regulators alone or in combination on multiple shoots production from different explants of Rauwolfia serpentina L. was studied. Multiple shoots were obtained from intact or excised shoot tip, and nodal segment in MS medium supplemented with BAP (2.0 mg 1^-1) and NAA (0.5 mg 1^-1). Maximum number of shoots (16-24 per explant) was obtained from the excised shoot tips.

2 tables, 12 ref

021545   Silja V P;Smitha Varma K;Mohanan K V (Botany Dep, Zamorin's Guruvayurappan College, Calicut-673 014, Email: drkvmohanan@rediffmail.com) : Ethnomedicinal plant knowledge of the Mullu kuruma tribe of Wayanad district, Kerala. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2008, 7(4), 604-12.

Mullu kuruma tribe is a very prominent tribal group of Wayanad district of Kerala state with unique culture and ethnobotanical practices. The study has revealed the use of 136 plant species for traditional medicinal purposes by the tribe. They use about 14 plants for the treatment of skin diseases, 10 for inflammation, 3 as abortifacient, 9 for dandruff, 11 for dysentery, 6 for piles, 7 for epilepsy, 19 for asthma and other bronchial diseases, 11 for anaemia, 4 for constipation, 1 for tuberculosis, 8 for jaundice and other liver diseases, 6 for burns, 7 for leucorrhoea, 2 for migraine, 5 for wounds, 3 for malaria and 13 for urinary complaints and kidney stone.

021544   Shenoy H S;Krishna Kumar G (Botany Dep, SDM College, Ujire-574 240, Email: kkgmane@rediffmail.com) : Helminthostachys zeylanica (L.) Hook. (Ophioglossaceae) a new record to Karnataka, India. Indian Fern J 2007, 24(1-2), 164-6.

Helminthostachys is a monotypic genus of Ophioglossaceae represented by Helminthostachys zeylanica (L.) Hook. The family has two other genera viz Botrychium with 50 species and Ophioglossum with 30 species (Mabberty 1997). During our floristic explorations of the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka we have collected this species. Perusal of the literature on the fern flora of Karnataka indicate this to be a new addition to the fern flora of Karnataka.

1 illus, 6 ref

021543   Sharma-Natu P;Savitha M;Babu S;Ydayakumar M (Plant Physiol Div, Indian Agric Res Inst, New Delhi-110 012, Email: poonam_natu@yahoo.co.in) : Heat sock response fo wheat cultivars differeng in thermotolerance. Indian J Pl Physiol 2007, 12(4), 327-36.

Attempt was made to assess whether genetic variability in thermotolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was associated with the differential accumulation and expression of high molecular weight (HMW) and low molecular weight (LMW) heat shock proteins (HSPs). Seedlings of wheat cvs. HD 2285 and UP 2338 (temperature tolerant) and cvs. HD 2428 and HD 2329 (temperature susceptible) were subjected to a gradual temperature induction (30°C, 1h → 33°C, 1h → 37°C, 2h) followed by a severe lethal temperature stress (46°C, 3h). The seedlings were allowed to recover for 68 hrs and growth during recovery was taken as a measure to quantify the relative thermotolerance of these cultivars. The temperature induced seedlings of thermotolerant cultivars showed higher recovery growth and greater ability to acquire thermotolerance as revealed by 2, 3, 5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) test. The higher recovery growth of temperature induced seedlings of tolerant cultivars was associated with the enhanced accumulation and expression of both HMW as well as LMW HSPs. However, unlike the HMW HSPs which showed constitutive expression even under non stress conditions, LMW HSPs were observed to be induced only under high temperature stress.

5 illus, 57 ref

021542   Sharma T P;Borthakur S K (NO, State Medicinal Plant Board, Forest Department, Deorali-737 102, PO Tadong, Gangtok, East Sikkim) : Ethnobotanical observations on Bamboos among Adi tribes in Arunachal Pradesh. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2008, 7(4), 594-7.

Arunachal Pradesh is inhabited by 25 major tribes and 110 sub-tribes with a rich blend of indigenous culture and traditions. Provides information gathered on ethnobotanical uses of bamboos among the Adi tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.

021541   Sharma N;Basant Prabha;Bazpai S A (Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Botany Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow-226 007, Email: dr_neeta_sharma2003@yahoo.com) : Combining hot-water treatment with yeast antagonists to control blue mold disease of apple. Indian J Pl Path 2006, 24(1-2), 25-8.

Studies were made to examine the possible use of a hot water treatment (HWT) to disinfect apple fruits. In vitro studies revealed that Penidllium expansum was sensitive to high temperature. In vivo studies of inoculated apple fruit with Penidllium expansum followed by HWT at 60 °C for 60 s was most effective to control decay. The sensitivity of spores of P. expansum towards HWT increased when the fruit were treated with hot water 24 h after the inoculation as compared with simultaneously inoculated and treated fruits. The combination of HWT with the application of yeast antagonists Candida uitilis or Debaryomyces hansenii was also investigated. It was observed that artificially inoculated fruits(after 24 h ) when treated with HWT at 60 °C for 60 s and dipped in Debaryomyces hansenii (10⁶ CFUml^-1) reduced decay development more when compared with control. Another yeast antagonist, Candida utilis was similar in its ability to control Penidllium expansum.

2 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

021540   Sharma N;Awasthi P;Tripathi A;Sharma S;Basant Prabha;Bajpai S A (Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory Dep of Botany, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow-226 007) : Control of aspergillus niger (L.) van tieghem in mango fruits utilizing combination of yeast and chitosan, a soft fungicide. Indian J Pl Path 2006, 24(1-2), 74-7.

Antifungal activity of chitosan was tested in vitro against Aspergillus niger a major postharvest pathogen of mango. Chitosan at all concentrations inhibited the spore germination of A. niger. The addition of 0.5% chitosan to a cell suspension of Debaryomyces hansenii (10⁶ CPU/ml) enhanced significantly the efficacy of D. hansenii in controlling postharvest decay of mango than the stand-alone treatments of yeast or chitosan.

1 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

021539   Shadang R;Dwivedi P;Hegde S N (Botany Dep, Rajiv Gandhi Univ, Itanagar-791 111) : Shoot formation through in vitro culture of axillary buds in Ascocentrum ampullaceum (Roxb.) Schltr.. J Orchid Soc India 2007, 21(1-2), 71-3.

Axillary buds of Ascocentrum ampul/aceum were cultured in 1/2 strength MS medium supplemented with various concentrations of NAA, BAP, IAA and KN (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mgl^-1), along with 2% sucrose. The explants showed swelling in form of dome-shaped structure after one month and crack appeared in the outer covering sheath of bud from where single or multiple shoot(s) emerged in the subsequent months. Use of BAP and NAA in the medium helped in breaking bud dormancy and induced highest multiple shoot formation. BAP (0.5 mgl^-1) produced highest number (15-20) of shoots.

2 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

021538   Sen A;Bhattacharya M K (Botany & Biotechnology Dep, Karimganj College, Karimganj-788 710) : Further contribution to the fern flora of bark valley, Assam N.E. India. Indian Fern J 2007, 24(1-2), 156-60.

Presents some new records of ferms from Barak Valley, Assam. Altogether 24 species belonging to 10 families are reported of which a total of 14 species are new records from the valley. Two species which have not been reported in any recent publications are rediscovered from the valley after a long gap of 123 years. The remaining ones are new records from one or the other of three discricts of Barak valley.

22 ref

021537   Rincon Hernandez C A;Espinosa Garcia F J (Escuel de Quimico Farmacobiologia, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo, 58030, Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico, Email: espinosa@oikos.unam.mx) : Relationship between the phytochemical diversity in creole avocado (Persea americana var. drymifolia) leaves and the incidence of foliar gall psyllid (Trioza anceps). Allelopathy J 2008, 21(1), 175-82.

Describes the relationship between the leaf volatile biochemical diversity (relative abundance of secondary metabolites in tissue) in the Creole avocado (Persea americana var. drymifolid) growing in germplasm bank and herbivory of the foliar gall psyllid (Trioza anceps). The gall density per leaf was recorded and the volatile fraction of Creole avocado leaves was analysed and quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The foliar biochemical diversity was correlated positively with the incidence of the gall insect. There were neither significant correlations between the incidence of the insect galls and the accessions per latitude or altitude of origin, nor between the foliar biochemical diversity of accessions. Few compounds were found associated with the incidence of psyllid: (i). Estragole was negatively correlated with the number of galls per leaf (Sperman r = -0.209 n = 93, p <60> 0.05) and its concentration was higher in the leaves of trees without galls (4.39 ± 0.3 SE mg/g dry wt) than those with galls (3.34 ± 0.06 SE mg/g dry wt). (ii). Caryophyllene oxide and (iii) sesterterpene 2,6,10,14,16-pentamethyl-2,6,10,14,18-eicosapentaene were more concentrated in the tree leaves with galls than without galls.

3 tables, 31 ref

021536   Rajkumar;Kaushik P (Radiation Biology Dep, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, (DRDO), Delhi-110 054) : Isolation of Rhizoctonia solani - a cellulose producing mycorrhizal fungus from Zeuxine strateumetica (L.) Schltr. J Orchid Soc India 2007, 21(1-2), 3-6.

Zeuxine strateumatica roots invariably revealed the presence of a mycorrhizal endophyte, Hhizoctonia solani. The endophyte enters the roots through the root hairs and forms peletons in the cortical cells. The fungus was isolated in vitro for morphological and physiological characterization. The significant role of cellulases produced by endophyte, Rhizoctonia solani in the development of mycorrhiza has also been recognized.

2 tables, 24 ref

021535   Purohit S N;Rathore D (NO, , E-110, Ist Extension, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Jodhpur) : Studies on the shoot apices in Pteridophytes of Rajasthan, India. Indian Fern J 2007, 24(1-2), 106-13.

Morphology of apices of stem/ rhizome/ corm of some of the I'leridophytes of Rajasthan is described and observed the existence of both single cell and multiple cells apical meristems. Plants studied are Isoeles, Eqitisetum, Ophioglossum, Actiniopleris and Adiantum. The study is discussed in relation to earlier observations.

10 illus, 33 ref

021534   Purohit S N;Bohra D R (NO, , E-110, 1st Extension, Kamal Nehru Nagar, Jodhpur) : Spore germination and gametophyte development. Indian Fern J 2007, 24(1-2), 114-20.

Description is given of spore germination and gametophyte development of Equisetum, Cheilanthees and Hypodetnalhun collected from different places in the Aravalli Hills, Rajasthan. Influence of various plant growth regulators-GA₃, IAA and morphactin has also been observed on sex expression and sporophyte formation. Academic importance of this investigation is discussed.

14 illus, 39 ref

021533   Punetha N;Punetha R;Bhakuni K (Botany Dep, Government Postgraduate College, Pithoragarh-252 502) : Wealth of ferns and fern allies in the botanical garden at Pithoragah, central himalaya. Indian Fern J 2007, 24(1-2), 54-9.

A list of lower vascular plants grown in the fern garden of Government Postgraduate College, Pithoragarh is provided. Brief account of habitat features of some particular species is also given. The array of laxa is from different climatic zones of central Himalaya.

6 illus, 11 ref

021532   Punetha N;Bhakuni K;Punetha R (Botany Dep, Government Postgraduate College, Pithoragarh-262 502) : Note on the freak frond of Pteris cretica Linn.. Indian Fern J 2007, 24(1-2), 122-4.

Description of an unusual frond of Pteris cretica is given in which the pinnae of only one side of the main rachis are fertile while the pinnae of the other side are vegetative.

1 illus, 5 ref