018363   Srivastava S;Shukla D S;Tewari J P (Bot Dep, M.L.K. (P.G.) Coll, Balrampur-271 201) : Different stages of capsule maturity and its effect on germination and seedling vigour in Jatopha curcas (L.). Flora Fauna 2007, 13(1), 15-16.

Jatropha curcas (L) seeds were collected at different stages of capsule maturity to find out its effect on germination and seedling vigour. The black (ripen) stage of capsule seeds gave higher germination percentage and seedling vigour. This probably might be due to presence of some specific chemical which develop during late stages of ripenings.

1 table, 10 ref

018362   Srivastava S K;Pathak M;Shukla S;Shukla D S; Tewari J P (Bot Dep, M.L.K. (P.G.) Coll, Balrampur-271 201) : Seed mycoflora of physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.). Biomed 2007, 18(1-2), 13-16.

Deals with seed mycoflora of Jatropha curcas L. an important bio diesel plant. The external and internal mycoflora was studied by blotter technique and agar plate method. Thirteen species of fungus were detected in unsterilized seeds indicating that they were externally seed borne. Twelve species of fungus were detected in sterilized seeds indicating that they were internally seed borne. By blotter technique more fungi were isolated as compared to agar plate method. Acremonieum vilis, Curvularia lunata, Menmoniella echinata, Monilia sp. and Penicillium sp. were not isolated by agar plate method in both sterilized and unsterilized seeds. Nigrospora oryzae, Papulaspora sp. Thielavia terricola and Trichoderma sp. were not isolated by standard blotter method in both sterilized and unsterilized seeds.

1 table, 10 ref

018361   Srivastava P;Singh R P;Tripathi V K (Dep of Horticulture, Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur-208 002) : Response of gamma radiation (<. J ornamental Hort 2007, 10(2), 135-6.

^ssc1 table, 5 ref

018360   Srivastava G;Pathak M;Tewari J P (Plant Pathol Lab, Bot Dep, M.L.K. (P.G.) Coll, Balrampur-271 201) : Histopathological changes in Cucurbita pepo L. plants by single and combined infection of watermelon mosaic virus and powdery mildew fungus Oidium caricae. Biomed 2007, 18(1-2), 1-5.

Histopathological changes induced in pumpkin leaves inoculated with watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) and Oidium caricae alone or in different combinations by these pathogens were studied. The plants inoculated with virus alone exhibited the disintegration of pallisade tissues and the development of wider spaces in spongy parenchyma, whereas the broken epidermal cell wall, necrosis and collapse of epidermal tissue were found as predominant changes in the plants inoculated with Oidium caricae alone. The presence of broken and thinne.r palisade tissues with a fewer number of chloroplasts were seen in plants inoculated simultaneously with both the pathogens. The establishment of virus infection at different periods prior to fungal infection showed pronounced changes of disintegration of palisade cells with a fewer number of chloroplasts. However, in the reverse sequence, the necrosis and collapsing of tissue was much in advanced stages of fungal infection.

16 ref

018359   Srivastava D K;Singh P (Bot Dep, A.B.R.P.G. Coll, Anpara, Sonebhadra-231 225) : Effect of different concentration of copper on peroxidase enzyme activity of Vicia faba L. Biomed 2007, 18(1-2), 69-71.

Devoted to the effect of copper on peroxidase specific activity in Vicia faba L. seedling. Exposure to relatively low copper level (8-64 μM), increased activity of peroxidase specific activity in roots and shoot leaves of Vicia faba L. This unique physiological mental induced behaviour of the enzyme is of great significance. However, exposure to other high copper level (96 and 125 μM) suppress the enzyme activity and causes severe phyto toxic effect.

1 illus, 6 ref

018358   Sreelakshmi L;Kavi Kishor P B;Janardhan Reddy (Dep of Botany, Osmania University, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: kjreddy@yahoo.co.in) : Enhanced production of psoralen, a furanocoumarin in callus cultures of cullen corylifolium (L.) Medik. Pl Cell Biotechnol molec Biol 2007, 8(1-2), 27-32.

Callus cultures derived from internodes and leaf explants of a medicinally important plant, Cullen corylifolium were established on Z medium fortified with 9.04 μM 2,4-D and 9.3 μM kinetin. Psoralen, a furanocoumarin, was isolated from calli and confirmed by ¹HNMR, ¹³CNMR, electron-ionization mass spectra and high pressure liquid chromatography analysis. Maximum growth of leaf callus on dry weight basis (3.44 g/culture) was noticed on 5% sucrose, but 2% maltose favored 2.45 mg psoralen/g dry cell weight (DCW). Among amino and phenolic acids, 0.1 mM phenylalanine/l resulted in 2.85 mg of psoralen/g DCW. the content of psoralen was several folds higher in callus cultures compared to the intact plant tissues.

1 illus, 3 tables, 25 ref

018357   Singh P K;Singh R H;Vinod Kumar (NO, K.B.P.G. Coll, Mirzapur-231 001) : Medicinal plants used by gond tribe of `Dudhi' district Sonebhadra, Uttar Pradesh India. Flora Fauna 2007, 13(1), 50-4.

Extensive survey was made in Dudhi of Sonebhadra District of Uttar Pradesh, India, for the medicinal flora used by Gond tribe. The medicinal uses of 62 important plant species by these tribal peoples based on field survey have been reported with a view to demonstrate the richness of floral diversity of the area and also the indigenous knowledge of the people of that area.

12 ref

018356   Singh Kashyap A;Dutt S;Affreen H;Singh A (Botany Dep, MM (PG) Coll, Modianagar, Ghaziabad) : Domesticating indrayan for sustainable use. Indian Hort 2007, 52(5), 12-13.

Indrayan (Citrulus colocynthis) is vanishing rapidly from our wild flora of the National Capital Region (NCR)-Gautam Budh N gar, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Delhi, Gurgaon, Rohtak, Baghpat and adjacent areas-due to rapid urbanization, growing population and its high demand. A wild ethnic medicinal plant, indrayan is also known as pherphendua, bitter apple, egusi and gudumba-ki-bel, belonging to family Cucurbitaceae. Since it is of vital importance in pharmaceutical preparations, to conserve it for future and present generations is the need of the hour.

2 illus

018355   Singh K;Singh P J;Ramesh Kumar (Dep of Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Agriculture, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004) : Effect of chlorine on keeping quality of cut roses. J ornamental Hort 2007, 10(2), 125-7.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

018354   Singh H P (NO, ICAR, Krishi Anusandhan Bhavan II, Pusa, New Delhi-110 012) : Technological interventions in Indian Horticulture - a way ahead. Indian Hort 2007, 52(4), 3,5,7-9,19.

Transition from traditional horticulture to trade-oriented outlook is increasingly becoming important, demanding atmosphere to make farmers ready for such changes. The changes in farmers' perception occur through changes in technology, institution, trade and market, and policy environment. Expectedly next phase will be predominated by skill of trade and value-addition, and therefore all the efforts would by needed to have the developmental strategies which are knowledge-based, technology-driven and farmer-centric to double the production of horticultural crops.

3 illus, 1 table

018353   Shukla S K;Shukla S;Koche V;Mishra S K (PTC Laboratory, School of Life-Sciences, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur-492 010, Email: shuklashivkant@yahoo.co.in) : In vitro regeneration of plantlets and micro tubers from nodal segments of dioscorea hispida (Dennst.). Pl Cell Biotechnol molec Biol 2007, 8(1-2), 61-6.

Dioscorea hispida is a climber that produces starch rich subterranean tubers that yield delicious Baichandi on processing. Nodal pieces of climber produced plantlets and micro tubers in vitro. Explans from greenhouse plants were established on MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/l BAP. Nodal segments of established shoots produced 3.1 ± 0.23 shoots per node when placed on shoot proliferation medium, WPM supplemented with 1 mg/l BAP. Root initiation occurred in 90% micro-shoots inoculated on half strength MS medium supplemented with 25 mg/l activated charcoal. The plantlets showed 86.73% survival in net pots containing coco peat, under green house conditions. The micro shoots produced micro tubers of 520 mg average weight in MS medium supplemented with 60 gm/l sucrose and 1 mg/l NAA under 8 h light and 16 h dark regime.

7 illus, 6 tables, 20 ref

018352   Sharma N;Patni V (Plant Pathology Tissue culture and Biotechnology Laboratory, Dep of Bo, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302 004, Email: patni-Vidya@uniraj.ernet.in) : Isolation of phytosterols from static tissue cultures of Cissus quadrangularis L. (Vitaceae)-a potent bone healer. Pl Cell Biotechnol molec Biol 2007, 8(1-2), 93-6.

Cissus quadrangularis, a threatened plant, commonly known as Hadjod, Asthisandhanjanni etc., contains high amount of anabolic steroidal substances. These anabolic steroidal substances give the plant its bone healing property. Hence, in the present investigation attempts were made at isolation, identification and production of phytosterols from in vitro cultured tissues. Unorganized callus tissue of cissue quadrangularis was isolated and maintained for 18 months by frequent subcultures on MS medium. Tissues thus grown for different time intervals (2,4,6 and 8 weeks) were harvested periodically, dried and their growth indices calculated separately. Each sample was soxhlet extracted with benzene for TLC. Maximum growth index (6.22) was observed in six week old tissue ofCissus quadrangularis. β-sitosterol and stigmasterol were identified by colour reaction, TLC, comparing IR spectra and HPLC chromatogram of the isolated compound with those of standards. Hence tissue cultures with high steroidal contents may be used on a large scale for industrial production of valuable steroidal compounds, from Cissus quadrangularis, the potent bone healer.

1 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

018351   Satya Narain;Kanaujiya O P (Duthie Herbarium, Bot Dep, Univ of Allahabad, Allahabad-211 002) : Flora of Pratapgarh district (U.P.)-first report. Flora Fauna 2007, 13(1), 17-29.

Exploration and study of angiospermic plants of Pratapgarh district in Uttar Pradesh were undertaken. 75 species of 64 genera and 46 families were identified with the help of regional and district flora.

6 ref

018350   Sanwal S K;Yadav R K (Hort Div, ICAR Res Complex for NEH Reg, Umiam-793 103) : Popularizing high-value vegetables under bun system in rice fallow. Indian Hort 2007, 52(4), 12-13.

In northeastern region, cultivation of tomato, Capsicum and Frenchbean in rice fallow in bun system has helped farmers in increasing production of vegetables, which has increased per caput availability of vegetables as well as profitability, generating employment. Thus, there is a dire need for commercialization of vegetable production technologies in remote areas for bringing food and nutritional security and improving economic condition of tribal farmers.

2 illus, 1 table

018349   Salgare S A (Salgare Res Foundation Pvt. Ltd., Prathamesh Soc, , Shivaji Chowk, Karjat-410 201, Email: drsalgare@rediffmail.com) : Anomalous megagametophyte of Alysicarpus vaginalis DC. Flora Fauna 2007, 13(1), 85-6.

^ssc8 ref

018348   Roy R K (Botanic Garden, National Botanic Garden Res Inst, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow-226 001) : Plant new canna varieties in your graden. Indian Hort 2007, 52(5), 17.

Kanchan and Agnisikha are new addition to the varietal wealth of cana available in horticultural trade in India. Both of these make substantial contribution in landscaping of parks and gardens.

2 illus

018347   Raju H V;Padmalatha K;Narayana T V;Ramesh R (Dep of pharmacognosy, Visveswarapura Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bangalore-560 070) : Pharmacognostic studies on Kyllinga monocephala. Indian J nat Prod 2007, 23(2), 36-8.

Roots of Kyllinga monocephala Rottb. are reported to have medicinal value in Ayurveda. Pharmacognostic studies of root powder including morphological & microscopic characters were carried out.

3 ref

018346   R Kumar;Tewari J P (Lab of Plant Pathol, Bot Dep, M.L.K.P.G. Coll, Balrampur-271 201) : Histopathological changes in bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl] leaf infected by cucumber' green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV). Biomed 2007, 18(1-2), 33-4.

Bottle gourd is affected by a number of diseases caused by fungi, bacteria and viruses Among these mosaic disease caused by cucumber, green mottle mosaic virus is most serious and has been recorded from several parts of the country. Histopathological studies have revealed that healthy leaf had more thickness when compared to infected one. Similarly tubular epidermal cells of diseased leaf showed less measurement than healthy leaf. A comparison of the palisade cells in the healthy and diseased samples show clear cut change in length and breadth of palisade cells due to infection.

1 table, 9 ref

018345   Phukan S N (Botany Dep, North Lakhimpur College, North Lakhimpur-787 031) : Effect of climatic factors on the incidence of late blight disease of potato plants treated with weed extract. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2007, 6(4), 681-4.

Course of development of late blight disease in potato was studied in the district of Lakhimpur, Assam, where potato is extensively cultivated on a commercial basis. The study was made in experimental plots treated with extracts of three weed plants, also utilized by the native people for food and medicine. Environmental factors influenced the incidence of the disease to a great extent. Once the pathogen gets a suitable climate of mild rainfall, with high humidity and low temperature, it takes epidemic form. Extracts of Alternanthera sessilis and Commelina benghalensis reduced the intensity of the disease to a considerable extent.

1 table, 10 ref

018344   Pal D K;Sannigrahi S;Dutta A (Natural Products Research Laboratory, Division of pharmaceutical Chemi, Seemanta Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Jharpokharia) : Anthelmintic activity of leaves of Clerodendrum infortunatum. Indian J nat Prod 2007, 23(2), 22-5.

Anthelmintic activity of aqueous extract of dried leaves and the isolated saponin from fresh leaves of Clerodendrum infortunatum was evaluated separately and the activities were compared with that of piperazine citrate. Both aqueous extract and saponin exhibited dose dependent activity. The saponin showed remarkable anthelmintic activity.

1 table, 15 ref

018343   Niranjan M H;Sudarshana M S;Sharif N; Dharmendra (Plant Tissue Culture Lab, PG Dep of Botany, , Manasagangotri, Mysore-570 006, Email: mhniran-floraa@rediffmai.com) : In vitro plant regeneration of Crape myrtle: anornamental shrub. Pl Cell Biotechnol molec Biol 2007, 8(1-2), 101-4.

Efficient method for plant regeneration via organogenesis from leaf explants of Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica. L) has been developed. Leaf explants devoid of petiole cultured on solid MS medium supplemented with phytohormones, released phenolic exudates which adversely affected the culture response, the explants turned brown and ultimately necrosed. Addition of 100 mg/l ascorbic acid (AA) to MS medium checked the release of phenolic exudates and a little amount of callus was induced on different hormonal supplemnts. MS + 2,4-D (0.5mg/l) + BA (1.0 mg/l) with AA (100 mg/l) proved effective for the induction of organogenic callus, on sub-culturing the callus on MS + 2,4-D (0.5 mg/l) + BA (q.0 mg/l) with AA (50 mg/l) multiple shoots differentiated. The micro shoots were rooted on MS liquid medium containing IBA at 1.0 mg/l. The regenerated plants were hardened and transferred to the garden soil.

1 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

018342   Murumkar R P;Jain S K;Pisalkar P S;Verma R C (Processing and Fd Engng Dep, Coll of Technol and Engng, Maharana Pratap Univ of Agric and Technol, Udaipur-313 001) : Osmo fluid bed drying of white button mushroom. Biomed 2007, 18(1-2), 47-52.

The 5 mm thick slices of white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) were osmotically dehydrated in 10% sodium chloride-water solution for 30 min. EDTA and KMS were added as preservatives. The sample were then dried in fluid bed dryer at three temperatures (35, 40 and 50°C). Drying characteristics were studied and effect of drying air temperature on water diffusivity, colour, ascorbic acid content, water activity and rehydration ratio were analyzed. The osmo fluid bed dried product was found acceptable in terms of above quality attributes.

3 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

018341   Misra R L;Misra S (Floricult and Landscaping Div, IARI, New Delhi-110 012) : Oramental gardening in november and December. Indian Hort 2007, 52(5), 27-8.

4 illus

018340   Misra R L;Gaur A;Naveen Kumar P (AICRP on Floricult, Floricult and Landscaping Div, IARI, Pusa, New Delhi-110-012) : Earn more by cultivating tuberose in Delhi. Indian Hort 2007, 52(5), 22-3.

Of the 7 single and 4 double tuberose varieties evaluated, Prajwal, Hyderabad Single, Calcutta Single and Phule Rajani (single type) and Vaibhav, Suvasini, Calcutta Double and Hyderabad Double (double type) are best ones. All these are recommended for cultivation in areas having Delhi like agroclimatic conditions.

3 illus

018339   Mishra J;Mishra K N;Singh O P (Bot Dep, T.D.P.G. Coll, Jaunpur-222 002) : Effect of salinity on nodulation and leghaemoglobin content in two species of Alysicarpus. Biomed 2007, 18(1-2), 89-93.

Effect of three levels of salinity (4, 6 and 8d Scm^-1) on nodulation and leghaemoglobin content in Alysicarpus bupleurifolius and Alysicarpus monilifer have been studied. The performance of Alysicarpus bupleurifolius was found to be better than the Alysicarpus monilifer in relation to nodulation and leghaemoglobin content. Salinity at 4, 6 & 8, Ec (Electrical conductivity of soil extract) specific gravity levels decreased the number of nodules per plant, size and weight of single nodule leghaemoglobin content than the control.

2 tables, 21 ref

018338   Meghvansi M;Mahna S K (Botany Dep, Bundelkhand Univ, Jhansi-284 128) : Migration of bradyrhizobium from soybean fields. Flora Fauna 2007, 13(1), 11-14.

Transport of root nodule bacteria, Bradyrhizobium from soybean fields was studied. For the purpose of detection of Bradyrhizobium in air, running water and stagnant water, various samples (air, dust, water and mud) were collected at 50 m, 100 m and 200 m distances from the soybean field. Isolation of bacteria was carried out from the collected samples. Results showed presence of Bradyrhizobium in the mud sample collected at 50 m distance from the soybean field.

1 table, 10 ref

018337   Mathur S (NO, , 25, Balvinder Apartments, A-6, Paschimpuri, New Delhi-110 063) : Indoor gardening... for health management. Indian Hort 2007, 52(5), 19-21.

Effectively displayed, a group of plants can change a room much more noticeably than new curtains or curpets, provide us with constant interest and amusement as they respond to our care by unfolding their glossy leaves or brilliantly-coloured flowers in ever-changing formations. To enjoy most from your plants, it is worth taking a little time and trouble to learn how to care for them and to feature them to their best advantage in your home may be play music or talk to them and develop a personal equation with them.

4 illus

018336   Mary Bharthi K;Lakshminaryana K;Ganapaty S (Bot Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003) : Foliar architecture and epidermal studies in some varieties of artocarpus. Flora Fauna 2007, 13(1), 3-10.

Deals with the foliar architecture mainly the venation patterns and the epidermal studies i.e., the arrangement of the stomata in some local varieties of Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. The leaf characterªistically has Eucamptodromous and Brochidodromous venation and hypostomatic, anomocytic type of stomata.

29 illus, 2 table, 13 ref

018335   Manbeer Kaur;Rose H S;Sidhu A K (NO, BAM Khalsa Coll, Garhshankar, Hoshiarpur-144 524) : Observations on the biology of Ypthima inica Hewitson, the lesser three ring (Lepidopgtera : Papilionoidea : Satyridae). J ent Res 2007, 31(4), 355-7.

Cynodon dactylon (Linnaeus) (Graminaceae) has been recorded as the larval host plant of Ypthima inica Hewitson. The gross morphology and duration of various life history stages has been recorded. The larval and oviposition behaviour has been studied in details. Nectar food plants of the adult and ontogenetic variability in larval stage has been recorded.

5 illus, 6 ref

018334   Lende S R;Deotale R D;Kamble P S;Ghadge P P; Suryapujary S M (Botany Sect, College of Agriculture, Nagpur, Maharashatra) : Influence of foliar sprays of vermi wash and cowdung wash on biochemical and yield contributing parameters and yield of soybean. J Soil Crop 2007, 17(2), 398-402.

Investigation was undertaken at farm of Botany Section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur during kharif 2006-07 to study the influence of two foliar sprays of 100,150 and 200 ppm cowdung wash and vermiwash on biochemical and yield and yield contributing parameters of soybean. Data revealed that 200 ppm VW significantly increased leaf chlorophyll and nitrogen content, seed protein and oil content and yield contributing parameters viz., number and dry weight of pods plant^-1 100 seed weight, seed yield ha^-1. Similarly, sprays of foliar sprays of VW 150 and 100 ppm and CDW 200, 150 and 100 ppm also increased all above parameters significantly over control under study.

2 tables, 13 ref

018333   Kumar R;Tewari J P (Postgraduate Studies and Res, Bot Dep, M.L.K.P.G. Coll, Balrampur-271 201) : Anatomical studies in Lagenaria siceraria (Mol.) Standl infected by cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV). Biomed 2007, 18(1-2), 61-3.

Anatomy of Lagenaria siceraria plant infected by cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) was found to develop significant deviations. The most striking effect seen in the infected leaf was poor development of palisade tissue, disintegration of palisade cells with fewer chloroplasts in diseased leaves. In diseased stem the ratio of xylem and phloem was altered due to infection. The lumen of xylem vessels in diseased stem was more in comparison to healthy ones, although the thickness of xylem was less.

21 ref

018332   Jitendra Kumar;Pushpendra Kumar;Pal K (Dep of Horticulture, Univ Teaching Dep, Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut-250 004) : Postharvest quality of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa Linn.) cut spikes as affected by GA₃ and NAA vase solotion treatment. J ornamental Hort 2007, 10(2), 133-4.

^ssc1 tables, 4 ref

018331   Jain B B;Rathi B S;Thakurdesai P A;Bodhankar S L (Dep of Pharmacology, Bharati Vidyapeth Deemed University, Poona College of Pharmacy and Res, Erandwane, Pune-411 038) : Antipyretic activity of aqueous extract of leaves of Cocculus hisrutus. Indian J nat Prod 2007, 23(2), 26-9.

Antipyretic effect of aqueous extract of leaves of Cocculus hirsutus (L) Diels (CH) was evaluated in rats. The extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o. showed significant reduction in yeast induced hyperpyrexia. The antipyretic effect of extract was comparable to that of paracetamol. (150 mg/kg, p.o.)

1 tables, 13 ref

018330   Jagdish Lal (Botanical Survey of India, , 10-Chatham Lines, Allahabad-211 002) : Contributions to the bryoflora of central Indian zone III. mosses of Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh, India. Biomed 2007, 18(1-2), 127-30.

Study has revealed the occurrence of 32 species of mosses belonging to 24 genera and 21 families. This is the first report of moss flora of the area.

6 ref

018329   Gupta V N;Chakrabarty D;Datta S K (Floriculture Div, National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow-226 001, Email: subodhskdatta@yahoo.com) : Influence of holding solution on postharvest quality of cut flowers of rose cultivars. J ornamental Hort 2007, 10(2), 122-4.

Eight popular cut flower rose cultivars viz., Janter Manter, Imperator, Lahar, Pandit Nehru, Sugandha, Arjun, Kentucky Durbey and Fetura, were selected for the present studies and cut sprays were collected from field grown plants at uniform size and bud stage. Cut roses were kept in different holding solutions. Aluminium sulphate (300ppm) Sucrose (3%) + Aluminium sulphate (300ppm) were found to be the best holding solutions for improving postharvest quality of cut roses.

2 tables, 5 ref

018328   Gautam S P;Ganjiwale R O;Yeole P G (NO, Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Borgaon (Meghe), Wardha-442 001) : Free radical scavenging properties of aqueous extract of Tecomella undulata leaves. Indian J nat Prod 2007, 23(2), 33-5.

Antioxidant activity of extracts of Tecomella undulata leaves has been investigated by 1,1-Diphenyl, 2-picryl-hydrazyl free radical and Nitric Oxide scavenging activity. The aqueous extract of leaves showed significant antioxidant activity by inhibiting DPPH and nitric oxide radical when compared with standard Ascorbic acid.

1 table, 9 ref

018327   Bhattacharyya R;Ray A;Gangopadhyay M; Bhattacharya S (Dep of Botany, Bose Institute, A.P.C.Road, Kolkata-700 009, Email: sabita@bosemain.boseinst.ac.in) : In vitro conservation of plumbago indica - a rare medicinal plant. Pl Cell Biotechnol molec Biol 2007, 8(1-2), 39-46.

Present work has been conducted on in vitro conservation of a rare medicinal plant, Plumbago indica, through storage of germplasms derived from micropropagated progenies of the species. Direct regeneration of axillary shoots an their multiplication have been optimized using BAP at a concentration of 2.0 mg/l in MS with 3% sucrose. Plantlets with profusely growing roots, induced by 1.0 mg/l putrescine have been transferred successfully to natural environment as evident from their high survival rate. In vitro storage of P. indica has been developed by (1) reduced growth culture of shoot apex explants for prolonged period without periodic transfer and (2) by preserving encapsulated in vitro generated propagules (artificial seed) for a short term period. Combined application of mannitol (3% and BAP (2.0 mg/l) resulted in significant reduction in growth rate. After 12 months of storage, cultures survived with 100% success by re-growing in regeneration medium. The alginate-coated beads, made by encapsulating small groups of propagules in each are excellent storable germplasm units, which on germination gave rise to 4-6 plantlets/bead on average on or before 3 months storage at tissue culture room temperature (22°C - 24°C) in absence of light and showed high survival ability. The report on in vitro conservation of this important medicinal plant germplasm may open up new possibilities in this area.

1 illus, 3 tables, 31 ref

018326   Bhatt R P;sharma P;Semwal K C (Dep of Botany, H.N.Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar, Garhwal-246 174, Email: rajendrapbhatt@hotmail.com) : New records of Russula from Garhwal Himalaya. Mushroom Res 2007, 16(2), 55-60.

Four species of the genus Russula namely r. flocculosa, r. pseudolepida, r. pulverulenta and r. silvicola collected from Garhwal Himalaya are illustrated and described for the first time from India.

6 illus, 3 ref

018325   Bhatt R P;Semwal K C;Upadhyay R C (Dep of Botany, H.N.Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar, Garhwal-246 174, Email: kamal_semwal@yahoo.com) : New records of section Phalloideae of the genus Amanita from Garhwal Himalaya, India. Mushroom Res 2007, 16(2), 61-7.

Three taxa of the genus Amanita Pers. section Phalloideae viz., Amanita pseudoporphyria, A. subjunquillea and A. subjunquillea var. alba from garhwal Himalaya are described and illustrated.

6 illus, 8 ref

018324   Bhanja G (Phyposalinity Discipline, Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Berhampur field unit, Berhampur-760 007, Email: ghanashyam_bhanja@rediffmail.com) : In vitro callussing and xylogenesis of Allium sativum L.. Pl Cell Biotechnol molec Biol 2007, 8(1-2), 19-26.

Callus culture for Allium sativum L. was established from shoot buds dissected out from the cores of cloves. Callus was induced through inoculation of explants in MS basal media supplemented with 2,4-D, 1 mg l^-1. the callus was maintained through subsequent subcultures by transferring to fresh MS media supplemented with MS media with Kin 0.1 mg l^-1 in addition to 2,4-D. Callus tissue from the third sub-culture was analyzed from Day 1 through Day 27; for mitosis, mitotic index, cell viability, cell death, cell differentiation and generation of hydrogen peroxide. Whereas the frequencies of cells with chromosome aberrations or micronucleus in callus tissue was negligible, the incidence of hyperpolid cells were more common, which suggested genetic instability. Furthermore, generation of hydrogen peroxide indicated that the callus tissue was under oxidativestress that perhaps triggered cellular differentiation or xylogenesis. The present in vitro system, seemed to be an ideal system for study of vascular tissue differentiation, particularly xylogenesis.

3 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

018323   Antony B;Merina B;Sheeba V (R and D Laboratory, Arjuna Natural Extracts Ltd, Bank Road, Alwaye-683 101) : Toxicity studies of AMLAMAX<. Indian J nat Prod 2007, 23(2), 14-17.

AMLAMAX^TM is the purified, standardized extract of `Amla' fruits. Acute and subacute toxicity studies were carried out by oral administration of AMLAMAX^TM at different doses in mice and rats. Doses upto 2g/kg orally for three months did not produce any haematological, biochemical and histological changes in vital organs.

1 table, 12 ref

018322   Ahmed B;Masoodi M H;Khan S (Dep of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, , Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi-110 062) : Pharmacological and phytochemical review on Picrorrhiza Kurroa. Indian J nat Prod 2007, 23(2), 3-13.

Picrorrhiza kurroa has been reported to possess potent pharmacological actions against bronchial infections, asthma, hepatotoxicity, diabetes, inflammatory, cancer, etc. Different chemical constituents such as picrosides I, II and III, kutkosides, cucurbitacin glycosides, androsin, picein, apocycynin, triterpenoids and many others have been isolated form the plant Pharmacological and phytochemical and phytochemical work done on the plant has been reviewed.

1 table, 38 ref

018321   Ahmad M;Khan M A;Zafar M (Dep of Plant Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistant, Email: mushtaqflora@hotmail.com) : Treatment of diabetes by plant based ethnomedicine in district Attock northern Pakistan. J Phytopharmacotherapy nat Prod 2008, 1(1), 79-83.

Results of the present investigation are based on 37 indigenous plant species belonging to 23 Angiospermic families. these indigenous plants were used as traditional phytotherapies for the control and treatment of diabetes mellitus. The rural inhabitants of the area classified these traditonal phytotherapies on the basis of uses of various parts of plants and method of their uses. About 29 traditional phytotherapies were investigated from the rural inhabitants of the area. These traditional phytotherapies were classified as anti-diabetic extracts, leaves, powders, flour, seeds, vegetables, fruits and herbal mixtures.

1 table, 6 ref

018320   Adnan S M;Hamayun M;Begum S;Lee I J (Kohat University of Science and Technology (KUST), , Pakistan) : Ethnomedicinal knowledge, market assessment and conservation status of some socio-economically important medicinal plants of Roringar valley, district Swat, Pakistan. J Phytopharmacotherapy nat Prod 2008, 1(1), 67-72.

Ethnomedicinal research project was carried out in the remote Hindu-Kush mountain valley of Roringar, in order to evaluate and document folk medicinal knowledge, traditional medicinal plants collection and processing and conservation assessment of these important plant resources of the area. The project area was rich in medicinal plants and the locals were actively engaged in medicinal plants collection for curing ailments but also selling themin the markets for earning their livelihood. It was observed that 33 of the total medicinal plants collected in the valley were sold in the markets. However, some medicinal plants like valeriana jatamansi, Podophyllum hexandrum, Paeonia emodi, Acorus calamus, Berberis lyceum, viola canescens and Aconitum heterophyllum were under immense pressure due to their extensive collection in the area. Our survey revealed that 31% of the local people are involved in medicinal plants collection. The collectors include women (34%), children (47%) and men (19%). It was also observed that huge amounts of medicinal plants were lost each year due to out dated collection techniques, processing and marketing techniques. Community attitude towards conservation and sustainability of these valuable plant resources were favourable but no conservation efforts by the local people were reported.

1 illus, 6 tables, 8 ref

017399   Yesodharan K;Sujana K A (Forest Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation Div, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Thrissur-680 653, Email: yesodharan@kfri.org) : Ethnomedicinal knowledge among Malamalasar tribe of Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary, Kerala. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2007, 6(3), 481-5.

Examines traditional uses of some plants used by the Malamalasar tribe of Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary in Palakkad district of Kerala state. Forests have provided tribals with enough material for use in the traditional medicine. During the survey of the tribal colonies, data on 80 medicinal plants used to cure common ailments were collected. From 80 selected medicinal plants, 10 species were found to be used for cuts & wound healing, 4 species for cough & cold, 4 species for treating snakebite, 4 species for headache, 4 species to control dysentery, 3 species for jaundice, etc. Details of the study have been enumerated.

017398   Verma S;Chauhan N S (Forest Products Dep, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni-Solan-173 230) : Indigenous medicinal plants knowledge of Kunihar forest division, district Solan. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2007, 6(3), 494-7.

Kunihar forest division falling under district Solan boasts of rich plant diversity. The study was undertaken for making preliminary survey of the indigenous technological knowledge on the uses of medicinal plants of Kunihar forest division, district Solan, Himachal Pradesh. Important medicinal and aromatic plants with their vernacular names, family and indigenous uses have been presented.

017397   Valeria lakra;Mahanta P (Directorate of Extension Education, Birsa Agricultural Univ, Ranchi-834 006) : Tradional use of plants in curing stomach ailments by tribals of Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal. J Dairying Fd Home Sci 2007, 26(3-4), 223-5.

Treatment of diseases with medicinal plants among tribals is widespread because of effectiveness, easy availability, lack of modern heath care alternatives, cultural preferences and century old association emaciation with the plant and in this present study, an attempt was made to document these indigenous knowledge of ten ethinic groups of Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal. Altogether 22 plant species have been reported to be used by the tribals of this region since long time for curing stomach aliments. Of 22 plant species, 12 are used for stomach pain, 8 for gastric trouble and 2 species are used for worms.

1 table, 3 ref

017396   Upadhyay N K;Dubey H;Haider Z A (College of Biotechnology, Birsa Agricultural Univ, Ranchi-834 006, Email: hdubey99@hotmail.com) : Tissue culture propagation of Aloe vera: The medicinal wonder plant. J Res-Birsa Agric Univ 2007, 19(1), 115-27.

Aloe vera is likely to become a major source for a number of medicinal products of high value in the coming future. It is imperative to convert Aloe vera from a wild plant to a plant suited to meet the huge demand of the industry. Therefore, efficient and fast mechanized production needs to be established for Aloe vera to address the need. It has been observed that 13.3 μM BAP incorporated in MS basal medium produced maximum explants (74.50%) showing bud breaking, and maximum number of buds per explant. When a combination of BAP and NAA was tried, the efficiency increased to 85.5% in 13.3 μM BAP + 8.0 μM NAA. For the shoot multiplication 13.3 μM BAP and 61.8μM AdSO4 was found to be the best. Maximum number of roots were obtained with 16.1 μM NAA + 10.7 μM BAP. For the purpose of callusing, the best response was observed in 10.7 μM NAA + 8.8 μM BAP.

3 illus, 10 tables, 22 ref

017395   Udayan P S;Tushar K V;George S;Balachandran I (NO, Centre for Medicinal Plants Research (CMPR), Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal Changuvetty, Kotuku-676 503, Email: avscmpr@sify.com) : Ethnomedicinal information from Kattunayakas tribes of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2007, 6(4), 574-8.

Eumerates the traditional uses of some plants used by the Kattunayaka tribes of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary of Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu. Information on the medicinal uses of 37 plants gathered from the tribals along with their botanical identity is highlighted.

017394   Suseela Bhai R;Anandaraj M;Sarma Y R;Veena S S;Saji K V (NO, Indian Institute Spices Research, Marikunnu P.O. Calicut-673 012, Email: suseela@spices.res.in) : Screening of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) germplasma for resistance to foot rot disease caused by Phytophthora capsici Leonian. J Spices aromatic Crop 2007, 16(2), 115-17.

Studies were conducted at Calicut (Kerala) to locate sources of resistance among 491 accessions of cultivars, 691 hybrids, 124 wild accessions and 182 Karimunda and 60 Kottanadan selections of black pepper (Piper nigrum) using stem inoculation technique against foot rot disease caused by Phytophthora capsici. One hybrid (Acc. 1375), two wild accessions (Accs. 3160 and 3260) and four Kottanadan selections (2466, 2471, 2515 and 2433) were promising with disease index 1 and no external lesion after inoculation of the pathogen under greenhouse conditions.

2 tables, 7 ref