014269   Sahney M;Purwar A (Botany Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002, Email: manjusahney@rediffmail.com) : Airborne fungi at Allahabad. Indian J Aerobiol 2007, 20(1-2), 17-25.

Aeromycological survey was carried out at Allahabad from March 1997 to February 1999 using gravity slide and petriplate exposure method. Slides were exposed at 11 meters height while petriplates were exposed simultaneously at two heights,at ground level and at 11 meters height. Altogether 21 types of fungal colonies were isolated from petriplate exposures and 77 fungal spore types were identified from the exposed slides. Cladosporium was the most dominant component of the airspora of Allahabad followed by Alternaria. Aspergillus. Epicoccum. Basidiospores, Fusarium, Curvularia etc. Concentration of airspora was more at ground level than 11 m height. Seasonal variations in the incidence of fungal colonies and spores were recorded and correlated with the local weather conditions.

5 illus, 43 ref

014268   Roy A M;Banerjee N;Mandal S (Botany Dep, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan-731 235) : Variations in leaf epidermal micromorphology and physiology in mutants of Catharanthus roseus. J appl Biosci 2007, 33(1), 49-52.

Seeds of C. roseus were mutated with the help of gamma rays and ethyl methane sulfonate. The six groups of morphologically different mutants were, very tall (vt), dwarf with obvate leaves (dwob), medium tall with small leaf area (mtsl), nontrichomeous (nt), upright oriented elliptical leaf (upel) and spoon shape leaf (spl). The nt mutant showed poor complexity in leaf epidermal micromorphology with lower relative growth rate (0.031 g g^-1 day^-1) and higher transpiration rate (0.95 gm cm²h). The dwob mutant showed higher complexities in epidermal structure with lower rate of transpiration (0.31 gm cm²/hr) and slower rate of senescence of leaves. The upel mutant had higher net assimilation rate (1.29 g g^-1 day^-1) with slower rate of senescence of leaves. Over all, dwob mutant was found to be the best for different agro-climates of India with higher dry matter yield and a1ka1oid profile.

3 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

014267   Roy A B;Patel R S;Patel V V;Rajiv Kumar (Biotechnology Laboratory, Division of Horticulture, , ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam-793 103, Email: flori_rajiv@yahoo.co.in) : In vitro propagation of Thunia marshalliana Rchb.f.an epiphytic-cum-terrestrial orchid. J ornamental Hort 2007, 10(1), 15-19.

In vitro propagation of Thunia marshalliana Rchb f., an epiphytic-cum-terrestrial orchid is not available at present; thus efforts were made to develop an effective protocol for in vitro propagation and plantlet development using embryo as an explant source. The influence of medium, Activated charcoal (AC) on embryos (seeds), protocorm like bodies (PLB) formation, differentiation, plantlet development and growth of Thunia marshalliana was assessed. Results revealed that maximum germination (79.33 and 72.68%) was occurred on Phytamax and MS medium, respectively. The morphogenetic responses of PLBs were further assessed on Phytamax and MS medium and their combination with different levels of Activated Charcoal. The media supplemented with AC had a marked effect on plantlet growth and AC 3g/l was found to be the best for plantlet growth.

1 illus, 5 tables, 15 ref

014266   Rout S D (P.G. Dep of Wildlife & Conservation Biology, North Orissa Univ, Takatpur, Baripada-757 003) : Ethnobotany of diversified wild edible fruit plants in similipal biosphere reserve, Orissa. Ethnobotany 2007, 19(1-2), 137-9.

Deals with 19 species of wild edible fruits eaten in various ways by the tribsls and other rural people living in and arounds Similipal Reserve few of the recorded species are already known for their edible purpose: however,the uses of some taxa are uncommon.

7 ref

014265   Rawat A;Gupta A;Sahu B;Sahu T R (Botany Dep, Dr. H.S. Gour Univ, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh) : Indigenous knowledge of veterinary medicines among gond tribals of Noradehi wildlife sanctuary, Sagar (M.P). Indian J appl Life Sci 2007, 3(2), 29-33.

Domestic animals served men in various ways food , hide fat , game , riding milching etc. Indigenous knowledge of folk medicines on veterinary practices has existed in India since past time. In Ayurvedic also , various plants have been described to cure ailments in animals. Many experienced tribals of the sanctuary are utilize a large number of plants for their animal healthcare. The tribal people depend totally on the plants, not only for supply of fodder but also for the medicines used in the treatment of common ailments affecting their domestic animals. Deals with the veterinary uses of indigenous herbal medicines against various diseases used by tribals of Noradehi Sanctuary. There is no proper facilities of veterinary clinics in these remote areas and hence they rely mostly on the traditional system of medicine for healthcare of their domestic animals. Enumerates the medicinal used of 50 plant species belonging to 33 families of Angiosperms. Plants have been arranged alphabetically with their common name, family name and plants uses.

9 ref

014264   Rane M R;Sarode P D;Chaudhari B L;Chincholkar S B (School of Life Sciences, North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon-425 001, Email: chincholkar_sb@hotmail.com) : Foliar application of pseudomonas metabolite protects Capsicum annum (chilli) from fungal phytopathogens. Bionano Front 2007, 1(1), 46-54.

After studying secondary metabolite profile of established biocontrol agent of marine origin, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1D 4365, phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA) was found to be potent antifungal compound. Considering potential of PCA as a fungicidal agent, 18g PCA was obtained in crystalline form, for application on chilli to protect it from fungal phytopathogens. Field study revealed that after treatment with 0.60% PCA as foliar spray, chilli had lower incidence of fungal phytopathogens and these results are comparable with treatments of chemical pesticides viz. chlorothalonil 0.25%, hexaconazole 0.10% and mancozeb 0.25%. PCA has considerable protective action against incidence of fungal pathogens on chilli and have the potential to replace several chemical fungicides available in market.

4 illus, 31 ref

014263   Ramachandrudu K;Thangam M (National Research Centre for Oil Palm, , Pedavegi-534 450, Email: chandrakr2000@yahoo.com) : Response of plant growth regulators, coconut water and cow urine on vegetative growth, flowering and corm production in gladiolus. J ornamental Hort 2007, 10(1), 38-41.

Field study on the effect of growth regulators (GA₃ Kinetin and NAA), coconut water, cow urine and mixture of cow urine and growth regulators on growth and development of gladiolus was carried out at ICAR Research Complex, Goa, from November 2005 to March 2006. Uniform sized corms of gladiolus cv. White Prosperity were soaked in solutions of growth regulators, coconut water and cow urine for 24 h and planted in the field. The maximum plant height was resulted in GA₃150 ppm, whereas minimum was noticed with cow urine (20%) + Kinetin (50 ppm) followed by cow urine 10 % and cow urine 100 per cent. Treatments of cow urinel0%, cow urine (20 %) + GA₃ (100 ppm), GA₃150 ppm and GA₃100 ppm advanced the flowering (days to spike emergence and flowering ) while it was delayed by NAA l00ppm and NAA 200ppm as compared to control. More spike length was observed with coconut water 50 %, cow urine 10 % and coconut water 25 %. Among the treatments, cow urine at 10 % concentration emerged as the best one in respect of number of florets/spike, rachis length and spike stalk girth. There was a significant reduction in duration of flowering in cow urine (20 %) + NAA (100 ppm) and cow urine (20 %) + Kinetin (50 ppm) whereas NAA 200 ppm, GA₃100 ppm and GA₃150 ppm prolonged the flowering duration when compared to the control. Cow urine at 20%, 50% and 100 % greatly improved the number of cormels/ plant. Bigger size and heavier corms were produced with cow urine (20 %) + Kinetin (50 ppm) compared to control and other treatments.

3 tables, 7 ref

014262   Rajurkar S K (P.G. Botany Dep and Research Centre, Deogiri College, Aurangabad-431 005) : Aeroallergens in vegetable market. Bionano Front 2008, 1(2), 95-9.

Deals with the study of some important allergenic fungal spores in vegetable market of Parbhani, Maharashtra. The studies were carried out by using "Rotorod Sampler" and Exposing "Potato-dextrose agar" containing petriplates at fortnightly intervals. They contributed 49.84 to the total airspora with sampler method. The allergenic fungal spores reported are Alternaria (20.01%), Aspergilli (9.01%), Cladosporium (5.25%), Drechslera (9.74%) and fungal fragments (4.83%). The higher incidence of these types and their correlation with host and meteorological conditions and their effect on human health is discussed.

4 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

014261   Punjani B L;Goel A K (Botany Dep, Science College, Talod-383 215) : Natural dye-yielding plants used in indigenous art for prepration of patola in Patan city, Gujarat, India. Ethnobotany 2007, 19(1-2), 32-40.

In North Gujarat region of western India, Patan city is famous for weaving Patola, i.e., hand-woven textiles by Salvi families. Since last twenty years, they have re-introduced the use of natural dyes. Twenty nine dye-yielding plants such as. turmeric, marigold, onion skin, indigo, pomegranate, myrobalan, madder, annota, catechu, etc.. have been used along with different mordants to obtain various colour shades. Natural dyes, viz., cochineal and shellac obtained from animals are also used. Almost all raw materials of natural dyes are purchased from the market. The aim of the study is to document natural dye-yielding plants and gather information on indigenous knowledge system associated with extraction and use of natural dyes for preparation of Patola by one of the Salvi families in Patan city of north Gujarat.

3 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

014260   Punjani B L (P.G. Center in Botany, Science College, Talod-383 215, Email: ambargnr@yahoo.com) : Some less known ethnomedicinal plants used by maldharis of sasan gir forest Junagadh district, Gujarat. Ethnobotany 2007, 19(1-2), 116-19.

Maldharis representing several pastloral communities reside in nesses in the Gir forest. A survey was conducted during 2005 to gather information about utilization of plant resourees for the treatment; of various comunon diseases by the Maldharis Ethnomedicinal uses of 27 plant species along with their local formulations are repoted here.

1 illus, 3 ref

014259   Prusti A B (NO, P.N. College, Khurda-752 057) : Plants used as ethnomedicine by bondo tribe of malkangiri district, Orissa. Ethnobotany 2007, 19(1-2), 105-10.

Detailed account of the use of 67 taxa of 44 families as ethnomedicine for curing various ailments by the Bondo tribe inhabiting Malkangiri district of Orissa is presented.

12 ref

014258   Prasanthi L;Bhaskar Reddy K;Reddy P V (NO, ANGRAU Regional Agric. Res. Station, Tirupati-517 502) : Flowering phenology in Jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.). Geobios 2007, 34(4), 299-300.

^ssc1 table, 2 ref

014257   Prasad M;Kapgate D K;Mandaokar B D (NO, J.M. Patel College, Bhandra, Maharashtra) : Fossil wood Ailanthoxylon indicum Prakash from the Deccan intertrappean beds of Shibla, Yeotmal district, Maharashtra, India. J appl Biosci 2007, 33(2), 141-4.

Fossil wood, collected for the first time from the Deccan intertrappean beds of Shibla in Yeotmal District of Maharashtra is characterized by the presence of mostly medium sized, solitary to multiple vessels of 2-4, 1-3 (mostly 2) seriate, almost homogeneous xylem rays, scanty to vasicentric paratracheal and uniseriate banded apotracheal parenchyma, medium sized bordered pits and thick walled non septate fIbres. It shows close resemblance with the modern woods of the taxa Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. of the family Simaroubaceae. The habit and habitat of the modern comparable taxa of the present fossil wood suggest the existence of a mixed, mesophytic tropical forest in the region during early Tertiary period.

2 illus, 14 ref

014256   Paralkar V K (NO, , B 001, Girnar View Apartment, Gokul Angan, Krishna Township, Off Ambadi Road, Vasai (West)-401 202) : Occurrence of a bi-chambered fruit of the Red Silk-cotton Bombax ceiba. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2007, 104(1), 123.

^ssc1 illus, ref

014255   Panda B K (Botany Dep, Panchayat College, Dharamgarh, Kalahandi-766 015) : Some ethnomedicinal plants of karlapat reserve forest, district Kalahandi, Orissa. Ethnobotany 2007, 19(1-2), 134-6.

Deals with less known ethnomedical uses of 17 plants species recored from the tribal healers of karlapat Reserve Forest in the kalashandi district of Orissa the year 2003 2004.

9 ref

014254   Padma Rao P;Ramchandra Reddy P;Janardhan Reddy K (Drug Standaridisation Unit, , O.U.B. 32, Road No.4. Habsiguda, Hyderabad-500 007) : Some ethnomedicines used by chenchus in the treatment of jaundice from Nagarjunasagar srisailam tiger reserve (NSTR), Andhra Pradesh. Ethnobotany 2007, 19(1-2), 128-30.

Ethnomedicinal plant remedies for jaundice practised by Chenchu tribe inhabiting Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR), Andhra Pradesh are presented. Nine plant species belonging to 8 families arc reported. Botanical names, local names, methods of usage and mode of administration etc. arc furnished.

1 table, 9 ref

014253   Nisha V M;Sivadasan M (Botany Dep, Calicut Univ, Calicut-673 635, Email: drmsivadasan@rediffmail.com) : Ethnodermatologically significant plants used by traditional healers of Wayanad district, Kerala. Ethnobotany 2007, 19(1-2), 55-61.

Wayanad district of Kerala is the homeland of various tribal and non-tribal communities practising traditional systems of medicine. The details of the medicinal plants of ethnodermatological significance used by rural and tribal communities for the treatment of skin diseases and related problems have been studied. The study revealed that 62 species of flowering plants are used to cure the skin diseases. Various plants and plant-parts are used for the preparation of medicines. In many cases, a single plant can cure more than one disease. In some cases, a single disease can be cured with more than one plant.

6 ref

014252   Nimbalkar C A;Katwate S M;Singh B R;Kakade D S;Gurav S B (NO, National Agricultural Research Project (Plains Zone) Ganeshkhind, Pune-411 007) : Selection strategy for improvement in economic traits of gladiouls. J ornamental Hort 2007, 10(1), 9-14.

Thirty six gladiolus genotypes were evaluated to study the variability among the different genotypes along with the correlation and path analysis for 13 economic contributing characters. Significant variation was observed for various characters under study. The genotypes, namely, GK-GL-10,12,24,28,52,55,65,66, 68, 72, 77 and 81 appeared to be the best as they exhibited high per se performance for more than eight characters. High GCV, PCV and heritability estimates were observed for majority of the characters. The selection through the characters like number of leaves, internodal length between I and II floret, and number of cormels/plant, weight of cormels/plant and rachis length would be effective. The number of florets/spike was positively and significantly correlated with plant height, length of spike, internodal length, number of leaves/plant and rachis length. In the path coefficient analysis, rachis length exhibited highest direct effect followed by number of leaves/plant and weight of cormels/plant. Internodal length between first and second floret and number of cormels per plant showed indirect effect via length of spike and weight of cormels per plant, respectively on number of florets/spike, hence more emphasis should be given to these economic components while selecting the high yielding genotypes.

4 tables, 9 ref

014251   Nilakshee Devi;Sarma G C (Botany Dep, Gauhati Univ, Guwahati-781 014) : Incidence of airborne pollen grains in central guwahati with special reference to their allergenic significance. Indian J Aerobiol 2007, 20(1-2), 35-44.

Aeropalynological survey was conducted for two years (Oct. 1998 - Sep, 2000) by using Rotorod Air Sampler in central Guwahati. A total of 74 pollen types were identified. The total number of pollen recorded during Oct, 1998 - Sep, 1999 and Oct. 1999- Sep, 2000 were 1104 pollen /m³ and 1988 pollen /m³ respectively. The pollen of Poaceae type ranked the first followed by Amaranthus- chenopod type and Asteraceae. It was observed that anemophilous pollen ranked first in order of dominance. Herbaceous pollen showed maximum incidence. Some allergenically significant pollen recorded were, Amaranlhus-chenopod type, Asteraceae, Poaceae, Azadirachta indica, Mangifera indica, Drypetesroxburghii, Eucalyptus and Terminaliacuneata. Highest pollen catch was observed during the month of April. The total pollen as well as individual pollen types displayed distinct seasonal periodicity in their incidence. The results were statistically found to be significant.

6 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

014250   Neeraj;Kavita Singh (Botany Dep, Feroze Gandhi College, Rae Bareli-229 001, Email: aj_neer1@rediffmail.com) : AM-fungal flora of Avadh region in central Uttar Pradesh, India. J appl Biosci 2007, 33(1), 14-20.

Extensive survey of plant roots and its rhizosphere soil samples was done to study the distribution and abundance of arbuscular-mycorrhizal fungal root colonization and spore population in 94 plants belonging to 29 families in different seasons. AM-fungal spore population was most intense during winters followed by post-rainy season and the least in rainy season. Contrary to the spore population in soil, the percentage of root colonization was sparse in summers and reached its peak in winters. Glomus was the most dominant genus followed by Sclerocystis whereas the density of Entrophospora was very low. However, at Lalganj - one of the four sites studied Gigaspora and Scutellospora dominated the AM-fungal population. The distribution and abundance of spore population and root colonization were influenced by season, site and host plant species.

1 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

014249   Nath K K;Deka P;Borthakur S K (Botany Dep, Mangaldai College, Mangaldai-784 125, Email: kknath.mld@gmail.com) : Ethnomedicinal aspects of some weeds from Darrang district of Assam. Ethnobotany 2007, 19(1-2), 82-7.

Ethnic people of Darrang district have a rich tradition of using weeds for various purposes in their day to day life including thier healthcare needs. An attempt has been made to record the ethnomedicinal uses of 38 species of weeds used by different ethnic groups.

12 ref

014248   Narkhede P N;Ragothaman G (Botany Dep, Dhanaji Nana Mahavidyalaya, Faizpur-425 503) : Some taxa of diatoms new to Maharashtra. Geobios 2007, 34(4), 293-4.

^ssc1 illus, 7 ref

014247   Nandalal P;Somashekar R K (Environmental Sciences Div, Jnanabharathi, Bangalore University, Bangalore-560 056) : Prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in indoor air flroa of district hospital, Mandya, Karnataka. J envir Biol 2007, 28(2), 197-200.

Two year (1998 and 1999) extensive survey was carried out in Mandya district hospital, Karnataka for a period of three years to monitor the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (S. aureus and Ps. aeruginosa) from the indoor air samples of operation theater labor room, children's ward, male and female general wards postoperative wards etc. A rotary air sampler loaded with manital salt and Pseudomonas selection agar media strips were used to collect the samples from various sites. The survivallence results revealed the prevalence of S. aureus and Ps. aeruginosa in almost all sampling sites, irrespective of season indicating their long-term survival and consequent threat to hospitalized patients as well the working employees.

2 illus, 14 ref

014246   Mukherjee D (Botany Dep, Kurukshetra Univ, Kurukshetra-136 119) : Comparative biochemical changes in the leaves of Cajanus cajan seedling after abaand kinetin treatments. Eco Res J Biosci 2007, 6(1-2), 79-84.

Germinated seeds of Cajanus cajan cv. UPAS - 120 were treated with 0, 1, 10 and 100 mm concentrations of either abscisic acid (ABA) or kinetin (KN) separately and alterations in chlorophylls, proteins, Hill activity and peroxidase activity were studied in leaves with further seedling growth in light at 27 ± 2°C. Four days after seedling emergence (8-day seedling stage), about 50% increment in proteins was recorded in controls in comparison to almost negligible to 10% increase in ABA-treated ones. KN-treated seedlings exhibited around 25-50% increment during the same period. However, seedling leaves of subsequent stages having KN-treatment demonstrated significantly higher protein content than control seedlings. The levels of chlorophylls, proteins and Hill activity increased but peroxidase activity showed a steady decline with the increment in ABA concentrations. However, KN-treated seedlings revealed the opposite trend. The peroxidase activity was significantly lower in leaves of KN-treated seedlings than the ABA-treated ones at all comparable stages. Leaves from 16-day seedlings having ABA treatment showed much lower amounts of Chi a, Chl b and protein and relatively higher level of peroxidase activity in comparison to KN-treated ones.

2 tables, 25 ref

014245   Mukesh Kumar;Vipin Kumar;Malik S;Lokendra Kumar (Horticulture Dep, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Modipuram, Meerut-250 110, Email: vipinch1@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of pulsing solutions and stage of spike harvest for refrigerated storage on postharvest quality of gladiolus cut spikes. J ornamental Hort 2007, 10(1), 25-9.

Experiment was conducted to find out the effect of pulsing solutions and stages of spike harvest for refrigerated storage on postharvest life of gladiolus cv. White Prosperity cut spikes. Among all the pulsing treatments i.e., T₁ -Sucrose 20% + STS 200ppm, T₂-Sucrose 20% + STS 200ppm + GA₃100 ppm, T₃-Sucrose 20% + STS 200ppm + GA₃200ppm, T₄-Sucrose 20% + STS SOOppm + GA₃ 300 ppm, T₅-Sucrose 20% + STS 200ppm+GA₃400ppm and T₆ -control (with distilled water), treating of cut spikes with Sucrose 20% + STS 200ppm + GA₃ 300ppm was found superior to other treatments. However, appropriate stages of spike harvest for wet refrigerated storage was found superior on the characters like maximum days to opening of basel floret, floret size, floret longevity, vase life, number of florets open at time, per cent opening of florets, percentage of florets open at a time and water absorption per spike, were recorded in Do storage duration (no storage), while maximum days to opening of basel florets and vase life were recorded in S₁ stage (tight bud stage). The maximum floret size and floret longevity were recorded in S₂ stage (tight bud stage). The maximum number of florets open at a time, per cent opening of florets at a time and maximum water absorption per spike were recorded in S₃ stage (when basal floret was half open).

2 tables, 11 ref

014244   Misra P K;Shukla M;Misra P;Jai Prakash (Botany Dep, University of Lucknow, Lucknow-226 007) : Seome desmids from Chilwa lake, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. J appl Biosci 2007, 33(1), 80-3.

Fourteen desmids belonging to 3 genera, Cosmarium Corda ex Ralfs, Closterium Nitzs. and Euastrum Ehr. emend Ralfs. of the class Chlorophyceae and order Zygnematales have been reported for the first time from the district Gorakhpur, U.P.

14 illus, 24 ref

014243   Misra P K;Rai A;Shukla S K (Phycology Research Lab, Botany Dep, University of Lucknow, Lucknow-226 007, Email: misrapkm@yahoo.com) : Some freshwater desmids from the Kumaon Himalaya. J appl Biosci 2007, 33(1), 53-8.

Deals with twenty two taxa belonging to family Desmidiaceae of order Conjugales (Class Chlorophyceae). These taxa belong to six genera viz, Closterium Nitzsch., Cosmarium Corda ex Ralfs., Euastrum Ehr., Staurastrum Meyen., Pleurotaenium Naegeli and Desmidium C.A. Agardh. These fresh-water desmids have been collected from Naukuchia Lake, Lotus Lake, Bheemtal and Naini Lake of NainitaI District, Uttaranchal State. Morphotaxonomic observations of taxa are based on length and breadth of semi cells, sinus open or closed and isthmus diameter.

38 ref

014242   Mishra R;Singh B S (Botany Dep, St. John's College, Agra-282 002) : Allelopathic effects of plants on some keratinofers. Geobios 2007, 34(4), 301-2.

1 table, 5 ref

014241   Mishra M;Ajay Kumar;Satsangi G P;Bhatnager A K;Shrivastava J N (Microbiology Lab., Botany Dep, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Dayalbagh, Agra-282 005) : Antagonistic activity of Nitrobacter sp. against Tinea capitis. Geobios 2007, 34(4), 241-4.

Bacterial filtrate of Nitrobacter sp. inhibited maximum growth of Microsporum fulvum and among different media consistent activity was observed in tripticase soy broth. Optimal conditions (incubation period, temperature, etc.) and minimal inhibitory concentration were also observed in vitro conditions against Tinea capitis. An antibiotic from Nitrobacter sp. may be used as a control.

3 tables, 9 ref

014240   Mini V;Sivadasan M (Botany Dep, Calicut Univ, P.O-673 635, Email: drmsivadasan@rediffmail.com) : Plants used in ethnoveterinary medicine by kurichya tribe of wayanad district in Kerala, India. Ethnobotany 2007, 19(1-2), 94-9.

Kurichya tribe inhabits different parts in Wayanad district of Kerala. Deals with the ethnoveterinary knowledge of the Kurichyas and the medicinal plants used by them for the treatment of diseases of domestic animals such as cattle, dogs and poultry. The study revealed that 39 species of flowering plants are used as veterinary medicines. Of these, 4 species belong to Asteraceae, 3 each to Myrtaceae, Rutaceae, Zingiberaceae and Fabaceae. Among the cattle alone, 13 diseases are recorded which are cured by 36 species. Eight species arc used for curing 5 diseases in dogs, and 3 species for the poultry diseases.

10 ref

014239   Mao A A;Gogoi R (Botanical Survey of India, , Eastern Circle, Shillong (Meghalaya)) : Rediscovery of a critically endangered endemic rhododendron. Indian For 2007, 133(12), 1699-1702.

2 illus, 4 ref

014238   Manilal K S (Center for Research in Indigenous Knowledge, Science and Culture, (Formerly of Univ, Calicut-673 006, Email: manilalks@yahoo.co.uk) : Hortus Malabaricus: an account of heritage plants of malabar. Ethnobotany 2007, 19(1-2), 17-31.

There is a recorded history of plants of Malabar for a period of about 3000 years. Most of these were highly valuable medicines. Supernatural powers are attributed to a few other plants by the natives. Till a few centuries back this special knowledge was preserved by a select band of local people through oral tradition, with very few recorded on ancient palm-leaf manuscripts in private possession. While original anciem documents about this subject are not known to be extant now, Hortus Malabaricus published in I678 contains at least some remnants on this subject. This and especially the unrecorded information still available with a handful of natives are worth investigation with utmost care so that such knowledge is not misused by vested interests. A history of the special plants of Malabar and their magnetism to outside world in general is discussed in this manuscript.

22 ref

014237   Mallick S K;Pati B R;Behera N (Botany Dep, Ramananda College, Bishnupur, Bankura (West Bengal)) : Phenological study of some dominant tree species in a tropical dry deciduous forest of paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal. Indian For 2007, 133(12), 1675-82.

Study reports phenological information of 20 dominant tree species from a tropical dry deciduous forest patch of Paschim Medinipur District, West Bengal. Different phenophases like germination/sprouting, vegetative growth/ leaf senescence, flowering and ripening of fruits were studied during January, 2001 to December, 2002. Results of the study revealed that maximum number of species showed vegetative growth during the period of June to October. Leaf senescence was observed to begin from the month of November and continued till April. Maximum number of species exhibited flowering and fruiting from the month of March to June. However, the phenophase germination of most plant species was observed to be restricted to the period of June - July.

2 illus, 3 tables, 30 ref

014236   Maliya S D (NO, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001) : Traditional fruit and leaf therapy among tharus and indigenous people of district Bahraich, India. Ethnobotany 2007, 19(1-2), 131-3.

Deals with some traditional ethnomedicinal uses of 20 plant species recorded in the forests and nearby areas adjacent to Wildlife Sanctuary Katarniyaghat in Bahraich Tharus and the local people of this region use fruits and leaves, traditionally, either singly or in combination to prepare poly-herbal drugs for treating various ailments.

13 ref

014235   Mali V P;Jamdhade V M;Patale S S (Botany Dep, Anandrao Dhonde Alias Babaji College, Kada Tq. Ashti Dist. Beed (M.S), , Email: drvinodj@gmail.com) : Seed mycoflora of green gram and black gram. Bionano Front 2008, 1(2), 137-9.

Green gram (Phaseolus aureus Roxb.) and black gram (Phaseolus mungo L.) are major pulse crops grown in Marathwada region. The seed mycoflora was screened by using agar plate method. A seed of one wild variety of each of these pulse crops was used in the study and results were obtained from untreated and treated seeds. The untreated seeds were fQund to be associated with highest percent incidence of mycoflora.

1 table, 6 ref

014234   Maity D;Maiti G G (Botanical Survey of India, , Sikkim Himalayan Circle, Gangtok-737 103, Email: debmaity@yahoo.com) : Stebbinsia umbrella (Franch.) Lip. Asteraceae): a new record for India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2007, 104(1), 119-20.

^ssc1 illus, ref

014233   Kavitha B T;Ramachandra Y L (Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Dep, Kuvempu Univ, Jnana Sahyadri, Shankaraghatta, Shimoga-577 451, Email: ylrkar@yahoo.com) : Antibacterial activity of the leaf extracts of Tinospora cordifolia. Geobios 2007, 34(4), 233-6.

Tinospora cordifolia is widely used as an Ayurvedic medicinal plant. The in vitro experiment by the agar disc diffusion method established that the extract possesses antibacterial property. The leaf extracts in different ratios of hexane and ethyl acetate tests have shown significant zone of inhibition for bacteria: Escherichia coli (64 mm), Bacillus subtilis (56 mm) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (61mm) which was greater than reference antibiotics.

2 tables, 17 ref

014232   Karuppusamy S;Rajasekaran K M;Pullaiah T (Biotechnology Dep, Sri Krishnadevaraya Univ, Anantapur-515 003, Email: ksamylin@yahoo.co.in) : Diospyros nigrescens (dalz.) Saldanha (Ebenaceae): an addition to the flora of Tamil Nadu. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2007, 104(1), 117.

^ssc1 illus, 1 ref

014231   Karuppusamy S;Pullaiah T (Biotechnology Dep, Sri Krishnadevaraya Univ, Anantapur-515 003, Email: ksamylin@yahoo.co.in) : Convolvulus microphyllus Sieb. ex Spreng. (Convolvulaceae): a new record for Peninsular India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2007, 104(1), 118.

^ssc1 illus, 4 ref

014230   Kale M;Dongare M (Botany Dep, Jaysingpur College, Jaysingpur-416 101, Email: mvkale2007a@yahoo.co-in) : Polyphenol contents in the dimorphic leaves of some ferns from southern India. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2007, 26(1-2), 43-6.

The polyphenol Contents have been studied in some dimorphic ferns viz; Drynaria quercifolia (L.) J. Sm, Ceratopteris thalictroides (L.)Brohgn, Salvinia molesta Mitch, Marsilea quadrifolia L, Bolbitis appendicvlata (Willd.)K.Iwats, B. virens Bedd, Osmunda hugelina L. and Lygodium flexuosum Bedd, Ophioglossum reticulatum L, Acrostichum aureum L. growing in different habitats. The ammo acids are maximum in the fertile stage than the vegetative in majority of the species.

15 ref

014229   Kale M;Dongare M (Botany Dep, Jaysingpur College, Jaysingpur-416 101, Email: mvkale2007@yahoo.co.in) : Distribution of amino acids in some of the dimorphic ferns growing in different habitats. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2007, 26(1-2), 7-10.

Presents the ammo acid contents in the dimorphic leaves of some pteridophytes viz; Drynaria quercifolia (L )J.Sm (epiphytic). Ceratopleris thalictroides (L.)Brongn, Salvinia molesta Mitch, Marsilea qnadrifolia L. (aquatic), Bolbitis appendiailata (Willd.)K.lwats, B. virens Bedd. Osmunda hugelina L. and Lygodium flexuosum Bedd. (terrestrial) growing in different habitats Majority of the species contain maximum quantity of amino acids in the fertile stage than the vegetative one.

e, 9 ref

014228   Kadiri A B;Ogunkanmi A L (Microbiology Dep, Botany Research Laboratory, Lagos Univ, Akoka yaba, Lagos, Nigeria, Email: abkadiri2001@yahoo.com) : Taxonomic studies in the genus Ricinus linn,: (euphorbiaceae) in Nigeria. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2007, 26(1-2), 11-23.

Ricinus is a monotypic genus represented by R. communis L. in Nigeria. It comprises two distinct varieties which may grow either in gregarious or solitary formations. The distinguishing features of the species are colour of vein, petiole and stem which may be green or brown, number of fruit prickles as well as shape of midrib and type of stomata, pollen grains and crystals which may occur either as raphides or localized crystals of calcium oxalate in the epidermal cell lumen. In the two varieties, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplications with random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers indicated similarities and differences at 0.59 and 0.41 coefficient levels respectively. Ricinus communis has both commercial and medicinal uses.

2 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

014227   Kadira A B;Olowokudejo J D;Oguandipe O T (Botany and Microbiology Dep, Lagos Univ, Nigeria) : Comprative epidermal morphology of the west African species of basellaceae moquin tandon. (centrospermae). Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2007, 26(1-2), 47-56.

Foliar epidermal characteristics of the West African species of Basellaceae were investigated using light microscopy. The leaf is generally amphsitomatic, glabrous and dorsiventral. Hemiparacytic and anomopentacytic stomata were recorded for the first time in the family. The latter stomatal type and additional deposition of mucilage in the middle lamella distinguish Basella alba. Epidermal cell wall thickness and cell shape which are identical on both surfaces of the leaf are distinctive of Basella rubra. Polygraphs are used to depict differences and affinities between the taxa and an artificial dichotomous key is presented to delimit them.

4 illus, 18 ref

014226   Jhon A O;Rather Z A;Paul T M;Neelofar (Division of Floriculture, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and technology (Ka, Shalimar (Jammu and Kashmir), Email: aqjhon_01@rediffmail.co.in ) : Evaluation of ornamental bulbous plants for landscapeing in temperate regions. J ornamental Hort 2007, 10(1), 1-8.

Thirty four hardy ornamental bulbous plant species were evaluated for their use in landscaping in district Srinagar of Kashmir valley, during 1995-2005, for various vegetative and floral characters (planting time, flowering time, plant height, bloom colour and mode of propagation) in order to formulate various planting plans for use in the landscape gardening. These plants produced a majestic display in the gardens from early spring until late fall. Various planting schemes and proper placement of these plants for the maximum effect in the landscape have been suggested for temperate conditions. Use of bulbous plants for problematic areas in the landscape has also been suggested.

1 table, 2 ref

014225   Jha A K;Singh S P;Singh S R (Zoology Dep, S.M.M.T.D. College, Ballia-277 001) : Population kinetics and seasonal fluctuation of phytoplankton of Dah-Reoti (Ballia) - an ox-bow lake. J appl Biosci 2007, 33(2), 174-9.

Qualitative and quantitative studies on the phytoplankton of an ox-bow lake were carried out for a period of two years in relation to physico-chemical complexes operating in the water. The phytoplankton community consisted of Cyanobacteria (85.16%) and Dinophyceae (12.03%), Bacillariophyceae (1.67%), Chlorophyceae (0.83%) and Euglenophyceae (0.31 %). Microcystis aeruginosa Kutz. was the most dominant species existing more or less throughout the year. Summer monsoon period provided most propitious conditions during which it proliferated profusely forming peaks in September/October as high as 30800 u/l and 32600 u/l and contributing 89.35% and 91.95% to the total phytoplankton population in the first and second year respectively. Dinophyceae was represented by a single species Ceratium hirundineila a (O.F.M.) Bergh climaxing sometimes in January/February. The other algal forms were meagre in number and low in percentage.

4 illus, 4 tables, 25 ref

014224   Jadhav M;Jain C (Botany Dep, Sir Sayyed College, Roshan Gate, Aurangabad-431 001) : Isolation of microalgae from house dust. Bionano Front 2007, 1(1), 74-7.

Presence of algae in the house dust, a survey has been conducted from August 2004 to July 2006. Dust samples were collected from houses of patients suffering from nasobronchial allergy. A total of 40 samples were obtained and cultured in the petriplates containing agarized Bold's basal medium (BBM). Microalgal forms belonging to Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae and Bacillariophyceae were cultured and identified. Members of Cyanophyceae dominated the microalgal flora of the dust. Among Cyanophyceae Aphanothece niculans, Plectonema gracillimum, Nostoc muscorum, Nostoc punctiformae, Scylonema hofmanni and hapalosiphon welwitschii were dominant. Phorminium was represented by 6 species. Chlorophyceae was dominated by Chlorella, Gloeocystic major, Gloecocystis nigas, chlorococcum and Tetraspora, Baccilariphyceae was represented by Hantzschia, Nitzschia palea and Pinnularia. Most of the microalgal forms recorded in the study are highly allergenic to human beings.

1 illus, 2 table

014223   Irabanta Singh N (Life Sciences Dep, Manipur Univ, Canchipur, Imphal-795 003) : Airborne mould biodiversity of certain indoor workplace environments in (north-eastern) India. Indian J Aerobiol 2007, 20(1-2), 9-16.

Review focuses on airborne mould biodiversity of certain indoor work environments in North-Eastern (NE) India during the last five decades. Indoor workplace environments aerobiology in the region can be considered under two types viz., Industrial and Non-Industrial. Aerobiological studies on Industrial indoor workplace environment include Cinema hall, Saw mill, Rice mills, Paper mills and Bakery. Whereas, aerobiological studies on Non-industrial workplace environment include Hospital, Poultry farm, Library, Pig farm; Stored printed paper materials including State Archives, Hostel kitchen. Food Corporation of India grain godown and potato storage chambers. The studies revealed rich biodiversity of moulds in the indoor workplace environments of N.E. India. Further, fluctuations in fungal airspora was observed as influenced by meteorological parameters in addition to available indoor substrates. Most of the indoor workplace environments present higher population of Penicillium and Aspergillus indicating possible sources of indoor contamination.

59 ref

014222   Idu M;Ukoh G C;Omoruyi O M;Igeleke C I; Oronsaye F E (Botany Dep, Benin Univ, Benin City, Nigeria, Email: macdonaldidu@hotmail.com) : Antimicrobial activity and perliminary phytochemistry investigations on Ipomoea involucrata P. Beauv. Ethnobotany 2007, 19(1-2), 88-93.

Crude extracts of the leaves and stems of Ipomoea involucrata (convolvulaceae) were investigated for antimicrobial activity and were found to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella aerogenes. Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas acruginosa and Aspergillus niger but did not inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. The leaf and stem were screened for phytochemistry and were found to contain alkaloids, saponin, tannin, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic compounds and eugenols.

6 tables, 15 ref

014221   Huai H;Pu Z (College of Bioscience & Biotechnology, Yangzhou Univ, China) : Perliminary ethnobotanical study on non timber forest products in local markets in Jinping antonomous county of Miao, Yao, and Dai, Yunnan (China). Ethnobotany 2007, 19(1-2), 41-8.

Collecting and selling non-timber forest products (NTFPs) is considered as an important way of using vegetation sustainable. Local markets are playing a significant role in NTFPs utilization. Based on ethnobotanical investigation of 6 periodic markets in Jinping Autonomous County of Mian, Yao, and Dai, Yunnan Province, China, it is found that the selling of NTFPs in local markets still follows traditional styles. For example, selling process is very simple, the sellers never use balances and other measure instruments for quantifying NTFPs. Collectors and consumers of NTFPs mainly come from local indigenous communities and towns. Edible and medicinal plants are principal NTFPs. Types, species and amount of NTFPs are different in different seasons, and also are influenced by the location, the seizes, the need of markets, the price of NTFPs. and the backgrounds of collectors and consumers. The importance of NTFPs collection and trading in local communities has showed a decreasing trend due to the exotic culture invading in the study region.

1 illus, 2 tables, 31 ref

014220   Guleria S;Sharma R (Botany Dep, St. John's College, Agra-282 002) : Antifungal activities of leaf and stem of Juniperus communis L. on Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht. Geobios 2007, 34(4), 307-8.

^ssc1 table, 9 ref