012348   Kasatkar P A;Jadhav B L (Life Science Dep, Univ of Mumbai Vidyanagari Campus, Santacruz(E), Mumbai-400 098) : Antimicrobial screening and phytochemical analysis of mangrove species Acanthus ilicifolius. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(2), 633-8.

Antimicrobial properties and phytochemical analysis of leaf and stem of Acanthus ilicifolius were studied. The cold and hot extracts of these parts were made in petroleum-ether, chloroform, acetone, ethanol, methanol and water and tested against microorganisms. Overall higher activity was observed in hot extracts than cold. Hot extracts of acetone, ethanol and methanol of both the parts showed mild to moderate activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, while Escherichia coli was inhibited by chloroform, ethanol and methanol hot extracts. HPTLC analysis and various confirmatory tests for bioactive principles have revealed the presence of alkaloids, anthraglycosides, arbutins, bitter drugs, cardiac glycosides, coumarins, essential oils, flavonoids, saponins and valeportriates.

3 tables, 14 ref

012347   Kamble S I (Botany Dep, Phulsing Naik Mahavidayalya Pusad, Dist, Yavatmal) : Effect of glyphosate on linear growth of seedlings and their morpological characters of Hibiscus cannabinus Linn.. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(2), 785-8.

Uniform seedlings were treated with different concentrations of glyphosate for 24 hours. Then they were thoroughly washed with distilled water and kept for germination in petridishes containing double layered filter paper at room temperature for 72 hours. The effect of herbicide on liner growth of hypocotyl and radicle was noted. Glyphosate was effective in checking the linear growth of seedlings. This herbicide inhibited the linear growth of seedlings and caused swelling. The radicle was found to be more succeptible than hypocotyl. The lethal dose was found to be 600 ppm for hypocotyl and 500 ppm for radicle. The seedlings showed some morphological changes like inhibition of lateral roots formation and color of seedlings changed from green to yellowish observed due to application of glyphosate.

3 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

012346   Kamble S I (Botany Dep, Phulsing Naik Mahavidyalaya, Pusad Dist, Yavatmal) : Effect of goal (oxyfluorfen) on linear growth of seedlings and their anatomical characters of Hibiscus cannabinus Linn.. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(2), 737-40.

Effect of oxyfluorfen on linear growth of seedlings has been studied. The seedlings have been reported to be most sensitive to the herbicidal action. Uniform seedlings were treated with different concentration of herbicide for 24 hours. Then they were thoroughly washed with distilled water and kept for germination in petridishes containing double layered of moistened filter paper at room temperature for 72 hours. The effect of oxyfluorfen on linear growth of hypocotyl and radicle was noted. This herbicide was effective in checking the linear growth of seedlings. It inhibited the linear growth of seedlings and caused swellings. The radicle was found to be more susceptible than hypocotyl to this herbicide. The lethal dose was found to be 300 ppm for hypocotyl and 250 ppm for radicle. The anatomical changes like ruptured epidermis, disorganization of cortical cells in hypocotyl and radicle and disintegration of mesophyll cells were observed in cotyledon.

8 illus, 4 ref

012345   Kamble S I (Botany Dep, Phulsing Naik Mahavidyalaya, Pusad, Dist, Yavatmal) : Effect of spray application of 2,4-D on morphological characters of Hibiscus cannabinus Linn.. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(2), 705-12.

Herbicidal activities of 2,4-D on Hibiscus cannabinus Linn has been, studied. The plants were sprayed with aqueous solution of different concentrations of 2,4-D from 100 to 5000 ppm. 2,4-D at all concentrations showed the effects like epinastically curvature, swollen and bending of stem. The leaves turned yellowish and roots became swollen and finally decayed. Vegetative growth of plants was retarded and finally plants dried. The lethal dose of 2,4-D was 500 ppm.

10 illus, 1 table, 45 ref

012344   Jitendra Kumar;Vijayvergia R (Botany and Biotechnology Dep, Univ of Rajasthan, Jaipur, ) : Comprative quantification of primary metabolites of some latex bearing plants. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(2), 681-6.

Medicinal plants are the most exclusive source of life saving drugs for the majority of the world's population. Laboratory evaluations were made to asses the comparative study of primary metabolites of some latex bearing plants of Apocyhaceae. Amount of soluble sugar is found higher in leaves of Nerium indicum Mill and Cryptostegia grandiflora R.Br. and also in Flower of Nerium indicum Mill, as compared to other plants parts. Starch is found in leaves of N. indicum Mill. Protein is found in leaves of Tabernaemontana divericata, lipids in roots of Asclepias curassavica and C. grandiflora R.Br. and phenol is seen in stem and root of N. indicum Mill.

5 illus, 22 ref

012343   Jadhav U (Life Science Dep, Mumbai Univ, Santacruz (E), Mumbai-400 098) : Exploration of biopesticidal potential of Acacia concinna and Momordica charantia. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(2), 729-32.

Sustainable development demands exploration at Biopesticidal potential of plants. Botanical pesticides are biodegradable, safer alternative to the synthetic pesticides. Tropical plants provide a rich source of phytochemicals which exhibit antimicrobial, insecticidal properties. Acacia concinna and Momordica charantia have shown a good antimicrobial and insecticidal role. So their combined application to control insects of crop and ornamental plant as well as antimicrobial properties can be step close to eco-friendly world. Investigations are under progress with respect to their phytochemical aspects.

2 tables, 5 ref

012342   Dhingra R;Ahluwalia A S (Botany Dep, Punjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014, Email: phykos@pu.ac.in) : Cyanobacterial blooms in ponds of Punjab, India. Vegetos 2007, 20(1), 79-82.

High nutreint levels, draining of fertilizers, sewage and disposal of industrial effluents in water bodies often promote bloom formation. Blooms of blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria) in ponds, reservoirs, etc. produce the musty-earthy taste and odour and thus turn the drinking water unpalatable. In Punjab, number of ponds and other aquatic bodies have turned up green because of massive blooms. The adverse impacts on water supplies due to blue-green algal blooms are usually serious but generally underestimated.

1 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

012341   Chethan Kumar K V;Chandrashekar K R; Balakrishna A N (Microbiology Dep, M S Ramaiah College of Arts Science and Commerce, Bangalore) : Arbuscular mycorhizal activity in Solanum Nigrum in different regions of Karnataka. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(3), 633-5.

Solatium nigrum, a medicinal plant. The plant was screened for Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) association, spore load, phosphatase activity, pH and available phosphorus content by collecting rhizosphere soil samples along with fine roots from different locations of Karnataka . AM root colonization was more in samples from Hassan compared to Shimcga, Tumkur, Kolar and Bangalore. AM spore load was significantly higher in Bangalore compared to other locations. Phosphatase activity in Bangalore samples were significantly higher compared to other locations. Available phosphorus was more in soils indicating P solubilization by mycorrhiza. cold storage temperature were acceptable up to one month. Key words: Fish pakoda, shelf life, Nemipterus Japanicies surimi.

1 table, 17 ref

012340   Bhardwaj S K;Laura J S (Bioscience Dep, M.D. Univ, Rohtak, Haryana) : Antibacterial properties of some plant extract against plants pathogenic bacteria Rathyibacter tritici. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(2), 693-8.

Aqueous extracts of twenty plants were screened by agar diffusion methods for their antibacterial activity against Rathyibacter tritici, a causal organism of tundu diseases of wheat. The Rathyibacter tritici was found most sensitive to the leaves extracts of Camellia sinensis. Some of the other plants showed the activity against the test bacteria in the following order Aegle marmelos<62> Azadirachta indica<62> Callistemon lanceolatus<62> Calotropis procera<62> Acacia arabicae<62> Brassica campestris<62> Adhatoda vasica.

1 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

012339   Beck E H;Fettig S;Knake C;Hartig K;Bhattarai T (Plant Physiology Dep, Bayreuth Univ, D 95440 Bayreuth, Germany, Email: erwin.beck@uni-bayreuth.de) : Specific and unspecific of plants to cold and drought stress. J Biosci, Bangalore 2007, 32(3), 501-10.

Different environmental stresses to a plant may result in similar responses at the cellular and molecular level. This is due to the fact that the impacts of the stressors trigger similar strains and downstream signal transduction chains. A good example for an unspecific response is the reaction to stressors which induce water deficiency e.g. drought, salinity and cold, especially frost. The stabilizing effect of liquid water on the membrane bilayer can be supported by compatible solutes and special proteins. At the metabolic level, osmotic adjustment by synthesis of low-molecular osmolytes (carbohydrates, betains, proline) can counteract cellular dehydration and turgor loss. Taking the example of Pinus sylvestris, changes at the level of membrane composition, and concomitantly of photosynthetic capacity during frost hardening is shown. Additionally the effect of photoperiod as measured via the phytochrome system and the effect of sub freezing temperatures on the incidence of frost hardening is discussed. Extremely hydrophilic proteins such as dehydrins are common products protecting not only the biomembranes in ripening seeds (late embryogenesis abundant proteins) but accumulate also in the shoots and roots during cold adaptation, especially in drought tolerant plants. Dehydrins are characterized by conserved amino acid motifs, called the K-, Y- or S-segments. Accumulation of dehydrins can be induced not only by drought, but also by cold, salinity, treatment with abscisic acid and methyl jasmonate. Positive effects of the overexpression of a wild chickpea (Cicer pinnatifidum) dehydrin in tobacco plants on the dehydration tolerance is shown. The presentation discusses the perception of cold and drought, the subsequent signal transduction and expression of genes and their products. Differences and similarities between the plant responses to both stressors are also discussed.

9 illus, 46 ref

012338   Anwar M N;Begum J;Dutta S;Khan S;Yusuf M D; Chowdhury J U (Microbiology Dep, Chittagong Uviv, Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh, Email: anwarmn54@yahoo.com) : Screening of thirty eight medicinal plants of Bangladesh for antibacterial activities. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(3), 627-32.

Antibacterial assays of ethanolic extracts of thirty eight medicinal plants have been tested against ten human bacterial pathogens (Bacillus subtilis, B. cereus, B. megateium, Eschenchia coli, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, Sh. sonnei, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas nerugmosa and Vibrio choleras). Varied degree of inhibitions of test bacteria were recorded. Out of thirty eight plant species, the extract of eight species showed inhibition against all the test bacteria. The extract of four plant species (aerial parts of Dioscoria sp. and Cissus repens; bark of Sapium indicum and Saraca asoca) showed inability to inhibit any test bacteria.

2 tables, 27 ref

012337   Antwal P N;Bellurkar C M;Bhosale P B (Home Science Extension Education Dep, College of Home Scince, MAU, Parbhani-431 402) : Use of indegenous medicinal plants for respiratory disorders. J Dairying Fd Home Sci 2006, 25(3-4), 218-23.

Study was conducted in Parbhani and Nanded districts of Marathwada region of Maharashtra state, to know the indigenous knowledge of rural people regarding use of medicinal plants for respiratory disorders. Data were collected from old and experienced rural people with the help of specially designed interview schedule. The data were collected by PRA technique from five villages related to medicinal plants used for respiratory disorders.The collected information was then scientifically validated with the help of books on medicinal plants, drug index and consultation with Ayurvedic doctors. The study reveals that leaves of Eucalyptus, whole plant of Prickly chaff flower are useful to get relief from cough and leaves of Tulsi and root of turmeric are useful to cure cold. Where as leaves of Eucalyptus, roots of Carrot, leaves of Castor and seed and root of Cardamom are useful in tonsillitis. While leaves of Tulsi, fruits of Hirda and root and bark of Apta are useful for the patient suffering from sore throat.

3 tables, 3 ref

012336   Ameyaw Y;Akotoye H K (NO, Center of Scientific Reasearch into Plant Medicine, P.O. Box 73, Mampong-Akuapem, Eastern Region,(Ghana)) : Leaf epidermal studies of some medicinal plant species of the family annonaceae in the Pre-Suhien forest in the central region of Ghana. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2007, 4(2), 441-7.

Histomorphological studies of five forest medicinal plant species of the family Annonaceae have been studied; the reported plant species are Cleistopholis patens (Benth.) Engl. and Diels, Enantia polycarpa Engl. and Diels, Monodora myristica Dunal, Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich and Xylopia quintasii Engl. and Diels. The studies revealed that leaves are hypostomatic with paracytic stomata found only in the lower epidermis. The epidermal cell walls are straight to wavy. The stomatal index of the plant species ranges from 0.086±0.001 in E. polycarpa to 0.199 ± 0.001 in X. quintasii. Epidermal hairs - multicellular, non-glandular and stellate - were noticed only in E. polycarpa. Epidermal crystals observed include - cluster crystals, which were present in all the plant species and trihydric crystals found only in E. polycarpa.

6 illus, 20 ref

011185   Wadoodkhan M A;Solanke S N;Chavan D P (Botany Dep, Majilagaon College, Majalgaon, Dist. Beed (Maharashtra)-443 131) : Genus Scleria Berg. (Cyperaceae) in peninsular India, rest of Maharastra and Andaman. J Econ Taxon Bot 2007, 31(3), 598-612.

Deals with an account of generic and infrageneric delimitations of Selena Berg., Diplacrum R. Br. and Sphaeropus Boeck., with reference to 27 taxa belonging to the study regions. These have been critically studied and enumerated together with illustrations, diagnostic key and notes on phenology.

14 illus, 32 ref

011184   Vineesh V R;Fuesh P V;Jelly Louis C;Jaimsha V K;Padikkala J (Biotechnol Dep, Amala Cancer Research Centre, Amala Nagar, Thrissur-580 555, Email: jpadikkala@rediffmail.com) : In vitro production of camptothecin (an anticancer drug) through albino plants of Ophiorrhiza rugosa var. decumbens. Curr Sci 2007, 92(9), 1216-18.

2 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

011183   Uddin A (Botanical Survey of India, , Eastern Circle, Shillong-793 003) : Distribution and status of Indian Begonia L. species. J Econ Taxon Bot 2007, 31(3), 591-7.

Distribution and status of 56 species of Begonia L. (Family Begoniaceae) reported from India is presented. Major threats and the measures for conservation of the rare and endangered species are discussed.

1 table, 13 ref

011182   Udayan P S;Tushar K V;George S;Balachandran I (Centre for Medicinal Plants Research (CMPR), Arya Vaida Sala, Kottakkal Changuvetty, Kottakkal Malappuram District, Kerala-676 503, Email: avscmpr@sify.com) : Some red listed and litle known plants from the top slip forest western ghats (Coimbatore district) Tamil Nadu, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2007, 31(3), 624-30.

During exploratory survey of medicinal plants in Kariyan shola and neighbouring forest areas of Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, 12 rare, endemic and endangered red listed medicinal plant species were collected, which have taxonomical and distribution merits.

14 ref

011181   Sinha B K;Shukla B K (Botanical Survey of India Eastern Circle, , Shillong-793 003) : Synoptic flora of Khargaon district, Madhya Pradesh-II. J Econ Taxon Bot 2007, 31(3), 643-95.

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011180   Singh S K;Singh D K (NO, , Botanical Survey of India, C.G.O. Complex, 3rd MSO Building, Block - F (5th Floor), Salt Lake, Sector 1, Kolkata-700 06) : Contribution to the bryoflora of great Himalayan National Park, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh V: genus Plagiochila (Dumort.) dumort. (Plagiochilaceae). Indian J For 2007, 30(1), 101-12.

Twelve species of the genus Plagiochila (Dumort.) Dumort.. have been described and illustrated from Great Himalayan National Park and its environs in Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh. Of these P. elegans and P richteri are extremely rare in the study area, whereas P. duthiana, P mundaliensis, P. nepalensis, P. parvifolia and P sciophila are quite common. The others show restricted distribution.The phytoclimatic conditions in the Sainj Valley of the Park appear to be more congenial for the growth of the genus.

35 ref

011179   Sabeena A;Mestry A;Mulani R M;Santhosh Kumar E S;Sibin N T (NO, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram-695 562) : New species of Jasminum linn. (Oleaceae) from Kerala, India. Indian J For 2007, 30(1), 123-5.

New species of Jasminum Linn., viz. J. agastyamalayanum, from Kerala, India is described and illustrated.

1 illus, 1 tables, 5 ref

011178   Rawat V K (Botanical Survey of India Central Circle, , Allahabad-211 002) : Leucostegia immersa (Wall. Ex Hook.) Presl, a new record for Arunachal Pradesh (eastern Himalaya). Indian J For 2007, 30(1), 99-100.

Leucostegia immersa (Wall, c.x Hook.) Presl, belonging to Davalliaceae is reported as a new record for Arunachal Pradesh from Mehao Wild life Sanctuary, Lower Dibang Valley District, a graceful, rare fern with lull citations, correct nomenclature, detailed description, distribution, material studied of plan.

2 illus, 10 ref

011177   Prabhugaonkar A;Dessai J R N;Janarthanam M K (Botany Dep, Goa Univ, Goa-403 206) : Extended distribution of Cassipourea ceylanica, and inland rhizophoraceae. Indian J For 2007, 30(1), 81-2.

Cassipourea ceylanica (Gardn.) Alston, an inland Rhizophoraceae member, hitherto known only from Southernmost parts of Western Ghats and Sri Lanka is being reported from Northern Western Ghats, Goa. It is of considerable phytogeographic interest as it shows disjunct distribution.

1 illus, 3 ref

011176   Paul T K;Chaudhury G H (Central National Herbarium, BSI, Howrah-711 103) : Contribution to the study of Amaranthaceae in West Bengal. J Econ Taxon Bot 2007, 31(3), 560-78.

Deals with the taxonomic studies on the family Amaranthaceae in West Bengal State. 15 genera and 32 species are found to grow in this State. Ceatrostachys aquatica (R. Br.) Wall, ex Moq., a rare and threatened species, has been collected after 100 years from this State. Stilbanthus scandens, a woody climber, occurs between 900-2100 in altitude in Darjeeling district. Cyathula capitata Moq. and C. tomentosa (Roth) Moq. are reported as new record for West Bengal State.

5 illus

011175   Parabia F M;Gami B;Kothari I L;Mohan J S S; Parabia M H (Biosciences Dep, Sardar Patel Univ, Vallabh Vidyanagar-388 120, Email: farzin_parabia@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of plant growth regulators on in vitro morphogenesis of Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) W. & A. from nodal explants. Curr Sci 2007, 92(9), 1290-3.

Multiple shoot production was successfully achieved from axillary buds of Leptadenia reticulata using nodes as explants, and simultaneous organogenesis via callus produced from the base of the nodes. The Murashige and Skoog basal medium was supplemented with combinations of indole-3.butyric acid (IBA) and kinetin (Kn) for multiple shoot production. Maximum of six shoots were produced per node with the combination of IBA (1 mg/l) and Kn (10 mg/l) from the axillary bud. Callus produced from the base of the nodes in combination with indole-3-acetic acid and Kn was isoªlated for organogenesis. Organogenesis from callus was achieved with the combination of naphthaleneacetic acid (1.5 mg/l) and Kn (10 mg/l) as well as IBA (1 and 1.5 mg/l) with Kn (2 mg/l). Microshoots were transª ferred for rooting in IBA-containing medium, in which maximum 13 roots were produced in IBA (1 mg/l). Through sequential hardening process, well-rooted plantlets were established in the field.

1 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

011174   Ozdemir C;Akyol Y (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science and Art, Celal Bayar Univ, Manisa Turkey) : Colchicum Boissieri Orph. (Liliaceae) in Turkey. J Econ Taxon Bot 2007, 31(3), 631-6.

Morphological and anatomical properties of Colchicum boissieri Orph. have been investigated, with a view to add some more stable characters to determine the identity of the taxon. The detailed morphological features of organs of C. boissieri Orph. such as corm, leaf and flower have been presented. Cross sections of root, stem, leaf and flower parts of C. boissieri were examined and demonstrated by illustrations. The plant has an important toxic substance.

4 illus, 10 ref

011173   Kasera P K;Mohammed S (Laboratory of Plant Ecology. Botany of Dep, Jai Narain Vyas Univ, Jodhpur-342 001, Email: jnvupawan@rediffmail.com) : Critically threatened plants of the Thar desert India- their utilization and conservation strategies. J Econ Taxon Bot 2007, 31(3), 579-83.

Deals with distribution, regeneration, cultivation practices and utilization of some most critically threatened plants of the Indian Thar Desert. These species are used by locals for treatment of various diseases such as gonorrhoea, urinary troubles, indigestion, rheumatism, asthma, liver, biliousness, piles, leprosy etc which has not been documented so far. As such, their over-exploitation poses threats to their survival, besides ecological competition with environment and vegetation. Conservation of such critically threatened taxa is of prime importance and goal may be achieved by multiplying them through recent biotechnological methods in ex-situ conditions and rehabilitation in nature.

5 ref

011172   Kandemir N;Akcin O E (Biyology Dep, Faculty of Arts and Science, Ondokus Mayis Univ, Amasya, Turkey) : Morphologic and anatomic studies on Galanthus fosteri Baker (Amaryllidaceae) in Turkey and validation of variety Antepensis Zeybek & Sauer. J Econ Taxon Bot 2007, 31(3), 760-72.

Morphological and anatomical properties of Galanthus fasteri Baker var. fosteri and Galanthus fosteri Baker var. antepensis Zeybek & Sauer ex Kandemir & Akcin, distributed in various geographic regions in Turkey, are investigated comparatively. Both the varieties are perennial, herbaceous and bulbous plants and have economic importance. These two varieties are East Mediterranean floristic elements and are geophyte, flowering in spring. Morphological properties of various organs of these varieties are given in detail and the non-variational properties are handled as taxonomic character. In anatomical investigations, cross sections of root, neck, scape and leaf are prepared and anatomical structures are compared. Furthermore, the stomatal index was calculated. Comparative study of two varieties revealed that they differ in a number of morphological and anatomical characters which are good enough to reinstate and validate var. antepensis Zeybek & Sauer ex Kandemir & Akcin.

12 illus, 1 table, 37 ref

011171   Jachak S M;Saklani A (Natural Products Dep, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sector-67, SAS Nagar, Punjab-160 062, Email: sanjayjachak@niper.ac.in) : Challenges and opportunities in drug discovery from plants. Curr Sci 2007, 92(9), 1251-49.

Drug discovery from plants involves a multidisciplinary approach combining botanical, ethnobotanical, phytochemical and biological techniques. Plants continue to provide us new chemical entitities (lead molecules) for the development of drugs against various pharmacological targets, including cancer, HIV/AIDS, malaria, Alzheimer's disease and pain. Several natural product drugs of plant origin are in clinical use, including paclitaxel, camptothecin-derived analogues, arteether, galanthamine, tiotropium to name a few, and some are undergoing Phase II and Phase III clinical trials. Although plant-based drug discovery programmes continue to provide an important source of new drug leads, numerous challenges are encountered, including procurement and authentication of plant materials, implementation of high-throughput screening bioassays and scale-up of bioactive lead compounds. At the same time, there are opportunities for India as it is rich in genetic resources and traditional knowledge, which are key components for bioprospecting and value-addition.

^iia2 illus, 39 ref

011170   Isra Ram;Jeeva Ram;Chatta L;Dayal R;Thakore B B L (Pathology Plants of Dep, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Partap Univ Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur-313 001) : Investigations on alternaria fruit rot of ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.) and its management by fungicides. J Econ Taxon Bot 2007, 31(3), 613-21.

Fruit rot of Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.) caused by Alternaria alternate, was noticed in the fruit market of Udaipur. The best medium for growth and sporulation of A. alternata was potato dextrose agar. Suitable temperature for the best growth and sporulation was 25 ± 2 to 30 ± 2°C. Maximum growth and sporulation were favoured by 6.5 pH. Tridemefon, Tridemorph, Alcidine, Karathane and Propiconazole were most effective to inhibit the mycelial growth of A. alternata as well as effectively controlled the rot when used as pre and post inoculation treatments.

8 tables, 15 ref

011169   Husain T;Agnihotri P (Biodiversity & Angiosperm Taxonomy Dep, National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg Lucknow-226 001, Email: hustar_2000@yahoo.co.uk) : Taxonomic notes on Pedicularis L. series robustae prain (Scrophulariaceae). J Econ Taxon Bot 2007, 31(3), 696-700.

Pedicularis L. series Robustae Prain is discussed, with comments for retaining four species namely Pedicularis robusta Hook, f, P. elwesii Hook, f, P. nepalensis Prain and P. daltoni Prain under the series Robustae Prain. The taxonomic history of each species is summarized. P. elwesii Hook. f. was included by Prain (1890) in the series Macranthae of subsection Brevitubae. Its transfer to series Robustae Prain is proposed in the study.

3 ref

011168   Gandhe K R;Kuvalekar A (Botany Dep, PG Research Centre, Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Shivajinagar, Pune-411 005, Email: kanchan.gandhe@gmail.com) : Phylogenetic studies in Ravenelia esculenta and related rust fungi. Indian J Microbiol 2007, 47(3), 212-18.

Ravenelia esculenta Naras. and Thium. is a rust fungus, which infects mostly thorns, inflorescences, flowers and fruits of Acacia eburnea Willd. Aecial stages of the rust produce hypertrophy in infected parts. From phylogenetic tree it is observed that Ravenelia esculenta and the genus Gymnosporangium share a common ancestry, though Ravenelia esculenta is autoecious on angiosperm and the genus Gymnosporangium is heteroecious with pycnia, aecia on angiosperm and uredia, telia on gymnosperm. Studies determine the phylogenetic position of Ravenelia esculenta among other rust fungi besides broad separation of Uredinales into two clades. These studies also show that there is phylogenetic correlation between molecular and morphological data. This is first report of DNA sequencing and phylogenetic positioning in genus Ravenelia from India.

2 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

011167   Debta M R;Sabapathy C M;Chowdhery H J (Central National Hertbrium, Botanical Survey of india, Howrah-03) : Contribution to the flora of Singalila National Park Darjeeling district West Bengal. J Econ Taxon Bot 2007, 31(3), 547-54.

Deals with the floristic account of Singalila National Park. It enumerates 470 species of flowering plants and ferns distributed over 273 genera belonging to 95 families.

11 ref

011166   Dasgupta A;Mukherjee S K (Botany Dep, Kalyani Univ, Kalyani, West Bengal-741 235) : Cypselar morphology as a taxonomic marker in the study of some members of the tribe lactueae (Asteraceae). J Econ Taxon Bot 2007, 31(3), 584-90.

Morphological variations of cypselas in 8 species under 5 genera of the tribe Lactuceae have been discussed. The genera are Crepis L., Hieracium L., Leontodon, Sonchus L. and Taraxacum Webb. An artificial key is provided for proper and easy identification at species level in the studied taxa.

1 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

011165   Chakrabarty T;Balakrishnan N P (Botanical Survey of India, , Sikkim Himalayan Cricle, Gangtok -737 103, Email: c_tapas@vsnl.net) : Family euphorbiaceae of West Bengal state - a synopsis. J Econ Taxon Bot 2007, 31(3), 701-52.

A systematic treatment of the family Euphorbiaceae of West Bengal State is presented in a synoptic form, excluding the descriptions. Altogether 138 species belonging to 46 genera occur in the State. Of these, 26 species are cultivated and among 112 indigenous species, 58 species occur in North Bengal and Darjeeling Hills, whereas 37 species occur in South Bengal. The remaining 17 species exhibit common distribution in both the northern and southern parts of the State. Keys from genera to infraspecific taxa are presented. The nomenclature, habit, habitat, flowering and fruiting periods, local names, if any and distribution for each taxon are indicated.

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011164   Bhattachrya R P (Botany Dep, Bidhannagar College, EB-2, Sector-1, Salt Lake, Kolkata-700 064) : Occurrence of a halophyte (Acanthus ilicifolius L.) in the Himalayas -a misidentification. J Econ Taxon Bot 2007, 31(3), 622-3.

Discussion on Acanthus carduaceus Griff. (Acanthaceae) and about the misidentification of the same has been presented.

2 ref

011163   Bhat A S;Anilkumar T B;Sanath Kumar V B (Plant Pathol Dep, UAS, GKVK, Bangalore, Email: amrutasbhat@yahoo.co.in) : Differential induction of β-1, 3-glucanase in blast susceptible and resistant genotypes of finger millet upon inoculation with Pyricularia grisea sacc. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(2), 365-8.

To assess the potential role of β-1, 3-glucanase enzyme in defense response of finger millet, time course of its induction was studied at both leaf and neck blast stages after artificial inoculation of susceptible (K-7), moderately resistant (GPU-26), resistant (GPU-28) and highly resistant (I8IE) genotypes with P. grisea. The results obtained revealed that the enzyme was induced upon inoculation in all the four genotypes. However, there was no definite correlation between percentage of induction and degree of resistance of different genotypes. Total activity in the inoculated leaf samples reached its peak at 5 DAI and then it declined in all the genotypes except in K-7, where there was a continuous increase in activity during the course of study. In neck samples, enzyme activity reached its peak at 14 DAI and then it declined. Both during leaf blast and neck blast stages constitutive levels of the enzyme as well as its levels upon inoculation were higher in the resistant (GPU-28) and highly resistant (I8IE) genotypes except at later stages of leaf blast where it was higher in susceptible (K-7) genotype. Higher levels of enzyme activity present in the resistant genotypes might contribute for the resistance by restricting the pathogen at early stages itself.

2 tables, 10 ref

011162   Araving K;Ravikanth G;Uma Shaanker R; Chandrashekara K;Kumar A R V;Ganeshaiah K N (Entomol Dep, Univ Agric Sci, GKVK, Bangalore-560 065, Email: rus@vsnl.com) : DNA barcoding: an exercise in futility or utility. Curr Sci 2007, 92(9), 1213-16.

2 illus, 33 ref

011161   Ansari A A (Botanical Survey of India Sikkim Himalayan Circle, , Gangtok-737 103) : Coluria R.Br. (Rosaceae) - a new generic record for India. Indian J For 2007, 30(1), 121-2.

Coluria R.Br. (Rosaceae), hitherto unrecorded from India is reported for the first time from North District of Sikkim.

1 illus, 3 ref

011160   Anand R;Murugan S;Bhuvaneswari K (NO, Dr N.G.P. Arts and Sci Coll, Kalapatti Road, Coimbator-641 035, Email: anand_ramus@rediffmail.com) : Effect of three plant extracts on six dermatophytic isolates from human clinical cases. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(2), 273-6.

Thirty five samples were collected from patients from a renowned notorious skin clinic, among which 13 infected cases wee identified with the help of microscopic and macroscopic observations. The etiological agents include Trichopyton tonsurans, T.violaceum, Microsporum gypseum and Epidermophyton floccosum. The infected patients wee classified on the basis of their occupation. Medicinal plant extracts were prepared by cold percolation method and challenged against 6 dermatophytic isolates, which showed the antifungal effect of Curcuma longa against Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum gypseum. These two organisms were found to be resistant towards other plant extracts namely Acalypha indica and Anona sqamosa. The other four dermatophytes were resistant to all medicinal plant extracts tested.

2 tables, 10 ref

011159   Aman N;Dar G H (Botany of Dep, Govt. College for Women, M.A. Road, Srinagar) : Genus Digitalis (Tourn.) L. (scrophulariaceae) in the Kashmir Himalaya. J Econ Taxon Bot 2007, 31(3), 753-9.

Genus Digitalis (Tourn.) Linn, is represented in the Kashmir Himalaya by three species, namely Digitalis grandiflora, D. lanata and D. purpurea. a key for identification, taxonomic description, brief notes on pollen morphology and flavonoids, and economic importance of these species have been provided.

5 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

011158   Agnes Farkas;Zsuzsanna Orosz-Kovacs;Helga Deri;Chauhan S V S (Botany Dep, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs lfjusag u. 6., Hungary, , Email: svs250@rediffmail.com) : Floral nectaries in some apple and pear cultivars with special reference to bacterial fire blight. Curr Sci 2007, 92(9), 1286-9.

Structure of floral nectaries in some apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) and pear (Pyrus communis L.) cultivars, either susceptible or tolerant to fire blight caused by bacterium, Erwinia amylovora (Burrill) Winslow et al. was studied. The surface of nectaries is smooth in tolerant apple cv. 'Freedom' as well as in all the pear cultivars investigated. The surface of nectaries was wrinkled and striate in the susceptible apple cv. 'Sampion'. These features are favourable for the bacterium, because the nectar retained longer in the furrows proªvides a nutrient-rich environment. The nectary stomata in cv. 'Freedom' were meso- or hygromorphic, while those of cv. 'Sampion' were usually meso- or xeromorphic and hygromorphic stomata were rare. In pear cultivars, no hygromorphic stomata were observed. The nectary stomata of the tolerant pear cv. 'Beurre Bose' were mostly mesomorphic or were "slightly below the level of the epidermis. In susceptible pear cultivars, xeromorphic stomata were observed more frequently. Similarly, in the wrinkled nectary surface, cavities around sunken stomata also contribute to nectar-retaining capacity, thus increasing infection.

2 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

011157   Adamu H M;Abayeh O J;Agho M O;Ejike O H (Chemistry Programmme, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Univ, Bauchi) : Antibacterial activity of methanol root extract of Detarrium microcarpum Guill. & Perr.. J Econ Taxon Bot 2007, 31(3), 637-42.

Methanol extract from the root of Detarium microcarpum Guill. & Perr. (Caesalpiniaceae) was active in vitro and in vivo against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Interestingly, the extract reduced clinical signs observed on rats infected with these bacteria. The broad spectrum of activity of the extract indicated that it could serve as an antibiotic for the maintenance of animal or human health.

4 tables, 13 ref

010205   Yadav S;Tyagi A;Hussain Z;Yadav S K;Misra S K (National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, , New Delhi-12) : AP2/ERF transcription factors and their role in abiotic stress. Int J Trop Agric 2007, 25(3), 406-17.

60 ref

010204   Srivastava D;Srivastava V C (Botany Dep, Harish Chandra P.G. College, College-221 001) : Growth of tulsi plant (Ocimum sanctum linn.) affected by water and sewage from a sewage treatment plant. Agric biol Res 2007, 23(2), 168-77.

Investigation based on the affect of sewage on the vegetative growth of tulsi plant (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) The untreated sewage and treated sewage were collected from Dinapur sewage treatment plant, situated at the north east of the Varanasi city. The experiment were conducted from Sep to Dec 2005. The tulsi plants were planted in pots recorded vegetative growth under the investigation. Due to adequate supply of macro and micronutrient by the treated and untreated sewage positively enhances the vegetative growth of the tulsi plant.

7 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

010203   Shiddamallayya N;Pratima M (NO, Regional Research Institute(Ay.), Ashoka Pillar, Jayanagar, Bangalore-560 011) : Phytoplankton community of Papnash pond, Bidar, Karnataka, India. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(2), 367-70.

The qualitative and quantitative analysis has been carried out to note the periodical and seasonal variation of phytoplankton community of Papnash pond during February-2002 to January-2004. A total of 88 species of 4 different classes were recorded. Of which Chlorophyceae appeared as dominant group followed by cyanophyceae, Euglenophyceae and Bacilariophyceae. The abundance of cyanophyceae ranged up to 3500 O/l, Chlorophyceae from 20 to 1780 O/l, Euglenophyceae up to 5160 O/l and Bacillariophyceae up to 9600 O.i were recorded. Bacillariophyceae has appeared as dominant in most of the season and Cyanophyceae remained least in the water body.

4 tables, 11 ref

010202   Sharmila Banu G;Kumar G;Pandian M R (Centre for Biotechnology, Muthayammal college of Arts & Science, Rasipuram, Namakkal-637 408, Email: pgsvedhakumar@yahoo.com) : Establishment of shoot cultures and plant regeneration of Passiflore edulis sims. Indian J Pl Physiol 2007, 12(1), 23-7.

Passiflora edulis Sims, a woody climber belonging to the family passifloraceae has been micropropagated successfully by culturing nodal and internodal segments. The explants were cultured in Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium augmented with 6-benzylaminopurine. Maximum percentage of shoot proliferation was achieved in MS basal medium fortified with 6-benzylaminopurine (4.44 mM). The maximum percentage of callus formation was achieved on MS medium augmented with 2, 4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (4.52 mM). Maximum percentage of shoot proliferation from the internodal derived calli was achieved on MS medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (2.22 μM and 4.44 mM). The in vitro raised shootlets were transferred to MS medium fortified with indole butyric acid (IBA) and highest percentage of rooting was observed in IBA-4.90 mM).

2 plates, 3 tables, 21 ref

010201   Manju R V;Soni K B;Heera;Bijila K S P V;Roy Stephen;Vighnesha;Krishnaprasad B T;Viji M M (Plant Physiology Dep, College of Agriculture Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram) : Role of stomatal characteristics and mesophyll capacity on yield variation in nendran clones. Int J Trop Agric 2007, 25(3), 401-5.

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the plysiological parameters contributing towards yield variation in Neadran clones. Emphasis was given to the diffusion characteristics and mesophyll capacities which bane a beaning upon photosynthetic efficiency. The stomatal resistance values ranged between 2.47 sec/cm and 9.7 sec/cm. Stable isotope discrimination values also differed significantly and ranged between 17.54 per mil and 19.47 permit. Quintal banana has better C02 diffusion owing to its Stomatal conductance characteristics [2.47 sec/cm] leading to accimulation of more amount of C02 at the carboxylation site. This clone is showing low <^>13 C discrimination value [17.54 per mil] which reflects on the high efficiency of mesobyll cells of Quintal banana in carboxylating the accumulated CO2. These two factors can contribute to the high performance of Quintal banana under field condition.