008221   Shrivastava J N;Ajay Kumar;Saini P (Microbiology Lab, Botany Dep, , DEI, Dayalbagh, Agra- 282 005) : Bioefficacy of some plant extracts against Neocosmospora sp.. Adv Pl Sci 2007, 20(2), 365-8.

Antifungal activity (reduction in biomass colony diameter) of various solvents extracts (Pt. ether, acetone, and ethyl alcohol) of foliar parts of Calotropis procera (Asclepidiaceae) and Ricinus communis (Euphorviaceae) were screened against soil borne pathogenic fungi Neocosmospora sp. The maximum percentage inhibition observed in various solvent extracts of Calotropis procera, 87.66% (ethyl alochol), 89.95% (acetone) and 91.53% (Pt. ether) at 4000 ppm concentration in biomass and 26.47% (ethyl alcohol), 35.29% (acetone) and 36.76% (Pt. ether) of colony diameter with time exposure of 4 days, with same concentration and Ricinus communis 95.68% (ethyl alcohol), 96.17% (acetone) with time exposure of 8 days in case of biomass and colony diameter 49.21% (ethyl alcohol) at time exposure of 4 days and 49.36% (acetone) with time exposure of 8 days with same concentration. Pt. ether fraction of Calotropis procera shows significant inhibitory effect against test fungi Neocosmospora sp. The biomass (weight) and colony diameter of target mycelial colony decreased with increasing supplementation of phytoextracts, showing the presence of significant amount of some antifungal phytochemicals.

4 tables, 4 ref

008220   Shivappa D;Kiran B R (P.G. DepEnvironmental Sciences, Kuvempu Univ, Shankaragatta, Karnataka) : Phytoplankton diversity in Santhekadur and Kadekal ponds near Shimoga (Karnataka). Adv Pl Sci 2007, 20(2), 531-3.

Phytoplankton diversity and density in Santhekadur and Kadekal ponds near shimoga, and Karnataka has been studied during February to April 2004. A total of 21 species were identified under four classes of algae viz., Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Cyanophyceae and Englenophyceae. Bacillariophyceae and Cyanophyceae members appear to be dominant in both the water bodies reaching upto 11 and 6 species respectively. The occurrence of pollution tolerant taxa in phytoplankton suggests that the selected ponds are moderately eutrophic.

1 table, 14 ref

008219   Sahba Parveen;Anis M;Bhat T A;Khan A H (Cytogenetics Lab, Botany Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002) : Cytological effects of physical and chemical mutagens in Trigonella foenum-graecum L.. Adv Pl Sci 2007, 20(2), 633-6.

Relative effects of gamma rays, ethylmethane sulphonate (EMS) and methyl methane sulphonate (MMS) on meiotic chromosomes were studied in (wo varieties of Trigonella foenum-graecum (var. Paaras - 9018 and var. Krishna - 9001). In both the varieties, the frequency of meiotic irregularities and sterility showed a linear increase with an increase in does/cone, of mutagens. The percentage of chromosomal aberrations was more in var. Paaras-9018 than var. Krishna - 9001. Among the three mutagens used, gamma rays was most efficient followed by EMS and MMS. Radiation induced sterility might be the result of cryptic deletions and specific gene mutations while the sterility caused by EMS and MMS could he attributed to chromosomal aberrations.

10 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

008218   Saha R;Bera S;Datta B K (Plant Taxonomy & Palynology Lab, Life Science Dep, Tripura Univ, Surjamaninagar-799 130) : Major pollen plant species in relation to honey bees activity in Tripura, India. Adv Pl Sci 2007, 20(2), 581-3.

Deals with the pollen flora based on the visitation of honey bees to such flowers as and when the latter are available. In all 71 plant speices belonging to 36 families were identified as honey bee flora. Of these 35 species were found to be minor source of pollen and the rest 36 species act as major pollen source. The pollen flora reported in the study is very much useful for bee keeping practice.

1 table, 8 ref

008217   Ramsankar B (Saltora Netaji Centerary College, Burdwan Univ, Saltora-722 158, Email: ramsankarprl@yahoo.co.in) : Sacred groves as indicators in ethno-medicinal plants conservation and biodiversity monitoring. Adv Pl Sci 2007, 20(2), 547-50.

Little pouch of forest backed in a sound slate on cult and be the last refuge of ancestral plants even animals is called sacred grove, and eviction of that plants and animals from homestead be abstained from religious interdict is called taboo. These sacred groves arc natural treasure houses of plants and animals and can satisfy the aesthetic , scientific, cultural and recreational needs of mankind. At presents about 1000 sq. km. of Indian geographic areas is under undisturbed sacred groves. There are more than 17,000 known sacred groves in different parts of India. Till now. 42 sacred groves form the forested tract of the district of Purulia of West Bengal, covering a sum total of 1,59.533 m2 areas are studied for installing its sustenance. There is an urgent need to document and monitor the existing groves, analyse the scientific basis of relict ecosystem functional units and evaluate their value for ethno-medicinal plants conservation and management.

11 ref

008216   Parihar P;Parihar L;Bohra A (Botany Dep, J. N. Vyas Univ, Jodhpur-342 001, Email: pradeepparihar2002@yahoo.com) : Antibacterial potentials of Hypodematium crenatum (Forsk) Kuhn. Adv Pl Sci 2007, 20(2), 341-3.

Various aqueous and alcoholic extracts of plant parts of Hypodematium crenatum were tested against the growth of some human and plant plant hogenic bacteria like. Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Escherichia coli. Salmonella arizonae, Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus. In this investigation nearly all the extracts were found effective against the bacteria. The positive results so obtained were compared with that of the reference standard antibiotic (Tetracy-cline) and it was found that many extracts when mixed in equal proportion with the antibiotic and tested against the bacteria and the mixture of extract + antibiotic were more effective than the antibiotic alone.

1 table, 10 ref

008215   Padma Singh;Pande M (Microbiology Dep, Kanya Gurukul Mahavidyalya, P.O. Jwalapur, Hardwar-249 407) : Biotherapeutic potential of Pongamia pinnata leaves against Escherichia coli. Adv Pl Sci 2007, 20(2), 359-60.

Antimicrobial activity of medicinal plant Pongamia pinnata was evaluated against pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli. Four solvents viz., aqueous, methanol, diethylether and acetone were used for the preparation of soxhlet extracts of the leaves. Three different concentrations of these extracts were prepared in dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) i.e. l00mg/ml, 200mg/ml & 400mg/ml. Five strains of test organism were used. Out of them four were local isolates and one was obtained from IMTECH, Chandigarh. The antibacterial activity was performed by "paper disc diffusion assay". Out of all the strains L1showed maximum ZOI as compared to others.

2 tables, 10 ref

008214   Meena M C;Patni V (Plath Pathology Tissue Culture and Biotechnology Lab, Botany Dep, Rajasthan Univ, Jaipur-302 004) : Isolation and identification of flavonoid "quercetin" from Citrullus colocynthis (Linn.) Schrad.. Asian J expl Sci 2008, 22(1), 137-42.

Citrullus colocynthis (Linn.) Schrad. is an important medicinal plant belonging to family Cucurbitaceae. Flavonoid "quercetin" was isolated from in vivo (leaf, stem, fruit and root) and in vitro callus of the species. The dried samples were separately soxhlet extracted in 80% methanol and then reextracted with petroleum ether, diethyl ether and ethyl acetate. The fraction was concentrated and subjected to TLC. The Rf value of isolated quercetin and standard quercetin was calculated. The purified material was subjected to its IR spectra, HPLC and identified as "quercetin". This study is also of practical importance because quercetin is an important ingredient of Citrullus colocynthis.

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008213   Lahir Y K (Biology Dep, Jai Hind College, Basantsingh Institute of Science, A - Road, Church Gate, Mumbai-400 020) : On the study of carbohydrates in teleosts - II. Effects of cobalt salt administration on glucose and glycogen in Tilapia mossambica (Peters) and Macrones gulio (Hamilton). Biochem Cell Archs 2007, 7(1), 147-52.

This paper reports on the effects of administration of cobalt salt in T. mossambica and M. gulio. As a result of cobalt administration, the glucose contents in liver, heart and body muscles of T. mossambica decreased during initial 24 hours and thereafter gradually increased. The body glucose of T. mossambica decreased upto 48 hours and thereafter it increased. The glucose contents in liver and heart of M gulio declined during first 24 hours and increase gradually thereafter while in blood and body muscles, the glucose contents remained low during 48 hours and then elevated. The glycogen contents in liver and heart of T. mossambica remained reduced upto 72 hours. The glycogen contents in body muscles exhibited fluctuations during 72 hours. The glycogen contents in liver of M gulio also fluctuated during 72 hours and never reached normal values but glycogen in heart and body muscles of M gulio was found to be reduced during first 24 hours and thereafter elevated.

4 tables, 12 ref

008212   Kohli V;Diwan R (Botany Dep, Govt. College of Science, Raipur Chhattisgarh) : Efficacy of different sources on in vitro growth of Curvularia lunata (Wakker) Boedijn. Adv Pl Sci 2007, 20(2), 643-5.

2 tables, 17 ref

008211   John Britto S (The Rapinat Herbarium and Centre for Molecular Systematics, St. Joseph's College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli-620 002) : Ethnomedicinal legumes of Pacchamalai hills of the eastern ghats of Tamil Nadu. Adv Pl Sci 2007, 20(2), 567-8.

Legumes are widely distriduted and found all over the world. They are important source of human food and are next to cereals. Apart from their protein content, they also possess calcium, iron and phosphorous. Valued as vegetables and forage crops, they also provide fertilizer and increase the nitrogenous content of the soil. Several species all over the world are also used as valuable medicine. Pacchaimalai hills, a part of the Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu, with an exclusive tribal population has a rich diversity of legume species which have been used as food, medicine and fodder. The objective of this paper is to document those legume species in the hill that are used for ethnomedicinal purpose. The study records the ethnomedicine of 48 species belonging to 30 genera from the three sub families of Leguminosae. The diseases cured, the mode of usage of drugs and their administration are provided, wherever they were available from the information provided by the local informations.

4 ref

008210   Islam M (Life Sciences Dep, Dibrugarh Univ, Dibrugarh-786 004) : Psammophytes of Assam and their nature of distribution. Adv Pl Sci 2007, 20(2), 539-42.

Comprehensive account of the Psammophytes occurring in different ecological conditions of Assam has been made and recorded 33 dicotyledonous families embracing 88 genera and 98 species, 2 monocotyledonous families with 20 genera and 25 species and 2 pteridophytic families with 2 genera and 3 species in the present survey of the work. The nature of distribution of psammophytes has also been studied with the application of Poisson's probability rule and found to be overdispersed nature of distribution in most of the cases.

2 tables, 13 ref

008209   Dhandapani R;Kavitha P;Balu S (Med Plant Res Unit, P G Microbiol Res Dep, Thanthai Hans Roever College, Perambalur-621 212, Email: paniper@rediffmail.com) : Ethno-veterinary medicinal plants of perambalur district, Tamil Nadu, India. Adv Pl Sci 2007, 20(2), 563-6.

First report on medicinal ethno-veterinary of the Perambalur district of Tamil Nadu, India, carried out during January 2001 - November 2003. Field trips were conducted to different localities as indicated in the map. Information about the ethnic uses of plants was collected from native tribals. 20 species belonging to 16 families are reported. The botanical, local name, medicinal uses, useful parts and their modes of administration are given.

1 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

008208   Dhandapani R;Kavitha P;Balu S (P.G. Microbial Res Dep, Thanthai Hans Roever College, Perambalur-621 212, Email: pani_per@rediffmail.com) : Observations on ethno-veterinary herbal prac-tices in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India. Adv Pl Sci 2007, 20(2), 543-5.

Survey on medicinal plants curing the diseases of ruminants has been done for this study. Ivesti-gation was carried out in different villages of the Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu between May 2002-August 2003. Interviews and enquires were made with the native tribals. 18 plant species belonging to 12 families are reported. The botanical identities of the plants, their local name, mode of administration are also given.

1 illus, 13 ref

008207   Dey D;Rangarajan A (Molecular Reproduction Dep. Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: ddey@mrdg.iisc.ernet.in) : Stem cells: a dormant volcano within our body?. Resonance 2007, 12(3), 34.

Stem cells constitute an important class of cells in the body that have the ability to perpetuate themselves and remain in an uncommitted state by a process of self-renewal as well as to specialize into new cell types. Their ability to differentiate into multiple cell types marks the tremendous potential of stem cells for tissue repair and organ regeneration. Realization of this potential is rapidly opening up unexplored avenues for curing several ailments including diabetes and neuro-degenerative diseases. However, very little is understood about the basic biology of stem cells. For example, what are the biochemical tags that allow us to identify stem cell? Which are the signaling pathways that regulate their function? How does the environment (niche) influence major decisions made by stem cell? Is stem cell therapy the end to all woes, or is there a flip side to the story? The aims to give an overview of the current status of stem cell research and raises some alarming issues related to stem cell-based therapies.

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008206   Behera L M;Sen S K (P.G. Botany Dep, G.M. (Autonomous.) College, Sambalpur-768 001) : Traditional use of some plants against gynaecological disorders by the tribals of Ramkhol village forest of Barapahad hill range in Bargarh district (Orissa). Adv Pl Sci 2007, 20(2), 555-7.

Ramkhol village forest under Barapahad hills range of Bargarh district is situated adjacent to Hirakud dam water reservoir across river Mahanadi, having an interesting diversity of plant communities. The area is rich with  varieties of plant species of economic and medicinal value. Several ethnomedicinal surveys have been conducted to collect the plant species having therapeutic application in the treatment of various ailments. This paper attempts to document the traditional knowledge of 24 ethnomedicinal plants which are used against certain gynaecological disorders by the tribals and other rural people of Ramkhol village and adjacent areas. The Binomials with family, local names, locality and collection number, methods of preparation, usage and mode of administration of drugs from the plants are discussed.

23 ref

007279   Verma S C (Botany Dep, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014, Email: versma1sc@yahoo.co.in) : Speciation, reproductive biology, germplasm evaluation and conservation of pteridophytes: a consideration of perspectives. Bionature 2007, 27(1-2), 97-124.

Pteridophytes comprise an important component of the plant wealth of India. Many of its species have been listed as of potential economic value, and several species are rated as endangered. Besides, their peculiar life-cycle and unusually high 'basic' chromosome numbers in the homosporous kinds coupled with their antiquity stimulated a numbers of workers to explore features of their reproductive biology, modes of speciation and to answer problems of their conservation and evaluation of germplasm, apart from determining regional biodiversity. Such issues have been addressed to briefly with the aim to inspire the botanists of the future to take up research in some or the other aspects of pteridology.

230 ref

007278   Venkata Rao E (NO, , No. 50-121-49-1/2, B. S. Layout, Seethammadhara, Visakhapatnam-530 013, Email: erraguntlavrao@yahoo.co.uk) : Drug discovery from plants. Curr Sci 2007, 93(8), 1060.

14 ref

007277   Srinivasan M P;Shenoy K;Gleeson S K (Biology Dep, Kentucky Univ, 101 Morgan Building, Lexington, Ky-40506, USA, Email: madu@uky.edu) : Population structure of scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) and its invasion impacts on the resident plant community in the grasslands of Nilgiris, India. Curr Sci 2007, 93(8), 1108.

Investigates age and size class structures of Scotch broom stands, and the effects of invasion on the native plant community, in the high-altitude grasslands of the Nilgiris, South India. Girth, height and age of broom stems were recorded. Native vegetation cover was assessed under broom and in the surrounding grasslands. Age was positively correlated with girth and height of broom. Middle-age classes were better represented than the younger classes. Species richness and diversity of native plants were affected by invasion intensity, but not duration.

4 illus, 27 ref

007276   Singh Y P;Sumbali G (Botany Dep, Jammu Univ, Jammu-180 006, Email: geetasumbalippl@yahoo.co.in) : Management of Penicillium expansum rot of apples by lactic acid bacteria. Ann Pl Prot Sci 2007, 15(2), 399-401.

Attempt was made to explore an alternative and safe method for the management of Penicillium expansum rot of apples. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) viz. Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. sporogenes, L. lactis and Streptococcus lactis were effective competitors of P. expansum in vitro. Among these, L. acidophilus was the most effective colonizer. Maximum control of P. expansum rot was achieved at a concentration of 2 x 10¹⁰ CFU / ml of the test organism. All the test organisms (LAB) showed pre- inoculation control ranging between 84.4 - 95.3%. It was concluded thereby, that LAB could be used to protect the apple fruit from P. expansum rot and thus, enhanced its shelf life.

2 tables, 4 ref

007275   Singh R N;Gara S K;Vidyarthi S K (P.G. Botany Dep, A.N. College, Magadh University, Patna-800 013) : Effect of pH on growth and sporulation of Fusarium oxysporum and F. solani. Bionotes 2007, 9(4), 123.

^ssc1 table, 5 ref

007274   Sharma B D;Bohra D R;Suthar O P;Harsh R (NO, , Kath Mandi, NARNAUL-123 001) : Ophioglossum in India. Bionature 2007, 27(1-2), 75-96.

Sudies on systematics, morphology, anatomy, reproduction biology, cytology, phytochemis ry and phylogeny are reviewed in this paper. Ophiloglossum includes four subgenera i.e. Cheiroglossa, Ophioderma, Euophioglossum, and Rhizoglossum. Steier system is either cauline or foliar in origin. Leaf traces single or double. Ontogeny and anatomy of the common stalk and tropophyll vary with species. Sclerenchyma is absent in ground tissue. Sporangia globose eusporangiate in two rows on lateral sides of the stalked spike. Sporogenesis unique. Spores homosporous, monolete or trilete, exine ornamentation variable. Gametophytes subterranean, simple or branched, radial and bisexual. Antheridia embedded while neck of archegonium protrudes out of surface of gametophyte. Embryo development without suspensor and endoscopic except O. nudicaule which has a small suspensor and an exoscopic development. Mycorrhizic association frequent in roots, rhizome and gametophytes. Ophioglossum shows a high rate of polyploidy and chromosome numbers vary from n=30 bivalent (0. eliminatum) to n=720 bivalent (0. reticulatum). Studies on phytochemistry and antimicrobial activities have yielded interesting results. Phylogeny is discussed with Rhyniales, Coenopteridales and progymnosperms.

^iia11 illus, 222 ref

007273   Sarode P D;Rane M P;Chaudhari B L;Chincholkar S B (School of Life Sciences, North Maharashtra University, P B 80, Jalgaon-425 001, Email: chincholkar_sb@hotmail.com) : Screening for siderophore producing PGPR from black cotton soils of North Maharashtra. Curr Trends Biotechnol Pharm 2007, 1(1), 96-105.

Study on indigenous micro-flora of local rhizosphere and identification of efficient plant growth promoters is important for development of good bioinoculants for re-strengthening of otherwise derailing IPM initiative. Performed screening for efficient siderophoregenic PGPRs from rhizospheres of healthy and economically important crops in black cotton soils of North Maharashtra. Pseudomonas putida DFC31 isolated and identified in the study was able to improve overall vigor/percent germination of groundnut seeds and also partially inhibit the growth of potent phyto-pathogens. Its sidero-analysis revealed that this siderophore molecule contains hydroxamate as well as catecholate iron chelating groups. Spectrometric study in various forms of siderophores confirmed that this siderophore belongs to pyoverdine type. In addition to siderophore production, IAA production and phosphate solubilization attributes were observed. Data presented herewith lays foundation for advanced studies on strain, in near future.

6 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

007272   Salunke K J;Karande S M;Apparao B J (Post Graduate Botany Dep, Padmashri Vikhe Patil College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Pravaranagar, A.P. - Loni, Rahata, Ahmednagar-413 713) : Effect of pulp and paper mill effluents on carbohydrate metabolism during early seedling growth in mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]. Pollut Res 2007, 26(1), 67-9.

Attempt has been made to study the effect of pulp and paper mill effluents (both untreated and treated) on carbohydrate metabolism during early seedling growth in mungbean varieties K-851 and BM-4. Physicochemical analysis of both the effluents showed that they were dark brown in colour and alkaline in nature. The values of most of the parameters of untreated effluent were above the tolerance limits recommended by ISI than that of treated effluent. Thus the results indicated that untreated effluent was high in pollution load than that of treated one. The amount of reducing sugars in the 7-day-old seedlings of varieties K-851 and BMª-4 decreased along with an increase in the concentration of both the effluents. A dose dependent increase in starch content of seedlings of both the varieties was also observed. Seedlings treated with 25% concentration of both the effluents showed increase in the activity of α-amylase. However, higher concentrations of both the effluents decreased the enzyme activity. The observed decrease in the α-amylase activity in the effluent treated seedlings might be due to the effect of pollution load on the enzyme activity which in turn manifests in an increase in the levels of starch.

3 tables, 9 ref

007271   Prasad B B;Singh R B;Roy M K (Zoology Dep, S.N.S. College, Motihari, Bihar) : Correlation coefficient of some algal taxa with ecological factors of Turkaulia lake, Motihari, Bihar. Bionotes 2007, 9(4), 129-30.

^ssc1 table, 12 ref

007270   Parashar A;Lodha P (Tissue Culture and Biotechnology Lab, Botany Dep, Rajasthan Univ, Plant Pathology, Jaipur-302 004) : Phenolic estimation in Foeniculum vulgare infected with ramularia blight. Ann Pl Prot Sci 2007, 15(2), 396-8.

Contents of total phenols, o-dihydroxy phenol, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase were recorded in healthy and diseased counterparts. The total phenols were recorded higher in diseased plant parts while o-dihydroxy phenols were recorded lower in blight infected plant parts. Enhanced peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities were recorded in infected plant parts as compared to healthy counterparts.

2 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

007269   Pande P K;Negi K;Magan Singh (Wood Anatomy Discipline, Bot Div, Forest Res Inst, Dehradun-248 006, Email: pandep123@rediffmail.com) : Wood anatomy of Shorea of white meranti (Meranti Pa'ang) group of the Malay peninsula. Curr Sci 2007, 92(12), 1748-54.

Deals with the variationsin physical, macroscopic and microscopic anatomical features of different species of Shorea of white meranti group of the Malay Peninsula. Variance ratio (F) test indicated that inter-specific differences among wood element dimensions of Shorea were significant for fibre length, vessel element length, wall thickness and fibre diameter (α = 0.05). However, intra-specific differences were non-significant for all the anatomical characters. Fibre diameter and vessel element length showed positive significant correlation. A dichotomous key for identification is presented on the basis of anatomical characters up to the species level. The dichotomous key is based on a pair of contrasting characters like ray height, ray width, fibre-wall thickness and dimensions of gum canal. Differences in quantitative characters were ana lysed using t-test for the mean. Hierarchical cluster analysis was carried out using qualitative and quantitative anatomical characters to understand the affinity of Shorea within the white meranti group. Members of white meranti showed similarity at 20%, level, except Shorea bentongensis which showed no similarity with other members of this group. Furthermore, the member of the first cluster within the white meranti, S. assamica Dyer and S. roxburghii D. Don. also of Indian subcontinent, clustered together with S. gratissima Dyer, while other members formed another cluster.

2 illus, 4 tables, 21 ref

007268   Negi P S;Hajra P K (NO, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, 33 G.M.S. Road, Dehra Dun-248 001, Email: negi_pyarsingh@rediffmail.com) : Alien flora of Doon Valley, Northwest Himalaya. Curr Sci 2007, 92(7), 968-78.

Attempts to prepare an up-to-date account of alien/exotic flora of the Doon Valley. Both herbaceous and woody species are considered and their origin, habit, and families are investigated along with the socio-economic and ecological relevance of a few species. During the study, 308 woody and 128 herbaceous exotic species were identified and enlisted from various localities and 37.61% of these are of American origin. Interestingly, the statistical ratio of alien species was 45.69% for woody flora, while it was investigated 19.4% for herbaceous species. This relative proportion of exotic and native elements is irrespective of 28.8% endemic dicot species in Indian Himalaya and 40% exotics in the entire Indian flora. However, the occurrence of the present share of alien species and their naturalization cannot be considered safe for native and endemic flora. This is especially true of Doon Valley, which is part of the mega Himalayan `hotspot' belt and is globally designated for priority of conservational activities in India.

2 illus, 1 table, 39 ref

007267   Nagrare V S (NO, National Research Centre for Orchids, Pakyong 737106, Sikkim, Email: vishlesh2003@yahoo.co.in) : New record of the scale Diaspis boisduvalii (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) infesting the orchid Dendrobium nobile. Entomon 2006, 31(4), 339-40.

Plants of Dendrobium nobile were severely infested (80.6%) by the scale Diaspis boisduvalii (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae). Due to infestation, health of the plant was deteriorated and flower quality and quantity drastically reduced. Scales multiplied round the year but their number was low in winter. Scale infestation caused deformation of infested plant parts, yellowish spots on leaves, loss of leaves, and even death of the plant.

^ssc6 ref

007266   Nagarathna;Mahadeva J (Botany Dep, Government Women's College, Mandya-571 401) : Euglenaceae algae from Mandya district, Karnataka. Bionotes 2007, 9(4), 111-13.

7 ref

007265   Koduru S;Grierson D S;Afolayan A J (Botany Dep, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa, Email: aafolayan@ufh.ac.za) : Ethnobotanical information of medicinal plants used for treatment of cancer in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Curr Sci 2007, 92(7), 906-8.

Entobotanical survey of plants used for the treatment of cancer was carried out in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Information on the names of plants, parts used and methods of preparation was collected through a questionnaire which was administered to herbalists, traditional healers and rural dwellers. Information collected has revealed 17 plant species that are used for treatment of cancer in the Province. These plants belong to 13 families, of which Hyacinthaceae and Hypoxidaceae are the most prominent. Roots, corms and bulbs are the commonest parts of plants used, while decoctions and infusions are the main methods of preparation. Solanum aculeastrum was the most commonly used plant species for treatment of cancer in the Province.

1 table, 17 ref

007264   Goswami H K (NO, , ) : Biology of Ophioglossum L. Bionature 2007, 27(1-2), 1-73.

Population cytogenetic studies have been carried out chiefly from the localities where more than one species of Ophiglossum grow. Repeated meiotic studies have also been carried out from populations of single or isolated species of Ophioglossum and monotypic Helminthostachys. Numerous teratologies of genetic importance have been described. Role of natural selection is being assessed. Lately, a new specis O. eliminatum is being suspected to have been arisen by natural hybridization and chromosomal elimination. O. eliminatum has the lowest count no = 90 in the genus. Molecular genetic data generated in many laboratories have proved that the genus Ophioglossum in particular, is highly suitable for studies in evolutionary genetics and we can decipher highly complicated evolutionary mechanisms of the entire group of plants. The cotwin control approach on vegetatively reproducing plants connected with stolons until maturity have opened up a new technique of experimental controls for certain sets of experiments. In fact now we need to take use of all possible morphological, biochemical and molecular genetic techniques to understand evolutionary mechanisms.

46 illus, 12 tables, 185 ref

007263   Ajay kumar;Saini P;Satsangi G P;Shrivastava J N (Microbiol Lab, Bot Dep, Dayalbagh Educational Institute (Deemed University), Dayalbagh, Agra-282 005, Email: jns123_@rediffmail.com) : Isolation of bacillus subtilis and its antagonistic effects against dermatophytic fungi Microsporum fulvum and Trichophyton spp. Allelopathy J 2007, 20(2), 427-33.

Among 40 bacterial isolates, a potent bacterium Bacillus subtilis-I showed strong antifungal activity against dermatophytes. It inhibited the growth of fungi Trichophyton spp. and Microsporumfulvum upto 14 and 16 mm inhibition zone by spot inoculation method and 22 and 24 mm inhibition in well agar diffusion method, respectively. Among the 4 test media, maximum growth and antibiotic production was found in trypticase soy broth medium (TSB medium) and the optimal physiological conditions were found as 31° C temperature, pH 7 and 48 hour for maximum growth and antibiotic production. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of antifungal substance was noticed as 35μ l/ml and 45 μ l/ml against test fungi Trichophyton spp. and Microjporum fulvum, respectively. Therefore, chemical characterization of its bioactive principle is required.

^ssc2 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

006155   Sudhakar Reddy S;Pattanaik C;Murthy E N;Raju V S (Forestry and Ecology Div, , National Remote Sensing Agency, Hyderabad-500 037, Email: csreddy_nrsa@rediffmail.com) : Sirhookera latifolia (wight) O. kuntze (orchidaceae) - a new record for the Eastern ghats, India. Zoos Print J 2007, 22(12), 2925.

4 ref

006154   Sudhakar Reddy C;Pattanaik C (Forestry and Ecology Div, , National Remote Sensing Agency, Hyderabad-500 037, Email: csreddy_nrsa@rediffmail.com) : Argemone ochroleuca sweet (papaveraceae) - a new invasive species in Andhra Pradesh state. Zoos Print J 2007, 22(12), 2949.

1 table, 7 ref

006153   Salgare S A (NO, , Salgare Research Foundation Pvt. Ltd., Prathamesh Society, Shivaji Chowk, Karjat, Maharastra) : Optimum pollen germination and tube length attained in the same growth medium (sucrose + dalapon) by the pollen of five cultivars of apocynaceae. Asian J envir Sci 2007, 2(1-2), 109-14.

Widest range of concentrations of dalapon was proved to be 10^-17- 20 mg/ml which stimulated the germination of pollen of Apocynaceae, while 10^-17- 60 mg/ml dalapon proved to be the widest range of concentrations which stimulated the tube growth of Apocynaceae.

1 table, 54 ref

006152   Pandey R K;Awasthi A K;Dwivedi A;Koul M (Environmental Biology, A.P.S. Univ, Rewa Madhya Pradesh) : Phenological study on Madhuca indica (Gmel.). Asian J envir Sci 2007, 2(1-2), 122-3.

^ssc1 table, 6 ref

006151   Mishra R M;Tiwari M K;Dwivedi S;Arnold R (School of Environmental Biology, A.P.S. Univ, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh) : Role of birds in the seed dispersal of Zizyphus oenoplia (Mill.) in a tropical deciduous forest in central India. Asian J envir Sci 2007, 2(1-2), 14-17.

Five frugivorous bird species (Ammomanes phoenicurus, Dicaeum agile, Passer domesticus, Psittacula cyanocephala, Pycnonotus cafer) were observed to feed the ripen fruits of shrub species Zizyphus oenoplia in a tropical deciduous forest of Chhuhia, Rewa (M.P.). Birds usally swallowed whole fruit during feeding and voided seed intacted either by regurgitation (Passer domesticus) or by defecation (Ammomanes phoenicurus, Dicaeum agile, Psittacula cyanocephala, Pycnonotus cafer) beneath the canopy of trees and shrubs of the forest. Each bird species consumed an average of 3.22 fruits during any foraging bout. These frugivorous birds removed an average of 136 seeds per day from a plant of Zizyphus oenoplia. Of the total removal, about 72% seeds of the shrub species were removed by Pycnonotus cafer and passer domesticus. Thus, these two birds appeared as principal dispersers of Zizyphus oenoplia in the Chhuhia forest.

2 tables, 20 ref

006150   Ghosh A;Datta A K (Botany Dep, Cytogenetics and Plant Breeding Section, Kalyani Univ, Kalyani-741 235) : Induced autotetraploids in love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena L.). Indian J Genet Pl Breed 2007, 67(1), 99-100.

^ssc1 illus, 2 tables, 5 ref

006149   Agnihotri D K;Singh N;Chauhan S V S (Botany Dep, School of Life Sciences, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Univ, Agra-282 002) : Evaluation of surf excel - a detergent as chemical hybridizing agent in radish (Raphanus sativus L.). Indian J Genet Pl Breed 2007, 67(1), 101-2.

^ssc2 tables, 6 ref

005244   Wangchu L;Singh D;Pathak P;Mitra S K (College of horticulture & Forestry, Central Agricultural Univ, Pasighat-791 102) : Identification of litchi cultivars through peroxidase banding patterns of isozyme. Envir Ecol 2007, 25S(2), 352-5.

Using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, peroxidase isozyme was investigated from leaf sample of 14 different litchi cultivars. On staining, 19 loci and 60 bands were identified among the 14 litchi cultivars. The relative mobility values exhibited by identical loci were 0.32, 0.35, 0.76, 0.90, 0.94 and 0.97. These bands represent the unique characters of the respective cultivar. Polymorphisms were observed for other 13 loci (i. e. 0.37, 0.40, 0.43, 0.46, 0.50, 0.54, 0.57, 0.59, 0.62, 0.66, 0.69, 0.72 and 0.74 relative mobility values) where several alleles were found showing similarities and dissimilarities among the cultivars. High percentage (50%) similarity was found between Muzaffarpur and Elaichi ; Rose scented and Seedless Late ; China and Early Large Red ; and China and Seedless Late, while low percentage of (11.11%) similarity was found between Muzaffarpur and Seedless Late ; Purbi and Bedana ; Purbi and Early Large Red ; Purbi and Seedless Late ; Bedana and Seedless Late. The effect of cultivars on the variation in peroxidase zymogram was noted. The results indicated that peroxidase isozyme could be used as a means to identify litchi cultivars.

1 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

005243   Venkataravanappa V;Nargund V B;Benagi V I; Somasekar;Lakshminarayanareddy C N;Aswathnarayana D S;Prasanna Kumar M K (Plant Pathology Dep, College of Agriculture, UAS Campus, Raichur-584 101) : In-vitro and In-vivo evaluation of different fungicides against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides-causal agent of mango anthracnose. Envir Ecol 2007, 25S(2), 318-21.

In vitro and in-vivo evaluation six systemic fungicides viz., tricyclazole (beam), hexaconazole (contaf), propiconazole (tilt), carbedazim (bavistin), benomyl (benlate), thiophanate methyl (tosin-M) and four non-systemic fungicides copper oxychloride (blitox), mancozeb (indofil-m-45), iprodione (rovoral), chlorothanil (kavach) and one combination product namely SAAF (carbendazim 12% + mancozeb 63%) were tested at different concentrations. Tricyclazole was found to be highly effective. Among non-systemic and combination products, SAAF was found to be highly effective followed by copper oxychlo-ride. Out of eleven fungicides tested under field condition tricyclazole followed by copper oxychloride were highly effective in managing the disease.

2 tables, 11 ref

005242   Venkataravanappa V;Nargund V B;Benagi V I; Lakshminarayanareddy C N;Aswathnarayana D S;Basavarajappa M P (Plant Pathology Dep, College of Agriculture, UAS Campus, Raichur-584 101) : Efficacy of different fungicides and botanicals against spore germination of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. & Scacc.. Envir Ecol 2007, 25S(2), 336-9.

Effect of fungicides and botanicals were studied for their efficacy by assessing per cent inhibition of conidial germination of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Among the systemic fungicides tricyclazole showed maximum inhibition conidial germination followed by benomyl and hexaconazole, least inhibition was recorded in thiophanate methyl. Among the non-systemic fungicides copper oxychloride showed maximum per cent inhibition of conidial germination followed by SAAF and least spore inhibition was recorded in mancozeb. Twenty-one plant species aqueous extracts were screened by spore germination inhibition method to know their fungitoxic nature. Among them, three plant extracts, viz., Ocimum sanctum. Allium sativum. Allium cepa showed more than 70% inhibition of spore germination and 11 plant showed more than 50 and less than 70% inhibition of spore germination at (7.5%) concentration.

3 tables, 7 ref

005241   Venkataravanappa V;Nargund V B (Plant Pathology Dep, College of Agriculture, UAS Campus, Raichur-584 101) : Morphological and pathological variation in mango isolates of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz. (Penz.) Sacc.. Envir Ecol 2007, 25S(2), 479-81.

Anthracnpse of mango (Mangifera indica L.), caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. and Sacc. is one of the most serious diseases of mango worldwide. Morphological variations in relation to conidial size in the isolates of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides were studied. Variation among the six isolates of C. gloeosporioides of mango (BDR, BLR, DWR, KLR-1, KLR-2 and RCR) was studied on the basis of symptoms pattern on eight mango cultivars by detached leaf technique. The average conidia measured 10.9-20.6 nm length and 4.39 to 6.65 nm width. The isolates showed differential reaction on mango cultivars. RCR and BDR isolates showed more virulent on cv Khader, Mulgoa, AURumani and Beneshan. BLR and BDR isolates were more virulent on Alampur Beneshan, while RCR, KLR-1 and BLR isolates were more virulent on Beneshan. Further, BLR and RCR isolates showed more virulent on Mallika and RCR, KLR-2, BLR and DWR isolates showed more virulent on Mulgoa.

2 tables, 6 ref

005240   Sit A K;Bhattacharya M (NO, Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Research Center, Mohitnagar Jalpaiguri-735 102) : Field evaluation of In-vitro regenerated ginger plantlets under sub-Himalayan terai region of West Bengal. Envir Ecol 2007, 25S(2), 322-4.

A field evaluation on performance of different planting materials of ginger was made. Planting materials derived from rhizome of in-vitro regenerated plantlets harvested from field performed better than the planting materials like conventional planting materials and tissue cultured plantlets. Maximum yield/plant (356 g) was recorded from planting materials derived from in-vitro regenerated plantlets harvested from field. Maximum disease infestation was recorded on plants derived from conventional planting materials of ginger.

1 table, 6 ref

005239   Singh D K;Singh D (NO, , Botanical Survey of India, CGO Complex, 3rd MSO Building, Block F (5th Floor), Salt lake I, Kolkata-700 064, Email: singh_drdk@rediffmail.com ) : Rediscovery of Cyathodium acrotrichum Schiffn. (hepaticae: cyathodiaceae) - a long-lost liverwort often treated as doubtful taxon. Curr Sci 2007, 92(10), 1354-6.

2 illus, 4 ref

005238   Satesh Kumar;Sharma J P;Singh A K;Tiwari S P; Sharma N (Vegetable Science & Floriculture Div, S. K. Univ Agricultural Sciences & Technology (J) Chatha, Jammu-180 009) : Harvest index, quality and morpho-metrical evaluation for identification of superior types in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). Envir Ecol 2007, 25S(2), 399-02.

Fourteen advanced lines of tomato were evaluated for harvest index, quality and various yield related , traits. On the basis of harvest index, VR-20 was found physiologically most efficient with highest harvest Index of 83.99% followed by Pant-T-7 and ATL-02-39 with 83.64 and 81.29% harvest Index respectively. The line VR-20 registered heavy fruit yield of 503 q/ha followed by ATL-02-39 (493 q/ha) and Pant T-7 (439 q/ha). Quality wise JTP-02-05, VR-20 and COO were found to be superior with maximum pericarp thickness along with desirable TSS for culinary purposes. These lines also showed red fruit coloration with preferred fruit size and shape. From the study, the genotypes namely VR-20 and CO-3 were identified as potential genotypes which can be used as open pollinated varieties for spring season cultivation in Jammu region.

3 tables, 8 ref

005237   Rathor O S;Ranjalkar K M;Chillawar R G (Post Graduate Dep of Botany, Science College, Nanded, Maharashtra) : New records for the flora of Marathwada. Bioinfolet 2007, 4(1), 60-2.

Deals with few additions to the flora of Marathwada, as these plants were observed for the first time during ethnobotanical explorations. For each species correct botanical name, family locality and description is given.

5 ref, 1 plate

005236   Rajasab A H (Mycology and Plant Pathology Lab, P.G. Studies and Dep, Research in Bo, Gulbarga Univ, Gulbarga-585 106, Email: rajasab55@rediffmail.com) : Parkia powder agar - a new medium for fungal culture. Curr Sci 2007, 92(10), 1359-1360.

1 table, 8 ref

005235   Pundeer J S;Kaushik J C;Ahlawat K S;Sushil Kumari (Forestry Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004) : Physiological and nutritional studies on Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, a causal agent of twig blight of neem seedling. Envir Ecol 2007, 25S(2), 307-10.

Twig blight of neem seedling caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz. is one of the serious diseases of neem in nursery. The optimum conditions viz. medium, temperature, pH, carbon and nitrogen sources for growth and sporulation of pathogen were observed under laboratory conditions. Among the different culture media, maximum growth and sporulation of the test pathogen was obtained on potato-dextrose agar followed by oat-meal agar medium. The maximum growth of the test pathogen was found at temperature 25 C and pH 7.0. The fungus utilized a wide range of carbon and nitrogen sources. Maximum growth and sproulation of this fungus were obtained with lactose as carbon source followed by maltose. Glycine as an organic and potassium nitrate as an inorganic nitrogen source supported highest growth of the pathogen.

5 tables, 11 ref