003337   Mukherjee M;Datta A K (Botany Dep, Genetics and Plant Breeding Section, Kalyani Univ, Kalyani-741 235, Email: dattaanimesh@gmail.com) : Basils. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 473-483.

Review covering cytomorphological, genetical, biochemical and pharmacological aspects of Ocimum species has been documented in the text with the view to gather information in Ocimum which could be successfully utilized for its improvement.

113 ref

003336   Mishra R P;Bhandari S (Post-Graduate Studies and Research in Biological Science Dep, Rani Durgavati University, Jabalpur-482 001, Email: raviprakashjbp1962@indiatimes.com) : Atmospheric fungal flora of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Indian J Microbiol 2006, 46(4), 325-32.

Aeromycological survey conducted during February, 1992 to January, 1994 at three distant sites in Jabalpur by using slide and Petri dish exposure techniques revealed 99 types of fungal spores and 33 species of fungi. Amongst these, 25 fungi are well known human allergens. Deuteromycotina, Ascomycotina, Basidiomycotina and Zygomycotina showed 59, 34, 5 and 1 spore type respectively and their corresponding percentage contribution was 92.8, 0.9, 4.5 and 0.04. Fungal diversity decreased during summer having mean temperature 32.4°C and relative humidity 25.8% and reached highest during autumn having mean temperature 24.0°C and relative humidity 58.8%. Aspergilli-Penicilli, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Ganoderma, Alternaria and smut spores were dominant types.

7 tables, 12 ref

003335   Mishra K N;Yadav K N (Botany Dep, T.D.P.G. College, Jaunpur-222 002) : Effect of air pollutants on growth, productivity and physiological behaviour of some tree species growing in Jaunpur city (U.P.) India. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 889-91.

Study was undertaken at different sites to assess the magnitude of gaseous emission coming out from automobiles and other sources in Jaunpur city (U.P.) The exhausts from variety of automobiles are the main source of gaseous emissions seriously causing physiological disruption and damages to trees also. The trees of mango (Mangifera indica), bel (Aegle marmelos), teak (Tectona grandis) growing in different localities of Jaunpur city were tested. The suspended particulate matter (SPM), respiratory, particulate matter (RPM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur dioxide The maximum reduction of 37.93% in stem perimeter was marked in Mangifera indica (L) and minimum of 4.58% was in Aegle mormelos (corr). The reduction in dry weight accumulation pattern in urban area confirms the-deterioration occurred in plants due to infiltration of gaseous emissions in plants. The maximum reduction in weight of Mangifera indica followed by Tectona grandis. With the exception of Aegle marmelos significant reduction in chlorophyll content observed in other tree species.

4 tables, 18 ref

003334   Mariyappan H;Vijayaragavan M (Agronomy Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar-608 002) : Processing of turmeric (Curcuma longa l.) rhizomes to maintain its medicinal properties. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 927-8.

Medicinal plants are nowadays gaining importance for the treatment of various diseases which is cheaper and affordable and cost effective. Doctors like Sarakar has noted in their script dating back B. C. 2500 the importance of 300 medicines of plant origin. The allopathic medicines utilized for the treatment of various diseases are effective but have its own side effects. The medicines extracted from medicinal plants are not causing any toxic effects. Turmeric is an important medicine used from time immemorial. It is mainly used for healing wounds and for cosmetics. The turmeric is in use for the treatment of cancer according to Anderson Cancer Centre in Texas University and Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Biotechnology at Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. The alkaloid curcumin is responsible for the use in the control of cancer.

2 ref

003333   Mankad R S;Jadeja B A;Odedra N K (NO, , Saint Mary's School, Porbandar-360 575) : Ethnobotanical significance of some trees of Junagadh city of Gujarat state, India. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 877-80.

The paper provides information on the ethnobotanical significance of 45 Angiospermic trees of Junagadh city. The paper deals with 45 plants species belonging to 45 genera of 27 families were worked out. Each plant species have its own identity as well as characteristics and different parts of each are used for controlling various diseases. Information was gathered by personal contact and interviews with local people.

9 ref

003332   Mankad R S;Jadeja B A;Chavda G K (NO, , Saint, Mary's School, Porbandar-360 575) : Ethnoveterinary knowledge system of Maldhari tribe of Girnar Junagadh district, Gujarat, India. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 843-5.

Deals with 45 tribal ethnoveterinary preparations for curing different ailments. It includes 40 preparations which include 5 types for respiratory diseases, 4 preparations for food poisoning, 8 preparations for foot and mouth diseases, 6 preparations for fracture, 5 preparations for wounds and 13 preparations for other diseases. Need has been emphasized for putting the tribal knowledge system of Maldhari in Junagadh district to validation test by pharmacologists.

7 ref

003331   Maheshwari R (Biochemistry Dep, Indian Institute of Sciences, Bangalore-560 012, Email: ramesh.maheshwari@gmail.com) : RNA silencing in fungi. Indian J Microbiol 2006, 46(4), 409-12.

^ssc2 illus, 5 ref

003330   Madhavan S;Manivannan K (Horticulture Dep, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar (Tamil Nadu)) : Effect of potting media on growth of Gymnema sylvestre. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 703-4.

The experiment on the effect of potting media on growth of Gymnema was carried out at the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture. Annamalai University, Annamalainagar. There were totally nine treatments viz., potmixture + 1 kg of vermicompost, potmixture + 1 kg of coirpith, potmixutre + 1 kg of pressmud, potmixture + 1 kg of FYM, potmixture + 2 kg of vermicompost, potmixture + 2 kg of coirpith, pot mixture + 2 kg of pressmud, pot mixture + 2 kg of FYM. They were established in the pot culture and observed for certain morphological characters like plant height, number of veins/plant, number of leaves per plant, plant fresh weight and dry weight were recorded 4 months of planting. The treatment (m₁ potmixture + 1 kg of vermicompost recorded highest plant height (247.06 cm), number of vein/plant (13.57), number of leaves/plant (176.89), plant fresh weight (261.67 gm) and plant dry weight (125.78 gm). This was followed by (m₃) potmixture + 1 kg of pressmud.

1 table, 4 ref

003329   Khare P K;Saxena M (Botany Dep, Govt. Maharaja P. G. College, Chhatarpur-471 001) : Ethnomedicinal study for human healthcare among the people of Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh, India. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 899-901.

The present ethnomedicinal uses of some plants by the people and tribes of Chhatarpur have been studied in various ailments. The information about their local name, plants used and form of their application in cure of several diseases such as malaria fever, rheumatism, asthma, jaundice, toothache, kidney stone and constipation etc.

4 illus, 11 ref

003328   Khan M R;Pundhir V S;Rahman S M A;Singh V P (Plant Pathology Dep, Centre of Advanced Studies, G.B. Pant Univ Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar) : Effect of some essential oil and methanol extract of aromatic medicinal plants on bacterial wilt pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum. Prog Agric 2007, 7(1-2), 8-11.

Essential oil and methanol extract of fourteen aromatic/medicinal plants were tested for their antibacterial properties against Ralstonia solanacearum. Inhibition zone technique (bacterial cells amended/seeded in medium) was used to screen the methanol extract/essential oils at four concentration viz., 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 mg botanicals. All essential oils (seven) from aromatic plants were found effective at 1.00 mg concentration with significantly more inhibition zone in comparison to other concentrations of botanicals. Oil from Mentha piperata restricted the bacterial growth to 9.42 mm and was found statistically superior to others i.e. palmarosa (8.42 mm), geranium (8.00 mm), M. arvensis (7.83 mm), citronella (7.75 mm), M. spicata (7.50 mm) and lemon grass (7.17 mm) at the highest concentration of botanicals. Out of eleven methanol extract of aromatic/medicinal plants only three (palmarosa, M. arvensis, and M. longifolia) were found effective. Maximum inhibition zone (38.00 mm) was recorded with palmarosa leaf extract followed by M. longifolia (13.50 mm) and M. arvensis (15.33 mm) at 1.00 mg botanical concentration.

2 tables, 20 ref

003327   Kadam V B;Ahire P P (Botany P.G. Dep, Deogiri College, Aurangabad-431 005) : Biochemical evaluation of three endangered medicinal taxa of south Gujarat forests. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 897-8.

The seasonal variation of protein and amino acids have been investigated in leaf, bark and wood of Semecarpus anacardium, Mallotus philippensis and Pterocarpus marsupium which are medicinally important and extremely rare in South Gujarat Forest. Comparative account of protein content of bark of three tree species revealed that P. marsupium were rich in protein. Amino acids content of leaves of three tree species revealed that S. anacardium and M. philippensis showed higher level of (range 3.09-4.67 mg/g dry wt.) amino acid.

2 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

003326   Jonathan E I;Umamaheswari R;Bommaraju P (Nematology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003) : Bioefficacy of native plant growth promoting rhizobacteria against Meloidogyne incognita and Phytophthora capsici disease complex in betelvine. Indian J Nematol 2006, 36(2), 234-40.

In a survey conducted in major betelvine growing districts of Tamil Nadu, sixty five Plant Growth Promoting Rhzobacteria (PGPR) accessions were isolated (50 Pseudomonas spp. - Pfbv; 1 Bacillus spp. - Bbv and 14 other rhizobacteria) from betelvine rhizosphere in the districts of Tiruchirapalli, Namakkal, Coimbatore, Karur, Erode and Tuticorin. Among the PGPR isolates, the isolates viz., Pfbv 22, Bbv 57 and Pf 1 were found to induce plant growth in rice as assessed by roll towel and pot culture studies and also effectively reduced the growth of Phytophthora capsici. The culture filtrates of Pfbv 22 showed significantly higher ovicidal and larvicidal action on Meloidogyne incognita eggs and juveniles, respectively, followed by Bbv 57 and Pf 1. The promising isolates were formulated in talc-base and tested against M. incognita and P. capsici disease complex in betelvine under glass house conditions. The combination treatment of Pfbv 22 + Bbv 57 recorded the highest growth parameters viz., plant height, number of leaves and the lowest nematode population and wilt incidence. The treatment was comparable with metalaxyl + carbofuran.

5 tables, 16 ref

003325   Johnson N;Jaya Kumar S B J;Rajendran G; Ramakrishanan S (Nematology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore - 3) : Nematodes of cut flowers in Tamil Nadu, India. Indian J Nematol 2006, 36(2), 276-8.

1 table, 5 ref

003324   Jitendra Kumar;Gupta A K (Science Dep, Sampurnanand Sanskrit Univ, Varanasi-221 002) : Biomass and net primary production of ground flora vegetation under the Acacia auriculiformis plantation stands in the gangetic plain. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 873-6.

In forest plantation, especially under a N₂ fixer tree, the ground flora becomes very characteristic and different from other open sites. The biomass and annual production of the ground flora is quite high in the two study sites of Acacia auriculiformis plantation stands near Varanasi in the Gangetic plains. The maximum biomass was observed as 615.12 g m^-2 at site-1 and 659.20 g m^-2 at site II in the month of October, whereas minimum biomass was observed as 413.46 g m^-2 at site I and 404.27 g m^-2 at site II in the month of December 1995.

1 table, 18 ref

003323   Jadeja B A;Odedra N K;Thanki B G (Botany Dep, M. D. Science College, Porbandar-360 575) : Fodder resources during famines in Gujarat. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 669-72.

The majority area of the Gujarat is rural. The people of this area mostly dependent on agriculture and domestic animals. They have their own traditional customs and religious belief. The paper deals with 106 plant species of wild plants used as fodder during droughts in Gujarat.

1 table, 5 ref

003322   Jadeja B A;Odedra N K;Chavda G K;Bapodra S K (Botany Dep, M.D. Science College, Porbandar-360 575) : Phenological observations of some dry deciduous forest tree species of Junagadh district Gujarat. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 585-8.

Phenology is important for the study of plant animal interactions which affect pollination and dispersal, and are important for plant reproduction. The paper records phenological data of 28 forest tree species. Observation on leaf fall, new foliage, flowering and fruiting have been discussed in detail. These data are full to analyses the phenological pattern of tree species in the dry deciduous forest along disturbance gradient to understand the response of tree species to climatic factors and the periodicity.

19 ref

003321   Jadeja B A;Odedra N K;Chavda G K;Bapodra S K (Botany Dep, M.D. Science College, Porbandar-360 575) : Biological spectrum of keshod, Mendarada and Vanthali talukas of Junagadh district, Gujarat, India. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 559-62.

Deals with the study of biological spectrum of Keshod, Mendarada and Vanthali talukas of Junagadh district. of Gujarat, with 454 angiospermic plant species. Five life forms of different percentage were observed. The Therophytes (Th) gain highest 232 while Cryptophytes (Ch) lowest 14 only.

2 illus, 3 tables, 59 ref

003320   Iqbal M;Datta A K (Botany Dep, Genetics and Plant Breeding Section, Kalyani Univ, Kalyani-741 235, Email: dattaanimesh@gmail.com) : High yielding morphological variation in Withania somnifera (L.) Dun.. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 553-4.

A broad leaf plant showing normal cytological behaviour (2n = 48) and possessing higher yield (root and seed) and yield related traits were selected from Poshita variety of W. somnifera during the year 2004 at kharif season at the experimental plots of Kalyani University, Nadia, West Bengal and evaluated for two subsequent years (2005-2006). The selected plants however had low alkaloid and withanolide contents than normal.

1 table, 5 ref

003319   Iqbal M;Datta A K (Botany Dep, Genetics and Plant Breeding Section, Kalyani Univ, Kalyani-471 235, Email: dattaanimesh@gmail.com) : Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) - the elixir of life. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 449-55.

Withania somnifera (L.) Dun. (family: Solanaceae) is commonly known as Ashwagandha or Asgandh. It is a shrubby bush that grows in dry and arid soil of subtropical regions. Ashwagandh is mainly cultivated for its medicinal roots. Many biochemically heterogeneous alkaloids have been reported in the roots and the principle among them are cuscohyrine, anahygrine, tropine, pseudotropine, anaferine, di-isopelleteirine, 3-tropyltigloate, nicotine, withasomnine, visamine, somniferin, somnine, withanine, pseudo-withanine, withananine and withananinine. The chief constituents of leaves are withanolides (Withaferin A; Dihydrowithaferin A; 27-deoxy-14α hdyroxy withaferin A; 27-deoxywithaferin A; 27-deoxy-17α hydroxywithaferin A; Withanolide D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P; 1a, 3p, 20α trihydroxy-20R-witha-5-24 dienolide; 17 isowithanolide E; Withanolide C - chlorinated withanolide; 4β-hydro-5β, 6β-epoxy-1-oxo-22R-witha-2, 14-24-trienolide; 3α-methoxy, 3-dihydro-27-deoxywithaferin A; 5-dehydroxywithanolide R and Withasomniferin-A). Apart from having manifold pharmaceutical uses, the plant possesses anticancerous and antioxidant properties. In the present text a comprehensive review on cytogenetical, genetical, biochemical, pharmacological and agronomical aspects of Withania somnifera has been documented for its further exploration, exploitation and improvement in the field of genetics and plant breeding.

69 ref

003318   Harinath Naidu P;Haritha V (Plant Pathology Dep, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Tirupati-517 502) : Duranta - a new host for root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita). Indian J Nematol 2006, 36(2), 294.

^ssc1 illus, ref

003317   Gupta S;Tyagi D V S;Rawat R S (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, G.B.P. Uni. of Agric. and Tech., Pantnagar-263 145) : Induced chlorophyll mutations and mutagenic effectiveness in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L. czern and coss). Prog Agric 2007, 7(1-2), 28-30.

Two varieties of Indian mustard viz., Krishna and Kranti were treated with different concentration of EMS for different durations. Eleven different types of chlorophyll mutants viz., albina, xantha, viridis, tigrina, maculata, variegated, albo-xantha, xantho-alba, xantho viridis, virido-xantha and virido-alba were isolated with different doses of EMS. Treatment with 0.4%EMS 16 h produced the highest percentage of chlorophyll mutations in both the varieties. Where as the effectiveness of treatment was highest with 0.4% EMS 8h treatment in both the varieties. Results from chlorophyll mutations suggest that long t duration of treatment with higher concentration of EMS is not suitable to generate mutagenic variability.

1 table, 10 ref

003316   Gupta A;Saraf S;Saraf S (Institute of Pharmacy, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla Univ, Raipur-492 010, Email: shailendrasaraf@rediffmail.com) : Phytosome : a novel approach for phytoconstituents. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 457-61.

Complexation of some plant bioactive molecules with natural phospholipids results in formation of phytosomes. The phytosome form provides dramatically enhanced bioavailability and deliver faster and improved absorption in the intestinal tract. The enhancement of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behaviour of poorly absorbed phytoconstituents can advantageously used in some acute and chronic diseases. The approach further beneficial in industrial production of cost effective complexes of phytoconstituents.

1 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

003315   Gowdaman V;Rajeswari S;Mani K (Microbiology Dep, PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore-641 014) : Antibacterial metabolites from wood rot fungus Phellinus hohnelli. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 763-5.

Ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of the fruiting body of Phellinus hohnelli mushroom was investigated for antibacterial activity against clinical isolates and standard strains. Ethanol extract showed a good antibacterial activity against all tested strains. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins and stioids.

2 tables, 7 ref

003314   Gopal K;Gopi V;Khayum Ahammed S;Srinivasulu Y (AICRP on Tropical Fruits (Citrus), A. N. G. R. Agricultural Univ, Tirupati-517 502, Email: kurubgopal@rediffmail.com) : PCR detection of huanglongbing (greening disease) in sweet orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck). Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2006, 8(4), 765-70.

Citrus greening disease (CGD) is caused by fastidious prokaryotic bacterium. The diseased trees show variety of symptoms. The diagnosis based on symptoms and biological indexing is often confused with symptoms of nutritional and physiological disorder. Survey data revealed that the mean CGD incidence was high in Prakasam district (26.91%) followed by Ananthapur (25.23%). Least mean incidence of 23.35% was recorded in Nalgonda district of Andhra Pradesh state of India. The CGB can be easily detected by a rapid and reliable method, PCR. Quality of DNA and its amplification was not satisfactory in PCR due to the presence of phenols and tannins in citrus tissue, which is responsible for degradation of DNA. Hence, two methods of DNA extraction were compared with CTAB method with respect to the quality of CGB DNA and its amplification in PCR. Addition of sodium sulphite to Tris-EDTA and CTAB method yielded good quality of DNA compared to Tris-EDTA method, which inturn resulted good amplification in PCR. Further, 6 μl CGB DNA was found good for better amplification in PCR.

2 tables, 22 ref

003313   Geetha R;Selvakumari A;Sujatha K (Seed Science and Technology Unit, Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Agricultural College & Research Institute, Madurai-625 104) : Evaluation of mango stones under nursery conditions. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 697-98.

In vegetative propagation (grafting) of mango, rootstocks are produced from unknown origin. This random rootstock of I unknown origin influence the various desirable characters of the yielding trees. To predict the characters of rootstocks in nursery, an experiment was conducted with three different varieties and pot mixtures. The results revealed that both Panchavarnam and Alphonsa are having poor germination potential (25-30%) compared to Kalepod (60%). The seedlings raised with pot mixtures mixed with coir pith recorded higher plant height with more biomass expressing its vigorousness at nursery stage itself.

1 table, 7 ref

003312   Gautam I;Gupta D (Botany Dep, A.N.D. Nagar Nigam College, Kanpur) : Combining ability in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Prog Agric 2007, 7(1-2), 143-4.

2 tables, 6 ref

003311   Gangwar R K;Prajapati R K;Kamalwanshi R S; Singh S R (Plant Pathology Dep, C. S. Azad Univ Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur-208 002) : Association of Meloidogyne incognita and Rhizoctonia bataticola in chickpea. Prog Agric 2007, 7(1-2), 183-4.

1 table, 4 ref

003310   Gangopadhyay G;Roy S K;Ghose K;Poddar R; Bandyopadhyay T;Basu D;Mukherjee K K (Cytogenetics Lab, Botany Dep, Bose Institute, 93/1 APC Road, Kolkata-700 009, Email: kalyan@bosemain.boseinst.ac.in) : Sex detection of Carica papaya and Cycas circinalis in pre-flowering stage by ISSR and RAPD. Curr Sci 2007, 92(4), 524-6.

Sex of Carica papaya, an angiosperm and Cycas circinalis, a gymnosperm was studied using ISSR and RAPD techniques in pre-flowering stage. One female-specific band generated from ISSR profile using primer (GACA)₄ was detected in papaya, which seems to have importance from agricultural point of view. Sequencing of a male-specific RAPD band (PCR with primer OPB 01) in C. circinalis revealed homology with putative retro elements of diverse plants, probably indicating its use in the detection of male C. circinalis in future.

^ssc2 illus, 16 ref

003309   Dubey A K;Yadav J R;Singh B (Vegetable Science Dep, C. S. Azad Univ Agriculture and Technology, Kalyanpur, Kanpur-208 024) : Studies on induced mutations by gamma irradiation in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Monch.). Prog Agric 2007, 7(1-2), 46-8.

The okra seeds were treated with different doses of gamma irradiation eg. 500, 1000, 1500, 2500, and 3000 rods. The result shows from the investigation that the does of 2000 rod in okra significantly increased vegetative growth of plants, number of flowers and fruits per plant as well as weight of fruits, fruit and seed yield (q/ha) are which can be recommended for profitable cultivation of okra as the results were at par in M₂ generation also.

1 table, 9 ref

003308   Dongardive S B;Golliwar V J;Bhongle S A (Horticulture Section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur) : Effect of organic manure and biofertilizers on growth and flowering in gladiolus cv. White prosperity. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 657-8.

An experiment was carried out to investigate the "Effect of organic manure and biofertilizers on growth and flowering in gladiolus cv. White prosperity" at Satpuda Botanic Garden, College of Agriculture, Nagpur during the year 2005-2006. Results of the experiment indicated that, the treatment RDF (500:200:200 NPK. kg ha^-1) was found to be best as recorded early corm spraying, enhanced growth viz., plant height, length of leaves, numbers of leaves per plant, hastened flowering by early initiation of spikes, initiation of 50 per cent spike, opening of first two florets with maximum length of spike, maximum number of spike yield per hectare and maximum diameter of open floret. The treatment vermicompost 8t ha^-1 + Azotobacter 5 kg ha^-1 + PSB 5 kg ha^-1 was runner up and found to be quality florets and spike with maximum yield as compared to other treatments. However treatment applied with Neem cake 61 h^-1 recorded minimum growth and yield with low quality and late spike yield.

1 table, 5 ref

003307   Dobhal U;Bisht N S;Bhandari S L (Botany Dep, H. N. B. Garhwal Univ, Campus Pauri, Pauri (Garhwal), Uttarakhand, Email: upmadobhal@yahoo.co.in) : Traditional values of Sapindus mukorossi gaertn. Vern. Ritha. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 485-6.

Plants are rich source of many natural products, most of which have been extensively used for human welfare. Owing to rich medicinal properties of Sapindus mukorossi, the plant has found mention in ancient literature. Various parts of the plant have been used in ayurvedic preparations by Vaidya for curing various ailments. The fruit is known for its high saponin contents and hence being used commercially for making detergent based products.

6 ref

003306   Dhanai C S;Gupta G R;Panwar G S;Singh V K; Anil Kumar (Agroforestry Dep, Institute of Agriculture Sciences, Bundelkhand Univ, Jhansi (U.P.)) : Pre sowing seed treatments effection germination behaviour of (Tectona grandis L.). Prog Agric 2007, 7(1-2), 12-14.

The experiment was carried out with different pre-sowing seed treatment during the years of 2005-06 at R.B.D. with three replication at Agriculture Research form of Bundelkhand University, Jhasi, U.P. during the rabi Season of the year 2005-06. On the basis of the results obtained, it can easily be concluded that for obtaining eatly and higher germination percentage of teak seeds, teak seeds should be treated with pit method (Placing the seeds in a pit in alternate layers of seeds and straw for 7 days and watered daily) for the commercial purposes.

1 table, 9 ref

003305   Dhan Prakash;Upadhyay G;Singh B N;Dhakarey R; Sandeep Kumar;Singh K K (Nutraceutical Chemistry Lab, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001, Email: dprakash_in@yahoo.com) : Free-radical scavenging activities of Himalayan rhododendrons. Curr Sci 2007, 92(4), 526-32.

Reactive oxygen species can damage cellular biomolecules leading to degenerative diseases. Phenols, a major group of phytochemicals with antioxidant properties, can help inactivate them. To find the antioxidant potential of the genus Rhododendron, its 21 species were studied for their total phenolic content (TPC), flavonoids and antioxidant activity (AOA). TPC varied from 37.3 to 208.9 mg/lg, flavonoids from 11.5 to 137.1 mg/g and AOA from 30.4 to 97.4%. R. baileyii, R. camellieflorum, R. Campnulatum, R. cilliatum, R. cinnabarinum, R. griffithianum, R. lepidotum, R. niveum, R. sallignun and R. virgaum were found to have high TPC (91.4-208.9 mg/g), AOA (71.5-97.4%) and free radical scavenging activity, as evident from their low IC₅₀ (inhibitory concentration, 0.07-0.19 mg/ml), low EC₅₀ (efficiency concentration, 3.28-8.26 mg/mg), and high ARP (antiradical power, 12.10-30.48), compared to reference standard. R. griffithianum, R. lepidotum and R. virgaªtum showed better ferrous-ion chelating capacity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation than that of standards, BHT and quercetin. They also showed better reducing power and inhibition of both site-specific and non siteªspecific hydroxyl radicals-induced deoxyribose degraªdation than those of other species. R. camellieflorum, R. campanulatum, R. griffithianum, R. lepidotum and R. virgatu were potential scavengers of superoxide anions and also showed significant protection of DNA damage induced by free radicals. Promising species were also subjected to HPLC and MS/MS, which showed the presence of phenolic acids (gallic, caffeic, chlorogenic, ellagic and protocatechuic acids) and flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol and rutin).

^ssc1 illus, 5 tables, 28 ref

003304   Deka S J;Deka S P (Botany Dep, Gauhati Univ, Assam) : Significance of plant species in bahag bihu in cattle care among the Lalung (Tiwa), tribe and Koch - Rajbanshi (non-tribe) of Myong area in Morigaon of Assam, India. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 693-6.

The present study deals with 22 plant species belongs to 20 families, 14 dicot and 8 monocot. The remote inhabited Lalung (Tiwa) tribe and Koch-Rajbanshi non-tribe of the Myong area in Morigaon district of Assam used the listed plants in cattle care in the Assamese National Festival Bahag Bihu.

1 table, 16 ref

003303   Dahiya K;Tiwari A D;Vijay Shankar;Kharb S; Dhankhar R (Biochemistry Dep, , Pt.B.D. Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak-124 001) : Antioxidant status in neonatal jaundice before and after phototherapy. Indian J clin Biochem 2006, 21(1), 157-60.

Phototherapy has been related to increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. In the present study, thirty full term jaundiced neonates with appropriate weight were analyzed before and after completion of phototherapy for malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), total thiols, vitamin C and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in hemolysate and albumin levels in plasma. These parameters were analyzed in cord blood samples of 20 healthy neonates as control. It was observed that levels of MDA were elevated significantly (p<60>0.001) in patients as compared to controls and that the levels increased significantly after phototherapy (p<60>0.001). Levels of SOD were also found to be increased significantly as compared to controls and the levels rose after phototherapy (p<60>0.001). On the other hand, the levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants such as GSH, total thiols and vitamin C were significantly low (p<60>0.001) as compared to controls and the levels decreased significantly after phototherapy (p<60>0.001). The plasma albumin levels also were found to be decreased significantly after phototherapy (p<60>0.01). Therefore, phototherapy increases oxidative stress and should be used with care.

2 tables, 20 ref

003302   Chaudhary R;Yadav M;Singh D B (NO, , I/C Programme co-ordinator, KVK Power Kheda, Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh) : Changes in physico-chemical characteristics of karonda jelly during storage period. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 885-7.

Study on physico-chemical changes in karonda jelly during storage revealed its organoleptical acceptability for a period of four to five months and started changing to brownish colour at ambient temperature. The total soluble solid, acidity, total sugar, reducing sugar, browning, flavour, texture, taste and after taste increased with storage period while ascorbic acid, non-reducing sugar, colour and appearance and overall acceptability decreased at ambient temperature.

6 tables, 13 ref

003301   Chakraborty D;Tah J (Business Administration Dep, Pakim Palatine College, Pakyong-737 106) : Problems and prospects of India's floriculture trade: a study on cut rose units. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 931-4.

Almost after 15 years since starting, India is struggling even today to make its presence felt in the world flower market. Indian entrepreneurs started their march in the world market mainly with rose. The Central Government has also given many incentives to this industry to make it successful. Most important of those was the export oriented unit (EOU) status that was accorded to many of these units. Even after all the best efforts made by the entrepreneurs and the governments this industry failed to take off in desired manner. It is reported that Indian growers were getting a price for their produce between Rs. 7-Rs.8 per flower in the international market The objective of this study is an endeavour to see and determine, in the light of available data, the minimum price of a cut rose that can earn profit from the Dutch auction houses and analysis of strategic options that the Indian growers can adopt.

1 table, 11 ref

003300   Chakraborty D;Mondal S;Gupta K (Botany Dep, Burdwan University, Burdwan, West Bengal) : Ecophysiology of hyptis suaveolens: germination behaviour. Indian For 2007, 133(3), 359-68.

Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit, is an ethnobotanically important medicinal plant with high levels of volatile oils. The plant has been considered as an obnoxious weed and ruderal species. Morphological studies show the presence of seeds of two size classes within the same plant. Higher germination percentage was recorded in the larger seeds. Germination was found to be light (positively photoblastic) and temperature (25-30°C) dependant. Acid scarification treatment with H₂SO₄ and pre-treatments with KNO₃ significantly increased the germination percentage. An attempt has been made to decipher the ecophysiology of H. suaveolens by correlating germination data with ecological factors in the prevailing ecosystem.

5 tables, 30 ref

003299   Bisht A S;Bhatt A B (HNB Garhwal University, , Srinagar (Garhwal), Uttarakhand) : Ecological notes on Indian sweet flag (Acorus calamus Linn.). Indian For 2007, 133(3), 374-8.

Various ecological aspects of Acorus calamu have been discussed. This species is very useful/effective and is basically a medicinal herb, which is found in abundance in Temperate Zone of the Himalayas. Excessive exploitation coupled with destruction of its natural habitats has brought this species on the verge of extinction hence long term conservation practices should be adopted to conserve this species.

3 tables, 7 ref

003298   Bhandari S;Sajwan M;Bisht N S (Botany Dep, H.N.B. Garhwal Univ, Campus Pauri, Pauri (Garhwal), Email: snehlb@yahoo.co.in) : Growth dynamics of Artemisia roxburghiana Wall. under the influence of growth regulators. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 813-15.

Effect of foliar spray of different concentrations of auxins (IAA and 2,4-D) on growth behaviour of A. roxburghiana an important medicinal plant of Asteraceae family was studied. Treatment of IAA 200 ppm augmented shoot length, node and flower number substantially. Significant root length increment better than IAA was noticed in 2,4-D 5 ppm treated plants. However, 2,4-D 20 ppm totally suppressed the flower development in the plant. Periodic variations in some of the growth parameters can be represented in the form of REG and LAER values.

1 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

003297   Banerjee B K;Dalal T;Bandopadhyay A;Tah J (Cytogenetics Laboratory, Botany Dep, The Univ Burdwan, Golapbag Campus, Burdwan-713 104) : Locational studies on the response of genotypes of roselle (Hibiscus subdariffa) cultivars. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 745-8.

Fibre yielding crops are most vital crops next to cereals. Roselle (Hibiscus subdariffa) is important fibre crop next to cotton and Tossa jute. Generally fine fibre is used for the purpose of textile industry. This study material, Roselle, one of the most dependable fibre crops which has been serving the society in different ways for human civilization as utilized as cloth, paper, cordages, ropes, twinthreads etc. Still Roselle is very neglected in India, but it has been occupied ninth position in the crop calendar. It is essential to produce good quality seeds for any improved varieties of any crop. Roselle is such a fibre crop which can produce better yield no doubt than any other fibre crop which is easily adopted in any kind of soil - status. The main aims and objectives of this experiment was to explore the best suitability of cultivars in this particular location.

1 table, 8 ref

003296   Balamurugan S;Arumugam K (Botany Dep(DDE), Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar-608 002) : Change of pigments during the ripening of the fruit of Mangifera indica L. var. Bangalora. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 607-10.

Detached fruit of Mangifera indica L. var. Bangalora were collected from the experimental orchard. The fruit had two sides namely sunny and shady side. One side of the fruit, usually the base which, was nearer to the stalk was exposed to the sunlight and that part of the fruit alone was yellowish orange. This was called "Sunny side" while the rest of the fruit was greenish and it was called "Shady side". The pigment studies were carried out using the epicarp of the tissues only such as chlorophylls, carotenoids, xanthophylls and anthocyanins. The chlorophyll content was higher on the shady side of the fruit when compared to the sunny side. The content of carotenes, xanthophylls and anthocyanins increased both on the sunny and shady sides of the epicarp during the course of ripening. The sunny side had more carotenes, xanthophylls and anthocyanins than the shady side. Among the three the carotene content was always higher than the others.

6 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

003295   Balakrishnan C P;Venkataraman Kumar;Mohan V R;Athiperumalsami T (Botany Research Laboratory, V. O. Chidambaram College, Tuticorin-628 005) : Effect of crude seaweed extracts on seedling growth and biochemical parameters in Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) taub.. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 563-87.

The effect of crude extracts obtained from Ulva lactuca, Padina tetrastromatica and Gracilaria corticata was evaluated on seedling growth and biochemical parameters in the vegetable crop, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba. All the three seaweed extracts supported good growth and certain biochemical parameters of C. tetragonoloba.

9 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

003294   Anilkumar A S;Nair K H;Sherief A K (Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram-659 522) : Utilization of enriched coir pith-vermicompost in organic mediculture. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 617-20.

Production of enriched coirpith-vermicompost from substrates, viz, coirpith : chopped banana pseudostem : cowdung in 4 : 4 : 1 proportion and enriching with 2% dry powdered poultry manure under a thatched roof over a level floor using the earthworm species, African night crawler (Eudrillus euginae) was found worth popularizing. Utilization of enriched coirpith-vermicompost as a substitute for FYM in the preparation of potting mixture was also found encouraging. Preliminary trials on the sprouting of cuttings of selected medicinal plants, viz, long pepper (Piper longum), koduveli (Plumbago rosea), Asparagus (Asparagus racemosus), chittadalodakom (Adhathoda beddomi) and munja (Premna nervosa) revealed the superior performance of enriched coirpith-vermicompost in enhancing the sprouting percentage to the tune of 100 in certain cases and it modulated the rhizosphere for promoting the activity of bioinoculants which are now widely used in organic farming.

3 tables, 7 ref

003293   Anilkumar A S;John P S (Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram-695 522) : Water management practices for higher productivity in mulberry. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 625-7.

Mulberry leaf production is often limited by the amount of available soil moisture and it can be substantially increased by supplemental irrigation. Of all the inputs in mulberry cultivation, irrigation is known to bear the highest correlation with leaf production. The response of two varieties of mulberry, viz, K.-2 and S-54 to four levels of irrigation, ie, control trrigation at CPE (cumulative pan evaporation) 15 mm, CPE 30 mm and CPE 45 mm and four soil moisture conservation practices, ie, incorporation of coir pith, mulching with coconut husk, incorporation of silk worm litter and no soil moisture conservation technique were studied for two years at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. Total fresh leaf production (TFLP), benefit cost ratio (BCR) and sustainable yield index (SYI) were worked out. The varietal reaction was considerable and the variety S-54 was superior with respect to TFLP, BCR and SYI. Irrigation at CPE 30 mm and mulching with coconut husk recorded higher values for all the above parameters. The interaction effects were significant and maximum TFLP, BCR and SYI were recorded for the treatment combination S-54 x irrigation at CPE 30 mm x mulching with coconut husk.

3 tables, 3 ref

003292   Andin Raja R D;Arun Raj R D;Prakash J W (Botany and Research Center Dep, Scott Christian College (Autonomous), Nagarcoil) : Traditional antivenomous herbal treatments of Kani tribe in a part of Agastya forest, south Kerala, India. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 643-6.

The Kani tribe, the major ethnic group of South Kerala inhabiting mainly in Agastya forest bordering to Tamil Nadu, has strong faith and belief in traditional health care system, viz. herbal treatment. The present paper deals with the anti-venomous effect of some herbal plants used by Kani tribe. The information was collected directly from the Kani people of Chonampara tribal settlement by oral communication. Among the eleven known genera few were used as anti venom against snakebite and some as first aid. Few plants were used against poisons like spider bite. Plant roots, leaves, tubers and even the whole plants were used as best anti venom medicines.

3 tables, 7 ref

003291   Ahila N;Neelamegam R (Botany P. G. & Research Dep, S. T. Hindu College, Nagercoil-629 002) : Effect of copper sulphate and streptomycin on pre-soaked x-irradiated cowpea (Vigna sinensis (L) Savi ex Hassk) seeds. Pl Archs 2007, 7(2), 611-14.

Copper sulphate treatment in presoaked cowpea seeds inhibits the seed germination and other seedling growth parameters than presoaked control. X-irradiation treatment in presoaked seeds shows stimulatory effect on germination and other growth parameters observed than presoaked control as well as copper sulphate treatment either alone or in combination. Streptomycin treatment either alone or in combination with X-irradiated presoaked cowpea seeds had no effect on seed germination. Low concentration of streptomycin favours the cowpea seedling growth parameters than presoaked control seeds, while higher concentration shows inhibitory effect. Streptomycin treatment along with X-irradiation in presoaked cowpea seeds promote the seedling growth parameters at lower concentration as compared to individual treatment, while it was inhibitory at higher concentration of streptomycin. At low concentration, the X-irradiation and streptomycin treatment either alone or in combination favours the germination and seedling growth parameters than unsoaked and presoaked seeds of cowpea.

2 tables, 21 ref

002274   Viswanath S;Singh R P;Thapliyal R C (NO, Institute of Wood Science & Technology 18th Cross, Malleswaram, Bangalore-560 003, Email: sviswanath@iwst.res.in) : Seed bank dynamics of Buxus wallichiana baillon. in a Himalayan moist temperate forest. Trop Ecol 2006, 47(1), 145-8.

2 illus, 1 table, 4 ref

002273   Vasanthraj B K;Chandrashekar K R (Botany Dep, Alva's College, Moodbidri-574 227, Email: konambi@yahoo.com) : Analysis of the structure of charmady reserve forest. Trop Ecol 2006, 47(2), 279-90.

Structural analysis of Charmady reserve forest, near Belthangady of Dakshina Kannada district, India was carried out in five belt transect plots covering 5000 m2 area. Ninety nine species belonging to 84 genera and 47 families were recorded, of which 67 were tree species belonging to 37 families with ≥10 cm girth at breast height. The forest is of evergreen type with the dominance of members of Dipterocarpaceae (Dipterocarpus indicus Hopea ponga and Valeria indica), Fabaceae (Humboldtia brunonis) and Rubiaceae (Ixora-&roc/uato} etc. The forest floor was fully covered by the canopy without any openings. Regeneration was moderate as indicated by fewer seedlings in the forest. This may lead to the reduction of mature trees and hence change in the structure of the forest. The endemism was fairly high, with 37 species being endemic to the western ghats. Due to the overexploitation or opening up of the forest as a result of death of the individuals there may be threat to the endemic and endangered species in near future. The members of dipterocarps constitute more than half of the total basal area. The species diversity was more, however, only a few species had more number of individuals as compared to the other species.

4 illus, 5 tables, 36 ref

002272   Upasna;Yadav A S;Vashishat R K;Aqbal Singh (Genetics Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar, Haryana-125 004, Email: yadavattar@hau.ernet.in) : Formation, regeneration and fusion of protoplasts of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae and genetic and symbiotic characterization of recombinants. Indian J Microbiol 2006, 46(2), 147-51.

Protoplasts of two mono-auxotrophs (trp and mef) of R.leguminosarum bv. viciae were formed by the tris-sorbitol-EDTA-lysozyme method, regenerated on double-layered medium and fused with 40% polyethylene glycol (PEG). The average protoplasting and regeneration frequency was 85 and 11%, respectively. The frequency of recombinants was found to be in the range of 10^-2 to 10^-4. The symbiotic properties of mono-auxotrophs and recombinants (tested on pea plants) had lower values than the wild type strain Rld1 (the parental strain of mono-auxotrophs). Though the protoplast formation, regeneration and fusion by PEG treatment was feasible in R.leguminosarum bv. viciae, yet the genetic recombination between mono-auxotrophs did not lead to the enhancement of symbiotic properties.

4 tables, 15 ref