001358   Siva N;Muthuchelian K (Centre for Biodiversity and Forest Studies, School of Energy and Envir, Madurai Kamaraj Univ, Madurai-21, Email: nsivamku@yahoo.com) : Plant diversity and population density of tree species in dry deciduous forest of Sathuragiri hills of Western Ghats, India. Indian J bot Res 2006, 2(2), 211-18.

Study area, Sathuragiri Hills, in Reserve forests of Srivilliputtur is located 55 km south of Madurai between 9°42 N 77°37 E at 1234 -1355 m MSL and 9°41 N 77°38 E is at 1255-1355 m MSL elevation in Virudhunagar District Tamil Nadu, India. The objective of the present investigation is to study the status and distribution of plant communities and biodiversity due to anthropogenic pressure in the Sathuragiri hills of Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India. Out of 17000 species flowering plants described in India, 106 plant species occurred in the study area of dry deciduous forest ecosystem. The floristic richness recorded is about 65-71 species/0.1 ha. Herb diversity indices were greater in the disturbed area compared to the undisturbed area while dominance index showed reverse trend. This variation in herb diversity and dominance indices may be due to human disturbance which provide suitable microenvironment for herbaceous community establishment. The human disturbance paves the way for the exotic plant invasion and also reduces the species richness which inhibits the regeneration of native species. Human disturbance associated with exotic plant invasion resulted in the loss of local plant bio diversity. This preliminary study suggests that further studies are required to analyze the real pattern of regeneration and dynamic change due to human impact through long term monitoring with the establishment of large permanent plots.

3 tables, 21 ref

001357   Singh V K;Tej P P (Botany Dep, Post Graduate Centre, Jamshedpur Co-Operative College, Jamshedpur-831 001, Email: dr_vksingh@sify.com) : Presence of radioactive minerals in the blast furnace slag of tata steel and their bioaccumulation by some naturally growing plants. Envir Geochem 2005, 8(1-2), 290-3.

Twelve species of plants were sampled from the slag dumping area of Jamshedpur. Chemical analysis of soil as well as vegetation sample was carried out to detect the presence of U²³⁸ and Ra²²⁶. The concentration of these two radionuclides was found to be elevated over the background sample. Commelina benghalensis, Parthenium hysterophorus, Andrographis paniculata, registered higher values of these radionuclides in their different organs. Such plants can be gainfully exploited for eco-restoration programme through phyto-remediation of the contaminated substratum.

2 tables, 12 ref

001356   Singh V K;Mishra A K (Botany Dep, P.G. Centre, Jamshedpur Co-Operative College, Jamshedpur-831 001) : Meiotic consequences in echinops echinatus growing on uranium mineralized area of Jharkhand, India. Envir Geochem 2005, 8(1-2), 120-5.

Chromosomal configurations observed in the Pollen grain Mother Cells (PMC^S) of Echinops echinatus. growing on Uranium mineralized area of Singhbhum Thrust Belt (STB) of Jharkhand, were photomicrographed and compared with those observed in the same species growing far away from the STB. Occurrence of clumped configurations due to surface stickiness, unequal segregation of chromosomes at Anaphase-I and Pollen grains of various morphology (pollen polymorphism) were registered. U²³⁸ and Ra²²⁶ content in the whole plant of the Singhbhum Thrust Belt (STB) and its different organ was found to be higher than what it was observed in the control samples. The database has already been presented in the IX National Symposium on Environment, held at Bangalore (Singh and Mishra, 2000).

8 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

001355   Shubhra;Munjal R;Goswami C L (Botany and Plant Physiology Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004) : Impact of elevated temperature on photosynthesis and grain yield in wheat. Haryana J Agron 2006, 22(1), 81-2.

^ssc2 tables, 5 ref

001354   Sharma Y P;Sumbali G (Botany Dep, Jammu Univ, Jammu-180 006, Email: yashdbm3@yahoo.co.in) : Qualitative and quantitative estimation of organic acids in dried fruit slices of quinces (Cydonia oblogan Mill.) during storage. Indian J bot Res 2006, 2(2), 151-6.

Storage mycoflora associated with dried fruit slices of quinces kept at different storage conditions and systems was evaluated and compared. In all, 34 fungal species were found to contaminate them during the entire period of storage under different storage conditions. Of the various fungal species detected, Aspergillus flavus and A.niger were the most prevalent under all storage conditions, showed maximum percentage abundance and persisted throughout the investigation period. Significant changes in the qualitative and quantitative status of organic acids of dried fruit slices of quinces were also observed under the impact of storage systems, conditions and associated mycoflora.

2 tables, 13 ref

001353   Shalini Samitha J;Saravana Ganthi A;Natarajan K;Chelladurai V (Botany Dep, St. Xavier's College, Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu-627 002, Email: saran_gan@rediffmail.com) : Pharmacognostical studies on Vitex trifolia (Sirunochi). Indian J bot Res 2006, 2(2), 133-7.

Vitex trifolia L. is a widely used species in Ayurveda and Siddha. Leaves are used for rheumatic swelling, inflammation and sprains. It is insecticidal and antibacterial. Decoction of roots is used as a febrifuge. Flowers are prescribed with honey in fevers accompanied by vomiting and severe thirst. The present paper deals with macroscopic, microscopic, histochemical tests, powder microscopy, U.V. studies, vein islets and preliminary phytochemical studies on leaves of Vitex trifolia.

3 tables, 13 ref

001352   Sanilkumar M G;John Thomas K (School of Marine Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Kochi 16, Kerala, Email: jkurishinkal@rediffmail.com) : Indigenous medicinal usages of some macrophytes of the Muriyad wetland. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2007, 6(2), 365-7.

Iindigenous medicinal practices are an important component of the traditional knowledge. Wetlands provide a unique habitat for several medicinal plants. Apart from their commercial value, the local community utilizes a good number of these plants for various curative purposes, which are unknown to the people at large. Several of these plants are very sensitive to the fluctuations in the normal physico-chemical parameters of the wetland. A slight alteration or degradation of the wetland may result in the disappearance or the extinction of these plants. This will ultimately result in large-scale economic loss in terms of the medicinal products synthesized from these plants. Apart form the loss of plants, which are exclusively used by a community for their health- related uses, this will also result in the loss of local knowledge on the medicinal properties of these plants, which very often cannot be retrieved. Attempt has been made to document some of the little known medicinal properties of wetland/wetland-associated plants used by the local community living around Muriyad wetland system.

001351   Samuthirakani A;Natarajan K;Saravana Ganthi A (Plant Biology and Biotechnology Dep, St. Xavier's College, Palayamkottai-627 002, Email: saran_gan@rediffmail.com) : Antibacterial activity studies on Elaeodendron glaucum (rottb.) pers.. Indian J bot Res 2006, 2(2), 139-42.

Search for biologically active compounds from natural sources has always been of great interest to researchers. They looking vast knowledge on the uses of plants as traditional medicines. The antibacterial activity of Elaeodendron glaucum has been tested against human pathogens. The solvents used for extraction are Petroleum ether (40 - 60), Benzene, Chloroform, Methanol and distilled water. Dried leaf, stem and root powder were used for extraction. Antibacterial activity was determined by disc diffusion method.

1 table, 3 ref

001350   Salgare S A (NO, Salgare Res Foundation Pvt Ltd, Prathamesh Society, Shivaji Chowk, Karjat-410 201) : Effect of herbicide (sodium arsenite) on pollen germination and tube growth of twelve hours stored pollen of five cultivars of apocynaceae and further evidence of a criticism of Sudhadaran (1967). Himalayan J Envir Zool 2007, 21(1), 171-3.

Herbicides drastically reduced pollen germination as well as tube growth. It was, therefore, important to study the effect of such chemicals on germination as well as tube growth since inhibitory effects of these chemicals eventually reduce fruit and seed-set.

1 table, 3 ref

001349   Salgare S A (NO, Salgare Res Foundation Pvt Ltd, Prathamesh Society, Shivaji Chowk, Karjat-410 201) : Alteration of resting period of pollen of five cultivars of apocynaceae by herbicide (2,4-D) and further evidence of a criticism of Sudhakaran (1967) and Saoji and chitaley (1972). Himalayan J Envir Zool 2007, 21(1), 167-9.

Palynology, in recent years has attracted the attention of workers of different disciplines on account of its numerous applications to problems of plant taxonomy, genetics, geology, medical and agricultural sciences. Pollen physiology furnishes the information requiered for affacting hypridization of plants growing in different geographical and cllmatic regions which blooms in diffrent seasons.

1 table, 11 ref

001348   Salgare S A (NO, Salgare ress Foundation Pvt Ltd, Prathamesh Society, Shivaji Chowk, Karjat-410 201) : Monitoring of herbicide (acrolein) toxicity by using pollen as indicators - pollen of five cultivars of Petuina axillaris BSP. Himalayan J Envir Zool 2007, 21(1), 163-5.

Extensive use of herbicides leaves behind residues which contaminate the environment. It is primarily needed to work out some simple system for the evaluation of the toxicity of herbicides.

1 table, 17 ref

001347   Sahu D;Misra M K (Ecology & Floristic Lab, Botany Dep, Berhampur University, Berhampur-760 007, Email: malayakmisra@rediffmail.com) : Ecology and traditional technology of screw pine perfume industry in coastal Orissa. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2007, 6(2), 253-61.

Kewda perfume industry is one of the important cottage industries in coastal Ganjam district of Orissa, which has initiated about 200 years ago. The semi-natural Kewda vegetation provides flowers and performs many ecological functions. The objective of this study was to analyze the ecology of flower collection and the technical know-how used in Kewda distillation and its ecological implication. The traditional methods of flower collection, processing and extraction of essence (Kewda attar, Kewda water and Kewda oil) from the flower were described in detail. Three sample sites were surveyed for flower collection and annual flower production ranged from 6253 to 6993 flowers per hectare. Maximum daily flower distillation in the 10 units surveyed ranged between 6084 and 13,235 flowers while annual consumption varied from 125 x 10³ to 505 x 10³ flowers. The material inputs were fuel wood, base oil and a large number of other traditional materials such as copper containers, lid and chunga. The annual firewood consumption in the distilleries varied from 18.83 to 75.72 Mg. The annual production of Kewda attar, Kewda water and Kewda oil in the distilleries varied from 57 to 243 l, 50 to 124 l and 150 to 469 gm respectively. Other outputs were charcoal and flower waste materials, which were used locally.

001346   Sabu T;Louis Jesudass L;Nazardeen A;Sham A (NO, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram-695 562, Email: nazaruddintbgri@rediffmail.com) : Effect of auxins on the rooting of Humboldtia decurrens (caesalpiniaceae), a rare endemic tree from the Western Ghats of India. Indian J bot Res 2006, 2(2), 201-04.

Preliminary study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of large-scale production through vegetative multiplication of Humboldtia decurrens using stem cuttings pre treated with low doses of composite auxins (IAA, IBA and NAA). IBA in different concentrations promoted better rooting compared to IAA and NAA. Maximum percentage of rooting (27% was observed with IBA at 1000 ppm. Increased concentration of hormones (2000 and 3000 ppm.) adversely affected rooting percentage.

1 table, 5 ref

001345   Roy K S;Anoop Kumar;Opinder Singh (NO, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences Univ, Ludhiana, Punjab-141 004) : Histomorphological studies on development of the gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) in ileum of buffalo foetuses. Indian J Anim Sci 2007, 77(6), 468-9.

3 illus, 8 ref

001344   Ramoliya P J;Patel H M;Pandey A N (Biosciences Dep, Saurashtra Univ, Rajkot, Gujarat-360 005, Email: anpandey2001@yahoo.com) : Soil salinity and water status affect growth of seedlings of Pithecolobium dulce (mimosaceae). Indian J bot Res 2006, 2(2), 163-76.

Effect of soil salinization on emergence, growth and physiological attributes of seedlings of Pithecolobium dulce Benth. (Mimosaceae) was studied. A mixture of chlorides and sulphates of Na, K, Ca and Mg was added to the soil and salinity was maintained at 4.5,6.8, 8.3,10.3 and 12.1 dSm^-1. A negative relationship between percent seed germination and salt concentration was obtained. Seedlings did not emerge when soil salinity exceeded 10.3 dSm^-1. Results suggested that this tree species is salt tolerant at seed germination stage. Seedlings survived and grew up to soil salinity of 10.3 dSm^-1. Eventually, this species is salt tolerant at seedling stage too. Stem and root elongation was retarded by increasing salt stress. However, this species has a tendency for rapid root penetration and roots are able to extract water from very dry saline soil (6.8% moisture). Among the tissues, young roots were most tolerant to salt stress, while there was no striking difference among leaf, stem and old root tissues in their salt tolerance. This tree species has mechanism of salt exclusion by roots to prevent upward movement of ions from soil solution to shoot. The ability of this plant to thrive in dry regions is further conferred by the xeromorphic features of its leaves.

3 illus, 3 tables, 29 ref

001343   Rajendran S M;Agarwal S C (Botany Div, Central Drug Research Institute, Chattar Manzil, Lucknow 226 001, Email: rajendran_sm@rediffmail.com) : Medicinal plants conservation through sacred forests by ethnic tribals of Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2007, 6(2), 328-33.

Nature conservation practices are very ancient tradition in India. Useful biodiversity species have much reverence in culture of our country. At a time when ecological degradation and deforestation have been taking place at an alarming rate in entire world, in India numerous of pockets of natural vegetation spread over the country are preserved almost in pristine form. Such preserved pockets are commonly called sacred forests or Sunai/ Sholai/ Devasthanam. Cutting plants or grazing animals within sacred forest is a taboo. These forest covers show optimum growth of flora and luxurious exposure of fauna. Sometime, luxuriant climatic climax of forests formed by sacred forest in the midst of a devastated terrain area may be seen. Perhaps sacred groves could always be called as the last refuge for species and center for speciation and evolution. At present, these small diversity units are being ignored and given least important by the common people and the conservationist. Efforts should be made to protect these unique habitats by imposing forest laws, reducing exploitation of species at the local level by the crude drug vendors, mending the periodical collection system, encouraging cultivation by using biotech tools. The study reveals the status of different sacred forest found in Virudhunagar district, floristic composition, their systematics and by role played in plant conservation and habitat management. Tribal people predominantly maintain these groves or deity belong to tribal community.

001342   Paul M;Basu S K;Paul S (NO, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA-11030, Email: spaul3@nshs.edu) : Antibacterial activity of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) and turmeric (Curcuma Domestica Loir.). Indian J bot Res 2006, 2(2), 103-10.

Describes the antibacterial activity of ginger (G), and turmeric (T) and mixtures thereof i.e. ginger and turmeric (GT). Extracts of these compounds were studied on three bacterial Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. Both aqueous (heated and unheated extracts), were used for antibacterial assay. Growth inhibition were evaluated by the disc diffusion and agar disc methods. The antibacterial activity of heated extracts were found to be statistically greater (p<60>0.05) than that of the unheated extracts for both the spices used alone or in a mixtures thereof against all the three bacterial strains used in this study. Therefore, the heated extracts of ginger, turmeric and/or ginger-turmeric mixture can be used as antibacterial agent.

1 illus, 24 ref

001341   Pandey R M (Cytogenetics Laboatory, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001) : Diploidization and fertility improvement in advanced autotetraploid of three species of Amaranthus. Mendel int J 2006, 23(3-4), 139-40.

Cytogenetic analysis of three species of autotetraploid Amaranthus caudatus, A. edulis and A. hypochondriacus over generations (C₁₂, C₁₆ and C₂₀ generations) revealed that there is reduction in multivalents and univalents with increase in bivalents, thus, indicating diploidization. Though autotetraploids are vegetatively vigorous and meiotically regular after 20 years of selection, the seed yield is still less than their diploid progenitors. There seems significant improvement in pollen grain fertility.

2 tables, 18 ref

001340   Panda A;Misra M K (Ecology & Floristics Lab, Botany Dep, Berhampur University, Berhampur-760 007, Email: malaykmisra@rediffmail.com) : Traditional lime preparation - a case study in coastal Orissa, India. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2007, 6(2), (NULL).

Describes the indigenous method of lime preparation in coastal Ganjam district, Orissa. Molluscs shells such as Anadara granosa (Khola), Meritrix meritrix (Gondhi), Meritrix casta (Pati) and Cerithidea cingulata (Genda) were mainly used for lime preparation. Average annual consumption of shell in wet lime and powder lime units was 89 Mg 208 Mg, respectively. For preparation of 100 kg wet lime and powder lime average consumption of shell were 48 kg and 117 kg, respectively. Per burning, average production of wet lime and powder lime was 1.423 Mg and 0.553 Mg, respectively. Annual production of wet lime was 197.6 Mg and powder lime was 180.4 Mg per unit. Inanimate energy expenditure in wet and powder lime units was 986 and 3120 GJ (average), respectively, while animate energy consumption was insignificant. Conservation of this traditional technology of lime preparation is suggested.

001339   Nirmal Kumar J;Kumar R N;Patil N;Soni H (PG Department of Environmental Sciences, Institute of Science & Technology for Advanced Studies & Research (IST, Vallabh Vidyanagar-388 120, Email: istares2005@yahoo.com) : Plant species used by tribal communities of Saputara and Purna forests, Dangs district, Gujarat. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2007, 6(2), 368-74.

Deals with the ethno-medico-botany of plant species of Saputara and Purna forests, extreme northern part of western Ghats, South Gujarat. About 50 plant species belonging to 40 genera and 28 families used by the tribals for their economic as well as medicinal uses in curing various diseases have been enumerated. Information on economic and medicinal utilization of plant species including their family, vernacular name and parts used for the treatment has been presented.

001338   Mishra P K (NO, , F/2, Ganpati Apartments, Saraidhela-828 127, Dhanbad, Email: malay_mishra@yahoo.com) : Effect of Kunapa Jalam Vrikshyurveda on growth of paddy. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2007, 6(2), 307-10.

In Vrikshyaurveda, several suggestions have been made for enhancing plant growth and for protecting them from diseases. Kunapa Jalam is one such prescription, which has been recommended for stimulating growth and development of plants. In the study, specially prepared Kunapa Jalam was tested upon paddy. Various parameters like plant height, leaf length, leaf number and inflorescence length were evaluated in test culture receiving Kunapa Jalam at different time intervals. Administration of Kunapa Jalam every tenth and fifteenth day exhibited remarkable enhancement in paddy growth. Further investigation in this direction will be important in the field of agriculture and can be a good substitute of synthetic fertiliser.

001337   Meena R;Patni V;Arora D K (Plant Pathology and Tissue Culture Lab, Bot Dep, Rajasthan Univ, Jaipur-302 004) : Histochemical changes in leaf of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) affected by chilli leaf curl virus. Ann Pl Prot Sci 2007, 15(1), 175-81.

Leaf curl disease is caused by chilli leaf curl virus (Geminivirus) belonging to the family Geminiviridae. The PCR primers AVF₉ and AVR₁₀ were designed over putative coat protein gene comparing the sequences of the present isolated virus and chilli pepper leaf curl virus from the gene bank. The PCR of total DNA isolated from chilli leaves showing leaf curl symptoms resulted in amplification of 0.75 Kb fragment. Chilli leaf curl disease was characterized by severe adaxial and abaxial curling of the leaves, shrinking of leaves and stunted plant growth. Investigations were made on histochemical localization of metabolites viz. starch, lipid, protein, carbohydrates and enzymes in diseased and normal leaf of chilli. Tannins, starch, polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase were observed in enhanced quantity in diseased leaf as compared to healthy leaf. Relatively higher amount of localization of metabolites and activity of enzymes detected in the leaves suggested altered metabolism of the host tissue due to pathogenesis.

3 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

001336   Mathew B (Post Graduate Dep of Botany, St. Peter's College, Kolenchery, Kerala-682 311) : Carbofuran induced changes in Vigna sinensis seedlings. Indian J bot Res 2006, 2(2), 187-90.

Treatment of Vigna sinensis seeds with carbofuran has no effect on seed germination and total protein content in young seedlings. However, carbofuran influenced root development and phenolics accumulation in Vigna sinensis seedlings.

5 tables, 12 ref

001335   Lavania U C (NO, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow-226 015, Email: lavaniauc@yahoo.co.in) : Morphogenetic somatic sieve facilitates 'genomic shock' transmission across cell lineage in plants. Curr Sci 2007, 93(1), 16-17.

ref

001334   LalithaKameshwari P;Vijaya Padma S S (NO, Vegetable Breeding Station, Agricultural Research Station, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030) : Survey and study of some medicinal plants in the tribal zone of Andhra Pradesh. Mendel int J 2006, 23(3-4), 143-4.

Survey work has been attempted in and around the tribal zone of Andhra Pradesh in particular to East Godavari and Visakhapatnam districts to identify the important medicinal plants commonly used by the tribals. The therapeutic uses, commonly used herbal preparations were documented.

5 ref

001333   Kumar G;Tripathi R (Botany Dep, Plant Genetics Laboratory, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002, Email: kumar_girjesh@yahoo.com) : Allelopathic potentiality of leaf extract of Parthenium hyusterophorus L. on the somatic cells of Lathyrus sativus L.. Indian J bot Res 2006, 2(2), 177-82.

Aqueous extracts of leaves of Parthenium hysterophorus on Lathyrus sativus brought about a gradual decrease in the mitotic index alongwith the increasing concentrations and durations of the treatment. The chromosomal aberrations increased frequently, the highest being at 25<37) concentration at 9 hours. Cytological studies revealed that the leaves of this weed played a vital role in maintaining the dominance of the weed in suppressing the growth of other plants. Allelopathic potentialities of P. hysterophorus have been discussed in the present study.

9 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

001332   Kar D;Mazumdar J;Barbhuiya M A (NO, , Public School Road, P.O. Silchar-788 005, Email: devashishkar@sify.com) : Isolation of mycotic flora from diseased fish Assam, India. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(1), 37-9.

Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS) fish disease, symptomised by cutaneous ulcers, are vulnerable to infection by opportunistic pathogens. Several microorganisms have been identified from the diseased lesions. Portrays the isolation of mycotic flora associated with the EUS disease.

1 table, 19 ref

001331   Kamini Kumar;Mukherjee S (Botany University Dep, Ranchi Univ, Ranchi-834 008) : Effect of sodium azide on the roots of Allium cepa (L.) and Allium sativum (L.). Mendel int J 2006, 23(3-4), 141-2.

Root tips of Allium cepa L. and Allium sativum L. were treated with different concentrations of Sodium Azide (0.1 to 0.5%). A high degree of chromosomal aberrations and physiological disturbances during mitotic divisions were observed after the treatments. The observations showed an exponential relationship between the percentage of abnormalities and the concentrations of mutagen applied.

2 tables, 4 ref

001330   Joshi N;Singh P;Melkania U (Environment Science Dep, Kanya Gurukul Mahavidyalaya, Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Hardwar) : Some phyto-sociological characters of mixed natural forest and monoculture plantation in Tanda range. Himalayan J Envir Zool 2007, 21(1), 69-74.

Study was carried out to investigate the phytosociological characters of trees and shrubs grown in mixed natural forest and monoculture plantation of Tanda Range, Haldwani. A total of 15 species of trees and 14 species of shrubs were found in mixed natural forest whereas in mono culture along with subgroup plantation viz, Khair plantation a total of 4 species, Sheesham plantation shows the presence of 3 spp. Sal - 2 spp, Poplar - 3 spp, 4 sp of shrubs observed in khair and Sheeham plantation. Maximum value of species diversity index was found in mixed natural forest accounted as 3.11 for trees and 5.021 for shrubs. Minimum shrub diversity index recorded in Sheesham plantation and least value of tree diversity index was observed in poplar plantation.

5 tables, 13 ref

001329   Jain A;Roshnibala S;Kanjilal P B;Singh R S; Birkumar Singh H (NO, Regional Research Lab, Sub-Station (CSIR), Lamphelpet-795 004, Manipur, Email: hbirkumars@yahoo.com) : Aquatic/semi-aquatic plants used in herbal remedies in the wetlands of Manipur, northeastern India. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2007, 6(2), 346-51.

Reports on aquatic/semi-aquatic plants from the wetlands of Manipur valley in Northeastern India, which are used to cure various diseases. Empirically formulated and accepted prescriptions by the various ethnic communities of Manipur for curing 45 ailments by using 43 aquatic/semi-aquatic plant species are presented along with method of preparation, prescribed doses and administration, which were recorded from the local healers and responses obtained by the patients. Out of the 43 aquatic/semi-aquatic medicinal plants recorded, 20 plants are regularly used as vegetables in Manipur and among them 13 are sold in the market. Some of the healers sell their formulated herbal products in the market.

001328   Indranarayan Kuiri;Kamini Kumar;Jyoti Kumar (Botany University Dep, Ranchi Univ, Ranchi-834 008) : Edible ethnomedicobotanical plants of Purulia District, W.B., India. Mendel int J 2006, 23(3-4), 149-50.

Vegetation of Purulia district mostly composed of mixed deciduous type of forest. In this study 69 plant species are used by the people of this area have been described.

1 table, 6 ref

001327   George G;Malathy M R (Botany P.G. Dep, St. Peter's College, Kolenchery-682 311) : Occurence of vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizae in medicinal plants. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(1), 175-6.

Observation on the ocurence of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae association in medicinal plants are reported.

1 table, 3 ref

001326   Elanchezhian R;Senthil Kumar R;Beena S J; Suryanarayana M A (NO, Central Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair-744 101, Andaman, Email: elan@cari.res.in) : Ethnobotany of Shompens - a primitive tribe of great Nicobar Island. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2007, 6(2), 342-5.

Shompens are the aboriginal inhabitants of Great Nicobar Island. They probably migrated into this area, several hundred years ago from nearby Malaysian regions. They are one of the Mongoloid aborigines whose number may not exceed a hundred at present. They are semi-nomadic, food gatherers and hunters with stone-age civilization. They live in small groups in dense interior forests of the island and are entirely dependent on forest resources and sea products for their sustenance. These primitive aboriginals use a host of edible plants; make use of a few plants for and use various plants and their parts for constructions, cover, brush, dugout canoes, utensils, fishing harpoons, mat and baskets.

001325   Dikin A;Sijam K;Kadir J;Seman I A (Plant Protection Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Putra Univ Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor D.E, Malaysia, Email: antario_dikin@yahoo.com) : Effect of antimicrobial substances from Burkholderia multivorans and Microbacterium testaceum against the associated fungi with oil palm seeds. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(1), 19-26.

There were some species of fungi associated with oil palm seeds such as S. commune, Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp., Botryodiplodia theobromae, Trichoderma spp., and Fusarium solani. These fungi affected the quality of oil palm seeds in the market. Supernatant was separated from antimicrobial substances in the fermenting liquid medium which inoculated Burkholderia multivorans and Microbacterium testaceum affected the growth of fungi. The fermented liquid medium with basal medium neo peptone, lactose inoculated with B. multivorans inhibited the growth of S. commune, Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp., Botryodiplodia theobromae, and Fusarium solani. It was the same as the fermented liquid medium with basal medium peptone, maltose inoculated with M. testaceum. Supernatant of antimicrobial substances from both species of bacteria did not significantly suppress the growth of Trichodema spp. Chromatograph of HPLC had profiles of supernatant from 8. multivorans containing phenylpyrrol. Supernatant from M. testaceum was content of aminopyrrol and two non-identified compounds. Bacterial extracts of B. multivorans contained the active compounds such as isopyrrolnitrin, aminopyrrolnitrin, phenazine and eight non-distinguished peaks at different retention times. Bacterial extract of M. testaceum contained two non-distinguished peaks at different retention times.

14 tables, 12 ref

001324   Devkota M P;Kunwar R M (Botany Dep, Tribhuvan Univ, Amrit Science Campus, P.O. Box-102, Kathmandu, Nepal, Email: mdevkota@wlink.com.np) : Pollination and dispersal of three Scurrula species (loranthaceae) in Godawari area of Kathmandu valley, Nepal. Indian J bot Res 2006, 2(2), 115-28.

Describes the role of bird species in the pollination and dispersal of three Scurrula species in Godawari Area of Kathmandu Valley. Long overlapping flowering and fruiting periods of Scurrula species provide an excellent source of food to the mistletoe birds for 10 months in Godawari area. Black-throated sunbird (Aethopygasaturata), Oriental White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus), Fire-breasted flowerpecker (Dicaeum ignipectus) and Plain flowerpecker (Dicaeum concolor) are the pollinator species, and Fire-breasted flowerpecker (Dicaeum ignipectus), Pale-billed flowerpecker (Dicaeum erythrorynchos) and Plain flowerpecker (Dicaeum concolor) are disperser species of three Scurrula species. Both pollinator and disperser bird species feed on three Scurrula species without showing any preferences towards colour and size of flower and fruit. Pollination and dispersal of variously sized Scurrula flowers and fruits is not affected by the bill size of pollinator and disperser species. Flowers of Scurrula species open spontaneously in the morning without the intervention of birds and exclusion experiments show cross pollination is important to increase fruit in Scurrula species. Flowerpeckers have different feeding strategies of Scurrula fruits but they have common method of seed dispersal i.e. defecation.

5 illus, 7 tables, 34 ref

001323   Datta S;Maitra S;Gayen P;Sinha Babu S P (Parasitol Lab, Zool Dep, Visvabharti Univ, Santinikatan-731 235, Email: santi_p@rediffmail.com) : Absence of symbiotic Wolbachia spp endobacteria in Setaria cervi from Birbhum, West Bengal, India. Curr Sci 2007, 93(1), 22-3.

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001322   Daniel T;Ltmneithing Vaiphel K (Biology Dep, Gandhigram Rural Institute, Dindigul District, Gandhigram-624 302, Email: lamnei1hang@yahoo.com) : Larvicidal and chemosterilant activity of the leaves of Sapium indicum wild against Culex quinquefasciatus say. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(1), 197-9.

Acetone fraction of the petroleum ether extract of the leaves of Sapium indcum Wild exhibited larvicidal and growth inhibiting activity against tie early fourth instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus Say. Chemosterilant activity including reduction in blood meal utilization was observed in higher concentrations. Reduction in fecundity, formation of larval-pupal intermediates, formation of pupal-adult intermediates and sterility of the first generation eggs (100%) occurred at lower concentration (5ppm).

3 tables, 12 ref

001321   Cherian T T (Botany Dep, Bharata Mata College, Thrikkakara, Kochi-682 021, Email: cheriantt@gmail.com) : Systematic study of Scenedesmus spp. and vars. in th Poyyachira pond at Thrikkakara, Kerala. Indian J bot Res 2006, 2(2), 191-4.

Deals with the systematic account of 11 spp. and varieties of Scenedesmus collected from the Poyyachira pond, Thrikkakara, Kochi, about 23 Km from the Cochin International Air Port along the Sea Port - Air Port Road, during the monsoon months of 2004 and 2005. Number of cells in each colony, size of the cells, size of colony and size of spines with diagrams are given. Slight variations in the size of cells and colonies and spines were observed. No significant variations were noticed in 2004 and 2005.

14 illus, 6 ref

001320   Chandra S;Sharma H P;Chandra R;Jha S (Botany University Dep, Ranchi Univ, Ranchi-834 008) : Effect of 2,4-D and Bap on callusing response of Spilanthes paniculata (DC.) Jansen. Mendel int J 2006, 23(3-4), 129-30.

Effect of 2, 4-D and BAP on callusing and shoot initation was studied in order to micropropagate explants of Spilanthes Paniculata (DC.) Jansen. Callus and shoots were raised in vitro from young leaf explants of Spilanthes Paniculata (DC.) Jansen. Better response of callus formation was recorded in MS medium with 2, 4-D (3,4 mgl^-1). The callus was compact in nature and pale yellow in colour. Shoots got initiated on semisolid MS medium with 6-benzyl-1 amino purine (BAP 3, 4 mgl^-1) Maximum mean number of shoot buds found was 25.66 ±3.382 at BAP 3 mgl^-1.

4 ref

001319   Chandra Mohan Y;Vishunuvardhan Reddy A; Nageshwar Rao T (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, College of Agriculture, ANGRAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030) : Genetics of some morphological traits in castor (Ricinus communis L.). Mendel int J 2006, 23(3-4), 107-9.

Eight crosses were made between the parental line possessing contrasting features of morphological traits for one or more of four characters studied. The F₁, F₂ and backcross generations for each of the eight crosses were evaluated for the expression of respective morphological traits. The genes governing the traits, leaf shape and intermode nature might involve tight linkage or due to pleiotrophic effect of a gene.

3 tables, 11 ref

001318   Britto A J D (Plant Molecular Biology Research Unit, St. Xavier's College, Palayamkottai-627 002, Email: bjohnde@yahoo.co.in) : Pharmacognostical studies on Garcinia gummigutta (L.) Roxb. leaves. Indian J bot Res 2006, 2(2), 129-32.

India is a rich country in terms of medicinal wealth. Scientific evaluation and standardization of drugs have to be carried out in such medicinal plants. Garcinia gummigutta is a well known medicinal plant used for antimicrobial activity. Pharmacognosticll, phytochemical and antimicrobial activities are necessary for standardization of plant materials and for the efficacy of the drugs. A preliminary study on pharmacognostical, phytochemical and antimicrobial activities has been done.

6 tables, 8 ref

001317   Bhattacharjee A;Chatterjee S (Botany Forestry Dep, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore-721102, Email: soumyadipChatterji@yahoo.co.in) : Medicinal plants used in skin disease in Deganga, West Bengal. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2007, 6(2), 358-9.

Ethnobotanical studies reveal some plant species used in skin disease by Oraon tribe of Chandanpur, Hadipur, Chupri village of Deganga, North twenty- four Paragana, West Bengal. Most of the plants were found to be unknown or less known from usage point of view. Other village people migrated from the erstwhile East Pakistan (Bangladesh) also used the plants in skin disease. The plants are: Aloe vera L, Argemone mexicana L, Atrocarpus gomezianus Trecul sub. Spp. zeylanicus jorett, Butea frondosa Roxb ,Cassialata alata L.,Lawasonia inermis L., Ocimum sanctum L.,Pongamia pinnata (L)Merre, Solanum anguivi Lam. & Strychnos nux-vomica L.

001316   Bansal S;Goyal M M (Chemistry Dep, S.V. Collge, Aligarh (U.P.)) : Hydrochemical monitoring of pollutants in drinking water of Aligarh. Acta Cienc Indica-Chem 2006, 32(3), 231-4.

Study is aimed at to monitor the overall pollution status of drinking water at Aligarh with special emphasis on physico-chemical parameters, an attempt has been made to determine the suitability of ground water for drinking purposes and identify the origin of various pollutants including heavy metals in ground water. A systematic hydrochemical investigations contains the initial phase of scientifically managing water resources of sampling stations. The present research study has been undertaken for underground water reservoirs of Aligarh to generate a case study in our state.

2 tables, 15 ref

001315   Averineni R K;Subbu Rathinam K M;Prabakar G (Biotechnology Dep, J.J. College of Arts and Science, Pudukkottai-622 404) : Phytochemical screening of selected medicinal plants of asclepiadaceae family. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2007, 9(1), 177-80.

Alkaloids, tannins, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, phlobatannins and cardic glycoside distribution in ten medicinal plants belonging to the family Asclepiadaceae have been assessed and compared. The medicinal plants investigated, were Calotropis procera, Ceropegia juncea, Cosmostigma racemosum, Cryptolepis buchannnii, Gymnema sylvestre, Hemidesmus indicus, Pentatropis capensis, Pergularia daemia, Sarcostemma secamone and Wattakakn volubilis. All the plants are found to have alkaloids, tannins and flavonoids but no tannins in C. racemosum and P. capensis and no flavonoids in S. secamone. The significance of these plants used in traditional medicine and the importance of the distribution of these chemical constituents are discussed.

3 tables, 13 ref

001314   Aremu M O;Olaofe O;Akintayo E T;Lajide L (Chemistry Dep, Nasarawa State Univ, P.M.B 1022, Keffi, Nigeria, Email: pastoraremum@yahoo.com) : Identification of chemical composition of the seed oils of two varieties of rare cowpea (Vigna uncuiculata) grown in Nasarawa state, Nigeria by NMR spectroscopy. Indian J bot Res 2006, 2(2), 113-14.

Acyl composition and positional distribution of the saturated and olefinic carbons have been identified in two varieties of rare cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) seed oils by using gated decoupled ¹³C NMR spectroscopic technique. The spectra indicated the presence of both saturated and unsaturated triacylglycerides. The seed oils contained higher percentage of unsaturation.

2 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

001313   Ahmed M M;Singh P K (Ethnobotany and Plant Physiology Lab, Life Science Dep, Manipur University, Canchipur, Imphal-795 003) : Traditional Knowledge System of the Muslim community in Manipur. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2007, 6(2), 383-9.

The Muslims of Manipur state is commonly known as Pangal or Meitei-Pangal. Prefixing of Meitei to the word Pangal exemplifies the strong relationship between the two communities. Provides information on the use of plants and plant parts, which carry ethnobotanical significance in respect of common socio-religious activities of this minority community encompassing from the birth till death. It deals with 17 plant species belonging to 15 genera and 11 families closely associated with 9 categories of the formalities of socio-religious functions, customs, etc. Investigation aims at the validity of the Traditional Knowledge System practiced and also focused on the activism concerning conservation of plants through the practices of socio-religious functions of Pangal community.

000320   Huai H Y;Zhang X D (NO, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou Univ, Yangzhou-225 009, China) : Ethnobotany of exotic weeds in China. Ethnobotany 2006, 18(1-2), 96-101.

Exotic weeds have caused serious damage to agriculture, aquiculture and transportation all over the world. They are also a crucial threat to biodiversity. However, lots of exotic weeds have important economic and oilier values, such as uses for medicinal, ornamental and ecological purposes. China is affected seriously by exotic weeds. It is reported that there are 108 exotic weed species belonging to 76 genera and 23 families in China. There is correspondingly abundant folk knowledge on the usage of these weeds. Based on literature survey and field investigation, ethonobtanical knowledge about exotic weeds in China and their potential role in weed control practices has been discussed in this paper lor providing information to researchers engaged in weed management. Results show that 8 types of folk and industrial usages of these taxa have been documented; medicinal plants (36.11%) and forage (31.48%) are the main use types. Cannabis sativa. Eichhomia crassipes, Alternathera philoxeroides. Eupatorium odoratum. Trifolium repens, Spartina anglica, and Amaranlhus caudatus have a high Ul (e≥4). The significance of ethnobotanical knowledge for weed management is emphasized.

es, 16 ref

000319   Wagh R S;Pawar S M;Gawari K M;Bhoi P G (NO, Central Sugarcane Research Station, Padegaon, Tal.Phaltan, Dist.Satara-415 521) : Evaluation and mechanism of salt tolerance in sugarcane genotypes. Ann Pl Physiol 2006, 20(1), 14-21.

An experiment was conducted in polythene lined micro plots with four sugarcane genotypes namely, CoM 9516 ,CoG 93079, Co 85012 and Co 86032 with four different types of soils viz, Calcareous, saline , sodic and normal. The analysis of different salts content in plants indicated that there was increase in salt concentration. In the genotype CoM 9516, the reduction in growth parameters, physiological and biochemical parameters, yield and yield contributing characters under salt affected soils were significantly less than the other genotypes, it might have imparted it to salinity by its osmotic adjustment due to accumulation of proline and potassium under salt stress.

4 tables, 15 ref

000318   Verma S;Chauhan N S (Forest Products Dep, Dr Y.S. Parmar Univ Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni-Solan-173 230) : Ethno-medico-botany of Kunihar forest division, District Solan (H.P.). Ethnobotany 2006, 18(1-2), 160-5.

Kunihar Forest Division, under the administrative jurisdiction of Solan district, boasts of rich plant diversity. The study was undertaken to make a preliminary survey of plant wealth of this region. The study has revealed 256 species of ethno-botanical importance belonging to 213 genera and 80 families. Important medicinal and aromatic plants with their nomenclature, family, vernacular name and ethno-botanical uses have been presented in this communication.

1 table, 9 ref

000317   Varghese S C;Molly A G; Eldo A N (Post Graduate Botany Dep, St. Peter's College, Kolenchery-682 311) : Potentiality of aqueous extracts and leachates of different parts of Mimosa pudica and Borreria stricta as green growth promoters on germination and seedling vigour of Cucumis sativus L. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(1), 71-5.

Aqueous extracts and leachates of different parts of Mimosa pudica and Borreria stricta on germination and seedling vigour of Cucumis sativus were investigated. The leachates and extracts produced significant stimulatory effects over control and hormones (GA₃ and IAA, 50 ppm). Mimosa pudica leaf and root leachates were found to be more beneficial to germination and seedling vigour of Cucumis sativus.

1 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref