000266   Chaudhary S B;Patil J V;Thombare B B;Kulkarni V M (NO, , Sorghum Improvement Project, M.P.K.V., Rahuri-413 722) : Selection of parents based on combining ability studies in sorghum (Sorghum biocolor L moench). Ann Pl Physiol 2006, 20(1), 95-7.

The combining ability was studied using L x T analysis involving 4 lines and 10 testers in grain sorghum. Non-Additive gene action was observed for all the characters in present study. The lines 116A, 117A, and testers RSLG 112, SPV 1090, SPV 839 and SPV 1167 emerged as good general combiner for yield and its yield contributing characters. Considering the per se performance general and specific combining effects the crosses viz., 104A x SPV 839,116A x SPV 839.117A x SPV 1047 were appeared to be most promising which can be exploited for development of the hybrids.

3 tables, 6 ref

000265   Butola J S;Badola H K (NO, G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Himachal, Mohal-Kullu-165 126) : Effects of growing medium on vegtative propagation of the Himalayan endangered medicinal plants, Angelica glauca and Heracleum candicans, using rhizome segments. J Hill Res 2006, 19(2), 65-70.

Experiment determined the best suitable growing media and condition for mass multiplication and quality planting material of Angelica glauca and Heracleum candicans. Of 7 media used, sandy loam soil+vermicompost mixture appeared appropriate for higher rooting and plant survival. Sand+sandy loam soil+FYM+vermicompost+forest humus mixture proved very suitable for higher growth and biomass in A. glauca. For H. candicans, sandy loam soil+forest humus medium appeared best. Nethouse was highly suitable growing condition.

4 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

000264   Bondya S L;Khanna K K;Singh K P (NO, , Botanical Survey of India, Central Circle) : Ethnomedicinal uses of leafy vegetables from the tribal folk-lore of Achanakmar-amarkantak biosphere reserve (Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh). Ethnobotany 2006, 18(1-2), 145-8.

An account is given of ethnomcdicinal uses of 21 plant species from 16 families recorded from Baiga, Gond and Oraon tribes of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve. Data on local name, dosage, mode of administration. locality, name of the tribe (informant) and voucher specimen number are given. Analysis indicates that eight species are referred for stomach, four for skin and two for liver diseases, cough and cold, toothache and urinary disorders. For a number of ailments like spermatorrhoea, gonorrhoea, insanity, heart diseases, pneumonia, wound, leprosy and insomnia, the same species also find use as galactagogues. blood purifiers, anthelmintics and aphrodisiacs; only one plant species is referred to be effective. Some uses are reported for the first time.

19 ref

000263   Bisht A;Jain S P (NO, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow-226 015) : Ethnobotanical studies of genus Rubus spp (Rosaceae) from North-Western Himalayas. Ethnobotany 2006, 18(1-2), 127-30.

Ethnobotanical uses of 15 species of the genus Rubus from North-Western Himalayas are discussed based on survey and consultation of published literature. The study reveals that R. ellipticus and R. pedunculosus are commercialy cultivated in some parts of India, because they have industrial significance: the rest of the species are used by various tribals and local communities for treating different diseases in the area under study.

15 ref

000262   Bhogaonkar P Y;Kadam V N (Botany Dep, Government Vidarbha Institute of Science and Humanities, Amravati-444 604) : Ethno-medicobotany of some local reproductive health practices in Umarkhed of Yavatmal District in Maharashtra, India. Ethnobotany 2006, 18(1-2), 107-13.

Vast amount of literature has accumulated about ethno-medicinal uses of plants, but comparatively little information is available about the actual herbal treatments and formulations prepared by tribals. In remote areas, tribals are totally dependent on traditional health practices. An attempt has been made to document the ethno-medicinal information pertaining to human reproduction from Umarkhed region of Yavatmal Distt. (MS). In all, 36 ethnic prescriptions dealing with different aspects of reproduction making use of 50 plant species are documented in this communication.

14 ref

000261   Bhattacharjee M;Yadav S (Botany Dep, Laboratory of Cytogenetics, Bareilly College, Bareilly-243 001) : Mitotic study of Chara vulgaris treated with a dye orange-G Dye. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2006, 5(4), 607-12.

Orange-G dye showed stimulatory effect on mitotic index of Chara vulgaris at lower concentrations (100 ppm, 250 ppm and 500 ppm), which was inhibited at higher concentrations (750 ppm and 1000 ppm). Different types of chromosomal aberrations were induced at metaphase and anaphase, whose percentage increased with an increase in concentration and duration of the dye treatment.

6 illus, 1 table, 34 ref

000260   Belhekar S G;Deshmukh M;Ingle V G (Horticulture Dep, , Dr. PDKV., Akola-444 104) : Effect of plant growth regulators and chemicals on growth, sex behaviour and yield of bottle gourd (cv.samrat). Ann Pl Physiol 2006, 20(1), 26-8.

A field experiment was conducted at Chilli and Vegetable Research Unit, Dr.Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola during kharif season 2002-2003 to study the effect of plant growth regulators and chemicals on growth, sex behaviour and yield of bottle gourd cv. Samrat. Application of growth regulators significantly increased the number of female flowers in bottle gourd crop. Maleic hydrazide spray of 150 ppm found to be superior amongst other growth regulators in enhancing the female to male ratio (1:3:05) and yield (328.10 q ha^-1) followed by Ethephon 250 ppm which recorded sex ratio of 1:3.45 and 315.23 q ha^-1 yield.

2 tables, 11 ref

000259   Baruah A;Nath S C (Botany Dep, Darrang College (GU), Tezpur-784 001) : Ethnobotanical evaluation of Cinnamomum species used as spices and condiments in North-East India. Ethnobotany 2006, 18(1-2), 27-35.

Deals with 27 taxa belonging to 13 species of Cinnamomum, which are used as spices and condiments by the people of north-east India. Among these. 14 taxa, representing seven species, have been known and used as 'cinnamon', eight taxa representing three species as 'tejpat' and six taxa representing four species as 'camphor' and other culinary products.

1 table, 29 ref

000258   Ballabh B;Chaurasia O P (NO, Field Research Laboratory, (DRDO), Leh-Ladakh) : Ethnobotanical studies on boto tribe in Ladakh. Ethnobotany 2006, 18(1-2), 87-95.

Ladakh, the remotest region of Jammu & Kashmir State, was given the Scheduled tribe status by the Government of India in 1989. The ethnic communities of Ladakh include mainly the Botos. Baltis Drukpas, Changpas and Dards, dominated by the majority of Boto tribes (the Buddhists). Deals with the ethnobotanical uses of 98 valuable species belonging to 32 families of Ladakh Himalaya among Boto tribes.

9 ref

000257   Arya K R;Agarwal S C (Botany Div, CDRI, Lucknow-226 001, Email: aryakr@rediffmail.com) : Conservation of threatened medicinal and folklore plants through cultivation in Uttaranchal state. Ethnobotany 2006, 18(1-2), 77-86.

Uttaranchal, northwestern part of" India, comprises two hilly regions, Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas, including the tarai belts of Udham Singh Nagar, Haridwar and Dehradun. The state has international boundaries with Tibet in the north and Nepal in the east. In recent past, indiscriminate removal of medicinal plants, deforestation and rapid urbanization have caused continuous depletion of medicinal plant diversity. The present communication provides a list of 48 threatened plants of Uttaranchal and 34 important folklore therapeutic plants, of commercial value. Mention is also made of government organizations, NGOs and local farmers engaged in cultivation of these plant species.

1 illus, 4 tables, 14 ref

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

000316   Ukoima H N;Amakiri M A (Forestry and Environment Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, , P.M.B 5080) : Fungi associated with the roots of Rhizophora mangle, Rhizophora harrisonii and Avicennia africana in Port harcourt mangrove swamp Rivers State. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(1), 39-42.

Experiment was designed to find out the percentage frequency of fungi at the rhizoplane of mangrove forest seedlings within the range 1 - 40 cm and 41 - 80 em respectively. Two experimental centres namely; Creek Road waterside and Eagle Island waterside, Port-Harcourt, Nigeria were chosen for the study. The results obtained showed that Curvularia lunata, Fusarium moniliforme. Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus stolonifer, Fusarium sp. and Pestalolia sp. were associated with mangrove tree seedling. At Creek road waterside the percentage frequency on the seedlings of Avicennia Africana, on heights 1-40 cm were; Fusarium sp. 19%. A, niger 17%, F. moniliforme 0%. R. stolonifer 0%, Penicillum sp. 3% and Curvularia 3%. On plants heights 41-80 cm fungi isolated were; Fusarium sp. 83%, A. niger 8%, F. moniliforme 8%, R. stolonifer 0%, Penicillium sp. 0% and Curvularia sp. 0%. On R. harrisonii; plant heights 1-40 cm, Fusarium sp. 29%, R. stolanifer 0%. Curvularia sp 3 % were found. On plant heights 41-80 cm; Fusarium sp. 0% F. moniliforme 0%, A. flavus 0%, A. niger 67% Penicilium sp. 33 %. R. stolonifer 0%, Curvularia sp. 0% were recovered. And on R. mangle, plant heights 1-40 cm, Fusarium sp. 23%, F. moniliforme 0% A. flavus 28%, A. niger 6%, Penicillium sp. 48%, R. stolonifer 3% and Curvularia sp. 7% were isolated. On plant heights 41-80 cm; Fusarium sp. 13%, F. moniliforme 13%, A. flavus 0%, A. niger 6%, Penicillium sp 31%, R. stolonifer and Curvularia sp 38% were recorded. At Eagle Island waterside the percentage frequency on A. Africana, heights 1-40 cm were Penicillium sp 46%, A. niger 19%, A. flavus 21%, Fusarium sp 0%, R. stolonifer 9% and Pestalotia sp 5%; on heights 41-80 cm; Penicillium sp 100%, A. niger, A. flavus, Fusarium sp, R. stolonifer, and Pestalolia sp 0% respectively. On R. harrisonii, heights 1-40 cm; Penicillium sp 51%, A. niger 38%. A. flavus 2%, Fusarium sp 4%, R. stolonifer 2% and Pestalolia sp 0%; on heights 41-80 cm; Penicillium sp 83%, A. niger, A. flatvus and Fusarium sp 0% respectively while R. stolanifer and Restalotia sp had 8% respectively. On R. mangle, heights 1-40; Penicillium sp 59%, A. niger 10%, A. flavus 10%, Fusarium sp 18%, R. stolonifer 0% and Pestalotia sp 3%; on heights 41-80 cm, Penicillium sp 100%, A. niger, A.flavm, Fusarium sp, R. stolonifer and Pestalotia sp had 0% respectively. These results were significant at p<60>0.05.

2 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

000315   Tulika ;Gupta K (Biochemistry Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004) : Combined effects of Cd and Cr (VI) on morpho-physiological parameters in oat. Forage Res 2007, 33(1), 26-9.

Oat (Avena sativa L.) variety HJ-8 was raised in earthenware pots filled with 5 kg sand and treated with requisite amounts of Cd : Cr (5 : 0.1, 5 : 0.5, 5 : 1.0, 20 : 0.1. 20 : 0.5 and 20 : 1.0 ppm), respectively, in the form of CdCl₂ and K₂Cr₂O₇. The study revealed that morphological parameters showed stimulation at lower doses of combination applied i. e. 5 : 0.1, 5 : 0.5 and 5 : 1.0 ppm in comparison to control. An increase of 38 per cent was recorded in fresh and dry weights of plant at 55 DAS at 5 : 0.1 ppm. Total chlorophyll content also showed enhancement of 14 per cent at 100 DAS at 5 : 0.1 ppm, but chlorophyll 'b' was found to reduce more in comparison to chlorophyll 'a' content at all the treatments applied. Better growth at lower doses of combinations showed the antagonistic effect of each other. Higher doses like 20 : 0.1, 20 : 0.5 and 20 : 1.0 ppm were observed to have additive inhibitory effect on plant growth.

3 tables, 13 ref

000314   Tongden C;Basnet M;Chakraborty U (Plant Biochemistry Dep, Botany Dep, University of North Bengal, Raja Ramohunpur, Siliguri-734 013) : Screening of thermotolerant cultivars of chickpea using cell membrane stability test and biochemical markers. J Hill Res 2006, 19(2), 52-8.

Twenty day old seedlings of six different cultivars of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) were screened for relative heat tolerance by studying their biochemical response and comparing the observation with known heat tolerant cultivars. Significant variations in heat tolerance were observed amongst the cultivars tested and these could be categorized as heat tolerant, moderately tolerant and heat sensitive. Relative injury and lipid peroxidation increased in all cultivars following heat stress. Proline content increased in all cultivars, but significantly in ICC 2042 and ICC 1852; however protein contents increased slightly over their respective controls from 35°C-45° and registered a sharp decline at lethal temperature treatment. Peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase activities recorded significant increase but catalase, in contrast showed a drastic decline in activity following heat stress.

1 illus, 4 tables, 21 ref

000313   Tiwari L;Pande P C (Botany Dep, Kumaon Univ, S.S.J. Campus, Almora-263 601) : Ethnoveterinary plants of Uttarkashi District, Uttaranchal, India. Ethnobotany 2006, 18(1-2), 139-44.

Study carried out in Uttarkashi district, Uttaranchal, India, led to documentation of 50 plant species used in ethnoveterinary medicines. Gives details of botanical identity, local ù names, parts of the plant used, mode of preparation, administration of the drug, and diseases for which the given plants/parts are used.

16 ref

000312   Tirkey A;Vivek Kumar;Sikarwar R L S;Jain S K (NO, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla Univ, Raipur) : Ethnobotanical research in Chhattisgarh - a conspectus. Ethnobotany 2006, 18(1-2), 67-66.

Chhattisgarh, a newly formed state carved out of Madhya Pradesh, is rich in floristic as well as ethnic diversity. It comprises 16 districts and forests cover 44.2% of the area of the state. More than 40 tribal communities reside in or around the forests and depend mainly on forest resources for their daily requirements like food, fodder, fibre, medicine, dye, gum, tannin, etc. Since Chhattisgarh is now separated from Madhya Pradesh, a detailed study is required for ascertaining the ethnobotanical status of the state. Describes an overview of ethnobotanical work carried out in this state so far.

1 illus, 183 ref

000311   Srinivasa V (College of Forestry, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Ponnampet-571 216) : Effect of media on growth and flowering of Anthurium andreanum. Envir Ecol 2006, 24S(2), 257-9.

An experiment was conducted to test the effect of various media on growth and flowering of anthurium variety Hondura. The treatments consisted of five media such as soil media (control), coffee husk coirpith, coffee husk and coirpith (1 : 1 ratio) and coffee husk, coirpith and soil media (1 : 1 : 1 ratio) Different types of media significantly influenced both vegetative and reproductive characters. Coirpith media produced maximum plant height (36.09 cm), number of leaves (8.13 cm), leaf length (19.63 cm), leaf width (11.13 cm), canopy height (25.78 cm), canopy width (37.19 cm), number of suckers (2.44), flower stalk length (37.56 cm) spathe length (8.90 cm), spathe width (8.08 cm), spadix length (5.42 cm), spadix girth (6.5 mm) and number of flowers (5.31). While, soil media showed poor performance in both vegetative and reproductive characters.

2 tables, 6 ref

000310   Somkumar R G;Ramteke S D (Plant Physiology, National Research Centre for Grapes, Manjri, Pune-412 307) : Wedge grafting comatibility in different grape varieties raised on dogridge rootstock. Ann Pl Physiol 2006, 20(1), 22-5.

Four varieties viz., Thompson Seedless and its mutant Tas-A-Ganesh, Flame Seedless and Sharad Seedless were grafted on Dogridge rootstock during the year 2002 at National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune to study their compatibility. Graft union success and its compatibility can be judged by stock: scion ratio. For maximum success, the stock: scion ratio should be one or near to one. In the present study the stock: scion ratio was more in Thompson Seedless (1.12) as compared to other varieties. Though the significant differences were not observed with respect to graft success and days taken for sprouting, in general it was found more and early respectively in Thompson Seedless.

1 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

000309   Singh V K;Mishra A K (Botany Dep, P.G. Centre, Jamshedpdur Co-Operative College, Jamshedpur-831 001) : Morphological variations in Echinops echinatus growing in uranium mineralized area of Singhbhum thrust belt, Jharkhand. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(1), 191-4.

Echinops echinatus, belonging to family Asteraceae, was sampled from Uranium Mineralized area of Singhbhum Thrust Belt (STB). Evaluation of natural radioactivity was carried out in the soil as well as different organs of the same plant. Various morphological parameters viz., plant height, number of branches per plant, number of leaves per plant, number of inflorescence per plant, number of florets per capitulum and number of seeds per inflorescence was recorded. The level of radioactivity was found to be elevated in the plants sampled from STB. The number of spines per leaf, number of inflorescence per plant and number of lobes per leaf recorded higher values in the plants collected from the STB. The values of other parameters were however, less than those observed in the plant collected outside the STB.

3 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

000308   Singh S P;Raghava R P;Raghava N (Botany Dep, Gauri Shanker Rai.Kanya Mahavidyalay, Karnai, Ballia-277 001) : Effect of phexin on stomatal characterstics of parwal. Ann Pl Physiol 2006, 20(1), 7-11.

The untreated and treated leaves of both varieties of parwal Kranti and Tumaria (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.) showed cucurbitaceous type of stomata and polygonal epidermal cells with sinuous wall. The controlled leaves showed open stomata with higher frequency. The leaves treated with lower concentrations of Phexin (25, 50 and 100 mg/L) showed several variations in structure of stomata. The frequency, size of aperture and stomatal index are decreased gradually against control up to 100 mg/L and increased in 150 and 200 mg/L, which is less than control.

1 table, 24 ref

000307   Shekhawat D;Batra A (Botany Dep, Rajasthan Univ, Jaipur-302 004) : Ethnobotany of some household remedies used against animal and insect bite in Bundi District, Rajasthan. Ethnobotany 2006, 18(1-2), 131-4.

Reports ethnomedicinal uses of 23 plant species collected from rural inhabitants of Bundi district, Rajasthan. Dominant ethnic communities using medicinal plants in the area are Bagri, Bairagi, Gurjar, Meghwal. etc. Some unexploited uses of plants have been revealed through this study. For example, roots of Datura metel mixed with cow's urine are found to be very effective against dog bite.

1 table, 11 ref

000306   Shah N C (NO, , Centre of Indigenous Knowledge for Indian Herbal Resources, MS-78; Sector-"D", Aliganj, Lucknow-226 024, Email: ncshah@sancharnet.in) : Historical and ethnobotanical study of Nardostachys jatamansi: an ancient incense & aromatic medicinal herb from Uttaranchal, India. Ethnobotany 2006, 18(1-2), 37-45.

Nardostachys jatamansi, 'Jatamansi' or 'Indian nard', is well-known in India since ancient times for its useful medicinal properties. It is also used in countries like Assyria (Mesopatamia) as its name is located in wedge-shaped cuneform script in Egypt, Greece, Rome, etc. from times immemorial. History begins from the period of Atharveda and its export from India in 2500 BC; its association with Alexander, the Great; inclusion among Bible plants; and use as a royal perfume during the time of Akbar, the Great. These are some of the testimonies which make 'spikenard' one of the most important herbs of the present era. Jatamansi was also reputed for various uses, such as a costly incense, perfume as unguent, in medicine as nervine tonic used in hysteria, epileptic fits, palpitation of heart, etc. It was found to be hypotensive like Rauvolfia serpentina. but due to availability of insufficient raw material, this taxon could not find a proper place in modern medicine. Deals with various aspects of botany with nomenclatural history, eco- profile, phenology in Uttaranchal and distribution in India and other parts of the world. Local, trade, Sanskrit and common English names and their etymology and philology are discussed.

52 ref

000305   Sane H;Ghate V (NO, , 121, Budhwar Peth, Pune-411 002, Email: vsghate@yahoo.com) : Sacred conservation practices at species level through tree worship. Ethnobotany 2006, 18(1-2), 46-52.

Cult of tree worship, depicting tree as representative of gods on earth has its roots deep in the history of mankind. Trees were considered as hypaethral - roofless temples. Scrutiny of Indological references provides a number of material and literary evidences for explaining reasons and justifications. for the tradition of tree worship. The present paper brings on record some important evidences of tree worship specially depicting trees as gods in different religions and customs. This strategy was the main conservation practice at species level in ancient India.

2 tables, 36 ref

000304   Rizvi M Z;Kukreja A K;Khanuja S P S (Plant Tissue Culture Div, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic plants (CIMAP), P.O. CIMAP. Lucknow-226 015, Email: akkukreja53@yahoo.com ) : In vitro culture of Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant. et Fernand. in liquid culture medium as a cost-effective measure. Curr Sci 2007, 92(1), 87-93.

Chlorophytum borivilianum, commonly known as safed musli is an endangered medicinal herb valued for its dried, fasciculated storage roots which possess immuno-modulatory and aphrodisiac properties that forms an important ingredient of herbal tonics. Efficient and cost-effective micropropagation of C. borivilianum employing liquid medium has been achieved. In the case of employing liquid medium; while on the one hand lesser amount of medium is consumed, on the other hand, shoot growth and multiplication response were better than in solid medium. About 7.5-fold increase in shoot multiplication could be obtained in liquid medium against 4.5-fold on agar solidified medium. Use of liquid culture medium resulted up to 92.31% reduction in single shoot production cost compared to solid medium.

1 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

000303   Ratageri R H;Nadagouda M G;Rolli N M;Lakshman H C (Post Graduate Dep of Botany, Karnataka Univ, Dharwad-580 003) : Response of a medicinal plant Coleus ambonicus (lour.) to the application of VA-micorrhiza, Rhizobium spp and molybdenum. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2006, 5(4), 621-5.

Growth response and biomass production were established on Coleus ambonicus seedlings by the inoculation of VAM, Rhizobium and molybdenum spray. The results showed an increase in shoot and root length, per cent VAM colonization, number of leaves and dry weight of shoots as compared to the control plants. Indigenous VAM fungi, Rhizobium and molybdenum spray improved the agronomic performance through the increased uptake of nutrients like N, P, K, Mg and molybdenum.

1 illus, 4 tables, 14 ref

000302   Ragamma N;Naidu T C M (NO, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Lam, Guntur-522 034) : Effect of potassium nutrition on water relations and proline content of greengram under drought stress. Ann Pl Physiol 2006, 20(1), 1-6.

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season 2001-2002 in factorial RBD on clay soil at the Agricultural college farm, Bapatla to study the influence of potassium on water relation and proline content of greengram under drought stress with six treatments and two varieties of greengram i.e., ML-267 and LGG-460. K₂SO₄ (1%) spray at vegetative stage followed by irrigation at 10 days after spray mitigated the effects of drought stress in both greengram varieties.

3 tables, 10 ref

000301   Purwar J P;Sachan G C (Entomology Dep, College of Agriculture, G.B.P.U.A.. & T., Pantnagar-263 145) : Evaluation of media for growth and sporulation of entomogenous fungus. Ann Pl Prot Sci 2006, 14(2), 484-5.

2 tables, 3 ref

000300   Punjani B L (P.G. Centre in Botany Dep, Smt. S.M. Panchal Science College, Talod-383 215) : Ethno-medicobotanical study of kathodi tribe of Sabarkantha in Gujarat. Ethnobotany 2006, 18(1-2), 135-8.

Deals with 35 plant species which are used traditionally since ancient times by Kathodis for the treatment of various ailments, such as skin diseases, colic complaints, headache, fever, piles, asthma, jaundice, diarrhoea, dysentery, vomiting, wounds, etc. Some plant species are reported along with plant parts and some local formulations used medicinally for the treatment of various disorders.

5 ref

000299   Pawar B H;Mahalle N S;Raghuvanshi F C;Dehvade S K;Arsad S S (Physics Dep, Amravati Univ, Amravati (M.S.)) : Effect of ultraviolet radiation on rate of photosynthesis. Ann Pl Physiol 2006, 20(1), 11-3.

Investigates absorption spectra of pigments in the plant leaves. The spectra show absorption in red and blue region and strong absorption in UV region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Selected five batches of the plants having almost identical age and health. All the five batches were provided with identical conditions like water supply, fertilizer etc. One of the five batches was kept in complete darkness; second batch of the plants was kept in full sunlight. The third, fourth and fifth batches were exposed to Nitrogen Laser beam for five minutes, ten minutes and fifteen minutes respectively. The procedure was repeated for eight days and after eight days the concentration of chlorophyll a, b and total (a + b) were determined by the method of absorption. It was found that the Laser exposure enhanced concentration of chlorophyll levels. It is also proposed that the photosynthesis reaction must be a non-linear process.

3 illus, 8 ref

000298   Patil S;Solao N;Naik R;Pinki Kumari (Botany Section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur) : In vitro propagation of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.). Ann Pl Physiol 2006, 20(1), 29-34.

The explants shoot tips, axillary bud and stem segment of cultivars Gaudina and Supergreen were used for culturing in the basal MS and Gamborg's media fortified with growth hormones like BAP, NAA and IBA in different concentrations and combination. It was observed that the axillary bud explant responded well for all the traits studied as compared to shoot tip and stem segment. Among the cultivars used Supergreen showed better performance than Gaudina for all the traits. The treatment T₁₈ (Gamborg + BAP 1.0 mg I^-1 + NAA 1.0 mg I^-1) exhibited good performance for shoot induction and proliferation. The shoot propagated from both the varieties were found to root well in treatment T₇ (1/2 MS + IBA 0.80 mg I^-1). Survival of plantlets was observed when they were transferred to cups containing sterilized potmixture.

4 tables, 7 ref

000297   Patil S R;Gite A N;Tike M A;Shelke B M (Agriculture Botany Dep, Marathwada Agriculture Univ, Parbhani-431 402) : Impact of zinc and boron on growth and yield of sunflower. Ann Pl Physiol 2006, 20(1), 82-5.

A field experiment was conducted to assess the role of zinc and boron in improvement of growth and yield of sunflower. It was observed that the application of zinc @ 25 kg ZnSO₄ ha^-1 and boron @20 kg borax ha^-1 were found beneficial, respectively among the three levels of ZnSO₄ and borax for improving growth and yield. However, application in combination ZnSO₄ 25 + borax 60 brought significantly more values than control in respect of growth, yield contributing characters and seed yield. The increased seed yield was due to increased growth i.e. plant height, leaf area, net assimilation rate (NAR) and total dry matter of the plant and also due to increased yield contributing characters like harvest index (HI), translocation efficiency (T.E.), capitulum diameter, number of seeds, per cent filled seeds, 100-seed weight. Good effects of zinc and boron in respect of growth and yield were ascribed to the role of zinc in synthesis of growth hormones and that of boron in cell division, differentiation, seed setting and translocation of photosynthate in sunflower.

2 tables, 6 ref

000296   Pandey A K;Rout S D (Plant Systematics Research Centre Botany University Dep, Plant Systema, T. M. Bhagalpur Univ, Bhagalpur-812 007) : Ethnobotanical uses of plants of similipal biosphere reserve (Orissa). Ethnobotany 2006, 18(1-2), 102-06.

Similipal Biosphere Reserve, located in Mayurbhanj district of Orissa, is inhabited by several tribes, including Santhal, Bhumij, Bhuyan, Gond, Saharis, etc., which constitute 52% of the total population. An account of ethnomedicinal uses of 42 plant species known among the tribals of Similipal Biosphere Reserve is has been provided.

9 ref

000295   Pande V;Palni U T;Singh S P (Botany Dep, Kumaun Univ, Nainital-263 002, Email: surps@yahoo.com) : Effect of ectomycorrhizal fungal species on the competitive outcome of two major forest species. Curr Sci 2007, 92(1), 80-4.

Mycorrhizae-mediated processes are known to influence the growth performances of host species in plant communities, but not much is known about their role in competitive outcome of host species. It is shown that the outcome of competition between the seedlings of two major Indian Himalayan tree species, viz. ban oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) and chir pine (Pinus roxburghii) is changed with the change in ectomycorrhi-zal fungal species. While oak does better than pine when grown in a mixed culture in the presence of Russula vesca, the outcome is reversed in the presence of Amanita hemibapha.

1 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

000294   Panda S;Sanjappa M (NO, Botanical Survey of India, CGO Complex, 3rd MSO Building, Block-F, 5th Floor, Sector-1, Salt Lake City, Kolkata-700 064) : New record of two species of Ericaceae from Nagaland and Sikkim Himalaya. J Hill Res 2006, 19(2), 49-51.

Two species of Ericaceae viz., Gaultheria hookeri C.B. Clarke and Vaccinium modestum W.W. Sm. are reported for the first time from Nagaland and Sikkim Himalaya respectively.

4 ref

000293   Newmaster S G;Subramanyam R;Ivanoff R F; Balasubramaniam N C (Floristic Diversity Research Group, OAC Herbarium, Guelph Univ, Guelph, Ontario, NIG 2W1, Canada, Email: snewmast@uoguelph.ca) : Mechanisms of ethnobiological classifications. Ethnobotany 2006, 18(1-2), 4-26.

Describes different categories in ethnobiological classification, such as linguistic, hierarchical, utilitarian, morphological, ecological, spiritual, behavioural and sensory perceptions. It is not intended to justify which is the best but to analyse the role of each of these in ethnobiological classification. Linguistic and related approaches highlight ethnobiological and taxonomic principles that are marginally influenced by people's needs. This linguistic category is restricted to individual cultures as people's languages differ and is also restricted within ecological/domain contexts, and therefore could not be universal, which parallels the view of several ethnobiologists. Propose that the mechanistic categories in ethnic classification involve cultural interest and ecological, morphological and sensory perceptions. Indigenous people's knowledge in classifying or grouping plants or animals, is very efficient and robust. These mechanistic categories also have sub-categories based on use/non-use, domestic/wild, edible/ inedible, etc. It is believed that the mechanistic categories in ethnobiological classifications will have global relevance.

2 illus, 1 table, 141 ref

000292   Negi K S (NO, , NBPGR, Regional Station Niglat, Bhowali-263 132) : Allium spp species in Himalayas and their uses, with special reference to Uttaranchal. Ethnobotany 2006, 18(1-2), 53-66.

Uttaranchal comprises 13 districts of Garhwal and Kumaon region, situated in the centre of the North-West Himalaya. It is a region of rich vegetational wealth and the survival of a wide variety of economically useful endemic wild plants has enriched the genetic resource base and also the economy of natives. The natives continue to cultivate wild and economically useful Allium species in their kitchen gardens, dooryards and backyards. During 1986-2005, from an agricultural, horticultural and ethno-botanical exploration and collection mission in the hilly districts of Uttaranchal, some wild species of Allium L. were collected and maintained in ex-situ filed gene bank for further multiplication, characterization, utilization and conservation. Field work among the natives in Uttaranchal, survey of a few tribal markets and scrutiny of some relevant literature have brought on record wild species of Allium. Until recently, despite its importance for food, medicines, spices and condiments, little systematic and ethnobotanical study on the collection and conservation of these species has been undertaken.

18 illus, 25 ref

000291   Naphade P V;Potdukhe N R;Parmar J N;Sable N H (Agriculture Botany Dep, PGI, Dr.P.D.K.V., Akola) : Line x tester analysis for combing ability in okra. Ann Pl Physiol 2006, 20(1), 91-4.

Combining ability studies in okra revealed that the parent Tot-1494 and Tot-1502 proved to be good general combiner for weight of fruit, number of primary branches on main stem, number of seeds fruit^-1 and yield plant^-1 The parent Tot-1494 also proved to be good general combiner for length of fruit Seven hybrids recorded significant sca effect for days to flower initiation, days to 50 per cent flowering, length of fruit, weight of fruit, number of primary branches on main stem and number of seeds fruit^-1. Best yielding crosses identified on the basis of sca and gca effects of parents were Parbhani Kranti x Tot - 1494, AKO-73 x Tot-1502 and Parbhani Kranti x Tot -1502 maybe utilized for hybrid production as well as in further generation to obtain better segregates to develop line with high yield potential.

2 tables, 6 ref

000290   Naidu V S G R;Paroha S;Yaduraju N T;Nayak S (NO, National Research Centre for Weed Science, Jabalpur-482 004, Email: srihari_iari@yahoo.com) : Seed born toxicants control germination and viability in Parthenium hysterophorus L. seeds. Ecol Envir Conserv 2007, 13(1), 67-70.

Lab and pot experiments were conducted to study the germination and viability of Parthenium hysterophorus seeds. The fresh seeds of Parthenium were kept in nylon net bags and were subjected to running water for different durations of time i.e. 0'hour (fresh seeds), 4 hours, 8, hours 24 hours, 28 hours, 32 hours and 48 hours. The germination was tested on filter paper in petridishes and in sandy and clayey soils in pots. The % germination was increased with increased duration of time under water flow and the seeds germinated within the nylon bags after 48 hours of running water treatment. The percent germination was enhanced due to the removal of toxicants from the seed by running water. This observation was confirmed by the germination tests under sandy and clayey soils in pots. The germination % of fresh seeds was higher in sandy soil (76%) than in clayey soil (5%) probably because of the leaching out of toxicant easily in the sandy soil. The seed samples from the above running water treatments were stored for testing viability, and the washed seeds were loosing viability with the progress of the time under storage and they were no longer viable beyond 40 days.

4 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

000289   Murugaiyan K;Sivakumar K (Botany (DDE) Dep, Algology Div, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar-608 002) : Seasonal variation in elemental composition of the two marine algae, Grateloupia filicinia and Padina boergesnii in relation to the chemical composition of seawater. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2006, 5(4), 651-6.

Seasonal variation in mineral composition of Crateloupia filicinia and Padina boergesnii. collected from Pudumadam, Gulf of Mannar, was studied over a period of one year from May 2005 to February 2006 at three months interval. Significant seasonal variation in the elemental composition of the two species was observed, which was correlated to the seawater chemistry. The accumulation factor of certain ions by the is also discussed.

3 illus, 12 ref

000288   Mukesh Mohan;Pahuja S K;Yadav R;Avtar R (Plant Breeding Dep, Forage Research Section, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar 125 004) : Combining ability studies for fodder yield and components in forage sorghum involving male sterile lines and testers. Forage Res 2007, 33(1), 17-21.

Combining ability effects were studied in seven male sterile lines viz., ICS 4A, ICS 15A, ICS 79A, ICS 95A, ICS 242A, 2219A and ICS 88020A, six pollinator parents viz., IS 699, IS 720, SSG 59-3, IS 3230, IS 3274 and IS 3289 and their 42 crosses for fodder yield and component traits. The estimates of variances due to specific combining ability (σ² sca) and general combining ability (σ² gca) and their ratio (σ² sca : σ² gca) indicated the importance of non-additive type of gene action for all the characters. Male sterile lines viz., ICS 4A, ICS 79A and tester IS 3289 were good general combiners for most of the traits. The crosses viz., ICS 79A x IS 3274, ICS 79Ax SSG 59-3, ICS 15A x IS 3289, ICS 95A x SSG 59-3, 2219A x IS 3230, 2219A x IS 720 and ICS 95A x IS 720 exhibited higher sca effects for most of the traits studied and these can be commercially utilized after multi-location testing over years.

3 tables, 9 ref

000287   More S S;Joshi B M;Cha G D (Agriculture Botany Dep, M.A.U., Parbhani-431 402) : Genetic variability in F₄ population of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.). Ann Pl Physiol 2006, 20(1), 98-101.

Genetic variability studies in twenty seven F₄ populations of safflower was studied for 15 quantitative traits. Plant height, number of primary branches pee plant, number of secondary branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, 100 seed weight, volume weight of seeds, seed yield per plant, seed yield per hectare recorded high h² and high expected genetic advance indicating the presence of additive gene action for the expression of these traits and the effectiveness of phenotypic selection. Genotypes PBNS-12, PBNS-26, PBNS-27, PBNS-31.PBNS-32, PBNS-34, PBNS-38, PBNS-119, PBNS-142 were identified as promising genotypes.

4 tables, 9 ref

000286   Mehatre S P;Dhumale D B;Tule D S (Agriculture Botany Dep, Dr.Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola-444 104) : In vitro rapid multiplication of sarpagandha from shoot tip explants. Ann Pl Physiol 2006, 20(1), 35-7.

Rauvolfia serpentina Benth ex. Kurz, a member of family apocynaceae is one of the most important medicinal plants. A study undertaken to standardize the technique of in-vitro multiplication of Sarpagandha, using shoot tip as explant recorded .100% establishment of explants found in MS medium supplemented with NAA 0.5 mg L^-1 and KIN 0.1 mg L^-1. Highest multiple shoots were induced on MS basal medium supplemented with BAP 2 mg L^-1 and NAA 0.3 mg L^-1 Roots were developed to multiple shoots when transferred on MS basal medium having NAA 1 mg L^-1.

4 tables, 5 ref

000285   Kumar S;Chauhan A K S (Botany Dep, D.S. College, Aligarh-202 001) : Less-known medicinal uses of plant species in Keoladeo national park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Ethnobotany 2006, 18(1-2), 153-6.

Describes the results of an ethno-medicinal survey conducted for the study of floristic diversity, with special reference to medicinal claims from local healers living in the villages around Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur. Rajasthan.

12 ref

000284   Katoch R;Uttam Chand;Bandana (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Palampur-176 062) : Red clover : present status and future needs. Forage Res 2007, 33(1), 1-8.

Red clover (Triflolium pratense L.) is an important forage legume widely cultivated in most temperate regions because of its characteristics of high seedling vigour, rapid growth and tolerance to acidic and humid conditions. It is also used as a green manure, crop because of its high nutrient content resulting partly from symbiosis with nitrogen fixing bacteria of the genus Rhizobium. Highest hay yields of red clover about 8-12 t dry matter/ha could be obtained in the year after seeding. Hybridisation between species of the genus Trifolium under natural conditions is very improbable even in closely related species. The high level of heterozygosity has hampered intensive genetic and genomic analyses of red clover. Recently, the first genetic linkage map with 256 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers has been constructed {Isobe et aL. 2003). Study of pre-fertilization barriers of crosses has shown that red clover plants-at a tetraploid level were more effective for fertilization in comparison with diploid ones. Various in vitro methods such as protoplast fusion and in vitro pollination (Taylor and Quesenberry, 1996) are necessary for the crop improvement. The incorporation of foreign genes by genetic transformation by means of Agrobacterium tumefaciens has proved successful. Red clover is also a rich source of isoflavonoid phytoestrogens including biochanin A, formononetin, daidzein and genisten, which have promising results in the treatment of number of conditions associated with menopause. Because of excellent forage quality and medicinal properties, research on red clover needs to be continued and expanded, especially in the areas that relate to human and animal utilization.

1 table, 74 ref

000283   Kakde S S;Sharma R N;Lambade B M;Armal V N (Agriculture Botany Dep, Marathwada Agriculture Univ, Parbhan-431 402) : Correlation and path analysis studies in lentil (Lens culinaris L.). Ann Pl Physiol 2006, 20(1), 86-90.

The investigation was carried out at Research Farm, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur (Chhattisgarh) during rabi season (2000-2001). The experimental material was consisted of twenty-five genotypes of Lentil grown under three fertility levels viz., i) Without fertilizer application environments (E₁) ii) With 20:50:20 kg NPK/ha i.e. recommended fertilizer dose (RDF) environment (E₂) and iii) With 40:100:40 kg NPK/ha i.e. high fertilizer application environment (E₃). Correlation analysis revealed that the seed yield per plant correlated positively with harvest index whereas, it showed negative correlation with plant height E₁ whereas, in E₂ seed yield per plant showed positive correlation with harvest index, biological yield and seeds per plant and negatively correlated with plant height. Seeds per plant were found to be correlated positively with biological yield and 100 seed weight In E₃ environment seed yield per plant was found to.be correlated negatively with pods per plant and positively with seeds per plant, 100 seed weight, biological yield and harvest index. Similar findings were also observed from path coefficient analysis, as harvest index and biological yield overall the three environment, days to maturity in E₁ and E₂ and pods per plant in E₁ had the direct contribution towards seed yield per plant in Lentil.

2 tables, 10 ref

000282   Kadel C;Jain A K (NO, Lokmanya Tilak College, Ujjain) : Plants used in ethnoveterinary practices in Jhabua District, Madhya Pradesh. Ethnobotany 2006, 18(1-2), 149-52.

Tribal communities of Jhabua use commonly available plants in 20 types of veterinary diseases that are common among the cattle, pets and birds.

11 ref

000281   Jha V;Goel A K (Botany Dep, Plant Systematics Research Centre, C.M. Science College, Darbhanga) : Vetiver worship (Katarapuja spp) in mithila region (North Bihar) : an ancient practice of land conservation in India. Ethnobotany 2006, 18(1-2), 166-1.

ref