001304   Mahalakshmi P;Alice D (Plant Pathology Dep, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Induced systemic resistance by plant products and nutrients in green gram challenged with powdery mildew pathogen (Erysiphe polygoni DC.). Int J Pl Prot 2009, 2(2), 157-60.

Induced systemic resistance in green gram by foliar spray of plant products and mineral nutrients were studied for the management of powdery mildew pathogen. Foliar application of plant extracts viz., Allium sativum, Prosopis julifora, Trianthemumportulacastrum and Zinc sulphate (0.1%) induced the enzyme activity viz., peroxidase (PO), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenyl alanine ammonia lyase (PAL) in green gram leaves challenged with the powdery mildew pathogen.

4 tables, 12 ref

001303   Kulye M S;Pokharkar D S (Entomology Div, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, College of Agriculture, Pune-411 005) : Evaluation of two species of entomopathogenic fungi against white grub, Holotrichia consanguinea (Blanchad) infesting potato in Maharashtra, India. J biol Control 2009, 23(1), 1-4.

The efficacy of two entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana, against white grub, Holotrichia comanguinea infesting potato crop was studied under laboratory and field conditions. The estimated LC₅₀ of M. anisopliae and B. bassiana towards third instar larvae of H. consanguinea were 5.76 x 10⁵ and 7.50 x 10⁵ conidia ml^-1, respectively. The LT₅₀ of M. anisopliae and B. bassiana at the concentration of 8 x 10⁵ conidia ml^-1 against third instar larvae of H. consanguinea were 4.88 and 6.73 days, respectively. In field experiments, M. anisopliae @ 2 x 1012 conidia ha^-1 was found to be effective with an average efficacy of 46.74%, while it was 41.32% in phorate 10G @ 25kg ha^-1. The maximum mycosis was recorded with the use of M. anisopliae (44.44%). The tuber infestation was statistically lowest (6.91%) and yield of marketable tubers highest (27.6t ha^-1) with the use of M. anisopliae as against 27.85% and 17.8t ha^-1 in untreated plot, respectively.

1 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

001302   Karad S R;Jagtap A S;Kubade A U;Khade P D (Agricultural Botany Dep, College of Agriculture, Kolhapur, Maharashtra) : Pollen viability and longevity in gokarn (Clitoria ternatea) a medicinal plant. Int J Pl Sci 2009, 4(2), 420-21.

Clitoria ternatea L, a naturally grown medicinal plant, endophyte free, planted in Dhanvantari Udyan, College of Agriculture, Kolhapur was selected for present investigation. Locally it is called as Gokarn/Asian pigeonwing, used to study the viability of pollen grains and its longevity. Among different staining methods, tetrazolium test used to assess ponen viability. The fully fertile, five plants randomly selected for collection of pollens from 7 to 11.30 a.m. at every half an hour interval. These pollen grains were stained by using 0.3% TIC (2,3,5-trphenyl tetrazolium chloride) prepared in 0.5% and 1% sucrose solution to prevent bursting and swelling of pollen grains and incubated in dark at 30±2°C for 30 and 60 min, respectively at 70% relative humidity. At the end of incubation period, viable pollen grains turned red and central area was observed. The more viability is observed in 30 min incubation period in both 0.5 and 1% sucrose solution as compared with 60 min incubation period. In 0.5% sucrose solution, the more viability was observed between 8-10 a.m. and the viability was less before 8 and after 10 a.m. in 30 min incubation. Similar results were observed in 1% sucrose solution in 30 min incubation. In 60 min incubation period, the pollens were more viable between 8-10.30 a.m. and less viable before 8 and after 10.30 a.m. in 0.5% sucrose solution. While in same incubation period (60 min) with 1% sucrose solution showed more viability between 8-10 a.m. and less viability before 8 and after 10 a.m. From these observations, it has been concluded that the pollen viability and longevity of Clitoria ternatea L. was maximum at 8-10 a.m. during October 2007 at Kolhapur centre. These properties of pollen should be considered to increase efficiency of breeding programme and selection of suitable pollinizer in Clitoria ternatea L. a important medicinal plant.

1 table, 7 ref

001301   Kamble S R;Navale A M;Sonawane R B (Plant Pathology and Agricultural Microbiology Dep, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Ahmednagar) : Response of mango seedlings to VA-mycorrhizal inoculation. Int J Pl Prot 2009, 2(2), 161-4.

A pot culture experiment using sterilized soil was conducted to study the effect of VA -mycorrhizal fungi viz., Glomus epigaeum, Glomus mosseae and Gigaspora calospora and their combination on growth and root colonization of mango seedlings (var, local). The combined inoculation of three VA-mycorrhizal fungi was superior over all the inoculation treatments in recording the plant height, number of leaves, root length, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root. The VAM root colonization percentage in mango seedlings was increased from 58.82 to 73.89 per cent over non - mycorrhizal seedlings (0.00%) indicating that VA mycorrhizal inoculation is necessary to increase the growth parameters and dry matter accumulation of mango seedlings.

4 tables, 9 ref

001300   Gohil T G;Thakor A B (Biology Dep, B.K.M. Science College, Valsad, Gujarat) : Cultivars and their relatives of Navasari and Valsad district. Int J Pl Sci 2009, 4(2), 654-55.

1 table, 2 ref

001299   Gohil T G;Thakor A B (Biology Dep, B.K.M. Science College, Valsad, Gujarat) : Climber host of Dendrophthoe falcata (L.F.) Etting var. Falcata. Int J Pl Sci 2009, 4(2), 651.

1 illus, 3 ref

001298   Gohil T G;Thakor A B (Biology Dep, B.K.M. Science College, Valsad, Gujarat) : Enumeration and economical uses of cultivars of Valsad and Navsari district in south Gujarat. Int J Pl Sci 2009, 4(2), 643-46.

9 ref

001297   Dwivedi G K;Tripathi A;Singh A K (Botany Dep, T.D.P.G. College, Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh) : Studies on the species diversity and phytocociological importance of woody climbers of district-Jannpur, Uttar Pradesh. Int J Pl Sci 2009, 4(2), 569-71.

Enumerates woody climbers of district Jaunpur. Woody climbers show specialized phytosociological association as they entirely depend on their host plant for their support. In all 24 species have been collected belonging to 12 families. Family Bignoniaceae is dominant among woody climber represented by 4 species followed by family Asclepiadaceae representing 4 species. All representing families belong to dicot. Plants are arranged in alphabetical order followed by their macroscopic characters and ecological notes.

7 ref

001296   Das M R;Sarma C M;Das B K (Botany Dep, Gauhati Univ, Guwahati, Assam) : Interaction between GA₃ and CCC on growth, chlorophyll content, yield and oil content of sesamum (Sesamum indicum L.). Int J Pl Sci 2009, 4(2), 392-95.

Sesamum (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important oilseed crop grown widely in India during kharif and summer seasons. An experiment was conducted with plant growth regulators (GA₃ and CCC) to examine the effect on growth and development, chlorophyll content, oil content and yield of sesamum, var. ST 1683 with 20 treatment combinations in randomized block design. Recommended package and practices for sesamum were followed and treatments were made 15 days after sowing. Among all the applied treatment combinations GA₃ 250 + CCC 500 ug/ml gave the best results on plant growth, yield attributes and chlorophyll content of leaves. These results were closely followed by the treatment combination GA₃250 + CCC 250, GA₃250 +CCC 100 and GA₃100 + CCC 250 μg/ml. Highest oil content (54.85 per cent) was recorded at the combination of GA³ 250 μg/ ml plus CCC 500 μg/ml.

2 tables, 17 ref

001295   Choudhury S;Choudhury H R;Mandal S (Botany Dep, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan-731 235) : Leaf epidermal micromorphology, wood element characters and phytochemical screening of three medicinally important taxa of the family Convolvulaceae. J envir Sociobiol 2009, 6(2), 105-18.

Deals with leaf epidermal micromorphology, wood element characters and phytochemical screening of three medicinally important plants of Convolvulaceae, viz., Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L., Evolvulus nummiilarius (L.) L. and Ipomoea cairica (L.) Sweet. The epidermal cells are found to be irregular in shape and the outlines of the cells are wavy in every species. Stomata are amphistomatic and mainly of paracytic type (except in Evolvulus nummularius). Trichomes are glandular and nonglandular, unicellular or multicellular, straight or curved. The range of the stomatal index varies from 11.40 to 20.00. Palisade ratio ranges from 6.2 to 9.8. The vessel element length ranges from 60.71 μm to 357.10 μm and the diameter varies from 21.78 μ m to 66.06 μ m. Perforation plate is simple and transverse or obliquely placed. Fibres are typical libriform, very long and diameter ranges from 10.71 mm to 16.78 mm. In every cases, tracheids are long with spiral to condensed spiral type of sidewall thickening and diameter is from 07.14 mm to 16.07mm. The active Compounds are identified by the chemical colour reaction tests belonging to the phytochemical groups of ainino acids, alkaloids, reducing sugars, flavonoids, saponins, steroids and triterpenoids, tannins, etc.

1 illus, 6 tables, 24 ref

001294   Bhandari S L;Bisht N S;Sajwan M;Dobhal U (Botany Dep, H.N.B. Garhwal Univ, Campuus Pauri, Pauri (Garhwal)-246 001) : Hairy root culture: applications and prospects. J Mount Res 2007, 2(Dec), 25-30.

Hairy roots have been investigated as a biological system for the production of valuable compounds from medicinal plants and for studying biochemical pathways for the last 25 years. The whole technique is based on the transfer of Agrobacterium rhizogenes T-DNA into the plant genome and thus it has facilitated its increasing use in metabolic engineering. This technique holds immense potential for the pharmaceutical industry because recombinant proteins can be produced from transgenic rootsy.

16 ref

001293   Amritha V S;Pathummal Beevi S (College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, Kasaragod-671 328, Email: amrivs@gmail.com) : Occurrence of fungi and other microorganisms in association with the coconut eriophyid mite, Aceria guerreronis, in Kerala. J biol Control 2009, 23(1), 5-9.

The occurrence of Hirsutella thompsonii, the mite specific pathogen was confirmed and it was isolated from ten out of the twelve locations surveyed in Thrissur district of Kerala. Apart from the mite-specific pathogen, Hirsutella spp., other fungal pathogens such as Fusarium spp., Acremonium spp. and Paecilomyces spp. were isolated from the eriophyid mite infested coconut samples in the surveys conducted in Thrissur district, Kerala, during the period from July 2003 to June 2004. Natural occurrence of H, thompsonii contributed to 4.93 per cent. Acarifungal pathogens belonging to the genera Hirsutella, Fusarium, Acremonium and Paecilomyces were mostly isolated during the monsoon season and the actinomycetes during summer period in the entire four panchayaths. Pathogenicity to coconut eriophyid mite was proved for two species of Hirsutella, H. thompsonii and H. kirchnerii. The other non-specific fungi found to be pathogenic to mites were Acremonium strictum, A. incoloratum, Fusarium lateritium, F. verticillioides, Paecilomyces fumosoroseus and P. lilacinus. The wide spectrum of fungal pathogens associated with A. guerreronis indicates the significant role played by them in the natural suppression of the pest.

3 tables, 11 ref

001292   Amin S;Farooq M;Hans R K;Masood A (Biochemistry Dep, Kashmir Univ, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir) : Changes in the kinetic properties of Zea mays NADP-malic enzyme in response to sulphur dioxide exposure. Int J Pl Sci 2009, 4(2), 415-19.

Effect of sulphur dioxide exposure on the activity of NADP-malic enzyme was studied in the leaf extracts of control and exposed Zea mays plants. Ten - days old plants of Zea mays were exposed to different concentrations of sulphur dioxide (0.8 to 23 ppm) for 4 hours in a continuous flow exposure chamber under illumination (500W tungsten bulb). The visible injury symptoms in leaves produced due to the exposure were correlated with sulphur dioxide concentration. A concentration dependent decrease in the activity of the enzyme was observed in relation to sulphur dioxide exposure. The inhibition of NADP- malic enzyme by sulphur dioxide was found to be non-competitive with a K. value of 52.6 ppm sulphur dioxide, with respect to NADP^{+. The enzyme showed a partial competitive inhibition by sulphur dioxide with respect to malate, whereas the inhibition was competitive with a K. value of 15 ppm, with respect to Mg2+. The relatively low K₁ value with respect to Mg2+ demonstrates a sensitive factor for sulphur dioxide damage. The K_m values were 26.3,142 and 51μM forNADP+, malate and Mg2+, respectively.}

3 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

001291   Ambethgar V;Swamiappan M;Rabindra R J; Rabindran R (Regional Research Station, TNAU, Vridhachalam-606 001, Email: drva_1965@yahoo.co.in) : Biological compatibility of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) vuillemin isolate with different insecticides and neem formulation commonly used in rice pest management. J biol Control 2009, 23(1), 11-5.

Compatibility of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin (isolate BbCm KKL 1100) with twelve insecticides and three neem formulations was examined on agar plate to develop suitable combinations for the management of insect pests in rice fields. All chemical and botanical insecticides inhibited mycelial growth of B. bassiana either partially or completely depending on their concentrations (10X, IX and 0.1X, where X = treated concentration). Chemical insecticides completely inhibited the mycelial growth of B. bassiana, while the neem formulations inhibited 70-86% biomass production of the fungus at 10X concentration. At IX concentration, carbofuran caused total inhibition, but all other insecticides caused 47.4-75.5% inhibition. However, at 0.1 X concentration, only neem seed kernel extract, chlorpyriphos and dimethoate exhibited 22.2%, 27.3% and 32.6% mycelial inhibition, respectively, and these could be used with B. bassiana in the field condition.

2 tables, 18 ref

001290   Airsang R;Lakshman H C (Botany Dep, J.S.S. College, Vidhyagiri, Dharwad, Karnataka) : Interactions between Glomus fasciculatum fungi and Rhizobium on Glycine max Merr. (var DH-125). Int J Pl Prot 2009, 2(2), 191-4.

Interaction between Glomus fascicultum and Rhizobiumphaseoli and their effects on Glycine max (var. DH-125), was studied in a phosphorus dicient sandy loam. The number, dry weight and nitrogen content of the root nodules in plants inoculated with G fasciculatum plus R. phaseoli were significantly increased compared to uninoculated or with only R. phaseoli. Rhizobium phaseoli inoculation did not have a significant influence on sporulation of Gfasciculatumin in the rhizosphere soils. However, Glycine max plants inoculated with Gfasciculatum recovered increased phosphorus content, dry weight and grain yield than unioculated plants. Only R. phaseoli inoculation resulted in the increased nitrogen content of the plant and grain yield. Dual inoculation of both the symbionts significantly increased plant height, shoot dry weight and nitrogen content over single inoculation with either Gfasciculatum or R. phaseoli. These results suggest that arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi along with R. phaseoli can greatly increase nodulation and nitrogen fixation in Glycine max.

4 tables, 27 ref

001289   Agarwal A K;Rajwar G S (Botany Dep, Govt. Post Graduate College, Rishikesh-249 201, Email: agarwalak46@rediffmail.com) : Phytoplankton of Tehri dam reservoir Garhwal Himalaya. J Mount Res 2007, 2(Dec), 1-12.

The study gives an account of phytoplankton of the Tehri Dam reservoir during 2003- 2004, when the reservoir was 40 m deep and spread over 2.2 sq km. A total of 43 species of phytoplanktons were recorded from the three study sites. Maximum number of phytoplankton belonged to diatoms (22) which were followed by Chlorophyceae with 12 species. Cyanophyceae had the minimum number of phytoplankton (9). The number of genera belonging to phytoplankton groups, Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae and Diatoms were 10, 6 and 11 respectively.

2 illus, 1 table, 53 ref

001288   Acharya K;Pradhan P;Bhoumik B (Botany Dep, Calcutta Univ, Kolkata-700 019) : Pluteus cervinus (Schaeff.) P. Kumm.: an addition to the macrofungi of West Bengal, India. J envir Sociobiol 2009, 6(2), 119-22.

Vastness of flora and diversity of habit, habitat and topography have made West Bengal a paradise for wide varieties of macrofungi. Pluieus cerviiius, an agaricales was collected from Birati and reported first time from West Bengal. A detailed macro and microscopic features of this macrofungus species were presented.

1 illus, 10 ref

000315   Upadhyay M;Palni U T (NO, Herbal Research and Development Institute, Gopeshwar, Chamoli, Uttrakhand, Email: mupadhyay13@rediffmail.com) : Taxonomic studies on genus Saprolegnia in forest ecosystems of Indian central Himalaya. Indian J bot Res 2008, 4(3-4), 353-60.

Mixed oak forest (Quercus leucotrichophora and Q. floribunda) soil and leaf litter samples harboured 7 species of Saprolegnia viz., S. asterophora, S. dlclina, S. fsrax, S. lapponica, S. litoralis, S. parasitica and Saprolegnia sterile species. While cypress (Cupressus torulosd) and chir Piag (Pinus roxburghii) forest harboured 3 and 4 species respectively. Leaf litter samples of mixed oak and chir pine forest harboured 2 species each and chir pine leaf litter samples harboured only one species viz., Saprolegnia parasitica.

1 table, 16 ref

000314   Thomas S;Joseph s;Antony V T (Botany Dep, St. Berchmans College, Changanacherry, Kerala-686 101) : In Vitro pollen viability studies in Oroxylum indicum (L) Vent.- a rare medicinal tree species. Indian J bot Res 2008, 4(3-4), 421-6.

Oroxylum indicum (Bignoniaceae) is a small, deciduous, soft-wooded tree and occurs naturally in South and South-East Asia. The young fruit and leaves are used as vegetable and almost every part of the plant has medicinal value. It is categorized under endangered (50 - 80% population reduction) red listed medicinal trees of Kerala. The roots with high medicinal value and used in the Ayurvedic preparation of Dasamoolarishtam, The plant was being used for the treatment of various ailments such as human breast cancer, gastric ulcer, scabies, tonsil pain etc. The plant is being facing local extinction due to over exploitation and failure of natural regeneration. Therefore it is very important to identify the reproductive and natural regeneration behavior of this valuable species to avoid its possible extinction in future. Leaning the basic mechanics of plant reproductive biology is very essential hence it helps to monitor crucial steps in the reproductive process like pollen Formation, pollen shed, embryo and seed formation, seed development and maturity. This will enable to troubleshoot any potential problems that may be occur in any stage, helps to determine whether the poor regeneration of a species is due to environmental, cultural, or varietal factors that can potentially avoided in subsequent growing seasons. In the present investigation in vitro pollen viability studies were carried out using standard Brewbaker and Kwacks (BK) medium and acetocarmine test. The mean germination percentage obtained in BK medium was 70.50% and with acetocarmine test the viability was recorded as 87.46%.

1 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

000313   Thampi S R;Santhi R M (Botany Dep, Nesamony Memorial Christian College, Marthandam, Tamil Nadu-629 165) : Antibacterial study on selected medicinal plant of Cape Coumarin. Indian J bot Res 2008, 4(3-4), 427-32.

Andrographis paniculata and Adhatoda vasica were screened for their potential antibacterial activity. The antibacterial properties of leaf extracts were screened against ten human pathogenic bacteria i.e., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, Enterobacteria sp., β-haema streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus albus, Bacillus subtilis and Salmonella typhi. Disk diffusion method was used to study the antibacterial activity of plant extracts. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella typhi were the most resistant bacterial strains. Andrographis paniculata showed strong activity against the tested bacterial strains.

2 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

000312   Thakur P;Kashyap B;Gupta Y C (Floricultural and Landscaping Dep, Univ of Horticulture and Foresty, Nauni, Solon Himachal Pradesh-172 230) : Osbeckia stellata for gardening. Indian Hort 2009, 54(4), 26-7.

Osbeckia stellata, a brilliant ornamental shrub, bears bowl-shaped large flowers in shades of pink, purple, mauve and rosy lilac. The shrub has a great potential to be used in pots, borders and beds.

000311   Sunojkumar P (Botany Dep, Calicut Univ, Kerala-673 635, Email: drsunoj@gmail.com) : Critical notes on the taxonomic identity and status on Leucas stricta and Leucas clarkei complex (Lamiaceae). Indian J bot Res 2008, 4(3-4), 439-42.

L. clarki Hook.f. is found very similar to L. stricta Wall. ex Benth. in their morphological features. Morphological variations have been studied with fresh and herbarium specimens. Type specimens were examined and it is confirmed that L. clarkei is a latter stage of flowering of L. stricta and is merged.

1 illus, 6 ref

000310   Sunojkumar P (Botany Dep, Calicut Univ, Kerala-673 635, Email: drsunoj@gmail.com) : Medicinal leucas R.Br. (Lamiaceae)-botanic history and identity of species appeared in classical literature. Indian J bot Res 2008, 4(3-4), 433-8.

Leucas has been known as 'Dronapushpi' in Ayurvedic Nighantus and Samhitas. Identity of this name was a controversial subject and has been variously interpreted. Field information indipated that a species complex consists of Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link, L. linifolia (Roth) Spreng., L. zeylanica (L.) R.Br., L. cephalotes (Roth) Spreng. and L. stricta (Wall) Benth. belong to the Leucas section Plagiostoma has been used in different parts of India. Voucher specimens collected to interpret the species identity of the illustration appeared in Van Rheede's 'Tumba' and Riumphiu's Herba admirationis is identified as L. lavandulifolia. For species level taxonomy these drawings are less important as it is more artistic than a scientific work.

1 illus, 29 ref

000309   Subbu R R;Chandraprabha A;Sevugaperumal R (Plant Biology & Plant Biotechnology Dep, Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College, Sivakasi, Tamil Nadu, Email: racprabha@yahoo.com) : In vitro propagation of Citrullus colocynthis (L.) schrader- and anti-diabetic drug yielding plant. Indian J bot Res 2008, 4(3-4), 393-8.

Micropropagation study has been standardized for an important medicinal plant, Citrullus colocynthis using shoot tip and nodal explants. Multiple shoots were induced from explants cultured on agar based Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with BAP, Kinetin and Zeatin. The synergetic effect of BAP (1.0 mg/L) induced a mean of 13.82 ± 0.24 and 15.18< F128><145> 0.71 shoots per per shoot tip and nodal explants respectively. The rate of shoot induction by using BAP was higher than the remaining two hormones used. The elongated shoots were separated and rooted on MS medium supplemented with IBA and IAA. The maximum numbers of roots (7.08 ± 0.91) were observed on medium having (2.0 mg/L) of IBA. Plantlets, thus developed were established in soil with 60% survivability.

2 table, 15 ref

000308   Singh L;Yadav D K;Pagare P;Ghosh L;Thakur B S (College of Agriculture, Forestry Dep, Indira Gandhi Krshi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur-492 006, Email: laljiroma@rediffmail.com) : Impact of land use changes on species structure, biomass and carbon storage in tropical deciduous forest and converted forest. Int J Ecol envir Sci 2009, 35(1), 113-19.

Impacts of land use change on species structure, biomass and carbon storage were studied in a tropical deciduous forest and a converted forest. Total of 2740 trees representing 23 species and 1 8 families were recorded in the study area. Density and basal area of trees in different forest, plots ranged from 480 stems ha^{-1 (32 years old converted forest) to 920 stems ha-1 (natural forest) and 12.04m-2 ha-1 (15 years old converted forest) to 25.1 6 m2 ha-1 (natural forest). Diversities in these forest plots were 0.79 to 2.72 (Shannon index), 1.77 to 4.03 (Species richness), 0.44 to 1.18 (equitability), 0.78 to 1.0 (concentration of dominance) and 8.21 to 13.53 (beta diversity). The beta diversity was highest at disturbed forest plot, respectively. The total biomass recorded among the different forest plots was 192.933 Mg ha-1 in natural forest followed by 95.64 Mg ha-1 in 32 years old converted forest, 85.78 Mg ha-1 in 23 years old converted forest and 92.05 Mg ha-1 in 15 years old converted forest. The total above ground biomass in different forest plots ranged from 71.94 to 162.91 Mgha-1 with highest in natural forest and lowest in 23 years old converted forest. The below ground biomass varied from 1 3.97 to 30.02 Mg ha-1 with the highest in natural forest and lowest in 23 years old converted forest. Carbon storage was also maximum in natural forest (96.44 Mg ha-1) followed by 32 years old converted forest (47.801 Mgha-1), 15 years old converted forest (46.25 Mgha-1) and 23 years old converted forest (42.88 Mgha-1). The higher proportion of above ground carbon was allocated to bole followed by branch and root in different forests. The above ground carbon in different forests ranged between 35.88 to 81.43 Mg ha-1 with highest in natural forest and lowest in 23 years old converted forest. The below ground carbon in different forest varied from 6.98 to 1 5.01 Mg ha-1 and was highest in natural forest and lowest in 23 years old converted forest. Study revealed the changes in structure, diversity, biomass and carbon storage due to changes in land use practices in tropical deciduous forest.}

4 tables, 33 ref

000307   Singh L;Kaul V;Gohil R N (Botany Dep, Jammu Univ, Jammu-180 006, Email: singhsativum@yahoo.co.in) : Optimization of DNA isolation and PCR protocols for RAPD analysis of Allium sativum L. (Garlic). Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(3-4), 289-94.

Protocol for isolation of DNA from dried leaves of A. sativwn has been described. Young leaves from 24 samples were dried at 60°C for 24 hours and extraction performed without the use of liquid Nitrogen. The protocol resulted in isolation of good quality DNA. Using this DNA as template the PCR reactions for RAPD analysis were optimized and satisfactory amplification obtained with a decamer primer. It is suggested that the protocol mentioned in this study should also be tested on taxa other than A. sativum and, for other molecular markers too.

2 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

000306   Sheela D;Renjima V (Post Graduate Botany Dep, Sree Narayana College, Cherthala, Email: sheelaajayaghosh@gmail.com) : Effect of Keral State Drugs and Pharmaceuticals (K.S.D.P.) effluent on seed germination and growth of Vigna radiata L.. Indian J bot Res 2008, 4(3-4), 443-6.

Physico-chemical analysis of the drug factory effluent revealed the presence of high amounts of total suspended and dissolved solids such as sulphates, phosphates, chlorides, etc. Diluted effluent (up to 40%) favoured seedling growth. Length of radicle, hypocotyl and total length of the plants were increased by low concentrations of effluent. At higher concentrations (above 40%) of effluent, the growth of radicle and hypocotyl was retarded.

3 tables, 12 ref

000305   Shareef S M (NO, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram-695 562, Email: shariftbgri@rediffmail.com) : Leaf-variegated mutant of Tabernaemontana heyneana from the western ghats. Indian J bot Res 2008, 4(3-4), 389-92.

Seedling of Tabernaemontma heyneana Wall, with striking variegated leaves was collected from Palade, (Thiruvananthapuram) the foothills of the Western Ghats. Saplings produced through repeated vegetative propagation in Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (TBGRI), Thiruvananthapuram was retained the variegation even after its fourth generation. Thus, it is proved that the leaf variegation in this mutant is constant and stable and can be popularized as ornamentals.

1 illus, 14 ref

000304   Shanmugaiah V;Balasubramanian N; Gomathinayagam S;Manoharan P T;Rajendran A (P.G. Research Centre of Botany Dep, V.H.N.S.N. College, Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, Email: vshanmugaiah@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma viride on growth promotion in sorghum. Indian J bot Res 2008, 4(3-4), 453-60.

Beneficial plant-microbe interactions in the rhizosphere are primary determinants of plant health and soil fertility. The most important and economically cultivated plant sorghum was selected to test the growth promotion by antagonistic organisms Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluroescens with and without pathogen Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina. The pathogens R. solani, M. phaseolina and the antagonists T. viride and P. fluorescens were mass cultured in sand maize medium to evaluate with sorghum seeds growth. Of these antagonists T. viride was found to be more effective than P. fluroescens on shoot and root length elongation. Germination percentage, root, shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight and vigour index were 5 and 3.5 fold increased treated with T. viride and P. fluorescens respectively in separate and pre-treatment application when compared with control.

2 table, 21 ref

000303   Sarmah R (Centre for Bioinformatics Studies, Dibrugah Univ, Dibrugarh) : Regeneration of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in soils disturbed by shifting cultivation. Bull Life Sci 2010, 16(3), 18-28.

Three places of Karbi Anglong District of Assam, India namely Amtreng, Hamren and Dilai were surveyed for AM fungal spores in the soil disturbed by shifting cultivation ("Jhum Kheti"). After one or two cultivations the plots are left abandoned for few years for natural regeneration. About 20-30 years was the time period of abandonment, which is presently reduced to 3-5 years. The estimation of AM fungal spores in the soil after slashing and burning reveals that the soil contains of 2-4 numbers of viable spores/10 g of soil. The number of spore increases subsequently with the increasing year of abandonment. The rate of recurrence is about 10 spores/10g soil per annum. The 3-5 year of abandonment may be insufficient for regeneration of the AM fungi to become equivalent as in the adjacent undisturbed areas. The same can be estimated to be achieved by AM fungi if the lands are left abandoned to 7 to 9 years. The observation of large number of spores in the foot hills in comparison to that on the top explains about the top soil erosion.

3 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

000302   Reshi Z;Khuroo A A;Dar G H (Botanay Dep, Kashmir Univ, Sringar-190 006, Email: zreshi@yahoo.com) : Net primary productivity and transfer dynamics in Kashmir Himalayan grasslnds. Int J Ecol envir Sci 2009, 35(1), 101-12.

In view of being an important process in ecosystems and of great significance to ecological studies, net primary productivity, together with accumulation of plant dry matter and its transfer dynamics, was studied in two grasslands occurring at elevations of 1600 m (low elevation grassland) and 1950 m above mean sea level (high elevation grassland). Thirty eight species occurred at the low elevation grassland and 11 species were recorded at the high elevation grassland. Maximum aboveground live plant biomass in low elevation grassland was 422.00 g m^{-2 and the same in high elevation grassland was 2189.30 g m-2. Peak values of standing dead material in the two grasslands were 558.6 g m-2 and 2377.2 g m-2, respectively.. The litter mass in the low elevation grassland ranged from a low of 15 6 g m-2 to a high of 1111 g m-2 while as the corresponding values in the high elvation grassland were 840 g m-2 and 1590 g m-2, respectively. Belowground drymass was also higher (5016.50 g m-2 ) in high elevation grassland compared to low elevation grassland wherein peak belowground drymass was 1 691.50 g m-2. Aboveground Net Productivity (ANP), Belowground Net productivity (BNP) and Total Net Productivity (TNP) values in the low elevation grassland were 1467.76gm-2y-1, 1940.00 gm-2y-1,and 3408.21 gm-2y-1, respectively. The corresponding values in the high elevation grassland were 3088.69, 6072.50 and 9161.19 g m-2y-1 Of the total TNP, 43% and 34% were transferred to ANP in low- and high elevation grasslands, respectively. About 57% and 67% of TNP was transferred to BNP in the two grasslands. The turnover rates of aboveground live biomass and belowground biomass in the low elevation grassland were 3.48 and 1.58, respectively and the corresponding values in the high elevation grassland were 1.41. and 1.21.}

2 illus, 7 tables, 51 ref

000301   Reshi Z;Khuroo A A;Dar G H (Botanay Dep, Kashmir Univ, Sringar-190 006, Email: zreshi@yahoo.com) : Plant species diversity in the Kashmir Himalayan grasslands along an elevational gradient. Int J Ecol envir Sci 2009, 35(1), 91-100.

In view of paramount significance of species diversity to community structure and function, the present study was aimed at a comparative assessment of plant species richness, evenness, and aggregate diversity of the Kashmir Himalayan grasslands occurring at different elevations. Rarefaction method that takes into account nonlinearity of species and area combined with a fitting procedure, and non-parametric estimators were used to compute the expected number of species. All the estimators of species richness used in the present study performed reasonably well, but the ICE (Incidence-based Coverage Estimator) and Chao2 were particularly useful even at low sampling effort. Highest number of 26 species was recorded in the valley-plain grassland and lowest number of 17 species was recorded in the alpine grassland. Evenness and Shannon index of diversity, due to dominance of the grass Themeda anathera, in the sub-alpine grassland were lowest compared to the valley-plain and alpine grasslands. SHE analysis clearly indicated variable contribution of richness and evenness components to the aggregate measure of species diversity in these grasslands. Computation of the complementarity of species composition between the grasslands, analysed through use of the different indices, revealed more or less distinct species assemblages in the grasslands. We suggest that a separate but simultaneous measurement of diversity components using standardized sampling protocols and appropriate diversity estimators, as adopted in the present study, are obligatory for clear understanding and better interpretation of the patterns of plant diversity in the natural plant communities, such as grasslands.

3 illus, 3 tables, 46 ref

000300   Reddy B T;Moulali D A;Chandra Sekhar M V (Botany Dep, Govt. College, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh-515 001, Email: drbtreddy@yahoo.co.in) : Antimicrobial activity of stem bark extract of an endangered plant Hildegardia populifolia (Roxb.) Schott & Endl.. Indian J bot Res 2008, 4(3-4), 411-12-13.

Antimicrobial activity as well as fungal activity of stem bark extracts of Hildegardia populifolia was tested by disc diffusion method and cup plate methods. It was shown that the methanol extracts have exhibited significant antimicrobial activity where as it showed less susceptibility to fungal strains.

1 table, 5 ref

000299   Rawat V S;Chandhok A (Botany Dep, Kumaun Univ, D.S.B. Campus, Nainital, Uttarakhand, Email: singhvardan@rediffmail.com) : Medicinal plants used by tribes of Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(3-4), 169-73.

The information has been generated during the coarse of survey exploration earned out in Tones, Gaiiga end Yamuna vallies of Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand state. The investigations revealed that the hill region of Uttarakhand sustains a very rich medicinal plant wealth and inherit unique plant communities beside this certain plants become endangered due to overexploitation, grazing by livestock and human population. Medicinal plants are used differentially for specified purpose, plant part such as root, stem, leaf, flower, bark and seed contains different phytochemicals in differing quantity, but the vast knowledge still lies with old people living near the remote forests, Shepherds, local Vaids and Juggars. Some of the herbs used by them are so interesting that proper investigation for screening and evaluation were needed, which likely to provide new cures and materials to world medicine, The selected plants should be studied according to phytochemical and conserved for the use of future generation.

1 table, 10 ref

000298   Rao P K;Rao T R (Biochemistry Dep, Andhra Pradesh Univ, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh-530 003, Email: koti_au@yahoo.co.in) : Antibacterial activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra methanolic extract. Indian J bot Res 2008, 4(3-4), 399-404.

Medicinal plants are potential of antimicrobial compounds. The present study deals with the antibacterial activity of methanolic extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra. Aerial parts of the plant were collected from Himalayan region, air-dried and extracted by methanol. The dried extract was redissolved in methanol to make a l00mg/ml solution and then filtered. Antibacterial activity of the extract was evaluated against various selective oral bacteria using disk diffusion technique. The extract inhibited growth of the Streptococcus mutans (MTCC 890), Streptococcus mutans (MTCC 497), Streptococcus salivarius, Laetobacillus fermentum, Streptococcus anginosus, Streptococcus gordonii, Laetobacillus acidophilus. The most significant effect was seen against S.aureus, which are important oral pathogens.

1 table, 13 ref

000297   Raj Kumar G;Pandurangan A G (NO, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Insittute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram-695 5626, Email: agpandurangan@mail.com) : Albinism and its genetic significance in Popowia beddomeana hook. R. & Thoms.-a rare and endemic plant of southern western ghats. Indian J bot Res 2008, 4(3-4), 985-8.

Albino seedlings were noticed along with normal seedlings in natural population of Popowia beddomeana Hook. f. & Thoms, located at Agasthyamala forests of Southern Western Ghats. The formation of albinism have been considered due to the presence of homozygous recessive genes or albino carrying genotypes in the natural population of the species. Thus the phenomenon could be treated as genetic marker facilitated to identify spontaneous mutation in the natural ecosystem of the species. This forms the first record in this rare and endemic species. The incident attributes genetic as well as evolutionary significance in conservation point of view.

1 illus, 18 ref

000296   Radhakrishnan V V;Menon P P;Madhusoodanan K J;Mohanan K V (NO, Indian Cardmom Research Institute, Myladumpara-685 553, Email: vvricri@yahoo.com) : Path analysis in cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton). Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(3-4), 311-6.

Path coefficient analysis was done in 90 genotypes of cardamom (Eleitaria cardamomum Maton) to determine the direct and indirect effects on yield via number of leaves per tiller, tiller height, leaf breadth, leaf length, number of bearing tillers per clump, total tillers per clump, number of capsules per raceme, number of racemes per panicle, number of panicles per clump, panicle length and number of seeds per capsule. About 82% of characters had positive direct effect on yield. Number of panicles per clump had the highest direct effect on yield followed by number of racemes per panicle and number of bearing tillers per clump. Number of seeds per capsule, leaf breadth and leaf length had weak direct effect on yield.

2 tables, 3 ref

000295   Pratheesh Kumar P;Joseph G (Biotechnology Dep, Sharaf Arts & Science College, Kasargod, Kerala-671 312, Email: pkpsharaf@yahoo.co.in) : Clonal propagation, callus formation and plant regeneration of Cardiospermum halicacabum L. and important medicinal plant. Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(3-4), 303-10.

Cardiospermum halicacabum L. is an important herbaceous climber belonging to the family Sapindaceae. A rapid cloual propagation of C. halicacabum from its shoot tip explant has been developed. Shoot tip explaists were cultured on MS basal medium with different concentration of IAA, NAA and 2,4-D and combine with BAP. Of the various hormonal concentrations, combination of 2.0 mg L^{-1 IAA with 0.5 mg L-1 BAP was observed as the best concentration for maximum multiple shoot bud induction from shoot tip derived callus. Callus with shoot bud cut into small pieces and subcultured on MS medium containing various concentrations of BAP and KN for shoot proliferation. Maximum number and higher frequency of shoot proliferation was observed on the medium supplemented with 2.0 mg L-1 BAP alone. The regenerated plantlels were rooted on the medium containing various concentrations of IAA and IBA. The higher frequency of root induction was obtained on medium containing 2.0 mg L-1 IAA, followed by 2.0 mg L-1 IBA. The rooted plantlets were transferred to the plastic cups, pots and then to the field of which 90% plantlets were survived.}

6 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

000294   Prakasia P P;Sheela D (Botany Dep, Research Center, St. Teresa's College, Ernakulam, Kerala, Email: topressy@yahoo.co.in) : Comparative study of heavy metals and major nutrients in different parts of Lantana camara L. in relation to ambient soil. Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(3-4), 277-80.

The concentration of heavy metals like Lead, Cadmium, Zinc, Copper and Manganese and major nutrients like Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium were studied in different parts of Lantana camara L. collected from the coastal belt (Willington Island) and the industrial belt (Eloor) of Kochi, Kerala. The studies showed the presence of varying concentrations of heavy metals and major nutrients in plant parts collected from Eloor and Willington Island.

5 tables, 9 ref

000293   Prakash J W;Hepsibha S;Joseph J;Reginin Balasingh G S (Botany Dep, Christian Colleg Research Center, Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu) : Antibacterial activity of selected macro algae from the river Thambraparani, Tamil Nadu. Indian J bot Res 2008, 4(3-4), 405-9.

Plants are wonderful chemists a trait that benefits not only the plants themselves but also humans. Aquatic plants are a rich source of structurally novel and biologically active metabolites. Now a days new diseases are evolving different parts of the wold,including bacterial and viral diseases. Plants are the good source of developing new drugs. Plant-based antimicrobials have enormous therapeutic potential as they can serve the purpose with lesser side effects that are often associated with synthetic antimicrobials, The methods employed in this study were designed with the purpose of providing baseline information on antibacterial activity of eight macro algal species collected from Thambraparani river.

1 table, 23 ref

000292   Paul J J P;Jerlin G A;Maria X I;Maharaja A; Suresh Kumar K P (Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology Dep, St. Xavier's College, Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu-627 002, Email: johnarock2008@yahoo.com) : Allelopathic effect of of Pedalium murex L. on Pennisetum typhoides Stapf & Hubb.. Indian J bot Res 2008, 4(3-4), 415-20.

Investigation was carried out to study the allelopathic of pedalium murex L. on Pennisetum typhoides Stapf & Hubb. Bioassay study of aerial part aqueous extract inhibited the seed germination, seedling growth and phytochemicds production of the test plant. The maximum inhibition of shoot length (-97.75%) was found in 100% concentration and minimum inhibition of shoot length (- 10.66%) in 25% concentration of Pedalium murex L. on Pennisetum typhoides. When the concentration of extract was increased from 25% to 100%, the total chlorophyll, total carbohydrates and total proteins content was decreased. This indicates that allelochemicais are present in Pedalium murex L.

1 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

000291   Paraveen Dhar T;Vijayakumar N (NO, Mononmanium Sundarnar Univ, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, Email: dharpraveen@yahoo.com) : Palynological studies in selected species of Ipomoea Linn. Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(3-4), 269-76.

An attempt has been made to examine the relation of palynology with classification. Palynology is supposed to be an important tool for classifying the plants. The morphological characters of the pollen shall be categorized under aperture, size, shape, exine ornamentation, nature and length of spine. The aperture character is considered to be primary importance, the exine surface pattern as secondary and others as tertiary. For the present investigation 16 species of lpomoea were selected. Plants used in this study were collected from different localities of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Ail the 16 members of the genus Ipomoea showed pantoporate aperture morphotype, spinose exine ornamentation and spheroidal shape.

1 table, 22 ref

000290   Pandey B N (Botany Dep, Government College, Lansdowne, Pauri Garhwal-246 139) : Effect of water deficit stress on free amino acid content of Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench. J Mount Res 2009, 4(Dec), 100-5.

Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench. was subjected to water deficit stress. Water content of soil was measured. Water status in plant tissue was measured in the fifth leaf in terms relative water contents (RWC), Amino acid contents of the fifth leaf were analyzed. Amino acids were separated by two-dimensional paper chromatography and their quantitative estimation was done by spectrophotometer. It was found that watet contents of soil and that.of the fifth leaf decreased but the free amino acid contents increased in response water stress.

2 tables, 10 ref

000289   Neelam (Botany Dep, Kurukshetra Univ, Kurukshetra-136 119, Email: srgupta2002@yahoo.com) : Conservation tillage effects on crop yield, carbon accumulation and soil nitrogen transformation in rice-wheat systems in Northern India. Int J Ecol envir Sci 2009, 35(2-3), 199-209.

The effect of different tillage practices was determined on crop yield, carbon accumulation, and soil nitrogen availability in a rice-wheat agricultural system (located at Uchana, 29°51' N, 76° 57' E and 245 m above mean sea level) in northern India. The rice crop was grown under conventional practices and wheat crop under zero-tillage (ZT), conventional tillage (CT) and furrow-irrigated raised bed (FIRB). The zero-tillage in wheat^had a favorable effect on soil carbon and nitrogen, crop yield, carbon accumulation and nitrogen uptake. In rice crop, the grain yield varied from 6026 to 6105 kg ha^{-1, being higher in zero-tillage system. The accumulation of carbon in grain, straw and roots of wheat varied from 4657.99 to 5147.21 kg C ha-1. The carbon accumulation in rice ranged from 5662.47 to 5923.63 kg C ha-1. Total nitrogen uptake in grain, straw and roots of wheat was (kg N ha-1): 154 zero-tillage; 139 furrows irrigated raised bed; 124 conventional tillage. The efficiency of nitrogen uptake in rice crop was 52.30 to 55.69% and that in wheat crop varied from 61.39 to 69.81%. The soil inorganic N in different tillage systems was (|μ,g NO₃ - N + NH₄+ - N g-1 soil) : 9.57 to 16.23 (CT); 4.18 to 15.90 (ZT); 7.54 to 14.52 (FIRB). Due to amendment of straw and roots in the soil, the average soil microbial biomass N was 38.71 to 45.49 μg<^3>-1 g-1 soil. Nitrogen mineralization rates as percent of plant residue nitrogen during 140 days of incubation were: 27.96% (wheat straw), 14.21% (wheat roots), 20.15% (rice straw) and 13.95% (rice roots).}

3 illus, 6 tables, 36 ref

000288   Murty P P;Padal S B;Sankar M;Prameela R (Botany Dep, A.V.N. College, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh-530 003, Email: ppm_phd@yahoo.com) : Orchids of Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh. Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(3-4), 247-56.

Visakhapatnam district is one of the North. Eastern Coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh and it lies between 17°-15' and 18°-32' Northern latitude and 18°-54' and 83°-30' in Eastern longitude. It is bounded on the North partly by the Orissa State and partly by Vizianagaram District, on the South by East Godavari District, on the West by Orissa State and on the East by Bay of Bengal. The district has two distinct geographical divisions i.e. plain area and hilly area, the strip of land along the coast and the interior region is called the plain area and the hilly area of the Eastern Ghats is called agency area. The main Forest types in this zone are: 1. Moist mixed deciduous forests 2. Semi evergreen forests 3. Mixed dry deciduous forests, 4. Dry evergreen forests 5. Thorny scrub forests 6. Dry savannah or hill top forests and 7. Littoral or mangrove forests. The hilly forest areas are located in north western parts of the area covering with hills and valleys, and the hill tops ranging from 900m to 1600m with favorable conditions for the growth of Orchids. Orchids are very specialized group of plants with the most beautiful flowers in the world. Orchidaceae is the one of the largest families of flowering plants showing a great range of diversity in size shape and colour of flowers. India has 1600species of orchids out of which 1400 found in Himalayan region and 200 species in the Western and Eastern Ghats of India about 60 species of orchids are present in the Eastern Ghats. In Visakhapatnam we have reported about 39 species of orchids. The terrestrial orchids like Eulophia apidendraea (Retz.) fischer; Geodorum densiflorum (Lam) Schltr; Habenaria spp.;Malaxis rheedii SW.; Nerviliaplicata (Andr.) schlt; and the epiphytic Orchids like Cymbidium aloefoliwn (L.)SW.; Dendrobium aphyllum(Roxb.) Fischer; Luisia zeylanica Lindl; Vanda spp.; Oberonia spp.; Pholidotapallida Lindl. and others are present in this region. Conservation programmes are needed to conserve these orchids in Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh.

8 ref

000287   Mitra S (Post Graduate Dep of Botany, Hooghly Mohsin College, Chuchura, Hooghly, West Bengal) : Bioconversion of agroindustrial wastes in different nitrogen sources. Bull Life Sci 2010, 16(3), 66-74.

Fungi exhibit considerable versatility with regards to utilization of nitrogen sources and meet nitrogen requirement from organic or inorganic compounds. Substitution of different nitrogen compound viz., ammonium sulphate, sodium nitrate, diammonium hydrogen phosphate, urea and peptone in jute stick and sugar cane bagasse were differently degraded by Trichoderma viride, Chaetomium globosum and Pleurotus sajor-caju. Amongst the different nitrogen sources ammonium sulphate exhibit higher fungal growth as was reflected by higher soluble carbohydrate and lower soluble nitrogen. Of the organisms T. viride proved to be the most efficient degrader of cellulose which P. sajor-caju lignin. Of the two substrates sugar cane bagasse was preferred by the organisms.

2 tables, 26 ref

000286   Mehalingam P;Suresh M;Meena D;Wesely E G (Research Centere in Botany, V.H.N. Senthikumara Nadar College, Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu-626 001, Email: mehalingamp@yahoo.co.in) : Antimicrobial activity of Wrightia tinctoria R.br. and ethnomedicinal plant of Apocyanaceae. Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(3-4), 187-90.

Wrightia tinctoria, R.Br an ethnoinedieinai plant of Courtallurn hills of Western Ghats of Tirunelveli District, Tamilnadu was tested for its antimicrobial activity using standard method. It was observed that leaf extract of this plant is active against gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter entericus} organisms. Gentamycin and Streptomycin were used as standards. It was observed that all the bacteria are sensitive to known antibiotics in comparison to leaf extract. However, zone of inhibition formed due to plant extract clearly indicate the presence of antibacterial substances in it.

3 tables, 6 ref

000285   Marimuthu P;Rekha P;Kalidass C;Mohan V R (Ethnopharmacology Unit, Research Botany Dep, V.O. Chidambaram College, Tuticorin-628 008, Email: vrmohan_2005@yahoo.com) : Pharmaco-chemical characterisation of three ethnomedicinal plants. Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(3-4), 191-6.

The study deals with the pharmaco-chemical characterization of leaves of Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Wild, Vitex negundo L. and the whole plant of Tribulus terrestris L. Since, the above said three plant speciesTare used as medicine for treating various ailments. Physicochemical constants (ash and extractive values), fluorescence analysis and preliminary phytochemical analysis were carried out. The preliminary study will be helpful to study the active principles using modern techniques in the later part of this work.

5 tables, 12 ref

000284   Manjunath Rao T;Janakiram T (Ornamental Crops Div, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta Lakepost, Bangalore-560 089) : Arka ravi chrysanthemum to enrich flower basket. Indian Hort 2009, 54(6), 10-11.

Arka Ravi is a peach coloured promising chrysanthemum variety developed by hybridization and selection. It is an early-blooming, one month earlier than local yellow variety. It is suitable for cut flowers which have a vase-life of 12 days.

ref

000283   Mahawer L N;Baorwa H L;Kaushik R A;Shukla A K (Horticulture Dep, Maharana Pratap Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur-313 001) : Blanket flower for decoration. Indian Hort 2009, 54(6), 26-7.

After screening of open-pollinated seedlings of Gaillardia pulchella maintained at field repository, two promising lines-MPUAT GOPS 1 and MPUAT GOPS-3-were identified at MPUAT, Udaipur. The MPUAT GOPS 1 is a compact double flower, yellow colour ray floret, flower yield being 154.0-351.0 g/plant and 17.11-38.99 tonnes/ha. However, MPUAT GOPS 3 is a compact double flower, dark red colour ray floret, flower yield 174.6-328.0 g/plant and 19.39-36.44 tonnes/ha. Promising lines with higher flower yield with quality attributes are described.