000282   Lawrence B (Plant Biology Dep and Biotechnology, Women's Christian College, Nagercoil, K.K. District, Tamil Nadu-629 001, Email: dileepbeena@yahoo.co.in) : Antibacterial activity of extracts from Acalypha indica and Phyllanthus Nirurii. Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(3-4), 181-5.

The chloroform and methanol solvent extracts of plants like Acalypha indica and Phyllanthus nirurii were tested for antimicrobial activity. The extracts were tested against bacterial strains like Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E.coli. The investigation was undertaken to find out the efficiency of the two solvents in extracting the medicinal principle out of the experimental plants. Results confirmed that methanol solvent was best in extracting out the medicinal principle from Acalypha indica and Phyllanthus nirurii Antibacterial studies showed a maximum inhibition zone of 10.6 mm against E. coli by the methanol extract of Phyllanthus nirurii While an inhibition zone of 10.9 mm was obtained in E.coli cultures when methanol extract of Acalypha indica was incorporated in the culture medium.

2 tables, 11 ref

000281   Lal Singh;Soni P;Jha V N (Ecology & Environment Div, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun-248 001) : Consolidation of radionuclides in uranium tailings at Jaduguda (Jharkhand): a case study. Int J Ecol envir Sci 2009, 35(2-3), 255-60.

Low-grade uranium deposits discovered in Singhbhum region (Jharkhand) during early sixties have been mined and processed in several areas such as Jaduguda, Bhatin and Narwapahar since 1968. The mill tailings at Jaduguda were covered with 30 cm. thick soil layer. It is required to consolidate the radioactivity by raising plant species which do not have any socioeconomic relevance in the area and have very low uptake of radionuclides. Seven native plant species were selected for experimental trials. Distribution and concentration of U(Nat.) was evaluated in tailings pond areas at different depths in soil and tailings, and uptake of U(Nat.) by the selected plant species was estimated. The concentration of U(Nat.) followed the order: tailings > soil cover on tailings> roots > shoots. The results show that the species examined are appropriate for consolidation of radionuclide in Uranium tailings as compared to naturally occurring species which have higher radionuclide uptake and accumulation.

1 illus, 4 tables, 14 ref

000280   Laila Banu N R;James J E (Botany Dep, Scott Christian College Research Center, Nagercoil-629 003, Email: laila_n_banu@yahoo.com) : Effect of water stress on yield and agronomic characters of Lablab purpureus (L.) sweet (Lablab bean). Indian J bot Res 2008, 4(3-4), 369-76.

Lablab is an edible and ornamental plant which has bees widely distributed to many tropical and subtropical countries where it has become naturalised. The objective of this study was to investigate effects of water on yield and agronomic characters of lablab bean grown in pot were studied under outdoor conditions. Water stress was imposed by irrigating the plants with 80%, 60%, 40% and 20% of water needed to reach pot capacity (PC) in the soil. Control plants were irrigated 100% of PC. Plants grown trader high water stress had less fruit yield and agronomic characters of all treatments were decreased than those in the control plants. The significant responses of all treatments were observed.

4 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

000279   Kumar B (D.S.B. Campus, Kumaun Univ, Nainital, Email: drbalwantkumararya@gmail.com) : Growth rate of two corticolous lichens in Chopta forest (Garhwal Himalaya), India. Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(3-4), 235-8.

Two corticolous lichens viz. Parmotrema nilgherrense (Nyl.) Hale (macroliehen) and Pertusaria leucosorodes Nyl. (microlichen) were selected for the radial increment in size of the thallus at Chopta region in Rudraprayag Garhwal Himalaya. The maximum increase in growth was recorded for Parmotrama nilgherrense 7.28 mm^{2/y and for Pertusaria leucosorodes 2.08 mm<^2/y.}

1 table, 5 ref

000278   Kulloli S K;Sreekala A K (Plant Systematics and Evolutionary Science Div, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Pacha-Palode, Trivandrum, Kerala-695 562, Email: shreekulloli@gmail.com) : Pollination ecology and breeding system of Impatiens trichocarpa Hook. f. (Balsaminaceae): an endemic balsam of western ghats. Int J Ecol envir Sci 2009, 35(2-3), 231-6.

A study of floral phenology, pollen production, foraging nature of flower visitors and breeding systems were studied in Impatiens trichocarpa Hook. f. an endemic balsam of Western Ghats. The flowers are beautifully coloured and open in the night and continue up to morning. Anther dehisced one day before anthesis which confirmed the protandrous condition of the flower. Stigmas are receptive at the time of anthesis and remains so far 20 hour. Flowers offer pollen and nectar to the visitors. Honey bees, hawk moths, butterflies, flies etc. are the major pollinators of Impatiens trichocarpa. Manual pollinations revealed that the species permits geitonogamous and xenogamous type of pollinations. The percentage of fruit set in manually pollinated flowers is higher than that resulting from open pollination. Its high altitude habitat, narrow environmental niche, fragmentation of populations, low percentage of seed germination and floral damage caused by the insect could be the reasons for its limited distribution in the wild.

1 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

000277   Kulloli S K;Sreekala A K (Plant Systematics and Evolutionary Science Div, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Pacha-Palode, Trivandrum-695 562, Email: shreekulloli@gmail.com ) : Pollination biology of Impatiens dalzellii hook. f. and Thomson (Balsaminaceae) endemic to the western ghats, India. Int J Ecol envir Sci 2009, 35(2-3), 211-18.

Reports on the pollination biology of Impatiens dalzellil, a rare and endemic balsam of the Western Ghats. The plants flower during July to December with maximum bloom in October. The flowers last for 2-3 days. Anthesis occurrs in night time (02.00-03.15 h) and dehisce one day before anthesis which confirms the protandrous nature of the flower. Pollen grains are spherical, tri-colporate with reticulate exine and 28.5μm in diameter. FCR test shows maximum pollen viability of 88% on the day of anthesis. The receptivity of stigma begins one day after anthesis and lasts until the late morning. Honeybees, hawk moths, butterflies and flies forage at the flower but honeybees serve a better pollinator. Pollen grains are deposited on the dorsal surface of the thorax during honeybee visit to the flowers and stigma rubs the pollen coated thorax and is pollinated when the bees visit the flowers of other plants. There is high level of xenogamy. Pollination efficiency under field condition is very poor which results in low fruit set but manual pollination enhanced the rate of fruit set up to 75%. Different pollination experiments confirmed that, the species is self-incompatible. None of the self-pollinated flowers sets fruits, but over 75% of the cross-pollinated flowers set fruits. Seed germination was also limited to 20%. The species is poorly distributed due to biotic and abiotic factors all of which either alone all in combination are responsible for the limited distribution of this species in the Western Ghats.

2 illus, 2 tables, 43 ref

000276   Kavitha K R;Shijil Kumar M V;Lalitha C R; Raveendran K (Botany Dep, Sree Narayana College, Kannur, Kerala, Email: drkavithakr@gmail.com) : Evaluation of cytotoxic potential of fruit extracts of Cerbera odollum in Allium cepa root. Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(3-4), 263-8.

In the study, the Alliian cepa root tip was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of Cerbera odottum, fruit extract. For this, the root tips were treated with fruit extracts at different concentrations. The mitotic indices of the control and the treatments were calculated and the chromosomal aberrations were also riadied. The study revealed that the fruit extracts of Cerbera odottum at different concentrations have significant effect on mitotic index and can induce chromosomal aberrations.

10 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

000275   Joseph J;Balasingh R (Botany Dep, Research Center, Scott Christian College, Nagercoil-629 003, Email: jijijoseph.ji@gmail.com) : Diversity of chroococcales in the freshwater ponds of Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu. Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(3-4), 197-202.

The diversity of order Chroococcales was studied in the year 2007 to 2009. The study was carried out in two fresh water ponds of Kanyakumari district. Thirty three species of algae were reported, of which seven species was found through out the year.

9 ref

000274   Jayasree S;Sabu M (Botany Dep, Calicut Univ, Kerala-673 635, Email: msabu9@gmail.com) : Anatomical studies on the genus Amomum Roxb (Zingiberaceae) in South India. Indian J bot Res 2008, 4(3-4), 377-84.

Comparative anatomical study of six species of Amomum from South India with reference to their dermal morphology, sheath, petiole, midrib, lamina and leaf margin was conducted to provide some additional information for the correct identification of the different species even in the vegetative stage. A key based on the anatomical characters is provided.

4 illus, 12 ref

000273   Jagetiya B L;Kaur M J;Sharma A (Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biotechnology, Botany Dep, M.L.V. Govt. College, Bhilwara, Rajasthan-311 001, Email: 1ppb_2002@indiatimes.com) : Physiological response and yield of paclobutrazol treated soybean plants. Indian J bot Res 2008, 4(3-4), 361-8.

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is an important leguminous crop and experiments were conducted to improve the soybean yield using paclobutrazol (PBZ). The effect of various concentrations (1,10,100,1000 μg ml^{-1) of foliar spray of Paclobutrazol were studied on chlorophyll (chl. 'a', chl. 'b' and total chl. and chl a/b) contents; vegetative growth (plant height, leaf area) and yield (number of pods plant-1, fresh pod weight, weight per 100 seeds). Concentrations of Paclobutrazol were applied at two growth stages of soybean viz V₆ (vegetative) and R₂ (reproductive). Foliar treatment of PBZ improves the chlorophyll contents up to 100 fig ml-1 concentration. All the application rates of PBZ resulted in reduced plant height and leaf area. Increase in number of pods plant-1 and fresh pod weight was observed up to l00μg ml-1 foliar treatment of PBZ in both the growth stages. Decrease in weight per 100 dry seeds was observed at all the concentrations. 1000 μg ml-1 PBZ treatment was toxic. The increase in number of pods plant-1 and fresh pod weight up to 100 μg ml-1 PBZ treatment indicates that PBZ can be used as partitioning agent to improve the yield when it is used at appropriate growth stage with its optimum concentrations.}

3 tables, 25 ref

000272   Jacob J P;Ramesh Kumar A (NO, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, R.S. Puram, Coimbatore-641 002) : Incidence of galls induced by Leptocybe invasa on seedlings of Eucalyptus camaldulensis and E. tereticornis from different seed sources in Southern India. Int J Ecol envir Sci 2009, 35(2-3), 187-98.

Levels of susceptibility and resistance measured in terms of intensity of gall incidence induced by the invasive wasp Leptocybe invasa Fisher and La Salle on seedlings of Eucalyptus camaldulenis Dehnh. and E. tereticornis Sm. raised from nine different seed sources in southern India have been compared. Seedlings raised from different seed sources showed variation in percentage of gall incidence, number of galls, and growth of seedlings, besides tissue-specific variation in the incidence of galls on seedlings. Under identical environmental conditions, seedlings from the seed sources Ongole red, Kennedy River, Pudukkottai, Rudrapur were severely affected, bearing several galls on petiole, midrib, and stems of new branches, whereas seedlings of the seed sources Sathyavedu 1 showed resistance to gall induction with a few isolated galls occurring on either petioles or midribs and rarely on stems. Severely affected seedlings were growth retarded. Anatomy of galls showed that in the seedlings that were 'resistant', the eggs were deposited in the cortical region outside the vascular ring, whereas in susceptible seedlings the eggs occurred in the parenchymatous tissue within the vascular ring.

13 illus, 4 tables, 25 ref

000271   Gupta S R;Neelam;Ravi Kumar (Botany Dep, Kurukshetra Univ, Kurukshetra-136 119, Email: sgupa2002@yahoo.com) : Soil ecology, biodiversity and carbon management. Int J Ecol envir Sci 2009, 35(2-3), 129-61.

Gives an overview of soil ecosystem services, soil organic matter dynamics, models of soil organic matter, biotic and abiotic control of litter decomposition, patterns of soil biodiversity, and potential of soil carbon sequestration to mitigate climate change. Healthy soil provides a wide range of ecosystem goods and services and the value of the ecosystem services provided by soil biodiversity amounts to US $ 1.5 trillion per year. Soil texture, soil mineralogy and soil organic matter play an important role in the functioning of an ecosystem. The global carbon pools and fluxes, and soil and vegetation carbon pools at biome and regional level have been discussed. The organic matter inputs and soil carbon pools vary in different biomes and ecosystems. Soil organic carbon simulation models are being increasingly used to describe soil carbon dynamics. Climate, soil fauna and litter quality regulate the rates of litter decomposition at local, regional and global scale. Litter quality has emerged as the most important direct regulator of the rates and patterns of litter decomposition at the global scale. There is much interest to analyze the effect of litter diversity, climate change and invasive species on litter decomposition rates. Modern techniques of molecular biology and high resolution microscopy elucidate the structural and functional aspects of soil biodiversity. Sustainable management and conservation of soil biota is important for conserving global biodiversity, as soil communities are species rich and affect ecosystem processes. Conservation agriculture, tree plantations on degraded lands, and agroforestry could enhance carbon storage in the soil-plant system. The integration of science, technology and traditional ecological knowledge can make substantial contribution to the science of soil ecology, ecosystem carbon management, and sustainability.

12 illus, 11 tables, 227 ref

000270   Ghildiyal J C;Sadana G;Juyal P (Botany Dep, Dr. P.D.B.H. Government PG College, Kotdwara, Garhwal-246 149) : Ethno-medicinal uses of the plants by Bhoksa tribe of Bhabar tract in the foothills of Garhwal Himalaya. J Mount Res 2009, 4(Dec), 186-93.

In ethno-botanical survey of Bhabar tract of Garhwal Himalaya, 47 plant species were recorded in medicinal uses by the Bhoksa tribe. Details of the diseases and methods of plant use are discussed.

11 ref

000269   George K V;Vivian D (Botany Dep, C.M.S. College, Kottayam, Kerala, Email: georgecms@dataone.in) : Cytotoxic evaluation of Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurtz. in Allium cepa root model. Indian J bot Res 2008, 4(3-4), 447-52.

The Allium cepa root tip meristem model was used to evaluate the cytotoxic and anti-mitotic activity of ethanolic root extract of Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurte. The roots of healthy onion (Allium cepa) buibs were allowed to grow in different concentrations of R nasuius root extract In tap water for variable durations. The mitotic indices of the control sad treatments were calculated and subjected to ANOVA. The study revealed that the root extract of R. nasutus, even at lower concentration and short duration of exposure, has significant effect on mitotic index.

1 illus, 4 tables, 16 ref

000268   Geethalakshmi K;Raju E C (Botany Dep, CMS College, Kottayam, Kerala) : Pollen characterstics of the genus Leptonychia and its taxonomic significance. Indian J bot Res 2008, 4(3-4), 349-52.

Study was made to evaluate the status of Leptonychia by considering the pollen characteristics. As far as the Tiliaceae is concerned all the members are relatively more evolved palynologically with exclusively three zonocolporate grains. The genus Leptonychia has been treated under Tiliaceae in Bentharn and Hooker's classification. But, it has been shifted from Tiliaceae by both Hutchinson and Takhtajan. The entire Tiliaceae have colporate pollen except Leptonychia which is colpate. This distinction apparently justifies its displacement from the Tiliaceae and placement in the Sterculiaceae. Therefore the treatment of Hutchinson and Takhtajan has palynological support.

1 table, 21 ref

000267   Etonihu;Chris A;Michael H A;Etonihu J C (Chemistry Dep, Nasarawa State Univ, P.M.B. 1022, Keffi, Nigeria) : Phytochemical and antimicrobial analyses of crude extract of leaf and stem of Bryophyllum pinnatum Lam.. Indian J bot Res 2008, 4(3-4), 469-76.

Leaf and stem of Bryophyllum pinnatum was extracted with ethanol and petroleum ether using the soxhlet extractor. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of tannins, but not alkaloids or anthraquinones. The ethanolic leaf extract contained cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, and saponins. Thin layer chromatographic separation using hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol (4:4:1) showed that five components were present in the ethanolic extract of the stem; while three and four components were separated in the ethanolic and petroleum extracts of the leaf. The antimicrobial activity showed that the ethanolic extracts of both leaf and stem of Bryophyllum pinnatum inhibited the growth of Staphyllococus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.4 and 1.8 mg/ml, for leaf and stem extracts respectively. The petroleum ether extract of the leaf had no antimicrobial effect on the tested organisms. When compared with standard antibiotics such as tetracycline and ampicillin, the crude drug showed potentials of a good antibacterial agent.

5 tables, 25 ref

000266   Chakraborty N;Ghosh S K;Sengupta C (Mycopathology Laboratory, Botany Dep, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College, Rahara, Kolkata-700 118) : Lysis of cell preparation of Aseochyta rabiei (PASS) Labr. by different antagonists. Indian J bot Res 2008, 4(3-4), 465-8.

Cell wall preparatioin of Aseochyta rabiei and enzyme preparations of three biocontrol agents (Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma harzianum and Aspergiltus flavus were done in vitro. Lytic enzyme of T. harzianum digested 76% of the cell wall preparation of A. rabiei followed by T. Viride (48%) within 25 hrs at 25± 1°C. The enzyme of A. flavus showed poor performance in digestion of the cell wall (9%). This study also revealed the effect of different temperature on the activity of lytic enzyme of T. harzianum. At incubation temperature 20°C, lytic enzyme showed best activity (20%) followed by 15°C (17%).

2 tables, 8 ref

000265   Ceethakumary M P;Deepthikumary K P; Pandurangan A G (Plant Systematics and Evolutionary Div, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Trivandrum-695 562) : Note on new distribution and undescribed fruits of the little known plant Xanthophyllum manickamii Murugan, Kerala, India. Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(3-4), 239-41.

Xanthophyllum manickamii Murugan is reported for the first time from Kerala with the description of the fruit as additional information to the protologue.

1 illus, 2 ref

000264   Bhattacharya A;Mandal S (Botany Dep, Krishnagar Govt. College, Krishnagar, Nadia-741 101) : Contribution to the floral biology, pollination and fruit set in Coriandrum sativum Linn.. Indian J bot Res 2008, 4(3-4), 341-8.

An attempt has been made to establish the role of insect pollinators in the context of reproductive ecology and seed set in coriander. Early morning pattern of flower anthesis with 1460±117 pollen per flower (log value 3.16) were noticed. P:O ratio was ca. 730:1. Different insects like Apis cerana indica, A. dorsata, Megachile sp, and members of Diptera and Coleoptera usually visit the flowers for forage. Visiting frequency, abundance, and forage behaviour was different for particular species. The seed settings were 92.55±8.07%, 60±7.6%, and 29.74±4.8% in control (open pollination), netted flowers, and bagged flowers respectively, indicating the role of insects for increased seed production. Best in vitro germinating pollen (42±6.74%) with pollen tube length (161+27.56 urn) were obtained in 20% sucrose supplemented with 100 μg/ml boric acid. Salts of Ca, Mg, and K did not show any effect. Stigma receptivity was measured at different time intervals after flower opening in terms of the highest number of in vivo germinating pollen grains. Stigmas were receptive maximum (50%) during third day after flower anthesis showing 51.1% in vivo germinating pollen with 94.2 μm long pollen tube.

3 illus, 3 table, 14 ref

000263   Beena P J;Asir Selin Kumar R (Botany Dep and Research Center, Scott Christian College, Negerocoil, Tamil Nadu, Email: Beenatab@rediffmail.com) : Biological activity of Ocimum sanctum against upper respiratory bacterial pathogens. Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(3-4), 175-80.

Ocimum sanctum plants have various medicinal values in traditional indigenous medicines. Green and purple types of these plants were collected from Kanyakumari district. The leaf and stem extracts of Hexane, Chloroform, Ethyl acetate and Ethanol were prepared from both the varieties of O. sanctum and sensitivity of the extracts was found against the pathogens isolated from the upper respiratory tract infection. The green leaf chloroform extract shows highest inhibition zone of 16 mm for Staphylococcw aureus while the other isolated organisms had showed varied zone of inhibition. No sensitivity was shown against Pseudomonas and Haemophillus. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was found at which the pathogens produces least inhibitory zone. The study reveals O. sanctum extracts of leaf/stem of both green and purple variety can be used to control the virulence of upper respiratory tract bacterial pathogens.

3 tables, 17 ref

000262   Araf M;Hamal I A (Botany Dep, Jammu Univ, Jammu-180 006, Email: mohd.araf@gmail.com) : Floral architecture and mode of pollination in Fumaria indica (Hauskn), Pugsley. Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(3-4), 243-6.

Floral architecture in relation to mode of pollination in Fumaria indica has been discussed. The species has floral attributes of cross pollinated taxa but lack of visitors, positioning of stamens and stigma along with Insitu germination of pollen grain ensure autonomous pollination.

1 illus, 18 ref

000261   Ahay D;Premkuar R;Pradeepa N (NO, UPASI Tea Research Institute, Nirar Dam, P.O. Valparai, Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu-642 127, Email: ajaydiva@gmail.com) : Control of frog eye spot disease of tea in field. Indian J bot Res 2008, 4(3-4), 461-4.

Severe out break of frog eye spot leaf disease caused by the fungal pathogen Cercosporella theae was noticed for the first time in tea plantations of Anamallais (Valparai, Tamil Nadu). Control of disease using some of the commonly used fungicides in tea plantations was tried. Contact fungicides, (copper oxychloride, copper hydroxide and mancozeb) all at rate of 0.3% were superior to systemic fungicides, carbendazim (0.05%) and hexaconazole (0.28%). Efficient disease control by these fungicides resulted in improved crop protection as evidenced by higher yields in these treatments.

1 table, 11 ref

020245   Yadav A;Paliwal S P;Paliwal S (Botany Dep, Narain College, Shikohabad-205 135) : Structure and organization of Vascular cambium in some tropical trees. Indian J For 2009, 32(1), 91-4.

Cambium of seven tropical trees was studied in relation to strucutre, organization, arrangement and dimensional variation of its different components - the fusiform and ray initials. The area and frequency of ray initial units were also worked out in the different tree species investigated.

2 illus, 1 table 16 ref

020244   Virendra Nath;Gupta R (Bryology Laboratory, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001) : Hyophila involuta (Hook) Jaeg-new addituon to the bryoflora of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. Indian J For 2009, 32(2), 297-9.

Genus Hyophila Brid.; a moss belonging to subfamily Barbuloideae, family Pottiaceae is represented by 7 species in India; out of these, three species: H. involuta (Hook.) Jaeg., H. rosea Williams and H. coniosa Dix. ct P. Yard, occur in Central India. Earlier H. rosea alone was reported from Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (PBR) but during floristic studies of bryophylcs of PBR, which is well known for its biodiversity and is rich in bryophytic vegetation, H. involuta has been encountered for the first time. This taxon has been earlier reported from several other localities and shows wide distribution in India in Bengal, Bihar, Orissa. Arunachal Pradesh, Upper Assam. South India and Western Himalayas etc. H. involuta is characterised by dioecious plants, erect dark green habit and radiculose stem (5-18 mm in size). Leaves are oblong, spathulatc, carinate with percurrent costa. 1.8-2.8 mm x 0.56-0.86 mm, seta erect, capsule cylindrical with beaked operculum. Peristome is absent and spores are small, brown coloured, spherical, 8-12 μm in diameter. The species is distributed in various localities of PBR: Tamia Valley. Jambu Dweep. Near Police Training School, Near Forest Office. Pandav Caves and Bee Fall. H. involuta closely resembles with H. rosea which occurs in the same vicinity, in leaf size and shape, leaf cells and shape of capsule; however it differs in its radiculose habit, uniform leaf arrangement, longer seta and smaller spores from the latter species.

12 illus, 7 ref

020243   Verma R K;Subramani S P;Kapoor K S;Surinder Kumar (Himalayan Forest Ressarch Institute Conifer Campus, Panthaghati, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh) : Plant species diversity along an altitudinal gradient in Simbalwara Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh. Indian J For 2009, 32(2), 195-209.

The composition of forest vegetation along an altitudinal gradient (400 to 650m) in Simbalwara Wildlife Sanctuary was studied during August, 2003. The forest is composed of 53 species of trees, 32 of shrubs and 175 of herbs. The plant communities identified at 400-525m and 525-650m elevation range were Shorea robusta - Mallolus philippensis and Shorea robusta - Terminalia alata respectively. On the basis of importance value index (IV1), Shorea robusta was the dominant tree species at both the elevation ranges. The distribution pattern of plant species was random and contiguous at both the altitudes. The concentration of dominance was lower and index of diversity higher for plant species at both the altitudes Index of diversity for trees was 4.390 and 3.942 at 400-525m and 525-650m elevation range respectively. The index of similarity for trees, shrubs and herbs between two altitudes was 0.64, 0.65 and 0.54 indicating remarkable degree of similarity in plant species. The population structure of tree species is represented mainly by two patterns, one represented by greater proportion of individuals in seedlings stage indicating frequent reproduction and another indicating more individuals in intermediate girth classes with absence of seedlings. If the latter trend continues for longer period, the species may disappear from the area in near future.

2 illus, 7 tables, 10 ref

020242   Tripathy P;Kar M;Sahoo C R (Plant Physiology Dep, Orissa Univ of Agriculture & Technology, Bhubaneswar-751 003) : Variation in water relation properties and photosynthetic pigments in four different Ficus species. Envir Ecol 2009, 27(4A), 1692-3.

Study was intended to assess some of the basic physiological processes in four different Ficus species of ecosystem. The investigation revealed that a substantial variation exists in respect of chlorophyll and carotenoid contents amongst the species. These species also registered a wide variation in chlorophyll stability index percentage. Assessment of water relation status of these species envisaged that a subtle variation lied among the three Ficus species with Ficus infectoria as exception which had lower water potential. The moisture content, RWC and RWD varied among them without any definite trend.

7 ref

020241   Toppo K;Suseela M R (Phycology Laboratory, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001) : Enumeration of Scenedesmus species in Chhattisgarh, India. Indian J appl pure Biol 2009, 24(2), 397-404.

The communication is the enumeration of Scenedesmus species of Chhattisgarh state. There is a great diversity at species level in terms of morphological characters. A total number of 26 species with systematic enumeration along with their key characters were recorded.

29 ref

020240   Tiwari U K L;Kotia A;mewada T;Rawat G S (Harbitat Ecology Dep, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun, Uttrakhand) : New distributional record of an endemic orchid Peristylus stocksii Hook.f. Kraenzi., from Rajasthan. Indian J For 2009, 32(1), 149-52.

An endemic orchid, Peristylus stocksii (Hook. f.) Kraenzl. is reported from Rajasthan for the first time along with its description, illustration, photographs, location in Rajasthan and earlier distributional records in India.

2 illus, 10 ref

020239   Terzi I (Biology Dep, Faculty of Education, Dumlupinar Univ, 43100 Kiitahya, Turkey, Email: iterzi@dumlupinar.edu.tr) : Allelopathic effects of juglone and walnut leaf and fruit hull extracts on seed germination and seedling growth in muskmelon and cucumber. Asian J Chem 2009, 21(3), 1840-6.

In this study, effects of the extracts of walnut fruit hulls and leaves on muskmelon (Cucumis melo cv. Galia) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus cv. Beith Alpha) seed germination percentage and post-germination seedling growth were investigated. Extracts were obtained by homogenization and centrifugation from walnut fruit hulls and leaves. Muskmelon and cucumber seeds were germinated in Petri dishes at 25 °C. Seeds germination rates, seedling elongation and dry weights were determined at day 10. In conclusion, no significant effect of walnut extracts on muskmelon and cucumber seed germination percentage was determined. However, cucumber germination percentage was affected negatively by 1/4 walnut leaf extract and all juglone treatments. While the 1/4 diluted walnut fruit hull extract and 1/8 diluted walnut leaf extract increased root and stem growth of muskmelon seedlings, both walnut fruit hull and leaf extracts decreased root and stem growth of cucumber.

1 illus, 3 tables, 40 ref

020238   Tejavathi D H;Maruthi Kumar;Nijagunaiah R (Botany Dep, Bangalore Univ, Bangalore-560 056, Email: tejavathi_hanu@yahoo.com) : Effect of in-vitro mutagenesis on solasodine content in berries of Solanum viarum dunal. Biomed 2010, 5(1), 18-25.

Berries of Solanum viarum contain solasodine which is used as a base for corticosteroids. Stem explants of diploid and tetraploid varieties of S. viarum were treated with both chemical and physical mutagens and cultured on MS+IAA (17.13μM) + BAP (8.87μM) to obtain large number of multiple shoots. Thus obtained shoots were made to root on MS + IBA (4.90μM) and transferred to land after a brief period of acclimatization. Berries were harvested and second generation progenies were raised from the seeds of untreated and treated first generation progenies. Harvested berries from eight samples including treated and untreated diploid and tetraploid varieties along with seed control progenies were subjected to HPLC analysis to evaluate the effect of mutagens on the solasodine content. Berries of tetraploid progenies obtained through physical mutagen treated cultures were found to contain more percent of solasodine compare to other progenies. Effect of mutagens on the enhancement of solasodine content is discussed.

2 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

020237   Sunojkumar P (Botany Dep, Univ of Calicut, Kerala-673 635, Email: drsunoj@gmail.com) : Unusual leucas R.Br. (Lamiaceae) specimen from Himalaya. Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(1-2), 127-9.

Leucas specimen with unique characters and deserve the status of a species is located in the Herbarium of Cambridge University (CGE). This specimen was collected from Simla, Himalaya, where no endemic Leucas species has been found out so far. Collection of more specimens is required to name it.

1 illus, 2 ref

020236   Sundararaj R;Nagaraj S;Vinodhini S;Paulraj N; Rengaswamy R (Research Centre in Botany, Saraswathi Narayanan College, Madurai, Tamil Nadu) : Phenological and histochemical studies in style and stigma of Solanum melongena, Linn. (brinjal). Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(1-2), 37-44.

Solanum melongena, Linn, Is an annual erect herbaceous vegetable crop, propagated through seeds. In this plant the length of the style has been recognized as an important character in respect of pollination and fruit setting. Style shows heterostyly. Four types of flowers are formed in a plant namely long styled flower, medium styled flower, pseudoshort styled flower and true short styled flower. Usually the long and medium styled flowers alone set fruit, where as the pseudo and true short styled flowers do riot, in natural conditions. The present work is undertaken to study the variation in chemical content of the stigma and style of the four floral types.

18 ref

020235   Sulekha L;Resmi A S;Deepthi S R (Botany Dep, Univ Collage, Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram-695 034, Email: resmisomanath@yahoo.com) : Phytochemical screening and antibacterial activity of leaf extract of Cassis alata Linn.. Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(1-2), 29-32.

Cassia alata Linn. (Family:Leguminosae) is an important traditional plant and has become a subject of many scientific investigations since year back. The plant is beneficial in purgative use, stomach ache, wormicidal and antifungal. A preliminary phytochemical screening of methanol extract of leaf by thinlayer chromatography was performed. The acetone, aqueous and methanolic extracts were investigated for screening antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pnuemoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis by in vitro methods. The aqueous extract showed weak antibacterial activity, the acetone fraction exhibited moderate and the methanolic extract possess strong antibacterial activity for pathogenic bacteria.

11 ref, 1 table

020234   Sukumaran S;Jeeva S;Raj A D S (Botany Dep, Nesamony Memorial Christian College, Martandam, Tamil Nadu) : Diversity of pteridophytes in miniature sacred forests of Kanyakumari District, Southern western ghats. Indian J For 2009, 32(2), 285-90.

Pteridophytes do not form dominant vegetation anywhere on the earth surface now, but have been replaced by the seed bearing plants. Their occurrence in several small patches relays the message of richness. During the present study. 24 species of Pteridophytes were inventoried from Vilavancode, Kalkulam and Thovalai sacred groves of Kanyakumari district, Southern Western Ghats, India. Some of them are well known for their economic values. The species richness was more or less similar in the first two sacred groves, however, it was reduced to 6 in Thovalai. The terrestrial Pteridophytes were dominant over epiphytes. The lithophytic species were least in number. As a result of rapid urbanization and biotic interference these important plants are under threat and their population is being reduced, due to the ever-increasing human population. Some rare, endangered and endemic species arc still present only in some pockets of this district and are conserved by indigenous people in the form of sacred groves.

1 illus, 2 tables, 45 ref

020233   Sujatha B;Priyadarshini B (Botany Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakapatnam-530 003) : Ultrastructural alterations of nuclei in root cortical cells of pigeonpea under lead and cadmium stress. Ann Pl Physiol 2009, 23(1), 6-11.

An investigation were conducted to study the ultrastructural alterations of nuclei in root cortical cells of Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh) under lead and cadmium stress at Department of Botany, Andhra University, Visakhapattanam (A.P.). Electron micrographs of the root cortex cells of the two pigeonpea cultivars exposed to lead and cadmium showed alterations in the nucleus, however the chromatin material was highly condensed and some of the cortical cells showed the disruption and dilation of nuclear membranes. The DNA content and ^{14C-thymidine decreased with increasing lead and cadmium concentrations. The ultrastructural alterations of nucleus, DNA content and 14C-thymidine were discussed in relation to the tolerance indices of the two pigeonpea cultivars.}

2 illus, 23 ref

020232   Subramanian K;Subha S L;Saravana Ganthi A; Natarajan K (Botany Dep, The M D T Hindu Collage, Tirunelveli-627 010) : Quantitative biochemical analysis of Lentinus squarrosulus Mont.. Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(1-2), 33-6.

Mushroom constitutes one of the man's natural food for centuries. Now they are used in the production of food, feed, drugs, enzymes, herbicides and insecticides. Among these food and feed are found to be the foremost importance and consumed widely. One of the edible mushroom commonly occur in tropical region is Lentinus squarrosulus. The present paper deals with the biochemical quantification of protein, total sugars, glycogen and lipids. The experiments were carried in pilius, stipe and gills to evaluate the nutritive value of the mushroom. The total and reducing sugars are rich in the fresh pileus and glycogen rich in dried gills. The dried pileus shows more proteins compare with fresh pileus. High lipid content is observed in fresh pileus and low lipid content in the fresh stipe. The result clearly shows that mushroom is rich in protein and low in lipid content.

1 table, 12 ref

020231   Srivastava S K;Srivastava P;Singh S (P G Botany Dep, D S College, Aligarh-202 001) : Histochemical study of leaf abscission zone in Hibiscus sabdariffa L.. Indian J appl pure Biol 2009, 24(2), 373-80.

Presents a histochemical investigations have confirmed that the separation, at the time of leaf abscission, take place through the newly formed cells in the separation layer with the solubilization of pectin substances of the middle lamella and partial breaking of the cellulose walls. The cells on the proximal side of the separation layer get their walls lignified and aid the development of a primary protection layer. The cell walls and intercellular spaces in the newly formed peridenn layer become suberized and led to the formation of a firm secondary protection layer. The vascular cylinder is comparatively narrow in the region of abscission zone. In the mature leaf the walls of epidermal cells on the abaxial side of the petiole at the abscission zone are less cutinized to facilitate the initiation of separation at this region. Accumulation of tanniniferous compounds in the cells at abscission zone at separation is often found.

1 illus, 50 ref

020230   Srivastava S K;Srivastava P (P.G. Botany Dep, D S College, Aligarh-202 001, Email: susheelkumarsrivastava@yahoo.com) : Leaf abscission zone morphology, anatomy, development and separation in Hibiscus sabdariffa L.,. Indian J appl pure Biol 2009, 24(2), 415-24.

The study indicate that the senescent leaves of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. abscise just at the juncture of stem and petiole base finally leaving a smooth scar on the stem. Cell divisions in the abscission zones of treated and untreated leaves precede separation and result in the formation in the matured leaf of a well defined abscission layer, which is marked externally by a narrow ring of yellow or hyaline color and a depression. Actual separation of the leaf is associated with the solubijization of the middle lamella and partial breaking of the cell walls between the cells of the two tiers of the separation layer. Separation is initiated with the parting of the epidermal cells on the abaxial side of the petiole at the abscission zone. Vessels and other dead tissues are ruptured mechanically. After the separation of the petiole, cell walls of the cells on the proximal side of the separation layer get thickened probably providing primary protection to the open wound. Secondary protective layer develops later in the form of a periderm layer. A gradual decrease in the angle between the stem and the petiole is usually evident as the leaf passes through various stages before it falls. The plant growth hormones, ETH (an abscission accelerant) and GA₃ (an abscission retardant were not able to alter or modify the basic pattern of anatomical changes leading to the leaf abscission.

3 illus, 39 ref

020229   Srivastava S K;Gupta R K (India Botanic Garden, Botanical Survey of India, Howrah-711 103) : Contribution to the algal flora of Renuka lake wetland Himachal Pradesh. Indian J For 2009, 32(1), 107-12.

Presents an enumeration of 35 algal species belonging to 22 genera under 12 families from four classes are recorded from Renuka Lake, wetland in Himachal Pradesh. This study has revealed the rare and dominant algal taxa in the lake. A earlier report on the algal flora in the lake has also been discussed.

13 illus, 5 ref

020228   Srivastava J N;Singh A K;Dwivedi B P;Shukla D N (RHRSS, SK Univ of Agricultural Sciences & Technology, Bhaderwah, Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir) : Management of Guava (Psidium guajava L.) wilt (Fusarium oxysporum & f. Sp. psidii) through bioagents. Envir Ecol 2009, 27(4A), 1704-6.

Adverse impact of chemical fungicides on the soil, environment and farmer health is well know. Now emphasis are being given to use other alternative to control/management the plant disease which could be ecofriendly. Biocontrol agents are gaining importance in plant disease management. Hence, in the present study, attempts a pot culture experiment, have been made to find out suitable biocontrol agents for management of guava jusarium wilt which is common in guava orchards. Four strains of Trichoderma viz. T. harzianum, T. hamatum, T. viride and T. virens and also Aspergillus niger and Gliocladium virens were tried for biocontrol of Fusarium spp., a causative agent of guava wilt disease. Among these bioagents, T. harzianum worked out to be the best.

2 tables, 14 ref

020227   Soman G S;Dabhade G T (Botany Dep, Maharishi Dayanand College, Parel, Mumbai-400 012) : Species of the genus Bryum from Kodaikanal. Indian J appl pure Biol 2009, 24(2), 405-8.

Studies on mosses of South India was initiated by Brotherus. Thereafter Bruhl had made a census of Indian mosses. Foreau^{6 had made extensive work on the moss flora of Palani Hills. The indicates attempt of reinvestigation of mosses of Kodaikanal where large number of species of the Genera viz. Fissidens Hedw; Bryum Hedw; Sterophyllum Mitt, Entodon C. Muell; etc were observed. Present paper deals with the species of the Bryum Hedw reinvestigated at Kodaikanal of Palani Hills.}

8 ref

020226   Sinha B K;Ghosh S (Botany Dep, M.U.C Women's College, Burdwan-71 104) : Microbial ecology of the hanging root of Ficus benghalensis L. Indian J appl pure Biol 2009, 24(2), 289-92.

The genus Ficus is made up of about 1,000 species. Ficus benghalensis is most widely distributed in India. The species commonly germinates in other trees, fence posts, rocks, bridges, buildings, and other unwanted structures, eventually engulfing its hosts. Ficus species threaten many cement constructions including buildings by germinating on them and gradually destroying theni as it spreads. Ficus species propagates principally from seeds and may also propagate from cuttings. Trees can also begin life as epiphytes on other trees. Various birds foraging and roosting in F. benghalensis trees include mynah birds (Acridotheres tristis tristis), blue faced doves (Geopelia striata), lace necked doves (Streptopelia chinensis), and house sparrows (Passer domesticus). The spread of Ficus species should be prohibited by placing them on the injurious species list. In this present investigation the microbial association with the hanging root of the plant (Ficus benghalensis) is studied. The results are interpreted in the light of modern concepts.

8 illus, 12 ref

020225   Singh S K;Roy S K;Bag A K (Botanical Survey of India, Eastern Circle, Shillong-793 003) : Two new and noteworthy records of Thalloid liverwort from Andaman Islands, India. Indian J For 2009, 32(2), 327-30.

Two thalloid liverwort namely Cyalhodium smaragdinum Schiffn. (Cyathodiaccac) and Riecia billardieri Mont. & Nees (Ricciaceae) have been recorded for the first time from the Andaman Islands. The family Ricciaceae is reported here for the first time from this Oceanic Islands. The same have been described with relevant photo and SRM micrographs.

1 illus, 12 ref

020224   Singh K P;Swarnalatha G (Botanical Survey of India, Central Circle, Allahabad-211 002) : Some New combinations in lichen family graphidaceae. Indian J For 2009, 32(1), 179-80.

Proposes 8 new combinations viz. Diorygma radiatum, Graphis darjeelingensis, G. awasthii, Hemithecium dispersa, Pallidogramtne chrysenterodes, P. nilgiriensis, Phaeographis ceylonensis and P. dividens. Two species Helminthocarpon album and H. cherrapunjieme are made as synonyms to Diorygma radiatum.

4 ref

020223   Singh K P;Jagadeesh Ram T A M;Sinha G P (BotaniclSurvey of India, Central circle, Allahabad-211 002) : Erythroection G. thor (Lichenized ascomycetes), a new gneric record for India. Indian J For 2009, 32(2), 335-6.

The records the occurrence of Erythrodecton malacum (Kremp.) G. Thor, an interesting species of lichen in the family Roccellaceae as new generic and specific record for India.

1 illus, 3 ref

020222   Singh A K;Singh S;Ansari A A (Botany Dep, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi-221 002) : Seedling morphology in taxonomic study of two common weeds Ageratum conyzoides L. and a houstobianum Mill (Asteraceae). Indian J For 2009, 32(2), 227-30.

The details of seedling morphology in taxonomic study of two common Asteraceous weeds viz. Ageratum conyzoides L. and A. houslonianum Mill, from Varanasi District, Uttar Pradesh have been provided. Some juvenile characters of seedlings are found to be very useful in distinguishing the taxa studied and have been utilized for formulation of key at species level. RS values at different leaf stages, date of appearance of different leaves and total observation period were also recorded.

1 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

020221   Singh A K;Singh S (Botany Dep, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi-221 002) : Studies on seedling morphology of Prosopis cineraria (L) druce-a wonder tree of Thar desert. Indian J For 2009, 32(1), 71-4.

Highlights the morphological parameters of seedling of P. cineraria - a multipurpose tree species of Indian desert. Seedling development was observed for 35 days upto 8th leaf stage. Seed germination was macaranga type. Paracotyledons were opposite, isocotylar, fleshy and persistent upto 7th or 8th leaf stage, Hypocotyl was looped when young and epicotyl was zig-zag and aculeate after second leaf stage. First leaf was unipinnate- paripinnate, stipulate with four to six pairs of pinnae whereas second and subsequent leaves were bipinnate -paripinnate, stipulate, stipelate and alternate. Days and date of appearance of paracotyledons and different leaves and shoot: root Isngth ratio (SRLR) have also been recorded.

1 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

020220   Shirkot P;Bhuria M;Zinta G (NO, Dr Y S Parmar Univ of Horticulure and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230) : Identification of gender in dioecious Hippophae salifolia using isozymes as sex markers. Indian J For 2009, 32(2), 231-7.

Hippophae salicifolia D. Don is a dioecious plant species in which female plant genotypes are commercially preferred over the male genotypes. The fruit berries have rich medicinal and nutraceutical properties due to large amount of vitamins, essential oils, proteins, fatty acids, free amino acids and flavanoids present. Primary limitation for breeding Hippophae salicifolia is its dioecious nature, as gender cannot be identified by traditional methods. Therefore, some reliable and quick methods need to be developed. The isozyme analysis was conducted for ten enzyme system viz. alcohol dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, phosphorylase, aspartate amino transferase, α-esterase, β-esterase and acid phosphatase. Three enzyme systems viz., malate dehydrogenase, catalase and peroxidase showed considerable and very useful variation among the staminate and pistillate genotypes of Hippophae salicifolia. The staminate and pistillate genotypes could be distinguished with the help of sex specific isozyme markers, thereby indicating the immense potential of isozymes in gender identification in Hippophae salicifolia.

1 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

020219   Sharma V;Uniyal S K (NO, C R K Himachal Pradesh Agricultural Univ, Palampur-176 062) : Aeginetia indica L.- a new record to the flora of Himachal Pradesh. Indian J For 2009, 32(1), 127-30.

Reports Aeginetia indica L. (Orobanchaceae) as a new generic record to the flora of Himachal Pradesh. The plant was found growing in Malan locality of District Kangra on the roots ofDendrocatamus strictus.

2 illus, 18 ref

020218   Sharma V;Sain M (Botany Dep, P.G Govt College, Kota, Rajasthan) : Hadoti (south east Rajasthan) cuisine-a phamacopoeia in disguise. Indian J appl pure Biol 2009, 24(2), 483-96.

Deals with 20 species of plants belonging to 20 genera and 13 species which are commonly used in various cuisines prevalent in Hadoti (South-eastern Rajasthan). Apart from listing of species, family, part(s) used, culinary use medicinal utility and constituents have also been reported.

39 illus, 2 tables, 2 ref