020167   Binu S (NO, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute Palode, Thiruvananthapuram-695 562) : Medicinal plants used by the tribals in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala for treating cuts and wounds. Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(1-2), 137-42.

Deals with the medicinal properties of seven plants used for treating cuts and wounds among the tribals in Pathanamthitta District. The cuts and wounds are common finding among the tribals because they are walking in inhospitable terrain and climb on trees for collecting wild edibles and non wood forest products etc. The plants name, local name, parts used and method of preparation and application of seven species are described.

17 ref

020166   Bhatnagar S (Botany Dep, D A V (P.G.) College, Dehra Dun-248 001) : Fungal dicersity on the historical monuments of Doon valley in response to biodeterioration. Indian J For 2009, 32(2), 307-12.

Fungi are one of the most important biodeteriogens that grow on old building of historical and religious importance and damage a lot. During this study biodeterioration caused by fungi on the historical monument of Doon valley was conducted on two monuments of Guru Ram Rai Darbar Sahib and Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple. The study was conducted in various seasons i.e. rainy, winter and summer. A total number of thirty-three fungi were isolated in Darbar Sahib and thirty-four in Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple. Maximum numbers of fungi were isolated during rainy season in both the monuments. Mainly genera of Zygomycetes and Deuteromycetes have isolated in which Aspergillus, Fusarium, Rhizopus and Penicillium are more common.

3 tables 11 ref

020165   Bhardwaj M K;Bhardwaj A;Chaudhary R (Botany Dep, D S College, Aligarh-202 001) : Growth and biochemical responses in Tagetes erecta to sulphur dioxide (SO₂) exposure. Indian J appl pure Biol 2009, 24(2), 409-14.

Growth and biochemical responses in Tagetes erecta have been studied under various concentrations i.e. 320; 667 and 1334 g/m^{3 of sulphur dioxide. The observations revealed that SO₂ adversely affects the plants in different ways. When the plants were exposed to sulphur dioxide, they showed decrease in different growth parameters like shoot height, root length, fresh weight of shaot and root, dry weight of shoot and root, number of leaves, phytomass and NPP. The decline in these parameters was substantial in plants exposed to higher dose (1334 μg/m3) of sulphur dioxide for 45 days. A decline in chlorophyll a, b and ascorbic acid contents was also recorded in the plants exposed to different concentrations (320, 667, 1334 μg/m3) of sulphur dioxide. The higher decrease in chlorophyll a, b and ascorbic acid was noted in the plants treated with 1334 μg/m3 of sulphur dioxide. Sulphur contonts were found increased in all plants exposed to sulphur dioxide pollutian. The sulphur content was maximum in plants exposed to 1334 μg/m3 concentration of SO₂.}

2 tables, 24 ref

020164   Bhardwaj M K;Bhardwaj A;Bhardwaj R (Botany Dep, D S College, Aligarh-202 001) : Seed germination responses in some Indian rhododendrons to different growth hormones. Indian J appl pure Biol 2009, 24(2), 455-8.

The seed germination responses to different growth hormones were studied in three species of Rhododendrons namely, R. vaccinioides, R. virgatum and R. grande. The seeds of Rhododendron are minute and winged structure. The seeds of Rhododendrons show poor and variable seed germination just after dehiscence but on storage up to 5 months they show increased seed germination under controlled as well as under the influence of different growth hormones like GA₃, IBA, IAA and KN. The observations clearly indicate that GAs and IBA were found more effective in enhancing the seed germination in all four species as compared to IAA and KN. But in R. grande the KN is also effective in enhancing the seed germination.

1 table, 7 ref

020163   Azam T;Hisamuddin (Section of Plant Patology and Nematology, Botany Dep, Aligary Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002, Email: azamtanweer@gmail.com) : Survey of some common medicinal plants of Buladshahar (U.P.) and their medicinal utilization. Indian J appl pure Biol 2009, 24(2), 321-3.

Deals with 15 species of flowering plants belonging to 15 genera and 12 families used in medicine in and around Bulandshahr, especially in rural areas. The information is based on extensive survey of the area, gathering oral folklores and search of literature on medicinal plants.

1 table, 3 ref

020162   Anjulo A (Silvicullture and Agroforestry Dep, Dr Y S Parmar Univ Of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230) : Screening Moringa accessions for resistance to moringa moth, Noorda blitealis Walker (Crambidae: Noordinae). Indian J For 2009, 32(2), 243-50.

Moringa moth (Noorda blilealis Walker) has become an important pest on Moringa tree in the Southern Rift Valley of Ethiopia. The insect is indigenous to this region where it feeds on Moringa leaves and causes damage for decades. During severe damage periods the whole branches of Moringa stenopetala becomes defoliated and causes vegetable shortage to the rural and urban communities in the semi-arid low land areas. This paper deals with screening of Moringa accessions from different localities for resistance to the defoliator insect. Forty-six Moringa accessions planted at Arbaminch Chanomille research and fruit nursery site were assessed for resistance to N. blitealis in the field by visual damage rating and in the laboratory by choice and no-choice feeding assay. 0 to 4 insect damage-rating scales with separate descriptions were used to evaluate the accessions. In the overall evaluation the field results are reliable because they were supported and complemented by the no-choice test.

1 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

020161   Ambrish Kumar (Botanical Survey of India, Northern Circle, Dehra Dun-248 195, Email: ambrishbsi@yahoo.co.in) : Antidesma khasianum Hook.f. (Euphorbiaceae): a new distributional record for Arunachal Pradesh. Ann For 2009, 17(2), 266-8.

Antidesma khasianum Hook.f. (Euphorbiaceae), an endemic species of Khasi and Jaintia hills of Meghalaya is reported for the first time as a new distributional record for Arunachal Pradesh. It has been collected in fruiting from the sub-tropical forest of Redding (Alt. ca. 1,800 m), Upper Subansiri District, Arunachal Pradesh. Detailed description with illustration, habitat ecology, distribution, and its uses are provided.

1 illus, 6 ref

020160   Ajarem J S;Abu Taweel Q M;Ahmad M (Zoology Dep, College of Science Community College; King saud University, PO Box-2455, Riyadh-114 51; Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) : Effect of perinatal exposure to green tea extract on behaviour of mice offspring. Indian J appl pure Biol 2009, 24(2), 329-36.

Green tea extract was prepared with tap water and given to female Swiss-Webster strain mice in their drinking water in the doses of 20 and 40 g/L. Treatment started from the first day of pregnancy until postnatal day 15 (PD15) and there after the mothers were switched to plain tap water. All offspring were subjected to various tests from the day one after their birth (PD1). The tea exposed pups lagged behind their controls in their body weight gain in a dose-dependent manner. Further, the opening of their eyes and appearance of their body hairs took place earlier than the control but at higher dose only. The sensory motor reflexes were found to be stimulated dose-dependently in their early postnatal developing stages. After the weaning period, locomotory tests in the young adults showed a significant and dose-dependent stimulatory effect in almost all elements of acts and postures in the treated male animals. The present data of green tea extract together with earlier studies suggest for the importance of polyphenol present in tea extract and its perinatal exposure to pregnant female mice has stimulatory effects on the developing offspring.

5 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

020159   Ahire D U;Jadhav D G;Yadav S S (Botany Dep, M.S.G. College, Malegaon Camp. Dist, Nasik-423 105) : Angiosperm diversity of western part of Igatpuri forest in Nashik district. Indian J appl pure Biol 2009, 24(2), 365-72.

Reports angiospermic diversity of Igatpuri forest from Nasik district. The plant diversity is varied which comprises typical Deccan plateau flora of Peninsular India. The present report shows that there is presence of about 71 families, 151 genera with 181 species. The dicotyledons dominate over monocotyledons.

1 table, 8 ref

020158   Agrawala D K;Chowery H J (Botanical Survey of India, Northern Circle, Dehra Dun-248 195) : Eria globulifera Sidenf-addition to the orchid flora of Sikkim and North west Himalaya. Indian J For 2009, 32(1), 103-6.

Eria globulifera Seidenf. (Orchidaceae), known from Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur in India, is reported for the first time from Sikkim and North-West Himalaya. The same is described and illustrated here.

10 ref

020157   Agrawal D;Beg M Z (Botany Dep, S.N.P.G College, Azamgarh-276 001) : Irrigational impact of sugar industry effluent on yield characters and chemical constituents of Pisum sativum L. var. Aparna. Indian J appl pure Biol 2009, 24(2), 293-9.

A study was made to observe the effect of various concentrations of sugar industry effluent on yield characters and chemical composition of Pisum sativum L. van Aparna. Yield characters considered were diameter of flower, pollen fertility, number of pods per plant, length of pod, number of seeds per pod, 1000 seeds-weight and grain productivity (Q/ha). Chemical contents studied were nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium percentage by mass in leaf and carbohydrate and protein contents per cent by mass in grain. Effluent was applied in different concentrations i.e. 20 per cent (T₁), 40 per cent (T₂), 60 per cent (T₃), 80 per cent (T₄) and 100 percent (T₅). A control crop (To) was also grown side by side. Maximum yield was observed in T₃ and T₄ treatments.

2 tables, 14 ref

020156   Agnihotri P;Husain T (Biodiversity and Angisperm Taxonomy, National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow-226 001) : Analysis of species diversity in Pedicularis associations of eastern Himalaya. Indian J For 2009, 32(1), 165-70.

Species diversity of Pedicularis and associated plants in Sikkim Himalaya was studied in the year 2003-2004. On the basis of important value index (IVI) species of Ranunculus and Taraxacum were observed to be dominant in microhabitat associations. Index of richness was maximum 0.91 at Lachen, at the altitude of 3500 m and index of diversity was maximum 0.53 at Changu, 3500 m. Index of diversity was higher in Eastern Sikkim than Northern Sikkim but Index of richness was higher in Northern Sikkim.

4 ref

020155   Agarawal P;Fatima A;Ranu Singh (Botany Dep, Mata Gujri Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Jabalpur-482 001) : Water borne conidial fungi from river Narmada at Jabalpur. Indian J appl pure Biol 2009, 24(2), 381-5.

Water resources lined by trees are richest habitats for water borne conidial fungi. Two sites of river Narmada at Jabalpur i.e. Gwarighat and Bheraghat were periodically surveyed for these fungi. There were 16 water borne conidial fungi recorded. Among these Trichocladium angelicum and Tetraploa aristata are two new additions to the water borne fungal flora of Jabalpur as well as Central India i.e. Madhya Pradesh.

4 illus, 2 tables, 5 ref

020154   Acharya J;Banerjee D (Herbal Reaearch Laboratory, Ramakrishna Vivekananda Mission Institute of Advanced Studie, 3 B.T. Road, Kolkata-700 058, Email: jayashree.acharya85@rediffmail.com) : Medicinal plants in the campus of Ramakrishna Vivekananda Mission Institute of advanced studies, Kolkata. Indian J appl pure Biol 2009, 24(2), 529-40.

Considering stocktaking of medicinal plants very important the present work was undertaken which deals with the medicinal uses of 94 plant species belonging to 48 families of angiosperms growing in the campus of Ramakrishna Vivekananda Mission Institute of Advanced Studies (RKVMIAS), Kolkata. Uses of these plants in the treatment of different diseases have been recorded in this work from primary as well as secondary sources.

1 table, 11 ref

020153   Acharia S S;Arun Kumar (Botany Dep, R D. & D.J. College, Munger, Bihar-811 201) : Cytomorphological studies on some populations of Solanum nigram from Munger and Lakhisarai districts of Bihar. Indian J bot Res 2009, 5(1-2), 5-12.

Cytological studies on five populations of S. nigram, L reveal that four populations, bearing black coloured berries had chromosome number 2n=48, while one population bearing orange colour berries had chromosome number 2n - 24. Among the four populations bearing black colour berries variation in the total chromatin length, TF%, GI & SI indices were recorded. Karyotypes in these populations including that of orange colour berry bearing population appeared to be asymmetrical. During meiosis all the four populations having black berries, PM C's showed regular formation of 24 bivalents and and in the population of orange coloured berries 12 bivalents were recorded. The populations of S. nigram with black coloured berries apeared to be tetraploid and the populations with orange coloured berries diploid. In general all the populations had higher number of ring bivalents. Variations in the parameters Sike chiasmata frequency and terminalization co-efficient in the populations of black berry bearing plants indicated the outcome of cryptic structural changes. It appeared that diploid and tetraploid forms might have evolved independantly.

8 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

014969   Vishwakarma P;Dumont M G;Bodorossy L; Stralis-Pavese N;Murrell J C;Dubey S K (Botany Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: dskbot@rediffmail.com) : Ecological and molecular analysis of the rhizospheric methanotroph community in tropical rice soil: effect of crop phenology and land-use history. Curr Sci 2009, 96(8), 1082-9.

To study the effect of crop phenology and cultivation practices on methanotrophic communities, two tropical rice fields located in the upper Gangetic plain of India with similar soil type and different cropping history were selected. A laboratory incubation experiment for the enumeration of methanotrophs and for the measurement of CH₄ oxidation potential was conducted on a parallel basis. The methanotroph population size was found to be significantly higher in the Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi soil than the Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (HVR), Varanasi soil. The population size increased with the age of the plant for both the sites. The CH₄ oxidation potential was higher with the BHU soil compared to the IIVR soil. The CH₄ oxidation rate increased significantly from tillering to flowering to grain-filling stages, and finally there was no significant difference between the grain-filling and the grain-maturation stages. A diagnostic microarray targeting the pmoA gene and a 16S rRNA denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE)-based approach were applied to assess the diversity of the methanotrophic community for the two sites. A broad diversity of methanotrophs was detected at both sites, including type I and type II methanotrophs of the genera Methy-lobacter, Methylomonas, Methylosarcina, Methylos-phaera, Methylomicrobium and Methylocystis. Type II methanotrophs were found in higher abundance as compared to type I methanotrophs at both the sites. DGGE analysis indicated that the methanotroph community in BHU soil was more or less stable, while little variation was found in IIVR soil during crop growth.

3 illus, 3 tables, 35 ref

014968   Venil C K;Raja S S S (NO, , 13/262, M.G.R. Nagar, Podanur, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu) : Beta asarone-an anti-microbial compound from sweet flag (Acorus calamus Linn.). Indian For 2009, 135(1), 126-32.

Acorus calamus commonly known as Sweet flag is a medicinal herb, effectively used in treating variety of illness. The chemicals were fractionated from rhizome of Acorus calamus and antimicrobial properties of Hydrocarbon and Beta asarone were studied. Acorus calamus were collected from Nilgiri wetland areas. The components of rhizome of Acrous calamus were separated using column chromatography. Hydrocarbon and Beta asarone parts were eluted from the column and tested for its antimicrobial assay. Antibacterial activity of fractionated beta asarone inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi and Listeria monocytogenes. There is no antibacterial activity in fractionated hydrocarbon. The determination of antimicrobial activity of-Acorns calamus reveals that beta asarone is responsible for antimicrobial activity and this can be used in future for preparation of drugs.

1 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

014967   Usha Singh;Satya Narain (Duthie Herbarium, Ethnobotany Cell, Botany Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh) : Ethno-botanical wealth of Mirzapur district, U.P.. Indian For 2009, 135(2), 185-97.

Mirzapur District of Uttar Pradesh, covering land area 4,952 km^{2, is a natural treasure of vast number of plants having ethno-botanical importance. The present study enumerates some common and extensively used ethno-medicinal plants. During the ethno-botanical survey in the district, 183 plants species belonging to 158 genera and 60 families have been collected. The medicinal informations were gathered by personal contact with the aborigines such as Kols, Musahar, Baiga, Pashaiya, Gond, Saharia, Panika, Kharwar, Agaria and others. Plants with botanical name, family, local name, part used are given. These plants are useful under rural healthcare system and for herbal drug industry.}

1 illus, 1 table

014966   Unadkat K;Parikh P (Botany Dep, Faculty of Science, M.S. Univ of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat-390 002) : Metabolic observations on zinc induced toxicity on Lemna Polyrriza L.. Prajna 2009, 17(Dec), 48-50.

The influence of Zn toxicity on Leinna polyrrhiza L was investigated using biochemical parameters as stress indicators. Lenma plants (Leinna polyrrhiza L) were cultured in Iloagland's medium which was supplemented with various Zn concentrations (1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 ppm Zn) and were separately harvested after 3, 6 and 9 days. The toxicity symptoms of Zn ions showed chlorosis on the leaves of the test plants. There were significant decrease in chlorophyll, protein and carbohydrate when the exposure time and concentrations of the inetal ion increased. However 1 ppm Zn ion concentration increased chlorophyll and carbohydrate content of the plants. Higher concentration of the metal ion significantly reduced all the biochemical parameters under study.

3 tabels, 15 ref

014965   Thakur P C;Harsh Kumar (NO, , Qr. No. 2297, Sector-4 D, Bokaro Steel City-827 004, Email: drpcthakur@gmail.com) : Tissue culture study of Ixora parviflora vahl.-a woody ornamental shrub. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 881-3.

Ixora parviflora Vahl. is an ornamental shrub cultivated in gardens for white cluster of flowers and evergreen foliage. It is used in whooping cough and anaemia. Its tissue culture study was undertaken to search out micropropagation method. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 0.5-1.0 mg L^{-1 6-furfuryl amino purine (KIN) plus 1.0-2.0 mg L-1 a-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) induced normal growth in cultured shoot apex. Calli were produced from shoot apex, leaf, internode and node explants when cultured on different concentrations of KIN and NAA or 2,4-D. Medium with KIN (0.5-2.0 mg L-1) and NAA (1.0-2.0 mg L-1) induced normal growth in cultured floral bud. Best proliferation of roots was achieved when internodal explants were cultured on NAA (1.5 mg L-1)}

2 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

014964   Thakur M C;Mantri V A;Reddy C R K;Jha B (NO, Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR), Gijubhai Badheka Marg, Bhavnagar-364 002, Email: vaibhav@scmcri.org) : Dictyopteris serrata (Arschoug) Hyot: first record of male gametophytic plants. Curr Sci 2009, 96(4), 468-70.

1 illus, 8 ref

014963   Singh K P;Yadav R;Bhadauria S (Botany Dep, Raja Balwant Singh College, Agra, Uttar Pradesh) : Growth and nodulation in Acacia nilotica Benth, under mycorrhizal fungi and nutrient treated alkali soil after one year of inoculation. Indian For 2009, 135(3), 412-19.

Acacia nilotica is fast growing, drought resistant, multipurpose legume tree speoies occurring in semi-arid and arid zones of the world. AM fungi, which constitute a group of important soil microorganisms, are known to improve the plant growth through better uptake of nutrients. A total of eight sets of experiments were conducted to analyze maximum growth and nodulation in A. nilotica. The results of present investigation showed the maximum shoot, root height, collar diameter and dry weight of root nodules under soil treated with AM along with phosphate and nitrogenous fertilizers. It was minimum in the soil treated only with AM fungi. In another set of experiment, the maximum number of nodules/plant and its dry weight g/plant were found under soil treated with AM along with nitrogen followed by soil treated with AM along with phosphorus and nitrogen.

2 tables, 24 ref

014962   Shivanna K R (Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, , 659, 5th 'A' Main, Hebbal, bangalore-560 024) : Pollination biology, breeding system and reproductive success of Adhatoda vasica, an important medicinal plant. Curr Sci 2009, 96(3), 408-12.

Adhatoda vasica Nees. (Acanthaceae) is an important and widely used medicinal plant. The flowers last for 3-5 days, they are protandrous and pass through three distinct phases: male, bisexual and female. Two species of carpenter bees, Xylocopa verticalis and Xylo-copa sp. are the effective pollinators. Pollen grains are deposited on the dorsal surface of the thorax during Xylocopa visit to the flowers in the male phase, and the stigma rubs the pollen-coated thorax and is pollinated when the bees visit the flowers in bisexual and female phases. There is a high level of geitonogamy. Pollination efficiency under field conditions is high (95%). However, fruit set is poor (6%). The species is self-incompatible. None of the self-pollinated flowers sets fruits, but over 50% of the cross-pollinated flowers sets fruits. The results indicate that protandry does not prevent self-pollination, but reduces interference in export and import of pollen. Although the flowers have adapted well to achieve a high level of pollination, reproductive success in terms of fruit set is low, largely due to the limitation of compatible pollen.

1 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

014961   Sharma I;Sharma N;Kour H (Botany Dep, Jammu Univ, Jammu-180 006, Email: phyllanthus@rediffmail.com) : Role of ants in reproductive efficiency of three species of Phyllanthus L.. Curr Sci 2009, 96(2), 283-7.

Three herbaceous species of Phyllanthus L. namely P. fraternus L., P. urinaria L. and P. simplex Retz. form overlapping populations in and around Jammu during April-October. All are monoecious and unique in placement of flowers beneath leaf axils. Flowers are small, nectariferous and not amenable to major pollinators. Ants are involved in pollen transfer in these species. Three species visit the plants, these belong to genus Camponotus and Monomorium. Although all the three plants species represent a typical case of ant-plant mutualism, they differ in their dependence on ants for successful fruit set. P. simplex is totally dependent on ants, while P. urinaria and P. fraternus take the help of wind also.

3 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

014960   Satish S;Mohana D C;Raghavendra M P;Babu S; Raveesha K A (Herbal Drug Technology Laboratory, Microbiology Section, Studies in Bo, Mysore Univ, Manasagangotri, Mysore-570 006, Email: karaveesha@gmail.com) : Antibacterial evaluation of some Iranian medicinal plants against some human pathogenic bacteria. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(4), 735-8.

The aqueous and different solvent extracts of seven higher medicinal plants viz., Althea officinalis L.(Malvaceae), Origanum vulgare Oregano (Lamiaceae), Plantago lanceolata L. (Plantaginaceae), Polygonum bistorta L. (Polygonaceae), Satureja hortensis L. (Lamiaceae), Solanum dulcamara L. (Solanaceae) and Quercus robur L. (Fagaceae), were screened in vitro for anti-bacterial activity by cup diffusion method against fourteen human pathogenic bacteria. All the plants recorded antibacterial activity against all the test bacteria. Among the seven plants tested methanol extract of Origanum vulgare and Althea officinalis recorded highly significant antibacterial activity against all the human pathogenic bacteria. The antibacterial activity was more significant in solvent extracts compared to aqueous extract in all the plants indicating that the active principle responsible for antibacterial activity is more soluble in organic solvents. Comparison of the inhibitory activity of the extracts with the antibiotics gentamicin and streptocycline revealed that methanol extracts of Origanum vulgare and Althea officinalis were significantly higher than that of the antibiotics tested. The results suggest that Origanum vulgare and Althea officinalis are potential candidate plants for isolation and characterization of the active principle for further exploitation in medical microbiology.

1 table, 14 ref

014959   Saikia S P;Bhau B S;Rabha A;Dutta S P; Choudhari R K;Chetia M;Mishra B P;Kanjilal P B (Medicinal Div, Aromatic and Economic Plants, North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat-785 006, Email: sp_sidhu@yahoo.com) : Accession source variation in morpho-physiological parameters and growth performance of Jatropha curcas Linn.. Curr Sci 2009, 96(12), 1631-6.

Jatropha (Jatropha curcas Linn.) is a non-edible oilseed plant with adaptability to marginal semi-arid lands and wastelands. The Indian Government is promoting Jatropha to reduce dependence on the crude oil and to achieve energy independence by the year 2012, under the National Biodiesel Mission. Adaptive trials on J. curcas were undertaken at the North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat, Assam. The aim of the study was to determine source variation in J. cur cas accessions collected from 17 states (34 locations) of India and to identify the best sources to be utilized for reforestation and future genetic improvement work. The evaluation of 34 cultivars revealed a good degree of variation for plant height, stem girth, branches per plant and 100 seed weight. The accessions have shown measurable growth responses, which were sufficient for a conclusive remark. Hence the present study was carried out with the respective first and second year growth performances. Variation in the physiological parameters of different sources was also studied. The pattern of variation exhibited for different characters was found to be different and varied with age. Such variation among different populations may be due to different intensities of natural selection acting upon the traits in their natural habitat. High 100 seed weight (142 g) was observed in one cultivar. The performance of Naharlagun (Arunachal Pradesh), Lam-phelpat (Manipur), Dergaon (Assam) and Namsa (Nagaland) sources was satisfactory. The results indicate that genetic differences exist among accessions of ]. curcas. The relative performance of these sources was fairly consistent throughout the observation period.

5 tables, 23 ref

014958   Sabharwal S;Dhir K K (Botany Dep, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh) : Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Neem) : Reproductive studies in relation to kinetin application. Indian For 2009, 135(4), 505-16.

In-vivo morpho-physiological responses to kinetin application in Neem (Azadirachta Mica A. Juss.) were studied during three consecutive annual reproductive flushes from bud development onwards to seed set (prior standardization with endogenous levels). The number of buds and flowers per inflorescence was higher in treated branches as compared to the control. Physiological responses were observed to be kinetin-specific. Year 1 sample proteins, total sugars and reducing sugars measured higher following kinetin at 0.5 mM as compared to kinetin at 0.2 mM. The response to year 2 treatments was even better, being significant in 0.5 mM kinetin samples. Year 3 kinetin treatments produced poor flowering response, poor juvenility and low contents of the above compounds as compared to the control. The enzyme assay measuring the activities of invertase, protease, acid- and alkaline phosphatases was consistent with the biochemical responses to the kinetin treatments. In control, a shorter regeneration phase seems to lead to lower productivity in terms of floral inflorescence and fruit set. Therefore, it is suggested that the application of kinetin may regulate the reproductive phase resulting in improved organ-biomolecule production.

4 tables, 37 ref

014957   Rana T S;Ranade S A (NO, National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow-226 001, Email: ranatikam@gmail.com) : Enigma of monotypic taxa and their taxonomic implications. Curr Sci 2009, 96(2), 219-29.

Numerous categories of the inventories of plants are possible. Among these categories, an artificial category can be created for the taxa that are represented by a single genera or a single species known as monotypic taxa. These are an unusual, but important group of plants that are interesting not only in floristics, but also in phytogeography and phylogenetics studies. They also need further taxonomic evaluation and documentation. In this review, authour have collated information about their numbers, occurrence, habit-wise distribution and their representation in the country. We have also highlighted some of the important and interesting features of these plants in the form of queries that we consider are still not satisfactorily answered. Monotypic taxa are, therefore, a challenging and stimulating group that merits considerable further attention of both taxonomists as well as molecular biologists.

^iia2 tables, 19 ref

014956   Pandit P K;Bhakat R K (Jhargram Div, , Jhargram, Pashim Medinipur, West Bengal) : Ethno-medicinal plants used to treat gynaeological disorders by tribal peoples of paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal, India. Indian For 2009, 135(1), 28-46.

Ethno-medicinal plants are traditionally used by local tribal people of Paschim Medinipur District (West Bengal) since long for their healthcare. As many as 90 ethno-medicinal plant species have been identified which were traditionally used to cure gynaecological disorders like leucorrhoea, menorrhagia, amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, etc. These were also used to treat related ailments and problem like birth control, contraception, gonorrhoea, spermatorrhoea, syphilis, regulation of menses and act as an aphrodisiac.

23 ref

014955   Pandey S K;Hema Singh;Singh J S (Botany Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: hema.bhu@gmail.com) : Species and site effects on leaf traits of woody vegetation in a dry tropical environment. Curr Sci 2009, 96(8), 1109-14.

Selected leaf traits (leaf area, leaf weight, specific leaf area and chlorophyll content) from eight woody species at four sites in the dry tropical Vindhyan forest were investigated in order to assess their variability across species and site conditions. The morphological traits such as leaf area and leaf weight were more variable than biochemical traits such as chlorophyll content. There was significant effect of species and site, and the site X species interaction was also significant for all traits. These traits were correlated except for specific leaf area, which was independent of leaf area. A combination of traits could discriminate between the sites. Between-site variability in leaf traits was smaller (1.3-1.5-fold) than between-species variability (1.7-12.5 fold). The larger inter-species variability reflects marked genotypic variability in the leaf traits, while the smaller between-site variability reflects phenotypic plasticity leading to adaptation to site conditions.

3 illus, 6 tables, 44 ref

014954   Pande P K;Singh M (Botany Div, Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand) : Individual tree, intra- and inter-clonal variations in wood properties of the clonal ramets of Eucalyptus tereticornis SM.. Indian For 2009, 135(5), 629-46.

Within tree, intra- and inter-clonal variations in wood anatomical properties of 4 years old elonal ramets of Eucalyptus tereticornis Sin. were investigated. The material was collected from Clonal Testing Area, Lalkuan (Haldvani) and Bannakhera. The twelve best elonal ramets of better growth and form from Lalkuan and 5 clones of ITC-Bhadrachalam planted at Bannakhera were selected for the study. Radial variations in all the individual ramets were non-significant for all anatomical properties investigated, while inter-clonal variations were significant. Intra-clonal variations were non-significant. The values of Runkel ratio, shape factor and fibre-length to diameter ratio of the selected clones from Lalkuan were well within the permissible limits for producing better pulp. The wood properties of the clones were comparable with the clones of ITC- Bhadrachalam grown in South India except for fibre-length, Runkel ratio and shape factor which were significantly higher in South India. ITC-Bhadrachalam clones grown in Bannakhera and Lalkuan clones were not different from each other on the basis of wood anatomical properties. They grouped differently for wood anatomical characters. Fibre-length of different clones of the present study -was comparable with the 8-10 year old seedling seed-raised plantation of the same species. Clone raised plantation wood showed better paper making wood properties than of the seedling seed raised trees even at the early age.

1 illus, 7 tables, 40 ref

014953   Pande P K;Negi N;Magan Singh (Wood Anatomy Discipline, Botany Div, Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun) : Variatins in physial and wood anatomical properties of Shorea of Malay peninsula. Indian For 2009, 135(2), 209-26.

The intra- and inter-species variations in the dimensions of different wood elements and wood density of Balau, White meranti (Meranti Pa'ang), Yellow meranti (Meranti damar hitam) and the Red meranti group of Malay Shorea were studied. Variance ratio (F) test indicated that intra-species differences of Shorea were non-significant for all the groups. Inter-species variations were significant for fibre length, fibre diameter, wall thickness and vessel element diameter for all the four groups except vessel element diameter for White meranti and fibre length for Yellow meranti. Significant variations in wood density were noticed for all the groups except in the Yellow meranti group (a=0.05). Crystals were present in parenchyma cells as solitary, in idioblast and/or also in short and long chains in the different species of Balau, Red and the Yellow meranti groups. In some species of Red meranti, viz. S. singkawang, prismatic crystals in chambered and non-chambered parenchyma cells were reported for the first time. Similarly crystals in ray cells were recorded in S. leptoclados, S. hemsleyana and S. macrantha. Crystals were not observed in the White meranti group. Silica bodies were a characteristic feature of White meranti group. The three types of normal axial inter-cellular canal, namely solitary, in broken tangential lines and long tangential lines were present in all the groups. Radial canal was present in the Yellow meranti and three species of the Red meranti group. Wall thickness, fibre diameter, wood density and vessel element length were positively correlated (α=0.05). Cluster analysis was done on the basis of qualitative and quantitative wood anatomical characters using binary matrix for all the groups. Two clusters were formed at 0% (Rescaled Distance Cluster Combine = 25) similarity level. One cluster grouped the species that belongs to White meranti, while another clustered the three groups viz. Balau, Red meranti and Yellow meranti. Yellow meranti further split from Balau and Red meranti at 6% similarity level. Red meranti and Balau clustered separately at 26% similarity level.

3 tables, 28 ref

014952   Natrajan M;Parmar A;kher M M (Biosciences, Dep, Sardar Patel Univ, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujrat - 388 120) : Impact of Chromium during early germination of fenugreek in intraction with copper, zinc, lead and cadmium. Prajna 2009, 17(Dec), 40-7.

Chromium is one of the heavy metals known to cause oxidative damages to plants. When plants are exposed to more than one element, the effects may be independent, synergistic additive or antagonistic. The present paper deals with the effect of chromium (Cr^{6+) on germination of Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds when treated along with either: Cu, Zn, Pb, or Cd. The present study suggests that Cu and Zn are antagonistic and Pb and Cd are either synergistic or additive. However Zn at higher concentrations was synergistic.}

7 tabke, 24 ref

014951   Nandini D;Mohan J S S (Biosciences Dep, Sardar Patel Univ, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat-388 120) : Qualitative profiling of induced phenols in different varieties of Arachis hypogaea L. by using fungal culture filtrate of Sclerotium Rolfsii [Sacc.]. Prajna 2009, 17(Dec), 17-22.

Sclerotium rolfsii infects groundnut crop and causes productivity losses. A qualitative profile of total phenols has been carried out in four different varieties of Arachis hypogaea L. viz. J-11, GG-20, TG-26, and TPG-41 after spraying the fungal culture filtrate (FCF) of S. rolfsii. As a result, the induction of phenols occurs to the tune of 30.62 fold in TG-26, 7.2 fold in GG-20, 2.3 fold in TPG-41 varieties at 96 hrs and 22.5 folds in J-11 variety at 120 hrs. Thin layer chromatography of aqueous methanol leaf extracts of groundnut plants revealed the presence of salicylic acid and coumaric acid as common phenolic compounds. However, other phenolic compounds such as tyrosine in GG-20 and TPG-41, hydroquinone in J-11 and L-phenylalanine in TG-26 varieties were also found to get induced after treatment with FCF. The phenols and phenolic compounds exhibited varied increase in presently studied groundnut varieties. Thus the present results indicate that the treatment of fungal culture filtrate successfully induce higher accumulation of phenols thereby causing systemic resistance in the worked out four different varieties of groundnut against S. rolfsii.

2 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

014950   Naithani H B;Chandola S;Chandran M (Botany Div, Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun) : On the wild occurence of orchid Phaius tankervilliae in North India. Indian For 2009, 135(4), 578-9.

Genus Phaius belong to the family Orchidaceae, comprising 38 species in the world. This genus was erected by Jaun Louriero, who also named it using the Greek word phaius (swarthy), probably because of the yellow-brown colour that dominates the genus. One of its species Phaius tankervilliae is highly ornamental and commonly cultivated in gardens. As a wild in India, it is distributed from Nepal east-wards to North Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura. From outside India it has distribution to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Indo-China, Australia, Fiji Islands and Samoa. In the recent past, it has been naturalized to Hawaii, Cuba and Jamaica. It is generally found in wet tall grasslands and is therefore called 'Swamp Orchid'. It is also known as 'Nun's orchid', possibly due to the lateral view of the column which resembles the Madonna (Tom and Sheehan, 1994).

^ssc1 illus, 2 ref

014949   Mondal A K;Mondal S;Mandal S (Plant Taxonomy, Biosystematics and Molecular Taxonomy Laboratory, Bota, Vidyasagar Univ, Midnapore-721 102, Email: amalcaebotvu@gmail.com) : Free amino acids of pollen of some angiospermic taxa as taxonomic markers for phylogenetic interrelationships. Curr Sci 2009, 96(8), 1071-81.

Cluster pairing affinity or similarity index between eight interrelated families of angiosperms, namely Acantha-ceae, Bignoniaceae, Boraginaceae, Convolvulaceae, Labiatae, Scrophulariaceae, Solanaceae and Verbena-ceae was evaluated on the basis of the free amino acid composition of pollen as taxonomic markers of five members of each family, to assess the phylogenetic interrelationships and plant affinity. Considerable amount of homology was observed in the species belonging to the same family. Homology being more pronounced within species belonging to the same genus was also observed between the various families. Amino-n-butyric acid, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, methionine, phenylalanine and proline were the major amino acids found in the various pollen. Dendrogram constructed on the basis of free amino acid composition places the eight families in two clusters, with Verbenaceae and Labiatae being the most closely related in one group, and Scrophulariaceae and Bignoniaceae in the other. Scrophulariaceae also shows similarity with Acanthaceae and Solanaceae, with the latter being closely related to Convolvulaceae. Boraginaceae, showing a high degree of similarity with Verbenaceae and Labiatae, was also found to be related to Convolvulaceae. The present observation will open a new vista using free amino acids of pollen as taxonomic markers in the conservation of biodiversity.

1 illus, 11 tables, 49 ref

014948   Maheshwari R;Sankara Rao K;Ramachandra T V (NO, , 53/13, Sriteertha Apartments, 4th Main, 17th Cross, Malleswaram, Bangalore-560 003, Email: ramesh.maheshwari01@gmail.com) : Structural characteristics of a giant tropical liana and its mode of canopy spread in an alien environment. Curr Sci 2009, 96(1), 58-64.

To circumvent the practical difficulties in research on tropical rainforest lianas in their natural habitat due to prevailing weather conditions, dense camouflaging vegetation and problems in transporting equipment for experimental investigations, Entada pursaetha DC (syn. Entada scandens Benth., Leguminosae) was grown inside a research campus in a dry subtropical environment. A solitary genet has attained a gigantic size in 17 years, infesting crowns of semi-evergreen trees growing in an area roughly equivalent to 1.6 ha. It has used aerially formed, cable-like stolons for navigating and spreading its canopy across tree gaps. Some of its parts which had remained unseen in its natural habitat due to dense vegetation are described. The attained size of this liana in a climatically different environment raises the question as to why it is restricted to evergreen rainforests. Some research problems for which this liana will be useful are pointed out.

6 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

014947   Madhuri S;Pandey G (Zoology and Biotechnology Dep, Model Science College, Jabalpur-482 001, Email: drgovindpandey@rediffmail.com) : Some anticancer medicinal plants of foreign origin. Curr Sci 2009, 96(6), 779-83.

Attempt has been made to review some medicinal plants used for the prevention and treatment of cancer in foreign countries. Information on the botanical names of plants with family names, parts used and their main active components, and original/native place of these plants have been collected from the literature. This article considers 62 medicinal plants of foreign origin. These plants belong to 40 families, and their different parts (root, stem, bark, corm, bulb, leaf, fruit and seed) or the whole plants/herbs are used. The extracts or decoctions of these are generally used. The medicinal plants contain several phyto-chemicals such as vitamins (A, C, E, K), carotenoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, enzymes, minerals, etc. These phytochemi-cals possess antioxidant activities, which prevent or can be used in the treatment of many diseases, including cancer. Herbal drugs are also known to have good immunomodulatory properties. These act by stimulating both non-specific and specific immunity.

^iia1 table, 44 ref

014946   Lal B;Om Prakash;Sharma V;Singh R D;Uniyal S K (Biodiversity Div, Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, (CSIR), Palampur, Himachal Pradesh) : Synedrella vialis (Less.) A. Gray-a new record to the flora of Himachal Pradesh. Indian For 2009, 135(1), 89-91.

Synearella vialis (Less.) A. Gray (Asteraceae) is a new generic record to the flora of Himachal Pradesh. The plant has been collected from different localities of Kangra District, H.P. Morphological characters, habit and ecological notes of the plant are given to facilitate the identification.

1 illus, 7 ref

014945   Kumari A;Tripathi K P (Pteridology Laboratory, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh) : Management of metal contaminated wastelands by fern species. Indian For 2009, 135(1), 117-25.

Study site was thermal power station, Kanti and nearby locality (District Muzaffarpur, Bihar), having Gangetic plain topography with fertile soil. But fly ash deposition of thermal power has reduced the soil fertility of nearby area and consequently local farmers were vexed by adverse effect on crop yield. In similar condition ferns were found luxuriantly growing inside and outside the campus of thermal power without any visible phytotoxic symptoms. In context of the above, during present study metal content and physico-chemical properties of the fly ash site and soil samples of natural forest site of Balmikinagar (reference site) were studied. Community structure (frequency, density, abundance, and IVI) and several diversity indices including population density, concentration of dominance, heterogeneity, equitability, Shannon Wiener's diversity index of ferns of both fly ash site and reference site were studied. Effect of fly ash on photosynthetic pigments were studied and compared with reference site. Results showed that fern communities existing on fly ash site perform better than reference site even in presence of high metal content in fly ash. As ferns grown on fly ash site show slight reduction in chlorophyll content but no visible toxicity symptoms and have higher population distribution, it indicates the possibility of management of metal loaded wastelands with metal accumulator fern species.

32 ref

014944   Kumar R N;Chakraborty S;Nirmal Kumar (Biological Dep, Environmental Science, N.V. Patel Collage of Pure Applied Scince, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat-388 120) : Physiological action of 2,4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid on the growth of Eichhornia crassipes. Prajna 2009, 17(Dec), 51-4.

Deals with the study of effect of different concentrations of herbicide 2, 4 D on an aquatic weed, Eichhornia crasspes. Various concentrations of herbicide i.e. 1 ppm, 2 ppm, 4 ppm and 6 ppm were applied to E. crassipes plants in duplicate sets. The total carbohydrates, proteins and chlorophylls content were estimated for a period of ten days at regular intervals of three days. During the present study it was found out that the concentration of these primary metabolites and chlorophyll pigments decreased with the increasing concentration of 2, 4 D till nine days.

3 illus, 24 ref

014943   Kidwai N R;Jain M B;Chaturvedi H C (NO, Amity Univ, Lucknow-226 010, Email: hcc_nbri@hotmail.com) : Role of thidiazuron in in vitro induction of embryogenesis in nucellar tissue of Mangifera indica L. var. dashehari, leading to plantlets. Curr Sci 2009, 96(8), 1119-24.

High frequency differentiation of embryos took place in 100% explants of predisposed nucellar tissue of Mangifera indica L. var. Dashehari, proliferated using 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid for a short duration of only 7 days initially, particularly under the influence of thidiazuron. The nucellus contained in ovular halves of 25- to 30-day-old young fruits proliferated into dark-brown compact tissue, over which differentiation of discrete sectors of whitish, pale and granular pro-embryogenic tissue was induced. Enormous number of embryos differentiated in the proembryogenic tissue during its subsequent subculture in the optimum treatment containing 0.15 mg l^{-1 each of 6-benzyl-aminopurine and 2-isopentenyladenine, along with 0.5 mg l-1 indole-3-acetic acid. Amongst the embryos of five developmental stages cultured in the liquid-processing medium, the best development was evinced by embryos with av 1.51 cm length. However, amongst the processed embryos, 90% matured and 80% germinated, while 60% did actually convert into plantlets. The properly acclimatized and in vitro-raised plantlets showed more than 80% transplant success, and during 4 months in the potted pure Soilrite under ex vitro conditions displayed an increase in shoot length and produced new leaves as well.}

1 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

014942   Khurana P (Botany Dep, Meerut College, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh) : Phytosociological studies of woody vegetation along the disturbance gradient in tropical dry deciduous forest of Hastinapur. Indian For 2009, 135(7), 970-80.

In the present study, various phytosociological attributes of woody vegetation were analyzed along the disturbance gradient in tropical dry deciduous forest of Hastinapur. The sites were surveyed for floristic composition, distribution pattern, species diversity and dominance. Maximum number of trees, seedlings and saplings were recorded for Block-2 and minimum for Hillock. Number of shrub species was maximum on Hillock because of open forest canopy due to disturbances, which provide favorable conditions of growth for shrubs and other weeds. Most of species except shrubs were regular followed by random in distribution pattern. Diversity index and concentration dominance confirmed the disturbances in the studied forest. Beta diversity values were maximum for the Hillock forest.

2 illus, 6 tables, 21 ref

014941   Kholia B S (NO, , Botanical Survey of India, P.O. Rajbhawan, Baluwakhani, Sikkim Himalayan Circle, Gangtok-737 103, Email: bskholia_bsi@yahoo.co.in) : Gender variation in a threatended and endemic palm Trachycarpus takil Becc.. Curr Sci 2009, 96(1), 144-7.

A detailed study of flowering and fruiting in endemic and threatened palm, Trachycarpus takil was carried out. Earlier reports on the male and female concept of the plant were found incorrect; the plant is not perfectly dioceous. Gender expression in this species is not stable and it was noted that there is a tendency of young plants to behave as male which subsequently changes the sex from male to bisexual and female on ageing. It was also noted that the species is evolutionarily at superior stage and basically planned to outbreed but if the chances of cross pollination fails, the plant has capacity to develop pollen grains in staminodes to ensure the sexual reproduction.

1 table, 19 ref

014940   Khan N U;Imrana N (Fr. Cecil J. Saldanha Centre for Experimental Research in Bioscience, St Joseph's College Research Centre, Post Box 27094, 46, Langford Road, Bangalore-560 027, Email: nayeem65@hotmail.com) : Cyclosis in pond weed (Elodea canadensis): bicarbonate and NO effect using pharmacologicals. Curr Sci 2009, 96(11), 1506-11.

Cyclosis is a ubiquitous phenomenon in plant cells and plays an important role in transporting organdies within a cell, cell development and differentiation. The study examines the role of nitric oxide (NO), which influences some of the phenomena where cyclosis is known to play a role. Viagra is involved in NO production in plants. Bicarbonate is known to be a key player in photosynthetic electron transport. Effects of Viagra and bicarbonate on eyclosis were examined in the presence of various chemicals that influence calcium-related physiological effects. Viagra can stimulate or inhibit eyclosis depending on the concentration used. Both bicarbonate and Viagra behave similarly in stimulation and inhibition of diverse but evolutionar-ily linked processes, It is hypothesized that eyclosis evolved for the regulation of transpiration. Elodea being an aquatic plant has no stomata, but eyclosis, the physiological basis for the regulation of transpiration still persists as an evolutionary relict. Both calcium and bicarbonate were found to influence eyclosis positively, while lanthanum sulphate, a calcium channel blocker, had a negative effect. However, its effect was dependent on concentration, with complete blockage at 10 mM concentration. By contrast, the effect of bicarbonate was neutralized by the presence of formate, indicating a competition between the two for the same site. Cyclosis is stimulated by trifluoperazine, an antagonist of calmodulin. Another chemical, aceto-zolamide, an inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase which generates bicarbonate inhibits eyclosis. This supports the positive influence of bicarbonate on cyclosis. Our results point to inhibition of cyclosis by formate possibly by competing with bicarbonate for a binding site. The nature of the binding site is presently unclear. Future experiments will unravel the role of Viagra in cyclosis.

2 illus, 3 tables, 27 ref

014939   Karthick B (Energy and Wetlands Research Group, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: karthick@ces.iisc.ernet.in) : Genome sequencing of cells that live inside glass cages reveals their past history. Curr Sci 2009, 96(3), 334-7.

3 illus, 16 ref

014938   Kar M;Jena P K;Mishra P K (Botany Dep, Ravenshaw Univ, Cuttack-753 003) : Biochemical changes induced by anthracnose disease in betel vine. Acta Cienc Indica-Chem 2009, 35(4), 527-30.

Healthy and infected laves from ten varieties of Piper betle were taken as the experimental material. The diseased spots, i.e., Central black nectrotic zone, senescent yellow region and surrounding faded green region and the healthy leaves were analysed biochemically for chlorophyll, carbohydrate, protein, amino acids, phenols and vitamin contents. Comparison was made among contents of infected and healthy leaves in these ten varieties.

4 tables, 12 ref

014937   Kalyan Kumar;Saha A;Tamang R;Sharma B (Post Graduate Dep of Botany, Darjeeling Government College, Darjeeling-734 101, Email: asahanbu@yahoo.co.in) : Investigation on relative genome sizes and ploidy levels of Darjeeling-Himalayan Rhododendron species using flow cytometer. Indian J Biotechnol 2010, 9(1), 64-8.

The relative 2C genome size (in pg), ploidy level (X) and total number of base pair (in Mbp) of ten threatened, rare and endangered Indian Rhododendron species of Darjeeling Hills (eastern Himalaya) were determined by using flow cytometer. Out of the 10 species, 9 were diploid and their genome sizes (2C) ranged from 1.30 to 1.51 pg. But in one species, i.e., R. niveum, the value of genome size was significantly high, i.e., 4.27 pg, appeared to be a natural hexaploid (6X). The cytometric genomic data indicating the hexaploid nature of R. niveum can be correlated with some phenotypic characters, specifically the size of I leaf, size of flower and number of flower in truss. The reported phenotypic character of diploid species of R. niveum reveals that leaf size varies from 9-12 cm in length and 3.5-5.5 cm in breadth, individual flower size varies from 2-2.5 cm in length and 2-2.5 cm in diameter and number of flower per truss is 18-23 in diploid species. However, the findings on the same phenotypic characters of hexaploid R. niveum in the present study showed some differences from the diploid one. The leaf size of hexaploid R. niveum varies from 15-20 cm in length and 5-7 cm in breadth, individual flower size varies from 3.5-4 cm in length and 3.5 cm in diameter and number of flower per truss is 25-30. Therefore, these differences in floral traits and leaf size may be direct result of polyploidization itself. Thus, the morphological traits and the genomic information of Rhododendron species may serve as a valuable database for Indian Rhododendron breeders.

1 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

014936   Kajal S S;Rao K S (Biosciences Dep, Sardar Patel Univ, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat-388 120) : Lignification in young branches of Kigelia pinnata JAQ. Prajna 2009, 17(Dec), 23-7.

Kigelia pinnata is a semi deciduous fast growing tree species producing two to three flushes of shoots annually. Pattern of lignification in differentiating xylem elements of young shoots has been studied by histological and histochemical methods. The walls of cambial zone cells and the xylem derivatives undergoing expansion are rich with pectic polysaccharides. Lignin is heterogeneously distributed in the walls of xylem elements. The initiation, completion and intensity of lignin deposition vary in the walls of different xylem elements undergoing differentiation. First stage of lignification of cell walls often occurs at (he cell corner middle lamella. Sequential deposition of lignin and occurrence of peroxidase activity in the cell wall areas where pectin was deposited indicates a close relationship between pectin and lignin.

2 illus, 24 ref

014935   Kadam R M;Reddy N J M;Nagpurne V S (Botany Dep, Mahatma Gandhi Mahavidyalaya, Ahmedpur, Latur, Maharashtra) : Atmospheric concentration of hyphal fragments and insect parts over bajra (Pennisetum typhoids stapf.) fields at Ahmedpur, Maharashtra. Asian J envir Sci 2008, 3(2), 162-3.

Aerobiological investigations were carried out over the bajra (Pennisetum typhoids stapf.) fields at Ahmedpur for two kharifseasons of year 2005 and 2006.Air sampling was carried out by using Tilak air sampler. Different types of hyphal fragments like short, long branched, un branched, coloured, hyaline were encountered throughout the period of investigations in both the seasons. Their percentage contribution to the total airspora was 4.11% and 2.14% in first and second seasons, respectively. Their maximum concentration in first and second kharif seasons was recorded as 12404/m^{3 and 11438/m3 of air in the months of September 2005 and August 2006, respectively. During the present study, insect scales, insect wings, insect skeleton, insect mouth parts and complete insects were trapped and all of them were considered under separate group "insect scales". The percentage contribution of insect parts to the total airspora was 3.01% and 2.92% in first and second seasons, respectively. Their maximum concentration (9702/m3 and 16898/m3 of air) was recorded in the months of September 2005 and August 2006, respectively.}

1 table, 11 ref