019081   Nath M;Choudhury M D (Ethnobotany and Medicinal Plants Research Laboratory, Dep Life Science, Assam University, Silchar-788 011, Email: mautushi21@gmail.com) : Ethnoveterinary practices by Hmar tribe in Cachar district, Assam. Ethnobotany 2009, 21(1-2), 61-65.

The present paper deals with 20 plant species belonging to 18 families, which are being used by the Hmar tribe of Cachar district against various diseases of animals. For each species, botanical name, local name, family, plant parts and mode of uses have been recorded. Some of the interesting plants are Allium cepa, Annona muricata, Blechnum orientale. Crinum amoenum, Erythrina stricta, Phlogacanthus thyrsiformis, Polygala arillata, Symplocos cochinchmensis, etc.

1 table, 29 ref

019080   Nataraj H R (Dravyaguna Dep, KLEU's Shri B.M.K. Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Belgaum-03, Email: doc.nattu@gmail.com) : Analysis of different market samples of Ashoka (Saraca indica Linn) by T.L.C. and H.P.T.L.C. techniques. Pl Archs 2010, 10(1), 341-3.

Different market samples of Ashoka (Saraca indica Linn) were analysed to screen the genuinity of the samples available in the market in the name of Ashoka. All the samples were subjected for Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) techniques and it was found that all the samples were derived from the different botanical sources when compared with the genuine sample G.

4 illus, 4 tables, 6 ref

019079   Nagar P K (NO, Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR), Palampur-176 061) : Hormonal physiology of fruit growth. Bhartiya Vaigyanik Evam Audyogik Anusandhan Patrika 2009, 17(2), 168-74.

Formation of a fruit involves a multiple hormonal control. Waves of hormones are produced from the time of pollination to that maturity and ripening of fruits. The failure of formation or the availability of hormones in these organs often results in imperfect seed setting, fruit formation or ripening. The seeds in the fruits are rich sources of auxins, gibberellins and cytokinins and these hormones emanating from the seeds stimulate growth of the fruit tissues surrounding them and also control abscission. These types of endogenous plant hormones should they be required for fruit growth, can also be supplied by some other part or tissue part of the plant seeds. It is suggested that the regulation of fruit growth might be a result of the interactions of different plant hormones in any given fruit.

2 illus, 51 ref

019078   Murthy E N;Pattanaik C;Sudhakar Reddy C;Raju V S (Plant Systematics Lab, Botany Dep, Kakatiya University, Warangal-506 009, Email: jilu2000@rediffmail.com) : Piscicidal plants used by Gond tribe of Kawal wildlife sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh, India. Indian J nat prod Resour 2010, 1(1), 97-101.

Highlights the use of 25 plant species for fish poison by the Gond tribe living in the Kawal wildlife sanctuary. Though most people from Gond tribe are engaged in fishing activities, they use their indigenous traditional knowledge to catch the fish by applying plant extracts. The piscicidal plants used by Gonds are arranged alphabetically along with botanical name followed by family name, local name, habit and plant part used.

1 illus, 29 ref

019077   Meena K L;Yadav B L (Botany Dep, MLV Government College, Bhilwara-311 001) : Some ethnomedicinal plants of Southern Rajasthan. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2010, 9(1), 169-72.

Extensive survey of southern part of Rajasthan, which includes Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Banswara and Dungarpur districts was made to document the traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used by tribal communities.Tribals like Bhil, Damor, Garasia, Kalbelia, Kathodia and Meena are residing in the area. These people and their medicine men and women have valuable information about properties and medicinal uses of plants. An attempt has been made to document 31 plant species, belonging to 31 genera and 22 families being used traditionally by the tribals.

1 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

019076   Maragatham C;Panneerselvam A (Microbiology & Clinical Microbiology Dep, PRIST University, Thanjavur-614 904, Email: maragathamalagesan@yahoo.com) : In vitro studies on the effect of precursors for the production of secondary metabolites in Sida cordifolia. Pl Archs 2010, 10(1), 145-9.

In vitro propagation of medicinal plants with enriched bioactive principle and cell culture methodologies selective for commercial production of medicinally important compounds. The increased use of plant cell culture systems, recent years, perhaps due to an improved understanding of the secondary metabolite pathway in economically important plant. Advances in plant cell cultures cost effective, commercial production of even rare or exotic plants, their cells and the chemicals that they will produce. Indicates that the comparative study of antimicrobial activity of callus extract and adult plant extracts from Sida cordifolia. The plant was inoculated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) media containing different Plant Growth Regulators (BA,2,4-D, NAA+Kinetin, NAA+2,4-D+Kinetin) for the establishment of callus. Among this the combination of NAA+Kinetin (1.00+2.00 mg/l) was found to be best for callus induction. Then this callus was sub cultured in a suspension medium containing different precursors (glutamine, KNO₃, FeSO₄, CuSO₄) for the production of secondary metabolite. MS media containing glutamine at 100 mg.l produced good biomass yield. The methanolic extract of both callus culture and the native plant were subjected to antimicrobial activity to compare the effect of secondary metabolite. The biomass produced in media supplemented with potassium nitrate 0.2 mg/l showed good antimicrobial activity against the test organism. The result of the study supports the use of these plants for human and animal disease therapy and reinforces the importance of the ethnobotanical approach as potential sources of bioactive substances.

5 tables, 11 ref

019075   Manimekalai N;Vijayakumar N;Sundaram M D (NO, Perunthalaivar Kamraj Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Puducherry) : Influence of polyethylene glycol in the spore production and biomass of entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin and its efficacy against leaf folder Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Pyralidae) in rice (Oryza sativa). Pl Archs 2010, 10(1), 159-62.

Virulence and blastospore production of the liquid formulation of Beauveria bassiana were tested using different concentration of versatile osmaticum, Polyethylene glycol as an ingredient in Sabouraud's Dextrose broth. Results showed that increased number of colony forming units (Cfu), wet and dry mycelial weight were observed in PEG supplemented SDB medium. The increased concentration of PEG 6000 decreased the mycelial pellet formation and the efficacy of the PEG incorporated formulation tested against Cnaphalocrocis medinalis reflected with the maximum mortality rate at 4% PEG concentration.

3 tables, 15 ref

019074   Malla B;Chhetri R B (Environmental Science and Engineering Dep, Kathmandu Univ, PO Box No: 6250, KTM Dhulikhel, Kavre(Nepal), Email: bmalla@nins.edu.np) : Observaations on some ethnomedicinal plants in Kavrepalanchowk district, Nepal. Ethnobotany 2009, 21(1-2), 41-5.

An ethnomedicinal investigation has been carried out to record the indigenous knowledge of the ethnic communities of Kaverpalanchowk district of central Nepal on the use of 33 species of plants belonging to 31 genera under 27 families. The ethnic people (Newar, Magar, Chhetri, Pariyar, Biswakarma, Tolange and Tamang) of Nepal have good association with plant resources, which they use for the treatment of various ailments. The traditional knowledge for the utilization of these ethnomedicinal plants is widely accepted by these people.

15 ref

019073   Mall P;Mohanty B K (P.G. Department of Botany and Biotechnology, Khallikote Autonomous College, Berhampur, Ganjam-760 001, Email: mohantysir1@yahoo.com) : Comparison of agar diffusion and turbidimertic assay for quantification of nisin using an indicator strain, Streptococcus agalactiae. Pl Archs 2010, 10(1), 301-5.

Evaluates the appropriate method for quantification of nisin using a sensitive strain S. agalactiae NCIM-2401. Agar diffusion bioassay method is based on the measurement of the inhibition zone produced by Streptococcus agalactiae NCIM-2401. Alternative to this is turbidimetric method which can also be used for nisin quantification. This method is based on the measurement of optical density sensitive strain Streptococcus agalactiae NCIM-2401. The most appropriate method for the quantification of nisin is agar diffusion assay, due to its highly simplicity and cost effectiveness with less variation. In turbidemertic method the incubation time as well as no of initial cells in the flask is critical which may leads to erroneous result. However, the turbidimertic method is more sensitive than agar diffusion assay.

4 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

019072   Maity S;Datta A K;Chattopadhyay A (Botany Dep, Kalyani University, Kalyani-741 235, Email: dattaanimesh@gmail.com) : Interrelationship and phyllogeny among some Corchorus (Family : Tiliaceae) species. Pl Archs 2010, 10(1), 171-4.

Clustering (based on proximity matrix) of nine (C. capsularis L. and C. olitorius L, C. aestuans L., C. fascicularis Lam., C. pseudoolitorius I. and Z., C. Tridens L., C. trilocularis L., C. urticaefolius W. and A.). Indian grown Corchorus (Family : Tiliaceae) species (2 cultivated and 7 wild) was made from morphological (including seed and seed-coat surface analysis following SEM), palynological, anatomical (stem), cytological (karyomorphology and meiosis) and biochemical (SDS-PAGE) attributes using UPGMA and dendrograms were constructed (also using all the attributes together) to ascertain interrelationship among/between species aiding to interspecific hybridisation and crop improvement. Further, an unrooted tree was prepared from 76 discreate variables following the use of the software PHYLIP (version 3.68) and it revealed that the cultivated species were more primitive than those of wild species under evaluation. Phyllogenetic relationship among Jute species suggested a complex evolutionary trend.

9 illus, 13 ref

019071   Kuvar S D;Bapat U C (Botany Dep, St Xavier's College, Mahapalika Marg, Mumbai-400 001, Email: coolsac_2050@yahoo.co.in) : Medicinal plants used by Kokani tribals of Nasik district Maharashtra to cure cuts and wounds. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2010, 9(1), 114-15.

Kokani tribals reside in Nasik, Dhule and Nandurbar districts of Maharashtra. The field trips in these areas were carried out in June and October 2004. The ethnobotanical study revealed use of 9 plant species belonging to different families to cure cuts and wounds. The method of preparation of crude drugs and their application along with the scientific and local names of the plants is given. The knowledge on the ethnomedicinal uses of the Kokani tribals can help to discover new drugs to cure cuts and wounds provided the data given is scientifically evaluated.

16 ref

019070   Joy P P;Aby K J;Skaria B P (Aromatic and Medicinal Plants Ressarch Station, Kerala Agricultural Univ, Odakkali, Asamannoor-683 549) : Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): a revitaliser and IQ booster. Indian J Arecanut Spices med Pl 2009, 11(1), 8-14.

19 ref

019069   Joshi K (Botany Dep, atan Campus, Tribhuvan Univ, P.O. Box 11121, Kathmandu (Nepal), Email: kunjanijoshi@gmail.com) : Indigenous uses of wetland plant of two valleys (Kathmandu and Pokhara) in Nepal. Ethnobotany 2009, 21(1-2), 11-17.

The paper enumerates traditional uses of 54 plant species belonging to 46 genera representing 36 families used by the local communities of wetlands in two valleys of Nepal (Kathmandu and Pokhara) for the treatment of diseases and other uses Some of the useful species are under serious threat due to unsustainable activities and changing land-use patterns. In this paper, some recommendations have been made to integrate conservation measures for the habitat preservation and documentation and sustainable management of the useful wetland plants with indigenous ethnic-knowledge and practices before some of these are endangered.

1 table, 8 ref

019068   Jeeshna M V;Paulsamy S;Mallikadevi T (P.G. and Research Department of Botany, Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore-641 029, Email: paulsami@yahoo.com) : Preliminary phytochemical evaluation in the leaf extracts of the plant species, Croton bonplandianum Baill.. Pl Archs 2010, 10(1), 235-8.

Leaves of Croton bonplandianum are highly medicinal and used for controlling high blood pressure, skin diseases and cut and wounds, because of the presence of active principle, rutin a flavonoid. Three different population of Croton bonplandianum viz., population at open and shade habitats and population of diseased plants are taken to determine the variation in phytochemical compounds of medicinal importance. The results of the study report that the habitat variation and biotic influences have lot of impact over the medicinal properties of this species. The analysis by thin layer chromatography revealed the presence of the phytochemical compounds viz., alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides and saponins in the leaves of all the three population. Further the content of all these compounds are found to be higher in the population of open habitat than that of the other two population studied.

2 tables, 19 ref

019067   Jayakumar G;Ajithabai M D;Sreedevi S; Viswanathan P K;Remeshkumar B (Chemistry Dep, N S S College, Cherthala, Kerala, Email: jayakumarmgcollege@yahoo.com) : Ethnobotanical survey of the plants used in the treatment of diabetes. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2010, 9(1), 100-4.

Deals with the plant based folk practices used in the treatment of diabetes. The study was conducted in two districts of Kerala, a state rich in floral diversity. Even though modern medical facilities are available in these places, people in villages still use plant therapy to a considerable extent. This may be attributed to the rich floral wealth of the state, which makes the access to the medicinal plants comparatively easy, the lower cost factor, and to a popular belief that plant derived medicines are better suited for the body. The impact of modernization and commercialization of medical treatment has telling effect on the number of these users and so a proper documentation and preservation of these practices are essential.

1 table, 48 ref

019066   Jaiswal V (NO, University of the Sciences in Philadelphia (USIP), Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA, Email: vidhan_jaiswal@yahoo.com) : Culture and ethnobotany of Jaintia tribal community of Meghalaya, Northeast India. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2010, 9(1), 38-44.

Jaintia tribal community, the original inhabitants of Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya have a fascinating culture and tradition based on a close relationship with the nature. Plants and plant products play an important role in Jaintia life and thus are an integral part of Jaintia culture. An effort has been made to shed light on the knowledge of Jaintia people about various plant species that grow in the region and the way these plant species are used as edible plants, indicators of agricultural seasons and in the treatment of some common ailments. Jaintia people have been conserving the biodiversity of the region for ages by maintaining the sacred groves.

1 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

019065   Jain V;Saxena D C;Pandey R;Sairam R K (Plant Physiology Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012) : Effect of elevated carbon dioxide on Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) plants. Bhartiya Vaigyanik Evam Audyogik Anusandhan Patrika 2009, 17(2), 165-7.

Spinach is an important leafy vegetable enriched in iron. An experiment was conducted to study the effect of elevated carbon dioxide on growth and nutrient composition of spinach. The plants were grown in open top chambers (OTC) under two concentration of carbon dioxide viz. ambient (ACO₂, 350 ± 50 μmol mol^-1) and elevated (ECO₂, 600 μ 50 æmol mol^-1) and were analyzed 40, 60 and 80 days after exposure to CO₂. The plants grown in ECO₂ had higher net photosynthetic rate and lower stomatal conductance when compared with the plants grown in ACO₂. ECO₂ also changed the nutrient composition of leaves. Lower nitrogen and iron content and higher carbon and calcium content were observed in the plants exposed to elevated CO₂. The rising CO₂ may lead to changes in nutritional quality of this important leafy vegetable.

1 table, 11 ref

019064   Jain S P;Singh J (NO, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Lucknow-226 015, Email: sp.jain@cimap.res.in) : Traditional medicinal practices among the tribal people of Raigarh (Chhattisgarh), India. Indian J nat prod Resour 2010, 1(1), 109-15.

Ethno-medico-botanical studies have been carried out in different tribal pockets of Raigarh district of Chhatisgharh State. This has led to the documenting of uses of 35 plant species in various diseases ranging from liver disorders to simple application for body pain. The findings reported may form the basis for bioprospection and consequently development of scientifically validated new and novel drugs for diseases like hepatitis, cancer, malaria, rheumatism and other various infectious diseases, where no satisfactory cure is available.

1 table, 12 ref

019063   Jain D L;Baheti A M;Jain S R;Khandelwal K R (NO, Life Science Center, Weihenstephan, Technical University Munich, Germany, Email: dhirajain123@rediffmail.com) : Use of medicinal plants among tribes in Satpuda region of Dhule and Jalgaon districts of Maharashtra-an ethnobotanical survey. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2010, 9(1), 152-7.

Ethnobotanical survey was carried out on the use of medicinal plants in Satpuda region of Dhule and Jalgaon districts of Maharashtra. The information was gathered from Pawara, Bhil and Pardhi tribes using an integrated approach of botanical collections, group discussions and interviews with questionnaire during 2004-2005. Among 50 informants interviewed, 8 were tribal practitioners. A total of 67 medicinal plant species distributed in 37 families are documented. In most of the cases, fresh part of the plant was used for the preparation of medicine. These tribal people still depend on the medicinal plants to cure their diseases and disorders in Satpuda forest region. The documented ethnomedicinal plants were mostly used to cure wound infections, skin infections, stomachache, fever, cough, diabetes, diuretics, diarrhoea, eye infections and general weakness.

1 table, 17 ref

019062   Jain A K;Vairale M G;Singh R (NO, Institute of Ethnobiology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior-474 011, Email: asokjain2003@yahoo.co.in) : Folklore claims on some medicinal plants used by Bheel tribe of Guna district Madhya Pradesh. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2010, 9(1), 105-7.

Deals about some medicinal plants used by tribal communities of Guna district of Madhya Pradesh. A record on 20 plant species belonging to 18 families, used by Bheel tribes for curing various ailments among human beings and animals are given. Uses of plants for other purposes are also mentioned.

1 table, 16 ref

019061   Idu M D (Plant Biology and Biotechnology Dep, Univ of Benin, Benin City, P M B 1154 (Nigeria), Email: macdonaldidu@hotmail.com) : Ethnobotany in Nigeria: retrospects and prospects. Ethnobotany 2009, 21(1-2), 25-31.

Early ethnobotanical works in Nigeria comprise primarily the collection of plants for identification/screening. Today ethnobotany is in the midst of a renaissance as ethnobotanical knowledge is used to treat and prevent diseases, and provide scope and opportunities for bioprospecting in drugs/chemicals and gene prospecting. Ethnobotanical knowledge is a key resource for developing new kinds of foods, cosmetics, other chemicals of industrial importance as well as providing strategy for managing biodiversity and maximizing its conservation. This article is a review of ethnobotanical work reported both in the past and present and the possible prospects of such investigations in Nigeria. It is an attempt to increase awareness on the urgent need to rescue and record all indigenous knowledge, usually existing in undocumented oral tradition.

63 ref

019060   Gupta V N;Banerji B K;Datta S K (Floriculture Sect, National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR), Lucknow-226 001) : Influence of auxins in regeneration of roots in the stem cuttings of multi-bracted Bougainvillea under intermittent mist. Bhartiya Vaigyanik Evam Audyogik Anusandhan Patrika 2008, 16(1), 58-63.

Semi-hardwood cuttings (15 cm length) were selected from healthy vigorous middle shoots of Bougainvillea cvs Los Banos Variegata and Cherry Blossom and treated with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) solutions each at 0, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 ppm by quick dip (10 sec.) method. The cuttings were planted in 15 cm earthen pots filled with sterilized coarse sand and kept under intermittent mist in glass roofed chamber for rooting in randomized block design with three replications. IBA at 4000 ppm induced maximum rooting (45.0%) and survival. (77.80%) in cv Los Banos Variegata and 75.0% rooting and 86.70% survival was recorded in cv Cherry Blossom. This concentration was also very helpful in producing greater number of roots and longer root length per rooted cutting than treatments with NAA in both the cultivars.

2 tables, 11 ref

019059   Goel A K;Tripathi S (NO, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001) : Ethnobotanical spectrum of Indian flora: an orerview during the past 20 years in the journal Ethnobotany. Ethnobotany 2009, 21(1-2), 131-54.

India has been bestowed with remarkably rich plant diversity coupled with the multiethnic cultures. Fthnobotanical studies in India were initiated about 6-7 decades ago. In this communication authors have reviewed, analysed and elaborated the various aspects covered under the publications during the past 20 years in 1-20 volumes of the journal Ethnobotany brought out by the Society of Ethnobotanists. It has been observed that maximum number of 135 papers are published on ethnomedicinal uses whereas experimental & ethno-pharmacological studies as well as sacred groves/regions have received minimum attention. Most of the states are well covered but smaller states like Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Andaman & Nicobar Islands and the alpine Himalayan regions are poorly covered. Based on the detailed analysis of papers, gaps, futuristic themes and guidelines have been suggested for intensive ethnobotanical studies for sustainable use of the plant resources.

1 table, 465 ref

019058   Ghosh A;Mandal P;Sircar P K (Botany Dep, Asutosh College, 92, S.P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata-700 026, Email: pksircar@yahoo.com) : Wheat (Triticum aestivum) peptide (s) mimic gibberellin action and regulate stomatal opening. Indian J expl Biol 2010, 48(1), 77-82.

Wheat peptides (0.5 to 3 KDa M_r) mimick hormonal activity like that of gibberellins and forced open dark closed stomata. The deionized amphoteric peptides solution after passing through cation and anion exchanger resins was run through Amicon's ultrafilters, 10, 3 and 0.5 kDa (M_r) cut off system. The 3 to 0.5 kDa fraction passed through sephadex LH-20 column and collected in 140 tubes (5 ml in each tube). The two fractions F 9 (91-100 tubes) and F 12 (121-130) were found much active on stomatal opening and α-amylase activity, respectively and were ninhydrin positive. Capillary electrophoresis of F 9 fraction yielded several peptides ranging 1600 to 2200 (M_r) and F 12 fraction showed 1800 - 2800(M_r). Both the fractions were totally hydrolysed for amino acid analysis by HPLC. Most of the amino acids were present except cystein in both the fractions. The F 9 fraction, (peptide present in 10 μg fresh wt tissue per ml) induced the dark grown closed stomata to open upto 70%. In F 12 fraction, (peptide present in 10 μg fresh wt equivalent tissue per ml) showed α-amylase induction which was much higher than GA₃ (10^{-9 M). The peptide might be present in membrane and bound with GA that activated α-amylase m-RNA synthesis. The peptide might act directly on α-amylase gene.}

3 illus, 17 ref

019057   Geetha Rani M (NO, Gene Bank, MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, Third Cross Street, Taramani Institutional Area, Email: genebank@mssrf.res.in) : Medicinal plants viz a viz indigenous knowledge among the tribals of Pachamalai Hills. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2010, 9(1), 209-15.

Ethnobotanical survey was carried out in Pachamalai Hills to document Indigenous Knowledge (IK) Management at Pachamalai, rich in both cultural and biodiversity rich area. The tribal women and men of this hill are well known for their knowledge of the medicinal properties of the endemic flora. They have been using specific medicinal plants to cure specific ailments over centuries. The knowledge of the tribal people associated with the treatment of various animal diseases, crop pest management and human cure using medicinal plants is fast disappearing due to urbanization and modernization and tendency to gradual migration to the mainstream. There is an urgent need to study and document the existing knowledge for posterity. Presents information on indigenous knowledge associated with the use of plant species to cure animal, human and crop pest and disease management practice followed by Malayali tribals.

7 illus, 2 tables, 5 ref

019056   Eriyamremu G E;Lolodi O (Biochemistry Dep, University of Benin, P.M.B. 1154, Benin City, Nigeria, Email: georgeeriyamremu@yahoo.com) : Alterations in lipid peroxidation and some antioxidant enzymes in germinating beans (Vigna unguiculata) and maize (Zea mays) exposed to nickel. Pl Archs 2010, 10(1), 413-19.

Growth pattern, chlorophyll content, lipid peroxidation as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidases (GP) and catalase (CAT) were studied in the radicales, roots and shoots of Phaseolus vulgaris (the common beans) and Zea mays (maize) grown in soils contaminated with two nickel concentrations {0.1% (65μM) and 0.2% (130μ)}. Two hundred and seventy of either bean or maize seeds were germinated in these contaminated soils and 20 of each germinated plants were harvested after either the 7th, 14th and 21st days. The study observed chlorosis and stunted growth in the nickel-treated plants. Nickel accumulated in the tissues in increasing order of the radicle, root and shoot. Treatment of the plants with 0.1% nickel did not appear to significantly (P>0.05) affect the activities of SOD, CAT and GP in the tissues studied throughout the experimental periods. This dose of nickel did not also alter malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the tissues. However, treatment with 0.2% nickel significantly increased (P<0.05) the activities of SOD, CAT and GP of the radicle, root and shoot of both plants compared with their respective controls. Lipid peroxidation as measured by the production of MDA was significantly increased (P<0.05) in the plants grown on nickel-contaminated soils compared with the controls. These results indicate that nickel affects Phaseolus vulgaris and Zea mays and as an adaptive feature, they increase the activities of antioxidant enzymes of the radicle, root and shoot as a defense mechanism to the oxidative damage caused by high concentrations of nickel.

10 tables, 28 ref

019055   Dwivedi S N;Dwived S;Dwivedi Abhishek;Goel A K (Botany Dep, Janata PG College, A P S Univ, Rawa-486 002, Email: drsndwivedi@yahoo.co.in) : Ethnobotanical, pharmacological and phytochemical significanc of Sauromatum guttatum. Ethnobotany 2009, 21(1-2), 95-8.

Sauromatum guttatum (Wall.) Schott, commonly known as 'Bhasamkand", is widely distributed in the moist areas. The plant was collected in winter season from the various study sites in Madhya Pradesh. Dimethyl oligosulphides are the major volatile substances, emitting a gutter like foul smell, released from Sauromatum guttatum. The different parts of plant possess antimicrobial, insecticidal, larvicidal and antifungal activities. The aim of the present review is to elaborate the phytochemical profiles, and the pharmacological activities of this taxon along with its ethnobotanical importance. Further research on the plant will be helpful in isolating various active constituents from the different plant parts, which may possess active pharmacological activities for bioprospecting and value addition.

^iia1 illus, 15 ref

019054   Dubey P C;Sikarwar R L S;Khanna K K;Saxena R N;Tiwari A P (NO, Researach and Extension Circle, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh) : Identification and conservation priorities of threatened plants of Vindhyan region. Bhartiya Vaigyanik Evam Audyogik Anusandhan Patrika 2008, 16(1), 16-35.

Plants have been used by men since ancient times for their various requirements such as food, medicine, fodder, fibre, gum, timber, fuel, agricultural equipments and for other economic activities. The human population has increased rapidly during the last 50 years and the necessities of men have also increased in the same ratio. Consequently, due to the indiscriminate cutting of forests, destruction of habitats and over exploitation of valuable plant species from the natural habitats, they are reduced to a critical stage. An extensive survey has been carried out in the forest area of Vindhyan region to find out the status of threatened plants as per the IUCN guidelines.

7 tables, 20 ref

019053   Dixit A K;Kadavul K;Rajalakshmi S;Shekhawat M S (Plant Science Dep, KM Center for Post Graduate Studies, Pondicherry-605 008, Email: ashwanikdixit@yahoo.co.in) : Ethno-medico-biological studies of South India. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2010, 9(1), 116-18.

Some ethno-biological observations have been made amongst the aboriginals of the South India for their traditional method of treatment using animals and their products. They live in harmony with the nature. They are using many drugs of animal origin (birds, fishes, reptiles, ants, insects, mammals, etc.) They are using entire organism or their body parts and products such as flesh, bones, teeth, bone marrow, blood, fat, testicles, semen; other secretion products such as milk, butter, ghee, honey, and even metabolic products like urine and excreta of not only the domesticated animals but also of the wild animals. Over all, 42 animals were identified as drug producing and recorded by their zoological names.

1 table, 28 ref

019052   Dinakaran J;Senthil Kumar N;Nagadesi P K; Sharma V K;Pati R (Ecology Lab, Botany Dep, Faculty of Science, The M.S. University of Baroda, Baroda-390 002, Email: jesudina@gmail.com) : Comparative analysis of Bt and non Bt hybrid cotton with special reference to growth, biochemical characters and rhizospheric microbes. Pl Archs 2010, 10(1), 101-6.

Transgenic technology has been used to develop cotton with the beneficial trait of insect resistance by inserting a Cry 1 Ac gene, from the naturally occurring soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis sub sp. Kurstaki. Investigated the efficacy of Bt and conventional non Bt cotton in terms of growth parameters such as shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight and leaf area, biochemical parameters viz., photosynthetic pigments, protein, glucose, leaf nitrate, nitrate reductase activity and total free amino acid, enumerating rhizosphere soil microflora and germination of seed under three different temperatures. Results of basic growth parameters of Bt cotton were found to be higher than non Bt cotton plants, which could be due to insecticidal protein secretion by Bt. Photosynthetic pigments of Bt cotton were higher than that of non Bt cotton, which indicates the mobilisation of resources for synthesis of pigments in Bt cotton. From day 50 of seedling development there was trend for a decreasing levels in Bt cotton plants, which was in contrat to the glucose content that increased in Bt and non Bt cotton due to maturity and health of the plants. Rhizosphere soil microbial population of Bt cotton were found to be low compared to non Bt cotton, which hypthesised as indicating an effect of Cry 1 Ac (entotoxin) protein in the soil. Ambient temperature (21-30°C) is suitable for the germination of Bt and non Bt cotton seeds. Finally, concludes that further studies at molecular level are needed to prove the reduction of microbial population in Bt soil for biosafety assessment.

7 illus, 4 tables, 29 ref

019051   Deore S L;Khadabadi S S (NO, Government College of Pharmacy, Kathora Naka, Amravati-444 604) : In vitro anthelmintic studies of Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant. & Fernandez tubers. Indian J nat prod Resour 2010, 1(1), 53-6.

Deals with the laboratory studies carried out to ascertain the anthelmintic properties of Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant. &Fernandez saponin extracts against Pheretima posthuma and Ascardia galli. Methanolic extract (ME), crude saponin extract (CSE) and purified saponin fractions (PSF) were used as test solutions. Piperazine citrate was included as standard drug and distilled water as control. Study involved the determination of time of paralysis and time of death of the worm. The anthelmintic activity of saponin extracts of C. borivilianum root tubers has therefore been demonstrated for the first time.

3 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

019050   Deka S J;Sarma G C;Baishya Sarma R;Deka S P (Botany Dep, Gauhati University, Assam) : Phenological study of macrophytes of some selected wetlands of Goalpara district, Assam, India. Pl Archs 2010, 10(1), 165-70.

Phonological study has been done (January 2007 to December 2008) in some selected wetlands Urpod, Kumbri and Hasila beel area of Goalpara district, Assam. During the study time 67 numbers of individuals are found, where 26 monocytyledonous and 41 dicotyledonous out of these are 30 annual and 37 perennial. In these three study area the family Poaceae is dominant having 13.43% individuals and maximum number of individuals are include in marshy amphibious habit having 49.25%. From the phonological point of view maximum numbers of plant species complete their reproductive phase within March to November. Depending on the physicochemical characteristics Macrophytic plant diversity are maximum in summer season and minimum in winter season.

2 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

019049   Datta S K;Gupta V N;Banerjee B K (NO, National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh) : Hippeastrum : An excellent bulbous plant at National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow. Bhartiya Vaigyanik Evam Audyogik Anusandhan Patrika 2008, 16(1), 36-46.

Hippeastrum is an excellent bulbous plant bearing beautiful flowers on the flowering scape emerging from bulbs during mid-February to April, a period when there is real scarcity of the flowers in the north Indian plains. It is grown for flowers which can be used to beautifying the garden and decorate the verandah and also for great demand as cut flowers in floriculture trade. National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow, is one of the pioneer institutions which has done a commendable work on Hippeastrum. Blooming period has been expanded and vase life of cut flower has been increased through post-harvest physiological manipulation. Indiscriminate intervarietal hybridization resulted into the development of promising hybrids suitable for growing in northern plains. Under improvement. programme, continuous multidisciplinary approaches are going on at NBRI, Lucknow for the development of new and novel hybrids for floriculture industry.

3 tables, 22 ref

019048   Chaudhary K;Vijay Kumar (Botany Dep, Pt. J.N. P.G. College, Banda, Uttar Pradesh, Email: chaudhary.kavita41@gmail.com) : Effect of vam (G. mosseae) fertiliser (phosphate) interaction on root colonisation, growth, nutrient uptake and yield in Cajanus-cajan (var. ICPL-87). Pl Archs 2010, 10(1), 397-401.

Field experiment was conducted to study the effect of vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungus G. mosseae inoculation on root colonization, growth, nutrient uptake and yield in Cajanus cajan (var. ICPL-87) at different level of phosphate fertiliser under natural condition. Deals with higher dose of applied phosphate did not affect the benefit of the plants by inoculating VAM fungi. It is suggested that multilocational field trials may be conducted using cheap source of phosphate in combination of VAM for maximum benefits of the crop plants.

1 table, 13 illus, 10 ref

019047   Chakraborthy G S (School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, Faculty of Pharmacy, NMIMS Univ, Shirpur, Maharashtra, Email: phdgs77@indiatimes.co) : Antioxidant activities of the successive extracts of Ricinus communis leaves. J Envir Res Dev 2008, 3(2), 537-9.

Plants are the best source of active secondary metabolites which are beneficial to mankind. Many plant origin drugs have been reported with biological properties like analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic agents and many more. The successive extracts of Chlorophytum borivilianum leaves were screened for in vitro antioxidant properties using the standard procedures. The successive extracts such as petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, methanol and water and 50% crude methanol extracts exhibited 1C ₅₀ values of respectively in DPPH and respectively in nitric oxide radical.inhibition assays. The values are comparable with the standards such as ascorbic acid and quercetin. The Chlorophytum borivilianum leaves are showing antioxidant activity.

^ssc2 tables, 10 ref

019046   Borah S;Das A K;Boruah A M;Borah J (Botany Dep, Chaiduar College, Gohpur-784 168, Email: sushanta.borah@gmail.com) : Ethnomedicnal plants used by Mishing communities for analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties in India. Ethnobotany 2009, 21(1-2), 66-9.

Presents ethnomedicinal remedies for rheumatic pain practised by the Mishing community inhabiting the Gohpur area, Assam. This community using some locally available plants and mixing them properly in appropriate doses has formulated an anti-rheumatic pain plaster. All the necessary-plants are available in their neighbourhood. The paste made out of mixing the specific plants is continuously applied to the affected part for some days to relieve pain. The skin of the affected part, if damaged due to continuous use of paste, can also be cured by another preparation of plant materials. A detailed note on the method of preparation of effective dose, application on the affected part, etc., is given.

2 tables, 7 ref

019045   Biswas S;Sahu D K;Dhal N K;Brahman M (NO, Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (Former RRL), Bhubaneswar-751 013, Email: nkdhal@immt.res.in) : Indigenous phytotherapies among Koya tribe of Malkangiri district, Orissa. Ethnobotany 2009, 21(1-2), 99-102.

Ethnobotanical survey on Koya tribe of Malkangiri district in Orissa was conducted during 2007-08. This paper highlights 20 plants and their ethnic uses, which appear to be interesting and unreported so far. Botanical names, families, vernacular names, localities, voucher specimen numbers, diseases treated and mode of drug administration, etc., are enumerated. The new claims offer enormous scope for clinical trials and pharmacological evaluations in the pursuit of new drugs.

1 table, 11 ref

019044   Bhatt U D;Jain B K (Geer Foundation; Indroda Park, CH-0 circle, Gandhinagar-382 007) : Ethnomedicinal uses of some important plants recorded from forst aras of Shoolpaneshwar wildlife sanctuary, Narmada district (Gujarat). Ethnobotany 2009, 21(1-2), 70-4.

Deals with 22 plant species being used traditionally by Tadvi, Vasava and Rathwa tribal communities for the treatment of various diseases in the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (SWLS). The sanctuary is surrounded by the reserved forest, which comprises five ranges, viz. Fulsar, Dediapada, Sagai, Gora and Piplod.

14 ref

019043   Beena Kumari;Khare A;Paliwal A K (Botany Dep, Hindu College, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh) : Phytosociological analysis as inferred from soil analysis of two disturbed areas of Moradabad district (U.P.), India. Pl Archs 2010, 10(1), 421-4.

Study was done in few sites of the two disturbed areas of Moradabad district where vegetation analysis and evaluation of stand structure was carried out to established plant communities. The stands were located both in reference area and in the sites contaminated with industrial effluents. Data collected in the field using quadrates were subjected to two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) on the basis of which two major distinct groups were formed (1) Cynodon dactylon group, the dominating species of the reference area and (2) Desmostachya bipinnata group, the dominating species of the contaminated area. Furthermore, the quadrate information was processed to determine the importance velue of species and results of soil analysis were used for casual interpretation of prevailing plant communities.

2 tables, 1 illus, 10 ref

019042   Augustine J;Sreejesh K R;Bijeshmon P P (Post Graduate and Research Dep of Botany, St Thomas College, Pala-686 574, Email: jomyaugustine@rediffmail.com) : Ethnogynecological uses of plants prevalent among the tribes of Periyar Tiger Reserve, Western Ghats. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2010, 9(1), 73-6.

Periyar Tiger Reserve, with an area of 777 sq km is the largest protected area in the high ranges of Kerala state. There are five tribal groups, namely Mannan, Paliyan, Urali, Malayarayan and Malampandaram with a total population of 2,166. An ethnobotanical study carried out among the tribal groups of Periyar Tiger Reserve revealed use of 15 plant species for ethnogynecological purposes.

9 illus, 13 ref

019041   Anwar M;Chand S;Patra D D (NO, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatics Plants, P.O. CIMAP, Lucknow-226 015, Email: anwar8933@yahoo.com) : Effect of graded levels of NPK on fresh herb yield, oil yield and oil composition of six cultivars of menthol mint (Mentha arvensis Linn.). Indian J nat prod Resour 2010, 1(1), 74-9.

Field experiment was conducted for two years during 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 to evaluate the influence of different levels of NPK on herb and oil yield of different cultivars of menthol mint (Mentha arvensis Linn.). The treatments were combinations of five levels of NPK, viz. control (F₀): F₁: N₅₀P₂₀K₂₀, F₂: N₁₀₀P₄₀K₄₀, F₃: N₁₅₀P₆₀K₆₀ and F₄: N₂₀₀P₈₀K₈₀, and six cultivars of menthol mint, viz. `Kosi', `Himalaya', `Saksham', `Kalka', `Kushal' and `Shivalik'. Average increases in fresh herb yield of menthol mint were 5.8, 10.2, 16.3 and 21.1% over control (F₀), with F₁, F₂, F₃, and F₄, respectively. The increase in herb yield of menthol mint with the highest dose of NPK (N₂₀₀P₈₀K₈₀) over control was 38.7, 13.6 12.2, 15.6, 22.2 and 25.9% with cvs. `Kosi', `Himalaya', `Saksham', `Kalka', `Kushal' and `Shivalik', respectively. Cultivar `Saksham' produced highest oil (312.4 l/ha) followed by cvs. `Kosi', `Shivalik', `Himalaya', `Kushal' and `Kalka'. Essential oil yield increased with increasing NPK levels. The maximum increase in oil yield was with the application of 150 kg N, 60 kg P and 60 kg K and the extent of increase were 59, 23, 38, 33 and 30% in `Kosi', `Himalaya', `Saksham' and `Shivalik', respectively. Oil quality was not affected by NPK levels in different cultivars of menthol mint.

5 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

019040   Ansarali K C;Sivadasan M (Botany Dep, Univ of Calicut, PO-Calicut Univ-673 635, Email: drmsivadasan@rediffmail.com) : Ethnobotanical investigation in Lakshadweep Islands, India. Ethnobotany 2009, 21(1-2), 18-24.

Lakshadweep is a small group of islands in the Arabian Sea. This archipelago consists of 35 islands of which only 11 are inhabited. The present study is based on survey among 7 inhabited and 3 non-inhabited islands. The inhabited islands surveyed are Agatti, Amini, Androth, Chetlat. Kalpeni, Kavaratti, and Minicoy, and the non-inhabited islands surveyed are Cheriya Thilakkam, Pitti and Thilakkain. Sixty-one plant species belonging to 37 families are being used for various purposes by the islanders. Forty-one species are used in the traditional system of medicine and 27 as sources of food and fodder.

2 ref

019039   Annu W;Latha P G;Shaji J;Anuja G I;Suja S R; Sini S;Shyamal S;Shine V J;Shikha P;Rajasekharan S (NO, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram-695 562, Email: lathagopalakrishnan@yahoo.com) : Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-lipid peroxidation studies on leaves of Commiphora caudata (Wight & Arn.) Engl. Indian J nat prod Resour 2010, 1(1), 44-8.

Study investigates the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of ethanol extract of leaves of Commiphora caudata (Wight & Arn.) Engl. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by carrageenan induced paw oedema in Wistar albino rats and analgesic effect by acetic acid induced writhing assay in Swiss albino mice. The findings showed that the oral administration of the extract significantly inhibited carrageenan induced paw oedema and acetic acid induced writhing effects and were comparable to standard drugs, Indomethacin and Aspirin, respectively. The extract also showed significant inhibition of FeCl₂-ascorbic acid stimulated lipid peroxidation in rat liver homogenate in vitro. It can therefore, be concluded from the study that the ethanolic extract of C. caudata possesses potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

3 tables, 20 ref

019038   Ahmad Z;Khan F;Khan S S;Tanveer A;Khan M (P.G. Department of Botany, govt. Benazir Science and Commerce College, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh) : Multifarious ethnomedicinal uses of some plants of district Raisen of M.P., India. Pl Archs 2010, 10(1), 449-52.

Deals with the preliminary investigation carried out among the Gond tribals of Raisen district of M.P., India. Deals with ethnomedicinal uses of sixteen species of angiospermic plants which find their use in alleviation of various health disorders prevalent among the Gond tribals of this area. There is a brief account of the plant part used, the mode of administration and the disease against which a particular plant species is used. Every plant recorded has specific utility for the treatment of a particular disease, the knowledge of which is based on generations of experience there are species of plants used in diabetes, stomach ache, bone fractures, renal calculi, cancer, cougn, cold and skin disorders.

13 ref

018214   Yeshwant Singh;Singh A P N (Botany Dep, D D U Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur-273 009, Email: dr.yeshwantsingh@yahoo.com) : Isolation and characterization of a morphological mutant of Spirulina major with altered NO₃ - uptake and reduction characteristics. Biochem Cell Archs 2009, 9(2), 259-63.

The straight trichomed morphological mutant SM² of Spirulina major, produced after ultraviolet (UV) mutagenesis resensitive to UV irradiation than the parent (SM^p). The strain SM² had higher carotenoid but lower phycocyanin than SM^p. The strain SM1 was slow-grower than SM^p as indicated by specific growth rates (k=O.51±0.03 day^-1 and _k=0.61±0.04 day^-1, respectively). The strain SM²showed higher nitrate reductase (NR) activity than SM^p but significantly lower (NO₃) uptake at 72h. The glutamine synthetase (GS) activity of the mutant was almost equal to that of the parent. Ammonium (NH⁴₊) uptake in the mutant was slightly lower than in SM^p.

1 illus, 4 tables, 33 ref

018213   Wokoma E C;Frank Peterside N (Microbiology Faculty of Science Dep, Port Horcourt Univ, P.M.B. 5323, Port Harcourt, Nigeria) : Evaluation of the efficacy of aqueous stem and leaf extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Jussieu) in reducing mould growth and enhancing the performance of groundnut. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2009, 11(3), 489-94.

The efficacy of benlate and aqueous leaf and stem extracts of Azadirachta indica A. Jussieu was evaluated on naturally infested groundnut seeds purchased from Port Harcourt, using the blotter method. The in vitro germination and infection level of untreated seeds were 92.5 % and 73.25 %, respectively. The distributions of the six species of fungi on the seeds were: Rhizopus stolonifer 51 %, Aspergillus niger 37 %, A. flavus 48 %, Fusarium moniliforme 45 %, Penicillium digitatum 18 % and P. italicum 27 %. Benlate at rates of 3 Hg/ml and 5 μg/ml completely inhibited R. stolonifer, A. flavus, A. niger and F. moniliforme. Aqueous stem extract of A. indica gave better control of all the seed-borne fungi than leaf extract. Benlate and A. indica extracts reduced germination by 19 to 22 % and 3 to 19 %, respectively. Although benlate completely inhibited most of the seed- borne fungi, it had adverse effect on seedling emergence, height and weight. Aqueous leaf extracts were more effective than the stem extracts in enhancing emergence and height of seedlings in potted trials. Aqueous extracts of A. indica were more effective than benlate and were not phytotoxic, therefore, they would be safer to use.

2 tables, 26 ref

018212   Subudhi H N;Swain D;Panda S P;Choudhury B P (NO, Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack-753 006) : Biodiversity of wild rices in Orissa and necessity for conservation. Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2008, 27(1-2), 1-12.

Deals with collection of wild rices and their wild relatives from Orissa. Origin, diversity and taxonomy of each species are given. The correct nomenclature, diagnostic characters, phenology, ecology, distribution and nomenclatural notes of the species viz. O.nivara, O.rufipogon, O.granulata, O.officinalis, O.meyeriana, O.sative f. spontanea, Hyg rorliza aristata, Leersia hexandra, and Porteretia coarctata are discussed in brief. Conservational strategies and needs for future research are also high-lighted in brief.

2 tables, 26 ref

018211   Shrestha A;Joshi S D (National School of Sciences, , Kathmandu, Nepal) : In vitro propagation of Coelogyne ovalis lindl. (Orchidaceae). Bull pure appl Sci-Sect B 2008, 27(1-2), 13-18.

Coelogyne ovalis Lindl. is a seriously threatened orchid due to its horticultural importance and medicinal use. The explant, shoot tip, obtained from ill vitro grown plant was cultured in Murashige and Skoog's medium (MS) and MS medium supplemented with various combinations of BAP (Benzylaminopurine) and NAA (Naphthaleneacetic acid).' The maximum number of shoot multiplication (5.6±1.70) was observed in MS+BAP (1mg/l) and the shoot multiplication was started after 5 weeks of culture. In MS +NAA (1mg/l) . HAP (1mg/l), the number of shoots formed was 2.66±0.48 where the rooting of the shoot was also observed. Green mass of callus was also observed at the base of some shoots in the explants implanted on MS+BAP (lmg/l) and MS+BAP (0.5mg/l) +NAA (0.5mg/l) .

4 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

018210   Sharma H;Sanjiv Kumar (Biotechnology Dep, D A V College, Muzaffarnagar-251 001, Email: tyagi.sanjeev792@gmail.com) : Effect of chromium trioxide on plant growth and development of biochemical components in cvs. of Pisum sativum and Brassica campestris. Biochem Cell Archs 2009, 9(2), 145-52.

A comparative effect of two selected doses of chromium trioxide on Pisum sativum cv. Azad P₁ and Brassica campestris cv.kesari-100 was studied in response to plant growth and biochemical components development. Azad P₁ and kesari-100 cvs, show inhibition of root development in both the selected doses of chromium trioxide while in case ofshoot development, Pisum sativum cv. Azad P₁ show inhibition only in higher dose. In Brassica campestris cv. Kesari-100, no. and fresh wt. ofleafincreased in comparison to control while dry wt. & leaf area decreased. On the other hand in Azad P₁ only leaf area increased and in remaining parameters of leaf decreased activity reported in two selected doses of chromium trioxide. In respect of biochemical components, total chlorophyll decreased in both the cvs' and in both the doses. Total protein and nitrogen decreased in root of Pisumsativum cv. Azad P₁ while increased in shoot part of the plant. In Brassica campestris cv. Kesari-lOO, total protein of root decreased in both the doses and in shoot only higher dose show decreased activity and in lower dose it show increased activity. Total nitrogen as well as carbohydrate of root and shoot of Brassica campestris cv. Kesari-100 increased in both the doses of chromium trioxide.

1 table, 65 ref

018209   Phurailatpam A K;Geetha K A;Gajbhiye N A; Saravanan R;Maiti S (Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, , Boriavi, Anand-387 310, Email: arunkumarph@gmail.com) : Comparative study of Chlorophytum borivilianum sant & fernand and C. arundinaceum baker-two `Safed Musli' species used as vital tonics in Indian system of medicine. Phytomorphology 2009, 59(1-2), 77-81.

Comparative study of two `safed musli' species i.e. Chlorophytum borivilianum which is the only cultivated species at present and the reputed raw drug species i.e. Chlorophytum arundinaceum was conducted. The two species look although quite similar in gross morphology, there were conspicuous differences in leaf, floral parts and fleshy root as well as in rate of photosynthesis. C. arundinaceum is a hexaploid species (6x=42) and was found quite vigorous in growth. It has bigger leaves and higher photosynthetic rate and lower respiration rate than C. borivilianum which is a tetraploid species (4x=28). Meiotic study revealed the allopolyploid nature of both the species. Upper leaf surface of C. borivilianum was devoid of stomata which might be due to the distribution in arid climate. HPTLC analysis of fasciculated root extract of the two species showed similarity in majority of bands in both the species. Therefore, C. arundinaceum could be cultivated as a substitute of C. borivilianum, thereby decrease the collection pressure of C. borivilianum from wild habitats.

2 illus, 1 table, 12 ref