017220   Kakkar N (Univ College, Kurukshetra Univ, urukshetra-136 119, Email: nidhikakkar12@yahoo.com) : Comparison of dung beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) communities sampled by two types of traps. Entomon 2009, 34(2), 77-81.

Dung beetle communities sampled by two types of traps, i.e. pitfall bait traps and natural dung pad, were compared in a cultivated area of Kurukshetra, Haryana, India. Pitfall traps were baited with 100-150 g of fresh cattle dung. Sampling was carried out for a six month period. A total of 907 individuals of 25 species of dung beetles were collected from both the traps - 595 individuals comprising 22 species from pitfall traps and 312 individuals comprising 17 species from dung pads. Out of the 25 species, 14 were common to both types of traps; eight were found only in pitfall traps, and three only in dung pads. Both in terms of the number of species and the number of individuals, pitfall trap was more efficient although three species were not collected in pitfall traps. The largest number of individuals was collected in the month of June, followed by August, in both the trap types. The most abundant species were Onthophagus falsus, followed by O. mopsus, O. ramosellus, O. bonasus, Onitis philemon and Onthophagus catta, in that order.

1 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

017219   Jaimsha Rani V K;Padikkala J (Plant Biotechnology Dep, Amala Cancer Research Centre, Amala Nagar, Thrissur-680 555) : Effect of chitosan on the production of camptothecin in shoot cultures of Ophiorrhiza eriantha Wight. Amala Res Bull 2009, 29, 182-6.

Effect of chitosan as elicitor on growth, accumulation and release of camptothecin (CPT) into the medium in Ophiorrhiza eriantha multiple shoots suspension cultures were studied. Camptothecin accumulation was improved by addition of chitosan 10 mg/l in the treated multiple shoot cultures of O. eriantha reached 0.29 mg/l which was higher than that of the control without elicitation. Whereas, CPT production was increased to 0.189 mg/l by elicitation with 100 mg/l chitosan. On the other hand the growth of multiple shoots was retarded when compared to control.

3 illus, 21 ref

017218   Iyer A;Panchal S;Poudyal H;Brown L (School of Biomedical Sciences, The Univ of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, Australia, Email: l.brown@uq.edu.au) : Potential health benefits of Indian spices in the symptoms of the metabolic syndrome. Indian J Biochem Biophys 2009, 46(6), 467-81.

Spices used in Indian cooking have a long history of use as medicines to prevent and treat diseases. Many studies have confirmed that spices can be useful medicines, but the major challenge is now to provide scientific evidence and plausible mechanisms for their therapeutic responses. This review focuses on the therapeutic potential of Indian spices to treat multiple symptoms of the metabolic syndrome such as insulin resistance, diabetes, obesity, altered lipid profile and hypertension. The metabolic syndrome is prevalent and has become an important financial burden to the healthcare system in both developed and developing countries. Inflammation and oxidative stress have been proposed as initiators of the metabolic syndrome, especially of insulin resistance. Natural products with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties are found in spices. Adequate doses of these compounds may be effective in treating the metabolic syndrome. Testing these potential treatments requires adequate animal models, usually rodents, so the limitations of these models are important. Furthermore, this review highlights the need for adequate legislation and regulation to ensure the safety and success of evidence-based functional foods and nutraceuticals.

^iia7 illus, 2 tables, 156 ref

017217   Garg A;Singh S (Botany Dep, Agra College, Agra-202 002) : Aflatoxin contamination in apple and pear fruits, available in and around Agra. Bionotes 2010, 12(2), 50-1.

2 tables, 6 ref

017216   Dubal Z B;Avasthe R K;Haque N;Toppo S; Murugkar H V;Darbuddhe S B (Veterinary Public Health Div, IVRI, Izatnagar, Bareilly-243 122) : Efficacy of medicinal plant extracts and antimicrobials on different serotypes of Escherichia coli. Indian J Anim Sci 2009, 79(1), 15-18.

Ethanolic extracts of 7 different medicinal plants used in folk medicine in Sikkim, India, and 16 different commercially available antimicrobial agents were investigated by using disc diffusion method for their antimicrobial activity against 25 different strains of Escherichia coli isolated from milk of dairy cattle and yak, and faeces of diarrhoeic calves and goats. E. coli were serotyped into 12 different somatic 'O' serogroups and three untypable strains. All these isolates showed sorbitol fermentation except O157 and 2 untypable strains. Enterohemorrhagic strains (O26 and O157) isolate both from diarrhoea and mastitis milk samples indicated that these might be the cause of intramammary inflammation as well. Amongst antimicrobials, highest sensitivity was recorded against sparfloxacin and ciprofloxacin (100% each) followed by nitrofurantoin (92%) and chloramphenicol (88%). Highest antimicrobial property was observed in the extract of Eupatorium cannabium, Astilbe rivularis and Schima wallichi in comparison to Artemisia vulgaris, Aloe barbadensis and Kaempferia rotunda. It is concluded that extracts of some medicinal plants and commercial antimicrobials showed sensitivity against different serotypes of E. coli.

3 tables, 20 ref

017215   Dhiraj Kumar;Anupam Rakesh;Gara S K;Rashmi Rani;Verma A P (Plant Physiology & Biochemisrty Laboratory, P.G. Dep of Botany, A.N. College, Patna, Bihar, Email: apverma123@gmail.com) : Fresh water diatoms from river Tones, in different concentration of silicon dependent media. Bionotes 2010, 12(2), 48-9.

2 tables, 7 ref

017214   Das M;Barui N C;Gupta Bhattacharya S (Palynology and Environmental Biology Div, Botany Dep, Bose Institute, Kolkata 93/1 Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road, Kolkata-700 009, Email: swatigb2929@yahoo.com) : Pollen study on honey samples from different locations of West Bengal, India. Indian J Aerobiol 2009, 22(1-2), 1-7.

Honey is a natural sweet substance composed mainly of easily digestible simple sugars, disaccharides and trisaccharides, the qualitative and quantitative composition of which is peculiar to the product. Honey is used all over the world for various purposes; its uses in the food and cosmetic industry are now of prime importance. Pollen grains are an integral part of honey samples and they also act as indicators of adulteration in honey. In the present study, honey samples were collected from different districts in West Bengal, including Kolkata and the Sunderban Delta. The honey samples were brought to the laboratory and microscopically examined. A comparative analysis was made between the pollen grains of honey samples recovered from different districts of West Bengal and those of the Sunderbans. Quantitave and qualitative pollen analysis revealed that the predominant pollen grain sources were from the families Acanthaceae, Arecaceae, Asteraceae, Rhizophoraceae, Solanaceae and Sonneratiaceae. Some other less dominant taxa were Bombacaceae, Fabaceae, Plumbaginaceae and Rhamnaceae. The study revealed the floristic resources of the foraging honey bees and thus indicated the floristic diversity of the region. The vegetation of Sunderban was mainly dominated by mangrove plants while Kolkata and the suburbs showed a prevalence of the non-mangrove plants and were in general, devoid of the mangrove vegetation.

1 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

017213   Chandra Sekar K;Srivastava S K (G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan, Environment & Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, Uttarakhand) : Four new plant records from pin valley national park, Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, India. Indian For 2009, 135(6), 858-60.

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017212   Biswas S;Naithani H B (Botany Div, F.R.I., Dehradun, Uttarakhand) : Phenological variability in Melocanna baccifera (Roxb.) Kurz in the new forest, Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun. Indian For 2009, 135(8), 1143-4.

^ssc8 ref

017211   Bhardwaj N;Gupta S (Wood Anatomy Discipline, Botany Div, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun) : Wood micro-structural studies of Indian Rutaceae part V: tribe Toddalieae. Indian For 2009, 135(8), 117-26.

The study deals with the detailed wood anatomy of 3 Indian species belonging to 3 genera Acronychia Forst., Skimmia Thunb. and Vepris Comm. of tribe Toddalieae under family Rutaceae. The results are sumirfarized in the tables and identification key has been developed for the separation of 3 species of this tribe. Photomicrographs have been given for the diagnostic features. The woods of this tribe are used for making wheels, carts, helves, tool handles and agricultural implements. The wood anatomical parameters suggest that the tribe Toddalieae is a heterogeneous tribe characterized by diffuse porous woods. Skimmia have dendritic pattern in vessels. Growth ring distinct due to marginal bands of parenchyma; simple perforation plate; coalescent aperture; fibres non-septate. Almost all type of parenchyma represented in the species. Rays homogeneous to heterogeneous. Prismatic crystals and silica bodies present in fibre, rays and parenchyma of only one genus Vepris. Silica bodies are rarely present in rays in Acronychia. These three genera had not been reported in the Indian literature before present study. Since this is the last tribe of the family Rutaceae, a species identification key of the Indian species of the family Rutaceae has also been given along with tables illustrating both qualitative and quantitative features of this family.

4 illus, 2 tables, 6 ref

017210   Basu R (NO, Saltora Netaji Centenary College, Saltora, Distt. Bankura, West Bengal) : Biodiversity and ethnobotany of sacred groves in Bankura district, West Bengal. Indian For 2009, 135(6), 765-78.

Investigations were carried out in 26 sacred groves of the district of Bankura of West Bengal during 2006 to 2007. 114 plant species were recorded from those groves including 102 dicots and 12 monocots. Among them, species of trees were 62, shrubs 14, herbs 23, lianas 04, climbers 10, epiphytes 01. Sacred groves totally cover an area of 8.2 hectares. The major tribal groups in those areas are Santals and Koramudis; others are Bedias and Mahalis. Main festival of Santals is 'Sarul' under the canopy of Shorea robusta. The festival 'Ashari' is performed before planting and 'Maghi' after harvesting of Paddy (Oryza sativa) are common to all tribes. The dominant tree species observed were Shorea robusta, Butea monosperma and Madhuca longifolia var. latifolia. The dominant family in the study area was Combretaceae with 07 species. But the family Dipterocarpaceae has maximum number of individuals (181). Papilionaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Rubiaceae also have good representation. These groves are good reserves of 28 medicinal plants. About 60% of trees were confined to the height class 10 to 15 m and 40% were less than 15 to 20 m. Likewise 30% trees were under girth class of 3 m, 15% were less than 6 m. The floristic diversity was found to be 0.99. Importance Value Index (IVI) of Shorea robusta has 38.94; other sub-dominant forms like Butea monosperma have 22.04, Madhuca longifolia var. latifolia have 21.13, and Holoptelea integrifolia have 15.17. To maintain the functions, values and attributes of sacred groves effective conservation and management practices are required.

5 tables, 15 ref

017209   Arora R K;Singh R P;Guru S K (Mushroom Research and Training Centre, G.B. Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: rp_myco@hotmail.com) : Determination of bio-active compounds in medicinal mushroom, Cordyceps sinensis. Mushroom Res 2008, 17(2), 61-6.

Fruiting bodies of Cordyceps sinensis were collected from Pithoragarh District of Uttarakhand, India and mycelial cultures were isolated on Sabouraud's Dextrose Agar with Yeast Extract medium from fresh fruiting bodies and larvae cadavers. The medicinal properties of C. sinensis are known due to the presence of bio-active components. HPLC is one of the most commonly used tools for determining the bio-active compounds with a fair degree of accuracy. In the present studies, HPLC analysis revealed the presence of adenosine and ergosterol in fruiting bodies and in the mycelium of C. sinensis. However, cordycepin was detected only in fruiting bodies. Detection of cordycepin in the mycelia might be possible by combining HPLC with MS or GC with MS or HELP.

5 illus, 17 ref

017208   Akshita;Dhaliwal R S;Gupta R C (Botany Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala) : Prevalence of supernumerary chromosomes in Indian grasses. Bionotes 2010, 12(2), 56.

1 table, 6 ref

017207   Ahmad J;Afaq S H;Amin K M Y (Ilmul Advia Dep, ZVM Unani, Medical College and Hospital, New Modi Khana Road, Azam Campus, Camp, Pune, Maharashtra) : Study of beekh papeeta (Male papaya Root) for its antifertility effect in experimental models. Hippocratic J Unani med 2009, 4(1), 27-34.

Aqueous extract of male papaya (Carica papaya Linn) root was studied for its anti ovulatory and anti implantation effects in rats and rabbits to determine its potential to be a contraceptive or antifertility agent. In the test for anti ovultatory effect in rats, the animals were treated with 200 mg/kg of extract for 10 days and the vaginal smear was examined daily for oestrus/diestrus phase. Presence of diestrus phase persistently was considered as positive. While in rabbits the treatment was given only for three days (120 mg/kg) and the rabbits were thereafter treated with Cupric Acetate to induce ovulation. Forty eight hrs later the animals were laparotomised and the bleeding points in uterus were observed as the indicator of ovulation. Test for anti implantation activity was carried out in pregnant rats after 10 days of treatment; they were laparotomised and the two horns of the uterus were examined for implantation sites. The test drug was found to possess 100% anti ovulatory effect in both the rat and the rabbit models, while it produced weak anti implantation effect, as only in 20% of animals, absence of implantation sites was recorded. It can be concluded therefore that male papaya root (Beekh Papeeta, as known in Unani Medicine) possesses good anti ovulatory and weak anti implantation activity.

3 tables, 20 ref

016005   Yadav K P;Vinod Kumar;Singh B;Paras Nath (Botany Dep, RPM College, Madhepura-852 113, Email: vinod_pusa@yahoo.com) : Persistence and dissipation of different isomers of endosulfan in jute leaves. Envir Ecol 2009, 27(3A), 1205-7.

Field experiment was conducted to assess the residual status and dissipation pattern of different isomer of endosulfan, sprayed at 1 liter/ha on jute crop raised during kharif season of 2000. Jute leaves were randomly collected on 5, 10 and 15 days after spray to analyse the residual status and dissipation pattern by gas liquid chromatography. The data on residues showed that different isomer of endosulfan viz. α-endosulfan, β-endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate and over all total residues were found to be 0.85, 1.07, 1.50 and 3.42; 0.26, 0.38, 0.64 and 1.28; 0.11, 0.20, 0.43 and 0.74 mg/g, respectively on days 5, 10 and 15 after spray. Dissipation was found to be maximum on day 10 (69.4%) and day 15 (87.0%) for α-endosulfan followed by β-endosulfan (64.5% and 81.3%) and endosulfan sulfate (57.3% and 71.3%) on days 10 and 15, respectively. The residues on day 10 were less than the maximum residual limit (MRL) of 2.0 mg/kg shows that the jute leaves is safer to use for human consumption.

1 table, 4 ref

016004   Waghire H B;Chavan S Y (Botany Dep, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad-431 004) : Further additions to the flora of Marathwada. Bioinfolet 2010, 7(1), 84-5.

Deals with addition of two taxa of flowering plants to the Flora of Marathwada. Updated nomenclature, name of the family, locality and description are given for each species.

16 ref

016003   Wabale A S;Kharde M N;Jadhav V G (Botany Dep, Padmashri Vikhe Patil College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Pravaranagar (Loni-kd)-413 713) : Effect of soil water drainage on plant growth. Bioinfolet 2010, 7(1), 88.

2 illus, 1 ref

016002   Virendra Nath;Bansal P (Bryology Lab, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001) : Pohlia ludwigii (Schwaeger.) Broth. - an addition to bryoflora of South India. Geobios 2009, 36(4), 245-8.

Moss genus Pohlia Hedw., a member of family Bryacease is represented by 13 taxa in India. Pohlia ludwigii (Schwaeger.) Broth., previously known only from eastern and western Himalayas, have been collected from Munnar (Kerala) for the first time. It is characterized by erect, branched plants, ovate-lanceolate leaves with rhomboid-hexagonal cells, yellow-brown propagula, capsule ovoid to pyriform with a short neck.

16 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

016001   Verma R;Srivastava J N;Singh P K;Satsangi G P;Shrivastava J N (Botany Dep, Microbiology Lab., DEI, Dayalbagh, Agra) : Phytotherapeutic activity of Calotropis procera (Ait) against some dermatophytes. Vegetos 2009, 22(1), 5-9.

Chloroform leaf extract of Calotropis procera in different concentrations (range 1000-7000 ppm) were screened for antidermatophytic activity against different human pathogenic fungi responsible for tinea and other skin infections. All dermatophytes showed maximum inhibition at 6000 ppm concentration and decrease inhibition rate at 7000 ppm concentration on sixth day incubation period. The most susceptible fungi were Aspergillus niger and Microsporum canis in contrast to Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum fulvum, which were less sensitive.

1 table, 10 ref

016000   Tiwari L;Pande P C (Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Laboratory, AYUSH Dep, , Ghaziabad-201 002) : Ethnoveterinary plants of Johar valley of pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand Hialaya. Vegetos 2009, 22(1), 55-62.

Uttarakhand Himalaya is very rich in biodiversity and traditional knowledge. People of Uttarakhand Himalaya totally depend on surrounding natural resources like plant, plant products, animal products, minerals etc. for there basic needs like food, medicines, shelter, household goods, etc. Present investigation deals with the ethnic veterinary treatments of Bhotiya tribe of Johar valley at Pithoragarh district. Total 42 plants and plant products with their mode of application are documented.

11 ref

015999   Thirumurugan V;Rajan S;Sethuraman M;Mukherjee P K;Badami S (Chemistry Dep, A.V.V.M. Sri Pushpam College, Poondi-613 503, Email: drv.thirumurugan@gmail.com) : Preliminary histological studies on the leaf of Mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Muell. Arg. Geobios 2009, 36(4), 265-8.

Mallotus philippensis (Fam. Euphorbiaceae) is widely used by the local healers in their native systems of medicine to treat various common human maladies in Tamil Nadu. A concise description of its leaf characteristics and utilitarian value is discussed and highlighted here.

7 illus, 16 ref

015998   Swamy G;Chandan K;Naik K B;Prashanth S J; Nataraj S K;Sreenivasalu G B (Floriculture and Landscale Gardening Dep, K.R.C. College of Horticulture, Arabhavi, Belgaum, Karnataka) : Comparison of different methods of drying in rose cv. Gladiator. Asian Sci 2009, 4(1-2), 1-3.

Investigation to compare the different methods of drying was carried out in the Department of Floriculture and Landscaping K.R.C. College of Horticulture, Arabhavi in 2002-03. The rose cultivator used for the experiment was Gladiator. The half opened rose flowers were treated with appropriate concentration of (1:5) for 12 hours and 8 treatments were followed in the experiment under average room temperature and relative humidity. The data recorded were analysed by following factorial (CRD. With respect of drying methods shade drying was best for quality parameters scoring viz. colors (3.41), shape (3.45), appearance (4.05) and texture (4.10). Sun dried flowers showed the least acceptable quality. Silica gel was the most promising desiccant. The interaction effect showed that shade drying by embedding in silica gel would yield the best quality dried flowers as it scored best for all the quality parameters and was at par with oven drying with silica gel as embedding material.

2 tables, 7 ref

015997   Suthar S;Ramawat K G (Botany Dep, M.L. Sukhadia University, Udaipur-313 001, Email: kg_ramawat@yahoo.com) : Fungal elicitor and kinetin induced guggulsterone production in somatic embryo culture of Commiphora wightii. J Cell Tissue Res 2009, 9(1), 1661-4.

Guggulsterone, a hypolipidemic natural agent, is produced in resin canals of the plant Commiphora wightii. Guggulsterone accumulation was recorded in organized somatic embryo cultures of C. wightii using elicitors and kinetin. The embryos treated with 7.5 mg/l kinetin showed 74 μg/g of guggulsterone while the embryos treated with 500 mg/l Fusarium-elicitor showed 54 μg/g guggulsterone. Embryo culture accumulated ~7 fold increased guggulsterone in comparison to cell culture and the kinetin treated embryos accumulated ~3 fold increased guggulsterones in comparison to untreated embryos. This increased guggulsterone content in embryo was correlated with cytodifferentiation in the organized cultures.

4 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

015996   Suseela M R;Toppo K (Phycology Laboratory, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001) : Fresh water algal flora of Amarkantak biosphere, Madhya Pradesh, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2010, 34(1), 37-41.

Deals with 21 taxa of 12 genera of class Chlorophyceae. These taxa belong to six families of orders Chlorococcales and one family of order Zygnematales. All taxa have been reported for the first time from Amarkantak Biosphere of Madhya Pradesh.

11 ref

015995   Suresha G J;Jayaprasad K V;Chikkasubbanna V (Horticulture Div, University of Agricultural Sciences, G.K.V.K., Bangalore, Karnataka) : Extension of vase life of cut chrysanthemum (Chrysamthemum moriifolium Ramat.) flower cvs. white fizii and peach fizii. Asian Sci 2009, 4(1-2), 62-4.

With an objective of improving the post harvest life of cut chrysanthemum flower cvs. shite fizii and peach fizii, were harvested when the flowers fully opened and taken tot he laboratory within 24 hours after harvest. The flowers were treated with Aluminium sulphate (Al₂(SO₄)₃) (100, 200 and 300 ppm) and Cobalt sulphate (CoSO₄) (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m M.). The best concentration obtained from previous trial was treated with sucrose (2 and 4%). Finally, the best combination obtained from combining mineral salts and sucrose was incorporated with germicide, 8-Hydroxy Quinoline Sulphate (8-HQS) at 100 and 200 ppm. Among the treatments tested, 300 ppm Al₂(SO₄)₃ + 4% sucrose + 100 ppm 8-HQS had recorded maximum vase life of 25.8 days in cv. white fizii as compared to 14.8 days in control and registered better water balance (+8.0) in comparison to control (-10.0). Whereas, in case of cv. peach fizii, 0.2 mM CoSO₄ + 4% sucrose not only showed increased vase life of 29.0 days against 19.2 days in control but also recorded positive water balance (+20.8) verses control (-8.6).

3 tables, 12 ref

015994   Srivastav P K;Bhat M M;Khan M A (Regional Sericultural Research Station, , Sahaspur, Dehradun (U.K.)-248 197) : Sericegenous medicinal plants: uses and conservation. J Econ Taxon Bot 2010, 34(1), 99-112.

More than 100 sericegenous plants serve as food plants of Mulberry, Tropical and Temperate (Oak) Tasar, Muga and Eri silkworms and most of them are medicinal also. Hence, blending of sericulture with medicinal industries shall mutually benefit each other and enhance income of the farmers and government farms. Present communication deals with the medicinal uses of most of the sericegenous food plants of silkworms, current status and proposals for conservation of these plants.

31 ref

015993   Singh D;Singh N;Sunil Kumar (Plant Tissue Lab, Botany Dep, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra-136 119, Email: sunyod84@yahoo.co.in) : In vitro multiplication and conservation of the medicinal plant Celastrus paniculatus Willd. Envir Ecol 2009, 27(3A), 1421-25.

In vitro method of obtaining plant from internodal explants of Celastrus paniculatus Willd., an under-exploited plant of medicinal value has been developed. Internodal explants grown on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D (2.0 mg/liter) produced cent percent callusing. The cultured callus developed maximum number of shoots (11-15) in MS medium supplemented with BAP (2.0 mg/liter). Shoots (6.0 cm or longer) developed in vitro were rooted on MS medium containing NAA (1.0 mg/liter). The regenerated plantlets have been acclimatized and transferred to soil for normal growth under field condition with 70-80% success.

1 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

015992   Shinde V;Pawar A B (Botany Dep, Y.C. Institute of Science, Satara-415 001) : Some aquatic hyphomycetous fungi from Satara district (M.S.). Geobios 2009, 36(4), 261-4.

Deals with six species of aquatic hyphomycetous fungi collected during different seasons. Out of these, Beltraniopsis tanzaniensis Pirozynski, Helicosporium cinerium Peck, H. Polysporum (Morg.) Sacc. and Phaeoisaria sparsa Sutton are new records and 2 new varieties viz. Flabellocladia tetracladia (Nawawi) Nawawi var. mahabaleshwarensis var.nov. and Tetraploa aristata Berk. and Br. var. satarensis var.nov. are proposed.

2 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

015991   Shinde S R;Waghmare B M;Sumanth G T;Kadam S T (Botany Research Centre, Maharashtra Mahavidyalaya, Nilanga, Latur, Maharashtra) : Biochemical changes in the seeds of Azadirachta indica (L.) due to Fusarium species. Bioinfolet 2010, 7(1), 77-8.

All Fusarium species tested were found to be efficient in utilizing starch and protein in the seeds. Fusarium dimerum, F. moniliforme, F. Oxysporum and F. semitectum were responsible for loss of fat content in Azadirachta indica seeds.

3 ref

015990   Satyanarayana P (Botanical Survey of India, , Southern Circle, T.n.A.U. Campus, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: drpsatyan@gmail.com) : Orchid germplasm at national rchidarium & experimental garden, yercaud-notes on rare and endemics. J Econ Taxon Bot 2010, 34(1), 197-205.

National Orchidarium and Experimental Garden, Yercaud houses a total of 158 orchid taxa, being propagated and maintained as germplasm. Out of these, 42 taxa under 28 genera are rare and 39 taxa under 15 genera are endemic to Indian region. Botanical name, distributional data for each taxon are provided in separate tables for rare as well as for endemic taxa. Present paper deals with the orchid diversity in terms of rarity and endemism, causes for decline in their populations in natural habitats and cultivation methods for multiplication to increase their number through ex-situ conservation.

4 tables, 27 ref

015989   Satpute R A;Dhulgande G S (Botany Dep, Government Institute of Science, Caves Road, Nipat Niranjan Nagar, Aurangabad-431 004) : Protein content in prominent induced mutants of pea (Pisum sativum L.). Bioinfolet 2010, 7(1), 64-5.

Twenty mutants were selected from two varieties of pea for study on seed protein content. Induction of variability in pea is possible through mutation breeding, pertaining to seed proteins.

6 ref

015988   Salve U S (Botany Dep, Swa. Sawarkar College, Beed-431 122) : Distribution of dry matter (DM) in rice plant during growth and development. Bioinfolet 2010, 7(1), 79-80.

Accumulation of dry matter (DM) and it's partioning in various parts of rice (Oryza sative L.) W. Gujarat (VHD-1593) was studied. Out of total dry matter accumulated, 36% was incorporated grains.

1 table, 2 ref

015987   Saha M (NO, B.N. Bandodkar College, Thane-400 601) : In vitro propagation of Carica papaya L. cv. red lady from shoot apex and node explants. Biosci Biotechnol Res Communs 2009, 2(2), 239-40.

Carica papaya L. cv. Red Lady is tolerant to papaya ring spot virus. Thus in the present study multiple shoots were obtained from shoot apex and node explants of two month old seedlings regenerated invitro of carica papaya L. cv. RedLady. The shoot apex and node explants were inoculated on MS medium fortified with BAP, NAA, adenine sulphate and coconut milk in various combinations. IBA dip treatment given to the cut end of the shoots produced healthy roots. The combination of soil: vermiculite: cow dung (1: 1: 1) were used as substratum for the hardening of the plantlets.

2 tables, 5 ref

015986   Rodge S V;Biradar S D (Botany Dep, Research and Post Graduate Studies, Dnyanopasak College, Parbhani) : Antimicrobial activity of Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt. Bioinfolet 2010, 7(1), 1-3.

Antimicrobial activity of Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt. leaf extract was tested against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus auerus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger by agar well difussion method. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values showed greater inhibition of microbial growth with alcoholic and water extracts against all microbes tested.

2 tables, 21 ref

015985   Raveesha H R;Sadath K;Sudhama V N (Botany Dep, Bangalore University, J.B. Campus, Bangalore-560 056) : Ethnobotany of Molakalmuru taluk of Chitradurga district in Karnataka, India. Flora Fauna 2009, 15(2), 235-9.

Uncontrolled exploitation of forest resources to meet the demand had resulted in the extinction of many species. Tribal people living in the remote areas have special knowledge of plants and such knowledge gathering and documentation is required. Molakalmuru taluk is surrounded by barren hills with dry deciduous and scrub type of forest. Many tribes like Marathi, Nayakas, Lambani, Gollas, Kurubas, Korachas are found in the area along with traditional local herbal practitioners. Ethnobotanical survey in the present area revealed 44 Angiospermic plant species employed by tribe and medicinal practitioners in the preparation of drugs pertaining to cure various diseases.

1 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

015984   Rathore M;Meena R K (Non-Wood Forest Products Div, Arid Forest Research Institute, PO-Krishi Mandi, Pali Road, Jodhpur-342 005) : Variation in saponin content of tribulus Rajasthanensis bhandari et dharma in different developmental stages. J Econ Taxon Bot 2010, 34(1), 182-5.

Medicinal plants contribute to healthcare and livelihoods, and have been recently identified by FAO as being among the most valuable non-wood forest products (FAO, 1999). Unfortunately, harvests to meet the demand for a growing number of medicinal species are in many cases exceeding sustainable levels. Wild medicinal plant populations and the benefits derived there from are coming under threat as a result. Achievement of sustainability in their harvesting will have considerable long-term benefits for the environment, healthcare and economies. In a study to ascertain correct harvesting time of medicinal plants in arid zone, variation of secondary metabolites in different developmental stages of Tribulus rajasthanensis was undertaken. Tribulus rajasthanensis is a rare species of Rajasthan and commonly found in we stem Rajasthan and its distribution extends southwards to Gujarat and westwards to Pakistan. This is the first report on occurrence of saponins in this plant. The variation in total saponin content in the aerial parts of T. rajasthanensis depending on the stage of plant development was analysed. Saponins were extracted by method of Van et al., 1993. Results showed that saponin content increases in the vegetative stage (5.45%) then decreases in the flowering stage (4.1%) and rises again (5.4%) 'in the fruiting stage. The analysis of total saponin content in fruits showed that it is (1.5%) much less as compared to that present in aerial parts.

2 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

015983   Rathore M;Kishan Kumar;Abha Rani (Arid Forest Research Institute, , New Pali Road, Jodhpur-342 005, Email: mala@icfre.org) : Ethno-medicinal uses of plants in sourth western Rajasthan. J Econ Taxon Bot 2010, 34(1), 212-23.

An ethno-botanical survey was carried out to collect information on the use of medicinal plants in south western part of Rajasthan. The present paper reports ethno-medicinal uses of 112 potential medicinal plants belonging to 55 families. These are used for 69 ailments, like cough, asthma, paralysis, earache, night blindness, arthritis, stammering, weakness, muscular pain etc. The details of ethno-medicinal plants are highlighted with their botanical names, vernacular name, family, plant part used and their traditional use.

3 tables, 21 ref

015982   Rathod V N;Pardeshi V N (Botany Dep, S.B.E.S. Science College, Aurangabad-431 004) : Occurence of Bolbitis appendiculata (Willd.) Iwats. in Sahyadri hills of Western Ghats, Maharashtra. Bioinfolet 2010, 7(1), 54-6.

During studies on ferns of the Western Ghats, Maharashtra a species with dimorphic fronds was recorded as a new record. It was collected from Amboli at the origin of the Hiranyakeshi River, and identified as Bolbitis appendiculata (Willd.) Iwats.

8 ref

015981   Rather M A;Paijwar M S;Tantrey S;Rizvi G; Gupta C (Botany Dep, Institute of Basic Science, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi-284 128) : Management of black mould of stored onions. Flora Fauna 2009, 15(2), 259-63.

Occurrence of black mould (Aspergillus niger) is the main cause of discard of the stored onion. The objective is to analyze the size of onions, containers, fungicides, on diseases incidence and severity. Small onion stored by hanging method exhibited reduced diseases incidence. Among fungicides, Carbendazim (0.1%) and Mancozeb (0.25%) was found most effective when applied with the growing media for the isolated fungi. Aspergillus niger was found to be predominant fungal pathogen associated with black mould rot of onion during storage.

2 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

015980   Prabhat;Navneet;Archa;Sanjeev (Botany and Microbiology Dep, Gurukul Kangri University, Hardwar-249 404, Email: prabhat_micro@yahoo.co.in) : Analysis of minerals in some traditional medicinal plants. Flora Fauna 2009, 15(2), 200-2.

In the study various parts of some plants were analysed by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS.). Most of the herbs were found rich in one or more of the elements under study. The elements were found in different plants in various proportions. Achyranthes aspera, Terminalia chebula, Mimusops elengi and Glycyrrhiyza glabra showed maximum concentration of potassium and magnesium, while nickel was present in minimum amount. T. chebula and G. glabra had good quantity of calcium i.e. 2828 ppm and 2098 ppm respectively. Zinc level was highest in M. elengi (1210 ppm) and lowest in A. catechu (135 ppm). Iron level was maximum in G. glabra (5268 ppm) and minimum in M. elengi (2384 ppm).

2 tables, 9 ref

015979   Pindi P K;Shiva Shanker A;Raghavendar K; Jangaiah B (Microbiology Dep, Palamuru University, Mahabubnagar-509 001) : Survey of AM fungi in soils of Mahabubnagar district (A.P.). Bioinfolet 2010, 7(1), 81-3.

Occurrence and distribution of mycorrhizal fungi in ten places of Mahabubnagar district was investigated. The number of resting spores, genera and species varied from place to place and with the soil type. The maximum number of genera (6) and species (7) were recorded from Alampur and Gadwal soils. Only two genera and two species were recorded from soils of Wanaparthy. Qualiatively and quantitatively, Glomus species dominated in all the soils.

2 tables, 23 ref

015978   Pawar B T;Papdiwal P B (Btoany Dep, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad-431 004) : Amylase producing ability of Xanthomonas campestris pv. mangiferaeindicae. Geobios 2009, 36(4), 315-16.

^ssc1 table, 2 ref

015977   Patil D A;Patil A G;Phatak A V;Naresh Chandra (Botany Dep, Birla College, Kalyan-421 304, Email: dravinashpatil@rediffmail.com) : Influence of sodium chloride salinity on nodulation and processes associated with protein metabolism in Dolichos lablab (L.) var. Konkan val -2. J Cell Tissue Res 2009, 9(1), 1755-8.

Salt stress imposes a major constraint on growth, productivity and root nodule development in legumes. However, little attention seems to have been given to the effect of salt stress on various enzymes involved in protein metabolism of root nodules. The present study reports the effect of salt stress (0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 % NaCl) on nodulation using detached nodules of Dolichos lablab (L.) Var. Konkan Val-2 after 30 DAS. A pot experiment was conducted to study the effect of salinity on number, fresh weight, dry weight and soluble protein content of nodules. Studies were also carried out on enzymes like protease, nitrate reductase (NR), nitrite reductase (NiR), aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT) and alanine aminotransferase (AlaAT). It was observed that at 0.5 % salinity the nodule number was sharply declined. The fresh weight, dry weight and soluble protein content declined due to salt treatment. Increase in salt stress resulted in increase in protease activity, NRA and decrease in NiRA. AspAT and AlaAT activities were found to be very low in root nodules of 30 days old plants.

5 tables, 26 ref

015976   Patil A B;Jamale B B (Botany Dep, Krishna Mahavidyalaya, Shivanagar, Rethare (BK), Satara-415 108) : Effect of distillery effluent on organic constituents and NR activity in Chenopodium album L. Bioinfolet 2010, 7(1), 39-40.

Effect of distillery effluent from sugar industries on organic constituents and enzyme Nitrate reductase (NR) activity in Chenopodium album L. was studied. Higher concentration of distillery effluent was harmful for overall growth of C. album. Photosynthetic pigments increased at lower concentration and then declined with the increase in concentration. Total polyphenol contents declined with increasing concentration of distillery effluent. Carbohydrate contents decreased at higher concentration. Nitrate reductase activity decreased with increasing concentration of distillery effluent.

1 table, 12 ref

015975   Patil A B;Jamale B B (Botany Dep, Krishna Mahavidyalaya, Shivanagar, Rethare (BK), Satara-415 108) : Effect of NaCl salinity on phytochemicals in the leaves of Chenopodium album. Bioinfolet 2010, 7(1), 36-8.

Effect of NaCl salinity on photosynthetic pigments, polyphenols, carbohyedrates and inorganic contents in the leaves of Chenopodium album Linn was studied. The photosynthetic pigments increased at lower salinity while decreased with increasing NaCl salinity. Polyphenols got accumulated due to NaCl salinity. Total sugars increased at lower and markedly declined at higher salinity. The Na content increased while K^{+, Ca and Fe contents decreased due to salinity. The Mg++ levels at lower concentration showed correlation with increased chlorophyll content due to NaCl salinity.}

1 table, 22 ref

015974   Pati S K;Mahapatro D;Singhsamant B;Panigrahy R C (Wood Biodegradation Centre (Marine), Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: sameer_pati@yahoo.co.in) : Intertidal benthic fauna of Gopalpur, east coast of India. Flora Fauna 2009, 15(2), 310-16.

Study has documented 119 species of intertidal benthic fauna of Gopalpur from different sources including 16 new locality records. From the species richness (119), the diversity of benthos in the intertidal region of Gopalpur is concluded to be very high.

1 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

015973   Pandhure N;Jamdhade V M (Botany Dep, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar marathwada University, Aurangabad-431 004) : in vitro rapid multiplication of Glycerhiza glabra L. Biosci Biotechnol Res Communs 2009, 2(1), 96-8.

Attempts have been for rapid multiplication procedure of Glycerrhiza glabra through culture of shoots tip and nodal segments on MS + 3 mg/lit. KIN and 1.5 mg/lit IBA. Maximum 20-30 shoot buds per explants were obtained which could be multiplied to 60-70 when pieces containing 5-8 shoot buds were subcultured for two passages (each of 21 days) on the same medium. Elongated shoots could be rooted on MS + 2.0 mg/l IAA medium. Secondary proliferation especially of the terminal buds led to a large number of shoot buds.

2 tables, 12 ref

015972   Pandey R;Mall T P (Wild Life Crime Control Bureau (NR), , Bikaner House, Sahjahan Road, New Delhi-11) : Ethnobotanical plants of katarniyaghat wildlife sanctuary. Vegetos 2009, 22(1), 135-8.

Floral diversity in the wildlife sanctuary is immense. The phytodiversity of KWS presents 95 tree species, 57 shrubs, 28 climbers and 23 species of grasses. The inhabitants of forest villages as well as villages situated adjacent to forest areas are almost totally dependent on forest products. The present communication is the documentation of eighty eight plant species of ethnobotanical value in KWS.

7 ref

015971   Paliwal A K (Botany Dep, Government P.G. College, Bageshwar-263 642) : Fabaceae (Legumes) Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. Flora Fauna 2009, 15(2), 240-4.

Describes an account of the survey of legumes vegetation found in Bageshwar district of Kumaun region of Uttarakhand and is supplement to the lists of plants reported earlier. Uttaranchal (now Uttarakhand) is one of the smaller hilly states, which is situated in northern side of India. A total of 52 species were collected of which 37 species were not reported earlier.

17 ref

015970   Otaghvari A M;Garehyazie B;Hassanpur M;Sehgal D (Biology Dep, Laboratory of Plant Systematics, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran) : Isozyme banding patterns in Iranian tea clones. Bioinfolet 2010, 7(1), 48-9.

Deals with identification of tea clones from Iran using isozyme banding patterns.

1 table, 4 ref