017266   Sharma M M;Singh O P;Shankar K;Singh Y P (Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Dep, College of Horticulture and Forestry, N.D.U.A.&.T., Faizabad-224 229, Email: sharmamalay4968@gmail.com ) : Mean comparison of agronomic traits in kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata Nees.) germplasm based. Res Envir Life Sci 2015, 8(3), 421-4.

To assess the mean comparison present in kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), the twenty diverse indigenous collections were evaluated at main experiment station, department of horticulture, Faizabad during the year 2010-11 in randomized block design, replicated thrice for the traits including, plant height, number of primary branches, leaf length, leaf width, days to first flowering, days to fifty per cent flowering, fresh weight of herb per plant, dry weight of herb per plant and Andrographolide content in per cent on dry weight basis. The highly significant variations were observed for all the characters except leaf width, indicating enough variability present in the selected genotypes for the characters studied. The plant height ranged from 52.6 to 73.8 cm for the genotype IC-111286 and IC-111290 respectively. The number of primary branches were varied between 12.8 to 18.9 in genotype IC-210699 and IC-342139 respectively. The longest leaves were noted in Ic-210699 and the shortest leaves for the genotype IC-471894 and the widest for the genotype IC-111290 while the narrowest for the genotype IC-341236.Maximum days to first flowering and days to 50% flowering were noted in genotype IC- 210699 while values were found minimum in IC-210635 and IC-111291 respectively. The maximum fresh herb yield per plant was recorded for the genotype IC-471894 (175.6 g) and minimum in IC-111287 (95.3 g). The highest dry herb yield per plant was noted for the genotype IC- 471894 (63.7g) and lowest in IC-342141(28.5g). The Andrographolide content varied from 1.26 to 2.86% on dry weight basis. It was estimated maximum in IC-210699 and minimum in IC-111288.

3 tables, 5 ref

017265   Premila A;Irabanta Singh N (Botany Dep, Standard College, Imphal-795 001) : Airborne fungal diversity over home garden in Manipur valley. J mycopathol Res 2014, 52(1), 149-51.

Monitoring of fungal airspora over a home garden was conducted for two years (January, 2009 to December, 2010) using Tilak rotorod air sampler. Altogether 24,05,395 spores/m^{3 of air were trapped and assigned to 29 fungal types. Throughout the investigation period, various aller-genic and phytopathogenic fungal spores were present in the air over home garden but in different concentrations. Aspergilli-Penicilli contributed highest with 19.67%. Other dominant fungal types were Cladosporium, Albugo, Fusarium, Curvularia, Chaetomium, Alternaria, etc. Different crops growing in the home garden served as the main source of the airspora. Seasonal variations were positively correlated with weather conditions. The average monthly contributions varied quantitatively in both the years.}

1 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

017264   Panwar R;Joshi R;Jat B L (Botany Dep, SPC Govt. College, Ajmer, Rajasthan) : Effects of phyto-hormones on In vitro shoot initiation and multiplication of Simmondsia chinensis. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2015, 4(5), 381-404.

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) is economically important wind pollinated, evergreen, perennial dioecious shrub that attains a height of 3-5 m with leathery, grayish-green leaves. Besides its superior lubricating properties, Jojoba has attracted interest as a landscape and soil conservation plant. Its origin is the Sonora desert region of Arizona and California in the USA and the states of Sonora and Baja California in Mexico. Jojoba is an industrial crop that has attracted worldwide attention for several reasons like its seed contains a liquid wax which, in addition to several miscellaneous uses, can serve as a replacement of sperm whale oil, it is an extensively drought resistant species; it can grow in areas of marginal soil fertili ty, high atmospheric temperatures, high soil salinity, low humidity and low fertilizer requirements. The MS medium containing 81.33μM Adenine sulphate with pre-optimized concentrations of BAP (11.02μM) and kinetin (11.61μM) was found optimum for shoot regeneration potential of axillary bud explants of Simmondsia chinenesis. On which maximum number (8-9 shoots) of shoots were obtained which attaind a hight of 42.6± 0.05mm. The explants cultured on the medium containing the PGRs combination of 5.55μM BA + 7.1μM IAA took the minimum days, while those cultured on the medium containing 11.1μM BA+12.2μM IBA took the maximum days to bud sprout. The interaction between the PGRs combinations and the genolypes was also found statistically significant. The explants of PKJ-3 took the minimum time to bud sprout when they were cultured on 5.55μM BA + 7.1μM IAA, followed by those on the same PGRs combination. The explants took the maximum time when cultured on medium containing 11.1μM BA+12.2μM IBA. The explants of PKJ-3 took the minimum time to bud sprout when they were cultured on 5.55μM BA + 7.1μM IAA, followed by those on the same PGRs combination. The explants took the maximum time when cultured on medium containing 11.1μM BA+12.2μM IBA. The literature indicates that the number of days to bud sprout depends upon the type of cytokinings, or combination of cytokinins and auxins, their concentrations, composition of culture media, nature of explant, plant genotype and cultural conditions.

10 illus, 11 tables, 28 ref

017263   Pal A K (Botany Dep, Vivekananda College 269, Diamond Harbour Road, Thakurpukur, Kolkata-700 063, Email: asispal66@gmail.com) : SEM studies on the conidial morphology of some Pestalotiopsis species occuring on mangrove plants. J mycopathol Res 2014, 52(1), 53-7.

Conidial morphology of 6 species of Pestalotiopsis, viz., P. agallochae Pal & Purkayastha, P. caseolaris Purkayastha & Pal, P. disseminata (Thum.) Stey., P. mangiferae (P. Henn.) Stey., P. palmarum (Cooke) Stey., P. versicolor(Speg.) Stey. have been studied under both light and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The characteristic differences between the conidia of relevant species are described with appropriate electron micrographs.

3 illus, 13 ref

017262   Pahare S;Shukla R V (Botany Dep, D.P. Vipra Post Graduate College Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh) : Occurrence of keratinophilic fungi in coal mines soils of Korba, Chhattisgarh. J mycopathol Res 2014, 52(1), 75-79.

Soil samples collected from different localities of coal mining areas of Korba, Chhattisgarh which were examined for the prevalence of keratinophilic and other fungi colonizing keratinous substrate. The positive samples yielded twenty five isolates belonging to 17 species of 10 genera. The species of Chrysosporium tropicum, and Microsporum fulvum C. indicum have been frequently recovered along with the species of Aspergillus, Fusarium, Humicola, Penicil-lium. The Keralinophilic fungus Microsporum fulvum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes was obtained only from Deepika open cast mine.

2 tables, 24 ref

017261   Mishra K;Sanwal E;Tandon P K (Botany Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow-226 007, Email: mishrakumkum22@gmail.com) : Growth and metabolism of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) plants as influenced by effluents of electroplating industry. Indian J agric Biochem 2015, 28(1), 81-3.

Effluents of electroplating industry adversely affected the growth of the tobacco plants in terms of plant height and certain important metabolic parameters such as total chlorophyll, carotenoid, protein and sugar concentration while activities of antioxidant enzymes viz., catalase and peroxidase increased. Activity of lipid peroxidation also progressively increased at increasing doses of effluents.

^ssc2 tables, 14 ref

017260   Manoharachary C;Kunwar I K (Botany Dep, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: cmchary@rediffmail.com) : Additions to the myxomycetes from Andhra Pradesh. J mycopathol Res 2014, 52(1), 137-9.

There is meager information available in Myxomycetes from Andhra Pradesh. Twenty four Myxomycetes which form new additions to Andhra Pradesh are listed. These slime molds are found colonizing diversified habitats and have been collected from different localities of Andhra Pradesh, India.

1 table, 22 ref

017259   Jain A K;Ruhela A K;Panwar J D S (NO, IGNOU Regional Centre, Karnal, Haryana, Email: dr.amitkr.jain@gmail.com) : Effect on nodulation and enzymatic activity related to nitrogen metabolism in chickpea (Cicer arientinum) under elevated temprature conditions. GERF Bull Biosci 2014, 5(1), 1-8.

Four chickpea cultivars viz. kabuli and desi were analyzed of differing in sensitivity to high temperature conditions at Janta Vedic College, Baraut (at different stages of growth and development in 2010 and 2011). Root and nodules dry weight declined at different stages of growth under continuous elevated temperature conditions than natural conditions. Enzymatic activity of nitrogenase and nitrate reductase was found better in term of nodulation and nodules dry weight in all the cultivars of chickpea under natural conditions due to the enhancement of nitrogen fixation. Pusa-1103 was produced 17.1% more root weight and 15.6% nodules weight in comparison to Pusa-1088. Thus, desi type Pusa-1103 performed better response in terms of root weight and nodules weight. It was due to the specified activity of nitrogenase, nitrate reductase and higher amount of leghaemoglobin content. 40.12% nitrogenase reductase and 20.21% nitrogenase activity declined were recorded in the plants grown under continuous elevated temperature conditions than natural conditions. Pusa-1053 showed 5% superior nitrogenase enzyme activity than Pusa-1088 followed by Pusa-547 (3.7%). Pusa-1053 and Pusa-1103 gave more significant result in comparison to Pusa-1088 and Pusa-547, while Pusa-1053 was more superior related to nitrate reductase activity in comparison to all cultivars.

2 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

017258   Jafri N;Mazid M;Mohammad F (Botany Dep, Faculty of Life Sciences, A.M.U., Aligarh-222 002, Email: biologydone@gmail.com) : Responses of seed priming with gibberellic acid on yield and oil quality of sunflower (Helianthus annus L.). Indian J agric Res 2015, 49(3), 235-40.

Surface sterilized seeds sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) were soaked in 0, 10^{-7, 10-5 and 10-3M aqueous solution of gibberellic acid (GA) for 4, 8, 12 and 16 hours (h) and sown in pots filled with 5 kg homogenous mixture of soil and farmyard manure in the ratio of 4:1. The plants were sampled at harvest for analysis of head diameter, seeds per head, 1000-seed weight, seed yield per plant, biological yield per plant, harvest index (HI), oil content and oil yield per plant, acid value, iodine value and saponification value at harvest. All attributes were found to be significantly enhanced by the GA seed priming with maximum stimulation followed by a 8 h soaking treatment with 10-5MGA. Moreover, the most of the attributes were stimulated by 70%, 123.49%, 44.76%, 41.38% and 14.93%, 63.34%, 111.76% and 1.64% over the control except the 1000-seed weight, biological yield per plant and iodine value.}

7 tables, 23 ref

017257   Hoekou Y P;et al (NO, , Centre de Recherche et de Formation Sur Les Plantes Medicinales, Univ de Lome, Togo) : Ethnobotanical study of latex plants in the maritime region of Togo. Pharmacog Res 2016, 8(2), 128-34.

In Togo, a little is known about latex plants of the flora used for medicinal purposes. The aim of this study was to identify the latex plant species and their medicinal uses in the Maritime Region of Togo. The methodology was based on ethnobotanical semi-structural individual interviews of 220 informants. Quantitative ethnobotanical index was used to analyze the data. A total of 33 latex plants species were recorded, from 12 botanical families and 24 genera. The most represented families were Euphorbiaceae and Moraceae with eight species each. The relative importance (RI) value of each species and the informant consensus factor (ICF) of the ailments categories showed that Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Chiov. (RI = 2.00) and Euphorbia hirta L. (RI = 1.91) were the most versatile in relation to their uses, and infectious diseases (ICF = 0.922) were the category with the greatest consensus among 17 categories. These latex plants of Togolese flora are variously used in traditional medicine and it would be important to undertake further investigations in phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology to validate their uses.

3 illus, 3 tables, 31 ref

017256   Hassanpouraghdam M B;Mazid M (Horticultural Sciences Dep, Maragheh Univ, 55181-83111, Iran, Email: biologydone@gmail.com) : Note on the enzyme activities, productivity and quality parameters of chickpea cultivars under influence of diverse synthetic plant growth promoters. Indian J agric Res 2015, 49(4), 327-32.

Experiment was planned to determine the most effective leaf-applied plant growth regulators (PGRs) for the optimum performance of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars and to select the most promising cultivar. The PGRs viz., indole-3acetic acid, gibberellic acid, kinetin, salicylic acid and triacontanol and the cultivars, DCP 92-3, GNG-469, KWR-108 and local (H1). Biochemical characteristics like carbonic anhydrase activity (CA), nitrate reductase (NR) activity, yield parameters viz., number of pods per plant, seed number per pod, 100-seed weight, seed yield per plant, and quality attributes i.e., seed protein content were affected by all foliar PGRs but most promising with GA. On one hand, among the cultivars, DCP 923 gave the maximum seed yield which was 60% higher over local. Similarly, on other hand, among the PGRs, GA produces the 175% higher seed yield than water-sprayed control (Fw). The interaction treatment was found non-signifcant for most of the parameter mentioned above.

27 ref

017255   Firdusi S N;Neog N;Barooah M S (Food & Nutrition Dep, Assam Agricultural Univ, Jorhat-785 013, Email: nishat4t@rediffmail.com) : Impact of weather on nutrient and phytochemical content of A. nigra- a potential green of Assam. Indian J agric Biochem 2015, 28(1), 52-6.

The present study assesses the effect of weather on nutrient and phytochemical variation of Alpinia nigra (Local name-Tora). Based on the rich flora of highly valued medicinal plants in Assam, this research work considered the medicinal plant A. nigra for evaluating the suitable weather for consumption of the green to ascertain the optimum concentration of the nutrients and non-nutrient constituents responsible for medicinal properties and to provide scientific basis (time of collection/harvesting) for therapeutic purposes of the plant. The studied sample was collected during the dry season (December-January) and rainy season (March-April) for the investigation. The edible part i.e shoot was analyzed using standard procedures. A decreasing trend was observed for all the evaluated nutrients-moisture, fat, protein, iron, calcium, potassium & vitamin C except carbohydrates and fibre in the dry season sample compared to rainy season sample. Phytochemicals were found to increase from rainy to dry season-Alkaloids (dry - 150.00 mg & rainy - 215.00 mg), Flavonoid (dry - 30.17 mg & rainy - 54.14 mg) and phenol (dry - 53.10 mg & rainy - 120.17 mg). The results of the present study thus revealed that the green should be harvested and consumed during rainy season from nutritional, functional as well as therapeutic point of view.

3 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

017254   Ediriweera S S;Wijesundera R L;Nanayakkara C M;Weerasena O V D S J (Plant Sciences Dep, Colombo Univ, Sri Lanka, Email: suranise@yahoo.com) : Macrofungi from the Sigiriya wilderness in Sri Lanka. J mycopathol Res 2014, 52(1), 47-51.

Macrofungi includes species belonging to several different taxonomic groups. They are quite different in appearance, but have one common feature, easily observable spore-bearing structures that form above or below ground. This study was carried out with the objective of identifying the diversity of macrofungi in Sigiriya wilderness, Sri Lanka. Macrofungi were collected from the forest reserve surrounding the ancient Sigiriya rock (7.9569 N, 80.7569 E). The collected macrofungi were identified by comparing, the macromorphological characters (colour, shape, texture of fruiting bodies) and microscopic features (spores, hyphal details, presence of cystidia, characters of basidia) with published keys and guides. A total of 49 species were identified based on the above characters. Five forms belonging to phylum Ascomycota were identified. They were Xylaria polymorpha, Xylaria longipes, Daldinia concentrica, Peziza sp. and Nectria sp. which represented 10% of the collection. The remaining forms belonged to phylum Basidiomycota. Majority of forms in Basidiomycota belonged to Polyporales which accounted for 39% of the total collection. Microporus xanthopus, Hexagonia tenuis, Pycnoporus cinnabarinus and Ganoderma sp. were some of the specimens collected.. After polypores most of the specimens found belonged to Agaricales which was 31% of the total collection. Anthracophyllum sp., Marasmius sp., Mycena sp., Xerula sp. and Psathyrella sp. were some of the specimens included in the collection. In addition 8% of the collection wasjelly fungi, including species such as Tremella, Calocera and Auricularia. Furthermore some of the collected forms are reported to be of medicinal importance, namely Daldinia concentrica commonly known as cramp balls and Ganoderma sp. Edible species such as Schizophyllum commune and Auricularia sp. were also found.

3 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

016403   Yousuf M;Ikram M (Forest Entomology Div, Forest Research Institute, P.O. New Forest, Dehradun-248 006, Uttarkhand) : New record of trichogrammatid EGG parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) from Haryana, India. Ann For 2015, 23(1), 59-66.

Brief account of twelve species of trichogrammatid egg parasitoids (Aphelinoidea gwaliorensis, Epoligosita albiscutellum, Lathromeromyia dimorpha, Oligosita gilvus, Oligosita longiflagellata, Oligosita longirhinaria. Prosoligosita perplexa, Pseudoligosita latipennis, Pseudoligosita nephotetticum, Paracentrobia brevifringiata, Paracentrobia magniclavata and Tumidiclava tenkasiensis) has been given. These trichograramatids are being recorded for the first time from Haryana, which are widely distributed in Haryana, India.

34 ref

016402   Yadav N;Brar R S (Botany Dep, S.G.N. (P.G.) Khalsa College, Sriganganagar-335 001) : Assessment of cotton seed deterioration during accelerated ageing: changes in physiological aspects. Pl Archs 2015, 15(2), 1167-73.

Seed storage in ambient conditions in humid tropical regions is a serious problem. In the present study, we examined whether the loss of germination capacity and viability of cotton seeds during storage under relative humidity levels (45%, 60%, 75% and 90%) in three different storage containers for 60 days associated with accelerated ageing. The germination percentage and vigour index decreased with accelerated ageing. At 45% and 60% RH though polythene bags and aluminium bags retained better vigour content but at 75% and 90% RH, all the containers failed to retain the viability and vigour of seeds.

8 illus, 16 ref

016401   Yadav N;Brar R S (Botany Dep, S.G.N. Khalsa (P.G.) College, Sriganganagar-335 001, Email: nishthamtech@gmail.com) : Biochemical changes in relation to seed quality in accelerated aged cotton seed varieties in different containers. Pl Archs 2015, 15(2), 1041-50.

Effect of storage container and storage time period was studied in four varieties of cotton. The seeds were stored in three different containers and exposed to varying relative humidity 45%, 60%, 75% and 90% RH for 60 days. The seeds were analyzed for electrical conductivity of leachates, dehydrogenase enzyme activity and peroxidase enzyme activity. The leakage of electrolytes increased with increase in storage time period and relative humidity, whereas the specific activity of both dehydrogenase and peroxidase enzyme decreased with increase in relative humidity and storage time period in all four varieties.

12 tables, 20 ref

016400   Yadav K;Amist N;Singh N B (Plant Physiology Laboratory, Botany Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002, Email: nbsingh.au@gmail.com) : Interactive effects of wheat residue and cadmium on growth and metabolism of Vigna radiata L.. Allelopathy J 2016, 37(1), 91-108.

We investigated the allelopathic effects of wheat crop residues, cadmium and activated charcoal on biophysical and biochemical parameters of Vigna radiata L. Phenolic contents of growing medium increased with increase in dose of residue incorporated in soil and decreased with the addition of activated charcoal. Seed germination and seedlings growth decreased, with increase in dose of added residue. Pigment and protein contents decreased under allelopathic stress. Activated charcoal increased the pigment and protein content of mungbean seedlings. The combined stresses (allelopathic and cadmium stress) incresed the toxic effects of wheat residue and decreased the pigment and protein contents. Residue with and without cadmium increased the sugar and proline contents. The allelopathic and cadmium stress significantly enhanced the malondialdehyde content (MDA) and electrolyte leakage (EL) of mungbean seedlings. Activated charcoal decreased the MDA content and maintained the electrolyte leakage to control level. Both these stresses increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and guaiacol peroxidase). A dose-dependent increase in ascorbic acid (AsA) and non protein thiol (NPSH) contents was recorded under allelopathic stress alone and allelopathic + cadmium stresses. Cadmium also increased the AsA and NPSH level. However, residues with activated charcoal significantly declined the AsA concentration than only residues. In combined treatments, toxicity increased but the magnitude of increase was lower than toxicity caused by cadmium alone and allelopathic stress alone. Activated charcoal played important role in minimizing the toxicity of residues, as it decreased the phenolic content of incorporated soil residue.

7 illus, 1 table, 65 ref

016399   Vimala D;Amuthavalli T;Sundararaj R (Forest and Wood Protection Div, Institute of Wood Science & Technology, 18th Cross Malleswaram, Bangalore-560 003) : Parasitoids of the whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) of India. Ann For 2015, 23(1), 30-40.

A review of hymenopteran parasitoids reported to parasitize whiteflies in India is given in this paper. So far 82 species of hymenopteran parasitoids representing three families" viz., Aphelinidae, Eulophidae and Platygastridae were reported parasitizing whiteflies in India. Among the parasitoid families of whiteflies Aphelinidae is dominant with 76 species followed by the family Eulophidae with five species and the family Platygasteridae with a. species. The review indicated that 19.51% of the whitefly parasitoids were reported on unidentified whiteflies and there is a vast lacuna existing in the identity of the host whitefly species.

1 illus, 1 table, 44 ref

016398   Vij A (Shalya Tantra Dep, SDM College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Udupi, Karnataka) : Preparation of apamarga kshara and its role in surgical practice. Int J herb Med 2016, 4(3), 28-30.

Ayurveda depends mostly upon the medicinal plants for the remedy. In Rig-Veda and Atharvaveda, there are numerous of medicinal plants mentioned to be used as a drug. Kshara is the herbal extracts of plants like Apamarga (Achyranthes aspera Lin), Mulaka (Raphenus sativus Linn.), Snuhi (Euphorbia nerifolia Linn.), Aragwadha (Cassia fistula Linn.), Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica Linn.), Vasa (Adhatoda vasica Linn.) and Arka (Calotropis gigantea Linn.). Kshara can be a compound or mixture of many herbs or may be from single herb. There is wide range of description available about Kshara as told by Acharya Sushruta and many other authoritative classics. This alkaline preparation has many therapeutic usages and even has replaced many surgical procedures and proved to be effective in treating many disorders like Dushta Vrana, Bhagandara, Arsha and Charmakeela. This paper deals with the most practical way of preparing Apamarga Kshara and its role in surgical practice.

3 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

016397   Verma P K;Rawat K K;Alam A (NO, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun-248 006, Uttarkhand, Email: pkverma_bryo@yahoo.co.in) : Metalejenune cucullata (Reinw., blume ET nees) grolle new to India from Nilgiri hills, Westarn Ghats. Ann For 2015, 23(1), 20-5.

The liverwort genus Metalejeunea cucullata (Reinw., Blume et Nees) Grolle of Lejeuneaceae is described and illustrated from Nilgiri hills (Western Ghats, India) as a new record for Indian bryoflora.

2 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

016396   Sujana K;Tejaswini K S;Lakshmi S S (Pharmaceutical Analysis Dep, Univ College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Acharya Nagarjuna Univ, Nagarjuna Nagar, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh-522 510) : Cranberry fruit: an update review. Int J herb Med 2016, 4(3), 5-8.

Cranberry is product from the berry fruit of a North American green shrub. Cranberry fruit is acidic nature and it can involve with unwanted bacteria in the urinary tract. The main health benefits of cranberry juice is urinary tract infection, and the other uses are respiratory disorders, kidney stones, cancer and heart disease, anti tumour effect, Anti-aging Benefits, Lung inflammation, prevent tooth decay etc. It is also used to preventing stomach disorders and diabetes. Cranberry juice is rich source of antioxidants, vitamin C and salicylic acid. One cup of Cranberry juice contained a total 8983 antioxidant capacity. Proanthocyanidin that is Ellura herbal drug is prepared from the cranberry pure extract. The main use of the Proanthocyanidin (Ellura) is used treatment of urinary tract infection (UTI) in patients especially in women. Proanthocyanidin (Ellura) is a pure herbal drug then with less side effects. Proanthocyanidin [Ellura] herbal drug is available in oral capsule form and oral tablet form and Ellura is also available in chewable tablets.

1 illus, 10 ref

016395   Singh S;Kumari L;Govinda (Biochemistry Dep, Maharashi Dayanand Univ, Rohtak, Haryana, Email: sandeep_rtk@yahoo.com) : Effects of cadmium stress on antioxidant enzymes in Vigna radiata roots. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(7), 2882-5.

Brief study to analyze oxidative stress and antioxidant response of cadmium stress was carried out. The plant chosen Vigna radiata (var. SML-668) was hydroponically grown in 0, 50μM, 100μM and 150μM, cadmium chloride. The roots were taken from hydroponic culture at 6 days of growth for various enzymatic and metabolic estimations. Among the antioxidant enzymes, root catalase and ascorbate peroxidase decreased while guaiacol peroxidase and superoxide dismutase increased in response to cadmium. The lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation too increased probably due to production of active oxygen species by heavy metal stress which causes lipid peroxidation. So, Cd was definitely toxic to root system of V. radiata plants as indicated by consistent increase in peroxidation and protein oxidation. However, the plant was able to counter this partially by concomitant increase in SOD and guaiacol peroxidase. But, the other two antioxidant enzymes catalase and ascorbate peroxidase could not counter oxidative stress generated by Cd as they were decreased.

11 ref

016394   Singh K P;Yousuf M (Forest Entomology Div, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun-248 006, Uttarkhand, Email: singhkp@icfre.org) : Efficacy of extracts of Tagetes minuta against Plecoptera reflexa (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)-A major defoliator of Shisham. Ann For 2015, 23(1), 85-9.

Plecoptera reflexa (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a serious defoliator of shisham. Out of four extracts of Tagetes minuta, two extracts, methanol and acetone extracts were found effective at 1% concentration after 72 hrs. for the control of shisham defoliator. Bioassay experiments of effective extracts were carried out using 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, 0.50, 1.00, 1.50 and 2.00% concentrations. It was found that methanolic extract caused 60.00% larval mortality at 2.00% concentration after 72 hrs. of exposure of P. reflexa. Whereas acetone extract at same concentration and time exposure provided 50.00% larval mortality of P. reflexa.

2 tables, 4 ref

016393   Shwetha K;Divya B;Jaganath S;Sudeep H P; Angadi P K (Horticulture Dep, GKVK, Bengaluru, College of Horticulture, Email: sjaggihort@gmail.com) : Effect of different months, conditions and age of rootstock over the period of growth on epicotyl grafting in jackfruit. Res Envir Life Sci 2015, 8(4), 663-6.

Experiment was conducted to standardize the best time, environment condition and age of root stock for epicotyl grafting. The epicotyl grafting was performed at different months like May, June July and August under green house, mist chamber and open condition by using 7, 14 and 21 days root stocks. The experiment was laid in a factorial RCBD design with three replications. Grafting in the month of June (1.77 cm) recorded the highest girth of rootstock followed by July (1.71cm). The 21 days old rootstocks recorded the maximum girth of rootstock (1.69 cm). With respect to growing condition, mist chamber recorded the highest girth of rootstock (1.71 cm). The minimum number of days taken for sprouting was recorded in the month of June (18.16 days) followed by July and maximum was observed in the month of May. The sprouts found to be maximum in mist chamber. The 14 days old rootstock recorded maximum sprouts followed by 21 days and 7 days old rootstock over all periods of growth. The per cent of graft success was found to be maximum in grafting on 7 days old rootstocks followed by 14 days old rootstocks. The grafting carried in the month of June recorded the highest percentage of grafting. The results of the present investigation revealed that epicotyl grafting method performed better, with percent of graft success (74.17%) and found to be best and it could be adopted for large scale multiplication of jack fruit with uncured scion under mist chamber.

8 tables, 16 ref

016392   Shirley R;Growther L (Microbiology Dep, Hindusthan College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Email: lalijps@gmail.com) : Antibacterial activity of ethnomedicinal plants of irulars of Western Ghats. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(7), 2837-40.

Present study report deals with the medicinal plants used by the irular tribal people of Coimbatore against pyogenic infections. Five different plants like Abutilon indicum, Datura metel, Lantana Camaro, Tridax procumbens and Leucas aspera were collected and their antimicrobial activity were tested against bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Bacillus anthracis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus vulgaris and fungi such as Aspergillus niger, Mucor rouxii, Fusarium solani, and Penicillium chrysogenum. All the plants showed antimicrobial activity. Among these Abutilon indicum, Datura metel, Lantana Camaro showed good zone of inhibition against the test organisms. Datura metel showed high zone of inhibition. The extracts of Datura metel showed lowest Minimal inhibitory concentration. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and phenols.

15 ref

016391   Sharma R;Chandra V (Botany Div, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun-248 006) : Wild edible plants of chopta mandal. Ann For 2015, 23(1), 90-112.

The present diversity of wild edible plants of Chopta-Mandal indicates a varied and diverse flora which has been used differently by different ethnic groups/local people of the region. In all there are 64 species belonging to 47 genera and 36 families of Angiosperms, Gymnosperms and ferns in the study area. The genus Rhododendron is found to have 4 species, Berberis, Rosa and Rubus with 3 species and Ficus, Prunus, Rumex and Urtica with 2 species each, and the remaining genera with one species each. With respect to families, Rosaceae shared the largest proportion, i.e. consisted of 14 species, followed by Ericaceae with 4 species, Berberidaceae, Polygonaceae and Urticaeeae having 3 species each respectively, and Urticaeae, Moraceae, Dioscoreaceae and Caryophyllaceae 2 species each, and the remaining families with 1 species each. Besides, the correct botanical name with original citation, important synonym, basionym where required, family, local name together with brief description, habitat and edible plants are appended under each species. This has been done to facilitate proper identification in the field and plants are arranged in alphabetical order.

2 illus, 5 ref

016390   Sharma P K;Singh V;Ali M;Kumar S (NO, R.V. Northland Institute, Dadri, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Email: pradeepbsr2000@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of antinociceptive and antiinflammatory activities of methanolic extract of Alpinia galanga rhizomes in animal models. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(7), 3103-8.

Alpinia galanga Linn. (Zingiberaceae) presents many chemical constituents of the volatile oil extracted from the rhizome. The rhizome of Alpinia galanga is used by people in many regions for relieving toothache, abdominal pain, muscular swelling and rheumatism. This study was performed to determine the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of a methanolic extract of Alpinia galanga. Analgesic activity was evaluated by acetic acid induced writhing responses, tail flick and hot plate methods in mice. In analgesic activity the A. galanga extract significantly reduced the writhes and increased the tail withdrawal time and paw jumping in albino mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by carrageenan induced edema in wistar albino rats. It was found that the extract inhibits the paw edema significantly (p<60>0.05) at both 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg dose levels when compared with control. The positive control drugs for analgesic and anti-inflammatory studies were employed as morphine and indomethacin, respectively. The present findings indicate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect of A. galanga extract in animals.

21 ref

016389   Sharma K B;Kumari B;Vijayan D;Sharma S (Forestry Dep, College of Agriculture, CCSHAU, Hisar-125 004, Email: deepundd@gmail.com) : Isolation of high quality DNA from Dalbergia sissoo roxb. -An economically important tree species. Ann For 2015, 23(1), 113-17.

The present study aimed to develop a simple method to isolate high quality genomic DNA from Dalbergia sissoo feasible for RAPD profiling. Modified CTAB method is standardized for the extraction of plant genomic DNA from shisham trees selected from different agro-ecological zones of Haryana. This modified protocol can be used as a simple, cost-effective and reproducible method when compared to expensive commercial DNA extraction kits.

1 illus, 16 ref

016388   Shah S N;Rajput D S;Kumar R;Koul M;Jha A (NO, Indira Priyadarshini College, Parasia Road, Chhindwara-480 001) : Micropropagarion of andrographis paniculata nees. J trop For 2015, 31(1), 46-56.

Andrographis paniculata is a valuable medicinal plant of immense pharmaceutical value. The species is threatened with possible extinction due to its indiscriminate harvesting as raw material for pharmaceutical industry to manufacture drugs against hepatitis, bronchitis, colitis, cough, fever, mouth ulcers, sores, tuberculosis, bacillary dysentery, venomous snake bites, common cold, urinary tract infections and acute diarrhoea. A rigorous attempt was made for development of in vitro propagation procedure for this species, involving four steps, viz., culture establishment, shoot multiplication, rooting and hardening. Aseptic cultures were established by growing nodal segments as explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 1.0 μM N^{6-Benzyladenine (BA). Three nutrient media MS Gamborg, Medium (B5) and Schenk and Hildebrandt Medium (SH) supplemented with different doses of BA for shoot multiplication and different strengths of MS medium with uniform dose of 2.5 μM IBA (Indole-3-butyric acid) for adventitious rooting were used in this study. The results of the study revealed that the effect of B5 medium with 5.0 μM BA proved optimum for in vitro shoot multiplication, resulting in 406 % shoot number per explant on MS medium in comparison to SH medium at 30 days after inoculation. The in vitro multiplied shoots were used for rooting experiment. Different strengths of MS medium with uniform dose of 2.5 μM IBA proved optimum for in vitro adventitious rooting. Maximum shoot number per explant was observed on half strength MS medium which were 347.7% more in comparison to MS/4 medium at 30 days after inoculation. The in vitro regenerated hardened plants exhibited excellent growth on transfer to natural condition. An efficient technique for in vitro regeneration of Andrographis paniculata has been developed. The procedure offers a potential system for improvement, conservation and mass propagation using explants derived from mature plants.}

5 illus, 3 tables, 30 ref

016387   Sankhla I S;Meghwal R R;Tak N;Tak A;Gehlot H S (BNF and Stress Biology Lab, Botany Dep, Jai Narain Vyas Univ, Jodhpur-342 033, Email: hsgehlot@gmail.com) : Phenotypic and molecular characteization of microsymionts associated with Crotalaria medicagenia: a native legume of the Indian Thar desert. Pl Archs 2015, 15(2), 1003-10.

In present investigation, the phenotypic as well as genetic diversity of twenty root nodule bacterial strains isolated from root nodules of Crotalaria medicagenia growing in Thar Desert of India, were investigated. All bacterial isolates were fast growing and highly diverged in their phenotypic characteristics such as salt and pH tolerance. All isolates distributed into three groups based on ARDRA (amplified r-DNA restriction analysis) pattern while formed eleven groups on the basis RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) patterns, which indicates high genetic diversity among them. The 16S rDNA sequencing and Blastn result of seven isolates suggested that microsymbionts of C. medicagenia belong to the only Ensifer genus. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis of 16S r-RNA gene sequences, these Ensifer strains closely related to old world rhizobia (E. kostiensis, E. saheli, E. terangae) as well as new world rhizobia (E. mexicanus, E. americanus), but formed new lineages, thus these are novel strains of Ensifer. It is suggested that in the alkaline soil of the Thar Desert C. medicagenia is nodulated by diverse Ensifer species.

2 illus, 4 tables, 43 ref

016386   Sangeetha G;Vidhya R (Biochemistry Dep, Dharmapuram Gnanmbigai Govt Arts College for Womens, Mayiladuthurai-609 001) : In vitro anti-inflammatory activity of different parts of Pedalium murex (L.). Int J herb Med 2016, 4(3), 31-6.

Aim of the present study, phytochemical and anti-inflammatory activities of different parts of hydro alcoholic extracts of Pedalium murex (L.). The maximum phytocompounds were present in hydro alcoholic extracts of leaf of P. murex when compared to stem and pod. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was screened against human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization method. The maximum percentage of stabilization (82.10±2.93%) was observed in hydro alcoholic extract of leaf at higher concentration. In vitro protein denaturation was screened by using egg albumin method. The maximum amount of inhibition of protein denaturation was showed in hydro alcoholic extract of stem of P. murex. The above result showed that the hydro alcoholic extract of P. murex possess anti- inflammatory activity. So future to find out the bioactive phytocompounds of plant extract of P. murex, which was used to design the drug for the treatment various type of inflammatory diseases.

2 illus, 3 tables, 56 ref

016385   Samsuddin S;Tah J (Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Centre for Advanced Stu, The Univ of Burdwan, Golapbag Campus, Burdwan-713 104, Email: samsuddinsk69@gmail.com) : Simple correlation matrix of mesta (Hibiscus subdariffa L.) of two years in a location. Pl Archs 2015, 15(2), 1111-15.

Mesta (Hibiscus subdariffa Linn.) was procured from the Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres (CRIJAF), Saheb Kuthi, Nilgunje, Barrackpore, Kolkata in the month of March, 2011 for carrying this PhD programme as this fibre crop has become known as high yielding emerging rough fibre crop for commercially cheap and viable fibre crop and is known as the most important fibre yielding crop next to jute. Ten genotype of high yielding national recommended best cultivars of mesta viz. (i) RIN-003, (ii) RIN-301, (iii) RIN -322, (iv) RIN-92, (v) RIJ - 19, (vi) RIJ - 69, (vii) RIJ - 82, (viii) REX -55, (ix) REX - 57and (x) REX - 49 in our location. Seedswere collected from CRIJAF, which were grown in the research field of the Crop Research Farm (CRF), Department of Botany of this University following Randomized Block Design (RBD) in 4 replications in two consecutive years i.e. in themonth of March2011 and there after May 2012. Uniform agronomical measures were provided for uniform growth and development of the crop. Various metrical characters viz. (i) plant height (cm),(ii) branches per plant( no.), (iii) days to initiation of flower bud (d), (iv) appearance of first green pod (d), (v) fruits per plant (at 50% flowering stage ) (no.), (vi) pod per plant (no.), (vii) weight of 100 grains (g), (viii) seed weight per plant (g) and (ix) yield per plant were observe and recorded all the data for analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Normally, the fibre crop like mesta is an pathogenic disease resistant crop. If so, abundance of pathogenic attack are noticed in the standing crop, this might be due to late sowing of the crop. But, it could survive easily by agronomic as well as fertilizer management of the crop. The analyses of co-variances like δg_i g_j, δp_ip_j and δe_ie_j have been calculated following Singh and Chaudhary (1995). The aims and objects of this experimentation were to study the productivity, adaptability prevailing this environment to aware its co-heritability in this location.

3 tables, 26 ref

016384   Saleem M;Mukundan U;Kumar C S (NO, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Pacha Palode, Thiruvananthapuram-695 562, Email: saleemorchid1@gmail.com) : Artificial pollination of dove orchid (Peristeria eleta Hook.) in India for multiplication. Curr Sci 2015, 109(8), 1395-7.

2 illus, 11 ref

016383   Saha R K;Nandi T;Nahar K;Talukdar A A;Nandi P C (Pharmacy Dep, East West Univ, Dhaka, Bangladesh) : Phytochemical and biological investigation of VLC fraction of Senna alata leaves. J Pharmac Phytochem 2016, 5(3), 55-61.

Objective of this work was phytochemical and biological investigation of VLC fraction of Senna alata leaves found in Bangladesh. The crude methanolic extract was fractionated by vacuum liquid chromatography by different five polar solvent. The resulted fractions were again fractionated by vacuum liquid chromatography by same five different polar solvent. We investigated the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids and other types of compounds by thin layer chromatography. In vitro antioxidant effects were measured by DPPH scavenging assay. In vitro anti- diabetic assay was carried out by glucose uptake in yeast cells. Disc diffusion assay was performed to show the antibacterial effect using gram positive, gram negative strains of bacteria and fungi. Receptor binding activities was performed by hemagglutination inhibition assay. VLC fraction of leaves contain flavonoids and other biologically active compounds. The extract showed antioxidant and anti-diabetic activity. The extract also showed antibacterial activities against several strains of bacteria. It also showed hemagglutination inhibition activities in human blood cells. Therefore, leaves of Senna alata may be considered as a source of various health benefits.

5 illus, 5 tables, 17 ref

016382   Raja Naik M;Ajith Kumar K (NO, Horticulture Research Station, Ananthrajupet, Y.S.R. Kadapa Dst-516 105, Email: naik_raja2006@rediffmail.com) : Growth and physiological response of Dendrobium cv. earsakul in different growing conditions. Pl Archs 2015, 15(2), 853-61.

Present investigation was carried out to study the response of Dendrobium cv. Earsakul to nutrients, plant growth promoting root endophyte (PGPRE) (Piriformospora indica) and plant growth regulators under three microclimatic conditions. Results revealed that among growth parameters, plant height, number of shoots per plant and girth of shoot was highest in the treatment T₃. Among three systems of growing, maximum growth parameters were recorded in S₂. In TxS interaction, number of leaves per plant was highest in the treatment combination T₄S₂ (7.33 at 18 MAT). Highest leaf area (29.99 cm^{2), relative growth rate (0.013 g g-1 day-1), dry matter production (14.27 g plant-1) and crop growth rate (0.131 g m-2 day-1) were recorded in plants treated with T₄ and T₃. Highest diffusive resistance (13.66 S cm-1) was obtained in T₆. Among various micro-climatic conditions, maximum values for physiological parameters were recorded in S₂. The interaction of plant growth promoters and systems of growing had significant influence on all physiological parameters. It can be concluded from the above findings that the nutrient and growing system combination (T₄S₂) may be considered as the suitable combination for growth of Dendrobium cv. Earsakul.}

5 illus, 3 tables, 35 ref

016381   Ragupathi V;Kumerasan S;Selvaraju S; Karthikeyan V (P G and Research, Botany Dep, Thiagarajar College, Madurai 9, Tamil Nadu) : Optimizing the growth conditions and adopting new methods growing oyster and milky mushrooms in same conditions. Int J herb Med 2016, 4(3), 1-4.

Growing conditions of oyster and milky mushrooms were optimized by repeated trails test, for this experiment different oyster mushroom varieties-Pleurotus florida, P.oystratus, P. Sajurkaju and different milky mushroom varieties Calocybe sps were used. The temperature requirements needed for oyster mushroom varieties were optimized 28°C-30°C in this same conditions milky mushrooms were also grown on the same room with 70% humidity, 2 times water spray daily, with two open ventilators. This method yielded 4 kg of oyster and 4 kg of milky mushrooms in three different periodical harvest. This method of growing is an improved conventional method of mushroom cultivation in a closed concrete room.

1 illus, 3 tables, 7 ref

016380   Pusalkar P K;Srivastava S K;Brijesh Kumar (Botanical Survey of India, Northern Regional Centre, 192-Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun-248 195, Email: lecyth@yahoo.com) : Veonica anagalloides guss. -A new record for Indian flora. Ann For 2015, 23(1), 41-4.

Veronica anagalloides Guss. (Plantaginaceae sensu APG) is reported here as a new record for Indian flora.

1 illus, 10 ref

016379   Pratibha Kumari;Chamola B P;Govindapyari H; Gupta R;Uniyal P L (Botany Dep, Delhi Univ, Delhi-110 007, Email: mh.pratibha@gmail.com) : Diversity of soil fungi (AM) associated with bryophytes in Uttarakhand, North-Western himalaya, India. Ann For 2015, 23(1), 11-19.

The present study deals with 29 species of bryophytes and their substrata for arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) association from different sites of a mixed temperate forest in North-Western Himalaya. AM fungi were found associated with all studied liverworts taxa, whereas fungal endophyte was rarely found in mosses. Fungal endophyte is found in stem, thallus as well as in rhizoids. Mycorrhizal colonization frequency was observed to be more in smooth-walled rhizoids as compared to tuberculate ones in liverworts. High humus content, alkaline nature of substratum, temperate-mixed vegetation and moderate temperature (20°C) found to have positive effect on the degree of colonization of AM fungi. Spores of five species of Glomus are recognized in the rhizosphere soil of the studied bryophytes.

1 illus, 1 table, 36 ref

016378   Pawan Kumar;Michael M (NO, Ltd, Frontier Mediville, Edur, Gummidipoondi, Tamil Nadu-601 201, Email: mathewsm123@gmail.com) : Preliminary phytochemical investigation and HPTLC finger printing of an antidiabetic polyherbal formulation. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(7), 2955-62.

Aim of the present work was to investigate the phytochemical components of an antidiabetic polyherbal formulation. The formulation was prepared using ingredients of Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Commiphora mukul, Curcuma longa L, Emblica officinalis Gaertn, Garcinia cambogia Gaertn, Gymnema sylvestre Retz, Momordica charantia L, Ocimum sanctum L and Trigonella foenum-graecum L. The formulation was evaluated for phytochemical properties by following standard protocols. The colour intensity or the precipitate formation was used as analytical responses to these tests. The formulation revealed the presence of active phytoconstituents such as carbohydrates, amino acid, proteins, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, steroids and insulin. The HPTLC fingerprint analysis revealed sixteen bioactive compounds when scanned at 520 nm and thirteen bioactive compounds at 254 nm. The study confirms that the formulation contains many phytoconstituents making it a prospective candidate for further development.

31 ref

016377   Parvez G M (Pharmacy Dep, Varendra Univ, Rajshahi, Bangladesh, Email: masud.ph.ru@gmail.com) : Pharmacological activities of mango (Mangifera indica). J Pharmac Phytochem 2016, 5(3), 1-7.

Mangoes (Mangifera indica) belong to genus Mangifera which consists of about 30 species of tropical fruiting trees in the flowering plant family Anacardiaceae. It is cultivated on an area of approximately 3.7 million ha worldwide and conquers the second position as a tropical crop, in terms of production. According to ayurveda, varied medicinal properties are attributed to different parts of mango tree. Mango possesses anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory properties. Various effects like antibacterial, anti-fungal, anthelmintic, anti- parasitic, anticancer, anti HIV, antibone resorption, antispasmodic, antipyretic, antidiarrheal, immunomodulation, hypolipidemic, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective, gastro protective have also been studied.

3 illus, 92 ref

016376   Parveen;Ashok Kumar;Ramakant (Genetics and Tree Propagation Div, Forest Research Institute, P.O. IPE, Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun-248 195) : Phenological changes in terms of flowering and fruiting in Eucalyptus pellita F. muelland Eucalyptus urophylla S.T. Blake. Ann For 2015, 23(1), 26-9.

In this paper, phenological observations regarding flowering and fruiting of E. pellita and E. urophylla have been reported for three consecutive years commencing from January 2011 to March 2014. Both the species are inter-crossable and planted in the field in close proximity to produce the hybrids. For production of natural hybrids synchronization of flowering in both the species is essential. Environment plays an important role in flowering and fruiting. In E. pellita, and E. urophylla, fruits matured in 3rd week of March and initiation of flower buds started in 4th week of May in the year 2011. In the year 2013 fruit maturation was shifted to 3nd week of April and bud initiated in E. pellita in 2nd week of July and in E. urophylla in 3rd week of July. Again in the year 2014, the fruit matured in 4th week of March. These two species however produced flowering in the same period in the month of September and controlled hybridization can be easily carried out in this month.

1 table, 13 ref

016375   Palawat R;Lodha P (Lab No-4, Botany Dep, Rajasthan Univ, Email: riddhupalawat17@yahoo.co.in) : Qualitative screenings of photochemical and GC-MS analysis of ceropegia attenuata- An endangered tuberous plant. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(7), 2976-81.

Ceropegia bulbosa is a medicinal herb, this is useful in curing many disease like kidney stone and deafness. Ethno botanical study showed that the plant has good medicinal value for tribe of Rajasthan the preliminary phytochemical studies of Ceropegia attenuata tuber and leaf extracts revealed the presence of steroids, glycosides, flavonoids alkaloids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids and potassium salt. Gas chromatography mass spectroscopic investigation of methanolic extract of Ceropegia attenuata - a annual land plant is investigated by GCMS technique while the mass spectra of the compounds found in the extract are matched with the standard library of NIST. GC MS analysis revealed the presence of aromatic hydrocarbons, paraffins, fatty acids, sterol, Oleic acid, ketons and diterpenes etc. Flavone 4'-Oh,5-Oh, 7-Di-O-Glucoside (12.09%) with RT=31.78 is present in maximum amount, followed by 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid, methyl ester, (Z,Z,Z)- (7.92%) with RT=16.17 in the methanolic extract of leaves of C.attenuata. Steroids like Ergost-5-en-3-ol-(3.0%), Stigmast-5-Dien-3-Ol, (3.Beta.) (5.26%), Lupeol, Globulol and Phytol were also detected. Tetratetracontane (5.13%) was also present in considerable amount. The GC-MS analyses revealed that the methanolic extract is mainly composed of organic compound, and steroids. Maximum area are found for 2H-Azepin-2-one, 3-(dimethylamino)hexahydro-(29.30%),with RT=8.97 followed by 1,3-Propanediol, 2-(hydroxymethyl)-2-nitro- (10.56%)with RT=9.54 in the methanolic extract of tuber of C. bulbosa.

13 ref

016374   Olowe O;Olawuyi O;Odebode A (Botany Dep, Univ of Ibadan, Oyo 00234, Nigeria, Email: mayolowe@yahoo.com) : Response of maize genotypes to Fusarium verticillioides strains from two ecological zones in Southwest Nigeria. Int J pure appl Sci Technol 2015, 27(2), 77-86.

Reduction in the quantity and quality of maize production in Nigeria has been attributed to some seed borne pathogens, of which strains of Fusarium verticillioides causing ear rot infections are included. Hence, this study investigated the resistance of six maize genotypes to strains of F. verticillioides isolated from infected maize cobs obtained from rainforest (Ibadan) and derived savanna (Iloora) agro ecological zones of Southwest Nigeria. The screen house experiment was laid out in complete randomized design. The pathogenic strains of F. verticillioides isolated from five locations were inoculated at the silking stage (six weeks after planting) of maize cultivars. Data collected on the growth, yield and ear rot disease assessments were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS 9.1 statistical software. AMA TZBR YCF was the most resistant genotype to the pathogens, followed by TZEI 25, while TZBR COMP 2-YCS 280, TZEI 22, (IBZA-EN13) TZBR COMP 2-YCS, and TZEI 161 were most susceptible. The decreasing order of genotypes in yield production were; AMA TZBR YCF, TZBR COMP 2-YCS 280, TZEI 25, TZEI 22, TZEI 161 and (IBZA-EN13) TZBR COMP 2-YCS. The F. verticillioides strains isolated from Ibadan (IBD 1, IBD 2, and IBD 3) were the most virulent in this study compared with Iloora (ILR 1 and ILR 2) which showed moderate virulence. Therefore, AMA TZBR YCF was the most resistant genotype to strains of F. verticillioides in this study, and could be most suitable for cultivation in locations where Fusarium ear rot diseases are endemic so as to ensure food security.

1 illus, 4 tables, 35 ref

016373   Nithya V;Kamalam M;Umakanthan T (Botany Dep, PSGR Krishnammal College for Women and Veterinary Hospital, Tamil Nadu, Email: kamaluma12@gmail.com) : Screening of indigenous medicinal plants for their acaricidal activity against cattle ticks under In vivo condition. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(7), 3049-52.

Acaricidal activity of leaf extracts of Annona squamosa, Azadirachta indica and Calotropis procera were tested against the cattle ticks under in vivo condition. Plants were extracted with methanol and water and the extracts were tested against the cattle ticks under in vivo condition. The aqueous and alcoholic extracts of A. indica showed maximum mortality rate of ticks followed by A. squamosa and C. procera when tested individually. In combination of plant extracts, hot water extracts of dried leaf powder showed 100% mortality of ticks on 5th day whereas ethanol and methanol extracts showed 83% and 80% of mortality respectively. Based on the above experimental results, it is confirmed that the selected plant materials possess more acaricidal activity against cattle ticks. Plant extracts in combinations are more effective than single drug used.

5 ref

016372   Nath P C;Arunachalam A;Khan M L (Botany Dep, Sibsagar College, Joysagar-785 665, Email: pnath_123@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of seed size and light regime on seed germination and seedling survival in three dominant rainforest tree species of North East India. J trop For 2015, 31(2), 10-25.

Seed germination and seedling survival were studied for three dominant tree species viz., Dipterocarpus macrocarpus, Shorea assamica and Mesua ferrea under green house condition. Over all, M. ferrea and D. macrocarpus showed better germination percentage under low light regime (3%) and S. assamica under high (50%) light regime (r^{2 = 0.58). Seeds of D. macrocarpus and M. ferrea of higher seed mass category showed highest germination percentage, whereas in case of S. assamica, seeds of medium seed mass showed better germination percentage. Seedling survival was not affected by seed mass and light regime in M. ferrea. However, survivality is good for D. macrocarpus in 25% light and least in low light (3%). S. assamica, on the other hand, shows equally good survival in low and intermediate light regime. Seedling mortality was highest for M. ferrea and S. assamica during winter due to low soil moisture content, whereas in D. macrocarpus, it was the highest during the monsoon, mostly due to pathogenic infection. Large and heavy seeds germinated faster and attained greater germination percentage than smaller seeds. Our result shows that heavier seeds germinate early and their germination percentage is higher than that of the seedlings of smaller seeds. Shading and moisture supplementation increase germination. Production of larger seeds is less advantageous in heavily disturbed areas than in the understorey and all the three species studied can be grown well in moderately disturbed stands rather than in the highly disturbed ones.}

3 illus, 2 tables, 52 ref

016371   Menezes A P P;Trevisan S C C;Barbalho S M; Guiguer E L (School of Food Technology, FATEC, Av. Castro Alves, 62- Marilia- Sao Paulo, Brazil) : Tamarindus indica L. a plant with multiple medicinal purposes. J Pharmac Phytochem 2016, 5(3), 50-4.

Tamarindus indica is a plant that can be used traditionally in wound healing, snake bite, abdominal pain, colds, inflammations, diarrhea, diarrhea, helminth infections, and fever. It may also play a role as antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiinflammatory and effects on the control of satiety, playing a potential role in the treatment or prevention of obesity and other chronic diseases. These effects are probably due to the presence of polyphenols as n-Hexacosane, eicosanoic acid, b-sitosterol, octacosanyl ferulate, 21-oxobehenic acid, and pinitol and phenolic antioxidants for proanthocyanidins. T. indicus includes a variety of bioactive compounds in the leaves, seeds, bark, pulp, and flowers with beneficial effects to human health and the possibility of application in the pharmaceutical industry.

3 tables, 46 ref

016370   Masmoudi-Allouche F;Touati S;Mnafgui K; Gharsallah N;Feki A E;Allouche N (Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, Sfax Univ, 3000, PB "1171". Sfax, Tunisia) : Phytochemical profile, antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic and anti-obesity activities of fruits and pits from date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) grown in South of Tunisia. J Pharmac Phytochem 2016, 5(3), 15-22.

Aim of the present study is to determine polyphenolic composition and related biological activities of four Tunisian date palm varieties (Deglet Nour, Ruchdi, Ftimi, Kentichi). The highest total phenolic content values were obtained in methanol extracts of date pits. The potent antiradical activity was recorded in the methanol pits extracts which varied in the following order: Kentichi <62> Ruchdi <62> Ftimi <62> Deglet Nour. The antibacterial activity test demonstrated that date palm methanol extracts of both fruits and pits were effective in inhibiting growth of bacteria. In addition, our study demonstrated for the first time the potent inhibitory effect of pits from various date palm, especially Kentichi variety, against key enzymes related to diabetes and obesity. Hence, date palm pits can be considered as a potent natural source for high added value products which can be applied in agro-food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries as alternative to undesirable synthetic additives.

6 tables, 71 ref

016369   Lone I A;Ali M;Alam M S;Lone S A (Chemistry Dep, Faculty of science, Govt. Degree Handwara-193 002) : Isolation, characterzation and antioxidant activities of steroidal constitutents from the aerial parts of Didymocarpus pedicellata R. Br.. J Pharmac Phytochem 2016, 5(3), 36-42.

Didymocarpus pedicellata R.Br. (Gesneriaceae) is used to treat renal diseases particularly kidney stones, cuts and wounds. As a part of our previous studies in which we have revealed the protective effect of D. pedicellata on ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA) induced renal oxidative stress and hyper proliferative response, the present study was designed to isolate, characterize and evaluate antioxidant potential of constituents of D. pedicellata. Phytochemical investigations of the chloroform extract of aerial parts of D. pedicellata resulted in the isolation of three steroidal constituents characterized as 21-hydroxy- β-sitosteryl n-octadec-9',12',15'-trienoate (1), 21-hydroxy- β-stigmasteryl n-octadec-9',12',15'-trienoate (2) and stigmasterol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3) for the first time from this plant. The first two compounds 1 and 2 are the new compounds isolated for the first time from a plant source. The structures of these phytoconstituents were established by analysis of the spectral data. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant activities. Among them, compounds 1 and 3 showed significant antioxidant effects.

3 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

016368   Lokhande S;Chopde N;Wasnik P;Nehare N (Horticulture Section, College of Agriculture, Amravati Road, Nagpur-440 010) : Response of Jasminum sambac(L.) to time severity of pruning. Pl Archs 2015, 15(2), 759-62.

Experiment entitled "Response of Jasminum sambac (L.) to time and severity of pruning" was carried out at Satpuda Botanic Garden, College of Agriculture, Nagpur from December, 2013 to August, 2014 with sixteen treatment combinations in Factorial Randomised Block Design. The treatments comprised of four different time of pruning viz., 2nd week of December, 4th week of December, 2nd week of January and 4th week of January and four levels of severity of pruning viz., light pruning (45 cm above ground level), medium pruning (30 cm above ground level), heavy pruning (15 cm above ground level) and no pruning (control). The treatments were imposed on two year old plants of Jasminum sambac (L). The results revealed that significantly maximum length of primary shoot, leaf area, flower buds plant-1 and flower yield ha-1 were recorded when the jasmine plants pruned during 4th week of December, whereas, minimum days for sprouting and maximum secondary laterals primary shoot-1 were found when the plants pruned during 2th week of January. Significantly minimum days for emergence of first flower were required due to pruning at 4th week of January. Whereas, longevity of intact flower, diameter of flower bud, flower bud index and shelf life of flower were non-significantly influenced by time of pruning. In respect of severity of pruning, length of primary shoot, secondary laterals primary shoot-1, leaf area, longevity of intact flower, flower buds plant-1, flower yield ha-1, diameter of flower bud and shelf life of flower were found significantly maximum, whereas, days for sprouting, days for emergence of first flower and flower bud index were found significantly minimum when the plants pruned at 30 cm above ground level. Interaction effect of time and severity of pruning on all the characters of jasmine under study was found nonsignificant.

1 table, 8 ref

016367   Lohidas J;Manjusha S;Glory Gnana Jothi G (Botany and Research Centre Dep, Scott Christian College (Autonomous), Nagercoil, Kanyakumari District-629 003) : Antimicrobial activities of Carica papaya L.. Pl Archs 2015, 15(2), 1179-86.

Carica papaya plant materials such as leaf, fruit (and seed) were collected and allowed to drying in dark place and ground in electric chopper. The powdered plant materials were filled separately in the thimble and extracted successively using a soxhlet extractor with distilled water, acetone, chloroform and ethanal. All the extracts were subjected to systematic phytochemical screening for the presence of phytochemical contituents. This indicates the presence carbohydrates, protein, vitamin C, tannin,alkaloids, flavanoids, steroids and saponin. Antimicrobial activities of all the extract were determined by well diffusion method. In this observation, the leaf of Carica papaya exhibits significant inhibitory activity against all test pathogens, in all plant material, ethanol extracts showed maximum activity. The fruit sample was further studied by FT-IR, it shown 18 functional groups compounds in between the spectra 400-4000 nm.

6 illus, 34 ref