014169   Maya C;Thippanna M (Botany Dep, Jnanabharathi Campus, Bangalore Univ, Bengaluru-560 056) : In vitro antifungal evaluation of various botanical extracts against early blight disease (Alternaria solani) of Tomato. Int J Sci Nat 2015, 6(2), 264-267.

Tomato (Lycopersicum esculantum) belongs to the important fruit vegetable for human nutrition and is cultivated across all continents in fields or in protected culture. Early blight is a three-phase disease, which produce leaf spots, stem canker and fruit rot. But the foliar phase is the most common and destructive part of the disease responsible for significant economic losses sustained by Tomato producer each year. A. solani can cause extensive defoliation leading to a reduction of economic fruit yield. This disease in severe cases can lead to complete defoliation and is most damaging on tomato in regions with heavy rainfall, high humidity and fairly high temperatures (24°C-29°C). A. solani is characterized by septate, beaked, muriform conidia, borne singly on simple conidiophores. In the present study, ten locally available aqueous botanical extracts viz. Accacia catechu, Cassia fistula, Cassia tora, Eupatorium odoratum, Melia azardichita, Pongamia pinnata, Psidium guajava, Tamarindus indica, Vitex nigundo and Zinger officinalea were evaluated against A. solani by poison food technique. The results revealed that Rhizome extracts of Zinger officinalea recorded maximum mycelial inhibition with 80.70% followed by M. azardichita 73.64%, P. guajava 71.75%, P. pinnata 68.92% and E. odoratum 63.71% and Cassia tora with 13.74% least mycelial inhibition.

1 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

014168   Mali B S;Chape V S;Rajebhosale N P (P.G. Research Center, Botany Dep, Tuljaram Chaturchand College, Baramati, Dist. Pune-413 102) : Salt tolerance at germination of Pentatropis nivalis wight and arn growing in salt affected soils from Songaon, Baramati (Maharashtra) India. Adv Pl Sci 2015, 28(1), 93-5.

Effect of 0% to 3% NaCl, KC1, CaCl₂, Na₂SO₄K₂SO₄ and MgSO₄ on seed germination in Pentatropis nivalis Wight and Arn was studied at room temperature. 98 per cent seeds germinated in control (distilled water) but no germination was recorded beyond 1% NaCl, KC1 and 2% CaCl₂, Na₂SO₄ and MgSO₄. Furthermore recovery in chloride salts varied between 3 to 85 per cent while 2 to 50 per cent seeds recovered in sulphate salts. However, the sensitivity of seeds was increased with increase in salt concentrations and showed more sensitivity to chloride salts than sulphate salts.

2 tables, 16 ref

014167   Kavya R;Shanmugapriya N (Botany Dep, PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore-640 114, Email: itsnsp@gmail.com) : Medicinal plants used in the treatment of hypertension by the tribals of munnar area, Idukki district, Kerala. Adv Pl Sci 2015, 28(1), 69-71.

The present study deals with ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants of Munnar area in Idukki District of Kerala. Forty plants belonging to different families have been documented along with their vernacular names, Botanical identity, active principles and therapeutic uses. The medicinal plants collected are used by Muthuvan and Pulayan Tribes of Munnar area for the treatment of High Blood Pressure.

1 table, 7 ref

014166   Kadali V N;Rao K K;Sandeep B V (Biotechnology Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh) : Medicinal plants with anti snake venon property-a review. Pharma Innovation 2015, 4(7), 11-5.

The aim of the present study is evaluation of various Medicinal Plants used for Anti Venom activity. Snake bite has been the serious issue in India especially in rural areas of India. India has a lot of efficient medicinal Plants which are active against Snake Venoms and they have been using since years by the Traditional Healers. Lot of Medicinal Plants have been tested against various Snake Venoms and they have shown promising results. This article presents review of Medicinal Plants which are active against various Snake Venoms.

1 table, 42 ref

014165   Jalwal P;Singh B;Dahiya J;Khokhara S (Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, Baba Mastnath Univ, Asthal Bohar, Rohtak-124 001) : Comprehensive review on shankhpushpi in morning glory. Pharma Innovation 2016, 5(1), 14-18.

Shankhpushpi is an indigenous and very significant herb that consider as a gift of nature in Ayurveda. It is a natural medicine which enhances the memory power. It rejuvenates the nervous functions. It is also a natural tonic for mental development of children. It is very bitter, pungent, alternative tonic, brightens intellect, useful in bronchitis, improve complexion, biliousness, epilepsy and teething troubles of infants etc. this review include all the aspects of shankhpushpi. Convolvulus pluricaulis is a prostrate, spreading, perennial, wild herb commonly found on sandy or rocky ground under xerophytic conditions in northern India. It is one of the most important Medhya Rasayana drugs in Ayurveda. Its use improves the balance and vitiation in Kapha-vata-pitta doshas and the herb is astringent and bitter. Herbalists believe that Shankhpushpi calms the nerves by regulating the body's production of the stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline. This drug shows antidepressant, antidiabetic, cardiovascular, anxiolytic, antioxidant, neuroprotective, hypolipidemic activity. It also shows antimicrobial, insecticidal, antifungal, antibacterial and anthelmintic, anticonvulsant, antiulcer and anticatatonic activity.

26 ref

014164   Gupta R;Basu M (Botany Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002, Email: monicabasuniv@gmail.com) : Degradation of organic waste and cellophane by mycelia of some basidiomycetous fungi. J mycopathol Res 2014, 52(2), 345-50.

Fungi with other microorganisms are present in all ecological niches and play an important role in decomposing almost all known substrates. Fungi particularly, mushroom mycelia, have inherent biological ability, which can be used as significant tool for healing soil by decomposing organic matters(agricultural wastes, wood debris, paper product, food waste etc). So they enhance soil condition and provide adequate biomass. Mushroom mycelium produces extra cellular enzymes and acids that breakdown recalcitrant molecules such as, lignin and cellulose, the two primary components of woody plants. The adaptive technology is the foundation of ecological stability and vitality in a rapidly changing environment. Present study is to evaluate the role of decomposition of different organic matters such as., filter paper, leaf litter, fallen twigs, cellophane etc by mushroom mycelia of some basidiomycetous fungi viz. Coprinus micaceus, Cortinarius armillatus and Schizophyllum commune.

4 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

014163   Guleri S;Saxena S;Bhandari B S;Verma N (Botany Dep, S.G.R.R. (P.G.) College, Dehradun-248 001) : Soil mycofloral diversity under wheat cultivation in doon valley, Uttarkhand. J mycopathol Res 2014, 52(2), 245-52.

Present communication attempts to provide information on the distribution and diversity of soil mycoflora under wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivation in Doon Valley of Uttarakhand Himalaya. To achieve the target, soil samples were collected from five agricultural fields viz., Doiwala (DOi), Harawala (HAR), Tunwala (TUN), Mohakampur (MOH) and Subhashnagar (SUBH). Samples were also analysed for physico-chemical properties including texture, soil reaction (pH) and moisture content. Serial Dilution and Direct Plate Methods were used to isolate the soil mycoflora. During investigation, pH ranged from 7.10 to 7.80 and the moisture content between 7.23 and 10.01 (%). Texture varied from clay to loam. A total of 23 species of microfungi belonging to 11 genera were isolated from all the sampling sites. Surface soils were richer in microfungal diversity as compared to deeper profile. Aspergillus was the most dominant genus followed by Alternaria, Cochliobolus and Rhizopus. Of the total 23 species, 6 each were of common and frequent, 5 species moderate and rest of the species showed rare occurrence. Aspergillus encountered in all the wheat croplands indicating uniform ecological amplitude. Highest similarily (84.6%) was observed between HAR and TUN while lowest (53.8%) between TUN and MOH.

4 illus, 3 tables, 47 ref

014162   Goswami S;Singhai R (Chemistry Dep, Rie (NCERT), Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Email: goswamisonia87@gmail.com) : Evaluation of physicochemical parameters of Moringa oleifera leaves. Flora Fauna 2015, 21(2), 169-72.

The present study was carried out physicochemical details about Moringa oleifera. The plant has been used as a medicine in ancient. The leaves, roots, bark and fruit all possess medicinal property.lt is traditionally used to treat diabetic, inflammatory, fever, lowers cholesterol and given to lactating women. The present investigation reveals standardization which includes extractive value (alcohol soluble extractive, water soluble extractive, ether soluble extractive) and moisture content. The generated information of the present study will provide data which are helpful in the correct identification and authentication of this medicinal plant.

1 table, 14 ref

014161   Giri S P (Padmashri Vikhe Patil Arts, Science and Commerce College, Pravaranagar, Tal-Rahata, Dist-Ahmednagar-413 713, Email: sanjaygiri2005@rediffmail.com) : Ethnobotanical survey of some medicinal plants used by tribal people of Akole tahasil (Maharashtra), India. Adv Pl Sci 2015, 28(1), 65-7.

Present investigation deals with the ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by tribal people from Akole tahasil of Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. The area is rich in flora shows more diverse plant species of medicinal importance. It comprises of number of medicinal plants, but now a day's a number of valuable plant species are going under endangered condition. This is due to deforestation, shifting cultivation, their misuse, and use as food, fodder, and medicines by tribal and local peoples. A number of plants become threatened, it is urgent need to identify these plants and conserve them into natural habit. Therefore, systematic survey and study is important. During survey work 41 medicinal plants were identified and studied for medicinal value with the help of literature available and local informants.

1 table, 11 ref

014160   Giri P (Botany Dep, Dum Dum Motijheel College, Kolkata-700 074) : Evaluation of bioprospective potentiality of Ocimum gratissimum Linn. through microbial exploitation-An innovative approach for environmental fragrance development. J mycopathol Res 2015, 53(1), 119-22.

Tulsi is a familiar name used domestically when we talk about curing common ailments. Use of this plant in domestic medicine is due to its antagonistic effect on disease causing microorganisms. Scientifically this plant is known as Ocimum and in India it is represented by six species. Volatile oil obtained mainly from the leaves of this plant has been proved as the bioactive principle. The GC analysis of oil sample reveals that eugenol is the most common constituent among the species except O.kilimandscharicum. The quantity of eugenol is highest in O.gratissimum (47.45%) which has been proved as one of the inhibitory substance for rnicrobial growth. Eugenol is used industrially as a substrate for bioconversion into vanillin - a flavour enriching compounds used in confectionary. In a bid to search out the potentiality of eugenol present in oil sample of O. gratissimum for vanillin production, 10 bacterial and 4 fungal isolates from different putrescent environment were allowed to grow in presence of leaf extract and essential oil respectively. Despite the inhibitory nature of eugenol in such sample 3 bacterial and 1 fungal isolates show comprehensive growth acceleration conferring their resistance to eugenol being pervaded in their metabolic stream. Therefore it is amenable to reason that such rnicrobial inocula could be amended to the soil along with the crude leaves of the plant to abate the stink of fermentative bad odour emanating due to microbial decomposition of waste materials through vanillin production.

3 illus, 1 table, 4 ref

014159   Ghosh S;Kuila D (Botany Dep, Midnapore College, Midnapore-721 101, Email: somdattaghosh@yahoo.co.im) : Comparison of arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization and spore diversity in vegetation of fly ash deposited area of Kolaghat thermal power station and adjacent normal soil vegetation. J mycopathol Res 2015, 53(1), 131-137.

Fly ash depositions are real problem to environment. Recycle and reclamation processes are on experiment. The plant root and rhizospheric soil samples were collected from fly ash deposited area of Kolaghat Thermal power station. The same plant root and soil samples were also collected from nearby area where no deposition was done. These samples were compared for AM colonization pattern, spore density and diversity. Fly ash samples showed low to high spore density depending on plant species as in normal soil. The same plant species showed less colonization in fly ash than normal soil. ArbuscularMycorrhizae species highly differed in two soil samples. Fly ash vegetation selected an AM flora that indicate to be beneficial in reclamation of flyash.

8 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

014158   Gangwar M;Dhaliya S;Sukhjinder Kaur (Microbiology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: madhugangwar@pau.edu) : Potential of Rhiobium species to enhance growth and symbiosis in berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.). Indian J Ecol 2015, 42(1), 474-8.

Twenty four isolates were obtained from root nodules of berseem plants and were evaluated for IAA producing ability and other plant growth promoting traits such as Phosphate solubilization, siderophore, ammonia and HCN production. Maximum lAA production was reported in isolate B-2 (50.8±0.90 μg/ml). Isolate B-33 produced maximum catechol type siderophore (102 μg/ml) and isolate B-2 produced maximum hydroxamate type siderophore (57 μg/ml). Among all the isolates, three isolates (B-2, BK and B-33) were selected and used as inoculants in pot and field study. Maximum germination was observed in BK treatment in pot as well as field conditions. The rhizobial isolate BK showed positive effect in inoculation, which resulted in a significant increase in number and dry weight of nodules over B-33 and un-inoculated control. Maximum mean chlorophyll content was also observed in BK (2.85 mg/g fresh weight of leaves) as compared to control (2.45 mg/g fresh weight of leaves). The same trend was evident with yield attributing traits, leghaemoglobin content and N-content of leaves. Thus BK and B-33 inoculation significantly enhanced all symbiotic and growth parameters.

8 tables, 12 ref

014157   Gangola S;Negi P G;Srivastava A;Sharma A (Microbiology Dep, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities, Gobind Ballabh Pant Univ of, Pantnagar, US Nagar-263 145, Email: anitasharma14@yahoo.co.in) : Enhanced biodegradation of endosulfan by Asperfillus and Trichoderma spp. isolated from agricultural field of Tarai region of Uttarakhand. Pesticide Res J 2015, 27(2), 223-30.

Two endosulfan degrading fungal isolates (FII and FIII) were recovered from the soil of an agricultural field of Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand. Maximum tolerance limit of both the fungi for endosulfan was 350 ppm in minimal medium. On the basis of morphological and molecular characters, FII and FIII showed 100% homology with Aspergillus oryzae and Trichoderma longibrachiatum respectively. Pattern of degradation of endosulfan in minimal broth was: consortium (FII+FIII) <62>FII<62>FIII and percent degradation of α and β isomers of endosulfan by the fungal consortium was 93 and 95 respectively after 15 days. Immobilized fungal consortium performed better than the individual fungus and consortium under same conditions. Consortium performed best in biodegradation and uptake of endosulfan in a pot experiment on maize, where soil was spiked with 100 mg kg^{-1 endosulfan.}

5 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

014156   Firdousi S A;Khan T A (Botany Dep, H.J. Thim College of Arts and Science, Mehrun, Jalgaon-425 001) : Two new fungal diseases of trees of manuevi forest of Jalgaon, district. Flora Fauna 2015, 21(2), 158-60.

During the forest fungal diseases, survey of the Jalgaon, authors came across very serious diseases on two important trees which have great economic and medicinal importance. A leaf spot disease on Bridelia retusa L. (Euphorbiaceae) caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz. Another leaf disease on Morinda citrifolia L. (Rubiaceae) caused by Corynospora spp. These were identified in laboratory and confirmed by experts of Agharkar Research Institute, Pune. The disease symptoms starts in the month of July and remain upto October. These tree hosts are reported as new host for these fungi. Hence, these diseases are reported for not only from Khandesh region but from India. It can be said that these disease are new to science.

4 illus, 3 tables

014155   Chowdhury D;Dasgupta B;Paul P C (Plant Pathology Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur-741 252) : Leaf spot of thankuni (Centrella asiatica) caused by Alternari sp.. J mycopathol Res 2015, 53(1), 65-70.

In this paper, fixed plot survey symptoms of leaf spot of thankuni (Centrella asiatica), isolation of pathogen from Centrella asiatica, pathogenicity test of isolated pathogen for confirmation of disease, colony characters and growth of pathogen in different semi solid and liquid media and management of leaf spot of Thankuni under in vitro condition were made. The results of fixed plot survey showed that the highest leaf spot disease of Thankuni was recorded during February and July and lowest disease incidence was recorded during December and April. Studies of symptoms of leaf spot of Thankuni were recorded. The pathogen, Alternaria sp. was established through pathogenicity test. Morphometric characters and micrometric measurement of the pathogens were made. The antagonistic potential of three isolates each of Trichoderma harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens collected from laboratory of AICRP on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants and Betelvine centre were tested against the pathogen by Dual Culture Plate Technique. All the three isolates of Trichoderma were highly effective while two isolates of Pseudomonas fluorescens were highly effective and one isolate was moderately effective against Alternaria sp. under in vitro condition.

6 tables, 3 ref

014154   Choudhary S;Jethra G (NO, National Research Centre on Seed Spices, Tabiji, Ajmer-305 206, Email: jethra08@gmail.com) : Deciphering protein structure identified in cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.). Appl biol Res 2015, 17(3), 225-30.

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum Linn.), an important commercial seed spice with medicinal properties, belongs to family Umbelliferae. The present study was aimed to elucidate the high quality 3D structure and function of cumin protein (gn50). For the prediction of secondary structure of protein FASTA sequences were used and prediction was performed using GOR IV, SOPMA, ProFunc and PDBSum. The instability index 24.29, isoelectric point (pI) 5.14 and Grand average hydropathicity (GRAVY) 0.751 determined from primary and secondary structural analysis illustrated the stability of cumin protein. Stability of 3D structure of protein was confirmed using Ramachandran plot having 80.1% residues or empirically distributed data-points present in the structure lie in most favoured region with the total score of 98.3%. The models were validated using protein structure checking server SAVES.

3 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

014153   Chandra R;Tiwari S (Biological Sciences Dep, Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot, Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya, Chitrakoot, Satna, Madhya Pradesh, Email: rctmgcgv@gmail.com) : Estimation of DNA and protein of begoma virus infested chilli plant. Flora Fauna 2015, 21(2), 161-4.

In present investigation, estimation of DNA and protein from chilli plant was carried out for healthy and infected leaves. The amount of DNA was more in healthy leaves than in infected leaves because the begomovirus damaged the DNA of infected leaves. The healthy leaves show high protein quantity, while in infected leaves the amount was less because of begomovirus.

4 illus, 2 tables

014152   Borse B D;Patil S Y;Patil V R;Pawara C M; Borse K N (NO, U.P. Arts & Science College, Dahivel-424 304) : Checklist of freshwater ascomycetes in India. J mycopathol Res 2014, 52(2), 279-84.

Checklist of freshwater Ascomycetous fungi is presented based on the present studies in Maharashtra and published literature. Distribution of 93 species of freshwater Ascomycetes reported so far from various states of India is provided. These fungi have been recorded as saprophytes on naturally decaying submerged wood, leaves, wood test-blocks exposed in freshwater cooling tower, service timber packing of a freshwater cooling tower, and living leaves of Typha angustata Chaub. & Bory. The most frequently collected species of the genera are Aniptodera, Annulatascus, Chaetomium, Jahnula, Leptosphaeria, Lophiostoma, Savoryella, and Zopfiella. The most commonly encountered species are Aniptodera chesapeakensis Shearer & M.A. Mill., Natantispora retorquens (Shearer & J.L. Crane) J. Campb. et al., Panorbis viscosus (I. Schmidt) J. Campb. et al., Savoryella aquatica K.D. Hyde, and Zopfiella latipes (N. Lundq.) Malloch & Cain. The checklist includes detail of the location and substrata on which they encountered. This data will be useful in the compilation of fresh water fungal biodiversity of India.

1 table, 51 ref

014151   Bhattacharyya S K;Sengupta C;Tarafdar J (Microbiology Laboratory, Botany Dep, Kalyani Univ, Kalyani, Nadia-741 235) : In vitro screening of bioagents from rhizosphere soil against Macrophomina phaseolina and seedling health of jute. J mycopathol Res 2014, 52(2), 267-72.

Jute seeds were primed with two bacteria and one fungal isolates using charcoal and soil based bioformulation with fungicide like carbendazim (Bavistin), growth regulator (IAA 25 ppm) to evaluate the plant growth and over all biomass of the crop. The bioagent as PGPB (S₃), one PGPR (S₇) and fungal antagonist (S₁₂) were used to see the potentialities in terms of improvement in per cent germination of seeds, vigour index and seedling biomass of jute. Present study also aimed to see the antagonistic potential in dual cultures, formation of volatile components (HCN), siderophore and indole production of selected isolates. The results suggested that irrespective of nature of biocontrol agents (may be bacterial or fungal), an enhancement in the seed germination, vigour index and seedling biomass was noticed in pot culture of jute after challenge inoculation with crop pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina. Among the forms of inoculants, the activated charcoal based seed dressing with respective bioagent (S₇) singly followed by Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC) based soil formulation 15 days after sowing in and around the root zone/collar region gave better responses with respect to enhanced germination of seeds and increasing seed vigour index. The results on the biopriming revealed that the isolate S₇ is the most efficient isolate with respect to its potentiality in enhancing the percent germination, vigour index and seedling biomass of the crop. The isolate S₃ was found intermediate effect with respect to their potential in different parameter, where as S₁₂ are equally effective in inducing the seedling vigour and inferior in respect to biomass or seedling germination. All isolates of bio-agents significantly suppressed the incidence of seedling disease or damping off even after challenge inoculation with the pathogen (S₁₅).

1 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

014150   Bhattacharyya C (NO, Government Degree College, Kamalpur, Dhalai, Tripura-799 285) : Production of mycelial biomass and antibiotic by the mycelium of Ganoderma lucidum (Curt,:Fr.) by submerged fermentation. J mycopathol Res 2015, 53(1), 149-52.

In this experiment the production of mycelial biomass and antibiotic by Ganoderma lucidum (Curt, : Fr.) is reported. The fermentation was made in a fermentor for 30 days. The experimental data revealed that the mycelial growth was maximum at 30th day. The growth started very slowly from 2nd day along the incubation period. The pH of the medium changed to acidic side from 2nd day onwards, gradually went down to 5.6 on 16th day and reached 6.5 on 30th day. The mycelial growth was very good when the pH of medium was around 6.0 (i.e. 5.7 to 6.5). The antibiotic activity was found on and from 18th day onwards of fermentation and it was maximum at 30th day. The antibiotic activity was also not detected in the pH range up to 5.6. When the pH started to increase from 5.6 to 5.7 and onwards the antibiotic activity was detected. Polysac-charides and terpenoids were isolated having antibiotic properties.

2 tables, 17 ref

014149   Bhati D;Jain S (Agro-Produce Processing Div, Soybean Processing and Utilization, Central Institute of Agriculture E, Bhopal-462 038, Email: bhati.dashrath.1@gmail.com ) : Weeds: an uncommon source of nutrients used by tribal community. Indian J Ecol 2015, 42(1), 86-9.

The present paper deals with nutritional potential of nine weeds grow naturally and consumed as green leafy vegetable by the tribals of Udaipur district of Rajasthan. Protein content was found to be high in Melilotus indica followed by Cassia tora and Polygonumglabrum on dry weight basis. Crud fat, ash and crude fiber content are comparable to the conventional green leafy vegetables used commonly. Calcium content varies among analysed weeds from 1935.50 mg/100g in Tribulus terrestris to 66.53 mg/100g in Marsilea minuta, whereas magnesium ranged from 54.06 to; 134.30 mg/100g in Marsilea minuta and Portulaca oleracea respectively. Wide variation was recorded for iron content. The maximum iron, and zinc was observed in Portulaca oleracea leaves. Copper was ranged from 0.25 mg/100g to 2.78 mg/100g. Beta carotene was found to be maximum in Cassia tora leaves (6300.74 μg/100g) whereas Melilotus indica leaves recorded higher ascorbic acid (88.15 mg/100g). Oxalate content ranged from 10.50 (Marsilea minuta) to 601.50 mg/100g (Portulaca oleracea). Cassia tora and Tribulus terrestris also had lower content of oxalic acid whereas Euphorbia royleana (337.50 mg/100g), Asphodelus tenuifolius, and Melilotus indica had higher content of oxalic acid was below 100 mg/100 g in five weeds and less than in the remaining weeds. Tannin content ranged between 6.64 g/100g and 10,97g/100 in all weeds.

1 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

014148   Awasthi D P;Dasgupta B;Sarkar S;Das S (Plant Pathology Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur-741 252, Email: athodurga@gmail.com) : Qualitative and quantitative characteristics of different isolated of Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. on Czapeck dox medium. J mycopathol Res 2015, 53(1), 123-6.

Ten different isolates of Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. were isolated from different sources and their cultural characteristics like mycelial diameter growth, mean dry mycelial weight, numbers of sclerotia produced, pattern of sclerotial distribution, day's of appearance of sclerotial initials as well as their time of maturity were observed in Czapeck Dox agar/broth. The results of the present study confirmed ample variation among different isolates of S. rolfsii Sacc. Isolate number no. 8 and isolate no. 10 was fastest to cover petri plates of nine (9) cm diameter within 72 hrs. of incubation while mean dry mycelial weight of isolate no 9 (867.33 mg) was maximum although it was statistically at par with isolate no. 4 (849.66 mg) and isolate no. 8 (841.66 mg) respectivel. Mean numbers of sclerotia produced was significantly highest in isolate no. 1 (509.3). Likewise, morphological variation between different isolates in respect to mycelium growth, distribution, appearance and maturity of sclerotia were also observed.

2 tables, 8 ref

014147   Auti B K (Botany Dep, Radhabai Kale Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, Email: autibhausaheb@yahoo.com) : Histochemical studies on ontogeny of anther with special reference to total proteins in Clitoria ternatea Linn.. Flora Fauna 2015, 21(2), 139-42.

Present histochemical studies were carried out to know the ontogeny of anther with special reference to total proteins, in Clitoria ternatea Linn. The anthers were bicelled and tetrasporangiate following dicotyledonous type of wall development. The wall layers comprised an epidermis, an endothecium, middle layers and a secretary tapetum. The microspore tetrads were tetrahedral and pollen grains were triporate. Realizing the importance, the species was undertaken for histochemical studies with reference to total proteins during ontogeny of the anther and anthesis in C. ternatea Linn.

11 ref

014146   Anil Kumar (Botany Dep, Ranchi College, Ranchi, Jharkhand, Email: anilkumar.ru@gmail.com) : Ethno-medicinal plants used to cure different diseases by tribals of Lohardaga district of Jharkhand. Adv Pl Sci 2015, 28(1), 61-3.

In the present study 21 plant species belonging to different families used in folk medicine in Lohardaga, a hilly and deep forest district have been documented. Traditionally Baidyas and also known as Kaviraj mostly belong to tribal communities had been using plants to cure their ailments. The most Baidyas and Kaviraj frequently utilized plant parts which were roots followed by the leaves, barks, seeds, fruits, flowers and whole plant in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment against the various diseases. Due to poor condition of modern healthcare facilities and poverty, indigenous people of the district full or partially depend on local medicinal plants. In this research work field survey was conducted in the tribal belts and other interior villages adjoining forest areas in the district to collect ethno botanical lore.

1 tables, 18 ref

014145   Adikaram N;Karunanayake C;Sinniah G;Vithanage I K;Yakandawala D (Botany Dep, Peradeniya Univ, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, Email: n.k.b.adikaram@gmail.com) : Fungal quiescence in fruit: an attempt to avoid toxic substances?. J mycopathol Res 2015, 53(1), 1-7.

Fungal pathogens infecting fruits have to face challenges that the pathogens infecting vegetative plant organs do not generally encounter. Fungi such as Colletotrichum are known to infect fruit species at a very early stage of maturity in the orchard and remain quiescent. Such quiescent fungal infections have been observed in tropical and subtropical fruits. The transition of a quiescent fungal infection into a progressive one usually takes place during fruit ripening. Thus, in the context of postharvest diseases, a quiescent infection involves the inhibition of development of the pathogen through physiological conditions imposed by the host until some maturation has been accomplished. Quiescence of fungal infections may be resulted from inhibitory factors in the host. Unripe fruits are protected by chemical barriers in the superficial tissues, involving constitutive and inducible antifungal substances. These are believed to cause infections to remain localized and quiescent in unripe fruits. The onset pf decay coincides with fruit ripening and concurrent decrease in the antifungal compounds to sub-toxic levels. Quiescence may therefore represent a mechanism for avoiding antifungal compounds present at toxic levels. In certain fruits in which the inducible defence system i?; weaker, the preformed antifungal compounds appear to perform a definitive protective role. In other fruits, the preformed antifungal substances appear to play a supportive role to their strong arsenal of inducible defences by excluding saprophytic and epiphytic microorganisms. Fungi causing quiescent infections are comparatively more difficult to control than wound invaders. Losses of fruits due to postharvest rotting could be reduced if fungal infections can be kept in their quiescent phase for extended periods during storage, transport and marketing. One of the possible ways to prolong quiescence is to maintain the natural antifungal barrier present in the unripe fruit at an inhibitory level into the post-climacteric phase. This paper will evaluate the antifungal systems in avocado (Persea americana) mango (Mangifera indica L), papaya (Carica papaya L) fruit in relation to quiescence of Colletotrichum species and subsequent rot development during fruit ripening.

2 illus, 41 ref

013200   Warhade M I;Badere R S (Botany Dep, Hislop College, Temple Road, Civil Lines, Nagpur-440 001, Email: rsbadere@rediffmai.com) : Efficient micropropagtion by multiple shoot induction through recurrent regeneration in Celosia cristata L.. Indian J Biotechnol 2015, 14(3), 402-10.

Investigation was carried out to study the effect of various factors on the regeneration of Celosia cristata L. The 6-benzyladenine (BAP) was more effective than kinetin (Kn) for shoot regeneration. The presence of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) or 1-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) at low concentration increased the number of shoots per explant. Similarly, salt and sugar composition of medium also affected the in vitro regeneration. Subculture of explants up to 8th generations remarkably increased regeneration efficiency. Up to 1,434 shoots, with an average of 239 shoots per explant, could be regenerated by subculture of the explants over the medium containing 6.6 μM BAP and 0.5 μM NAA. The induced microshoots were rooted in 1/8th MS basal medium. It was concluded that shoot tips derived from 12-d-old seedling were the best explant for micropropagation through recurrent regeneration when they were cultured over MS medium containing 0.5 μM NAA and 6.6 μM BAP.

5 illus, 7 tables, 33 ref

013199   Vrinda K B;Pradeep C K;Varghese S P (NO, Jawaharlal Nehru Trophical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram-695 562, Email: drvrindakb@hotmail.com) : Three promising wild edible mushrooms from western Ghats of Kerala. J mycopathol Res 2015, 53(2), 199-204.

Frequent surveys conducted in the Western Ghats region of Kerala resulted in the collection and identification of 85 taxa of wild edible mushrooms. Of these, three promising wild edible species-Pleurotus giganteus(Berk.) Karunarathna & K.D. Hyde, Macrocybe lobayensis (R.Heim) Pegler & Lodge and Macrocybe titans (H.E. Bigelow & Kimbr.) Pegler, Lodge & Nakasone, needs special mention. These giant mushroom species represented by relatively large fruiting bodies are redescribed based on fresh collections from Western Ghats and are added to the known list of Indian edible mushrooms. The taxonomic literature on these tricholomatoid species is briefly discussed.

3 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

013198   Velu V;Narayanaswamy A;Balan K S (Botany Dep, E.M.G. Yadava women's College, Thirupalai, Madurai-625 014, Email: vijayakarunai@gmail.com) : Enhancing the phycobilin pigment synthesis in Calothrix elenkinii through optimization of light conditions. Int J Sci Nat 2015, 6(1), 88-91.

Extensive range of pigments including phycobiliproteins are present in algae. Cyanobacterial phycobiliproteins are water-soluble fluorescent photosynthetic accessory pigments which include phycocyanin (PC), allophycocyanin (APC) and phycoerythrin (PE). The commercial or biotechnological applications of phycobiliproteins in food and cosmetic industries as well as in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals benefits are known. Due to increasing awareness of society towards the usage of natural products, the present study was designed to find the effect of light intensity and light quality on phycobilinprotein synthesis in cyanobacterium Calothrix elenkinii. The maximum phycobiliprotein synthesis was recorded at 32 W/m^{2 and red light condition especially phycocyanin. Highest amount of phycoerythrin was found at green and blue light conditions. Hence the results showed that the production of phycobiliproteins in this cyanobacterium can be optimized by regulating light conditions for commercial aspect.}

4 illus, 14 ref

013197   Thaker J V;Kuvad R P;Thaker V S (Biosciences Dep, Centre for Advanced Studies in Plant Biotechnology and Genetic Enginee, Rajkot-360 005) : Linear model for area measurement to screen potential leaf material for herbal drug in Adhatoda vasica L.. J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(1), 140-3.

Leaf area is an important parameter in physiology and agronomy studies. Linear models for leaf area measurement are developed for plant species as a nondestructive method. The plant Adhatoda vasica L. (a medicinal plant) was selected and the leaves of this plant were used for development of linear model for leaf area using Leaf Area Meter (LAM) software. Planimetric parameters (length, length^{2, width and width2) and gravimetric (dry weight and water content) parameters are considered for the development of linear model for this plant species. Single factor ANOVA and linear correlations were worked out using these parameters and leaf area. The plant was showed significant relationship with the parameters studied. The best correlation as represented by regression coefficient (R2) was used and improved R2 is worked out. It is observed that with increase in leaf area, water content is also increased and showed best correlation with the leaf area. Thus water content can be taken as a parameter for developing linear model for leaf area is concluded.}

3 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

013196   Sinha K K (Botany Univ Dep, T.M. Bhagalpur Univ, Bhagalpur-812 007) : Mycotoxin problem in maize. J mycopathol Res 2015, 53(2), 173-84.

Mycotoxins are secondary fungal metabolites produced by certain toxigenic fungi on various food and feed substrates and are capable of causing ill-effects on the body of the consumers. Aflatoxins, ochratoxins, sterigmatocystin, citrinin, citreo-viridin, patulin, zearalenone, trichothecenes, fumonisins, moniliformin and Alternaria toxins are some of the common and important mycotoxins which are produced by the species of Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium and Alternaria. These mycotoxins are having specific target organs for their toxicity and exhibit acute and/or chronic disease syndrome in affected hosts. Mycotoxins and particularly aflatox-ins have been analysed as natural contaminants in almost all the agricultural crops and other consumable items. Problem of aflatoxin contamination, however, varies with the nature of substrates, availability of toxigenic fungal strains and prevailing climatic conditions. Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the important cereal crops of the country and also one of the most susceptible commodities for aflatoxin elaboration. Natural incidence of mycotoxins has been reported in standing crops as well as in the grains of stored maize from different parts of India. Out of various preventive measures suggested for the control of mycotoxin problem, selection of resistant crop varieties has been found to be the best.

3 illus, 5 tables, 97 ref

013195   Singh P;Khosa R L;Mishra G;Jha K K (Pharmacognosy Dep, Teerthanker Mahaveer College of Pharmacy, Teerthanker Mahveer Univ, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, Email: pradeep_2682@yahoo.co.in) : Pharmacognostical evaluation of aerial parts of Graptophyllum pictum(L.) griff. (syn: justicia picta Linn.): a well-known folklore medicinal plant. Ancient Sci Life 2015, 34(4), 223-9.

Graptophyllum pictum (L.) Griff. (Family-Acanthaceae) occupies a key role in traditional system of medicine. Since an extensive literature survey did not provide any information about studies on its standardization. Therefore, we designed the current study to establish the quality control parameters of G. pictum aerial parts. The investigation included determination of various standardization parameters such as macroscopic and microscopic studies, physicochemical parameters as well as phytochemical analysis of the crude drug. The microscopy study of aerial parts revealed that stem shows typical dicotyledonous characters with prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate in the cortical region and dorsiventral leaf. Physicochemical constants such as moisture content, ash values, fluorescence analysis, and extractive values were established. Preliminary phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, etc. The present study suggests establishing the parameters for pharmacopoeial standardization of G. pictum.

4 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

013194   Singh J;Biswas S K;Nagar D;Singh R (Plant Pathology Dep, C.S.A. Univ of Agricultural & Technology, Kanpur-208 002, Email: samirkrbiswas@rediffmail.com) : Eco-friendly management strategy of alternaria blight through plant extracts. J mycopathol Res 2015, 53(2), 205-13.

Eight plant extracts like Melilotus albus, Solanum nigrum, Physallis minima, Salix sp., Datura fastusa, Convolvulus arvensis, Achyranthus aspera and Parthenium hysterophorus have been exploited against Early blight of tomato and their effect on physiological and biochemical activities in tomato also evaluated. Seed treatment with plant extracts stimulated the germination of the tomato seeds. The maximum germination percentage was noted in case of Datura extract treatment. The growth promoting effect of plant extracts was also perceived with Datura extract treatment showing maximum shoot length which was 8.7% increase over control 7.9%. Fresh and dry shoot and root weight were also found maximum in Datura and Parthenium extract treated plants representing 40.60 to 39.70 g respectively. The maximum yield with 580 gm/plant was also obtained from Datura extract treated plants. Biochemichal changes like total soluble protein and phenol content in tomato plants were also examined. Total soluble protein content was found maximum in case of Datura extract treated plants. Total phenol content also showed significant increase in treated plants which was 2.76 mg/g, 2.55 mg/g, 2.18 mg/g and 1.98 mg/g in Datura, Parthenium, Physallis and Achyranthus, respectively, at 10 days after spraying. The correlation coefficient between disease severity with total phenol and soluble protein contents revealed that there was a negative correlation.

7 tables, 23 ref

013193   Sharma P;Alka Kumari;Brijlal (High Altitude Biology and Plant Conservation Dep, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur=176 061) : Fern: a neglected plant group. Bhartiya Vaigyanik Evam Audyogik Anusandhan Patrika 2015, 23(2), 119-27.

Ferns or Pteridophytes in every way, whether it may be economic importance or any aspect related to the environment has always been underestimated as compared to flowering plants. This is the reason that today, this specific plant group has been recognized as a neglected plant group in spite of its valuable properties but if we look inside its properties, then it is equally economically significant. Several research papers have also scientifically proved its medicinal properties. For example Adiantum, Asplenium, Azolla, Blechnum, Botrychium, Cheilanthes, Dipazium, Equisetum, Helminthostachys, Huperzia, Onychium, Pteridium, Selaginella and other species contain various chemical compounds like alkaloids, phenols, glycosides, terpenoides etc. It is important to create awareness among general masses and to draw attention of scientists towards this neglected plant group in light of modern scientific tools. The article highlights unlimited qualities and opportunities hidden in this plant group so that it could come out as a valuable bioresource. Beside these, some important points are also discussed due to which this plant group is neglected in comparison to angiosperms and gymnosperms.

32 ref

013192   Salam S T (Zoology Dep, Govt.A.S.College, Gogjibagh, Srinagar-190 008) : Gastro-intestinal helminthiasis: an unseen threat to the backyard poultry production of Kashmir valley. Int J Sci Nat 2015, 6(1), 63-9.

The present investigation was carried out to have sound background information about the damage caused by the gastrointestinal helminthes to the backyard poultry production which has been a traditional component of small farms throughout the developing world (Branckaert, 1995). The helminthes were identified and classified into 3 groups, according to their taxonomy. Trematodes (Intestinal flukes) comprised of Echinostoma revolutum (7.9%), Notocotylus attenuatus (1.2%) and Paramnostomum galli (0.2%). Cestodes (tapeworms) were Amoebotaenia sphenoides (6.69%), Raillietina tetragona (36.19%), Raillietina cesticillus (23.2%) & Choanotaenia infundibulum (20.9%). The last category was nematodes (roundworms), which comprised of Ascaridia galli (35.35%), Heterakis gallinarum (4.39%), Capillaria anatis (8.78%) and Acuaria hamulosa (3.5%). The intestinal flukes were found to inhabit small intestine attached to the intestinal mucosa. Tapeworms were found especially inhabiting duodenum and jejunum parts of the intestine attached to the mucosa with the help of rostellum and the nematodes were found to be lying either free in the lumen of the intestine or within the musculature of gizzard. In general histological examinations of the infected tissue revealed mucous degeneration with vacuolation of lining epithelial cells, mucous enteritis, broadening of the villi. The intestinal wall appeared to be thickened with mucosa giving a velvety appearance. Histological studies of the infected mucosa presented multiple erosion foci together with parasite and cellular debris. Parasite sections and eggs were observed in the lumen which was full of cellular debris. Cellular reaction was diffuse in the mucosa and submucosa and was characterized by large number of lymphocytes, monocytes, plasma cells, heterophils and few eosinophils. The mucosa and submucosa showed marked thickened and diffuse mononuclear infiltration and also reactive lymphoid nodules.

14 illus, 44 ref

013191   Sachan N K;Sachan A K;Rao C V (NO, Univ Grants Commission, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Dehi-110 002) : Ethnobotanical survey of indigenous medicines practiced in chambal valley of Uttar Pradesh. Bhartiya Vaigyanik Evam Audyogik Anusandhan Patrika 2015, 23(2), 132-5.

Multifarious economic and social activities have led to climatic disturbances which caused several medicinal species already extinct. In addition, the incessant mining, soil and gully erosion in the river banks of Chambal Yamuna and their tributaries fuelled the formation of ravines resulting in loss of thousands of acres of productive land and bio-resources. It is, therefore, imperative to preserve the curative community wisdom of the region in a scientific way respecting therapeutic utility of the medicinal flora before the highly valuable ethnomedicinal knowledge of the people fade away in view to derive resource for herbal drug formulation and development of modern synthetic medicines through research and development. The comprised research appraises the intended scope through the survey based information of the medicinal plants and their therapeutic utility in practice among regional community of Chambal region, thereby enlighten the way forward for skillful investigations towards preservation and promotion of ethnomedicinal knowledge.

1 illus, 9 ref

013190   Rajani V;Krishnana S K;Rajan S S (Environmental sciences Dep, All Saints College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Email: rajanijayasankar@gmail.com) : Aminoacid profiling and antioxidant potential of some selected edible plants. Int J Sci Nat 2015, 6(1), 74-79.

Amino acid is an important aspect and it play pivoted role in human life for healthy growth. Amino acids are easily available in many wild edible plants. Along with several organic compounds, it is now well to cure diseases, but they play important role in many activities in the body. This study was aimed at monitoring the Amino acid profile of some selected ethnic and edible leaves as well as investigating the nutritional status of these species in terms of available amino acids and antioxidant potential. Among all the ten species investigated for their amino acid profile, the plant Sauropus androgynus emerged as the most potential one with higher concentration of all the essential amino acids. The highest concentration was shown by cysteine (740.74 mg/g), followed by asparagine (714.28 mg/g) and arginine (380.95 mg/g). The result indicated that non essential amino acids (histidine, alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, proline and serine) are higher in concentration compared to essential amino acids (isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, cysteine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, threonine and valine), which constitute 41.1% of the total amino acids analyzed. The chemical score was also analysed.

6 tables, 16 ref

013189   Puri S;Tiwari I K;Saraf R K (NO, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa vidyalaya, Regional Agricultural Reseach station, Sagar-47000) : Role of polymerase chain reaction in plant pathology. Int J Sci Nat 2015, 6(1), 115-118.

In plant pathology, cultural and biochemical characteristics have been used widely for the identification of the plant pathogens. For effective management of a plant disease proper identification and characterization of plant pathogens is very important. With the advent of polymerase chain reaction and molecular methods, diagnosis of plant diseases has become more feasible. The present review focuses on the basics of Polymerase chain reaction and its application in plant pathology. In this review we discuss the various developments made in plant disease identification using PCR.

28 ref

013188   Prerna;Vasudeva N (Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, Guru Jambheswar Univ of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana, Email: prerna06pharma@gmail.com) : Origanum majorana L. - phyto-pharmacological review. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2015, 6(4), 261-267.

Origanum majorana L. (Family Lamiaceae) is a frost tender perennial undershrub, native to Cyperus and naturalised in Mediterranean regions, particularly found in temperate regions of the Himalayas. Its usage for flavour and aroma dates back to ancient times. Traditionally, the leaves of marjoram are used for its medicinal properties to cure insomnia, gastritis, asthma and nervousness. Now-a-days, it is in great demand to be used in aromatherapy. Although various bioactive constituents are reported in aerial parts of the herb, but isolation of volatile oil and identification of its constituents has been the area of focus of the researchers. This article is compilation of traditional uses, phytochemical and pharmacological knowledge of the herb.

1 illus, 50 ref

013187   Phangchopi U;Teron R;Tamuli A K (Life Science &Bioinformatics Dep, Assam Univ-Diphu Campus, Diphu, Karbi Anglong-782 462, Email: urmi.phangchopi@gmail.com) : Diversity of wild edible plants in Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2015, 6(4), 305-13.

The present study revealed that 91 species of wild edible plants belonging to 79 genera and 45 families including 2 fern species are consumed by the inhabitants of Marat Longri Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, India. Karbis consumed highest number of wild plants (91) followed by Nepalis (50) and Dimasas (42); 38 plants have common uses among all the ethnic groups. Wild plants constitute the main source of diet, nutrition, economy and health of the people. Pair wise ranking was performed to evaluate threat factors to wild edible plant resources which indicated agricultural expansion, overgrazing, fuel wood collection and jhum practices as major threats.

2 illus, 2 tables, 41 ref

013186   Patil V K;Naik G R (Biotechnology Dep, Gulbarga Univ, Gulbarga 585 106, Email: grnaikbiotech@gmail.com) : Biochemical diversity study of candidate plus trees of Pongamia pinnata ecotypes of North Karnataka. Int J Sci Nat 2015, 6(1), 105-110.

Pongamia seeds are used increasingly as feedstock for production of biodiesel; the protein rich seed cake has a valuable supplement to farm animal diets. The study of electrophoretic spectra of total seed proteins of Pongamia ecotypes was performed by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). 59% of polymorphism was observed between the Pongamia ecotypes of North Karnataka with <126>7-12 polypeptide fragments of molecular weight ranging from <126>20kDa to 190kDa. The morphometric changes are directly correlated with the seed storage proteins, zone specific banding pattern between the accessions were observed with high intensity in all the accessions at <126>97 kDa. The intensity of GRP 7, GRP 8, GRP 9, GRP10, GRP 11, GRP 12, GRP 13, GRP 14, GRP 15, GRP 16, GRP 17 and GRP 18 was higher as compared to the others. The low molecular weight proteins were of higher intensity of about <126>20-25 kDa. The similarities in polypeptide bands indicate the degree of homology among the accessions. The specific seed protein bands could be used for selection of elite quality trees based on high oil content from different semiarid regions. The dendrogram reveals the similarity and dissimilarity between the accessions. The highest degree of dissimilarity in the polypeptide banding pattern and low similarity index value among the accessions is revealed in the present study.

1 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

013185   Pal M;Dave P;Manna A K;Samajapati N E (Microbiology Dep, Immunology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agric, P.B.No.34, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia, Email: palmahendra2@gmail.com) : Penicillium marneffei segratain: An emerging mysterious fungal pathogen of humans. J mycopathol Res 2015, 53(2), 185-90.

In recent years, fungi have emerged as a major public health problem both in developed and developing nations of the world. They have the potential to produce superficial to life threaten ing invasive infection. Among such fungi, Penicillium marneffei Segretain, the principal cause of penicillosis, is a dimorphic fungus, which is endemic in Southeast Asia, and has emerged as one of most common infections in HIV infected patients. In India, P.mameffei is isolated from HIV infected patients, and also from rodents.The infection due to P.mameffei Is rarely recorded in domestic animals. The source of infection is exogenous. Though bamboo rats are consid ered as reservoir of P.mameffei, there is hardly any conclusive evidence of direct transmission of infection from rat to man. The epidemiology of disease is mysterious, as it is not clear how rat and human acquire this thermo-regulated pathogenic fungus. The natural history, and trans-mission dynamics of the pathogen are not clearly elucidated. The mycological, histopahological, immunological, and molecular techniques are employed to confirm the diagnosis of P.mameffei infection. The disease should be differentiated from blastomycosis, cryptococcosis, histoplas-rnosis, and tuberculosis. A number of drugs such as amphotericin B, itraconazole, and., voriconazole are tried in the management of disease. It is emphasized that the role of P.mameffei should be further investigated in various clinical disorders of humans and animals. Additional studies on the epidemiology particularly the source, reservoir and mode of transmission will be highly rewarding. The cytological examination of Wright stained smears from clinical materials may be helpful to make a presumptive diagnosis of P.mameffei Infection in the Primary Health Centres where the laboratory facilities for mycological culture are non-existent.

^ia48 ref

013184   Ogunlade M O;Oluyole K A;Adebiyi S;Adeyemi E A;Aikopkodion P E (NO, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, PMB 5244, Ibadan, Nigeria) : Introduction of soil test kit to small-holder cocoa farmers in South-Western Nigeria. Int J Sci Nat 2015, 6(1), 80-83.

Soil nutrients depletion of cocoa plantations is one of the causes of low cocoa production in Nigeria. Soil testing to determine the appropriate type and rate of fertilizer to boost cocoa bean yield suggests itself. Conventional soil testing is not within the reach of smallholder cocoa farmers because of its cost and other logistics but soil testing is necessary to avert negative consequences of blanket fertilizer recommendation. Therefore the objective of this study is to introduce an affordable soil test kit for soil testing to smallholders cocoa farmers. The study was carried out in Ondo and Osun States of Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used to select eighty two cocoa farmers from the study area. Information was collected from the selected cocoa farmers with the aid of structured questionnaire and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The result shows that only 20.73% of the respondent farmers carry out soil test on their farms while 85.36% of the farmers know the relevance of soil test. The result also revealed that 98.78% of the farmers are ready to acquire the soil test kit. The study therefore recommends that (i) The soil test kit should be included among the subsidized inputs that government gives to farmers from time to time and (ii) private entrepreneurs could also procure and make the kits available to the farmers.

6 tables, 14 ref

013183   Neeraj;Sirohi M (Food Science & Technology Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: phogatneeraj23@gmail.com) : Opuntia (Prickly pear) and its health benefits in human nutrition. Ann Biol 2015, 31(2), 294-8.

Opuntia nutritional content is a good option between food recommendations for human nutrition and health care maintaining this requires the use of the best available scientific evidence nutraceutical properties to achieve the goals which play the leading role in providing nutrition in order to prevent degenerative disease such as diabetes. The great number of potentially active and their multifunctional properties makes cactus pear fruits and cladodes perfect candidates for the production of health promoting food and food supplements. It is also seen in treating a number of diseases and conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, rheumatic pain, gastric mucosa diseases and asthma. It has also, positive correlation in respect of reducing risk of diseases associated with oxidative stress such as cancer, cardiovascular and,.neurodegenerative diseases. So, this review discusses cactus pear fruit with special emphasis on its functional components besides their nutritional importance as a nutraceutical food, fodder and other health benefits.

26 ref

013182   Mukherjee R (NO, Shree Ramkrishna BT College, Darjeeling-734 011) : Effect of carbon and nitrogen sources on the mycelial growth and yield of protein by the dikaryon and the protoplast fusant mycelia of Pleurotus sajor-caju. J mycopathol Res 2015, 53(2), 215-23.

In order to find out the effect of different carbon and nitrogen sources on the mycelial growth and yield of protein by the dikaryon and the protoplast-fusant mycelia of Pleurotus sajor-caju. The respective mycelia were grown separately in basal liquid medium supplemented with different carbon and nitrogen sources separately at 25°C for 15 days. The data on the carbon sources revealed that the glucose was the best carbon sources for the mycelial growth and yield of protein by the dikaryon and the protoplast-fusant mycelia of Pleurotus sajor-caju respectively. This was followed by fructose, sucrose, lactose, starch, arabinose,mannitol and sodium acetate. The data on the inorganic, organic and complex nitrogen sources revealed that potassium nitrate was the best source for the mycelial growth and yield of protein by the dikaryon and the protoplast-fusant mycelia of Pleurotus sajor-caju respectively. This was followed by ammonium sulphate, asparagine, ammonium nitrate, L-lysine, urea and others.

4 tables, 54 ref

013181   Mene S (Botany Dep, Bhilai Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Hospital Sector, Bhilai Nagar, Chhattisgarh) : Possibility of biological management of Parthenium hysterophorous Linn.. Indian J Life Sci 2015, 5(1 spl), 12-6.

1 table, 24 ref

013180   Maurya S K;Seth A;Laloo D;Singh N K;Gautam D N S;Singh A K (Ayurveda Pharmacy Dep, Ayurvedic Pharmacy Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Banaras Hind, Barkachha, Mirzapur) : Sodhana: An ayurvedic process for detoxification and modification of therpeutic activities of poisonous medicinal plants. Ancient Sci Life 2015, 34(4), 188-97.

Ayurveda involves the use of drugs obtained from plants, animals, and mineral origin. All the three sources of drugs can be divided under poisonous and nonpoisonous category. There are various crude drugs, which generally possess unwanted impurities and toxic substances, which can lead to harmful health problems. Many authors have reported that not all medicinal plants are safe to use since they can bear many toxic and harmful phytoconstituents in them. Sodhana (detoxification/purification) is the process, which involves the conversion of any poisonous drug into beneficial, nonpoisonous/nontoxic ones. Vatsanabha (Aconitum species), Semecarpus anacardium, Strychnos nux-vomica, Acorus calamus, Abrus precatorius etc., are some of the interesting examples of toxic plants, which are still used in the Indian system of medicine. Aconite, bhilawanols, strychnine, β-asarone, abrin are some of the toxic components present in these plants and are relatively toxic in nature. Sodhana process involves the purification as well as reduction in the levels of toxic principles which sometimes results in an enhanced therapeutic efficacy. The present review is designed to extensively discuss and understand the scientific basis of the alternative use of toxic plants as a medicine after their purification process.

9 illus, 3 tables

013179   Lamidi A A;Ogunkunle T (Animal science Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Univ of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, Email: akeem.lamidi@uniport.edu.ng) : Chemical composition, Mineral profile and phytochemical properties of common feed resources used for small ruminant animal production in South-West, Nigeria. Int J Sci Nat 2015, 6(1), 92-6.

Chemical composition, mineral profile and phytochemical properties of common feed resources used for small ruminant animal production in South-west, Nigeria were analysed. Thirty (30) farmers were randomly visited in 15 villages, 5 in each 3 Local Government Areas in Ogun and Lagos State South west, Nigeria the identified common feedstuffs were used for sheep and goat production through interview and observational methods. Panicum maximum, Gliricidia sepium, Gmelina arborea, cassava peel, wheat offal and Ruminant mineral premix. Results shows that there is a significant (P<60>0.05) variation in the dry matter (DM) of the feed materials, CP content is significantly (P<60>0.05) higher in Gliricidia sepium (GLS) (15.68%) followed by Gmelina arborea (GMA), wheat offal (WTO) and Panicum maximum (PAM), while cassava peel (CAP) had the lowest (5.32%) CP. Cassava peel had the least significant value of NDF and ADF while the ADF value recorded were similar (P<62>0.05) for PAM, GLS, GMA and WTO. Ash contents varied across the feedstuffs with PAM having the highest significant (P<60>0.05) contents. Ruminant Mineral Premix (RMP) was significantly higher (P<60>0.05) in all the minerals than other feedstuffs except K. phytate content of the feedstuffs varied while PAM and GLS phytate contents were significantly (P<62>0.05) higher than other feedstuffs. The hydrocyanic acid (HCN) was detected only in CAP and WTO while there was no trace in other feedstuffs. Alkaloid value was significantly higher in PAM, GLS and CAP respectively. The least of alkaloid concentration was observed in WTO. Conclusively, all the feedstuffs analysed has a great potential for supporting ruminant production in the region and Nigeria at large.

3 tables, 28 ref

013178   Kala S;Kumar R;Nehra K S (Botany & Plant Physiology Dep, CCS Haryana Agricultural Univ, Hisar-125 004, Email: ksnehra@gmail.com) : Changes in proline and total soluble sugar content of clusterbean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] genotypes under salinity. Ann Biol 2015, 31(2), 175-9.

Thirteen genotypes of clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) i. e. HG-75, HFG-119, HG-182, HG-258, FS-277, HG-365, HG-563, HG-867, HG-870, HG-884, HG-2-20, PNB and HG-2-30 were grown under salinity levels of 0,4, 8,12 and 16 dS/ m. In all the genotypes, proline and total soluble sugar was gradually increased with successively increasing the level of salinity. The highest accumulation of proline content of radicle was observed in genotype HG-563 and lowest in genotype HG-258 at higher (16 dS/m) level of salinity over control. The genotype HG-2-30 accumulated highest proline content and genotype HG-867 accumulated lowest proline content in plumule at higher (16 dS/m) level of salinity over control. The maximum accumulation in total soluble sugar content of radicle was observed in genotype FS-277 and lowest accumulation was observed in genotype HG-870 at higher (16 dS/m) level of salinity over control. The per cent accumulation of total soluble sugar was highest in the plumule of genotype PNB and lowest in the genotype FS-277 at higher (16 dS/m) level of salinity over the control.

4 tables, 19 ref

013177   Dangwal L R;Singh A (Herbarium and Plant Systematic Laboratory, Botany Dep, H.N.B. Garhwal Univ (A Central Univ), S.R.T. Campus, Badshahi Thaul, Tehri Garhwal-249 199, Email: amitchauhang@gmail.com) : Growth pattern of Celastrus paniculatus willd. in two different habitats of district Tehri garhwal, Uttarakhand (India). J appl nat Sci 2016, 8(1), 310-13.

Tehri Garhwal is one of the most important hilly district of Uttarakhand state, which is located at the foot hills of Himalayan mountain ranges has a rich and diverse form of vegetation along with medicinal and aromatic plants. Traditionally the folk people and the local inhabitants utilize the vegetation from their contiguous in the form of medicine, timber, food, fiber etc. Among these useful plants population of the some useful plants are becoming rare and threatened due to unsustainable utilization, overexploitation, construction of roads, over grazing, pilgrims, construction of large dams, forest encroachment, landslides and natural calamities, modernize agriculture etc. Out of these medicinal plants, a very important and threatened medicinal plant is C. paniculatus (Malkangni). The present study deals with conservation and cultivation practices of C. paniculatus in two altitudinal sites i.e. site 1 st - village Budogi lying on the altitude of 2000m asl. and site 2nd - S.R.T. Campus Botanical Garden, Badshahithaul (Tehri Garwal), upto 1600m asl. Measurements of the plant height, number of leaves, size of veins etc. was compared at two altitudinal zones. The samples parameters from site 2nd showed maximum growth rate of C. paniculatus i.e. 8.4± 0.86 cm, 9.01± 2.0 and 2.63± 0.23 cm for plant height, number of leaves and size of veins respectively as compared to site 1 st i.e. 5.19±0.52 cm, 4.85±0.85 and 2.27±0.1 cm. Thus, C. paniculatus showed best growth rate at an elevation up to 1600m. The cultivation practice will provide reliable information for cultivation of this species in a particular altitudinal range.

5 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

013176   Ashok Kumar;Chaudhary R;Agarwal S;Singh A (Botany Dep, IFTM Univ, Moradabad-244 001, Email: drashok_01@yahoo.in) : Effects of salinization on germination and seedling growth of some lentil (Lens culinaris Medic.) genotypes with reference to potassium and phosphorous uptake. Agric biol Res 2016, 32(1), 69-75.

In the present study, seeds of 10 genotypes of Lentil were grown in Petri dishes lined with filter paper and moistened with saline solutions (3, 6, 7.2, 10, 12 and 14 dSm^{-1) and distilled water was used as control. Germination percentage and seedling growth parameters such as length, dry weight of root and shoot as well as uptake of Potassium and Phosphorous were studied in 10 days old seedlings. The results indicated that germination percentage and seedling growth were significantly decreased with increasing salinity. The concentration of P revealed variations at different salinity levels in all genotypes. K content increased up to 6 dSm-1, but drastic reduction was noted at 7.2 dSm-1 and beyond. Salinity can also cause a combination of complex interaction that affect plant metabolism, susceptibility to injury or internal nutrient requirement. The results suggest that cultivars PL-406 and DPL-15 were relatively tolerant to salinity while PL-639 and IPL-81 proved comparatively sensitive.}

1 table, 22 ref