013175   Alka Kumari;Brijlal (High altitude Biology and Plant Conservation, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Biresource Technology, Palampur-176 061) : Management of metal loaded fly ash by pteridophytes: an overview. Bhartiya Vaigyanik Evam Audyogik Anusandhan Patrika 2015, 23(2), 108-13.

In India majority of thermal power plants are coal based, in which electricity is generated by coal-combustion. It generates huge quantity of fly ash which becomes a major source of residue and pollution. Today, about 300 million tons fly ash is generated annually by 85 thermal power units in India. The storage and utilization of these huge quantities of fly ash becomes a major challenge. Besides, physico-chemical properties of fly ash have demonstrated to contain significant amount of toxic elements also, posing a threat to receiving environment. In the present article, management of such sites with the development of a vegetation cover of metal hyperaccumulator ferns may prove to be promising ecofriendly, cost effective and simple agro-technology to handle this menace.

4 tables, 25 ref

013174   Ali S F;Mahna S K (Botany Dep, M.D.S. Univ, Ajmer, Rajasthan, Email: farookali2008@gmail.com) : Growth characteristics of tree legume seedlings and nutrient status of their rhizospheric soil in arid and semi arid region of Rajasthan. Agric biol Res 2016, 32(1), 88-103.

An extensive survey was done to know the diversity of legume and non legume tree plant species growing at the selected experimental sites in arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan. Sampling for vegetative and nodular characters, seedlings of only two species viz.. Leucaena leucocephala and Sesbania sesbun was uprooted and their values for studied parameters was assessed. Nutrient status of randomly collected composite rhizospheric soil was also analysed. It was observed that in Bikaner region. Prosopis cineraria was found to be dominant tree compared to other legume trees followed by Albizia lebbeck, which was observed as co-dominant tree. No dominant tree legume was reported in Ajmer region. Acacia nilotica. Prosopis juliflora, Leucaena leucocephala and a non-legume. Azadirachta. indica were almost equally distributed in studied experiment sites, Ajmer and Bikaner region soils were characterized as loose sandy on the basis of soil texture and bulk density. Relatively high proportion of available nitrogen and phosphate content were found in rhizospheric soils of Ajmer region as compared to Bikaner region. Overall comparison of the data pertaining to nodular and vegetative parameters of the Leucaena and Sesbania seedlings suggested that better nodular frequency and vegetative growth was shown by those collected from Parabatpura site in Ajmer region which might be correlated to the better nutrient status of that site soil compared to nutrient status of other site soil.

4 tables, 32 ref

013173   Abdulhasan M A K;Fakhrildin M B M R;Shubber M H (NO, , College of Basic Education, AL- Mustansiriya Univ) : Effect of CoQ10 addition to maturation medium after vitrification of bovine oocytes. Int J Sci Nat 2015, 6(1), 40-4.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of CoQ10 on embryo production in vitro after vitrification / thawing of bovine oocytes. The treatment was divided into five groups (control, 0, 20, 40 and 80 μM). The percentages of oocytes viability after vitrification / thawing were 89. 62, 90.78, 90.38 and 89.72% for 0, 20, 40 and 80 μM respectively. Results revealed that the differences were significant (P <60> 0.05) among the groups in maturation, fertilization and early embryonic development in vitro. The early embryonic development (2 to 4cell) was 36, 33.33 and 25% for control, 40 μM and 0 μM respectively. On the other hand no embryonic development was detected in groups 20 and 80 μM.

5 illus, 24 ref

012237   Younesi S;Nejadsattari T;Hasani R (Biology Dep, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad Univ, Tehran, Iran, Email: simin.dionysia@gmail.com) : Lichen floristic study from Southeast of Ilam province(Iran) (Dehloran, Abdanan, Darreh-shahr). Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2015, 12(2), 1373-9.

Ilam province is located between 45° 24' to 48° 10' Eastern longitude and 31° 58' to 34° 15' northern latitude (west of Iran). Persian Gulf withdrawal in quaternary period caused to the development of alluvial plains that can be seen in West, South and Southwest areas of Ilam. Lichens from Kabirkooh and Dynarkooh Mountain, Dehloran and Mosian plain and Iran-Iraq border were collected during 2007 and 2008. All collected samples were recognized based on the morphology, chemistry and by use of identification keys. Among 300 collected samples, 14 genera and 25 species were introduced. Most of them are Saxicolous, Terricolous, Lignicolous and Lichenicolous and two genera of the Chrysothricaceae Collemataceae family were reported from Iran for the first time.

25 illus, 30 ref

012236   Ruzic D;Vujovic T;Cerovic R (Fruit Research Institute, Kralja Petra I 9, 32000 Cacak, Republic of Serbia, Email: djinaruzic@gmail.com) : In vitro conservation of cherry rootstock gisela 5. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2015, 14(2), 191-7.

The paper presents results of the application of 'Cold Storage' (CS), a very simple in vitro technique preservation of cultures at +5°C in total darkness. A protocol has been developed for in vitro preservation of cherry rootstock Gisela 5 based on this method. Upon the establishment of aseptic culture, the studied genotype was propagated in vitro on MS medium supplemented with BA at a concentration of 3.37 mg/L. During CS, in vitro shoots were maintained at +5°C in cold chamber for 3, 6 and 9 months in total darkness. Seven days after their respective period of time, the shoots were examined for viability for further propagation, together with their multiplication index and length of axial and lateral shoots. Three months after CS, shoots showed high shoot viability (55%), which however declined considerably after 6 and 9 months (15% and 0%, resp.). After 9 months of preservation under cold conditions, shoots showed severe signs of necrosis (55%). The transfer of cultures from the cold chamber to standard growth conditions led to prompt development and greening of leaves which regained morphology and capacity for multiplication and rooting.

6 illus, 5 tables, 29 ref

012235   Pradhan S;Tamang J P (Botany Dep, Sikkim Government College, Tadong-737 102, Email: jyoti_tamang@hotmail.com) : Ethnobiology of wild leafy vegetables of Sikkim. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2015, 14(2), 290-7.

This paper is aimed to study the ethnobiology of wild leafy vegetables (WLV) consumed by the ethnic people of Sikkim. Traditional knowledge of the people on the ethnic value, foraging, mode of consumption, socio-economy of less familiar WLVs was documented. A wide range of adaptability with specific ecological habitat of some WLVs (Amaranthus viridis, Chenopodium album, Diplazium esculentum, Nasturtium officinale and Urtica dioica) were also recorded.

1 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

012234   Permkumar Singh N;Gajurel P R;Rethy P (Forestry Dep, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, (Deemed Unv) Niujuli-791 109, Email: prgajurel@gmail.com) : Ethnomedicinal value of traditional food plants used by the Zeliang tribe of Nagaland. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2015, 14(2), 298-305.

The Naga tribes of Nagaland have a unique tradition of selection and utilization of plant resources. Many food plants both from cultivation and wild are being used as ethnomedicinal plants by the herbal healer in Naga society. The Zeliang is one of the dominant tribe of Nagaland with rich indigenous knowledge systems and have minimum impact of present day modernization. The tribe has aged old unique food habits for their nutritional support and health cares. The present paper highlights the ethnomedicinal uses of 35 food plants belonging to 26 families used by the Zeliang tribe of Nagaland. These food plants include mostly the species used for vegetables, condiments and fruits.

12 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

012233   Mukhopadhyay M;Mondal T K (Botany Dep, Kalyani Univ, Naida-741 235) : Effect of Zinc and Boron on growth and water relations of Camellia sinensis(L)O. Kuntze cv. T-78. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2015, 38(3), 283-6.

Oxidative stresses attributable to elements often lead to cellular damages in plants. Being perennial, tea plants often encounter stresses, which affect growth. The present investigation was undertaken to comprehend the effect of Zn and B on growth and their involvement in developing water stress. Young plants of Camellia sinensis were treated with zinc sulfate and boric acid. Zn and B stress decrease growth and relative water content considerably but increase proline and abscisic acid contents increased.

28 ref

012232   Leonti M (Biomedical Sciences Dep, Cagliari Univ, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari(CA), Italy, Email: marcoleonti@netscape.net) : Selection of medicinal plants- Evolutionary considerations for ethnopharmacology and drug discovery. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2015, 14(4), 605-8.

Biological diversity is evidence for chemical diversity. Secondary metabolites are adaptive traits, similar within members of a taxon and occasionally also between taxa exposed to similar ecological selection pressures. Chemo diversity is thus not distributed evenly across plant biodiversity. But how are biodiversity, drug discovery, traditional medicines and ethno pharmacology related? Only 62 out of a total of 457 Angiosperm and Gymnosperm plant families are used as a source for biomedical drugs (Zhu et al., 2011, PNAS). Plant taxa used in traditional and local medicines belong to an over-proportional extent to the same 62 families. A cross-check with the Angiosperm Phylogeny Website showed that these 62 families are over-proportionally species-rich and widespread. We hypothesized that as a function of evolution, widespread taxa contain a broader range of ecological information encoded in their genes with respect to taxa with a local evolution history (Leonti et al., 2013, JEP). We argued that as a consequence widespread taxa synthesize metabolites with a wider ecological than taxa with a geographically limited geographical distribution.

1 illus, 23 ref

012231   Kaval I;Behcet L;Cakilcioglu U (Yuzuncu Yil Univ, Dep of Biology, Van 65000, Turkey, Email: kaval-85@hotmail.com) : Survey of wild food plants for human consumption in Gecitli (Hakkari, Turkey). Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2015, 14(2), 183-90.

This study aims to record accumulation of knowledge on plants which are used as food by native people of Gecitli (Hakkari, Turkey) that has a rich culture and a very natural environment. In addition, the medical uses of these plants were compiled from the literature. Study area was located on the East of Anatolian diagonal, in the Eastern Anatolia region. Field study was carried out over a period of approximately two years (2008-2010). During this period, 84 vascular plant taxa were collected. The plants were pressed in the field and prepared for identification. A total of 84 food plants belonging to 30 families were identified in the region. In the study being conducted, use of wild plants as food points out interest of people in Gecitli in wild plants. The fact that a large proportion of edible plants are also being used for medicinal purposes indicates that the use of wild plants has a high potential in the region. The present study shows that further ethnobotanical investigations are worthy to be carried out in Turkey, where most of knowledge on popular food plants are still to discover. In Turkey, the number of ethnobotanic studies is ever-increasing. However, traditional uses of many wild plants have not been recorded yet. In terms of food safety, the adverse effects that may arise due to the use of wild plants without sufficient knowledge must be reported to the native people.

1 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

012230   Irshad S;Pragyadeep S;Rawat A K S;Misra P K; Khatoon S (Pharmacognosy and Ethnopharmacology Div, CSIR-National Botanical Institute, P.Box No.436, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow-226 001, Email: sayyadal@yahoo.com) : Comparative pharmacognostical studies of two medicinally important Indian Evolvulus species. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2015, 14(4), 564-70.

The genus Evolvulus consists of small herbs or under shrubs distributed in the tropical and warm temperate regions of the world. Two species of this genus have been reported from India, viz. E. alsinoides L. and E. nummularius L. (Convolvulaceae). Both the species are traditionally being used as nerve tonic and for the treatment of skin diseases. The current study was carried out to provide comparative macro-microscopy, physicochemical parameters and TLC finger print profiles of aforesaid Indian Evolvulus species. The microscopy showed anisocytic stomata in E. alsinoides while diacytic and paracytic stomata in E. nummularius; presence of stellate trichomes, characteristic pith with spindle shaped deposition of calcium oxalate crystals and starch grains only in E. nummularius. Comparative TLC profile showed presence of some common as well as differentiating bands in methanolic extract of Evolvulus sp. However, the chemical markers, viz. ferulic acid, caffeic acid, β sitosterol and lupeol were present in both the species. The macro-microscopy and TLC profiles may play an important role for identification and quality evaluation of two medicinally important Evolvulus species.

4 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

012229   Imanbayeva A A;Belozerov I F (NO, , RSE "Mangyshlak Experimental Botanical Garden" SC MED RK, Kazakhstan, 10 Micro district, Aktau City, Mangistau, 130 000) : Physiological indicators of wood introducents' growth and development under arid conditions of Mangistau. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2015, 12(2), 1059-73.

The work presents the results of research works related to intensity of transpiration, water holding, content of chlorophyll and heat tolerance of woody plants at Mangistau arid conditions in seasonal and intraday dynamics and in connection with soil humidity and main meteofactors, and materials of the correlation and regression analysis with graphical representation in the form of graphs.

8 illus, 11 tables, 43 ref

012228   Bukharina I L;Sharifullina A M;Kuzmin P A; Zakharchenko N V;Gibadulina I I (NO, Udmurt State Univ, Russian Federation, 426 034, Izhevsk, 1 Universitetskay Str.) : Impact of man-made environment on the ecological and biological characteristics of drooping birch. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2015, 12(2), 1813-20.

Article analyzes the data on characteristics of phenological phases of development, the content of ascorbic acid and tannins, and peroxidase activity of drooping birch in the environment of the city of Naberezhnye Chelny. The specific reaction of drooping birch on a complex of negative conditions of the built environment was defined. A special feature is the increase in the growing season in species under anthropogenic stress of buffer zones, in-main plantations, as compared to CCA (conditional control area). The content of tannins in the leaves of drooping birch grows in the course of growing season, reaching the highest values in August. The increased anthropogenic impact leads to an increase in the content of ascorbic acid in the leaves of drooping birch in the buffer zone plantations of industrial enterprises and the in-main plantations in the early stages of active vegetation. In technological terms the peroxidase activity in leaves increases over the entire period of active vegetation.

5 tables, 20 ref

012227   Bong S J;Uddin M R;Kim S J;Park J S;Park S U (Crop Science Dep, Chungnam National Univ, 99 Daehak-Ro, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 305 764) : Influence of auxins and wounding on gluosinolate biosynthesis in hairy root cultures of Chinese cabbage(Brassica rapa ssp.pekinensis). Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2015, 12(2), 1041-6.

Cruciferous vegetables are well-known for their health benefits owing to the presence of the biologically active compounds glucosinolates. This study aimed to investigate the effect of auxins and wounding on GSL biosynthesis in the hairy root cultures of Chinese cabbage. Five different glucosinolates, i.e., glucoerucin, glucobrassicin, 4-methoxyglucobrassicin, gluconasturtiin, and neoglucobrassicin, were detected in the hairy root cultures of Chinese cabbage. The concentrations of neoglucobrassicin and 4-methoxyglucobrassicin were considerably higher than those of other glucosinolates in response to both Auxin and wounding. Glucosinolate accumulation was higher at low concentrations of auxins. Of the different auxins, 0.1 mg/L indole-3-acetic acid led to the highest accumulation of gluconasturtiin and neoglucobrassicin. The levels of glucosinolates in the hairy root cultures varied widely with time of wounding. The highest level of glucobrassicin was found 72 h after wounding, achieving a level 3.4-times greater than basal conditions. The level of gluconasturtiin was 1.5-times higher than that before wounding, and no gluconasturtiin was detected as time from wounding elapsed. Wound-induced phenolic metabolism in mature leaves appears to be induced by signals different than those functioning in young leaves. Therefore, hairy root cultures might be a valuable alternate approach for the production of glucosinolate compounds from Chinese cabbage through wounding and also with other phytohormones or elicitors.

2 tables, 25 ref

012226   Ali F;Yadava R N (Botany Dep, R.L.S.Y. College, Bettiah (West Champaran) B.R.A Univ, Muzaffarpur-842 001, Email: poddar2020@gmail.com) : Limnological survey of pond near railway station, Narkatiaganj sub-division of west Champaran (Bihar). Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2015, 35(1), 63-5.

The pond near Railway station has been used daily for bathing and washing of clothes by large number of inhabitants of railway station pond, Narkatiaganj (West Champaran). The samples were collected fortnightly during October 2013 to September 2014 to analyze physico-chemical and biological status of water, such as temperature, pH, total alkalinity, total hardness, dissolved oxygen, free carbon dioxide, chloride, organic mater, nitrite, phosphate, sulphate and algal flora. Variations in physico-chemical parameters were noted. The results also revealed that the pond water was hard, alkaline and polluted. Totally 39 species of algae were reported from the four classes.

1 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

011035   Singh P K (Botany Dep, Guru Ghasidas Univ, Bilaspur-495 009) : In vitro cu-sequestration by glomalin from Acaulospora spinosa walker and trappe. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2015, 38(2), 183-5.

Present study reveals the development of the relationship between soil organic compounds Cu. A glycoprotein, glomalin related soil protein (GRSP), produced in copious amounts on hyphae of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) sequesters toxic elements. GRSP was extracted from laboratory cultures of AMF and soils as well. It was observed that glomalin from hyphae of an isolate of Acaulospora spinosa sequestered up to 35 mg Cu/g in vitro. Thus it can be concluded that Glomalin should be considered for biostabilization leading to remediation of polluted soils.

16 ref

011034   Pongener K A;Alila P (Horticulture Dep, School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development, Nagaland Univ, Medziphema-797 106, Email: paulinealila@yahoo.co.in) : Nutrient profile of passionfruit leaf and fruit as influenced by integrated plant nutrient management. Ann Pl Soil Res 2015, 17(3), 318-22.

A study was conducted over a period of one year (2008-09) to assess the nutrient status of leaf and fruit of passionfruit cv. Kaveri with the application of biofertilizers and conventional fertilizers under the low hill conditions of Nagaland. Altogether 13 treatments were evaluated for yield and changes in soil fertility and nutrient status of leaf and fruits of passionfruit. The highest fruit yield per plant was observed with 25% NPK+Azospirillum (7.89 kg) with fruit weight of 90.67 g followed by 25% NPK+Phospotica (7.6 kg) with fruit weight of 88.67g. These observations suggested that exclusive inorganic fertilization although maintained high NPK level in index leaves (4.95% N, 0.22% P, and 2.32% K) and fruit (1.87% N, 0.28% P and 1.48% K). Yield was much better at lower concentration ranges (3.92-4.15% N, 0.16- 0.22% P and 2.07-2.15% K) and fruit (1.41-1.44% N, 0.27-0.32% P, and 0.91-1.12% K). Changes in soil fertility demonstrated the highest fruit yield at 227.8-340.4 kg ha^{-1available N, 24.4-34.5 kgha-1P, and 64.6-70.7 kg ha-1K. These studies, provided strong evidence that starter dose of inorganic fertilizers is necessary to improve fruit yield and there was substantial improvement of nutrient status of soil even after the harvest of fruits with significant variations amongst the different treatments.}

3 tables, 16 ref

011033   Joseph M H;Dhargave T S;Deshpande C P; Srivastava A K (Microbiology Dep, Lakshminarayan Institute of Technology, Nagpur-440 033, Email: aksrivas2007@gmail.com) : Microbial solubilisation of phosphate: Pseudomonas versus Trichoderma. Ann Pl Soil Res 2015, 17(3), 227-32.

Phosphorus is one of the important primary plant nutrients required by the plant for sustaining long term performance. Trichoderma and Pseudomonas are premier microbes having known for their dynamism in phosphate solubilisation. An incisive analysis of the work done on mechanistic differences in phosphate solubilization by these two microbes showed almost the same mechanisms, though; one is fungus, while another is bacteria. Both besides being good colonizers, are capable of competing under nutrient deficient medium. The solubilization of phosphate is accomplished through number of processes viz., producing chelating compounds like siderophores as chelating agent, secondary metabolites (antibiotics formation), organic acids production and secretion of growth regulators predominantly indole acetic acid.

2 table, 60 ref

011032   Insianna P M P A (Centre of Forest Biotechnology and Tree Improvement, CFBTI, Forestry Research and Development Agency, Ministry of Forestry, JI. Palagan Tentara Pelajar Km. 15, Purwobinangun, Pakem) : Ramin (Gonystylus bancanus miq. kurz) micro propagation: the endangered tropical tree. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2015, 17(2), 297-304.

Ramin (Gonystylus bancanus Miq. Kurtz) natural population has been decreasing sharply due to over exploitation, and nowadays has been leading to extinction. The lack of propagation technique information is among the reasons why there has not been enough initiation to develop ramin plantation yet. This research was conducted to ramin micro propagation study by Center of Forest Biotechnology and Tree Improvement (CFBTI), Forestry Research and Development Agency, Ministry of Forest in cooperation to Asia Pulp and Paper (APP). The aim of this study was the effect of growth media on the shoot initiation and growth of ramin in vitro. The ramin explants were from auxiliary shoot seedling. Research design of this study was used Complete Randomized Designed with 5 treatments and 50 replications. Five compositions of growth media used Murashige-Skoog media with benzyl-aminopurine (BAP), 6-furfurylaminopurine (kinetin/K) and napthalene-acetic-acid (NAA). BAP 3 mgL-1 : K 0,15 mgL-1 : NAA 0,5 mgL-1 (H1); BAP 3 mgL-1 : K 0,15 mgL-1 (H2); BAP 3 mgL-1 : NAA 0,5 mgL-1 (H3); K 0,15 mgL-1 : NAA 0,5 mgL-1 (H4) and control (H5). The result showed that medium H1 (1.79 + 0.0141) that has BAP, NAA and Kinetin combination was significantly highest in proliferation coefficient. During 6 months time periods, the percentage of axenic cultures was not significantly different for all medium treatments and it was very low. H1 (47.48+0.0683) was also the highest in percentage initiated explants but not significantly different with H2. H1 (15.56 + 0.2830) were not significantly different with H3 (17.67+0.1694) and H4 (14.27+0.2210) for percentage roots initiated, these all medium contain NAA.

7 illus, 20 ref

010030   Tiwari M;Sharma M;Khare H N (Zoology Dep, Bhoj Mahavidhyalaya, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, Email: manishatiwari0312@gmail.com) : Chemical constituents and medicinal uses of Pterocarpus marsupium roxb. Flora Fauna 2015, 21(1), 55-9.

Extracts of Pterocarpus marsupium were prepared using methods like infusion, maceration, decoction and percolation. Several chemical constituents like pterostilbene, (-) epicatechin, pterosupin, marsupin, tannins, pentosan, propterol, isoflavonoid glycol, liquiritigenin etc. were identified and isolated. The present review aimed to describe the chemical constituents mainly and commercial importance.

2 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

010029   Singh J N;Srivastava M;Tripathi S C;Pandey V N (Experimental Botany and Nutraceutical Laboratory, Botany Dep, DDU Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur-273 009, Email: jayendranathsingh@yahoo.com) : Neutraceutical herb Abrus precatorius used by Mushdhar tribe in Gorakhpur region. Flora Fauna 2015, 21(1), 21-3.

Present study aimed to investigate neutraceutical herb Abrus precatorious (Fabaceae) used by Mushdhar tribe in Gorakhpur region. Questionnair method was adopted for documentation of folk indigenous knowledge of collected herb during survey. The interviews were carried out in local community especially Mushdhar tribe and knowledgeble persons who were the main user of medicinal plants. The neutraceutical potential uses have been recorded in this paper.

3 illus, 5 ref

010028   Shah M C;Patel H K;Shilpkar P G (Microbiology Dep, Gujarat Vidyapith, Sadra-382 320, Email: mayurchemistry@yahoo.co.in) : Composting of Calotropis gigantea leaves. Pollut Res 2015, 34(2), 363-6.

Present study is aimed to continuously asses the changes in important composting parameters and plant nutrients content at monthly interval to find out the consistency of changes. Important parameters studied were pH, electrical conductivity, calcium, magnesium, chloride, available phosphorus, available potassium, total organic carbon, total nitrogen and ratio of carbon to nitrogen (C:N). Results show that values for pH, electrical conductivity, chloride, total organic carbon, and ratio of organic carbon to total nitrogen decreased; contents of available phosphorus and potassium increased; and contents of calcium, magnesium and total nitrogen remains almost same at maturity compared to that of cow dung before composting. Further, contents of all the above parameters fluctuate with composting period which shows consistency in microbial action.

5 tables, 17 ref

010027   Sastiya M S;Gupta N K;Baghel S S (Horticulture Dep, College fo Agriculture, Indore, gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Email: Satishsinghbaghel682@gmail.com) : Effect of planting distance, pinching and biofertilizers on growth and flower yield of African marigold (Tagetes erecta) cv. sierra orange. Curr Hort 2015, 3(2), 32-34.

A field experiment was conducted at Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Indore, during the rainy (kharif) season of 2009-10. Maximum plant height was attained in the treatment of 30 cm x 30 cm + 100% PSB (T₁), followed by 30 cm x 30 cm + 100% Azotobactor + pinching (T₄) and 40 cm x 40 cm + 125%. Azotobactor + pinching (T₈). Observations recorded on number of branches/plant showed at par results with each other among treatments except T₁ (30 cm x 30 cm + 100% PSB), but highest number of branches in 40 cm x 40 cm + 125% PSB + pinching (T₇) and T₈ - 40 cm x 40 cm + 125% Azotobactor + pinching (T₈). It was also recorded that differences among the treatments in respect of number of leaves/plant were at par except T₁ and T₅. However, it was higher in of treatment 30 cm x 30 cm + 100% Azotobactor (T₂) and 40 cm x 40 cm + 125% PSB + pinching (T₇), followed by 30 x 30 cm + 100% Azotobactor + pinching (T₄), 40 cm x 40 cm + 125% Azotobactor + pinching (T₇) and 30 cm x 30 cm + 100% PSB (T₁). The higher leaf area/plant associated with treatment of 30 cm x 30 cm + 100% Azotobactor + pinching (T₄) followed by 30 cm x 30 cm + 100% PSB + pinching (T₃), T₁ - 30 cm x 30 cm + 100% PSB (T₁) and 40 cm x 40 cm + 12.5% PSB (T₅), but result were at par among each other except treatment T₆, T₇ and T₁₀. Similarly stem diameter also showed significant differences among the treatments and ranged between 2.11 and 2.55 cm. The significantly width and stem diameter were attained by the treatment 30 cm x 30 cm + 100% Azotobactor + pinching (T₄), showing significant superiority over rest of the treatments except T₇, T₈ and T₃, which were at par. The maximum yield was recorded with T₄ - 30 cm x 30 cm + 100% Azotobactor + pinching (32928 kg/ha), followed by T₃ - 30 cm x 30 cm + 100% PSB + pinching (32207 kg/ha) and T₅ - 40 cm x 40 cm + 125% PSB (32161 kg/ha) and T₂ - 30 cm x 30 cm + 100% Azotobactor (31707 kg/ha).

1 table, 3 ref

010026   Sakhare V B;Chalak A D (Zoology Dep, Yogeshwari Mahavidyalaya, Ambajogai-431 517, Email: vbsakhare@rediffmail.com) : Phytoplankton diversity of Gharni reservoir in Latur district, Maharashtra. Flora Fauna 2015, 21(1), 61-70.

Phytoplanktonic samples were collected from the Gharni reservoir of Latur district (Maharashtra) for a period of one year (from June 2013 to May 2014). Total 18 species of phytoplankton belonging to different taxonomic groups were identified. Among these 7 species belong to Chlorophyceae, 5 species to Cyanophyceae, 3 species to Bacillariophyceae and 3 species to Euglenophyceae. The phytoplankton productivity fluctuated seasonally and the maximum number of 560 units/liter was recorded during month of February and March and minimum number of 95 units/liter during the month of September.

1 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

010025   Ratan N;Singh U N (Botany Dep, D.V. Postgraduate College, Orai-285 001, Email: drunsingh@rediffmail.com) : Production potential of berseem in Eucalyptus based agro-silvicultural system in Bundelkhand region (U.P.) India. Flora Fauna 2015, 21(1), 100-02.

Field study was conducted in a private Agro-forestry Farm at Aata in district Jalaun (U.P.). The sowing of berseem (Trifolium alexendrinum L.) var. Verdan was done during the rabi season in 3 years old Eucalyptus planted at 6x2 m spacing and at the same time the crop was also sown in the adjacent field devoid of trees (control). The data recorded on plant height, stem diameter, yield and economics revealed that no doubt all these parameters were heigh in case of sole crops of berseem but if we consider the need of the farmer that requires regular income from his piece of land then it seemed practical that berseem as fodder could be grown successfully in standing Eucalyptus with additional income of Rs. 3219/ha.

3 tables, 5 ref

010024   Ramteke S D;Birhade A P;Khot A P;Waghmare S; Shinde M;Pawar A M (NO, ICAR National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune, Maharashtra-412 307, Email: sdramteke@yahoo.com) : Impact of biostimulant (milagro-L) on berry quality, yield and shelf life of TAS-A-Ganesh grapes. Ann Pl Physiol 2015, 29(1), 9-13.

A study was conducted to know the impact of Milagro-L on berry characters, yield components and shelf life in Tas-A-Ganesh grape grafted on Dogridge rootstock at National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune during 2010-2011. Three treatments (10 ml/100 L, 20 ml/100 L, 30 ml/100 L) of Milagro-L were sprayed at different stages for berry development. The biochemical and yield parameters were recorded at 90 days after Fruit (October) pruning. The results indicated that the treatment of Milagro-L (30 ml/100 L) recorded superior morphological and physiological parameters as compared to untreated control. Berry length (19.7 mm) was significantly higher with application of Milagro-L (20 ml/100L). Likewise, the berry skin thickness (20.4 μm) and TSS (19.8°B) were recorded significantly more in Milagro-L (30 ml/100 L) and acidity (0.82%) was recorded more in Milagro-L (20 ml/100 L) treatment as compared to untreated control. The maximum yield (22.55 t/ha) was obtained when (30 ml/ 100 L) Milagro-L was applied. The physiological loss in weight (PLW) showed the significant differences from 4th day onwards with application of (30 ml/100 L), resulting into significant improvement of shelf life of Tas-A-Ganesh grapes. It can be concluded that the application of Milagro-L 30 ml/ 100 L beneficial to improve the quality, yield and shelf life of Tas-A-Ganesh grapes.

5 tables, 13 ref

010023   Ramteke S D;Birhade A P;Khot A P;Waghmare S; Shinde M;Bhagwat S R (NO, ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes, P B No 3, Manjri Farm P O Solapur Road, Pune-412 307, Email: sdramteke@yahoo.com) : Improving yield, quality and gas exchange parameters of fantasy seedless grapes by using gibberellic acid. Ann Pl Physiol 2015, 29(1), 1-4.

The field trial was carried out at vine yards of ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune during the year 2012-2013 to study the impact of Gibberellic acid on yield, quality and gas exchange parameters of Fantasy Seedless grapes. The Gibberellic acid (GA₃) was sprayed @ 2, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 ppm only once at flowering stage. The gas exchange parameters (photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and water use efficacy), bunch weight, berry weight, berry length, berry diameter, T.S.S., acidity and yield were recorded at harvest. The significant differences were recorded with the application of GA₃ for average bunch weight, berry length, berry length and yield in Fantasy Seedless grapes over control at harvest. The percent increase were recorded with application of 25 ppm GA₃ on average bunch weight (66.2%), 50 berry weight (38.5%), berry length (28.1%), berry diameter (24.7%) and yield per vine (74.6%) over control in Fantasy Seedless grapes. The gas exchange parameters like photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and water use efficiency were also increased significantly with application of GA₃ over rest of the treatments and control at harvest. The overall results indicated that, treatment of GA₃ at 25 ppm (T₆) significantly increased the bunch weight, berry weight, yield per vine, and stimulated the gas exchange parameters over rest of the treatments in Fantasy Seedless grapes.

2 table, 13 ref

010022   Praveen R P;Nair A S (Botany Dep, University of Kerala, Karyavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Email: praveen_ker@rediffmail.com) : Cytotoxic effect of root and callus extracts of Myxopyrum smilacifolium blume. Int J pharm Sci Drug Res 2015, 7(4), 345-8.

Myxopyrum smilacifolium is a large woody climbing shrub belonging to the family Oleaceae which is known for many medicinal properties. In the present study, initially a short term cytotoxic study (3 hours) with hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2 using Trypan Blue Assay was carried out against methanolic extracts of root and callus and found an appreciable result for both extracts. Then the study was extended to the same cell line employing MTT assay. In this procedure extracts were subjected to 24 hours treatment and cytotoxicity was measured using a colorimetric method based on the ability of metabolic active cells to cleave the yellow tetrazolium salt MTT to an insoluble purple formazan crystal. A concentration dependent activity was observed in both Trypan Blue as well as MTT assay. The results showed that both the extracts possess potent cytotoxic activity. IC₅₀ value from MTT assay was found to be 63.75μg/l and 98.75μg/l for root and callus extracts respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the cytotoxic potential of callus extracts of Myxopyrum smilacifolium Blume.

3 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

010021   Pancholi A (Botany Dep, Govt. P.G. college, Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh, Email: archnapancholi4@gmail.com) : Ethnobotany of traditional medicinal plants of Neemuch (Madhya Pradesh). Flora Fauna 2015, 21(1), 115-22.

Ethnomedicinal information of Neemuch is described. The plants used by the Rural people were listed in alphabetical orders by their botanical name together with family, local name and ailments. A total 90 species belonging to 45 families were documented.

2 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

010020   Neelavathi R;Shankaraswamy J;Ravi V (NO, Horticultural College and Research Institute for Women, Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu) : Exploring variability in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) var. muricata in Tamil Nadu. Curr Hort 2015, 3(2), 54-7.

An experiment was conducted at Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute, Tamil Nadu "Agricultural University, Aduthurai, during 2010-12 to evaluate the accessions of small type bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L. var. muricata) collected from Tamil Nadu. Bitter gourd vines do not require pandal (support) for cultivation and the vines can creep on ground. The vines grow up to a length of 1.5 m on the ground with the duration of 120 days. Variation in foliage, flowers, size and weight of individual fruits was observed. MCM 12 recorded the highest fruit length (5.48 cm), followed by MCM 18 (5.20 cm). In contrast, the shortest fruit was recorded in MCM 2 (2.27 cm), followed by (2.29 cm). The individual fruit width ranged from 1.36 to 2.52 cm. The accession, MCM 12, registered significantly higher fruit weight (7.48 g) than other accessions evaluated in all three seasons. Number of seeds / fruit ranged from 4.00 to 6.67. In MCM 4, number of fruits / plant was significantly higher than other accessions evaluated in all three seasons. The highest yield was recorded in MCM 12 (2,146 kg/ha), followed by MCM 4 (2,024 kg/ha). MCM 4 had 3.8 mg iron, 86 mg calcium and 75 mg vitamin C in 100 g of immature fruits.

1 table, 5 ref

010019   Maity D;Dey S K;Chatterjee S;Maiti G G (Botany Dep, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019, West Bengal, Email: debmaity@yahoo.com) : Ethnobotany and environmental management by the tribal communities of Patratu, Hazaribagh district, Jharkhand. Explor Anim med Res 2015, 5(1), 44-61.

Ethnobotany of different tribal communities of Pataru, Hazaribagh District, Jharkhand were studied on the basis of the information from 8 local Vaidyas or medicinal men. All total 38 plants are used by them. Among those, 8 plants are of very common use and for another 30 plants, some new information are added which were not been recorded earlier. The tribal names, botanical names, useable parts and the respective uses are documented. Information regarding type of uses after preparation of medicines are also included. The management practices followed during collection of the plant parts in favor of natural conservation are also discussed.

2 tables, 51 ref

010018   Kulkarni A (Post Graduate Botany Dep, Ahmednagar College, Ahmednagar, Email: abhijitkulkar@gmail.com) : AM fungal association with certain medicinal plants. Flora Fauna 2015, 21(1), 103-6.

Present investigation was carried out to study the prevalence of AM fungi in certain medicinal plants growing in and around Ahmednagar College by determining the extent of root colonization, spore density in the rhizospheric soil. In all 10 medicinal plants, hosts were screened for the presence of AM fungi. All the 10 medicinal plant hosts from different families were found to be mycorrhizal. The colonization was observed in the form of mycelium, arbuscules, vesicles and chlamydospores. The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, spores isolated from different sites were represented by 1 species of Acaulospora, 1 species of Gigaspora, 8 species of Glomus and 2 species of Scutellispora. In the present investigation maximum plants showed mycelia-root colonization and the formation of vesicles. Out of 10 plants 2 plants showed mycelial colonization (60%) and 4 plants showed formation of vesicles (50%) and remaining plants showed colonization 30%. This colonization of roots by AM fungi was correlated with the number of spore propagules found in rhizosphere soil. It has been observed that Cyperus indica showed maximum number of spores (110/25g of soil) followed by Synedrella (62/25 g of soil).

1 table, 12 ref

010017   Kannan K P S;Francis T;Jawahar P;Jayakumar N (NO, Fisheries College and Research Institute, Thoothukudi, Email: apskannan90@gmail.com) : Age and growth study of Puntius sarana (Hamilton, 1822) Western ghats of Tamiraparani river, India. Pollut Res 2015, 34(2), 341-4.

Present study dealt with age and growth of Puntius sarana. Growth equation based on modified von Bertalanffy's equation was arrived. The growth parameters such as L" = 40.8 cm and K = 0.49 were estimated combining both sexes. The spawning peaks one in May and another in August could be observed. The exploitation ratio of 0.21 indicated that the resource P. Sarana is less exploited along the Tamiraparani riverine system. The life span of P. Sarana was estimated for six year. The study further emphasized that the effort should be increased to achieve the optimum exploitation (0.5) of the present average annual catch of this species from Tamiraparani riverine system in Western Ghats of India in particular.

3 illus, 23 ref

010016   Dhiman R;Gupta N K (Silviculture and Agroforestry Dep, Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230, Email: rajeevforester86@gmail.com) : Propagation of hard to root biofuel species of Himalayan region-Wendlandia exserta Roxb. DC. Indian J Ecol 2015, 42(2), 543-5.

Application of 1.0% Indole butyric acid + 2% captan + 2% sucrose-talc gave maximum sprouting (72.22%) and rooting (5.56%). Highest rooting and root number were recorded in apical cuttings of tree donor. The effect of donor x position was significant on root length. The highest rooting (10.00%) was observed in the apical position of pole and tree donor when treated with 1.0% Indole butyric acid + 2% captan + 2% sucrose-talc and 0.75% Indole butyric acid + 2% captan + 2% sucrose - talc.

1 table, 5 ref

010015   Bibha Kumari R;Arun Kumar;Bhatta B (Zoology Dep, L.N.M.U., Darbhanga, Bihar, Email: arun93440@gmail.com) : Analysis of soil of Khoksa Pokher Dalsingsarai, district Samastipur (Bihar). Flora Fauna 2015, 21(1), 60-2.

Present study was carried out on the condition of soil of Khoksa Pokher Dalsingsarai, district Samastipur (Bihar). It was observed that soil was soft and had water holding capacity. The soil of said pokher was alkaline with the presence of good amount of bicarbonate, carbonate,calcium, magnesium and phosphate. The soil contained a variety of elements, chemical components and minerals.

1 table, 7 ref

010014   Anuroopa T R;Sudeep H P;Shivakumar;Reddy M C; Divya B (NO, College of Horticulture, Mudigere-577 132, Email: anuroopatr@gmail.com) : Standardization of drying level and time in microwave oven of carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) var. Soto. Indian J Ecol 2015, 42(2), 559-60.

Maximum dry weight (2.36 g/flower) and minimum moisture loss (67.37 %) was recorded by the flowers dried at medium low level for 2.0 minutes and then at low level for 4.0 minutes. Minimum dry weight (1.69 g/flower) and maximum moisture loss of 76.63 per cent was recorded by the flowers dried at medium low level for 2.5 minutes and then at low level for 4.5 minutes. Superior quality display of good colour (3.92), texture (3.67), shape (3.75) and over all acceptance of flower (3.80) was found in the treatment medium low level for 2.0 minutes and then at low level for 4.5 minutes compared to the other treatments.

1 table, 8 ref

009077   Veena M E;Niranjana P;Sharanappa P;Achur R N (Biochemistry Dep, Kuvempu Univ Jnana Sahyadri, Shankar Ghatta-577 451) : Analgesic activity of Cryptocarya stocksii plant by hot plate method. Int J herb Med 2016, 4(1), 39-41.

The Cryptocarya stocksii belongs to the Lauraceae family is an endangered evergreen tree located in Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. Many species of this genus have been used extensively as traditional medicines to cure number of diseases. The present study was conducted to investigate the analgesic activity of petroleum ether, chloroform and ethanol extracts of C. stocksii in an animal model at the dose of 500mg/kg body weight. The analgesic activity of C.S extracts was evaluated by hot plate method. The chloroform extract showed significant analgesic activity of 71.2% and ethanolic extract showed 35.8% followed by petroleum ether of 33.55%, when compared to the standard aspirin at the dose of 150mg/kg body weight.

1 illus, 9 ref

009076   Theresa M;Sreekala A K;Jayalakshmi M (NO, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTB, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala-695 562) : Flowering phenology and pollen biology of Ophiorrhiza radicans : an endangered herb of southern western ghats. J Palynol 2015, 51(Jan-Dec), 31-21.

Ophiorrhiza radicans is a heterostylous Rubiaceous plant of Southern Western Ghats. The term heterostyly is generally used to describe the condition characterised by two or three different morphs of flowers in a given species with respect to style length in relation to position of stamens. The species is an endangered annual creeping herb which exhibit distyly with pin and thrum flowers. Here, we compare the floral phenology and pollen biology of pin and thrum morphs of Ophiorrhiza radicans. The species starts flowering in the month of July and extends up to December. Anthesis was noticed in the early morning between 0545-0830h. Pollen fertility and viability studies indicated that thrum pollen grains are more fertile and viable than pin pollen grains. The most striking features are the expression of female and male characters of pin and thrum morphs respectively.

1 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

009075   Srinivas G;Geeta H P;Vasanthkumar G D;Nidoni U K (Processing and Food Engineering Dep, College of Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Raichur-584 104, Email: sgirjals@gmail.com) : Therapeutic properties of euphorbia hirta linn.. Med Pl 2015, 7(4), 253-7.

Euphorbia hirta Linn. popularly known as Asthma plant. A weed of few wonders which has versatile role in traditional system of medicine. Several studies are being conducted regarding the efficacy of whole plant or its parts for treatment of different diseases and aliments. The active compound of the plant includes flavonoids, sterols, tannins, triterpenoids etc. The health promoting properties due to the presence of proteins, carbohydrates, steroids etc. and diseases preventing properties such as antioxidant, antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-diabetic, diastolic, diuretic, anthlmintic effects anti pyretic, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic and sedative activities which has been investigated and verified by modern scientific research. The various properties of therapeutic properties of Euphorbia hirta have been discussed in the present paper.

1 illus, 40 ref

009074   Singh S;Chaturvedi S K;Singh R S (Botany Dep, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyala, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh-495 009) : Palynological studies of some asteraceous taxa from Bilaspur region, Chhattisgarh. J Palynol 2015, 51(Jan-Dec), 67-80.

The pollen morphology of 14 genera belonging to the family Asteraceae of Bilaspur region have been described. Most of the pollen grains show spheroid and sub-prolate shapes and uniformly echinate tectum. However, the number, position and characters (NPC) of apertures exhibit variation among the taxa of different tribes of the family Asteraceae. Accordingly, the pollen grains have been catagorized into seven catagories, triporate (Vernonia cinerea), tricolpate (Ageratum conyzoides and Emilia sonchifolia), tricolporate (Calendula officinalis, Chromolaena odorata, Crangea rnaderaspatana, Lagascea mollis, Parthinium hysterophorus, Sphearanthus indicus and Spilanthus paniculata), tetraporate (Tridax procumbens), tetracolporate (Tagetes procumbens), trizonocolporate (Chrysanthemum morifolium), tetrazonoperate (Sonchus arvensis).

3 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

009073   Singh N K S;Radhapiyari W;Choudhury M A H; Singh T B;Bonny K;Sobita Devi T (Physics Dep, Manipur Univ, Canchipur, Imphal-795 003, Email: drthbrojendro@gmail.com) : Spectroscopic study of antioxidant property and trace elements of Meyana spinosa Roxb. ex Link leaves. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2015, 6(1), 51-5.

Antioxidant property of Meyna spinosa Roxb. ex Link leaf was determined by using UV-Visible and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Further the trace elements present in it were determined by using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The concentration of the antioxidant activity, IC₅₀ was found to be 563.23 μg/mL and the trace elements detected were Fe, Zn, Cu, Mo, Cr, Mn. Role of antioxidants and trace elements were discussed with reference to the traditional knowledge.

1 illus, 28 ref

009072   Singh N;Chaturvedi S K;Singh R S (Botany Dep, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Koni, Bilaspur-495 009) : Melissopalynological studies of winter honey sample from sipat area, Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh. J Palynol 2015, 51(Jan-Dec), 23-39.

Melissopalynology deals with the study of pollen grains present in a particular honey sample. The quality of honey depends upon the frequency of pollen grains present in it. The honey sample collected during winter season (Nov.-Dec. 2014) from Sipat area of Bilaspur district (CG) shows the presence of 10,252 pollen grains per ten grams of honey. The pollen grains belong to 18 families and 29 genera of angiosperms. The colour of honey sample is dark brown. The maximum numbers of pollen grains, 1,073, were found of family fabaceae. Depending upon the percentage of pollen grains present in the investigated honey sample, the honey has been categorized as multifloral.

1 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

009071   Singh L J;Ranjan V (Botanical Survey of India, Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre, Port Blair-744 102, Email: laljisingh1970@rediffmail.com) : Heterotis benth. (Melastomataceae): a new addition to Indian flora from Andaman Islands. Geophytology 2015, 45(1), 101-6.

Genus Heterotis Benth. is reported and described here as new record, with a single species Heterotis rotundifolia (Sm.) Jacq.-Fel., for India from the Andaman Islands. Seed germination and conservation aspects are also discussed.

30 ref

009070   Singh K N;Devi K B (Botany Dep, Gauhati Univ, Guwahati, Assam-781 014) : Medicinal plants used by local people of jiribam, Manipur for treatment of malaria and its associated symptoms: a step to assess the traditional knowledge of herbal healing. Int J herb Med 2016, 4(1), 12-15.

Development of new alternative antimalarial drugs is need of the hour since plasmodium becomes drug resistant and because drugs using nowadays have side effects. This need initiated intensive efforts for developing antimalarial drugs from indigenous medicinal plants. A survey was carried out in Jiribam sub-division, Manipur from November 2014 to September 2015 to explore the medicinal plants normally used by local people for treatment of malaria and its associated symptoms. A total of 21 different species of medicinal plants belonging to 15 families were found to use by local herbal healers and villagers to treat malaria and its associated symptoms. The present study is first of its kind in exploring medicinal plants of this region and an effort to assess the folk medicinal knowledge and practices of local people of Jiribam, Manipur towards treatment of malaria and associated symptoms.

1 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

009069   Singh A;Bhatt S S;Pandey Y;Narendra Kumar; Adarsh A (Horticulture Dep, College of Agriculture, G B Pant Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: bhadauria.abhayhort77@gmail.com) : Efficacy of auxins and gibberellic acid on floral attributes and essential oil percent on German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.). Med Pl 2015, 7(4), 307-9.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is one of the important medicinal plants grown for its valuable flowers from which oil extracted with high pharmaceutical value. Plant bio-regulators can be effectively used to enhance both the vegetative as well as flowering attributes. Plants were foliarly treated with IAA, GA₃ and NAA at three concentrations (25, 50 and 100 ppm of each which improved floral parameters like days taken to first bud initiation, flower diameter (cm), number of flowers per plant and fresh and dry weight of flowers per plant (g). Among the different treatments, GA₃ at 100 ppm was found to be best treatment for most of the parameters viz. days taken to first bud initiation (15.53), flower diameter (2.57 cm), number offlowers per plant (268.93), fresh weight of flowers per plant (35.56 g) and dry weight of flowers per plant (6.96 g), whereas NAA at 100 ppm proved to be the best for stem diameter (6.76 mm). GA₃ @ 100 ppm was found to be the most effective for most of the vegetative and floral characteristics of chamomile cv. CIM Sammohak.

2 table, 16 ref

009068   Silva A R N;Dissanayake D M R K;Ranaweera C B;Pathirana R;Ratnasooriya W D (Faculty of Allied Health Science, Basic Science Dep, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence Univ, Sri Lanka) : Evaluation of in vitro antibacterial activity of some Sri Lankan medicinal plants. Int J pharm Res Allied Sci 2015, 4(2), 54-7.

This study evaluated in vitro antibacterial activity and their minimum inhibitory concentration of five plants (stem of Stereospermum suaveolens, Oroxylum indicum and roots of Clitoria ternatea, whole plant of Bacopa monnieri and Alysicarpus vaginalis) used in traditional and folk medicine of Sri Lanka for treatment of various bacteria induced infectious diseases. This was performed using aqueous extracts against two gram positive [Staphylococous aureus (ATCC 25923); Bacillus cereus (ATCC 11778)] and three gram negative [Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 9027); Escherichia coli (ATCC 35218); and Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC 13311)], clinically important bacterial pathogens, using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test and broth micro-dilution technique. The results showed, for the first time, that the water extract of roots of C. ternatea exhibits dose-related potent antibacterial activity (MIC: 128 μg/ml) against bacterial pathogen, B.cereus. Whilst the extracts of other four plants possessed no antibacterial activity against any of the bacterial strains tested. The antibacterial activity of C. ternatea roots is attributed to flavonoids, polyphenols including tannins, and saponins present in the extract. It is concluded that roots of Sri Lankan medicinal plant C. ternatea can function as a potent antibacterial agent against common food poising bacterial pathogen, B. cereus.

1 table, 20 ref

009067   Shukla S;Anil Kumar;Lal Bahadur;Pal M (Phytochemistry Div, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001, Email: drmpal.nbri@rediffmail.com) : Fatty acid composition of Sonchus arvensis L. roots. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2015, 6(1), 62-4.

Roots of Sonchus arvensis L. were extracted with petroleum ether to afford the extract 2.39% yield to the fresh weight of the material. The fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) was prepared from the extract and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Eighteen fatty acids were identified and major fatty acids found to be Myristic acid (26.23%), Palmitic acid (26.23%), Linoleic acid (19.94%), Pentadecanoic acid (3.11%), Stearic acid (1.49%), Behenic acid (1.27%). The most abundant fatty acid identified was Myristic acid (26.23%).

1 table, 19 ref

009066   Shiddamallayya N;Rama Rao V;Doddamani S H; Venkateshwarlu G (Survey of Medicinal Plants Unit, National Ayurveda Dietetics Research Institute, G.C.P. Annexe, Ashoka Pillar, Jayanagar Ist Block, Bangalore-560 011) : Glimpse on forest flora and Indian system of medicine plants of Chitradurga district, Karnataka. Int J herb Med 2016, 4(1), 25-53.

Forests are the source of livelihood to forest dwellers and people who are living in and around the foot hills of a forest. A unique climate and geographical conditions were intended to cause a rich floral diversity in the forests of Chitradurga district, Karnataka. This also has direct impact on the life style of surrounding people. During the study of flowering plant species occurrence a total of 366 plants were recorded and photographed. Listed species were also studied with reference to the medicinal role in Indian system of medicine.

2 illus, 1 table, 46 ref

009065   Sharma B D;Bohra D R;Suthar O P;Harsh R; Purohit S N (NO, , Kath Mandi, Narnaul, India-123 001, Email: bdsharma14@gmail.com) : Multimorphic spores in Equisetum L. (Equisetaceae, pteridophyta) from Rajasthan, India. Geophytology 2015, 45(1), 71-5.

Equisetum L. is the only extant genus of class Sphenopsida. Serial sections of the Equisetum cones, collected from wet places in the Aravalli Hills and Chambal ravines in Rajasthan, have been studied. Size and other morphological variations in the spores have been observed. The spores are alete, monolete or trilete and minute, spherical, empty, etc. The present investigation challenges the earlier concept that Equisetum spores are homosporous and only alete. The 'abnormal' spores are rare but their presence creates anxiety about the relationship of Equisetum with other fern allies. The multimorphic spores are described here for the first time in genus Equisetum.

1 illus, 20 ref

009064   Sharma B D;Bohra D R;Suthar O P;Harsh R (NO, , Kath Mandi, Narnaul, India-123 001, Email: bdsharma14@yahoo.in ) : Some permineralized plant fossils from the early cretaceous sediments of Rajmahal Hills, Jharkhand, India. Geophytology 2015, 45(1), 41-6.

Some permineralized plant fossils are being described here. These fossils were studied in thin sections of Early Cretaceous cherts collected from Nipania, Amarjola and Chilgujari localities in the Rajmahal Hills, Jharkhand. The plant fossils are assigned to lichens, Marchantiales thallus, lycopodaceous ligule, equisetalean stem sheath, filician rhizomes, gymnosperm seed and Ptilophyllum rachis.

8 illus, 32 ref