004311   Singh G;Rajeev Kumar;Singh R M;Rajesh Kumar; Mishra C D (Farm Engineering Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, BHU, Varanasi-221005, Email: gaurav.bhu09@gmail.com) : Characterization of meteorological drought in Giridih District of Jharkhand, India. Envir Ecol 2014, 32(3A), 1100-4.

Probabilistic assessment and prediction of drought provides valuable information for water resources planners and policy makers for developing drought mitigation strategies. This study aimed to carry out long term analysis of rainfall data regarding assessment for occurrence of meteorological drought at Giridih district of Jharkhand. Drought conditions were assessed for weekly, monthly, seasonal and yearly time steps using rainfall data for seventeen years (1992 to 2008) at different block of Giridih district. The analysis indicated that the maximum frequency of drought was observed to be in the 39th week of November, December; and during summer season. Frequency of drought was observed to be minimum for 34th week; during August; monsoon and post monsoon seasons. The years 1992, 1993 and 2005 were found deficit years with annual rainfall departure below 64.05%, 67.73% and 68.83% of its mean value. The intensity of drought was observed to be mild/moderate and no severe or extreme drought events were observed during the period for which data was analyzed.

4 illus, 2 tabls, 7 ref

004310   Shaikh O;Mukherjee S K (Taxonomy and Biosystematics Laboratory, Botany Dep, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia-741 235) : Petal venation in Ranunculus diffusus dc. Of the family ranunculaceae. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2014, 3(4), 134-42.

This paper deals with the detail variation of petal venation in Ranunculus diffuses DC. of the family Ranunculaceae. Out of 40 petals examined, only 4 petals shows various type as of anastomoses according to Foster's classification, and the out of 4 petals, only one petal has been noted as new type of anastomoses which has not been indicated in Foster's classification. Detailed anastomoses of the veins were observed at the same time which region of petal, anastomosis occurs. Each petal has been divided into three parts: basal, central and distal region. Similarly longitudinal portion of a petal can be divided as right costal, middle and left costal by keeping the ad axial surface of the petal upward. Among the different types of anastomosis, type IV of Foster has been noted in only two petals out of 40 studied petals, whereas type V and type I is seen only in 1 petal, each out of 40 studied petals. The 2 veins are waited to form one bundle, a new type which has not recognized earlier by Foster (1966) in his 6 types of anastomoses. This is the new type of anastomosis. The other type of anastomoses type II, type III and type VI are not seen in present studied specimens, with accordance to percentage of anastomoses. The total number of dichotomies in each petal varies from 2 to 11.

18 ref

004309   Saroop S;Kaul V (Botany Dep, University of Jammu, Jammu-180 006, Email: shvetasaroop@gmail.com) : Correlation patterns among floral traits in Cleome viscosa L., a sexually polymorphic species. Curr Sci 2015, 109(4), 790-8.

Cleome viscosa L., a multipurpose species, is reproductively versatile exhibiting variation in the sex of its flowers. Being predominantly andromonoecious, few plants occasionally exhibit functional monoecy. An-dromonoecy is distinguished by the production of her-maphrodite and staminate flowers, while formation of pistillate, male and other intermediate flower types leads to functional monoecy. Size variation in these sexes is equally prevalent. Size dimorphy in all the flower types leads to significant differences in almost all the morphological features. Overall 12 different flower types thus distinguished were analysed for different morphological traits. The data generated were subjected to correlation analyses to determine the extent of relationship between them, and there-upon reflect on the mechanism of their selection in flowers of different sexes and sizes. Despite male fitness traits being at greater advantage in all flower types, female fitness is equally selected in hermaphrodites and exclusively in pistillate flowers. Others with staminodes show mixed fitness. A critical analysis of the morphological data and their correlations suggests that different pairs of traits in each flower type are evolved in ways unique to them and to maximize their functional potential. Natural selection is thus operating through differential correlation patterning and is probably driving the evolution of these flower types.

3 illus, 4 tables, 39 ref

004308   Saha D;Maiti G G;Mukherjee S K (Botany Dep, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia-741 235) : Leaf venation pattern of some indian members of rubiaceae. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2014, 3(4), 160-9.

Rubiaceae is exhibiting a wide range of habit, including trees, shrubs, herbs and even the climbers, widely distributed but mainly in tropics having 10,700 species under 637 genera making it the forth most specious family of flowering plants also with the representative of 236 species under 77 genera in India. Venation pattern of the leaves have been studied for 55 species under 32 genera of Indian distribution which are of different habits. The foliar venation is brochidodromous in most cases except Rubia and a few species of Galium (apparantly) it is campylodromous. Venation is upto 5°-6° orders and with regular areole formation. The areoles are with free vein endings. The venation is either naked or with sclerenchymatous sheath cells. The very tips of the free vein endings are often associated with brachytracheoids. The marginal venation is either complete, looped or incomplete with free vein endings. Although the members are of different habits, basically they have the same type of foliar architectural pattern. The classification of the family Rubiaceae into different tribes is often done based on floral biology which is not having any demarcation in respect to the major foliar architectural pattern. However, in the minor venation pattern and about the free vein endings there are the differences and that can only be taken into consideration for identity.

29 ref

004307   Prabakaran R;Bidyalaxmidevi A (PG & Research Department of Botany, Vivekanandha College of Arts and Sciences for Women, Elayamplayam, Tiruchengode 637 205, Tamil Nadu) : Air pollution tolerance index of selected plants of Salem-Bangalore-NH-7, near Salem, Tamil Nadu. Pollut Res 2013, 32(2), 411-3.

Air pollution tolerance index study was carried out during 2010. For the study 25 species growing in the natural conditions were collected in the vicinity of gaseous emissions of automobiles on NH7 near three roads, Salem, Tamil Nadu. APTI were determined by calculating ascorbic acid, total chlorophyll, leaf pH, and relative water content of leaf tissue. Among test species, P.niruri (9.6) I.obscura (8.9) are in sensitive category, Species like C.gigantea, J. tranqubarensis and T.purpurea were in intermediate category. Remaining 19 species were in tolerant category, such tolerant species serve as sink to air pollutants as well as indicators.

1 table, 9 ref

004306   Parween S;Masroor M S;Salim M (MPCD and RC, , Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Email: msaleem195195@gmail.com) : Spore number and weight as relative criteria of quantification in fungal spore physiology. Life Sci Bull 2014, 11(2), 137-40.

Relative merits of number and both fresh and dry weights have been evaluated as criteria of quantification physiological and biochemical composition of wet and dry spores of Aspergillus niger. Relative to fresh weight higher values of oxygen uptake, total nitrogen and protein concentrations with spore dry weight as the quantification criterion suggested that the dry weight of dry harvested spores is most reliable.

1 illus, 1 table, 38 ref

004305   Panday A K;SharmaS;Bisen R;Jain S;Malviya M; Ranganatha A R G (Project Coordinating Unit, AICRP on Sesame and Niger, JNKVV Campur, Jabalpur-482 004) : Niger impovement: current status and cuture strategies. J Oilseed Res 2014, 31(2), 95-113.

The present research efforts of breeding are reviewed in relation to the potential. considering the niger cultivation by resource poor farmers. The history of domestication and the diversity in the plant genetic resources is critically analysed for the formulation of crop improvement strategies with the emphasis on enhancing the average low yield levels in India and in the African subcontinent. The utilization of primary gene pool and the potential uses of wild species are included. Niger improvement is analysed considering population improvement, development of superior inbreds and future strategies for hybrid development. Further biotechnology, mutation and resistance breeding for biotic and abiotic stresses are considered for the production of agronomic types with wider adaptation. Niger being a cross pollinated crop, where seed quality is a serious concern, maintenance breeding and nucleus seed production is covered in detail, since 30-50 per cent productivity improvement can be realised, easily through the intervention of quality seed supply. The production and protection technologies are reviewed for improvement in , niger productivity. The potential areas for future line of research are indicated for productivity improvement in niger.

3 tables, 89 ref

004304   Pan Y;Shen T;Pan J;Xiao D;Li Z M;Li W Y;Wang Y Z (Institute of Medicinal Plants, Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, , Kunming 650200, P.R. China, Email: wyli2012@126.com) : Simultaneous determination of four neuritogenic compounds in Gentiana rigescens from different regions by ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Asian J Chem 2015, 27(4), 1247-50.

Roots and rhizomes of Gentiana rigescens are the original materials of Chinese traditional medicine "LongDan" which is used for treatment of hepatitis and cholecystitis for over a thousand years. In this study, the concentrations of four gentisides (gentiside A, B, J and K) were determined by UPLC-MS/MS in Gentiana rigescens from 2 different regions (Yunxian and Yongde) of southwest Yunnan in China. The maximum concentration of gentiside A, B, J and K were found in S5, S12, S5 and S3, respectively. Hierarchical clustering analysis showed the maximum total concentration of gentisides was in group IV, which indicated S5 could be regarded as optimizing original materials of G. rigescens. The cultivated samples collected from Yunxian showed the higher contents of gentisides. These results would provide information for sustainable utilization of G. rigescens.

3 illus, 4 tables, 18 ref

004303   Paknikar K M (NO, Agharkar Research Institute, G.G. Agarkar Road, Pune-411 004, Email: director@aripune.org) : Agharkar Research Institute, Pune. Curr Sci 2015, 108(11), 2007-9.

Agharkar Research Institute, Pune has a mission of conducting basic and applied research in life sciences by harnessing the genetic diversity of microbes, plants and animals for a cleaner environment, sustainable agriculture and better health of the masses. To achieve this goal, it is making valuable contributions in the areas of biodiversity, bioenergy, bioprospecting, genetics and plant breeding, developmental biology, and nanobioscience.

18 ref

004302   Majumder S;D'rozario A;Bera S (Botany Dep, University of Calcutta, Kolkata-700 019, Email: berasubir@yahoo.co.in) : Seed coat architecture of four Indian species of Ephedra and its taxonomic significance. Curr Sci 2015, 108(11), 1984-7.

2 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

004301   Eifan S A;Qamar S;Hanif A;Al-Zuaag K S; Alhetheel A K F (Bptany and Microbiology Dep, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box: 2455 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 11451) : Seroprevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus in Al-khraj region. Biomed Res 2015, 26(1), 147-51.

This study was aimed to determine the prevalence Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections in Al-kharj region, Kingdom of Saudia Arabia (KSA). The study was carried out in male and female population for the period of three years from 2011 to 2013. Serological screening was performed for detection of Hepatitis B antigens, Anti-Hepatitis C virus antibodies and anti-HIV 1/2 antibodies. A total 1128 samples were tested and 4.68% to 4.82% HBV prevalence was recorded. The HCV prevalence was ranged from 7.49% to 7.69% whereas no HIV infected subject was detected in the region. Highest prevalence of HBV was recorded in age group ranged between 15 to 30 years while highest prevalence for HCV was observed in age group ranged between 46 to 65 years. The results of the study provided data regarding prevalence of HBV, HBC and HIV infections in Al-kharj region. BHV and HCV infections were indicated as a crucial public health problem in Al-khraj area. No significant increase or decrease was recorded in HBV and HCV prevalence pattern during the study period. For appropriate prevention and control of HBV and HCV infections comprehensive screening and public health awareness program should be initiated among different population groups.

4 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

004300   Dubey S (Chemistry Dep, Govt O F K College, Khamariya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Email: natural_lab@rediffmail.com) : In-vitro anti-cancer activity of ethanolic extract of roots of Pueraria tuberosa. Life Sci Bull 2014, 11(2), 185-8.

HeLa and MCF-7 cells were treated with Ethanolic extract of Pueraria tuherosa and effects on the cytotoxic nature of extract of Pueraria tuherosa were determined using Trypan blue and Hoechst tests. The MTT assay results were used to evaluate the anti-cancerous activity of the extract. The effects of plant Roots extract on cancer cells was studied. The IC50 (1.35 μg/μl to 1.2 μg/μ1.) values was found for the extract. The nature of cytotoxic activity is found to be apoptotic rather than necrosis by Hoechst test. The anti cancer effects of ethanol extract of Pueraria tuberosa. Roots may be related to their content of flavonoids. This study validates the traditional use of the plant in management of Cancer.

2 illus, 9 ref

004299   Dubey S (Botany Dep, Holkar Science College, Indore (M P)) : Dictyosporium pachmariensis and subramaniomyces pachmariensis two new species ofhyphomycetes from Madhya Pradesh, India. Life Sci Bull 2014, 11(2), 131-133.

Dictyosporium pachmariensis and Subramaniomyces pachmariensis two new species are described. Diagrams are given along with justification for creating new species.

2 illus, 5 ref

004298   Dubey S (Botany Dep, Holkar Science College, Indore (M.P)) : Hyphomycetes from Madhya Pradesh-II. Life Sci Bull 2014, 11(2), 125-7.

Two new species, Helicomyces jamunae Smita Dubey and H. N. Satya and Avesicladiella pachmariensis Smita Dubey and H. N. Satya are described, camera lucida diagrams of conidia, conidiophores and setae are given along with their measurements.

3 ref

004297   Digamber Rao B;Ramesh Babu M;Ellaswamy N (Botany Dep, Kakatiya University, Warangal-506 009) : Cyanotoxins and their potential applications. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2015, 14(1), 203-9.

Cyanobacteria are prokaryotic photoautotrophs capable of carrying out photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation simultaneously and they locate from different habitats are known to produce a diverse array of toxic bioactive compounds, particularly in terms of the physiology and ecology of the cyanobacteria that produce them, remains largely unknown. Although the potential of cyanobacteria as biofertiliser is well known, the attention has recently been focused on the biotechnological potential of cyanobacteria for obtaining pharmacologically active secondary metabolites which exhibit anticancer, antimicrobial, antifungal or anti-inflammatory, antiplasmodial, algicide, antiplatelet aggregation, immunosuppressive activities, expressing allelopathy character as well as the potential for development and application of these compounds as algicides, herbicides and insecticides. This review will discuss the existing evidence for the role of cyanotoxins, and specifically present relevant results from investigations into toxins of cyanobacteria from the published literature.

^iia3 illus, 107 ref

004296   Dhuria S S (Forestry, Wildlife and Environmental Sciences Dep, Guru Ghasidas Vishwavdalaya, Bilaspur(CG), Chhattisgarh, Email: ssdhuria@gmail.com) : Growth performance of clonal vis-a-vis seed origin plant of some forestry species. Life Sci Bull 2014, 11(2), 121-4.

Present paper deals with the comparative field performance of clonal and seed origin plants of five species viz.; Dalbergia sissoo, Pongamia pinata, Azadiracta indica, Leuceana leucocephala and Eucalyptus hybrid. Usual spacing of 2m x 2m between plants and rows were under taken. The purpose of this experiment was to test the hardiness of clonal and seed origin plants raised on degraded wastelands. Measurements of plant in terms of survival, height, collar diameter and number of lateral branches at six monthly intervals (December and June) were recorded. The results revealed that the clonal plantations showed better performance as compared to seedling origin plantation. Among the species tried in the field clonal plantation of E.hybrid, L.leucocephala and D.sissoo showed better height growth than their seed origin plants. Unlike height growth, the mean collar diameter of stecklings was invariably superior to seedling plantations in four species viz.; D.sissoo, P.pinnata, L.leucocephala and E.hybrid, except A.indica. Clonal plantations were also found to be superior to seedlings, in respect of fruiting and production of viable seed.

6 table, 6 ref

004295   Deora G S;Guhil N (Botany Dep, , New Campus, Jai Narain Vyas University) : In vitro antifungal activity of Bryum capillare (a moss) extract against Drechslera maydis. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2014, 3(5), 268-75.

Present study investigated with the effect of cold and boiled water crude extract of Bryum capillare against a plant pathogen Drechslera maydis. The results revealed that the colony diameter and fresh weight of test fungi was reduced in response to all concentrations ranged from 10-100 per cent especially the boiled water extract had strong antifungal activity with significant inhibition on the growth of test fungi. Findings in this study showed that B.capillare may have some potent active chemicals which showed antifungal activity resulting suppression of fungal growth. Further this study will also unlock the naturally occurring antifungal phytochemicals in this moss which can be further used as biocontrol agents against plant diseases.

10 ref

004294   Deora G (Human Genetics Dep, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar-143 005) : Andrographis paniculata-a review on the biological activities of the plant. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2014, 3(4), 263-83.

Medicinal plants have been used for centuries as remedies for human diseases and offer a new source of biologically active chemical compounds. Andrographis paniculata, highly reputed as "Kalmegh" and "King of Bitters", is one of the important herbs comprising of several medicinal properties. Mostly leaves and roots are used for different medicinal purposes. Diterpenoids and flavonoids are the main chemical constituents of A. paniculata which are believed to be responsible for the most biological activities of this plant. Medicinal properties of A. paniculata include its activities as anti-thrombotic, anti-hypertensive, anti-diarrhoeal, immune stimulatory, anti-malarial, anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), anti-diabetic, analgesic, anti-pyretic, anti-hyperlipidemic, hepato-protective, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-cancer, anti-snakebite, anti-viral, anti-protozoal, cardio-protective, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, gastro-protective and cerebro-protective. The present review focuses on the various biological activities of A. paniculata from the times when the different plant parts were eaten as dietary supplements, to the use of crude extracts in various studies using In vitro and in vivo models, and further to the extraction of different bioactive constituents and to study mechanisms of action of these different bioactive constituents on different cell signalling pathways, in context to various diseased conditions.

123 ref

004293   Choubey G;Mishra N (Botany and Microbiology Dep, Govt M H College of Home Science for Women (Autonomous), Jabalpur, Mad, ) : Degradation of obnoxious vegetation into vermicompost with the use of additives. Life Sci Bull 2014, 11(2), 209-11.

Four obnoxious vegetations viz., Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.), Lantana (Lantana camera L.), Water-hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes L.) and Ipomea (Ipomea cornea L.) were allowed to aerobic decomposition separately with the use of four additives viz., cowdung (a), Trichoderma (b), both a + b and no any additive in pots having 79 cm diameter and 30 cm height. Earth-worms (Eieseniafoetida) were incubated at the 200 g by weight in each pot for 30.0 days after partial decomposition. Various observations viz., quantity of composted products and biochemical properties of well decomposed products were recorded. Results revealed that the recovery of vermicomposts from Water hyacinth, Parthenium, Ipomea and Lantana were il.31, 58.46, 51.68 and 42.47%, respectively based on the dry matter of the vegetation. Mean recovery of vermlcomposts of all the four substrata without use of additives was 46.18, which increased as 55.68, 53.25 and 58.75% due to the use of (a), (b) and both a+b; respectively. The concentration of N, P, K, Fe, Zn and Cu as well as colonies offungus, bacteria and actinomycetes were increased in vermicomposts obtained from all the four vegetations. The concentration of these minerals and colonies of microbes further enhanced with the use of additives In descending order of b, a and a+b over no addition of any additive.

2 table, 9 ref

004292   Chaturvedi R C (Botany Dep, J N College, Pasighat - 791 102, Email: rameshchaturvedi71@yahoo.com) : Eco-friendly management of rhizome rot (Soft rot) disease of ginger under pasighat condition of Arunachal Pradesh. Hortflora Res Spectrum 2014, 3(4), 380-2.

Rhizome rot of ginger, caused by Pythium aphanidermatum (Edson) Fitz, is a major constraint for the production of healthy rhizome, sometimes causing total failure of crop. Chemical control of this pathogen is not economical and non-ecofriendly. Thus, the treatment with bio-control agent (Trichoderma viride) may offer practical and economical alternative for eco-friendly management of this disease. The lowest disease incidence (18.00 %) was recorded in T₅ - Rhizome treated with Trichoderma vir ide @ 10g/1 of water + Three foliar sprays of Trichoderma vir ide @ 4 kg/ha followed by T4Rhizome treated with Trichoderma viride @ 10g/1 of water + Two foliar sprays of Trichoderma vir ide @ 4 kg/ha with disease incidence of 24.33 %. The highest disease incidence (86.33%) was recorded in T₆ (control) which was raised without any rhizome treatment and foliar sprays.

1 table, 9 ref

004291   Chakraborty M;Jana B K;Bar R;Mukherjee S K (Taxonomy and Biosystematics Laboratory, Botany Dep, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia-741 235) : Taxonomical significance of cypselar morpho-anatomical variations in some species of the tribe lactuceae (asteraceae). Int J pharm Res Biosci 2014, 3(4), 117-33.

Present paper deals with the detailed morpho anatomical eatures of cypselas in some species of the tribe Lactuceae. Special attention was been taken to the surface hair, stylopodia, carpopodia, pappus structure etc. Anatomically, mesocarpic region is very interesting than other layers of pericarp, due to the variety of cellular differentiation. Lastly on the basis of the above mention morpho anatomical features, an artificial key to the studied species has been constructed.

12 ref

004290   Barupal;Narayan P (Botany Dep, Govt Dungal College, Bikaner (Rajasthan), Email: gkbarupal@yahoo.com) : Seasonal variations in the physico-chemical parametrs of Kaylana Lake, Jodhpur (Rajasthan). Life Sci Bull 2014, 11(2), 115-20.

Study was carried out to investigate the seasonal variations in physico-chemical parameters of Kaylana lake, Jodhpur for a period of twelve months i.e. July,2013 to June,2014. Eighteen different parameters were studied monthly in shallow and deep water zone of the lake. In the present study, transparency values in both the zone were observed to be minimum during rainy season and maximum during winter season. Turbidity and specific conductivity were recorded maximum in rainy and minimum in winter season. Free carbon-dioxide, alkalinity, biological oxygen demand (BOD), total hardness, calcium, magnesium and chloride concentration were observed maximum in summer and minimum in winter season. Phosphate and nitrate- nitrogen showed maximum level during the monsoon and minimum during the summer season.

2 tables, 24 ref

004289   Balachandran N B;Jendiran K R (Botany Dep, K M Centre for Post Graduate Studies, Lawspet, Puducherry-605 008, Email: nbala_plant@yahoo.co.in) : Multicoloured seed coat and flower in Abrus precatorius (Leguminosae), India. Curr Sci 2015, 109(4), 682-4.

3 illus, 33 ref

004288   Asati N;Yadava R N (Natural Products Laboratory, Chemistry Dep, Dr. H. S. Gour Central University, Sagar-470 003) : New triterpenoid saponin from acacia auriculiformis cunn. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2014, 3(5), 341-9.

New triterpenoid saponin 3-O-[à-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)]-α-L-ara binopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-galactopyranosy l-3β, 16α, 21β, 22α, 28-pentahydroxy-olean-12-ene along with known compound corosolic acid has been isolated from the methanolic extract of the stems of the plant by various colour reactions, chemical degradation and spectral analysis.

24 ref

004287   Ackah F K;Puije G C V D;Moses E (Crop Science Dep, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana, Email: ackah_frank@yahoo.co.uk) : First evaluation of TARO (Colocasia esculenta)genotypes against leaf blight (Phytophthora colocasiae) in Ghana. Hortflora Res Spectrum 2014, 3(4), 390-1.

Taro genotypes were collected and evaluated to determine their resistance in the Aowin Suaman district of Ghana. Twenty five (25) genotypes of taro from both the Ashanti and Western Region were evaluated for six months in a location for resistance to the leaf blight disease in the study area. The Randomized Complete Block Design was used with each accession replicated three times. The results revealed that of the 25 accessions evaluated, no accession was completely resistant to the disease in the study are though some were moderately resistant, and that the only solution to the disease is to breed for resistance.

^ssc1 table, 9 ref

003213   Zamora L;Contaldo N;Paltrinieri S;Quinones M L;Pinol B;Acosta K I;Bertaccini A (NO, National Center of Animal and Plant Health, Apdo 10, San Jose de las Lajas, Mayabeque, Cuba, Email: loidyzamorag@gmail.com) : Cuperus rotundus L. a new host species for 'Candidatus phytoplasma aurantifolia' - related phytoplasmas in Cuba. Phytopath Mollicutes 2015, 5(1), 42-5.

The identification of phytoplasmas in asymptomatic plants of Cyperus rotundus growing in common bean crops cultivated in Cuba is reported and the potential risk of infection to cultivated species is discussed. The detected phytoplasmas belong to ribosomal group 16SrII, as confirmed by homology on part of the 16S rDNA sequence obtained after sequencing amplicons obtained in nested-PCR assays. This is the first report of the presence of 16SrII phytoplasmas in C. rotundus; further studies are necessary to assess the epidemiologic aspects of this finding in Cuban horticultural cultivations especially in common beans.

3 illus, 27 ref

003212   Yadav C;Malik C P (School of Life Sciences, Jaipur National Univ, Jaipur-302 017, Email: cpm_malik@yahoo.com) : Botany, chemical constituents and genetic diversity in fennel (F. vulgare Mill). LS-Int J Life Sci 2015, 4(1), 18-32.

Fennel (F. vulgare Mill) is an important seed spice and one of the earliest known minor spices used by mankind. Fennel is widely distributed throughout the world and belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is an old medicinal plant and has been commonly used as a traditional food and medicine. Fennel seeds are used for their anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antimicrobial properties and oestrogen-promoting action. Recent research has identified fennel as a valuable medicinal plant with potential for multipurpose uses and also as a source for preparing raw materials of pharmaceutical industry, especially steroidal hormones. A significant increase in quantity and quality yields through the suitable management of cultivation, chemical constituents and biotechnology practice could make an immediate and important contribution to farm and pharmaceutical industry income. Biotechnological tools such as molecular markers are one of the potent tools, which help the plant breeder to develop new varieties and breeding strategies for crop improvement programmes. To achieve these goals with regard to sustainable production, we reviewed a summary of biology, cultivation and biotechnology of fennel in this paper.

^iia2 illus, 2 tables, 57 ref

003211   Singh S;Batish D R;Kohli R K;Singh H P (Botany Dep, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014, Email: daizybatish@yahoo.com ) : Evaluation of the antioxidant properties of some oil yielding lamiaceous plants from morni hills (Haryana, India). Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(3), 1078-82.

The present study was conducted to explore the antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of essential oil extracted from the leaves of plants of family Lamiaceae from Morni hills in the north-eastern part of the state of Haryana, India. Ten plants- Hyptis suaveolens, Mentha longifolia, M. pulegium, Ocimum basilicum, Plectranthus incanus, P. striatus, Pogostemon benghalensis, Rabdosia rugosa, Salvia plebeia and Scutellaria angulosa- of the family Lamiaceae were explored from the area and the essential oil from their leaves was extracted. The maximum oil yield was found in leaves of O. basilicum, while the oil yield was the minimum in leaves of P. incanus. The density of oil was found to be the maximum in H. suaveolens, while it was the minimum in P. incanus and S. angulosa. The essential oils of all the plants exhibited DPPH radical scavenging activity; however, it was best exhibited by S. angulosa (with least IC₅₀ value) in comparison to standard butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Further, the oil also exhibited total antioxidant activity, which was found to be the greatest in H. suaveolens, O. basilicum and P. benghalensis (with lesser IC₅₀ values compared to standard ascorbic acid). The study concludes that Morni hills ecosystem has a rich diversity of Lamiaceous plants that possess a good antioxidant /radical scavenging activity that is worth exploiting in future.

16 ref

003210   Singh J;Gehlot P (School of Biotechnology and Biosciences, Lovely Professional Univ, Phagwara, Punjab-144 402, Email: drpg73@rediffmail.com) : Species diversity of the genus Gigaspora in indian thar desert. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2014, 11(3), 1611-13.

The objective of the present study was to investigate species diversity of the arbuscular mycorrhizal genus Gigaspora associated with some important plants of Indian Thar Desert. Gigaspora species are an important component of soil microorganisms and are beneficial for plant growth and development. Identification and characterization were made on observed spore morphology. Five species of Gigaspora have been reported. The most frequent and abundant species was found to be G. margarita.

1 illus, 6 ref

003209   Sharma B K;Bhat A A;Jain A K (Institute of Ethnobiology, Jiwaji Univ, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Email: fernofsikkim@gmail.com) : Adansonia digitata L. (malvaceae) a threatened tree species of medicinal importance. Med Pl 2015, 7(3), 173-8.

Adansonia digitata L. (baobab) an important and threatened tree is valued all over the world for its medicinal and nutritional value. It is also an excellent species because of comprising anti-oxidant activity which is many times higher than other plants. Baobab has numerous biological properties including antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Phytochemical investigations revealed the presence of flavonoids, phytosterols, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. The seeds of A. digitata are a good source of significant quantities of lysine, thiamine, calcium and iron. In addition, the global demand for baobab raw material (e.g. seed oil, fruit pulp) for the food and beverage, nutraceutical and cosmetic industries has increased dramatically in recent years. Present paper summarizes the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, biological properties and nutritional value.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 87 ref

003208   Seal T;Halder N;Chaudhuri K;Sinha S N (Plant Chemistry Dep, Botanical Survey of India, A.J.C. Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Shibpur, Howrah, Email: kaktapan65@yahoo.co.in) : Evaluation of antioxidant activities of algae and effect of solvent extraction system. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(3), 1273-8.

The present communication is mainly focused to study the antioxidant activities of the four different extracts (benzene, chloroform, acetone and methanol) of five algae including Aphanothece pallida, Anabena variabilis, Aphanothece saxicola, Lyngbya major, Nitella flagelliformis. The total phenolic content varied from 2.99±0.23 to 25.38±0.22 mg/g, 4.20±0.135 to 14.10±0.13 mg/g, 3.07±0.22 to 27.03±0.11 mg/g and 2.34±0.03 to 4.87±0.14 mg/g dry material in the benzene, chloroform, acetone and methanol extracts of the algae respectively. The flavonoid content and flavonol content were found to be highest in the chloroform extract of Nitella flagelliformis and the least amount of flavonoids present in the acetone extract of Lyngbya major (4.88 ± 0.14 mg/g). The 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging effect of the extracts were determined spectrophotometrically. The highest radical scavenging was observed in the acetone extract of Nitella flagelliformis with IC₅₀ = 0.15±0.01 mg dry material. The greater amount of phenolic compounds leads to more potent radical scavenging effect as shown by the acetone extract of Nitella flagelliformis. The reducing power of the extracts of the plants were also evaluated as mg AAE (ascorbic acid equivalent)/g dry material. The chloroform extract of Nitella flagelliformis showed the highest reducing power 231.08±2.01 mg AAE/g dry material. The results indicate that these algae can be utilized as natural antioxidant in order to prevent free radical toxicity.

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003207   Rajani S;Urwashi K;Aruna R (Botany Dep, Smt. C.H.M. College (Affiliated to Univ of Mumbai), Ulhasnagar-421 003, Email: aru_r17@hotmail.com) : In-vitro cyototoxic studies of Caesalpinia bonducella F. using aqueous extract of seed powder and callus. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(3), 1181-3.

In the traditional system of Indian medicine Caesalpinia bonducella Flem. is widely used for its medicinal properties. All parts are valuable as it contains various secondary metabolites. Seeds contain 20-30% of oil. On the basis of phyto-chemical analysis of the seed it is known to contain alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins and furano di terpenes. The plant possesses antidiabetic, antioxidant, antitumor, antiproliferative and anti imflammatory activities. "Cytotoxicity" is the ability to kill the cells. In the present study experiments were carried out to check for the cytotoxic nature of seeds and callus using Daphnia cultures. The method used is simple, inexpensive and even a low toxin amounts are sufficient to perform the test. Cytotoxic nature was tested using aqueous extracts of seed powder as well as callus. From the experiments it was observed that extract from seed powder as well as callus expressed cytotoxic activities, however, seed powder extract was more effective compared to callus extract.

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003206   Patel B C;Patel N M (NO, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat Univ, Patan, Gujarat) : In-vitro antioxidant activity of - an ayurvedic bhunimbadi churna. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2014, 3(3), 472-8.

Medicinal plants represent a rich source of antioxidant agents and used medicinally in different countries as source of many potent and powerful drugs. The present study was undertaken to evaluate DPPH radical scavenging assay and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay. The antioxidant activity of the methanol extract increased in a concentration-dependent manner. It is concluded that these results suggest that the Methanolic extract of Bhunimbadi Churna possess antioxidant effect in DPPH radical scavenging assay and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay.

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003205   Pastore M;del Vaglio M (NO, CRA - Council for Agricultural Research and Economics - Unita di ricer, Caserta, Italy) : Role of the no template control samples in the selection of primers to quantify 'Candidatus phytoplasma pyri' by qPCR assays. Phytopath Mollicutes 2015, 5(1), 1-8.

Recent reports indicate as essential information, that must be submitted with the manuscripts about quantitative PCR the quantification cycle (Cq), corresponding to threshold cycle (Ct), of the samples named no template control (NTC), containing the mix without DNA template. Moreover if all samples without template show different Cq values for at least three times, there is a high probability of contamination due to human error during the plate loading. In this case, samples that resulted positive in analytical PCR can differ only of one Ct from the NTC samples. This problem was found in checking two couples of primers to quantify 'Candidatus Phytoplasma pyri' in DNAs samples extracted from pear leaves that were positive in nested PCR assays. The possibility of a contamination of one of the reagents was excluded since the Ct values of NTC samples were not close to each other and the melting curve analysis did not reveal the presence of primer dimers at low temperatures. The analyses of NTC samples were determinant suggesting to not further promote the use of the two couples of primers.

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003204   Nielsen J A;Frew R D;Whigam P A;Callaway R M; Dickinson K J M (Botany Dep, Otago Univ, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand, Email: jacquinielsen@yahoo.com) : Germination and growth responses of co-occurring grass species to soil from under invasive Thymus vulgaris. Allelopathy J 2015, 35(1), 139-52.

Identifying the mechanisms underlying invasion success is important for our understanding of why some exotic plants negatively impact the biodiversity and functioning of only certain ecosystems. Allelopathy is one potential mechanism of invasion in which invasive plants produce secondary compounds (allelochernicals) that inhibit the growth of nearby organisms. Thymus vulgaris L.is an aromatic perennial, endemic to the western Mediterranean, which in its native range affects other species via allelopathy, but overall appears to facilitate native diversity. Thymus vulgaris has invaded thousands of hectares of Central Otago, southern New Zealand where it grows at high densities in relatively monocultural communities in which native species are less common than exotic species. We examined the effects of soil collected from under thyme and from away from thyme, from both north- and south-facing slopes, on the germination and seedling biomass of three common exotic (Bromus diandrus Roth, Dactylis glomerata L. and Vulpia myuros (L.) C.C.Gmel. var. megalum (Nutt.) Auquier) and two common native (Anthosachne aprica (A.Love et Connor) C.Yen et J.L.Yang, Poa colensoi Hook.f.) thyme-associated grass species. We detected small quantities of the allelochemicals thymol and carvacrol in soil under thyme. Soil from under thyme had no effect on germination rates or seedling growth for either native or exotic grasses. Native grasses had inherently lower germination rates and seedling biomass than exotic grasses, and these differences between natives and exotics were the most striking in our results.

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003203   Manayi A;Vazirian M;Saeidnia S (Medicinal Plants Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Univ of Medical Sciences, Tehran-1417614411, Iran, Email: saidnia_s@tums.ac.ir) : Echinacea purpurea: pharmacology, phytochemistry and analysis methods. Pharmacog Rev 2015, 9(17), 63-72.

Echinacea purpurea (Asteraceae) is a perennial medicinal herb with important immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, especially the alleviation of cold symptoms. The plant also attracted scientists' attention to assess other aspects of its beneficial effects. For instance, antianxiety, antidepression, cytotoxicity, and antimutagenicity as induced by the plant have been revealed in various studies. The findings of the clinical trials are controversial in terms of side effects. While some studies revealed the beneficial effects of the plant on the patients and no severe adverse effects, some others have reported serious side effects including abdominal pain, angioedema, dyspnea, nausea, pruritus, rash, erythema, and urticaria. Other biological activities of the plant such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and larvicidal activities have been reported in previous experimental studies. Different classes of secondary metabolites of the plant such as alkamides, caffeic acid derivatives, polysaccharides, and glycoproteins are believed to be biologically and pharmacologically active. Actually, concurrent determination and single analysis of cichoric acid and alkamides have been successfully developed mainly by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with different detectors including UV spectrophotometric, coulometric electrochemical, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometric detectors. The results of the studies which were controversial revealed that in spite of major experiments successfully accomplished using E. purpurea, many questions remain unanswered and future investigations may aim for complete recognition of the plant's mechanism of action using new, complementary methods.

2 illus, 95 ref

003202   Malik S;Kumar A (Botany Dep, C.C.S. Univ, Meerut) : Approach for nano-particle synthesis: using as nano-fertilizer. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2014, 3(3), 519-27.

Synthesis of nano-particles has become a matter of great interest in recent years due to their so many functional properties and applications in the variety of fields. Development of reliable and eco-friendly approach for synthesis of nano-particles is an important stage in the field of agriculture. The application of various nano-particles in plants has generated significant interest in agriculture nanotechnology. The impact of different nanoparticles on the growth and metabolic functions diverge differently among plants. Nanoparticle mediated fertilizers have the potential to enhance plant growth and soil fertility. The delivery of nano-fertilizers to the plants provides some insights for the improvement of the crop. The present paper reports the approach for nano-particle synthesis using as nanofertilizer.

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003201   Lingbeck J M;O'Bryan C A;Martin E M;Adams J P;Crandall P G (NO, Sea Star International LLC, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA, Email: crandal@uark.edu) : Sweetgum: an ancient source of beneficial compounds with modern benefits. Pharmacog Rev 2015, 9(17), 1-11.

Sweetgum trees are large, deciduous trees found in Asia and North America. Sweetgum trees are important resources for medicinal and other beneficial compounds. Many of the medicinal properties of sweetgum are derived from the resinous sap that exudes when the outer bark of the tree has been damaged. The sap, known as storax, has been used for centuries to treat common ailments such as skin problems, coughs, and ulcers. More recently, storax has proven to be a strong antimicrobial agent even against multidrug resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. In addition to the sap, the leaves, bark, and seeds of sweetgum also possess beneficial compounds such as shikimic acid, a precursor to the production of oseltamivir phosphate, the active ingredient in Tamiflu^{®-an antiviral drug effective against several influenza viruses. Other extracts derived from sweetgum trees have shown potential as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and chemopreventive agents. The compounds found in the extracts derived from sweetgum sap suppress hypertension in mice. Extracts from sweetgum seeds have anticonvulsant effects, which may make them suitable in the treatment of epilepsy. In addition to the potential medicinal uses of sweetgum extracts, the extracts of the sap possess antifungal activity against various phytopathogenic fungi and have been effective treatments for reducing nematodes and the yellow mosquito, Aedes aegypti, populations thus highlighting the potential of these extracts as environment-friendly pesticides and antifungal agents. The list of value-added products derived from sweetgum trees can be increased by continued research of this abundantly occurring tree.}

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003200   Kukkupuni S K;Narayanan V S (NO, Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions, No 74/2, Jarakabande Kaval, Post Attur, Via Yelahanka, Bangalore-560 106, Email: s.kumar@frlht.org) : Misleading "non-rasayanas". Pharmacog Rev 2015, 9(17), 84-5.

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003199   Hosseini S A E;Salehi M;Khodakaramian G; Mirchenari S M;Bertaccini A (Plant Protection Research Dep, Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection, Yazd Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Yazd, Iran, Email: saesmailzadeh@iripp.ir) : Up to date status of alfalfa witches' broom disease in Iran. Phytopath Mollicutes 2015, 5(1), 9-18.

Among the cultivated forage crops, alfalfa is very important in Iran. Nearly 28 years ago, symptoms of alfalfa witches' broom (AWB) were reported from Jiroft, southern of Iran. Since then, the disease was reported from other parts of Iran and the epidemic of AWB was recorded in Chahgeer, Yazd in 1997. Now AWB disease is widespread all over the country especially in tropical and subtropical areas. The phytoplasma strains reported from alfalfa in Iran were classified in 16SrI, 16SrII, 16SrVI and 16SrXII groups. The major symptoms reported are little leaf, internode Shortening, flower virescence, phyllody, proliferation and sterility, witches' broom, leaf yellowing, leaf curling and death. Orosius albicinctus was identified as vector of the disease in Fars and Yazd provinces. Prosopis farcta and Cardaria draba were natural host plants of the AWB. The disease reduced plant heights, leaf area, shoot dry and fresh weight and seed yields of alfalfa crops. So far no effective control strategies are in practice; however use of dense planting and field resistant varieties are recommended for preventing AWB disease.

13 illus, 1 table, 50 ref

003198   Hegde S N;Rameshsing C N;Vasundhara M (PSMA Dep, College of Horticulture, Bengaluru-560 065, Email: shreeramnh@gmail.com) : Characterization of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni polyploids for growth and quality. Med Pl 2015, 7(3), 188-95.

Polyploids of stevia were developed in Department of Horticulture, UAS Bangaluru, using different concentrations of colchicine. The induced ploidy levels, confirmed through flow cytometry, included diploid, triploid, tetraploid and mixaploid forms. These polyploids showed variability during initial trials. To study the variability in morphological and quality parameters among polyploids, an experiment was conducted in field condition by using randomized complete block design with 10 treatments and three replications. Variability was observed among polyploids. Triploid-T7 plants were significantly taller (83.28 cm) with maximum internodal length (3.85 cm) and primary branches (3.00). Mixaploid plants recorded significantly the maximum stem thickness (8.43 mm), numbers of secondary branches (24.64), leaf thickness (0.57 mm), leaf area (15.00 cm2), stem weight (114.98 g), delayed flowering (73.33 days for 50% flowering) and highest stevioside content in leaf (13.50%). Maximum leaf area index (3.85) and rebaudioside-A content (6.21%) were recorded in tetraploid-T10. The induced polyploids showed better agronomic characters with maximum glycoside content. Hence, manipulation of ploidy level generated variability and improved the quality in stevia.

4 illus, 4 tables, 16 ref

003197   Gholami A (Botany Dep, Delhi Univ, Delhi-110 007, Email: gholamiakram@gmail.com) : Biology of Alysicarpus monilifer (L.) DC. : an important medicinal plant. Med Pl 2015, 7(3), 248-51.

Alysicarpus monilifer (Desmodieae, Fabaceae) is an important medicinal herb used in the indigenous system of medicine. The plant is used as anti-inflammatory, in stomach ache, as an antidote to snakebite, and for the treatment of fever, jaundice, leucoderma, diarrhoea, skin diseases and kidney stones. As the plant is in demand in the preparation of herbal drugs, there is need for propagation and cultivation of the species to meet the market demand. In the present communication, available data on various aspects of the A. monilifer has been discussed.

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003196   Gayathri V;Kiruba D (Botany Dep, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Wo, Coimbatore-641 043, Email: gaya4874@gmail.com) : Fluorescence analysis of two medicinal plants - psidium guajava L and citrus aurantium. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(3), 1279-82.

The plants used for the present study viz., Psidium guajava L and Citrus aurantium belong to the family Myrtaceae and Rutaceae respectively. Guava is native to tropical America. The young leaves are used as tonic in digestive disorders. Bitter orange is native of South Eastern Asia; grow in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. It is a rich source of provitamin A. The present investigation on the fluorescent characters of the leaf powder showed varied colours like green, pale green, dark green, brown and yellow under different chemical treatments in both the medicinal plants used for the study.

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003195   Ganie A H;Tali B A;Nawchoo I A;Reshi Z A (Botany Dep, Kashmir Univ, Srinagar-190 006, Email: aijazku@gmail.com) : Mechanism of self-pollination in Ajuga bracteosa Wallich ex benth. Curr Sci 2015, 108(10), 1793-5.

2 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

003194   Franco D M;Saldanha L L;Silva E M;Nogueira F T S;Dokkedal A L;Santos C;De Almeida L F R (Botany Dep, Instituto de Biociencias, Univ. Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, Sao Paulo, 18618-970, Brazil, Email: luizfernando@ibb.unesp.br) : Effects of leaf extracts of Myrcia guianensis (Aubl.) DC. on growth and gene expression during root development of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. Allelopathy J 2015, 35(2), 237-48.

Allelopathic potential of leaf extracts from the medicinal plant Myrcia guianensis (Aubl.) DC. was studied in Petri dish bioassays on sorghum and determined the seed germination, germination rate index (GRI), root growth, secondary root number, the genes involved in root development (SHR, PHB, PHV and REV) and microRNA 166 that regulates these genes. The hydroalcoholic extract was more inhibitory than methanol extract (moderate inhibition) and aqueous extract at 25 and 100% concentration were least inhibitory. Application of higher dose of - hydroalcoholic M. guianenesis leaf extracts on sorghum seeds, inhibited the root development and changed the expression of SHR and PHB genes and microRNA 166. This suggested that the expression of these genes could be indicator of allelopathic potential for inhibition of root development in sorghum.

6 illus, 1 table, 36 ref

003193   Erez M E;Fidan M (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science, Siirt Univ, 56100, Turkey, Email: emreerez@hotmail.com) : Allelopathic effects of sage (Salvia macrochlamys) extract on germination of Portulaca oleracea seeds. Allelopathy J 2015, 35(2), 285-96.

Studies the allelopathic effects of Sage (Salvia macrochlamys Boiss. et Kotschy) aerial parts on the germination of Portulaca oleracea seeds. Germination of P. oleracea seeds was inhibited by methanol extract of S. macrochlamys at concentrations <62> 2.5 %. The extract concentrations and germination period significantly influenced the protein profiles of germinated seeds. The increasing concentrations of extract decreased the amylase activity of germinating seeds. The control and lower concentration (2.5%) of extracts increased the gibberellic acid (GA₃) levels but higher concentrations (5% and 10%) did not increase GA₃ levels. The application of higher extracts concentrations (5 % and 10 %) decreased the abscisic acid (ABA) concentration in P. oleracea seeds. Therefore, different germination response of P. oleracea seeds to applied sage extracts could be due to the perturbed GA₃ and ABA amounts and ratio, which further influenced the changes in activities of α- amylase. The main allelochemicals in S. macrochylamis extracts were phenolic compounds and fatty acids.

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003192   Dash A K;Dutta G K;Sahoo G;Sardar K K;Mishra S K (Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry Dep, College of Veterinary Science and A.H., Anjora, Durg, Chattisgarh-491 001, Email: akdash123@gmail.com) : Nutri-biochemical composition of Asteracantha longifolia. Med Pl 2015, 7(3), 233-6.

Asteracantha longifolia, a semi aquatic plant, is distributed widely throughout India including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Burma and Malaysia. The yield of fresh stem of Asteracantha longifolia at its pre-flowering stage was observed to be 13.43±0.29 %. The hot water extracts yielded 12.95±0.06 % of dry weight of stem. The proximate analysis values of stem on dry matter basis were found to be crude protein (8.268±0.033 %), ash (16.007±0.049 %), ether extract (2.815±0.025 %), crude fiber (31.683±0.020 %) and nitrogen free extract (41.235±0.047 %). The quantitative phytochemical investigations have demonstrated the presence of adequate quantity of phenolics and flavonoids that are fundamental for maintaining health and production. Mineral concentration of dried stem powder and hot water extract evidenced that hot water extract contained a significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) concentration of sodium, potassium, manganese, copper, zinc, calcium and magnesium than the stem powder, but iron concentration was found significantly higher (p≤0.05) in stem powder. The incorporation of Asteracantha longifolia can be a potential source of antioxidants, macro and micro minerals for manufacturing nutraceuticals and enhancing feed quality.

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003191   Dahake P R;Kamble S I (Botany Seed Technology and Dep, Phulsing Naik Mahavidyalaya Pusad, District Yavatmal, Maharashtra) : Investigatory study on antimicrobial activity and phytochemical screening of Butea monosperma Linn. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2014, 11(3), 1695-8.

Infectious diseases are the second leading cause for worldwide death. Treatment of infections continues to be problematic in modern time because of the severe side effects of some drugs and the growing resistance to antimicrobial agents. Over the past few decades the use of antibiotics is under threat as many commonly used antibiotics have become less effective against certain illnesses due to emergence of multi drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. The continuous search for the source of new antibiotics is needed to face the problem of increasing resistant strains of bacteria. It is known that more than 400,000 species of tropical flowering plants possesses medicinal properties through their phytochemical constituents. Considering the important role of Butea monosperma in inhibition of different cultures of bacteria, the present study was conducted to evaluate its antimicrobial spectrum against different life threatening pathogenic microorganisms and screening for various phytochemical constituents.

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003190   Agarwal M;Chauhan S (Botany Dep, B.S.A. College, Mathura-281 001, Email: semchau@gmail.com) : Anti-mycobaterial potential of Dolichandrone falcata (Wall. ex DC.) Seem. (Bignoniaceae). Med Pl 2015, 7(3), 219-26.

In the present study antibacterial activity of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of stem bark and leaves of Dolichandrone falcata (Wall. ex DC.) Seem (Bignoniaceae) was tested against MDR isolates DKU-156 and JAL-1236 of M. tuberculosis, reference susceptible strain M. tuberculosis H37Rv as well as fast growing mycobacterial pathogen M. fortuitum (TMC-1529). The leaves and bark collected between spring and summer season were dried and extracts was prepared using three portions of the dried powdered bark and leaves. It was soaked separately in 500 ml of distilled water and ethanol (98%) for 72 h and refluxed and filtrates were concentrated under vacuum at 40° C to obtain the dry extracts. Reference drug susceptible strain M. tuberculosis H37Rv as control, multi-drug resistant isolates DKU-156, JAL-1236 and fast growing mycobacterial pathogen M. fortuitum (TMC-1529) were used during the present investigation. Antimicrobial assays were performed in Lowenstein Jensen (L-J) medium and Middlebrook 7H9 broth in BacT/ALERT 3D system (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, USA). The aqueous and alcoholic extracts of stem bark and leaves were incorporated in the media. Susceptibility testing of MDR isolates was also performed against streptomycin in the same batch of media for comparison of cfu on drug free controls. The results of the present investigation clearly showed that the aqueous extracts, of stem bark were more effective as compared to aqueous and leaf extracts and alcoholic stem bark and leaf extracts.

9 tables, 36 ref

002278   Varma R;Sadda N (NO, , A-302, ShreeNath Orchid, Mala Road, Kota Jn., Kota, Rajasthan-324 001, Email: ninju2008@gmail.com) : Association of seed bone fungi with the discolored seeds of Luffa aegyptica. Agric biol Res 2015, 31(1), 68-74.

One twenty seed samples from seven Luffa growing areas namely Bargoan, Dadhevi, Kalatalo, Mandana, Nanta, Ranpur and Ratkankara of Kota district in Rajasthan were studied. Dry seed inspection revealed the occurrence of discolorations and external features of seed. Such as Brown discolouration, 99(2.25-35.25%) black spotted discoloured seeds 69 (2.25-20.75%), white mycelial growth on seeds, 39(2.25-16.25%) shrivelled seeds 82(0.25-10.25%) and insect damaged seeds 63(0.25-4.75%). During incubation studies 29 species belonging to 18 genera are found in seed samples of Luffa from Kota district of Rajasthan. Seed samples from Bargoan and Mandana carried higher frequency of mycoflora. Alternaira alternate, Chaetomium globosum, C. spinosum, Colletotrichum orbiculare, C. dematium, Curvularia lunata. Drechslera halodes, D. bicolor, Rhizoctonia bataticola, R. solani, Rhizopus nigricans and R.stolonifer were some important pathogens. Fungi such as Aspergillus nidulans and Colletotrichum dematium with low incidence were completely eliminated after pretreatment with chlorine in standard blotter method. Among the pathogenic fungi R. bataticola, Colletotrichum orbiculare, R. solani and A. alternata was high in samples from Bargoan and Mandana of Kota district of Rajasthan. Where is in Kalatalo and Ratkankara the incidence of fungus was low. Infection of R. bataticola markedly increased in pretreated seeds.

6 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref