023454   Shintu P V;Radhakrishnan V V;Mohanan K V (Botany Dep, Calicut Univ, Kerala-673 635) : West Indian arrowroot - a medicinal plant and starch source. Indian J Arecanut Spices med Pl 2015, 17(1), 20-3.

3 illus, 6 ref

023453   Pusalkar P K;Srivastava S K (NO, Botanical Survey of India, Northern Regional Centre, 192-Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun-248 195, Email: lecyth@yahoo.com) : Carpesium cordatum F.H. Chen & C.M. Hu (asteraceae) - a new record for Indian flora. Ann For 2014, 22(2), 207-9.

Carpesium cordatum F.H. Chen & C.M. Hu [Asteraceae] is reported here as a new record for Indian flora.

1 illus, 5 ref

023452   Pathania P C;Sharma N;Kazmi S I (Entomology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004) : Macromoths (lepidoptera) diversity of Takhni Rehmapur Wildlife Sanctuary, Hoshirpur, Punjab, India. Ann For 2014, 22(2), 249-61.

A preliminary study on the macromoths diversity of Takhni Rehmapur Wildlife Sanctuary (Hoshiarpur, Punjab) India was conducted on 12th - 13th November 2011 and 10th - 11th November, 2013. A total of 31 species belonging to 31 genera under 7 families, Geometridae, Lasiocampidae, Eupterotidae, Sphingidae, Lymantriidae, Arctiidae and Noctuidae were recorded. Noctuidae Family was maximum with 11 species, followed by Geometridae 7 species, Arctiidae 4, Sphingidae 3, Lasiocampidae, Eupterotidae, Lymantriidae 2 each.

38 ref

023451   Parimala R;Hedge G R (Botany Dep, JSS College, Vidyagiri, Dharwad-580 004, Email: pkallihal@rediffmail.com) : Three grasses new to the flora of Karnataka. Ann For 2014, 22(2), 210-12.

Three grass taxa viz., Avena sterilis L. var. ludoviciana (Durieu) Gill & Magne, Leptochloa panicea (Retz.) Ohwi and Urochloa setigera (Retz.) Stapf collected from Dharwad district of Karnataka, are reported as new records to the Flora of Karnataka.

13 ref

023450   Otaghvari A M (Biology Dep, Mazandaran Univ, Babolsar, Iran) : Rapid and efficient method for the extraction of total genomic DNA from tree species, Acacia catechu and Madhuca latifolia, rich in the secondary compounds. Ann For 2014, 22(2), 184-8.

Efficient method is presented for the rapid isolation of high molecular weight pure DNA from secondary compounds rich tree species Acacia catechu and Madhuca latifolia. The originality of the method lies in the combination of optimum concentrations of NaCl and PVP used, addition of sodium sulphite and in the ice treatment. The DNA isolated can be used for RFLP and PCR amplification. The method may be applicable for wide variety of other plant species rich in secondary compounds.

2 illus, 12 ref

023449   Nandhini T;Paramaguru P (Medicinal and Aromatic Crops Dep, Horticultural College & Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agriculural Uni, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: tnandhi@gmail.com ) : Evaluating the taxonomic status of Solanum nigrum L. using flow cytometry and DNA barcoding technique. J Spices aromatic Crop 2014, 23(2), 233-42.

Solarium nigrum L. is a widely distributed species whose taxonomic status remains controversial. The ploidy determination of all the accessions were done based on stomatal, pollen and some morphological characters but morphometry could not provide solution to distinguish these species. In this study, ploidy status of all the accessions were done using flow cytometry and DNA barcoding technique was also applied to identify and distinguish 13 distinct germplasm collections. DNA of all 13 accessions was isolated and sequenced. The sequence was aligned using DNASTAR offline Software. The DNA sequence was subjected to BLAST for identifying at species level. The intra specific variation between the species was calculated using MEGA 5.0. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that among the 13 accessions, six were identified as S. americanum Mill, three were identified as S. nigrum Linn, and four were identified as S. villosum Mill.

^iia3 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

023448   Mosharraf F B;Jahan Z;Datta M;Hossain M;Islam N;Choudhury N (NO, , ) : Medicinal plants: an alternative source for antimicrobials against emerging pathogens. Omniscience 2014, 4(3), 12-20.

The Tagetes erecta an extensively used medicinal plant is a small shrub, which grows up to 1-2 mm. The present study was aimed to investigate the antibacterial activity of this common locally available plant. Antimicrobial activity of three confined densities of crude extracts (cold aqueous, hot aqueous and methanol extracts) of medicinal plant Tagetes erecta leaves and flowers was evaluated by disk diffusion method against seven different pathogenic species of gram positive and gram negative bacteria. The result indicates that the leaf and flower of this plant part showed a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. Nevertheless the extracts showed promising effect, yet the methanol extract showed least inhibition against the test microorganisms in comparison to hot aqueous extract and cold aqueous extract. Current results will provide a background for further endeavor in these fields.

023447   Jahan Z;Mosharraf F B;Rahman S;Hossain M; Islam N;Choudhury N (NO, , ) : Cynodon dactylon: antimicrobial potential of crude extract as valuable medicinal plant. Omniscience 2014, 4(3), 6-11.

Cynodon dactylon (Poacae) is a well known traditional plant used as a folk remedy in treatment of many symptoms and diseases like cramps, measles, tumors, wounds, warts, fever and rheumatic affections. In this study, the antimicrobial activity of the plant crude extract from three different extraction (hot and cold aqueous extraction, methanol extraction) was investigated against some of the gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus cereus) and gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae) using disc diffusion method. Amoxicillin was taken as positive control. The diameter of the clear zone of inhibition surrounding the disc was measured. The aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon had antimicrobial activity against all the test organisms indicating broad spectrum activity of the extract for both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. No clear zone formed with methanol extract. It can be concluded that aqueous extract of whole plant of Cynodon dactylon may be considered as an antibacterial agent and can be used to source antibiotic substances for possible treatment of bacterial infections.

023446   Hussain A;Anil Kumar C (NO, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram-695 562) : Clonal propagation through stem cuttings and air layering in Syzygium caryophyllatum (L.) alston and endemic tree species of the Western Ghats and Sri-Lanka. Ann For 2014, 22(2), 179-83.

Rooting trials conducted with stem cuttings and air layering in Syzygium caryophyllatum (L.) Alston, an important medicinal and fruit plant gave promising results after treatment with auxins such as IAA, IBA and NAA in different concentrations. Both stem cuttings and air layering from 10 year old plants have resulted a maximum rooting of 80% and 70% respectively through the application of IBA-1000 ppm, in their natural habitats. The plants developed from stem cuttings and air layering was also survived with 90% success. Thus the standardized clonal propagation method in S. caryophyllatum through stem cutting and air layering reported for the first time can be taken as an ideal tool for the multiplication and subsequent resource base utilization of the species since the populations are prone to endangerment in its habitats.

2 illus, 2 tables, 6 ref

023445   Ghewande S S;Geotale R D;Jayade V S;Banginvar A D;Mahale S A (Botany Section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur, Maharashtra) : Evaluation of lathyrus genotypes for morpho-physiological characters and their correlation with yield. J Soil Crop 2014, 24(2), 391-9.

Experiment was conducted to study the morpho-physiological characters and yield of fifteen lathyrus genotypes viz., Ratan, Prateek, Mahateora, BioR-222, JRL-16, RLK-1045, NLK-5, NLK-36, NLE-40, NLK-48, NLK-73, L-14, L-36, L-42 and L-44 during rabi 2012-2013. Plant height, leaf area and total dry matter production were recorded at 30,50, 70 and 90 DAS. RGR and NAR were calculated at 30-50, 50-70 and 70-90 DAS. Observations on days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, yield plant^{-1 and plot-1 were also noted. Considering these characters the genotype Ratan was found to be promising genotype for all above characters. Similarly, next to Ratan genotypes Prateek, Mahateora, BioR-222 and NLK-73 were also identified as superior genotypes over remaining ten genotypes under study. Hence, these five genotypes were also recommended for breeding programme and testing in yield trial. Seed yield of lathyrus had highly significant and positive association with the above characters studied.}

3 tables, 18 ref

022601   Yilmaz D;Gokduman M E (Agricultural Machinery Dep, Suleyman Demirel Univ, Faculty of Agriculture, 32260, Cunur, Isparta, Turkey, Email: denizyilmaz@sdu.edu.tr) : Physical-mechanical properties of Origanum onites at different moisture contents. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2014, 17(5), 1023-33.

Mechanization of threshing and separation of Origanum onites is limited by practical constraints. In this study, we investigated the effects of moisture content on physical and mechanical properties of O. onites to be applied to the design of mechanized threshing and separation operations. Leaf, stalk and flower dimensions, projection area, picking force, leaf-to-stalk ratio, leaf-to-flower ratio, and essential oil content of O. onites were determined at three different moisture contents: 8.9%, 11.4%, and 15.0% (d.b). Most parameters increased linearly with increasing moisture content. The essential oil content of O. onites decreased with increasing moisture content. Moisture content had a significant effect on the physical and mechanical properties of O. onites. Flower picking force of O. onites varied between 3.630 and 4.050 N and Leaf picking force of O. onites varied between 0.375 and 0.974 N. Data on stem diameter are used for designing threshing and separation machinery, while data on flower projection area are required for effective transport, cleaning, and separation of O. onites. Moisture content of O. onites should be optimized to achieve ideal machinery design, as well as energy, power, and cost savings.

14 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

022600   Yadav A;Dubey R C;Yadav K (Microbiology Dep, College of Basic Science and Humanities, S.D. Agricultural Univ, S.K. Nagar, Gujarat, Email: anuragyadav123@gmail.com) : Growth and ectomycorrhization of bank oak plants co-inoculated with Scleroderma bovista and mycorrhizosphere bacteria. J appl nat Sci 2015, 7(1), 265-72.

Effect of composite treatment of ectomycorrhizal fungus (EMF), Scleroderma bovista, along with mycorrhizosphere bacterial inoculants was studied for nine months on Quercus leucotrichophora plants grown in nursery glasshouse. Seven treatments comprising of one uninoculated control; two bacterial controls, Bacillus subtilis MB14 and Pseudomonas fluorescens MB 9, respectively; EMF control, S. bovista; two combinations of two bacterial treatments with EMF and one triple treatment of two bacteria with EMF, were used in the study. The ninth month of sampling showed that triple treatment of two strains of bacteria with EMF maximally enhanced root length (38.86 cm), dry weight (6.746 g), short roots (351.6), lateral roots (24.8) and EMF colonization (34.8%) of banj oak plant, which was fairly higher than uninoculated and bacterial controls. Bacteria treated plants showed no plant growth enhancement, whereas EMF treatment fairly enhanced plant growth. The co-inoculation practice can help oak plant in achieving the mycorrhization rate even with lower EMF doses. These findings will be beneficial for achieving the effective banj oak replantation in the Himalayan region.

5 illus, 1 table, 41 ref

022599   Verma R (Botany Dep, DAV (PG) College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand) : Diversity of fungi in untreated effluents of Aanchal dairy, Dehradun, India. J Envir Biosci 2014, 28(1), 93-4.

Seasonal variation and diversity of fungi were studied in untreated effluent of Aanchal dairy, Dehradun for a period of one year. A marked seasonal variation in mycoflora of the effluent were obtained. A total of 24 fungal species were identified that belonged to 4 different groups, Mastigomycotina, Zygomycotina, Ascomycotina and Deutromycotina in which maximum species of fungi belonged to Deutromycotina. Fungi, which are not specific to the aquatic habitats like Phoma herbarium have been isolated and this could be due to reaching from surrounding land or litter.

2 tables, 10 ref

022598   Usha Kumari R;Lakshmi S M;Thamodharan G (NO, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai-625 104, Email: srig852@gmail.com) : Effect of growth hormones for direct organogenesis in bael (Aegle marmelos (L.) corr). J appl nat Sci 2015, 7(1), 98-101.

Aegle marmelos (L.) corr. commonly known as 'Bael' tree is included in the red- listed medicinal tree in South India. Riped and unripe fruits, root, bark and leaves of the tree are used in ayurvedic preparation for various ailments. This study was conducted to standardize the media for multiple shoot induction from different explants under in vitro condition. Among the various explants viz., meristematic tip, nodal bud, tender leaf, auxillary bud and cotyledon tried in different media, auxiliary bud had shown good response for shoot induction in 36 to 39 days. Among the various treatments viz., WPM supplemented with Benzyl Amino Purine (BAP) (0.5 to 3.0mg/lit), Kinetin (KN) (0.5 to 3mg/lit) and Indole acetic acid (IAA) (0.5 to 2mg/lit) for multiple shoot induction, the treatmental combination of WPM supplemented with BAP, KN and IAA, @ of each 0.5 mg/lit resulted in 7.75 shoots per cotyledon. The same combination, 1/2 strength of the medium with 1mg/lit BAP+2mg/lit NAA+ 1% AC resulted in root formation. Hence, as a means of in vitro conservation using cotyledon as explants microproagation is possible in bael.

1 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

022597   Srivastava V;Sharma P (Botany Dep, Dayanand Post Graduate College, Hisar-125 001, Email: viveksrivastava1969@gmail.com ) : Toxic effect of Cr(VI) on seed germination index (G.I.) and seedling vigour index (V.I.) in Helianthus annuus L. varieties. J Envir Biosci 2014, 28(1), 57-60.

Toxicity caused by heavy metals has always influenced various systems of plants including growth and development. Early growth parameters like seed germination index and seedling vigour index are the two important criteria to study the effects of heavy metals on plants during seed germination process. In the present study, effect of 0, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 mg/l of Cr (VI) as K₂Cr₂O₇ on seeds of three varieties viz. PSH-569, PSFH-118 and KBSH-41 of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) on seed Germination Index (GI) and Seedling Vigour Index (VI) were studied in controlled conditions in laboratory. The seed germination index was calculated using the data of seed germination percentage and seedling vigour index was calculated using the data of embryonic axis length. As the concentration of Cr(VI) increased from 0 to 200 mg/l the seed germination index and seedling vigour index both were found to decrease in three cultivars of Helianthus annuus. But among the three cultivars, PSH-569 variety exhibited maximum seed germination index and seedling vigour index whereas variety KBSH-41 showed minimum values of these two parameters in various levels of chromium heavy metal. Toxicity symptoms were acute and remarkable in higher concentrations (100 and 200 mg/l) of Cr (VI) and seed germination index and seedling vigour index were found to exhibit a sharp decline in these two chromium concentrations in all three varieties of sunflower.

3 tables, 23 ref

022596   Srivastava A;Srivastava N (Botany Dep, D.G. (P.G.) College, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Email: drvidyakantsrivastava@gmail.com) : Allelopathic influence of aqeous extract of Parthenium hysterphorus on initial growth of Brassica oleracea. J Envir Biosci 2014, 28(1), 95-8.

The present study has demonstrated the inhibitory properties of the aqueous extracts of leaves of Parthenium hysterophorus on shoot and root on the germination and seedling growth of Brassica oleracea. Growth of B. oleracea was subjected to various levels of aqueous extract of leaves of P. hysterophorus according to the following parameters: stem diameter, stem length, root length, leaf length and leaf area, root dry mass, leaf dry mass, root fresh mass and leaves fresh mass. Considerable reductions were also observed in the plumule length of the seedlings. The experimental design was randomly blocks with five concentrations (0, 5, 10, 40 and 80%) and five replications. The statistical analysis of the results showed a significant effect of concentrations of aqueous extract of Parthenium on the initial growth of cauliflower. Except for root growth, there was a positive effect dependent on the increased concentration of crude aqueous extract. The addition of the two extracts at 8 and 10 mg ml^{-1 resulted in the highest germination inhibitions.}

1 table, 19 ref

022595   Pal S K (Botany P.G. Dep, Darjeeling Govt. College, Darjeeling-734 101, Email: samirpal1957@gmail.com) : Study of antibacterial activity of some ethnomedicinal ferns of Darjeeling district, West Bengal. J envir Sociobiol 2014, 11(2), 285-90.

The present paper aims at studying some ethnomedicinal ferns having antimicrobial activity and commonly found around the area of Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. Common ethnomedicinal ferns from several areas of this district were collected and tested against Gram +ve and Gram -ve bacteria for their antimicrobial activity. Collected plant materials were dried and the soluble extracts were made using organic solvent like ethanol. Antimicrobial activities were measured using agar cup diffusion method. Greater area of inhibition zone indicates the presence of good potentiality of antimicrobial activity. Antimicrobial activity of three plant parts like rhizome, rachis and frond extracts of Adiantum capilus-veneris Linn., Nephrolepis cordifolia Linn. and Pteris vitata Linn. was tested. Frond and rhizome extracts of these species show good antimicrobial activity than that of rachis.

5 tables, 24 ref

022594   Murugan R;Sriramavaratharajan V;Ayyanar M (School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Univ, Tirumalaisamudram, Thanjavur-613 401, Email: ramarmurugan@yahoo.com) : Plectranthus vettiveroides-a least known vetiver on the verge of extinction. Curr Sci 2015, 108(5), 782-4.

1 illus, 17 ref

022593   Mathur M (Plant Ecology Laboratory, Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Email: eco5320@gmail.com ) : Measuring homogeneity of ethno-medicinal knowledge related with different corporeal system: a top down approach. J appl nat Sci 2015, 7(1), 249-59.

In the present study the top down approach has been utilized to quantify homogeneity of ethno-knowledge, frequency of species utilized for a disease related to a specific system as well as identification of corporeal system that are outliers with aim to identify the species and their usefulness for a specific disease that make the system as outlier. The study was carried out for medicinal plants of arid and semiarid region of the Indian Thar area. Three statistical parameters namely, evenness, frequency distribution and regression and residual value analysis were utilized. The study revealed that ethno-medicinal knowledge about 136 species were related with 12 different corporeal systems and frequency distribution classified these 136 species and 12 corporeal systems under 9 different classes. Maximum numbers of taxa are recorded for skeletal, muscle and connective tissues (114) followed by the digestive system (111) and skin and sub-cutanuous system (89). Homogeneity of ethnic- knowledge are restricted for few corporeal systems like respiration, fever, blood and hematopoietic organ, central nervous system, genito-urinary system and circulatory systems, while random and clumped types knowledge distribution were recorded for other corporeal systems. Platykurtic and leptokurtic types of distributions were observed for different corporeal systems. Through use of standard residuals analysis of medico-ethnic-knowledge, digestion system was designated as positive outliers while fever and genito-urinary systems were the negative outliers. Further regression analysis has revealed that with in this region ethnic knowledge about the medicinal properties of a species is largely associated with the regional abundance of taxa.

3 illus, 4 tables, 34 ref

022592   Khalid K A (Research of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Dep, National Research Centre, El Buhouth St., 12311, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt, Email: ahmed490@gmail.com) : Essential oil composition of some spices treated with phosphorus in arid regions. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2014, 17(5), 972-80.

This study was designed to find correlations between the rates of phosphorous and essential oil extracted from anise, coriander and sweet fennel plants grow in arid regions. The highest essential oil contents (% ) and yield (ml plant^{-1 & liter plot-1) were recorded under the level of 75 kg P ha-1 with the values of 3.3%, 0.3 ml plant-1 and 0.2 liter plot-1 (for anise); 0.6%, 0.1 ml plant-1 and 0.1 liter plot-1 (for coriander); 2%, 0.5 ml plant-1 and 0.3 liter plot-1 (for sweet fennel) compared with control and other treatments. An increase in the amount of phosphorous of the plants resulted in the enhanced accumulation of essential oil, as well as in a rise in the major constituent's concentration. Groups of essential oils were changed with various phosphorous levels.}

5 tables, 41 ref

022591   Kavitha A;Krishna Reddy B;Niharika J;Venkata Rao V;Narendra Babu A (pharmacology Dep, Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lam, Guntur-522 034) : Evaluation of anti bacterial activity of Coccinia grandis leafs and stem extracts. Pharma Innovation 2015, 4(4), 1-3.

Coccinia grandis is having anti bacterial activity and every part of this plant is valuable in medicine and various preparations in indigenous system of medicine for various skin disease, bronchitis, psoriasis, smallpox, ulcers and it is having the antilithic, hypolipidemic, antimutagenic and hypoglycemic activities. In this study the in vitro antibacterial activity of leafs and stem extracts were tested against gram positive and gram negative organisms bacterial strains by agar well disc plate method. The crude extract showed a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity by inhibiting both the gram positive and gram negative groups. The antibacterial activity of C. grandis leaf extract using solvents such as ethanol, ethyl acetate was evaluated against The gram positive strains such as St. aureus, B. substillus and in gram negative strains such as E. coli (ETEC), P.a. Minimal inhibitory concentration of the leaf extract against each test organism was also studied by observing their growth on Mueller Hinton Agar containing the extract at various incremental levels, equivalent to 50 μg/ml to 500 μg/ml of the extract. The highest activity was observed in ethanol stem extract against both against gram positive and gram negative organism's bacterial strains with an inhibitory concentration below 50 μg/ml. The significance of the study was conducted to investigate the in vitro antibacterial activity of Coccinia grandis plant and to evaluate scientific base of their applications.

2 tables, 9 ref

022590   Agnihotri A;Sharma G K;Khanam N (Botany Dep, Hindu College, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh) : Epidemiology of cucurbit powdery mildew in Rohilkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, India. Indian J Life Sci 2014, 4(1), 17-20.

Epidemiology of powdery mildew on cucurbits were studied in Rohilkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, India. Most of the cucurbits were found infected in one or the other localities of the study area which comprised eight districts of Rohilkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. The study area showed the occurrence of Sphaerotheca fluiginea and Erysipke cichoracearum. The knowledge regarding perpetuation of the pathogens and annual recurrence of the disease on cucurbits seems to remain evading in the near future.

19 ref

021719   Yangdol R;Sanjeev Kumar;Sharma Y P (Botany Dep, University of Jammu, Jammu 180 006, Jammu & Kashmir, Email: yashdbm3@yahoo.co.in) : New edible variety of Laetiporus sulphureus from the cold desert of Ladakh. J Mycol Pl Pathol 2014, 44(4), 463-5.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 2 ref

021718   Vindhya K;Leelavathi S (DOA in Botany, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore-570 006, Email: vindhyakumar88@gmail.com) : In-vitro cytotoxic activities of leaf extract of Gardenia latifolia AIT and Gardenia gummifera Linn. Int J pharm Sci Res 2014, 5(11), 4975-8.

Plants are the natural reservoir of many anticancer agents. Gardenia tatifalia Ait. and Gardenia gummifera Linn. belonging to the family Rubiaceae. Gardenia Ellis. is a genus of 142 species, which occur in tropical and sub-tropical regions of Africa, South Asia, Australasia and oceania. The genus was named by Carl Linnaeus after Dr. Alexander Garden (1730-1791), a Scottish-born American naturalist. Both the plant leaves were extracted by ethanol, extracts were subjected to cytotoxic activity study against MCF-7 cell lines using the MTT assay. MTT assay was the technique utilized for cell survival determination. Measurements were performed and the concentration required for a 50% inhibition of viability (CTC₅₀) was determined graphically. The concentration of ethanolic extract yields the value of CTC₅₀ as 170.00±2.0 μg/ml and 200.00±1.6 μg/ml respectively for Gardenia tatifalia Ait. and Gardenia gummifera Linn. The results showed that the Gardenia tatifalia Ait. had potential cytotoxicity than the Gardenia gummifera Linn. against MCF-7cell lines.

10 ref

021717   Verma N K;Surywanshi J S;Rai A N (Botany Dep, Dr H S Gour University, Sagar-470003, Madhya Pradesh, Email: jaishri.surywanshi10@gmail.com) : Corynespora ipomoeae, A novel taxon of dematiaceous hyphomycetes. J Mycol Pl Pathol 2014, 44(4), 466-9.

^ssc2 illus, 1 table, 2 ref

021716   Vaishya J K;Ansari A;Dubey N K (Botanical Survey of India, , Allahabad-211 002, Email: a_a_ansair_bsi@live.com) : Synedrella vialis (Less) a gray (Asteraceae)-a new record for Punjab. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(2), 352-4.

Synedrella vialis A. Gray (Asteraceae), hitherto not recorded is reported for the first time for Punjab from Chandigarh. A brief description of the species alongwith other details and photographs are provided to facilitate its identification in field.

10 ref

021715   Uma S;Bhagapriya B;Suguna K (NO, Sri Bharathi Arts and Science College for Women, Kaikkuruchi, Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu) : Antimicrobial potential of cashew (Anacar ium occidentale) against human pathogenic bacteria. Res J biol Sci 2014, 6(1), 18-21.

Anacardium occidentale has great economic and medicinal value. The present study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of leaves and seed coat of A. occidentale against human pathogens and analyze the secondary metabolites responsible for the antimicrobial property. The study showed that the two extract (acetone & ethanol) of A. occidentale seed coat and leaves displayed effective antimicrobial activity against 6 tested human pathogenic bacterial strains such as Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is concluded that ethanol and acetone extracts ofleaves and seed coat of A. occidentale have road spectrum of antibacterial activity of high potency.

2 tables, 10 ref

021714   Tripathy P K;Sanjeet Kumar;Jena P K (Botany Dep, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack-753 003, Email: padan_jena@rediffmail.com) : Assessment of food, ethnobotanical and antibacterial activity of Trichosanthes cucumirina L. Int J pharm Sci Res 2014, 5(10), 4424-31.

Trichosanthes cucumirina L., locally known as "Chachindra" among the tribal and rural mass of Similipal Biosphere Reserve (SBR) forest. Plant parts are used as ethnomedicine among inhabitants of SBR. They use the fruits, leaves and roots against various diseases and traditional practices are continuing since long. Leaves are used against microbial infections, roots against diabetic and fruits against killing of stomach worm. Young fruits are used as vegetables as well as medicine. Keeping this traditional practice in view, assessment of food values and antibacterial properties were done. Fruits are rich with carbohydrate (26.24 %), lipid (2.20 %), protein (1.50 %), fiber (1.96 %) and good amount of moisture. Plant parts showed diverse bioactive compounds such as tannin, saponin, and flavonoid present in most of extracts of leaves, fruits and roots of T. cucumirina L. The antibacterial activity of plant extracts showed excellent against MTCC 1252, MTCC 1457, MTCC 3906, MTCC 1926, MTCC *497. Presents study highlights the nutritional, ethnobotanical and antibacterial activity of the plant and emphasis upon the conservation of this bioresource in the state in general and SBR in particular.

29 ref

021713   Sushil Kumar;Renu Kumari;Sharma V (NO, SKA Institution of Research, Education and Development (SKAIRED), 4/11 SarvPriya Vihar, New Delhi-110 016, Email: sushil2000_01@yahoo.co.in) : Genetics of dioecy and causal sex chromosomes in plants. J Genet 2014, 93(1), 241-77.

Dioecy (separate male and female individuals) ensures outcrossing and is more prevalent in animals than in plants. Although it is common in bryophytes and gymnosperms, only 5% of angiosperms are dioecious. In dioecious higher plants, flowers borne on male and female individuals are, respectively deficient in functional gynoecium and androecium. Dioecy is inherited via three sex chromosome systems: XX/XY, XX/XO and WZ/ZZ, such that XX or WZ is female and XY, XO or ZZ are males. The XX/XY system generates the rarer XX/XO and WZ/ZZ systems. An autosome pair begets XY chromosomes. A recessive loss-of-androecium mutation (ana) creates X chromosome and a dominant gynoecium-suppressing (GYS) mutation creates Y chromosome. The ana/ANA and gys/GYS loci are in the sex-determining region (SDR) of the XY pair. Accumulation of inversions, deleterious mutations and repeat elements, especially transposons, in the SDR of Y suppresses recombination between X and Y in SDR, making Y labile and increasingly degenerate and heteromorphic from X. Continued recombination between X and Y in their pseudoautosomal region located at the ends of chromosomal arms allows survival of the degenerated Y and of the species. Dioecy is presumably a component of the evolutionary cycle for the origin of new species. Inbred hermaphrodite species assume dioecy. Later they suffer degenerate- Y-led population regression. Cross-hybridization between such extinguishing species and heterologous species, followed by genome duplication of segregants from hybrids, give rise to new species.

^iia6 illus, 7 tables, 347 ref

021712   Sunil C N;Abdul Jaleel V A;Naveen Kumar V V (P G Studies and research in Botany Dep, S N M College, Maliankara (P.O), Ernakulam District, Kerala-683 516) : Hygrophila polysperma (Roxb) T. Anders (Acanthaceae): a new record for Kerala. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(2), 224-6.

Hygrophila polysperma (Roxb) T Anders is reported for th first time from Kerala. Detailed description and illustrations are provide.

1 illus, 4 ref

021711   Sivu A R;Prabhugaonkar A;Pradeep N S (NO, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Karimankode, P.O. Thiruvananthapuram-695 562) : Memecylon terminale dalz (Melastomataceae) a new record for Goa. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(2), 261-2.

Memecylon terminale Dalz. (Melastomatacea) is reported as a new addition to Flora of Goa.

7 ref

021710   Shobhit Kumar;Sharma U K;Pandey V K;Goyal D K (Swasthvritta Dep, , U.A.U. Rishikul campus, Haridwar, Email: druksm27@gmail.com) : Hypericum: An antidepressant traditional Western herb. Envir Conserv J 2015, 16(1-2), 169-71.

Hypericum's complete botanical name is Hypericum perforatum. Perforatum is Latin for "perforated".The flowers are a bright yellow orange. It has served as a sedative, painkiller, and analgesic. The blossoms have been added to sweekoil (a refined olive oil used medicinally) for a soothing dressing for cuts." Herbalists credit it with increasing and inducing a sense of well-being. Hypericum is available in tablets, capsules, drops and teas. It is also available as an oil for external use. The oil cannot be recommended for internal use as an antidepressant. In a study of 3,250 patients taking hypericum, only 2.4 percent experienced any side effects at all. The side effects reported tended to be mild. Gastrointestinal irritations accounted for 0.6 percent, allergic reactions for 0.5 percent, tiredness for 0.4 percent, and restlessness for 0.3 percent. It is a rhizomatous perennial herb upto 3 ft.high, distributed in the western Himalayas at altitudes of 3000-10500 ft.

3 ref

021709   Sereena K;Shahida T A (Botany Dep, MES Asmabi College, P. Vemballur, Thrissur (Dt), Kerala, Email: sereenamajeed@gmail.com) : Comparative anatomical and histochemical studies of Euphorbia hirta l. and Euphorbia thymifolia L. (stem). Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(2), 772-7.

Dugdhika is one of the important raw drug used in Ayurveda. E. thymifolia is used as the genuine source plant of drug Dugdhika, it posses properties like, used for skin disorders, sexual disorders, effective drug for asthma., diarrhoea, dysentery. The present study deals with the comparative study of morphological, anatomical, histochemical characters of E. hirta and E. thymifolia. Two plants show similarities and differences between them at morphological, anatomical and histochemical levels. Morphologically these two plants show differences in many characters. But histological studies of both plants are almost similar. The histochemical study of both plants shows differences. This study helps to identify the genuine plants of the drug Dugdhika for the preparation of Ayurvedic medicine.

8 ref

021708   Sahu A K;Panda S P (SPMU, ICZMP, , 108 Suryanagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha) : Mangroves of Odisha coast: current status and conservation. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(2), 306-15.

Odisha state has a coast line of 480 km, out of which the littoral and tidal forests which are the l conspicuous vegetation types for the state accounts 222 sq km encompassing the coastal districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur and Puri. However, the protections of mangrove forests have adequately increased in all coastal districts except Balasore. In the due course of time many species have become threatened / rare due to mainly anthropogenic interferences of different categories as well as critical ecological changes. So, there is an urgent need to conserve these physiological xerophytic species for posterity. For successful conservation a recent status survey of the species is highly essential so as to develop conservation strategies for fast disappearing species on priority basis. Realising the multifaceted importance of the mangroves, the present communication emphasizes on the current status and distribution of the mangroves of Odisha coast along the river estuaries. Concurrently some conservation aspects are also highlighted in brief.

2 tables, 17 ref

021707   Rajeswari S;Umamaheswari S;Prasanth D A; Rajamanikandan K C P (Medical Microbiology Laboratory, Micobiology Dep, Periyar University, Salem, Tamil Nadu, Email: medicalmicro2012@gmail.com) : Study of endophytic fungal community of Moringa oleifera from Omalur region - Salem. Int J pharm Sci Res 2014, 5(11), 4887-92.

Endophytic fungi are ubiquitous in nature residing inside all the plant species contributing to their host plants by producing a plenty of substances that provide protection and survival value to the plant., Many researchers have proven that endophytes are a new and potential source of novel natural products for exploitation in modem medicine. This present study is undertaken to isolate and identify the potential endophytic fungi from Moringa olifera, a medicinal plants which is traditionally known and reported to posses various biological properties. A total of 72 fragments each 18 from the stem, leaves, flower and calyx were collected, surface sterilized and was inoculated on to Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) plates. Based on the macroscopic & microscopic features, the fungal isolates were identified. The most predominant endophytic fungal species isolated belonged to the genus Aspergillus spp. (53.3%) followed by Bipolaris spp. (6.6%). The Colonization Frequency (CF %) and Endophytic Infection Rate (EIR %) was found to be 83.31%and 20.83% respectively. The stem segments showed a maximum repository for endophytic fungi than the leaf and flower segments. The results of the study suggest that Endophytic fungi are a novel source of bioactive compounds. The rich biodiversity of these medicinal plants have to be preserved for the future years for the benefit of the mankind.

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021706   Rajan S (Survey of Medicinal Plants and Collection Unit, Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy, Emerald-643 209, Email: srajan68@gmail.com) : Gymnosperm of Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, Peninsular India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(2), 263-78.

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021705   Pillai L S;Nair B R (Botany Dep, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram-695 581, Email: abrus09@gmail.com) : In-vitro anti-inflammatory studies in Cleome viscosa L and Cleome Burmanni W. & A. (Cleomaceae). Int J pharm Sci Res 2014, 5(11), 4998-5003.

The present study evaluates the anti-inflammatory potential of the methanol and chloroform extracts of Cleome viscosa and C. burmanni by in-vitro methods. The anti-inflammatory property of the extracts was assessed using albumin denaturation assay, proteinase inhibitory activity and hyaluronidase inhibition assay and the results compared against reference drugs such as Aspirin and Indomethacin. The present findings exhibited a concentration dependent inhibition of albumin denaturation and hyaluronidase enzyme by the extracts of both plants. Proteinase activity was also significantly inhibited by both plant extracts. The methanol extract was more effective than chlbroform extract and was comparable to the standards. From the present study, it can be concluded that the extracts of C. viscosa and C. burmanni possessed marked in- vitro anti-inflammatory activity and the effect could be due to the presence of various phytochemicals present in the plants.

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021704   Pagag K;Borthakur S K (Botanical Survey of India, ERC, , Shillong-793 003, Email: kangs_2003@yahoo.co.in) : Recollection of oxystelma esculentum (L F) SM from Lakhimpur district of Assam, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(2), 303-5.

Oxystelma esculentum (L.f.) Sm. of the family Asclepiadaceae is reported here from the Lakhimpur district after a gap of 73 years from Assam. The species has been described with ethnobotanical knowledge and photographs in the present paper.

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021703   Padalia R C;Chauhan A;Verma R S;Bisht M;Thul S;Sundaresan V (NO, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Research Cent, Pantnagar-263 149, Email: vsundaresam@cimap.res.in) : Variability in rhizome volatile constituents of Acorus calamus L. from Western Himalaya. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2014, 17(1), 32-41.

Acorus calamus L. (Araceae), is a semi aquatic perennial herb extensively distributed in western Himalaya. To explore the variability in volatile constituents of rhizome essential oils of A. calamus growing wild in foot and mid hills of Uttarakhand, India; twenty one populations were collected during spring season from an altitude of 215 m to 1827 m. The essential oil yield was found to vary from 0.68 % to 5.80 % in the different populations of A. calamus. GC-FID and GC-MS analysis of oil samples resulted in identification of forty constituents comprising 94.0-99.9 % of oil compositions. Phenyl propanoids (81.9-96.9 %) represented by β-asarone (69.8-95.6 %), α-asarone (0.1-4.7 %), (Z)-methyl isoeugenol (≤0.1-4.4 %), (E)-isoeugenol acetate (0.0-3.7 %), (E)-methyl isoeugenol (0.1-2.9 %) and γ-asarone (≤0.1-1.6 %) constitute the major fraction of essential oil composition. Other major constituents identified were α-selinene (0.1-7.2 %), humulene epoxide II (≤0.1-3.5 %), p-cymene (≤0.1-1.9 %) and α-bisabolol (0.0-1.6 %). Comparative results and subsequent statistical analysis based on euclidean multidimensional distance scaling showed considerable variations in rhizome essential oils composition.

1 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

021702   Nithya M;Ambikapathy V;Panneerselvam A (P.G and Research Botany and Microbiology Dep, A.V.V.M Sri Pushpam College (Autonomous), Poondi-613 503, Email: microbionithya88@gmail.com) : Collection, identification, phytochemical analysis and phyto toxicity test of wood inhabiting fungi ganoderma lucidum (curt.fr.)p.karst. Hygeia 2014, 6(1), 31-9.

In this study 10 strains of mushroom Ganoderma lucidum were collected from various places and decided to screen their phytotoxicity activity and phytochemical constitution. The popular mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) was a bracket fungus and has been widely used for the promotion of health and longevity in Asian countries. The Dried powder of G.lucidum was popular as a cancer chemotherapy agent in ancient China. G.lucidum clearly demonstrated anticancer activity in experiments with cancer cells and has possible therapeutic potential as a dietary supplement or alternative therapy for breast and prostate cancer. And also the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum (Polyporaceae) are a well known Chinese crude drugs identified as a phytotoxic agent. However, since G.lucidum was available from different sources, it is advisable to test its biological activity. G.lucidum strains collected was isolated and identified with potato dextrose agar medium. Then The secondary metabolites were qualitatively studied through phytochemical analysis. Significant root length inhibition was observed at 100 ppm and 200 ppm. Similarly seed germination was also significantly inhibited at the concentration 100 ppm and 200 ppm extracts. The mean data of root length inhibition by ethanol extract in 100 ppm was 0.393 and 0.208 in 200 ppm. Likewise the mean data of seed germination inhibition by ethanol extract in 100 ppm was 15 and 0.208 in 200 ppm. Overall Results supported that Ganoderma lucidum clearly supported the wider medicinal uses and established its anticancer activity.

021701   Mukhia S;Mandal P;Singh D K;Singh D;Choudhury D (Plant Physiology and Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, Botany Dep, North Bengal University, P.O: NBU, Raja Rammohunpur, District: Darjeeling, West Bengal, Email: nbubotanypalash@rediffmail.com) : In-vitro free-radical scavenging potential of three liverworts of Darjeeling Himalaya. Int J pharm Sci Res 2014, 5(10), 4552-61.

The present study was aimed to screen the antioxidant activity and phytochemical content of bryophyte species Marchantia paleacea Bertol., Marchantia linearis Lehm. & Lindenb. and Conocephalum conicum (L.) Underw. collected from Darjeeling hills of Eastern Himalaya, India. The free radical scavenging activities were measured in-vitro by DPPH radical, metal chelating, superoxide, ABTS+, reducing power, anti-lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide scavenging activity. Total phenol, flavonoids and ortho-dihydric phenol present in the samples was also estimated. Qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out to detect the presence of varied phytochemicals. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) and TLC bioautography assay was also performed to confirm the presence of different bioactive compounds and its free radical scavenging potential. All the tested bryophyte species showed potential antioxidant activity and the existence of different phytochemicals. The results obtained from this work indicated that all the three bryophyte species analyzed are potent source for antioxidants and can be pharmaceutically explored in future.

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021700   Mukesh Kumar (Horticulture Dep, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology, Meeru, , Email: k.mukesh123@yahoo.com) : Flower and bulb production of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L) as influened by different sources of nutrients. Hortflora Res Spectrum 2015, 4(1), 56-9.

The present investigation on flower and bulb production of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Vaibhav as influenced by different sources of nutrients was carried out at Horticultural Research Centre (HRC) of SVPUAT, Meerut during the year 2013-14. The experiment consisted of ten treatments, viz. T₁: control ( without NPK), T₂ : 100% RDF (160:80:80), T₃: 75% RDF + 25%Neem Cake, T₄: 75% RDF + 25% Neem Cake+ 2.0 g/plant Azospirillum + 2.0g/plant PSB, T₅: 75% RDF + 25% VC, T₆: 75% RDF + 25% VC + 2.0 g/plantAzospiril/um + 2g/plant PSB, T₇: 50% RDF + 50% Neem Cake, T₈: 50% RDF +50% Neem Cake + 2.0 g/plant Azospirillum + 2g/plant PSB, T₉: 50% RDF + 50% VC T10: 50% RDF + 50% VC + 2.0 g/plant Azospiril/um + 2g/plant PSB. Results revealed that the 50%reduced doses of inorganic fertilizers which was supplemented by organic and bio fertilizers using in treatment T_l0 (50% RDF+ 50% VC + 2.0 g/plant Azospirillum + 2.0 g/plant PSB), produced maximum diameter of flower, number of florets per spike, diameter of spike and number of spikes per corm, while treatment T₆ resulted maximum length of spike, rachis length and number of corms per plant. The treatment receiving 50% RDF+ 50% VC + 2.0 g/plant Azospirillum + 2.0 g/plant PSB significantly resulted in maximum values for number of bulblets, diameter of bulb, weight of bulb and yield of bulbs and bulblets per plant.

1 table, 13 ref

021699   Mitra S;Mukherjee S K (Botany Dep, Ranaghat College, Ranaghat-741 201, Email: sunit_mitra2003@yahoo.co.in) : Census of endemic angiospermic taxa of West Bengal, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(2), 287-302.

West Bengal is situated in between 21°45' to 27°10' N latitude and 85°55' to 89°56' E longitude with an area of about 87,572 sq. km. stretching between the high Himalayan mountains in the north and the rolling waves of Bay of Bengal is the southern limit of the state. Present study was conducted to find out the diversity of endemic species of West Bengal in India. For this purpose many field trips have been carried out in different parts of the state and the collected plants have been properly identified with the help of available literature. Information was also obtained from relevant literature. Compiling all these information, present lists ware prepared. At present, there are 34 species belonging to 33 genera under 22 families which are confined to the political boundary of, the West Bengal. Out of these families Asteraceae (7), Euphobiaceae (5) and Orchidaceae (4) show more number of endemic plantll species. Besides these, there are another 26 species of angiospermic plants belong to 22 genera under 13 Families, which are endemic to West Bengal and are also found to be present in other States of Indian. So, in broad sense these taxa may be considered as endemics to West Bengal. In total, the West Bengal contains 60 species of endemic plants belonging to 55 genera under 31 families. Many advanced families containing endemic species have been recorded which are indicative of predominance of neoendemics than the palaeoendemics with respect to species endemism of West Bengal.

1 table, 63 ref

021698   Meena S L;Hari Krishna P;Jadhav C R;Maina V (Botanical Survey of India, Arid Zone Regional Centre, , Jodhpur, rajasthan-342 008) : New generic record to the flora of Gujarat state (India): spigelia anthelmia L (Loganiaceae). J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(2), 340-2.

The present paper deals with the genus Spigelia L., belonging to family Loganiaceae. It is reported here as an addition to the Flora of Gujarat State. The paper also envisages brief citation, description, phenological data and illustrations of the species.

1 illus, 24 ref

021697   Mazumdar J;Mukhopadhyay R (Biological Sciences Dep, Burdwan Town School, , Burdwan-713 101, Email: jaideepmazumdar10@gmail.com) : A new report of Huperzia tibetica (Lycopodiaceae) from India. Sci Cult 2015, 81(1-2), 48-9.

Present status of fern flora of India is discussed. Huperzia tibetica (Ching) Chng is reported for the first time from Sikkim, India.

1illus, 15 ref

021696   Leena K R;Meenambika K (Botany Dep, Govt Victoria College, Palakkad-678 001) : Floristic diversity in the paddy fields of Vallikode, Palakkad. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(2), 215-23.

Floral diversity in the paddy fields of Vallikode, Palakkad is identified listed and their , distribution frequency critically discussed.

4 illu, 4 ref

021695   Leena K R;Aswathi V (Botany Dep, Govt Victoria College, Palakkad-678 001) : (NULL). J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(2), 247-53.

Traditional rice varieties of Kerala appeared to be vanishing due to various reasons. In Palakkad District alone more than hundred named landraces are there which contribute for genetic resources required for the crop improvement. The present study is a preliminary effort to analyze the morpho-biochemical characters of selected fifteen traditional rice varieties of Palakkad.

2 illus, 1 tables, 9 ref

021694   Krishna AV A;Sujathamma P;Savithri G;Vijaya T (Sericulture Dep, S P Mahila Vishvavidyalayam (Women's University), Tirupati-517 502, Email: ashakrishnanine@gmail.com) : Mulberry: the fruit of heaven's choice. Hortflora Res Spectrum 2015, 4(1), 82-5.

Mulberry belongs to the genus Morus of family Moraceae, consists more than 20 species and several subspecies or varieties. Mulberry is cultivated in many countries for a long time with the sole purpose of feeding the monophagous silkworm Bombyx mori L. In addition to the major utilization of mulberry leaves as silkworm feed. it is being used for many other purposes, for which it is called as Kalpavriksha. The modern interest on the cultivation and use of mulberry for animal feed and medicinal uses has been initiated due to search for alternative uses of mulberry, once the sericulture activities reduced due to competition from foreign countries in case of Japan and Italy. In addition to the major utilization of leaves as silkworm feed, they have many excellent and beneficial functions to do. This has opened a new vista to think about other uses of mulberry apart from silkworm feed. In this context multiple uses of mulberry fruits are being discussed in the

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021693   Khanday A H (Botany Dep, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Amravati-444 602, Email: akhanday565@gmail.com) : Induction of callogenesis and shooting in asteracantha longifolia(l.) nees -a medicinal herb. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(2), 924-7.

Study is concerned to develop a rapid system for regenerating shoots and callus from mature shoot tip explants of Asteracantha longifolia (L.) Nees, a medicinally important annual herb (family acanthaceae). Effective shoot and callus regeneration was observed by using several concentrations of cytokinins and auxins with MS medium. Shoot tips responded better for callusing almost in all combinations such as BA + IAA (1.0+1.0, 1.5+1.0, 1.5+1.5, 2.0+1.5 mg/lit) and BA + NAA (1.0+1.0, 1.5+1.0, 1.5+1.5, 2.0+1.5 mg/lit). Shooting was observed only in shoot tip explants when media was supplemented with growth regulators in different combinations at different concentrations such as BA (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 mg/lit) and BA+NAA (1.0+0.5, 1.5+0.5, 1.0+1.0, 1.5+1.0). However no shooting was observed in MS media by using nodal explants containing different concentrations of BA +NAA + IAA. This approach of plant tissue culture may proved to be a helpful method to develop a rapid system of regeneration for production of medicinally important products. Also the production of aseptic plants which may decline the over exploitation of plants growing under natural condition.

21 ref

021692   Kannan P;Santhosh Kumar P (Zoology and Wildlife Biology Dep, Government Arts College, Udhagamandalam - The Nilgiris-643 002, Email: perukannan@gmail.com) : Antidotes against snakebite from Ethnobotanical practices of primitive tribes of Tamil Nadu. Scient Trans Envir Technovation 2014, 8(1), 33-9.

Surveys were carried out during April 2013 to March 2014 to collect information about the plants, which are believed to act as antidotes against venomous snakebite from primitive tribes of Tamil Nadu. Repeated enquiries were made to understand their traditional knowledge, methods of diagnosis and treatment procedures by using medicinal plants. Data were collected about part of the plants which are used, plants vernacular name, their composition, mode of preparation, application, dosages and food restriction during snakebite treatment period. The methanol extracts of the root, stem, bark and leaves of the plants were subjected to different biochemical tests separately for the identification of various active constituents present in plants which are inhibiting the action of snake venom. It was found that a total of 35 plant species belongs to 26 families were used as antidotes against snakebite. Among the tribes whom were interviewed, Kurumba provided more information with regard to medicinal plants and its usage against snake bite.

3 illus, 8 tables, 40 ref