018576   Hussain A;Remya R (NO, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram-695 562, Email: hussainshiji@gmail.com) : Macro propagation through stem cuttings of five high economically important medicinal plants. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 102-6.

As part of the study on the propagation profiles and restoration of high economically important plants, five high medicinally important species viz. Tylophora indica (Burm.f) Merr; Ruta graveolensis Linn., Adenia hondala (Gaertn) de wilde, Plumbago auriculata Theenb. and Vitex negundo Linn. were selected for successful clonal multiplication through stem cuttings. In the case of T. indica, R. graveolensis, A. hondala the highest rooting of 85-90% was resulted inside the polytunnel having 65-75% humidity and 28-35°C temperature. Where as in the case of Plumbago auriculata and V. negundo 80-85% of rooting success could be achieved on the same polytonal conditions. The maximum establishment through stem cuttings recommended as a low cost and viable propagation method for multiplication, subsequent restoration on farm conservation and sustainable utilization of species.

2 tables, 7 ref

018575   Haridas P;Mathew P M;Vijayaraghava Kumar; Mathew P J (NO, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram-695 562, Email: haripulikkal@rediffmail.com) : Genetic divergence and hierarchial cluster analyses of accessions of Mucuna pruriens Var. Pruriens. J Cytol Genet 2014, 15(1-2), 87-93.

Twenty one accessions of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC var. pruriens drawn from different ecogeographic regions of Kerala were subjected to genetic divergence (D^{2) analysis based on 7 quantitative characters and to hierarchial cluster analysis based on 85 characters (35 qualitative and 50 quantitative) aimed at grouping them into viable clusters having fair amount of intracluster similarity and intercluster divergence. The D2 analysis grouped the 21 accessions into 6 clusters of which cluster I registered maximum intracluster distance (23.84) and between clusters IV and V with highest intercluster distance (931.61). The hierarchial cluster analysis grouped the accessions into 7 clusters at 64% similarity scale, and the results depicted in a dendrogram. The results of both the methods of clustering assumes importance in as much as they have yielded ample clues for selecting putative parental genotypes with fair degree of genetic divergence for future hybridization programmes in the taxon.}

1 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

018574   Gogoi K;Das R;Yonzone R (NO, , TOSEHIM, Regional Orchid Germplasm Conservation & Propagation Centre (Assam Circle) Daisa Bordoloi Nagar, Talap, Tinsuk, Email: khyanjeetgogoi@gmail.com) : Orchids of Assam, North East India - an annotated checklist. Int J Pharm Life Sci 2015, 6(1), 4123-56.

Assam is one of the eight North East Indian states and Orchids are the major component of the vegetation at different climatic conditions. The agroclimatic condition of Assam is most congenial for the lavish growth and development of wide varieties of Orchid species in natural habitat. During pre-independence time, Hooker (1888 - 1890) in his work Flora of British India include about 350 species of Orchids from Assam- the present North East India. Present paper deals with checklist of 398 specific and 6 intraspecific taxa belonging 102 genera of Orchids in Assam out of which 129 species under 49 genera are terrestrial and 275 specific and intraspecific under 53 genera are epiphytic or lithophytic. Dendrobium represents the largest genus with 58 taxa and 51 are monotypic genera found in the regions.

91 ref

018573   Gill P P S;Singh N P (Fruit Science Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana, Punjab, Email: parmpalgill@pau.edu) : Effect of different stionic combinations on fruiting and quality of pear cv. Punjab beauty. Asian J Hort 2014, 9(2), 301-4.

Rootstock and/or inter-stock, and in particular their union with the scion, bring about their effects upon the scion by influencing the endogenous hormones, water and mineral elements within the plant. Hence, the effect of various rootstocks and interstocks on growth, fruiting and quality of semi-soft pear cv.PUNJAB BEAUTY was evaluated at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during the year 2013. The results show great variability among different stionic combinations.Double combination of Patharnakh cutting/Punjab Beauty resulted maximum plant height while minimum growth was observed in T₁₀ (Patharnakh cutting/ Patharnakh/ Punjab Beauty) treatment. Rootstock and interstock girth was maximum in T₅(Kainth large fruited/ Sucker/ Punjab Beauty) treatment while T₁₀ combination recorded lowest values of rootstock and interstock girth. Similarly, scion girth of Punjab Beauty pear was maximum when Kainth small fruited was used as rootstock. The fruit number and yield per plant were recorded highest in T₅₁₅ combination resulted lowest yield. The fruit weight was maximum from double stoinic combination of Shiara/Punjab Beauty. The fruits from stionic combination of Sucker/ Sucker/ Punjab Beauty were softer, while T₄ treatment resulted maximum fruit firmness. Double combination of Kainth small fruited/ Punjab Beauty resulted maximum TSS contents of fruits while the acid content remain unaffected by any treatment.

2 tables, 24 ref

018572   Ghosh P;Das D (Botany Dep, Seva Bharati Mahavidyalaya, Kapgari, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal) : Some medicinal plants of joypur forest range of Bankura, West Bengal, India. Envir Ecol 2014, 32(2), 465-70.

This article shows 82 plant species having medicinal value from selected sites of Joypur forest area under Panchet soil conservation Division of Bankura District, West Bengal. These are found in forest area, village shrubberies, fallow land and wasteland even in the selected medicinal plant garden of forest department as well as from public gardens. These are the plants which are used directly for the community or indirectly outside the community through market flow. Out of 82 plants studied. 22 plants having mojor ecological importance which is presented here for eco-restoration of species in near future.

1 table, 36 ref

018571   Ghosh A (Taxonomy and Biosystematics Lab, Botany Dep, Calcutta Univ, Kolkata, West Bengal, Email: ghoshasutosh@yahoo.in) : Diversity of climbing plants in degraded forest of Andaman and Nicobar islands, India. Int J Pharm Life Sci 2015, 6(1), 4100-09.

The present study examined the floristic diversity, dominance, abundance and IVI of climbers and lianas species in the degraded vegetation in North Andaman forest. A total of 1098 climbing plants belonging to 65 species, 51 genera, and 23 families were identified. These consisted of 16 liana and 49 herbaceous climber species. Stem twinning was the most predominant (70.76%) climbing mechanism. The dominant species recorded from this forest were Tylophora capparidifolia (IVI-37.3), Argyreia wallichii (IVI-20.47) and Hibiscus scandens (IVI-10.37) respectively. Most of the species were randomly distributed whereas some showed clumped distribution.

11 illus, 1 table, 51 ref

018570   Gayatri M C;Bijekar S R;Shubha J;Vasudha (Botany Dep, Bangalore Univ, Bangalore-560 056, Email: gayatrimc2011@gmail.com) : In vitro seed germination and seedling development in Ocimum basilicum L.. J Cytol Genet 2014, 15(1-2), 143-6.

An attempt has been made to develop a reproducible protocol for seed germination and seedling development of Ocimum basilicum using different concentrations of BAP, Kn, and 2iP. In MS medium fortified with 6.97 μM Kn showed 100% germination when compared to 4.4 μM BAP and 9.84 μM 2iP with 90% and 80% germination respectively. A large number of multiple shoots with well developed roots were also obtained. The hardened and acclimatized plants were transferred to the natural habitat with 80% of survival frequency.

5 illus, 8 ref

018569   Ganga J K;Ramakrishna H;Prabhakar R (Palaeobotany and Palynology Research Lab., Botany Dep, Univ College of Science, Osmania Univ, Saifabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, Email: hrkpaleobot@gmail.com) : Psilate pollen in the arborescent plants of Karimnagar district, Telangana state, India. Int J Pharm Life Sci 2015, 6(1), 4115-22.

The present paper deals with the study of psilate pollen in the arborescent taxa of Karimnagar district. The ornamentation is classified as smooth, depression or elevation on the tectum of pollen grains. The smooth walled grains are called as psilate pollen grains. Thirty three taxa viz, Albiza saman F.Muell. Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. Albizia amara (Roxb.) B. Boivin Acacia chundra (Roxb. ex Rottler), Alstonia scholaris, Eucalyptus tereticornis Sm. Dolichandrone atrovirens (Roth), Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. Calosanthes indica (L.) Blume Callistemon citrinus (Curtis). Manilkara zapota (L.) Lawsonia alba L. Lagerstroemia indica (L.) Pers. Jacaranda mimosifolia D.Don. Haldina cordifolia (Roxb.) Gyrocorphus americanus Jacq, Gliricidia maculata (H. B. K.) Plumeria alba L. Pithecolobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth. Phoenix sylvestris (L.) Roxb., Pandanus tectorious Parkinson, Muntingia calabura L. Musa paradisiaca L.Mornga oleifera Lam. Mimosa farnesiana (L.) Tectona grandis L.f. Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. Terminalia catappa L. Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq. Sapindus emarginatus L. Psidium guajava L. and Prosopis cineraria (L.) of various pollen taxa have common psilate ornamentation but have diversity in other pollen morphological characters which helps for conformation and identification of taxa.

3 illus, 11 ref

018568   De M;Dey S R (Botany Dep, Gurudas College, Kolkata-700 054, Email: mitude@rediffmail.com) : Screening folk rice varieties of West Bengal for relative tolerance to angoumois grain moth sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and identification of factors contributing to the tolerance. J envir Sociobiol 2013, 10(2), 201-2.

Post-harvest losses in India amount to 12 to 16 million metric tons of food grains each year, an amount that the World Bank stipulates could feed one-third of India's poor. Cereals like rice, wheat and corn play an important role in the economic stability of many countries. Insects and disease devour or damage a fifth or more of stored food grains each year in many parts of the world. The impact of rice varieties tolerant to stored grain pests of these major crops could be dramatic in developing countries, where grain infestations are most common and harmful, and where surging populations require affordable food. Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) causes immense post-harvest losses in rice. Tolerance to Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) among selected West Bengal rice folk varieties or landraces was assessed. Other factor(s) resulting in tolerance against Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier), viz., silica deposition of grain hull, grain dimensions, aroma and grain moisture content among the folk rice varieties was investigated too. Folk varieties Champakushi, Kajaldekhi, Malabati and Valki are found to be highly tolerant. Both grain moisture content and the hull silica are the important factors for tolerance to the stored grain pest infestation. These tolerant folk varieties may be used as parents in future rice breeding programmes.

1 illus, 2 tables, 40 ref

018567   Das K K (Botany Dep, D.K. College, Mirza-781 125, Email: kd_dkc@rediffmail.com) : Observation on the seasonal variation of wall vegetation of Kamrup district (metro), Assam. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 33-9.

Mural flora of Kamrup district (Metro) in Assam has been studied and intensive survey and exploration of the district was undertaken for the past four years (2002-2006). One hundred one (101) species of angiosperms of which 78 species belong to Dicots and 14 species to Monocots were collected throughout the different seasons.

1 table, 17 ref

018566   Das D;Ghosh P;Das M (Botany PG Dep, Darjeeling Govt College, Govt of West Bengal) : Phytodiversity of kajlagarh rajbati-a clader of wild medicinal plants in the territory of heritage center of burdwan raj system, East midnapore, WB. Envir Ecol 2014, 32(2), 471-3.

The present paper deals with the wild medicinal plants in the center and vicinity of Kajlagarh Raj Bati (Palace). The campus is a large one and occupying northwest corner of the bus stop Kajlagarh under Bhagwanpur Police Station of Purba Medinipur District. A preliminary survey and systematic enumeration of the wild medicinal plants growing in the campus and adjoining areas revealed that the campus is floristically rich along with the rich and diverse faunal composition. In the campus 364 an-giosperm species have been reported of which 326 are dicots and 38 are monocots. They belong to 106 families (90 dicots and 16 monocots) and 277 genera (244 dicots and 33 monocots). Family asteraceae with 17 species occupies 1st position followed by Rubiaceae in 2nd position having 13 species. Euphorbiaceae family occupying 3rd in position with 12 species whereas family Apocynaceae with 10 species occupying 4th position. The family Amaranthaceae having 13 species occupying 5* position. Family Poaceae occupies 1st in position among monocot with 7 genera and 8 species followed by Araceae with 4 genera and 4 species. In addition to the above species, 1 gymnosperm and 8 pteridophytic species have been found in this study area with significant floristic diversity.

13 ref

018565   Christopher C;Mathew P J;Mathew P M (Botany Dep, All Saints' College, Beach P.O., Thiruvananthapuram-695 007, Email: matjol2004@yahoo.co.uk) : Cytomorphological study in Bacopa monnieri. J Cytol Genet 2014, 15(1-2), 45-53.

Cytomorphological study has been carried out in Bacopa monnieri on 8 accessions from different districts of Kerala. The species exists in 2 cytotypic forms in the State, 6 accessions with n = 32 and 2n = 64 and 2 with n = 34 and 2n = 68. Meiosis was normal in all the accessions, characterized by regular bivalent formation followed by normal anaphase I segregation leading to appreciable pollen fertility (65-91%). Varying number (2-4) of secondarily associated bivalents were noticed in the taxa studied. This is suggestive of the allotetraploid nature of the taxa. The chromosome data indicate that the accessions of the species studied are based on x = 16 and 17, the latter an aneuploid derivative of the former. The accessions of both the cytotypic forms have displayed a spectrum of intraspecific plant morphological diversity in many vegetative and floral characters, both qualitative and quantitative, which is attributed to cytological reasons, mainly chromosome numerical and structural diversity at the intraspecific level due to genome mixing and doubling accomplished through allotetraploidy followed by aneuploidy from n = 32 to 34. Greater polymorphism and enhanced hardiness, invasive potential and adaptability enabled the species to get domesticated and flourish in a variety of environmental regions in the State surpassing altitudinal difference and consequent climatic fluctuations.

8 illus, 3 tables, 27 ref

018564   Choudhuri A;Bhattacharya A (Botany Dep, APC Roy Govt. College, Himachal Vihar, Matigara, Siliguri, Darjeeling-734 010dnarna@rediffmail.com) : Taxonomic document of barasat government college campus at barasat town in district north 24-Pargans, West Bengal. Envir Ecol 2014, 32(2), 501-8.

Considering the preparation of a taxo-nomic document of the plants in Barasat Govt College Campus, present effort brings out a list of 125 vascular plant species. At all level viz. specific, generic and family, dicots have much greater contribution to the flora. Value of coefficient of generic diversity and high number of angiospermic families, most of which nest few species give an indication of considerable heterogeneity. The cluster analysis shows the separate identity of the North 24-Parganas cluster containing Kishalay Campus and Barasat Govt College Campus. Some ecological disturbances in the area possibly function as 'intermediate disturbance' and contribute to increase in diversity, lending support to the intermediate disturbance hypothesis.

3 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

018563   Chandra Mohan K;Bhanja M R;Annamma P S (Botanical Survey of India, Deccan Regional Centre, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, Email: kolaganicm@gmail.com) : Recollection of Hylodesmum repandum (vahl) H. Ohashi & R.R. mill (Fabaceae-Papilionoideae) after a gap of 100 years from Andhra Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 100-01.

Hylodesmum repandum (Vahl) H. Ohashi & R.R. Mill belonging to Fabaceae - Papilionoideae is recollected from Andhra Pradesh after a gap of more than a century. It is collected from Paderu, in Vishakapatnam district and from Rampa, in East Godavari district. This species is distinguishable in having brick red flowers and crescent shaped pod. Detailed description and photographs are provided to facilitate identification.

1 illus, 6 ref

018562   Biswas C K (Botany Dep, B. B. College, Asanol, Dist: Burdwan, West Bengal) : Medicinal plants and human health care-a preliminary case study from Raniganj block, Burdwan district, West Bengal. J envir Sociobiol 2013, 10(2), 213-16.

This paper illuminates on indigenous knowledge for treating some human diseases using plant derived drugs recorded from tribal and rural areas of Raniganj block of Burdwan district, West Bengal. All information collected is based on interview and observation and, cross checked with other herbal doctors. From the study area 33 plant species belonging to 26 families of Angiosperms were recorded. These plants are used by the inhabitants for treating different diseases and disorders. Botanical names, local names and family of these plants plant parts used and method of adminstration are documented in the present communication.

1 table, 8 ref

018561   Basha S K M;Reddy K V R;Rajalakshmi E; Ravikiran R (NO, N.B.K.R. Medicinal Plant Research Centre, Vidya Nagar-824 413, Email: drskmbasha@gmail.com) : Phyto diversity and conservation of historical fort, Udayagiri, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 74-89.

Flora is one of the important biological, ecological, sociological and edaphic factors of an area. It is essential for sustaining all animal life of an area and also for maintaining heritable environment for that life. Adequate knowledge of flora is necessary for planning sustainable development of that area. The present study focuses on flora of Udayagiri forests located in the northern side of Nellore district.

1 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

018560   Basha S K M;Rajyalakshmi E;Maheswari P U; Rambabu M (NO, NBKR Medicinal Plant Research Centre, Vidyanagar-524 413, Email: drskmbasha@gmail.com) : Tribal medicinal plants of kambakam hills, eastern ghats, Andhra Pradesh, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 178-83.

Kambakam is a Village in Varadaiahpalem Mandal, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh State. Kambakam is located 3.736 km distance from its Mandal Main Town Varadaiahpalem. Kambakam is 99.28 km far from its District Main City Chittoor.Kambakam is located to the North of Sricity in the Chittoor district. Coming under the Buchinaidu kandriga & Varadaiahpalem mandals the falls are located 80 km from Chennai and 35 km from Srikalahasti. The Kaambakam forest is also called as Sidduliah Kona. The relation to Lord Shiva ensures that the festival of Maha Shivaratri is a common time for people to visit. It consists of high degree of phyto diversity along with some highly valuable endemic and endangered species. The forest is deciduous type but mixed with some ever green elements. It is a source of non-wood forest products (NWFP) like fiber, fuel, wood, gum, resin, vegetable, dyes, oil, honey, medicinal plants, bamboo, etc.

4 tables, 7 ref

018559   Basha S K M;Lakshmi E R;Famireddy K V (NO, NBKR Medicinal Plant Research Centre, Vidyanagar-524 413, Email: drskmbasha@gmail.com) : Floristic studies and its conservation of Pulicat lake - Andhra Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 184-9.

Flora is essential for sustaining all animal life of an area and also for maintaining heritable eenironment for that area. Adequate knowledge of flora is necessary for planning of flora is necessary for planning sustainable development of that area. Pulicat Lake is the second largest brackish water lagoon after Chilika Lake of Orissa along the east coast of India. Estuaries and lagoons have brackish water which shows high biological productivity than fresh or sea water. Hence it has wide range of aquatic, terrestrial flora and fauna. The World Wide Fund for Nature declared it as a protected area. Present study aims to explore the floristic composition and its conservation methods of Pulicat lake.

19 ref

018558   Babu M H;Sandhya Sri B;Reddi T V V S (Botany Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: reddytuus@rediffmail.com ) : Indigenous phytotherapy for gynaecological disorders among the tribals of Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 152-8.

Study highlights the medicinal plants used for treating gynaecological disorders by the tribal communities in Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh. This paper enumerates the traditional uses of 38 plant species belonging to 37 genera under 29 families used to cure women problems. Three new plants and 23 new practices were also reported.

19 ref

018557   Baba M Y;Nazir S;Amin I (NO, Govt. Degree College Bemina Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, Email: baba.botany@gmail.com) : Key to the families of seed plants of Kashmir. J Econ Taxon Bot 2014, 38(1), 110-20.

During the course of study of Flora of Kashmir valley, a total number of 124 families of seed plants of Kashmir have been recorded. A bracketed key to their identification has been prepared with a view to facilitate the students in their identification. The key is essentially based on easily seen characters and every attempt has been made to make it workable in the field as well as in laboratory. As far as possible multiple characters have been used in the leads to make the key work in vegetative, flowering and fruiting states of our plants. In regard to botanical nomenclature the international botanical nomenclature (1987) has been followed.

28 ref

018556   Aziz A;Mangesh;Totad M;Gurumurthy H;Arunkumar B (Horticulture Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Bangalore-560 065, Email: abdulazizhort@rediffmail.com) : Aloe vera gel coating and LDPE bag packaging on shelf life and physico-chemical changes in banana. J Ecobiol 2014, 33(1), 7-16.

Effects of different concentrations (2, 4 & 6%) of Aloe vera gel coatings and different gauge (100, 200 & 400) LDPE bags packaging on shelf-life and physico-chemical changes were investigated. All coatings delayed fruit ripening and improved the keeping quality of the produce but best results were exhibited by fruits coated with 6 per cent Aloe vera gel and packed in 200 gauges LDPE bag and significantly delayed the ripening process and exhibited slow changes in all the parameters tested. Shelf life could be extended upto 14 days and showed the highest content of Total soluble solids (TSS), Ascorbic acid, Total sugars and pH on 14th day of storage, while the uncoated (control) fruits showed rapid changes in all the parameters tested during 9 days, with the shortest estimated shelf life period of 10 days, as compared to other treatments.

7 tables, 14 ref

018555   Ahirwar R;Verma R C (School of Studies in Botany, Vikram Univ, Ujjain-456 010, Email: rameshbotvu@gmail.com) : Male meiosis in some members of liliaceae. J Cytol Genet 2014, 15(1-2), 75-86.

Details of male meiosis and pollen fertility have been investigated in 18 species of Liliaceae. They are, 3 varieties (Deshi, Nasik and White) of Allium cepa (n = 8), A. tuberosum (n = 16), 2 accessions (Local and Jodhpur) of Aloe barbadensis (n = 7), Asparagus racemosus (n = 20), A. denciflorus (n = 20), A. sprengeri (n = 20), Chlorophytum tuberosum (n = 8), C. borivilianum (n = 14), C. laxum (n = 8), Crinum latifolium (n = 22), Drimiopsis kirkii (n = 34), Gloriosa superba (n = 11), Haworthia limifolia (n = 14), Hemerocallis fulva (n = 11), Haemanthus multiflorus (n = 9), Ophiopogon japonicus (n = 18), Scilla hyacinthina (n = 13) and Urginea indica (n = 10). The chiasma frequency ranged from 13-74, with minimum average of 14.6 in Aloe barbadensis and maximum average of 68.8 in D. kirkii. The terminalization coefficient ranged from 0.35 in C. laxum Tinchha fall accession to 0.9 in C. tuberosum. In all the species, chromosomes were equally distributed at anaphase I and II. Pollen fertility ranged from 75.5% in H. fulva to 97.9% in G. superba.

48 illus, 10 ref

017605   Verma P;Rao M R (NO, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53 Univ Road, Lucknow-226 007, Email: verma.poonam07@gmail.com) : Late holocene vegetation and climate of kusumelli swamp in Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh, India. Geophytology 2014, 44(2), 127-32.

Study focuses on the palynological analysis of 1 m deep sediment trench profile from Kusumelli Swamp, in Sehore District, Madhya Pradesh, providing information on vegetation and climate in the region since Late Holocene. The pollen sequence reveals that the central Narmada valley supported tree-savannah vegetation between 4,000-3,100 yr BP under cool and dry climate, which was transformed into open mixed deciduous forest between 3,100 to 1,350 yr BP as a consequence of onset of a warmer and wetter climate. From 1,350 yr BP onwards, the association of tree taxa suggests growth of dry deciduous trees with inter-dispersed moist tree taxa and shrubs under climate more or less similar to that of present day.

3 illus, 6 ref

017604   Upadhye E V;Patil G V;Kokate P S (NO, , Colony, Ranpise Nagar, Akola-444 001, Email: eknathupadhye@gmail.com) : Reinvestigation of Dicotylirhizos sahnii rao from deccan intertrappean beds of mohgaonkalan, Madhya Pradesh, India. Geophytology 2014, 44(2), 193-200.

Paper describes anatomical structure in young and advanced secondary growth in matured dicotyledonous roots of 23 fossil specimens. These specimens were collected from black chert of Deccan Intertrappean exposures of Mohgaonkalan, Madhya Pradesh, India. The young roots show unilayered epiblema with root hairs, parenchymatous cortex and pentarch stele with exarch xylem. Some specimens show advanced stelar secondary growth with diffused porous wood. The extrastelar secondary growth remains absent as there is no periderm formation. The present specimens with advanced secondary growth closely resemble Dicotylirhizos sahnii Rao (1958) in many anatomical details. However, Dicotylirhizos sahnii described by Rao (1958) does not show the primary structure and series of developmental stages leading to advanced secondary growth.

7 illus, 1 table, 4 ref

017603   Sudhakar P;Kavitha D;Reddy P R;Rao P P (Botany Dep, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: sudhakarpenthala@gmail.com) : Pharmacognostic studies on the leaf of Elytraria acaulis (L.f.) lindau. Geophytology 2014, 44(2), 169-73.

Elytraria acaulis (L.f.) Lindau is a scapigerous herb belonging to the family Acanthaceae. The leaves are used in treatment of fever, venereal diseases, kidney stones, abscess and bronchitis. The leaf is amphistomatic with diacytic and anisocytic stomata. The trichomes are uniseriate, filiform capitate, uniseriate glandular, uniseriate peltate and uniseriate conical types. Epidermis is 1 layered, interrupted by stomata. Mesophyll is interspersed with needle shaped calcium oxalate crystals. The midvein consists of a single, large, oval vascular bundle and two small adaxial bundles. The microscopic and organoleptic characters of the powder are provided.

8 ref

017602   Sivakumar T;Gajalakshmi D (Botany Dep, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar-608 002) : Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis of ormocarpum cochinchinense leaf extract-trditional bone healing plants. Int J pharm Res Biosci 2014, 3(2), 352-9.

Study was to investigate the Ormocarpum cochinchinense leaf for phytochemical compounds and GC-MS analysis. Phytochemical screening of the leaf extract was carried out according to the qualitative method. GC-MS analysis was performed on the ethanolic extract of Ormocarpum cochinchinense to find out the chemical constituents. The results showed the presence of favonoids, alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, glycosides, tannins, saponins, acidic compounds, coumarins, and not detected fat and oils. GC-MS results revealed the presence of eleven different phytochemical constituents like, 1-Butano, 3-methyl-, acetate 1), 4-Vinylphenol 2), Acetic acid, trichloro 3), Mome Inositol 4). 2,6,10-Trimethyo, 14-ethylene-14-pentadecne 5), Hexadecanoic acid 6), Phytol 7), 1,14- Tetradecanediol 8). Hexadecanoic acid, 1-(Hydroxymethyl)-1,2-Ethanediyl ester 9). 2-Hydroxy-3-[(9E)-9-0ctadecenoyloxy]propyl (9E)-9-octadecenoate 10). Eicosanoic acid, 2-ethyl-2 -methyl-, methyl ester 11). The components were isolate and identified by comparing their relation indices and mass spectra fragmentation patterns with those stored on the MS-Computer library and also form the published literatures. However, isolation of individual phytochemical constituents may proceed a novel drug.

^mo^t58

017601   Singh S (Botany Dep, , Amrit Campus, Kathmandu, Nepal) : Ethno botanical study of some wild herb species Parsa District Forest of Nepal. J Pharmac Phytochem 2015, 4(1), 32-40.

The aim of this study was to assess ethno botanical information of some wild herb species used in the Parsa district forest area of Nepal including four adjacent villages, Gadi, Madhuban mathwal, Sonbarsa and Shanker Sharaiya. Information about the use of these plants provides clues to the new area of research and biodiversity conservation.The information presented in this paper was gathered by frequent field visit in the forest and adjoining villages, participatory observations, group discussion, interviews with tribal's and local knowledgeable people in the year 2013 from March to November. A total of 52 ethno-medicinal wild herb species belonging to 24 families and 44 genera are documented in this study.Largest number of plants have been found in the family poaceae, families, asteraceae and zingiberaceae are second largest families where as family solanaceae is the third largest family. Out of the total studied plants 66% plants are used only for medicinal purposes, 9.4% plants are used as medicinal and food, four different categories 3.8% plants are used as medicinal and flavoring, medicinal and or rituals, medicinal and religious, medicinal and thatching purposes and five different categories of 1.9% plants are used as medicinal and narcotic, medicinal and fodder, medicinal and tea, medicinal and dye and medicinal and rope or mat. A large number of, many single plant is used to treat more than ten diseases.The plants used for different purposes are listed with scientific name, common name, local name, family, ethno-botanical importance and parts used. Mode of use of plant parts for various purposes has also been mentioned. It can be concluded from this study that tribal's of the Parsa District forest inherit a rich traditional knowledge and documentation of this knowledge has provided novel information of that area. It will open the door for new pharmacological research.

1 table, 17 ref

017600   Shiva Kameshwari M N (Botany Dep, Bangalore Univ, Bangalore (Karnataka), Email: mn.shivakameshwari@gmail.com) : Chemical constituents of wild onion Urginea indica Kunth Liliaceae. Int J Pharm Life Sci 2013, 4(2), 2414-20.

Wild Onion Urginea indica provide health promoting phytochemicals, as well as nutrients. Onions are bitter to taste, they contains plenty of raphides in bulbs which acts as defensive mechanism. Wild onions are source of Vitamin E, C & K, potassium, dietary fibre & folic acid. They also contain calcium, iron & proteins, several healthy & commercial compounds, such as Bufadienolides, Quercetin, Allose, Mindererus spirit, Tartronic acid & Paraldehyde. These compounds have a variety of health functional properties, including anticancer and antimicrobial activities. They each have been shown to help neutralize the free radicals in the body, & protect the membranes of the body's cell from damage.

42 ref

017599   Sheela M A;Lohani P;Joseph G V R (NO, Maharaja Surajmal Institute of Pharmacy, C-4, Janakpuri, New Delhi-110 058) : Biological and Pharmacological studies on Asgand (Withania somnifera Dunal). Hippocratic J Unani med 2014, 9(1), 77-101.

Asgand consists of the dried roots of W. somnifiera (L.) Dunal. Various important medicinal values of this plant are described in the classical literature of Indian systems of medicine. This led the researchers to carry out pharmacological and biological evaluation to unravel its therapeutic potential as also to provide scientific basis of use of the plant. Results of some of the pharmacological/biological activities on the root, the most important part reputed for its medicinal value have been reviewed in this article.

^iia110 ref

017598   Sharma B D (NO, , Kath Mandi, Narnaul-123 001, Email: bdsharma14@yahoo.com) : Petrified Vaucheria-like siphonous alga from the late jurassic sediments of nipania in rajmahal, hills, Jharkhand, India. Geophytology 2014, 44(2), 189-92.

Bunch of petrified Vaucheria-like alga is observed in a thin section prepared of Late Jurassic Nipania chert in Rajmahal Hills, Jharkhand, India. It consists of branched siphonous filaments bearing fertile structures, i.e. aplanosporangia, curved antheridial branches and globose oogonia. Some filaments also have akinete-like structures. It is the first report of Siphonales from the Rajmahal Hills, Jharkhand, India.

1 illus, 6 ref

017597   Sahu V;Asthana A K (NO, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow-226 001, Email: sahuvinay28@rediffmail.com) : Two moss species new to govind wild life sanctuary in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, India. Geophytology 2014, 44(2), 140-54.

Govind Wild Life Sanctuary situated in Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand harbours a rich biodiversity. During investigation on the bryophytes of this region, Fabronia pusilla Raddi (Family Fabroniaceae) and Didymodon michiganensis (Steere) Saito (Family Pottiaceae) have been identified in this reserve area for the first time. Earlier, F. pusilla was listed from Kumaon Hills and Didymodon michiganensis from Himachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. Didymodon michiganensis is being reported here for the first time from Uttarakhand; About 9 species of genus Fabronia and 20 taxa of Didymodon are known from India. F. pusilla is characterized by bright green, pleurocarpous, branched and very minute plants having ovate lanceolate leaves, abruptly narrowed into a long and fine toothed hair point, margin dentate, costa reaching more than half of the leaf length, capsule erect, ovoid. Endostome is missing. Plants of D. michiganensis are erect, simple or branched with numerous gemmae in leaf axils, leaves ovate, abruptly acuminate, margin entire, costa ending just below leaf apex, lamina unistratose and leaf basal cells are arranged in rows. A morphotaxonomic account of above two taxa is provided.

2 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

017596   Rawat S;Upreti D K (Botany Dep, Kumaun Univ, Soban Singh Jeena Campus, Almora-263 601, Email: shobharawat1981@gmail.com) : Macrolichen biomass in nanda devi biosphere reserve, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India. Geophytology 2014, 44(2), 155-67.

Lichen biomass in eight localities of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve was estimated in 1 x 1 m^{2 quadrate. A total of eighty quadrates (ten quadrates at each locality) were laid randomly. Lata, Valley of Flowers and Malari localities, situated in lower altitudes (<3000 m) having anthropogenic pressure, have less lichen biomass than the localities situated in undisturbed higher temperate and alpine regions (>3000 m). In lower altitude localities, 29 species belonging 16 genera of pannelioid lichens (Evernia, Flavopunctelia, Parmotrema, Parmelia and Usnea) contribute maximum in the production of biomass in most of the localities followed by 13 species belonging to 4 genera of physcioid lichens (Heterodermia and Physcia). The higher temperate regions between altitudes of 3000-3300 m, having dense mixed coniferous forest, exhibit maximum biomass of lichens represented by 6.144 g/m2. Betula utilis, Rhododendron (3300-3600 m), having short-shrubby trees, also exhibit higher biomass of lichens represented by 5.299 g/m2. The open exposed areas of Malari, Joshimath and Ghangaria (Valley of Flowers), having scattered thinned out forest with anthropogenic pressure, have poor biomass of lichens. The cyanolichens exhibit poor representation in the biomass and range from 0.013 to 0.844 g/m2 in undisturbed localities while the disturbed localities exhibit complete absence of the cyanolichens. The Bella area, with thick moist coniferous forest, has rich diversity of lichens represented by 35 species together with highest biomass among all the eight localities studied.}

1 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

017595   Palei A K;Nishteswar K;Shukla V J (Dravyaguna Dep, Gujarat Ayurved Univ, Jamnagar, Gujarat, Email: ananta.krushna@gmail.com) : Phytochemical screening of Soymida febrifuga roxb. (Meliaceae) root bark. Int J Pharm Life Sci 2013, 4(2), 2371-4.

Soymida ferifuga commonly known as mamsarhohini of family meliaceae is a reputed folk medicinal plant. Its root bark extensively used in treating leucorrhoea, menorrhagia, dysmenorrhoea. For the first time root bark was subjected investigate its phytochemical investigations. The present research work is aimed to evaluate the plant phytochemicaly by carrying out various physicochemical parameters like LOD, ash value, extractive value, phytochemical screening including HPTLC fingerprint. The physicochemical parameter shows that all the values are within the quality range. Phytochemical screening shows presence of alkaloid, tannins, glycosides etc chemical constituents. HPTLC fingerprint shows the separation of maximum number of chemical moieties, based upon the findings it can be concluded that the test parameters can be used as identification tool for this plant and further research work can be done based upon these parameters.

5 tables, 13 ref

017594   Nakar R N;Jadeja B A (Botany Dep, M.D. Science College(Under Saurashtra University), Porbandar-360 575, Email: rupeshnakar@gmail.com) : Flowering and fruiting phenology of some herbs, shrubs and undershrubs from Girnar Reserve Forest, Gujarat, India. Curr Sci 2015, 108(1), 111-18.

Present study was carried out on 26 species of 13 different botanical families in Girnar Reserve Forest near Junagadh, Gujarat, India, for their reproductive phenological events, viz. flowering and fruiting from August 2008 to August 2011. Flowering and fruiting phenology varied significantly (P<60>0.01). Mean values of percent age of species in flowering event indicated highest peak in September followed by August; the highest peak for fruiting (83.3%) was observed in December followed by January (57.7%). Sida cordifolia L.showed highest pooled average of 179 days for flowering. However, Vernonia anthelmintica L.pooled the lowest average of 33.3 flowering days. Highest and lowest pooled average number of fruiting days were recorded for Cassia auriculata L. and Cassia occidentalis Linn. with 279.7 and 35.7 days/year respectively. On the basis of flowering, three species were identified with long flowering duration whereas six species were identified with short flowering duration. In the case of fruiting, five and two species were screened for long fruiting duration and short fruiting duration respectively. Average deviation in flowering among all species was ±15.5 days from the first to second year of study; however, this was ±15.4 days for the second to third year, resulting in overall 16.4 days of deviation for the entire study period. In the case of fruiting, the deviation was ±20.7 and ±17.3 days respectively, from the first to second year and second to third year, whereas the pooled deviation was 19 days in fruiting.

4 illus, 4 tables, 40 ref

017593   Muthamilarasan M;Parida S K;Prasad M (NO, National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110 067, Email: manoj_prasad@nipgr.ac.in) : Advances in wheat genomics and its potential in ensuring food security in the scenario of climate change. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad 2014, 80(2), 325-31.

Prevalence of hunger and under-nutrition among the world population at alarming rates challenges the food security.Further, the instability in global wheat production in past two years and the projection of continuing decrease in wheat inventories predominantly due to climate change add-up to food insecurity. The global climate change imposing biotic and abiotic stress made the crop improvement more challenging. However, the timely release of wheat genome sequence holds the promise of evading these tribulations, provided the researchers and breeders pertinently utilize the genome information.In view of this, this short-review highlights the intact insights for the wheat research community on how to implement the genome sequence data in breeding and engineering transgenic wheat with enhanced biotic and abiotic stress tolerance.

^iia1 illus, 25 ref

017592   Mishra S K;Chauhan D K;Singh S K;Srivastava G K (Botany Dep, Ewing Christian College, Allahabad-211 003, Email: sanjaiy_1975@yahoo.co.in) : Adaptation and morphotaxonomical implications of reproductive structures in some Indian cassiinae. Geophytology 2014, 44(2), 133-48.

Micro-morphological features of androecium and gynoecium, which have been less considered for taxonomic purposes, show considerable variations in genera Cassia Linn. and Senna Mill. belonging to sub-tribe Cassiinae of family Caesalpiniaceae. The androecial complement, consisting of 10 stamens with polleniferous or sterile anthers, show morphological as well as functional heteranthery. Variations have been recorded in shape, size, structure and mode of dehiscence of anthers. Spectacular variations exist between and among the species of Cassia and Senna in micro-morphology of stigma especially in shape, size of stigmatic orifice and trichomes fringing it. Poricidal anther dehiscence, enantiostylous carpel with minute internal stigma and stigmatic orifice fringing with variable trichomes, specifically evolved as an adaptation to promote specific pollination strategy mediated by insects, bear infrageneric taxonomic implications. The micro-morphological features of pistil, unique to each species, helps in segregation and identification of closely related species of genus Cassia and Senna, as well as in reviewing the taxonomic status of sub-tribe Cassiinae. These micro-morphological structures provide substantive evidence in resolving taxonomic riddles between closely related species of Cassia (C. nodosa, C.javanica, C. renigera and C. roxburghii) and Senna (S. obtusifolia and S. tora; S. sulfurea and S. surattensis.

2 tables, 44 ref

017591   Mandaokar B D;Kapgate D K;Mukherjee D (NO, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53 Univ Road, Lucknow-226 007, Email: bdmandokar@yahoo.com) : Palmoxylon shiblaensis sp. nov. (arecoid palm wood) from the deccan intertrappean beds (late cretaceous) of Yeotmal district, Maharashtra, India. Geophytology 2014, 44(2), 113-20.

Palmoxylon shiblaensis sp. nov., a new species of fossil palm wood, has been described from the Deccan Intertrappean beds exposed at Shibla village in Yeotmal District, Maharashtra. The wood is fairly well preserved to reveal all the important anatomical details for its identification and comparison. In cross section, the fossil palm wood shows an outer (dermal) and an inner (central) parts. Fibrovascular bundles, leaf-trace bundles, fused bundles and satellite bundles can be seen throughout the stem. Satellite bundles and divided phloem in the bundles are important features of the stem.

1 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

017590   Mandal M;Paul S;Dey S (Taxonomy and Biosystematics Laboratory, Botany Dep, University of Calcutta, 5 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019, Email: manasimandal175@yahoo.com ) : Ethno-medicobotany of some tribal communities of Bankura district, West Bengal, India. Explor Anim med Res 2014, 4(1), 64-80.

Investigation and documentation of the status of medicinal plants and associated knowledge was conducted in Taldangra block situated at south-western part of Bankura district. Data was collected and evaluated with a questionnaire survey, semi-structured interviews, field observations and vegetation surveys. 16 medicinal plant species used to treat 40 different ailments were recorded. Leaves are the most commonly collected plant parts for medicinal purposes. Much of the ethno-medicinal knowledge is concentrated in elderly members of the community. The medicinal plants are facing threats from agricultural expansion, wood extraction and overgrazing as informed by the local authorities. Consequently, medicinal plant resources are declining with time. The study aims to assess the contribution of nonconventional medicinal plants towards community health care. A total of 62 knowledge holders from the tribal community were interviewed and medicinal uses for 16 plants were recorded. The study illustrates that medicinal plant diversity is important for community health care, which in turn, ensures conservation, awareness creation towards sustainable utilization and management of these medicinal plants diversity.

2 illus, 2 tables, 35 ref

017589   Maity D (Botany Dep, Taxonomy & Biosystematics Laboratory, Univ of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700 019) : Ethnomedicinal uses of yartshagumba, Cordyce sinensis (BERK.) SACC. (Cordycipitaceae), by the tribal communities of North Sikkim and its conservation. Explor Anim med Res 2013, 3(2), 95-101.

Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc. is commonly known as 'Caterpillar Fungus' as it is parasitic on the larvae of different insects of Dipters and Lepidoptera groups. This fungus is of great medicinal value. The whole range of Himalayas, particularly the eastern region is the native place of this taxon. Sikkim, a tiny beautiful state of India also harbours this fungus in some specific high altitude areas (4000-5500 m). The stromatic part develops from the head of the caterpillar having pungent odour even when dried. The ethnic communities of Sikkim, viz. Lapchas, Nepalese, Bhutias, Sherpas etc. use this organism for the remedy of different physical disorders including sexual impotency. It has also some effect on wild animals like Yak. The traditional uses, of this fungus by different tribal communities of North Sikkim including its other medicinal uses and conservation aspects are described.

1 illus, 18 ref

017588   Maithy P K;Singh R S;Babu R (NO, , F-2212 Rajajipuram, Lucknow-226 017, Email: maithy_pk@rediffmail.com) : Microfossils from the palri shale formation (lower vindhyan) of Chittaurgarh, Rajasthan, India. Geophytology 2014, 44(2), 121-5.

Microfossils are described from finely laminated, yellowish-light greyish, siliceous and micaceous shales of the Palri Shale Formation (Semri Group) exposed in and around Chittaurgarh, Rajasthan. These microfossils are dark black, poorly preserved, highly compressed, 1 μm thick and 5-100 um in diameter and commonly exhibit tears and folds. Pseudomicrofossils are also observed, which are golden brown, 6-8 μm in diameter and 0.2-0.3 μm thick and consist of authigenic apatite crystals. These occur either isolated or in clusters and look alike to true microfossils. However, these can be easily deciphered by phase interference light under high-power microscope.

2 illus, 10 ref

017587   Kurkin V A (Pharmacognosy with Botany and Basis of Phytotherapy Dep, Samara State medical University, Ul. Chapaevskaya 89, Samara, 443099, Russia) : Saffloroside, a new flavonoid from flowers of Carthamus tinctorius L. J Pharmac Phytochem 2015, 4(1), 29-31.

From the flowers of Carthamus tinctorius L., cultivated in Samara Region (Russian Federation) there was isolated a new flavonoid, named us saffloroside, which has the structure of 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside of 3, 7, 3^{1, 41-tetrahydroxy-5-methoxyflavone (azaleatin). The chemical structure of saffloroside there was elucidated by means of 1H-NMR-, UV-spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. In the course of phytochemical investigations on the flowers of Carthamus tinctorius there were isolated also cynaroside and luteoln previously described for this plant.}

1 illus, 10 ref

017586   Joshi P;Bhanu Priya;Gahlot M (Pharmaceutical Chemistry Dep, S.G.R.R.I.T.S., Patel Nagar, Dehradun, Uttrakhand) : Study of phytochemical and diuretic potential of acetone extract of Sapium sebiferum leaves. Asian J biochem pharm Res 2014, 4(1), 29-33.

Dried leaves of Sapium sebiferum were subjected to successive extraction using the solvents (Petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone, methanol and water) in increasing order of polarity. The prepared extracts were then subjected to preliminary phytochemical analysis. It was found that the plant possesses steroids, alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannins, phenols and salts of potassium. The acetone extract were selected for further study. The diuretic potential of acetone extract of Sapium sebiferum leaves was assessed in albino rats using in-vivo Lipschitz test model. The volumes of urine, urinary concentration of sodium and potassium ions were the parameters of the study. Furosemide was used as standard. The results indicate that acetone extract at 500 mg/kg body weight shows a significant (p<60>0.05) increase in the urine volume and electrolyte excretion (p<60>0.001) when compared to control. The extract showed significant diuretic activity. From the present study it may be concluded that the constituents present in a cetone extract may be responsible for diuretic activity.

2 tables, 13 ref

017585   Hussain F;Islam M A;Bulbul L;Rahman M M; Hossain M M S (Pharmacy Dep, Noakhali Science and Technology Univ, Soanpur, Noakhali, Bangladesh) : In vitro thrombolytic potential of root extracts of four medicinal plants available in Bangladesh. Ancient Sci Life 2014, 33(3), 162-4.

This study's aim was to evaluate the thrombolytic potential of selected plants' root extracts. Plants were bollected, dried, powdered and extracted by methanol and then fractionated by n-hexane for getting the sample root extracts. Venous blood samples were drawn from 10 healthy volunteers for the purposes of investigation. An in vitro thrombolytic model was used to check the clot lysis potential of four n-hexane soluble roots extracts viz., Acacia nilotica, Justicia adhatoda, Azadirachta indica, and Lagerstroemia speciosa along with streptokinase as a positive control and saline water as a negative control. Dunnett t-test analysis was performed using SPSS is a statistical analysis program developed by IBM Corporation, USA. on Windows. Using an in vitro thrombolytic model, A. nilotica, L. speciosa, A. indica, and J. adhatoda at 5 mg extract/ml NaCI solution concentration showed 15.1%, 15.49%, 21.26%, and 19.63% clot lysis activity respectively. The reference streptokinase showed 47.21%, and 24.73% clot lysis for 30,000 IU and 15,000 IU concentrations, respectively whereas 0.9% normal saline showed 5.35% clot lysis. The selected extracts of the plant roots possess marked thrombolytic properties that could lyse blood clots in vitro; however, in vivo clot dissolving properties and active components responsible for clot lysis are yet to be discovered.

1 table, 15 ref

017584   Gupta S;Boswal M V (Botany Dep, Christ Church College, Kanpur-208 001) : Effect of algal and lemnoid extracts on endogenous rhythm in pollen growth of certain members of poaceae. Agric biol Res 2014, 30(2), 207-18.

Response of grass pollen viz. Hordeum vulgare and Saccharum spontaneum to lemnoid extract (1%, 2%, 5% and 10%) and Zea mays to algal extracts ('A', 'B' & 'C') were studied during different periods of day under uniformly controlled conditions. Pollen grains were collected early in the morning before anthesis. The concentration of each treatment which induced maximum pollen germination and tube length had been considered as the best treatment. All experiments were performed under crowded conditions of pollen at 20 ± 0.5°C and 100% R.H. for Hordeum vulgare; at 30± 0.5°C and 100% R.H. for Saccharum spontaneum; at 26 ± 1°C and 100% R.H. for Zea mays. Results showed that algal extract (A.E.) and lemnoid extract (L.E.) enhanced both percentage germination and pollen tube growth significantly and endogenous rhythmicity altered with stimulated pollen germination and tube elongation. Treatments of 5% L.E and 10% A.E. ('A', 'B' & 'C') induced maximum stimulatory effect.

6 illus, 2 tables, 34 ref

017583   Devender R;Ramakrishna H;Padal S B (Botany Dep, Univ College of Science, Saifabad, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad-500 004, Email: devender.bot@gmail.com) : Pollen diversity in Apis honeys of narsipatnam forest, Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Geophytology 2014, 44(2), 181-7.

The paper incorporates pollen analysis of five squeezed Apisflorea honey samples collected from Narsipatnam Forest Division of Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh during 2011-2012. Of these, two honey samples are unifloral and remaining three are multifloral. Schleichera oleosa pollen are predominant in unifloral honey samples. The other significant pollen types are of Mimosa pudica, Syzygium sp., Eucalyptus globulus, Tridax procumbens, Terminalia arjuna and Corchorus fascicularis. These pollen types are therefore fairly reliable nectar source for honey bees in this area.

6 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

017582   Chinnappa C;Rajanikanth A;Rao Y V (NO, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53 Univ Road, Lucknow-226 007, Email: chinnabsip@gmail.com) : Gymnosperm fossils from the Gangapur formation (early cretaceous) of Adilabad district, Telangana, India. Geophytology 2014, 44(2), 91-104.

Deals with the diversity of gymnosperms during the sedimentation of Gangapur Formation (Early Cretaceous) in Pranhita-Godavari Graben and their palaeoenvironmental importance. Plant fossils were collected from Ralpet, Nowgaon and Rampur localities, near Sirpur-Kaghaznagar town, and also from Butarmal Nala near Asifabad in Adilabad District, Telangana. A new species of Elatocladus (E. andhrensis) is also described. The floral diversity and palaeoenvironment of the Gangapur Formation is discussed on the basis of macro- and micro- plant fossil evidences drawn from the present study and also from earlier studies. Dominance of conifers in the floral assemblage indicates prevalence of upland flora with warm and humid conditions during the time of deposition of Gangapur Formation.

2 illus, 2 tables, 67 ref

017581   Buts A K;Chaudhary V L;Singh D (P.G. Botany Dep, D.S. College, Aligarh, Email: dr.astikbuts@rediffmail.com) : Morphology and productivity response of Lens esculentus (Lentil) under the stress of cadmium chloride (CdCl₂). Indian J Life Sci 2013, 2(2), 23-6.

Seeds of (lentil) were treated with 0.1%, 0.25%, 0.5% & 1% concentration of CdCl₂ before sowing and the resulting plants were considered as M generation. The seeds obtained from M generation under different treatments were further treated with the corresponding concentration of CdCl₂ to obtain M generation. The germination percentage of seeds, number of branches per plant, plant height, number of pods per plant and weight of 100 seeds on the treatment of various concentrations of CdCl₂ showed a decrease in both the generations but the losses incurred were recovered slightly in Mgeneration. The plants of M generation however showed a little gain over the control, particularly at the lowest concentration i.e. 0.1%. It suggests that the studied plant sp. is likely to overcome the deleterious effect of CdCl₂ under constant exposure in the generations to come.

1 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

017580   Bhute S D;Sarate O S;Kalkar S A (Botany Dep, Institute of Science, Nagpur-440 001) : Permo- triassic palynoflora from borehole NSG-3 near sirsi, Nagpur district, Maharashtra, India. Geophytology 2014, 44(2), 105-11.

Palynoflora has been recorded from the Permo-Triassic sediments of Borehole NSG-3 near Sirsi, Nagpur District, Maharashtra. It has dominance of striate bisaccate genus Striatopodocarpites and sub-dominance of non-striate bisaccate genus Faunipollenites. Normally, this kind of palynofloral combination has been reported from the upper part of Raniganj Formation in Damodar Valley and also from Raniganj or its time equivalent formations of several other Indian Gondwana Basins. However, the subsistence of some of the very significant palynotaxa in this miofloral assemblage, viz. Navalesporites, Lunatisporites, Crescentipollenites Tiwariasporis, Weylandites, Osmundacidites, Playfordiaspora, Ephedripites, Klausipollenites and Lundbladispora, indicates that these sediments represent top-most part of the Kamthi Formation with still younger affiliation. The palynofloristic evidences therefore suggest that these sediments represent a transitionary stage of Late Permian to Early Triassic. The inference drawn here has substantial supporting evidence of similar palynofloral record already known from Satpura Gondwana Basin, South Rewa Gondwana Basin, Godavari Basin, Johilla Coalfield, Talcher Coalfield and Makardhokada area of Nagpur District, Maharashtra, which have been assigned Permo-Triassic age. The depositional site experienced cold and humid climate with alternating dry and oxidizing conditions with luxuriant vegetation.

3 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

017579   Bhushan G;Sharma S K;Saurabh Kumar;Sagar P (Environmental Science Dep, Bareilly College, MJP Rohilkhand University, Uttar Pradesh) : Aflatoxin contamination in previously stored seeds of Sorghum Vulgare in Rajasthan. Asian J biochem pharm Res 2014, 4(1), 207-10.

Survey of aflatoxins in some commonly consumed millet food stuffs by the arid and semi-arid areas in districts of Rajasthan, conducted in 2003. Out of 17 seed samples collected from the houses and markets of cities and villages. All samples were containing one or the other aflatoxins. Aflatoxin B₁ was ranging in concentration from 0.28-1.96 μg/ml, B₂ 0.22-1.27 μg/ml, G₁ 0.02-0.32 μg/ml and G₂ 0.01-0.28 μg/ml. The maximum percentage of aflatoxin B₁ contamination was recorded in sample Sv-16 (1.96 μg/ml) stored in jute bag and minimum aflatoxin B1contamination was observed in sample Sv-3 (0.28 μg/ml) stored in tin box. Aflatoxin B₁ was recorded from all the samples stored in different storage structures (jute bags, polythene bags, cloth bags and tin boxes).

1 table, 21 ref

017578   Bansal P;Nath V (NO, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow-226 001, Email: pooja07_ag@rediffmail.com) : Diversity and distribution of genus Bryum Hedw. in gangetic plains, India. Geophytology 2014, 44(2), 175-9.

Bryum Hedw. (family Bryaceae), an acrocarpous moss, occurs in variety of habitats in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The present paper deals with the current status of this genus in Gangetic Plains, India. The study reveals occurrence of six species of this genus in 5 states, phytogeographically placed under Gangetic Plains, viz. Delhi, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal. Bryum apiculatum Sphwaegr. has been reported from Delhi, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, B. coronatum Schwaegr. from Delhi and West Bengal, and B. klinggraeffii Schimp. found in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. However, B. cellulare Hook., B. argenteum Hedw. and B. dichotomum Hedw. have been reported only from Delhi, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, respectively. B. apiculatum is reported for the first time from Uttar Pradesh. These species show altitudinal range from 182 m to 218 m within Gangetic Plains and are either corticolous, saxicolous or terricolous. Saxicolous and terricolous species are represented by 4 taxa each, whereas B. coronatum is found to grow on rocks and tree barks.

1 illus, 9 ref