016538   Geeta;Singh P K (NO, Jamshedpur Women's College, Jamshedpur, Email: geeta.mishrajasr@gmail.com) : Diversity in stomatal architecture in Oxalis impacted by diverse ecological environment. Adv Pl Sci 2014, 27(2), 479-84.

Research involved the examination of variation of leaf morphology, stomatal traits, stomatal density, stomatal length and width, stomatal index and pattern of epidermal cells in Oxalis species. The research was conducted in diverse environmental condition of Jamshedpur which was classified as green zone (non-Polluted) of hilly terrains of Dalma and plains of Jubilee Park, semi-green (non-polluted) areas of residential localities, Industrial zone (polluted area) of Tata Steel and its surroundings, and Electromagnetic radiation zone of cell towers. The stomatal characteristics were examined under 3D-RLM microscope and data were analyzed statistically. Significant variations in stomatal size (length and width), stomatal density and index along with epidermal cell morphology in diverse environmental conditions were observed which indicated the adaptability and formation of species and sub species in Oxalis in course of evolutionary time line.

5 tables, 14 ref

016537   Geeta;Dutta A (Botany Dep, Jamshedpur Women's College, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand) : Enrichment of soil by the application of cow's urine (gomutra) for the growth of Lens culinaris plants. Adv Pl Sci 2014, 27(2), 381-5.

In the present work influence of Gomutra on Lens plant was studied with the aim whether drenching soil with Gomutra had any enhancement of Macro elements required for plant growth. The Lens Plant grown in soils treated with Gomutra of different concentration have some rhizhospheric changes which influence the soil minerals composition.

2 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

016536   Geeta;Dutta A (Botany Dep, Jamshedpur Women's College, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, Email: duttaanita22sept@gmail.com ) : Anatomical changes in Lens culinaris plant induced by the salinity of gomutra. Adv Pl Sci 2014, 27(2), 337-41.

Although Gomutra has a large number of minerals and salts suitable for the growth of plants, its salinity might affect negatively. To asses this, Lens culinaris seeds were raised under different concentration of Gomutra and keeping a control with normal water. Anatomical observations of root and stem of such plants were compared with control. Plants responded optimally at mid-concentration where secondary vascular tissues flourished well. Large number and sizes of xylem vessels were seen at such concentration. The retardation of vascular tissues and large amount of cork tissues appeared at higher concentration which might be an adaptive mechanism for survival against plants dissication in response to salinity stress.

13 ref

016535   Gautam P K;Sharma O P (Botany P.G. Dep, Govt. College, Bundi, Rajasthan, Email: foreverpawan@gmail.com) : Fidelity of plant community of Nasirda (Tonk district), Rajasthan. Adv Pl Sci 2014, 27(2), 559-60.

Structure of a community can be studied by taking into consideration a number of characters which are usually grouped under two heads viz. analytic and synthetic. Fidelity is important synthetic character of plant community structure. This is the degree with which a species is restricted in distribution to one kind of community. Present study deals with the study of fidelity structure of plant species of Nasirda of Deoli tehsil (Tonk district) Rajasthan. Observed plant species have been grouped into five fidelity classes. Present study provide a clear picture of the vegetation and helped in understanding of this community structure of study area.

6 tables, 6 ref

016534   Dutta B (Botany Dep, Sibsagar Girl's College, Sivasagar-785 640) : Ethnobotanical studies on medicinal plants in panidihing bird sanctuary of Assam, India. Adv Pl Sci 2014, 27(2), 429-32.

Survey of medicinal plants used by the ethnic communities of Panidihing bird sanctuary and adjoining areas in Sivasagar district of Assam has been reported. Forty-one plant species belonging to 30 families and 35 genera are included. For each plant species, botanical name, part(s) used, popular medicinal use, forms of preparation and applications of the remedies are provided.

21 ref

016533   Devi H S;Sharma D R (Entomology Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004) : Impact of abiotic factors on build up of citrus psylla, diaphorina citri kuwayama population in Punjab India. J appl nat Sci 2014, 6(2), 371-6.

Seasonal abundance of citrus psylla (Diaphorina citri) Kuwayama was studied on Kinnow mandarin under Punjab conditions during 2012 and 2013. Population of D. citri was present throughout the year but only adults found surviving during December and February. There was no nymphal population when maximum temperature was <62> 39°C or <60> 7°C. Two population peaks of nymphs wer e observed, first in April-May and second in August- September. Thereafter, there was abrupt decline in nymphal population during June and July during both the years when the weather conditions i.e. maximum, minimum temperature (°C), relative humidity (%), rainfall (m m) and sunshine (hrs) ranged from 24.4-44, 22.4-31.8, 25.5-100, 0-108.0 and 0-13.5, respectively. Highest peaks of adult were found during May followed by June. With the decrease in temperature from the end of September, the population of D. citri started to decrease and reached its lowest during winter season. Correlation analysis for both the years indicated that maximum and minimum temperature, sunshine and rainfall were positively correlated with nymphal, adult and mixed population but the effect of rainfall on adult population was non-significant, while relative humidity was negatively correlated. The study is useful to find out the weak links of psyllid populations in relation to abiotic factors and that could be exploited to curb its infestation and disease transmission.

016532   Deka D;Sarkar S;Nilakshee Devi (Botany Dep, Dudhnoi College, Goalpara-783 124, Email: nila_devi@sify.com) : Importance of certain species of Bambusa schreb in folklore life of Assam : an ethnotaxonomical observation. Adv Pl Sci 2014, 27(2), 423-8.

Bambusa Schreb is an important genus of the family Poaceae, the species of which are usually tall, arborescent, tufted, rhizomatous and erect. Assam, one of the seven states of the N.E. region of India is rich with many species of Bambusa Schreb distributed in almost all districts of the state. The rural people of Assam are found to be interestingly dependent on several bamboo plant resources to meet their requirements of food, shelter, clothing and also medicine. Present communication throws light on the taxonomy of certain species of the genus Bambusa Schreb different parts of which have been playing important role in folklore life of Assam since time immemorial.

6 illus, 12 ref

016531   Deepmala;Tambe B;Tapale B K (NO, Adv. M.N. Deshmukh Arts, Comm. & Science College, Rajur, Tal-Akole, Distt. Ahmednagar, Maharashtra-422 604, Email: tambedeepmala@gmail.com) : Diversity of cyanophyceae from Bhandardara dam. tal. Akole, dist. Ahmednagar (M.S.) India. Adv Pl Sci 2014, 27(2), 395-9.

Investigation was carried out for study of biodiversity of Cyanophyceae (Blue green algae or Cyanobacteria) from Bhandardara dam. Three sites were selected for investigation in that the continuous availability of water at all study sites resulted the occurrence of diversified forms of blue green algae. In present investigation, during monsoon months occurrence of algae was very less. Maximum number of algae was observed during December to May. During and after rainy season, benthic and filamentous algae have been reported. The planktonic, epilithic and benthic algae of Bhandardara Dam at three sites were listed.

1 table, 11 ref

016530   Deepika;Yadav K S;Maan P;Bhatia S;Yadav N P (Botany and Pharmacognosy Dep, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), P O CIMAP, Lucknow-226 015, Email: npyadav@gmail.com) : Exploration of anti-inflammatory of turmeric and onion combination on phorbol ester induced ear inflammation in mice. Ann Phytomed 2014, 3(2), 50-4.

The turmeric and onion mixture is used as home remedy for acute inflammation. The antiinflammatory effect of this mixture was evaluated on acute inflammatory condition induced by 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-Acetate (TPA) in mouse ear. The changes in ear redness, edema, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IFN-γ), anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), lipid peroxidation assay and nitric oxide assay were evaluated as indicators of acute inflammation. Topically applied turmeric and onion extract mixture (1:1, 250 mg/kg body weight) significantly inhibited the TPA induced acute inflammation, leading to substantial reductions in ear redness, ear weight (edema), pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. The data suggest that turmeric and onion extract mixture is topically effective anti-inflammatory agent useful to treat the acute skin inflammatory conditions.

3 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

016529   Chitale R;Shinde P (Post Graduate Research Centre in Botany, Tuljaram Chaturchand College, Baramati-413 102, Email: rd.chitale@gmail.con) : Seed priming using alfa-alfa. Adv Pl Sci 2014, 27(2), 379-80.

In the present investigation an attempt has been made to study the effect of Alfa-alfa, a homoeopathic tonic obtained from Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) plant on seed germination of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. cv. Mahyco No. 55). Seeds of okra were soaked in alfa-alfa (6x, 30x and 200x potency) along with control for 6 h and then they were allowed to germinate in petriplates. The treatment with 6x potency caused stimulation in germination percentage, root and shoot length, vigour index, emergence index and speed of germination than 30x and 200x potency over control. The 6x dose of Alfa-alfa was found to be the best for seed priming in okra.

4 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

016528   Chaudhary S;Bhargava A K (Ecology Unit, Botany Dep, M.S. College, Saharanpur-247 001, Email: drakb103@gmail.com) : Some biochemical studies of road side medicinal plant Dhatura alba at Saharanpur district. Biochem Cell Archs 2014, 14(2), 479-9.

Total N, P and heavy metal of road side grown Dhatura alba plant parts and soil sample were determined. High soil contents of toxic or total heavy metals have been observed in the proximity of road side grown plant as compared to plant grown at 200 mt. distance away from road side, Likewise, level of total Nitrogen and Phosphorous also showed variations in different plant samples depending upon the extent of automobile exhaust released along road side. Saharanpur District is located at the latitude of 29028' N and at the longitude of 77033' E. It has 270.8 meters altitude above the sea level. A small stream named DHAMOLA passes through the main city and caries all municipal waste etc. which finally confluence with river, Hindon near Tapri. The main roads run to towns of Behat and Chakrota in the north; Mohand and Dehradun in Northeast; to Roorkee and Hardwar in the east; to Deoband and Muzaffamagar in south-east; to Delhi in the south; to Nakur and Gangoh in south-west; to Ambala in West (Bhargava, 2006). It is by the toad side medicinal plant Dhatura alba is grown, which is effected by automobile exhaust released from the traffic density on these roads.

1 table, 17 ref

016527   Chaudhary S;Bargava A K (Ecology Unit, Botany Dep, M.S. College, Saharanpur-247 001, Email: drakb103@gmail.com) : Effect of heavy metal zinc on petal senescence in Rosa indica Linn. Biochem Cell Archs 2014, 14(2), 475-6.

1 table, 6 ref

016526   Chaudhary S B;Dodake S S;Bedis M R (Medicinal & Aromatic Plant Project, Ag. Botany Dep, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413 704) : Correlation and path analysis in ashwagandha [(Withania somnifera (L) Dundal)]. Adv Pl Sci 2014, 27(2), 551-3.

Genotypic and phenotypic correlation and path co-efficient for nine characters were studied in twenty genotypes of Ashwagandha. Results indicated that dry root yield was significantly and positively correlated with root length, number of primary branches per plant and days to 50% flowering. Path co-efficient analysis revealed that root length and days to 50% flowering had high positive direct effect on dry root yield per plant at the same time these traits also had highly significant and positive correlations with dry root yield per plant. Hence due emphasis should be given to these characters during selection for Ashwagandha improvement.

2 tables, 8 ref

016525   Chaubal S S;Risbud A (NO, The Institute of Science, Madam Cama Road, Mumbai-32, Email: sakshi_chaubal@rediffmail.com ) : Effect of Ulva lactuca L. as biofertilizer on Capsicum annuum L. (Chilly). Adv Pl Sci 2014, 27(2), 291-3.

In the present investigation effect of Ulva lactuca as biofertilizer was studied on growth characteristics of Capsicum annum L. Most of the growth parameters like height of the plant, average size of the internodes, fresh weight and dry weight exhibited considerable increase over control. Soil analysis results revealed higher concentration of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium in the pots enriched with the alga indicating diffused nutrients by Ulva lactuca.

4 tables, 8 ref

016524   Chandel U;Pimpalgaonkar R (Botany and Microbiology Dep, Govt. W.W. Patankar Girls P.G. College, Durg, Chhattisgarh) : Seasonal variations of fungi in the phylloplane mycoflora of Jatropha curcas L.. Adv Pl Sci 2014, 27(2), 485-8.

Jatropha curcas L. is the most important biofuel plant of the family Euphorbiaceae. The phylloplane mycoflora of Jatropha curcas L. was isolated from March 2007 to February 2008. Total 30 species belonging to 15 genera of fungi were isolated from the phylloplane of Jatropha curcas L. The isolation was done by washed disc method. During summer, 16 species belonging to 7 genera of fungi were isolated whereas during rainy season, 13 species belonging to 11 genera of fungal species were isolated. During winter season, 16 species belonging to 12 genera of fungal species were isolated. Thus maximum numbers of fungal genera were isolated during winter season whereas minimum numbers were isolated during summer season. The ecological relationship of the isolated fungi were also determined by calculating their percentae frequency and percentage abundance. Alternaria alternata was found to be the species having maximum frequency and maximum abundance. It was constantly present in the phylloplane of Jatropha curcas L. throughout the study period except in the month of March and April. The results of the present investigation also indicated that some well known pathogenic fungi like Alternaria alternata, Rhizoctonia bataticola, Fusarium solani etc were also present in the phylloplane of Jatropha curcas L. Recently, the reports indicate that this disease resistant plant is now getting infections from fungal pathogens. The present study also confirms their presence in the phylloplane of Jatropha curcas L, with high frequency and abundance.

1 table, 8 ref

016523   Bhosale R S;More A D (Botany Dep, Fergusson College, Pune (Savitribai Phule Pune Univ, Pune, Email: rahul.bhosale3@gmail.com) : Broad leaves and spreading mutants in Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. Adv Pl Sci 2014, 27(2), 525-6.

Cultivar of Ashwagandha was treated with chemical mutagen like Ethyl Methane Sulphonate (EMS) at the concentrations of 0.50%, 0.075%, 0.10% and 0.125% and physical mutagen i.e. Gamma rays at the doses of 10kR, 20kR, 30kR and 40kR. In M2 generation various morphological variability's related to quantitative characters were studied. It showed two interesting variants like Broad leaves and Spreading variant. These variants showed better yield contributing parameters and even more total alkaloid content as compare to control.

1 table, 7 ref

016522   Bhagya Lakshmi O;Sandhya K;Reddy P H;Karsha P V (Botany Dep, Sarojini Naidu Vanita Maha Vidyalaya Exhibition grounds, M.J. Road, Nampally, Hyderabad-500 001, Email: bloruganti@yahoo.com) : Antimicrobial activity and antioxdant properties of Syzygium aromaticum (Cloves). Adv Pl Sci 2014, 27(2), 279-86.

Extracts of Syzygium aromaticum prepared in different solvents were tested for antimicrobial potential against ten bacterial and ten fungal species used as test organisms. Antimicrobial tests were carried out by disc diffusion method, followed by the measurement of Minimum Inhibitory Concentation (MIC) and Time kill Kinetics. Activity against all the selected Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria was excellent and moderate of extracts in the polar and non-polar solvents. MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) ranged between 0.625 mg/ml to <62>20 mg/ml. Time kill kinetics showed effective results. In antifungal activity n-hexane extract showed maximum zone of inhibition of 40.7 mm against Aspergillus niger. In addition their antioxidant potential was evaluated by 2, 2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl radical.

9 illus, 4 tables, 13 ref

016521   Baruwati N;Gogoi M (Botany Dep, Gargaon College Simaluguri, Sivasagar, Assam-785 680) : Aromatic monocot plants of Sivasagar district and their medicinal importance. Adv Pl Sci 2014, 27(2), 405-10.

Sivasagar district is biologically warm area and quite rich for medicinal as well as other economic plants. A large number of tribal population of the area are dependent on the plant resources for medicine. In this paper an attempt has been made to assess the aromatic monocotyledonous plants of the area. From the study, 49 monocot aromatic plant species were recorded belonging to 30 genera and 14 families. Zingiberaceae family comprising 17 species was recorded as dominant followed by Araceae family with 7 species, Liliaceae and Amaryllidaceae 4 species, and Diaseareaceae, Pandanaceae and Poceae 3 species each, Marantaceae 2 species and rest of the families 1 species each. Some important medicinal aromatic monocot plants commonly used for treatment of different disorder and ailments are Achasma laraglassum, Aloe borbadonsis, Alpinia galanga, Crinum asiaticum, C. aromatica, Pandanus assamensis etc. Species were enumerated with scientific name, family, common name and ethnomedicinal uses.

1 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

016520   Anil Kumar (Botany Dep, Ranchi College, Ranchi, Jharkhand, Email: anilkumar.ru@gmail.com) : Indigenous knowledge of using medicinal plants in treating skin diseases by tribe's in West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand (India). Adv Pl Sci 2014, 27(2), 413-5.

Study is based upon the ethno-botanical studies on four tribal communities of Ho, Munda, Santhal, Birhor. Tribal healers utilize several local available plants in ethno-medicinal practices. The paper reports the use of 10 species of plants variously used by the tribal communities in curring skin diseases.

17 ref

016519   Anil Kumar (Botany Dep, Ranchi College, Ranchi, Jharkhand, Email: anilkumar.ru@gmail.com) : Survey, isolation and identification of black rot of crucifers from agriculture field of Bero block in Ranchi, Jharkhand, India. Adv Pl Sci 2014, 27(2), 295-7.

Twenty one agriculture fields of Bero block of Ranchi (Jharkhand) were surveyed for Black rot and soft rot of crucifers throughout the year of 2011 and 2012. Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris was isolated from plants with symptoms of Black rot and Pseudomonas sp. and Erwinia sp. from plants with soft rot. Various morphological, physiological and pathogenicity tests were also observed for identity of the pathogen.

1 table, 18 ref

016518   Ahire D (Botany Dep, M.S.G. College Malegaon Camp, Nasik, Maharashtra) : Some ethnomedicinal uses of weeds in Nasik district of Maharashtra, India. Indian For 2013, 139(11), 1050-1.

1 table

016517   Aggarwal M;Haseeb M;Manzoor U (Plant Protection Dep, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002, Email: khan_umma11@yahoo.co.in) : Biology and seasonal incidence of aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae on cabbage. Ann Pl Prot Sci 2014, 22(2), 275-7.

Observations showed that a single female gave birth to 85.8±1.08 nymphs on an average within its life span. Nymphs developed through four instars and transformed into adults with an average of 8.3±0.83 days. Adult females (wingless) were dull green to grey coloured and covered with a whitish waxy powder. The average pre-natal, natal and post natal periods were recorded as 3.2±0.63, 16.1±4.09 and 10.7±1.16 days, respectively. The average female adult longevity was recorded as 25.6±4.60 days. The incidence of this aphid varied from 20 to 410/3 leaves/plant. The incidence was highest during 12th SW. These insects showed significantly negative correlation with maximum relative humidity while non-significant positive correlation was observed with maximum and minimum temperature.

3 tables, 7 ref

016516   Acharya B;Sahoo H P;Parida R K (Botany Dep, Christ College, Cuttack, Odisha) : Indigenous phytotherapy for snake bite used by the tribals of Keonjhar district of Odisha, India. Adv Pl Sci 2014, 27(2), 563-5.

Ethnomedicinal study was conducted on the tribes of Keonjhar district of Odisha to collect information on herbal remedies for snake bite. This paper reports 17 plant species belonging to 11 families which are used as antidote. Attempt has been made to indicate the phytochemical content of these plants on the basis of documented literature. Plants are arranged in alphabetic order with family name, odia name (O) and local name (L).

6 ref

015603   W¢jciak-Kosior M;Sowa I;Strzemski M;Rokicka K;Blicharski T;a Bogucka-Kocka A (Chair of Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry Dep, , Chodzki 4a, 20-093, Lublin, Poland, Europe) : Application of high performance thin layer chromatography for qualitative analysis of isoflavones in medicinal plants. Int J Res Pharm Chem 2014, 4(1), 222-7.

Retention behavior of commonly occurring compounds with estrogenic activity: daidzein, formononetin, genistein, prunetin, biochanin A and coumestrol on silica and silica modified with cyjanopropyl, aminopropyl, diol and octadecyl groups was investigated. Mixtures of methanol or acetonitrile with water and eluents such as chloroform, heptane and toluene with more polar modifiers: ethyl acetate, acetone, diisopropyl ether in various concentrations were used as mobile phases. The best result of separation was obtained on RP-18s plates with use diisopropyl ether/toluene/formic acid (40/60/0.5 v/v/v) as eluent. All investigated compounds were well separated which enabled their densitometric analysis. The proposed chromatographic system was used to qualitative analysis of investigated compounds in plant material.

6 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

015602   Verma K S;Pandey R;Ayachi A (Biological Sciences Dep, R D University, Jabalpur-482 001, Email: karunaverma@gmail.com) : Nutritional assessment of different parts of Acacia catechu willd. collected from Central India. Int J pharm Sci Res 2014, 5(7), 2980-6.

Acacia catechu is a multipurpose tree predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions of India. The tree produces nitrogen rich fodder and green manure, high quality fuel wood and charcoal, strong durable poles and timber. The most useful products of this tree are Kutch or "Kattha" which is obtained from bark and heartwood of the tree. Commonly used plant part of Acaia catechu is bark which isa usual source of Kattha, is strong antioxidant, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal in nature. The tree is also used as fodder for goat and cattle in many parts of India. However, the other plant parts of Acacia catechu especially from Central India have not been investigated for their nutritive value. The present study showcases a comprehensive investigation on different plant parts of Acacia catechu collected from Jabalpur. The results show that the young legumes of Acacia catechu can serve as a better source of nutrition for both human and animals.

18 ref

015601   Tripathy P K;Sanjeet Kumar;Jena P K (Botnay Dep, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, Odisha-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(7), 2919-26.

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

015600   Siva Raagini P;Vijaya Lakshmi K;Ushasri K (Applied Microbiology Dep, S.P.M.V.V., Tirupati-517 502, Email: sivaraagini@gmail.com) : Isolation and characterization of nitrifying bacteria bacillus anthracis MTCC no. 2104 from longstanding cultivation of Bt cotton rizhosphere soil. Bioscan 2013, 8(2), 477-80.

In the present study, an attempt has been made to isolate the Nitrifying bacteria from the total of eleven bacteria of rhizosphere soil of Bt cotton. Among the eleven isolates, six isolates were positive in primary screening for nitrifying activity. The cultures of these six isolates were secondary screened, by a micro titer system based on the most probable number (MPN) method with an increased accuracy. Finally, one isolated bacteria which shows maximum activity labeled as Bt rhizosphere soil (Btrs7) was selected and characterized. This is further conformed by IMTECH, Chandigarh and identified as Bacillus anthracis with MTCC no 2104.

7 illus, 9 ref

015599   Singh S;Mishra P (NO, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow-226 015) : Growth characteristics, chemical constituents and mineral composition of Andrographis paniculata applied with different growth hormones. Agric biol Res 2014, 30(1), 36-52.

The application of plant growth promoters have showed as a vital tool in improving agricultural production. The effect of Thidiazuran (TDZ), a urea derivative, has been compared with IAA, IBA, GA₃ and NAA on the yield of biomass vis a vis germination, growth parameters, chlorophyll contents, active constituents (andrographolide and neo-andrographolide) as well as mineral ion accumulation in Andrographis paniculata. TDZ was found comparable to IAA and GA₃ and superior to IBA and NAA in enhancing the growth, germination % and andrographolide content in the plant. While, it's low concentration was superior to all the tested growth promoters in increasing the mineral content in the plant.

6 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

015598   Shukla L;Senapati A;Tyagi S P;Saxena A K (Microbiology Div, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: lshukla65@gmail.com) : Economically viable mass production of lignocellulolytic fungal inoculum for rapid degradation of agrowaste. Curr Sci 2014, 107(10), 1701-4.

Consortium of four hypercellulolytic fungal cultures, namely Aspergillus awamori, Trichoderma viride, Aspergillus nidulans and Phanerochaete chrysosporium was optimized for compost production on the basis of their lignocellulolytic enzyme production potential. The consortium has been effectively used for composting of diverse agricultural wastes such as paddy straw, soybean trash, pearl millet, maize residues and mustard stover. The inoculum of four fungi needs to be produced in bulk for talc-based consortium formulation. Routinely fungus is grown on potato dextrose agar medium, malt extract agar medium or Martin's Rose Bengal agar medium, which escalates the cost of production because of relatively expensive ingredients. Further, harvesting of fungal biomass from solid surface adds additional cost to the production schedule.

3 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

015597   Saradha M;Ranjitham P;Paulsamy S (Botany Dep, Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore-641 029, Email: paulsami@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant properties of callus cultures of an endangered medical tree species, Hildegardia populifolia (Roxb) Schott & Endl.. Int J pharm Sci Res 2014, 5(3), 839-48.

Protocol for efficient callogenesis in Hildegardia populifolia has been developed by using leaf, node, internode and petiole explants. Preliminary phytochemical analysis and quantitative estimation of flavonoids, phenols and tannins were made along with the evaluation of antioxidant properties by DPPH' and ABTS^{+ assays in vitro callus cultures of the same species. It is an indigenous endangered multipurpose medium sized tree being used for traditional medical practices in Tamil Nadu and Andra Pradesh. Among the explants, the efficient callogenesis was accelerated within 10-19 days in leaf explant on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2, 4-0 alone at 2 mg/L. Effective calli were produced from node (BAP and IAA at 2 mg/L and 0.4 mg/L respectively in MS medium), internode (2,4-0 at 2 mg/L in MS medium) and petiole (2,4-0 at 2 mg/L in MS medium) explants. The phytochemical study revealed that phenolics and tannin content were higher in 60 days old leaf callus cultures. Flavonoid content was more in 60 days old internode derived callus culture. Evaluation of antioxidant property established that DPPH' radical scavenging activity was relatively higher in leaf derived callus (86.24 mg/g) and ABTS'+ activity was higher in internode derived callus (3077.98 μmol TE/g extract). This study had shown that plant tissue culture offers itself as a highly efficient method for mass propagation and conservation of H populifolia and also helps to identify the unique in vitro culture with natural antioxidant potential to get health care benefits.}

44 ref

015596   Sahoo K P;Kasera P K (Botany Dep, Jai Narain Vyas Univ, Jodhpur-342 033, Email: jnvupkkasera@yahoo.co.in) : Biology and in-vitro germination behaviour of Citrullus colocynthis (Tumba) seeds after pretreatments. Bioscan 2013, 8(2), 509-11.

Citrullus colocynthis is an important medicinal plant of the Indian Thar desert known as food of scarcity. The present paper deals with seed biology and germination behaviour under controlled laboratory (in-vitro) conditions. Results revealed that one-year-old seeds exhibited 86.67% viability as compared to fresh ones (43.33%), which indicates that seeds require resting period for maturity. Fresh and one-year-old stored seeds showed 6.67 and 66.67% germination, respectively under in-vitro conditions. The germination percentage can be enhanced significantly when seeds were pretreated with 2 minutes of concentrated H₂SO₄ and presoaked in 25 and 50mg L^{-1 concentrations of NH₄NO₃ for 24 and 48h, respectively.}

2 tables, 17 ref

015595   Qureshi R;Khanum M;Shaheen H;Munir M (Botany Dep, Pir Mehr Ali, Shah Arid Agriculture Univ, Murree Road, Rawalpindi, Email: rahmatullahq@yahoo.com) : Medicinal plants of Koont research farm, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2014, 5(3), 271-7.

Study was aimed to collect information on medicinal plants used by the people of Koont village around University research farm and its surrounding areas located on Chakwal road, Punjab, Pakistan. For this purpose, field trips were arranged and the study area was surveyed during August 2008 to July 2009 to collect traditional use of plants by using open-ended and structured questionnaires. Forty three species belonging to 35 genera and 21 families have been identified which are being used by the natives for treating 27 different ailments. Joint pains and injuries were more prevalent complaints in the area, hence most of the species (9.09%) were utilized for the same, followed by wounds, fever, toothache, as tonic (6.82% each), boils, skin diseases, constipation, piles, jaundice and cough (4.55% each). Leaves were the most commonly utilized part (27.03%) for preparing indigenous recipes followed by the whole plant (16.22%), roots, seeds, fruits (10.81% each) and latex, gums (exudates) (8.11% each). Fourteen plant species possessed novel use in addition to previous knowledge. Based on this study, phytochemical and pharmacological screening is suggested for the novel use in order to validate their authenticity.

1 table, 60 ref

015594   Patel P K;Hemantaranjan A (Plant Physiology Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: pradeepk.bhu@gmail.com) : Differential sensitivity of chickpea genotypes to salicylic acid and drought stress during pre-anthesis: effects on total chlorophyll, phenolics, seed protein and protein profiling. Bioscan 2013, 8(2), 569-74.

Work was conducted with the purpose to evaluate the effect of salicylic acid (SA) under drought stress on chlorophyll pigment, phenolics, seed protein and protein profile in four chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes (i.e., Tyson, ICC 4958, JG 315 and DCP 92-3). The experiment was carried out in a complete randomized design with three replications. Drought stress was imposed during the pre-anthesis phase. Reduction in relative injury was observed in plants treated with SA at the threshold level of 1.5mM. Drought stress reduced the total chlorophyll and percentage of seed storage protein, where increases the level of total phenolics content were observed under drought stress and this was further induced by SA. The genotype ICC 4958 perform better than Tyson, JG 315 and DCP 92-3 under drought stress with SA treatment. Moreover, it is also noteworthy that drought did not change significantly the 1-D protein profile of chickpea genotypes. This suggests that chickpea could be induced to tolerate drought using 1.5mM of SA.

5 illus, 34 ref

015593   Padmaja;Eswaraiah C;Nayak A S (NO, Vaagdevi Institute ofPharmaceutical Sciences, Bollikunta, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh) : In vitro anti-inflammatory activity of various extracts of leaf and bark of holoptelia integrifolia planch. Int J pharm Sci Res 2014, 5(7), 2987-90.

The different extracts of leaf and bark of the plant Holoptelia integrifolia were investigated for in-vitro antiiinflammatory activity by human red blood cell membrane stabilization (HRBC) method. The HRBC membrane stabilization activity of the petroleum ether extract of leaf at the concentration of 200 mg/ml showed 68.12+/-1.05 % petroleum ether extract of bark at the concentration of 200 mg/ml showed 71.25+/-1.72 %hibition of denaturation in hypotonic solution with standard Diclofenac sodium 100 mg/ml showed 79.25%. Therefore, these extracts showed equipotent activity to Diclofenac sodium.

12 ref

015592   Owk A K;Rao K M;Lagudu M N (Botany Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh-530 003, Email: oak.aniel@gmail.com) : Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of chemical constituents of Achyranthes aspera L. roots against human pathogens. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2014, 5(3), 278-81.

Antimicrobial activity of roots of Achyranthes aspera L. (Family-Amaranthaceae) was studied against seven pathogenic bacterial and three fungal strains by agar well diffusion method. Antimicrobial activity was recorded for hexane, chloroform, methanol, ethanol and aqueous extracts. Alcohol (ethanol and methanol) extracts exhibited higher degree of antimicrobial activity compared to aqueous, chloroform and hexane extracts. Klebsiella pneumoniae turned out to be the most susceptible bacterium to the crude chemical constituents of roots using the standard drugs, Tetracycline and Clotrimazole. Minimum inhibition concentration values of chloroform, methanol, ethanol and aqueous extracts were determined by the agar dilution method ranged between 62.5 and 1000 μg. The study suggests that the root extracts possess bioactive compounds with antimicrobial activity against the tested bacteria and fungi revealing a significant scope to develop a novel broad spectrum antimicrobial drug formulation from A. aspera.

^ssc2 tables, 22 ref

015591   Kansara R V;Jha S;Jha S K;Mahatma M K (Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Dep, Navsari Agricultural Univ, Navsari-396 450, Email: sumanfort@gmail.com) : Efficient protocol for in vitro mass propagation of Fusarium wilt resistant castor (Ricinus communis L.) parental line SKP-84 through apical meristem. Bioscan 2013, 8(2), 403-8.

Successful in vitro plant regeneration protocol has been described for fusarium wilt resistant castor (Ricinus communis L.) parental line SKP-84 through apical meristem. Shoot apex containing apical meristems, were excised from 5-7 days old in vitro grown seedlings and cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with various concentrations of cytokinins either alone or in combination. Kinetin had marked effect on shoot initiation and shoot quality. Kinetin (2.325μM) in combination with BAP (1.111μM) produced maximum number of shoot (10.33) and shoot length (5.20 cm). In vitro produced shoots were transferred to rooting media containing half strength MS basal media supplemented with NAA at various concentrations. Well developed roots appeared in media supplemented with 0.537μM NAA (69.00%). Rooted plants were transferred to the pots containing vermicompost with 64.5% survival rate in hardeninng. No genetic variation was detected in plantlets as revealed by RAPD at different stages proved the genetically stability during in vitro plant regeneration through apical meristem culture.

2 illus, 5 tables, 28 ref

015590   Jyothi N;Rao V U (Botany and Microbiology Dep, Acharya Nagarjuna Univ, Nagarjuna Nagar-522 510, Email: umrvanga@yahoo.co.in) : Production of protease and urease by kerosene utilizing fluorescent pseudomonads isolated from local red latirite soil. Bioscan 2013, 8(2), 353-7.

Present work relates to a simple, safe, and efficient process for the complete utilization of kerosene using fluorescent pseudomonads. Fluorescent pseudomonads used in this study were isolated from local red soil collected at Acharya Nagarjuna University Campus, Guntur Dt., (AP) India. The isolates were identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas aureofaciens, Pseudomonas putida and Pseudomonas fluorescens on the basis of biochemical characteristics. The isolates were screened for their ability to grow on nutrient broth medium in presence of petroleum hydrocarbon (kerosene) and also utilization of kerosene as their sole source of carbon and energy. All the isolates showed maximum growth in medium with 6% kerosene concentration when tested with different concentrations of kerosene viz., 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%. The isolates were able to grow well on kerosene and subsequently produced the extracellular enzymes protease and urease at significant level compared with control (without kerosene). Plasmid profile of the isolates revealed that, all the four Pseudomonas isolates harbored two low molecular weight plasmids one with 3Kb size and the other with 10Kb to 12Kb size. Thus, these four Pseudomonas isolates exhibited high potential in utilizing kerosene and therefore useful for bioremediation of sites that contaminated with kerosene.

1 illus, 4 tables, 26 ref

015589   Jeyachandran R;Bastin M (Botany Dep, St Joseph's College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappali-620 002, Email: jeyachandranrobert@gmail.com) : In-vitro propagation of Tylophora ovata (Lind) hook. ex. steud - an important medicinal plant. Int J pharm Sci Res 2014, 5(3), 1083-6.

Efficient in-vitro propagation of Tylophora ovala (Lind.) Hook. Ex. Steud was carried out in this present investigation. Nodal segments from the healthy grown plants were used as explants for culturing. Explants were cultured on standard Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentration of benzyl amino purine (BAP) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) for primary shoot proliferation. Remarkable shoot proliferation was observed in MS medium containing BAP (2.5 mg/L) and NAA (3.5 mg/L). For rooting of the micro shoot, half strength MS medium supplemented with indole acetic acid IAA (2 mg/L) and 3-indole butyric acid IBA (2.5 mg/L) showed the best result. After acclimatization and transplantation, 100% of the in-vitro shoot delivered was found healthy in ex vivo condition.

13 ref

015588   Hegde H V;Upadhya V;Pai S R;Hegde G R;Hosur G;Mesta D (NO, Regional Medical Research Centre, (ICMR), Nehru Nagar, Belgaum-590 010, Email: harshavh@rediffmail.com) : Preliminary inventory and management plan for medicinal plant conservation areas at Amgaon and Kakati in Belgaum district of Karnataka. Indian For 2013, 139(9), 843-50.

Western Ghats of India hosts several medicinal plants that are endemic to the area. Same is true with Karnataka, which is endowed with natural biological wealth. During present study medicinal plants in the proposed MPCA at Amgaon and Kakati range of Belgaum division were documented with an objective to develop strategies for their conservation. Total of 130 plant species were recorded at Amgaon and 66 sprcies at Kakati MPCA, out of which about 82% and 70% respectively were found to be of medicinal importance.

3 tables, 15 ref

015587   Eluvakkal T;Shanthi N;Murugan M;Arunkumar K (Botany Dep, Alagappa Government Arts and Science College, Alagappa Univ, Karaikudi-630 003, Email: arunnir@yahoo.co.in) : Extraction of antibacterial substances, galactofucoidan and alginate successively from the Gulf of Mannar brown seaweed Sargassum wightii greville ex J. Agardh. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2014, 5(3), 249-57.

In the present study, galactose dominated fucoidan was isolated through successive extraction method in alkaline, acid and neutral pH from the brown seaweed Sargassum wightii Greville ex J. Agardh collected along the Gulf of Mannar (Pamban, India) during March 2011. In this study, crude extracts obtained in chloroform: methanol (1:1 v/v) and 85% ethanol (at 23°C and 70°C) showed antibacterial activity against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri and X. oryzae pv. oryzae which cause canker in citrus and blight of paddy, respectively. Low (<60> 3500 Da) and high molecular weight (<62> 3500 Da) fucoidans separated through DEAE cellulose 52 column were recorded same proportion of monosugars constituents dominating D-galactose over L-fucose. Spectroscopic studies (IR & NMR) of high molecular weight fucoidan (Fraction, A1H) with high sulphate showed higher anticoagulation activity than low molecular weight fucoidan under in vitro APTT assay. This investigation concludes that successive extraction method yields galactofucoidan (3.62%), alginate (11.2%) and antibacterial substances (13.34%) in the same biomass of brown seaweed S. wightii.

4 illus, 3 tables, 32 ref

015586   Deshmukh H V (Microbiology Dep, Yashawantrao Chavan Institute of Science, Satara-415 001, Email: deshmukhhv@gmail.com) : Biomthenogenic potential of some ornamental plants. Bioscan 2013, 8(2), 417-20.

Overdependence on fossil fuels leads to severe energy crisis. To overcome this energy crisis we have to give extra emphasis on indigenous and renewable energy sources. The present paper includes the study of energy production mainly biogas from commonly occurring ornamental plants. Experiments were carried out in 1-L digester flasks in the batch process up to seven weeks; there was a marked increase in biogas production after pretreatment of plants. Measurement of biogas was done by water displacement method and analysis of biogas by GLC. Peltophorum pterocarpum, Lantana camera and Bonginvillea spectabilis showed 14.60, 13.40 and 12.20L/100gm biogas production respectively, while control shows 10.60 L /100gm biogas. The use of these plants can be made to supplement the conventional substrate like dung in urban and rural areas to augment the biogas production.

3 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

015585   Choubey V B;Khare P K (Botany Dep, Dr. Hari Singh Gour Central Univ, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh-470 003, Email: dr.vbchoubey@rediffmail.com) : Use of poisonous plants in traditional antidotes of snake poison in Sagar region of central India. Indian For 2013, 139(9), 836-8.

Rural population use poisonous plants as an antidote of snake poison since long time. A preliminarily survey was conducted for poisonous plants used in snake bite problem in tropical dry deciduous forests of Sagar region and its environs in Central India. The paper includes a list of wild and cultivated poisonous plants common to this region which are hitherto not systematically reported. A total number of 15 species belonging to 13 families and 12 genera were collected. Out of these, eight herbs, one shrub and six tree species were classified. These plants are used traditionally as an indigenous medicine in snake bite problem, but these plants are harmful for humans and livestocks. Plant habit, chemical constituents, toxic part and use of snake antidotes have been described and discussed.

1 table, 12 ref

015584   Barma P;Khan M R;Jha S (Agricultural Entomology Dep, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia-741 252, Email: pranab.barma@gmail.com) : Integrated approaches for management of pest complex in pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb). Bioscan 2013, 8(2), 385-9.

Experiment was done to evaluate the efficacy and economics of different combination of treatments at different dosage against major pests of pointed gourd. Results of three consecutive seasons showed that the treatments T₂ (carbosulfan 25EC + neem granule + NSKE 5%) and T₄ (carbofuran 3G + propergite 7.5%) contained consistently lowest level of fruit fly, leaf roller and epilachna infestation. While T₆ (carbosulfan 25EC + vermicompost + Paecilomyces lilacinus (PL) + dicofol 18.5 EC followed by propergite 7.5%) and T₇ (carbosulfan 25EC + PL + dicofol) took much better care for root knot nematodes and mites infestation in pointed gourd. Further yield component was highest in these treatments than T₄ or T₂, which was not at all potent enough to decimate yield alarmingly. Considering incremental cost benefit ratio (ICBR), adoption of carbosulfan 25EC + azadirachtin 1% (T₁) was found to be the most economical (ICBR-6.67 in 2007-08, 8.23 in 2008-09 and 8.18 in 2009-10). However, T₆ would be an option where nematode egg parasitic fungus, P. lilacinus in combination with dicofol and propergite restrict both root knot nematode and red spider mite population development on the long duration crop like pointed gourd.

5 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

014723   Yadav R B;Singh L J;Verma K S;Ajay Kumar (Botany Dep, Janta Mahavidyalaya, Ajitmal, Auraiya-206 121, Email: rbyadavjmv@gmail.com) : Medicinal plants of Auraiya District, Uttar Pradesh, India: their uses and conservation status. Geophytology 2014, 44(1), 55-62.

Deals with extensive ethnobotanical survey of Yamuna and Chambal ravines and other rural areas of Auraiya District, Uttar Pradesh, India during June 2011-April 2013. 45 plant species belonging to 42 genera and 30 families of angiosperms were recorded. The medicinal importance of these plants, which are used by the rural peoples as traditional medicine for various ailments like anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, asthma, malaria, snake bites, diabetes, diarrhoea, dysentery, indigestion, gastric problems, cut and wounds, is enumerated for the first time in this communication.

30 ref

014722   Verma P K;Rawat K K;Yadav A (NO, Rain Forest Research Institute, Deovan, Sotai Ali, Jorhat-785 001, Email: pkverma_bryo@yahoo.co.in) : Plagiochila furcifolia Mitt. (Marchantiophyta: Plagiochilaceae) from India. Geophytology 2014, 44(1), 73-6.

Plagiochila furcifolia Mitt. is described here from Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, India. The plants are characterized by the presence of pseudo-dichotomous branching and caducous leaves which are up to 4 times longer than broad, rectangular and deeply bilobed at apex with 1-3 dentitions.

18 illus, 4 ref

014721   Uniyal V;Saxena S;Bhatt R P (Botany Dep, SGRR(PG) College, Pathribagh, Dehradun-248 001, Email: veenauni@yahoo.com ) : Screening of some essential oils against Trichosporon species. J envir Biol 2013, 34(1), 17-22.

White Piedra is a superficial mycoses characterized by nodules on the hair shaft, caused by the basidiomycetous yeast Trichosporon species. In this study 25 essential oils were extracted and screened against two Trichosporon species i.e. Trichosporon asahii and Trichosporon cutaneum. Both these fungi procured from MTCC Chandigarh were maintained on yeast malt agar plates and tubes at 25oC. Two screening methods viz., agar well diffusion assay and minimum inhibitory concentration were adopted for the study. The results showed that the maximum anti-yeast activity against T. asahii and T. cutaneum was demonstrated by oil of Mentha piperita showing full inhibition of both the fungi, Melaleuca alternifolia with an inhibition zone of 45 and 40 mm, Cymbopogon winterians with inhibition zone of 45 and 45 mm and Cymbopogon flexuosus with 35 and 30 mm inhibition zones. The oil of Trachyspermum ammi exhibited 10 and 20 mm, Abelmoschus moschatus exhibited 30 and 20 mm, Salvia sclarea showed 20 and 18 mm and Jasminum officinale exhibited 25 and 15 mm inhibition zones showing moderate activity. The oil of Cyperus scariosus, Pogostemon patchouli and Rosa damascene showed no inhibition zone against both the fungi while Vetiveria zizanoides exhibited no inhibition in case of T. asahii and inhibition zone of 10 mm in case of T. cutaneum demonstrating comparatively low activity against both the fungi. These results support that the essential oils can be used to cure superficial mycoses and these oils may have significant role as pharmaceuticals and preservatives.

1 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

014720   Umadevi U;Kamalam M (Botany Dep, PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Email: kamalumal12@gmail.com) : Screening of an indigenous medicinal plant Madhuca longifolia for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(1), 273-6.

Madhucalongifolia is an economically important medicinal tree growing throughout the subtropical region. This research article deals with the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of M. longifolia. The antioxidant properties of the seed were determined by hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity and reducing power assay. The methanol extract exhibited more antioxidant activity than water extract. The fungal and bacterial pathogens used for the study were isolated from the skin scraping of infected animals. The methanol and water extracts of M. longifolia seedswere tested for their antimicrobial efficacy against the pathogens. Methanol extract exhibited good antimicrobial property than water extract. From the above findings it is confirmed that the seeds of M. longifolia posses good antioxidant and antimicrobial property.

11 ref

014719   Talukdar D (Botany Dep, R P M College Campus, Calcutta Univ, Uttarpara-712 258, Email: dibyendutalukdar9@gmail.com) : Antioxidant enzymes in Canna indica plant under copper stress. J envir Biol 2013, 34(1), 93-8.

Bright red-flowered Canna indica L. plants were subjected to grow in nutrient solution supplemented with five different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 30 and 50 μM) of CuCl2to study antioxidant defense responses of the plant. Accumulation of Cu was dose-dependent and much higher in the roots (108- 191μg g^{-1d. wt.) than in the leaves (23.36 - 40.43 μg g-1d.wt.). Total ascorbate content did not changed in both tissues, but ascorbate redox state decreased (0.570-0.640) in Cu-treated Canna roots. In contrast, both total and reduced glutathione contents increased (387-591.9 nmol g-1f. wt.) considerably in roots, accompanied with enhanced activities of dehydroascorbate reductase (153.3-160 nmol mg-1protein) and glutathione reductase (67-87.5 nmol mg-1protein). No significant change, however, was observed for monodehydroascorbate reductase activity in both tissues of the treated plant. The efficient scavenging of hydrogen peroxide was performed by normal (control level) activities of both ascorbate peroxidase and catalase in leaf and increased activity of only catalase in root, preventing its accumulation at toxic concentrations (despite high superoxide dismutase activity) and subsequent damage of membrane lipids by peroxidation. Together, these ensured normal dry weight of leaves and roots, indicating tolerance of Canna indica plant to Cu-induced oxidative stress.}

2 tables, 44 ref

014718   Shivanna K R (NO, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Royal Enclave, Srirampura, Jakkur Post, Bengaluru-560 064, Email: shivanna@atree.org) : Trichodesma zeylanicum: an unusual pollination system with chasmogamous flowers and obligate autogamy. Curr Sci 2014, 107(5), 743-5.

1 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

014717   Sharmila S;Kalaichelvi K;Abirami P (Botany Dep, Vellalar College for Women, Thindal, Erode-638 012, Email: drsharmilas@yahoo.com) : Ethnopharmacobotanical informations of some herbaceous medicinal plants used by Toda tribes of thiashola, manjoor, nilgiris, Western Ghat, Tamil Nadu, India. Int J pharm Sci Res 2015, 6(1), 315-20.

Present paper highlights the therapeutic uses of herbaceous medicinal plants used for various ailments by Toda tribe living in the pockets of Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu are inhabitants of Thiashola, Manjoor, Nilgiri District. A total of 32 plant species belonging to 18 families used by them as herbal medicines to treat several common diseases such as Asthma, antidote, contraceptive and night blindness, skin and stomach disorders, ulcer, common fever, rheumatism, bronchitis, cancer etc., Leaves are the most widely used plant part. During the present study it has been observed that the ethnobotanical systems and herbal medicines as therapeutic agents are of a paramount importance in addressing health problems of traditional communities. The indigenous knowledge available with these people plays an important role in quick and proper identification of natural resources.

28 ref