ISA

013651 Sinha D;Singh J;Tandon P K;Kakkar P (Herbal Research Section, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, Email: poonam_kakkar@yahoo.com) : Genetic diversity of Pinus roxburghii Sarg. collected from different Himalayan regions of India assessed by random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis. Toxic int 2013, 20(3), 208-13.

Study was aimed at molecular genetic fingerprint profile of 15 genotypes of three populations of Pinus roxburghii Sarg. from Himalayan regions of India using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) based markers. Needles of Pinus roxburghii Sarg. were collected from Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh (HP), Nainital, Uttarakhand (UK) and Darjeeling, West Bengal (WB) regions of India. The samples were subjected to DNA extraction and RAPD analysis using oligonucleotide purification cartridge (OPC) primers. Out of 15 primers tested, nine primers gave scorable bands. Altogether 48 bands were obtained, out of which 43 were found to be polymorphic. Number of amplified fragments with RAPD primers ranged from four to eight with the size of amplicon ranging from 500 to 7,000bp. Investigation of natural diversity at intraspecies level was performed with 15 genotypes. Forty-eight amplification products were scored by RAPD and showed 89.58% polymorphism with a mean intrapopulation genetic diversity (Hpop) of 0.2754. A significant inter- and intrapopulation diversity was observed, with the percentage of polymorphic loci (Pp) ranging from 50.09 to 70.83%, Shannon's information index (I) from 0.3262 to 0.4689 and Nei's gene diversity (h) from 0.2032 to 0.3335 with mean Nei's gene diversity 0.377 and the overall estimate of gene flow being (Nm) 1.3555. Unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic average (UPGMA) analysis based Dendrogram showed single cluster. The variation amongst the samples of the three ecological regions can be attributed to varied climatic conditions and may help in conservation/future cultivation of these species.

3 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

Phytochemical characterization and antibacterial activity of Lindenbergia indica Vatke: a common wall flora against some human pathogens in Doon Valley, Uttarakhand

Singh M;Walia S;Singh A K

Neottia pinetorum (Orchidaceae): a new record to the flora of Himachal Pradesh, India

Singh G;Rai I D;Rawat G S;Goraya G S

Radial variation in fibre length and wood density of Mellanorrhoea usitata Wall.

Sharma C L;Sharma M;Carter M J

Vedic mythology of solar eclipse and its scientific validation

Santhosh Kumar S;Rengaiyan R

Isolation and identification of rot fungi associated with fruits sold in some markets within Kano metropolis, Nigeria

Sani I;Kutama A S;Nuhu A A

013646 Sani I;Kutama A S;Nuhu A A (Plant Biology Dep, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria, Email: saibmuk@gmail.com) : Isolation and identification of rot fungi associated with fruits sold in some markets within Kano metropolis, Nigeria. Asian J Adv Basic Sci 2014, 3(1), 194-9.

Study was carried out between July and August, 2009. Totally ten commonly sold spoilt fruits (orange, banana, pineapple, date palm, tomato, garden egg, water melon, guava, Shear butter, and coconut), were collected from retailers at Rimi, Kurmi and Kofar Wambai markets in Kano Municipal local government. The samples outer surfaces were disinfected with 0.lg/Iit sodium hypochlorite solution and then homogenated using distilled water in a blender. The homogenates were cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates and incubated aerobically at room temperature for 7 days. Pure cultures of the resulting fungal colonies were obtained from primary plates and identified by using morphological and microscopical characterizations. All the samples were infected with one or more fungal species such as Aspergillus, Penicilium, Rhizopus, Mucor, Alternaria Cladosporium, Neurospora and Fusarium. Among this, the most predominant pathogenic fungus was Aspergillus. Pathogenicity test with isolated fungi on fresh fruits showed that some were found to grow and cause spoilage. Proper handling from the farm and storage and as well as avoiding the mixing of spoilt and good fruits were identified to be important factors that could be helped to prevent contamination and loss. Fumigation with chemicals like sulphur dioxide, washing with fungicides or hot water and use of standard storage facilities were also recommended to prevent economic loss due to fungal pathogens. Analysis of variance at (P<60>0.05) showed no significant difference between the frequency of occurrence of the fungal isolates. This indicates that any of the isolates has the potential to cause infection on any fruits.

2 tables, 21 ref

Diversity of food composition and nutritive analysis of edible wild plants in a multi-ethnic tribal land, Northeast India: an important facet for food supply

Saha D;Sundriyal M;Sundriyal R C

013645 Saha D;Sundriyal M;Sundriyal R C (NO, GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, North East Unit, Itanagar, Email: -791 111) : Diversity of food composition and nutritive analysis of edible wild plants in a multi-ethnic tribal land, Northeast India: an important facet for food supply. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2014, 13(4), 698-705.

In view of increasing threat of climate change, extreme whether conditions, and recent financial crisis there has been a concern for augmenting agriculture and food supply to growing population, particularly to the rural areas. Fortunately the communities living near biodiversity rich areas depend on wide variety of plant resources for their survival; selected species have high potential for food supply in near future. In this study, we investigated a multi-ethnic area in North east India, a global hotspot, where communities show high dependence on wild plant resources for their sustenance. We addressed the issues of diversity of food plants being collected from wild habitats and their prospect as new food items, broad nutritive values of selected edible wild plants, and suggested some guiding policy concerns for management of these valuable resources. The investigation was done during 2006 to 2011; a total of 289 plants species were recorded used by selected tribal communities for diverse needs; 75 plant species used for their fruits, 65 as vegetables, 18 as mushrooms, 163 as medicinal plants, 13 as spices, and 11 species for making local drinks and beverages. Use of an algae Prasiola crispa as vegetable was found confined to Monpa and Sherdukpens only. Nearly 76 species were traded in markets involving a good annual turnover. Most promising medicinal plant species of the area comprised Aconitum fletcherianum G.Taylor, Clerodendrum colebrookianum Walp., Swertia chirayita H.Karst., Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc., Picrorhiza kurrooa Royle, Dendrobium nobile Lindl., and Artemisia nilagirica (C.B.Clarke) Pamp. that were harvested on commercial scale for selling in national and international markets. More species were used at higher altitudes showing greater dependence on wild plant resources. Nutritive values of 16 most preferred edible species revealed that they comprised considerable proximate and macro-nutrients; some are well comparable with commercial fruits and crops in their nutritional quality. It is found the wild edible species play an important role in dietary nutritional balance, and access to these wild plant resources ensures communities to overcome uncertain food stocks particularly during adverse and extreme weather conditions. The study highlights the need to protect these plants in their wild habitats; selected species be domesticated by developing cultivation protocols. It is also emphasized that wild edible plants is an ignored facet of food supply, however if properly planned it can facilitate to develop multifunctional agricultural policies for securing food production along with sustaining landscapes, biodiversity and cultural heritage in rural areas at any part of the globe.

4 tables, 28 ref

Multifactorial approach to mortality of piglets in semi-arid region of Tamil Nadu

Ramesh V;Vasanthakumar S;Edwin S C

In-vitro anthelmintic activity of Oleandra musifolia (Bl.) Presl. against Haemonchus contortus

Rajesh K D;Valsala N R;Vasantha S;Solomon J

Ethnozoological knowledge of Indian scheduled tribe, scheduled caste and rural communities

Pushpangadan P;George V;Sreedevi P;Ijinu T P; Ninawe A

013642 Pushpangadan P;George V;Sreedevi P;Ijinu T P; Ninawe A (NO, Amity Institute for Herbal and Biotech Products Development, Peroorkada P O, Thiruvananthapuram-695 005, Email: palpuprakulam@yahoo.co.in) : Ethnozoological knowledge of Indian scheduled tribe, scheduled caste and rural communities. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2014, 13(4), 735-41.

Scheduled caste and scheduled tribe comprises about 16.6 % and 8.6 %, respectively of India's population according to the 2011 census. The constitution lists 1108 Scheduled castes across 25 states and about 744 tribes across 22 states in the country. The tribals live in an around forests and other difficult terrains. They acquired unique knowledge about the use of many wild flora and fauna. Most of these are either lesser known or hither to unknown to the outside world. The treasure of traditional knowledge (TK) if subjected to scientific scrutiny could benefit human kind in many ways. The inroads of modernization are presently posing a threat to this TK and these are in imminent danger of losing out, this age old wisdom and expertise can be lost for all times to come. The rich diversity of traditional communities and biological resources of the country are endowed with primary advantage of evolving innumerous ethnobiological knowledge. The Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) was set up with an aim to serve the interest of the tribal communities and to work for their socio-economic development by conducting its affairs in a professional, democratic and autonomous manner for undertaking marketing of tribal products. The Ethnozoological knowledge of the communities covers the edible, medicinal and therapeutic properties of animal products. However, in recent past the time-tested traditional knowledge is eroding fast, which need urgent attention. To achieve the aim of accelerating the economic development of tribal people by providing wider exposure to their art and crafts, TRIBES INDIA, the exclusive shops of tribal artifacts were set up all over India by TRIFED. They showcase and market the art and craft items produced by the tribal people and thus espouse their magical and mystical art and culture.

1 table, 14 ref

Traditional herbal remedies used for management of reproductive disorders in Wayanad district, Kerala

Prasad A G D;Shyma T B;Raghavendra M P

Diversity and distribution of epiphytic lichens in Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, Chattisgarh

Prajapati A;Tiwari S C;Upreti D K

Illicium griffithii Hook f & Thoms - a potential source of natural off-farm income to the rural people of Arunachal Himalaya, India

Paul A;Kalita J;Khan M L;Tripathi O P

013639 Paul A;Kalita J;Khan M L;Tripathi O P (Botany Dep, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh-791 112, Email: ashishpaul1@gmail.com) : Illicium griffithii Hook f & Thoms - a potential source of natural off-farm income to the rural people of Arunachal Himalaya, India. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2013, 4(2), 131-7.

In the high altitude region of Arunachal Himalaya, hilly and undulating terrains have resulted into low agricultural crops production although majority of the local residents are highly dependent on he agriculture for their subsistence. Moreover, sources of income are scarce and peoples mainly depend on forest and forest products. Therefore, wild plant and animal species form an important component of livelihood of rural people in many parts. Illicium griffithii Hook.f. & Thoms. one of the significant aromatic and medicinal tree species occurring in subtropical to temperate forest of Arunachal Himalaya. However, the species is growing in selected forest patches to a few locations. Dried seed pods are economically valuable having good market potential for spices and pharmaceutical purposes. Fruit is considered to be carminative, aromatic stimulant, stomachic and galactagogue. It is used as medicine to cure abdominal pain, cough, dyspepsia, food poisoning, vomiting, toothache and sinusitis. It is also used as an antifungal agent and food preservative. Owing to its high demand, local inhabitants harvest large quantity of fruits every year. Collected seeds are sold in local market at the rate from 120 to 150lkg which mainly depends on the market demand. Fruits may also be a potential source of shikimic acid for the production of Tami flu (oseltamivir), an active drug against avam influenza or bird flu. Further investigations on its chemical aspects are required to meet the needs of shikimic acid . for the country as well as global market. This is an important source of natural off-farm income to the rural people of (he West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh where the present study was undertaken. Keeping economic values in consideration, I. griffithii has the tremendous potential to reduce the poverty and will also provide employment opportunity to the rural inhabitants through bio-prospecting of the species which will contribute towards the socio-economic development of the rural people of Arunachal Himalaya.

1 table, 21 ref

Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of Azadirachta indica, Syzygium aromaticum and Cinnamomum zeyalnicum against oral microflora

Parthasarathy H;Thombare S