010671   Rajkumari R;Nirmala R K;Singh P K;Das A K; Dutta B K;Pinokiyo A (Environment and Ecology Dep, Assam University, Silchar-788 011, Email: pnkiathiokpam@gmail.com) : Ethnoveterinary plants used by the Chiru tribes of Manipur, Northeast India. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2014, 13(2), 368-76.

Cattle farming is one the most income generating occupation of the tribals of Manipur, Northeast India. Chiru tribe of ~nipur has been depending on cattle farming for livelihood since long time back. This tribe of Manipur is repository of rich ethnoveterinary knowledge of plants. The study aims at exploring the ethnoveterinary plants associated with this particular tribe. As a result of this study, 36 plant species and genera belonging to 29 families used for treating as many as 17 ailments of domestic animals (cows, dogs, buffaloes, pigs, etc.) have been documented based on ethnoveterinary surveys (PRA and interview-questionnaire methods). The most commonly and effectively used ethnoveterinary plants are Areca catechu L. for treating endoparasite, Bambusa tulda Roxb. and Saccharum officina rum L. for treating retension of placenta, Cannabis sativa L. for treating diarrhoea and dysentery, Achyranthes aspera L. as galactogogue, Elsholtzia communis (Collett & Hemsl.) Diels for treating foot and mouth disease, Millettia pachycarpa Benth. for removal of insects, Paederia foetida L. for treating diarrhoea and dysentery, Trigonella foenum-graecum L. for treating haematuria. The ethnoveterinary uses of 5 plant species, viz. Cissus adnata Roxb.for treating bone fracture, Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd. ex Schult. for treating constipation, Millettia pachycarpa Benth. for removal of insects, Persicaria chinensis (L.) H. Gross for treating maggot and Syzygium cuminii (L.) Skeels for treating haematuria are recorded for the first time. Due to changing life style, this unexplored and undocumented knowledge is at risk.

1 table, 46 ref

010670   Punithavathi M;Aranganathan J;Janani M (Biochemistry Dep, Marudhar Kesari Jain College for Women, Vaniyambadi-635 751) : Antibacterial activity and phytochemical screening of Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Leaves). LS-Int J Life Sci 2014, 3(1), 28-30.

Antibacterial effect of the leaves of Ocium sanctum Linn (Lamiaceae) was evaluated on bacterial strains like Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Vibrio cholerae. The in vitro antibacterial activity was studied by agar cup method and compared with the standard antibiotic, streptomycin (1000 μg). Maximum activity was exhibited by ethanolic leaves extract against B. subtilus and V. cholerae. S. aureus, Salmonella typhi and E. coli exhibited minimum activity. The different solvent extracts showed the presence of secondary metabolites like tannin, saponin, flavonoids, alkaloids, proteins and steroids. The results obtained in the present study suggest that O. sanctum Linn can be used in treating diseases caused by the test organisms.

12 ref

010669   Prempree A;Chantachon S;Wannajun S (The Faculty of Cultural Science, Mahasarakham University, Khamring Sub-District, Kantarawichai District, Maha Sarakham Province 44150, Thailand) : The integration of traditional knowledge in the design and development of mudmee, praewa and yok tong silk products for enhancing community economy. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2014, 13(2), 305-12.

This qualitative research examines three types of silk in three North-eastern provinces of Thailand. The integration of traditional knowledge used to create local mudmee, praewa and yak tong silk products in modem Thai society is assessed using a survey, observation, interview, focus group discussion and workshop. The results show that the original silk products created by locals were for family use. Weaving developed into a community business. In its current form, the products suffer from a lack of modernity and lack of interest from the younger generations. There are four areas in which the weaving process must be developed to add value to products and enable them to compete on the global stage: product popularity, equipment, weaver attitude and design identity. This paper concludes by offering designs of six product types for each silk variety that are adapted for modem lifestyle and have been accepted by local artisans.

13 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

010668   Pinky Bala;Gupta D;Sharma Y P (Botany Dep, University of Jammu, Jammu, Email: yashdbm3@yahoo.co.in) : Mycobiota and aflatoxin (B₁ and B₂) contamination of apricot kernels (Prunus armeniaca L) from Jammu and Kashmir, India. Envir Conserv J 2014, 15(1-2), 69-76.

The aim of the present work was to assess the mycoflora and evaluate the aflatoxin contamination in apricot kernels from Jammu and Kashmir. A total of 83 samples collected from different regions of Jammu province were analysed for the myconora by different isolation techniques. Twenty nine fungal species belonging to 16 genera were recorded from these samples during mycoflora analysis. Species of Aspergillus were found to be the most frequent colonizers followed by the Penicillium among all the recorded moulds. In view of the predominance of Aspergillus flavus, a known producer of anatoxins, screening of 83 contaminated samples was carried out for total aflatoxin levels using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Out of these, 20 samples detected positive for anatoxin 81 and 82 and the level of contamination ranged from 72.43-216.88μg/g and 0.1I-235.32μg/g respectively which exceeds the tolerance limit of 20μg/g set by World Health Organization. The present study constitutes the first report on the incidence of mycoflora and aflatoxin contamination in dried apricot kernels from the markets of Jammu and Kashmir.

2 illus, 2 tables, 46 ref

010667   Maxia A;Demurtas A;Kasture S;Kasture V;Fadda V;Ventroni G;Maccioni A;Marengo A;Sanna C (Life and Environment Sciences Dep, Botany and Botanical Garden Divisio, University of Cagliari, Italy, Email: kasturesb1Agmail.com) : Medical ethnobotany servey of the Senegalese community living in Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy). Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2014, 13(2), 275-82.

Aims to study the use of plant species with curative intent within the Senegalese community who live in die city of Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy). The article mainly focuses on the integration of traditional medicine and biomedicine, on the codification of knowledge capital, behaviors, as well as health information. The purpose of this investigation is to: shed light on this interesting and somewhat unknown wealth of knowledge, enhance it and evaluate the process of integration with the local culture. We have tried to define through an ethnobotanical survey, the plant species used ttaditionally to treat various ailments and gather the knowledge that different members of the community have of them. The survey revealed the use of 23 plant species belonging to II families, with a prevalence of Fabaceae (30.4%), Anacardiaceae, Combrelaceae and Malvaceae (13% each). An overall analysis of data showed that, in addition to the therapeutic uses to treat diseases of easy resolution, there are also applications for specific diseases, such as leprosy, diabetes and malaria.

3 illus, 1 tables, 46 ref

010666   Kumar A B;Mukesh Kumar (Raw Materials Herbarium and Museum Delhi (RHMD), CSIR-National nstitute of Science Communication and Information Resour, New Delhi-110012) : Traditional drugs sold by herbal healers in Haridwar, India. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2014, 13(3), 600-5.

The herbal healers are descendants of ancient medicine men. They sell raw herbal drugs used against various common ailments at road side. A total of 22 herbal raw samples were purchased from these healers. The information on therapeutic properties, price, dosage and duration of treatment has been documented. Out of them, 13 plant species have been identified and their medicinal properties were compared with the Indian Materia Medica. It has been observed that medicinal systems of the herbal healers are independent (only 22.22% similarities) from Indian Materia Medica.

2 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

010665   Krishnan R;Murugan K K (Plant Biochemistry and Molecular biology Laboratory, Botany Dep, College Univ, Trivandrum-695 034, Email: harimurukan@gmail.com) : Comparison of GC-MS analysis of phytochemicals in the ethanolic extracts of Marchantia linearis Lehm & LindenB. and Marchantia polymorpha L. (Bryophyta). Int J pharm Sci Res 2014, 5(5), 1981-7.

Bryophytes have unique aroma, taste and possess bioactive potential compounds with medicinal properties. Chemical studies of the bryophytes were limited in India due to the small size and expertise in identification of the species. Many of the bryophytes are used as folklore medicine by local tribes. The solvent extracts results poor yield leads to insufficient for testing biological activity. In vitro culture and suitable chemical synthesis was an alternative undertaken to overcome this issue. In the present study, the bioactive phytochemicals of Marchantia linearis and M. polymorphahave been analyzed using GC-MS. The phytochemical composition of the whole thallus ethanol extract was investigated using Perkin-Elmer Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectroscopy. GC-MS analysis of M. linearisand M. polymorphaethanol extracts revealed the presence of the GC-MS chromatogram of the many peaks. The major compounds in M. linearis and M. polymorpha are n-hexadecanoic acid (28.13% and 18.72% respectively) followed by 1,2 benzene dicarboxylic acid (17.63% and 8.93% respectively). The medicinal potentiality of the liverworts may be due to the bioactive compounds present in the ethanolic extracts. Further studies are warranted to isolate and purify the lead molecules to evaluate its biological potentialities.

17 ref

010664   Khatoon R;Das A K;Dutta B K;Singh P K (Lilong Haoreibi College, , Lilong, Manipur-795 130, Email: ajitkumardas2009@rediffmail.com) : Study of Traditional handloom weaving by the Kom tribe of Manipur. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2014, 13(3), 596-9.

In the present paper traditional weaving and related knowledge system of purposively selected villages are discussed, and in this connection eight plant species are reported, which are used in weaving handloom. Kom tribe of Manipur has very rich traditional knowledge of crafts. These are the living testimonies of their traditional knowledge and aesthetic value, which they have inherited from their predecessors. The art of handloom weaving and the techniques they use are indeed admirable. But the Kom like any other tribal society has also been subjected to the challenges of modernization and open market. As a result many of their indigenous artistic works in making tools are now in danger. Therefore, every effort must be made to preserve this traditional knowledge so that they can carry on with their aesthetic beauty & knowledge into prosperity.

6 illus, 7 ref

010663   Kawwpradit K;Keeratiburana Y;Jantapo A (Faculty of Cultural Science, Mahasarakham University, Khamriang Sub-District, Kantarawichai District, Maha SarakhamProvince 44150, Thailand, Email: kkaewpradit129@gmail.com) : Use of traditional knowledg to dye grey-sedge (Lepironia Rich) in Southern Thailand. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2014, 13(2), 299-304.

Grey-sedge is used to produce local handicrafts in Southern Thailand. This qualitative research examines the practices of handicraft production in ten local artisan groups. Data is collected from document study and field research using basic survey, observation and interviews with ninety five respondents. The particular focus of the investigation is on the traditional knowledge used during the dyeing stage of handicraft production. The research results show that each group employs slightly different dyeing techniques based on the local knowledge of their community. From combination of the practices used, the research team determined that the most efficient dyeing technique for sedge strands is boiling in a mix of water, dye, salt and vinegar in stainless steel containers. The strands should then be cleaned and hung to dry before being incorporated into the product transformation process. The optimum dyeing time is 3-4 minutes.

7 illus, 12 ref

010662   Kardooni R;Kari F B;Yahaya S R B;Yusup S H (The Centre for Poverty and Development Studies (CPDS), Faculty of Eco, , , Email: r_kardooni@yahoo.com) : Traditional knowledge of orang asli on forests in peninsular Malaysia. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2014, 13(2), 283-91.

It is estimated that the population of indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia (called Orang Asli) is around 178,000. Traditionally, the Orang Asli lived in the forests, and, for them, the forest is the source of their livelihood. This study investigates the traditional knowledge of the Orang Asli about the forest. This study covered 53 villages in six states of Peninsular Malaysia and involved primary data collection from the fieldwork and information obtained from the policy documents of the Malaysian Government and previous research. In this survey, eight variables were used to assess the traditional knowledge of forests among the Orang Asli. The results showed that knowledge relating to forests, lakes and rivers along with knowledge about farming, gardening and hunting scored the highest percentage among the Orang Asli. This study also revealed that for all eight variables relating to traditional knowledge, males have higher participation compared to women. The findings demonstrated that there is a direct relationship between age and knowledge - the older generation tend to have higher traditional knowledge compared to the younger generation.

4 illus, 5 tables, 29 ref

010661   Joshi Y;Tripathi M (Lichenology Div, S.S.J. Campus, Kumaun University, Almora-263 601, Email: dryogeshcalo@gmail.com) : Byssoloma subdiscordans (Nyl.) P. James: Distributional range and its habitat preference in Indian subcontinent. J appl nat Sci 2013, 5(2), 375-7.

Deals with the new distributional record of Byssoloma subdiscordans for Western Himalayan lichen flora and a new habitat record for Indian subcontinent. A note on its brief taxonomic description, distribution, ecology and occurrence in India is also provided. Previously the species was reported as corticolous and foliicolous from tropical and montane regions of India, viz. Eastern Himalaya and Western Ghats, but this is for the first time that authors have reported it as saxicolous in temperate regions of Western Himalaya, thus extending its habitat preference along with distributional range within Indian subcontinent.

010660   Jain P;Singh S K;Sharma H P;Basri F (Botany Dep, Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biotechnology, Ranchi Univ, Ranchi, Jharkhand, Email: paras.jain42@yahoo.in) : Phytochemical screening and antifungal activity of Semecarpus anacardium L. (an anti-cancer plant). Int J pharm Sci Res 2014, 5(5), 1884-91.

The spread of antibiotic resistant pathogens is one of the most serious menaces to successful treatment of microbial diseases. Medicinal and aromatic plants are widely used as traditional medicines and constitute a major source of natural organic compounds. Semecarpus anacardium Linn (Family: Anacardium), is a plant well known for its medicinal value in Ayurvedic and Siddha system of medicine. The plant was selected on the basis of its reported ethnobotanical uses. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the phytochemicals and antifungal activity of methanolic extract of Semecarpus anacardium L. nuts oils. The preliminary phytochemical studies showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, glycosides. Different Concentration of methanolic extract (6.25, 12.5, 25, 37.5, 50, 62.5 μg/ml) of S. anacardium were tested against four fungal strains namely Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizctonia solanii, Alternaria spp., and Sclerotium rolfsii. The excellent inhibitory activity was observed against Rhizoctonia solanii (100%) followed by Sclerotium rolfsii (92.59%), Alternaria spp. (72.34%) and Fusarium oxysporum (47.19%) at 62.5 μg/ml. Among different fungi tested R. solanii and Sclerotium rolfsii were found to be more sensitive to crude extract when compared to others. The results of the study provide scientific basis for the use of the plant extract in the future development as antifungal agent.

22 ref

010659   Jagtap V;Tripathi M;Joshi Y (G. B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, , Kosi Katarmal, Almora-263 643, Email: dryogeshcalo@gmail.com) : First report on the occurrence of plasti colors lichens from Uttarakhand, India. J appl nat Sci 2013, 5(2), 342-4.

Paper documents the distribution of three species [Hyperphyscia adglutinata (Fl”rke) H.Mayrhofer and Poelt, Paromotrema austrosinense (Zahlbr.) Hale andPunctelia subrudecta (Zahlbr.) Hale] of lichens from 14 years old nylon nets collected from Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development (G.B.P.I.H.E.D.) located in temperate region of Central Himalaya. These three species were previously reported as corticolous and saxicolous, but for the first time are reported as plasticolous.

010658   Halder J;Pramanik A;Rai A B (NO, Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi-221 305, Email: jaydeep.halder@gmail.com) : Is bougainvillea a more preferred host to leaf cutter bee, Megachile sp. (Hymenoptera : Megachilidae) than rose?. Pest Mgmt Hort Ecosyst 2014, 20(1), 105-6.

Incidence of leaf cutter bee was observed on ornamental plants viz., rose and bougainvillea mainly grown for roof-gardening in the urban and peri-urban areas of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh during summer season, 2014. Critical observation revealed the serious infestation of this bee mainly in bougainvillea as compared to well-known rose. Pliable and bigger size bougainvillea leaves and leaf-surface chemistry might be responsible for its preference over harsh, turgid and smaller size rose leaves.

^ssc2 illus, 4 ref

010657   Gupta A;Maheshwari K;Khandelwal G (Microbiology Dep, Gurukula Mahavidyalaya, Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar-249 404, Email: aparajitag88@gmail.com) : Antibacterial activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra roots against certain gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains. J appl nat Sci 2013, 5(2), 459-64.

Study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial potency of grinded crude material (root of Glycyrrhiza glabra) against some gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains. Two solvents (methanol and acetone) were used to extract the phytochemicals from the test material. Four different concentrations (100%, 75%, 50% and 25%) of methanolic and acetonic extract were used to investigate the inhibiting properties against Salmonella typhi, Escherichia.coli, Vibrio cholerae, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis strains. Among methanol and acetone extracts, later exhibited low antibacterial activity. The 100% (w/v) concentration of both extracts showed maximum inhibition against B. subtilis followed by E. coli, S. aureus, B. cereus, S. typhi and V. Cholerae. Maximum activity in acetonic extract was obtained against B. cereus followed by S. typhi, E. coli, V. cholerae and .aureus and minimum in B. subtilis. A reverse pattern of inhibition activity was found in both extacts (methanolic and acetonic) against B. subtilis. Maximum activity was found in methanolic extract against B. subtilis (18.6 mm) but it was only 14.3 mm against this strain in acetonic extract. The antibacterial activity of the crude samples corresponded to that of concentration. Hence there was positive correlation of antibacterial activity with the test material.

010656   Bose N M F J;Aron S;Mehalingam P (Research Botany Dep, VHN Senthikumara Nadar College, Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu-626 001, Email: mehalingamp@yahoo.co.in) : An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the Paliyars aboriginal community in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu, India. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2014, 13(3), 613-18.

Present ethnobotanical exploration depicts 48 medicinal plants for about 36 types of ailments practiced by Paliyartribes of the Virudhunagar district, amil Nadu, India. The study was carried out through semi-structured questionnaires and personal interviews in consultations with the herbal practitioners. The ethnic community still depends upon their indigenous knowledge to healing their ailments. The study thus emphasizes the need to pursue meticulous ethnobotanical research in finding solutions to major fatal diseases and ensure its application in improving human healthcare facilities.

1 table, 15 ref

010655   Bhat R B (Botany Dep, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, South Africa 0950, , Email: bhat.ramakrishna@univen.ac.za) : Medicinal plants and traditional practices of Xhosa people in the Transkei region of Eastern Cape, South Africa. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2014, 13(2), 292-8.

Ethnobotanical survey was carried out in the former Transkei homeland to document the unwritten knowledge related to traditional uses of medicinal plants. The indigenous people of Transkei, Eastern Cape, South Africa depend on the natural plant resources from their environment for medicine, food, pastoral, cultural and religious needs. This area, mainly inhabited by the Xhosa people, has remained ethnobotanically unexplored until recently. The present investigation among the herbalist, traditional doctors, herb traders, tribal priests and other knowledgeable local people documented medicinal and other uses of 35 species of traditional medicinal plants belonging to 34 genera and 26 families. The study recorded the local, scientific and family names of the medicinal plants. The plant parts used and method of administration are also presented in this paper. This firsthand information points out the importance of local flora to tribal groups and non-tribal people of Transkei. In spite of western influence, the Xhosa people of Transkei still believe in the efficacy of herbal medicine, and prefer to use these traditional remedies. Further, scientific study will be required for validation of these ethnomedicines.

1 table, 25 ref

010654   Ashalata Devi;Rakshit K;Sarania B;Adi Apatani;Monpa & Nyishi Community (Environmental Science Dep, Tezpur University, Napaam-784 028, Email: kh_asha@tezu.ernet.in) : Ethnobotanical notes on Allium species of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2014, 13(3), 606-12.

Onion and garlic is considered one the most important ancient cultivated crops of genus Allium. Large numbers of Allium species has been widely used for various purposes in hilly area of Arunachal Pradesh. Arunachal Pradesh, a state in North east India, harbours a wide range of wild Allium species which are being used by natives as for vegetable, spices, condiment and medicine. A total of 9 plant species namely, Allium cepa, Allium chinense, Allium hookeri, Allium macranthum, Allium prattii, Allium rubellum, Allium sativum, Allium tuberosum and Allium wallichii were recorded in different parts of Arunachal Pradesh during June 2012 to July 2013. All the 9 species were consumed as raw or in processed form, as flavours/ condiment in preparing food items and as herbal medicine. It was recognized that Allium chinense, Allium hookeri, Allium tuberosum and Allium macranthum have high ornamental potential value. Most of the species are locally cultivated and have good market value in areas of occurrence. However, wild Allium species of Arunachal Pradesh is largely threatened by several human activities exerted by natives. The present work mainly highlights information on species diversity, distribution and utilization of Allium species of Arunachal Pradesh for future cultivation and conservation programmes.

3 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

010653   Ajuru M G;Nwahia C (Biology Dep, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, PMB 5047, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, Email: ajurumercygospel@yahoo.com) : Floristic survey of vascular plants in the main campus of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, rivers state, Nigeria. LS-Int J Life Sci 2014, 3(1), 15-21.

Ignatius Ajuru University of Education's main campus, located at Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, is floristically unique. A survey of the vascular plants was carried out to determine the species composition and life form. The purpose of this study was to provide a vouchered floristic inventory and to document any occurrences of rare or endangered taxa. The floristic survey was conducted over parts of two growing seasons (from the 21 August 2011 to 5 August 2012) during which the specimens were collected on approximately weekly to biweekly intervals. A total of 132 species in 102 genera and 40 plant families were collected, including 2 ferns, 2 gymnosperms, 60 monocotyledons and 68 dicotyledons. The most diverse family was the Poaceae, with 30 species, followed by the Asteraceae, Juncaceae, Fabaceae and Euphorbiaceae represented by 10, 9, 8 and 7 species, respectively. The most diverse genus was Juncus, followed by Pennisetum, with 6 and 4 different species, respectively.

2 tables, 9 ref

010652   Agarwal M;Rai V;Khatoon S;Mehrotra S (Pharmacognosy & Ethnopharmacology Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001, Email: sayyadak@yahoo.com) : Effect of microbial load on therapeutically active constituent glycyrrhizin of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2014, 13(2), 319-24.

Contamination of herbal drugs by microbes is a very common phenomenon as many reports are available, but what alteration occurs on secondary metabolites of plants due to these has very few records. In the present study, it has been established that the concentration of glycyrrhizin (active constituent) decreases by microbial contamination. The contamination of ten fungal species, viz. Aspergillus niger Tiegh., A. flavus Link, A. fumigates Fresentius, A. sydowii Thorn & Church, Penicillium chrysogenum Thorn, P. purpurogenum Stoll, Alternaria alternate (Fr.) Keissl., Cladosporium sphaerospermum Penz., Absidia corymbifera Sacco & Trott., Rhizopus oryzae Went & Prins. Geed. and three bacteria, viz. Escherichia coli (Migula) Castell. & Chalm., Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Schroeter) Migula and Salmonella Lignieres has been perceived in the samples of liquorice. Besides, a correlation between moisture, sugar, starch and microbial load has also been established. It was found that the sample having maximum moisture percentage had heavy microbial load. On the contrary, sugar and starch percentage were minimum in the same sample.

1 illus, 2 tables, 35 ref

009654   Zutshi S K;Gupta V (Plant Pathology Div, Faculty of Agriculture, Main Campus, Chatha of Sher-e-Kashmir, Email: sanjeevkumarzutshi@gmail.com) : Occurrence and characterization of Hercium coralloides: a rare wild edible mushroom from doda region of J&K, India. J mycopathol Res 2013, 51(2), 361-3.

During a collection foray in the temperate Doda region of J&K, a rare and interesting wild edible mushroom H. coralloides was collected. It was found growing on Oak (Quercus leucotricophora) trees and fallen wood. It has been reported to occur in the European, North American and some East Asian countries. In India it has been reported from Himachal Pradesh. First collection of H. coralloides from temperate Doda region of J&K adds to its known range and allows for improved description.

^ssc1 illus, 12 ref

009653   Tyagi R K;Agrawal A (NO, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110 012, Email: anuradha@nbpgr.ernet.in) : Genebank standards - revised guidelines adopted by FAO. Curr Sci 2013, 104(12), 1600-01.

009652   Shekhawat K K;Rao D V;Batra A (Plant Biotechnology Laboratory. Botany Dep, Rajasthan Univ, Jaipur-302 004, Email: kaushal.botany@gmail.com) : Phyto-morphological overview of medicinal plant: Melia azedarach Linn.. J funct envir Bot 2014, 4(1), 10-21.

Melia azedarach Linn. (Family: Meliaceae) is a shrub or small evergreen, medium-sized deciduous tree. It grows in temperate and tropical countries, such as India, China and Japan. The plant refers to a wide range of soil, acidic to alkaline and it needs moderate moisture level. It is also known as pride of India and Persian lilac, having a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities. It is one kind of medicine in the Ayurvedic system. This plant is considered as a multipurpose tree because of its multidirectional and widespread uses in medicine, therapeutics and other economic implications. This paper describes the plant's medicinal aspects and chemical constituents in its different parts. In addition, this paper provides brief information of plant bioprospecting and its launched market products.

^iia3 illus, 2 tables, 38 ref

009651   Shamkuwar G R;Meshram M P;Amarshettiwar S B; Ganvir M M;Adagale R V (Agricultural Botany Dep, Dr. PDKV, Akola (M.S.)) : Evaluation of mungbean genotypes for morpho - physiological traits imparting tolerance to pre-harvest sprouting. Ann Pl Physiol 2013, 27(2), 77-80.

A diverse set of 16 mungbean genotypes comprising of released cultivars and advance breeding lines were evaluated during kharif 2012 for their pre harvest sprouting (PHS) tolerance and their important agronomic characters. The seed germination (%) which was used as measure of PHS, was found lower in the genotypes viz., AKM-10-05 (12.54%)andBM-2002-l (12.75%) at 48 hrs, AKM-9907 (16.68%) and AKM-9801 (19.35%) at 24 hrs. as well as 42.33% and 44.96% at 48 hrs., respectively. On the basis of morpho-physiological traits viz., hard seed%, pod pubescence, lower germination in pod and seed, less seed and pod moisture, the genotypes AKM-9801, AKM-9907, BM-2002-1 and AKM-10-65 were found to be tolerant to pre harvest sprouting (PHS). The genotypes exhibited higher values for number of pods plant in ARM 9907 (31.11), 100 grain weight in AKM-0603 (5.56 g), grain yield per ha. in AKM-8802 (1042.63 kg) and pod length in AKM-10-24 (12.07 cm) Higher percentage of hard seed was observed in genotype AKM-9907 (61.33%) followed by AKM-9907 (59.67%).

2 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

009650   Salamon I (Ecology Dep, Faculty of Humanities and Natural Sciences, Presov Univ, 17th November St., 01, SK-081 16 Presov, Slovak Republic, Email: salamoi@unipo.sk) : Aromatic and medicinal herbs of slovakia. Med Pl 2014, 6(3), 155-60.

Slovak Republic, a country of Central Europe lies in the climatically favourable mild zone of Northern hemisphere. Since time immemorial medicinal plants have played the most important part in the composition of therapeutic and various preparations used in popular human health medicine in Slovak. In past centuries about 600 to 800 species were used for curative purposes. Now-a-days about 200 medicinal plants are being used in therapy and in popular human healthcare. An up-to-date progress has been discussed herein.

3 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

009649   Reddy M P;Arsul B T;Shaik N R;Maheshwari J J (Botany Section, College of Agriculture, All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Lin, Nagpur-440 001, Email: prathap.mula@gmail.com) : Estimation of heterosis for some traits in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.). Green Fmg 2013, 4(5), 556-60.

For the estimation of mid-parent and better-parent heterosis in Linum usitatissimum L. genotypes an experiment was conducted at Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Agriculture, Nagpur during 2009-10 and 2010-11 using line x tester analysis. All the 60 F1 hybrids and their parents (20 males + 3 females) were planted in a randomized complete block design with two replications. Out of 60 hybrids, significant negative mid-parent and better-parent heterosis were estimated in 9 and 21 hybrids for plant height, in 20 and 35 hybrids for days to 50% flowering, in 18 and 30 crosses for days to physiological maturity and in 10 and 22 crosses for budfly (Dasyneura lini) infestation, in 17 and 32 crosses for alternaria blight (Alternaria lini) respectively. Positive significant heterosis were estimated in 51 and 41 crosses for number of branches plant However, significant positive mid-parent and better-parent heterosis were recorded in 57 and 55 hybrids for no of capsule plant, in 39 and 20 hybrids for 1000 seed weight, in 45 and 34 hybrids for yield plant respectively. Among parents, Karthika, ACC NO 4/47, PKVNL-260, EC-9825 and GS-234 proved to be superior when used as parents in most of the hybrid combinations. Maximum positive significant heterosis over better-parent were observed in crosses Padmini x ACCNO4/47, Karthika x JRF-5, Padmini x LCK-8605, PKVNL-26Q xACCNO4/47, PKVNL-260 x Eita and Karthika x EC-9825 for early flowering and plant height, branches plant, days to physiological maturity, yield plant, number of capsules plant and 1000 seed weight respectively. From present experiment crosses PKVNL-260 x ES-44 and PKVL-260 x EC-9825 were found best for budfly infestation and alternaria infestation respectively.

3 tables, 20 ref

009648   Rao G V S;Polisetty R (Division of Plant Physiology, Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: sudarsangv@gmail.com) : Role of polyamines in development of micro shoots and evolution of ethylene and methane in Cajanus cajan L.. Ann Pl Physiol 2013, 27(2), 69-72.

Shoot buds were induced when cotyledonary node explants were supplemented with benzyl adenine (BA 2 mg dm^{-3). BA @ 0.1 mg dm-3 and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) @ 0.01 mg dm-3 were supplemented to the B₅ medium to develop shoot buds into micro shoots. To increase the efficiency of shoot bud development from induced shoot buds, polyamines were supplemented at various concentrations in shoot bud development medium. All the three polyamines helped in achieving increased efficiency of shoot buds into micro shoots development in various polyamine treatments which were normal and vigorous in comparison with control. Maximum number of micro shoots explant was produced at 1.0 mM putrescine (15-20 shoots explant), 0.2 mM spermidine (12-18 shoots explant) and 0.05 mM spermine (10-15 shoots explant). Supplementation of the polyamines to shoot bud development medium resulted in increased methane and decreased ethylene levels. Higher concentrations of polyamine treatments produced more methane and less ethylene in comparison with lower polyamine concentration treatments.}

1 table, 8 ref

009647   Prashanth S J;Suresh D;Sadananda Maiya P (NO, Dr. P. Sadananda Maiya Centre for Food Science and Research, Jayanagara, Bengaluru, Karnataka, Email: pbdsuresh@gmail.com) : In vitro antioxidant studies of Momordica cymbalaria. Asian J Bio Sci 2013, 8(1), 107-16.

Momordica cymbalaria is a well known plant species since ancient times for use in the treatment of various ailments. Recently, it is well documented that this species found to have significant anti-diabetic activity. This investigation was aimed at assessing the hydro-alcoholic extracts of various parts such as aerial parts, fruits and roots for their antioxidant activity. Pharmacognosy studies, extraction, phytochemical analysis and in vitro antioxidant activity studies were carried out. The antioxidant activity studies were carried out by ferric ion reducing, ABTS free radical scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging and total antioxidant assays. Ferric ion reducing power of aerial parts extract was found to be higher compared to fruits and root extract. However, nitric oxide scavenging activity was found be higher for fruits extract followed by aerial parts and roots. The same trend was followed in the cases of ABTS radical scavenging activity and total antioxidant activity. IC₅₀ value of ABTS radical scavenging activity of fruits extract was found to 13 μg/ml compared to the standard compound Ascorbic acid which has IC₅₀ value of 4.3 μg/ml. The total antioxidant activity of fruits extract was found to be 95.27 mg equivalents of ascorbic acid per gram. These potential antioxidant activities of the extracts have far reaching implications in further exploring this species for further studies in this direction.

4 illus, 9 tables, 20 ref

009646   Nand Lal;Gupta P;Khan Z H (Life Sciences Dep, C.S.J.M. Univ, Kanpur-208 024, Email: nl_pr@yahoo.co.in) : In vitro evaluation of antioxidant activity of various extracts of Vernonia cinerea roots and leaves. J funct envir Bot 2014, 4(1), 41-4.

Aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the roots and leaves of the plant Vernonia cinerea. Roots and leaves (individually) of V. cinerea extracts in organic solvents (methanol, hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate) and water were assayed for antioxidant activity using FRAP assay. All of these extracts were found to possess significant antioxidant activity at 5μg/ml concentration. The hexane extract of V. cinerea leaves showed highest TAC_FRAP value and it was lowest with hexane extract of roots.

2 tables, 14 ref

009645   Mathur M (Botany Dep, Plant Ecology Section, Jai Narayan Vyas Univ, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Email: ravi_mm2099@yahoo.com) : Characterization of whole plant nutrient utilization efficiency under heterogeneous environmental conditions. Asian J Bio Sci 2013, 8(1), 134-44.

Water is well known, as limiting factor for plant productivity in desert and availability of nutrient has also been determined as a critical factors that limiting plant growth in arid region. In the Thar regions the total amount of annual precipitation may be too small to induce physiological activity, constituently plant have developed adaptations such as intensive internal nutrient cycling to overcome limitation in nutrient uptake. In the work presented here, author assessed variability in whole plant Nutrient Utilization Efficiency (NUE) of plant nitrogen, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, calcium and iron in a woody perennial plant - Corchorus depressus under pulse, inter-pulse and non pulse events. ANOVA analysis revealed that seasonal events were non-significant factor for NUE of nitrogen, sodium and calcium, but for other nutrients significant variability were brought by both spatial and temporal factors as well as by their interaction. Community dynamics study revealed that low phyto-diversity of a habitat (i.e. dominance of C. depressus) supports P NUE in this plant. Higher P NUE were recorded with lower availability of soil P and organic carbon and higher Fe and Ca NUE were recorded with reverse trends of moisture and organic carbon, these finding supported by the theory of nutrient use efficiency suggested that nutrient efficiency increases uni-modally with decrease soil resources. NUE of Na and K increasing with decreasing contents of soil phosphorus in linear and exponential fashions, respectively. However, Na NUE shows synergistic effect with soil nitrogen in exponential manner. Synergistic relationship between total soil N availability and Na NUE indicates the potential role of this plant in bioremediation of salt.

3 illus, 4 tables, 68 ref

009644   Mathur M (Botany Dep, Plant Ecology Section, Jai Narayan Vyas Univ, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Email: ravi_mm2099@yahoo.com) : Kinetic of nutrient uptake and their utilization efficiency in a seratonious plant-Blepharis sindica. Asian J Bio Sci 2013, 8(1), 94-106.

Efficiency of plant nutrient uptake and use span multiple levels of biological organization from leaves to ecosystems are significantly affected with both spatial and temporal events. Plant communities on nutrient-poor soils are thought to use nutrients more efficiently to produce biomass than plant communities on nutrient rich soils. Yet, increased efficiency with declining soil nutrients has not been demonstrated empirically in semi arid areas where nutrient uptake and their utilization efficiency thought to be strongly affected with soil nutrient conditions with various pulse, inter-pulse and non-pulse events. In present investigation net nutrient uptake (P, Na, K, Ca and Fe) by a desert lignified seratonious plant Blepharis sindica and its nutrient utilization efficiency (NUE) were assessed spatially and with specific seasonal events. ANOVA analysis revealed that all the factors undertaken in the present investigation (i.e. site, seasonal event and the interaction between them) affects P, Na, K, and Ca nutrient uptake (J) and their nutrient utilization efficiency (P<60>0.001), however, for iron, interaction between site and event were recorded non-significant. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett's test of sphericity proves the usefulness of factorial analysis used in this study. Path analysis with community parameters revealed that this plant seems to be a better nutrient efficient only when it plays a key stone species role in a community. Further its relative importance value below 40 seems to be a threshold for net uptake of calcium. Unimodel (hump back) relationships if net uptake of P and Ca and NUE of P and Na with soil organic carbon were established. 80-90 mg 100g^{1 soil organic carbon largely supports the net uptake of phosphorus and calcium and nutrient utilization efficiency of phosphorus and sodium. On the other hand higher organic carbon (150-165 mg 100g1) played an inhibitory factor for them. Soluble and insoluble sugars showed monotonic positive relationships with and net uptake of calcium and iron.}

2 illus, 9 tables, 69 ref

009643   Manhas R K (Botany Dep, Government Degree College, Kathua 184 104, Email: manhasrk@rediffmail.com) : Dwindling glory of chinar. Curr Sci 2013, 104(11), 1466-6.

3 ref

009642   Kawale S;Mate S N;Deshmukh D V;Bharud R W (Botany Dep, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413 722) : Light use efficiency and it's influence on physiological parameters in chickpea genotypes. Ann Pl Physiol 2013, 27(2), 63-68.

A field experiment on twenty five chickpea genotypes was carried out at PGI farm, MPKV, Rahuri during Rabi 2009 in RBD with two replications. The observations on morphological, phenological, dry matter accumulation and it's partitioning, physiological parameters and sink capacity were recorded. The photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, photosynthetically active radiation and canopy temperature depression (CTD) were higher at 50% flowering and decreased after 15 days of 50% flowering. The most important yield attributes viz., pod number per plant, seeds per plant and 100 seeds weight appeared to be the most important characters to determine sink capacity. The genotypes also significantly differed in respect of light use efficiency. The genotypes, Digvijay, Vijay, ICC-16862, ICC-6120 and ICC-1913 had comparatively higher rate of photosynthesis, transpiration, dry matter production, absorbed PAR and LUE and least CTD. The stoamatal conductance and water use efficiency was at optimm level in these genotypes. The similar genotypes had higher number of pods plant, yield plant, biological yield and harvest index resulted in higher yield potential. Therefore, the genotypes, Digvijay, Vijay, ICC-16862, ICC-6120 and ICC-1913 might be considered for further breeding programme for improving yield potential in physiological point of view.

5 tables, 14 ref

009641   Kadu A R (Plant Tissue Culture Division, Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd., Jain Hills, Jalgaon, Maharashtra, Email: arvinda2012@gmail.com) : In vitro micropropagation of gerbera using auxillary bud. Asian J Bio Sci 2013, 8(1), 15-18.

A protocol for rapid clonal micropropagation of gerbera was developed by auxillary bud. MS+BAP 2.0+NAA 0.5 mg/l, which was given early bud initiation (19.40 days), with higher initiation per cent (91.66%) along with longer shoot length (2.5 cm). MS+BAP 2.0+NAA 0.5+Ads 100 mg/l produced higher number of shoots (7.33 shoots/explants). The micro shoots were rooted (96%) in just 8.56 days on MS+NAA 2.0+activated charcoal 750 mg/l. In vitro rooted plants were acclimatized on sand + soil + FYM+ leaf mould. Plants shows 82.43 per cent survival rate during acclimatization. The plants were established in the field after acclimatization.

4 illus, 20 ref

009640   Juyal P;Ghildiyal J C (Botany Dep, Uttarakhand Open Univ, Teen Paani By Pass Road, Haldwani-263 139, Email: pjuyal@uou.ac.in) : Traditional and medicinal importance of Ocimum tenuiflorum ini Bhabar region of Uttarakhand. J funct envir Bot 2014, 4(1), 33-6.

Ocimum tenuiflorum commonly known as tulsi in Hindi and basil in English is widely distributed in Garhwal region. It shares a very important relation with man regarding the sacred religious beliefs, traditional and medicinal uses of the plant. Drugs are obtained from all parts of the plant. Here, present study described uses of Tulsi in different diseases.

1 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

009639   Gurjar M S;Sagar V;Bag T K;Suraj Singh K; Sharma S;Singh B P (NO, Central Potato Research Station, Shillong-793 009, Email: malkhan_iari@yahoo.com) : Biovar distribution of Ralstonia solanacearum strains causing bacterial wilt/brown rot of potato in Meghalaya hills. J mycopathol Res 2013, 51(2), 267-72.

Ralstonia solanacearum, the causal agent of bacterial wilt/ brown rot disease of potato and affects potato production in Meghalaya. Therefore, surveys were conducted to know the exact status of the disease and distribution of biovar of the pathogen in the years of 2011 and 2012. Disease samples were collected from different villages of the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya which is the highest potato producing district in the state during summer (February-June) and autumn (July-October) seasons. The disease incidence varied from zero to ten per cent with overall higher incidence in autumn (<126>0-10%) compared to summer (<126>0-5%) season. Using biochemical tests, based on the ability to utilize disaccharides and oxidise hexose alcohols, forty four isolates were categorized as biovar 2T, twenty isolates as biovar 2 and three isolates as biovar 3. This study revealed that three biovars are present in the state with highest frequency of biovar 2T followed by biovar 2 and 3 in East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya.

2 illus, 3 ref

009638   Grover S;Malik C P;Hora A;Bhati Kushwaha H (School of Life Sciences, Jaipur National Univ, Jaipur, Rajasthan, Email: cpm_malik@yahoo.com) : Botany, cultivation, chemical constituents and genetic diversity in fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill). LS-Int J Life Sci 2013, 2(2), 128-39.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill), wild or cultivated, is widely distributed throughout the world and belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is an old medicinal plant and has been commonly used as a traditional food and medicine. Fennel seeds are used for their anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antimicrobial properties and oestrogen-promoting action. Recent research has identified fennel as a valuable medicinal plant with potential for multipurpose uses and also as a source for preparing raw materials of pharmaceutical industry, especially steroidal hormones. A significant increase in quantity and quality yields through the suitable management of cultivation, chemical constituents and biotechnology practice could make an immediate and important contribution to farm and pharmaceutical industry income. To achieve these goals with regard to sustainable production, we reviewed a summary of biology, cultivation and biotechnology of fennel in this paper.

6 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

009637   Gautam A;Batra A (Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, Botany Dep, Rajasthan Univ, Jaipur, Email: asmitagautam2013@gmail.com) : Ethnomedicinal plants and their valuable parts used in curing various ailments of local inhabitant of Mount abu region-sirohi. J funct envir Bot 2014, 4(1), 26-32.

The present studies were carried out to survey and document the herbal drugs used by the tribal people in the Mount Abu region situated in Sirohi district, Rajasthan. A report prepared on 25 species of ethnome-dicinal plants belonging to 21 families, having tremendous medicinal properties, their parts being used by local people in various forms and mixtures for curing various ailments.

2 illus, 1 table, 4 ref

009636   Firake D M;Venkatesh A;Firake P D;Behere G T; Azad Thakur N S (Division of Crop Improvement, ICAR Research complex for NEH Region, Umroi Road, Umiam-793 103, Email: dfirake@gmail.com) : Parkia roxburghii: an underutilized but multipurpose tree species for reclamation of jhum land. Curr Sci 2013, 104(12), 1598-9.

1 illus, 22 ref

009635   Dikshit N;Devi P;Yadav S (NO, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Regional Station, Akola-444 104) : Identification of high protein lines in foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) P. beauv.] germplasm. Ann Pl Physiol 2013, 27(2), 81-5.

One hundred eleven accessions of foxtail millet representing 12 states of India and one exotic accession of Chinese origin were evaluated by the modified micro Kjeldahl method for protein content during 2011. High degree of variability in seed protein content ranging from 9.48-16.94% with an average of 13.47% was observed. The coefficient of variation among the varieties was 12.28%. These accessions may be broadly classified into three groups as low (9.48-11.96%), medium (11.97-14.45%) and high (14.96-16.94%) depending upon the protein content of the cultivar. The results indicated that 19.82% of the accessions were in the low category, 48.65% in the medium category and 31.53% in the high category. Four accessions having high protein content were identified. These are IC 436863 (16.94%) from Andhra Pradesh, IC-479684 (16.54%) from Uttaranchal, IC-403962 (16.48%) from West Bengal and IC-480252 (16.07%) from Uttaranchal. As these four accessions had significantly higher protein content than the control varieties, these lines, may be considered for future crop improvement programme.

2 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

009634   Desai R J;Raole V M (Botany Dep, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao Univ of Baroda, Vadodara-390 002, Email: desairnk_3@yahoo.co.in) : Pseudovivipary in Isachne globosa, family poaceae. Curr Sci 2013, 104(12), 1599.

12 ref

009633   Das S;Gupta S;Grewal R K (Plant Biology Div, Bose Institute, Centenary Campus, P1/12 C.I.T. Scheme VII M, Kankurgachi, Kolkata-700 054) : Looking at plant innate immunity in genomic era. J mycopathol Res 2013, 51(2), 195-205.

Crop yield is greatly affected by plant diseases caused by diverse types of organisms. The best way to control plant disease so far has been the cultivation of disease resistant plants. However resistant breeding is limited by non-availability of either or both diverse resources for resistance trait and resistance trait linked molecular markers. Hence research efforts have been diverted to identify sources for novel resistant traits as well as to understand the underlying mechanism of plant immunity. A proper understanding about the machinery adapted by plants to survive against the pathogen is essential for identifying key players in plant defense response. Advances in omic technologies have lead to generation of enormous amount of data and has vastly progressed our knowledge about plant immune responses and signaling pathways. Present review summarizes our present understanding about plant innate immunity and the role played by molecular and omic techniques.

6 illus, 1 table, 53 ref

009632   Chaturvedi N;Sharma P;Shukla K (Food Science and Nutrition Dep, Banasthali Univ, Dist-Tonk, Rajasthan-304 022, Email: neelam295chaturvedi@rediffmail.com) : Pharmacological facets of Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) and its secondary metabolites. J funct envir Bot 2014, 4(1), 1-9.

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) is a member of the composite, native to Paraguay. A natural alternative to artificial sweetener belongs to Asteraceae family and contains over hundred phytochemical including well characterized stevioside, rebaudioside A and steviol. It produces a number of high potency low-calorie sweeteners in its leaf tissue, stevia leaf extract that are safe to use and having antimicrobial and anti-oxidant potential. Many research studies on its biological properties shows its application in treatment of many diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and weight loss. Therefore, an effort made to compile the literature and review to summarize chemical and biological properties to provide a base for future studies.

1 illus, 33 ref

009631   Bhosale V V;Asthana O P;Gaur S P S (Clinical and Experimental Medicine Dep, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001, Email: vivek_bhosale@yahoo.com) : Efficacy and safety of herbal spermicidal contraceptive, consap. Curr Sci 2013, 104(12), 1701-3.

Consap is a locally acting, non-hormonal, herbal sper-micidal contraceptive isolated from Sapindus mukor-osii. It has been observed to be free from systemic side-effects such as nausea, vomiting and irregularities in the menstrual cycle. It is a woman-controlled reversible method which needs to be used before intercourse. It has additional antitrichomonas activity and is more vaginal-friendly. In the present study, 521 women volunteers in the reproductive age group have been screened at six centres. Of these, 470 were included in the trial covering 2076 months of Consap cream use with 2358 total cycles covered during the study. Out of a total, 324 cases who used this cream for at least 6 months and more were considered to have completed the trial. In this study only nine patient failures and four method failure pregnancies resulted with a Pearl index of 2.3, which is acceptable for the general population. This study thus shows that Consap cream when used as prescribed is an effective contraceptive. It is a good alternative for women who do not want to use oral contraceptive pills or intra-uterine devices.

3 tables, 9 ref

009630   Amini R;Namdari T (Plant Ecophysiology Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Tabriz Univ, Tabriz, Iran-51666-16471, Email: r_amini@tabrizu.ac.ir) : Inhibitory effects of prostrate amaranth (Amaranthus blitoides S. Wats) on common bean cultivars. Allelopathy J 2014, 33(1), 63-76.

Laboratory bioassay and greenhouse experiments, we evaluated the effects of root exudates and shoot aqueous extract of prostrate amaranth (Amaranthus blitoides S. Wats) on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), The prostrate amaranth growing for 16 days at density of 24 plants / beaker drastically inhibited the root and shoot length of common bean. Increasing the prostrate amaranth density to > 24 plants/beaker and grown for <62> 16 days, did not increase its inhibitory effects. The inhibitory effects of prostrate amaranth on root and shoot length of different common bean cultivars were variable. Prostrate amaranth shoot aqueous extract reduced the leaf number and common bean height but there were no significant differences among the extract concentrations. The prostrate amaranth aqueous extract decreased the seed number per plant, seeds weight and grain yield of common bean. The prostrate amaranth extract concentration had the highest and lowest inhibition% on cv. Pak and Gholi, respectively. Chemical screening indicated that sterol + triterpenes, flavonoides and alkaloides were the main allelochemicals present in prostrate amaranth shoot. Sterol + triterpenes and alkaloids were most inhibitory to total root and shoot length of common bean.

7 illus, 45 ref

009629   Ajuru M G;Okoli B E (Biology Dep, Ignatius Ajuru Univ of Education, P.M.B. 5047, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, Email: bosaeokoli@yahoo.co.uk) : Comparative anatomical studies of some genera of Cucurbitaceae Juss.. LS-Int J Life Sci 2013, 2(2), 91-6.

Comparative anatomical studies were carried out on four species of Cucurbitaceae Juss.: Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum and Nakai (watermelon and brown-seeded melon), Cucumis melo L. (true melon), Cucumeropsis mannii Naud. [Syn. C. edulis (Hooker f.) Cogn. (white-seeded melon)) and Cucurbita moschata (Duch. Ex Lam.) Duch. Ex Poiret (squash melon)] found in Nigeria. This work presents the anatomical features of the melons in this family together for the first time. Parts of each species (petioles, pedicels and tendrils) were hand-sectioned and observed using a photomicroscope. Additional anatomical features of taxonomic value are variations in the number of vascular bundles, the presence of schlerenchymatous pericycle and endodermal cells and the presence of sclerenchymatous sheath in the medullary rays of the pedicels.

15 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

009628   Aditya M;Roy M;Pati C K;Bhattacharjee A (Botany Dep, Burdwan Univ, Plant Physiology and Biochemistry Section, UGC Centre for Advanced Study, Burdwan-713 104, Email: alokebc@yahoo.co.in) : Seed invigouration and potentiation of maize (Zea mays) by chemical manipulation. Sci Cult 2014, 80(5-6), 169-72.

Investigation was carried out on maintenance of seed potentiation of a maize species by using some selected chemicals. Maize (Zea mays) seeds lost viability at a rapid pace under accelerated ageing condition. Pretreatment of the seeds with sodium dikegulac (Na-DK) and indole acetic acid (IAA) for 6 hours before accelerated ageing treatment (99.1% RH and 32±2°C) for different durations (0 to 30 days) for 30 days slowed down the ageing-induced rapid loss of germination. Plant performance was found to be much better when they were developed from seeds which underwent chemical pretreatment and this was measured in terms of field emergence capacity, root length, shoot length, fresh weight and dry weight of plants. Plant potential was also higher in the pretreatments as evidenced from the treatment-induced higher chlorophyll, protein, DNA and RNA levels as well as activities of catalase and peroxidase enzymes in spite of adverse storage situation. Results, therefore, pointed out that in spite of experiencing accelerated ageing treatment, the chemical-pretreated seeds retained higher seed vigour and produced healthier plants.

6 tables, 21 ref

009627   Aditya Kumar;Chhavi Mangla;Aggarwal A (Botany Dep, Dayanand P.G. College, Hisar, Haryana, Email: adityagohar@yahoo.com) : Biodiversity of endophytic mycorrhizal fungi associated with some medicinal plants of Himachal Pradesh. Asian J Adv Basic Sci 2015, 3(2), 26-9.

Mycorrhiza is the most important member of functional soil microbial community in natural ecosystem and creates an intimate link between plant roots and soil. In the present investigation, attempts were made to screen out endomycorrhizal biodiversity from different medicinal plants. A total of twelve plants from six different families were screened for arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) spore number and root colonization. The mycorrhizal root colonization ranged from 0.0 to 67.50±10.60 percent. Adhatoda vesica showed maximum root colonization and Achyranthus aspera lack mycorrhizal root colonization. The spore number ranged from 25.66±3.00 to 388.33±8.50. The highest mycorrhizal spore count was found in Aster thomsonii and lowest in Aloe vera. It was found that number of spores in the rhizosphere of plant was not related to the intensity of AM root colonization. The study confirmed that the biodiversity of AM fungi differ in different plants.

1 table, 14 ref

008681   Vishwanath Pradeep B;Tejaswini M;Nishal P; Pardhu G;Shylaja S;Kranthi Kumar C (Human Genetics Lab. Zoology Dep, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad-500 017, Email: pradeep.bodduluri@gmail.com) : Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activities of plant extract of Lantana camara. J envir Biol 2013, 14(3), 645-9.

Natural products continue to play an important role in the discovery and development of new Pharmaceuticals. Several chemical compounds have been extracted and identified from its species known as Lantana camera (L camara). The present study was designed for phytochemical analysis of L. camara and extraction of bioactive compound by HPLC. This also included the antimicrobial activity of the bio active compound obtained by crude extract and the column extract. The study showed the presence of the bioactive component parthenin extracted from the HPLC analysis at a peak height of 10.3807 and it was showing antimicrobial activity against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, B. subtilis and E. fecalis, crude (6.8 to 8.1 mm ) and column (4.0 to 6.2 mm) zone of inhibition.

5 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

008680   Su X;Liu Y P;Chen K L (Key Laboratory of Education Ministry of Enviornments and Resources in, Qinghai Normal Univ, Xining 810008, P.R. China, Email: xusu8527972@126.com) : Analysis on volatile components in Mentha haplocalyx of special herbs in Qinghai province. Asian J Chem 2014, 26(2), 555-58.

The qualitative and quantitative analysis is performed on the volatile components in Mentha haplocalyx of special herbs in Qinghai Province by SPME-GC-MS. The relative percentage content of each component was calculated with peak area normalization method. There were 42 components separated from Mentha haplocalyx. The main constituents were ketones, alkenes, aromatic and ester compounds. The component of highest concentration was 2-methyl-5-(1-methylethenyl)cyclohexanone which reached 39.54%.

1 illus, 1 table, 23 ref