008679   Singh G;Padma Kumar (Botany Dep, Laboratory of Plant Tissue Culture and Secondary Metabolites, Rajastha, Bapu Nagar, Jaipur-302 055, Email: geetsingh600@gmail.com) : Antibacterial activity of flavonoids of Withania somnifera L.. Int J Green Pharm 2014, 8(2), 114-18.

Flavonoids from different parts (leaf, stem, root and fruits) of Withania somnifera have been screened for antibacterial activity against Enterobacter aerogens, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Raoultella planticola and Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Disc diffusion assay (DDA) was performed for antimicrobial screening. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal (MBC) and total activity (TA) of extracts found sensitive against test pathogens have also been evaluated. Most susceptible microorganisms in the present study were R. planticola and A. tumefaciens, which had shown susceptibility for almost all the extracts tested. Thereafter sensitive was shown by K. pneumoniae, B. subtilis, E. aerogens. However, highest inhibition zone was observed for E. aerogens (IZ 25.5 mm; AI 1.159 ± 0.023) followed by R. planticola (IZ 22 mm; AI 0.733 ± 0.133). Antimicrobial activity of flavonoids extracts of W. somnifera were carried out to validate the use of traditional medicinal herb and the results of this study tend to give credence to the common use of W. sominfera plant. The study provide platform for further studies in plant, so as to pinpoint specific alkaloids and/or flavonoids responsible for antimicrobial activity and might open new vistas in the therapeutic use of the plant in allopathy medicine too.

3 illus, 3 tables, 23 ref

008678   Singh B R;Singh V;Singh R K;Toppo S;Haque N; Ebibeni N (NO, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Jharnapani, Nagaland, Email: brs1762@gmail.com) : Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial effect of Artemisia vulgaris essential oils extracted from fresh and dried herb. Med Pl 2012, 4(2), 76-82.

The study was conducted to determine antimicrobial activity of Artemisia vulgaris essential oil (AVEO), and to see the effect of drying of herb for AVEO extraction on its antimicrobial activity. AVEO was extracted from fresh chaffed herb and dried powdered herb and tested on 1199 strains of 113 species of pathogenic, potentially pathogenic and environmental microbes belonging to 33 different genera, 1172 were bacteria and 27 were yeast and moulds. Although more number of strains was sensitive for AVEO extracted from fresh herb (23%) than AVEO from dried herb (21%), difference was statistically insignificant (p, 0.40) between AVEOs extracted from fresh or dried herb. About 19.9% of bacterial and 25.9% of fungal isolates were sensitive to AVEO. Interestingly, oxidase positive strains (63.7%) including those of pseudomonads (60%), aeromonads (53.6%), spore forming bacilli (71.6%), Pastuerella (83.3%) and micrococci (66.7%) were comparatively more sensitive (p, <60>0.001) than oxidase negative bacteria (8.3%) to AVEO. Of the 114 clinical isolates (associated with illness in human and animals) belonging to 25 bacterial species, 23 (20.2%) were sensitive to AVEO. Clinical isolates were significantly (p, 0.03) more sensitive than isolates from healthy human and animals (12.6%). 'Thus for better antimicrobial activity AVEO should be extracted from fresh herb. The AVEO may be an effective therapeutic agent of future either as such or as the source of some novel antibacterial molecule(s) particularly against oxidase positive bacteria.

1 table, 17 ref

008677   Shukla K;Madhupriya;Dubey D;Upadhyaya P P;Rao G P (Botany Dep, D.D.U. Gorakhpur Univ, Gorakhpur-223 009, Email: gprao_gor@rediffmail.com) : Association of pigeon pea witches' broom phytoplasma infecting Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N.E. Br in India. Phytopath Mollicutes 2014, 4(1), 27-32.

Leaf yellowing and little leaf symptoms with reduced size of flowers were observed in Carpobrotus edulis at Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India in the years 2012-2013. Phytoplasma presence was confirmed in symptomatic C. edulis leaves using phytoplasma universal primers P1/P7 and R16F2n/R16R2 that produced expected size amplicons of <126>1.8 kb and <126>1.2kb, respectively. BLAST analysis of 16S rDNA sequence of the phytoplasma detected revealed 99% similarity with those of tomato big bud, Brassica rapa phyllody, Iranian almond witches' broom, Phlox drummondii, sesame phyllody and Iran eggplant big bud all belonging to 16SrIX group. Phylogenetic analysis of the C. edulis phytoplasma 16S rDNA sequence confirmed its closest relationship with members of the 16SrIX group. Virtual RFLP analysis of 1.25 kb sequence of 16S rDNA identified it as a new strain in the 16SrIX-C subgroup that is for the first time reported in C. edulis species worldwide.

4 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

008676   Ramteke S D;Kor R J;Bhange M A;Khot A P;Zende N A;Datir S S;Ahire K D (Plant Physiology Dep, National Research Centre for Grapes, P. B. No. 3, Manjri Farm P. O. Solapur Road, Pune-412 307, Email: sdramteke@yahoo.com) : Physiological studies on effects of silixol on quality and yield in thompson seedless grapes. Ann Pl Physiol 2012, 26(2), 47-51.

An investigation was carried out to study the role of Silixol as a biostimulant which is unique formulation of stabilized, highly concentrated silicic acid on Thompson Seedless grapes. A field study was conducted at National Research Centre for Grapes during 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. Foliar applications of Silixol (1, 2 and 3 ml/l) were sprayed at twice (15 and 30 days after pruning - DAP), thrice (15, 30 and 45 DAP) and four times (15, 30, 45 and 60 DAP). Berry quality characters and yield components were recorded at harvest. In 2009-10 maximum bunch weight (276.6 g) was recorded when 3 ml/l of Silixol was sprayed at 15, 30, 45 and 60 DAP while in 2010-11 it was maximum (301.0 g) when 3 ml/l of Silixol was sprayed at 15, 30 and 45 DAP. While highest 50 berry weight (180.0 g) was observed in 2009-10 with 1 ml/l of Silixol applied at 15, 30,45 and 60 DAP. During both years (2009-2010 &2010-2011) maximum berry diameter (17.0 mm) and (15.1 mm) were observed when 1 ml/l Silixol was sprayed at 15, 30 and 45 DAP. Berry length was increased with different concentrations of Silixol in both the years and it was highest (19.57 mm) in 2009-10 when 3 ml/L Silixol was applied at 15, 30 and 45 DAP as compared to control (16.23 mm), while it was highest (17.80 mm) in 2010-11 when 1 ml/l Silixol was applied at 15, 30 and 45 DAP. TSS was found highest when 1 ml/l Silixol was sprayed at 15 and 30 DAP it was 22.47 (°Brix) in 2009-10. In 2009-10,the maximum yield (22.80 t/ha) was obtained when 2 ml/l Silixol was sprayed at 15, 30 and 45 DAP and in 2010-11, it was recorded maximum (20.53 t/ha) when 3 ml/l Silixol was applied at 15, 30 and 45 DAP. The data on benefit /cost ratio indicates that the application of Silixol twice @ lml/l seems to be economical for improving berry quality and yield of Thompson Seedless grapes.

4 tables, 13 ref

008675   Ojha A;Sandeep Kumar;Singh R (Crop Improvement Div, Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal-132 001, Email: ashish_ojha1087@rediffmail.com) : Plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis from root explants of Daucus carota L subsp halophilus. Med Pl 2012, 4(2), 65-70.

A system for induction of callus and plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis from root explants of Daucus carota L sub sp halophilus was evaluated. The influence of plant growth regulators (PGRs) including 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (0.25-2.50 mg/L^{-1 2,4-D) on callus induction from root explants of in vitro plantlets was studied. 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), and Kinetin wereused for somatic embryogenesis. The results showed that the highest (100%) callus induction on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2,4-D (0.75 mg/L-1) and highest rate (100%) of callus multiplication in MS + 2,4-D (1.5 mg/L-1) + NAA (0.50 mg/L-1) was observed. The highest induction frequency of embryogenic callus emerged on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with MS + 2,4-D (1.5 mg/L-1) + Kn (0.25 mg/L-1). Mean of 4 somatic embryos per embryogenic callus were obtained and approximately 90% of them developed into plantlets. The plant regeneration system established in this study will facilitate mass propagation and may be applied to culture of the roots of wild Daucus carota.}

1 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

008674   Moses T;Mukundan U (Botany Dep, Ramniranjan Jhunjhunwala College, Ghatkopar (W), Mumbai-400 086, Email: taniamoses@gmail.com) : On-line monitoring plant biomass for large-scale production of Thymus vulgaris, a medicinal and culinary herb. Asian J expl Sci 2013, 27(11), 19-28.

In the present study the mass scale culture of Thymus vulgaris L. was made in a Balloon-type bubble column bioreactor (BTBB). It is suggested that T. vulgaris can be used as a model system for the formulation of a mathematical model and will be used for on-line monitoring of biomass. The biomass accumulation was monitored within the reactor through measurements of electrical conductivity as the measure of the ion uptake and refractive index as a measure of the sugar uptake. The correlation of electrical conductivity or refractive index of the medium and the biomass has been formulated in the form of a mathematical model as proposed by Ramakrishnan et al. (1999). The biomass in terms of dry weight that accumulated after 25 days in the 5 L reactor (BTBB) was 3.151 gm/L. Destructive and on-line methods of biomass estimation gave similar results. The productivity of thymol, an active ingredient with distinct flavour and aroma in the shoots of T. vulgaris L was estimated to be 88.228 mg/L for each run in the bioreactor.

12 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

008673   Jaiswal P;Prasanna R;Singh P K (NO, Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology, PAU Campus, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: pranitajaiswal@gmail.com) : Physiological characterization and molecular profiling of toxic and non-toxic isolates of Cyanobacterium Microcystis. J envir Biol 2013, 14(3), 555-60.

Investigation aimed to utilize physiological attributes and molecular tools for distinguishing the toxic strain of Microcystis from other non toxic strains, belonging to the same genus. Physiological characterization of five Microcystis isolates indicated that the toxic strain (Ml) exhibited significantly higher pigment accumulation (phycocyanin: 54.20 μg ml^{-1; allophycocyanin: 18.2 μg ml-1) and sugar content (74.25 μg ml-1), which may be providing a competitive advantage for successful colonization and proliferation. Profiling using repeat sequence primers (STRR, Hip) was helpful in distinguishing different strains (M1-M5) and HIP TG profile was unique to Ml. SDS-PAGE profile of the five strains indicated the presence of a unique band (25kDa) in Ml. The combined use of SDS-PAGE and HipTG profiles can help in providing distinct fingerprint for the toxic strain, which can be useful in its identification.}

4 illus, 2 tables, 36 ref

008672   Gupta T;Dubey R K;Kamthan K P (Botany Dep, Akbarpur Degree College, Akbarpur, Kanpur, Dehat-209 101, Email: gd_tapasya@yahoo.in) : Efficacy of bioformulations and fungicides to control linseed blight. Ann Pl Prot Sci 2014, 22(1), 112-15.

The bioformulation of Trichoderma harzianum @ 4g/kg seed and T. viride @4g/kg seed controlled the blight due to both the pathogens to cent per cent level whereas Mycelia sterila @10g/kg seed and 109 CFU ml-1Pseudomonas fluorescens were able to control 89% and 98% blight caused by A. lini and 100% by A. linicola, respectively. Nigrospora sphaerica could control 73% and 79% blight infestations by A. lini and A. linicola, sequentially. Foliar sprays controlled cent per cent blight infestations of A. linicola by 1% T. harzianum, 1% T. viride, 0.5% each Trichoderma in mixture and 109 CFU ml-1P. fluorescens. A. lini blight was controlled up to 98% and 93% by Mycelia sterila and P. fluorescens. Mixture of T. harzianum (0.5%) and T. viride (0.5%) was able to control 87% blight infection of A. lini. Nigrospora sphaerica proved less effective in foliar sprays. Fungicidal control of A. lini and A. linicola was experimented using fungicides viz. carbendazim, copper oxychloride, triphenyltin hydroxide, mancozeb, oxycarboxin, carboxin and zineb. Mancozeb (0.2%) was the best fungicide for both the pathogen and could control 88.3% blight caused by A. lini and 100% by A. linicola while oxycarboxin was least effective for A. lini (22.6%) and triphenyltin hydroxide for A. linicola (41.6%).

2 tables, 10 ref

008671   Gokarn R A;Gokarn S;Harisha G C R;Patgiri B (Rasashastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana Dep, Institute of Post Graduate Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Gujrat A, Jamnagar-361 008, Email: rohit_gn@yahoo.com) : Comparative pharmacognostical variations in stem, true root and aerial root of Tinospora cordifolia willd. Int J Green Pharm 2014, 8(2), 105-13.

Amrita (Tinospora cordifolia Willd.) an often used perennial climber used in different clinical conditions and various researches are useful in understanding its potential, but comparative pharmacognostical study of stem, true root and aerial root is not available till date. Root of Amrita is often used in folklore medicine. As true root is not abundantly available, aerial roots may be considered in the place of true root. The present study was designed to evaluate the similarities between stem, true root, aerial root and to substantiate the use of aerial root in place of true root. Materials and Methods: Macroscopic, microscopic and histochemical study of fresh samples of stem, aerial root and true root of Amrita was carried out. The distinctive character of stem shows dominant pericyclic fibre and pith. True root is devoid of pith where as aerial root has condensed pith consisting of lignified parenchyma. Specific individual characters of stem and true root and similar characters of aerial root were evident.

33 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

008670   Gehlot P (Botany Dep, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati Univ, Ajmer-305 001, Email: gehlotpooja76@gmail.com) : In vitro mutagenic effect of 5-azacytidine of Prosopis cineraria L. (druce). Biochem Cell Archs 2013, 13(1), 85-7.

The experimental study was carried out to find out the biological effect of 5-AzaCytidine (5-AzaC), a base analogue, on static culture of Prosopis cineraria L. (Druce). The effect of these treatments were evaluated by considering various aspect of growth index (GI), primary metabolic contents (protein, sugar) and enzyme activities (amylase, peroxidase). 5-AzaC caused the inhibitory effect of growth index (GI), primary metabolic contents and enzyme activities.

2 tables, 16 ref

008669   Ganguly S;Roy S (AICRP on Post Harvest Technology (ICAR), Fish Processing Technology De, Faculty of Fishery Sciences, Animal and Fishery Sciences Univ, Kolkata, West Bengal, Email: ganguly38@gmail.com) : Health benefits of coconut. Int J Pharm Life Sci 2014, 5(1), 3228-9.

^iia6 ref

008668   Deb C R;Deb M S;Jamir N S (Botany Dep, Nagaland Univ, Lumami-798 627, Email: debchitta@rediffmail.com) : In vitro regeneration of Cinnamomum tamala nees from cotyledonary segments. Appl biol Res 2014, 16(1), 104-9.

Cinnamomum tamala Nees., a valuable spice-yielding plant of Himalaya, is vulnerable in its natural habitat due to its over-collection for spice and medicinal purpose. In the present study, a successful attempt was made for in vitro shoot bud induction from cotyledons and plant regeneration. The cultured cotyledons of 10-11 wk after flowering induced meristematic response within 4-5 wk of culture where <126>43% explants responded positively on MS medium fortified with 3% sucrose, polyvinyl pyrollidone (100 mg L^{-1) and 6 μM benzyl adenine wherein <126> 5-6 shoot buds developed cotyledon. The micro-shoots/shoot buds, developed on initiation medium, were maintained on MS medium fortified with 3% sucrose and 3 μM kinetin where shoot buds converted into plantlets and supported culture proliferation. Shoots (4 cm long) with fully open leaves were rooted by maintaining on MS medium enriched with 3 μM α-naphthalene acetic acid where 5-6 roots developed per micro-shoot. The rooted plants were transferred to potting mix and maintained in agro-shade ca 75% shading where <126>65% transplants survived after two months of transfer.}

^ssc2 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

008667   Das A K;Swamy P S (Plant Science Dep, Madurai Kamaraj Univ, Madurai-625 021, Email: swamyps@yahoo.co.in) : Comparison of the volatile oil composition of three Atalantia species. J envir Biol 2013, 14(3), 569-71.

Members of the genus Atalantia belonging to the family Rutaceae have many uses in traditional medicine. The aim of the present study was to investigate and compare the chemical composition of essential oils of three species of Atalantia namely Atalantia monophylla (Roxb.) DC., Atalantia racemose Wight. and Atalantia wightii Tanaka. The extract percentage of the obtained essential oil was found to be 0.2, 0.17 and 0.31% in A. monophylla, A. racemosa and A. wightii respectively. The major compounds identified were α-Asarone (28.82%), Sabinene (13.19%), Eugenol methyl ether (12.71%), l,2-Dimethoxy-4-(2-methoxyethenyl)benzene (11.63%) and β-Pinene (5.3%) in the essential oil of A. monophylla. In A. racemosa, T-Cadinol (11.08%), Caryophyllene oxide (9.78%), β-Caryophyllene (9.20%), Spathulenol (7.21%), β-Phellandrene (5.67%) and Decanal (4.01%) and in A. wightii β-Caryophyllene (16.37%), D-Limnonene (12.15%), Decanal (10.49%), β-Myrcene (7.67%), Tetradecanal (6.99%), Caryophyllene oxide (6.29%) and Hexadecylene oxide (5.87%) were the main constituents. Sesquiterpenes were the major class of compounds in A. racemosa and A. wightii, while in A. monophylla the essential oil was predominated by ether compounds. The results showed that GC/MS analysis of essential oils is a significant step in the bio-chemical profiling and bio-prospecting of Atalantia species.

1 illus, 15 ref

008666   Chung B N;Jeong M I (NO, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, RDA, Suwon-440 706) : Identification of "stolbur" phytoplasmas in Petunia hybrida seedlings. Phytopath Mollicutes 2014, 4(1), 5-8.

This is to verify the possibility of seed transmission of "stolbur" phytoplastnas in spreading type petunia plants, the phytoplasma presence was investigated in seedlings of three cultivars prepared by sowing commercial seeds grown under insect-proof conditions. In two of these cultivars 16 and 26 seedlings resulted positive to phytoplasma presence by nested PCR on 16S rRNA gene. This result indicated that phytoplasmas are transmitted by seed in spreading type petunia plants. Through sequencing of the nested PCR products, 10 strains were identified as related to "stolbur" and grouped into 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani' clade by phylogenetic analysis. This is the first report of seed transmission of "stolbur" phytoplasma in Petunia hybrida.

3 illus, 10 ref

008665   Chandel B S;Bajpai A B;Singh A (Biopesticides and Toxicological Lab., Zoology P.G. Dep, D.B.S. College, Kanpur, Email: chandelkanpur@rediffmail.com) : Antifeeding and insecticidal potentials of verbenaceous botanicals against grubs of Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata Fabr. (Coleoptera: coccinelidae). Asian J expl Sci 2013, 27(11), 37-45.

In this study, the insecticidal and antifeedant activity of alcohol extracts of leaves, seed and rd bark of four verbenaceous plants have been evaluated on the 3 instar grubs of Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata Fabr. The plants used in this investigation are Clerodendron siphonanthus,Lantana camara Linn, Lippia geminate HBK and Vitex negundo Linn. The antifeedant activity was assessed through the feeding protection bioassay. Based on the EC values, the extracts of Vitex seed and Lantana unripe fruit showed significant protection power against 50 insects. The EC values were 0.015 and 0.027 respectively which are statistically significant. Vitex seeds extract 50 showed high toxicity within 48 hours with mean mortality rate as 80.86 % where as L. camara unripe fruits, L. camara leaves and Clerodendron leaves produced 78.26 %, 68.83% and 67.90% grub mortality respectively. The toxic percentage of the effects of extract of roots and seeds of C. siphonanthus, leaves of V. negundo, bark of V. negundo and geminating leaves of L. geminate were observed as 65.70, 65.50, 64.66, 64.16, 48.93 and 35.90 respectively within the same period of 48 hrs. It is suggested that these plants can be used as bio-control as insecticides.

5 illus, 5 tables, 45 ref

008664   Butola J S;Samant S S (NO, Herbal Research and Development Institute, Mandal-Gopeshwar, Chamoli, Uttarakhand, Email: butolajs@rediffmail.com) : Medicinally important species of Hypericum in Indian Himalaya: need more exploration for socio-economic development. Med Pl 2012, 4(2), 104-10.

Pharmaceutical importance of Hypericum species is well known worldwide. Various species of the genus have been regarded to be amongst important indigenously useful biodiversity elements in Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). Amongst the species, Hypericum perforatum L., besides its ethnobotanical significance for fuel, fodder, dye and medicine, is prime source of hypericin. Presence of other species of the genus in IHR has not been much explored. In present study, we assessed diversity, distribution and medicinal uses of this genus in IHR. Of the total 17 medicinally important species recorded, 7 species were native to the Himalayan region and 4 were near endemic species. Due to rampant in-situ harvesting and lack of systematic cultivation, a speedy decline has been registered in natural populations of H. perforatum and thus, categorized under vulnerable category adopting IUCN criteria. Similarly, due to multiple utility of the H. choisanum, H. oblongifolium and H. sampson ii, these species are also facing various abiotic and biotic pressures in the region. We envisaged that like H. perforatum, other species of this genus may have optimum concentration of hypericin and therefore, suggested for chemical investigation to harness their economic potential.

^ssc4 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

008663   Avaz S;Korcan S E;Kargioglu M;Serteser A; Konuk M;Erol I (Faculty of Science and Literatures, Biology Dep, Afyon Kocatepe Univ, 03030 Afyonkarahisar, Turkey, Email: kargi@aku.edu.tr ) : Antimicrobial activities in root extracts of Limonium spp. growing in afyonkarahisar, Turkey. J envir Biol 2013, 14(3), 561-8.

Study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of the root extracts of some Limonium species, viz. L. effusum, L. globuliferum and L lilacinum. The root extracts obtained were evaluated against 9 bacteria, and 12 fungi isolated from hazelnut, and walnut. The maximum antibacterial activity was obseved to be in methanol extract. Furthermore, the ethanol extract of L lilacinum also had the maximum antibacterial activity against L monocytopenus. The methanol extract of L. lilacinum exhibited the most potent antibacterial activity among the tested extracts. Our findings showed that Limonium root extracts significantly reduced the growth of fungi as compared to control. The inhibitory effects of the Limonium root extracts on the mycelial growth of 12 fungal species isolated from nuts in agar diffusion plate assay showed fungal growth reduced at the 6th day of experiment. The mycelial growth of A. alternata was maximum inhibited (100%) by L. globuliferum water extracts on 6th day.

3 tables, 39 ref

008662   Agarwal P (Botany Dep, Government Girls P.G. College, Fatehpur, Email: agarwalpoonamdr@gmail.com) : Some common poisonous plants in and around Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. Int J Pharm Life Sci 2014, 5(1), 3223-7.

Twenty one plant species belonging to 10 families were documented to occur in the district Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh and these were mainly members of family Euphorbiaceae, Solanaceae and Apocynaceae. Leaves, stem, bark, seeds and sometimes whole plant are the major parts of the plant which are poisonous. Some plants causes poisoning to both human beings as well as livestock population and the poisono consumed. The local people are not only aware of such poisonous plants and their harmful effects, but also use them fuciciously for medicinal purposes.

23 ref

007537   Vogeti S;Devi K B;Tilak K V B R;Bhadraiah B (Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Lab, Botany Dep, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad-500 007) : Dual inoculation of Glomus fasciculatum (taxter) gerd and trappe and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (taxte) migula on nutrient levels in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Lam. Proc Natn Acad Sci India-Sect B 2011, 81(4), 428-32.

The impact of the AM fungus (Glomus fasciculatum) and/or the rhizobacterium (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) on phosphorus and potassium concentration of roots and reducing sugars and starch in sweet potato tubers were assessed in pot trails with or without rock phosphate amendment. The combined applications of AM fungus, with P. aeruginosa and rock phosphate exhibited a significant improvement in phosphorus and potassium contents in the roots and amount of starch and reducing sugars in the tubers.

4 tables, 23 ref

007536   Surekha M;Saini K;Kalyani S;Reddy S M (Toxicology Laboratory, Botany Dep, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009) : Influence of relative humidity on biodeterioration and mycotoxin production in groundnut fodder by two fungi. Proc Natn Acad Sci India-Sect B 2011, 81(4), 433-5.

Influence of relative humidity (RH) on nutritive value and mycotoxin contamination of groundnut fodder by Aspergillus terreus (Thorn) and Fusarium oxysporum (Schlecht) was investigated. The infestation of groundnut fodder by both the fungi resulted loss in weight, starch and total nitrogen and a gain in soluble proteins and ash content. These changes were more significant in F. oxysporum infested fodder than in Aspergillus terreus infested one. Production of patulin and terreic acid by A. terreus and zearalenone by F. oxysporum increased with increase in RH of incubation chamber. Patulin and zearalenone could not be detected in fodder stored at RH 30 and 50. The amount of patulin and zearalenone was found to increase with the increase in RH of storage chamber. On the other hand, terreic acid could be detected in groundnut fodder stored at all RH tried.

2 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

007535   Singh S;Singh A K (Central Horticultural Experiment Station, Vejalpur (Godhra), Panchmahals-389 340, Email: sanjaysinghicar@gmail.com) : Standardization of softwood grafting in Chironji (Buchanania lanzan Spreng.) under semi-arid environment of Western India. Indian J Hort 2014, 71(1), 120-2.

The experiment was conducted for two consecutive years at CHES, Vejalpur (Godhra), Gujarat to standardize time of softwood grafting in chironji (Buchanania lanzan Spreng.). Softwood grafting was carried out at monthly interval commencing July to June. Bud sprout (68.00%) and graft success (66.66%), were noted highest in July. Length of sprout and number of leaves were recorded highest in March. Irrespective of scion and rootstock, maximum accumulation of nitrogen and carbohydrate contents were recorded in March. Softwood grafting in July may be adopted for multiplication of elite chironji genotypes.

2 tables, 7 ref

007534   Singh H K;Singh V B;Randhir Kumar;Baranwal D K;Ray P K (Horticulture (Veg. & Flori) Dep, Bihar Agricultural Univ, Sabour-813 210, Email: shemant237@yahoo.com) : Assessment of genetic diversity based on cluster and principal component analyses for yield and its contributing characters in bitter gourd. Indian J Hort 2014, 71(1), 55-66.

Experiment was carried out to analyze multivariate analysis based on cluster and principal component (PC) for yield and its eleven contributing traits in 32 bitter gourd genotypes including two checks, i.e. Pusa Do Mausami and Kalyanpur Sona during summer of 2011 &2012. The cluster analysis categorized all 32 bitter gourd genotypes into 6 major clusters. Extreme genetic divergence was estimated among clusters. Average inter-cluster distance was found maximum (717.86) between cluster V(NDBT-12) and cluster VI (NDBT-76). The proportionate contribution of fruit weight and fruit length towards genetic divergence was 74 and 13%, respectively. Highest cluster mean values for fruits/ plant, fruit weight (g) and fruit yield/plant (kg) was found in cluster V followed by cluster II. Principal component analysis revealed that first six principal components (PC1, PC2, PC3, PC4, PC5 and PC 6) accounted for 83.19% of the total variations with the proportionate contribution values of 23.88, 16.81,13.28,11.23, 9.38 and 8.61%, respectively. The first PC has positive association with node No. to anthesis of first staminate flower and days to first fruit harvest, while negative association with fruit weight (g), fruits/ plant and fruit yield/ plant (kg). Promising diverse parents identified based on cluster and PC analyses were selected for future hybridization programme.

4 illus, 4 tables, 9 ref

007533   Shimelis A;Bekele A;Thirgood S (Biology Dep, Addis Ababa Univ, Science Faculty,, United Kingdom) : Prey abundance and patch usage for foraging by Buteo augur in the Afro-alpine habitats of the Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP), Ethiopia. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2014, 13(1), 25-30.

Quantifying diet related responses of species is key for understanding their functional relationship with their environment. Variation in its magnitude reflects differences in the adaptive value of spatial locations within the distributional range of a species. Amongst the key factors that may account for such variation, differences in prey abundance are critical particularly for predatory species. In this paper, the relationship of the use of patches for foraging by 6. augur with prey abundance in the Afro-alpine habitats of the BMNP was studied. Data on the frequency of usage of patches for foraging by B. augur and the abundance of suitable prey species was collected by having samples at three contrasting areas that reflect the overall variation in the Afro-alpine system. Classification of patches using prey abundance predicted their group membership along with the intensity of foraging by B. augur, which varied with very high significance. Two latent variates that were computed by linearly combining the abundance of prey species explained significantly 6. augur's foraging frequency significantly in a quadratic and linear regression models. The first variate that explained most of the group variation in prey abundance predicted the frequency of foraging by B. augur significantly in a quadratic model that explained 66% of the variation. This variate was mainly defined by the abundances of A. blicki, L melanonyx and O. bottae. The second variate with a smaller proportion of group variation contributed significantly to the predictive value of a linear regression model that explained 77% of the variation in the data set. The discriminant scores of this variate were mainly contributed by A. blicki and S. albocaudata. Interpretation of our results indicated that A. bilicki along with S. albocaudata and L. melanonyx may have played principal role in affecting B. augur's foraging decisions across patches. Generally, in this paper we determined the main prey species that affect the foraging behaviour of B. augur for the first time and presented a body of information and interpretation essentially laying the foundation for further understanding of the species ecology in the BMNP and also in Ethiopia. The findings also assist the general conservation effort in the NP and also initiatives that may specifically target B. augur.

8 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

007532   Sharma N;Singh K (Fruit Science Dep, Dr. Y.S. Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230, Email: nsharma.sol@gmail.com) : Anatomical and biochemical characteristics of olive as influenced by in-situ moisture conservation during monsoon season. Indian J Hort 2014, 71(1), 35-9.

Field experiment for two years was undertaken to investigate the effects of different in-situ moisture conservation techniques, i.e., T₁ - V-ditch (VD), T₂ - Cresent Bund with Open Catchment Pits (CBOC), T₃ - Trench System (TS) and T₄- Traditional Basin System (BS) on anatomical and biochemical changes in olive cvs. Leccino and Cipressino grown under rainfed conditions. Significantly higher soil moisture levels were recorded at 30 and 60 cm depth in the basins of trees of both the cultivars maintained under CBOC and VD compared to those under BS. Stomatal conductance, stomatal size and stomatal density were also recorded significantly higher in trees under CBOC and VD. A significant increase in xylem vessel density and size of the individual vessel element were observed in the tree under CBOC, whereas, total soluble sugars, free amino acids and proline contents were significantly higher in the leaves in tree under BS. The treatment CBOC resulted in a higher increase in leaf malic acid, citric acid and free fatty acid contents over to those under BS. Overall, in-situ rain water conservation technique CBOC increased soil moisture levels and induced permanent histological changes in trees that may be useful for the adaptation of olive trees in the monsoon climate.

5 tables, 20 ref

007531   Sharma A;Sharma N L (Botany Dep, Meerut College, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh) : Impact of sulphur dioxide concentration on growth and biochemical attributes of Vicia faba (L.). Int J Pl Sci 2014, 9(1), 271-6.

Air Polution has become the major problem for the world among other polutions. The main sources of air polutions are rapid economic growth, urbanization and industrialization. Sulphur dioxide SO₂ formerly viewed as the most valuable polutant around the world. SO₂ enters into leaves primarily in gaseous form through the stoamata, although there is evidence for limited pathway via cuticle. High concentration of sulphur dioxide can produce acute injury in the form of foliar necrosis, even after relatively short duration exposure. Vicia faba is one of the most important winter crop of high nutritive value in the world. The present study was designed to ascertain the impacts of sulphur dioxide SO₂ polution on Vicia faba plant. The present experiments was performed on the crop plant Vicia faba L. The monitoring of ambient air of selected sites of the Merut city was done and the monthly mean values of sulphur dioxide ranged betwen 150 to 80 μgm^{-3 in winter was observed. The entire experiment was conducted with keping the sulphur dioxide concentration below and high to the mean value of ambient air to ascertain the impacts on the selected crop plants. Ecophysiological parameters were measured and results show drastic changes especialy on the higher sulphur dioxide concentrations. Plant were found to survive in moderate concentrations i.e., 2612 μgm-3. Biomass and rot o shot length of plants were observed to be in negative corelation with the SO₂ concentration. Chlorophyl a and b along with total chlorophyl content were found to reduce significantly on exposure of polutant gas. Oxidative stres was also found severe in the extreme conditons in the plants which were indicated with the lipid peroxidation.}

11 tables, 23 ref

007530   Sandhya Deepika D;Atluri J B;Laxmi Sowmya K (Botany Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, Email: drsandhyadevara@gmail.com) : Nectar host plants of butterflies, their flowering period and flower colour at Visakhapatnam. Int J Pl Sci 2014, 9(1), 72-8.

This paper is intended to be a study concerning with nectar host plants of buterflies at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh is described. At Visakhapatnam a total of 43 buterfly species spread over eight familes was recorded. They are distributed among 8 familes. Of the 43 species of buterflies recorded at Visakhapatnam, 5 species Elymnias caudata, Mycalesis visala subdita, Melanits leda ismene, Euthalia garuda, and Neptis hylas seldom foraged on the nectars of flowers. They are found to fed on over ripe or roten fruits, sap ozing from wounds and tre trunks. Among the remaining species Papilo polymnestor, P. poltyes polytes, Princeps demoleus were sen to fed on mud in aditon to foraging on diferent flowers and thre species, Euthalia nais, Papilo crino, Colotis danae could not found to fed on any flower during the study period. The remaining 35 species were found taking nectar at the flowers of one or the other 54 plant species. The mutualisitc relationship betwen plants and insects is widely explained. Plants have evolved floral structures for the production of nectar which is colected by insects that in the proces polinate the flowers. Also the flowering period and colour of the flower is described.

1 table, 37 ref

007529   Sahoo R;Satapathy B;Sahoo S (Botany Postgraduate Dep, Utkal Univ, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar) : Growth and physiological responses of the seedling of Raphanus sativus following exposure of seed to mercury. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2014, 13(1), 173-6.

Heavy metal contamination has been incriminated to affect the physiological processes in plants and induces phytotoxicity at higher concentrations. The present investigation was carried out to assess the effect of 10-fold increase in concentrations of mercury on seed germination, seedling growth and biochemical parameters in axis and cotyledon of Raphanus sativus. The seeds sterilized by 80% ethanol were pre-soaked in 10^{-5, 10-3 and 10-2 M concentrations of HgCI₂ for 24 hr. The control seeds were soaked in distilled water. These seeds were plated in moist filter paper and were kept in dark chamber at 25±2°C for 96 hours. Germination of seeds was recorded at 24 hr interval up to 96hr. The root and the shoot length were recorded in 48, 72, 96 and 120hr of radical emergence. R. sativus seeds showed 85, 77, 51 and 1% germination in control, 10-5, 10-3, 10-2 M mercury treated seeds, respectively after 24hr of plating. There was a significant inhibition of germination percent at 10-3 and 10-2 M Hg concentration. Maximum seedling growth was observed in control and minimum in 10-3 Hg during 120hr of seedling growth. Hg (10-5 and 10-3M) inhibited hypocotyls growth by 10 to 40%, and radical growth by 15 to 50% as compared to control. The starch, sugar and amylase activity in the axis significantly (P<60>0.05) reduced with exposure of seed to 10-3M concentration of mercury. It was concluded that the higher concentration of mercury significantly affects the seed germination and seedling growth.}

2 illus, 3 tables, 27 ref

007528   Preetesh Kumari;Singh K P;Rathore R K S (Botany Dep, Raja Balwant Singh College, Agra-282 002) : Morphometric study for varietal identification of Oleiferous brassicas. Proc Natn Acad Sci India-Sect B 2011, 81(4), 411-415.

Preliminary observations recorded on eleven genotypes of oleiferous brassicas revealed that plant height is not necessarily correlated with length of raceme on main shoot. However a negative correlation between length of raceme on main shoot and number of secondary branches per plant was seen in all eleven genotypes under present investigation. The lowest angle of pod with respect to main axis is associated with non-shattering character. Thus B. napus is shattering type and B. nigra with lowest angle is least shattering type. Number of seeds per siliqua is not always associated with siliqua length. Thus B. napus having longest pods contain less seeds than B. campestris var. toria having medium size pods. Flower observation reveals that larger petal size is associated with predominantly cross-pollinated character and longer stamens were found in all the self incompatible and diploid genotypes.

2 tables, 3 ref

007527   Pandey P;Singh A K;Dubey A K;Awasthi O P (Fruits and Horticutural Technology Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa campus, New Delhi-110 012, Email: pranava.iari@gmail.com) : Effect of salinity stress on growth and nutrient uptake in polyembryonic mango rootstocks. Indian J Hort 2014, 71(1), 28-34.

Six-month-old, uniform-sized seedlings of seven mango (Mangifera indica L.) rootstocks namely Moovandan, Bappakai, Nekkare, Kurukkan, Olour, Terpentine and Chandrakaran were irrigated to 70% of field capacity with water containing 0, 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCI for 90 days. Growth in terms of plant height, number of leaves and leaf area per plant decreased with increasing levels of salinity in all rootstocks. The decrease in growth was greatest in the salt-susceptible Chandrakaran rootstock (32.02%) at higher levels of salinity. However, in the salt-tolerant Olour and Nekkare, NaCI caused only a slight decrease in numbers of leaves and leaf area per plant. A declining trend was observed in fresh and dry weight of plant with increasing concentration of NaCI in all rootstocks and maximum decrease was found in Chandrakaran (73.43% in shoot and 57.20% in root) whereas minimum was in Olour. The concentration of Na^{+ ions in leaf tissues increased to a maximum (123.53%) in Chandrakaran and in root tissues Bappakai had the highest Na+ ions (77.27%) content. The maximum increase (109.09%) in leaf CI- ions level occurred in Moovandan and Chandrakaran had the highest (139.29%) root CI- ions content at 150 mM NaCI. These data suggest that lower levels of CI- and Na+ accumulation could be used as indicators for screening mango rootstocks for resistance to NaCI stress. Olour, Terpentine and Nekkare can exclude Cl- ions; however, Kurukkan, Bappakai, and Moovandan rootstocks seems to be Na+ excluder upto lower level of salt concentrations. Based on overall performance and leaf scorching, it could be said that salinity tolerance increased in the following order Chandrakaran <60> Moovandan <60> Bappakai <60> Nekkare <60> Kurukkan <60> Terpentine <60> Olour.}

3 tables, 16 ref

007526   Panda A K;Mandal D (NO, National Research Institute of Ayurveda Drug Development, CN-4, Bidhan Nagar, Kolkata-91, Email: akpanda_06@yahoo.co.in) : Folklore medicinal orchids of Sikkim. Ancient Sci Life 2013, 33(2), 92-6.

The aim of this study is to determine the folklore medicinal use of orchids in Sikkim. To assess the traditional medicinal uses of orchid species, close contacts were made with native people particularly, traditional healers, religious leaders, nursery growers and villagers of Sikkim, The information was gathered with the help of the questionnaire and personal interviews with various knowledgeable respondents during the field visit in between August 2009 and December 2011. Founds that 36 species of orchids are used as medicines for different purposes of health. The botanical and ayurvedic name, phenology, parts used and medicinal uses of 36 orchids are presented in this paper along with its local distribution.

3 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

007525   Pal S;Kundu R (Botany Dep, Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, West Bengal, Email: kundu_rita@yahoo.co.in) : Field study of chromium and cadmium uptake, accumulation and tolerance in alligator weed, Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb. Proc Natn Acad Sci India-Sect B 2011, 81(4), 404-410.

Chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd) contamination is one of the most pressing threats to environment as well as human health in Kolkata and adjoining suburban areas. Field investigations were conducted to study the tolerance of alligator weed, Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb to chromium and cadmium, Levels of Cr and Cd collected from the top 10 cm. layer of the soil were found to be significantly higher than their normal distribution. Plants collected from all the places except one are found to accumulate higher concentrations of Cr in the roots than in the shoots. Although the bioaccumulation of Cr is not directly proportional to its, concentration in the polluted soil, but Cd bioaccumulation is directly proportional to its concentration in the soil. Cd accumulation is more in roots than in shoots. Certain biochemical parameters such as total chlorophyll, carotenoid and free proline content were studied to relate them with the weed's metal detoxification capacity. Total chlorophyll content was adversely affected with increasing concentrations of Cr and Cd in the plant. Increased level of carotenoid and free proline accumulation has been found to be the metal detoxifying strategies of this herb. This has been found tolerant to Cr and Cd which can grow well in the soil contaminated with high concentration of Cr and Cd under field conditions and could be exploited for phytoremediation of multiple contaminated sites of major polluted cities.

4 illus, 1 table, 39 ref

007524   Navprem;Gill M S;Gill P P S (Fruit Science Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: navpremsingh@pau.edu) : Characterization of sucking type mango genotypes under sub-tropics of Punjab. Indian J Hort 2014, 71(1), 6-11.

Nine sucking mango genotypes were evaluated for the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of plant, leaf, inflorescence, flowering and fruit morphometric as per IPGRI Mango Descriptor. The colour measurements of young emerging leaves were recorded with colour flex meter and it varied from brownish-green to purple-brown. In all genotypes, full bloom was observed in the last week of March, while fruit set from 25th March to 3rd of April. Wide variability among the sucking mango genotypes was observed with respect to fruit length/breadth ratio (1.02 - 1.84), fruit weight (77.3 - 203.7 g), fruit yield (34.7 -100.5 kg/tree), TSS/acid ratio (21.3 - 51.7) and pulp/stone ratio (1.81 - 2.72) The incidence of mango malformation varied from 4.2 per cent in GN₃ to 15.1 per cent in GN₄. The variability in the existing germplasm can be exploited for strategic future mango improvement programmes.

5 tables, 14 ref

007523   Nagaraja T G (Botany Dep, The New College, Kolhapur-416 012) : Seasonal occurrence of endomycophytes in inner bark of Kleinhovia hospita Linn.. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2014, 13(1), 169-72.

Endophytic fungi from inner bark of Kleinhovia hospita Linn, were studied in three different seasons during 2009-2010. A total of 24endophytes were recorded during rainy season, followed by 33 endomycophytes in winter and 18 in summer season. Aspergillus niger, A. flaws, Rhizopus stolonifer, Choanephora sp. and Mucor racemosus were found to be dominant endophytes followed by Bispora punctata, Cladosporium herbarum, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium oxysporum and Nigrospora sp.

3 tables, 20 ref

007522   Nagaraja A;Sahoo R N;Usha K;Singh S K; Sivaramanae N;Gupta V K (Fruits and Horticultural Technology Div, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110 012, Email: anrciah@gmail.com) : Spectral discrimination of healthy and malformed mango panicles using spectroradiometer. Indian J Hort 2014, 71(1), 40-4.

Potential of using hyperspectral reflectance data to discriminate healthy and malformed mango panicles, both under field and laboratory conditions was evaluated. The spectral reflectance of both malformed and healthy panicles were collected using ground based portable ASD FS3 spectroradiometer. The spectral data were analyzed with four different indices. Among all the indices Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was found to be the best parameter in differentiating the healthy (0.495) and malformed (0.751) mango panicles significantly under laboratory conditions. NDVI can be used in the differentiation of healthy and malformed mango panicles. The red-edge value (0.0106 and 0.0113) and red edge (692 and 697) position was significantly different for healthy and malformed mango panicles respectively. Hence, it can be concluded that spectral reflectance based indices will be a potential tool in the identification of malformed mango panicles spatially through remote sensing data.

2 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

007521   Murugesan P;Shareef M (Directorate of Oil Palm Research, Research Centre, Palode, Pacha-695 562) : Yield, bunch quality and vegetative traits of American oil palm (Elaeis oleifra, HBK) population in India. Indian J Hort 2014, 71(1), 22-7.

Wild American species, Elaeis oleifera (HBK) is a promising genetic resource for slow trunk growth, disease resistance and desired oil quality. Yield, bunch quality and vegetative traits of E. oleifera planted during 1992 were evaluated in a trial with an aim to produce inter-specific hybrids. Four palms (palm Nos. 6, 8,11 and 21) were screened based on yield performance, bunch quality and vegetative characteristics. The results of the evaluation indicated that oleifera population had slow vertical growth. The highest mean Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) yield recorded was 158.66 kg per palm per annum, number of bunches was 7.44 per palm per annum, oil to bunch ratio was the highest at 18.31% and height increment was lowest at 0.08 m per annum. No single palm possessed all the desirable traits except palm No. 6 that performed well for majority of the desirable traits studied.

1 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

007520   Lalitha Kumari K;Malathi T;Snehalatha D; Aseervadam T;Digamber Rao B (Algal Biotechnology & Hydrobiology Lab, Botany Dep, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009) : Impact of monochromatic light on the growth and pigment production of Cladophora crispata (Chlorophyceae). Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2013, 12(4), 717-19.

The effect of monochromatic light, red, yellow, green and blue has been studied on the cultures of Cladophora crispata against white and total darkness with reference to the growth, morphological variation and pigment changes. Maximum growth was observed under white light. Red light favoured the growth while blue light and darkness retarded totally its growth.

1 table, 17 ref

007519   Kumar R;Ahmed N;Lal S;Mahendiran G (NO, Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Srinagar-190 007, Email: rameshflori@gmail.com) : Evaluation of gerbera genotypes for cut flower production under different growing conditions of Kashmir. Indian J Hort 2014, 71(1), 138-41.

Twenty six gerbera varieties were evaluated for cut flower production under polyhouse and field conditions. Dune recorded maximum plant height (43.19 and 37.16 cm) and flower stalk length (65.85 and 60.12 cm) both under polyhouse and field conditions, respectively. The flower size was found maximum in Sunway (13.17 cm) under polyhouse conditions, while it was found maximum in Dune (11.58 cm) under field conditions. Dune also registered the maximum vase-life for under polyhouse (10.43 days) and field (8.20 days) conditions. The maximum number of flowers per plant (58.14) was recorded in Dune under polyhouse and for Dana Ellen (42.34) under field conditions.

^ssc2 tables, 8 ref

007518   Kavya A;Jayanthi G (Research and Development Centre, Bharathiar Univ, Coimbatore, Email: jayanthi_tu@yahoo.co.in) : Survey of medicinal plants in the coastal areas of Kandalloor panchayat, Alappuza district. Scient Trans Envir Technovation 2014, 7(3), 121-9.

Medico-botanical survey was conducted among the local people of Kandalloor Panchayat, Alappuzha district of Kerala through interviews at regular intervals. This survey covers 50 medicinal plants belonged to 32 families that are used for the treatment of various ailments. Most of the plants are endemic to the coastal regions of Alappuzha.

4 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

007517   Karne A V (Botany Dep, Shahajiraje Mahavidyalaya, Khatav-415 505) : Aeromycological investigations in the ambient air over some crop fields in context to pathogenic and allergenic fungal bioaerosols. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2013, 12(4), 695-8.

Aeromycological investigations were conducted with the help of continuous volumetric Tilak air sampler over jowar, wheat and groundnut fields which gave continuous air sampling for fungal bioaerosols for three consecutive Rabi seasons. Altogether 46 bioaerosols were trapped in the sampler over jowar fields of which 20 types (74.4%) were pathogenic and 25 types (81.5%) were allergenic in nature. Similarly 50 bioaerosols were recorded over wheat fields of which 21 types (71.7%) were pathogenic and 25 types (85.8%) were allergenic. In the atmosphere over groundnut fields 47 bioaerosols were recorded of which 21 types (71.6%) were pathogenic and 26 types (81.9%) were allergenic in nature. From these three different crop fields total 30 types of bioaerosols were recorded of which 27 belonged to fungal spore types while remaining three types belonged to other types. Though more bioaerosols were encountered, but this paper reports only pathogenic and allergenic bioaerosols.

1 table, 24 ref

007516   Haider S Z;Lohani H;Sah S;Chauhan N K;Tiwari S C (Centre for Aromatic Plants (CAP), Industrial Estate, Selaqui-248 197, Email: cap_selaqui@indiatimes.com) : Variations in the constituents of Tanacetum nubigenum Wallich ex DC. from different locations of Uttarakhand Himalaya (India). Proc Natn Acad Sci India-Sect B 2011, 81(4), 416-421.

The volatile oils obtained from Tanacetum nubigenum Wallich ex DC. (Asteraceae), an albine cold desert plant collected from four different habitats of Garhwal and Kumaon Himalaya of Uttarakhand (India) were subjected to GC-MS analysis in order to determine the variation of concentration in their constituents. Plants collected from Gothing showed selin-11-en-4-α-ol (10.3%) as a major constituent. Methyl acetopyronone (9.5%), Borneol (19.8%), p-menthene-1-ol (11.7%), 1,8-cineole (10.9%) and cis-piperitol (10.9%) were obtained in a high concentration in the plants collected from Burphu. Similarly, bornyl acetate (38.1%) and borneol (19.5%) were the major constituents in Milam Glacier sample, whereas in the sample collected from Badrinath, 1,8-cineole (50.5%) was the most abundant component followed by β-eudesmol (11.2%). The volatile oils of all the samples constituted lesser amount of monoterpene (7.5%-14.3%) and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (0.3%-10.2%) whereas oxygenated monoterpenes contained larger amount (48.4-83.8%). In all the populations variations in their constituents were observed, although the species was same.

2 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

007515   Garud C B;Borgaonkar S B;Chinchane B N (Agricultural Botany Dep, College of Agriculture, Badnapur, Jalna, Maharashtra, Email: borgaonkars@rediffmail.com) : Indices for poper stage of seed harvest in relation to seed quality ini soybean. Int J Pl Sci 2014, 9(1), 298-300.

Studies on sed moisture, biochemical components in relation to stage of harvest were undertaken in five varieties viz., JS-35, JS-93-05, MAUS-71, MAUS-81 and MAUS-158. Sed moisture difered significantly due to genotypes while test weight and procesing recovery were remain unchanged. Moisture content in soybean decreased with advancement of stage of harvest. Protein content was increased while oil content was decreased at subsequent harvesting stages.

^ssc2 tables, 6 ref

007514   Gaikwad A P;Bharud R W (Agricultural Botany Dep, Mahatma Phule-Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra) : Effect of harvesting stages on seed quality parameters of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Int J Pl Sci 2014, 9(1), 196-8.

The studies revealed that, in six varieties of groundnut sed quality parameters viz., number of wel developed pods per plant increased after physiological maturity. 10 sed weight (g) and sed moisture content (%) decreased after physiological maturity.

3 tables, 6 ref

007513   Dwivedi S V;Anand R K;Singh M P;Mishra P K (NO, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, Email: satyakvk@gmail.com) : Studies on lesser known food plants used by tribals-socially poor communities of district Sonbhadra in Uttar Pradesh. Int J Pl Sci 2014, 9(1), 248-51.

Survey based ethno botanical study was caried out among the tribal and socialy por communites of district Sonebhadra in Vindhyan Zone, to document food plants used by them. On the basis of study, fifty eight plant species belonging to fifty seven genera and thirty five families were documented which are being used by tribal and socialy poor communities as suplementary source of food.

1 table, 4 ref

007512   Dubal K;Ghorpade P;Dongare M;Patil S (Botany Dep, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur-416 004) : Carbon sequestration in the standing trees at campus of Shivaji University, Kolhapur. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2013, 12(4), 725-6.

Trees remove atmospheric carbon through photosynthesis, that stores a tremendous amount of carbon in their structures. They act as a major CO₂ sink which captures carbon from the atmosphere and stores it in the form of fixed biomass. Therefore, growing trees in the urban areas having a potential role regarding the accumulation of atmospheric CO₂ in the form of biomass. Thus, the present investigation was carried out to calculate the carbon sequestration of 38 standing tree species in Shivaji University campus. The biomass and total organic carbon of standing trees is estimated by the non destructive method, The population of Gliricidia maculate is more in the university campus but it sequestrates the carbon in very less amount (0.329 tones/year) while the Ficus racemosa species sequestrated more carbon (65.367 tones/year).

1 table, 4 ref

007511   Chaipackdee V;Pornpakakul S;Chokratin P (NO, , 642 Jaransanitwong69 Rd., Bangphlat District, Bangkok 10700, Thailand, Email: vichee@gmail.com) : Bioactive compounds produced by endophytic fungi isolated from beach morning glory (Ipomoea pescaprae Linn.). Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2013, 15(3), 479-82.

Endophytic fungi were isolated from leaves, stems, petioles, flowers and seeds of Ipomoea pescaprae Linn. collected from beaches of Thailand. All of selected endophytic fungi were assayed for antimicrobial activity against 5 microorganisms; B. subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. Crude extract of endophytic fungus isolate Ch109 exhibited highest antimicrobial activity against tested microorganisms. Based on light microscope identification and DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, the fungal isolate Ch109 was identified as Eurotium amstelodami. Isolation of bioactive substances from mycelia of E. amstelodami by column chromatography gave 2 compounds including tetrahydroauroglaucin and flavoglaucin. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), antioxidant activity and anticancer activity of both compounds were assayed.

1 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

007510   Bhat B A;Sheikh M A;Tiwari A (School of Studies in Botany, Jiwaji Univ, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Email: tiwariavinash2@gmail.com) : Impact of various edaphic factors on AMF spore population and diversity in Catharanthus roseus at Gwalior. Int J Pl Sci 2014, 9(1), 1-6.

Several edaphic factors like soil type, pH, Electrical conductivity, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium brings impact on arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF). Maximum number of AMF species and population were isolated from the soils of natural site with moderate pH, electrical conductivity, high soil organic carbon, nitrogen and potassium, least available phosphorus content as compared to artificial site. Study of the effect of edaphic factors on AMF spore density and diversity by correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation of AMF spore density with pH and phosphorus and significant positive correlation with EC, Organic carbon, nitrogen and potassium. The present study would help to determine to what extent and which soil environment variables affects the density and abundance of AMF associations in Catharanthus roseus in the semi-arid environment encountered on the north east of Madhya Pradesh.

5 tables, 26 ref

007509   Bakshi P;Bhushan B;Sharma A;Wali V K (Fruit Science Div, Sher-e-Kashmir Univ of Agricultural Sciences & Technology-Jammu, Main Campus Chatha, Jammu-180 009, Email: bakshi_parshant@rediffmail.com) : Studies on variability in physico-chemical traits and multiplication of Daru (wild pomegranate) colections. Indian J Hort 2014, 71(1), 12-15.

Anardana (wild pomegranate) or 'Daru' is found scattered throughout Doda district of Jammu province. A survey was carried out to identify the elite genotypes among the natural population. The ripe fruits of 12 selected genotypes were analysed for physico-chemical characteristics like fruit weight, length and breadth, seed weight per fruit, rind weight per fruit, juice content, total soluble solids (TSS), acidity, total sugars, reducing sugars, and tannins. Individual fruit weight ranged from 85.64 to 131.60 g with fruit length from 5.52 to 7.42 cm, fruit breadth 5.17 to 5.99 cm seed weight 34.60 to 56.0 g/fruit and peel weight from 49.04 to 68.0 g/fruit. The chemical characters also showed a wide variation. Total soluble solids varied from 11.0 to 15.5°B, titratable acidity 5.26 to 6.80%, total sugars from 9.32 to 13.86% and tannins from 121.12 to 149.70 mg/100 ml. The stem cuttings of these genotypes were raised for comparing their vegetative multiplication. The survival of cuttings ranged from 25-30%. A wide variation in physico-chemical characters of wild pomegranate genotypes indicated the scope of individual plant selection based on these characters for its genetic improvement.

3 tables, 11 ref

007508   Attri B L;Krishna H;Das B;Ranjan J K;Pragya; Ahmed N (NO, Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Regional Station, Mukteshwar-263 138, Email: attribl_cith@rediffmail.com) : Effect of salicylic acid and calcium on the shelf-life of peach cultivars. Indian J Hort 2014, 71(1), 92-8.

For extending the marketability, a study was carried out on the effect of bio-regulators, viz., salicylic acid and Ca-EDTA on different peach cultivars like FLA-16-33, Flordaking, Canter and Flordasun. The selected fruits were dipped for 10 min. in salicylic acid @ 400 ppm, Ca-EDTA @ 500 ppm and control (distilled water dip). The treated fruits were stored in CFB boxes at ambient temperature (20-22°C having RH 85-90%) for two weeks. During storage, physico-chemical characteristics such as TSS, acidity, ascorbic acid and sugars of different treatments were studied at 3 day intervals. The results revealed that the fruits treated with bio-regulators and calcium had significantly better firmness and low PLW (16.83-25.08%) during storage for 12 days as compared to control (21.28-27.10%) after 9 days. The TSS, acidity, ascorbic acid and sugars in treated peaches remained intact, whereas in untreated fruits, the conversion rate was faster. The treated fruits irrespective of cultivars had a shelf-life of 14 days as compared to 9 days in control. Thus, the shelf-life of the peaches could be increased with better physico-chemical characteristics using bio-regulators like salicylic acid and Ca-EDTA.

6 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

007507   Anandhi S;Rajamani K (Medicinal and Aromatic Crops Dep, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: sanandhijasmin@gmail.com) : Induced mutagenic frequency and spectrum of chlorophll mutants in glory lily (Gloriosa superba). Green Fmg 2013, 4(3), 391-2.

VM₂ generation was raised from EMS, DES and gamma ray treated VM₁, tubers of Glory lily. VM₂ generation was screened for the frequency and spectrum of chlorophyll mutations. Chemical mutagens appeared to be more effective in inducing maximum frequencies than physical mutagen. 1.50% concentration of DES induced the highest frequency of chlorophyll mutants (9.47%). Broad spectrum of chlorophyll mutants was recorded in VM₂ generation. Different chlorophyll mutants obtained in present investigation such as albina, xantha, chlorina and viridis revealed diversity in their frequencies. The spectrum of chlorophyll mutants indicated the dominance of chlorina and viridis mutants as compared to albina and xantha.

1 table, 9 ref

007506   Anamika Nath;Tajane P A;Amrawat T;Meena A K (Plant Breeding and Genetics Dep, Maharana Pratap Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur (Rajasthan)) : Correlations studies in jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.). Int J Pl Sci 2014, 9(1), 295-7.

The present investigation entiled, corelation studies in jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.) was undertaken to study the extent of corelation in 30 genotypes of Jatropha. Sed yield per plant was significantly and positvely corelated with plant height, colar diameter, number of secondary branches per plant and number of fruits per plant indicating dependence of sed yield per plant on these characters. Number of primary branches per plant exhibited significant negative corelation with sed yield per plant.

^ssc1 table, 13 ref