004524   Vardhana R (Botany Dep, Government Degree College, Sambal, Bheem Nagar, Uttar Pradesh) : Obnoxious plant and weeds of Ghaziabad and the adjacent areas. J Nat Conserv 2013, 25(1-2), 97-100.

The paper inumerate 64 obnoxious angiospermic plants those are growing in District Ghaziabad and the adjacent areas. Since a great change has been seen within last 10 years in the wild and cultivated species. That there are some plants those not eaten by animal. Therefore there is a great need for a complete study conducted on the obnoxious plants. In this survey total district area was studied and collected the information of the obnoxious angiospermic plants that are grown, wild, planted, cultivated and naturalized of road sides, park avenues and gardens. The plants were identified with the help of different published flora and herbarium lodged in different places of India. A survey of obnoxious plants and weeds was conducted for 4 year (2006-2010), during the period of study it has been put in mind that no place should be missed because every and each place is highly valuable and important to collect and record new plant species.

17 ref

004523   Vardhana R (Botany Dep, Government Degree College, Sambal, Bheem Nagar, Uttar Pradesh) : Obnoxious plant and weeds of district Meerut and the adjacent areas. J Nat Conserv 2013, 25(1-2), 81-4.

Present paper imunerate 64 obnoxious angiospermic plants those are growing in District Meerut and the adjacent areas. Since a great change has been seen within last 10 years in the wild and cultivated species. That there are some plants those not eaten by animal. Therefore there is a great need for a complete study conducted on the obnoxious plants. In this survey total district area was studied and collected the information of the obnoxious angiospermic plants that are grown, wild, planted, cultivated and naturalized of road sides, park avenues and gardens. The plants were identified with the help of different published flora and herbarium lodged in different places of India. A survey of obnoxious plants and weeds was conducted for 5 year (2007-2012), during the study period it has been put in mind that no place should be missed because every and each place is highly valuable and important to collect and record new plant species.

19 ref

004522   Uma Mageswari R;Vijayakumar N (Botany Dep, S.T. Hindu College, Nagercoil-629 002, Email: umadrkannan@gmail.com) : Epidermal studies in selected species of south Indian solanum linn. Ecol Envir Conserv 2013, 19(2), 587-93.

Epidermal studies provide additional data in ascertaining the systematic position of disputed taxa when considered along with other characters. The present investigation deals with the foliar epidermal studies on selected species of Solanum; observed from fresh plant specimens. It has been revealed that the leaves of all the species show Anisocytic Stomata. Of the 15 species investigated, most of the species show eglandular and multiradiate tufted trichomes, whereas the remaining species are completely devoid of these.

3 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

004521   Uma Mageswari R;Vijayakumar N (Botany Dep, S.T. Hindu College, Nagercoil-629 002, Email: umadrkannan@gmail.com) : Palynological studies in selected species of solanum Linn. Ecol Envir Conserv 2013, 19(2), 581-5.

In the present paper an attempt has been made to examine the relation of palynology with classification. Palynology is supposed to be an important tool for classifying the plants. The morphological characters of the pollen shall be categorized under aperture, size, shape, exine ornamentation, etc. The aperture character is considered to be primary importance, the exine surface pattern as secondary and others as tertiary. For the present investigation 15 species of Solanum were selected. Plants used in this study were collected from different localities of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. All the 15 members of the genus Solanum showed Trizonoporate, aperture morphotype, psilate exine ornamentation and circular shape.

2 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

004520   Talukdar D (Plant Cell and Stress Biology Lab, Botany Dep, R.P.M. College, Calcutta Univ, Uttarpara, Hooghly-712 258, Email: dibyendutalukdar9@gmail.com) : Selenium concentrations in lentil seeds from Bengal-Gangetic plains (India) including arsenic-contaminated zones. Appl biol Res 2013, 15(1), 57-61.

Seed selenium (Se) concentrations of 22 genotypes (21 cultivars and one local check) of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.), grown in different parts of West Bengal (India) including arsenic-affected areas, were estimated. Se content varied significantly in genotypes with highest (167 μg Se kg^{-1) and lowest (9 μg Se kg-1) content in cv. 'Pusa 4' and 'VL Massor 44', respectively. The 9 genotypes grown in arsenic-prone areas showed deficient Se levels. However, 'Pusa 1', 'Pusa 6', 'JLS 1', 'Sehore 74-3', 'VL Masoor 44' and 'VL Masoor 103' exhibited increased Se levels when grown outside the As-contaminated zones, indicating possible inhibition of Se uptake by As. Marginal variations in Se content in genotypes 'B 17', 'PL 406' and 'S 256' between As-contaminated and non-contaminated areas suggested genotype-dependent accumulation of Se.}

1 table, 28 ref

004519   Swamy K R K;Sandhya Rani S;Pullaiah T (Botany Dep, Sri Krishanadevaraya Univ, Anantapur-515 003, Email: raju.botany@gmail.com) : Euphorbia clarkeana Hook.F. - new distributional record from Eastern Ghats. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 305-7.

1 illus, 6 ref

004518   Sunar K;Chakraborty U;Chakraborty B N (Immuno-Phytopathology Laboratory, Botany Dep, North Bengal Univ, Siliguri-734 013, Email: bncnbu@gmail.com) : Harnessing beneficial microorganisms from darjeeling hills and development of strategies for their utilization in management of root diseases. J Mycol Pl Pathol 2014, 44(1), 25-40.

Effect of plant beneficial microorganisms on suppression of root diseases and growth promotion in cereals and pulses was investigated. Soil samples collected from various forest, riverine and plant rhizosphere from Darjeeling hills yielded 357 fungi and 135 bacteria. Among these, 75 fungal and 48 bacterial isolates showed phosphate solubilizing activities. These beneficial microorganisms were identified by analyzing ribosomal DNA sequences. Potential phosphate solubilizing fungal (PSF) isolates viz. Aspergillus niger, A. clavatus, A. melleus, and Talaromyces flavus were found to solubilize both rock and tricalcium phosphate more efficiently than the other fungal isolates, while some biocontrol agents (BCA) viz. Trichoderma harzianum, T. asperellum and T. flavus were found to suppress a wide range of fungal pathogens in vitro. Among the bacterial isolates, Bacillus pumilus, B. altitudinis, B. methylotrophicus, B. aerophilus, Enterobacter cloacae, Paenibacillus polymyxa and Burkholderia sp. were found to solubilize phosphate, produce siderophores, IAA, HCN and ACC deaminase, and were also able to inhibit fungal root pathogens in vitro. Biopriming of seeds with PGPR and soil amendments by PSF and BCA significantly enhanced germination, growth and biomass of tested crop plants either in green-house or field conditions. Following application of these microorganisms, soil P content decreased while root and leaf phosphate and soil phosphatase activities enhanced. The BCAs and PGPRs could inhibit root rot and sclerotial blight diseases of test crops caused by Thanatephorus cucumeris and Sclerotium rolfsii in pot conditions. These microorganisms elicited induced systemic resistance against the pathogens by enhancing key defense enzymes like chitinase, β- 1 -3 glucanase, peroxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase when applied prior to the pathogen challenge and the effect was more when they were applied in combinations.

60 ref

004517   Shivakumar S;Prabhakar M (Plant Anatomy and Taxonomy Lab, Botany Dep, Osmania Univ, Hyderabad-500 007) : Amaranthus polygonoides Linn. : a new record to Andhra Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 414.

Amaranthus polygonoides Linn, (Amaranthaceae) is recorded from Andhra Pradesh, India.

1 ref

004516   Sarojkumar V;Sooraj N P (NO, Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, Kerala) : Taxonomy and ethnobotany of Sthalavrikshas (temple trees) in Palakkad, Kerala, India. Sci Cult 2014, 80(3-4), 103-5.

Veneration of solitary trees as Sthalavriksha is reported from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. However, less is known about Sthalavrikshas' of Kerala. The authors report taxonomy and ethnobotany of Sthalavrikshas in Palghat district, Kerala, India. Preponderance of Sthalavrikshas in two relatively drier Taluks of the study area leads the authors to observe that Sthalavrikshas are condensed form of sacred groves.

1 table, 17 ref

004515   Rawat S;Upreti D K;Singh R P (Environmental Sciences Dep, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Univ, Lucknow) : Lichen diversity of Durmi forest in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 223-31.

Total of 38 lichen species belonging to 21 genera and 12 families were recorded from the Durmi area of which 8 lichen species has medicinal impertinence. The lichen families Parmeliaceae with 8 genera belonging 12 species and Physciaceae with 3 genera belonging 8 species dominates the area followed by Pertusariaceae with 5 species with single genera and Verrucariaceae with 2 genera belonging 2 species. In the Durmi forest Parmelioid and Physcioid lichen exhibit their luxuriant growth on Pinus roxburghaii and Quercus leucotrichophora trees. Out of the 38 species 8 lichen species have medicinal properties.

3 ref

004514   Rath R;Rath S P (Lecturer in Botany, Talcher (Automonous) College, Talcher-759 107, Email: shibaprasad2001@yahoo.co.uk) : Diversity of medicinal plant species in the coastal districts of Odisha, erstwhile cuttack district. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 308-17.

Cuttack district is one of the coastal districts of Odisha. It is divided into four districts like Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur and Cuttack since 1993. Topographically the district is divided into three parts with physical variation like Marshy wood land, Alluvial plain and broken hill ranges. This district is endowed with some big rivers which at their mouth end the deltaic zones sustaining the typical vegetation of Mangrove forest. Floristically, the district is divided into three botanical zones, such as the deltaic zone, the cultivated plains and the western hilly region. The outer and inner estuarine vegetation of deltaic zone is covered with Mangrove forest land; the other two regions reveal composition of variable plant types because of vegetation variation. In the present work attention has been given to the medicinal plants, dominantly available in the district. People used to go for plant medicines for their common ailments on the basis of their belief and knowledge, borrowed from their forefathers The role of traditional healers, Ayurvedic practitioners, experienced men and women are not ruled out in this regard. Ethnomedicinal importance on the plant medicines is realized as most of the rural and tribal people of the district are still depending on traditional plant medicine. Although several medicinal plants are available, only 70 (seventy) selected plant species having medicinal importance have been reported in this work for record.

3 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

004513   Ramesh Kumar;Verma D (Botanical Survey of India, Eastern Regional Centre, Shillong, Meghalaya, Email: rkpaliwalbsi@yahoo.com) : Ethnomedicinal uses and conservation of a rare species of Aristolochia from Garo hills, Meghalaya. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 249-53.

Ethnomedicinal uses of Aristolochia cathcartii Hook. f. (Aristolochiaceae) from Garo Hills have been documented. The plants of this species are used by three different tribes of the study area for treatment of seven different ailments. Out of seven, the treatment of three ailments is recorded for the first time. The paper also deals with the conservational measures to develop gene bank for future and to prevent extinction of such a medicinally important species.

1 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

004512   Rajashekhar M;Shenoy H S;Shafeek;Meenakshi S; Shwetha (Biosciences Dep, Mangalore Univ, Mangalagangotri-575 199) : Vegetation around nuclear power plant Kaiga in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 337-47.

Study was conducted to document the plants around Kaiga, Karwar in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. The Kaiga forest is of moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forest type with the dominance of the members of Fabacae. The check list of the collected plant species is given. A total of 204 species of plants belonging to 59 families were identified. Of the total collected species, 15 are endemic to Western Ghats, including one monotypic species namely-Moullava spicata and two rare, endangered and threatened species namely-Myristica malabarica and Saraca asoca.

1 table, 14 ref

004511   Pradeep Kumar;Katewa S S (Botany Dep, College of Science, M.L. Sukhadia Univ, Udaipur-313 001) : Floristic diversity of Tal Chappar Sanctuary and its adjoining areas, Rajasthan. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 359-67.

Presented study has been carried out in Tal Chappar Wildlife Sanctuary which is situated at a distance of 85 Kms from Churu and located on the fringe of the Great Indian Desert. An extensive and intensive floristic survey was carried out in the year 2008-2009. Floristic survey revealed the occurrence of as many as 89 plant species belonging to 69 genera and 31 families. Data on various plants present in the study area were collected along with other information such as local name, local medicinal and other uses from the local people.

2 tables, 5 ref

004510   Paulpriya K;Lincy M P;Mohan V R (Ethnopharmacology Unit, Botany Research Dep, V.O. Chidambaram College, Tuticorin-628 008, Email: urmohanvoc@gmail.com) : Pharmacochemical characterisation and antibacterial activity of Avicenia marina (Forssk) Vierh pneumatophore (Avicenniaceae). J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 348-58.

Pharmacochemical characterisation and antibacterial activity of the pneumatophore extracts of Avicennia marina (Forssk) Vierh was investigated. Physicochemical parameters (ash value and extractive value; fluorescence analysis) and phytochemical analysis were done by using the standard methods. The petroleum ether, benzene, ethyl acetate, methanol and ethanol extracts were tested against Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogens, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella paratyphi A and B, Salmonella paratyphi, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by the agar disc diffusion method. The total ash value of pneumatophore of A. marina is 10.24%. The extractive value of water is more than in the solvents investigated. Preliminary phytochemical screening of pneumatophore showed the presence of alkaloids, catachins, coumarins, flavanoids, phenols, steroids, tannins, terpenoids, xanthoprotein, and sugar in the methanol and ethanol extracts. The pneumatophore extracts of Avicennia marina showed potent antibacterial activity. The present investigation revealed that the Amarina pneumatophore is potential good source of antibacterial agents. The pharmacochemical characterization study will be helpful to study the active principles using modern techniques in the later part of this work.

4 tables, 30 ref

004509   Pasha M K;Chakrabarty T;Balakrishnan N P (Botany Dep, Chittagong Univ, Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh, Email: pashamk49@yahoo.com) : Taxonomic revision of Croton L. (Euphorbiaceae) in Bangaldesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 379-89.

Genus Croton is revised for the flora of Bangladesh. Ten species and one variety have been recognized and keyed out with appropriate bibliography, synonymy, full description, ecology, phenology, distribution and uses. C. chittagongensis Chakrab. & N.P. Balakr. and C. chlorocalyx Mull. Arg. are endemic to Bangladesh. C. caudatus Geiseler var. tomentosus Hook.f. is a new record.

20 ref

004508   Pasha M K;Chakrabarty T;Balakrishnan N P (Botany Dep, Chittagong Univ, Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh, Email: pasham49@yahoo.com) : Taxonomic revision of Phyllanthus L. (Euphorbiaceae) in Bangladesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 291-304.

Genus Phyllanthus of Euphorbiaceae is revised for Bangladesh and 13 species are recognized and keyed out with appropriate bibliography, synonymy, full description, ecology, flowering phenology, distribution and uses. In this study, P. amarus, P. debilis, and P. simplex are recorded as new to Bangladesh.

27 ref

004507   Pagag K;Borthakumr S K (Botanical Survey of India, ERC, Shillong-793 003, Email: kangs_2003@yahoo.co.in) : Polygonum dichotomum blue var. Angustissima (Hook. F.) chandrasekaran - a new record from the north-east India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 267-9.

Polygonum dichotomum Blume var. angustissima (Hook, f.) Chandrasekaran, belonging to the family Polygonaceae section Echinocaulon, is reported as new record for North-East India from Podumoni Beel in the Lakhimpur district of Assam. The species has been described here with a photograph.

1 illus, 5 ref

004506   Meena K L (Botany Dep, MLV Government College, Bhilwara-311 001, Email: kanhaiyameena2511@yahoo.com) : Tagetes minuta L. (Asteraceae), a newly naturalized plant in Rajasthan, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 415-18.

Tagetes minuta L. a new species of family Asteraceae is first time reported from Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary of Rajasthan. Morphological features, time of flowering - fruiting, ecological notes and photographs of this species have been provided.

1 illus, 18 ref

004505   Mathur M;Sundaramoorthy S (NO, , 18E/564 Chopasni Housing Board, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Email: ravi_mm2099@yahoo.com1-20) : Anticancer herbal drugs and their improvement through novel drug delivery approaches. Appl biol Res 2013, 15(1), 1-20.

Cancer is one of the most devastating diseases that involves various cellular and genetic alternations and globally is 2nd leading cause of death in humans. Alternative medicines and their by-products provide a positive hope to manage cancer. However, non-specific bio-distribution and targeting, less water solubility, poor oral bio-availability and low therapeutic efficacy limit the pharmacological properties of conventional anti-cancer herbal drugs. In this review an attempt has been made to discuss about the mechanism and therapeutic efficacy of twenty different anti-cancerous herbal drugs with focus on their best utility. Different techniques of novel drug delivery systems (NDDS) like nano-particles, phyto-complex, liposome, ethosome, nano-emulsion and microsphere have been discussed as potential tools to remove various constraints associated with these herbal drugs. Various important issues related with novel drug carriers like their generalized mode of action, their potential advantages over conventional drugs, future opportunities, technological challenges and possible steps to patch up the existing gaps have been discussed.

^iia3 illus, 128 ref

004504   Manjula R R;Rao J K;Reddi T V V S (Botany Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: reddytvus@rediffmail.com ) : Ethnomedicine used for urinary complaints by the tribals of Khammam district, Andhra Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 398-402.

Ethnomedicine from Khammam district to treat various urinary disorders is given. The study revealed 48 plant species belonging to 47 genera and 36 families used to cure urinary complaints. One plant species and 28 practices were found to be new. This communication includes the traditional knowledge of medicine which is prevalent in Khammam district and also aims to provide information on the concepts like health and disease and the way these primitive people cure diseases and drive away illness and sickness.

4 ref

004503   Kumari A;Jyoti Kumar (Botany Dep, Ranchi Univ, Ranchi, Jharkhand) : Aquatic plant diversity of Gandak river, Bihar. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 403-5.

Deals with phytosociological study of aquatic plant diversity of Gandak river, Bihar. The predominant species are Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms., Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle, Salvinia natans (L.) All. i.e. 100% and Azolla pinnata R. Br and Lemna minor L. which show 80% frequency. Study area shows species rarity of 40% in Sagittaria sagittifolia L., Spirodela polyrhiza (L.) Schleid. and Justicia diffusa Willd.

1 table, 6 ref

004502   Kamble T D;Govekar R S;Sardesai M M (Botany Dep, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada Univ, Aurangabad-431 004, Email: tukaramkamble2506@gmail.com) : Addition of grasses and sedges to the flora of Maharashtra state. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 254-6.

Deals with two additions to grasses and sedges of Maharashtra State.

15 ref

004501   Jana B K;Mukherjee S K (Taxonomy and Biosystematics Laboratory. Botany Dep, Kalyani Univ, Kalyani-741 235) : Exomorphic and histological characters of fruits in some taxa of the tribe - Lactuceae (Asteraceae). J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 372-8.

Exomorphic and histological characters of fruits of 5 species (Urospermum dalechampii, Lactuca subumbellata, Cichorium intybus, Lapsana communis, Chondrilla juncea) of the tribe Lactuceae have been studied. Other than Cichorium intybus, remaining studied species have homomorphic fruits. In the fruits of Urospermum dalechampii, Chondrilla juncea, Lapsana communis pappus are absent. In the fruits of Urospermum dalechampii and Chondrilla juncea, beak - like structures are present. Anatomically, all the studied fruits are ellipsoidal in cross sectional configurations and pericarpic portion exhibits cellular differentiations. In the fruits of Chondrilla juncea, mesocarpic region is composed of heterogeneous tissues, whereas in the fruits of remaining studied species, mesocarpic region is constituted by more or less homogenously developed tissues. Based on the above mentioned exomorphic and histological characters, an artificial key has been constructed for proper identification of studied taxa at species level.

2 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

004500   Habib I; (Botany Dep, Govt. Degree College, Budaun-243 601, Email: iqbalhabib786786@gmail.com) : Chlorococcales of Ranikhet, Almora district, Uttarakhand, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 270-3.

Twenty five taxa of Chlorococcalean algae collected from different localities in and around Ranikhet, Almora district, Uttarakhand, India are enumerated. All these taxa are being recorded for the first time from this region.

8 ref

004499   Goswami N;Borthakur S K;Hore D K (Botany Dep, B. Borooah College, Guwahati-781 007, Email: nijaragoswami@yahoo.co.in ) : Comparative stem anatomy of four species of Dioscorea L.. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 407-13.

Comparative anatomical study of internode of four species of Dioscorea L. belonging to the section Enantiophyllum has been presented. The study revealed the presence of three types of vascular bundle in D. trinervia Praia & Burkill, D. pubera Bl. and D. glabra Roxb. and two types in D. alata L.

2 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

004498   Ghosh A K;Jana D;Kar D;Singh N P (NO, , Swamiji Eco-club, C/O - Dr. Ashis Ghosh, E-21, Mitra Compound, Midnapore-721 101) : Herbal medicine, food and beverage for eye complaints used by the indigenous people of West Bengal. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 232-8.

Use of remedial plants is a common practice among the indigenous people for optical complaints. In this paper a list of drug, food arid beverage yielding one fern and 63 angiosperm plant species, belonging to 38 families, used for restoration of healthy eye sight, is provided. The mode of preparation, administration and the dosage are presented in the table alphabetically.

1 table, 4 ref

004497   Ganie A A;Wani A H;Azam M F;Parveen S (Botany Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002, Email: ganaieathar@gmail.com) : Taxonomic studies of meliolaceae associated with some plants of Aligarh, India. J Mycol Pl Pathol 2014, 44(1), 105-9.

Meliolaceae is a family of fungi in the order Meliolales. Mostly tropical in distribution, species in this family are biotrophic on the leaves and stems of plants. These fungi are known to cause black or dark mildew disease on the plants. Extensive work on the foliicolous fungi belonging to family Meliolaceae at Aligarh and other adjacent areas has not been carried out. Therefore, a study was carried out to isolate and identify the foliicolous fungi attacking different plants of Aligarh. This paper gives the detailed description and illustration of four Meliolaceae fungi viz., Meliola alstoniae, M. mangiferae, M. memecyli and Amazonia peregrina associated with different plants of Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India. These fungi were reported for the first time from Aligarh.

1 illus, 20 ref

004496   Dwivedi N K;John K J;Nair R A;Indradevi A; Suma A (National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Regional Station, KAU (PO), Vellanikkara, Thrissur-680 656, Email: drnkdwivedi52@yahoo.co.in) : Ethnomedicinal uses of devil's tree (Alstonia scholaris (L.)R.Br.) in Thrissur district, Kerala India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 358-71.

This paper deals with ethnomedicinal uses of Devil's tree (Alistonia scholaris (L.) R.Br.), a member of the family Apocynaceae, by the local people in different areas of district Thrissur of Kerala State, India. The local names, parts used and mode of administration are described.

1 illus, 8 ref

004495   Dwivedi N K;John K J;Latha M;Suma A;Nair R A; Indiradevi A (NO, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Regional Station, KAU (PO), Vellanikkara, Thrissur-680 656, Email: drnkdwivedi52@yahoo.co.in) : Ethno-medicinal and religious uses of ash gourd (Benincas hispida [Thunb.] Cogn.). J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 280-2.

Ash gourd (Benincasa. hispida (Thunb.) Cong.), member of family Cucurbitaceae, is an annual, hairy, creeping herb. It is cultivated for its nutritive and medicinal value from ancient time. Here, some ethnomedicinal uses of it are being discussed.

1 ref

004494   Dorcas M;Sulakshana I S R (Botany Dep, O.U.C.W. Koti, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh) : Sewage water fungi. Ecol Envir Conserv 2013, 19(2), 351-2.

An attempt is made to isolate fungi present in sewage water which can be harmful if edible crops are grown in these waters as these water harbours many harmful mycoorganisms.

^ssc1 table, 4 ref

004493   Dhathchanamoorthy N;Raja P;Kala A;Soosairaj S (Botany Dep, St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli-620 002, Email: pspsoosai@yahoo.in) : Angiospermic hydrophytes in different wetlands of Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 239-48.

Present work represents an account of hydrophytes found in different wetlands of Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu. Endemic, Endangered and Rare species of plants were thoroughly explored during the year 2010-13. The wetlands showed a floral diversity of 67 genera and 135 species belonging to 33 Angiosperm families. Dicot and Monocot were represented by 22 families and 57 species and 11 families and 78 species respectively. These species are classified in to Emergent anchored hydrophytes, Floating leaves anchored hydrophytes, Suspended hydrophytes, Floating hydrophytes and Submerged anchored hydrophytes. Other forms of hydrophytes showed highest plant species than the above referred once.

3 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

004492   Deb C R;Arenmongla T (Botany Dep, Nagaland Univ, Lumami-798 627, Email: debchitta@rediffmail.com) : In vitro regeneration potential of foliar explants of Malaxis acuminata D. Don.: a therapeutically important terrestrial orchid. Appl biol Res 2013, 15(1), 32-9.

Malaxis acuminata is a terrestrial orchid whose rhizome is medicinally important. The dried pseudobulbs are used in preparation of 'Ayurvedic drug' 'Chyawanparash', an energetic herbal tonic and to cure tuberculosis. Due to various anthropogenic activities and excessive extraction for medicinal purposes, the species is under constant threat in its natural habitats. A successful attempt was made to propagate this species using foliar explants from axenic source as alternative explants. The meristemetic loci invoked from the cultured leaf explants within 4-5 weeks of culture on MS medium fortified with sucrose (3%, w/v) and NAA (3 μM) + BA (3 μM). The foliar explants were cultured in different orientations, and optimum response was recorded with the explants cultured horizontally on culture medium in comparison to up side up and reverse orientations. Under this condition, as many as 26 shoot buds developed. The resultant shoot buds converted into plantlets with well developed roots on MS medium supplemented with sucrose (3%) and NAA + BA (3 μM each) with average plant height, number of leaves and number of shoots 2.4 cm, 4.5, 18.0, respectively. The hardened regenerates when transferred to community potting mix [prepared by mixing charcoal pieces, chopped forest litters, coconut husk, sand and black soil at 1:1 ratio] showed about 75% survival of transplants after two months.

1 illus, 3 tables, 30 ref

004491   Das A K;Swamy P S (Plant Sciences Dep, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj Univ, Madurai-625 021, Email: swamyps@yahoo.co.in) : Ethnobotanical studies of the Malayar tribes of Thavalakkuzhippara in Thrissur district, Kerala. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 390-7.

Ethnobotanical study was carried out in the Thavalakkuzhippara colony of Thrissur district, Kerala. The people residing in Thavalakkuzhippara belong to the Malayar Tribe. The fieldwork was conducted during April 2010 to August 2010 and the interviews were conducted based on the open-ended questionnaire. In this study, 29 plant species belonging to 21 families having ethnobotanical potential were recorded. This study is the first report on the Malayar tribe of Thavalakkuzhippara in the Thrissur district of Kerala. This traditional knowledge has to be scientifically validated and the availability and distribution of individual plant species has to be scrutinized carefully for its sustainable use in the future.

1 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

004490   Das A K;Chetia D (Ethnobotany and Conservation of Medicinal Plants Laboratory. Ecology &, Assam Univ, Silchar-788 011, Email: ajitkumardas2009@rediffmail.com) : Ethnobotanical study of mishing community of Dhemaji district, Assam. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 257-66.

In the present investigation, a total 77 ethnobotanical plants species belonging to 42 families are reported. These plant species are used against various ailments, viz. fever, jaundice, typhoid, cuts and wounds, nose bleeding, stomach pain, diarrhoea, carbuncle and sexual diseases of women etc.

3 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

004489   Daimary R;Borthakur S K;Phukan S (Botanical Survey of India, Eastern Regional Centre, Shillong-793 003, Email: daimaryranjit@yahoo.in) : Alpinia purpurata (Vieill.) K. Schum. (Zingiberaceae): a new record for Assam, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 318-19.

Species Aipinia purpurata (Vieill.) K. Schum. of the family Zingiberaceae, so far known from South India, is reported for the first time from Assam, India. This species is described along with citation, distribution and photographs in this paper.

2 illus, 1 ref

004488   Chorghe A;Prasanna P V;Rao Y V (NO, Botanical Survey of India, Deccan Regional Centre, Hyderabad) : Additions to the flora of Odisha state. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 320-3.

Two grasses, viz. Phacelurus zea (C.B. Clarke) Clayton and Arundinella ciliata (Roxb.) Nees ex Miq. are being reported as new distributional records to Odisha State. Detailed description and illustrations are provided here.

2 illus, 6 ref

004487   Chakraborty B N;Chakraborty U;Sunar K;Dey P L (Immuno-Phytopathology Laboratory, Botany Dep, North Bengal Univ, Siliguri-734 013, Email: bncnbu@gmail.com) : RAPD analysis of phosphate solubilizing fungi and rDNA gene sequence based phylogeny of Talaromyces flavus. J Mycol Pl Pathol 2014, 44(1), 62-73.

Large number of phosphate solubilizing fungal isolates (PSFs) were obtained from different areas of North Bengal. Out of this collection, four isolates of Talaromyces flavus, four each of Aspergillus niger and A. melleus as well as three of A. clavatus were found to solubilize phosphate to a greater extent when quantified for rock phosphate and tricalcium phosphate solubilization in vitro. Genetic relatedness among these phosphate solubilizing fungal isolates was determined using random decamer primers. UPGMA cluster analysis based on the RAPD banding pattern showed similarity coefficient ranging from 0.17 to 1. The similarity coefficient was also represented by two and three dimensional plots which showed the genetic relatedness among the PSFs. Phylogenetic analysis of T. flavus (RHS/P-51)- a more efficient phosphate solubilizers was carried out by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS 1 and ITS 4) of the ribosomal DNA using universal primers. The sequences were aligned against ex-type strain sequences from NCBI GenBank for identification. The open reading frame (ORF) analysis of 565 residue sequence designated as 18S rRNA gene, partial sequence of T. flavus revealed that the sequence contains a total of two ORFs encoding 84 amino acids with an estimated molecular mass of 17.12 kDa.

4 illus, 6 tables, 25 ref

004486   Binu S (NO, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode Karimancode P.O., Thiruvananthapuram-695 562) : Enumeration of medicinal plants used by the tribals in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India-part-V. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 324-30.

This paper enumerates the medicinal plants used by the tribals in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala State, India. The plants name, local name, parts used and methods of preparation and application of 25 species are described.

9 ref

004485   Binu S (NO, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode Karimancode P.O., Thiruvananthapuram-695 562) : An enumeration of medicinal plants used by the tribals in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India - Part-VI. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 274-9.

This paper enumerates the medicinal plants used by the tribals in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala State, India. The plants name, local name, parts used and methods of preparation and application of 18 species are described.

9 ref

004484   Basu M;Pal P K (Palaeobotany and Palynology Section, CAS Dep of Botany, Burdwan Univ, Golapbag, Burdwan-713 104, Email: pkpalbot@gmail.com) : Occasional occurrence of staminodial anthers in Abroma augusta (L.) L. f. and their significance in reproductive biology of the plant. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 419-23.

Androecium of the pendulous flower of Abroma augusta is represented by a cupular structure comprising five antipetalous groups of fertile stamens alternating with five antise-palous petaloid staminodes. Typically, a staminode is somewhat obovate in shape, measuring 0.5 x 0.25 cm and slightly emarginate at apex with its distal free part outwardly reflexed. Occasionally, during a few weeks at the onset of the flowering season, out of the five staminodes of a flower, one or two, rarely all the five, have been found to be fertile, each bearing either one or two terminal anther lobes. In late hours, the anther lobe(s) of a staminode exhibit incomplete dehiscence by a faint slit, but do not release the pollen grains. On staining with 0.08% Cotton blue-lactophenol, it was found that 81% of the pollen grains of the staminodial anthers remained unstained, thereby indicating their sterile nature. In vivo germination experiments were performed with such pollen grains and no germination was obtained, which confirmed their sterility. Also, no pollinator has been observed to act upon such anthers.

1 illus, 7 ref

004483   Arumugam S;Boopathy K;Balasubramaniam V (Botanical Survey of India, Southern Regional Centre, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: grassindia11@gmail.com) : Ethnobotanical studies among the Pulaya tribes in Thadagai hills of Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(2), 331-6.

Ethnobotanical survey was conducted in order to assess the traditional uses of medicinal plants in Thadagai hills, Western Ghats of Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu. Pulaya is the main tribe inhabiting in the study area. It was found that a total of 39 plant species belonging to 37 genera and 29 families are reported to be used for different ailments like bronchitis, cold, stomachache, rheumatism, dyspepsia, diabetes, headache and wounds. The study revealed that there are still largely untapped resources which should be documented systematically before knowledge about them is lost due to destruction of forests.

17 ref

004482   Arjairya A;Arjariya O P;Chaurasia A (Botany and Commerce Dep, Government Auto. Maharaja College, Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, Email: amitar253@gmail.com) : Anti-inflammatory activity of some ethanomedicinal plants at Chhatarpur district (M.P.). J Nat Conserv 2013, 25(1-2), 101-4.

Deals with the Anti-inflammatory Activity of some Ethanomedicinally important plants of Chhatarpur district (M. P.) India. The List of Anti-inflammatory active plants given alphabetically, there are more than 20 plants have been given.

1 table, 7 ref

004481   Aparna S;Sekhar P S R (Environmental Sciences Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: aparna.au_es@yahoo.com) : Ecological observations on sand dune flora of Visakhapatnam coastal environments, Andhra Pradesh, India. J Nat Conserv 2013, 25(1-2), 73-80.

Ecological survey was undertaken to evaluate sand dune flora of Visakhapatnam coastal environments. This study was recorded a total of 48 plant species belonging twenty three families consist herbs, shrubs and trees. Herbaceous species (56.26%) were predominant on foreshore and leeward dunes. Besides, shrubs (27.14%) and trees (16.60%) were in highest abundance at hinterland areas. In numerical strength, the families Poaceae (18.75%) and Malvaceae (10.41%) have shown highest number of species. In species wise abundances the foreshore dunes have lowest ground occupancy (14.00%) rather than leeward dunes (40.00%) and hinterland (46.00%) areas. Conservation strategies were initiated for ecological restoration of sand dune flora of Visakhapatnam coast.

6 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

003435   Wagh P;Sinha S;Singh H K;Khare U K (Plant Pathology Dep, College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur-462 002, Email: pushpanjalisudhir.wagh@gmail.com) : In vitro regeneration of leaf spot tolerant chandrasur (Lepidium sativum L.) from callus resistant to culture filtrates of Alternaria alternata. Med Pl 2013, 5(4), 246-9.

Disease resistance in callus cultures of chandrasur (Lepidium sativum) against leaf spot disease caused by Alternaria alternata was induced by subjecting the calli raised and maintained on semi-solid Murashige and Skoog (MS)-medium, to various concentrations of A. alternate culture filtrates (0%, 5.5%, 6%, 6.5%, 7% 7.5% and 8%). At higher concentrations (from 8.0 to 10.0 ml l^{-1) almost all the calli died and total cell mortality was observed. At next lower concentration of 7.5 ml l_-1 13% calli survived. At lower levels of toxic culture filtrates (5.5 ml l-1 and below to 5.5 ml l-1) and also in the uninoculated callus no effect on growth of calli was observed. LD₅₀ value was calculated on the basis of fresh weight of callus when subjected to toxic medium and it was found that at 6.0 ml l-1, 50 per cent callus survived. The leaves of putative resistant clones remained green and viable in the presence of toxin and regenerated shoots directly on the toxin-free regeneration medium.}

2 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

003434   Verma K S;Kurmi L (Aeroallergens Immunology and Angiosperms Diversity Lab., R.D. Univ, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh) : Investigation and enumeration of commercial and threatened flora of leguminosae in Jabalpur region of Madhya Pradesh. Life Sci Bull 2013, 10(1), 21-4.

Present study enumerates 14 commercial value Leguminous plants and 40 threatened plants species of Leguminosae family which are used by the traditional healers of Jabalpur region Madhya Pradesh. Due to deforestation, loss of biodiversity and indiscriminate exploitation of wild and natural resources; many valuable plants of Fabaceae as Abrus precatorious, Butea superba, Bauhinia vahlii, Erythrina suberosa, Mucuna pruriens, Prosopis spicigera etc. are under a serious threat of extinction. The necessity of conserving these plants that are being over exploited for their miscellaneous utilities is now well recognized.

1 table, 18 ref

003433   Verma K S;Awasthi A;Nigam R (P.G. Studies and Research in Biological Science Dep, Rani Durgavati Univ, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh) : Steadily narrowing spectrum of certain angiospermic plants used as traditional herbs in Jabalpur (M.P.). Life Sci Bull 2013, 10(1), 81-4.

In present study ethnobotanical usages of 100 endemic plant species belonging to different families were enumerated with their taxonomic details, status, information, ethnic values and uses. The work has been undertaken in Jabalpur city of M.P. to record natural bio-diversity. During the tenure of study it was observed that there is depletion in number of species every year due to drastic environmental changes being faced globally. Human activities are the main cause of loss.

1 table, 4 ref

003432   Uma Maheswari P;Basha S K M;Rambabu M; Narsimha Murthy C V (Plant Physiology Div, Vidyanagar, S.P.S.R., Nellore, Andhra Pradesh) : Antibacterial activity of Pimpinella tirupatensis, Bal. & SUBR. : an endemic plant to Tirumala hills of Easten Ghats, India. Life Sci Bull 2013, 10(1), 149-51.

The aim of the study is to investigate the antibacterial activity of alcoholic extract of leaf, stem and tuber of Pimpinella tirupatensis Bal. & Subr. The leaf, stem and tuberous roots of Pimpinella tirupatensis (Apiaceae) were subjected to extraction and tested against four bacterial pathogenic strains for antimicrobial activity. Out of which two were gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aerugionosa and two were gram positive Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration of active extracts against four strains were determined. The active extracts contained significant amount of alkaloids, flavonols, flavones and volatile oils. Two important photochemical compounds Germacrene D (4.35%) and α-Humulene (1.45.6%) are present in rich amount in Pimpinella tirupatensis Germacrene are a class of volatile organic hydrocarbons, specifically, sesquiterpenesy produced in certain plant species and they are known for their antimicrobial and insecticidal properties, though they also play a role as insect pheromones. P-Cymen is a volatile oil which found to have antioxidant property.

1 table, 19 ref

003431   Tripathi V D;Venkatesh A;Dhyani S K (NO, National Research Centre for Agroforesty, Jhansi-284 003, Email: deepakvishva2003@gmail.com) : Allelopathic effect of leaf extract of Eucalyptus tereticornis clones and seed germination of oil seeds. Flora Fauna 2013, 19(2), 289-93.

An investigation was carried out to assess the phyto-toxicity of different clones of Eucalyptus tereticornis (C3, C6, C7 and C10) on two oil crops viz. mustard and ground nut. Three concentrations of leaf extract (5%, 10% and 15%) including distilled water (0%) as control were used for phytotoxicity bioassay. In aqueous extract bioassay; all the parameters were suppressed by increasing in the extract concentration from 10%-15% compared to control.

2 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

003430   Tiku A K;Guleria S;Bakshi M;Jamwal S;Wali V K;Khushu M K (Division of Biochemistry and Plant Physiology, Agrometeorology Section, SK Univ of Agricultural Sciences and Technol, Chatha-180 009, Email: guleria71@rediffmail.com) : Proximate composition and oil quality of olive fruits of exotic cultivars grown in Jammu province. Indian J agric Biochem 2013, 26(2), 187-9.

Proximate analysis of olive fruit and biochemical characterization of olive oil of different exotic varieties of olive grown in the intermediate agro-climatic zone of Jammu province of Jammu and Kashmir state was carried out. Seven olive cultivars viz. Leccino, Messinese, Picholina, Etnea, Itrana, Coratina and Zaituna were selected for the purpose. The fruit samples were analyzed for moisture content, crude protein and crude oil content. The oil was analysed for specific gravity, pH, colour, physical state at room temperature (25° C), acid value, peroxide value, saponification value, iodine value and fatty acid profile. Significant differences were found for the observed parameters among different olive cultivars. The wide variability among the different olive cultivars represents a very promising base to recommend the most suitable olive cultivar with high oil quality attributes coupled with better shelf life for commercialization in the intermediate agro-climatic zone of Jammu province of Jammu and Kashmir state..

2 tables, 12 ref