002451   Rekka R;Murugesh S;Prabakaran R (Botany PG and Research Dep, Viveknandha College of Arts and Science for Women (Autonomous), Elayampalayam, Tiruchengode, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu) : Ethnoveterin medicinal plants diversity at Muluvi village of Yercaud hills, Eastern Ghats, Salim district, Tamil Nadu. Adv Pharmac Toxic 2014, 15(2), 41-4.

A survey for identification and documentation of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants used by the native malayali traditional healers in Muluvi village of Yercaud hill, Salem district, Tamil Nadu during November 2012 - December 2013. Ethnoveterinary information was collected from local traditional healers through the interviews and observations during field trips. The present study revealed that the Malayali tribals in Yercaud hills used 22 species of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants belonging to 20 genera and 18 families were recorded. Among the plant parts used by the malayali tribals for their domestic animals, leaves are most commonly used for the preparation of medicine. The recorded plant species should be taken care of and also steps be taken for conservation as well as cultivation of these plant species.

1 table, 6 ref

002450   Rawat V K (Botanical Survey of India, Western Regional Centre, Pune-1, Email: rawat_vk2107@rediffmail.com) : Rare, endangered and endemic pteridophytes from mehao wildlife sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalaya. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(1), 79-97.

Present paper aims at bringing out the information on the rare and endangered status of pteridophytes together with enumeration, probable cause of rarity, habitats along with distribution and conservation related suggestions for their survival. Fifty three species under 34 genera of Pteridophytes reported as rare with threatened status from the Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalaya are enumerated in this paper. The paper includes six species as viz. Diplazium griffithii, D. sikkimense, Dipteris wallichii, Coniogramme falcata Lindsaea himalaica, Goniophlebium wattii, Selaginella pentagona, Tactaria heterosora and Vittaria wattii are endemic to Eastern Himalaya. An assessment of rare and threatened Pteridophytes has been made on the basis of primary sources, viz. field observations, herbarium-collections and published literature. The preliminary evaluation of the threatened status of Pteridophytes in the sanctuary area shows that the main threats for the declining Pteridophytic diversity are degradation of habitat due to deforestation, agriculture expansion, mining and infrastructural developments.

21 ref

002449   Rao R R;Sagar K (NO, , No. 328, B-4, Kendriya Vihar, Yelahanka, Bengaluru-560 064, Email: rr_rao@vsnl.net) : Cassia uniflora mill. (caesalpiniaceae) - a new threat to Indian flora. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(1), 62-5.

Invasive nature of recently introduced Cassia uniflora Mill. (now called Senna uniflora (Mill.) Irwin & Barneby) and its threat to native flora is discussed in the paper. Brief distinguishing features of the species with its closely allied species Cassia tora L. (= Senna tora (L.) Roxb.) and C. obtusifolia L. (S. obtusifolia (L.) Irwin & Barneby) is highlighted.

1 illus, 8 ref

002448   Rao J K;Reddi T V V S (Botany Dep, Andrhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: reddytvvs@rediffmail.com) : Ethnomedicinal uses of asteraceae among the primitive tribal groups of North-coastal Andhra Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(1), 1-5.

Ethnobotanical field survey was conducted in the primitive tribal groups inhabited areas of north-coastal Andhra Pradesh. During survey first hand information on medicinal plants was collected from primitive tribal groups informants comprising Gadaba, Khond, Porja and Savaras. It includes the medicinal uses of 15 plant species covering as many genera used in 55 medicinal practices, of which 37 were found to be new, marked with asterisk.

8 ref

002447   Rajni;Gautam S S;Navneet (Botany and Microbiology Dep, Gurukul Kangri Univ, Haridwar-249 404, Email: navneetbithel@gmail.com) : Antibacterial and phytochemical analysis of Cassia occidentalis L. seeds against respiratory tract pathogens. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2014, 5(1), 52-5.

Medicinal properties of plants make them potent to prevent or cure diseases. In present study, antibacterial activity of various extracts of Cassia occidentalis L. seeds was evaluated against three respiratory tract pathogens i.e. Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 1144, Streptococcus pneumoniae MTCC 655 and Streptococcus pyogenes MTCC 442. The shade dried seeds of C. occidentalis were crushed and extracted in petroleum ether (PET), acetone (ACE), methanol (MeOH) and aqueous (H₂O) by using Soxhlet apparatus. The antibacterial activity was examined by agar well diffusion method. Chromatographic separation was carried out on the active extract and efficacy of the resulting fractions was tested against the selected microorganisms. Amoxicillin was used as positive control to determine the sensitivity of the strains. The results showed that MeOH extract was more active than other extracts in its antibacterial activity. The zone of inhibition exhibited by MeOH extract against tested microorganisms ranged between 20.9±0.21 to 23.1±0.15 mm, respectively. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, tannins, amino acids, saponins, glycosides, terpenoids and steroids. The investigation corroborates the traditional uses of C. occidentalis in the treatment of respiratory tract diseases.

1 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

002446   Radha B N;Channakeshava B C;Hullur N;Gowda J; Sarika G (Seed Science and Technology Dep, GKVK, UAS, Bangalore) : Characterization of foxtail millet genotypes on the basis of morphological markers. Bioinfolet 2014, 11(1A), 1-8.

Varietal characterization on twenty foxtail millet genotypes was undertaken on the basis of plant morphological characters. Leaf pigmentation was present in the genotypes TNAU 257, TNAU 259, SiA 3036 which can be used for varietal identification and purity maintenance.

8 illus, 7 ref

002445   Patnaik B K;Rath S P (Botany Dep, Utkal Univ, Vanvihar, Odisha) : Therapeutic uses of some important medicinal plants of gandhamardan hills - an ethno botanical approach. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(1), 34-44.

Gandhamardan hill range of Ramayan epic frame is endowed with quite good number of medicinal plants with wide range of diversities. The first report of 125 medicinal plants given by Panigrahi (1963) has developed interest to study this area, located as a chain of hills in the Eastern Ghat, stretching from Keonjhar district of Odisha upto Bolangir and Baragarh districts. After several intensive exploration, although quite good number of species were identified with medicinal values, 40 species collected during the present work, have been recorded along with their therapeutic uses of different plant parts. About 25 important diseases are identified to have been cured by these drug species commonly used by the poor tribal people. Further work can increase the number of species since 920 vascular plants have already been reported from this region.

1 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

002444   Parashurama T R;Vasanthakumari M M;Shivanna M B (PG studies and Research in Applied Botany Dep, School of Biosciences Kuvempu Univ, Jnana Sahyadri, Shankaraghatta-577 451, Email: mbshivanna@yahoo.co.uk) : Prevalence and sitribution of fusarium leaf spot of Plumbago zeylanica caused by Fusarium chlamydosporum in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka. J Mycol Pl Pathol 2013, 43(3), 275-81.

Plumbago zeylanica, commonly known as 'Chitrika', is an important endangered medicinal herb used extensively in ethnomedicine. Studies were conducted to determine the causal agent of a foliar disease affecting P. zeylanica plants in Bhadra Wildlife sanctuary during 2006-2009. The incidence and severity of foliar fungal disease in forest regions as well as the distribution pattern of disease in the sanctuary was determined. Diseased foliage samples were analyzed for certain secondary metabolites. The causal agent of the foliar disease was identified as Fusarium chlamydosporum in the samples collected from Lakkavalli, Kemmannugundi and Kakanahosudi state forests of the sanctuary. The incidence and severity of the disease was high in Lakkavalli forest during the December-March period. The pathogen was evenly distributed in all the three forest regions. Analysis of the diseased foliage samples indicated the presence of alkaloids, such as flavonoids and phenols which increased with increase in infection due to F. chlamydosporum, while the levels of steroids decreased. The study also revealed that the leaf spot became severe during winter months which altered the secondary metabolite content in infected foliage.

3 illus, 3 tables, 33 ref

002443   Pandey D;Shukla P S;Shukla D N (Botany Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002, Email: dyutipandey@gmail.com) : Stability studies on sewage irrigation effect on grain yield and protein-content in mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek. Trends Biosci 2013, 6(1), 106-7.

Genotypes of mung bean viz., Samrat (PDM139), Kopeigaon, MUM 1, RMG 62, Phule M-2, Pusa 9531, Vamban 1, PDM 11, PDM 96-262, PDM 99-284, were evaluated in four environments i.e. plain water(E₁) sewage water(E₂), plainwater+15 kg N/ha(E₃) and sewage water +15 kg N/ha(E₄). The stability parameters, mean value (x), regression coefficient (b₁) and deviation from regression (S_di^{2) were studied for yield per plant and protein content in various environments. In the study significant differences were observed for genotypes in different environments. Treatment E₁ gave the highest yield and E₃ gave the highest protein- content. Variety PDM 11 showed high mean values for yield per plant in treatment E1, followed by PDM 96-262 and for protein- content. PDM 11 and Phule M-2 both were found highly significant, they were considered to be stable genotypes in different environment.}

2 tables, 2 ref

002442   Panda S (Botany Dep, Charuchandra College, Calcutta Univ, 22, Lake Road, Kolkata-700 029, Email: saurisda@yahoo.com) : Notes on conservation of 'RET' plants in India. Curr Sci 2014, 106(7), 916.

10 ref

002441   Panda P C;Acharya P K;Sahu D K;Baboo B; Mahapatra A K (Taxonomy & Conservation Division, Regional Plant Resource Centre, Bhubaneswar-751 015) : Olax nana wall. ex benth. (olacaceae)-a new plant record for Odisha. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(1), 106-7.

Occurrence of Olax nana Wall. ex Benth (Olacaceae) is reported for the first time from Odisha.

10 ref

002440   Nagaraja T G;Pudale A H (Botany Dep, The New College, Kolhapur-416 012, Email: tgnagaraja2010@gmail.com) : Phytotoxic effect of Asclepias curasavica linn on metabolism of Parthenium hysterophorus L. Trends Biosci 2013, 6(1), 70-2.

The present paper deals with the powdered leaves, stem and roots of Asclepias curasavica Linn adversely affected the metabolism of Parthenium hysterophorus L upto 30 DAS. It influenced plant height and number of leaves per plant. The biochemical constituents such as total chlorophylls, polyphenols and carbohydrate (sugar) contents were decreased in leaves, stem and roots of Parthenium hysterophorus L supplied with Asclepias curasavica L residues. The total lipid and protein contents were greatly reduced as compared to control. Therefore, residues of Asclepias curasavica L may be used as a potential bioherbicide.

2 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

002439   Murali S;Narasa Reddy G (Agricultural Entomology Dep, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru 65, Email: dr.mmrl@rediffmail.com) : Insectivorous plants and their trapping mechanism. Trends Biosci 2013, 6(1), 19-22.

Insectivorous and carnivorous plants are those plants that maintain their life by trapping and eating insects and other creatures and are known as 'Hunter plants'. They are among the curiosities of nature, being specialized in their mode of acquiring nutrition. These plants are usually associated with nutrient poor soils and wetlands, where anaerobic condition exists and partial decomposition of organic matter occurs. Insectivorous plants are successful; because they supplement their photosynthetic food by trapping insect and digesting their nitrogen rich bodies. They have brilliant colours, nectarines glands, sweet secretions and other curious ways to lure their innocent victims. In India insectivorous plants are present in Kerala, Assam, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Nilgris in Tamil Nadu. The Pitcher plant, Nepenthes spp. are found in Khasie and Jaintia hills of Meghalaya. They have multipurpose uses. The sundew, Drosera indica is used in the preparation of gold-bhasma and D. peltata is used for dying silk. Nepenthes along with the debris of trapped insects inside, mixed with water is capable of curing cholera. Utricularia aurea and U. reticulate are suitable for aquaria and rockeries. The insects attracted by insectivorous plants include mosquitoes, housefly, small butterflies and beetles. They digest the insects through the secretion of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric and vaerianic acids. Insectivorous plants are very sensitive to pollutants. Some of the insectivorous plants have been extinct from the natural fauna and are included in red data book. Further field level studies and research are to be developed in this area to utilize these novel plants as a component of integrated pest management.

^iia1 table, 5 ref

002438   Meena S L (Botanical Survey of India, Arid Zone Regional Centre, Jodhpur-342 008) : Some new plant records to the flora of Gujarat state, India-IV. Indian For 2013, 139(2), 123-5.

The present paper deals with 6 indigenous taxa of Angiosperm belonging to 6 genera and 6 families are reported as addition to the flora of Gujarat state. The paper also envisages brief citation, description, flowering and fruiting time followed by ecological notes.

24 ref

002437   Meena K L;Dhaka V;Ahir P C (Botany Dep, M. L. V Government College, Bhilwara-311 001, Email: kanhaiyameena211@yahoo.com) : Blumea malcolmii (C.B. Clarke) Hook f., a new record to the flora of Rajasthan, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(1), 53-5.

Blumea malcolmii (C.B. Clarke) Hook. f., a new species is reported for the first time from Bhilwara district of Rajasthan. The detail description, up to date nomenclature, time of flowering & fruiting and ecological notes of this species have been provided for easy identification.

1 table, 15 ref

002436   Mathur M (NO, , 18E/564, Chopasni Housing Board, Jodhpur-342 003, Email: ravi_mm2099@yahoo.com) : Spatial and modular variability in phytosterol composition in Tribulus terrestris. Trends Biosci 2013, 6(1), 59-62.

In the present investigation spatial and modular variability in phytosterol concentration were quantified in an important aphrodisiac plant Tribulus terrestris. The study revealed that variations in phytosterol concentration were brought by both spatial and modular factors as well as by their interaction. Among different modules leaf possessed highest concentration. Path analysis established various relationships of phytosterol with edhaphic, plant metabolites and biomass factors. Higher soil organic carbon and clay content were the most crucial factors for harvesting phytosterols in larger quantities. Habitat specific study indicates that older alluvial plains and piedmonts supports higher phytosterol concentration compared to younger alluvial plain and sandy plain habitats.

17 illus, 3 tables, 22 ref

002435   Manjula R R;Rao J K;Reddi T V V S (Botany Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: reddytvvs@rediffmail.com ) : Ethnomedicine for diabetes used by the tribals of Khammam district, Andhra Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(1), 110-12.

Ethnobotanical field survey was conducted among the tribal populations of Khammam district and the study yielded 16 plant species with 15 genera and 13 families used for curing diabetes. Four plant species and 8 practices are newly reported, marked with an astrisk (*) in the text.

7 ref

002434   Mali A R;Gite V D;Dahat D V (Agril. Botany Dep, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413 722) : Genetic divergence for morphological traits in safflower (Carthmus tinctorius L.). Bioinfolet 2013, 10(4C), 1573-7.

An experiment with 50 safflower genotypes was conducted at Research Farm of College of Agriculture, Pune in 2010-11 in randomized block design with three replications. The results revealed that the differences among genotypes were highly significant for all of the traits studied. Wide range of PCV and GCV were observed for number of primary branches plant^{-1, number of secondary branches plant-1, number of capitula plant-1, number of effective capitula plant-1. Higher heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for biomass. On the basis of D2 statistics, genotypes were grouped into 11 clusters. Days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, number of primary branches plant-1, number of secondary branches plant-1 and number of capitula plant-1 were identified as potential variables which can be used in hybridization programme.}

3 tables, 8 ref

002433   Makwana P;Albert S;Contractor K;Singh A K (Botany Dep, Faculty of Science, M S Univ of Baroda, Vadodara-390 002) : Morphological characterization in interspecies of Bauhinia species. Curr Hort 2014, 2(1), 28-33.

Experiment was conducted to characterize the variability in morphology as well as foliar epidermal rnicromorpholqgy of five species of Bauhinia, belonging to family Fabaceae to determine the suitability for interspecies taxonomic delimitation and identification. Generally, these species are perennial shrub and trees with apparent differences in diagnostic features and have recorded differences in their growth habit, branching pattern, leaf shape, size, petiole size and vernation pattern. The tree habit was observed from drooping small tree to erect bushy tree, whereas veination pattern was actinodramous in B. racemosa, B. tomentosa and B. malabarica, and it was campylodromous in B. blakeana and B. purpurea. Mostly, epidermal cells in all species were polygonal with straight walls excluding B. tomentosa L. which had an undulating outline. The stomata types were mainly anisocytic, anomocytic and paracytic. Among five species, B. blakeana L. was hypostomatic with anisocytic and paracytic stomata. Among different species, frequency of stomata differed markedly, were noticed with highest frequency in B. malabarica L. (30/mm^{2), followed by B. blakeana (24/mm2) and it was lowest in B. tomentosa L. (13/mm2), followed by B. racemosa (14/mm2). All the species had trichornes which were either unicellular or multicellular or both the types, but B. malabarica had notable unicellular hooked trichome. The highest trichome index (20%) was observed in B. tomentosa, followed by B. malabarica. However, it was recorded lowest jn B. purpurea (0.51%), followed by B. racemosa.}

20 illus, 4 tables, 10 ref

002432   Maina V;Jadhav C R (Botanical Survey of India, Arid Zone Regional Centre, Jodhpur-342 008, Email: mainabsi@yahoo.co.in) : New record for the flora of Gujarat state - India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(1), 216-19.

Cissus elongata Roxb. ssp. elongata, belonging to family Vitaceae is reported here for the first time for the flora of Gujarat. It was collected from Gir National Park in Junagarh district, Gujarat.

2 illus, 28 ref

002431   Kulkarni S S (Botany Dep, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur, Maharashtra) : Influence of waterlogging on antioxidant metabolism in ragi and rice. Bioinfolet 2014, 11(1A), 70-3.

Effect of waterlogging (for 4, 8 and 12 days) on antioxidant metabolism in roots and leaves of ragi and rice plants was investigated. In roots of both species, peroxidase activity was increased due to waterlogging. Activity of catalase was reduced in both roots and leaves of ragi in response to waterlogging. In case of rice, catalase activity was decreased in roots while in leaf it increased. In the leaves there was reduction in peroxidase activity. In roots of both species, waterlogging caused an increase in ascorbate peroxidase activity. Waterlogging caused elevation in total polyphenol content especially in the leaves of ragi while in roots of both species a decline in level of these compounds was recorded. In case of ragi ascorbic acid content was increased in leaves and decreased in roots due to waterlogging treatment. A decline in ascorbic acid content in both roots and leaves was noticed in case of waterlogged rice plants.

5 illus, 14 ref

002430   Kshitij Kumar;Rao I U (Botany Dep, Delhi Univ, Delhi-110 007, Email: patelbiotech@gmail.com) : Physiological, biochemical and molecular changes during high temperature in plants - a review. Trends Biosci 2013, 6(1), 5-13.

Heat stress is often defined as the rise in temperature beyond a threshold level for a period of time sufficient to cause irreversible damage to plant growth and development. In general, a transient elevation in temperature, usually 10-15 °C above ambient, is considered heat shock or heat stress. However, heat stress is a complex function of intensity (temperature in degrees), duration, and rate of increase in temperature. The extent to which it occurs in specific climatic zones depends on the probability and period of high temperatures occurring during the day and/or the night. Heat tolerance is generally defined as the ability of the plant to grow and produce economic yield under high temperatures. However, while some researchers believe that night temperatures are major limiting factors others have argued that day and night temperatures do not affect the plant independently, and that the diurnal mean' temperature is a better predictor of plant response to high temperature with day temperature having a secondary role.

^iia86 ref

002429   Kotia A;Pankaj Kumar;Tiwari U L;Jalal J S; Parsad A N (Botany Dep, Delhi Univ, Miranda House-110 007, Email: kotia.amit@gmail.com) : Orchid diversity and distribution in Kanger Valley National Park, Chhattisgarh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(1), 207-15.

Kanger Valley National Park (KVNP), located in Bastar district of Chhattishgarh State, occupies an area of ca 200 km^{2 and represents the Deccan plateau. The park lies in the natural transitional zone of sal (Shorearobusta) and teak (Tectona grandis). Though the park is relatively small, it supports several distinct vegetation types in close vicinity of each other, viz. Tropical Moist Deciduous, Tropical Dry Deciduous and Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests. The special habitats within the park are riverine forests, rocky outcrops and hilltops, which harbour a large number of interesting plants. So far, more than 530 species of flowering plants have been recorded from KVNP. Based on recent floristic surveys, we recorded about 30 species of orchids in this park that form nearly 45% of the total taxa reported in family from the State by the earlier workers. Of these, 23 species are being reported for the first time from this park. This paper deals with the orchid species diversity and distribution within KVNP.}

2 illus, 28 ref

002428   Kiranshankar D;Gowda V N;Srikanth L G; Jalawadi S;Prashant P (NO, Kittur Rani Channma College of Horticulture, Arabhavi-591 218) : Field evaluation of bactericides and antibiotics of disease incidence, yield and quality parameters infected by bacterial blight in Pomegranate cv. Kesar. Bioinfolet 2014, 11(1A), 44-8.

Plants treated with Copper oxychloride 3g/lit + Streptocycline 0.5g/lit + Micronutrients (MgSo₄ Boron, ZnSo₄, CaSo₄ 1g/lit each) showed least leaf area infection (6.67%), lesions per leaf (1.62), and leaves infection (5.45%), The maximum fruit set was obtained due to the treatment of Copperoxychloride 3g/lit + streptocycline 0.5g/lit + salicylic acid 4ml/lit, while highest number of fruits per plant and lowest Seed weight was observed in plants sprayed with Copper oxychloride 3g/lit + streptocycline 0.5g/lit + micro nutrients 1g/lit. Highest fruit length and fruit volume was observed in the plants sprayed with Copper oxychloride 3g/lit + streptocycline 0.5g/lit +Taegro 0.43 g/lit.

3 tables, 3 ref

002427   Kiranshankar D;Gowda V N;Jalawadi S;Srikanth L G;Prashant P (NO, Kittur Rani Channamma College of Horticulture, Arabhavi-591 218) : Effect of different bactericides and salicylic acid in the management of bacterial blight of pomegranate. Bioinfolet 2014, 11(1A), 49-52.

Different bactericides viz., taegro (0.23, 0.33 and 0.43 g/lit), Copper oxychloride 3g/lit + streptocycline 0.5g/lit, copper oxychloride 3g/lit + bacterinashak 0.5g/lit, and salicylic acid (2, 4, and 6ml/lit) were used for management of bacterial blight of pomegranate. Among them copper oxychloride 3g/lit + streptocycline 0.5g/lit obtained best results which was followed by copper oxychloride 3g/lit + bacterinashak 0.5g/lit.

2 tables, 4 ref

002426   Kedia A;Ivanov D S;Dubey N K (Centre of Advanced Study in Botany, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: nkdubey2@rediffmail.com) : Fungal contamination of stony endocarp (rudraksha) of Elaeocarpus spp. from three different countries. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2014, 5(1), 97-100.

Study deals with fungal contamination of stony endocarp (Rudraksha) of Elaeocarpus spp. collected from India, Nepal and Indonesia. For mycological analysis, the agar test method including surface sterilized and non surface sterilized samples were used. Eight species belonging to four different genera of fungi were isolated. The genera isolated were Aspergillus (four species), Penicillium (two species), Alternaria (one species) and Rhizopus (one species). The study emphasizes that fungal contamination would deteriorate the quality of stony endocarp (Rudraksha) of Elaeocarpus spp. and also affect its marketing. This is the first record of mycoflora study from stony endocarp (Rudraksha) of Elaeocarpus sphaericus (Gaertn.) K. Schum. from India and Nepal and E. ganitrus Roxb. from Indonesia.

3 tables, 14 ref

002425   Karuppusamy S;Sivakamasundari S;Parthipan B (Botany Dep, The Madura College (Autonomous), Madurai-625 011, Email: kssamytoxonomy@gmail.com) : Extended distribtion of Cleidion nitidum (Muell.-arg.) Thw. ex Kurz (Euphorbiaceae) in Southern Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(1), 315.

Cleidion nitidum (Muell.-Arg.) Thw. ex Kurz a lesser known taxon, is recently recorded for Eastern Ghats of Peninsular India. The present communication reports first time that the species extended its distribution in southern Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. A brief description, nomenclature and illustrations are given for easy identification and conservation measures.

1 illus, 6 ref

002424   Kamble R B;Hate S;Chaturvedi A (Botany P.G. Dep, RTM Nagpur Univ, Nagpur, India-440 033, Email: planet.rahul27@gmail.com) : New additions to the flora of Nagpur district, Maharashtra. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(1), 13.

Nagpur is the most prominent district of Eastern Maharashtra. It lies between latitudes 20°35' and 21°44' north and longitudes 78°15' and 79°40' east and has an area of 9930 square kilometers. In this region there are many taxa which are not reported yet as in the form of flora documentation. In this study, the authors collected some taxa from the different locations and various habitats for the first time. Specimens were collected and identified by the reference of different floras and authentified it.

1 illus, 5 ref

002423   Kadam K S (Botany Dep, K.K.M. College, Manwath-431 505) : Effect of temperature and pH on the growth of aureofungin resistant mutant of Alternaria tenuis caausing fruit rot of grapes. Bioinfolet 2014, 11(1A), 11-14.

Effect of different environmental factors such as pHand temperature on the growth of aureofungin resistant mutant of Alternaria tenuis was studied under in vitro conditions. The growth was found to be maximum at pH 4.5 -6.5 and temperature 25 to 30°C.

2 tables, 32 ref

002422   Jadhav D (Botany Dep, Govt. Arts & Science PG College, Ratlam-457 001) : Medicinal flora of Chhattisgarh. Indian For 2013, 139(2), 131-49.

Chhattisgarh is known to harbour a rich wealth of medicinal plants. An attempt has been made to prepare a detailed account of medicinal flora of Chhattisgarh. The paper deals with 292 species of medicinal plants belonging to 240 genera and 88 families from Chhattisgarh. The information has been gathered from available literature on medicinal plants.

^iia1 table, 19 ref

002421   Habib I (Botany Dep, Government Degree College, Near LIC Office, Budaun-243 601, Email: iqbalhabib786789@gmail.com) : Desmids from Meerut (U.P.) India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(1), 45-9.

Deals with morphotaxonomic enumeration of 30 taxa of desmids collected from in and around Meerut, Uttar Pradesh State during 2011-12. Notes on forms showing slight variations in morphological attributes have also been given. All these taxa are being recorded for the first time from this part of State.

28 ref

002420   Gupta D;Sharma S;Sharma Y P (Botany Dep, Jammu Univ, Jammu-180 006, Email: yashdbm3@yahoo.co.in) : Mycoflora and natural aflatoxin contamination in some traditional medicinal plants from Jammu, India. J Mycol Pl Pathol 2013, 43(3), 360-8.

Three medicinal plants (Bimium persicum (Boiss.) Fedt., Zanthoxylum armatum DC. and Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) from Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir state of India were subjected to mycological and aflatoxin analysis by various isolation techniques and HPLC. Thirty fungal species belonging to twelve genera were isolated of which Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. ochmceus and Mucor mucedo were the most frequent. Z. armatum harboured the highest number of fungal species. Natural aflatoxin contamination was detected in 29.2% of the investigated samples with a mean range of 1193 ± 0.68-4381 ± 1.94 ppb. These values are much higher than the maximum safe limits of 30 pbb set forth by World Health Organization. Although, incidence of mycoflora and aflatoxins has been previously detected in G. glabra, the present study constitutes the first report of incidence of mycoflora and aflatoxin contamination in B. persicum and Z. armatum from India.

2 illus, 1 table, 63 ref

002419   Gogoi K;Das R;Yonzone R (NO, , Nature's Foster, P. Box 41, Shastri Road, Bongaigaon 783380, Email: khyanjeetgogoi@gmail.com) : Orchid diversity of Assam, India : the genus Taeniophyllum Blume. Envir Ecol 2013, 31(1), 1-4.

Among the Orchid flora of Assam, two species of Taeniophyllum were recorded viz., T. crepidiforme and T. glandulosum in an intensive field survey during 1996-2011. The present paper deals with Taeniophyllum species diversity and distribution in Assam of North East India. This attempt is the first step to correct taxonomic identification to workout currently accepted botanical names with habitat, phenology and general distribution of Taeniophyllum species in the regions.

2 illus, 4 ref

002418   George K V;Bose V L (Botany Dep, C.M.S. College, Kottayam, Email: kvgeorge58@yahoo.in) : Traditional botanical knowledge of Premna serratifolia L.. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(1), 6-12.

Traditional knowledge regarding uses of Premna serratifolia L., belonging to the family Verbenaceae, which is presently named as P. obtusifolia R. Br. var. pubescens Moldenke forma serratifolia (L.) Moldenke, were collected from 50 traditional vaidyaas selected at random from three districts of Kerala, viz. Kottayam, Ernakulam and Kollam. The study has brought to light the potential application of Premna serratifolia L. for a large number of diseases related to circulatory, digestive, respiratory and urinary systems of the body. In the Marma treatment, the leaf extract of this plant is used for neuralgia and also as an analgesic to vata disorders. It is also used as Kaphagna to remove the obstruction of respiratory system. The study also revealed that its roots and leaves have cardiotonic properties to tone up the functioning of the cardio vascular system. Its root is one of the essential components of Dashamoolam and many ayurvedic formulations like Balarishtam and Dasamoolarishtam. It is the major ingredient in Medhahara ghritha, a drug prescribed by traditional vaidyans for obesity. The indigenous uses of its leaf extract to control chicken fleas, coconut pest (Oryctes rhinoceros) and a variety of vegetable pests, can be effectively utilized to evolve an eco-friendly pest-management strategy.

1 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

002417   Dubey R;Moonnambeth N A (NO, Botanical Survey of India, Western Regional Centre, Pune-411 001, Email: dr.rashmidubey@gmail.com) : Vizella oleariae swart infecting Ixora coccinea L. - a new record of ascomycetes for India. J Mycol Pl Pathol 2013, 43(3), 399-400.

^iia1 illus, 9 ref

002416   Dobhal S;Ginwal H S;Ayoub Dar M (Division of Genetics and Tree Propogation, Forest Research Institute Univ, Dehradun, Email: snehadobhal001@gmail.com) : DNA extraction protocol from leaf tissues in Quercus species. Indian For 2013, 139(2), 178-9.

1 illus, 8 ref

002415   Das P K;Panda P C (Taxonomy and Conservation Division, Regional Plant Resource Centre, Bhubaneswar-751 015) : Crotalaria hebecarpa (DC.) Rudd. (Fabaceae) - a new plant record for Odisha. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(1), 108-9.

Crotalaria hebecarpa (DC.) Rudd. is reported here as an addition to the legume flora of Odisha.

6 ref

002414   Bhati A;Chandra A (NO, SK Rajasthan Agricultural Univ, Bikaner, Email: akshaya.horti@gmail.com) : Morphological and anatomical aspects of callogenesis and somatic embryogenesis of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.). Trends Biosci 2013, 6(1), 28-30.

This study was carried out to investigate the morphological and anatomical aspects of callogenesis and somatic embryogenesis in date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.). Shoot tip explants excised from young offshoots were cultured on MS medium with 2,4-D, BA and 2-ip. Somatic embryogenesis was produced by transferring the calli produced on BA medium. Sectioning of specimens was carried out using the Somatic embryos, callus tissue and its differentiating structures. The sections were stained with safranin and fast green. Histological examination of swollen explants, after eight weeks (60 days) showed formation of new parenchymatous cells resulting into swelling of explants. The new cells were small, packed densely and appeared in concentric layers. Around 130-140 days, when very small amount of callus was seen first, the sections revealed formation of periclinal concentric layers of cells from the peripheral region of explants. At this stage, cells surrounding the callus cells looked empty. Inner region of callus exhibited a core region composed of densely packed meristematic cells with cortical zone surrounded by layer cells 1-2 vacuoles. This region was surrounded by loosely arranged parenchymatous cells, which constituted the visible callus. Small individualized embryogenic masses and globular embryos were observed embedded in degenerating parenchyma, soon they matured into individual globular embryos surrounded by an epidermal cell layer. Longitudinal section of further developed embryos displayed a well differentiated vascular system along the cotyledon and a fully organized shoot apex.

2 illus, 8 ref

002413   Baske P K;Halder A C (Central Botanical Laboratory, Botanical Survey of India, P.O. Botanic Garden, Howrah-711 103, Email: probalkumarbaske@ymail.com) : Overview on ethnobotany of Bargarh district, Odisha. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(1), 66-78.

Deals with the study of ethnobotanical importance of 99 plants species under 96 genera belonging to 52 families of Bargarh district, Odisha, India. Different plants available in the locality used by the tribes like Barhia (Binjal), Sabar, Kond, Gond, Munda, Mirdha, Harijan, Shet, Barik, Majhi, Nayak, Oran and Pandey are summarized. Out of 13 tribes, Barhia, Sabar, Kond, Gond tribes predominate in this district. The valid scientific names, vernacular names, habits, localities, plant parts used and their ethnobotanical uses are given.

6 ref

002412   Basha S K M;Umamaheswri P;Rajyalakshmi E; Rambabu M;Pullaiah T (NO, NBKR Medicinal Plant Research Centre, Vidyanagar-524 413, Email: drskmbasha@gmail.com) : Medicinal flora of Penusila Narasimha sacred grove, Eastern ghats, spsr Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(1), 18-27.

Sacred groves are climax forests and are the only representatives of natural or near-natural vegetation. These are dedicated to deities or ancestral spirits worshipped by local tribes along with surrounding plants and trees. These are ecosystems by themselves and perform all the ecological functions. Peninsula Narsimha Sacred grove is one of the important sacred groves of Nellore district. The present paper deals with the mediflora of the above grove used by local tribes. This paper deals with the WO species of probable medicinal potential belonging to 138 genera and 71 families.

6 illus, 1 table, ref

002411   Basha S K M;Rajalakshmi E;Yaswant M; Sreenivasulu P;Pulaiah T (NO, N.B.K.R. Medicinal Plant Research Centre, Vidya Nagar-524 413, Email: drskmbasha@gmail.com) : Plant wealth of historical fort, Udayagiri Eastern Ghats, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(1), 56-61.

Flora is one of the important biological, ecological, sociological and edaphic factor of an area. It is essential for sustaining all animal life of an area and also for maintaining heritable environment for that life. Adequate knowledge of flora is necessary for planning sustainable development of that area. The present study was focused on flora of Udayagiri forests located in northern side of Nellore district.

3 tables, 10 ref

002410   Ansari A A;Tiwari A P (NO, Botanical Survey of India, Central Regional Centre, Allahabad-211 002, Email: a_a_ansari_bsi@live.com) : Phytodiversity of Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2013, 37(1), 30.

Deals with the preliminary account of the phytodiversity of Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh. The vegetation of the area is mixed-deciduous type. However, the floristic composition varies from place to place. In all four exploration tours were undertaken during 2010-2012, which resulted in collection of good number of herbarium specimens and field data. After critical studies, a total of 576 species under 395 genera belonging to 102 families are recorded. Out of these, 566 species belonging to 386 genera and 93 families are angiosperms and 10 species belonging to 9 genera and 9 families are pteridophytes. The dicotyledons comprise of 445 species under 309 genera and 77 families, where as the monocotyledons consist of 121 species belonging to 77 genera and 16 families.

3 illus, 2 tables, 18 ref

002409   Akshay Kumar;Prasad C S;Tiwari G N (Entomology Dep, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Uni. of Agric. and Tech., Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, Email: akshaypanwar1259@gmail.com) : Biology and feeding potential of Cheilomenus sexmaculta (Fab.) on bean aphid (Aphis craccivora koch) and mustard aphid (Liphaphis erysimi L.). Trends Biosci 2013, 6(1), 33-5.

Experiment "biology and feeding potential of Chdlomenus sexmaculata on bean aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch) and mustard aphid (Liphaphis erysimi L.)" was carried out at Biocontrol Laboratory, S.V.P.U.A. & T., Meerut (U.P.) India. The ladybird beetle C. sexmaculata completed their life cycle in 18-27 days. C. sexmaculata laid eggs ranged 150-210 eggs during her life period. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th instar larval period lasted for 2.67±0.33 days (ranged 2-3 days), 2.00±0.58 (ranged 1-3 days), 2.67±0.33 (ranged 2-3 days) and 4.00±0.58 (ranged 3-5 days), respectively. Fourth and final instar grubs were deep black in colour, when freshly moulted but changed to dull black in colour before pre-pupation. The pre-pupal period was lost in 2.67±033 (ranged 2-3 days) while the pupal period was lost in 4.67±033 (ranged 4-5 days). Male and female beetles survived for 29-33 and 33-38 days with a mean survival period of 30.67±0.88 and 3533±1.45 days, respectively. The total number of aphid consumed during whole larval duration of C. sexmaculata varied from 70-95 Aphis craccivora and 63-85 Lipaphys erysimi, respectively. A male beetle consumed 510.33±9.82 A. craccivora (ranged 500-521 aphids) and 410.33±4.26 L. erysimi (ranged 400-416 aphids), with an average of 28.72 A. craccivora and 32.92 L. erysimi per day, respectively. While, a female beetle consumed 718.00±17.21 A. craccivora (ranged 710-725 aphids) and 555.67±27.63 L. erysimi(ranged 547-571 aphids), respectively with an average of 35.93 A. craccivora and 27.90 L. erysimi per day, respectively.

2 tables, 10 ref

002408   Agrawal N;Mandal V;Lalhlemawia H;Tangjang S; Mandal S C (Pharmaceutical Technology Dep, Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy research laboratory, Division of Pharma, Kolkata-700 032) : Estimation of polyphenols, triterpenes and HPTL quantification of lupeol and β-sistosterol in dried ripe fruits of Neoalsomitra clavigera Hutch. Adv Pharmac Toxic 2014, 15(2), 63-8.

The current aim of research work was to estimate total polyphenols and triterpenes from different extracts followed by fractionation of methanol extract with gravity flow column liquid chromatography and quantification of lead triterpenes such as lupeol and β-sitosterol present in semi pure chloroform column fraction of Neoalsomitra clavigera by HPTLC. The coarsely powdered dried ripe fruits of Neoalsomitra clavigera was subjected to extraction with soxhlet apparatus. The extract was subjected to preliminary photochemical analysis. Afterwards, the methanol extract (5 gms) was suspended in distilled water and fractionated by solvent-solvent interaction with chloroform and ethyl acetate. All the three extracts viz. chloroform extract, ethyl acetate extract and mother aqueous extract were subjected to estimation of total phenols, total flavonoids, total tannins and total triterpenes followed by fractionation with gravity flow liquid column chromatography of methanol extract, started with chloroform and a green color band fraction was isolated and subjected to thin layer chromatography (TLC). The major groups present in the chloroform ring fraction belongs to triterpene and from them, lupeol and β-sitosterol was identified followed by quantification by HPTLC. After the analysis of results of in-vitro studies, the content of total phenol (4.932±0.027 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE)/gm extract), total flavonoids (1.493±0.0203 mg quercetin/gm extract) and total tannin (10.922±0.0206 mg GAE/gm extract) was maximum in mother aqueous extract whereas the content of triterpenes was almost same (8.12 ± 0.038 to 8.711 ± 0.035) in all the three fractionated extracts. The chloroform column ring fraction was analyzed by TLC and quantified for lupeol (279.43 æg) and β-sitosterol (363.19 æg) by HPTLC. Data from the present results revealed that the methanol extract of plant Neoalsomitra clavigera consists of good quantity of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins and triterpenes and the major potential bioactive compounds present in chloroform fraction are lupeol and β-sitosterol.

6 illus, 15 ref

002407   Achar K G S;Vasanhakumari M M;Mahishi P; Mallikarjunaswamy G E;Shivanna M B (PG Studies and Research in Applied Botany Dep, School of Bio-Sciences, Kuvempu Univ, Jnana Sahyadri Shankaraghatta-577 451) : Prevalence and severity of anthracnose of yam (Dioscorea alata and D. bulbifera) caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka. J Mycol Pl Pathol 2013, 43(3), 282-90.

Dioscorea species are known for their pharmaceutical and nutritional values. Two species of Dioscorea - Dioscorea alata and D. bulbifera were studied for occurrence and prevalence of anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in 12 state forest regions of Bhadra wildlife sanctuary situated in the South central part of the western Ghats region in Karnataka, India during August 2006-July 2009. Data of disease incidence for three years was subjected to heterogeneity test. The healthy and infected foliages were analysed for the variation in secondary metabolites. The study revealed high anthracnose incidence and severity in Muthodi during winter (October-January) in both Dioscorea species. The low incidence and severity was recorded in Kemmannugundi for D. alata and Kakanahasudi for D. bulbifera. Power law estimation revealed that there was a regular pattern of distribution (P <60> 0.001) of disease incidence in D. alata and a heterogeneous type of distribution (P≤ 0.001) in D. bulbifera. Secondary metabolite analysis revealed that alkaloid and steroid contents decreased following anthracnose infection, whereas flavonoids and phenols contents increased in both species.

2 illus, 3 tables, 43 ref

001332   Wayase U R;Shitole M G (Post Graduate Research Center, Botany Dep, Modern College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Shivajinagar, Pune-411 005, Email: botanica5050@gmail.com) : Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Organogenesis in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cv. Dhanashri. Int J pure appl Sci Technol 2014, 20(2), 65-71.

The present investigation was proposed to develop areproducible and efficient regeneration protocol for organogenes is in tomato cv. Dhanashri. Seeds of tomato cv. Dhanashri were obtained from MPKV, Rahuri. The seedlings were raised aseptically on half-strength MS basal medium. Cotyledonary leaves and hypocotyls (1-2 cm), collected from 15days-old seedlings were excised and used as explants. Explants were cultured on MS basal medium supplemented with BAP (0.00-13.32 μM) and IAA(0.00 - 3.42 μM) alone and in various combinations. After 21-30 days when shoot buds were visible, shoots were separated from adhering callus and transferred for induction of rooting on MS basal medium supplemented with IBA (0.00-14.76 μM). The highest number of (7.8 ± 0.29) shoot per cotyledonary leaf explant was produced on MS + 6.65 μM BAP in combination with 1.14 μM IAA, which was the most optimum combination for shoot regeneration. The maximum numbers of shoots (5.6 ± 0.13) were observed on MS + 8.88 μM BAP in conjunction with 1.71 μM IAA. This combination was the optimum combination for induction of shoots from hypocotyl explants of tomato. Auxin containing medium (MS + 4.92 μM) resulted in a large proportion of rooted micro-shoots and early rooting. The results presented describe an efficient, reproducible and rapid tissue culture regeneration protocol.

3 tables, 41 ref

001331   Verma S C;Sharma N K;Sharma J L (Botany Post Graduate Dep, Government College, Kota District Kota, Rajasthan, Email: subhashvermasmailbox@rediffmail.com) : Systematic survey of some aquatic angiosperms of Chambal river of Kota district of Rajasthan, India. Adv Pl Sci 2013, 26(2), 407-10.

The present study deals with vegetation of aquatic habitats of Kota district of Rajasthan state. Plant exploration was conducted to determine angiospermic plants of aquatic habitat reveated occurrence of 10 plant species. Taxonomic position of these plant species is described in various available Floras of different regions of the Rajasthan state. These plants belong to Convolvulaceae, Lemnaceae, Pontederiaceae, Polygonaceae, Typhaceae and Hydrocharitaceae plant families.

10 illus, 17 ref

001330   Vasava A G;Navaneethan M;Dashahre A (Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Wildlife Institute of India, Post Box No. 18, Chandrabani, Dehradun-248 001, Email: aniruddh.vasava@gmail.com ) : Grooming of sambar(Rusa unicolor) by rhesus macaque(Macaca mulatta) in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, India. Curr Sci 2013, 104(3), 296-8.

1 illus, 24 ref

001329   Tamboli R A (Botany Dep, D.P. Bhosale College, Koregaon, Dist. Satara-415 501) : Effect of vehicle air pollution on leaf structure of Nerium indicum L. plant on NH-4 divider. Adv Pl Sci 2013, 26(2), 435-8.

In this paper anatomical changes induced by vehicle fuel gases air pollutants in Nerium indicum L. were followed. This plant species is able to absorb, detoxify and tolerate high level of vehicles fuel gases air pollution. The tolerance degree which occurs in stomatal pits positions, hairs, numbers of sphaeraphids, dark deposits of phenolic compounds within mesophyll, xylem vessels, pith, collenchymas are observed. The plant species from NH-4 divider Highly polluted sites (P) and normal non-polluted site (H) were investigated by light microscope, stomatal position, hair structure, cuticle, dark deposition of smoke, fly ash, particulates, sphaeraphids, and Tannin could be observed. Reports of stomatal cavity with hairs within mesophyll, close stomatal pit are abnormal and interesting - 94 - modification. These histological modification which occurred may potentially be uses as biological markers for vehicle fuel gases air pollution presence.

5 illus, 12 ref

001328   Tagad R N;Pingle S D;Bhoge R H (Botany Dep, Hon. B.J. Arts, Com & Sci. College, Ale, Tal. - Junnar, Distt. Pune-412 411, Email: tagadrn@rediffmail.com) : Fresh water algal (desmidiaceae) diversity from Ambegaon tehsil of Pune district (Maharashtra). Adv Pl Sci 2013, 26(2), 553-60.

Desmidiaceae is belonging to order Zygnematales of class Chlorophyceae. Most of the Desmidiaceae members are unicellular but certain genera have the cells united in unbranched filaments of indefinite length. Desmidiaceae members are free floating algae. The members of this family are various in shape and diverse in ornamentation. Quarterly collection of algal plant's from the Dimbhe Dam and its area as well as Rivers, Lake's, Puddles, Pulls etc. from Ambegaon Tehsil. Sampling stations were carried away. The samples were bringing to laboratory for identification; identification had been done with the help of Indian Monographs and standard literatures. The collected algal forms had been preserved in 4% formaline. Phytoplanktons were investigated in between April 2009 to October 2012. Samples were collected with the help of Plankton net of 25 mesh blotting silk net. While studying the members of Desmidiaceae from fresh water habitats of Ambegaon Tehsil of Pune District, Maharashtra, the authors collected about 49 species, 11 varieties and 1 form of 11 genera from Desmidiaceae family. The present paper concerns with the systematic study of 61 species. All these taxa are new records from this region. The species of genus Cosmarium, Closterium and Staurastmm are more densely occur in Ambegaon Tehsil.

6 illus, 18 ref