022378   Chaudhary S B;Bedis M R;Dodake S S (Medicinal & Aromatic Plants Project, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413 722) : Mutagenesis studies in senna (Cassia angustifolia vahl). Adv Pl Sci 2014, 27(1), 241-3.

The seeds of Tinnevelly senna were irradiated with Gamma Rays doses @ 350 Gy, 450 Gy, 550 Gy and 650 Gy. M₁ and M₂ generation were raised with irradiated seeds. The observations were recorded in percentage with increase Gamma Rays doses. Good amount of variance was created for various characters in M₂ generation, but the mean data indicated that Gamma Rays doses affected the expression of various characters viz, delayed flowering, delayed maturity, reduction in number of pods per plant, pod length, pod width, dry leaf weight, pod weight, seed yield and 100 seed weight. However for characters like plant height and number of branches per plant there was boost (increase) in expression over the control Amongst the leaf mutants frequency of tiny there was boost (increase) in expression over the control. Amongst the leaf mutants frequency of tiny leaf mutants was highest Amongst pod mutants frequency of constricted pod mutants, were highest. The sterile mutants and dwarf mutants were observed with negligible frequency. Synchronous maturity observed in three treatments. Mutants selected can be used in future breeding programe.

2 tables, 6 ref

022377   Chaubal S S;Savant P (Botany Dep, The Institute of Science, Mumbai-32, Email: sakshi_chaubal@rediffmail.com) : Effect of common industrial effluent on the growth characteristics of Cicer arietinum (Linn). Adv Pl Sci 2014, 27(1), 49-52.

In the present investigation the effect of raw, treated and tap water was conducted on number of growth characteristics of India's important pulse crop Cicer arietinum to observe and understand it's response to stress of industrial origin. The water sample was collected from Common Effluent Plant Treatment (CEPT), Dombivli. The root and shoot growth was inhibited to certain extent in raw and treated samples, Biomass of Cicer arietinum was less in raw and treated effluent. Plants of treated sample indicated higher chlorophyll and protein content which might be due to the presence higher level of nitrogen in the industrial effluent. Proline is said to play a role in plants under stress condition. The plants exhibited increased proline content in raw water (0.0732 mg/g) as compared to control (0.0465 mg/g) indicating stress. Treated. Samples indicated (0.066 mg/g) proline. Regarding water analysis; BOD, COD, TDS and TSS values were above the permissible limits of MPCB for trade effluent.

4 tables, 22 ref

022376   Chamle D R (Botany Dep, Sharda Mahavidyalaya, Parbhani-431 401, Email: drchamle@gmail.com) : Effect of weed vermicomposts on maize. Adv Res pharm biol 2013, 4(1), 622-5.

A field experiment was conducted in the research farm of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad to assess the performance of weed vermicomposts on yield and nutrient uptake of maize. The experimental design was a randomized block design (RBD) with six treatments and four replicates. The treatments were Achyranthes vermicompost (AV), Cassia vermicompost (CV), Tephrosia vermicompost (TV), mixed vermicompost (MV), fertilizer (FE) and control (CO). The fodder maize (cv. African Tall) was planted at the rate of 100 kg ha^-1. The fertilizers were supplied in the form of N, P₂O₅ and K₂O at the rate of 120:80:40 kg ha^-1. The observations were recorded on - 76 - morph-physiological traits at 62 days after sowing (DAS). On the basis of results obtained, it is concluded that the combination of Cassia vermicompost (CV) and chemical fertilizers is ideal organic manure enhancing growth, nutrient uptake and productivity of maize crop as compared to all other treatments.

3 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

022375   Butola J S;Vashistha R K (MAP Div, College of Forestry and Hill Agriculture (UUHF), Ranichauri, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, Email: butolajs@rediffmail.com) : Overview on conservation and utilization of Angelica glauca Edgew. in three Himalayan states of India. Med Pl 2013, 5(3), 171-8.

Gandrayan (Angelica glauca Edgew.; Family-Apiaceae), a high value medicinal cum edible herb, is native and endemic to the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) and now, 'critically endangered'. Roots of this species yield essential oils which fetch high prices due to multiple utility in modern medicine including Aromatherapy. The present article highlights conservation status and utilization pattern of this species in three Himalayan States viz., Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir where its roots have been indigenously used as spice and medicine. Among various factors, untimely destructive harvesting of the roots has been observed as one of the key reasons of poor regeneration and rapid reduction in sparsely distributed wild populations. Development of sustainable harvesting techniques to sustain natural regeneration and domestication in home gardens for utilization as a spice and medicine as household level are being suggested as remedial measures. To meet ever increasing industrial demands, more efforts need to be put in place for systematic commercial cultivation of this species. An appropriate conservation management strategy has also been suggested in the article.

2 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

022374   Bhagya Lakshmi O;Sandhya K;Harilatha Reddy P; Karsha P V (Botany Dep, Sarojini Naidu Vanita Maha Vidyalaya, Exhibition Grounds, M.J. Road, Nampally, Hyderabad-500 001, Email: - 75 - bloruganti@yahoo.com) : Antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of Piper nigrum Linn.. Adv Pl Sci 2014, 27(1), 229-33.

Present study was undertaken to evaluate antimicrobial and antioxidant activities in five different solvents of black pepper (Piper nigrum Linn.) by standard methods. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against non-pathogenic bacteria, and fungal strains using disc diffusion method, followed by measurement of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). The results showed that the antimicrobial activity was more effective in Dichloromethane (DCM) extract than other fractions and Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations were also determined. The phytochemical extracts of pepper showed potent antioxidant activity which was determiend by free radical scavenging method. DCM extract showed maximum zone of inhibition of 16 mm against Staphylococcus aureus. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was<62>20 mg/ml in all the extracts. In antifungal activity extract showed zone of inhibition of 15 mm against Candida albicans.

2 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

022373   Barthakur B (NO, Regional Institute of Education, Ajmer, Rajasthan-305 004) : Wild grasses used by the tribes of Dungarpur and Banswara district of Rajasthan, India. Adv Pl Sci 2014, 27(1), 163-4.

Here, Twelve (12) species of grasses are documented, which are used by the Bhil, Saharia, Garasia, Damors of Rajasthan as non-conventional cereals foods.

9 ref

022372   Barthakur B ((DESM) Botany Dep, Regional Institute of Education, Ajmer (NCERT(, Rajasthan) : Utilization of forest plants in nutrition and traditional health care practices by tangsa tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Adv Pl Sci 2014, 27(1), 133-6.

The result present in this paper are based on three years extensive exploration of tribal population belt of Arunachal Pradesh followed by exhaustive study of the specimens and literatures in the Kanjilal Herbarium, Botanical Survey of India, Shillong, Meghalaya. Different tribal groups of Arunachal are the main consumers of wild plants and herbal medicines. Use of wild plants as herbal remedy always varies according to cultural practices and local needs. The Tangsa inhabit the eastern hills of the central part of the Tirap district (now called as Changlang district). The main concentration of the Tangsa is in the valley of the Tirap river and the Namchik extending from the Patkoi range in the south to the border of the state of Assam in the North. The traditions, current among the Tangsa, indicate that they had originally migrated to their present home across the Patkoi in search of cultivable land. They have been in the valley of the Namchik for generations. Now, but their migration to the Indian side of the border might not go vary far back in time. Like many other tribes, the Tangsa are divided in to a number of sub-tribes of which the important ones are the Lunge hang, Yogli, Mosang, Ron-Rang, Khomsing, Moklum, Tikhak, Ponthai, Longphi, Sanke, Lungri, Taipi and Have. In higher altitude, tribal people of Arunachal Pradesh used plants, which are highly medicinal and resemble with the plants of Chinese ethnomedica. Different herbal practitioners of Tangsa infested region have claimed that they have remedies of diseases like broncho-pneumonia, diphtheria, Japanese encephalitis, asthma, scabies, hepatitis, malaria, urinary infection, carbuncle etc. On the surface of this beautiful earth, God has bestowed different types of medicinal herbs, so that mankind may use them for protection and cure from all types of diseases.

1 table, 12 ref

022371   Bahl J R;Bansal R P;Garg S N;Gupta M M;Singh V;Goel R;Kumar S (NO, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Kukrail Picnic Spot Road, PO-CIMAP, Lucknow-226 015, Email: jr.bahl@cimap.res.in) : Variation in yield of curcumin and yield and quality of leaf and rhizome essential oils among Indian land races of turmeric Curcuma longa L.. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad 2014, 80(1), 143-56.

Set of 84 accessions of turmeric Curcuma longa L. collected from various geographical locations in northern India were assessed for variation in morphological features, leaf and rhizome essential oil content, yield and quality, curcumin content in rhizome and curcumin yield and potential for curcumin extraction from rhizomes, following their distillation for essential oil extraction. Large variability was recorded in all the features studied. The accessions demonstrated wide variation in the contents of γ-terpenene, 1, 8-cineole and p-cymene in the leaf essential oils and of pinene, myrcene, Ar-curcumene and turmerones in the rhizome essential oils. There were some accessions which were highly deficient in one or more terpenoids in their leaf and/or - 74 - rhizome essential oil. The leaf oils of the accessions CH-2 and CH-3, CH-15, CH-38, CH-40 and CH-53 were deficient in π-cymene and Ar-turmerones, Ar-curcumene and Ar-turmerone, Ar-turmerone and β-turmerone, Ar-curcumene and Ar-turmerone and β-turmerone and Ar-curcumene and all turmerones, respectively. The rhizome essential oil of the accession CH-14 was highly rich in turmerones and that of CH-99 was deficient in turmerones, respectively. The accessions CH-6, CH-11 and CH-19 were identified as high yielding elite resource for both curcumin and leaf oil. The possibility of profitable extraction of curcumin from the essential oil extracted rhizomes was demonstrated.

2 illus, 5 tables, 24 ref

022370   Awanish;Naresh Kumar (Botany Dep, C.C.R. (P.G.) College, Muzaffarnagar-251 001) : Mitigation of SO₂ induced phytotoxicity in pea plants using anti-oxidants. Adv Pl Sci 2014, 27(1), 269-74.

Field experiments were conducted to examine the impact of 1306 μm^-3 SO₂ on growth and yield parameters of Pea (Pisum sativum L. cv. Arkel; Family-Fabaceae) that grew in closed polythene chambers for 2 h at alternate days. On prolonged exposure, these SO₂ treated plants were showed significant reduction in all growth parameters, dry weight fractions and net primary productivity. However, when SO₂ treated plants were periodically sprayed with two anti-oxidants (aqueous 0.5% sodium benzoate or 0.5% potassium ascorbate), SO₂ exposed plants showed better growth and yield. It was noted that with response to SO₂ phytotoxicity, potassium ascorbate is better ameliorating agent than sodium benzoate.

2 tables, 25 ref

022369   Asthana G;Srivastava S (Botany Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow-226 007, Email: drgasthana@yahoo.com) : Cephalozia kodaikanalensis sp. nov. (cephaloziaceae) from Palni hills, Tamil Nadu, India. Geophytology 2013, 43(1), 63-7.

During exploration of bryophytes from Kodaikanal (Palni Hills), Tamil Nadu, South India, some interesting plants of Cephalozia have been observed, which are quite distinct from the known species of the genus in one or the other characters. After a critical evaluation they have been assigned the status of a new species: C. kodaikanalensis sp. nov., which has been described and illustrated here. The species is mainly characterized by small, light green-hyaline plants having dorsiventrally flattened axis with 6-7 (large) cortical and 5-6 medullary cells, distantly arranged bilobed leaves with broad sinus and the lobing of the leaf up to 1/5-1/4 of the leaf length.

21 illus, 6 ref

022368   Agarwal P;Alok S;Verma A (Pharmacognosy Dep, Institute of Pharmacy, Bundelkhand Univ, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, Email: agarwal.parul88@gmail.com) : Update on ayurvedic herb henna (Lawsonia inermis L.). Int J pharm Sci Res 2014, 5(2), 330-9.

Lawsonia inermis L. is a much branched glabrous shrub or small tree, cultured for its leaves although stem bark, roots, flowers and seeds have also been used in traditional medicine. It has been traditionally reported in use of headache, hemicranias, lumbago, bronchitis, boils, ophthalmia, syphilitis, sores, amenorrhea, scabies, diseases of the spleen, dysuria, bleeding disorder, skin diseases, diuretic, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-amoebiasis, astringent, anti-hemorrhagic, hypotensive and sedative effect. The plant is reported to contain Lawsone, Esculetin, Fraxetin, Isoplumbagin, Scopoletin, Betulin, Betulinic acid, Hennadiol, Lupeol, Lacoumarin, Laxanthone, Flavone glycosides, two pentacytic triterpenes. The plant is reported to contain carbohydrates, proteins, flavonoids, tannins and phenolic compounds, alkaloids, terpenoids, quinones, coumarins, xanthones and fatty acids. The plant has been reported to have analgesic, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, immunostimulant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, antitrypanosomal, antidermatophytic, antioxidant, antifertility, - 73 - tuberculostatic and anticancer properties. It is now measured as a valuable source of exclusive natural products for growth of medicines against various diseases and also for the development of industrial products. This review gives a bird's eye vision mainly on the pharmacognostic characteristics, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological actions of the plant.

^iia2 illus, 4 tables, 59 ref

021401   Yadava R N;Vishwakarma U K (Natural Products Laboratory, Chemistry Dep, Dr. H.S. Gour University, Sagar-470 003, Email: umesh.chemistry@gmail.com) : New potential allelochemicals from aerial parts of Indigofera trifoliata Linn. Int J pharm Sci Res 2013, 4(12), 4642-9.

Two new potential allelochemicals were isolated from ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of Indigofera trifoliata Linn. A long with three known compounds Tricin (3), Taraxerol (4) and 5-hydroxy-3, 4', 7-trimethoxyflavone (5). The structures of new allelochemicals were characterized as 6, 3', 4'-trihydroxy-5, 7, 8-trimethoxyflavanone-4'-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 <142>4)-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→3) -O-β-D-galactopyranoside (1) and 3, 5, 7-trihydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyflavone-3-O-β-D-galactopyra nosyl-(1→4)-O-β-D-arabinopyranosyl-7-O- α-L-rhamnopyranoside (2) by various color reactions, spectral analysis and chemical degradations. Allelo chemicals can be defined as secondary plant metabolites, produced by plants, algae, bacteria, fungi and viruses that influence the growth and development of agricultural and biological systems (excluding animals).

7 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

021400   Swathi K;Tejaswini;Jayanthi R;Jayaprasad K V (Ornamental Crops Div, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesserghatta Lake Post, Bangalore -560 089, Email: kswathi006@gmail.com ) : Influence of pollen load for the development of inbred lines in Petunia. J ornamental Hort 2012, 15(1-2), 7-13.

Petunia hybrids are gaining importance due to their several advantages. Cost of developing hybrids is mainly dependent on cost of inbred development and hybridization. Inbreeding depression leading to poor seed set and reduced seed germination are problems encountered by seed industry. The present study was taken up to develop the inbred lines by identifying the right source of pollen with three inbred lines. Pollen source from single flower, from multiple flowers of single plant and from multiple flowers of different plants from single line was compared. Pollen mix of same line resulted in highest pod weight, highest seed weight per pod and uniformity for plant habit.

2 illus, 5 tables, 13 ref

021399   Soni R K;Irchhaiya R;Dixit V;Shashi Alok (Pharmacognosy Dep, Institute of Pharmacy, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, Email: rajeshsoni1987@gmail.com) : Paederia foetida linn: phytochemistry, Pharmacological and traditional uses. Int J pharm Sci Res 2013, 4(12), 4525-30.

Paederia foetida (Skunk vine) an indigenous plant belongs to family Rubiaceae. The plant is having a broad spectrum of use as in treatment of ailments like hepatic disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, constipation, diabetes, coughs, asthma, itches, wounds, stomachache, diarrhoea, dysentery, pain, typhoid, pneumonia, toothache, cancer, flatulency, body ache, and bone fractures etc. Literature data reveals the presence of asperuloside, paederosidic acid, phenolic compounds, alkaloid, volatile oil, sitosterols, stigmasterol, campesterol, ellagic acid, lignans, iridoids, methylinedioxy compound, tannins, triterpenoids, urosil acid, epifriedelinol and found to have anti-ulcer, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-hyperglycemic, antioxidant, antitussive, anthelmintic, hepatoprotective activity. This review target at gathering the research work undertaken till date on this plant in order to provide sufficient baseline information for future works and commercial exploitation.

2 illus, 31 ref

021398   Singh R K;Garg A (NO, Botanical Survey of India, Central Regional Centre, 10-Chatham Lines, Allahabad-211 002, Email: kad_arti396@yahoo.com) : Translocated kurdi angod sacred site-a conservatory of RET plants of the western ghats. Curr Sci 2014, 106(1), 11-2.

1 table, 2 ref

021397   Sengupta R;Banik J K (Pharmacognosy Dep, ROFEL, Shri G.M. Bilakhia College of Pharmacy, Namdha Road, Vapi-396 191, Email: rupasengupta222@rediffmail.com) : A Review on Betel leaf (Pan). Int J pharm Sci Res 2013, 4(12), 4519-24.

The World Health Organization adopted a major policy change in accepting that most developing nations would have to make use of more traditional medical practices for primary health care. Piper betel L. belongs to family Piperaceae commonly known as Pan. It is extensively grown in Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Taiwan and other Southeast Asian countries. This oil may be used as an industrial raw material for manufacturing medicines, perfumes, mouth fresheners, tonics, food additives etc. The leaves are nutritive and contain anti carcinogens showing promise for manufacturing of a blood cancer drug. The present review aims to compile medicinal values of Piper betel generated through the research activity using modern scientific approaches and innovative scientific tools.

32 ref

021396   Payum T;Das A K;Rama Shankar;Tamuly C; Hazarika M (Botany Dep, J.N College, Pasighat, East Siang District, P.O. Hill Top-791 103, Email: teminpayum519@gmail.com) : Folk use and antioxidant potential determination of Zanthoxylum rhetsa DC. shoot-A highly utilized hot spice folk vegetable of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Int J pharm Sci Res 2013, 4(12), 4597-4602.

Zanthoxylum rhetsa DC. shoot is highly priced and one of the most preferred folk vegetable among the Indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is also used as folk medicinal purpose among the Adi tribe of the state. The methanol extract of shoot were evaluated for total phenolic content (Folin-Ciocalteu's method), total flavonoid content (colorimetric method) and antioxidant potential ((DPPH & ABTS). Folk use, various mode of cooking, demand as vegetable in the local market is also discussed in this paper. The methanol extract contains considerable phenolic (117.95±3.22 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (120.14±2.31 μMRE/g) with no much significant correlation between the total content of phenolic and flavonoid and antioxidant potential was found as IC₅₀ value of 271±3.5μg/ml were recorded in ABTS assay and IC₅₀ value of 306± 4.21μg/ml was found in DPPH assay.

9 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

021395   Nithya V;Kamalam M;Umakanthan T (Botany Dep, PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Email: kamaluma12@gmail.com) : Screening of indigenous medicinal plants for their acaricidal activity against cattle ticks under in vitro condition. Int J pharm Sci Res 2013, 4(12), 4603-6.

The aqueous and alcoholic leaf extracts of Annona squamosa, Azadirachta indica and Calotropis procera were tested against the cattle ticks. The fresh and leaf powder extracts were tested individually and also in combinations under in vitro conditions. The extracts of A. indica showed maximum mortality rate of ticks followed by A. squamosa and C. procera when tested individually. In combination, the hot water extracts of leaf powder showed 100% mortality whereas ethanol and methanol extracts showed 83% and 80% of mortality respectively. Based on the above experimental results, it is confirmed that the selected plant materials possess more acaricidal activity against cattle ticks. Extracts in combination are more effective than single drug used. Since the herbal drugs are cost effective and easy to process, it can be used as an alternative medicine to control cattle ticks.

4 tables, 8 ref

021394   Nath A J;Das M C;Das A K (Ecology and Environmental Science Dep, Assam Univ, Silchar-788 011, Email: arunjyotinath@gmail.com) : Gregarious flowering in woody bamboos: does it mean end of life?. Curr Sci 2014, 106(1), 12-3.

1 illus, 12 ref

021393   Manoj Kumar R;Rao M S (Entomology and Nematology Div, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta Lake Post., Bangalore-560 089rupamanoj@gmail.com.) : Bio-management of Meloidogyne incognita and Phytophthora cryptogea on Gerbera jamesonii using a formulation of Trichoderma harzianum strain with PRA 1 gene. J ornamental Hort 2012, 15(1-2), 14-19.

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the formulation of the bio-control fungus Trichoderma harzianum Rifai. (teleomorph: Hypocrea lixii) for the management of root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid et. White) Chitw. on Gerbera jamesoni Bolus ex Hooker f. at India Institute of Horticultural Eesearch. Bangalore, India. These experiments clearly indicated the potential use of the strain of this bio-agent exhibiting the presence of PRA 1 gene which has exclusively higher ability to control M. incognita. During these investigations strain of T. harzianum with PRA 1 (Th-2) was enriched in the vermin-compost and applied at the rate of diffeent doses in the experimental plots. The results indicated that the repeated application of T. harzianum (Th-2) enriched vermun-compost/m² proved to be significantly effective in reducing the infestation of M. incognita and infection of Phytophthora cryptogea (Pethybr. and Laff.). These treatments have increased the yield of flowers. Through these investigations we could standardize a strategy for the sustainable management of M. incognita and P. cryptogea on gerbera.

2 tables, 26 ref

021392   Mankad A U;Patel K D (Botany Dep, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad-380 009) : Effect of gibberellic acid and maleic hydrazide on germination of Calendula officinalis L.. J ornamental Hort 2012, 15(1-2), 91-4.

Seeds of Calendula officinalis, L. were germinated in DW, 200 ppm GA3 and different concentration of MH (200 ppm, 300 ppm and 500 ppm). The sets were maintained at 12°C in AC room. Germination data was taken after 48 hours. It is observed that the seedlings root length of Calendula officinalis, L. was increased in DW as compared to GA3 and MH. The seedlings shoot length of Calendula officinalis, L. was increased in GA3 as compared to DW and MH.

2 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

021391   Karthik K;Rajaram N;Sharavanan P S (Botany Dep, Annamalai University, Annamalai nagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, , Email: drpssharavanan@yahoo.co.in) : Floristic composition [Flora] of PSG College of Arts and Science Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Scient Trans Envir Technovation 2013, 7(1), 59-61.

The present periodical flora study was carried out in P.S.G. College of Arts and Science Coimbatore. Flora and Fauna are very important in our daily life because they recreate the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink and the soil that produces our food, without which we cannot survive. The flora of earth produces the oxygen that is breathed by the fauna and in turn the fauna exhale the carbon-di-oxide that the flora needs to live. Once cannot live without the other and humans cannot live without either, hence they are important. So the present flora study reveals importance of flora for survival of life forms. During this periodical flora investigation 83 Plant species belonging to morphologically different habit and families have been identified.

4 tables, 8 ref

021390   Kamble S I (Botany and Coordinator Dep, , Phulsing Naik Mahavidyalaya Pusad, District Yavatmal) : Effect of agrochemical (2,4-D) on morphological aspects of Cassia tora Linn. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2014, 11(1), 253-8.

Present investigation carried out in the botanical garden and research laboratory of the college. The herbicidal activities of agrochemical (2,4-D) on Cassia tora Linn. have been studied. The morphological responses might produce some light on the manner by which this compound affected on plants. The plants were sprayed with aqueous solution of different concentrations of herbicide from 50 to 1000 ppm. 2,4-D at all concentrations showed the effect like epinasty, bending of stem and petiole, chlorosis and necrosis on leaves. The leaves burned, roots become swollen and finally decayed. Vegetative growth of plants was retarded and finally plants dried, the lethal dose of 2,4-D was 375 ppm.

10 illus, 1 table, 41 ref

021389   Herlekar I;Ramaseshan S (NO, , , Email: iherlekar@gmail.com) : Using nanotechnology to control pests: trapping fruit fly using pheromone gels. Curr Sci 2014, 106(1), 14-5.

2 illus, 3 ref

021388   Geetha K;Ramarao N;Kiran R S;Srilatha K; Mamatha P;Umamaheswar Rao V (NO, CMR College of Pharmacy, Kandlakoya, Medchal, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, Email: geetabiokarra@gmail.com) : An overview on Arachis hypogaea plant. Int J pharm Sci Res 2013, 4(12), 4508-18.

Peanut or groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) is a species in the legume family (Fabaceae). There are different varieties like Virgina group, Spanish group, Runner group, Valencia group, Tennessee red and Tennessee white. Peanut consists of 30 essential nutrients and phytonutrients. Peanuts are a good source of vitamins & metals. Peanut hulls consist of crude fiber, cellulose, water, crude protein, ash and fat. Chemical constituents present in the plant are acids, arachin, lecithin protein, flavonoids, beta-carotene, amino acids, minerals, fat, carbohydrates etc. It has varies pharmacological activities like antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, antihypertensive, neuroprotective, antimutagenic, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory. Peanuts can help to enrich the soil. Peanuts are legumes and are able to fix nitrogen in their roots. Peanut oil used as a liniments, plasters, soap & lubricant. Roots are used alternative fuel & cosmetic purpose. Peanut allergy is the most common cause of deaths from food allergy.

5 illus, 1 table, 29 ref

021387   Choudhary S;Choudhary M (National Rasearch Centre on Seed Spices, , Ajmer-305 206) : Scrapie: a neuro degenerative disease in sheep. Agric Rev 2013, 34(1), 79-85.

Scrapie is a unique disease whose etiology is through protein infection rather than a biological agent. Genetic polymorphism at 136, 154 and 171 codons provide the susceptibility/ resistance to the disease outbreak. PCR-SSCP has been found to be a robust technique for the identification of genetic variants because of SNP in the ORF (open reading frame) of PrP gene efficiently at low cost, evidenced by novel DNA sequences resulted from the SSCP variants. Prevalence of susceptible alleles at 136, 154 and 171 codons however did not result into the scrapie disease clinical symptoms in indigenous sheep breeds. Polymorphism at other loci in indigenous sheep could have played significant role in prevention of disease symptoms in indigenous sheep. The traditional feeding and management exclusively on range grazing without any concentrate supplementation having any animal protein might be responsible for the protection of animals from scrapie disease infection despite presence of susceptible alleles in the indigenous sheep animals.

^iia2 illus, 37 ref

020396   Ushahra J;Ritesh Kaur;Malik C P (NO, School of Life Sciences, Jaipur National Univ, Jaipur-302 017, Email: cpm_malik@yahoo.com) : Seed dormancy and early events of germination. INROADS 2013, 2(2), 88-97.

Seed dormancy is generally an undesirable characteristic in agricultural crops, in which germination is blocked by seed-related mechanisms. This state can be persuaded by environmental and/or maternal effects during seed development or can consist of various mechanisms, which halt continued development at any one of the steps essential for seed germination (imbibition, activation of metabolism and visible growth). Hence, dormancy and germination are concurrent processes, since the dormant seed can progress to different stages in the germination sequence depending on the degree at which development is blocked. The transition between dormancy and germination represents an acute stage in the lifecycle of higher plants and is an important ecological and commercial attribute. The interaction between abscisic acid, gibberellins, brassinosteroids and ethylene play a major role in the regulatory network of germination and dormancy. Presents an integrated view of dormancy and germination as concurrent processes, hormone interactions and hovel techniques for studying early seed germination.

1 illus, 49 ref

020395   Suganthi N;Muthiah Manoharan P (Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology Dep, TNAU, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: suganthiextn@gmail.com) : Scale to measure attitude of farmers towards cultivation of medicinal plants. Int J Trop Agric 2013, 31(3-4), 133-6.

Herbs have always been the principal form of medicine in India and presently becoming more popular, as people strive to stay healthy in the face of chronic stress and pollution. A wide range of medicinal plants are found in India due to agro climatic variability which is responsible for increased demand for Indian medicinal plants in the International market in the recent years. The World Health Organization (2001) has estimated that the world herbal market is growing at the rate of 7-10% every year and is likely to increase more than 5 trillion US dollars. Farm house hold today is constrained by shrinking net income, increased cost of cultivation and uncertainty in prices, hence this had forced the farmers to switch over to Horticulture, Agro forestry and Sericulture. Hence, in this back drop, cultivation of medicinal plants is a new venture and has advantages when comparing other crops. At this juncture, the attitude of farmers towards cultivation of medicinal plants was considered important and analysed as one of the objective.

2 tables, 8 ref

020394   Singh N K;Dhar D W (NO, Centre for Conservation and Utilisation of Blue Green Algae (CCUBGA),, New Delhi-110 012, Email: nirbhaysingh78@gmail.com) : Diversity analysis of geographically isolated strains of Spirulina and related genera. J envir Biol 2014, 35(1), 197-203.

The strains of Spirulina and related cyanobacteria were studied for their morphological, biochemical, and molecular diversity. The microscopic study showed presence of regular or irregular spiral in the trichomes of Spirulina and Arthrospira whereas; Lyngbya, Oscillatoria and Phormidium strains showed straight, flexuous, and densely entangled trichomes, respectively. Total soluble proteins content differed widely among the strains. The Spirulina and Arthrospira showed significantly higher protein content than other strains. Twenty 10 mer random primers and ten multiplex Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA(RAPD)-PCR reactions revealed 9-28 polymorphic DNA bands ranging from 220bp-3800bp with single oligos and 13-32 polymorphic bands ranging from 150bp-5000bp with multiplex reactions. Combined analysis of all reactions RAPD reactions showed a maximum similarity coefficient of about 0.90 amongst the two strains of Arthrospira (Ar-1 and Ar-2); which also possessed very close proteins content (110.30μgml^-1 and 119.49 μgml^-1, respectively). Random primers OPD-02, OPA11 and OPD-16 produced six, five, and five unique bands; whereas, the multiplexing of primers OPD-02+HipGC and OPA10+ HipTG produced seven and six unique bands, respectively. The study undertaken revealed extensive evidence for the applicability of such morphological, biochemical, and molecular diversity in the diversity analysis of Spirulina and related genera.

2 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

020393   Sadasivaiah B;Priyadarshini P;Rao B R P (Biodiversity Conservation Div, Botany Dep, Sri Krishnadevaraya Univ, Anantapur-515 003, Email: rao_rp@rediffmail.com) : Three rare grasses (Eragrostis ciliaris var. clarkei, E. tenella var. insularis and Urochloa panicoides var. velutina) from Andhra Pradesh, India.. Scient Trans Envir Technovation 2013, 6(3), 166-7.

Two taxa of Eragrostis Wolf, namely Eragrostis ciliaris var. darkei, E. tenella var. insularis and Urochloa panicoides var. velutina are reported for the first time for Peninsular India, Andhra Pradesh and Southern Peninsular India respectively. Brief description, critical notes are provided for the taxa.

13 ref

020392   Mukesh Kumar;Hussaini S A;Aminuddin;Samiulla L (Survey of Medicinal Plants Unit, Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, Bhadrak-756 100) : Ethnomedicinal studies in Narsinghpur forests of Athagarh forest division, district Cuttack, Odisha. Hippocratic J Unani med 2013, 8(2), 99-107.

Study is based on an ethnobotanicai survey of Athagarh Forest Division in Cuttack district of Odisha conducted during the years 2010-11. The paper presents 33 folk recipes comprising 33 taxa of folk medicinal plants used by various tribes of this area i.e. Kondh, Munda, Naik, Santal and other local inhabitants etc. for the treatment of various diseases. The folk plants are arranged alphabetically by their botanical names, providing information on their family, collection number with locality, local name, part(s) used, name of the disease(s) against which used, mode of preparation and administration, for each recipe discussed. The data provided will help to discover new drugs of plant origin for many of the diseases, thus far, incurable in modern medicine.

3 illus, 15 ref

020391   Mondal S;Bose B (Plant Physiology Dep, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varansi-221 005, Email: bbosebhu@gmail.com) : Kinetics studies on α-amylase extracted from germinating wheat endosperm of primed and non-primed seeds. Indian J agric Biochem 2012, 25(2), 137-41.

In the investigation, the α-amylase enzyme was extracted from the endosperm of the 24-144 h germinating primed and non-primed wheat seeds in which the optimum activity was observed on day 3rd. It was well correlated with the increment in soluble sugar content, which was indirectly proportionate to insoluble sugar level. The three day old germinating endosperm was used for kinetic studies on α-amylase. Kinetic studies established that the optimum enzyme amount, pH, time period of assay and temperature optimum for α-amylase activities were 0.8 ml, 6.9 (pH), 25 min and 20°C, respectively for both primed and non-primed seeds. However the substrate concentration optima were representing 7.5, 10 and 12.5 mg of starch for non-primed, hydro and Ca(NO₃)₂ primed sets, respectively. Cycloheximide and chloramphenicol both were found to inhibit the synthesis as well as activity of α-amylase.

8 illus, 22 ref

020390   Mini E R;Rao Y S (NO, Karpagam Univ, Coimbatore-21, Email: susmini@rediffmail.com) : Nitrogen recommendations to medicinal plants in Kerala soils. Int J Trop Agric 2013, 31(3-4), 257-9.

Nutrient requirement vary with available nitrogen pool of the soil rather than organic carbon per cent of soil with respect to Kerala soils. Alkaline KMnO₄-N estimation can be considered as a reliable method of nitrogen estimation in the Kerala soils. A higher dose of nitrogen fertilizer is proposed for major medicinal plants in all soil types of Kerala than the present recommendation on soil test based organic carbon method; except in forest and brown hydromorphic soils. These outcomes would take care of fertilizer use efficiency, soil use efficiency, and farmer's available resources which are not possible with other conventional methods. Even though the alkaline KMnO₄-N estimation to be simplified; economic doses of nitrogen for the major crops can better be assessed with the method introduced.

3 tables, 10 ref

020389   Mayilsamy M;Rajendran A (PG Botany Dep, A.P.A. College of Arts and Culture, Palani-624 601, Email: mmkannivadi@gmail.com) : Herbal medicinal practices among the Paliyar tribals of Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu. J Ecobiol 2013, 32(1-2), 45-55.

Information about the medicinal plants used by Paliyar tribals in Kodaikanal and Palani blocks of Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu was carried out from January 2011 to September 2012. Information presented here was gathered from the knowledgeable elder Paliyar tribals through open interview. A total of 16 practicing persons were interviewed and gathered 61 ethnomedicinal plants comprising 59 genera and 43 families. Those plants used by Paliyar tribals were listed on the basis of medicinal importance and mode of preparation. For most of the ailments, fresh plant materials were used. Nineteen plants were used to cure stomach problems, 11 for hair growth and dandruff problems 9 for urinary infections and other plants were used to cure asthma, cold, cough, fever, jaundice etc; The most commonly used plant part used for the preparation for medicine is leaf and paste is the mostly followed mode of preparation. Collected information depicts that Paliyar tribals largely depend on medicinal plants to meet their primary health care needs.

2 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

020388   Mayilsamy M;Rajendran A (PG Botany Dep, A.P.A. College of Arts and Culture, Palani-624 601, Email: mmkannivadi@gmail.com) : Ethnomedicinal plants used by paliyar tribes for treating dermatological diseases. J Ecobiol 2013, 32(1-2), 25-32.

Ethnomedicinal plants used by the Paliyar tribals for treating dermatological diseases in two blocks of Southern Western Ghats, Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu were carried out. A total of 45 plants belonging to 41 genera and 36 families have been documented for their therapeutic use against dermatological and related infections such as cuts, wounds, skin diseases, dry skin, boiis. eczema, pimples, burns, itching, inflammation and neel cracks. Leaves were the most frequently utilized plant pait and most herbal remedies are prepared as paste and applied externally; in some cases medicinal preparations were also administered orally. Comprehensive evaluation on the plants with related activity on the basis of traditional medicine may possibly give new compounds that could be used as prominent drugs in dermatological infections. The present study suggested that further clinical experimentation is needed to scientifically evaluate these widely used herbal remedies for possible bioactive effects.

1 illus, 1 table, 15 ref

020387   Lohani H;Andola H C;Chauhan N K;Gwari G; Bhandari U (NO, Centre for Aromatic Plants (CAP), Selaqui-248 197, Dehradun, Email: andolah@rediffmail.com) : Volatile constituents of rose water of damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) from Uttarakhand Himalayas. Med Pl 2013, 5(2), 102-4.

Volatiles of rose water were analyzed by GC-MS. 2-phenyl ethyl alcohol as a major component which from 77.35-89.37%, followed by α-citronellol (0.95-5.71%) along with other minor constituents like geranial (0.07-2.49%), eicosane (0.08-0.20), heneicosane (0.08-1.07%), tricosane (0.01-0.09%), and tetracosane (0.04-0.31%). The components of rose water varied qualitative and quantitatively among the locations. It was therefore, concluded that the climatic conditions of Uttarakhand hills are suitable for quality productions of the rose water, particularly Joshimath region which was found to be an elite source among the investigated samples.

^ssc1 table, 17 ref

020386   Kandali R;Konwar B K (Biochemistry and Agril. Chemistry Dep, B N College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural Univ, Biswanath Chariali, Assam-784 176, Email: ranjan.kandali@yahoo.com) : Isolation and characterization of active compound from stem bark of Streblus asper. Indian J agric Biochem 2012, 25(2), 157-9.

Streblus asper is widely used in folk medicine in the north eastern region of India. The methanol extract of the stem bark of the plant was partitioned sequentially with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, chloroform and butanol and the antimicrobial activity of the different extracts was determined. The antimicrobial activity was found in the petroleum ether extract which afforded SA2 as the major bioactive compound showing highest antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis followed by Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Escherichia coli. On the basis of IR, HRFABMS, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR spectroscopic data, the structure of the compound was determined to be Lup-20(29)-en-3 β-ol.

^ssc 1 table, 11 ref

020385   Hussein H J;Yasser O M;Shaheed A;Abidi A; Tiwari B K (Biology Dep, College of Science for Women, Babylon Univ, Babil, Iraq, Email: profababidi@yahoo.in) : Physiological and biochemical changes induced by accelerated ageing of maize seeds (Zea mays L.). Indian J agric Biochem 2012, 25(2), 116-20.

Maize (Zea mays L.) seeds were subjected to accelerated ageing treatment for 3, 7, and 14 days at 45 ±1 C° and 100% relative humidity. These artificially aged seeds were compared with control seeds for evaluation of vigor and enzyme activity. Accelerated ageing of seeds up to three days had significant effect on moisture content, germination percentage, Amadori products and glutathione reductase and peroxidase activity. However, further increase in ageing period caused increase in moisture content and a decrease in germination percentage, Amadori products and enzyme activity. Germinability was lost completely at 14 days of accelerated ageing. In addition, the reduction in germination percentage, there was a decrease in germination speed index and seed vigor index. The results revealed that accelerated ageing caused depression of maize seeds viability through the above parameters.

9 illus, 37 ref

020384   Gogoi P;Ngapui R;Rao A N;Vij S P (Science & Technology Dep, Centre for Orchid Gene Conservation of Eastern Himalayan Region, KVK-Sylvan Campus, Senapati-795 129, Email: purnimagogoi17@rediffmail.com) : Mycorrhizal association and the fungal partner of Dendrobium chrysotoxum and Dendrobium wardianum (Orchidaceae). LS-Int J Life Sci 2013, 2(3), 181-7.

Development of mycorrhizal association and the exact fungal partner in the epiphytic Orchid species, viz., Dendrobium chrysotoxum and D. Wardianum, were investigated in the present study. Fungal entry was occurred by penetrating the root velamen layer and was characterised by the presence of an appresorial structure. The tolypophagy type of mycorrhizal infection with hyphae coiled into pelotons was restricted to the root cortical layer only. The size of the pelotons varied from 117.2±7.19x58.8±5.31 μm in D. chrysotoxum to 94.2±5.43x35.6±5.45 μm in D. wardianum. The mycorrhizal fungi were isolated from fresh, healthy roots of mother plants by adapting the modified Masuhara and Katsuya's method. The hyphae were hyaline, smooth, binucleate and approximatejy 2.5±0.29 μm wide. Based on the morphological character, the fungi identified as Epulorhiza repens in D. chrysotoxum and Ceratorrhiza ramicola and C. cerealis in D. wardianum.

2 illus, 27 ref

020383   Dwivedi A K;Anand D K (Pollution and Environmental Assay Research Laboratory (PEARL), Botany, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur Univ, Gorakhpur-273 009, Email: anil.k.dwivedi@gmail.com) : Murophyte. Indian Sci Cruiser 2013, 27(1), 32-5.

20 ref

020382   Das A K;Stalin N;Muthumperumal C;Swamy P S (Plant Sciences Dep, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj Univ, Madurai-625 021, Email: swamypsplantscience@gmail.com) : Wild plants used by Muthuvan and Kattunaikkan tribal communities of Palakkayam settlement in Nilambur of Malappuram district, Kerala. Med Pl 2013, 5(2), 82-9.

Objective of ethnobotanical investigation on wild plants is documentation of indigenous knowledge associated with these plants. Growing anthropogenic pressure and environmental stresses affecting the wild plant wealth of our country needs an immediate action for effective documentation and designing of new plans for sustainable utilization. Many plant species, possessing medicinally important compounds are disappearing at an alarming rate due to the destruction of natural habitats, rapid agricultural development, urbanization, indiscriminate deforestation and uncontrolled collection of plant materials. This study highlights on the ethnobotanical knowledge of wild edible and medicinal plants used by Muthuvan and Kattunaikkan tribes of Palakkayam settlement, Nilambur area of Malappuram district, Kerala. The study documented 53 plants belonging to 30 families which are used by the tribals in their day to day life.

6 illus, 4 tables, 12 ref

020381   Bohra S (Botany Dep, Jai Narain Vyas Univ, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Email: soniamohanbohra@yahoo.in) : Biochemical changes in Acacia senegal due to bioinnoculants. J funct envir Bot 2013, 3(1), 20-3.

In a controlled pot experiment, agroforestry legume trees Acacia Senegal (L.) Willd. seedlings were inoculated with different bioinnoculants like Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal species and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, which were isolated by extraction from the rhizosphere soil of Acacia Senegal from different localities of western Rajasthan and was evaluated for enhancement of biochemical parameters mainly Peroxidase (PRO) and Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities. The considerable increase in PRO and PPO by bioinnoculants may be significant in protecting this tree from attacking pathogens. All bioinnoculants show beneficial effect; while the dual combination of both G. fasciculatum and Rhizobium being the most promoting of all biochemical parameters.

1 table, 17 ref

020380   Biswas C K;Mishra S P;Mukherjee A (Botany Dep, Banwarilal Bhalotia College, Asansol-713 303, Email: ckbbot@yahoo.com) : Diversity and composition of vegetation on aged caolmine overburden dumps in Sonepur Bazari area, Raniganj, West Bengal. J envir Biol 2014, 35(1), 173-7.

Plant communities get disturbed due to open cast coal mining as large amount of overburden is dumped at the nearby areas of the mines. The vegetation on different age series of six overburden dumps (0,4,8,12, 16 and 20 years) were analyzed during the post monsoon period of 2011 in Sonepur Bazari area, West Bengal, India. The plant species and other relevant criteria were recorded using randomly placed quadrats. Species richness, Diversity indices and Importance value index (IVI) were calculated using standard methods. Among monocots, the IVI of Saccharum spontanium was highest at all the over burden dumps. Among dicotyledons, Croton bonplandianum was the most important on OBD-4 and 8. On OBD-12 both Croton bonplandianum and Lantana camara were somewhat equally important. On OBD-16, Croton bonplandianum, Tephrosia perpurea and Evolvulus nummularius were most important where as on OBD-20 maximum importance value was shown by Chromalaena odorata and Hyptis suaveolens. Among tree species Leucaena leucocephala and Zizyphus mauritiana had highest IVI value on OBD-12 and Butea monosperma, Dalbergia sissoo and Lagerstoemia strictus on OBD-16. Finally Butea monosperma and Dalbergia sissoo showed highest IVI values on OBD-20. Diversity indices and species richness of non-grasses species was found getting increased with the age of OBD. Interestingly the grasses, specially Saccharum spontanium, were seen to grow as pioneers and got established under the prevailing high environmental adversity. On the contrary, other herbaceous and tree species were seen getting established at later stages of succession.

4 illus, 23 ref

020379   Bala M;Sandeep Kumar;Abhishek Kumar;Singh M (Biochemistry Dep, Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, Sewar, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, Email: avimithi@gmail.com) : Comparison of antioxidant activity and bioactive compounds in leaves of selected Brassica genotypes. Indian J agric Biochem 2012, 25(2), 142-5.

Antioxidant capacity and bioactive compounds in leaves of ten different rapeseed-mustard varieties were studied. Variety purple mutant showed highest ABTS (2, 2-azobis-3-ethyl benzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical scavenging activity (1.07 mg trolox equivalent antioxidant activity/g) as well as reducing power activity (11.6 mg/g). Total phenol content varied from 3.63-10.56 mg gallic acid equivalent/g. Total phenol content was also found to be the highest (13.12 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) in variety purple mutant. A positive correlation of phenol content with ABTS radical scavenging activity as well as with reducing power assay was observed. The values of glucosinolates, ascorbic acid and flavonoids varied significantly arnong the varieties. The results showed that the leaves of Indian rapeseed mustard varieties possess antioxidant activities and could be consumed in raw or processed form.

3 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

020378   Asgher M;Khan M I R;Iqbal N;Masood A;Khan N A (Plant Physiology and Biochemistry Div, Botany Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002, Email: asghermohd@gmail.com) : Cadmium tolerance in mustard cultivars: dependence of proline accumulation and nitrogen assimilation. J funct envir Bot 2013, 3(1), 30-42.

Cadmium [Cd] is a heavy metal, which reduces crop productivity even at low doses and reduces overall performance of the crop plants. Four mustard [Brassica juncea L. Czern and Coss.] cultivars, Alankar, Pusa Bold, Rohini and SS2 differing in Cd tolerance were treated with different doses 0, 50 and 100 mg Cd kg^-1 soil. Cultivar SS2 [Cd sensitive] accumulated greater Cd in roots and leaves than Alankar [Cd tolerant]. Furthermore, SS2 also exhibited higher contents of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS], hydrogen peroxide [H₂O₂] and electrolyte leakage. Photosynthesis and growth were adversely and maximally decreased by 100 mg Cd kg^-1 soil treatment in all four of the cultivars, but SS2 exhibited greater reductions. Increasing concentrations of Cd in the soil result in decreased net photosynthesis [Pn], stomatal conductance [gs] and intercellular CO₂[Ci] but increase in proline content. Cultivars Alankar with higher proline content and greater nitrogen and nitrate reductase activity are efficient in controlling the Cd-induced oxidative stress as compared to least tolerant SS2, whereas tolerance capacity of Pusa Bold and Rohini lie in between the two. The tolerance index of Alankar was found to be higher among all the studied mustard cultivars, which indicate its higher tolerance to Cd toxicity. Tolerance index has been used as a good criterion to select the tolerant genotypes under high Cd stress. Leaf area and dry mass also decrease maximally at 100 mg Cd kg^-1 soil with highest reduction in SS2. Maximum reduction of water potential and osmotic potential occur in SS2 and least in Alankar.

8 illus, 55 ref

020377   Amonwu I C;Okoli B E (Plant Biosystematics and Biotechnology Laboratory, Plant Science and B, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Port Harcourt Univ, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, Email: bosaeokoli@yahoo.co.uk) : Observations on variations in tendrils: contributions from Cucurbitaceae. LS-Int J Life Sci 2013, 2(3), 176-80.

Comparative study of the morphological and anatomical features of tendrils of eight economically important genera of Cucurbitaceae: Coccinia, Cucumis, Cucurbita, Lagenaria, Luffa, Momordica, Telfairia and Zehneria was carried out. The study showed distinct variations in budding, stomatal size and arrangement and branching pattern. Scanning electron microscope and light microscopic studies of tips and strips of tendrils of Telfairia species revealed several anomalous features such as giant and contiguous stomata. The species studied were observed to exhibit variations that ranged from single unbranched tendrils in Momordica and Zehneria to three to four multiple tendril-branching patterns in Luffa. These variations may be employed in the elucidation of the morphological origin of tendrils. The observation of a bud at the bifurcation between two branches of a tendril of Telfairia Hooker is remarkable in respect of the nature of tendrils.

3 illus, 13 ref

020376   Ali Z A;Ahmad S;Wasiuddin;Khan L A (Survey of Medicinal Plants Unit, Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine (CCRUM), Post Box 70, Aligarh-202 001) : Ethnopharmacological study of medicinal plants in East Tarai forest division Haldwani, Uttarakhand. Hippocratic J Unani med 2013, 8(2), 67-74.

Deals with the results of an ethnopharmacological survey of medicinal plants conducted during November, 2000, in the East Tarai Forest Division Haldwani, Nainital - one of the important divisions of Kumaon's tarai in Uttarakhand. It lists 30 plant species belonging to 24 families that are widely used by the indigenous communities of the area as folk drugs for treatment of various diseases and conditions of humans and cattle. For each plant species the correct botanical and prevalent local names, part used, claimed medicinal use(s) and mode of administration are given. The study has revealed, hitherto, many unknown traditional phytotherapeutic uses of plants from the area investigated.

1 illus, 32 ref

020375   Ali B (Botany Dep, Govt. College for Women, Srinagar-190 001, Email: barket_ali5@yahoo.com) : Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in the germinating seeds of Cicer arietinum exposed to cobalt. J envir Biol 2014, 35(1), 279-83.

Effect of varying levels of cobalt on percent germination, proline and protien content, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes was studied in the germinating seeds of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L). The surface sterilized seeds, after soaking in 0,50,100,150 or 200 μM of cobalt for 12 hours, were allowed to germinate in sterilized petri plate at 25 ± 2 °C, in an incubator. The germinating seeds, at 36 and 72 hrs after germination exhibited a significant decrease in relative water content, mean daily germination, germination percentage, protein content, nitrate reductase activity and antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase). However, lipid peroxidation and proline level exhibited a linear increase in response to the treatments with passage of time. The seeds showed maximum inhibitory effect at 200 μM Co concentration.

2 tables, 30 ref

019284   Verma J;Thakur K;Vij S P (Botany Dep, Shoolini Institute of Life Sciences and Business Management, Solan, Himachal Pradesh-173 212, Email: verma.jd@gmail.com) : Occurrence of an interesting leafless orchid Neottia listeroides Lindl. in Himachal Pradesh, Northwestern Himalaya, India. J Threatened Taxa 2013, 5(11), 4601-3.

1 illus, 3 ref

019283   Sureshan P M;Balan D (Zoological Survey of India, Western Ghats Regional Centre, Jafferkhan Colony, Eranhipalam, P.O., Kozhikode, Kerala-676 006, Email: pmsuresh43@yahoo.com) : New species and new records of parasitic wasps (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) of wood boring beetles from Southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India. J Threatened Taxa 2013, 5(11), 4537-41.

A new species of Pteromalidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) parasitising wood boring beetles, Cleonymus kamijoi, and two species of Pteromalidae, Trigonoderus pulcher Walker and male of Heydenia tuberculata Sureshan are reported for the first time from the southern Western Ghats, Kerala. The genus Trigonoderus Westwood is reported for the first time from India and the male of Heydenia tuberculata Sureshan is reported and described for the first time.

1 illus, 5 ref