019282   Shabir P A;Nawchoo I A;Wani A A (Economic Botany and Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Botany Dep, Kashmir Univ, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir-190 006, Email: peerzadarshid@gmail.com) : Floral phenology, secondary pollen presentation and pollination mechanism in Inula racemosa (Angiosperms: Asteraceae). J Threatened Taxa 2013, 5(10), 4498-503.

Inula racemosa Hook. f. is protandrous, discharges pollen grains inside the anther tube and presents pollen secondarily onto the sweeping hairs of the style. The style and stigmatic branches present the yellow clumped pollen grains for pollination. This study describes floral functional morphology and phenology, anther dehiscence and pollen presentation, growth and behaviour of style during anthesis and pollination mechanism of I. racemosa. The species is entomophilous and is characterized by a highly asynchronous sexual phase. A large degree of asynchrony from floret to floret in a capitulum, and capitulum to capitulum in a plant, keeps the pollen dispersed for a longer duration. Two insect families were represented in the pollinator survey: Hymenoptera and Diptera. A significant correlation was observed between the number of capitula visited per bout and foraging time. We discuss morphological features of the flowers which may enhance the pollen removal rate per bee visit and consequently cause a high visitation and pollination rate.

1 illus, 22 ref

019281   Petrus A J A (Chemistry Dep, Kanchi Mamunivar Centre for Post-graduate Studies, Puducherry-605 008, Email: ajapetrus@hotmail.com) : Sauropus androgynus (L.) Merrill-a potentially nutritive functional leafy-vegetable. Asian J Chem 2013, 25(17), 9425-33.

Sauropus androgynus (L.) Merrill [Family: Phyllanthaceae Martynov] is a popular leafy-vegetable in South and Southeast Asia and is notable for its high yields and palatability. The leaves and succulent young tips of the plant are normally eaten like tropical asparagus, raw in the form of salads or steamed or alternatively added to stir-fry, rice and egg dishes, soups or casseroles, and sometimes blanched to serve with chilli paste. The rich vitamin content of the leaves has led to its popular name, 'multivitamin green' and has also been recorded as a tropical vegetable by the United States Department of Agriculture. The flowers and the small purplish fruits of the plant are also reported to be eaten. The present paper attempts to review the health-impact of the nutritive factors and other phytometabolites biosynthesized by this functional leafy-vegetable, in addition to its ethnomedical claims.

^iia6 tables, 92 ref

019280   Navjot;Gill M S;Jawandha S K (Horticulture Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Regional Station, Bathinda, Punjab India, Email: navjot_bti@yahoo.co.in) : Response of mango (Mangifera indica L.) to abiotic stresses. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2012, 5(4), 459-62.

Mango tolerates a wide range of climate and well adapted to tropical and subtropical climates. Temperature and rainfall play important role in flower regulation of mango. The flowering period is most sensitive to low temperature as a certain period of low temperature induces floral bud formation. Low temperature exposure after pollination increased the percentage of stenospermocarpic fruit. Warmer temperatures generally increased the inflorescence size while the low temperatures caused morphological changes in styles, stigmas, ovaries and anther size in mango cultivars. Under high temperature and low-humidity conditions, mango's photosynthetic efficiency is reduced and respiration is high, resulting in low carbon accumulation, which lowers the tree's ability to hold heavy crop loads. Milder frost can kill young trees but larger mature trees can regenerate, although defoliation and death of some branches can occur. Rain or free moisture during the flowering and fruiting period is conducive to the development of fungal diseases that cause flower and fruit drop. In certain situations mango trees can tolerate drought for up to 8 months. Mango trees are tolerant to a range of soils from alkaline, calcareous soils to heavy clay soils. The optimal pH range is 5.5-7.5, but the tree can also grow outside this range, with low pH being the most deleterious to growth.

45 ref

019279   Minamor A A (Science Laboratory Technology Dep, Accra Polytechnic, Ghana, Email: minamorandrew@yahoo.com) : Effect of two fungicides (caocobre and ridomil) on germination and radicle elongation of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L) seedlings. Int J pure appl Sci Technol 2013, 15(1), 79-86.

Studies on the effect of two fungicides Caocobre Sandoz and Ridomil plus 72 on the vegetative growth and radicle elongation of cocoa seedlings were investigated using the Blotter Test Method. The germination media (fungicides) were of varied concentration; undiluted, (1:1, 1:5, 1: 10) v/v. Control samples did not receive fungicide treatment. Five (5) cocoa beans with testa removed to quicken germination were placed in sterile filter paper in 12.5 cm diameter Petri dishes moistened with 10ml of fungicides of appropriate dilution. There were three (3) replicates for each treatment. The Petri dishes were then incubated in darkness for seven days. Both fungicides severely depressed radicle length of cocoa beans. The effect was more pronounced at the higher concentration but this depression in length was decreased with dilution of the fungicides. Both Caocobre and Ridomil at all dilution used permitted the formation of lateral roots by cocoa seedlings. However, the emerging roots eventually died in plates containing high concentration dilution of the fungicides. The fungicides depressed dry matter accumulation of leaves. The final dry weight of leaves after 70 days in pots treated with Caocobre was 8.2 x 10³mg; leaf of plants treated with Ridomil weighed 6.3 x 10³ mg as compared to 10.4 x 10³ mg weight of leaves in the control. There was however, no statistical differences (P = 0.05 student t - test) between the treatments and the control when dry weight of stem and roots were compared. The heights of the seedlings treated with the fungicides Caocobre and Ridomil approximated that of the control throughout the growing period.

2 illus, 2 tables, 4 ref

019278   Minamor A A (Science Laboratory Technology Dep, Accra Polytechnic, Ghana, Email: minamiorandrew@yahoo.com) : Effects of two fungicides, caocobre and ridomil on the rhizosphere microflora of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L) seedlings. Int J pure appl Sci Technol 2013, 15(1), 31-42.

Effect of two fungicides, Caocobre and Ridomil on rhizosphere phenomenon of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L) seedlings has been studied at different stages of the development of the plant growing in pots. Fungal population in the rhizophere soil was generally higher than in the non-rhizosphere soil. The total number of fungal population in both the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere was highest on the 28 day and thereafter declined. The effect of the fungicides on the mycoflora differed from species to species with no clear cut generalized response. Members of the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium predominated over the other genera encountered namely Cladosporium, Trichoderma, Fusarium, Paecilomyces and Neurospora. In the control seedlings, five Aspergillus species were isolated, namely Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. ochraceus, A. sulphureus, and A. fumigatus; four Penicillium species were also isolated, Penicillium digitatum, P. expansum, Penicillium sp. (white) and P. verrucosum var cyclopium. Other species isolated were Trichoderma viride, Paecilomyces varioti, Cladosporium herbarum and Rhizopus oryzae. When Cacaobre was applied repeatedly the following fungal species were encountered in the rhizosphere region of the soil: A. niger, A. flavus, A. ochraceus (after 28 days only) P. digitatum, P. verrucosum var cyclopium, Fusarium sp., T. Viride, Paecilomyces varioti, Cladosporium herbarum and Rhizopus sp. Ridomil application showed similar trend.

3 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

019277   Maheswari M;Govindaiah G (NO, Regional Sericultural Research Station, Kodathi, Bangalore-560 035, Email: mahi_munusamy@rediffmail.com) : Impact of certain plant extracts against mulberry leaf roller Diaphania pulverulentalis. Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2013, 33(2), 141-9.

The present investigation is intended to explore the possibility of using the medicinal plants such as Lantana camara Linn. (lantana), Allium sativum Linn. (garlic), Zingiber officinale Rose. (ginger), Azadirachta indica Juss.(neem) and Vitex negundo Linn. (vitex) having insecticidal properties against the mulberry leaf roller Diaphania pulverulentalis. The outcome of the findings indicated that the mortality of the second instar larvae of leaf roller recorded at each and every concentrations of the plant extracts found to be significant compared to untreated check at 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144 h intervals in both methanol and aqueous extracts. Similarly, the per cent mortality of pupae and moths with deformation recorded maximum at lower concentrations of methanol and aqueous extract of plants compared at higher concentrations. While in case of third instar, the mortality was less compared to second instar. Higher mortality of the larvae was noticed with increase in concentration. After 144 h, the mortality range recorded by the methanol extract of the plants was maximum (85.00 to 95.00%) compared to aqueous extracts (58.00 to 76.00%). Based on the screening, one concentration from each plant extract which was more effective and statistically significant was selected and used to study its residual toxicity on silkworm Bombyx mori L.

7 tables, 17 ref

019276   Karunarathna D A G N B;Karunaratne W A I P (Zoology Dep, Faculty of Science, Peradeniya Univ, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka, Email: nuwan_bk@yahoo.com) : Two new localities of Sri Lankan relictant Aneuretus simoni Emery, 1893 (Formicidae: Aneuretinae) with the very first record in the intermediate zone. J Threatened Taxa 2013, 5(11), 4604-7.

1 illus, 20 ref

019275   Hosagoudar V B;Shetty A;Vipinachandran K; Ashraf E M (NO, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala-695 562, Email: vbhosagoudar@rediffmail.com) : Occurrence of a black mildew in Santalum album plantation at Anakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. J Threatened Taxa 2013, 5(10), 4521-3.

1 illus, 7 ref

019274   Deokule S S;Kavade S P;Lakshminarasimhan P; Berde V B (Botany Dep, Pune Univ, Ganeshkhind, Pune, Maharashtra-411 007, Email: deokule@unipune.ernet.in) : Endemic and critically endangered species, Gymnema khandalense Santapau (Apocynacea: Asclepiadoidae)-a new record to Goa state, India. J Threatened Taxa 2013, 5(11), 4598-600.

13 ref

019273   Bandgar S G;Papdiwal P B (Botany Dep, Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada Univ, Aurangabad-431 004, Email: pbpapdiwal@yahoo.co.in) : Some of desmidial algae at Nathsagar water body, Paithan-Maharashtra. Bioscan 2013, 8(1), 311-13.

In this paper the Desmidial Algae, belonging to Class Chlorophyceae, from Nathsagar water reservoir, Paithan (Maharashtra) have been described. These algae belong to four genera viz., Micrasterieas, Euastrum, Cosmarium and Staurastrum. As a part of study of Plant diversity, algal diversity of Nathsagar water body was carried out from March 2011 to January 2013. Algal samples were collected from different sites of water body.

1 illus,8 ref

019272   Anuraj C;Thomas S K;Merki O (Litter Entomology Research Unit, Post Graduate and Research Zoology De, St. Joseph's College, Devagiri, Kozhikode, Kerala, Email: rajcarun@gmail.com) : Rare fungus feeding darkling beetle, Byrsax cornutus Fabricius, 1792 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Bolitophagini) from the western ghats, India. J Threatened Taxa 2013, 5(11), 4608-11.

9 ref

018149   Tomar A;Singh S M;Pandey B K;Shukla M K; Chandra V (NO, Centre for Social Forestry and Eco-rehabilitation, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, Email: anitatomar@icfre.org) : Floristic diversity of Meja Thermal Power Plant (MTPP) at Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Ann For 2013, 21(1), 68-76.

Study was conducted at Allahabad during 2011-2012 to collect information about floristic diversity at Meja Thermal Power Plant site within 10 km radius at an elevation above msl 340 to 364 feet. The study area was divided into six zones viz. Core, Buffer, North, South, East and West. The total number of 150 species (24 trees, 19 shrubs, 107 herbs) belonging to 52 families were recorded. Species recorded in Core zone were (51), Buffer (57), North (69), South (72), East (59) and West (60). The highest number of species (72) was recorded in the South zone whereas the core zone recorded the least species (51). The study illustrates the rich herbal diversity of the area.

1 table, 38 ref

018148   Tiwari P;Kannojia P;Pandey A (Botany and Microbiology Dep, H.N.B. Garhwal Univ, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, Email: pooja.1985k@gmail.com) : Mycoflora on stored seeds of Jatropha curcas (L.). Ann For 2013, 21(1), 88-91.

Using blotter and agar plate methods as recommended by ISTA, jatropha seed samples collected from different locations of Uttarakhand were screened for different seed mycoflora. Eight fungal species in order of their occurrence include Aspergillus flavus followed by A. niger, A. fumigatus, Trichoderma harzianum, Rhizopus nigricans, Penicillium sublateritium, Alternaria alternata and Fusarium solani. More fungal species appeared in blotter method isolation as compared to agar plate method.

1 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

018147   Tiwari D;Bajpai R (Botanny Dep, A.N.D. Nagar Nigam Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Kanpur-208 002, Email: divya.tiwari1@gmail.com) : Physico-chemical factors, primary productivity and phyco-profile of a natural impoundment of water. Indian J Ecol 2012, 39(2), 209-12.

Primary productivity and algal profile of a natural impoundment of water at Kanpur was assessed during 2010-11. Physico-chemical factors, productivity levels and phyco-profile all indicated the eutrophic nature of the water body. Low NPP values and values pertaining to NPP/GPP ratio indicated the polluted condition of the pond. Algal profile of the pond too indicated the same fact. Fluctuations in primary productivity seemed to be the reflection of seasonal variations associated with ambient physico- chemical characteristics of water that supported the phyco-profile of the water body.

3 tables, 23 ref

018146   Thakur M P;Singh H K (Plant Pathology Dep, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwvidyalaya, Raipur-492 006, Email: mp_thakur@yahoo.com) : Mushrooms, their bioactive compounds and medicinal uses. Med Pl 2013, 5(1), 1-20.

Medicinal mushrooms have been shown to have profound health promoting benefits viz., immunomodulation, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, chemopreventive, antitumor, chemo and radio protective, sleep promoting, antibacterial, antiviral (including anti-HIV), hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, anti-fibrotic, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-androgenic, anti-angiogenic, anti-herpetic, antioxidative and radicallscavenging, anti-aging, estrogenic activity, anti-ulcer and many other exceptional nutritional and medicinal properties. Recent studies conducted all around the globe, are now confirming their medical efficacy and identifying many of the bioactive molecules (polysaccharides, tri-terpenoids, low molecular weight proteins, glycoproteins and immunomodulating compounds) which were not known to us earlier but recent advances in chemical technology have made it possible to isolate and purify some of these relevant compounds especially polysaccharides. The main medically important polysaccharides that have undergone extensive anticancer clinical trials include lentinan (Lentinula edodes), schizophyllan (Schizo h llum commune), PSK (polysaccharide-K, commercially sold as Krestin) and PSP (polysaccharopeptide) (Trametes versicolor), and Grifron-D (Grifola frondosa). All of these compounds are currently produced by Asian pharmaceutical companies. Methods of large-scale cultivation of many of the medicinal mushrooms by solid substrate and liquid culture fermentations are also available.

^iia7 illus, 1 table, 78 ref

018145   Sivu A R;Pradeep N S;Rameshkumar K B; Pandurangan A G (Plant Systematic and Evolutionary Science Division, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram-695 562, Email: nsp_tbgri@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of phytochemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Memecylon L. species from western ghats. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2013, 4(4), 363-70.

Genus Memecylon L. is a least explored group of plants and the present study reports the preliminary phytochemical and pharmacological evaluation of 32 Memecylon species collected from the Western Ghats. Among these 4 are rare and endangered and 16 endemic. The methanolic extracts of the leaves were evaluated for their phenolic and flavonoid contents, in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Phenolic contents of the methanol extracts of leaves were comparatively low in the species, ranging from 89.86 mg/g (M. gracile Bedd.) to 05.04 mg/g (M. depressum Benth.). Flavonoid compounds were highest in M. grande Retz. (39.56 mg/g) and lowest in M. talboltianum Brandis (07.60 mg/g). The in vitro free radical scavenging assay was done using DPPH method and the results showed moderate activities to the leaf extracts. The highest antioxidant activity was observed for M. heyneanum Benth. (IC₅₀=15.30 μg/mL). Antibacterial activity against three Gram- positive and six Gram- negative bacteria was tested by disc diffusion method and the leaf extracts showed remarkable broad spectrum antibacterial activity, especially for M. deccanense Clarke, M. terminale Dalzell, M. heyneanum Benth., M. clarkeanum Cogn. and M. sessile Benth.

1 illus, 2 tables, 42 ref

018144   Sinha K N;Singh T (Botany Dep, B.M.D. College, B.R.A. Bihar Univ, Dayalpur, Vaishali, Bihar, Email: nutanm2@gmail.com) : Cyto-palynological diversity and seed storage protein variations in some species of medicinal plant Bauhinia. Int J pure appl Sci Technol 2013, 18(1), 18-25.

Aim is to trace the interrelationships and for identification and characterisation of diversity among three species of medicinally important plant Bauhinia viz. B. acuminata B. purpurea and B. racemosa, belonging to sub-family Caesalpiniaceae, cytological study with respect to chromosome number, somatic chromosome length of component arms of chromosome, T.F % and chromosome type and seed protein variation were investigated. Results showed that the three species have chromosome number 2n=28, the value of the total chromatin lengths was lowest (53.48μ) in B. racemosa and highest (57.32μ) in B. purpurea while in B. acuminata this value was 56.78μ suggesting a close relationship between B.purpurea and B. acuminata. The T.F % values of B. acuminata and B. purpurea stand close to each other. Apertural status and shape of pollen grains of the selected Bauhinia species appear to be almost exactly similar to each other. In terms of apertural type, quite uniformaly all the species are 3-colporate. B. purpurea and B. acuminata was found to be tricolporate and prolate- spheroidal while B. racemosa was found to be tricolporate and sub prolate. Beside the common bands among the studied taxa, 7.37 kDa, 31.85 kDa and 261.143 kDa protein were found common in all the three species. Maximum genetic affinities were observed between B. acuminata x B. purpurea, while minimum between B. acuminata and B. racemosa. On the molecular level, the present study gave the results with wide variations in their band numbers. Maximum number of protein bands (12 bands) was observed in B. racemosa, while minimum (7 bands) in B. purpurea.

4 tables, 27 ref

018143   Singh H;Krishna G;Baske P K (Central Botanical Laboratory, Botanical Survey of India, Howrah-711 103, Email: harish_bsi@yahoo.co.in) : Ethnomedicinal plants used for dental care in Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Angul and Balangir districts of Odisha, India. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2013, 4(4), 419-24.

Deals with 31 plant species belonging to 29 genera and 20 families comprising 40 ethnomedicinal uses for dental care (tooth ache, tooth decay, pyorrhea, foul smell and as tooth brush) by the different tribal and rural people in Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Angul and Balangir districts of Odisha. These uses were compared and cross-checked with the published ethnomedicinal data from Odisha and other states of the country and found that 12 uses of the referred plants had not been reported earlier. These plant species are arranged alphabetically with their botanical names, family and local name(s), followed by the method of uses for dental care along with field collection number(s) and uses cited by earlier workers.

1 table, 41 ref

018142   Singh A;Satanker N;Kushwaha M;Disoriya R; Gupta A K (NO, Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, Email: archanasingh69@rediffmail.com) : Ethnobotany and uses of non-graminaceous forage species of Chitrakoot region of Madhya Pradesh. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2013, 4(4), 425-31.

Ethno-botanical survey was conducted to assess the multipurpose utilization of available non-graminaceous forage species by the tribal of Chitrakoot region of Madhya Pradesh. Fifty two such species belonging to 39 genera of 8 families were collected, identified and preserved in herbarium section of Agriculture Botany Unit, MGCGV, Chitrakoot. The species are mainly utilized for forage purpose. Besides, these are also used as medicines (100%) and food (40 %). Major uses of these species are green manure (27 %), fuel wood (23 %) and ornamental plants (23 %). Some species are used as famine food (14 %) and timber (10 %). Minor uses of the species are for fiber (6 %), cosmetics (6 %), natural dye (4%) flavour & fragrance (2 %) and basket making (2 %). Medicinal properties of the collected species revealed that these 52 species are frequently used to treat about 109 various diseases of human beings and 5 diseases of livestock. Leaves are the most (62 %) utilized part whereas aerial roots and cladode (2 %) are least utilized part to treat ailments. Tribes and indigenous people of Chitrakoot have conserved these economically important plant species in various ways for their daily needs, health and aesthetic values.

1 table, 12 ref

018141   Simerjeet Kaur;Arora N;Sharma A (Botany Dep, Punjab Agricultural Univ, Ludhiana-141 004, Email: simer.sharma@gmail.com) : Structural components and phytoanticipins imparting resistance against tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV) in tomato genotype. Indian J Ecol 2012, 39(2), 286-9.

Begomoviruses affecting tomato in India are the most devastating and major limiting factor in the tomato production. Tomato genotypes including eight advanced breeding lines, two resistant and two susceptible check cultivars were screened against ToLCV on the basis of disease score and biochemical characteristics. The cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, total phenols, total flavonoids and ascorbic acid content and disease score were estimated after 30, 90 and 120 days after sowing. The resistant check cultivars and advanced breeding lines screened under natural epiphytotic conditions showed zero percent disease infection and exhibited significantly higher levels of structural components viz., cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, and also higher levels of phytoanticipins viz., phenols, flavonoids and ascorbic acid as compared to the susceptible checks. The study provides an important linkage between disease incidence, structural components, phytoanticipins and ToLCV resistance.

2 tables, 19 ref

018140   Sharma V;Pracheta (Bioscience and Biotechnology Dep, Banasthali Univ, Banasthali-304 022, Email: drvshs@gmail.com) : Microscopic studies and preliminary pharmacognostical evaluation of Euphorbia neriifolia L. leaves. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2013, 4(4), 348-57.

Euphorbia neriifolia Linn. (Euphorbiaceae) is commonly known as Indian Spurge Tree in English, and Sehundah in Ayurveda. Its leaves are traditionally used for treatment of various diseases like inflammation, fever, asthma, cough, wounds, ulcers, cancers and diabetes. In the present study an attempt has been made to highlight this folk herbal medicine which will assist in the identification of fresh as well as dried crude samples of leaves anatomically and pharmacognostically. The present study also deals with macroscopic, microscopic, fluorescence, phytochemical characteristics and other WHO recommended methods for standardization of leaf powder. Phytochemical screening and chromatographic studies help in determining the antioxidant potential and predominant classes of active ingredients contribute to the activity. These studies will provide referential information for correct identification and help in checking adulteration in market samples used in the preparation of various herbal medicines. These observations will also be helpful in differentiating the leaves of this species from closely related species of same genus and family.

12 illus, 7 tables, 36 ref

018139   Sharma M M;Verma R N;Jamal S M;Batra A;Rao D V (Botany Dep, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302 055) : An anti-asthmatic plant:Tylophora Indica Burm F Merrill. Agric Rev 2012, 33(3), 192-201.

India has been known to have rich diversity of plants since time immemorial. There were various ailments cured with the help of plants. This review has been prepared keeping in mind respiratory disease i.e. asthma, it is characterized by reversible airway obstruction, airway hyper responsiveness and airway inflammation. The goal of this article is to increase the awareness about importance of plants in medical field and prepare a list of plants used for treating asthma with special reference to Tylophora indica.

^iia3 tables, 62 ref

018138   Sharma L;Sharma K K;Sinha A P (Plant Pathology Dep, G.B. Pant Agriculture & Technology Univ, Pantnagar, U.S. Nagar-263 145, Email: drsharmabaim@rediffmail.com) : Potential application of botanicals, essential oils and natural products against Sarocladium oryzae. Ann Pl Prot Sci 2013, 21(2), 109-13.

Inhibition of radial growth varied significantly with different botanicals/essential oils/natural products, with their concentrations. Of the botanicals, neem at 50% concentration was found most effective in inhibiting radial growth (56.6%), and reduction severity in glass house (49.0%). Essential oils in which, maximum inhiition of radial growth (73.6%), and reduction in disease severity (23.0%) was recorded at 250 ppm with citronella oil. Maximum inhiition of radial growth (30.6%) was recorded with buffalo urine at 50.0% which was followed by cow urine (20.6%). Neem, citronella and cow urine was found superior to other treatments in field conditions giving reduction in disease severity 11.2, 10.1 and 1.3% increase in grain yield/plant, grain yield/plot, 1000-grains weight and reduction in chaffiness as compared to check.

3 illus, 3 table, 10 ref

018137   Sharma K L (Socio-Biology and Behavioural Ecology Research Laboratory, Biosciences, Himachal Pradesh Univ, Shimla-171 005, Email: klsharma@live.com) : Diversity and bioecological studies on forest fauna of short horned grasshopper (Acridoidea: Orthoptera) with pest status in Doon valley of Himachal Pradesh. Indian J Ecol 2012, 39(2), 295-7.

Diversity and bio-ecological studies on forest fauna of short horned grasshoppers carried out in Doon Valley, during different seasons of the years revealed the presence of 25 species of insects belonging to 23 genera, 2 families. Further, revealed that Acrididae, represented by 21 (84%) species, spread over 19 (83%) genera and 8 subfamilies and Pyrgomorphidae represents only 4 (16%) species belonging 4 (17%) genera. Analysis of different subfamilies of family Acrididae showed that Oedipodinae constituted around 6 (29%) species followed by, Acridinae and Eyprepocnemidinae 4 (19%) species and Oxynae and Catantopinae 2 (9%) species each one. Moreover, subfamilies Truxalinae, Gomphocerinae and Hemiacridinae were represented by a single species each. In the present scenario, 117(68%) species are pest of different crops, garden plant and forest plantation. Further revealed that maximum (41%) species were minor pests, followed by moderate and major pest (29.5%). Some important plants like peach, plum, Mango, Ber, fig, guava, melons, papaya, paddy, wheat, sugarcane, potatoes and various citrus plants, garden plants, ornamental plants etc. were damaged. Present studies further revealed that Acrida exaltata, Phlaeoba infumata, Aiolopus thalassinus tamulus, Gastrimargus africanus africanus, Oxya fuscovittata, Poikilocerus pictus etc. were found in the different forest, garden and other plantation.

1 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

018136   Sethi S;Om Prakash;Chandra M;Punetha H;Pant A K (Chemistry Dep, College of Basic Science and Humanities, GBPUA & T, Pantnagar-283 145, Email: oporgchem@gmail.com) : Antifungal activity of essential oils of some Ocimum species collected from different locations of Uttarakhand. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2013, 4(4), 392-7.

Essential oils of different species of Ocimum L. (Lamiaceae) collected from different locations of Uttarakhand were studied for their antifungal activity against a plant pathogenic fungus, Rhizoctonia solani by disc diffusion method and their MIC (Minimum inhibitory concentration) was calculated by broth microdilution method. Essential oils of all the eight accessions exhibited different degree of antifungal activity against the tested fungus. The essential oil of Ocimum basilicum L. (Lemon basil) exhibited maximum inhibitory effect with MIC of 31. 25 μg/mL. However, Ocimum sanctum L. (Sri tulsi) and Ocimum gratissimum L. (Clove basil) exhibited strong inhibitory effects with the MIC of 62.5 μg/mL. In contrast Ocimum kilimandscharicum Guerke (Camphor basil), Ocimum sanctum L. (Krishna tulsi), Ocimum basilicum L. (Van tulsi) exhibited moderate inhibitory effect with the MIC of 125-250 μg/mL. The weakest antifungal activity was exhibited by the O. sanctum (Shri Tulsi) and O. americanum L. (Spice basil) with MIC of 500 μg/mL. It can be concluded from this study that the essential oils of different Ocimum species can be used as a potent natural antifungal agents.

2 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

018135   Sahu S C;Pattnaik S K;Dash S S;Dhal N K (Centre for Sustainable Technology, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka, Email: sudam_rrl@yahoo.co.in) : Fibre-yielding plant resources of Odisha and traditional fibre preparation knowledge - an overview. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2013, 4(4), 339-47.

Paper enumerates a brief overview of 26 different uses of 146 plant species belonging to 98 genera and 40 families in the state Odisha. A few case studies were carried out on some promising species to explore the traditional methods of fibre extraction and their various uses. The data mainly based on field surveys and ethnobotanical information collection through open ended/structured/Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methods. This account not only provides valuable information on the untapped wealth of fibre genetic resources in Odisha but also creates an ample scope for cultivation and commercialization of few promising species.

2 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

018134   Rathi R S;Roy S;Misra A K;Singh S K (NO, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR-ICAR), Regional Station, Umiam-793 103, Email: ranbirsinghrathi@gmail.com) : Ethnobotanical notes on Houttuynia cordata Thunb. in north-eastern region of India. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2013, 4(4), 432-5.

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (Family-Saururaceae) is an ethnobotanically important plant of North eastern region of India. It is a potential source of antioxidants and used extensively in treating number of diseases such as cancer, coronary heart disease, diabetes, severe acute respiratory syndrome, blood deficiency, dysentery, etc. This herb is sensitive to severe cold and remains dormant during winter and propagated through rhizomes. It is a good soil binder due to spreading nature of roots and leaves. The herb is generally collected from wild and occasionally cultivated as homestead plant. This has resulted great pressure on the populations occurring in the natural habitats and the plant has become endangered in many parts of North-east India. This calls for sustainable management and conservation of wild and cultivated resources of H. cordata.

3 illus, 26 ref

018133   Ramachandran V S;Udhayavani C (Taxonomic and Floristic Laboratory, Botany Dep, Bharathiar Univ, Coimbatore-641 046, Email: vsrbotbu@gmail.com) : Knowledge and uses of wild edible plants by Paniyas and Kurumbas of western Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2013, 4(4), 412-18.

Ethnobotanical study on wild edible plants was carried out from January 2010 to June 2011 in two talukas of Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. Information on edible plants was gathered from the ethnic community of "Paniyas and Kurumbas". Plant specimens were collected and identified along with their ethnobotanical uses. A total of 123 ethnobotanical species were collected in which 72 are wild edible plants belonging to 37 families. Out of these, 56 species were collected from wild and 16 species from semi wild/cultivated places. The life forms include 24 species of trees which makes up the higher proportion of the edibles followed by herbs (22), shrubs (14) and climbers (11). The dominant families which are used by the tribals are Solanaceae (7 species), Amaranthaceae and Euphorbiaceae (5 species each), Myrtaceae and Rutaceae (4 species each). The plants widely used by this tribal community are eaten as raw or boiled, fried, sometimes consumed as pickles and also as flavour. Present study highlights the new ethnobotanical uses of the plants used by the tribals of Western Nilgiris.

1 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

018132   Qadri H;Iqbal A M;Nehvi F A;Arshid A (Genetics and Plant Breeding Dep, C.C.S. Univ, Meerut) : Medical and pharmacological properties of saffron (Crocus sativus L.). Adv Life Sci 2012, 1(1), 5-9.

Crocus sativus Linn (family: Iridaceae), 'The Golden Spice' is the most fascinating and intriguing plant species. There are different chemical components present in the stigma of the saffron plant. These chemical components include carbohydrates, minerals, mucilage, vitamins such as riboflavin and thiamine, color pigments such as crocin, anthocyanin, acarotene, a-carotene lycopene, zeaxanthin and aromatic terpenic essence called "safranal" and flavoring substances such as picrocrocin. Crocin (C44 H64 O24) is the most influential chemical in the coloring of saffron. Other than crocin, saffron is also made up of free aglycone crocin and a small number of anthocyanin pigments. Medicinally, saffron has a long history as part of traditional healing; modern medicine has also discovered saffron as having anticarcinogenic (cancer-suppressing), anti-mutagenic (mutation-preventing), immuno-modulating, and antioxidant-like properties. Saffron has been reported to help lower cholesterol and keep cholesterol levels healthy. Animal studies have shown saffron to lower cholesterol by as much as 50%. Saffron has antioxidant properties and is, therefore, helpful in maintaining healthy arteries and blood vessels. Saffron is also known to have antiinflammatory properties, which are beneficial to cardiovascular health.

018131   Pusalkar P K;Singh D K (Botanical Survey of India, Northern Regional Centre, 192, Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun-248 195, Email: leeyth@yahoo.com) : Saxifraga lepida Harry Sm. (Saxifragaceae) a new record for Indian flora. Ann For 2013, 21(1), 85-7.

Saxifraga lepida Harry Sm. (Saxifragaceae) is described and illustrated from Uttarakhand (Kumaon) Himalaya as a new record for Indian flora.

1 illus, 5 ref

018130   Otaghvari A M;Salimbahrami M;Fadaie F; Kazemitabar S K;Uniyal P L (Biology Dep, Mazandaran Univ, Babolsar, Iran, Email: Botany1347@gmail.com) : Morphometric study of Equisetum L. in Northern Iran. Ann For 2013, 21(1), 37-47.

Equisetum is one of the most valuable medicinal and forage plants in the North of Iran which mostly grows in moist and shady parts of forested sites from sea level to 1400 m. Four species of the genus Equisetum arvense L., E. palustre L., E. ramosissimum Desf., and E. telmateia Ehrh occur in Iran. Present study deals with the morphometric features of Equisetum in North of Iran. The study investigates the genetic diversity within and between them. We collected 20 populations of Equisetum and evaluated 54 qualitative and quantitative features and these were statistically analyzed by SPSS-Ver. 16 software. The obtained results from WARD cluster analysis method have shown two main clusters. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) of quantitative features was conducted to determine the presence of any significant difference between the populations of species. Analysis of factors was conducted based on PCA in order to identify the most changing morphological features among different species and populations. Generally, about 80% of dispersion was observed between horsetails in the North of Iran. Besides, the borders between species are separated clearly. It seems that the morphological diversity in populations of this genus has a high level of correspondence with ecological, climate, and edapchic factors of these regions.

4 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

018129   Nanda A;Prakasha H M;Murthy Y L K;Suresh H S (PG Studies and Research in Applied Botany Dep, Bioscience Complex, Biodiversity Research Lab, Jnana Sahyadri, Kuvempu, Shankaraghatta, Shimoga-577 451, Email: nandabotany@gmail.com) : Leaf, flower and fruit bud phenology in canopy and under storey trees of a tropical dry deciduous forest, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka, South India. Ann For 2013, 21(1), 48-58.

Describes phenology of leaf bud, flower and fruit bud of canopy and under storey trees in a dry deciduous forest of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary during June 2004 to May 2006. We determined the timing of the phenology cycles in relation to seasonal rainfall and temperature. Regression analysis was used to examine how variations in rainfall and temperature influenced deviations in the peaks and troughs of phenology cycles. We also investigated the seasonality of various phenophases in canopy and under storey trees.

4 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

018128   Mathur M;Vyas G (NO, Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur-342 003, Email: ravi_mm2099@yahoo.com) : Role of nanoparticles for production of smart herbal drug - an overview. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2013, 4(4), 129-38.

Development of novel herbal delivery system is of considerable importance to overcome various constraints like poor bioavailability, in vivo stability, aqueous insolubility, intestinal absorption and unspecific site of action. In last one decade many novel carriers such as liposome, nanoparticles, phyto-complex have been reported for successful modified delivery of various herbal drugs like paclitaxel, curcumin, quercetin, Ginkgo bioloba L., etc. The objective of this review article is to summarize role of nanoparticles for production of smart herbal drugs. Fifteen herbal plant/plant parts/ product have been reviewed along with information regarding botanical identity, active ingredient, mechanism of pharmacological activities, drawbacks related with traditional dose, method of their nano-particle production, mode of action of nano-carriers and their efficacy.

114 ref

018127   Linthoingambi W;Asem S D;Singh M S;Laitonjam W S (Life Sciences Dep, Manipur Univ, Canchipur, Imphal-795 003, Email: warjeet@yahoo.com) : Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of different solvent extracts of the rhizomes of Curcuma leucorrhiza Roxb.. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2013, 4(4), 175-9.

Present investigation was conducted to examine the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of different solvent extracts of the rhizome of Curcuma leucorrhiza Roxb. against four human pathogenic bacterial strains and four plant pathogenic fungal strains. The chloroform extract showed the highest scavenging property while the petroleum ether extract showed the highest antibacterial and antifungal activities. For all extracts, the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were higher than the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs).

1 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

018126   Krishnamurthy S R;Sarala P (Applied Botany Dep, Kuvempu Univ, Jnana Sahyadri, Shankaraghatta-577 451, Email: kmourthy@indiatimes.com) : Phytochemical studies of Artocarpus gomezianus Wall. ex Trecul. var. Lakoocha Roxb. fruits collected from various altitudes of central western ghats. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2013, 4(4), 398-41.

Fruits of Artocarpus gomezianus Wall. ex Trecul. var. lakoocha Roxb. were collected from different altitudes of Central Western Ghats which differ in their topography, vegetation, social, cultural and food habits of the local people. The screenings of secondary metabolites revealed presence of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, steroids and saponins in the fruit samples of all the regions. The quantitative determination of secondary metabolites shown that the alkaloids were dominant at all the sampling stations followed by lignin, phenols, flavonoids, tannins and steroids. However, the amount of steroids and tannins were same at all the sampling stations except at higher altitudes where tannins are least. There was a shifting among the flavonoids and phenols in the middle lower and middle higher altitudes. Though alkaloids were dominant secondary metabolites and steroids were the lowest, with respect to concentrations of individual alkaloids, remarkable variations were observed. Among the six secondary metabolites, the concentration of steroids, tannins and phenols were high at the lower and higher altitudes and low in middle altitudes. In contrast to phenols, tannins and steroids, the concentration of flavonoids was more in the middle and lower in higher altitudes and lowest in higher and lower altitudes. The concentration of alkaloids and lignin did not show any relationship with variation in altitudes. The quantitative values of secondary metabolites are subjected for correction studies with reference to different altitudes, average rainfall and temperature. The +ve and -ve correction at 0.01 and 0.05 level is emphasized. The simple correlation coefficient between weather data and secondary metabolites revealed significant information. The percentage of secondary metabolites showed P ≤ 0.01 level significance with altitudes at all the stations except a few sites. The qualitative separation of secondary metabolites by thin layer chromatography method revealed that alkaloids, flavonoids and glycosides have three distinct spots with different hRf values. Steroids revealed two spots and saponins revealed one spots along with different hRf values.

6 tables, 39 ref

018125   Jain D;Rana S (Botany and Zoology Dep, S.D. College, Ambala Cantt-133 043, Email: divyajainsdc@gmail.com) : Population indices and habitat association of Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) in Haryana using line transect and call count method. Indian J Anim Res 2013, 47(2), 152-5.

Indian Peafowl is becoming locally extinct from several parts of its former range due to habitat conversion, changing cropping pattern, poaching and pesticide use. Due to limited detailed study on population indices of Indian Peafowl, there is no exact estimate of population density of surviving population of Indian Peafowl in the country. The aim of The study was to know the population indices of Indian Peafowl in Ambala, Kurukshetra and Yamuna Nagar districts of Haryana using call count and line transect method. The survey was also conducted to know the various habitat variables which influence the density index of Indian Peafowl. The findings are expected to provide baseline information for developing and adopting management as well as conservation strategies for Indian Peafowl in Haryana state.

1 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

018124   Hussein Hussein J;Yasser O M;Shaheed A I; Abidi A B (Biology Dep, College of Science for Women, Babylon Univ, Babil-Iraq, Email: huss2010feb@yahoo.com) : Effect of accelerated ageing conditions on physiological and biochemical changes of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seeds. Adv Life Sci 2012, 1(1), 20-4.

Sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) seeds were subjected to accelerated ageing treatment for, 3 and 7 days at 45 ±1°C and 100% relative humidity. These artificially aged seeds were compared with control (Unaged seeds) for evaluation of vigour and enzymes activity in seeds. Accelerated ageing of Sunflower 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 increased in moisture content and a decrease in germination percentage, Amadori products and enzymes activity. Germinability was lost completely at 7 days of accelerated ageing. In addition, the reduction in germination percentage there was a decrease in germination speed index and seed vigour index.

018123   Himantharaju R;Reddy H R V;Sivashankar N (Fisheries Environment and Ecology Dep, College of Fisheries, Mangalore, Karnataka, Email: sivareddyn@rediffmail.com) : Seasonal distribution of plant pigments in Thumbe and Sarpadi vented dams of Karnataka state. Indian J Ecol 2012, 39(2), 301-2.

1 illus, 7 ref

018122   Goyal A K;Middha S K;Sen A (Molecular Cytogenetics Laboratory, Botany Dep, North Bengal Univ, Siliguri-734 013, Email: senamab.nbu@hotmail.com) : Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C. Wendl. var. vittata Riviere & C. riviere leaves attenuate oxidative stress - an in vitro biochemical assay. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2013, 4(4), 436-40.

Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J. C. Wendl. var. vittata Riviere & C. Riviere (BVV) leaves are consumed as food and have antimicrobial activity. Positive health effect of its consumption is attributed to the bioactive substances. In the present study, the influence of BVV antioxidants on oxidative stress that can be used as an alternative option has been studied. The total phenol and flavonoids content in the aqueous and acetone extract were determined by calorimetric assay, as well as their antioxidant activity through various chemical assays like, DPPH radical, Hydrogen peroxide scavenging and reducing power assay. Both the aqueous and acetone extracts displayed their antioxidantactivity in a dose dependent manner by scavenging hydrogen peroxide and DPPH radical. The total phenolic and total flavonoids compounds in both aqueous and acetone extract were 345.910.071 and 325.630.051 mg GAE/g of dry extract and 289.20.05 and 179.20.002 mg quercetin/g of dry extract, respectively. This may be the first report to provide evidence that the crude aqueous and acetone extract of Bambusa vulgaris var. vittata leaf is a potential source of natural antioxidants.

3 illus, 31 ref

018121   Dad J M;Khan A B (Ecology and environmental Sciences Dep, Pondicherry University, Pondicherry-605 014, Email: anisabasheer@yahoo.co.in) : Assessment of conservation status of five threatened Medicinal Plants at high altitude grassland in Bandipora Kashmir. Med Pl 2013, 5(1), 47-51.

A high altitude grassland - Mantri Gali (34°30' -36° N lat. and 74° 46'-55' E long.; Alt. 2980-3650 mts.) at Bandipora Kashmir was studied to determine the conservation status of five threatened medicinal plants viz. Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Heracleum candicans, Podophyllum hexandrum, Polygonatum verticil/atum and Rheum webbianum. Sampling was done between May-October, 2009-2011. Based on variation in environmental (elevation, slope, altitude, topography) and community attributes (habitat, vegetation type and plant community structure), four sites in four different habitat types viz. open meadow, lower grassy slopes, higher grassy slopes and higher rocky slopes were selected. Of the assessed species P hexandrum was more frequent and present on all sites while the other species were less frequent with a low density and were restricted to either one or other site. Highest frequency (20.71%) and density (1.5 ind./m²) were recorded for P hexandrum while D. hatagirea showed lowest frequency (0.71%) and density (0.02 ind./m²). The species preferred higher grassy slope while open meadow was colonized by many poisonous and weedy species. Based on our study, we suggest that although several conservation approaches are in place but these need to be strengthened and made flexible enough to accommodate the local communities and users, incorporating their issues and interests.

4 tables, 23 ref

018120   D'Souza M A;Hiremath K G (Botany Dep, Dhempe College of Arts & Science, Miramar, Goa-403 002, Email: majorina1@rediffmail.com) : Composition and tissue specificity of endophytic fungi associated with Nothapodytes nimmoniana (J.Graham) Mabberly from the Western Ghats of India. Med Pl 2013, 5(1), 27-33.

Western Ghats in India is one of the global biodiversity hot spots of the world. The objective of this study was to isolate, recognize the composition and tissue specificity of endophytic mycobiota in healthy disease free parts of an important anticancer medicinal plant, Nothapodytes nimmoniana (1. Graham) Mabberly from the forest in Amboli. Different plant parts (fresh disease free stem, leaves, leaf petiole, flowers and pedicel) were subjected to `3-step surface sterilization' technique which resulted in the recovery of 192 isolates of fungi from 280 segments comprising 80 stem tissues, 120 leafy tissues, 40 leaf petiole tissues, 20 flower tissues and 20 pedicel issues segments, with infection rates of 56.25, 62.5, 50, 180 and 80 percent, respectively. The most frequent fungi were Cladosporium oxysporum, Corynespora sp., Fusarium monoliforme, one unidentified pycnidial fungus and two non sporulating mycelia (NSM I and 2). The composition and abundance of the endophytes varied according to the host tissues tested and was found to be dependent on the tissue type. Some fungi were specific to the various parts/tissues of the plant. They were segregated on the basis of their occurrence viz; leaf (midrib, margin, laminar), stem (outer bark, middle cortical and innermost core region), petiole, flower and pedicel.

1 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

018119   Bohra P;Waman A A;Sathyanarayana B N;Umesha K (Horticulture Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, GKVK Campus, Bengaluru-560 065, Email: poojabohra24@gmail.com) : Preliminary assessment of intra-clonal variability in Indian banana varieties for sucker production. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2013, 4(4), 387-91.

Banana, the plant of virtues, is known for its multifaceted uses. Suckers, apart from being used for propagation, are known to have special significance during various religious ceremonies in India. Also, in the absence of commercially viable tissue culture protocols, vegetative propagation through suckers is the only option for conserving and multiplying the native banana varieties. Efforts were thus made to assess the variability amongst two native-export suited varieties and their clones for sucker production. Of the 24 and 37 lines of 'Nanjanagud Rasabale' and 'Elakki Bale' studied, five and nine lines, respectively were found to be promising in terms of their sucker production capacity. Maximum numbers of suckers were produced in the plants during 8 to 10 months of age; thus, farmers may adjust the planting timing so as to get maximum suckers for selling either as planting material or for other uses. This could be a boon for many farmers even in the condition of accidental crop loss due to various biotic or abiotic factors. Further, it may serve as an impetus for export of these varieties.

4 tables, 11 ref

018118   Bhalerao B M;Vishwakarma K S;Maheshwari V L (Biochemistry Dep, School of Life Sciences, North Maharashtra Univ, Jalgaon-425 001, Email: vlmaheswari@rediffmail.com) : Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex Hoof. f. & Thoms.-plant tissue culture and comparative chemo-profiling study as a function of different suppporting trees. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2013, 4(4), 380-6.

Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex Hook. f. & Thoms., family Menispermaceae is an important medicinal plant, grows as a climber on various trees. In callus induction studies from leaf explants, the best results were obtained with 2, 4-D alone or in combination with kinetin. The calli thus obtained grew in size with time in culture medium but failed to differentiate. Shoot induction from nodal explants was best achieved on Murashige and Skoog basal medium with kinetin (8 μM) or kinetin and BAP in combination (12 and 2 μM, respectively). Rhizogenesis on regenerated shoots was induced by transferring them into medium fortified with NAA at 8 μM concentration. As per Ayurveda, the plant growing with physical support of Azadirachta indica A. Juss., (Neem) is medicinally more potent. In comparative chemical fingerprinting analyses of T. cordifolia growing with support of four different trees, viz. A. indica A. Juss., Butea monosperma (Lam.) Kuntze, Acacia leucophloea Willd., Prosopis juliflora DC, from the identical geo-climatic conditions, the ethanolic stem extracts showed identical band pattern/spectra in TLC, HPTLC, IR and UV spectroscopy. However, in IR and HPTLC analyses an additional minor peak/band at wave number 1271.08 and at Rf. 0. 97, respectively was seen in the extract of plant growing with the support of neem tree.

3 illus, 5 tables, 14 ref

018117   Ben C P;Remya K P;Paul Z M (Centre for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Botany Dep, Nesamony Memorial Christian College, Marthandam-629 165, Email: ben.christal@gmail.com) : Antimicrobial efficacy of a traditionally important medicinal plant-Tiliacora acuminata (Lam.) Hook. F.. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2013, 4(4), 358-62.

Present investigation was aimed to screen the antimicrobial potential of Tiliacora acuminata (Lam.) Hook. f. against various human bacterial and fungal pathogens. Antimicrobial efficacy was performed by disc diffusion method against the bacterial pathogens, viz. Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus incubated for 24 h at 37° C as well as the isolates of fungal pathogens, Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus, Rhizopus oxysporum and Candida albicans. All the extracts of the plant, viz. acetone, chloroform, petroleum ether and distilled water, studied in the present investigation exhibited varying degree of inhibitory effect against the selected human pathogens. Further it is revealed that the activity was significant in acetone and chloroform extracts. Proteus mirabilis (fungus) and Aspergillus terreus (bacterium) forms the most susceptible microbial strains. Hence, T. acuminata forms a potentially good source of antimicrobial agent and demonstrates the importance of such plant in medicinal systems for curing various ailments.

2 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

018116   Awasthi N;Khan K;Sahu A;Singh A K (NO, Chandra Shekhar Azad Agriculture & Technology Univ, KVK Daleep Nagar, Kanpur) : Neem (Azadirachta indica)-a devine medicine. Adv Life Sci 2012, 1(1), 10-2.

Neem touches the daily life of almost every Indian, from the poorest peasant who snaps off a twig to use as a toothbrush, to wealthier individuals who purchase manufactured neem based toothbrushes, soaps and medicines. It is considered to be a very valuable herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Neem is one of the best known bitter tonic that helps detoxification and improves immune system. It has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and work excellently in skin disorders and liver problems. The neem formulations are useful in arthritis blood-purifies and detoxifies bronchitis, cough, diabetes, drowsiness, eczema, fever, jaundice, leucorrhea, malaria, nausea, obesity, parasites, rheumatism, skin disease, syphills, thirst, tumors, vomiting, worms.

018115   Arun Kumar;Gularia R;Bhardwaj A (Botany Dep, Abhilashi Institute of Life Sciences, New Chowk, Distt. Mandi-175 008, Email: arun.jatropha@gmail.com) : Antibacterial screening of Ficus palmata Forsk. pure latex and its methanolic and ethanolic extracts. Indian J nat Prod Resour 2013, 4(4), 371-4.

Antibacterial activity of various extracts of the latex of Ficus palmata Forsk. was studied against two bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) using disc diffusion method. Methanolic extract of latex showed significant antibacterial activity against both the test organisms. The zone of inhibition by latex was found to be significantly higher than the zone of inhibition shown by tetracycline. The magnitude of antibacterial activity of latex and its extracts found to be more against Escherichia coli (Gram-negative bacterium) as compared to Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacterium).

1 table, 14 ref

017217   Yumnam J Y;Tripathi O P (Forestry Dep, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, Nirjuli-791 109, Email: jimmyyumnam@yahoo.co.in) : Unique way of using washcloth dyed with bixin by the meiteis of Manipur. Curr Sci 2012, 102(12), 1621.

^ssc1 illus, 10 ref

017216   Singh G;Rai I D;Rawat G S (Habitat Ecology Dep, Post Box <35> 18, Chandrabani, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun-248 001, Email: gajendrawat@yahoo.com) : Mortality of banj oak(Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus) trees in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand: is it an alarming call for rapid degradation?. Curr Sci 2012, 102(12), 1622-3.

1 illus, 2 ref

017215   Shiney E;Reginald;Wilsy J I (Botany and Research Centre Dep, Scott Christian College, Nagercoil-3) : Antibacterial activity of marine macro algae Hypnea cervicornis (Rhodophyceae) collected from Chagkumugam coastal region. J Pl Dev Sci 2014, 6(1), 1-5.

To evaluate the antibacterial activity of Organic solvent extracts from marine macro algae Hypnea cervicornis (Rhodophyceae) against the eight pathogenic bacterial strains. The antibacterial activities of methanol, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts were tested against various organisms Eschercia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella sps, Pseudomonous aeruginosa, Spreptococcus sps, Enterobacter sp and Neisseria sp. by using disk diffusion method. The highest antibacterial activity (15.13±0.15mm) was showed by the methanol extract of Hypnea cervicornis against Streptococcus sp and the lowest activity (7.23±0.25mm) was observed in the methanol extract of Hypnea cervicornis against Proteus vulgaris. The aqueous extract of Hypnea cervicornis was resistant to all bacterial strains.

2 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

017214   Shalaby E A;Shanab S M M (Biochemistry Dep, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo Univ, Giza, Egypt-12613, Email: dremad2009@yahoo.com) : Comparison of DPPH and ABTS assays for determining antioxidant potential of water and methanol extracts of Spirulina platensis. Indian J Geomar Sci 2013, 42(5), 556-64.

Present research was to evaluate and compare the antiradical and antioxidant activities of extracts from Spirulina platensis. In The study, three extracts (Water, absolute methanol and 50% methanol in water) were analyzed for the total phenolic compounds, phycobiliprotein content: Antiradical and antioxidant activities were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging methods at 100 and 200 μg/mL. Results revealed that, absolute methanol extract recorded the highest number of antiradical units 1 mg extract followed in descending order by that of water while the lowest number was that of aqueous methanol (against DPPH and ABTS radical methods) and these correlated with chemical constituents of extract from phenolic and phycobiliprotein compounds. It is elucidated that selection of the cyanobacterium (Spirulina platensis) very important for consumer's health, as it is considered as potential sources of dietary antioxidants.

3 illus, 13 tables, 28 ref