015189   Bhattacharya M (Botany Dep, Kalimpong College, Rishi Bankim Chandra Park, Kalimpong-734 301, Email: malaykpgc@gmail.com) : Unwanted ground vegetation?. Curr Sci 2012, 102(5), 660.

015188   Bhatnagar S;Sachan S N;Sharma N (Botany Dep, D.A.V. (P.G.) College, Dehra Dun-248 001) : Biodeterioration of the historical monuments of Doon valley with special reference to angiosperm diversity. Indian J For 2011, 34(2), 191-6.

Angiosperms are one of the most important biodeteriogens that grow on old building of historical and religious importance and cause biophysical and biochemical decay. During these study angiosperms caused biodeterioration to the historical monuments of Doon valley was studied. This study was conducted on two monuments of Doon valley i.e. Darbar Sahib and Tapkeshwar Temple. The study was conducted in various seasons i.e. rainy, winter and summer. A total number of twenty-four angiosperms were collected from Darbar Sahib and thirty-six from Tapkeshwar Temple. Maximum number of genera was collected during rainy season from both the monuments in which genera of Asteraceae, Scrophulariaceae and Poaceae were more common.

4 tables, 9 ref

015187   Benny S;Devi Prasad A G (Studies in Environmental Scienc Dep, Mysore Univ, Manasagangotri, Mysore-570 006, Email: envimys2009@yahoo.com) : Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in Bathery taluk of Wayanad, Kerala, India. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2011, 13(4), 685-94.

Studies were carried out to investigate the ethno botanical profile of four major tribal groups namely Kurichia, Kuruma, Kattunaika and Paniya of Bathery taluk of Wayanad district, Kerala. 52 medicinal plant species belonging to 35 families are used for different types of diseases like wound, ear pain, tooth ache, skin diseases dysentery, urinary troubles diabetics, animal bite, bone fracture, abortion, post delivery problems, menstrual problems and some veterinary diseases like mastitis, maggot wound and decreased milk production were recorded during the survey. The precious ethno botanical knowledge is disappearing very fast, so this study could be helpful in conserving the precious knowledge. To present the results of ethnobotanical field survey of Bathery taluk, Wayanad District, Kerala and to aware the people about their conservation and to awaken the researchers to discover new plant medicines. Direct interviews with traditional medical practitioners, collection of data, collection of plant specimens, preparation of herbariums, identification of plants with the help of experts, plant photo album preparation and documentation of data related to therapeutic use,method of preparation of medicines etc. The results showed that Kuruma tribe dominates in traditional medicinal practices followed by Kattunaika, Kurichia and Paniya. The study presents information on the ethnobotanical uses of 50 species of plants belonging to 50 genera and 33 families. Among the 50 tribal remedies 22 remedies are reported for the first time in Kerala. In the present study we have documented Amorphophallus paeonifolius Var. Paeonifolius (Piles) and Nothapodytes nimmonia. (Sprain) are vulnerable, Pterospermum rubiginosum Rheumatism) and Rawlfia serpentina (Abdominal pain) are endemic. Raphidophom pertusa (Abdominal pain) is a threatened plant species. These plants are extensively used for the preparation of medicines for various common ailments in this area. As a result of the present study, we recommend the plants listed in Table 1 for further phytochemical analysis and ethnopharmacological studies especially Amorphophallus paeonifolius Var. Paeonifolius, Nothapodytes nimmonia, Pterospermum rubiginosum, Rauvolfia serpentine and Raphidophora pertusa.

4 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

015186   Babar S;Amarnath G;Reddy C S;Jentsch A; Sudhakar S (NO, National Remote Sensing Centre, Hyderabad-500 037, Email: a.giriraj@cgiar.org) : Species distribution models: ecological explanation and prediction of an endemic and endangered plant species (Pterocarpus santalinus L.f.). Curr Sci 2012, 102(8), 1157-65.

Pterocarpus santalinus L.f. (Red Sanders) is an endemic and endangered species largely confined to the southern portion of the Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh, India. To understand its ecological and geographic distribution, we used ecological niche modelling (ENM) based on field sample-based distributional information, in relation to climatic and topographic datasets. Before modelling, hierarchical partitioning was used to optimize the choice of variables for better prediction and reliability. Authors used three ENM approches, namely GARP, Maxent and BIOCLIM for predicting potential areas of occurrence. The ENM successfully reconstructed key features of the species geographic distribution, mainly in the forest tracts of Chittoor and Kadapa districts. GARP appeared to be more robust in prediction capabilities compared to BIOCLIM. The potential distributional area identified by these models falls mainly in regions not protected and experiencing high anthropogenic pressure owing to economic and medicinal use. The success of this model indicates that ENM-based approaches provide a promising tool for exploring various scenarios useful in the study of ecology, biogeography and conservation.

7 illus, 1 table, 45 ref

015185   Andrianjafinandrasana S N;Andrianoelisoa H S; Jeanson M L;Ramonta I R;Danthu P (Biologie et Ecologie Vegetales Dep, Antananarivo Univ, Faculte des Sciences, BP906, Antananarivo, Madagascar, Email: ritinaval@yahoo.fr) : Allelopathic effects of volatile compounds of essential oil from Ravensara aromatica sonnerat chemotypes. Allelopathy J 2013, 31(2), 333-44.

The chemical compositions of three chemotypes of Ravensara aromatica Sonn. (Lauraceae) leaf essential oils (EOs) was determined by GC and GC/MS. One chemotype rich in aromatic components (methyl chavicol) and two chemotypes rich in terpenic components (limonene and sabinene as main compounds, respectively) were identified. The three chemotypes were inhibitory to germination and phytotoxic to seedlings of rice (Oryza sativa), garden cress (Lepidium sativum) and greengram (Vigna radiata). Germination inhibition and phytotoxicity varied significantly among the chemotypes. The limonene chemotype was least herbicidal and the sabinene chemotype was most toxic to rice and cress seedlings. The chemotype rich in methyl chavicol was most inhibitory to germination of greengram and rice. Rice proved most resistant to allelopathic effects of test essential oils than two dicotyledons (Green gram, garden cress). The potential use of essential oils of R. aromatica as a bioherbicide is discussed.

4 illus, 40 ref

013980   Zampieri E;Mello A (Scienze della Vita e Biologia Dep, Sistemi dell Torino Univ, Viale Mattioli 25, 10125, Email: a.mello@ipp.cnr.it) : Unraveled truffle secrets. Mushroom Res 2012, 21(1), 1-9.

Truffles, ectomycorrhizal hypogeous fungi living in symbiosis with tree roots, show differences in their organoleptic properties and their geographical distribution. The ecology and the genomics of some truffles were deeply studied in the last years, thanks to the development of species-specific primers, the Tuber melanosporum genome sequencing and the advances in the technologies. Numerous Tuber secrets have been unraveled, but many steps are still required in order to have a complete understanding of the Tuber life cycle, i. e., ascocarp formation.

2 illus, 51 ref

013979   Vijay B;Sharma N;Kamal S (NO, Directorate of Mushroom Research, Solan-713 213, Email: bvijay2@hotmail.com) : Cellulase production by Scytalidium thermophilum and its potential use in rapid composting for Agaricus bisporus. Mushroom Res 2012, 21(1), 83-6.

^ssc2 illus, 22 ref

013978   Tripathi V D (National Research Centre for Agroforestry, , Jhansi, Email: deepakvishva2003@gmail.com) : Traditional knowledge on ethno-medicinal uses prevailing in Garkundar-Dabar watershed area. Flora Fauna 2012, 18(1), 76-80.

The purpose of this study was to document the indiagenous folk knowledge of the inhabitants of the Garkundar-Dabar watershed area, district Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh, India regarding the use of plants for the treatment of various diseases prevalent in the tribal pockets. The herbal healers of this region use plants/ plant parts of their suitable preparation for treating various ailments.

8 ref

013977   Tomar A;Manhas R K;Srivastava R K (Centre for Social Forestry and Eco-rehabilitation, , Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, Email: anitatomar@icfre.org) : Medicinal herb ion studies in Gentiana kurroo Royle-An endangered medicinal herb. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2012, 34(3-4), 168-71.

Gentiana kurroo Royle is a critically endangered medicinal plant of North-Western Himalayas. The roots and rhizome of this plant are valued for their bitter tonic, antiperiodic, expectorant, antibilious, astringent, stomachic, anthelmintic, blood purifying and carminative properties. Mature capsules of G kurroo fruits were collected and observations on morphological parameters were recorded. Seed germination under laboratory conditions commenced from sixth day after sowing and continued up to 28 days. The total germination recorded was 68.0 % of which the maximum germination (25.0 %) was observed in the second week and the minimum germination of 8.0 % occurred in the first week of sowing under laboratory conditions. Seeds sown achieved a peak value of 2.62, mean daily germination of 2.43 %, and germination value 016.36.

1 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

013976   Thakur M P;Ranjan S;Shukla C S;Gupta S B (Plant Pathology Dep, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur-492 006, Email: mp_thakur@yahoo.com) : Effect of biofertilizers on the vegetative growth and yield of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.). Mushroom Res 2012, 21(1), 17-21.

Effect of biofertilizers on spawn run and yield of Pleurotus sapidus, P. florida, P. flabellatus and P. sajor-caju in different years was studied. It was found that none of the biofertilizers promoted the mycelial development and yield of P. sapidus compared to control. Significant difference in yield of P. florida was recorded with different biofertilizers in their different concentrations. The yield of P. florida was significantly high (107.0% BE) in Dehra EM at 0.4% concentration when mushroom beds were sprayed with biofertilizer. On the other hand, the yield of P. flabellatus was significantly high in Dehra EM at 0.6% (71% BE) and 0.2% concentrations (59% BE), while of P. florida in Dehra EM at 0.4% (120.33% BE) on immersion of mushroom beds were immersed in the solution of biofertilizers. Biofertilizer of different concentrations has no significant effect on number of sporophores obtained in P. sajor-caju. On the contrary, the yield of P. sajor-caju was significantly high in Dehra EM at 0.6% (97.30 BE), 0.4% (91% BE) and 0.2% concentrations (69% BE) whereas, it was less at Dehra EM 0.8% concentration.

4 tables, 10 ref

013975   Tantrey M S;Agnihotri R K (Botany Dep, School of Life Sciences, , Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University, Email: shafitantrev@gmail.com) : Reduction in germination and seedling growth of Cicer arietinum L. caused by mercury and cadmium treatments. Flora Fauna 2012, 18(1), 21-6.

The effects of mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) on seed germination, root and shoot length of Cicer arietinum L. grown with or without nitrogen were studied. Seed germination, root length and shoot length were significantly affected by different concentrations (10 and 25 μ mol/l) of cadmium as compared to control. Mercury treatment at 10 and 25 μmol/l concentration also produced toxic effects on seed germination and seedling growth as compared to control. It was concluded that inhibitory effects of mercury treatments were more prominent than cadmium at both concentrations. However application of nitrogen (5 mM/l) some how minimized the effects of Cd and Hg treatment.

2 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

013974   Tagad R N;Pingle S D;Bhoge R H (Botany Dep, Hon. B. J. College, Ale, Tal.-Junnar, Dist-Pune-412 411, Email: tagadrn@rediffmail.com) : Taxonomic diversity of Genus lyngbya, Oscillatoria and Scytonema of cyanophyta in junnar and ambegaon talukas of Pune district (India). Flora Fauna 2012, 18(1), 27-24.

Monthly collection of algal plants from the dams as well as rivers, lakes, puddles, pulls etc. from Junnar and Ambegaon Tehsil was done. The samples were sent to laboratory. Identification was done with the help of Indian monographs and standard literatures. The collected algal forms were preserved in 4% formalin. All algal plants were identified upto genus, species, variety as well as forms level. The flora consisted of taxa belonging to Family Oscillatoriaceae and Scytonemataceae from order Nostocales of class Cyanophyceae. Family Oscillatoriaceae included 02 genera, 31 species while Scytonemataceae included only 01 genus, 06 species; Oscillatoria was more dense in Junnar and Ambegaon tehsils.

37 illus, 17 ref

013973   Swami G;Salvi J;Katewa S S (Botany Dep, Govt. College, Nathdwara, Rajasmand, Email: swami_geeta@yahoo.co.in) : In-vitro antibacterial activity of Fronia Iimonia (Linn.) Swingle. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2012, 34(3-4), 163-7.

This report deals with the comparative assessment of antibacterial activity of leaves, fruit pulp and fruit rind of Feronia Iimonia (Linn.) Swingle (syn. F. elephantum), collected from Southern Aravalli hills of Rajasthan. The antibacterial activity of methnolic and petroleum ether extracts of these plant parts was compared with a standard drug streptomycin. Petroleum ether extract of leaves showed significantly higher antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli with a maximum zone of inhibition of 17.66±0.47 mm. Methanolic extract of fruit pulp and fruit rind of the plant also showed good activity against all the tested bacteria with a zone of inhibition ranged between 10.00 mm to 15.33 mm, being least against Proteus mirabilis.

4 tables, 21 ref

013972   Srivastav S K;Singh A K;ANSARI N A (Botany Dep, M.L.K. (P.G.) College, Balarampur-271 201) : Spot blotch disease of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in Eastern Utter Pradesh. Flora Fauna 2012, 18(1), 51-3.

Spot blotch on barley foliage initiated by end of December and on sheath by end of January. It kept on intensifying till prematurity. Neck and earhead symptoms appeared in March beginning. Isolation from diseased leaves, sheath, neck and earhead invariable yielded Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.). Other fungi isolated were Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler, Drechslera graminea (Rabenh Ex. Schlecht) Shoem and Curvularia lunata (Walker) Boedijin from foliage, A. Alternata from sheath and earhead.

1 table, 8 ref

013971   Sreedhar S;Nitha B;Rema Shree A B (Centre for Medicinal Plants Research (CMPR), , Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, Malappuram- Kerala, Email: remashree@gmail.com) : Antimicrobial activityof stem bark of Combretum lbidum G. Don; a traditional medicinal liana. Int J pharm Sci Res 2013, 4(8), 3184-8.

Traditional knowledge and ethno-botanical use of plants have been widely acknowledged all over the world. In the present scenario, emergence of multiple drug resistance to human pathogenic organisms, this has necessitated a search for new antimicrobial substances from other sources including plants. Combretum albidum, a traditional medicinal liana, used by rural peoples, villagers and tribals residing in different parts of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, to treat various ailments. The Muthuvans, Chinnar tribe of Idukki district, Kerala is using stem bark of this plant as a remedy for Jaundice. The present study carried out to check the antimicrobial activity of water and methanol extracts of stem bark of C. albidum. The result showed significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Salmonella typhimurium.

^iia17 ref

013970   Singh U N;Ratan N (Botany Dep, D.V. Postgraduate College, Orai-285 001) : Phytosociological studies of betwa ravines in Bundelkhand region (U.P.). Flora Fauna 2012, 18(1), 35-40.

To observe the impact of biotic interference a study was carried out at D.V. Postgraduate College, Orai (U.P.). Two sites (protected and unprotected) were selected in ravinous habitat, each was divided into top, middle and bottom. In general protected areas registered higher biodiversity compared to unprotected sites. In the slope of protected areas Prosopis juliflora and Acacia catechu dominated where as ravine bottom was dominated by Holoptelia integrifolia. In case of shrubs, Capparis zeylanica and C. decidua dominated ravine top and slope respectively. Apluda mutica dominated the grass community in ravine slope and bottom. Soil properties were improved in all the location of protected sites. The organic carbon content was increased by nearly two to three folds as compared to unprotected sites due to higher biodiversity and consequently the available NPK, soil moisture and soil pH considerably improved.

2 illus, 4 tables, 11 ref

013969   Singh U B;Kamthan K P (Botany Dep, D.A.V. College, Kanpur-208 001, Email: kpkamthan@gmail.com) : Screening linseed for resistance to wilt. Flora Fauna 2012, 18(1), 54-8.

Wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lini is the most wide spread soil borne disease of linseed (Linum usitatisimum L.). In an attempt to identify new sources of resistance to wilt, 102 varieties/cultivars were evaluated in the infested wilt sick pots to avoid challenges other than Fusarium wilt and chances of escape in field testing methods. Resistant reaction was shown by 16 varieties comprising 13 exotics and 03 indigenous. In all 65 varieties were found susceptible whereas 13 and 08 varieties were moderately resistant and moderately susceptible respectively. This evaluation may help to use sources of disease resistance in linseed breeding programme.

1 table, 9 ref

013968   Singh R P;Mishra K K;Verma R C;Pachauri V (NO, Mushroom Research and Training Centre, GBPUA&T, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: mishrakkpatho@yahoo.com) : Medicinally important terpenoids of Ganoderma lucidum from Uttarakhand, India. Mushroom Res 2012, 21(1), 79-81.

^ssc3 tables, 15 ref

013967   Rather A M;Nawchoo I;Ganie A H;Ganie K A (Economic Botany and Reproductive Biology Research Laboratory, Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar-190 006, Email: abd.bot@gmail.com) : Effect of habitat preference and climatic conditions on the flower dynamics of Valeriana jatamansi Jones-a critically endangered medicinal plant of Kashmir Himalaya. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2012, 34(1-2), 53-6.

Valeriana jatamansi Jones syn. Valeriana wallichii, popularly known as Indian valerian, is a critically endangered medicinal plant of North West Himalaya. Valeriana jatamansi is gynodiocious, with bisexual and female plants that grow sympatrically at the same location. These two plant types can be segregated only during flowering phase as flowering axis is seasonal. V jatamansi is highly adaptable to environmental, habitat and growth developmental changes that is reflected in the leaf shape and flower dynamics. The plant delimits the fatal effects of temperature by adapting to a unique pollination mechanism to facilitate survival. Three factors have been observed to play a role in inducing this unique pollination mechanism. This is either induced due to adaptation to basic climate or due to shift from hermaphrodiotism to dioecy or there may be genetic control. During the present investigation we have assessed the various factors that influence the reproductive cycle and habitat adaptability of this medicinal herb.

1 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

013966   Pradhan D;Ojha V;Pandey A K (NO, TRS College, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh) : Phytochemical analysis of Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex Hook. F. & Thoms stem of varied thickness. Int J pharm Sci Res 2013, 4(8), 3051-6.

Tinospora cordifolia(Giloe/Guduchi) belonging to the family menispermaceae, is a large extensively spreading glabrous, perennial deciduous twiner with succulent stems and papery bark. It is widely used in Ayurvedic system of medicine "Rasayanas" to the immune system and the body resistance against infections. In modern T. cordifolia is used for the treatment of general weakness, fever, dyspepsia, dysentery, gonorrhoea, urinary diseases, viral hepatitis and anaemia. The stems of different thickness (diameter) are being used by the pharmaceutical industries for preparation of various herbal formulations without having information about concentration of phytoconstituents. The present study was carried out with the objective to study the variation in phytoconstituents among T. cordifoila stems of varied thickness. T. cordifolia stem of varied diameter, collected from Seoni, Jabalpur and Chhindwara of Madhya Pradesh were analyzed for their phytoconstituents. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenols, flavanoids, alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, steroids, carbohydrate and proteins. Quantitative analysis revealed that all the phytoconstituents increased with the increase in diameter of the stem except alkaloid content. Variation in phytoconstitutents was also found among samples collected from different locations. It can be concluded that stem of larger diameter contains more phytoconstituents and can be used by pharmaceutical industries for making quality products.

^iia27 ref

013965   Pradeep C K;Vrinda K B;Varghese S P (Plant Systematics & Evolutionary Science Div, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram-695 562, Email: drckpradeep@hotmail.com) : Rare Pluteus from Western Ghats of Kerala. Mushroom Res 2012, 21(1), 73-4.

^ssc2 tables, 1 table, 10 ref

013964   Payum T;Das A K;Ramashankar R;Tamuly C; Hazarika M (Botany Dep, J.N College, Pasighat, East Siang District, P.O. Hill-Top-791 103, Email: teminpayum519@gmail.com) : Ethnobotany and antioxidant determination of Phoebe cooperiana fruit-a highly utilized wild fruit in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Int J pharm Sci Res 2013, 4(8), 3196-3201.

The fruit of Phoebe cooperiana U.N Kanjilal ex A. Das is highly priced and one of the most preferred folk food among the Indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh, India. The methanol extract of fruit collected from East Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh, India were evaluated for total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and antioxidant potential. The methanol extract of fruit were subjected to 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydazyl (DPPH) assay for free radical scavenging property and ABTS radical cation scavenging activity to determine antioxidant potential. Folin-Ciocalteu's method for quantification of total phenolic content and colorimetric method for quantification of total flavonoid content were used in the experiment. Ethnobotany, mode of cooking, demand of fruit in the local market and unscientific harvest from forest and resultant threat on the plant is discussed in the paper. The methanol extract contains considerable phenolic (33.93±1.14 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (941.5±5.31 μMRE/g) but no significant correlation between the total content of phenolic and flavonoid and antioxidant potential was found as IC₅₀ value of 94.6±1.35μg/ml was found in ABTS assay and IC₅₀ value of 279±12μg/ml was found in DPPH assay.

^iia23 ref

013963   Pal M;Lalwani A;Chauhan R (Botany and Biotechnology Dep, Sadhu Vaswani College, Bairagarh, Bhopal-562 030, Email: drmalikapal@gmail.com) : Impact of land use pattern on soil myco-flora- a preliminary study. Flora Fauna 2012, 18(1), 41-4.

Preliminary study gives an insight to some aspects of nutrient availability and fungal population of soil but more study is required for the complete characterization of fungal population of manmade micro habitats.

3 tables, 15 ref

013962   Ningombam D S;Singh P K (Ethnobotany and Plant Physiology Lab., Center for Advanced Studies in/, Manipur University, Imphal-795 003, Email: potsangbamk031@gmail.com) : First record of Hypoestes phyllostachya Baker an invasive species from Manipur. Flora Fauna 2012, 18(1), 57-61.

Hypoestes phyllostachya Baker (Acanthaceae) is found naturalized in the hilly districts of Manipur and it is the first ever report for the state flora. This species is also believed that it might be ornamentally introduced, because of its showy variegated leaves but has now become naturalized species displacing native plant communities of the hilly districts and also can become a potent invader in the valley districts. Success may be attributed to their long distance dispersal by humans and mode of reproduction both by vegetative and seed means. Habit, taxonomic description, origin and mode of reproduction were described. Phyto-sociological parameters for the plant were studied. The IVI value is found to be highest Hypoestes phyllostachya (53.986) and minimum in Lantana camara L. (8.447). Co-dominating species are Mikania cordata (28.400) and Eupatorium odoratum (27.550). Adequate preventive measures should be taken at the earliest so as to control the further spread of this species.

1 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

013961   Kispotta A;Srivastava M;Dutta M (Germplasm Evaluation Div, NBPGR, Pusa Campus, New Delhi) : Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2012, 34(1-2), 3-13.

Aloe vera, belonging to the family Liliaceae, originated from Africa. It is now widely found in tropics and introduced in India as an ornamental and medicinal herb. The healing effects of Aloe vera have been recorded throughout the world for thousands of years. More than 300 species are known worldwide and amongst these, Aloe barbadensis Miller has become naturalized in all parts of India. The climate, season, harvesting, processing & storage conditions affect the composition and potential biological activity of the plant components. Aloes are broadly classified into two groups according to their uses; for production of extract as crude drugs and for production of gel for health, cosmetic and nutracuetical purposes. The beneficial properties of Aloe vera are largely attributed to mucopolyssacharides, especially acemannan (an acetylated mannas) present in the inner gel of the leaf. The drug aloe is mainly prepared from the bitter yellow juice of the leaf. The gel is commercially used as "aloe juice" prepared by diluting the gel with water and adding preservatives. This review provides a literature up-date on information on taxonomy, cultivation, processing, chemical profiling, biological activities and current market trends of this wonder herb.

^iia 59 ref

013960   Kaushik V;Parcha V;Khosa R L (NO, S.B.S.P.G.I. of Biomedical Sciences and Research, Balawala, Dehradun) : Evaluation of anti-inflammatory potential of Haldina cordifolia bark extracts. Pharmbit 2009, 20(2), 126-30.

Various extracts (pet ether, chloroform, acetone, methanol & aqueous) of Haldina cordifolia bark at dose of 1 00 mg/kg orally was tested for anti-inflammatory activity in some acute models viz. carrageenan induced and dextran induced paw oedema. Diclofenac sodium at the dose of 1 0 mg/kg was used as standard. Methanol extract showed significant activity (p<60>0.05) compared with the control group in both of these models. Thus the present study indicates that the methanol extract of Haldina cordifolia bark possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity.

2 tables, 9 ref

013959   Karakoti N;Shankhdhar S C;Shankhdhar D (Plant Physiology Dep, College of Basic Sciences Humanities, G.B. Pant University of Agricult, Pantnagar-263 145, Email: dshankhdhar@rediffmail.com) : Role of gibberrelic acid in influencing the phenolic and flavonoid contents in Withania somnifera (L.) dunal plants. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2012, 34(1-2), 78-83.

An the present investigation attempt has been made to find out the effect of GA₃ on total phenolic, flavonoid, chlorophyll and carotenoid content in plants of two varieties of Withania somnifera (i.e. cv. Poshita and cv. Jawahar 20) after 45, 90 and 135 days of sowing. Seeds were soaked in 50, 75 and 100 ppm GA₃ solution for 24 hours. Data collected after 45, 90 and 135 days of sowing revealed significant increase in total phenols and flavonoids in root, stem and leaves of the GA₃ treated plants. GA₃ at 50 ppm level gave best results in terms of increasing the antioxidant potential of the plants with respect to these biochemical parameters. The roots contain more amounts of these antioxidants than stem and leaves. However, GA₃ treatments were not found effective in altering the carotenoids levels in leaves as compared to control. Total chlorophyll content was however, significantly increased when treated with 50 ppm GA₃ From the study it can be concluded that the roots of Withania somnifera are good source of antioxidant components and cv. Jawahar 20 was a better yielder of flavonoids than cv. Poshita.

4 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

013958   Joseph M;Dniel M (Botany Dep, Faculty of Science, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara-390 002, Email: mdnieluni@gmail.com) : Phytochemical studies on Piper argyrophyllum miq. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2012, 34(1-2), 84-7.

Piper argyrophyllum Miq., a substitute of P. nigrum, was studied for its volatile oil and alkaloid profiles in the fruits. Phenolics of the fruit, leaves and stem tissues were also analyzed. The volatile oil amounted to 0.333% with 9.3% selinane as the major component along with ledol (6.4%), (-)a-caryophyllene oxide (5.5%), a-humulene (4.9%), a-farnesene (4.7%), linalool (3.9%), caryophyllene (2.7%) and a-caryophyllene (2.5%). The total number of alkaloids were 15 of which only piperine could be identified. Only leaves contained appreciable amount of the flavone acacetin. All the parts contained phenolic acids like vanillic and syringic acids.

1 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

013957   Hem Lata;Sharma S R (NO, Directorate of Mushroom Research, Chambaghat, Solan, Himachal Pradesh-173 213, Email: dimple50@gmail.com) : Evaluation of culture conditions for the vegetative growth of different strains of Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler. Mushroom Res 2012, 21(1), 35-42.

Studies has been carried out to find the most suitable media, temperature, pH, growth regulator and trace element for the vegetative growth of five strains of Lentinula edod.es. Out of 13 solid media evaluated, malt extract agar medium supported the maximum radial growth of all the five strains followed by potato dextrose agar medium. Among 17 broth culture, maximum mycelial dry weight was recorded in Asthana and Hawker's media for all the five strains. Other promising broth cultures were malt extract peptone dextrose and Walksman's broth. Optimum temperature for the growth of all the strains was 20°C and 25°C. With further increase or decrease in temperature there was corresponding decrease in the mycelial growth. Most suitable pH for the growth of strains OE-17, OE-38, OE-142, OE-329 and OE-388 were 7.5, 6.0, 7.5, 7.5 and 5.5-9.5, respectively. Out of four different growth regulators tried, Kinetin at 10 ppm concentration supported the maximum mycelial growth of all the five strains while among the four trace elements tried, the strains OE-17 and OE-388 showed maximum growth at 10 ppm of ammonium molybedate; whereas strains OE-38, OE-142 and OE-329 showed maximum growth at 5 ppm of ammonium molybedate, 10 ppm of Zinc sulphate and 20 ppm of Mnd₂ respectively.

6 tables, 17 ref

013956   Harane S S;Papdiwal P B (Botany Dep, B.A.M. University, Aurangabad-431 004) : Physiology of storage fungi of some medicinal seeds. I. Production of toxic metabolites. Flora Fauna 2012, 18(1), 3-15.

Toxic metabolites of storage fungi of 9 medicinal seeds were investigated. These fungi were Aspergillus carbonarius, A. flavus, A. niger, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium corylophilum, Pythium indigoferae and Rhizopus oryzae. The 8 storage fungi were cultivated in Glucose Nitrate liquid medium and the culture filtrates were assayed for their phytotoxic effects. The culture filtrates caused inhibition of seed germination of medicinal seeds and its radicle and plumule length. On inoculation, it developed necrotic spots on leaf lamina and caused wilting of seedlings in vitro

9 tables, 14 ref

013955   Ghildiyal J C;SADANA G;SANJEEV (NO, PDBHNU Govt. P.G. College, Kotdwara, Garhwal, Uttrakhand) : Ethnomedicinal uses of the plants in the foothills of Garhwal Himalaya. Flora Fauna 2012, 18(1), 17-20.

The present paper deals with ethno- medicinal uses of plants by the local tribals of Gonds in the foothills of Garhwal Himalayas. They use the recorded plants in the 26 different type of diseases. The plants have been with their local name, botanical name, family, preparation of drugs pertaining to cure various diseases.

14 ref

013954   Dey S K;De A;Karmakar S;De P K;Chakraborty S; Samanta A;Mukherjee A (NO, Dr. B.C. Roy College of Pharmacy and AHS, Durgapur) : Ethnobotanical study in a remote district of West Bengal, India. Pharmbit 2009, 20(2), 91-6.

Ethnobotanical study was undertaken to collect and document the indigenous knowledge on the use of medicinal plants in a remote district of West Bengal, India during June 2008 to July 2009. The indigenous knowledge of local tribal people and the native plants used for medicinal purposes were collected through questionnaire and personal interviews during field trips. In this present study, the Purulia district of West Bengal has been undertaken as the areas of research. We went through the rural areas, particularly among the tribal people who still have immense faith bestowed on the curability of herbal medicines. We searched out some of those medicines which are still in use among the rural population and have created a database for further investigation and research to find new leads. The investigation showed that the remote district - Purulia of West Bengal, India is ecologically and climatically favourable for some medicinal plants. Many people in the studied area are still continued to depend on medicinal plants at least for the treatment of primary healthcare. But poverty, ignorance, illiteracy and less communication are major problems in this tribal zone which leaves many medicinal plants undiscovered to the local population. The investigation revealed that, the tribal people of the studied area used 36 species of plants distributed in 34 genera belonging to 27 families to treat various diseases. The documented medicinal plants were mostly used to cure diarrhea, dysentery, poison bites, and stomachache.

3 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

013953   Bhatt N (NO, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, G.B. Pant Agri. & Tech. Pantnagar Univ, Gaina-Aincholi, Pithoragarh-262 530, Email: nirmala_bhatt@rediffmail.com) : Economic implications of a fungus, Cordyceps sinensis on scheduled tribes of high altitudes of Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, India. Mushroom Res 2012, 21(1), 43-7.

Uttrakhand a hill state of India is gifted with a rich mushroom flora that includes one of the rnost valuable medicinal mushrooms Cordyceps sinensis, which parasitizes the larvae of a moth of the genus Hepialus and survives in alpines grasslands of the high altitudes of Himalayas ranging from 3000m-5000m. Tibetans know this fungus as Yartsa Gumbu, (summer grass -winter worm), and locally in Pithoragarh as 'Keera Ghas' (insect herb). Collection and trade of this caterpillar fungus is one of the most important sources of income for scheduled tribes of district Pithoragarh, Uttrakhand. It has tremendous impact on the economy of scheduled tribes and often derives over 70% of their annual cash income from its collection. A family of four to five collects about half to one kilogram C. sinensis and in two to three months period they earn over 1.0-2.0 lakhs or more which is enough to sustain them for rest of the year. Since last few years Cordyceps has been traded very extensively in Dharchula and Munsyari blocks of Pithoragarh, Uttrakhand. The estimated volume of trade in Uttrakhand was 1250-1800 kg/year during last five years from 2004 to 2008. The fungus brought to the market by local gatherers particularly scheduled tribes of high altitudes and sold to agents or brokers in Munsyari and Dharchula which was further forwarded by them to traders comes from Delhi, Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet. Some brokers or traders buy the Cordyceps directly from the gatherers in the villages Chipla, Ralam, Laspa, Burfa, Karschila, Budhi Galja, Chalm, Boin, Bon, Dugtu, Panchachuli, Nampa and Api of high altitudes in Pithoragarh. In fact, there is no organized trade for the product so far. Therefore, price varied at the level of gatherers and brokers in different years from Rs. 0.6 to Rs. 3.50 lakh and Rs. 0.9 to Rs. 5.00 lakh, respectively during the year 2004 to 2008.

3 illus, 2 tables, 15 ref

013952   Barfa R S;Upadhyay A;Trivedi A;Khan N A; Gontia A S (Plant Physiology Dep, JNKVV, Jabalpur-482 002, Email: noor_afshan25@yahoo.com) : Morphological and yield attributing parameters of sixteen isabgol (Plantago ovata Forsk.) genotypes under ecological conditions of Jabalpur district. J med aromatic Pl Sci 2012, 34(3-4), 109-14.

A study was carried out on the morphological and yield attributing parameters in 16 Isabgol genotypes under ecological condition of district Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. The result indicated that genotypic variation existed in yield components of various germplasm. Germplasm accession Gujarat-1 was found to be the best in term of morphological and yield attributing parameters. On the other hand germ plasm accession RI-157 though possessed more seed test weight but produced lesser seed yield in comparison to Gujarat-1. This could be attributed to lower number of ears/ plant, number of seeds/ ear and the ear length in this genotype. The obtained data indicated that accession Gujarat-1 was also the best performing genotype in terms of mean plant height (38.77 cm) and other analytical growth parameters such as specific leaf area (67.74 cm2/ mg), specific leaf weight (0.55 mg/cm2), crop growth rate (13.65 g/m2/ day), relative growth rate (0.31), ear number (52.95/plant), ear length (5.36 cm) and number of seeds/ear (102.81). Accession G8 (RI-157), however, was found marginally superior to Gujarat-1 with respect to physiological parameters like leaf area index (2.34) and leaf area duration (31.98 m2.days). On the basis of overall field performance of all the 16 genotypes, accessions Gujarat-1 and RI-157 are recommended for commercial cultivation under the ecological conditions of Jabalpur.

2 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

013951   Babu T P;Sreenath K P (Botany Dep, Bangalore Univ, Bangalore, Karnataka-560 056) : Micropropagation and pollen studies of Peucedanum dhana var dalzellii, a threatened umbellifer. Int J Sci Nat 2012, 3(1), 180-3.

Peucedanum dhana, var Dalzellii (Apiaceae) is an endangered & endemic species of South India that has not received any scientific attention. The plant is spotted to inhabit in Karnataka University campus Dharwad. In the present studies, the endemic & endangered status of this rare plant is revealed; micropropagation is implemented along with pollen studies. Micro propagation is succeeded from nodal explants inoculated on MS media supplemented with 0.3 mg/l BAP + 0.1 mg/l IAA for multiple shoot initiation and root initiation with half strength MS media supplemented with 0.3 mg/l IBA. Hardening was succeeded & the propagated plant was reintroduced in its natural habitat. The pollen morphology was studied by light microscope. The result of the pollen samples confirms the perprolate, trizonocolporate, operculate, isopolar, bilaterally symmetrical and subrectangular.

9 ref

013950   Babita Kumari;Atri N S;Upadhyay R C (NO, Directorate of Mushroom Research, Chambaghat, Solan-173 213, Email: narinderatri04@yahoo.com) : Two new records of the genus Termitomyces from North India. Mushroom Res 2012, 21(1), 11-16.

Two agarics namely, Termitomyces reticulatus and Termitomyces schimperi have been illustrated and described, of which T. reticulatus is a new record for India where as T. schimperi is being described for the first time from North India. The above agarics were collected from North India during monsoon season.

3 illus, 29 ref

013949   Aniel Kumar O;Rupavathi T;Subba Tata S (Botany Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, P.O. Box. no.- 530 003) : Adventitious shoot bud induction in chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L. Cv. X.-235). Int J Sci Nat 2012, 3(1), 192-6.

Adventitious shoot buds were produced in vitro by using cotyledon explants of 14-day-old Capsicum annuum L. cv. X- 235. The effect of plant growth regulators i.e., BAP and IAA at various concentrations on cotyledon explants for adventitious shoot bud differentiation was observed. Among the media tested MS medium supplemented with 5mg/l BAP and1mg/l IAA gave maximum shoots (19.2) per explant. Effective in vitro shoot elongation and rooting was achieved on 0.5mg/l GA₃ and 0.5mg/l IBA, respectively. The rooted plants were hardened and transplanted in to the soil and the plants showed 80-90% survival during transplantation.

27 ref

013002   Verma P K;Srivastava S C (NO, Rain Forest Research Institute, Deovan, Sotai Ali, Jorhat-785 001) : Lejeunea tuberculosa Steph. (hepaticae) from Nilgiri hills, Western Ghats. Indian J For 2011, 34(4), 477-8.

Lejeunea tuberculosa Steph. (Lejeuneaceae) has been recorded for the first time from peninsular India (Devala, Nilgiri hills). The species was earlier reported from Western as well as Eastern Himalayas. The species is easily separable from other 22 known Indian species of the genus in their perianth morphology which is ornamented by mammillose cells (tubercules) on the keel.

1 illus, 11 ref

013001   Verma K S;Shrivastav A;Sahu P S (Post Graduate Studies and Research in Biological Sciences Dep, R.D. Univ, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Email: karunverma@gmail.com) : Preliminary survey of aeromycoflora of college rooms in Jabalpur. Indian J Aerobiol 2012, 25(2), 69-73.

Investigation of airborne fungi was carried out at three different colleges of Jabalpur (M.P.) by using Anderson two stage sampler from Dec. 2009 to May 2010. A total of 14 fungal genera were identified. The most prevalent spore type was Alternaria (28.12%) followed by Cladosporium (23.48%), Aspergillus spp with (21.25%) and Curvularia (5.8%). The highest number of colonies was observed from site-335.71% followed by site-1, 34.29% and site-2, 30.0%. The maximum number of fungal spores (37.85%) was observed in month of March 2010 and minimum (10.18%) in month of May 2010. Statistical analysis showed that there is a significant variation in number of fungal spore distribution between regions and months.

2 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

013000   Verma D M;Chandra V (NO, Forest Research Institute, New Forest, Dehra Dun-248 006) : Scleria indica, a new species of cyperaceae from India. Indian J For 2011, 34(4), 503-4.

New species Scleria indica is described from South-West India. It is characterized by its perennial habit, unisexual spikelets, oblong hypogynous disc lobes and umbonulate scrobiculate nuts.

1 illus, 3 ref

012999   Venkat Ramana M;Hanumantha Rao V;Vasudeva Rao V (Botanical Survey of India, Deccan Regional Centre, Hyderabad-500 048) : Note on the distribution of Ceropegia bulbosa var. Lushii (apocynaceae) in Andhra Pradesh. Indian J For 2011, 34(4), 471-2.

Ceropegia bulbosa var. lushii, reported by Roxburgh (1795) from Andhra Pradesh is collected recently from Greater Hyderabad. The species is described and discussed its distribution in Andhra Pradesh.

1 illus, 9 ref

012998   Veeranjanayulu D;Ravi Prasad Rao B (Biodiversity Conservation Div, Botany Dep, Sri Krishnadevraya Univ, Anantpur-515 003) : Fimbristylis aestivalis var. Major and Fimbristylis dichotoma ssp. Glauca (Cyperaceae), new distributional records for Andhra Pradesh. Indian J For 2011, 34(4), 487-8.

Two sedge taxa, Fimbristylis aestivalis Vahl var. major Trimen and Fimbristylis dichotoma (L.) Vahl ssp, glauca (Vahl) T. Koyama have been reported as new distributional records for the state of Andhra Pradesh. Brief description, phenology, distributional pattern and illustrations of the taxa are provided.

1 illus, 7 ref

012997   Singh V P;Singh A K;Tripathi V (Botany Dep, Kamla Nehru Institute of Physical and Social Sciences, Sultanpur-228 118, Email: vedprakashsingh101@gmail.com) : Gamma rays and EMS induced phenovariants in safflower. Biochem Cell Archs 2012, 12(1), 75-9.

An effort has been done to assess the effect of combined treatment of various doses of gamma rays along with 0.6% EMS on JSF-1 and JSF-7 varieties of safflower. The combined effect may develop some different sets of characteristics that cannot be achieved when these mutagens are used separately. An attempt has been made in this work to study interactive effect of gamma rays and EMS on morphology of two varieties of safflower.

3 tables, 31 ref

012996   Singh S;Nain N P S;Tripathi S P (Botany Silviculture nd NWFP Div, Institute of Forest Productivity, 'Aranyodaya', NH-23, Lalgutwa, Ranchi-835 303) : Influence of sieve sizes for media preparation on growth and seedling quality of tropical trees in root trainers. Indian J For 2011, 34(4), 423-6.

Experiments were conducted employing six different types of sieve sizes of wire-mesh (5.8 mm² or 3 square hole cm^-2, 4 mm² or 6 square hole cm^-2, 3.3 mm² or 9 square hole cm^-2, 3 mm² or 11 square hole cm^-2, 2.5 mm² or 16 square hole cm^-2 and 2 mm² or 24 square hole cm^-2) for preparation of growing media to grow planting stock of four tropical broadleaved forestry species Acacia catechu, Azadirachta indica, Phyllanthus emblica and Pongamia pinnata in root trainers. Morphological (height and root collar diameter), biomass (shoot biomass, root biomass and total biomass) and seedling quality parameters (sturdiness quotient, root-shoot ratio, volume index and Dickson quality index) of the raised seedlings were recorded after four months of growth. Significant positive correlation of increase in sieve size of wire -mesh and combined biomass (r= 0.876, p <60>0.05) and volume production (r= 0. 966, p <60>0.01) in all the species was recorded. The sieve size of wire-mesh having 5.8 mm² or 3 square hole cm^-2 appeared to be the best for preparation of uniform growing media with appropriate physical structure to raise planting stock of Acacia catechu, Azadirachta indica, Phyllanthus emblica and Pongamia pinnata in root trainers.

1 illus, 3 tables, 14 ref

012995   Singh S K (Botanical Survey of India, Eastern Regional Centre, Shillong-793 003) : New Rectolejeunea from Indian Botanic Garden, India. Indian J For 2011, 34(3), 341-4.

Rectolejeunea devendrae Sushil K.Singh, closely related to R. olivacea (Steph.) S.C. Srivast. and A. Agarwal, is described as a new species from Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah in Gangetic plains of West Bengal, India.

2 illus, 8 ref

012994   Singh L;Pracheta (Botany Dep, Meerut College, Meerut-250 001) : Cancer: plant based chemoprevention and therapy. Biochem Cell Archs 2012, 12(1), 1-20.

Cancer is a pandemic malignant which displays uncontrolled growth of body tissues and organs due to genotoxic and epigenetic carcinogen (ROS) that may causes mutation/dysfunction/enhanced expression in tumour suppressor genes, oncogenes or proteins involved in signal transduction, DNA repair, rug metabolizing genes and apoptotic genes. Thus, cancer is multifactorial, multifaceted, multidimensional and multimechanistic condition. Anticarcinogenesis through plant based anticarcinogens, antimutagens, detoxication stimulants, interception of reactive products of carcinogens, antioxidants and by alteration of signaling pathways is the backbone of chemoprevention of cancer and constitutes an emerging area of intense research. Freedom from toxicity and side effects, chemodiversity, easy access, bioavailability and affordability make plants right choice for bioprospecting for newer novel anticancer drugs: their mechanism of action, marketing, designing, targeting and delivery systems. An updated overview of all of these has been given, herein.

7 tables, 77 ref

012993   Singh K P;Swarnalatha G (Botanical Survey of India, Central Regional Centre, Allahabad-211 002) : Note on graphidaceous lichens from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Indian J For 2011, 34(3), 353-60.

The paper records 61 species of Graphidaceous lichens from Arunachal Pradesh. Of these 3 species viz. Graphis crebra Vain., G. daintreensis (A.W. Archer) A.W. Archer and G. dimidiata Vain, are discovered as new records for India and 36 species marked by an asterisk (*) are new reports for the state of Arunachal Pradesh. Each species is enumerated by its valid name, habit, frequency of occurrence in the area and distribution in India.

9 illus, 4 ref

012992   Singh D;Singh D K (Botanical Survey of India, Central National Herbarium, Howrah-711 103) : Plagiochila hyalodermica Grolle & M.L.SO (Marchantiophyta:Plagiochilaceae)- an addition to Indian bryoflora. Indian J For 2011, 34(4), 465-8.

Plagiochila hyalodermica Grolle & M.L.So, a taxon so far known from Nepal and China, is described for the first time in Indian bryoflora from North district of Sikkim.

2 illus, 15 ref

012991   Singh A K;Sahu R K;Srivastava M (Botany Dep, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi-221 002) : On the occurrence of Ipomoea laxiflora in Uttar Pradesh, India. Indian J For 2011, 34(3), 335-8.

Ipomoea laxiflora H.J. Chowdhery & M.R. Debta collected from pigeon pea crop fields and mango orchards of Permanandpur village of Varanasi district is reported for the first time from Uttar Pradesh. Detailed description and illustrations are provided.

1 illus, 1 ref

012990   Singh A B (Aerobiology & Allergy Laboratory, Institute of Genomics & Integrating Biology, Delhi Univ Campus, Delhi-110 007, Email: singha49@hotmail.com) : Aerial fungal diversity and allergic diseases: an overview. Indian J Aerobiol 2012, 25(1), 35-51.

^iia6 illus, 1 table, 81 ref