006546   Verma K S;Nigam R;Awasthi A;Pathak S (Aeroallergens & Immunology Laboratory, P.G. Studies and Research in B, Rani Durgavati Univ, Jabalpur-482 001, Email: www.karunaverma.com) : Phytochemical screening and antibacterial activity of Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Kurz.. J phytol Res 2012, 25(2), 193-5.

Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Kurz. is extensively used in Indian traditional and folklore medicine to cure various human aliments. The medicinal value of B. pinnatum plant is due to the presence of various active constituents in them like flavanoids, tannins, resins, saponins and proteins etc. Antibacterial activity of aqueous and methanol extracts of leaf were investigated by paper disc diffusion method against two gram negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis. This study depicts that methanol extract of leaves was more effective against gram negative bacteria and study scientifically validates the use of plant in traditional uses.

2 tables, 6 ref

006545   Upadhyay D P;Sharma L (Chemistry Dep, M.S.J. Govt. (P.G.) College, Bharatpur, Rajasthan-321 001) : Effect of DC and AC eletric fields, generated by the special array of embedded electrodes, on germination of soil implanted barley seeds. J phytol Res 2012, 25(2), 285-8.

Effect of low voltage DC and AC electric fields on germination of soil implanted Barley seeds has been presented for the first time. The placement of Barely seeds was in between the special array of two electrodes that consisted of a circular base plate, and a firmly held hanging loop electrode (horizontally-parallel, placed about 2 cm vartical-distance from the base plate electrode). The loop shaped electrode was used to minimize the hindrance to the upward movement of the germinating stems. Aparallel experiment with no electric field was also carried out An almost quenched germination in DC, and considerably reduced germination in AC electric field were found to occur, in comparision to no elecrtric field. The quenched germination, in DC field, might be due to unidirectional ion-migration. Less germination in AC electric field might be due to oscillation of ions which makes ions or nutrient less accessible to the seed. The present findings are entirely different from the influence of high intensity external electric field as reported earlier, and may setup a mile stone in the field of study.

3 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

006544   Torpy F R;Irga P J;Moldovan D;Tarran J; Burchett M D (Plants and Indoor Environment Quality Group, Centre for Environmental Sustainability, School of Environment, Facult, P.O. Box 123 Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia, Email: Fraser.Torpy@uts.edu.cn) : Characterization and biostimulation of benzene biodegradation in the potting-mix of indoor plants. J appl Hort 2013, 15(1), 10-5.

Over 900 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been detected in indoor air, where they cause acute and chronic health problems to building occupants. Potted-plants can significantly reduce VOC levels in indoor air, the root-zone bacteria of the potting mix effecting most of the VOC biodegradation. In this study, a baseline community level physiological profile (CLPP) was established for the potting mix bacteria of the indoor plant species, Spathiphyllum wallisii 'Petite', using Biolog EcoPlates, to provide information on the functional abilities of this community. Changes in the CLPP resulting from benzene exposure were then determined and following the identification of the carbon sources associated with changes in the CLPP, biostimulant solutions were formulated and applied to fresh potted-plant specimens. Biostimulation of benzene removal was observed, with increases in removal rates of about 15%, providing proof-of-concept for the biostimulation of this process. The findings further elucidate the mechanisms of bacterial activity associated with removal of indoor airborne benzene, and could be applied to increase VOC biodegradation rates, augmenting the uses of indoor plants in improving building environmental quality.

006543   Swapna M M;Rajilesh V K;Anoop K P;Ansari R; Prakashkumar R (NO, Malabar Botanical Garden, G.A. College Post, Kozhikode-673 014, Email: swapnagreen123@yahoo.co.in) : Floristic analysis of the wetlands of Wayanad district, Kerala, South India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2012, 36(2), 310-9.

Wetland flora of Wayanad district is documented along with a discussion on their dominance, diversity, endemism and need for conservation. It forms a part of the exploration of wetlands of Kerala for the preparation of the wetland flora of the whole State. The main centers of wetland plant diversity in the district are stream sides, river banks, paddy fields, ponds etc. In the present study, a total of 215 species of flowering plants (belonging to 40 families) and 16 species of pteridophytes (belonging to 11 families) are reported from this area. The wetlands of the district being under severe threat of encroachment for construction/cultivation purposes demand the; application of urgent conservation strategies especially for the endemic species like Eriocaulon wayanadense, Lagenandra meeboldii, Cryptocoryne spiralis etc. A comparison of the wetland flora of the district with flora of other areas of Kerala and India is also provided, which reveals the high floristic diversity of the district when compared to the wetland flora of the whole country.

1 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

006542   Suresh Kumar J;Uvarani S;Umamaheswari S P; Backiarani E (Botany Dp, Government Arts College, Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, Email: sureshkumarj9@yahoo.com) : Microalgal flora and physiochemical properties of Narthamalai, Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu, India. Int J Pl Sci 2011, 6(2), 325-31.

Fresh water ponds, pools and springs were studied with an objective to isolate and identify algal flora present in it. 11 genera of Chlorophyceae, 1 genus of Clostridiaceae, 1 genus of Trebouxiophyceae, 1 genus of Ulvophyceae, 17 genera of Zygnematophyceae, 9 genera of Bacillariophyceae, 5 genera of Cyanophyceae. Physicochemical parameters such as temperature in Celsius (26), EC unions/cm (1330), pH (7.9), Alkalinity mg/l (10.2), total hardeness mg/l (12.4),COD mg/l (0.03), BOD mg/l (0.06), iron mg/l (0.06), nitrite mg/l (0.10), nitrate mg/l (0.08), chloride mg/l (12.2), fluoride mg/l (0.95), sulphate mg/l (0.44), phosphate mg/l (0.12) and ammonia mg/l (0.11).

1 table, 21 ref

006541   Sunilkumar T;Joseph M A;Antony V T (NO, Research and Development Centre, Bharathiar Univ, Coimbatore, Email: Sunilkumarmuhamma@gmail.com) : Some medicinal plants of Verbenaceae used by traditional medical practitioners of Alappuzha district, Kerala state. J Econ Taxon Bot 2012, 36(2), 393-6.

Investigation for the medicinal uses of the members of the family Verbenaceae was conducted during the period 2008-2009. This family has some important plants with high medicinal value. This study has been concentrated in Alappuzha district in Kerala, where two different famous traditional medical practitioner's families live. They use a good number of plants traditionally for healing purposes. Some of the plants of Verbenaceae were found to be very miraculous in providing remedy for various diseases.

1 table, 6 ref

006540   Sukumaran S;Jeeva S (Botany Dep, Nesamony Memorial Christian College, Marthandam, Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu, Email: sukumaranbotanist@gmail.com) : Study on aquatic and wetland flora of Kanyakumari district Tamil Nadu, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2012, 36(2), 223-43.

Investigations were carried out on aquatic, semi-aquatic and marshland angios-permic plants of Kanyakumari district. A total of 124 species belonging to 81 genera and 31 families of angiosperms are documented along with their economic importance, phenology, ecology, habit and other diagnostic characters, besides correct botanical names.

1 illus, 50 ref

006539   Soris P T;Esakkiraja N;Maruthupandian A;Mohan V R (Ethanopharmacology Unit Research Botany Dep, V.O. Chidambaram College, Tuticorin-628 008) : Pharmaco-chemical characterization of Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir., Phyllanthus urinaria L. and Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) Wight & Arn.. J Econ Taxon Bot 2012, 36(2), 324-9.

Study deals with the pharmaco-chemical characterization of whole plant Phyllan-, thus reticulatus Poir., Phyllanthus urinaria L. and the leaves of Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) Wight & Am. Since, the above said three plant species are used by the Kanikkar tribals of Agasthiarmalai Biosphere Reserve, Tamil Nadu for treating various ailments. Physico- chemical constants (ash and extractive values), fluorescence analysis and preliminary phytochemical analysis were carried out. This preliminary study will be helpful to study the active principles using modern techniques in the later part of this work.

6 tables, 13 ref

006538   Sonowal J;Baruah A (Phyodiversity Research Cell, Botany Dep, Darrang College, Tezpur-784 001) : Vegetative anatomy of Acampe papillosa (Lindl.) Lindl. (Orchidaceae). J Econ Taxon Bot 2012, 36(2), 427-30.

The vegetative anatomy of leaf, rhizome and root of Acampe papillosa (Lindl.) Lindl., a long lasting and fragrant flower bearing orchid of North-East India, has been studied. Leaves hypostomatic and stomata anomocytic. Vascular bundles are arranged in a single series in leaf, scattered in rhizome and in a single ring in root, while their numbers are 13-15 in leaf, numerous in rhizome and 14-15 in root.

1 illus, 9 ref

006537   Soni D;Yadav A S (Botany Dep, R.R. Autonomous College, Alwar-301 001, Email: atarsingh_1010@rediffmail.com) : Biology of Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) and E. nummularius (L.) L.: effect of light intensity, soil moisture and population density. J phytol Res 2012, 25(2), 229-33.

Effect of available light intensity, soil moisture and population density was evaluated on the growth behaviour at Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. and E. nummularius (L.) L. in pot culture experiment. Both the species responded similarly to the change in light intensity and soil moisture regimes with higher growth performance under highlight intensity and low soil moisture regimes. However, E. nummularius exhibited higher vegetative growth as compared to E. alsinoides whereas the latter showed higher reproductive growth than the former. It was also observed that E. alsinoides showed the ability to absorb density stress whereas E, nummularius is sensitive to increased population density. Hence it may be concluded that higher tolerance of low light intensity and low moisture regime, higher reproductive effort under stressed situations and ability to absorb population density stress by E. alsinoides may be attributed to its wide spread distribution in various habitats than E. nummularius in Alwar district of Rajasthan.

4 tables, 12 ref

006536   Solomon Raju A J;Venkata Raman K;Hareesh Chandra P (Environmental Sciences Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: solomonraju@gmail.com) : Floral ecology and pollination in Eriolaena lushingtonii (Sterculiaceae), an endemic and threatened deciduous tree species of southern Peninsular India. J Threatened Taxa 2013, 5(9), 4359-67.

Eriolaena lushingtonii is an endemic and threatened medium-sized deciduous tree species. The flowering is very brief and occurs during the early wet season. The flowers are solitary, remain within the foliage and attract a few bee foragers only in the presence of nectariferous and polleniferous plants such as Holarrhena pubescens, Grewia tiliaefolia and Orthosiphon rubicundus which are common, exhibit gregarious flowering and attract a wide array of insects, in E. Iushingtonii, the floral characteristics suggest entomophily but it is exclusively melittophilous involving Apis, Trigona and Xylocopa bees in the study area. The hermaphroditic flowers with the stigmatose style beyond the height of stamens and the sticky pollen grains do not facilitate autogamy but promote out-crossing. The study showed that pollinator limitation is responsible for the low fruit set but it is, however, compensated by multi-seeded fruits. Anther predation by a beetle also affects the reproductive success. Explosive fruit dehiscence and anemochory are special characteristics but these events are not effective during the wet season. The locals exploit the plant for treating snake bites, scorpion sting, making ropes and fuel wood. Therefore, the pollinator limitation, ineffective anemochory, seedling establishment problems and local uses largely contribute to the endemic and endangered status of E. Iushingtonii.

1 table, 18 ref

006535   Singh S (Post Doctorate Fellow, Guru Govind Singh Indra Prastha Univ, 16 C, Dwarka, New Delhi, Email: shweta_2oct@yahoo.co.in) : Systematic survey of family isoetaceae in Central India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2012, 36(2), 336-44.

Study deals with present taxonomic status of family Isoetaceae in Central India. It is represented by single genus "Isoetes L.", commonly known as Quillwort or Merlin's grass. Isoetes L. is an ancient and heterosporous lycopod easily recognized in field by its specific habit and habitat. The monotypic family comprising about 150 species throughout the world, out of which only 16 species have been reported from India. In Central India, it is represented by 9 species. Five species, viz. Isoetes bilaspurensis Panigr., I. mahadevensis Srivastava, Pant & Shukla and I. pantii Goswami & Arya, 7. panchananii Pant & Srivastava var. panchananii and I. panchananii var. panchmarhiensis Srivastava, Pant & Shukla are endemic to the Central India. The account is based on survey-cum-collection tours (2003-2009) to various localities in Central India, consultation of various Indian herbaria and on published literature. The paper provides key to the species, current nomenclature, brief description, specimens examined, distribution in India, habit and habitat with ecological notes in respect of all the 9 species of Isoetaceae in Central India.

7 illus, 27 ref

006534   Singh M K;Sudhir Kumar;Deshmukh P S (NO, Arid Forest Research Institute, New Pali Road, Jodhpur-342 005, Email: mksingh@icfre.org) : Physiological approach for measuring the effects of environmental change in chickpea genotypes. J phytol Res 2012, 25(2), 235-7.

About 90% of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in the world is grown under rainfed conditions where it is subjected to heat stress. A field experiment was, therefore conducted to know the effect of rising temperature on crop growth rate and membrane injury index of twenty chickpea genotypes and thence to screen tolerant and susceptible genotypes grown under different planting dates. Pusa-1103 from north zone, KWR-108 from east zone, RSG-963 form west zone and BDG-72 from south zones showed higher crop growth rates (CGR) and have less membrane injury index (MIl) as compared to other genotypes. The variations in MIl were noticed among different plantings dates i.e. 61.8, 64.6 and 69.4% in planting I, II and III, respectively. This clearly indicated that there exists a negative relationship between these two important parameters. It is therefore emphasized that the productivity of chickpea could be enhanced by selecting genotypes from different zones on the basis of Mil as this is very simple parameter, less expensive and a large number of breeding populations could be screened for stress tolerance in less time.

1 table, 5 ref

006533   Singh M K;Sudhir Kumar;Deshmukh P S (NO, Arid Forest Research Institute, New Pali Road, Jodhpur-342 005, Email: mksingh@icfre.org) : Different physiological and biochemical mechanism which impart tolerance against heat stress in chickpea genotypes. J phytol Res 2012, 25(2), 217-22.

Plants experience high temperature in many different ways and adaptation or acclimation to high temperature occurs over different levels of plant organization. A Phytotron experiment was therefore conducted with four selected chickpea genotypes differing in their sensitivity to temperature stress, so as to know the inbuilt mechanism present in them which impart tolerance against heat stress. The plants were maintained at 18/23°C (control) and 25/35°C (temperature stress) night/day temperature after maximum tillering. In all chickpea genotypes high temperature stress increased membrane injury index (MIl), activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), malic-acid and slightly decreased the activity of glutathione reductase (GR), relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll and carotenoid contents. Under the HT stress, the tolerant genotypes Pusa 372 and KWR 108 exhibited higher RWC (in KWR 108 average decline was 14.21% and in Pusa 372 it was 6.0% while CSJD 884 showed highest decline 18.99% in RWC as compared to control) higher chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, increase activity of SOD, APX, GR and less decrease in MII as compared to susceptible genotypes Phule-G 96006 and CSJD 884. Under HT condition also malic acid content increased by 110% in KWR 108, Pusa 372 (93%) showed highest malic acid content compared to susceptible genotypes under HT condition. Besides this antioxidant enzymes showed positive correlation (r) with chlorophyll content, RWC and negative with MII under high temperature stress. This shows that the tolerant genotypes combated with the generation of ROS due to better metabolic activity and due to efficient antioxidant mechanism.

1 illus, 12 ref

006532   Singh D P;Mall T P (Postgraduate Botany Dep, P.G. College, Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh) : Two novel additions to Corynespora Gussow from India. Int J Pl Sci 2011, 6(2), 321-4.

This paper deals with the descriptions, latin diagnosis and illustrations of two undescribed species of fungus genus Corynespora Gussow viz., C. pongamicola sp. nov. and C. tomenticola sp. nov. collected on living leaves of Pongamia pinnata (Fabaceae) and Terminalia tomentosa (Combretaceae), respectively from North Western Tarai Forest of U.P., India.

2 illus, 2 tables, 13 ref

006531   Singh D;Imam K I (Biological Sciences Dep, Kebbi State Science and Technology Univ, Aliero, PMB-1144, Email: singhdharmendra12@yahoo.com) : Ethnomedicinal and taxonomical studies in the flora of Wamakko local government area, Sokoto state, Nigeria, West Africa. J phytol Res 2012, 25(2), 145-52.

Present investigation deals with the morphotaxomic and ethno-medicinal studies conducted during January 2011 to December 2011 in Wamakko Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 5 randomly selected areas in Wamakko Local Government Areas. Method of interview was adopted for documentation of folk indigenous knowledge of plants that are used to cure different diseases in the inhabitants. The result revealed a total of 35 species of plants. Family Caesalpiniaceae was represented with the highest number of species (5). This was followed by Moraceae (3 species). Anacardiaceae, Euphobiaceae, Malvaceae, Asclepiadaceae, Mimosaceae and Rhamnaceae were represented with two species each, while other 17 families were represented with one species each. Twenty four families were recorded during the study period. Most of these plants are of medicinal use and can easily be obtained from nature.

13 ref

006530   Shunmugapriya K;Mohan V R (Botany Dep, A.P.C. Mahalaxmi College for Women, Tuticorin-628 002) : Pharmaco-chemical characterization of two varieties of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.: an ethnomedicinal plant. J Econ Taxon Bot 2012, 36(2), 345-52.

Study deals with the pharmaco-chemical characterization of roots and seeds of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens and Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. utilis (Wall. ex Wight) Baker ex Burck. Since the above said plant species are used by various tribals of India for treating various ailments, physico-chemical constants (ash and extractive values), fluorescence analysis and phytochemical analysis were carried out. This preliminary study will be helpful to study the active principles using modern techniques in the later part of this work.

8 tables, 24 ref

006529   Shinde A B;Hallale B V (Botany Dep, Sharda College, Parbhani, Maharashtra) : Mycoflora from receptacle of marking nut growing on different Agar media. Int J Pl Sci 2011, 6(2), 296-7.

Marking nut (Semecarpus anacardium L.) belonging to the family Anacardiaceae is economically important plant. The receptacles are edible. These receptacles were found to be highly infected with different moulds. Therefore, the study of surface mycoflora growing on the fleshy as well as sundried receptacles was undertaken and a total of ten different fungal species were isolated using different agar media.

1 illus, 1 table, 3 ref

006528   Sharma S K;Jain A;Singh S (NO, , Forest Research Farm, Banki (Sisarma) Udaipur-313 001, Rajasthan, Email: sksharma56@gmail.com) : Study of flora of Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Udaipur district, Rajasthan, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2012, 36(2), 353-64.

Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Udaipur districts of south - east Rajasthan, India. Extensive floristic survey was carried out during the year 2004 - 2010 to document flora of Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary and 279 plant species belonging to 71 families have been recorded. All the species are enumerated in the present paper along with their botanical name, family and habit.

10 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

006527   Sharma G;Gohil R N (Botany Dep, Jammu Univ, Jammu-180 006, Email: geetaji@yahoo.com) : Occurrence of differential meiotic associations and additional chromosomes in the embryo-sac mother cells of Allium roylei Stearn. J Genet 2011, 90(1), 45-9.

Small population of complex translocation heterozygote plants of Allium roylei from the Bani region of Jammu Province was studied for meiosis in the female track. This study resulted in identification of two variants, having embryo-sac mother cells (EMCs) with more than 16 chromosomes. EMCs of the remaining plants invariably had diploid (2n = 16) chromosome complement. Female meiosis, in general, was found to be abnormal, with nearly 23% and 11% chromosomes associating as quadrivalents or trivalents at prophase I and at metaphase I, respectively. This was followed by irregular segregation of chromosomes at anaphase I. Amongst the variants; one had 38% EMCs with eight bivalents plus two small sized chromosomes. Their small size, dispensable nature and tendency to affect the pairing behaviour of normal complement are some of the features that latter chromosomes share with the B chromosomes. Seventeen to nineteen chromosomes were observed in 35% EMCs of other variant; the remaining cells had 16 chromosomes. Chromosomal behaviour in both kind of cells (euploid and aneuploid) was more or less similar. Unlike female meiocytes, male meiocytes analysed earlier of this strain always had 16 chromosomes which paired to form extremely complex associations involving 3-16 chromosomes. The most likely cause of this asynchrony with regards to number of chromosomes involved in multivalent formation seems to be interaction of genes controlling chiasma formation with the different physiological conditions of male and female meiocytes.

2 illus, 2 tables, 34 ref

006526   Shareef S M;SanthoshKumar E S;Roy P E (NO, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Email: sharifbgri@rediffmail.com) : Syzygium fergusonii (Trimen) Gamble, (Myrtaceae)-a new record for Kerala. J Econ Taxon Bot 2012, 36(2), 379-80.

Syzygium fergusonii (Trimen) Gamble, an indo- Sri Lankan Myrtaceous species reported from Anarnalai hills of Tamil Nadu, was recently collected from the Pettimudi forests of Kerala. It forms a new distributional record to the State, and described here to facilitate its easy identification.

1 illus, 6 ref

006525   Sandeep B S;Kishor Mohan T C (Plant Biocheistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Botany Dep, College Univ, Thiruvananthapuram-695 034, Email: drtckishore@yahoo.co.in) : Purification and kinetic characterization of polyphenol oxidase from palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer L.) fruit. J phytol Res 2012, 25(2), 223-27.

Polyphenol oxidase(PPO) was extracted from the fruit mesocarp of Palmyrah palm and purified through ammonium sulfate precipitation, ion exchange chromatography, gel filtration and affinity chromatography. The purification factor for PPO was 328.48 with 10.58% yield. The enzyme was characterized for thermal stability, pH and kinetic parameters. The molecular mass of PPO was approximately 68kDa estimated by SDS-PAGE. The purity was confirmed by native PAGE, showing a single prominent band. The optimum pH was 6.5. The enzyme had a temperature optimum at 35°C and was relatively stable at 60°C. L-cysteine, EDTA, calcium chloride (CaCl₂), thiourea and ascorbic acid were significantly inhibited PPO activity. The K_m value and the maximum velocity V were determined by the Lineweaver Burk plot. The K_m value for the substrate Pyrocactechol was calculated as 9.09 with V_max/K_m ratio 15.18. Pyrocatechol was found to be an efficient diphenolic substrate for palmyrah PPO.

4 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

006524   Sahu K P;Urmalia R;Masih S K;Tiwari V (Botany and Environment Dep, Govt. Model Science College, Jabalpur) : Contribution to the flora of Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2012, 36(2), 261-74.

An investigation was conducted to know the floral diversity in Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. Extensive and intensive seasonal field surveys were undertaken during the year 2009-2011. On the basis of survey, a total of 351 plant species belonging to 276 genera and 100 families are enumerated. Out of which, Fungi group is represented only 1 species, Bryophyte (3), Pteridophyte (5), Angiosperm (340) and Gymnosperm (2). Whereas, 115 species belong to trees, 61 species to shrubs, 81 herbs, 37 climbers, 3 parasites, 53 grasses and 1 epiphyte.

2 illus, 2 tables, 65 ref

006523   Roy S;Mustafa G;Keshri J P (Phycology Research Laboratory, Botany Dep, CAS, The Burdwan Univ, Golapbag, Burdwan-713 104, West Bengal, Email: jpkeshri@indiatimes.com) : Observations on some members of chroococcales (Cyanophyta) from Burdwan, West Bengal, India with a note on their ecology. J Econ Taxon Bot 2012, 36(2), 292-303.

To study the taxonomy and diversity of Chroococcales (Cyanophyta), frequent visits and collection of samples were made from a lentic water body and its adjoining rice fields at Karjona, a village in Burdwan district of West Bengal during September 2006 to March 2007. 9 taxa under 6 genera, viz. Aphanothece pallida (Kutz.) Rabenh., Aphanothece stagnina (Spreng.) A. Br., Chroococcus turgidus (Kutz.) Nag., Coelosphaerium confertum W. et. G.S. West, Coelosphaerium kuetzingianum Nag., Gloeocapsa gelatinosa Kutz., Gomphosphaeria aponina Kutz. var. aponina, Gomphosphaeria aponina Kutz. var. delicatula Virieux and Merismopedia punctata Meyen were investigated in details from total 69 collections. Four taxa, viz. Coelosphaerium confertum W. et G.S. West, Gloeocapsa gelatinosa Kutz., Gomphosphaeria aponina Kutz. var. aponina and Gomphosphaeria aponina Kutz. var. delicatula Virieux, have been observed as new record for West Bengal. The authors also observed the occurrence of different taxa in different seasons which reflected the ecological nature of the members of Chroococcales. It has been observed that March is the most suitable month for the occurrence of Chroococcales. Gomphosphaeria and Merismopedia appears to be the most common and enduring phytoplankton.

9 illus, 1 table, 116 ref

006522   Ravichelvan R;Ravichandran R;Amsath A (P.G. and Research Zoology Dep, Rajah Serfoji Government College, Thanjavur-613 005) : Isolation and indentification of fungi from infected shrimp Penaeus monodon and their antibiotic sensitivity. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2011, 21(1-2), 19-24.

Infected Penaeus monodon were collected from shrimp culture pond at Ram Aqua Farm at Karanguda, Thanjavur district. From the serial diluted sample fungal species were isolated and 0.1 ml of the sample taken from 10-4 and 10-5 tube and spread aseptically over on the potato dextrose agar medium. Totally four different fungal strains were isolated from the shrimp intestinal sample, namely Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Fusarium solani and Penicilium notatum. Test organisms were more sensitive to mystatin antibiotic than other antibiotics. Nystatin highly inhibited the growth of Fusarium solanum (19 mm), Penicillium notatum (15 mm), Aspergillus niger and A. flavus (14 mm). All test organisms more resistant to Ketaconazole antibiotic. The important predisposing factors leading to disease outbreaks in shrimp are adverse environment, high stocking density, nutritional deficiency and heavy algal blooms.

2 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

006521   Rathod S;Rathod P (NO, Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology Kent Univ, Canterbury CT27NR, United Kingdom, Email: shradha.rathod@gmail.com) : Amphibian communities in three different coffee plantation regimes in the Western Ghats, India. J Threatened Taxa 2013, 5(9), 4404-13.

In the highly populated and diverse tropics, conservation in relatively pristine habitats is important but clearly inadequate for sustaining the earth's biological diversity. Agro-forestry systems such as shade-coffee plantations that incorporate arboreal vegetation are known to be more resilient for biodiversity conservation than other more drastic land transformations. We evaluated amphibian richness and diversity in 15 coffee plantations from three different regimes; organic coffee plantations, NPK coffee plantations and pesticide use coffee plantations in Kodagu District, Western Ghats, India. We treated five sacred groves as control region (CR) and sampled them using a combination of standardized visual and acoustic transect sampling. The sacred groves that were characterized by natural vegetation showed the highest richness and abundance of amphibians among the four regimes. In organic coffee plantations, overall abundance and richness of amphibians was significantly higher compared to NPK coffee plantations. On the other hand, amphibian richness and diversity in pesticide use coffee plantations were significantly lower compared to all other regimes. The results of the study clearly indicated that, the difference in habitat variables in coffee plantations and use of different treatments for pest control had a significant effect on the species richness and abundance of amphibians. This study highlights the great potential of sacred groves and organic coffee plantations as complementary habitat for the conservation of amphibians.

4 illus, 3 tables, 53 ref

006520   Rao B R P;Reddy A M;Priyadarsini P; Sadasivaiah B;Basha S K (Botany Dep, Yogi Vemana Univ, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, Email: rao_rp@rediffmail.com) : Themeda villosa (Poiret) A. campus, Tripogon trifidus munro Ex stapf (Poaceae): new distributional recods for South India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2012, 36(2), 383-6.

Two grass species Themeda villosa (Poiret) A. Camus and Tripogon trifidus Munro ex Stapf are being reported as new distributional records for South India. Brief description and illustrations have been presented for both the taxa.

2 illus, 13 ref

006519   Ramdas;Dhingra G K;Rather M A (Botany Dep, R.C.U. Govt. P.G. College, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, Email: ram84.uki@gmail.com) : Colchicine induced variability in Zanthoxylum armatum Rox. (Rutaceae). Int J Pl Sci 2011, 6(2), 251-6.

Genus Zanthoxylum is a member of family Rutaceae. The family Rutaceae embraces 1,800 species in 150 genera. It is found as forest undergrowth. During the present investigation, Z. armatum was explored for the colchicine induced variable characteristics. For the colchiploid plant study, seed samples were soaked in distilled water in a beaker for 10-15 minutes then were treated with various concentrations (1.0 M, 0.50 M and 0.05 M) of colchicine solution for half to two hours in small vials and then were kept in a refrigerator. After the treatment, seeds were washed thoroughly with distilled water for 4-5 times and then were planted in polybags having mixture of soil, sand and cocopit (2:2: 1 V/V/V). The analysis was carried out for control and treated plants using parameters viz., total length of the plants, length of unbranched stem, length of primary, secondary and tertiary branches, diameters of unbranched stem, stem girth, number of leaflets, length and breadth of leaflets, diameter of seed and seeds per panicle etc. Studies on developmental and morphological characters of control and treated plants showed that the colchiploids exhibited delayed flower and leaf emergence. The leaves were thicker, shorter and darker green in colour with reduction in number of leaves per plant. There was reduction in the number of flower per plant. Floral variants observed included smaller sized flowers, flowers with deep pigmentation and orange red pigmented anthers. Total mean length of control and treated plants ranged from 160.45 - 181.00 and 118.50 -1.48.50, respectively. Mean number of leaflets in control ranged from 3-13 while in colchicine treated plants mean number of leaflets ranged from 2-9, respectively. Length and breadth of leaflets in control ranged from 2.97 x 1.46 to 4.02 x 1.59 cm., while in treated plants it ranged from 1.47 x 0.83 to 2.49 x 1.30 cm. Diameter of seeds in treated plants were observed higher than to control plants.

3 illus, 3 tables, 17 ref

006518   Ramanujam M P;Thandavamoorthy M;Kadamban D (Botany Dep, KM Centre for Post Graduate Studies, Puducherry-605 008@mpraman@gmail.com) : Plant biodiversity of Sevur Hillock in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu, South India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2012, 36(2), 250-60.

Plant biodiversity and vegetation structure of Sevur hillock near Perumukkal Perumal hill temple in Villupuram district of Tamilnadu State was studied. The plant cover is of two types, viz. the patchy scrub jungle in the sandy plains and the hill vegetation up the boulders. It starts as dense thickets of scrub species from the lake on the southern side. Each thicket has 1-3 short trees (3- 5 m), a few shrubs, stragglers and lianas. Closer to the hills, the gaps widen (3-6 m) and the discontinuity becomes discernible. The tree species become rare and the thorny Euphorbia. species become common. The vegetation on the hillock is totally different. Only the cactiform species occupy the interface between the scrub jungle and the hillock. Floristically, 154 species of angiosperms, belonging to 129 genera and 58 families, have been enumerated; among these, 128 are dicot species distributed in 106 genera and 47 families. Habit-wise, there are 70 herbs, 29 climbers and 51 woody species. Fabaceae is the largest family, followed by Poaceae and Rubiaceae. Grasses (n = 13) dominate the ground cover. Grazing by cattle, cutting of trees and mining for blue metal and pebbles are the factors that have precipitated the decline of the forest cover.

29 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

006517   Pradeesh S;Nair A G;Mini I;Swapna T S (Botany Dep, College Univ, Thiruvananthapuram-695 034, Email: swapnats@yahoo.com) : Bidens biternata (Lour.) Merr. and Sherief.- a potential plant to solve nutritional deficiency problems. J phytol Res 2012, 25(2), 295-9.

Bidens biternata belongs to the family Asteraceae, is an erect annual herb, commonly known as "Thunilotty/Ottupullu/Alenchappu", a wide spread weed of cultivated areas, and is common, particularly in Western Ghats regions of Kerala state in India. It is used as a leafy vegetable by Panikyar, Chetti and Kattunaayika tribes of Waynadu districts in Kerala and also to cure hepatitis, cold, cough and dysentery. The present study aimed to evaluate various nutritional and antinutritional factors in Bidens giving emphasis to vitamins, amino acids and macronutrients. Different vitamins like vitamin-A, C, E, B₁; B₂, B₃ and amino acids like glycine, tyrosine, phenyl alanine, serine, aspartic acid, proline, cysteine, isoleucine, methionine, tryptophan and lysine were studied by standard estimation methods. The other important nutritional factors like carbohydrates, proteins, cellulose, starch, amylose, amylase, and anti-nutritional factors like total phenol, trypsin inhibitor, phytic acid, tannic acid etc. were analysed along with macronutrients like carbon, phosphorous and nitrogen. Present study revealed that this wild leafy plant has high amount of vitamins, amino acids and other nutritional factors but has only low level of antinutritional factors. Wild edible plants are very much important to provide nutritionally valuable supplements in the form of ingredients, vegetables and beverages and can be used to overcome the nutritional deficiency problems.

4 illus, 1 table, 31 ref

006516   Pradeep Kumar;Katewa S S (Botany Dep, College of Science M.L. Sukhadia Univ, Udaipur-313 001) : Ecological studies on the protected and overgrazed grazinglands of the Tal Chappar Sanctuary. J phytol Res 2012, 25(2), 271-5.

Study of the behaviour of different plant species with respect to composition and cover under natural condition of grazing and under protection of the grazinglands of Tal Chappar Sanctuary situated at a distance of 85 Kms from Churu district has been carried out. The sanctuary is located on the fringe of the Great Indian Desert and is famous for the most elegant antelope of India "The Black-Buck." The climate of the sanctuary is typical tropical arid. It was observed that grazinglands of Tal Chappar Sanctuary have saline clayey soil and supports Sporobolus - Dichanthium type of grassland. A community of Sporobolus marginatus in the protected grazingland has a total basal cover of 12.2 percent as against 5.6 percent in the unprotected grazingland. In the protected grazingland 61 percent more species were recorded as compared to the unprotected grazingland where they are eliminated on account of overgrazing. Unprotected grazinglands subjected to overgrazing by the enormous livestock population and with unscientific management practices support more shrubby and under shrub species which are generally less palatable and less nutritious.

4 tables, 15 ref

006515   Pavun Kumar M;Suresh Kumar J (Botany Dep, Government Arts College, Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, Email: sureshkumarj9@yahoo.com) : Ethnobotanical studies on Thenmudiyanur Village, Thiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu, India. Int J Pl Sci 2011, 6(2), 352-7.

This study shows that knowledge and usage of herbal medicine for the treatment of various ailments among Thenmudiyanur villagers of Thiruvannamalai district, Tamil nadu, India. They use forest plants, weeds, fruit plants, vegetables, ornamental plants and much other as traditional medicine. The results of the present study provides evidence that medicinal plants continue to play an important role in the healthcare system of village community. Although many of these species are known as medicinal plants, others are mainly used for non-medicinal purposes such as preparing agricultural implements. The collection, identification and documentation of ethnomedicinal data on biological resources are inevitable steps for bioprospecting. These plants may serve as source of some important medicine against some major diseases. Therefore, these villager's claims should be further validated scientifically.

1 table, 33 ref

006514   Patgiri D;Zaman E;Gogoi M (Botany Dep, Gargaon College, Simaluguri, Shivasagar, Assam) : Rhizomeatous plant Sivasagar district and their ethnomedicinal importance. Int J Pl Sci 2011, 6(2), 367-9.

Sivasagar district is endowed with luxuriant vegetation and rich in biodiversity. It lies between 94°8' and 95°4' east longitude and 26°7' and 27°2' north latitude. Seven reserve forests with elevated topography receives the highest rainfall of the area. Number of Ethnic people inhabitats in the transitional area of such reserve forest and they believe in natural methods of treating different diseases through various plant species. Medicinal use of rhizome bearing plants was observed among Ethnic group during the survey period(2004-2006). The present study deals with the ethnomedical study on the rhizome bearing plants of Sivasagar District, Assam. During our survey 22 rhizome bearing plants species having ethnomedicinal importance were collected. An efforts has been made to enumerate some of the important species known for their value.

12 ref

006513   Pangtey Y P S;Tewari L M;Upreti K (Botany Dep, D.S.B. Campus Kumaun Univ, Nainital-263 002, Email: l_tewari@rediffmail.com) : Genus Conniogramme fee (Hemionitidaceae: Pteridophyta) in the West Himalaya. J Econ Taxon Bot 2012, 36(2), 409-12.

The present paper reports the correct number of species of the genus Coniogramme Fee with their nomenclature in the west Himalayan fern literature.

11 ref

006512   Pangtey Y P S;Tewari L M;Upreti K (Botany Dep, D.S.B. Campus, Kumaun Univ, Nainital-263 002, Email: l_tewari@rediffmail.com) : Osmunda regalis L. (Osmundaceae: Pteridophyta) in the West Himalaya-a doubtful species?. J Econ Taxon Bot 2012, 36(2), 406-8.

Discusses Osmunda regodis L., reported earlier as a common species from Kashmir to Uttarakhand, appears to belong to O. japonica Thunb. and suggests that O. regalis should be treated as a doubtful or excluded species from the west Himalayan fern literature.

14 ref

006511   Pangtey Y P S;Tewari L M;Upreti K (Botany Dep, D.S.B Campus, Kumaun Univ, Nainital-263 002, Email: l_tewari@rediffmail.com) : Some unrecorded species of ferns from India in Chnadra's ferns of India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2012, 36(2), 403-5.

This paper reports 11 unrecorded species of ferns including one hybrid belonging to 9 genera and 7 families to Chandra's Fern of India. Correct botanical name and family along with distribution in India and the world have been provided under each fern species.

6 ref

006510   Pangtey Y P S;Tewari L M;Upreti K (Botany Dep, D.S.B. Campus, Kumaun Univ, Nainital-263 002, Email: l_tewari@rediffmail.com) : Note on the collection of Alternanthera pheloxeroides (Mart.) Grisb. from the foothills of Kumaun (Uttarakhand). J Econ Taxon Bot 2012, 36(2), 399-400.

This note reports Alternanthera pheloxeroides (Mart.) Griseb. (Family : Amaranthaceae) from the foothills of Kumaun in Uttarakhand for the first time.

8 ref

006509   Pangtey Y P S;Tewari L M;Upreti K (Botany Dep, D.S.B. Campus, Kumaun Univ, Nainital-263 002, Email: l_tewari@rediffmail.com) : Note on the occurrence of Loxogramme chinensis Ching in the West Himalaya, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2012, 36(2), 397-8.

This note reports Lpxogramme chinensis Ching for the first time from the west Himalaya and thus makes important addition to the fern flora of the west Himalaya as it was previously reported only from Arunachal Pradesh and south India in India.

15 ref

006508   Pangtey Y P S;Samant S S;Tewari L M;Upreti K (Botany Dep, D.S.B. Campus, Kumaun Univ, Nainital-263 002, Email: l_tewari@rediffmail.com) : Pteris roseolilacina Hieron. (Pteridaceae:Pteridophyta): hitherto unknown species in the fern flora of the West Himalaya. J Econ Taxon Bot 2012, 36(2), 401-2.

Pteris roseolilacina Hieron. belonging to the family Pteridaceae is being reported for the first time from the west Himalaya from the eastern part of Kumaun Himalaya as a very rare fern.

14 ref

006507   Panda P C;Kar B;Jena A K (Taxonomy and Conservation Div, Regional Plant Resource Centre, Bhubaneswar-751 015) : New record of occurrence of Bossenbergia longiflora (Wall.) Kuntze (Zingiberaceae) in Eastern Ghats. J Econ Taxon Bot 2012, 36(2), 374-6.

Boesenbergia longiflora (Wall.) Kuntze (Zingiberaceae) is reported for the first time from Eastern Ghats.

2 illus, 11 ref

006506   Naz F;Jalal-Ud-Din B;Munir M;Khakwani A A (Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal Univ, Dera Ismail Khan, KPK, Pakistan, Email: muhammad_munir@soyl.co.uk) : Growth and development response of Antirrhinum to plant growing media. J appl Hort 2013, 15(1), 32-7.

Seedlings of Antirrhinum majus L. cv. 'Orchid Rocket Mixed' at four leaf stage (two cotyledonary leaves and two true leaves) were planted in 15 cm diameter pots containing seven combinations of plant growing media viz., river sand, silt, leaf mold, river sand+silt (1:1), river sand+leaf mold (1:1), silt+leaf mold (1:1) and river sand+silt+leaf mold (1:1:1). The experiment was laid out in 'Randomised Complete Design' while each pot was considered as a replicate. Three equally spaced plants were kept in one pot in one replication and there were three replications in each treatment. Plant growth and development parameters indicated that plant height was significantly (<60>0.05) affected by growing media and time interval. Plants grown in leaf mold attained maximum height than the other treatments. A linear and significant (P<60>0.05) increase in leaf development was observed in seven growing media such as plants grown in leaf mold media produced maximum number of leaves than the others. Similarly, plants grown in leaf mold media took minimum time to flowering, maximum number of flower buds per spike, maximum number of branches per plant, and maximum stem, leaf and plant fresh and dry weight.

006505   Nalini M S;Akshatha J V;Sampath Kumara K K; Prakash H S (Studies in Botany Dep, Mysore Univ, Manasagangotri, Mysore-570 006, Email: nmsomaiah@gmail.com) : Rauvolfia micrantha Hook. f. (apocynaceae): an endemic and endangered medicinal species with new distributional record for Karnataka, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2012, 36(2), 390-2.

Rauvolfia micrantha Hook. f. is an endemic medicinal plant of Western Ghats of India. The species is of great concern as it is included in the IUCN endangered category. The plant is known to contain alkaloids such as reserpine, reserpiline, and serpentine that are used as substitutes for drugs obtained from another spp. i.e., R. serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz. It is used in the treatment of various ailments in Indian systems of medicine. The plant has a restricted distribution in the Western Ghats of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Therefore, we report for the first time the distribution of the endemic plant from Karnataka, India.

1 illus, 9 ref

006504   Mundhe B F (Post-Graduate Botany Dep, Padmashri Vikhe Patil College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Pravaranagar A/p- Loni, Rahata Tal-413 713, Email: bfmundhe@gmail.com) : Effect of EMS and gamma rays induced chlorophyll mutation in soybean (Glycine max L.). J phytol Res 2012, 25(2), 261-3.

In the present investigation, attempts were made to induce genetic variability of two cultivars of soybean (Glycine. max L) JS-335 and DS-228 by employing physical (Gamma rays) and chemical (Ethyl Methane Sulphonate) mutagens. The germplasm of two cultivars were procured from M.P.K.V. Rahuri, Dist-Ahmednagar. The uniform seeds of two cultivars were treated with four different concentration of EMS (0.05,0.10,0.15, and 0.20%) for 12hr and 18hr, respectively. Dry seeds with for different doses of Gamma rays 5KR, 10KR, 15KR and 20KR. The two hundred treated seeds of each concentration/dose with untreated seeds were sown in the field during kharif of 2010 in RBD (25x50cm). The parameters, percentage seed germination, pollen sterility, survival of plants, seedling injury were studied in M₁ generation. M₂ population was screened for the frequency and spectrum of chlorophyll mutations. Gamma ray was found highly effective to induce high frequency of chlorophyll mutations like Xantha, Chlorina and Albino as compared to EMS in cultivar JS-335 but in cultivar DS-228 frequency chlorophyll mutations was more in EMS treatments than the Gamma rays treatments. Out of these Chlorina was predominate in both mutagenic treatments over the Albino and Xantha.

2 tables, 9 ref

006503   Mohl P;Jain U (Botany Dep, Govt. Lohia P.G. College, Churu, Rajasthan, Email: praveenmohil@gmail.com) : Effect of micronutrients on seed germination of Amaranthus hybridu S Subsp. Cruentus (L) Var. Paniculatus (L.) Thel L.. J phytol Res 2012, 25(2), 277-80.

Effect of micronutrients, viz. CuSO₄, H₃BO₃, MnSO₄ and ZnSO₄ on seed germination and seedling growth of Amaranthus hybridus subsp. Cruentus (L) var. paniculatus (L.) Thell. L. has been studied. Treatment with various micronutrients improved percentage seed germination and seedling growth (at certain concentrations) as compared to control.

3 tables, 20 ref

006502   Mirdhe R M;Lakshman H C (Post Graduate Studies in Botany Dep, Microbiology Laboratory, Karnataka Univ, Dharwad, Karnataka, Email: romanamirdhe@gmail.com) : Seasonal variation in three leguminous tree seedlings associated with AM fungi. Int J Pl Sci 2011, 6(2), 233-6.

Three important leguminous plants Tamarindus indica L., Dalbergia sisso Roxb., Cassia nodosa Roxb., their roots and soil samples were screened for their AM fungal association. Percentage of root colonization and spore number of these plants were co related to each other. Higher spore number was recorded in Cassia nodusa Ham., during December and April compared to Tamarindus indica L, Dalbergia sisso Roxb in soil depth between 16-24 cm. On contrast to this percent root colonization significantly increased during April in Dalbergia sisso Roxb., Tamarindus indica L., followed by Cassia nodosa Ham. The results revealed that both root colonization sporulation decline from September to April in the examined tree species.

1 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

006501   Meena K L (Botany Dep, MLV Government College, Bhilwara-311 001, Email: kanhaiyameena211@yahoo.com) : Grewia sapida Roxb. ex DC: a new record to the flora of Rajasthan, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 2012, 36(2), 387-9.

Grewia sapida Roxb. ex DC. (Tiliaceae) is collected from Chittorgarh and Pratapgarh districts for the first time in Rajasthan. The detail description, up to date nomenclature, time of flowering -fruiting, ecological notes, illustrations of this species have been presented.

2 illus, 10 ref

006500   Manikandan P;Prabakaran R (Biodiversity Div, Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore-641 002, Email: neempraba@yahoo.com) : Biological spectra of Sidhar Kovil flora, Salem district, Tamil Nadu. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2011, 21(1-2), 101-14.

The study area Sidhar Kovil is located in Southern Eastern Ghats in Salem district. Vegetation analysis recorded 69 families, 217 genera with 324 species. The life forms analysis of vegetation recorded phaenerophytes with 159 species (47.7%) followed by therophytes with 108 species (33.3%) Hemi-cryptophytes with 36 species (11.1%), Chameophyles 20 species (6%) and cryptophyles with 6 species (1.9%). Since the life forms phanerophytes and therophytes dominate the study area, the site can be called as phanerotherophyte. The phytoclimate of the region clearly shows that slowly changing from tropical to desert condition.

2 illus, 1 table, 6 ref

006499   Maliya S D (NO, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow-226 001) : Additions to the flora of Katarniyaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Bahraich district, Uttar Pradesh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2012, 36(2), 419-26.

Presents fifty-four additional species collected from the Wildlife Sanctuary Katarniy-aghat of district Bahraich after publication of 'A Contribution to the Flora of Katarniyaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Bahraich District, Uttar Pradesh. Out of 54 species, belonging to 32 families, 7 species are of Pteridophytes, 1 species of Gymnosperms and remaining all are of Angiosperms. Each taxon is updated with correct botanical name, local/ vernacular name(s), locality, habit, habitat, flowering-fruiting period and less-known use(s). The present study would be helpful for proper appraisal of plant resources of the protected area and its better management.

15 ref

006498   Mahadev J;Doddamani A B;Suresha S;Ahmed S A (Studies in Environmental Science Dep, Mysore Univ, Manasagangothri, Mysore-570 006, Email: jmahadev999@yahoo.com) : Assessment of physicochemical features and phytoplankton on selected lakes of Mysore city. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2011, 21(1-2), 137-42.

Selected physico-chemical parameters and a taxonomic survey of freshwater algae of four lentic water bodies of Mysore city were carried out between 2007 and 2008. The results of physico-chemical and algal analysis showed high values of TDS, TS, Organic matter, DO, BOD, COD and Total alkalinity, less number of species, high density of algal species and absence of desmids indicates the eutrophic status of the three lakes (Dalvoi. Kukkarahalli & Mandakahalli lakes). Out of 148 algal species, 30 belonging to Dalvoi lake, 54 from Karanji lake, 33 species at Kukkarahalli lake and 3 i species were reported at Mandakahalli lake. The presence of desmids and lower density and higher diversity of algal species in Karanji lake indicate the oligotrophic status of the lake. Microeystisis, Ocillatoria, Pediastrum, Euglena, Cyclotella, Navicula and Nilzschia are pollution indicators and frequently appeared throughout the study period in three lakes.

1 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

006497   Lubaina A S;Murugan K (Plant Biochemistry and Molecular Laboratory, Botany Dep, College Univ, Thiruvananthapuram-695 034) : Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) spectral signatures of Sesamum orientale L. leaves for the early detection and differentiation of Alternaria leaf spot disease. J phytol Res 2012, 25(2), 241-7.

Study examines the potential of infrared spectral sensor systems for the non-destructive detection and differentiation of Alternaria leaf spot disease in Sesamum orientate L. IR reflectance spectra 4000-450/cm of leaves infected with the fungal pathogens Alternaria leaf spot were recorded repeatedly during pathogenesis with a Fourier Transform - Infrared (FTIR) and analyzed for disease-specific spectral signatures. Several indicator bands that are pertained to functional groups represent chemical components or metabolic products. Absorption bands 1159, 1255, 1440, 1647 and 3456/cm were observed for both wild and cultivar sesame suggesting the FT-IR finger print for early identification of the disease. The pronounced peaks belonging to vibration of C=O, C-OH, C-N, and N-H were present in the spectra of diseased leaves indicating the presence of proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates, amides or phenols. Whereas, the marked reduction in intensities of the absorption peaks in the spectra of cultivar Thilarani treated indicates the reduction in the amount of compounds. Sesame may produce secondary metabolites and potentially other components in response to pathogen stress as indicated by changes in spectral features. Similarly, the wild and cultivar exposed to the pathogen, showed differential tolerance response towards Alternaia leaf spot disease.

1 illus, 1 table, 22 ref