001350   Gehlot P (Botany Dep, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati Univ, Ajmer-305 001) : In vitro effect of 5- azacytidine and 50 HZ radiations on endogenous level of ascorbic acid in Prosopis cineraria L. (Druce). J phytol Res 2012, 25(1), 65-7.

Biological effect of 5-Azacytidine (a base analoges) and 50 Hz radiations (non-ionising extremely low frequency electromagnetic radiations) (EM) was studied on endogenous level of ascorbic acid in vitro cultures of Prosopis cineraria L. (Druce). Cultures were initiated from hypocotyl and maintained on MS medium supplemented with different hormones for five months by frequent sub-culturing. Both agents caused diminutive effect on ascorbic acid content. Maximum damaging effect was caused by 50 Hz exposures followed by 5-Azt. Results suggest that safety standards should be followed while using home appliances which generate EM field.

1 illus, 1 table, 16 ref

001349   Gayathri P;Govindaraju P (Biochemistry Dep, Centre for Plant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Tamil Nadu Agricu, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: govindtnau@yahoo.co.in) : Isolation of biomoleculaes of pharmacological importance from Garcinia indica fruit and evaluation of total antioxidant activity. J appl Hort 2012, 14(2), 98-101.

An investigation was undertaken to study the antioxidant activity of various solvent extracts of the fruit of Garcinia indica using FRAP assay and to separate the compounds in the potential extract through TLC, HPLC and analyse using GC-MS. The study revealed that methanol and ethyl acetate extracts showed a higher antioxidant value than the other extracts. The compounds present in the methanol extracts were separated by TLC, HPLC and analysed using GC-MS. The results of TLC revealed the separation of two different spots in case of phenols and a single spot in case of alkaloids. The eluted compounds, subjected to HPLC, separated into 8 peaks in case of phenolics and 8 peaks in case of alkaloids with varying retention time. The HPLC fractions were subjected to GC-MS to identify the compounds in comparison with the Wilcon-NIST library. The study is useful in identifying the bioactive compound for anticancer activity using cell lines.

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001348   Foladi F Z;Salimpour F;Sharifnia F;Ghanavati F (Biology Dep, North Tehran Branch Islamic Azad Univ, Tehran, Iran) : Phylogenetic study of tribe Vicieae based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS). Ann Biol Res 2013, 4(1), 75-9.

Vicieae is one of the most important tribe in Faboideae that consists of Vicia, Lathyrus, Lens and Pisum genera. Molecular reassessment of relationships within Vicieae using electrophoretic and immunochemical techniques suggested the classification of Cicer under Vicieae rather than a seperate tribe Cicerideae. To resolve the relationships among some Iranian taxa of this tribe, 19 species of this tribe were analyzed using nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS). Trifolium pratense was used as outgroup. Based on the Maximum Likelihood(ML), Cicer species formed a seperate group and within the Cicer clade, C. spiroceras, C. kermanense and C. oxyodon constitute the unresolved group and showed polytomy. Results presented here provide strong support for a monophyletic Vicieae. Morphological features are supported these data.

27 ref

001347   Dutta S;Datta J;Mandal N C (Botany Dep, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan-731 235, Email: mandalnc@rediffmail.com) : 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid: a review. J phytol Res 2012, 25(1), 1-5.

Physical and chemical properties, mode of action, toxicity, environmental hazards, health hazards and biodegradation of 2,4-D has been reviewed in the present communication.

^iia55 ref

001346   Chaturvedi P;Chowdhary A;Talekar J;Savant S (NO, Haffkine for Training, Research and Testing, Acharya Dondeji Marg, Parel, Mumbai-400 012) : Anti-inflammatory agent from Tylophora indica (asclepeadaceae) leaves. J phytol Res 2012, 25(1), 85-9.

Tylophora indica a branchin indigenous climber, is a major medicinal plant having various activities lke anti-asthmatic, hepato protective, anti-tumour and anti-inflammatory etc., Tylophorin was extracted, isolated and characterized by using the techniques like TLC, HPTLC and IR along with the standard reference compound of tylophorin, The isolated tylophorin was evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity by using HRBC in vitro method with standard, compound DFS. 10 mg/ml concentration of tylophorin has given significantly good result (45.14%) among all the concentration used, which suggested its usefulness in the herbal preparations to combat the inflammatory disease.

3 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

001345   Chaturvedi P;Chowdhary A (NO, Haffkine Institute for Training, Research and Testing, Acharya Dondeji Marg, Parel, mumbai-400 012, Email: pratibha1.c@gmail.com) : Phytochemical variation in Tylophora indica (asclepeadaceae) leaves collected from different regions. J phytol Res 2012, 25(1), 77-81.

Objective of this study was to find out the best source of secondary metabolites especially tylophorin and stigmasterol. So the plants of Tylopbora indica were collected from different regions(Jaipur, Ananad, Navsari, Bharatpur, Mumbai, Nagpur) in the month of March. Tylophorin and stigmasterol content were analyzed from the leaf part of all the plants collected from different regions. The quantification of both the compounds were carried out by using HPTLC analysis with their reference compound of tylophorin and stigmasterol and it was observed that tylophorin content was maximum in plant collected from Mumbai region, whereas in the case of stigmasterol it was highest in Bharatpur region's samples(rylophorin-088%; stigmasterol.0.0099%). This study is useful for the pharma industries.

3 illus, 2 tables, 37 ref

001344   Bokhad M N;Rothe S P;Kakpure M R (Botany Dep, Shri Shivaji College, Akola, Maharashtra, Email: sprothe@rediffmail.com ) : Exploitation of farm hedges for the conservation of biodiversity in Akola district, Maharashtra, India. Ecol Envir Conserv 2011, 17(3), 527-30.

Agricultural development in the recent past year has been characterized by the implementation of modern practices in field for the higher production of crop yield. Due to that rising pressure, cultivators push the hedges and increase the boundary of their farm, results into destruction of hedges and diversified the plant vegetation along hedges. So, the Hedge rows are crucial for the conservation of rural biodiversity, functioning as an important habitat, refuge and corridor for numerous species. Now a day's most of the recent methods are used for the removal of weeds which is harmful to the field hedges. The present investigation is based on the importance of traditional hedge grow network, landscape and save the destruction of diverse plant species vegetation along hedges which are nothing but the repre-sentative of the forest which were present in the past.

3 tables, 9 ref

001343   Attri B L;Hare Krishna;Das B;Ahmed N;Akhilesh Kumar (NO, Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Regional Station, Mukteshwar-263 138, Email: attribl_cith@rediffmail.com) : Effect of plant bio-regulators on physico-chemical characteristics of three apple varieties during ambient storage. J appl Hort 2012, 14(2), 124-8.

For extending the shelf life, a study was carried out on the effect of bio-regulators viz., salicylic acid and Ca-EDTA on three apple varieties viz., Fanny, Golden Delicious and Vance Delicious. The selected fruits were dipped for 30 minutes in aqueous solution of salicylic acid @ 200 ppm, Ca-EDTA @ 0.4% ppm and control (distilled water dip). The treated fruits were stored in CFB boxes at ambient temperature (18-20°C) for 60 days. During storage, the effect of bio-regulators on various physico-chemical characteristics such as TSS, acidity, ascorbic acid, sugars and antioxidants of apple fruits were studied at 10 days interval. The results revealed that the fruits treated with bio-regulators had significantly better retention of firmness and low PLW (12.10, 12.80 and 13.69%) as compared to control (20.26, 18.75 and 19.35%) during storage for 60 days. The TSS, acidity, ascorbic acid, sugars and antioxidant contents in the treated fruits were stable, whereas in untreated ones the conversion rate was faster. During storage, salicylic acid and Ca-EDTA slowed down respiration rate resulting better shelf life of apple. The treated fruits of Golden Delicious had a shelf life of 60 days as compared to 40 days in control. The study revealed that the shelf life of the apple fruits could be increased with better physico-chemical characteristics using bio-regulators like salicylic acid and Ca-EDTA.

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001342   Ashokkumar G;Ponnuswami V;Bini Sundar S T (Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tami Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore, Email: ashok_aish2003@yahoo.co.in) : Effect of induced chlorophyll mutation, mutagenic efficiency and effectiveness of gamma rays and EMS in paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) cv. Bydagi kaddi. Indian J Hort 2012, 69(1), 60-4.

Mutagenic efficiency and effectiveness of gamma-rays (10, 15 and 20 kR) and ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) (0.05, 0.1 and 0.2%) along with control were studied in two varieties of Paprika cv. Bydagi Kaddi based on M₁ biological damages (lethality injury) and M₂ viable mutagen frequency. Further mutagenic parameters like chlorophyll and total mutation frequency were also assessed in M₂. The results indicated variable response of the variety to gamma rays and EMS. EMS has been found more effective; while, gamma irradiations were found efficient for inducing viable mutation.

5 tables, 15 ref

001341   Arvind Kumar;Sharma V;Sushil Kumar (NO, National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi-110 067) : Interaction between Cochleata and stipule-reduced mutations results in exstipulate hypertrophied leaves in Pisum sativum L.. Indian J expl Biol 2013, 51(7), 492-501.

In the wild type P. sativum, each of the adult plant stem nodes, bears a pair of sessile foliaceous stipules and a petiolated unipinnately compound leaf of 4 to 6 leaflets and 7-9 tendrils. The stipule-reduced (st) and cochleata (coch) single null mutants and coch st double null mutant differ fom the wild type in respectively having sessile stipules of much reduced size, petiolated simple and/or compound leaf-like stipules and no stipules. It is also known that coch leaves are somewhat bigger than st and wild type leaves. Here, pleiotropic phenotype of coch st double mutant was investigated. The morphologies of stipules and leaf were quantified in the field grown plants and microcultured shoots, latter in the presence and absence of gibberellic acid and N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid. The observations showed that as compared to the corresponding plants or shoots of COCH ST (WT) genotype, (a) coch st plants bore leaves in which all the organs were hypertrophied; (b) full complement of leaflets and 3-5 tendrils were formed on leaf; (c) the microcultured coch st shoots were taller despite lower number of nodes, and (d) they also produced leaves in which all the organs were bigger and the ratio of leaflets/tendrils was higher. It was concluded that in coch st double mutant (a) ST function is essential for stipule primordium differentiation, in the absence of COCH function and (b) absence of negative feedback loops between simple stipules and compound leaf for metabolite utilization allows hypertrophied growth in leaves.

6 illus, 5 tables, 36 ref

001340   Arora S (Botany Dep, J.N.V. Univ, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Email: jnvusunitarora@gmail.com) : Embryogenic callus induction and high frequency shoot regeneration in Kodo Millet, Paspalum scrobiculatum L.. J phytol Res 2012, 25(1), 91-4.

Embryogenic callus cultures were initiated from seeds of kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum L.), cultured on Murashige and Skoog's basal medium supplemented with 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (0.5-1 Omg/1). Optimal concentraton of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) for embryogenic callus induction was 2 mg/1. High frequency shoot regeneration was achieved after two months of transferring embryogenic callus to a medium containing only low concentration of 2,4-D (0.5mg/l) or on Murashige and Skoog's basal medium. Though the growth rate of callus was low initially, the frequency of plant regeneration was high. Plant regeneration was obtained via somatic embryogenesis. Shoots were induced to form strong root system by transferring long shoots to regenerative medium (MS basal medium) either containing IBA or not. All regenerates were successfully transferred to the field. The embryogenic capacity of callus was maintained on low concentration of 2,4- for more than one year.

1 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

001339   Anil Kumar V S;Murugan K (Botany Dep, Govt. College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram-678 014) : Morphological and IR finger printing of Solanum spp. from Kerala. J phytol Res 2012, 25(1), 47-55.

Solanum, is the largest genus within the Solanaceae with 1000-1200 species. It is rich in steroidal alkaloids such as tomatidine and solasodine and therefore pharmaceutically important. In Kerala Solanum is represented by 30 species, of which 15 species were characterized in the present study. Taxonomically Solanum is a complex genus due to the presence of a number of hybrids with controversial taxonomic status. In the present study morphological and infrared spectral techniques were utilized to evaluate the taxonomic status of the genus. All the fifteen species are differentiated by using morphological characters like stem, leaf nature, prickles, flower colour and fruit nature. The infra red finger printing analysis provides peaks between 3200-3300 and another unique peak at 1635 suggests Solanum alkaloids. In addition there are many other peaks with different size and shape can be employed to discriminate the species of Solanum.

1 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

001338    (NO, , ) : Farm operation for arecanut & spices. Indian J Arecanut Spices med Pl 2012, 14(2), 37-9.

000306   Yonzone R;Rai S;Lama D;Bhujel R B (Botany Dep, St. Joseph's College, North Point Darjeeling-734 104, Email: ryonzone99@gmail.com) : Diversity and distribution of Habenaria willd. orchid species in Sikkim and Darjeeling Himalayas of India. Envir Ecol 2012, 30(2), 303-5.

Deals with nine available species of Habenaria distributed throughout the Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalaya of India. Short description of the species are given on habitat, distribution, flowering and fruiting time, status and altitudinal range where they survive. All the species are described briefly with their botanical names, habitat, flowering and fruiting times, distribution and altitudinal range of their availability. Of these, the, leaves and tubers of Habenaria pectinata (J. E. Smith) D. Don., is found to be used in snake bites and arthritis rheumatism. The diversity and distribution of this genus is discussed.

1 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

000305   Vidya Gurkar M S;Mahesh M K (Botany Dep, Yuvaraja's College, Mysore-570 009) : Phytoplankton diversity in Varuna lake of Mysore. J Ecobiol 2011, 29(3-4), 299-304.

Study on the plankton diversity of Varuna Lake in Mysore was conducted for a period of 12 months from November, 2009 to October, 2010. A total of 51 species of phytoplankton were recorded. Bacillariophyceae were represented by 28 species and was dominated by Synedra ulna followed by Fragillaria, Pinnularia kiusunensis and Navicula haplophila. Cyanophyceae was represented by 7 species. Merismopedia glauca was the most dominant species. Desmid was represented by 6 species dominated by Cosmarium ordinatum and Staurastrum crassins. Chlorococcales was by 3 species, Euglenaceae by 2 species, Chlorophyceae by 5 species dominated by Coelosphaerium naegeli. Synedra ulna was rich in the plankton of the lake. Diversity of the lake is significantly high indicating good water quality and the phytoplankton diversity can be used in determining the quality of lake water.

3 tables, 9 ref

000304   Verdian-rizi M (Pharmacognosy Dep, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences Univ, Tehran, Iran, Email: mverdian@razi.tyms.ac.ir) : Chemical composition and larvicidal activity of the essential oil of Iranian Laurus nobilis L.. J appl Hort 2010, 12(2), 155-7.

Chemical composition of the essential oil obtained from the aerial parts of Laurus nobilis L., was examined by GC and GC/MS. The main components of the oil were identified. 1,8-cineole was the major component in the oil together with α - terpinyl acetate, terpinene - 4 - ol, α - pinene, β - pinene, p - cymene, linalool and terpinene - 4 - yl - acetate. The essential oil was tested against Anopheles stephensi and Culex pipiens larvae. The results obtained show that the essential oil could be considered as natural larvicidal agents.

1 table, 17 ref

000303   Vardhana R (Botany Dep, Government Degree College, Sambhal, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh) : Aquatic plants of district Moradabad and adjacent areas. Aquacult 2012, 13(1), 65-71.

In the present study, this paper inumerate 281 Aquatic angiospermic plants those are growing in District Moradabad and adjacent areas. In this survey total district area was studied and collected the information of the aquatic angiospermic plants that are grown, planted, cultivated and naturalized in the area. The plants were identified with the help of different published flora and herbarium lodged in different places of India.

18 ref

000302   Vanitha T;Shashi V (Botany Dep, P S G R Krishnammal College for Women, Coimbatore-641 004) : Ethnobotany of Malasar tribes in Topslip hills, Coimbatore district. J Ecobiol 2011, 29(3-4), 291-8.

Folk medicine of the Malasar tribes at Topslip hills of Coimbatore district has been carried out from 2008 to 2010. The ethnobotanical study revealed the use of 52 species belonging to 44 genera and 39 families of plants used to cure various diseases. The traditional uses of these medicinal plants are presented with botanical name, family, local name, parts used and medicinal uses.

1 table, 16 ref

000301   Tikader A (NO, Regional Muga Research Station, Boko-781 123, Email: atikader)csgrc@yahoo.co.in) : Feeding performance of Muga silkworm (Antheraea assamensis helfer) on different host plants. Geobios 2012, 39(2-3), 135-9.

Feeding behaviour of muga silkworm (Antheraea assamensis Heifer) was recorded on som, soalu, dighloti and hybrid plant. Som plant showed highest silk ratio, the hybrid plant was at par with som and soalu on rearing parameters. The cocoon colour varied from bright golden brown to pale yellow and whitish tinge in different cocoonage devices.

3 tables, 9 ref

000300   Tidame S K;Shinde S S (Zoology Dep, Vivekanand College, Aurangabad-431 001, Email: savita.tidame@gmail.com) : Zooplankton diversity of the temple pond prayagtirth around Nashik. Geobios 2012, 39(2-3), 117-20.

Present studies focused on composition of zooplankton in a freshwater temple pond, Prayagtirth at Trimbakeshwar in Nashik district, Maharashtra, India. A total of 23 species were recorded that included 15 of rotifers, 4 of copepods, 3 of cladocerans and 1 of ostracods. Rotifers dominate, followed by copepods, cladocerans and ostracods.

2 tables, 10 ref

000299   Soruba R;Sangeetha B (Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology Dep, Quaid E Millat Government College for Women, Chennai-600 002) : Phytoplankton diversity of the temple pond at Minjur, Tiruvalluvar district. J Ecobiol 2011, 29(3-4), 305-9.

Algal diversity and species composition were studied in the temple pond at Minjur from September 2008 to May '09 and the phytoplankton were identified and classified into Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Bacillariophyceae and Euglenophyceae. Total number of 40 species belonging to 30 genera were identified.

1 table, 15 ref

000298   Song C Y;Nelson P V;Niedziela C E;Cassel D K (NO, Korea National College of Agriculture and Fisheries, 11 Dongwhari Bongdam Hwasunsi Kyonggido, R.O. Korea-445 890, Email: paul_nelson@ncsu.edu) : Efficacy and physical properties of ground, composted rice hulls as a component of soilless substrate for selected bedding plants. J appl Hort 2010, 12(1), 16-20.

Ground, composted rice hulls were combined as a root substrate component with peat moss and coir at five rice hulls percentages (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100) in a factorial design. Seventy-five percent of the rice hull particles were 0.51 to 1.40 mm and 90% of the particles were 0.51 to 2.00 mm. In physical property evaluations, increasing the percentage of rice hulls in both the peat moss and coir series of substrates increased the dry bulk density and airspace at container capacity; however, as air space increased, container capacity and available water decreased. In the first two of three plant growth experiments, Impatiens walleriana Hook. f. 'Super Elfin White' was grown in 288 cell plug trays. In the third experiment, Verbena x hybrida Voss. 'Romance Deep Rose' was grown in 48 cell bedding plant flats. Due to problems with high pH in the coir, only the peat moss growth results were reported. Overall, growth was best in 25% rice hulls plus 75% peat moss. Rice hulls increased substrate Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ in both the peat moss and coir. Adding rice hulls to the substrate increased K⁺ in peat and decreased K⁺ in coir. There was no effect of rice hulls on substrate NO₃^--N, NH₄⁺-N, and PO₄-P in the substrate solution. Ground, composted rice hulls are a potential alternative component of soilless substrate for plugs and bedding plants.

4 tables, 17 ref

000297   Singh R K;Gogoi P (Botany Dep, Rajiv Gandhi Univ, Itanagar-791 112, Email: rajivsinghau@rediffmail.com) : Effects of Arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculation on growth performance of Piper longum L. (piperaceae) under sterilized soil conditions. J appl Hort 2010, 12(2), 151-4.

Green house study was carried out to investigate the effect of inoculation with four native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Glomus mosseae, G. fasciculatum, G. alarum and G. versiforme on growth performance of a medicinally important plant "Long pepper" (Piper longum L.). Inoculation with all AMF species enhanced plant growth, however, significant variation in effectiveness of the four AMF species was observed in relation to both root and shoot growth. A significantly higher total biomass (0.84g/plant) was observed in G. fasciculatum and G. clarum inoculated plants. The performance of G. fasciculatum, G. clarum and G. versiforme were statistically on par to each other in increasing the chlorophyll content over the control plants. The root colonizing capacity of G. fasciculatum was found to be significantly higher, the next being G. versiforme.

1 illus, 2 tables, 26 ref

000296   Shunmugavelu M;Jeyapandi R (P G and Research Dep of Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology, Vivekananda College, Tiruvedgam West-625 214, Email: spider_msvelu@yahoo.com) : Impact of the plant extract Tribulus terrestris on biochemical content of the polyphagous pest Mylabris indica. J Ecobiol 2011, 29(3-4), 237-40.

Study was undertaken to asses the impact of the plant extract Tribulus terrestris (Zygophyllaceae) against the polyphagous pest Mylabris indica. The impact of the extract (T. terrstris) at the post feeding and post treatment phase and the level of protein, carbohydrate and lipid have been investigated. The level of protein decreased to 12,32 and 53% respectively. The carbohydrate content is also decreased to 20,35 and 44% respectively. The lipid level was decreased to17,22 and 45%.

1 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

000295   Shrivastava S K;Kumar A;Prakash V (Botany Dep, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra-282 005, Email: shabdkumar.dei@gmail.com) : Changing patterns of phytodiversity of yamuna flood plain flora at Agra. Geobios 2012, 39(2-3), 129-34.

Present study was undertaken to compare the changing patterns of the floodplain at Agra, based on four years of intensive survey during 2006-2009. Indicators of saline-alkaline soils like Sueda fruticosa have disappeared and mixed flora of weeds have been observed. Tamarix dioica has disappeared and fast growing species like Cannabis sativa, Pluchea lanceolata, Parthenium hysterophorus, Calotropis procera, etc. have invaded.

1 table, 7 ref

000294   Shinde D H;Naik D M;Barkule S R;Bhosale A M; Shinde S B (Horticulture Dep, College of Agriculture, Marathwada Agricultural Univ, Parbhani, Maharashtra) : Effect of bioenzymes on flowering, yield and vase life of marigold (Tagetes erecta Linn.). Asian J Hort 2010, 5(2), 420-2.

Experiment was conducted at Department of Horticulture, MAU, Parbhani to study the effect of bioenzymes on flowering yield and vase life of marigold. The results revealed that application of Bio-veg (3 ml/l of water) was effective for advancement of flowring, yield and vase life of flowers followed by Bio-k (3ml/l of water) for increasing number of flowers/plant.

1 table, 8 ref

000293   Sharma R K;Prasad K (NO, S.C.I. India Ltd.,, Bhagalpur-812 001, Email: dr_k_prasad@rediffmail.com) : Characterisation of promising Okra genotypes on the basis of principal component analysis. J appl Hort 2010, 12(1), 71-4.

Twenty selected genetically diverse okra strains were evaluated using Principal Component and cluster analysis for the extent of variability and relationship between various economically important traits for the purpose of genetic improvement. The trial was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD). Positive significant correlation for days to 50% flowering (DF) with days to first harvest (DFH), number of pod per plant (NP) with pod yield per plant (PY) and pod yield per plot (PYP) (≤ 0.001) and PY with PYP (P≤0.001) and negative correlation was observed for pod weight (PW) with NP (P≤0.01). The analysis of extracted components, component pattern and Eigen values revealed that the first two principal components alone accounted for 53.25% of variance. First component was found heavily loaded with days to 50% flowering (DF), days to first harvest (DFH), pod length (PL), pod diameter (PD) and pod weight (PW), which comprised of fourteen genotypes in three clusters. The matrix obtained from principal component analysis revealed that the genotype Pb- 57 and HRB-9-2 found their positions in same cluster in principal space. Dominating similar prominent phenotypic characters formed separate place in principal space as coherent cluster. Cluster based inter breeding of genotypes would exhibit high hetrosis and is also likely to produce new recombinants with desired characters in okra.

3 illus, 3 tables, 12 ref

000292   Shah J P;Dabgar Y B;Jain B K (NO, M.G. Science Institute, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Email: bkjain_mgsc@yahoo.com) : A contribution to the flora of selected wetlands in Kachchh district of Gujarat. Asian J envir Sci 2010, 5(2), 126-30.

Kachchh district covers an area of 45625 sq.km. and falls in the arid tract. In spite of being arid, the district covers maximum area under wetlands. The present study discussed only baseline status of the vegetation in 11 selected wetlands. Total 56 plant species belonging to 46 genera and 28 families have been reported from the wetlands. Out of 56 plant species, 7 species belonged to algae while remaining 49 to angiosperms.

1 illus, 2 tables, 1 ref

000291   Ramakrishnan S;Umamaheswari R;Senthilkumar T; Samuthiravalli M (Nematology Dep, Centre for Plant Protection Studies, Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ, Coimbatore-641 003, Email: uma_nem@yahoo.co.in) : Management of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita (kofoid and white) chitwood) in Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera Dunal.) and senna (Cassia angustifolia Vahl.) using non-chemicals. J appl Hort 2010, 12(1), 62-4.

Experiments were conducted for the management of root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita using non-chemicals under controlled and field conditions in medicinal crops viz., ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and senna (Cassia angustifolia). All the treatments comprising of bioagente, organic amendments and humic acid were effective to suppress M. incognita population and to increase the plant biomass and yield of economic parts of these crops. Among the treatments, the use of plant growth promoting rhizobcaterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens available commercially in talc formulation (2.6 X 10⁶ cfu g^-1) at 2.5 kg ha^-1 as soil application recorded the lowest nematode population accompanied with highest economic yield.

4 tables, 13 ref

000290   Pawar N T;Muniv Y S;Patil S J;Bhawane G P; Kanase A A (Zoology Dep, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur-416 004) : Comparative study of protease characterization in bivoltine races of Bombyx mori L.. Geobios 2012, 39(2-3), 113-6.

pH optima for digestive protease were 11.6 and 11.4 in CSR2 and CSR4, respectively. The protease activity peaked at 40°C in both races. The estimated 50% inhibition time at 55°C was 40 min in CSR2 and at 60°C 14 min in CSR4. The Km and specific activities in CSR2 were 0.185% and 0.888 μg tyrosin/μg protein/h, while in CSR4 Km was 0.277% and specific activity was 0.626. μg tyrosin/μg protein/h. Digestion period was 50 min in CSR2 and 60 min in CSR4.

5 illus, 16 ref

000289   Patil N;Chavan S;Chitale R (Post-Graduate Botany Dep, Tuljaram Chaturchand College, Baramati-413 102, Email: neelampatil_123@yahoo.com) : Influence of pre-soaking treatment of oxygenated peptone on seed germination of some cereals, pulses and oil crops. Geobios 2012, 39(2-3), 105-8.

Pre-soaking treatment with oxygenated peptone was found useful to enhance seed germination and seedling growth of some cereals, pulses and oil crops due to availability of both oxygen and nitrogen.

11 tables, 7 ref

000288   Njoroge G N;Gemmill B;Bussmann R;Newton L E; Ngumi V W (NO, Jomo Kenyatta Agriculture and Technology Univ, P.O. Box 62000 Nairobi, Email: gnjerinjoroge@hotmail.com) : Diversity and efficiency of wild pollinators of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Mansf.) at Yatta (Kenya). J appl Hort 2010, 12(1), 35-41.

Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Mansf. (Watermelon) is an important crop plant in Kenya. Being monoecious, watermelon is entirely dependent upon pollination services usually by insects for production. Although the centre of origin for this plant is thought to be tropical Africa, essentially not much has been studied of its pollination requirements in this region. The current study investigated the identity of the wild pollinators of watermelon, their behaviour and relative pollination efficiencies at Yatta, a farm near Thika (Eastern Province). The main pollinator for this crop was found to be the honey bee, Apis mellifera but three wild species of Lasioglossum were found as important pollinators. These wild bees have a significantly higher (P <60> 0.0001) pollen deposition on stigmas of watermelon than honeybees. One of the Lasioglossum (Ctenonomia) sp. 4 deposited on average three times as much pollen as the honeybee. At about the time of stigmatic receptivity, the number of visits by this species to female flowers increases until it equals visits to male flowers irrespective of number of flowers per plot. This behavioural pattern coupled with the high pollen deposition potential makes Lasioglossum (Ctenonomia) sp. 4 a superior candidate as an alternatively managed pollinator for watermelon. Knowing that visitation occurs mostly in the morning, and that flowers last only for one day, spraying can be done in the later hours of the day when the pollinators have virtually stopped foraging on the flowers. In view of the reported pollinator decline globally, the wild pollinator species reported in this study warrant further investigation on their nesting biology and potential for domestication.

2 illus, 45 ref

000287   Nirwal J;Singh S P;Panwar J D S (NO, Janta Vedic (P.G.) College, Baraut, Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh) : Enhancement of growth parameters of chickpea genotypes through foliar application of urea under rainfed and irrigated conditions. J Pl Dev Sci 2013, 5(2), 147-53.

Influence of foliar application of 2% urea at different stages on growth of four chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes under rainfed and irrigated conditions. The irrigations had significant effect on the growth attributes i.e. plant height, number of branches per plant, dry matter accumulation, leaf area and total chlorophyll content of chickpea at all the stages of crop. This could be explored by the fact that lack of moisture affected various physiological processes adversely which reflected in growth attributing characters and ultimately in the grain yield. Irrigated crop recorded highest number of nodule and nodule weight per plant as compared to rainfed condition. Irrigation might have increased nodulation, as soil moisture has been shown to affect nodulation. At pod setting stage, nodule number starts declining and caused a reduction of about 38%. Pusa 362 produced more number of branches, higher dry matter accumulation, leaf area, root weight, nodule number and nodule weight over rest of genotypes, which indicated their expression of genetic character under iso-nutritional and good conditions. Pusa 1053 produced significantly taller plant as compared to other genotypes. Double foliar spray of urea (2%) at 50% flowering and pod setting stages recorded higher value of growth attributes i.e. plant height, number of branches, dry matter accumulation, leaf area, total chlorophyll content, root weight, nodule number and nodule weight of chickpea genotypes. The increased availability of nitrogen and water to plants through foliar spray may be responsible for improvement in growth of chickpea. Foliar spray of urea solution at vegetative growth periods may help to reduce the adverse effect of moisture stress on crop plants.

4 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

000286   Nigam S;Saxena R C;Shrivastava P N (Botany and Microbiology Dep, St. Aloysius College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Email: nigamsonali@gmail.com) : Screening for antimicrobial activity of methanol extract of roots of Tephorsia purpurea against Staphylococcus aureus. J Envir Res Dev 2012, 6(4), 1044-6.

Plants have been a valuable source of natural products for maintaining human health. Plants used in traditional medicinal systems have proved to be reliable sources of antimicrobial compounds. Medicinal plants have been considered interesting since they are frequently used in medicine as remedies for many infectious diseases. Tephrosia purpurea belongs to family Papihonaceae/Fabaceae. The whole plant and its roots are used for medicinal purposes. The herb is useful both, internally as well as externally. In this study methanolic root extract of Tephrosia purpurea were investigated for in vitro antimicrobial property by agar disc diffusion method. The crude methanolic extract inhibited the growth of Gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. The active extracts were subjected to the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) agar dilution method, to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of extract.

^ssc3 tables, 7 ref

000285   Neocleous D (Agricultural Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, P.O. Box 22016, 1516 Nicosia, Cyprus, Email: d.neocleous@arinet.ari.gov.cy) : Effect of nitrogen concentration and growth regulators on growth and nitrate content of lettuce. J appl Hort 2010, 12(1), 50-3.

Lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa L. cv. 'Paris Island') were grown in an unheated plastic greenhouse to determine the effects of solution nitrogen concentration and growth regulators (gibberellin and kinetin) on growth (fresh and dry head weight) and tissue nitrate content (TNC). The plants were grown in plastic containers with perlite and supplied with a basic nutrient solution supplemented with nitrogen (N) corresponding to 50, 100, 150, and 200 ppm NO₃-N. Growth regulators; gibberellin (GA₃) and kinetin were applied at different doses independently and in combination. Fresh, dry weight and TNC were responsive to N application level. However, fresh and dry weights were similar at 150 and 200 ppm and TNC at 100 and 150 ppm nitrogen supply. Gibberellin (GA₃) and gibberellin and kinetin in combination (GA₃+kinetin) enhanced fresh and dry weight and TNC compared to the control. There were few differences in response to application rates. Therefore, where lettuce plants are grown in similar conditions and low NO₃ accumulation is desirable, together with high yield and good size, the best N application level is 150 ppm NO₃-N and growth regulators application may enhance yield. However their use in reducing the nitrate content is not recommended.

4 tables, 33 ref

000284   Namita Kumari;Prasad R (Botany Dep, Magadh Mahila College, P.U., Patna) : Desynaptic variations in Catharanthus roseus. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2012, 9(2), 889-90.

Meiotic details of a desynaptic plant of catharanthus roseus showed occurrence of a number of univalents at diakinesis and metaphase-I. Due to irregularity in the chromosomal behaviour, unequal separation, laggards and bridges and clumping of chromosomes were observed at anaphase-I. The desynaptic plants exhibited high sterility and reduced seed set. Desynapsis may be helpful in the genetic analysis of plants such as aneuploids.

10 ref

000283   Mehta S;Sahu R (Algal Biotechnology Laboratory, Botany Univ Dep, Ranchi Univ, Ranchi, Jharkhand, Email: saileshsoni_rt@yahoo.com) : Morphotaxonomical studies on diversifed algal community from Swarnrekha river at Namkum, Ranchi, Jharkhand. Asian J envir Sci 2010, 5(2), 181-4.

The present paper deals with morphotaxonomical investigation of algal flora growing in Swarnrekha River at Namkum, Ranchi. Important genera recorded from river flowing through this area were Spirulina, Chlorella, Scenedesmus, Oscillatoria, Lyngbea, Pithophora, Oedogonium etc. In the current scenario the algae are beneficial in various ways. So, it is necessary to conserve algal genetic resources and to do more systematic work on its potential and application for benefit of human beings as well as for other organisms which is possible only after understanding the ecology and habitats of various algal forms.

26 illus, 5 ref

000282   Martha L R A;Anitha S (Botany Dep, Government Arts College, Salem-636 007, Email: rosebotany@rediffmail.com) : Effect of Euphorbia hirta L. extract on the germination and seedling growth of Groundnut. Adv Biotech 2012, 12(2), 27-9.

Euphorbia hirta L. is a dominant weed in groundnut fields influenced the germination and seedling growth of groundnut. The leaf, stem and root extracts of 25 and 50%concentrations significantly inhibited germination and the elongation of roots and shoots. Higher concentration significantly inhibited the dry weight increment of seedlings. Root extract caused more inhibition than the extracts of stem and leaf. However at lower concentrations the inhibition was reduced. The inhibitory effect of various concentrations of aqueous extracts was found to be concentration dependent and differential degree of inhibition was observed with the extracts of leaf, stem and root. E. hirta infested soil also significantly decreased the root length and shoot length of ground nut when compared to the control soil.

3 tables, 14 ref

000281   Mahto A;Sahu R (Algal Biotechnology Laboratory, Botany Univ Dep, Ranchi Univ, Ranchi, Jharkhand) : Planktonic chlorococcales from tributary of river Swarnrekha at Angara block Ranchi (Jharkhand). Asian J envir Sci 2010, 5(2), 149-50.

Fourteen species of order Chlorococcales were collected for the first time from the water of Pataka river near Angara block during Nov. 2008 to July 2009. These taxa were more dominant during summers. However, Hydrodictyon raticulatum, Senedesmus dimorphous, S. bijuga, Padiastrum tetras were recorded thoughout the year and Padiastrum and Senedesmus were the most dominant genera with three and seven species, respectively.

14 illus, 5 ref

000280   Lopaprabha V;Tamilselvi K S (Botany Dep, PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Peelamedu, Coimbatore-641 004, Email: logaprabha.v@gmail.com) : Isolation of keratinophilic fungi from different soils. Geobios 2012, 39(2-3), 89-92.

Eighteen different species of fungi were isolated from different localities of Coimbatore city, out of which Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. oryzae and Pencillium chrysogenum were found to be keratinophilic.

1 table, 8 ref

000279   Kulkarni D K;Nipunage D S;Hangarge L M;Kamble P B (Botany Dep, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra) : Natural heritage of forest conservation in Bhor region of Pune, India. Asian J envir Sci 2010, 5(2), 94-8.

Bhor area in Pune district was famous from the earlier period as a "Territory of Pant Sachiv" and surrounded by many historical forts like Rajgad, Rayareshwar, Roliides/iwar, etc. The natural heritage of forest conservation is known as Dev-Rahati or sacred groves. Bhor division was under control of Religious committees and that are monitored by forest department, Maharashtra government. In the study area eight sacred groves were surveyed for plant diversity and results have been presented and discussed accordingly.

1 table, 14 ref

000278   Khan M A K;Nazrul-Islam A K M;Hafiz S (Botany Dep, Dhaka Univ, Dhaka-1000) : Root:shoot ratio and water relations in two cultivars of wheat (Triticum aestivum Cv. Bari and CV. Pradip) in relation to moisture stress. Geobios 2012, 39(2-3), 173-6.

^ssc1 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

000277   Kashid J K;Chavan S J (Post-Graduate Research Centre, Botany Dep, Tuljaram Chaturchand College, Baramati-413 102, Email: jayramkashidpatil@rediffmail.com) : Potential bioactivity of extracts from liverwort, Exormotheca tuberifera Kash.. Geobios 2012, 39(2-3), 97-100.

Potential bioactivity of Exormotheca tuberifera ethanol extracts, from Purundar locality of Western Ghats, showed maximum antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger.

1 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

000276   Karthigai Lakshmi T;Mallika R (Biochemistry Dep, V.V. Vanniaperumal College for women, Virudhunagar-626 001, Email: karthitkl@gmail.com) : Effect of water stress on physiological and biochemical status of Phaseolus vulgaris and Vigna unguiculata. J Ecobiol 2011, 29(3-4), 273-81.

Effect of water stress on physiological and biochemical changes in Phaseolus vulgaris and Vigna unguiculata were evaluated. Photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids were decreased in treated P. vulgaris and V. unguicuiata when compared to their control. Growth parameters such as fresh leaf weight, dry leaf weight, fresh shoot weight, dry shoot weight, fresh root weight, dry root weight, root length, shoot length and total seedlings were decreased in treated P. vulgaris and V. unguiculata. Biochemical parameters such as soluble sugar, soluble starch, soluble protein, free amino acids and nitrate have shown decreased in treated P. vulgaris and V. unguiculata. Anti oxidants such as ascorbate, activities of catalase, peroxidase, poly phenol oxidase and nitrate reductase were decreased in treated P. vulgaris and V. unguiculata. Stress parameters such as proline and electrolyte leakage have an increase in treated P. vulgaris and V. unguiculata. Several polypeptides were present in similar amount in both control and water stress treated plants. The levels of 40 KDa and 35 KDa, 25 KDa polypeptides was found to be reduced in treated P. vulgaris. Similarly there were a reduction in 40 KDa, 35 KDa and 25 KDa polypeptides in treated V. unguiculata.

4 illus, 25 ref

000275   Kalpana;Khan A H;Yadav R K;Satendra Kumar; Mubeen (Centre of Advanced Studies in Plant Physiology, Crop Physiology Dep, N.D. Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Faizabad-224 229) : Physiological basis of susceptibility and tolerance in rice under complete submergence. J Pl Dev Sci 2013, 5(2), 143-6.

Pot experiment was conducted during the Kharif season 2010-2011 with submergence tolerant varieties (NDR 9930111, Swarna Sub 1 and IR 64 Sub 1) and intolerant varieties (Mahsuri, Swarna and IR 64) rice genotypes in order to find out physiological traits associated with submergence tolerant and intolerant. Plants were raised in pots. At the age of 21 days seedling, pots were submerged in tank for 10 days. One group of plants were kept outside as non submerged control set. After 10 days submergence period, the plant were taken out from submergence tank and placed in open again for survival and recovery growth. Plant recovery was recorded 20 days after de-submergence. Tolerant genotypes had moderate elongation ability during submergence as compared to susceptible genotypes with greater elongation. Submergence tolerant genotypes NDR 9930111, Swarna Sub 1 and IR 64 Sub 1 had higher dry weight of shoot after submergence as compared to susceptible genotypes. Tolerant genotypes had higher total carbohydrate as compared to intolerant during submergence and stored carbohydrate is utilized for regeneration after de-submergence.

5 tables, 10 ref

000274   Jitendra Kumar;Mishra G P;Murkute A A; Phanikumar G;Naik P K;Srivastava R B (NO, Defence Institute of High Altitude Research, DRDO, C/o 56 APO, Leh-901 205, Email: gyan.gene@gmail.com) : Exploring genetic relationships in Artemisia species growing in trans-Himalayan cold arid desert using RAPD markers. Indian J Hort 2012, 69(2), 239-45.

Genetic relationship of five Artemisia species from Trans-Himalayas of Ladakh was assessed using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker. Twenty RAPD primers generated a total of 134 bands, with an average of 6.7 bands per primer. Out of 134 bands scored, 97% were found polymorphic while only 3% were monomorphic. The resolving power of primers ranged from 5.44 to 10.64. The ranges of similarity between species varied from 0.480 to 0.775. According to the Unweighted Pair Group Method using Arithmetic Averages (UPGMA) derived dendrogram, at a similarity level of 0.25, the populations were divided into two main groups. With regard to the genetic diversity parameters calculated for different species of origin, maximum and minimum number of effective alleles was observed in A. annua (1.601) and A. gmelinii (1.049) species, respectively. The percentage of polymorphic loci (PPL) Nei's gene diversity (H) and Shannon's information index (I) for different species, indicated that diversity was highest in A. annua (PPL = 75.56%, H = 0.3283 and I = 0.472) and lowest in A. gmelinii (PPL = 9.63%, H = 0.032 and I = 0.049). The degree of genetic diversity observed using RAPD markers revealed that this approach is very effective in studying not only the phylogeny but also for the future conservation of medicinal wealth of various Artemisia species from this fragile environment of trans-Himalayas.

4 illus, 4 tables, 16 ref

000273   Jarngal N;Magotra R (Botany Dep, Jammu Univ, Jammu (J&K)-180 006, Email: nidhi.jarngal@gmail.com) : Synoptic analysis of fabaceae S.L. (leguminosae) of some regions of district Kathua (J & K), India. J Pl Dev Sci 2013, 5(2), 155-8.

Present communication deals with documentation of members of family Fabaceae s.l.from some regions of district Kathua (Jammu and Kashmir, India). A total of 28 genera represented by 41 species have been reported classified and they are classified into 11 different tribes. This study is first of its kind as far as district Kathua is concerned.

1 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

000272   Jalal-Ud-Din B;Khan M Q;Munir M;Zubair M (Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal Univ, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, Email: jalaluddinbaloch@live.com) : Effects of different photoperiods on flowering time of facultative short day ornamental annuals. J appl Hort 2010, 12(1), 10-15.

An experiment was carried out to study flowering response of six facultative short day plants (zinnia cv. Lilliput, sunflower cv. Elf, French marigold cv. Orange Gate, African marigold cv. Crush, cockscomb cv. Bombay and Cosmos cv. Sonata Pink) under four distinct controlled photoperiods (8, 11, 14 and 17 h d^-1). A curvilinear facultative response was observed in almost all cultivars studied, zinnia, sunflower, French marigold, African marigold, cockscomb and cosmos took minimum time to flower when grown under 8 h d^-1 photoperiods however it was significantly (P<60>0.05) increased when photoperiod was increased to 17 h d^-1. These findings revealed plant scheduling prospect that is, the flowering time of facultative SDPs grown under long day photoperiod can be extended in order to continue supply of these plants in the market.

3 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

000271   Jalal M (NO, The National Centre for Agricultural Research and Extension, PO Box-93, Email: Jalal2@hotmail.com ) : Evaluation of different substrates on yiels and fruit quality of sweet Pepper using open soilless culture. J appl Hort 2010, 12(2), 158-60.

This study was conducted at Jordan Valley to evaluate the use of locally available tuff and sand substrates in comparison with soil for growing sweet pepper (Capsicum annum L. cv. Reehan) using an open soilless culture. Treatments were randomly distributed according to RCBD with three replications. Sweet pepper plants, grown in soil or tuff gave higher total yield (6.0, 5.5 and 8.7, 6.5 ton/1000m², respectively) and yield/plant (2.0, 1.58 and 1.3, 1.38 kg/plant, respectively) in both the years, while those grown in sand produced the least. Fruit weight of plants grown in soil was the highest in the first season (200.6 g) followed by tuff and lastly the sand (177.0 and 169.4 g, respectively), however, it was not affected by the substrates in the second season. Substrates had little effect on fruit length in both seasons and fruit diameter in the first season, but, in the second season those grown in soil gave the highest diameter (74.4 mm) followed by those in tuff and sand (70.6 and 70.3 mm, respectively). This study indicated that open soilless system using tuff as a substrate may be suitable for sweet pepper production without dramatic changes in yield or fruit quality and it saved about 65-70% of water applied by conventional farmers for sweet pepper production under plastic house.

2 illus, 3 tables, 21 ref

000270   Harshavardhan M;Kumar D P;Yathindra H A; Rajesh A M;Vinayakumar Reddy P (Horticulture Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Bangalore-560 065, Email: harshaemailid@gmail.com) : Evaluation of flower yield and quality of green house rose cultivars in open field conditions. J Ecobiol 2011, 29(3-4), 195-200.

Evaluation of green house rose cultivars in open field condition revealed that cultivars Avalanche, Bianca and Noblesse recorded maximum number of flowers per plant in first year (208.6, 171.2 & 149.1 respectively). Cultivars Avalanche, Bordeaux and Bianca recorded maximum flower yield per plant (1.3, 0.6 & 0.6 kg respectively), flower yield per hectare (12.9, 6.4 & 6.3 tonne, respectively) and marketable flower yield per hectare (12.3,6.0 & 5.8 tonne respectively) during first year of investigation. Cultivars Bordeaux, Avalanche and Grand Gala recorded maximum vase life (5.3, 4.8 & 4.3 days, respectively) with 200 ppm 8-HQS and 3% sucrose, whereas cultivars Grand Gala, Bordeaux and Bianca recorded maximum shelf life (57.2, 55.3 & 53.2 h, respectively).

2 tables, 14 ref